“In this moment of global flux, Vietnam’s ‘bamboo diplomacy’ must be grounded in long-term and balanced economic alliances,” Jaspaert said at the Whitebook Launch 2025 in Hanoi on April 11.

 “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,” he noted.

Insiders point out that the 2025 Whitebook comes at a pivotal moment amid newly imposed tariffs and heightened geopolitical volatility which 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 in order to preserve confidence and to sharpen the country’s competitive edge.

In this context, the 2025 Whitebook urges policymakers to fast-track critical reforms and to capitalise on Vietnam’s strategic position as a gateway for EU to ASEAN.

In particular, the Whitebook presents a cross-sectoral framework centred around five Must-Win Battles, including entry visa policy, immigration and airport infrastructure, work permits, VAT refunds, and customs procedures for the first time.

These core issues are widely recognised as being fundamental to ease conducting business, thereby significantly reducing administrative barriers, boosting investor confidence, and improving Vietnam’s long-term economic performance.

For his part, 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,” he stressed.

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,” he added.

At the event, delegates underscored the importance of reform, along with the need for decisive and swift action to make Vietnam remain a magnet for quality investment, particularly with the EU poised to invest in long-term, high-quality, and sustainable initiatives.

In his closing speech, Jaspaert shared, “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 FDI. At the same time, ongoing efforts to update and strengthen the legal framework will lay the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth.”

“This Whitebook is a compass – for both Vietnam and Europe – to steer through today’s storms and towards tomorrow’s opportunities,” he added

Meanwhile, Ambassador Guerrier echoed this optimism about the future, calling on both sides to seize the moment.

“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 toward a shared future,” he noted.

EuroCham to release Whitebook 2025 in mid April

VOV.VN - The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) is scheduled to release its Whitebook 2025 on April 11 to demonstrate its strong commitment to enhancing the investment environment in Vietnam and deepening economic cooperation between the two sides.