On October 17, 2024, National Economics University (NEU) and the Australian National University (ANU) jointly organized the seventh international conference on “Contemporary Issues in Economics, Management and Business” (Contemporary Issues in Economics, Management and Business – 7th CIEMB 2024). This is NEU’s largest annual international conference, attracting considerable interest from scholars in Vietnam and abroad.

An overview of the conference

The keynote speakers attending the conference were Prof. Paul Burke, Australian National University, Australia; Prof. Peter J. Morgan, Asian Development Bank Institute (ABDI), Japan; Dr. Dorsati Madani, World Bank (WB) in Vietnam; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anna Kwek, Griffith University, Australia; and Prof. Tom Baum, University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President; and Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, Head of the Department of Research Management, along with representatives of the leadership of schools, departments, faculties, institutes and centers. Also attending were nearly 100 paper authors from 15 countries and territories worldwide, experts, scholars, policymakers, business representatives, lecturers and students.

The conference aimed to provide a forum where domestic and international scholars from various research fields in economics, management and business could exchange ideas and present their research. It also provided a platform for debate on contemporary issues, supporting strategies to promote global growth and sustainable development. The conference also expanded opportunities for international cooperation in scientific research among universities in the region and around the world.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, delivers remarks.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President of NEU, said that, with its strong research-oriented tradition and comprehensive educational programs, NEU prioritizes academic cooperation and the development of long-term partnerships with leading universities and research institutes in Vietnam and abroad, as well as governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Each year, the University’s diverse conferences and symposia attract interest and participation from scholars and researchers worldwide.

“The Conference on Contemporary Issues in Economics, Management and Business – CIEMB is one of NEU’s leading international events, bringing together domestic and international scholars from various fields of economics, business and management to present and discuss research, with the aim of developing solutions to support global sustainable growth,” the President emphasized.

Prof. Pham Hong Chuong also shared that the conference had received 170 papers from scholars, researchers, policymakers and lecturers from Vietnam and many other countries, including Australia, China, France, India, Finland, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, the Philippines, Slovakia, South Africa, Scotland and Turkey. A rigorous peer-review process selected more than 90 quality papers for presentation in 21 parallel sessions covering various fields, including accounting, finance, banking, business administration, economic development, macroeconomics, marketing, tourism, microeconomics and other areas, chaired by leading NEU economics experts and guest speakers from abroad.

Prof. Paul Burke, Australian National University, presents “Zero-carbon energy opportunities in the Asia-Pacific”

Dr. Dorsati Madani, World Bank in Vietnam, presents “Vietnam’s economy and outlook”

Speaking at the conference, Dorsati Madani, Senior Economist at the World Bank in Vietnam, said that Vietnam’s economic outlook for 2025 and 2026 remained positive, with growth projected at 6.5% in both years, compared with an estimated 6.1% in 2024. Meanwhile, CPI growth in 2025 and 2026 was forecast to be lower than in 2024, at 4.0% and 3.5%, respectively, compared with 4.5% in 2024.

“Vietnam’s economic growth prospects stem from expanding demand in markets alongside continued increases in domestic demand. Notably, Vietnam continues to maintain strong growth momentum while global growth is expected to remain low in both 2025 and 2026,” said Dr. Dorsati Madani.

Regarding fiscal policy recommendations, the World Bank expert advised Vietnam to continue focusing on the disbursement of public investment funds, particularly in infrastructure, energy and education. Vietnam also needs to maintain its focus on improving the investment environment, even in sectors where considerable efforts have been made, such as telecommunications, electricity and transportation.

Prof. Peter J. Morgan, Asian Development Bank Institute (ABDI), presents “Financial literacy and fintech use in family businesses: Evidence from developing countries in Asia”

Assessing the current opportunities and challenges facing Vietnam’s economy, Prof. Peter J. Morgan, Asian Development Bank Institute (ABDI), noted that, on the positive side, Vietnam has an open economy and good infrastructure, laying the groundwork for trade development. Therefore, in the immediate term, Vietnam needs to make further changes to its infrastructure to develop the economy, while investing more heavily to compete with other countries as global competition becomes more intense than ever.

Prof. Peter J. Morgan cited the example of the rapidly developing digital economy, with which Vietnam has not yet kept pace. A strong educational foundation plays a very important role in addressing this issue, particularly at institutions such as NEU. Education’s task is to improve the quality of the workforce through essential measures such as enhancing workers’ specialized skills and knowledge of finance and digitalization.

Discussing how global economic development trends affect Vietnam, Prof. Peter J. Morgan said that, overall, the world economy was not doing too badly, and the U.S. economy remained relatively strong. Europe’s economy was growing somewhat more slowly. Meanwhile, China’s economy faced problems related to land and real estate, resulting in relatively low consumer demand. There had been some discussion of China’s economic stimulus package, but opinions remained divided. This made for a somewhat challenging environment, though not an overly worrying one. Moreover, there was no sign of a global recession or anything similar. Therefore, if Vietnam implements necessary and appropriate reforms, its economy can still grow relatively steadily. The measures Vietnam needs to take are quite similar to those needed in Japan: restructure the economy, promote digitalization and improve workforce quality, thereby raising average incomes.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Chuong, President, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Duc Tho, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chair of the University Council, present certificates and flowers to thank the keynote speakers

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, and Prof. Dr. To Trung Thanh, Head of the Department of Research Management, present certificates to the authors of the best papers

The seventh CIEMB international conference concluded on a positive note, further affirming NEU’s position as a leading research center where scientists, scholars and researchers worldwide can share and collaborate on research in economics, management and business administration.

The 21 parallel sessions cover specialized topics in economics, management and business

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, delivers the conference’s closing remarks

Conference delegates pose for a commemorative group photo

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President, speaks at the reception for speakers and guests ahead of the conference

Selected images from the conference:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

Media outlets reporting on the conference:

Nhan Dan Television: Vietnam faces numerous challenges and opportunities for economic development

Vietnam News Agency Television: Vietnam’s economy: Challenges arising from a changing development model

VTC Television: International experts offer a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s economy

CafeF: International experts offer a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s economy

Vietnam Financial Times: Opportunities for Vietnam from the perspective of global scholars

Vneconomy: Seeking long-term growth drivers for Vietnam’s sustainable development and accelerated growth

Nhan Dan: Supporting strategies to promote global growth and sustainable development

Lao Dong: Positive economic growth outlook forecast for Vietnam

Banking Times: CIEMB 2024: Supporting strategies to promote global growth and sustainable development

Communist Party of Vietnam Online Newspaper: Contemporary challenges in economics, management and business

People’s Deputies Newspaper: International conference on contemporary issues in economics, management and business

Government News: Vietnam needs to invest in education to meet the demands of digital economic development

Vietnam News Agency: Improving workforce quality and promoting adoption of the digital economy are key to Vietnam’s development

Vietnam Investment Review: Should Vietnam impose a carbon tax?

Business Forum: The green transition and circular economy have a major impact on Vietnam

Journalist & Public Opinion: Substantial private financing is ready to ‘flow in’ if policies are well designed

Customs News: Vietnam should be more “forceful” in economic restructuring

Vnbusiness: Will rising vegetable and food prices ‘drive up’ inflation?

Corporate Finance: Investing in infrastructure to promote trade development

Industry and Trade: Vietnam’s economic outlook remains positive

Financial and Monetary Market Review: Financial inclusion, financial literacy and business performance

Investor Magazine: WB: Vietnam will maintain strong growth momentum in 2025-2026

Market Life Magazine: International experts and a comprehensive view of Vietnam’s economy

Securities Investment: Should Vietnam impose a carbon tax?

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