Vietnam’s resilience in face of global turbulences incredible: EuroCham chairman
Vietnam is heading towards a golden era, with a wave of investment expected over the next 7-8 years, said Bruno Jaspaert, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), in a talk with the Vietnamese government's news portal.

Bruno Jaspaert, chairman of EuroCham in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of the government's news portal.
What impresses you most about Vietnam in the year of the dragon, 2024?
As a foreign investor in Vietnam, I’m particularly impressed by two things.
First, Vietnam’s ability to “swim against the current” in overcoming super typhoon Yagi, the strongest typhoon recorded in Asia in 2024 and the second strongest worldwide.
Had typhoon Yagi hit any country in Europe, we would have seen greater losses and taken longer to recover. I admire Vietnam’s ability to face such challenges head-on, especially the Vietnamese government’s determination to achieve 7% growth, despite international organizations lowering their forecasts. This resilience is deeply embedded in Vietnam’s economy and culture.
Second, Vietnam has successfully restored confidence among foreign businesses. According to EuroCham’s latest report, the Business Confidence Index (BCI) reached its highest level in more than two years, hitting 61.8 points in the fourth quarter of 2024, an increase of 33% year-on-year. This demonstrates the optimism within the European business community about Vietnam’s economic prospects.
This reflects Vietnam’s incredible resilience in the face of global turbulences and underscores the country’s growing prominence as a regional trade and investment hub. Foreign investors remain confident in Vietnam’s economic outlook, political stability, and government plans to streamline the administrative apparatus to boost efficiency.
Finally, a quarter of businesses surveyed indicated they plan to invest or expand operations in Vietnam, and 75% of European business leaders say they would recommend Vietnam as an ideal investment destination. This is a clear sign of growing confidence in Vietnam, particularly among European businesses, which bodes well for the country’s future.
What are your expectations for the Vietnamese economy in the year of the Snake, 2025?
I expect Vietnam to continue its growth trajectory, thanks to its ambitious goals for sustainable development and digital transformation. More importantly, Vietnam’s location and the current geopolitical situation play a major role in shaping its future.
Vietnam is heading towards a golden era, with a wave of investment expected over the next 7-8 years. The country will become a key manufacturing and logistics hub for the ASEAN region.
The Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and favorable FDI policies will further facilitate market expansion and innovation. Vietnam’s location is a strategic advantage, and in the years ahead, regardless of global events, it will play a crucial role in regional and global trade.
What are your recommendations to improve Vietnam’s business environment, especially for European investors?
There’s no quick fix, but we can focus on the key barriers that EuroCham members have identified: complex licensing processes, administrative burdens, and an uncoordinated tax system.
First, the foundation for every economy should be the rule of law. Laws and policies must be clear and simplified. Foreign investors want simplicity. Businesspeople want to understand exactly what’s required and easily comply with regulations.
I fully support the government’s plan to streamline its administrative apparatus to make business processes more efficient.
What recommendations do you have for attracting more high-quality FDI, particularly in high-tech and environmentally friendly sectors?
I believe tourism, especially sustainable tourism, will thrive as Vietnam becomes one of the most popular destinations for foreign tourists. I’m eager to introduce travelers to Vietnam, it’s an amazing place for vacations.
Vietnam’s geographical location will also boost the development of manufacturing, supply chains, and logistics to a greater extent than ever before. I predict that the digital transformation sector will see new opportunities, although this will depend on regulatory adjustments.
Lastly, renewable energy could emerge as a booming sector once legal barriers are removed, opening the door for foreign investment to flow in.
- Read More
Viettel Post-invested $27 mln logistics center project breaks ground in central Vietnam
Viettel Post, a subsidiary of military-run Viettel Group, has broken ground on an over VND722 billion ($27.41 million) logistics center project in Danang city, which is expected to enhance the logistics capacity of Vietnam's central and Central Highlands regions.
Industries - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 7:35 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's stock market regulator introduces green bond disclosure handbook
By enhancing transparency and standardizing disclosures, the Green Bond Disclosure Handbook that the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) introduced will build investor trust, reduce greenwashing risks, and support the growth of a credible and resilient green finance market in Vietnam.
