BeLuxCham ESG Conference 2023: celebrating collaboration and sustainability

The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BeLuxCham), in collaboration with the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam and EuroCham Gold Premium Corporate Partner DEEP C Industrial Zones, hosted the “ESG: Evolving to the Next Level” conference. This event, unfolding from 30 November to 1 December 2023 in Ho Chi Minh City, focused on best environmental, social, and governance practices. The conference also commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Belgium, and Luxembourg, as well as the 20th anniversary of BeLuxCham in Vietnam.

EuroCham Chairman Gabor Fluit, in his closing speech for the plenary session, extended congratulations to BeLuxCham on their 20th anniversary, saying that “Despite the relatively modest size of Belgium and Luxembourg, BeLuxCham has consistently punched above its weight. Your members have been very influential in introducing European best practices to Vietnam, contributing to Vietnam’s business landscape with an outsized impact. So really, congratulations to BeLuxCham for an impressive 20 years.”

Mr. Fluit also emphasized EuroCham’s unique structure as a “chamber of chambers,” saying that the combined strength of EuroCham and our affiliated European national business associations “unites diverse European and Vietnamese perspectives. This diversity strengthens our advocacy, ensuring Team Europe speaks as one. And with that united voice, we promote removing trade barriers, streamlining regulations, and facilitating sustainable investment.”

As he concluded his comments, he took the opportunity to spotlight EuroCham’s Green Economy Forum 2023, held in Hanoi on 2 November 2023, and the upcoming Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024, scheduled for November 2024 in southern Vietnam. 

The event’s opening plenary session also featured the likes of:

• Võ Văn Hoan, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City;
• Phạm Dứt Điểm, Deputy Director of the Department of External Affairs of Ho Chi Minh City;
• Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam;
• Karl Van den Bossche, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Vietnam;
• Olivier Du Ngoc, Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Vietnam;
• Bart Verheyen, Chairman of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam; and
• Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency.

Overall, the conference comprised a plenary session, 12 breakout sessions, and a closing gala dinner. These sessions facilitated high-level dialogues among government representatives from Belgium, Luxembourg, and Vietnam, along with key private sector leaders and stakeholders. The topics covered were diverse, including sustainable agriculture, carbon emission reduction, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, smart manufacturing, and transparent supply chain management. EuroCham Board Members, Corporate Partners, members, and BeluxCham leaders actively participated across much of their conference, contributing their expertise and insights.

Congratulations, BeLuxCham, and many thanks for having us as part of your successful event!