Ho Chi Minh City leader works with PepsiCo to advance business climate improvements

PepsiCo, which has operated in Vietnam for 31 years, has invested more than US$1 billion and generated over 15,000 jobs in the Southeast Asian nation.

Willemsen said he was pleased to meet with the Ho Chi Minh City leader to discuss the company’s development direction in the coming period and explore cooperation opportunities that would allow PepsiCo to continue contributing to the city’s growth.

He emphasized PepsiCo’s strong confidence in the business potential of Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, while noting the company’s commitment to complying with regulatory changes.

Willemsen expressed hope that the city would continue to support the firm by accelerating administrative procedures and licensing processes.

One challenge raised was the shift from lump-sum taxation to a declaration-based system, which has affected small business households, including distributors and retailers of PepsiCo products.

The enterprise hoped for additional guidance and assistance from the city.

Chairman Duoc responded by acknowledging these concerns and requested relevant municipal departments to address each of PepsiCo’s proposals.

He noted that the move to declaration-based taxation aligns Vietnam with international standards.

The city’s leader stressed that the transition may be difficult initially, but government policies are in place to ease the adjustment for businesses and citizens.

He highly valued PepsiCo’s expansion plans and its commitment to circular-economy initiatives, including sustainable packaging and recycling efforts carried out in partnership with the Packaging Recycling Organization Vietnam (PRO Vietnam).

Willemsen told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that PepsiCo remains confident in the city’s growth trajectory.

He highlighted the company’s desire to deepen collaboration with local authorities.

“We sincerely appreciate the city’s efforts in building a favorable and sustainable business environment, which gives foreign investors confidence to invest and expand,” Willemsen said.