"World Bank Country Director to Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, said red tape in procedures, excessive bureaucracy and corruption were at the roots of a sluggish economy." — Illustrative Image/ VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung

HÀ NỘI (VNS) — Limitations in growth model reforms, inadequate policies towards businesses and loose connectivity between domestic and foreign enterprises are among the causes eroding the attractiveness of Việt Nam’s investment climate.

These were among the problems to be overcome, according to the Head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, Vương Đình Huệ, speaking at an international workshop last Saturday.
It is necessary to assess Viêt Nam’s competitive edge in comparison with global competitiveness, and devise solutions to raise the national index, Huệ added.
Also, the country should evaluate the competitive edge of local businesses, as well as their products, against a national backdrop, he added.
Huệ suggested Viêt Nam create solutions and institutions to attract the world’s venture capital funds to support startups, especially small to medium-sized private enterprises (SMEs), explaining that apart from opportunities, the startups are expected to face many risks.
At the same time, the country should put in place specific solutions to help local firms better connect with foreign direct investment (FDI) partners and take part in the global value chain, he said.
Other delegates at the workshop emphasised the need for Viêt Nam to bring into full play the many opportunities afforded by the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement, to which the country is a member.
Administrative reforms will result in new waves of investments and startups, said Vũ Tiến Lộc, Chairman of the Viêt Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He proposed the Government create an optimal and equal institutional environment, in tandem with rolling out measures and policies in support of SMEs. Businesses themselves should then operate within the favourable environment created, he added.
World Bank Country Director to Vietnam, Victoria Kwakwa, said red tape in procedures, excessive bureaucracy and corruption were at the roots of a sluggish economy.
A transparent banking system and well-regulated financial market are necessary for institutional streamlining and infrastructure development, which can ensure economic growth, she added.
The World Bank official also suggested Viêt Nam develop more skillful labourers who can easily adapt to economic changes. — VNS