Seminar on promoting Vietnam-EU cooperation and the role of EuroCham

Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao spoke at the seminar.

On March 24, the Embassy of Vietnam in the Kingdom of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the Vietnamese Delegation to the European Union (EU), held a seminar on promoting Vietnam-EU cooperation.

The event was attended by nearly 30 guests who are members of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), the EU Ambassador to Vietnam, representatives of a number of EU agencies and representatives of the Embassy - Delegation of Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao emphasized that the EU is an important partner of Vietnam. The two sides have established many cooperation mechanisms, including the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Although economic, trade and investment cooperation between Vietnam and the EU has achieved positive results, there is still much potential to be exploited.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao also affirmed that EuroCham, as a representative of EU businesses investing and operating in Vietnam, has made an important contribution to promoting Vietnam-EU relations. Therefore, EuroCham's companionship, sharing vision, strategy and coordinating joint activities, will play an essential role in taking advantage of opportunities and responding to current challenges.

In the context of many international fluctuations, Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao expressed his hope that EuroCham will have a stronger voice with EU agencies, together with Vietnam to take advantage of opportunities, overcome challenges and remove barriers.

Regarding the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao emphasized that this is not only a barrier to attracting investment but also poses potential risks for EU businesses investing in Vietnam. Therefore, the voice of EuroCham as a representative of actual investors will be of great significance, contributing to promoting the Governments and Parliaments of EU member states to soon ratify the EVIPA.

In addition, the Ambassador proposed that the two sides strengthen cooperation in potential areas such as responding to climate change and promoting green transformation, developing the digital economy and the marine economy.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier speaks at the seminar.

EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier shared that the EU considers Vietnam a reliable partner and an important investment destination for EU businesses in ASEAN. Ambassador Julien Guerrier expects that on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Vietnam-EU relations, both sides will take new steps to promote cooperation, boost trade, effectively utilize the EVFTA, and cooperate in investment.

On the EuroCham side, the delegation attending the discussion included the Chairman, Board of Directors and representatives of EU enterprises in many fields such as seaports, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, technology, finance, real estate, and agriculture.

Ambassador Nguyen Van Thao took a photo with some representatives of the EuroCham delegation.

Speaking at the seminar, EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert emphasized that Vietnam is increasingly attracting the attention of EU businesses, and at the same time, the EU business community operating in Vietnam also expressed optimism about the development prospects of this market.

Mr. Bruno Jaspaert highly appreciated Vietnam's remarkable progress in building an investment environment and reforming the legal framework to facilitate foreign businesses.

EuroCham Vice President Jean-Jacques Bouflet emphasized that Vietnam needs to continue to create more favorable conditions for EU businesses in investment and business activities, and recommended that Vietnam step up efforts to overcome limitations, especially in removing the IUU yellow card. EuroCham, on its part, pledged to actively support and contribute its voice to help Vietnam overcome barriers.

Delegates discuss at the seminar.

Business representatives expressed optimism about Vietnam's policies in recent times, especially in the fields of green, clean transformation, digital transformation and innovation.

Representatives of Digital SC Company highly appreciated Vietnam's priority for innovation and digital transformation, and wished to continue receiving support to further promote investment in Vietnam.

In addition, some delegates also expressed concerns that Vietnam does not have enough support for small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in Vietnam, saying that these enterprises have a different investment method compared to large enterprises, and once invested, they will create long-term value.

The discussion took place in an open atmosphere, with frank exchanges. EuroCham representatives affirmed that they will continue to accompany Vietnam, and at the same time share their views with EU agencies to support Vietnam in adapting to the new context, thereby contributing to promoting Vietnam-EU relations in many fields.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/toa-dam-thuc-day-quan-he-hop-tac-viet-nam-eu-va-vai-tro-cua-eurocham-308886.html