“Agriculture and biologic industries are core industries for the Netherlands given our expertise” expressed Mr Janwillem Winkelhuijzen, former Chairman of Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV) in a talk with Vietnam Business Forum. Duc Quan reports.
Could you please brief some milestones of DBAV after 15 years of establishment in Vietnam (1999 - 2014)?
Established the DBAV in 1999 in Ho Chi Minh City and in November 2010, DBAV activities have begun to be active. Both branches obtained a new license with the new constitution last year. We are the partner and the member of EuroCham. The founding DBAV board members were also the key drivers, contributors who formed up the current EuroCham’s foundation. DBAV played the key role in connecting Dutch businesses and also unite the Dutch community through supporting NLV (Dutch Social Club)’s various social activities.
6 years ago, our premium business golf tournament, Dutch Open has started and positioned as the most unique prestigious business golf tournament. In 2012, we introduced the new concept of business networking, NetPlus (a joint European business network) to European business community. This is to encourage each European business association/chamber to take a lead to organize the unique fun networking event. Each chamber is taking a turn to organize it at average bimonthly; there are total 5 chambers involved therefore it fits nicely in a year plan.
In 2013, DBAV was the main sponsor and the supporter of Holland Village to celebrate 40 year bilateral relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands. We have organized various business events at Holland Village and our members used the platform to improve and forge their business relationships. Early this year, in March, together with Belux Cham, launched the BeNeLux Business Award. We received very positive responses from the business community therefore we would like to continue this event likely in every two years. This will be the platform to celebrate the successful business stories and learning platform. With close collaboration with our embassy and consulate, which offer vast business/trade support, we would like to reach out Dutch/ Dutch related business community to connect and support them.
How do you evaluate the success of Dutch business community in Vietnam?
The Netherlands is one of the largest European investors in Vietnam with two-way trade hitting US$3.6 billion in 2013. It has invested in 192 projects totaling US$6.3 billion in the Southeast Asia country. Dutch expertise and investments are leading in agriculture with the investment about US$2.4 billion, water and climate change. Some of the most successful and well-known Dutch companies in Vietnam include FrieslandCampina Vietnam, Unilever, De Heus LLC (Vietnam), Royal Haskoning Vietnam, etc.
Vietnam is selecting hi-tech projects with high added value to reduce environmental pollution, according to you; it is a barrier for Dutch investors who are showing their interest in Vietnam?
No of course not! That would be perfectly aligned with the know-how and value add Dutch companies can bring to Vietnam. The Netherlands has the advantage of advanced technology in the field of agriculture and currently leads the world in greenhouse technology and plant genetics to ensure increased productivity, sustainable production and to adapt to climate change.
Dutch companies have been supporting Vietnam’s agricultural sector for sustainable development, stability and adding value to agricultural products. Most of the Netherlands’ businesses engaged in agricultural sector are showing their desires to expand their operation and get profit through business links with countries strong in agriculture, including Vietnam.
The Mekong Delta is calling for foreign investment in fields of hi-tech & biological industries, agriculture & infrastructure development, are Dutch companies interested in these sectors?
Yes very much, as a matter a fact, agriculture and biologic industries are core industries for the Netherlands given our expertise.
In terms of agriculture, Vietnam has a great agricultural potential but quality and value are not high. The Netherlands has high technology in agriculture; I think that the cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands in this field are very necessary and appropriate.
Vietnamese
