The process of globalization pushes a move toward greater integration, the world economy is expanding along with the development of digital technology. Thus, the global economy is experiencing greater level of fluctuations with the outbreak of Covid-19 globally. Moreover, other factors such as trade wars, natural disasters, conflicts, violence, breaks of global supply chain, changes in the strategies of large economies had a major impact on the world economy. This poses challenges for businesses and governments when great efforts are needed to sustain and develop their economies, while taking advantage of development opportunities to rise in the context of these upheavals with appropriate policies and strategies.

The webinar "International economic fluctuations in the new context" organized by the Faculty of International Business and Economics, has been organized as a forum for economic researchers, economic managers, scholars, lecturers, students to exchange experiences, perspectives and knowledge, offer practical solutions in overcoming difficulties and seizing opportunities in international economic activities in the new context.

 

The webinar welcomed the speakers: Professor Craig Parsons, Faculty of Economics – Yokohama National University, Japan; Mr. Daniel Dobrev, Economic and Trade Office, Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Vietnam; MSc. Luong Huu Lam, Faculty of Economics and International Business, VNU University of Economics and Business. Attending the webinar were leaders of the university and faculties: Assoc.Prof. Nguyen Anh Thu – Vice Rector and Assoc.Prof. Ha Van Hoi - Dean of Faculty of International Business and Economics.

 

Professor Craig Parsons, Department of Economics, Yokohama National University

Prof. Craig Parsons opened the webinar with the presentations "Japan's FTAs and their impact in the past, present and future". Prof. Craig Parsons is an active member of the East Asian Economic Association and editor-in-chief of the Asian Economic Journal. With 20 years of work experience and extensive research, the professor gave comments on the impact of Japan's free trade agreements. Among the signed FTAs, the FTA between Japan and Vietnam in 2009 is the one with the deepest commitment to date.

 

Mr. Daniel Dobrev, Trade Commissioner at the Bulgarian Embassy in Hanoi

Following the presentation on Japan’s FTAs was the topic "Bulgarian Investment Activities: Opportunities in Difficulties from 2021 onwards" presented by Mr. Daniel Dobrev, a Bulgarian diplomat with extensive experience in Economic Diplomacy. He currently holds the position of Trade Commissioner at the Bulgarian Embassy in Hanoi and is involved in many projects to support Vietnam's development. With his experience in economic diplomacy and his experience as the director of U.S. investment funds in Europe, he gave in-depth analysis of Bulgaria's strengths in attracting foreign investment, opportunities and areas where Bulgaria should focus its investments at this time.

 

MSc. Luong Huu Lam - Lecturer of Faculty of International Business and Economics

Approaching from a business perspective, MSc. Luong Huu Lam gave an in-depth analysis on "How fashion retailers can overcome the Covid-19 Crisis in Vietnam: the case of Giovanni Group". With years of experiences studying and working in Europe in the luxury fashion industry as well as having held the position of Brand Director and Deputy General Manager at Giovanni Group, he analyzed the strategies that Giovanni has implemented in the Vietnamese market to overcome the difficulties amid the Covid-19 pandemic and turn difficulties into opportunities to maintain and develop. According to his analysis, besides short-term solutions such as product price reduction campaigns, Giovanni has implemented medium and long-term strategies. In particular, Giovani reduced its dependence on international suppliers when the global supply chains were fractured by using local and existing manufacturers as well as boosting e-commerce to embrace new opportunities after the pandemic.

 

PhD. Vu Thanh Huong - Deputy Dean of Faculty of International Economics and Business

Speakers' information:

• Professor Craig Parsons is Professor of Economics at Yokohama National University (YNU). He came from the US. to YNU in 2001. His main areas of study are experimental trade and experimental industry organization. He is an active member of the East Asian Economic Association and editor-in-chief of the Asian Economic Journal.
• Mr. Daniel Dobrev is a Bulgarian diplomat with long experience in economic diplomacy around the world. He has been appointed Trade Commissioner in Italy, Austria, Croatia, the United States and other countries. He currently holds the position of Trade Commissioner at the Bulgarian Embassy in Hanoi and has implemented effective cooperation with Vietnamese businesses. Daniel served as the Director of the U.S. investment fund in Europe, having worked at the Development Research Projects Institute in Bulgaria, a state institution in Bulgaria, doing business in the IT sector (IP protocol, R&D project, coordinating the IT and cyber security sector).
• MSc. Luong Huu Lam: currently a lecturer in International Economics, Faculty of Economics and International Business. Luong Huu Lam holds 3 master's degrees: Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Management (MSc.), Master of Research (MRes) and is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne with the topic of luxury market with sustainable development. MSc. Lam also served as Brand Director and Deputy General Director at Giovanni Group.