“I believe this conference will help Vietnamese businesses understand more about the business environment in the four countries of Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland (Visegrad Group - V4), thus enabling them to promote business and investment activities with the most dynamic and successful economies in Central and Eastern Europe," said Nguyen Duc Thuong, Deputy Director of Europe Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade at the conference, "Potentials and opportunities of collaboration with four central European countries: Czech, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia". The conference was part of the Vietnam EU Business Forum 2012 held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in collaboration with the Vietnam - EU Forum, and embassies of four Visegrad countries.
Mr Thuong said the Visegrad Group always accounts for a vast majority of Vietnam - EU trade turnover. According to data released by the General Department of Customs of Vietnam in November, trade turnover between the Vietnam and the EU in 2012 is estimated to rise 16.5 per cent year on year to US$28.3 billion. Particularly, Vietnam’s exports to the EU are predicted to reach US$20 billion, up over 20 per cent, while its imports from the EU are forecast to value U$8.3 billion, up 7.2 per cent. In the coming time, Vietnam will also promote negotiations on the bilateral Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Once the agreement is signed, the proportion of Vietnam’ exports given tax-free status will increase from the current 42 per cent to at least 90 per cent.
Within the EU, Vietnam always attaches importance to developing relations with traditionally friendly countries which already joined the EU, including the Visegrad Group. The Visegrad Group economies are highly stable, sustainable and dynamically developing, although debt crisis is sinking many European economies. Situated in Central Europe, the Visegrad Group will be a convenient gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to expand their presence to the remaining 23 European countries. According to import and export statistics in 2011, Vietnam's export value to the Visegrad Group topped US$837.1 million, while its imports valued at US$291.3 million, for a sizeable trade surplus.
On investment, as of November 2012, Slovakia had five investment projects with a total registered capital of US$ 235.5 million; Poland had 10 projects worth US$100 million; Czech Republic had 27 projects valued at US$65.5 million; and Hungary had 12 projects valued at US$47.3 million. In 2012, the Ministry of Industry and Trade hosted two important events: The third meeting of Vietnam - Czech Republic Joint Committee in June and the fourth meeting of the Vietnam - Hungary Joint Committee in October in Hanoi. In addition, the ministry is actively coordinating with Slovakia to hold the meeting of Vietnam - Slovakia Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation in the first quarter of 2013 in Hanoi, and exchanging with the Poland to establish the Vietnam - Poland Joint Committee on Economic Cooperation.
At the conference, commercial counsellors of four Visegrad countries introduced to Vietnamese companies their business climates, industry strengths, strategic locations, transportation networks and infrastructure development. This information is essential for Vietnamese enterprises intending to promote exports to these countries. In addition, commercial counsellors appealed to the Vietnamese business community to invest in their countries.
Mr Lenart Istvan - Commercial Counsellor, Hungary
In its eastward opening policy, Hungary attaches great importance to developing relations with Southeast Asian countries, where Vietnam is a priority. Apart from trade, Hungary also possesses numerous other strengths and this is a good time for Vietnamese enterprises to strengthen cooperation and develop business in the country. Hungary will continue granting ODA capital and strengthening cooperation with Vietnam, especially in the pharmaceutical, industrial machinery, automobile manufacturing, food processing and packaging industries.
Mr Wojciech Gerwel – Commercial Counsellor, Poland
Poland appreciates the cooperation potential with Vietnam and encourages Vietnamese enterprises to cooperate in its advantageous sectors like scientific research, cosmetics, food and confectionery. In addition to stable political institutions, the Polish economy is strong and dynamic. Vietnamese enterprises will have a lot of favourable business and investment opportunities here.
Mr Milan Vagner - Commercial Counsellor, Czech Republic
Czech Republic rates Vietnam as a Top 10 partnership country. It has policies on reduced corporate income tax and VAT, and imposes few barriers to trade on Vietnamese enterprises. This is a golden opportunity for Vietnamese enterprises to leverage exports into this lucrative market.
Mr Jaroslav Jelenik - Commercial Counsellor, Slovakia
Slovakia and Vietnam share many similarities in development and are supplementary to each other. I hope that at the back of this conference, the two countries will strengthen cooperation, trade exchange and investment venture. Vietnam is the gateway for Slovakia to enter the ASEAN market, while Slovakia is ready to become a bridge for Vietnamese enterprises to penetrate the European Union.
Thien Tan
Vietnamese
