Carlsberg is keen on expanding its operations in Vietnam and wanted to invest more in Habeco after becoming a strategic investor in 2008, CEO of the Carlsberg Group Cees't Hart has told Hanoitimes in an emailed interview.
CEO of the Carlsberg Group Cees't Hart speaks at an event at the World Economic Forum in Hanoi in September. Photo coutersy: Carlsberg
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He declined to comment on the unfinished negotiations to purchase additional stake in Habeco.
Vietnam is among the world’s top ten highest beer consuming countries. With the growing urbanized, more middle income and affluent, young working populations, the beer market in Vietnam is estimated to retain growth in value. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s masterplan for brewing industry, Vietnam beer market will reach 4.6 billion litters by 2025.
“Therefore, we have the highest hopes and expectations for the Vietnamese brewing industry and we are eager to expand our long-term investment in the country, taking the opportunity to further develop the market for Carlsberg’s products and unleash the full potential of the market,” Cees't Hart added.
Regarding the Vietnamese Health Ministry's draft law on limiting the use of alcoholic drinks, Cees't Hart said Carlsberg supports the draft law and its focus on preventing the social and health consequences of alcohol abuse, and “highly appreciate” the prime minister’s instruction to remove the Health fund.
The CEO, however, expressed hope that the legislators will reconsider restrictions on advertising, promotion and sponsorship activities of beer businesses in a way that it will help to prevent the social and health consequences of alcohol abuse, at the same time it will not impact on the State budget and enterprises (not only brewers but also advertising and other services companies).
