Restructuring State-owned enterprises (SOEs), corporate governance and transparency will be the focus of the 2013 Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) which will open in Hanoi on December 3.

At a press briefing in Hanoi on December 1, Alain Cany, co-chairman of the forum, added that the forum will also discuss the reform of commercial banks and the capital market.

He said the year-end meeting, themed “New Phase of Economic Reform: From Agenda to Action”, is expected to create a forum for Government officials and business circles to discuss and seek workable solutions for further improving Vietnam’s business forum .

The forum will also examine the impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement on Vietnam’s short-term growth.

According to Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), there are two long-term positive signs for the economy - the implementatio of the Government’s economic restructuring plan and Vietnam’s increased negotiations for bilateral and multilateral trade agreements.

Loc, who is also the forum’s co-chairman, said the agreements will pressure Vietnam to accelerate institutional reform and improve competitiveness.

The VBF is a regular and close dialogue mechanism between the Government of Vietnam and domestic and foreign business communities, aiming to improve necessary business conditions to develop the private sector and facilitate the investment environment, contributing to the country’s sustainable growth.-VNA