Hai spoke during a seminar on building and promoting national-based enterprises for a prosperous Vietnam held on October 8.

Hai emphasized that Vietnam’s construction sector has unique competitive advantages that few countries can match. The country has amassed a wealth of practical experience from top global contractors, applying cutting-edge construction technologies, project management methods, and modern enterprise management practices.

“We possess the most advanced technical technologies and management methods, along with the most modern machinery and equipment,” Hai emphasized.

He cited data on building material exports, including being the world’s largest cement exporter, ranking fifth in wood exports with over $10 billion annually, and fourth in ceramic tile production.

Hai noted that Vietnamese construction firms not only have core competitiveness in construction but also enjoy supply chain advantages in building materials.

Thuong Hieu va Cong Luan quoted a Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s report showing that in August 2025, wood and wood product exports were estimated at $1.45 billion, raising the total for the first eight months to $11.1 billion, an increase of 6.3 percent compared to the same period in 2024. 

These figures highlight the strong recovery and positive growth outlook of the wood sector in the months ahead.

Vietnam has an abundant workforce of engineers trained through practical experience, with high expertise and the commendable qualities of the Vietnamese people. With these advantages, Hai believes it’s time for Vietnam to aim boldly: exporting comprehensive construction services globally.

However, he cautioned that thinking big without taking action is mere fantasy. Creating sustainable value is the inevitable result of also acting decisively.

“More importantly, creating sustainable value also involves investing in people, our most precious resource. National enterprises must continue to invest heavily in training their workforce, preparing to integrate and reach the global stage,” Hai said.

National enterprises

Le Xuan Nghia, a member of the Prime Minister’s Policy Advisory Council and former Vice Chair of the National Financial Supervisory Commission, said at the seminar that to build a strong nation, robust national enterprises are essential.

Given current conditions, enterprises are the key to national self-reliance and strength.

Nghia praised Resolution 68 on private sector development as a historic turning point, affirming the private economy as the most critical driver of the economy.

Nguyen Bich Lam, former Director General of the General Statistics Office, commented that Resolution 68’s solutions are groundbreaking, enabling the private sector to grow rapidly and safely, while fostering confidence and motivation for private enterprises.

Can Van Luc, Chief Economist at BIDV and a member of the National Financial and Monetary Policy Advisory Council, noted that Resolution 68 had been long-awaited by the public and private enterprises. Its solutions are transformative, supporting the private sector’s healthy growth.

The government should establish a steering committee to hold monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings to review the implementation of Resolution 68’s provisions, he said.

According to Nghia, for self-reliance, Vietnamese enterprises must master technology and develop manufacturing industries through the internal strength of national-based enterprises. 

He stressed: “We cannot become strong by relying solely on commerce or real estate; we must have pillars in production, manufacturing, and technology.”

As for the the real estate sector, experts suggested shifting from short-term investment to an infrastructure foundation for sustainable industrialization and urbanization

There should be a push to develop industrial, urban, and technology-driven real estate aligned with production and innovation strategies, along with a focus on affordable commercial housing.

Ambassador Pham Quang Vinh, a member of the Prime Minister’s Policy Advisory Council and former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted that Vietnam has moved beyond integration and openness to repositioning itself in global value chains. The country needs to adjust policies to develop national enterprises suited to current integration conditions.

According to Vinh, national enterprises are not only those that have already grown large, but those striving to rise. “Current policies prioritize leading enterprises, but also create space for others to grow, forming a vibrant ecosystem of national businesses developing together,” he added.

Hong Khanh