VIETRADE panel: FAABS Chairman Jesper Clausen Urges Vietnam to Embrace EVFTA and Promote Sustainable Products for EU Market Success

On May 11, Jesper Clausen, Chairman of the EuroCham Food, Agri, and Aqua Business Sector Committee (FAABS), participated in a panel discussion organized by the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) in Danang.

In his remarks, he congratulated the province of Danang for its remarkable success in promoting local products. He also emphasized that Vietnam should take advantage of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to gain a competitive edge over other countries in the region by being an early adopter.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of food safety and traceability to retailers and consumers in Europe. He further stressed the importance of incorporating green and sustainable production practices into the overall strategy of promoting Vietnamese products in the EU.

Mr. Clausen also commended the One Commune One Product (OCOP)program as an excellent approach to adding value to products within the commune or province of their origin, praising it as adding value rather than solely pursuing volume as a positive direction. He suggested promoting this program or expanding it beyond the Vietnamese market as the next step.

As he wrapped his comments, he advised Vietnamese SMEs to seek out European companies or contacts with experience in EU markets for guidance on getting started. This would allow them to gain valuable insights and support for entering and succeeding in Europe.

Want to join FAABS? Email Mr. Khoa Nguyen at khoa.nguyen@eurochamvn.org!