Noble task continues

Iain Frew, British Ambassador to Vietnam

On the 100th anniversary of Vietnam Journalists’ Day, I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all Vietnamese media professionals for their dedication.

During my three years in Vietnam, I have had the privilege of engaging with many journalists whose thoughtful and committed work continues to impress me. Their role in capturing Vietnam’s dynamic transformation and fostering mutual understanding is invaluable.

Beyond reporting, the media plays a vital role in showcasing the growing economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Vietnam and the UK. As we mark the 15th anniversary of our Strategic Partnership this year, I look forward to continued collaboration with this cadre of dedicated professionals to tell stories that connect our two countries.

Riikka Seppälä, chargé d’affaires and deputy head of Mission Embassy of Finland to Vietnam

For decades, Vietnam Investment Review has been a key pillar in the country’s economic discourse, providing a reliable platform for informed debate and updated news on international cooperation.

Last year, one of the highlights of our partnership was the visit by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio, to Ho Chi Minh City under the framework of the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition. The visit received great attention from the Vietnamese press in general, with in-depth and theme-specific articles with VIR, in particular.

The showcasing highlighted the potential in Finland-Vietnam collaboration in energy, smart cities, sustainable food production, and much more, including before, during, and after news reports about this visit.

The Embassy of Finland greatly values VIR’s role in spotlighting the growing partnership between Finland and Vietnam. Your reporting has helped amplify the shared goals we pursue – shedding light on areas such as net-zero, clean tech, innovation, digitalisation, vocational education, and labour mobility.

These are not just areas of expertise for Finland; they are part of our broader commitment to supporting Vietnam’s transition towards a green and sustainable future.

Finland’s ambition to reach net-zero by 2035 is one of the most progressive in the world, and we see clear opportunities to collaborate with Vietnam on this path towards 2050. From digital solutions that drive smart cities, to circular economy models that reduce waste, to sustainable food systems rooted in safety and purity, Finnish innovation is well positioned to support Vietnam’s development goals.

Education also remains at the heart of our cooperation, with ongoing efforts to promote high-quality education, inclusive technical and vocational education, and training systems. Equally, the growing labour mobility partnership, made concrete by the MoU between Finland and Vietnam in January, reflects mutual trust and the desire to build long-term human capital connections.

Kees van Baar, Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam

As the current Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam, it is my job to always keep track of economic, political, cultural, and also social developments, both here in Vietnam, as well as those in the Netherlands.

In order to do so, high quality media is one of the most important and pivotal sources of information for me.

High quality media means that the different press outlets provide useful, true and enriching information, that allows its readers to better understand what is going on in a country, region or around the world.

Without sufficient media diversity, it is difficult to gauge the status of ones’ surroundings and to know what is really going on.

Without knowing what is going on, it becomes difficult to make well-informed decisions or to give well-informed advice to Dutch investors.

For the Netherlands, press freedom is a necessary and irreplaceable feature for the people, the private sector and policy-makers to effectively be informed and so to make well-informed decisions.

We believe that press openness is fundamental to building trust and transparency in international partnerships. When journalists operate in an environment that ensures their independence and safety, they produce the quality reporting that stimulates sustainable international cooperation and development.

Open press serves as a means for the world to understand Vietnam, but also for Vietnam to understand itself.

True development and real progress are only possible with a divers, rich and open ecosystem for media and press.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Vietnam Investment Review and the entire Vietnamese press community on the historic celebration of the 100^th press day in Vietnam.

Kobayashi Yosuke, chief representative, Vietnam office Japan International Cooperation Agency

This centennial milestone is a remarkable achievement, not only marking the historical journey of Vietnam’s press industry but also celebrating its steadfast contributions to national development, public discourse, and the deepening of international cooperation.

In particular, I would like to commend VIR for its consistent efforts in delivering high-quality, insightful reporting on Vietnam’s economic landscape and development partnerships. Your publication has played an instrumental role in informing the public and international community about key initiatives, including those carried out through Japan-Vietnam cooperation.

The media holds a vital role in development – not only as a channel for transparency and accountability but also as a bridge that connects people, ideas, and nations. Through responsible and professional journalism, the press helps foster mutual understanding, trust, and informed civic engagement – pillars that are essential for sustainable development.

