From 4–6 November, EuroCham Vietnam, in collaboration with the EU–ASEAN Business Council (EU ABC) and Vriens & Partners, successfully organised the annual EU–ASEAN Business Council Business Mission to Vietnam, bringing together European business representatives for 12 high-level meetings with Vietnamese Government counterparts and EU representatives.
Representing EuroCham Vietnam and our members were:
- Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet – Vice Chair
- Ms. Rita Mokbel – Vice Chair
- Mr. Nguyen Hai Minh – Vice Chair
- Mr. Torben Minko – Vice Chair
- Ms. Delphine Rousselet – Executive Director
- Ms. Huyen Dang – Advocacy Manager
- Ms. Van Nguyen – Head of Office Hanoi cum External Relations Manager
- Mr. Aleksandrs Parfjonovs – Vice Chair, European Standards Medicines Sector Committee
- Mr. Koen Soenens – Vice Chair, Transportation & Logistics Sector Committee
- Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Tuyet Trinh – Co-Chair, Cosmetics Sector Committee
- Mr. Giando Zappia – Chair, Sustainable Finance Sector Committee
- Mr. Yves Vanderstraeten – Vice Chair, Digital Sector Committee
Day 1 (4 November): Strengthening healthcare, finance and investment frameworks
The mission opened with a meeting with Vice Minister of Health H.E. Do Xuan Tuyen, focusing on drug administration and the transition towards a digital, risk-based post-market surveillance model. Discussions also covered health insurance and reimbursement, high-tech medical devices for rare disease care, food safety regulation, and the review and approval of advertising content for health supplements.
With Vice Minister of Finance H.E. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, the delegation discussed macroeconomic management, the development of Vietnam’s International Financial Centre, facilitation of foreign investment and evolving tax policies. The discussion also considered a risk-based approach to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens for businesses that are already compliant.
Day 2 (5 November): Building competitive sectors and a stronger business environment
The meeting with the Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism H.E. Ho an Phong explored the potential of cultural industries to strengthen Vietnam’s competitiveness in regional and global markets, alongside ambitions to develop tourism as a spearhead economic sector through innovation, digital transformation and smart tourism. Discussions also covered attracting high-quality tourists, developing sports ecosystems, and the role of digital platforms and advertising regulations in protecting brands and ensuring responsible practices online.
The delegation also exchanged courtesies with Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of National Defense H.E. Phan Van Giang.
With Vice Chairman of the National Assembly H.E. Nguyen Hong Dien, discussions focused on institutional and legal development to improve the investment and business environment, upcoming tax adjustments and transitional arrangements, and healthcare and social welfare. The meeting also highlighted the importance of nurturing advanced engineering talent and enabling domestic enterprises to meet global standards, supporting a cleaner, greener and more sustainable economy.
Day 3 (6 November): Innovation, sustainable finance and green transformation
With Director General, Department of Health under the Ministry of Public Security, Major General Pham Thi Lan Anh, the delegation discussed investment in and modernisation of high-tech medical equipment, alongside the prospects for self-reliant vaccine research, development and manufacturing and measures to strengthen preparedness and resilience against future public health challenges.
With the Minister of Science and Technology H.E. Vu Hai Quan, we discussed innovation and R&D, including opportunities for stronger partnerships between foreign investors and domestic companies to expand research collaboration, support sustainable industrial development and increase domestic value added. The discussion also explored the opportunities and responsibilities surrounding AI usage, as well as applications for greener infrastructure and operations and capacity building in pioneering fields such as quantum computing. Space science, Earth Observation Satellite applications and technology transfer were also discussed, with attention to intellectual property and timely patent protection.
With Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam H.E. Nguyen Ngoc Canh, the delegation discussed sustainable finance and credit, capital mobilisation and alignment with international standards, alongside monetary policy, anti-money laundering and financial transparency in higher-risk transactions. Digital currency and payments, including wholesale and retail models, were also on the agenda.
Discussions with Deputy Director General of the Department of Customs Mr. Au Anh Tuan focused on customs policy following recent reforms and measures to help Vietnam develop higher-value-added industries. The delegation also discussed inspection and supervision, logistics competitiveness and multimodal connectivity, as well as risk-based management and customs digital transformation to simplify administrative procedures and improve regulatory stability for multinational companies.
With Vice Minister of Construction H.E. Nguyen Tuong Van, discussions centred on the twin green and digital transformation of the construction and transport sectors, including the adoption of green buildings, low-carbon materials and digital transformation across the construction lifecycle. The delegation also discussed sustainable urban development and aviation infrastructure, including operational requirements for international express delivery in relation to the Long Thanh International Airport project.
The mission also met with EU Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Julien Guerrier to discuss EVFTA implementation and the regulatory environment, including the role of the Global Gateway initiative. The conversation spanned across sectors such as wine and spirits, healthcare, innovative medicines and pharmaceuticals, and logistics. Investment, innovation and sustainable growth were also discussed in the context of Resolution No. 10 and opportunities for closer EU–Vietnam cooperation.
The final meeting was with Deputy Director General of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment Mr. Vu Duc Dam Quang, covering circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), sustainable agriculture through biological solutions and low-emission farming practices, and ways to increase the value and competitiveness of Vietnam’s exports. Discussions also addressed carbon market development, the need for a clear and predictable framework, and the use of remote sensing and satellite technology for agriculture and environmental protection.
A shared direction for the next phase
Across the 12 meetings, one message consistently stood out: businesses and investors need a stable and predictable environment to maintain confidence, expand investment and strengthen partnerships in the region. EuroCham’s Business Confidence Index (BCI) serves as a trusted barometer that regularly check the pulse of European business community in Vietnam to raise timely recommendations for the investment landscape. Latest publication from Q3 3036 features key considerations on administrative hurdles on businesses and the prioritised reforms to maintain positive sentiments across the businesses.
At the same time, economic growth must increasingly go hand in hand with environmental responsibility, pursuing cleaner, greener and more carbon-neutral practices as Vietnam advances its development ambitions.
These discussions provide further momentum towards EuroCham’s flagship Growth Economic Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2027, taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from 9–11 March 2027, where business, government and other stakeholders will continue the conversation around the next chapter of ambitious, sustainable economic growth.
EuroCham extends our warm thanks to our Government counterparts, delegation members and business representatives for their time, dedication and participation throughout the mission.
