The Thang Long Entrepreneur Gala 2024 was held this weekend to honor 109 enterprises for their significant contributions to Hanoi's socio-economic development, pivotal role in driving the city's economy and excelling in various sectors at home and abroad.

It also highlighted the emergence of a new generation of young and innovative entrepreneurs who are pioneering creative business models and embracing digital transformation and green economy initiatives.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, speaks at the ceremony. Photos: Duy Khanh/The Hanoi Times

Speaking at the event, Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, praised the contributions of the business community and called for joint efforts to address the city's challenges such as traffic congestion, pollution and flooding.

He highlighted Hanoi's determination to support the business community, which has achieved significant results in all areas despite a challenging year of unprecedented difficulties.

"Hanoi's business community has served as a driving force for economic growth and contributed to the policy-making process for socio-economic development and global integration," Quyen said.

He highlighted the role of businesses in the city's Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth of around 19.6% year-on-year and its contribution of 24.6% to the total national budget revenue. The capital's economic size is estimated at US$58 billion.

The official encouraged businesses to innovate in emerging areas such as AI, clean energy, and biotechnology, align with global standards, and integrate deeply into global supply chains.

Quyen also underscored positive results in urban management and development, steady improvements in the infrastructure system, progress in culture and education, and maintaining national defense and political security.

The business community and entrepreneurs are honored with the city's awards.

"Hanoi has achieved encouraging results in administrative reform, further reducing the cost and processing time of formalities and ensuring greater convenience for businesses and people. This is reflected in the fact that 100% of enterprises apply for business licenses online, 100% of goods are cleared through customs online, 98.4% of enterprises file taxes online, and 99.6% pay taxes online," the official said.

Quyen added that Hanoi is committed to supporting the business community in its development, improving the business environment, and removing legal bottlenecks that could hinder production/business activities.

During the ceremony, 109 outstanding entrepreneurs and companies received awards from the national and local governments for their remarkable achievements.

As a demonstration of social responsibility, Hanoi's business community actively supports social welfare programs. The ceremony raised over VND1.3 billion (US$51 million) to support war veterans and disadvantaged families in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army.

The Thang Long Entrepreneur Gala is an annual event organized by the Hanoi Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (HANOISME) to recognize the efforts and contributions of the city's business community and entrepreneurs in building and developing the capital. 

State-level awards for outstanding enterprises at the event.

Mac Quoc Anh, Vice President and Secretary General of HANOISME, noted that this year's theme, "Enterprises - the driving force of the country's economic development", aims to raise awareness among the business community about the important role of new generation enterprises.

Meanwhile, Tran Thi Kim Thoa, Director of Kim Phat Investment Trading and Service Limited Company, expressed her happiness to be among the businesses at the gala as the company's efforts over the years have been recognized by the authorities and society. "Going forward, we will continue to make corporate social responsibility the core of our corporate culture," Thoa said.

Meanwhile, Le Dung, General Director of DGROUP Human Resources Training and Development Joint Stock Company, said: "I am very proud to be recognized for our company's contributions. This is not just an award, being here at the gala would continue to motivate us to make further contributions to society."  

Outstanding individuals receive awards from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). Among them, Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Kinh te & Do thi (Economic and Urban Newspaper), is honored for his many contributions to the development of the business community.

Nguyen Thanh Loi, Editor-in-Chief of Economic and Urban Newspaper receives Certificate of Merit from VCCI for his contributions to the business community.