Still the leading voice for businesses

Ramla Khalidi, resident representative United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam

I would like to congratulate Vietnam Investment Review on its 33^rd anniversary. VIR has consistently played a crucial role in fostering constructive dialogue on Vietnam’s socioeconomic development and its pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Your coverage of government initiatives, business development, and industry trends ensures that essential information reaches a diverse array of stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making.

As a trusted information source, VIR has been instrumental in highlighting key themes such as green growth, climate resilience, and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Your reporting on renewable energy, the circular economy, and sustainable business practices has helped shape public discourse and accelerated action towards environmental protection and climate change mitigation in Vietnam.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is proud to collaborate with VIR in supporting the Government of Vietnam’s green and sustainable development goals. Our joint efforts on programmes and roundtables, particularly those focused on reducing plastic waste and fostering a just energy transition, have contributed to advancing the national dialogue on these critical issues.

We look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming years as we work together to promote sustainable and inclusive growth in Vietnam.

The UNDP wishes VIR continued success and prosperity in the future.

Lon Taranaki, country director Vietnam Blackstone Minerals

VIR is not just a trusted source of information for socioeconomic and investment activities, but is also an ideal channel for us to promote our activities.

For example, as an Australian investor in Vietnam since 2019, the company is now progressing the Ta Khoa project with a vision as a future focused business that produces battery precursor products for the globally growing lithium-ion battery industry.

The project involves mining nickel sulfide deposits for the upstream part and processing the mined ore to produce a concentrate suitable for the downstream part, the refinery. This vertically integrated mining and refining business model is being developed with environmental, social, and governance performance integrated into our overarching green nickel strategy.

VIR’s events held annually, such as investment forums and sustainable development publications, have continuously proven itself to be a reliable source of information for many industrial sectors and also bring updated trends of international business over the world to Vietnam.

Congratulations to VIR for its valuable achievements. We look forward to its continued growth and contributions as a credible source of news for readers, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Nguyen Thi Tuong Vi, communications manager FrieslandCampina Vietnam

VIR has been a great vehicle of dissemination of government policies, as well as the latest developments in the Vietnamese economy.

Being one of the first newspapers targeting readership in the business/economic community, VIR has provided readers with truthful, insightful, and up-to-date information. It has become an indispensable part of the media landscape in Vietnam, and a faithful companion to many international organisations and businesses, including FrieslandCampina Vietnam, as well as foreign other enterprises and investors doing business in the country.

Over many years, I have often read VIR to seek information and update my knowledge, especially information on how the Vietnamese government is managing the economy and improving policies. The newspaper’s image has also been increasingly promoted, with many articles cited by consultancy firms and organisations in their reports.

Sami Kteily, executive chairman Pebsteel

For 30 years, VIR and Pebsteel have accompanied each other throughout our development. The newspaper was the first bridge for us to convey information to the public and our customers. VIR has also been an important pillar in the business and investment community in Vietnam for more than three decades.

We believe in the useful information that VIR brings to the business community, and its development over the years proves its relentless commitment to providing valuable information and analysis.

I wish VIR and everyone here good luck and health in the coming journey, above all achieving even greater success in developing the platform and supporting the business community.

Le Hong Linh, vice president Vietnam Independent Directors Association

I have had the privilege of witnessing first-hand the critical role VIR plays in advancing discussions on corporate governance and the growing importance of independent directors in Vietnam’s evolving corporate landscape.

Independent directors are increasingly recognised as key to promoting transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability in Vietnam’s boardrooms. As foreign investment continues to flow into the country, the demand for stronger corporate governance practices is more urgent than ever. Independent directors, with their objectivity and oversight, are vital in ensuring companies adhere to best practices, protect shareholder rights, and meet international standards.

VIR has been a leading voice in covering these developments, and I encourage your team to dive even deeper into these topics. More coverage on the challenges and opportunities independent directors face in Vietnam, the evolving regulatory framework, and global governance trends will greatly benefit the corporate and investment communities.

VIR is uniquely positioned to lead these important discussions, helping to elevate corporate governance standards and support Vietnam’s ambition to become a more transparent, competitive, and investment-friendly market.

Your dedication to providing insightful and timely content is a true asset to Vietnam’s business community. I look forward to seeing more of your in-depth analysis on corporate governance and independent directors, which will undoubtedly continue to drive progress in Vietnam’s corporate sector.

Manoj Mishra, general manager TBC-Ball Beverage Can Vietnam

For over three decades, VIR has been an indispensable resource in Vietnam’s business and economic landscape, offering valuable insights and reliable information to companies like ours. Your commitment to high-quality, balanced reporting, and in-depth analysis has been critical to fostering a transparent and informed business environment.

Through your dedicated coverage, you’ve empowered companies and investors to make well-informed decisions that contribute to the growth and development of Vietnam’s economy.

We have always appreciated our partnership with VIR, and we greatly value the professionalism, integrity, and passion your team brings to every piece of work. Your dedication to highlighting the business landscape, emerging opportunities, and investment trends has been instrumental to the success of businesses across the country.

