HCM City (VNA) - Building Ho Chi Minh City into an innovative business hub in theSoutheast Asian region will top the agenda of the HCM City Economic Forum to beheld in the city on November 23.

The forum, with the theme “Fostering Interactive and InnovativeDistricts: the Prominent Role of Businesses”, will focus on the transformationof the city’s eastern area, including districts 2, 9 and Thu Duc, into aninnovative hub.

More than 600 local and international experts, scientists,academics and representatives from local and foreign businesses are expected toparticipate in the two-day event, the first of its kind organised by the citygovernment. Key leaders from the Government and State agencies will also attendthe event.

The event will discuss the role of businesses, especiallystart-ups, in building an innovative and competitive city.

Speaking at a press conference in the city on November 14,Chu Tien Dung, Chairman of the HCM City Union of Business Association (HUBA),said: “The city will continue to foster its sustainable development byimproving growth quality and competitiveness through healthy economicrestructuring.”

Dung said the city would ensure a favourable businessenvironment for enterprises, encouraging start-ups, innovation and smart-citymeasures.

The forum will feature speakers from respected companies,organisations and educational institutions around the world.

“The city will also introduce a project to develop theeastern part of the city into an innovative urban area, which will be discussedat the forum,” Dung said.

The event is expected to connect Vietnamese businesses withinvestors in many fields from other countries.

Pham Tran Thanh Thao, an assistant to the director of thecity’s Department of External Relations, said: “International cooperation playsa key role in developing HCM City into an innovative and sustainable hub."

“With a focus on a knowledge-based economy, HCM City wants toreceive opinions from the forum and seek cooperation from foreign investors,”she added.

The forum, organised by HUBA and the HCM City Department ofExternal Relations, will discuss how HCM City can learn from innovative urbanareas that are contributing to sustainable development. 

The forum will also include input from experts, businessesand investors on measures for enhanced connections between enterprises,research institutes and the Government.

The event is expected to be held annually to discuss HCMCity’s progress in applying innovative and sustainable development.-VNS/VNA