On the 24th November 2016, in Danang, EuroCham in collaboration with the EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) hosted the first EuroCham Central Vietnam Business Forum (ECV Business Forum).
The ECV Business Forum discussed the economics and business opportunities of Danang, Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue provinces, in a unique dialogue on the current state of Central Vietnam's business potential.
Experts and officials covered cross-cutting business topics from a site-specific perspective, including investment practices, tax incentives, local talent management, real estate development, among other. It was a one-time opportunity to hear from experts and Government in regards to the current state of Central Vietnam's business potential.
In a spirit of business-to-Government dialogue, this event was the first of its kind, with the particular characteristic that it brought businesses and investment policy authorities of three Provinces to one event dedicated to the potential of Central Vietnam. The region as presented here, comprising the provinces of Danang, Quang Nam and Thua Thien-Hue, is well-positioned to become the next top business, trade, and investment destination in Vietnam.
Mr. Michael Behrens - Chairman of EuroCham and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Vietnam – opened the event and officially launched EuroCham's Central Vietnam Chapter, which is to begin operations immediately. The speakerships started with Mr. Hoang Thuy Duong – Partner at KPMG, who focused on an economic outlook for Central Vietnam specifically, as well on tax incentives for businesses and investors in the area.
After a very thorough analysis of the region's economics, the stage was given to the Central region's top investment officials, who spoke about the three provinces. Danang's potential was the first in focus, in a presentation given by Mr. Le Canh Duong – Director of the Danang Investment Promotion Center. Thua Thien Hue was the next province under the spotlight, with the analysis provided by Mr. Le Van Thu – Director of the Investment and Support Center of Thua Thien Hue; followed by an overview on Quang Nam's investment potential delivered by Mr. Vo Van Hung – Director of the Investment Promotion Center of Quang Nam.
This series of presentations by the invited provincial public officials were followed by Mr. Tom Vovers - General Director of HR2B - who gave an overview of local Human Resources talent management. Following this presentation, Ms. Dung Duong – Director at CBRE – covered the development and outlook Real Estate Development in Central Vietnam.
A final panel with all the speakers and Mr. Djordje Makic – Assistant to General Director of SHMZ – closed the discussion before a Networking Lunch took place.
At the ECV Business Forum, EuroCham launched its first representation outside of HCMC and Hanoi. The EuroCham Central Vietnam Chapter promises to give the local business community a boost in terms of business events, advocacy support and networking opportunities.
This ECV Business Forum took place at the Novotel Danang Premier Han River and gathered over 70 participants from diverse fields, including business professionals, government officials, media and diplomats. This event was sponsored by HR2B and SHMZ, with the support of CBRE and KPMG.
Mr. Vo Van Hung – Director of the Investment Promotion Center of Quang Nam said: "We warmly welcome the presence of EuroCham in the Central Vietnam. This workshop, we believe that, will open up a new prospect in promoting cooperative relations between the European business community and the businesses and localities in the Central Vietnam. Quang Nam is welcoming and willing to cooperate with EuroCham and European businesses and trying to be an ideal destination for European businesses to select locations for their investment and business development"
Mr. Hoang Thuy Duong – Partner at KPMG said: "Since our Da Nang office opened twelve months ago, we have made significant progress in the regional trade promotion activities, investor relations, education and campus recruitment. We immediately recognize the alignment between the ECV's missions and KPMG's strategy and core value in being part of the Region's socio-economic development. We commit to work shoulder to shoulder with EuroCham, its members, and the provincial authorities of Da Nang, Quang Nam and the neighboring provinces, to make the initiative a greater success"
Source: European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam- EuroCham
