EuroCham launches 2023 Whitebook in Hanoi

The launch attracted nearly 300 political and business leaders for a productive discussion between the European business community and Vietnamese policymakers. They focused discussions on healthcare, the green economy and sustainability, and innovation and investment.

EuroCham and its sector committees shared their insights, and in response, constructive replies were given by Vietnamese ministries, departments, and agency representatives.

Nguyen Quang Vinh, vice chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry said, “We will listen carefully to the opinions of the business community and promptly propose amendments to the legal system here that are compatible with the commitments of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), allowing a more successful and effective implementation.”

The Whitebook's emphasis on sustainability is not just about reducing the impact of economic activity on the environment. It is also about creating new economic opportunities and building a more resilient future for both Europe and Vietnam. A green economy and sustainable development are critical components of a brighter future, and the Whitebook provides a valuable framework for achieving these goals.

EuroCham chairman Alain Cany emphasised the importance of the Whitebook, stating that the key points outlined in the publication can be used to support the Vietnamese government's socioeconomic development plans and help ensure that they are effectively supported by Europe.

“During this period of transition to a green and sustainable future, I have high hopes for Team Europe-Vietnam relations. Together, our productive relationship empowers us to take advantage of the endless prospects that lie ahead. The European business community and EuroCham will continue to be the strongest supporters to help Vietnam achieve this progress,” Cany added.

EuroCham believes that if the challenges outlined in the Whitebook are addressed, the positive outcomes will rise and the full potential of the EVFTA will be realised.

For more than two decades, EuroCham Vietnam has served as the unwavering voice of the European business community in Vietnam. The organisation brings together a diverse range of companies, from small- and medium-sized enterprises to multinational corporations, to advance the interests of its membership. With over 1,300 members, EuroCham is one of the largest foreign chambers of commerce in Vietnam and has built a robust business network that spans both locations.

EuroCham’s Whitebook 2019 is set to be launched this week, and features a number of interesting insights. Nicolas Audier, EuroCham’s co-chairman, talked to VIR’s Bich Thuy on the focus of recommendations from members and fresh opportunities of the ambitious EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

For the first time, foreign investors in Vietnam will be able to access the most transparent and comprehensive database about business development and sector performance, arming with the necessary information to make timely and efficient investment decisions. Bich Thuy reports.

The European Chamber of Commerce (EuroCham) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) on November 25 co-hosted the Meet Europe 2021: EU-Vietnam Partnership Post-COVID and Whitebook Launch event, seeking to deepen bilateral ties.