EuroCham launches 2025 edition of its Whitebook

EuroCham launches 2025 edition of its Whitebook

The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) launched the 2025 edition of its Whitebook on April 11 amid the newly imposed tariffs and heightened geopolitical volatility.

Eurocham's flagship publication features in-depth policy recommendations from its 19 Sector Committees. With a set of urgent policy priorities aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s resilience, reinforcing its competitive edge, and accelerating its integration with the European Union, it serves as a practical roadmap for sustainable economic growth in a fast-changing global environment.

The launch of EuroCham's 2025 edition of its Whitebook, Hanoi, April 11. Photo: Bich Thuy

The launch event, held in Hanoi, brought together high-level delegates from the Vietnamese government, business community, and diplomatic corps – both in person and online. It provided a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation between European investors and Vietnamese policymakers.

The 2025 Whitebook arrives at a pivotal moment. The newly imposed tariffs and heightened geopolitical volatility, quickly evolving by the minute, are posing challenges for Vietnam’s export-driven economy. While most firms have yet to alter their investment strategies, there is a strong and urgent demand for decisive reforms to preserve confidence and sharpen Vietnam’s competitive edge.

In this context, the 2025 Whitebook delivers a timely and strategic call to action. It urges policymakers to fast-track critical reforms and capitalise on Vietnam’s strategic position as a gateway for the EU to ASEAN. With practical, sector-specific recommendations, the Whitebook addresses a central question: How can Vietnam continue to entice and retain foreign direct investment in 2025 while advancing its long-term sustainable growth agenda.

"At this moment of global flux, Vietnam’s 'bamboo diplomacy' must be grounded in long-term and balanced economic alliances," said EuroCham chairman Bruno Jaspaert. "The European business community, represented here with EuroCham, is a stable, values-driven partner – here for the long haul. Our Whitebook reflects this partnership, offering pragmatic solutions drawn directly from the business frontline."

"Despite global headwinds, the Vietnamese government’s 8 per cent GDP growth target for 2025 remains unchanged – a sign of its continued ambition. To achieve it, Vietnam must focus on reinforcing internal strengths while maximising the benefits of its external partnerships," he added.

For the first time, the Whitebook presents a cross-sectoral framework centred around five 'must-win battles': entry visa policy, immigration and airport infrastructure, work permits, VAT refunds, and customs procedures. These issues, frequently cited across industries, are essential to improving the ease of doing business. Addressing them will significantly reduce administrative barriers, boost investor confidence, and improve Vietnam’s long-term economic performance.

Alongside this, EuroCham’s 19 Sector Committees have outlined targeted recommendations in critical areas – from semiconductor supply chains and green finance to sustainable agriculture and EV infrastructure – each offering clear, actionable proposals informed by member insights, ranging from dynamic small and medium-size enterprises to multinational enterprises.

In 2024 alone, EuroCham sent over 111 formal letters and conducted more than 200 meetings with government ministries, agencies, and provincial leaders. These engagements contributed directly to our high-level dialogues with the prime minister, the National Assembly, the Party’s Central Economic Committee, and other bodies shaping Vietnam’s economic policy – ensuring that the voice of European businesses is heard where it matters most.

"We are not just advocating – we are driving change together," noted Jean-Jacques Bouflet, EuroCham vice-chairman in charge of Advocacy. "Our Sector Committees at EuroCham remain committed partners in Vietnam's development journey. The Whitebook recommendations stem from shared objectives – a prosperous, sustainable, and innovative Vietnam that fulfils its tremendous potential on the global stage."

"The decisions made today will shape Vietnam's development trajectory for decades to come. By embracing forward-looking policies that align with global best practices, Vietnam can accelerate its transformation while ensuring that progress benefits all its citizens," he added.

Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier reaffirmed Europe’s long-standing commitment to open and fair trade, "Free and fair trade is in Europe’s DNA and is the backbone of our prosperity and competitiveness. The EU is determined to work with partners, and with Vietnam, in responding to the new reality for the global economy."

Guerrier highlighted the upcoming fifth anniversary of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) as a key moment to take stock of progress and renew ambition. "The EVFTA has clearly demonstrated how trade and investment flows can grow when we build on a solid framework. We must make full use of this agreement to unlock its full potential."

At the Whitebook Launch, EuroCham experts brought forward direct insights from the business frontlines, offering practical recommendations to support Vietnam’s sustained prosperity. One message rang loud and clear throughout the room: the time to act is now.

EuroCham chairman Bruno Jaspaert said, "While this is undeniably a challenging period – marked by rapid changes and global uncertainty – it also presents a golden opportunity. Vietnam can consolidate its core strengths, cultivate trusted and sustainable trade partnerships, and fully leverage its extensive network of free trade agreements to attract more strategic overseas investment. At the same time, ongoing efforts to update and strengthen the legal framework will lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth."

Looking ahead, Ambassador Guerrier echoed this optimism, calling on both sides to seize the moment, saying, "Together, the EU and Vietnam can transform today’s challenges into new avenues for mutually beneficial trade and investment. The upcoming visits by EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with the planned upgrade of EU-Vietnam relations, will mark important milestones on this path towards a shared future."

"This Whitebook is a compass – for both Vietnam and Europe – to help steer through today’s storms and towards tomorrow’s opportunities," concluded Jaspaert.

VIR