They hoped to seek partners through co-ordinated efforts to settle social and ecological issues in the country, said Vu Tien Loc, chairman of the host Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI). 

They all wished for viable State policies to help raise their prestige among the masses, and support around 28 percent of Vietnam’s population, including poor households, people with disabilities, underprivileged children, patients with HIV/AIDS, and elderly people, Loc said. 

For their part, they pledged to support the State in ensuring social stability and security as well as gradually improving local living standards and bridging the gap between residential classes. 

Some 200 social businesses are reportly operating effectively in the country. 

Participants in the forum focused on the role of social businesses in Vietnam, opportunities and challenges for social investment, financial solutions for social investment, and the enhancement of management capacity.