Recap Day 2 Breakout sessions “ESG: Evolving to the Next Level”

On the morning of December 1st, BeluxCham Vietnam continued its #esgconference with another 4 breakout sessions going on simultaneously, #engaging and #interacting with participants on specific topics related to the E, the S and the G.

#circulareconomy, moderated by the Sustainability Strategist and Advisor of Ameln & CO., brought together speakers of CL2B, who presented #challengesandopportunities in establishing #circularsystems in Vietnam, followed by #casestudies regarding #sustainablepackaging by HRK Group, and a #collaboration example of which De Heus Vietnam, Heineken Vietnam, and Entobel each showed how they apply #sustainability and #circulareconomy within their companies and the collaboration between them.

Throughout the workshop of Christa Stienen on #humancapitalmanagement, she showed and discussed the #HRlifecycle with the participants and engaged them, together with the Chairman of BeluxCham Vietnam as moderator, in clear examples how to #apply and #implement the S in ESG within their company.

#corporategovernance brought together speakers of Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management – Vietnam, Puratos Grand-Place Vietnam, Grant Thornton Vietnam & Thailand and The Purpose Business, who discussed together with EuroCham Vietnam‘s board member as moderator, the #roleofboard in the #integration of ESG, the power of #effective governance, #impact weighted value review, and #purpose as the answer to good governance.

#innovationinhealthcare discussed new #innovativesolutions in Vietnam and what the Vietnamese market needs to continue its #innovativejourney. Case studies were presented by GSK, B Medical Systems, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit – OUCRU and Hanh Phuc International Hospital, moderated by BeluxCham Vietnam’s board member.

#ESG#ESGconference#20yearsBeLuxCham#50yearsBelgiumVietnam#innovation#sustainability #childrenareourfuture #makingadifference #strongertogether

Recap Day 1 Breakout sessions “ESG: Evolving to the Next Level”

On the afternoon of November 30th, the conference continued with 4 breakout sessions going on simultaneously, and focusing on specific topics related to the E, the S and the G.

#sustainableagriculture brought together speakers of TDL Solutions, DRD Vietnam (Disability Research and Capacity Development Center), Ngồi Cafe Workspace, and Buy By Heart to discuss a complete integrated #ecosystem in #agriculture and share their #sustainable#partnership model in #impactfulbusiness, moderated by DEEP C Industrial Zones – Khu công nghiệp DEEP C‘s Head of Sustainability and Environment.

#labormanagement and #development presented by Ipsos, Raise Partners, and Pizza 4P’s ‘s discussed, together with the Country HR Manager of Pierre Fabre Group as moderator, how to improve #workforcedevelopment in the #supplychain through ESG, what are the Vietnamese sentiments and impacts on labor management, and Pizza 4P’s presented a case study on how they develop #modelleadership.

#Industry40 brought clear examples of #digitalization by FPT Digital which introduced the audience to #DESG, how #evcharger can accelerate the ESG journey by EBOOST, and clear examples of #digitalization and #sustainability through #façadeengineering were brought by Van Aelst – Nguyen & Partners Architecture Consulting, moderated by BeluxCham Vietnam’s board member.

#mentalhealthintheworkforce engaged their audience with #interactive#awareness exercises on #emotionalintelligene and providing clear #casestudies from ESI Institute, UNICEF Viet Nam – Quỹ Nhi Đồng Liên Hợp Quốc, @Viet Ideas and Care & Training Center, and Trạm tâm lý Tâm Nhung (Tam Nhung Social Enterprise).

#ESG#ESGconference#20yearsBeLuxCham#50yearsBelgiumVietnam#innovation#sustainability#childrenareourfuture #makingadifference #strongertogether

BeLuxCham ESG Conference 2023 Press Release

The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (BeLuxCham), the Embassy of Belgium in Vietnam, and DEEP C Industrial Zones have organised their conference “ESG: Evolving To The Next Level”. The conference focused on exchanging insights on exemplary business practices based on the three pillars of Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG), particularly in the context of implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and Vietnam’s commitment to achieving near-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

In recent times, the adoption of ESG methodologies has been gaining momentum and attracting businesses in Vietnam, primarily due to the proactive efforts of the Vietnamese government in promoting sustainable investment and development in addressing the country’s numerous social and environmental opportunities and challenges.  In light of this, the conference “ESG: Evolving To The Next Level” was organised with the objective of bolstering awareness and comprehension of ESG business practices among private sector partners and governmental entities in Vietnam, while fostering collaboration and growth between Belgium, Luxembourg, Europe, and Vietnam.  Belgium’s largest investor in Vietnam, DEEP C Industrial Zones, showed during the Conference first hand how implementing ESG principles supports its sustainable growth in Vietnam.

