Vietnam remains a priority for the Netherlands and its businesses in the region, said Ingrid Thijssen, President of the Confederation of Netherlands’ Industry and Employers during a meeting between the  Dutch business delegation with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 19.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates at the meeting. Photos: Nhat Bac

Dutch enterprises are committed to accompanying Vietnam on its development path, said Ingrid.

At the meeting, the Prime Minister said that after 50 years of diplomatic establishment (1973-2023), five years of comprehensive partnership establishment (2019-2024), and 10 years of strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security (2014-2024), the Vietnam - Netherlands relationship is evaluated as a typical example of "dynamic and effective relations" between the Asia-Europe regions.

The Netherlands has become Vietnam's largest investor, the second-largest trading partner, and the European export market, Chinh noted.

In addition, the Netherlands has implemented numerous practical programs to support Vietnam in economic and social development, poverty reduction, education and training improvement, healthcare, climate change mitigation, and overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, leaders of Dutch corporations urged the government to continue reviewing and implementing better policies on taxes, visas, and administrative procedures; in particular, they called for a focal point to receive assistance, transfer technology, and promote cooperation in shipbuilding, seaports, semiconductors, renewable energy, environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and the supply of materials for the construction of one million social housing units.

Overview of the meeting.

Additionally, they suggested that the Vietnamese Government, especially in the agriculture and food sectors, improve product quality, fulfill commitments to green, clean, safe, and sustainable development, combat counterfeit goods, and desire direct procurement from farmers to increase opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products in the Netherlands.

Prime Minister Chinh acknowledged and addressed the issues raised by the Dutch Business Delegation, appreciating the business activities of Dutch enterprises in Vietnam, which have made significant contributions to Vietnam's economic development and Vietnam - Netherlands relations. He reiterated  Vietnam's openness, sincerity, and willingness to listen to the thoughts, views, and opinions of the foreign business community, including Dutch enterprises.

Regarding Vietnam's situation and development priorities, the Prime Minister believed that there are still many potentials and strengths that can be complemented and mutually supported. Therefore, he called on Dutch corporations and large enterprises to effectively utilize the opportunities of the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), enhance market access and strive to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of US$15 billion shortly.

Dutch enterprises are encouraged to maintain and expand cooperation, strengthen business connectivity, build specific and feasible projects with added value and high competitiveness, capable of participating in global value chains, and link up with Vietnamese enterprises in fields where the Netherlands excels and Vietnam has demanded such as high-tech agriculture, new energy, renewable energy, semiconductor chips, climate change adaptation, shipbuilding, seaports, shipbuilding technology, and logistics.

Furthermore, Chinh also urged Dutch businesses to create conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in their production value chains, strengthen cooperation between business associations and industry associations between the two countries, and intensify mutual understanding and connection among businesses, thereby promoting cooperation and investment.

The Prime Minister proposed that ministries and sectors actively propose improvements to the investment and business environment; perfect institutions, mechanisms, and policies to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable business models, develop emerging industries and digital economy sectors, build a green and circular economy, and promote cooperation in training high-quality human resources to jointly implement efficient and successful business activities, bringing tangible benefits to both countries.

In the spirit of "understanding, sharing, working together, sharing benefits, sharing difficulties, harmonizing interests, and sharing risks", Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that the Vietnamese government always accompanies, listens to, and assists in solving difficulties and obstacles if any, and creates favorable conditions for the business community, including Dutch corporations and enterprises, to invest successfully, sustainably, and long-term in Vietnam.