(VOVworld) – The 2013 Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) opened in Hanoi on Tuesday under the theme “New Phase of Economic Reform: From Agenda to Action”. Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh said that the forum serves as an important bridge between the government and businesses. He added that this is an effective way to promote investment and improving the competitiveness of Vietnam’s business environment. He said: “The government and businesses should take specific actions instead of instigating general policies on restructuring state-owned enterprises. The forum should discuss pending issues in order to propose what needs to be addressed in the future.”

Representatives from a number of international organizations and foreign investors said that Vietnam should simplify its administrative procedures. They also suggested that in order to create a competitive environment, state-owned enterprises should abide by market regulations and compete healthily with private enterprises. They added that the government should devise effective and transparent mechanisms for state-owned enterprises.