The annual Thang Long Entrepreneur Gala 2022 took place on November 10 to honor 200 enterprises representing the capital city's business community of 362,000 members for their outstanding contributions to the capital’s socio-economic development.

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh at the event. Photos: Khac Kien/ The Hanoi Times

At the event, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh highlighted Hanoi's determination to the companionship of the business community, achieving significant results in all spheres despite a challenging year with unprecedented difficulties.

Thanh stressed the role of businesses in the city's gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of 15.71% year on year in the third quarter and 9.69% in the nine months – the highest growth in recent years.

In addition, Hanoi’s index of industrial production expanded by 8.6% during the period, while the services sector has also seen a substantial recovery, with the total revenue of retail sales and services rising by 21.3%.

Overview of the gala.

As of October, the city’s revenue collection reached VND295 trillion (US$11.9 billion), or 94.6% of the estimate and up 11.9% year on year, and total social investment capital hit VND305 trillion ($12.26 billion), up 22.1%.

The city’s mayor also highlighted positive results in urban management and development, steady improvements in the infrastructure system, progress in culture and education, and maintaining national defense-political security.

“Hanoi continues to push for global integration and active foreign affairs policies,” Thanh said, pointing out the successful organization of the SEA Games 31st that left a good impression on international friends.

Meanwhile, Hanoi has seen encouraging results in administrative reform by further cutting costs and processing time in realizing formalities, ensuring greater convenience for businesses and people. This was reflected in 100% of companies applying for their business license online; 100% online customs clearance, 98.4% of companies filing taxes online; and 99.6% paying taxes online.

The city was among the top 10 business-friendly localities, with the provincial competitiveness index (CPI) ranking 9th out of 63 provinces/cities.

A recent assessment of the World Bank showed several administrative procedures of Hanoi have now reached the average level of OECD members.

For the coming time, Hanoi sets the goal of becoming a digital, innovative, and startup hub of Vietnam, Thanh said.

These achievements have been made possible, Thanh stressed, thanks to the business community, which serves as an engine of economic growth and contributes to the policy-making process for socioeconomic development and global integration.

“Hanoi is committed to supporting the business community during its development, improving the business environment, and addressing legal bottlenecks that could hinder production/business activities,” Thanh added.

Hanoisme Vice President Mac Quoc Anh at the event.

Promoting civilized, modern enterprise culture

Vice President and General Secretary of the Hanoi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (Hanoisme) Mac Quoc Anh pointed out the annual Thang Long Entrepreneur Gala is an occasion to honor enterprises with significant contributions to Hanoi’s socio-economic development process.

Anh noted this year’s theme, “Enterprise culture in integration and development,” is aimed at raising awareness among the business community of civilized and modern business culture.

General Director of IT firm MISA Dinh Thi Thuy expressed her delight at being among 200 enterprises in the gala as the company’s efforts over the years have been recognized by the authorities and society.

“Moving forward, we continue to place corporate social responsibility as the core of our enterprise culture,” Thuy said.

Meanwhile, the Vice Chairman of the real estate Fagi Group Do Thu Thao Nguyen, said the company had been actively working with universities to help students with rental fees in major cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hung Yen, or Quang Ninh.

“Being here in the gala would continue to motivate us to further contribute to society,” Nguyen added.