Bosch exec appointed new EuroCham Vietnam chair

The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has appointed Dominik Meichle, managing director of Bosch Vietnam, as its new chairman.

Meichle succeeds Gabor Fluit, who departed from the role to assume new responsibilities as CEO of De Heus Animal Nutrition.

During Fluit’s tenure, EuroCham saw significant growth in its membership and enhanced policy advocacy efforts, EuroCham said in a statement.

In 2022, Meichle became Bosch Vietnam's youngest managing director. As EuroCham’s new chair, he is prepared to uphold and build upon the chamber's 25-year legacy.

"Transitioning from a board member, to vice-chair, and ultimately to chairman within EuroCham has been an immensely rewarding experience," said Fluit. "As I pass the baton, I am certain that Meichle's leadership will further deepen the Team Europe-Vietnam partnership."

Meichle stated: "Dedicated dialogue with all Vietnamese and European stakeholders will help us unveil opportunities for impactful collaboration and sustainable economic growth in Vietnam."

Together with the new chair, EuroCham Vietnam has elected its 2024 17-member board of directors, comprising business leaders from major sectors across Vietnam.

“This blend of continuity and new voices will steer the chamber's advocacy for a premier investment climate benefiting European and local companies,” EuroCham noted.

New additions to the board include Ingo Brandenburg (Bayer Vietnam), Anita Holgersen (Equinor), and Thue Quist Thomasen (Decision Lab).

Looking forward, guided by Meichle's leadership, EuroCham is setting a refined agenda for 2024, focusing on intensified advocacy and expanding its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.

Regarding advocacy, EuroCham has plans to hold around 90 meetings with Vietnamese authorities and dispatch 200 letters informed by insights from its annual Whitebook. This includes widening its presence in Vietnam’s provinces to bolster member engagement and identify new business opportunities.

A key component of this strategy is the expansion of the chamber’s Danang-based Central Vietnam Chapter, relaunched in 2023, to enhance its support network and service offerings for members in this key region.

Beyond advocacy, EuroCham is dedicating increased focus to ESG principles and sustainability. This includes vital initiatives designed to raise awareness and comprehension of significant EU regulations, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

A specialized working group within EuroCham will be at the helm of these initiatives, promoting collaboration among business associations and spearheading capacity-building efforts for both EuroCham members and Vietnamese companies.

EuroCham will hold the Green Economy Forum & Exhibition 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City from October 21-23. This flagship platform will convene business leaders, policymakers, experts, and innovators from across Vietnam, Europe, and Southeast Asia. It will feature dozens of conference sessions, an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge sustainable solutions, and a high-level meeting with top Vietnamese and European officials.

EuroCham Vietnam's 2024 board comprises:

- Chairman Dominik Meichle (Bosch)

- Secretary General Marieke van der Pijl (Individual EuroCham member)

- Treasurer Olivier Rousselet (BNP Paribas Vietnam)

- Vice chairwoman Claudia Anselmi (Hung Yen Knitting & Dyeing co. ltd)

- Vice chairman in charge of advocacy Jean-Jacques Bouflet (Individual EuroCham member)

- Vice chairman Torben Minko (B. Braun)

- Vice chairman in charge of external relations Minh Nguyen (Mazars)

- Vice chairman Xuan Thang Nguyen (Schaeffler)

- Board member Ingo Brandenburg (Bayer Vietnam)

- Board member Kim Francois (BeLuxCham Vietnam)

- Board member Fanny Haniquaut (Sanofi)

- Board member Tri-Mai Hoang (Airbus)

- Board member Anita H. Holgersen (Equinor)

- Board member Stuart Livesey (Copenhagen Offshore Partners)

- Board member Javier Mendez Repiso (An Phat Holdings)

- Board member Thue Quist Thomasen (Decision Lab)

- Board member Giandomenico Zappia (AQUILA.is)