Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thien Nhan has asked the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) to continue working with Government agencies to accelerate administrative reform, and improve the business environment.

Nhan made this statement at a ceremony held by VCCI in Hanoi on April 26 to mark the chamber’s 50th founding anniversary (April 27).

At the event, the Deputy PM affirmed the VCCI’s role and importance during the nation’s development, saying that the chamber should continue following the Party and State’s policies and directions in business and economic development, especially Resolution 9 of the Politburo on building and developing businesspeople in industrialisation-modernisation and international integration.

VCCI, a national organisation representing the business community, should provide consultancy for the Party and State on issues relating to the enhancement of competitiveness for enterprises, sectors and regions nationwide, and the issuance of policies on economic development, he added.

After half a century, VCCI has developed from an initial 93 member organisation to a strong unit of more than 11,000 direct members and over 100,000 indirect members that reflect all economic sectors.

It has contributed positively to the establishment of policies, legal foundations for Vietnam’s business environment, and proposed negotiation techniques to enter the World Trade Organisation and sign Free Trade agreements and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

Its announcement of the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) has helped localities improve their business environment, and attract more investment.-VNA