EuroCham Vietnam has underlined the vital importance of expanding the visitor visa exemption list to include all 27 European Union member countries. — Viet Nam News
HO CHI MINH CITY: The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) has submitted a letter to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, proposing the expansion of Vietnam’s visitor visa exemption list.
With the aim of promoting trade and investment opportunities, EuroCham Vietnam has underlined the vital importance of expanding the visitor visa exemption list to include all 27 European Union (EU) member countries.
Presently, the visitor visa exemption list includes only seven EU member countries, namely Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Finland.
This proposal, also addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism and Ministry of Public Security, highlights the considerable potential for a positive impact on the Vietnamese economy derived from an expanded visitor visa exemption list.
It anticipates a significant increase in European travellers and a surge in business activities as a direct result.
EuroCham Vietnam said that this will play a pivotal role in stimulating the economy, expanding trade opportunities and increasing foreign direct investment inflows.
“This expansion will bring in a large number of travellers from the EU market, which has a population of over 500 million people.
“By removing barriers for high-income international travellers to visit Vietnam, we will undoubtedly unlock amazing opportunities for the country’s economy after a difficult few years,” said Gabor Fluit, chairman of EuroCham Vietnam.
“It’s not only about the sheer number of visitors but also the extended duration of their stay and their substantial purchasing power where European travellers truly stand out.
“European travellers tend to stay much longer, often for two weeks or more. This extended period allows them more of an opportunity to contribute to the economy, and perhaps even explore business prospects along the way.
“It’s all about creating room for travellers to create more value during their visit,” he added.
The initiative has gained support from Team Europe, with the appeal being co-signed by 18 ambassadors of EU members to Vietnam, as well as the chairpersons of national European business associations here. — Viet Nam News/ANN
