EuroCham attends luncheon meeting with European Parliament delegation to strengthen EU-ASEAN relations

EuroCham participated in a luncheon meeting with the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the Countries of Southeast Asia and ASEAN (DASE) on June 20. Led by Chairman Daniel Caspary, the delegation was on an official visit to Vietnam, focusing on fostering stronger ties between Team Europe  and Southeast Asian nations.

The luncheon, held at Ly Club Hanoi, was organized by the EU Delegation to Vietnam, and it provided a forum for discussions between EuroCham and the DASE delegation. The attendees comprised a diverse mix of leaders representing various sectors, EuroCham board members, members representing their own companies, as well as representatives of large European investors in Vietnam.

The discussions revolved around several key topics of interest to both parties. The first topic centered on the business environment in Vietnam for EU enterprises, exploring the challenges and opportunities that European companies face while operating in the country. Additionally, participants reviewed the potential benefits of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) in terms of trade and investment, highlighting the significant opportunities it presents for both regions. The gathering also addressed the expectations arising from the pending EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, emphasizing the importance of its signing fostering a secure and conducive investment climate.

Representing the DASE delegation and the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam were: 

• Chairman of the Committee on International Trade’s ASEAN Delegation H.E. Daniel Caspary

• Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam H.E. Giorgio Aliberti

• Vice-Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety H.E. MEP Marian-Jean Marinescu

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, H.E. MEP Angelika Niebler 

• Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs, H.E. MEP Inese Vaidere

• Committee on Industry, Research and Energy, H.E.  MEP Łukasz Kohut

• Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection, H.E.  MEP Svenja Hahn 

• Committee on International Trade, H.E. MEP Danilo Oscar Lancini

• Minister Counsellor and Head of Trade Section of the EU Delegation to Vietnam Dr. Carsten Schittek

• European Parliament ASEAN Desk Officer Samuel Cantell

• European Parliament Political Advisor Markus Arens, 

• European Parliament Political Advisor Fabio Pasinelli,

• European Parliament Political Advisor Alessia Centioni

• Deputy Head of Political, Press and Information Section of the EU Delegation to Vietnam William Fingleton

From the EuroCham side, the following attendees participated:

• Chairman Gabor Fluit
• Vice-Chair Claudia Anselmi
• Vice-Chair Torben Minko
• Vice-Chair Minh Nguyen
• Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Green Growth Sector Committee Giando Zappia
• Board Member Stuart Livesey
• International Quality Medicines – Generic & Biosimilar Sector Committee Chairman Gregoris Charitonos
• Transportation & Logistics Sector Committee Vice-Chair Hans Kersten
• Pharma Group Member Cyndy B. Galimpin
• Head of the EuroCham Hanoi Office cum External Relations Nguyen Cam Van
• EuroCham Advocacy Manager Diep Truong
• Chief Executive Officer at CETA Consulting Csaba Bundik
• Damen Song Cam Shipyard Manager of Projects Camiel Curfs
• General Director of Messer Hai Phong Anthony Granpierre

During the DASE delegation’s visit to Vietnam, various engagements were planned with relevant Vietnamese government bodies. One of the primary focuses of these talks was on establishing a mechanism for cooperation in the implementation of the EVFTA, as well as exploring collaboration in specific areas within the ASEAN region, considering the upgraded strategic partnership between the EU and ASEAN.

Chairman Daniel Caspary expressed the EU’s commitment to securing approval from the remaining countries’ parliaments for the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) during the delegation’s trip. The agreement aims to safeguard investment interests and promote further economic collaboration between the EU and Vietnam.

The delegation also had a productive meeting with Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman, Vuong Dinh Hue, on June 19. This meeting further solidified the mutual commitment between Vietnam and the EU, highlighting the value both parties place on strengthening bilateral ties. Further details about the meeting can be found here.