Vietnam gains 6 more points in EuroCham’s Business Climate Index

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.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam gained 84 pointsfor the second quarter of 2018 in the Business Climate Index (BCI), up 6 pointsfrom the previous quarter, according to new data from the BCI survey releasedby the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) on October 4.

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

EuroCham members reportedan optimistic outlook on various issues, from their own investment and profitprojections to workforce levels and Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook.

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

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

Meanwhile, 57 percentbelieve their business will see either a “significant” or “moderate” increasein staff next quarter, with a similar proportion (61 percent) anticipatingeither a “significant” or “moderate” increase in investment. More than three-quartersof EuroCham members (76 percent) believe that their orders or revenue will seea “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 businessoperations in Vietnam.

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

See more

A Vinh Long official introduces signature local products to Korean guests. (Photo: VNA)

Vinh Long courts Korean investment in key sectors

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Truc Son vowed to accompany investors and provide them with optimal conditions, while building a transparent and stable business environment to secure long-term engagement from foreign enterprises, particularly those from Daejeon.

Delegates at the launching ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Digital platform on overseas market development launched

With Vietnam’s network of 64 trade offices overseas, Deputy PM Son noted that connecting them through a modern digital platform could help establish a unified national trade information system that operates efficiently, transparently and with strong forecasting capacity.

The Government’s issuance of Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP revising preferential import tariffs on several petrol products and raw materials is a timely move to diversify supply sources. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel import tariff cuts strengthen Vietnam’s energy resilience: experts

Economic expert Dinh Trong Thinh said revising fuel import tariffs helps diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on traditional markets, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s ability to cope with potential global supply shocks. Ensuring access to multiple energy sources is also vital for safeguarding national energy security, he added.

Leaders of Dak Lak province inspect IUU fishing prevention and control efforts at Phu Lac fishing port, Hoa Hiep ward. (Photo: daklak.gov.vn)

Dak Lak readies for EC mission on anti-IUU fishing efforts

Dak Lak province is completing preparations for an upcoming European Commission (EC) inspection on efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to having the fisheries “yellow card” removed.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Argentina promote trade, investment cooperation

On relations with South America, Nguyet noted that in December 2025, Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) announced the launch of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). She expressed her hope that the agreement will be signed soon, thereby further boosting trade and investment between Vietnam and MERCOSUR member states, including Argentina.

Customers buy petrol at a Petrolimex petrol station in Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders stronger measures to ensure stable petrol supply

The MoIT was instructed to direct key petrol producers and traders to proactively develop supply plans to guarantee adequate fuel provision for distribution systems, maintain regular sale operations, and sell products at listed prices. It must also closely monitor developments in global and domestic petrol markets and adopt appropriate management measures when necessary.

Farmers in Ca Mau province use combine harvesters to harvest rice. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders coordinated measures to stabilise rice production and markets

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with instructing local authorities to closely monitor production developments, improve forecasting capacity, strengthen pest control measures, and proactively respond to adverse weather conditions to protect crops, maintain planned yields and output, and reduce production costs.

A worker refuels a vehicle at a petrol station in Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel prices slashed as stabilisation fund used

According to a joint decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, the price of RON95-III petrol – the most widely used grade – fell by 3,880 VND to 25,240 VND (0.95 USD) per litre.

Customers purchase petrol at Station No. 03 (Petrolimex Hung Yen) on Quang Trung Street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Hung Yen takes measures to curb speculation, stabilise fuel market

Petrolimex Hung Yen maintains regular reserves of about 5,500 cubic metres at directly managed outlets and roughly 2,000 cubic metres at franchised stations. The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has ordered closer monitoring of supply and demand and retail prices to detect shortages or unjustified price hikes.

The automobile assembly line of the Honda Phuc Yen factory in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

Honda Vietnam sees decline in motorcycle, car sales

Sales of both motorcycles and automobiles by Honda Vietnam declined in February, dropping 19.6% and 41.8% year-on-year, respectively, according to the company’s latest business results released on March 11.

Team 2 of the Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department inspects operations of a Petrolimex petrol station on Tran Quang Khai street (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi maintains stable supply of petrol, LPG

The Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department said petrol and LPG trading activities across the city remain stable, with supply largely meeting demand despite volatility in global energy prices.

A Qatar Airways aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Qatar Airways cancels 13 more flights amid Middle East conflicts

Statistics show that airspace across the Middle East has yet to return to normal operations, with multiple FIRs still imposing restrictions or partial closures. As a result, international flight operations through the region continue to face disruptions and route adjustments.