Over the years, we have valued the close collaboration with Vietnamese media outlets, including VIR, in our mission to support Vietnam’s socioeconomic growth. From infrastructure and healthcare to education and climate resilience, your accurate and timely coverage has amplified the impact of development efforts and brought them closer to the people.

We remain committed to working closely with the press community in Vietnam to promote inclusive growth, transparency, and lasting friendship between our nations.

Edwin Tan, deputy CEO, Frasers Property Vietnam

As a diversified real estate developer operating across Vietnam, Frasers Property Vietnam has long regarded VIR as an indispensable companion in navigating the country’s dynamic market landscape. Over the past more than 30 years, VIR and its sister publications have consistently demonstrated excellence in journalism, delivering timely, accurate, and insightful analyses of Vietnam’s investment climate, economic policies, and business developments.

Your in-depth coverage of key sectors, foreign direct investment trends, and regulatory changes has been immensely valuable. The English-language edition, in particular, has played a crucial role in bridging information gaps and promoting transparency for the international business community.

We are driven by a shared purpose: to deliver inspiring experiences and create places for good. With deep, localised knowledge, we continue to explore opportunities to expand across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors, reinforcing our long-term commitment to Vietnam. In this journey, VIR has been, and continues to be, a vital media partner that supports our growth and purpose.

To further strengthen VIR’s impact and relevance in the evolving business landscape, I would encourage a continued focus on emerging growth areas. These include deeper coverage of sectors such as green technology and the digital economy, supported by granular, data-driven analysis. Translating your already strong policy commentary into more actionable insights would be particularly valuable for businesses navigating regulatory changes.

Additionally, embracing data journalism, through the use of infographics and interactive visuals, can help distil complex economic issues into more accessible content. To truly cement its role as a trusted companion to the business community, VIR may also consider fostering greater engagement by hosting sector-specific roundtables or webinars led by your editorial team, facilitating direct dialogue with key stakeholders.

By continuing to evolve and innovate, I am confident that VIR will further strengthen its role as an indispensable guide for Vietnam’s vibrant and fast-changing business environment.

Patrick Haverman, officer-in-charge, United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam (UNDP)

As one of the country’s leading business publications, VIR has consistently demonstrated its commitment to promoting sustainable development, green growth, and responsible investment. Your in-depth reporting and sharp analysis have helped elevate the national dialogue on climate action, environmental, social, and governance standards, and Vietnam’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

The UNDP greatly values our collaboration with VIR in amplifying stories that matter, stories of resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. Through our joint efforts, we have brought greater visibility to the challenges and solutions shaping Vietnam’s development path, from advancing climate-resilient livelihoods to promoting circular economy models and clean energy.

Recognising the critical role of the media in shaping public awareness and policy discourse, the UNDP continues to invest in strengthening the capacities of Vietnamese journalists, including through training on disaster response, gender-sensitive reporting, responsible business, and disability inclusion. We firmly believe that informed, high-quality journalism is essential to foster transparency, accountability, and lasting impact.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the quality of the narratives we create today will guide the choices of future generations. VIR’s integrity and professionalism in reporting are vital to building a more just, equitable, and sustainable Vietnam.

Seck Yee Chung, partner, Baker McKenzie

In Vietnam’s evolving private economy era, characterised by rapid policy changes, the press plays a multifaceted and crucial role. It acts as a vital bridge for information dissemination and interpretation, and providing insights on complex and new regulations to businesses and the public.

Furthermore, the press plays a significant role in fostering corporate culture and entrepreneurship by highlighting successful ventures, promoting ethical practices, and encouraging innovation. It also acts as a vital forum for dialogue and feedback, sharing the concerns of the public and business communities to policy and law makers, thereby facilitating adaptive governance.

To effectively fulfill these roles, the press itself needs to ensure timeliness and accuracy, coupled with meaningful analysis and context, embracing multi-platform content strategies, and maintaining an unwavering emphasis on ethics and objectivity.

Supporting the press in this endeavor requires enhanced information access from government agencies, robust training, and capacity building for journalists in specialised fields, fostering a truly collaborative environment between media and government, protecting journalistic independence, and leveraging high technology.

By embracing these roles and receiving appropriate support, the Vietnamese press can serve as a powerful channel to foster a well-informed public and a thriving private sector.

In this process, the press also plays an important role in conveying Resolution No.68-NQ/TW. The resoltion, issued in May, is a landmark move in Vietnam that boldly redefines the role of the country’s private sector in the national economy moving forward.

