Nine out of ten European companies want the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) to be implemented in 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter, according to new research from the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

EuroCham released the data at an event in Brussels to launch its latest report - The EVFTA: Perspectives from Vietnam - on October 8, together with amfori and BusinessEurope. The launch event, with 70 participants, is part of a EuroCham mission to the European Parliament and European Commission to push for the quick ratification of the EVFTA.

EuroCham’s report includes the results of a new survey of the Chamber’s members, who were asked how the EVFTA would affect their business operations. Over 130 responded - more than 10 per cent of EuroCham’s membership - and the results were striking.

Just under 80 per cent believe that the EVFTA will have either a “Significant” or “Moderate” impact on their business in the medium term. Meanwhile, over 80 per cent believe that the FTA will make Vietnam more competitive, while 72 per cent said it will help Vietnam become a hub for European business in the ASEAN region.

On top of the positive economic benefits, EuroCham members believe the EVFTA will help improve a range of social and environmental issues in Vietnam, from “Knowledge Transfer and Local Workforce Advancement” to “Workers’ Rights”. For example, one-third (33 per cent) of EuroCham members believe the EVFTA will have a “Significant” impact on improving “Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection”.

The report also includes the reflections of business leaders, NGOs, economists, entrepreneurs and workers. In their own words, each contributor shares their personal perspective on Vietnam’s progress since the “doi moi’ reforms first opened Vietnam to foreign investment and on how the EVFTA will help Vietnam further integrate with the international community and global economy.

“This report provides clear evidence that the EVFTA is a ‘win-win’ for Europe and Vietnam,” said Mr. Nicolas Audier, Co-Chairman of EuroCham. “Our members paint a positive, optimistic picture of the agreement, with 85 per cent anticipating a significant or moderate impact on their business and investment plans in the long term.”

“Meanwhile, 80 per cent of EuroCham members believe the EVFTA will improve Vietnam’s competitiveness compared to other countries such as China, Japan and South Korea. And over 70 per cent see Vietnam becoming a hub for European business in the ASEAN region.”

“This week, EuroCham is leading a delegation of business leaders to Brussels to take this positive message to the heart of Europe. Our delegation will meet with the highest levels of decision making in the European Parliament and EU Commission, to highlight the impact the EVFTA will have not just on bilateral trade and investment but on the entire economic, social and environmental fabric of Vietnam.”

VN Economic Times