Recently, EuroCham had the honour to host a networking lunch with H.E Ms. Ekaterina Zaharieva, EU Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation in Hanoi, as part of the Commissioner’s visit to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Vietnam in the field of science, technology and innovation (STI).
Joining the lunch were H.E. Mr. Julien Guerrier, Ambassador of the European Union to Vietnam and representatives from the EU Delegation to Vietnam. Representing EuroCham Vietnam were Chairman Bruno Jaspaert, Vice-Chair Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Board Members Mads Werner and Simonetta Di Domenico, along with Nicolas Bernardin (Thales), Paul-Antoine Croizé (Entobel) and Dirk Arend (CBTW APAC).
At the session, besides discussions on R&D investment and access to skilled talent, EuroCham introduced Commissioner Zaharieva to the SME Support Desk initiative, part of the Member Gateway project to be launched to EuroCham members soon. With two-thirds of EuroCham’s member companies being SMEs, this digital platform is designed to provide practical support in funding opportunities, business connections, among other business needs. Aligned with the spirit of the Commissioner’s visit, the SME Support Desk will help drive sustainable, innovative growth for our member businesses and for Vietnam.
As Vietnam’s role in the global supply chains and investment landscape continues to grow, economic and innovation contributions from the business sector, especially SMEs, are indispensable. EuroCham is proud to maintain our commitment to bridging the European business community in Vietnam with government leaders in both the EU and Vietnam.
Our sincere thanks to Commissioner Zaharieva and the EU Delegation in Vietnam for the insightful discussion. Stay tuned as our Member Gateway – SME Support Desk project will be launched soon.
