A workshop has been held in Hanoi to provide information on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which is formed in late 2015 for Vietnamese businesses with a view to raising their competiveness.

The event, organised by Nhip Cau Dau Tu (Investment Bridge) magazine, was also to help them seek opportunities for cooperation in the region.

Pham Chi Lan, an economic expert, stated that as the AEC is officially shaped next year, ASEAN will become an integrated region with free movement of goods, services, investment and skilled workforce.

However, most of Vietnam companies are not fully aware of opportunities and challenges the AEC will bring to, she said, adding there has been an increasing wave of investors from regional countries such as Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in Vietnam in recent years.

During the event, participating businesses expressed their concern about the lack of AEC information, suggesting the government and associations increase the provision of formation relating to the AEC in all sectors.

They highlighted the need for all enterprises to gain their own competitive advantages by improving product quality, human resources and management.

Also at the workshop, the magazine launched the 2014 Mark of Respect award to honour 50 outstanding business leaders for their achievements and contributions to the economy.-VNA