As we see 2017 coming towards a close I would like to wish all BBGV members and friends a Very Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2018. The past year has certainly been a busy one for BBGV and we have hosted several events such as the Gala Dinner in March, Corporate Football Tournaments and Fun Runs in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. BBGV has organised 37 events including business seminars and networking events as well as raising 1.7 bn VND for charity. We have held meetings with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee, Hanoi People's Committee and many others to discuss on how to improve the working environment for our members’ business in Vietnam. Working closely with Department of International Trade (DIT) in Vietnam, the BBGV Business Centre has: Received 04 trade missions to Vietnam. Significantly we have identified and arranged 140 matchmaking meetings for British companies. Over the year BBGV has spoken to over 300 companies voicing an interest in the Vietnam Marketplace. A significant increase over the previous year. Despite the pressure, it has been a pleasure to work with the BBGV Secretariat and Business Centre staff, they continue demonstrate their commitment to the company via their hard work each and every day. The Board membership saw some changes at the AGM and the and new members alike continue to provide support and guidance in the running of the organisation, I feel honoured to have not only received their strategic support but also their commitment and guidance. The BBGV working relationship with Department of Investment and Trade and FCO continues grow in strength and collaboration, the Board and myself are grateful for all the support and that received from Ambassador Giles Lever and the Consul General to HCMC, Ian Gibbons. As with any organisation there will be challenges ahead but I am sure that BBGV will rise to meet them and move forwards as it has done in the past. It has been a pleasure to meet so many members of BBGV over the year and your support and contribution has been very welcomed and appreciated. I hope to get to meet with even more members both established and new during 2018. BBGV now looks towards 2018 and strengthening the voice of British business in Vietnam further through delivering excellent services via our Business Centre clients as well as to all BBGV members through our extensive list of events and activities taking place in 2018. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me any time at peter.rimmer@bbgv.org With best seasonal wishes to you all, Peter Rimmer Executive Director BBGV. Click here for more BBGV Christmas Events' photos in Hanoi and HCMC. Please also note that the BBGV office will be closed from 22nd December to 26th December for Christmas. We will get back to business on Wednesday 27th December. This Week's BBGV Chairman's Insight: Vietnam Business Forum (“VBF”) – Hanoi Plenary Meeting.Read more |