Finance - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 2:11 pm GMT+7
Central Vietnam province Lam Dong seeks investment for 72 projects
The Lam Dong province People's Committee has called for investment in 72 projects across various sectors which are set for implementation in 2025 and the 2026-2030 period.
Industries - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 1:31 pm GMT+7
Vietnam's leading conglomerate Vingroup ventures into senior living market
Vingroup JSC (HoSE: VIC) has unveiled Vin New Horizon, a network of premium retirement and wellness communities built to international standards, marking the Vietnamese conglomerate’s strategic entry into the senior living market.
Industries - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 12:28 pm GMT+7
Vietnam’s agri major HAGL makes surprise return to property, saying land plot forgotten for 15 years
Vietnam’s agri major Hoang Anh Gia Lai JSC's (HAGL) return to real estate is an accident, after discovering a plot of land the company had “forgotten for 15 years” during its boom years, said chairman Doan Nguyen Duc.
Companies - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 10:02 am GMT+7
REE to set up 2 subsidiaries for wind projects in southern Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City-based utility firm Refrigeration Electrical Engineering Corporation (HoSE: REE) has decided to establish two wholly-owned subsidiaries to develop two wind power projects in Vinh Long province, expanding its renewable energy portfolio in southern Vietnam.
Energy - Sun, October 19, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Australian CEO detained, NSH Petro’s recovery hopes collapse
The recovery prospects of NSH Petro (PSH) have dimmed after its Australian CEO was detained on allegations of fraud involving false promises of billion-dollar financing that led to the misappropriation of nearly $4.9 million.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 6:53 pm GMT+7
Maintaining market status upgrade a bigger challenge: official
Vietnam's stock market status will be upgraded by FTSE Russell from "frontier" to "secondary emerging" from September 21 next year, but continued reform is critical as the bigger challenge is to maintain the new classification, said a market watchdog official.
Finance - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 1:30 pm GMT+7
HCMC partners with Nasdaq to develop int’l financial center
The Finance Department of Vietnam’s southern metropolis Ho Chi Minh City has signed an MoU with the U.S.-based stock exchange Nasdaq on the development of an international financial center (IFC).
Top News - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 11:56 am GMT+7
Vingroup plans $325 mln issuance of international bonds
Vietnam's leading private conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) has announced a board of directors resolution to issue $325 million worth of international bonds, with a five-year term and a yield of 5.5% per year.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 10:26 am GMT+7
Vietnam raises personal income tax deductions by over 40%
The Standing Committee of Vietnam’s National Assembly, the country's legislature, on Friday approved a resolution on adjusting personal income tax (PIT) deductions, marking a significant increase of over 40% from current levels.
Economy - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:11 am GMT+7
EVN subsidiary spreads the spirit of solidarity, compassion
The employees of National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) came together in an inspiring display of unity and compassion in October, each donating one day’s salary to support and express solidarity with the people of Cuba - a nation that has long shared a special friendship with Vietnam.
Companies - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 9:00 am GMT+7
Property fever prompts tighter inspection in central Vietnam's economic hub Danang
Chairman of Danang city People’s Committee, Pham Duc An, has ordered a comprehensive inspection and audit of land valuation and auction activities to prevent and address market manipulation that could destabilize the local property market.
Real Estate - Sat, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 am GMT+7
Vietnam mulls opening door for private investment in small modular reactors
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has drafted a parliamentary resolution that, for the first time, would allow private companies to participate in the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).
Energy - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:37 pm GMT+7
Kido seeks buyer for remaining 49% stake in frozen food affiliate
Kido Group (HoSE: KDC), a leading food company in Vietnam, has approved a plan to divest the firm's remaining 49% stake in its affiliate Kido Frozen Food JSC (Kido Foods).
Companies - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:25 pm GMT+7
Le Ngoc Quang appointed Danang city's Party chief
Le Ngoc Quang, a Party Central Committee member and Party chief of Quang Tri province, has been appointed Party chief of Danang for the 2025-2030 term - the highest position in the city, central Vietnam's economic hub.
Politics - Fri, October 17, 2025 | 4:17 pm GMT+7