Research Fellow shares 2018 STI findings at VCCI event in Vietnam
Published 26 November 2018
On November 23, 2018, Hinrich Foundation Research Fellow Stephen Olson presented the 2018 Sustainable Trade Index (STI) at an event organized by Hinrich Foundation, in partnership with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in Hanoi, Vietnam.
The event, titled “Launching workshop: Sustainable Trade Index 2018”, had 100 participants from different streams such as business leaders, representatives from government and trade associations, among others. Secretary General of VCCI Nguyen Quang Vinh gave opening remarks before handing over to Hinrich Foundation Program Director Alexander Boome for his introductory remarks.
Olson then introduced the Sustainable Trade Index, which measures the sustainability of trade policies of 19 economies in Asia plus the USA. The Hinrich Foundation commissioned the Economist Intelligence Unit to construct the index.
Olson shared key findings from 2018 STI at the event. The index highlighted a broad regression in sustainability across Asia, in particular among the wealthier economies. He pointed out that Vietnam was a star performer in the 2018 STI with significant improvements in the economic and social pillars.
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“Trading sustainably is not just a luxury for wealthy economies. Performance does not track income level. United States is a significant under performer. Vietnam is the champion performer relative to its income level,” said Olson as he paved the way for a panel discussion.
The panel discussion was moderated by Can Van Luc, Chief Economic Expert from Bank of Investment and Development, Vietnam. It deliberated the achievements and failures of the country in trading sustainably. Panelists included:
- Michael R. Digregorio, Country Representative in Vietnam, Asia Foundation
- Stephen Olson, Research Fellow, Hinrich Foundation
- Doan Cong Khanh, Commerce Research Institute
- Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, Secretary General, Leather and Shoes Association
- Ding Van Chau, Deputy Chief of Department of Sustainable Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade
Luong Minh Huan, Deputy Director of Enterprise Development Foundation, VCCI, concluded the event with his closing remarks.
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