The 15th quarterly EuroCham Business Climate Index (BCI) survey hasshown a significant improvement in business confidence and outlook amongEuropean enterprises in Vietnam.

The index in thesecond quarter of the year increased by 7 points from the previousquarter to 66 points, according to the survey released on June 17.

It found that 44 percent of respondents reported satisfactory businessoutcomes, while the number of businesses having unsatisfactory outcomesdecreased from 29 percent in the first quarter to 21 percent.

Besides, 81 percent of enterprises questioned said that they will maintain or increase their investment.

In the second quarter, the European business community showed theirhigh expectation of the practicability of a free trade agreement betweenVietnam and the European Union and the performance of therecently-launched Vietnam Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated Systemand the Vietnam Customs Information System.

Thesurvey also pointed out that the formation of an ASEAN EconomicCommunity by 2015 will have certain impact on the competitivenessbetween Vietnam and other ASEAN members, adding low labour cost is oneof the main reasons encouraging European companies to invest in Vietnam.

EuroCham Executive Director Csaba Bundik said thatthe chamber will do its utmost to coordinate with the VietnameseGovernment to put forward measures supporting enterprises and ensuring aclear business environment.-VNA