Vietnam gained 84 points for the second quarter of 2018 in the Business Climate Index (BCI), up 6 points from the previous quarter, according to new data from the BCI survey released by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) on October 4.

The latest BCI results show the sentiment of European businesses is at its strongest for 18 months, and just two points below the all-time high of the third quarter of 2016.

EuroCham members reported an optimistic outlook on various issues, from their own investment and profit projections to workforce levels and Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook.

More than 70 percent reported a positive situation for their enterprises in the last quarter, with 65 percent describing it as “good” and 12 percent as “excellent”. Looking ahead to the next quarter, 64 percent believe their business situation will be “good” with a further 15 percent answering “excellent.”

EuroCham members are also optimistic about Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook, with 57 percent predicting “stabilisation and improvement” in the next quarter and 34 percent believing that it will remain static, compared to just 10 percent anticipating a “deterioration”.

Meanwhile, 57 percent believe their business will see either a “significant” or “moderate” increase in staff next quarter, with a similar proportion (61 percent) anticipating either a “significant” or “moderate” increase in investment. More than three-quarters of EuroCham members (76 percent) believe that their orders or revenue will see a “significant” or “moderate” increase in the third quarter.

For the first time, EuroCham asked its members for their views on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Some 87 percent responded that CSR is important to their business operations in Vietnam.

These results showed European companies and investors remain confident in Vietnam, said Nicolas Audier, Co-Chairman of EuroCham. The fact that EuroCham members have now exceeded 1,000 reinforces this positive message and shows Vietnam is open for business as an attractive trade and investment destination. –VNA