Danang, 14 June – EuroCham and its Central Vietnam Chapter organised a dialogue between European businesses and H.E. Chairman Huynh Duc Tho of the Danang People's Committee, along with other heads of department of the local Government. EuroCham's delegation was led by Co-Chairman Denis Brunetti.
The Whitebook Briefing 2018 had the participation of more than 20 company representatives who engaged in a fruitful dialogue with local authorities on business, trade and investment issues and recommendations. The event’s background was the official delivery of EuroCham’s Whitebook 2018 – the Chamber’s annual flagship publication – to the local authorities.
H.E. Chairman Huynh Duc Tho of the Danang People's Committee
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After the Whitebook 2018’s official launch last March in Hanoi – where the book was handed to central Government officials – EuroCham repeated the same exercise with the provincial Government of Danang, in line with the organisation’s awareness-raising action towards decision-makers all over Vietnam.
EuroCham Co-Chairman Denis Brunetti introduced the focus and contents of the book to the local Government officials, highlighting the most important elements of the publication and its significance in its 10th edition.
Touching upon ICT development and how Vietnam is preparing for its next steps in the Industry 4.0 dimension, Mr. Brunetti also contextualised EuroCham’s message in the coming of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, foreseen to become effective this year and to have a positive impact on trade and investment between the two sides. This is particularly important for provinces pursuing foreign investment in value-added industries. Europe is renowned for being home to global leaders in priority sectors for Danang, which has established ICT, High Tech, Tourism and Hospitality as the key drivers for future investment in the province.
From left to right: Nguyen Hai Minh (Tax and Legal Partner Mazars Vietnam) – EuroCham Co-Chairman Denis Brunetti – Jan Segers (BeluxCham Chairman) – Jose Sanchez-Barroso (ECV Delegate; Director, Vinh Thanh Investment JSB)
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H.E. Huynh Duc Tho and Ms. Huynh Lien Phuong, Vice Director of the Danang Investment Promotion Agency (IPA Danang) had met EuroCham’s leadership earlier in May in Hanoi, at one of the largest business-to-Government event of this year thus far – the Meet Europe 2018 conference, co-organised by EuroCham – where the standing of European business in Vietnam was discussed. At this Briefing, Ms. Phuong highlighted to attending business leaders the opportunities that exist in Danang and the current investment policies being pursued, stating that the local Government remains open to dialogue with businesses and looks forward to continue working with companies that are currently operating in Danang, as well as future investors.
EuroCham members Catherine McKinley (Director, Greenshoots International School), Jose Sanchez-Barroso, (ECV Delegate; Director, Vinh Thanh Investment JSB), Hai Dang Ngoc (Branch Director, Axon Active Vietnam) and Nguyen Hai Minh (Tax and Legal Partner Mazars Vietnam) conveyed specific Whitebook issues and recommendations to the local authorities in the fields of Education, Tourism, ICT, and Taxation, respectively. Other members also had the opportunity to raise their discussion points at the Q&A session of the agenda, which then was responded to concisely by the People’s Committee of Danang.
Chairman Huynh Duc Tho closed the briefing with a message of cooperation, highlighting the importance of the dialogue that EuroCham and the local investment authorities have been developing for the past two years. Mr. Denis Brunetti committed EuroCham to continue to be active in Central Vietnam, stressing the like-mindedness shared by the Chamber and the People’s Committee of Danang when it comes to the role of the private and the public sectors in ensuring that Vietnam’s future is set on innovation, sustainability and liveability.
From left to right: Joaquim Torrinha (EuroCham Deputy Director), Denis Brunetti (EuroCham Co-Chairman) and H.E. Chairman Huynh Duc Tho of the Danang People's Committee
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EuroCham’s Central Vietnam Chapter has been active since 2016 and continues to implement regular activities with the Chamber’s members in Danang, Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue. The organisation also organised its quarterly networking event later that evening gathering representatives of more than 30 companies. Eurocham will continue its activity schedule in Central Vietnam in the coming months with regular events, in an agenda that culminates with the third edition of the EuroCham Central Vietnam Business Forum which will take place in Danang next November.
ADVOCACY REPORT [Issues Raised and Response from the Government]
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