Ho Chi Minh City received a host of suggestions and feedback to make its business climate more sustainable during a meeting between the local administration and 16 foreign business associations and 27 FDI companies on Thursday.

Ramachandran A.S., chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Ho Chi Minh City, suggested that the city should adopt measures to strengthen its high-value manufacturing ecosystem encompassing such fields as higher education; reforms and digital transformation in the logistics, infrastructure, energy, and sustainable development sectors; healthcare; and policy environment.

Dominik Meichle, vice-chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) in Vietnam, underlined the importance of partnership between the city and EuroCham in different areas such as setting up the carbon credit market as well as developing a framework to implement Resolution 98 and policies to promote green growth in the city.

Resolution 98 was passed at the fifth session of the 15th National Assembly in June last year and took effect from August 1 the same year, piloting some specific mechanisms and policies for the development of the southern hub.

Do Thi Hong Duyen, board member of the German Business Association (GBA) in Vietnam, said the city needs to improve its business climate, policies, education system; promote localization of the supply chain; and streamline procedures for business visas and work permits.

The city should also seek measures to upgrade its logistics facilities, use clean energy, encourage investment in technology, and improve its research and development ability.

By doing so, the city could make its management more transparent and reliable to investors, the GBA representative added.

She elaborated that an inadequate traffic infrastructure system has been indering the city and other southern localities from achieving further growth.

To increase its industrial output, Ho Chi Minh City should ensure seamless traffic flow among routes leading to industrial parks, seaports, and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the GBA board member recommended.

Phan Van Mai, chairman of the municipal administration, affirmed that the city will set up a working team in charge of removing obstacles facing FDI businesses.

The municipal Investment and Trade Promotion Center will oversee the operations of the team, whose leader is chairman Mai and members are heads of 10 relevant departments.

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