The representative of Zuellig Pharma Ltd. (under the Europe-ASEAN Business Alliance – EABA) said that they are facing the threat of closure in Vietnam after nearly 20 years in operation due to the Decree No.54 (implementing a number of provisions of the 2016 Pharmaceutical Law).
Accordingly, Zuellig Pharma has provided the logistics and warehousing service for drugs and medicine in Vietnam for many years. This service now falls into the category of drug distribution which cannot be done by foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) as in the 2016 Pharmaceutical Law, while it is defined as the logistics service in Business Law and totally eligible for FIEs. The conflict has confused Zuellig Pharma; they have requested numerous related agencies for guidelines but to no avail.
In response to this issue, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested Minister of Health and Chairman of the Office of the Government to revise the decree as soon as possible. He also expressed his support for the development of drug storage service due to its importance in product distribution.
Mr Phuc clearly stated, “European investors are always warmly welcomed in Vietnam, especially in the field of infrastructure development, as European investors are perfectionists who object to bribery and corruption.”
Besides, on the same day, PM met with the Chairman of the Board of Austrian Vamed Group Ernst Wastler, which has supported a large amount of official development assistance (ODA) in modernising the public healthcare system in Vietnam for the last two decades. Mr. Ernst Wastler ensured the cooperation between Vamed and Vietnamese ministries in order to seek more financial and equipment aid for Vietnam.
