Ho Chi Minh City appreciates Heineken’s business and social operation

Participants at the meeting (Source: thanhuytphcm.vn)

During the meeting, Chairman Phan Van Mai praised Heineken’s global and Vietnam business and social operations, including its collaboration with Saigon Trading Group (Satra) in Ho Chi Minh City. He expressed confidence in Heineken’s long-standing presence and success in Vietnam, and wished Mr. Wieste Mutters a successful term in his new position.

He noted that Heineken focuses not only on business efficiency but also on circular economy models, green transformation and sustainable development. He mentioned that the city is currently implementing a green development strategy and hopes that Heineken will share its expertise and support the city in shaping its green economy strategy, aiming toward carbon neutrality.

The Chairman also acknowledged the significant role of Dutch businesses, noting that the Netherlands is the largest European investor in Ho Chi Minh City. As Chairman of the Dutch Business Association, Mr. Wieste Mutters was encouraged to promote and attract more Dutch investors to the city for mutually beneficial cooperation and development.

Mr. Mai also addressed Mr. Mutters’ suggestion regarding special consumption tax policies, agreeing that there should be a suitable roadmap and specific tax policies for each product, based on comprehensive evaluation. He assured that he would discuss this matter with relevant ministries and, in his capacity as a member of the National Assembly, would work with the National Assembly's committees on the issue.

Mr. Wieste Mutters expressed his gratitude to Chairman Phan Van Mai for the warm reception and shared his delight at seeing Ho Chi Minh City's continuous development. He emphasized the city’s significance, as it was the location of Heineken’s first brewery in Vietnam in 1991, marking the beginning of Heineken’s successful 33-year journey in the country. To date, Heineken has created over 17,000 jobs and contributed 0.5% of Vietnam's GDP, equivalent to VND33,000 billion. Specifically, in Ho Chi Minh City, Heineken is expected to contribute VND12,000 billion in 2024. Currently, 99% of Heineken's operations in the city use renewable energy, having reduced emissions by 93%, and the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. Heineken is also the largest Dutch investor in Vietnam, with over EUR1 billion invested, and plans to continue expanding its investments in the country in the future./.