“The close cooperation between the VCCI and foreign business associations in Vietnam plays a very important role in further improving the business environment and promoting investment activities in the country,” said VCCI President Vu Tien Loc at the meeting.

Loc proposed that the VCCI and foreign business associations hold consultations regarding policies and laws on investment, exchange information and share experiences in investment and trade.

He suggested organising regular meetings between the VCCI and foreign businesses associations every three to six months.

President of the UK Business Association in Vietnam Patrick Regis shared the same view with the VCCI President, saying that business associations’ opinions are useful for the formulation of laws relating to them.

Meanwhile, Vice President of the Republic of Korea Business Association Kim Ho Kyun said that such meetings will help fasten the relations between the VCCI and foreign business associations. He said he hoped there would be similar meetings and dialogues in the near future.

At the meeting, the participants suggested Vietnam further simplify administrative procedures by building a one-stop mechanism and improve education quality at all levels, including primary education. Tertiary education and vocational training should be linked with economic demands, they said.

They also emphasised their concern over the infrastructure development and the coordination in settling illegal strikes. “The settlement of these issues will help the nation attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) capital,” the business representatives noted.

There are around 20 foreign business associations operating in Vietnam. The meeting drew representatives from the American Chamber of Commerce in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and the Business Associations of Europe, Japan, the RoK, China, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore./.