Vietnam Business Forum Magazine Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Vietnam Business Forum Magazine Celebrates 10^th Anniversary

10 years ago, on June 9, 1995, Vietnam Business Forum magazine (VIB Forum) came into being with a mission representing the voice of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and covering activities in the whole territory of Vietnam. The magazine was first known as "Vietnam Commerce and Industry" and since 1997 became "Vietnam Business Forum" to keep pace with the new stage of development.

Together with the growth of VCCI, VIB Forum continued its development in both quantity and quality. The staff increased from 5 to 45 members working in head office and representative offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Nghe An. There are also some hundred collaborators from all parts of Vietnam. Staff members and reporters continually train to improve their professional skills. In its performance, VIB Forum has closely followed the activities of the business community and VCCI, especially in the policy of focusing on localities and enterprises, increasing co-operation with agencies and provinces to develop business activities and promote trade and investment. Though 10 years is not a long period of time for a magazine, it has in fact covered the development of a market economy and regional and world integration of Vietnam and business community.

In the coming years, VIB Forum will continue to closely follow the development of the business community and perform the duties assigned by VCCI and the government. By its activities, VIB Forum will contribute to the improvement of the business environment and investment, the promotion of trade and investment and the increased competitiveness of Vietnamese companies and commodities in international economic integration. VIB Forum will continue to support VCCI encouraging its membership to increase to 500,000 enterprises by 2010 to implement the 2006-2010 socio-economic plan of the government. To honour businesses, VIB Forum will make joint efforts to develop the business culture and improve the image of businesses at home and abroad.

To attain these goals, VIB Forum will continue professional training to elevate VIB Forum to national standard and operate as an international magazine. The magazine will operate its network of head office and representative offices according to international standards and ISO criteria, eventually establishing representative offices in other countries in the region. The plan of action of the magazine also includes publications, business guide-books, local and international seminars, IT application to develop website http://vibforum.vcci.com.vn and an e-magazine in the future. To increase the image of Vietnamese businesses, VIB Forum will continue to support the research, evaluation and classifying of businesses.

On the occasion of the 10^th anniversary of VIB Forum, on behalf of the Editorial Board, I wish to most sincerely thank government ministries and agencies, localities and businesses, in particular the VCCI leadership and its units for their invaluable guidance and support throughout the development of the magazine. My thanks also go to the staff members and collaborators of different generations for their important contributions to the success of the magazine. I do hope that with continued assistance and support VIB Forum will excel in its role as a "compass" and as a companion to the business community.