It recognises the private sector as one of the most important driving forces for economic growth and national development.

Additionally, to this end, the Vietnamese government is purposefully focusing on high-value and future sectors in the areas of science, high technology, innovation, digital transformation, and the green economy, which contributes to sustainable development.

The government is also making concerted efforts to underpin this transformation with a supportive legal framework. We have seen significant strides, starting with Resolution No.57-NQ/TW from December 2024, which explicitly identifies science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as pivotal drivers of socio-economic development, setting an ambitious target that the digital economy will contribute 50 per cent of GDP by 2045.

Hardy Diec, COO, KCN Vietnam

Over the course of more than three decades, VIR has firmly established itself as one of Vietnam’s premier economic publications, accompanying the business community and the nation’s economy. Your articles have not only maintained the highest standards of content quality but have also provided incisive and accurate coverage of corporate operations, as well as timely insights into both macroeconomic and microeconomic developments.

We deeply appreciate the sharpness of your editorial team and reporters, who continually innovate in storytelling by blending in-depth analysis with up-to-the-minute commentary. In a time when Vietnam is undergoing bold transformations, the newspaper’s role becomes even more vital: serving as a bridge between policy and enterprise, inspiring confidence, while delivering accurate analysis and forecasts, and alerting stakeholders to potential risks, ultimately driving our country forward into a new era of growth.

We look forward to VIR’s continued expansion of both in-person and virtual forums, creating spaces where businesses, experts, and readers can exchange experiences and stay informed about policy changes.

At the same time, we encourage further creativity through multimedia channels, such as podcasts, video reports, and interactive infographics, to deliver vivid and accessible storytelling.

Moreover, dedicated columns that spotlight inspirational journeys from the industrial sector and standout entrepreneurs will help vividly illustrate the paths of innovation and value creation, fuelling momentum for collective progress.

We hope these suggestions will inspire VIR to remain the pioneering source of insight for enterprises and readers alike.

Juhern Kim, country representative to Vietnam, Global Green Growth Institute

As a frequent reader and contributor of VIR, I have come to value how the media brings green growth out of technical silos and into public dialogue. There’s a South Korean saying that always stays with me, translated as “what is recorded shapes what is remembered”. Journalism doesn’t just inform – it archives progress, anchors public memory, and builds momentum.

In Vietnam’s net-zero transition, outlets like VIR have served as both mirror and catalyst – reflecting government ambition while giving voice to business leaders, international experts, communities, and innovators. When stories of action and forward-looking policy come alive in writing, they inspire others to act.

Over the past two years, I have personally contributed to VIR to help elevate the national conversation around climate tech innovation, startup ecosystems, green finance, and carbon markets. These topics – once seen as abstract and unfamiliar – are now central to public discourse. I strongly believe that their visibility in the media is essential for policy credibility and investment readiness.

Dang Quoc Dung, chairman of the Board of Directors Tien Phong Plastic JSC

Since its inception in 1960, Tien Phong Plastic has transformed itself from a state-owned factory into a large-scale company.

Today, its cutting-edge factories are spread across all three main regions of the country with a total capacity of 260,000 tonnes per year.

Tien Phong Plastic pursues relentless innovation to create sustainable values and ensure the harmonious benefits of shareholders, employees, customers, and society.

Sixty-five years is a journey full of pride, but for Tien Phong Plastic, it is just a solid starting point. Moving forward, it is a long path to realise the vision of becoming a billion-dollar enterprise by 2035.

On the occasion of the 100^th anniversary of Vietnam Journalists’ Day, on behalf of the Board of Directors and Board of Management of Tien Phong Plastic, I would like to send my best wishes for health, courage, and continuous innovation to the entire staff, reporters, and editors at VIR.

I hope that the newspaper will maintain its role as a trusted publication of the business community as well as a sharp, quick, and leading information channel, contributing to promoting national economic development and modernisation.

Tan Wee Hsien, CEO, CapitaLand Development Vietnam & International

CapitaLand Development is pleased to partner with VIR, a publication that has proven its dedication to advancing key sectors of Vietnam’s economy, including real estate.

Our interactions with VIR reporters have always been marked by their enthusiasm and commitment to obtaining comprehensive information for market articles. Their annual events, such as the Vietnam M&A Forum, provide invaluable opportunities for industry leaders to exchange ideas and insights, further solidifying VIR’s role in fostering economic development.

