Nestlé Vietnam vows close co-operation with Vietnamese partners

Ganesan Ampalavanar, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam, addressing VEF 2019

On January 17, 2019, the Vietnam Economic Forum (VEF) 2019 took place in Hanoi and chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission Nguyen Van Binh.

At the general session and the high-level policy dialogue on “Private sector development and enhancing the linkages between domestic and FDI firms,” Ganesan Ampalavanar, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam agreed that Vietnam needs concerted efforts by numerous economic sectors, based on the principle of "Creating Shared Value."

According to the state authority, the private sector has made great contributions to economic growth, which is forecasted to increase even further in the time coming. However, it is necessary to strengthen linkages and co-operation between the public and the private sector, as well as the domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.

In the context of reviewing 30 years of FDI attraction and the country’s integration into global value chains, the commitments of enterprises on inclusive development will improve the knowledge and benefit all sides.

Notably, in Ampalavanar's opinion, it is necessary to find a 'shared voice' between policymakers and economic actors for the mutual benefit and sustainable economic development.

No business can do everything on its own:it needs to enhance win-win cooperation with distributors, suppliers, farmers, and state management organisations. As a global brand with a local identity, Nestlé Vietnam has pledged long-term investment for sustainable development in Vietnam, Ampalavanar confirmed.

The corporation has worked to ensure its successful operation in tandem with making social contributions when doing business in the country. Ampalavanar added that the firm has helped more than 20,000 coffee growers improve productivity and income by applying advanced cultivating techniques, by programmes like NESCAFÉ Plan, which helped to improve the productivity and income of over 20,000 coffee farmers.

Nestlé, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Western Highlands Agro-Forestry Scientific and Technical Institute (WASI), delivered 28 million high-yield, disease-resistant seedlings to farmers to increase their income by 30 per cent, while ensuring the protection of the environment and the ecosystem.

The public-private partnership (PPP) between Nestlé Vietnam and the MARD and other partners, has been highlighted for the development and the creation of linkages throughout the coffee industry.

The activities of Nestlé Vietnam are based on the foundation of "Creating Shared Value" and are suitable with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. Some of these programmes include Long-Term Partnerships (with local distributors), NESCAFÉ Plan which connects farmers for sustainable coffee development, Ms. Nest to improve nutrition knowledge and income of rural women, Vietnam Dynamic for a dynamic generation and the improvement of the health of Vietnamese people.