EuroCham holds productive meetings in Hanoi with key Vietnamese officials

Last week, EuroCham concluded a series of highly productive meetings with esteemed government officials in Hanoi. Led by Chairman Gabor Fluit, the EuroCham delegation held significant discussions with some of Vietnam’s key decision-makers.

On May 11 and 12, the delegation engaged in constructive dialogues with:

• Minister of Planning and Investment (MPI) Nguyễn Chí Dũng and the MPI’s Foreign Investment Agency
• Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Nguyễn Minh Vũ and MOFA’s Department of General Economic Affairs
• Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) Tran Thanh Nam, plus its International Cooperation Department; Department of Livestock Production; Department of Animal Health; Department of Quality, Processing and Market Development; Department of Plant Protection; and Department of Horticulture

Representatives from EuroCham included:

• Chairman Gabor Fluit
• Vice-Chairs Minh Nguyen and Søren Roed Pedersen,
• Advisory Board Member Horst Geicke
• EuroCham Executive Director Delphine Rousselet
• Head of Office Hanoi cum External Relations Manager Van Nguyen

These meetings provided EuroCham with a valuable opportunity to bring forth key advocacy points and effectively raise the voices of our membership across the country.

Chairman Gabor Fluit and representatives from EuroCham’s Board expressed their commitment to building upon the solid foundation laid by their predecessors. Mr. Fluit also emphasized that now is the ideal time for European investors to rally behind Vietnam and highlighted the importance of European investors in fostering mutually beneficial growth.

Pictured above: EuroCham representatives meeting with MPI, Minister Dung and the MPI’s Foreign Investment Agency on May 11.

Key points discussed during the meeting with MPI, Minister Dũng and the MPI’s Foreign Investment Agency on May 11 were as follows:

• EuroCham expressed gratitude to Minister Dũng for the MPI’s efforts in the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) and the recent Prime Minister’s Conference on Foreign Direct Investment, as well as for their continuous support to EuroCham throughout the year.
• EuroCham expressed appreciation and support for MPI’s handling of the National Green Growth Strategy. We also discussed potential initiatives EuroCham could undertake in this regard.
• The EuroCham Business Climate Index (BCI) was featured, emphasizing Vietnam’s position as a top investment destination.
• EU companies’ strategies and the evolving context for attracting FDI to Vietnam, including factors such as the global minimum tax, were highlighted.
• EuroCham described the potential and planned investments worth billions of dollars by its members, identified ongoing obstacles, and proposed solutions.

We were, of course, incredibly pleased for our Gold Premium Corporate Partner, DEEP C Industrial Zones, to be part of it! DEEP C Industrial Zones General Sales & Marketing Director and BeluxCham Board Member Koen Soenens attended for the meeting with Minister Dũng.

Following are the key points discussed during the meeting with MOFA, Vice Minister Vũ and MOFA’s Department of General Economic Affairs on May 11:

• MOFA was thanked for their support and efforts concerning visas.
• EuroCham presented visions and directions aimed at attracting more EU FDI to Vietnam.
• Discussions were held regarding potential and future collaborations between EuroCham and MOFA.

During the meeting with MARD, EuroCham, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam and numerous MARD departments on May 12 discussed:

• The Tay Ninh Business Connection Forum, scheduled for June 2.
• Future collaborations between EuroCham and MARD to promote agricultural products, exchange expertise, and provide high-tech agriculture education.

In addition, the Food Agri & Aqua Business Sector Committee (FAABS) was there to meet with Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam as part of the delegation. FAABS representatives included its Chairman Jesper Clausen and Vice-Chairman Paul-Antoine Croizé.

During the meeting, FAABS detailed some of its key advocacy topics, such as:

• Adapting the legal framework to address innovative and new raw materials for feed production in the light of the current market situation and to increase sustainability.
• Implementing a one-health approach and perspective on aquaculture and livestock production in order to ensure prudent usage of antibiotics.
• Continued focus on the implementation of and how to expand benefits from the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

FAABS also expressed interest to participate and support the food innovation hub and inquired on the current status of said project so as to provide support to the government.

EuroCham expressed their sincere gratitude to Minister Nguyễn Chí Dũng, Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam, and Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Vũ for their time and receptiveness to the concerns and aspirations of European investors.

As EuroCham continues to champion the interests of its members, these meetings serve as a testament to our organization’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and promoting positive change in Vietnam’s business landscape.