VIB Forum: 10 Years Looking Back

3:26:40 PM | 7/8/2005

Vietnam Business Forum, part of the VCCI has changed its name once and detached and emerged twice while remaining a proud magazine playing a modest part in the development of the business community.

A difficult start

In an effort to promote trade and investment, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) decided to publish Vietnam Commerce & Industry magazine (VCI). On June 6, 1995, the Ministry of Culture and Information granted the publication permit. On June 9, 1995, VCCI President Doan Duy Thanh founded the magazine and June 9 became the Day of Foundation.

The magazine began with a small staff of 5 persons headed by Mr Hoang Van Dung, VCCI Deputy Secretary General and VCI Editor-in-Chief. In spite of the “low base”, poor equipment and small funding, VCI could continue to publish between 2,500-3,000 copies for each issue.

Apprentice

From August 1999 to July 2003, the magazine was under the management of Dien Dan Doanh Nghiep. Due to financial constraints and a lack of dynamism, the magazine declined in both content and form. To find a way out, self balance of payment was decided from June 2000 to June 2001, and a representative office was established in Ho Chi Minh City increasing the staff to 18. However, in an attempt to restore the management, the self balance of payment came to an end.

High growth

On August 5, 2003, the VCCI President decided to detach VIB Forum from Dien Dan Doanh Nghiep coming directly under the VCCI and financial autonomy. VIB Forum began its weekly publication. With the new challenge, the whole staff “learning by doing”, expanded representative offices, consolidated mechanisms and increased its circulation. The weekly magazine published more articles on economic activities in all regions, potential and investment opportunities from all localities and sectors.

In two years, the magazine distributed over 84,000 copies, or 40 per cent of the total number from the previous 10 years. The distribution has also been expanded to local and foreign companies and offices, even on international flights of Vietnam Airlines. From July 1, 2004, VIB Forum started its e-magazine http://vibforum.vcci.com.vn , hhtp://vibforum.vcci.com providing contents of the magazine and economic information throughout Vietnam with over 1,000 loggings every day.

In 2004, the turnover was VND3.8 billion, and in the first half of 2005 is estimated at 58.3 per cent of the annual target. The magazine increased the income and welfare for its staff, and purchased more equipment and insurance for its operation.

In 2004, the magazine sponsored information for “Community Development Cup”. This year, the VCCI Golf Cup will be organised on October 8, 2005 for some 200 amateur golfers from companies and central and local offices. An “Export guide book” will be published in December 2005. The magazine has received Certificates of Merit from the VCCI President for the achievements in 2004 and for contribution to the development of VCCI and the business community.

Evidently, after some unstable initial steps, VIB Forum can now make bigger strides forward.

Successive Editors-in-Chief :

Mr Hoang Van Dung (June 1995 - July 1995)

Mr Tran Vu Hoai (August 1995 - June 1996)

Mr Ngo Van Hai (July 1996 - October 1998)

Mr Vu Tien Loc (November 1998 - July 2003)

Mr Doan Duy Khuong (August 2003 - now)

First members of the Editorial Board :

Mr Nguyen Si Cu (Editor)

Mr Dang Quoc Trung

Ms Nguyen Thi Bich Loan

Ms Tran Le Dung