He told the press yesterday that Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) would consist of representatives from the private economic sector consulting with the Government on improving the local business and investment environment.

"We have had working groups in different areas between the private sector and the Government over the last three months. Each will have specific evaluations and outline some recommendations to the Government," Cany said.

Vu Tien Loc, chairman of Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), also co-chairman of the VBF, said the event this year would offer an opportunity to both domestic and foreign business people to talk with the Government.

"The forum is very important because of the shift in the management role in the VBF. Previously, it was always hosted by the International Finance Corporation, the World Bank and Ministry of Planning and Investment. However, from now, the management role will be transferred to the private sector and include representatives from 14 organizations and associations both domestically and internationally.

At another press briefing, World Bank Country Director Victoria Kwakwa introduced a mid-term consultative group meeting to be held on June 4-5.

She said the event would center on issues of macro-economic stabilization in Vietnam over the year and the process of restructuring the economy. In particularly, this year's CG meeting would be held in Quang Tri Province - a poor region in central Vietnam faced with many difficulties in the fight against poverty due to the effects of natural disasters.

The meeting would focus on discussing topics such as natural disaster prevention and social security, she added.

Source: VNS