Toespraak minister-president Rutte tijdens de ronde tafel met VNO-NCW CEO in Hanoi

Toespraak | 09-04-2019

Deputy Prime Minister Hue,
Ladies and gentlemen,

In the Netherlands we've no reason to complain: our country is doing well and our economic growth is steady and healthy.
But for years now, Vietnam has enjoyed the kind of growth that we can only dream of.
And the great thing is, you don't simply see it in the figures.
You feel it wherever you go.
Take the city of Hanoi, which is bubbling with energy, with the ambition of its people and with the dynamism of its business community.

And it's not just me who feels it.
The many Dutch entrepreneurs and businesses that have joined me on the trade mission this week feel it too.
More than 70 companies that recognise how much Vietnam has to offer.
A strategic location, a young and hardworking population, a fast-growing domestic market - you name it.
There are plenty of reasons why Dutch companies are eager to seize the business opportunities here with both hands.

So it makes sense to remove as many obstacles as possible when it comes to doing business in Vietnam.
Because I gather that companies do sometimes encounter problems in their day-to-day activities.
It's a positive sign that the Vietnamese government aspires to rise a staggering 20 places in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index, and 10 places in the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Index.
So I'm glad we're all gathered here today, because I think it's the businesses that are best able to indicate where there's scope for improvement.
If we can discuss this openly with each other today, I'm confident that we can all benefit even more from the good economic relationship between the Netherlands and Vietnam.

After all, there's no shortage of opportunities.
The Netherlands and Vietnam are both global players in the export of agricultural products.
We're both coastal states with a strategic location and a strong position in maritime affairs and logistics.
And as delta countries we both face the challenges posed by climate change.
So I firmly believe that we can work together, as natural partners that share knowledge and experience with each other.

Most of the companies that have joined the State Secretary for Finance and me on this visit excel in the very sectors that are most important to countries like Vietnam and the Netherlands.
Logistics, for example.
Agriculture, water and offshore wind technology.
They are keen to put their knowledge and expertise into practice here.
To boost the economic ties between our countries even more.
And to play their part in the dazzling development of vibrant Vietnam.

Thank you.