Welcome New Year Gala 2024 Organised by the Viet Nam Association of Consumer Goods Development (VACOD) and Ha Noi Business Association (HBA)

• His excellency Mr. Nguyen Khac Dinh - Member of CPV Central Committee, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Assembly
• Dr. Nguyen Hong Son - Member of Viet Nam National Assembly – Member of the Committee of Foreign Affairs ò the 12th and 13th National Assembly of Viet Nam - Former Vice President of Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry - Chairman of Viet Nam Association of Consumer goods and Development VACOD and Ha Noi Business Association HBA.
• Honorable Party and State Delegates, Development Partners, Distinguished Guests!
• Good evening and Happy New Year!

It is an honor for join you today at this New Year Gala to welcome 2024. Allow me to share a few reflections as we prepare for the year ahead.

I have only been in Viet Nam for less than two years but I recognize the fast pace of the country’s growth. This country has transformed itself as one of the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding export markets. Viet Nam's strategic location, young workforce, and commitment to economic reforms have made it an attractive destination for businesses.

For the UN, we also highly value Viet Nam’s commitment to global cooperation and multilateralism, shaping regional agendas and fostering cooperation among nations. At the same time, Viet Nam has also actively pursued trade liberalization and have signed various free trade agreements, opening new markets, enhancing access for Vietnamese goods and services, and stimulating economic growth.

Consequently, Viet Nam has made great strides in improving the living standards and lifting millions of people out of poverty, with a vision to become a high-income country by 2045 and realize net-zero emissions by 2050.  This vision drives Viet Nam’s commitment to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The UN works closely with the Government and partners on the six policy priorities and recommendations to advance the SDGs: supporting science, technology and innovation; developing quality human resources; managing resources effectively; adapting and mitigating climate change through green and circular economy; and ensuring that people are at the center of every decision, policy, and action.

It is for this reason that I join you this evening – to encourage active engagement of the private sector in accelerating Viet Nam’s SDG priorities. Three quick ideas:

First, align operations, strategies, and practices with the SDGs. Actions include reducing carbon emissions, promoting responsible production and consumption, ensuring fair labor practices including equal pay for equal work, and protecting natural resources. In sum, integrating sustainable practices into core business models, supply and value chains.

Second, invest in ventures that have positive social and environmental impact. Business can and should drive sustainable development.

Third, promote innovation and collaboration for sustainability -- invest in research and development to create new technologies, products, and services that address societal challenges related to the SDGs.

By embracing sustainable business practices, the private sector can accelerate SDG implementation while creating value for shareholders and society, as well as protecting the planet.

Let us join hands for a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Thank you! Xin cam on!