Young entrepreneurs in Gia Lai set to enter new phase of development

Held amid the implementation of the Politburo’s Conclusion No. 157-KL/TW on restructuring organizational and administrative units, the congress has led to the consolidation and unification of existing bodies into a newly formed Gia Lai Young Entrepreneurs Association.

The process goes beyond structural reorganization, signalling a shift in mindset, operating methods and approaches to connecting and leading young entrepreneurs across the province.

Provincial leaders have underscored the strategic importance of young entrepreneurs in Gia Lai’s economic landscape. Pham Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee, described young business leaders as a pioneering force in innovation, the application of science and technology, digital transformation and market expansion.

In the new development phase, the province expects the Association to serve as a bridge between businesses and government, as well as among enterprises themselves, contributing to improvements in the investment environment and the competitiveness of the provincial economy.

The Association has identified building a strong, professionally run organization as a core and ongoing mission. Priorities include consolidating its apparatus, enhancing the executive capacity of its leadership, standardizing operational processes and selectively developing membership, with quality and effectiveness as key criteria.

More than 300 young entrepreneurs are currently active members, regularly connecting through Association activities. Efforts are underway to build a comprehensive member database, standardize management systems and gradually digitize operations, reporting and archiving—steps seen as essential to improving efficiency, transparency and connectivity.

Trade promotion, business networking and cooperation expansion remain central pillars. In recent years, more than 200 programs—including networking events, training sessions and market connection initiatives—have been organized, helping members expand partnerships, access market information and enhance competitiveness.

A notable initiative is the regular “Business News Bulletin,” which provides updates on products, business capabilities, cooperation needs and investment opportunities. The model has created a fast, low-cost and effective communication channel among member enterprises.

The Association has also expanded inter-regional and international engagement, implementing more than 50 cross-regional activities and signing over 20 domestic and international cooperation agreements. These efforts have helped broaden development opportunities for Gia Lai’s young businesses and support deeper integration into regional value chains and larger markets.

Alongside economic activities, the Association has mobilized nearly VND 5 billion (about USD 200,000) in socialized resources for social welfare initiatives, including education support, assistance to remote and disadvantaged areas, and timely aid for communities affected by natural disasters.

Such programs have reinforced the image of Gia Lai’s young entrepreneurs as dynamic, socially responsible and community-oriented.

Phan Thanh Thien, a member of the Presidium of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association and Chairman of the Gia Lai Young Entrepreneurs Association for the 2023–2026 term, said the organization’s core value lies not in scale but in building a principled, disciplined business community that upholds standards. These foundations, he noted, are essential for meeting new development requirements.

From a broader perspective, Vu Hong Quan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Young Entrepreneurs Association and Chairman of the Binh Dinh Young Entrepreneurs Association for the 2021–2026 term, stressed that Association activities should align closely with local economic strategies and market needs. Beyond organizing movements, he said, young entrepreneur groups should act as connectors, leaders and active contributors to policy advocacy and improvements in the business environment.

With key foundations already in place, the first Congress of the Gia Lai Young Entrepreneurs Association is expected to usher in a new phase of more professional, effective operations, closely aligned with the province’s socio-economic development goals. The congress is set to clarify the Association’s role and responsibility in representing, connecting and supporting the young business community toward substantive and sustainable growth.