The “ESG: Evolving To The Next Level” conference consisted of 1 plenary session, 12 breakout sessions, and a closing gala dinner. The plenary session facilitated high-level dialogue among distinguished participants including European, Belgian, Luxembourgish, and Vietnamese government representatives and key private sector leaders and stakeholders. Break-out session topics included sustainable agriculture, carbon emission reduction, diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Industry 4.0, and leadership development.

H.E. Ambassador of Belgium to Vietnam – Mr. Karl Van Den Bossche, shared: “As the beating heart of Europe, Belgium has consistently contributed to and played a significant role in building and shaping the future of the region. We demonstrate our commitment to global goals by focusing on the development of a sustainable society based on ESG principles. This conference is a unique opportunity to highlight these dimensions in our trade with Vietnam and also celebrate the 50 years of bilateral relations between Belgium and Vietnam, while setting the blueprint for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Mr. Karl Van den Bossche also discussed the impacts of the European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) on Belgium specifically, and European businesses in general. He stated that Vietnam benefits from the EVFTA more than four times as much as the European Union does. The liberalisation of tax policies is necessary to promote equitable development and growth for both Vietnam and the European Union in the future. In addition to the aforementioned concerns, Mr. Karl Van den Bossche emphasised certain important aspects related to Sustainable Development during the High-Level Conference. He asserted: “The EU is strongly committed to supporting Vietnam’s journey towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the Global Gateway Strategy. The EU backs this commitment with financial support and plans substantial contributions to address climate change mitigation and adaptation.”

H.E. Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Vietnam – Mr. Julien Guerrier expressed pride in the commitment of European businesses to invest in their personnel and foster a culture of sustainability. He stated: “In an era of increased transparency and accountability, good corporate governance is no longer a choice; it is an imperative. We must uphold the highest ethical and legal standards in our business practices. This conference will provide you with insights into the evolving governance landscape and equip you with the tools to navigate potential challenges. By adopting robust governance practices, we can build trust, attract investment, and create sustainable business value.” At this High-Level Plenary Session, Mr. Julien Guerrier also announced the co-launch of Vietnam and the International Partners Group in the Resource Mobilisation Plan of the Joint Environmental and Trade Project (JETP) at COP 28 in Dubai.

Mr. Olivier Do Ngoc, H.E. The Honorary Consul of Luxembourg in Vietnam expressed a unified perspective on strengthening cooperation, enhancing exchanges, and pledging support to Vietnam, particularly in the field of green finance. He emphasised the consensus to promote cooperation between stock exchanges and enhance financial resources to support Vietnam in implementing its green growth strategy. Through the ESG Conference, Luxembourg demonstrated a spirit of close collaboration and a determination to accompany Vietnam in its transition and environmental preservation, with two projects worth 7 million euros in the field of environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

Ms. Pascale Delcomminette, CEO of Wallonia Export and Investment Agency (AWEX), expressed appreciation for this session. “Today’s forum is particularly special as it takes place against the backdrop of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Belgium and Vietnam, and the 20th anniversary of BeluxCham. These milestones underscore the enduring partnerships that have been cultivated over the years, emphasizing the shared commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices” – Ms. Pascale Delcomminette shared.

High-level Plenary Session

Tentative Agenda

08:30 – 09:00 Check-in

09:00 – 10:00 Welcome Speech

+ BeluxCham Vietnam

+ Belgian Ambassador

+ Luxembourg Embassy

+ Awex CEO

+ Ho Chi Minh City Leader

+ EuroCham

10:00 – 10:20 Keynote Address: “Prioritizing Social Impact and Good Governance in ESG in Vietnam

By Ms. Dzeneta Mulabegovic – Strategic Specialist at UNDP Vietnam

10:20 – 10:45 Coffee Break

10:45 – 11:00 Keynote Address: “Operational business impact of ESG”

By Mr. Bruno Jaspaert – CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones

11:00 – 11:15 Keynote Address: “Children is Everyone’s Business: ESG, Children and Well-being”

By Ms. Rana Flowers – UNICEF Representative in Vietnam

11:15 – 11:30 Keynote Address: “The importance of ESG in Vietnamese SME companies”

By Mr. Nguyễn Đức Bình – Director of Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center – VCCI

11:30 – 11:45


Key-note Speakers

Ms Rana Flowers, Representative of UNICEF Viet Nam

UNICEF Viet Nam’s team of 63 staff supported by 13 UN Volunteers working in two offices (Hanoi and HCMC) is led by Rana Flowers since March 2019.  

