Prague (VNA)𒁃 - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 19 held working sessions with leading corporations of the Czech Republic and Europe which are eager to expand operations in Vietnam, committing all possible support for their effective and sustainable business activities in accordance with Vietnamese laws.

In his meeting with Klaus Zellmer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Skoda Auto, the biggest automobile manufacturer in the Czech Republic, PM Chinh, who is on an official visit to the Czech Republic, lauded Skoda's decision to partner with Thanh Cong Group for investment in Vietnam as the right choice. The PM encouraged Skoda to invest on a large scale, focusing on high-tech products, technology transfer and localisation. This approach would help Vietnamese firms integrate more deeply into Skoda's global production and supply chains, fostering the development of the Vietnamese automotive industry, he said. As Vietnam is in the process of transitioning to sustainable transport, including electric vehicles (EVs), the Government is offering incentives and support for the production and assembly of electric cars, he said, suggesting Skoda continue working closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and relevant agencies to discuss its completely-knocked-down (CKD) vehicle assembly project in Vietnam, future development plans, ensure compliance with legal regulations and procedures for investment, and keep exploring opportunities to expand its operations in the country. Beyond vehicle production, he expected that Skoda would also consider expanding its operations into areas where its excels and Vietnam has a demand in line with green and sustainable development trends. Zellmer, for his part, highlighted Vietnam's strategic importance as a gateway to the ASEAN market and a reliable partner. With Skoda Auto and Thanh Cong Group working on a manufacturing and assembly plant in Quang Ninh province, Zellmer sought the Vietnamese Government's support to ensure the project's success and the promotion of EVs in Vietnam. This would create opportunities for stakeholders to expand the electric charging infrastructure and facilitate Skoda's introduction of EVs to the Vietnamese market.

In another working session with PM Chinh, Pavel Tykač, the owner of Seven Global Investments and SK Slavia Praha Football Club, said Seven Global Investments is an investment group based in the Czech Republic, operating in many countries worldwide, with a focus on long-term investments in power generation, coal mining, metallurgy, and natural resource extraction. With roughly 3 billion EUR in equity value and investments in the Mong Duong 2 BOT thermal power plant in Vietnam, Seven Global Investments wants Vietnamese ạuthorities to expedite the approval process for acquiring a controlling stake in the power plant, he said.

PM Chinh hoped that the plant would operate at full capacity, achieving high efficiency and bringing value to shareholders, employees and the community. He also emphasised the plant's role in supporting the global energy transition process, particularly in Vietnam.

ꦦ Regarding its proposal, he requested the group to continue working closely with the MoIT and relevant authorities to clarify and finalise the capital transfer documents in the first quarter, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and investment procedures.

He suggested that, with its capabilities and strengths, Seven Global Investments should expand its investments in Vietnam into areas such as batteries, clean energy like wind and solar power, sports and culture, particularly football.

Meanwhile, at his meeting with PM Chinh, Jiri Smejc, CEO of the multinational conglomerate PPF Group, highlighted that PPF, one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest financial groups, considers Vietnam an important partner, where it has achieved promising business results.

PPF's subsidiary, Home Credit Group, has been operating actively in Vietnam and consistently demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility, securing a position among Vietnam's top 100 sustainable businesses for three consecutive years (2022–2024).

PM Chinh welcomed PPF’s and Home Credit’s effective operations in Vietnam. He noted that the positive trajectory of Vietnam-Czech relations, especially as the two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties and prepare to elevate their relations, provides a robust foundation to promote economic, investment, and trade cooperation between their businesses.

Addressing PPF’s proposals, the Government leader affirmed that relevant authorities would handle procedures related to its contribution capital transfer plans for Home Credit Vietnam in accordance with regulations. He encouraged the group to maintain close coordination with the State Bank of Vietnam, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant agencies to resolve existing issues.

Urging PPF to explore opportunities and expand its operations in the country, he stated that the success of investors is also the success of Vietnam.

🐟 PM Chinh assured PPF and other Czech investors that the Vietnamese Government is committed to creating a favourable, lawful environment for their effective and sustainable business activities in the country./.