| Following an invite from MOFA, BBGV attended the recent conference in Vung Tau city to discuss the benefits of the EVFTA and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in terms of Trade and Investment opportunities in the Ba Ria - Vung Tau province.
The conference was attended by Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Member of CPV Central Committee, MOFA Standing Vice-Minister; Mr. Nguyen Hong Linh, Member of CPV Central Committee, BR-VT Party Secretary; Mr. Jean-Jacques Bouflet, Vice-Chairman of EuroCham; together with representatives from Ba Ria–VungTau; Chambers of Commerce and business representatives from both Europe and Vietnam.
During the conference the Department of Planning and Investment of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, confirmed that up to June 2019, there had been 347 FDI projects approved with total fund value of USD34.2 billion, of these there were 68 projects from Europe with total fund of USD3.5 billion. The representative also shared priorities for businesses from Europe to invest in Vung Tau and projects which are open for investment in order to promote the development for both sides following these agreements. Reference was made to the available high quality workforce in the city and the continued opportunities for tourism. The planned airport at Long Thanh would also bring new benefits to the province.
Further to the panel discussion, both sides affirmed that the EVFTA and EVIPA will benefit the trade relationship between Vietnam and the EU and bring more opportunities to promote the connection of the provincial business community, including Ba Ria-Vung Tau, with European partners. | 
