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TL;DR: Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day on October 13 was established by Decision No. 990/QD-TTg dated September 20, 2004, signed by Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải. It traces back to President Ho Chi Minh's letter to the industrial and commercial sectors on October 13, 1945, affirming entrepreneurs' role in national unity and reconstruction.
Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day (October 13): Origin and Meaning
October 13 is observed annually as Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day, honoring the country's business community. Behind this observance lies a history spanning nearly eight decades, from President Ho Chi Minh's 1945 letter to the industrial and commercial sectors to the government's official decision in 2004.
What is the historical context of Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day?
After the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, Hanoi's business community was among the first social groups received by President Ho Chi Minh. On October 13, 1945, when entrepreneurs formed the "Cong Thuong Cứu Quốc Doan" (Industrial and Commercial National Salvation Group) and joined the Việt Minh, he wrote a letter of encouragement published in Cứu Quốc newspaper issue 66.
In the letter, he addressed them respectfully as "the Gentlemen," affirming: "While other sectors of the nation strive to secure complete independence, the industrial and commercial sector must work to build a solid and prosperous economy and finance." He also emphasized: "National affairs and family affairs always go hand in hand. A prosperous national economy means the prosperity of industrial and commercial businesses." This letter, under 200 words, is considered the first document of the Party and State concerning Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs.
When was Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day officially recognized?
On September 20, 2004, Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải signed Decision No. 990/QD-TTg, designating October 13 annually as "Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day." The decision aimed to promote the role and tradition of entrepreneurs, encourage all social strata to contribute to business development, and meet the requirements of industrialization and modernization.
The decision required that annual observances be practical, economical, and effective, avoiding formalism, ensuring:
- Educating entrepreneurs on patriotism, self-reliance, and creativity; encouraging emulation in production and business; enhancing discipline, ethics, and business culture.
- Commending and rewarding businesses and entrepreneurs who perform well and comply with Party and State policies.
On October 13, 2004, at the annual meeting between the Prime Minister and over 500 businesses, Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải announced this decision.
What is the deep significance of Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day?
Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day carries multiple layers of meaning. First, it honors entrepreneurs as the primary material production force of the economy. The 2013 Constitution states: "The State encourages and creates conditions for entrepreneurs, enterprises, and other individuals and organizations to invest, produce, and do business; to sustainably develop economic sectors, contributing to national construction." The 13th Party Congress documents affirm: "Developing the private economy is truly an important driver of the economy."
Second, it recalls the patriotic and self-reliant tradition of the business community. President Ho Chi Minh placed entrepreneurs within the great national unity bloc and the political system. His teachings on production being "fast, abundant, good, and cheap," and on honesty in business, remain relevant.
Third, it is an occasion to commend exemplary entrepreneurs and spread the spirit of innovation. General Võ Nguyên Giáp, in a May 7, 2004 letter, emphasized that entrepreneurs must be "the head and conductor of the enterprise, with the will to rise in the spirit of innovation and creativity, thinking what no one has thought, doing what has no precedent."
What are the achievements and prospects?
According to Nhân Dân, Vietnam now has nearly 900,000 active enterprises, about 14,400 cooperatives, and over 5 million business households. The enterprise sector contributes over 60% of GDP and about 30% of total employment. Vietnamese businesses and brands have increasingly reached regional and global markets.
Since the first Enterprise Law in 1999 paved the way for freedom of business, the entrepreneurial force has grown significantly in both quantity and quality. Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day is not only a commemoration but also a reminder of entrepreneurs' mission in national construction and defense.
Key milestones and figures related to Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day, October 13.
| Time milestone | Event |
|---|---|
| 2/9/1945 | Reading of the Declaration of Independence founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam |
| 13/10/1945 | President Ho Chi Minh wrote a letter encouraging the business community, published in Cứu Quốc Newspaper issue 66 |
| 1999 | The first Enterprise Law was issued |
| 7/5/2004 | The late General Võ Nguyên Giáp sent a letter to entrepreneurs |
| 20/9/2004 | Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải signed Decision No. 990/QD-TTg designating October 13 as Vietnam Entrepreneurs' Day |
| 13/10/2004 | Prime Minister Phan Văn Khải announced the decision at a meeting with more than 500 enterprises |
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Operating enterprises | nearly 900 thousand |
| Cooperatives | about 14.4 thousand |
| Business households | more than 5 million |
| GDP contribution | more than 60% |
| Total number of employed workers | about 30% |
