The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has launched its 15th annual whitebook, offering insights on Vietnam's business policies from the European business community and seeking to boost investment for a greener, more sustainable economy in the country.
"This whitebook aims to help shape a future where responsible businesses spur innovation and positively benefit Vietnam's people and environment. Despite obstacles ahead, Vietnam and Europe share strong determination to realize ambitious sustainability goals. Past achievements, combined with future focus, signal exciting prospects," said EuroCham chairman Gabor Fluit at a launching conference in Hanoi on Tuesday.
"For over 25 years, EuroCham has played a supportive role facilitating public-private dialogue to advance Vietnam. This whitebook seeks to deepen such engagement through respectful collaboration and open exchange, which we believe essential for achieving shared aspirations."
The whitebook, a collaborative compendium of recommendations for stimulating investment and trade priorities for Vietnam's growth, provides Vietnamese and European policymakers, businesses, academics, and other stakeholders practical perspectives on key economic issues, ranging from green growth, transportation & logistics, construction, mobility, tourism & hospitality, human resources & training, and taxation, among others.
The analysis and recommended policy updates seek to support bilateral dialogue on trends, challenges and opportunities in areas like sustainability, digitalization, finance, and infrastructure. Through discussions among diverse interest groups, the whitebook plays an important role in shaping future initiatives and investment strategies between Vietnam and Europe.
The 2024 edition of the EuroCham Whitebook was enriched by the input from EuroCham's 19 sector committees. Each of these committees acts as a focused group of experts, bringing in-depth knowledge to the table and offering policy suggestions.
By addressing the issues and hurdles highlighted in the document, the whitebook is expected to support the effective implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and help bring about the full ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). This effort is crucial for strengthening the economic relationship between Vietnam and the European Union in a way that benefits both sides.
The event attracted over 200 key individuals from the political and business realms. EuroCham's 19 sector committees presented key issues and facilitated constructive dialogues with Vietnamese government representatives. Topics ranged from tax policy for the garment and textile sector, extended producer responsibility, and healthcare innovation to sustainable economic development and enhancing Vietnam's position in the global innovation and investment landscapes.
EuroCham chairman Fluit also revealed details about the upcoming EuroCham Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) 2024, which is is scheduled for October 21-23 at Ho Chi Minh City's Thiskyhall.
“Building on our past achievements, GEFE will expand its scale and impact in 2024. By bringing together leaders across sectors and across governments for three days of dialogue, conference sessions and an exhibition, it will enable partnerships and dialogue to accelerate practical sustainability solutions across Vietnam,” added Fluit.