On the occasion of the seminar titled “Easing Non-Tariff Barriers to Unlock ASEAN’s Potential”, co-organized by the Vietnam Investment Review (VIR) under the Ministry of Finance and the New Zealand Embassy on June 27, B&Company had the honor of contributing both as a content contributor and active participant.

Thought leadership contribution: “Vietnam and New Zealand: From Trade Partners to FDI Allies”

Ahead of the event, in a recent article published by Vietnam Investment Review, B&Company contributed insights into the evolving economic relationship between Vietnam and New Zealand. While New Zealand’s FDI in Vietnam remains modest, both nations are strengthening ties through shared trade agreements and strategic cooperation in sectors like green energy, agri-tech, education, and high-value manufacturing. The article also emphasizes Vietnam’s commitment to digital transformation and green development, aligning with its 2035 and 2050 national goals. Moreover, we reaffirm B&Company’s dedication to supporting data-driven investment decisions and fostering international partnerships that contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable economic future.

Read the full article in VIR’s official press release [here].

B&Company’s article featured on VIR No.1758, June 23-29, 2025

B&Company joined the seminar event

Additionally, B&Company representatives attended the seminar in person to connect and exchange insights with policy makers, business leaders, and regional experts. The event focused on addressing non-tariff barriers (NTBs) that continue to hinder intra-ASEAN trade and investment, despite significant tariff reductions under frameworks such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).

B&Company representatives and delegates at the seminar

Key takeaways: Easing non-tariff barriers for ASEAN growth

The seminar highlighted several pressing challenges and solutions:

– Persistent NTBs in ASEAN: While tariffs have largely been eliminated, Vietnamese exporters still face obstacles such as technical standards, complicated certification procedures, import licensing delays, and inconsistent implementation of SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) measures across member states.

– Impact on SMEs: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the most vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to meet diverse and changing requirements across markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, or Thailand. These NTBs not only slow trade but increase compliance costs.

– Sectoral examples: Vietnam’s seafood and agricultural exports have been especially affected. For instance, complex Halal certification in Muslim-majority countries or inconsistent food safety inspection rules make market access difficult.

– Proposed solutions:

(1) Mutual recognition of standards: Promote inter-governmental agreements on standard recognition to reduce duplicated testing and inspection.

(2) Digitalization of customs and licensing: Speed up processing times and reduce informal costs.

(3) Regional cooperation platforms: Strengthen ASEAN institutional mechanisms to resolve NTB disputes and share best practices.

(4) Public–private dialogue: Encourage feedback loops between government and business to align reforms with actual industry needs.

Future outlook

With ASEAN aiming to become a more integrated economic community by 2025, resolving NTBs is a critical step to unlocking the region’s full potential. B&Company remains committed to providing insights and supporting businesses—particularly SMEs and foreign investors—in navigating both policy and practical challenges.

For further consultation, insights, or collaborative opportunities related to ASEAN trade and investment strategies, stakeholders are encouraged to contact B&Company Vietnam.

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