Hanoi, March 19, 2024, The Europe Today: Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to fostering an environment conducive to foreign investment, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính underscored the nation’s resolve to create favorable conditions for Dutch corporations and businesses to invest successfully, sustainably, and long-term in Vietnam. The Prime Minister’s remarks came during a reception of a prominent Dutch business delegation led by Ingrid Thijssen, Chair of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), held in Hanoi today.
Prime Minister Chính warmly welcomed the delegation, noting that their visit to Vietnam marks a significant step in advancing the fruitful outcomes achieved during reciprocal high-level visits between Vietnam and the Netherlands in 2022 and 2023. Acknowledging the pivotal role of the Netherlands as Vietnam’s largest European investor and second-largest European trade partner and export market, Prime Minister Chính commended the Netherlands’ tangible contributions to various socio-economic sectors in Vietnam, including poverty reduction, education, healthcare, climate change mitigation, and COVID-19 prevention and control.
Highlighting the invaluable contributions of Dutch enterprises to Vietnam’s economic development and the bilateral relations between the two countries, Prime Minister Chính reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering openness and receptiveness to the concerns and perspectives of the foreign business community, including Dutch businesses.
Prime Minister Chính delineated Vietnam’s development priorities and emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration between Vietnam and the Netherlands, particularly in leveraging the opportunities presented by the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to bolster bilateral trade to $15 billion. He called upon Dutch corporations to explore synergies in sectors such as high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, semiconductor chips, climate resilience, shipbuilding services, logistics, and more.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Chính invited Dutch businesses to offer insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s business and investment landscape, fostering sustainable business practices, nurturing emerging industries, and advancing digitalization and human capital development.
Responding to the delegation’s inquiries, the Dutch business executives articulated their expectations for continued improvement in Vietnamese policies related to taxation, visas, and administrative procedures. They sought specific avenues for support, technology transfer, and collaboration in key sectors such as shipbuilding, renewable energy, environmental protection, and materials supply for Vietnam’s social housing initiatives.
Moreover, the Dutch businesses expressed interest in direct procurement from Vietnamese farmers to ensure the entry of high-quality agricultural products into the Netherlands, while also urging Vietnamese counterparts to uphold commitments to sustainable development practices in the agricultural and food sectors.
The dialogue between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính and the Dutch business delegation signifies a robust partnership aimed at fostering mutual prosperity and sustainable development, underscoring Vietnam’s dedication to facilitating foreign investment and strengthening economic ties with global partners.
