On 2 April 2026, EuroCham Board Member André de Jong delivered a keynote speech and joined an engaging panel discussion at the seminar “Economic Outlook 2026: FDI Businesses and Roadmap for Vietnam’s Rise” organised by The Saigon Times.
The event brought together economic experts, CEOs, and economic delegations from ASEAN neighbouring consulates, creating a high-level platform to discuss Vietnam’s economic trajectory. Central to the discussion were insights from EuroCham’s Business Confidence Index (BCI), which has been widely regarded as a key barometer of European investor sentiment and frequently referenced by policymakers, economists, and the media when assessing Vietnam’s economic outlook.
The EuroCham BCI for Q4 2025 surged to 80 points, a 29% year-on-year increase. This shift highlights a hard-won restoration of faith in Vietnam’s economic trajectory after a period of global trade reshuffling. In an uncertain landscape, Vietnam has emerged as a partner of choice for European businesses, offering “predictability” through stability and policy continuity: something international investors currently crave most.
In his remarks, Mr. De Jong highlighted that European investment is moving away from short-term expansion toward a deliberate, high-value strategy. Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing, where companies are embedding complex operations. The most valuable resource in Vietnam’s new era” is no longer cheap labour, but its people: priority has shifted to retain skilled professionals and to power high-tech growth.
Mr. De Jong also emphasised the growing importance of the green and digital “Twin Transition.” Aligning with EU sustainability and compliance standards is no longer optional for Vietnamese exporters, but a pathway to deeper integration into global value chains. By bridging the implementation gap in green compliance, Vietnamese businesses can turn compliance into a real competitive advantage.
Our sincere thanks to Saigon Times for providing a valuable platform where policymakers, business leaders, and economic experts could exchange perspectives on Vietnam’s next growth chapter.
