On the morning of 31 October 2024, EuroCham Vietnam board member Ms. Hoang Tri Mai attended an influential workshop in Hanoi, organised by the Central Council of Theoretical Studies, the Central Economic Commission, and the University of Economics and Business. This consultation was part of an ongoing project titled “New Development Approach and Orientation for the Foreign-Invested Economic Sector in Vietnam’s Socialist-Oriented Market Economy,” which aims to formulate progressive strategies to maximise foreign direct investment (FDI) benefits in alignment with Vietnam’s unique market structure.
The workshop convened prominent academic and industry experts, including Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Hong Son, Deputy Head of the Central Economic Committee, and Assoc. Prof. Dao Thanh Truong, Deputy Director of Hanoi National University, as well as business leaders such as Ms. Huong Vu, General Director of EY Vietnam, and Ms. Duong Thi Vinh Ha from the Foreign Investment Agency. Participants brought varied perspectives, addressing how Vietnam’s foreign-invested sector can mobilise resources effectively, foster resilient growth, and achieve the nation’s long-term ambitions to 2045.
Ms. Mai’s presence underscored EuroCham’s commitment to working alongside Vietnamese policymakers and industry leaders to create a supportive environment that fosters sustainable business growth and social impact. Representing EuroCham, Ms. Mai provided a nuanced overview of the latest findings from EuroCham’s Q3 2024 Business Confidence Index (BCI), which reflects the perspectives of European investors on the challenges and opportunities present in Vietnam’s business landscape. She noted the resilience of the Vietnamese market amidst recent disruptions, such as Typhoon Yagi, and expressed optimism for continued growth despite recent hurdles, crediting strong recovery efforts and Team Europe’s initiatives to support green development.
Reflecting on EuroCham’s recent Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE 2024), Ms. Mai highlighted that EuroCham, alongside Vietnam’s bilateral government partners, has been playing a central role in addressing green economic issues and accelerating the transition to sustainable practices. The success of GEFE in Ho Chi Minh City, she noted, demonstrated EuroCham’s active leadership in connecting EU and Vietnamese stakeholders, focusing on collaborative green projects and exploring avenues to fulfil shared goals, such as the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Through sustained advocacy, research, and event collaborations, EuroCham has contributed significantly to the policy framework that drives Vietnam’s sustainable future. By actively participating in these critical discussions, EuroCham aims to bridge the dialogue between business and policy stakeholders, facilitating a green and prosperous Vietnam.
In concluding her remarks, Ms. Mai emphasised EuroCham’s ongoing commitment to nurturing a transparent, investor-friendly environment in Vietnam that not only bolsters the foreign-invested sector but also enhances Vietnam’s socio-economic fabric. Echoing the collaborative spirit of the workshop, she remarked, “EuroCham is committed to being a long-term partner in Vietnam’s journey toward sustainable development. We firmly believe that by working together with Vietnamese leaders and our partners, we can help shape a resilient and inclusive future for Vietnam.”
With workshops like these, EuroCham and its partners continue to chart an ambitious course for sustainable FDI in Vietnam, recognising that building a robust economy for future generations depends on a shared commitment to responsible business practices and a green transition.
