Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc had a meeting in Hà Nội on Wednesday with young entrepreneurs who have been honoured with the Red Star Awards. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has called on young entrepreneurs to make greater efforts to develop big firms and global brands, contributing to turning Việt Nam into a strong country.

The Government leader made the call during a reception in Hà Nội on Wednesday for young entrepreneurs who have been honoured with the Red Star Awards, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the award. 

Speaking at the reception, the PM said meetings with Red Star Award winners should be held regularly as a channel for the business community to make recommendations to the Government. 

He highlighted that Việt Nam has reaped significant socio-economic results this year thanks to concerted efforts of the Party, Government and business community.

The Government leader urged the entrepreneurs to capitalise on the digital economy as it holds huge potential for growth, and enhance application of scientific-technological achievements, especially artificial intelligence. He also emphasised the need to train a quality workforce.

Acknowledging the need to further improve the business and investment climate, PM Phúc voiced his hope that entrepreneurs and Red Star Award winners will make recommendations to the Government on institutional reforms for innovation and stronger development.

He also required relevant agencies and localities to continue to create favourable conditions for young Vietnamese entrepreneurs. 

The entrepreneurs put forward recommendations on solutions to address current difficulties and improve the country’s business climate, thus facilitating business operation. 

The Red Star Awards, initiated in 1999, aim to honour outstanding young entrepreneurs for their sustainable economic achievements and contributions to social development.

One hundred young businesspeople were honoured, with 10 receiving the prestigious Red Star Award.

They were selected from 165 applications from 50 provinces and cities across the country.

Đặng Hồng Anh, chairman of the Young Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Association, said: “The winners of the Red Star (Sao đỏ) are typical of leading businesspeople, representing the intellectual, dynamic and creative nature of the younger generation nationwide.

“These examples of the country’s business community arouse the spirit of self-determination, contributing to the development of the nation.”

The applicants generated VNĐ107 trillion (US$4.6 billion) in revenue in 2018, gaining nearly VNĐ7 trillion in profit and contributing VNĐ5.6 trillion to the State budget, while creating jobs for 62,500 people.

The top ten made total revenue of nearly VNĐ53 trillion, contributing nearly VNĐ2.4 trillion to the State budget and creating jobs for 33,900 people.

Top ten Red Star Awards winners

Nguyễn Đức Thạch Diễm, CEO of Sacombank

Lê Trí Thông, vice chairman and CEO of  Phú Nhuận Jewelry Joint Stock Company

Lưu Thị Thanh Mẫu, CEO of Phúc Khang Corporation

Phan Tấn Đạt, chairman and CEO Bình Dương Minerals and Construction Joint Stock Company

Tiêu Yến Trinh, CEO of TelentNet Corporation

Phan Thanh Thiên, CEO Trường Sinh Group

Nguyễn Văn Thành, CEO Hợp Lực Corporation

Phùng Văn Bộ, chairman of Tiến Bộ Corporation

Vi Nhất Trường, chairman of Nhất Hưng Sơn Hà Limited Company

Lã Quang Bình, chairman and CEO of EC Invest. — VNS