We wish VIR continued success and growth. We look forward to many more years of collaboration and to seeing VIR’s ongoing contributions to Vietnam’s vibrant business community.

Tran Manh Hung, managing lawyer, BMVN

In a rapidly evolving world driven by multimedia channels and the prevalence of fake news, mainstream media continues to play a crucial role in reflecting facts and investment trends. This is vital for both local and international investors making decisions about expanding their businesses.

VIR is one of the trusted mainstream outlets where my colleagues and I work diligently to highlight pressing legal issues affecting both local and international investors. These issues are regularly published and communicated to the relevant authorities and regulators, including legal drafting teams, proving to be an effective form of legal advocacy during these challenging times.

My personal experience working with VIR reporters has been exceptional, thanks to their transparent feedback and detailed input on my publications over the years.

VIR is now transforming itself strongly with new products such as special assorted publications, organisation of many events including talk shows, conferences, and seminars, with an aim to become a multimedia group. This will help VIR grow from strength to strength, with new ways of transporting information to the audience.

I truly believe that with its legacy and impactful voice in conveying the most up-to-date news to investors, VIR will continue to be a trusted channel for many years to come.

Kent Wong, partner and head of Banking & Capital Markets VCI Legal

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to VIR on this significant milestone. As a frequent contributor and a lawyer specialising in foreign investment and financial markets, it has been an honour to collaborate with a publication that consistently upholds high standards of journalism in Vietnam.

For the international business community, VIR serves as an essential resource, delivering expert analysis and comprehensive updates that allow investors to make informed decisions. The depth and precision of your reporting help readers stay ahead of trends and understand the strategic opportunities in Vietnam.

In tandem, Bao Dau tu has become the most credible source of business news in the Vietnamese language, further reinforcing your impact on both local and international audiences. Together, the publications play a vital role in fostering confidence and transparency in the investment environment.

Kenneth Atkinson, founder and senior advisor Grant Thornton Vietnam

I remember collecting my first copy of VIR outside the Billabong Bar, the Australian Embassy watering hole, on a Friday, in 1991. I think it may have been the first edition.

The early editions primarily focused on introducing Vietnam’s economic policies to a wider audience. If I recall correctly, content was heavily centred on attracting foreign direct investment and explaining the new market-oriented economic landscape.

VIR is still as relevant today for both foreign and domestic investors as it was in 1991. It has evolved and now covers a broader range of topics, including detailed analyses of various sectors like technology, real estate, and finance. It also includes in-depth reports on global economic trends, policy changes, and their implications for Vietnam.

This reflects Vietnam’s significant economic achievements, and its greater involvement in regional and world affairs. VIR has also extended its reach through having digital versions online, not just print, though the older generation like myself do like the old print version.

In terms of the future, there are a number of areas that VIR could focus on to consider staying relevant, particularly to business and foreign investment. These include an enhanced digital presence to include webinars and podcasts, and providing more in-depth data analytics and market reports to offer insights for investors and businesses.

You could also highlight corporate social responsibility activities of businesses and their impact on the community and environment; consider partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and think tanks to enhance the quality and depth of content; consider organising more workshops and seminars on topics such as investment strategies, economic policies, and market trends; and allow more engagement with government on important issues.

Vlad Savin, partner, Acclime Vietnam

In an era where digital media consumption is rapidly increasing, VIR should continue to enhance its online presence. This includes optimising its website for mobile devices, leveraging social media platforms to engage with a broader audience, and utilising data analytics to understand reader preferences and tailor content accordingly.

In addition, to cater to the preferences of its audience, it can expand its content formats. This could include podcasts, video interviews, infographics, and interactive articles.

The publication should continue collaborating with industry experts and thought leaders to enhance the credibility and depth of VIR’s content. At the same time, adapting to regional and global trends should be a focus, and staying abreast of regional and global media trends is crucial. It should continuously monitor and adapt to changes in the media landscape, such as the rise of AI in journalism, the growing importance of sustainability reporting, and the increasing demand for localised content.

Partnering with research institutions and think tanks, VIR can publish collaborative research papers and reports on key economic and development issues. This can enhance the publication’s credibility and provide readers with in-depth, research-based content.

VIR’s affiliation with the Ministry of Planning and Investment also provides it with unique advantages that can be leveraged to further enhance its position. As a bridge between the government and the business community, it can facilitate dialogues and discussions on key issues. Organising forums, roundtable discussions, and webinars that bring together policymakers, business leaders, and experts can position VIR as a central platform.

It can focus on how government policies and plans are impacting various sectors and regions within Vietnam. By highlighting success stories, challenges, and real-world applications of government initiatives, VIR can provide valuable context and relevance to its readers.

VIR could also look at developing educational content that explains government processes, planning mechanisms, and investing tactics.

Binh Le Vandekerckove, founder & CEO ASART Deal Advisory

As a long-time participant and speaker at the Vietnam M&A Forum over the years, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution and growing sophistication of merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions in Vietnam. Despite the market in the country still being in its nascent stage, many transactions have already become notable and complex.

