As part of the annual practical learning program for students in the Executive – MBA master’s program for senior executives, an expert talk on “Developing Vietnam’s Supporting Industries in a New Context” was successfully held at National Economics University (NEU) on August 25, 2024, featuring Prof. Kenichi Ohno of Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.

An overview of the program

Representing NEU at the event were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Thanh Huong, Vice Dean in charge of the Institute of Postgraduate Education, along with students from Executive – MBA cohorts 13 and 14.

According to Prof. Kenichi Ohno of Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), supporting industries manufacture parts, components, and tools for assembly or semi-assembly enterprises within a country.

Supporting industries include both small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and large enterprises, as well as domestic and foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises. The Government generally places greater emphasis on developing domestic supporting-industry enterprises.

Supporting industries supply enterprises within the country but are still permitted, and sometimes encouraged, to export (enterprises that export exclusively are not considered part of supporting industries). Supporting industries primarily serve mechanical and engineering sectors (machinery manufacturing, motorcycles, automobiles, electronics, IT equipment, etc.), which use large amounts of metal and plastic.

Light industries (textiles and garments, leather and footwear, food processing, etc.) need to be considered separately because these sectors use a wide range of inputs (fibers, plant products, animal products, aquatic products, etc.).

Prof. Kenichi Ohno, Japan’s National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies

Prof. Kenichi Ohno also noted that supporting industries are particularly important for Vietnam because they help the country improve quality and technology to generate greater domestic value, build international competitiveness to participate indirectly in global value chains, and escape the middle-income trap.

Prof. Kenichi Ohno emphasized that strong component and parts industries are essential and provide a foundation for taking a country’s manufacturing sector to a higher level. To become supporting-industry enterprises, businesses must meet global QCD standards (quality, cost, and on-time delivery), as well as comply with environmental, safety, and labor requirements.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy, lecturer at the University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Students and experts exchange ideas and discuss issues at the roundtable

The event is part of the annual series of practical learning activities for students in NEU’s Executive – MBA master’s program for senior executives, designed to closely connect classroom learning with practice.

Some photos from the program:

Article and photos: Institute of Postgraduate Education and Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.