Business

Heineken Vietnam faces difficulties during Covid-19

By Tung Anh March 15, 2022 | 10:19 AM GMT+7

Alexander Koch, Heineken Vietnam's Managing Director, affirmed that the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the company's operations as well as its contribution to the state budget.

Alexander Koch, Heineken Vietnam's Managing Director, in a meeting with Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Since 1991, Heineken Vietnam has been operating continuously in the Vietnam market and made a great contribution to the state budget, which is equivalent to nearly one per cent of GDP and creating jobs both directly and indirectly for 212,000 employees.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly affected the company's operations as well as its contribution to the state budget, according to Alexander Koch, Heineken Vietnam Managing Director in a meeting with Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

In 2020, coupled with the natural disasters in central Vietnam, the company’s GDP contribution in Vietnam decreased slightly from $876 million in the previous year to $744.6 million, with 0.87 per cent GDP contributed and 183,000 jobs supported in the whole value chain.

The rising input cost of materials puts pressure on the company to optimize its operating costs and find ways to operate sustainably.

“Despite testing circumstances, we built on our ability to adapt and stay close to our customers and consumers, while keeping our eyes on investing for the future”, says Heineken Vietnam in its sustainability report 2020.

Amidst Covid-19, the company introduced Bia Viet, a new brand created exclusively for Vietnam. Last year, it also launched Heineken 0.0 with no alcohol to support the Vietnamese Government’s effort to address drink-driving and Decree 100.

Koch affirmed that despite those challenges, the brand would continue to maintain its attachment to the Vietnamese market. It is expected that this September, the company will inaugurate a new brewery in Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

However, the company expects that Vietnam has a suitable roadmap in implementing excise tax for the period 2022 - 2023 as well as considers the implementation of excise tax on alcoholic beverages based on pure alcohol.

The company also wants to increase the rate of renewable energy usage from 52 per cent to 100 per cent by 2025 and to participate in the implementation of the direct power purchase mechanism.

GIZ and Decathlon join to tackle  textile industry's environmental challenges

GIZ and Decathlon join to tackle textile industry's environmental challenges

National Focus -  3 year
The German development cooperation agency GIZ and Decathlon have launched a joint initiative to improve the environmental performance of the garment and textile supply chain in Vietnam.
GIZ and Decathlon join to tackle  textile industry's environmental challenges

GIZ and Decathlon join to tackle textile industry's environmental challenges

National Focus -  3 year
The German development cooperation agency GIZ and Decathlon have launched a joint initiative to improve the environmental performance of the garment and textile supply chain in Vietnam.
Filum AI secures $1 million amidst funding winter

Filum AI secures $1 million amidst funding winter

Business -  2 day

Filum AI has successfully raised $1 million in funding despite a challenging venture capital market, underscoring the potential of AI and shifting investment strategies.

New decree eliminates barriers and enhances access to financing for enterprises

New decree eliminates barriers and enhances access to financing for enterprises

Business -  1 week

Enterprises are advised to promptly assess and evaluate the impact of the changes in the newly-issued to ensure timely compliance in the upcoming tax finalization period.

Lux Travel DMC earns global recognition for sustainability

Lux Travel DMC earns global recognition for sustainability

Business -  1 week

Lux Travel DMC has solidified its position as one of the global leaders in sustainable tourism with the prestigious Travelife Certified Sustainability Award 2025.

Promoting technology leadership training in the AI ​​era

Promoting technology leadership training in the AI ​​era

Business -  1 week

As AI becomes more prevalent, business leaders must evolve - blending management expertise with a deep understanding of technology and its applications.

Tokyo AA and Rakusei form strategic partnership

Tokyo AA and Rakusei form strategic partnership

Business -  2 week

The collaboration between Tokyo AA and Rakusei aims to develop high-potential real estate projects, bringing Japanese expertise to Vietnam.

CFOs remain cautiously optimistic, prioritizing revenue growth amid economic risks

CFOs remain cautiously optimistic, prioritizing revenue growth amid economic risks

Business -  2 week

Chief financial officers (CFO) in Southeast Asia are setting their sights on revenue growth to ensure resilience and maintain expansion through economic cycles.