M&A activities require a wide range of expertise and disciplines, making it challenging to consolidate and disseminate comprehensive information. In addition, the confidential nature of these transactions adds another layer of complexity.

VIR’s initiative to organise the annual M&A Forum since 2009 has provided a crucial and leading platform for industry professionals to gather, share insights, and discuss the latest trends and developments. We are proud to contribute practical and useful content to both the forum and various publications by VIR.

To make this year’s forum even more successful, I would like to see it cover the latest trends in the M&A market, including emerging sectors, regulatory changes, importance of sustainability, and economic impacts. It also should consider using live polls and Q&A platforms for audience questions and comments during sessions to gauge audience opinions and foster connection. Having speakers from regional or global markets to share international best practices and insights would also be useful.

To continue leading the way in business journalism and providing unparalleled value to its readers, VIR can consider embracing digital platforms to make information more accessible and engaging, incorporating interactive content with podcasts and live Q&A sessions/interviews with industry experts, and offering exclusive content and in-depth reports that are not available elsewhere.

We congratulate the entire team on the occasion of VIR’s 33rd anniversary and I look forward to continuing my participation and contribution to the development of VIR and the M&A Forum for many more years to come.

Alexander Ziehe, chairman German Business Association

VIR is today the go-to source for newcomers as well as established business leaders in the fast moving, dynamic environment of Vietnam.

I am personally proud as chairman of the German Business Association here to see many German companies contributing with their knowledge and achievements to VIR, ranging from established companies like BASF, B Braun Bosch, and Siemens to many newcomers like Kärcher, Tesa, Viessmann and Ziehl-Abegg. Their stories and contribution to the future of Vietnam inspire us and set important examples for potential investors to understand how to succeed.

We thank VIR for our long-standing partnership and believe together we shall keep creating high-quality content with stories to attract interest and drive others in their ideas for Vietnam. By taking the excellent foundation into the next generation of tailored social media formats and linking them across different digital platforms, we believe VIR will increase its impact further in the upcoming years.

Dao Thu Trang, business development director Evonik Vietnam

As a regular reader, I highly value the direction the newspaper has taken over the years. It has played a crucial role in amplifying the voice of the German and European business community to the Vietnamese government and lawmakers, particularly in terms of policy recommendations. The information I have gathered has been beneficial for my work.

I see VIR diversifying its operations by organising events with international participation and utilising live broadcasting through platforms like Facebook and online news outlets. This has proven to be a reliable information channel for businesses, policymakers, and experts.

I hope it continues to serve as an effective multimedia platform, bridging communication between the business community and state agencies.

Ben Ding Khoon Yew, director Soilbuild International (Vietnam)

Soilbuild International acknowledges the crucial role that VIR plays in shaping the business landscape and providing valuable insights and analysis to the business community. We are able to leverage on VIR’s platform to reach out to our intended stakeholders and expand our business network.

As one of your readers and partners as well, we have some recommendations to help VIR continue to thrive and expand its influence.

Digital transformation should be prioritised to stay ahead at this media era. This includes enhancing your online presence through more convenient channels like YouTube and mobile apps, optimising for search engines and leveraging social media platforms to engage with a broader audience. Hosting webinars, virtual roundtables, and live Q&A sessions with industry leaders can foster direct interaction with readers. Adopting AI to customise content searching may also make for a better user experience.

VIR can attract and retain readers by diversifying content and presentation. This could involve multimedia elements such as podcasts, video interviews, and interactive infographics. Collaborating with global and local industry experts for weekly guest articles topic provides fresh perspectives and enhances credibility.

Building a strong community around VIR is essential for long-term success, not only domestically but also internationally, engaging with business communities on the issues and interests in crafting contents and events. VIR, under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, can also act as a platform in reflecting businesses’ burning issues to the ministry.

Minh Truong, deputy general director KCN Vietnam

For more than three decades, Vietnam Investment Review has steadily solidified its reputation as a trusted and leading authority mouthpiece in investment and economic development. Its sharp analyses, timely updates, and in-depth features have played a vital role in shaping the direction of the business community, investors, and key stakeholders.

As a professional industrial property developer, KCN Vietnam deeply appreciates VIR’s contributions in building a crucial bridge of information between businesses, investors, the government, and audiences both at home and abroad.

This role has been instrumental in fostering a transparent, equal, and business-friendly investment environment – one that is safe and conducive to sustainable growth. It has also significantly enhanced the effectiveness of state management over business and investment activities.

From our perspective at KCN Vietnam, we believe VIR still has vast potential for further growth. There is a valuable opportunity for the newspaper to lead the way in Vietnam by hosting forums and seminars that bring together experts, businesses, and policymakers to tackle key challenges such as planning, infrastructure, incentive policies, and particularly strategies for greening and sustainable development. These initiatives will help uncover solutions to obstacles and accelerate the growth of industrial property and the broader Vietnamese economy.

Most importantly, we look forward to VIR’s continued evolution, working in close partnership with businesses and contributing to Vietnam’s economic progress for years to come.

We extend our best wishes to the newspaper, to all the dedicated editors and journalists – may your passion and creativity continue to drive forward Vietnam’s vibrant media landscape.