The Whitebook in its 15th edition provides a comprehensive set of recommendations for investment and trade priorities for policymakers, enterprises, scholars, and involved parties from both Vietnam and Europe.

The analysis and proposed policy updates are to support bilateral dialogue on trends, challenges, and opportunities in such areas as sustainability, digitization, finance, and infrastructure.

Addressing the event, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier said he believes the sustained investment of European businesses in Vietnam have been here a very long time.

“We can expect the bilateral trade in goods to continue to flourish with both exports and imports increasing in the future. Already today Vietnam has become the third ranking trading goods partner in ASEAN for Europe and the EU’s 16 trade partners worldwide. The EU is one of the largest and most committed foreign investors in Vietnam for sustainable and durable investment,” said Julien.

“We can still aim higher through the implementation of the FTA and enhance our trade relations. This will open new opportunities for business growth. Through the data found in the Whitebook and all its recommendations, we can achieve the full potential of growth here in Vietnam,” he noted.

EuroCham chairman Gabor Fluit said that the chamber is ready to support and cooperate with Vietnam on its development journey.

“2024 will present its own unique set of difficulties. We need to brace ourselves for ongoing issues such as reduced exports and imports, persistent supply chain disruptions and other unexpected challenges that demand our immediate focus and action,” he said.

As Vietnam navigates current challenges and opportunities, adaptive policies will be key, he suggested, adding that by regularly fine-tuning strategies to match the evolving landscape, Vietnam can position itself to capitalize on future opportunities.