Singaporean investors still confident in Vietnam after riots

The riots will not have an adverse impact on business ties between our two countries, SBG Ho Chi Minh City Chapter president Norman Lim told reporters during the Vietnam Singapore Business Forum held in the city on June 4-6.

The forum, held at the Duxton Hotel, welcomed 25 participants and panellists from ministries, trade and investment promotion organisations, local provinces, and leading corporations from both countries.

It aims to serve as a platform for Vietnamese and Singaporean businesses to get updates on Vietnam’s economic outlook, investment environment, and the commitment by both governments and local authorities to maintain benefits and stability for Singapore’s investors, as well as explore business opportunities under the two countries’ strategic partnership through a direct dialogue with representatives from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) and various economic experts.

Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) vice president Dr. Doan Duy Khuong said at the opening session, “This year’s forum is considered an important annual event will deeply contribute to the success of multifaceted co-operation between Vietnam and Singapore. I believe it will continue to connect businesses from the two countries and provide a great platform to explore new opportunities, especially under the new Strategic Partnership, as well as in the context of moving towards the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015.”

The event was hosted by the VCCI and support by International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore), the Singapore Embassy in Vietnam, Singapore Business Federation, the MPI, SBG, and Singapore Business Association Vietnam.

Edlyn Khoo, centre director in Ho Chi Minh City, South East Asia Group, IE Singapore, said, “Vietnam is a country with strong economic fundamentals, such as a growing young working population and a rich endowment of resources. Singaporean companies are good potential partners, with services and expertise that can complement Vietnam’s strengths. At the same time, a safe and stable business environment continues to be critical to investment decisions. Closer collaboration on both sides will benefit not just businesses, but will also positively impact the local community through job creation and knowledge transfer.”           

On the second day, the event will continue with panel discussions on four main topics: financial services co-operation, tourism and hospitality, agriculture and aquaculture production, and real estate investment. The third day will include site visits to industrial zones and corporations located in neighbouring Binh Duong province.