Ambassadors speak for business community Globalization represents the aspiration of people around the globe to be able to communicate, do business, travel and engage across cultures regardless of the distances or differences among them. English is the phenomenon that enables globalization. It is not just a foreign language- but a means of communication. It is not a university subject, but a gateway to the world of business and a fundamental prerequisite for Vietnam, as a nation, to develop a robust thriving competitive economy. This is what Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on July 22 was talking about at a ceremony in Hanoi when he urged the nation’s cadre of newly-appointed ambassadors for the 2016-2019 tenure to make active contributions to economic development. The Prime Minister understands that English is the international language of business and that the business community needs a strong trained voice representing them in foreign markets to advance their interests. Vietnamese Ambassadors are the eyes and ears of the business community in the regions they are assigned to said Pham Xuan Dat, deputy general director of Minh Duong Group Joint Stock Company, at the event. These newly appointed diplomats bring with them a wealth of business experience and will promote the nation’s excellence in overseas markets, as well as assist businesses in taking full advantage of opportunities both overseas and at home. They are in a position to provide good tips from people, organizations and milieus to guide and inspire economic policy development, said Dat. Le Ba Lich, chairman of the Vietnam Animal Feed Association, in turn emphasized the key responsibilities these diplomats have in international trade negotiations and export assistance programs, and in coordinating international governmental and non-governmental aid. The diplomats function as local points of contact and help with organizing workshops and seminars held to develop solutions and ideas tackling the global economic challenges the nation confronts. If we receive effective support from Vietnamese Ambassadors and other representative offices, businesses will save a lot on expenses and gain more business opportunities, he said. On behalf of Vietnamese small businesses, Vu Tien Loc, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry requested the diplomatic corps provide the party and government with advice to perfect the legal framework and institutions for international trade and investment. Specifically, he asked emissaries and heads of representative offices abroad to send more information about the national legal framework and policies from foreign countries where there is potential to boost commercial relations. VOV