European firms optimistic about Vietnam's business environment after social distancing
Vietnam posted 18.3 percentage points in the Business Climate Index (BCI) in the third quarter of 2021 that was recently announced by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), a slight rise over the record low of 15 percentage points recorded in the most difficult time of the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in September.
HCM City (VNA) – Vietnam posted 18.3 percentage points in the Business Climate Index (BCI) in the third quarter of 2021 that was recently announced by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), a slight rise over the record low of 15 percentage points recorded in the most difficult time of the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections in September.
Though the index remains low, the BCI noted improving perceptions about Vietnam’s economic outlook. Besides, leaders of European businesses and investors involving in the BCI survey showed their optimism about Vietnam’s business environment after social distancing measures were lifted and the country entered a “new normal”, especially in trade and investment areas.
Nearly a half of the business leaders and investors predicted a stable and improved economic outlook for Vietnam in the fourth quarter.
At the same time, the proportion of business leaders planning to maintain or increase their investments in the fourth quarter rose to 69 percent, with revenues projected to rise.
EuroCham Chairman Alain Cany said that the most important thing is that the index is now moving in the positive direction. With the pandemic now put under control in Vietnam, the optimism of European business leaders and investors will continue to grow as more and more companies resume normal operations and consumer confidence rises, he said.
Meanwhile, CEO of YouGov Vietnam Thue Quist Thomasen said that while the confidence in the prospects for Vietnam’s business environment has seen a small but encouraging rise, companies are still hesitant when it comes to their own operations and plans.
This suggests that business leaders are waiting to see how conditions and regulations in the ‘new normal’ will be unfolded before making significant commitments regarding investment projects or recruitment plans, he said./.
Ho Chi Minh City is applying measures to become a leading destination in the region in investment, renovation, and science-technology in 2025, creating a fair and safe business environment for businesses and investors.
Measures to improve Vietnam’s business environment continued showing effectiveness despite the COVID-19 pandemic, but the speed of improvement slowed compared to previous years.
Vietnam’s business environment has become safer and fairer for all economic sectors, with improved public administrative service delivery and declining informal fees, Chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Vu Tien Loc told a workshop in Hanoi on April 20.
The Report on Provincial Competitiveness Index 2020 (PCI 2020) shows that the gap between the best and worst performing provinces in both the annual PCI and core PCI rankings is narrowing and there is room for improving management quality in localities.
Ministries, sectors and localities have scrapped specific planning schemes on goods, products and services to simplify business conditions and create a fair investment environment.
Outcomes of ABAC III will shape ABAC’s final policy recommendations to be submitted to the ABAC-APEC leaders’ dialogue, scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea this November.
This is the second year the magazine has released the ranking, which is based on total revenue and key financial indicators of enterprises from seven countries in the region: Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia.
At the summit, publishing, tech, and media sectors will discuss emerging trends, business models, and sustainable solutions for digital publishing development in Vietnam.
This year’s “Vietnam Goods Week” marks a significant milestone as it is being held simultaneously for the first time in four locations across Asia: Japan, Hong Kong (China), Cambodia, and Malaysia, from June 19 - 22.
According to NordCham Vietnam Chairman Thue Quist Thomasen, the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses to contribute to green and sustainable growth.
The analysis from an investment perspective shows that the economy’s growth has been heavily capital‑driven, yet efficiency remains low as reflected by Vietnam’s Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR) being significantly higher than global and regional averages. This underscores the imperative to enhance capital‑use efficiency.
Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha urged countries to work together to remove supply chain bottlenecks, expand market access, strengthen cooperation in smart customs procedures, mutually recognise technical standards, and eliminate unnecessary protectionist barriers to boost trade and investment.
The event has gathered over 400 exhibitors from 16 countries and territories, with more than 980 booths showcasing a wide range of products and technologies in automotive components, electronics, repair and maintenance, bodywork, accessories, and customisation.
The latest order follows Vietjet’s commitment for 20 additional A330neo aircraft last month, bringing the airline’s total widebody aircraft on order to 40.
Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang acknowledged the target represents an important milestone for socio-economic development as well as a demonstration of the country’s aspiration for robust economic growth.
The price of E5 RON92 petrol is now capped at 20,631 VND (0.79 USD) per litre, up 1,169 VND from the previous adjustment, while RON95-III costs no more than 21,244 VND per litre, up 1,277 VND.
While German consumers are familiar with Vietnamese products such as coffee, seafood, tea, and spices, many other quality items remain relatively unknown in the market. The Selgros event not only helped introduce Bac Giang lychee to German consumers but also provided them with the opportunity to experience other Vietnamese agricultural products.
The article by Cuba’s Inter Press Service detailed how Vietnamese private enterprise Agri VMA leased 1,000 ha of land in Los Palacios district, Cuba’s westernmost province of Pinar del Río, for rice cultivation over a three-year period. The project’s first harvest in 2025 recorded an impressive yield of 7.2 tonnes per hectare, far exceeding the local average of 1.6 tonnes.
During the visit, office representatives held a working session with the Tipaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met with several prominent local businesses operating in key sectors including industry, agriculture, fisheries, food processing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and plastics.
A Nordic delegation to Vietnam International Sourcing 2025 in September will feature leading names in retail, consumer goods, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing, including global fashion giant H&M, offering fresh prospects for partnerships in fashion, textiles, and green supply chains.
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,276 VND/USD and the floor rate 23,774 VND/USD.
Effective from the date of signing on June 18, the decision halts procedures outlined in the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the governments of Vietnam and Laos on the initial implementation of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement at the Lao Bao–Densavan border gate.
The event aimed to update businesses on new regulations and compliance requirements regarding US tax, trade, and customs policies, while offering practical solutions to facilitate exports amid shifting trade dynamics.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting the brand, value, and legacy of traditional fish sauce - a product deeply rooted in the island’s identity and history spanning over 200 years.
Illustrative image (Source: VNA) 