With child rights and the achievement of the SDG high on her agenda, Ms Flowers joined the UNICEF team in catalyzing change for children together with the Government of Viet Nam. She brings a bold and creative energy to UNICEF’s work –continuing the crucial work done to reach the most vulnerable children such as those with disabilities, from ethnic minority groups or migrants, creating new partnerships, drawing on the strengths of the private sector and the comparative advantages of other UN Agencies. 

Ms Flowers responsibilities include mobilizing support to introduce new approaches, to test these, to support Government to ensure policy and legislation keep pace with the opportunities and challenges for children in a modern Viet Nam; and then to advocate that the policy is implemented at scale, benefiting all children across Viet Nam.  Prior to her appointment as UNICEF’s Representative to Viet Nam, she served as UNICEF Representative in China, Cambodia, Mongolia and Belize, bringing more than 25 years of experience in international development. She came to UNICEF with over 10 years of experience working on child development and policy advocacy in her home country, Australia, as well as in the United Kingdom. An experienced UNICEF manager, Ms Flowers brings a passion for children’s rights and a creative spirit that seeks solutions to development challenges. Most of all, she thrives working hand in hand with the strong, dedicated and incredibly hard working teams of UNICEF.  She has a master’s degree in Business Administration, and bachelor’s degrees in both Social Work and Arts. She is married and the mother of two stepchildren and two daughters

Ms Dženeta Mulabegović, Strategic specialist of UNDP Viet Nam

With over 15 years of experience in diplomacy and development, Ms Dženeta Mulabegović is currently appointed as a strategic specialist at UNDP Viet Nam to focus on engaging with the private sector in sustainable development. This includes work on different portfolios, such as Responsible Business Conduct, Circular Economy, and Social Impact Businesses. As a diplomat in the Foreign Service of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, she was previously posted to France and Brussels and has worked for the EU Delegation in Algeria. Besides sustainable development, her past experiences also include working on public diplomacy, human rights, mixed migration and international security.

Ms Mulabegovic holds master’s degrees in Political Science and International Law from University of Amsterdam, and has throughout her career continued her academic development through professional training, most recently on Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies at the University of Cambridge.

Bruno Jaspaert, CEO, chairman and legal representative of DEEP C Industrial Zones

Bruno Jaspaert is since 2018 the CEO, chairman and legal representative of DEEP C Industrial Zones, one  of the biggest industrial zone developers in Vietnam that started 26 years ago its activities. The company  is currently active in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh province and develops a land portfolio of 3400 ha in and  around the new deep sea port of Lach Huyen. He is also the CEO of the Hong Kong based investment  holding IAI (Infra Asia Investment) which is owned by Ackermans & Van Haren, a Belgian stock listed BEL20  company (AVH). Prior to his current position, he has more than 25 years of demonstrated experience in  sales, business development, production as well as innovation and strategy management in leading  multinational companies throughout Asia and Europe in the chemical, logistics, steel and oil & gas industry. 

Bruno is holding a master degree in International Relations and Diplomacy and a master degree in  Commercial Engineering from EHSAL Management University. His current main focus is to prove one can  create economic growth in a sustainable way. To achieve this he is converting the DEEP C Industrial Zones  business model into an autonomous eco industrial park setup providing sustainable utilities, water  treatment, inland waterway connections and waste recycling.

BeLuxCham Gala Night & Business Awards 2023

We are extremely proud to announce to you: our Gala Night. We hope to see you to celebrate our 20 year anniversary and 50 years of diplomatic relationship between Belgium and Vietnam.

BeLuxCham has the honor to co-organize this event together with our Belgian Embassy in Hanoi! The evening will launch a special project in collaboration with our Belgian Embassy, Unicef Vietnam, and Tam Nhung Social Enterprise. We will announce our Business Awards winners, have a live auction, and enjoy a live band with a Belgian twist.

BeLuxCham members: 2,500,000 VND/seat

Non-members: 3,000,000 VND/seat