CapitaLand Development remains committed to fostering progress in Vietnam by aligning our goals with the nation’s aspirations for economic vitality and urban transformation. VIR’s in-depth perspectives have enabled businesses like ours to engage with the broader community and contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s sustainable development.

Looking ahead, VIR’s continued exploration of emerging trends, such as sustainability and innovation, will undoubtedly further its impact within the business community. By offering features that spotlight sector-wide achievements, VIR can enhance its role as a valuable partner for businesses striving to thrive in Vietnam’s dynamic economic environment.

Ben Ding Khoon Yew, general director, Soilbuild International (Vietnam)

In an era of rapid changes, we especially understand the press’s critical role in the private economy by assisting businesses and the public in updating new rules, market upheavals, and economic trends.

Soilbuild is appreciative for the cooperation of VIR, whose reporting has served as a precise and informative bridge between the government and firms in the industrial community and stakeholders. We expect that it will continue to facilitate foreign-invested enterprises by providing further forums for them to share views and contribute to the establishment of more reasonable policies, as well as holding timely in-depth events to address changes in relevant Vietnamese regulations.

Undergoing an international economic shift, Vietnam’s industrial sector maintains its prominent position in global supply chains, with an increasing demand for high-standard ready-built factories and warehouses. The rise in foreign investment entering Vietnam in early 2025 compared to the previous phase demonstrates that there has been a substantial demand for high quality, strategically located industrial premises, and Soilbuild International is at the forefront of this movement.

We are committed to building upon the experiences that we have accrued over the last five decades of developing quality industrial space in Singapore, coupled with strong local knowledge, catering to the diverse needs of local organisations and multinational corporations. We provide asset-light and hassle-free solutions that allow businesses to optimise costs and focus fully on operations, and act as their integrated growth partner that delivers quality business spaces with functionality and timeliness.

Our Spectrum projects include flexibility in design that meets specific needs, along with dedicated customer support at every stage and future-proof facilities with green features.

Soilbuild champions responsible growth, forging industrial spaces designed not just for peak efficiency, but for enduring viability. This commitment is the bedrock of economic resilience and environmental stewardship. We express profound appreciation to the Vietnamese and Singaporean governments, alongside our development, marketing, and invaluable partners, whose unwavering support have been instrumental throughout this journey.

Travis Mitchell, executive director, American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

Over the past 34 years, VIR has earned its place as a respected voice in Vietnam’s evolving business landscape by consistently delivering timely, accurate, and in-depth reporting. This commitment established them as a reliable source for entrepreneurs and the broader private sector, serving as a key platform for understanding the nation’s fast-changing economic environment.

We deeply value our partnership with VIR and recognises their role in facilitating reciprocal communication between policymakers and the public, while providing comprehensive coverage of Vietnam’s socioeconomic developments.

We encourage VIR to continue deepening its policy commentary, providing diverse perspectives, and highlighting success stories of dynamic entrepreneurs across sectors. By amplifying the voices of Vietnam’s vibrant business community and promoting transparent dialogue on regulatory developments, VIR can further strengthen its role as a vital companion to both Vietnamese and international organisations, including American investors.

As Vietnam’s economy grows more complex and globally connected, the demand for clear, credible business publications is more critical than ever. Thus, we look forward to VIR’s continued leadership in informing, connecting, and supporting the business community as they navigate upcoming opportunities and challenges.

Federico Vasoli, managing partner, dMTV Global

VIR has played a pivotal role as an English-language economic publication, accompanying Vietnam’s remarkable journey of reform and international integration.

As an international business lawyer working also in Vietnam, I have witnessed firsthand how VIR has provided invaluable insights, timely analysis, and transparent reporting on the country’s evolving legal, economic, and investment landscape. This has not only supported the business community, but also fostered greater understanding among readers.

The contribution of VIR and Vietnam’s journalism sector extends far beyond news reporting. The press acts as a bridge, connecting businesses, policymakers, and the wider public, thereby promoting cooperation and showcasing Vietnam’s economic strengths and challenges.

By highlighting opportunities, clarifying regulatory reforms, and facilitating dialogue, VIR has helped businesses navigate challenges and seize new opportunities. As Vietnam continues its path of innovation, perhaps also with significant paradigm shifts, the role of professional, responsible journalism will remain essential in supporting business and strengthening knowledge about Vietnam and its local and international stakeholders.