Sustainable business capacity needed: workshop

Hanoi (VNA) - Sustainable development is an urgent need for countries around the world and Vietnam has made great efforts in this regard, heard a workshop in Hanoi on September 27.

The policy of sustainable development had been consistent and integrated throughout all socio-economic development strategy programmes of Vietnam, Hoang Quang Phong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said at the workshop.

The seminar aimed at providing Vietnamese businesses with solutions to reduce the demand for wildlife products, thereby raising the social responsibility of the business community in preserving nature.

This was also an opportunity to share experiences among domestic and foreign management consultants with businesses in search of new initiatives for business strategy planning and new corporate governance tools in finance, marketing, as well as human resource management.

According to the World Bank, in 2018, Vietnam ranked 69th out of 190 countries and territories in its business environment and ranked 77th out of 140 countries in competitiveness.

In the same year, Vietnam ranked 54th out of 160 countries in sustainable development, showing that the Southeast Asian country is trying to surpass other countries of the same regional development level.

Vietnamese enterprises are benefiting from the impressive economic development results achieved in previous years, meanwhile, taking advantage of the signed free trade agreements to achieve higher growth rates, with better competitiveness and greater sustainability.

The Government has launched many programmes to support businesses, encourage creative production models, build a healthy and transparent business environment, promote the development of quality human resources and energy projects, as well as building collaborative and interactive economic mechanisms. Thus, businesses and management agencies can participate in activities and jobs that contribute to preserving the environment.

Sarah Ferguson, head of TRAFFIC’s Viet Nam office, said that in the context of deep integration and constant competition, businesses needed to create advantages and develop business capabilities. Entrepreneurs would succeed when building a business model that brings lasting value to the community, building a creative vision and business strategy, run by a team of dedicated, confident employees.

She suggested that businesses become members of environmental and socially responsible associations. Business leaders and employees should sign a commitment not to buy, sell or participate in the trade of endangered, precious and rare wildlife, at the same time sharing information on animal and plant protection activities and encouraging friends, colleagues and family to join hands in this activity, she added./.