Representatives at the event. (Photo: CPV)
This 11th edition of the Whitebook focused on the future of economic development in Vietnam with the highlight on two issues most critical to ensuring the success of the next phase of Vietnam’s development: The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The event, titled “The EVFTA: Driving Industry Digitalisation and Transformation for Vietnam’s Socio-Economic Prosperity”, co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), brought together more than 200 participants, including high level representatives from the Government of Vietnam:
Mr. Nicolas Audier, Co-Chairman of EuroCham, said: “Over the last three decades, the Government has successfully transformed Vietnam from one of the poorest countries in the world to a fast-growing, modern, middle-income nation.”
Today, Vietnam has the opportunity through new-generation Free Trade Agreements like the EVFTA to take the next step up the value chain and become an even more open and successful leader in the region and on the world stage, he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Denis Brunetti, Co-Chairman of EuroCham, shared: “The EuroCham’s 11th Whitebook contains the insights and recommendations of business leaders from these enterprises. The publication is designed to help Vietnam adapt to the new opportunities that the Fourth Industrial Revolution will bring, and make the country increasingly more competitive in the global economy and more attractive to international trade and investment.”
Hailing contributions of the European business community in Vietnam, Mr. Hoang Quang Phong, VCCI Vice Chairman affirmed the EU is one of the biggest trade partners of Vietnam and the detailed recommendations outlined in the Whitebook will help to make Vietnam a more competitive, attractive and business-friendly trade and investment environment.
With the introduction of "hot" issues that the Government of Vietnam needs to give priority on such as clean energy, food safety, sustainable agricultural development, health, education, and people's living conditions; the recommendations of European businesses have positively contributed to building a prosperous business environment in Vietnam./.