At the worshop, Nguyen Dinh Cung, head of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) stated that a comprehensive competition policy is necessary to shift the Vietnamese economy to a market economy.
According to Cung, during 2011-2015, Vietnam carried out a lot of measures to become a market economy, with the priority given to macro-economic stability, economic restructuring, growth model shifting, administrative reform and human resources development.
However, the macro economy has yet to be stabilised firmly, the economic growth is lower than the set target, and economic restructuring and growth model shifting remain slow. He attributed the shortcomings to insufficient awareness of the socialist-oriented market economy among Vietnamese people.
Michael Woods, an international consultant on competitiveness, said that the Vietnamese Government is paying attention to sustainable economic growth. However, it is necessary to clarify competition principles and have an equality among enterprises, he added.
He also emphasised the importance of reviewing the Competition Law and other relevant laws and policies to ensure competitiveness and sustainability. He spoke highly of the State management agencies’ efforts to uphold the principles of the socialist-oriented market economy which, he said, has brought about practical benefits to businesses and people. Meanwhile, the CIEM head suggested clarifying the functions of the State and the market, improve public awareness of the market economy, and determine the tasks of State agencies in the 2016-2020 period.
The ASEAN Competition Policy and Law Handbook for businesses was compiled by the ASEAN Experts Group on Competition (AEGC), including leaders and senior officials of agencies specializing in competition management in ASEAN member countries, with Vietnam’s leadership. The handbook aims to provide sufficient information related to competition policies and laws in ASEAN member countries to all people who have concerns. It will help raise public awareness and competitive activity and promote a just and transparent competitive environment for regional businesses.
Vietnam is a dynamic country in economic development and international integration, so it is urgent for the nation to promote the efficiency of the law. Vietnam needs to enhance its capacity of law enforcement in the context of global market. Experts said that violations should be publicised and handled as soon as possible to help businesses to create a healthy competition environment in Vietnam.
