He said the Government of Vietnam has been continuously affirming its strong commitment towards boosting start-up innovation activities, which is considered an important solution to increasing the quantity and quality of Vietnamese businesses.
Vietnam's southern economic hub is expected to take the lead nationwide in investment resources for the establishment of a start-up innovation ecosystem, he added.
Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Kari Kahiluoto shared that the relations between Vietnam and Finland have seen strong development over the past few years, not only in trade cooperation but also in regards to science, technology, and innovation.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem said HCM City defines sustainable economic development model toward intellectual economy and green growth based on science-technology, innovation, and start-ups.
The initiative of hosting the Saigon Innovation Week from October 23-28 demonstrates its commitment to facilitating, supporting and accompanying start-up businesses with the view to turning HCM City into a start-up and innovative city in the country and beyond, he said.
He noted that local authorities have put forth a number of policies and mechanisms to support start-up and innovation activities such as launching a programme to support small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and improving their competitiveness and international integration in 2016-2020, implementing the Government’s Resolution supporting businesses through 2020, and planning to improve the start-up ecosystem in the city.
The city has also actively participated in international cooperation programmes such as the Finland Innovation Partnership Programme (IPP) and the Vietnam Sillicon Valley, he added.
