Most European companies are optimistic about Viet Nam's economic outlook, according to the first quarterly survey of the country's business climate by the European Chamber of Commerce (Eurocham) in Viet Nam.

More than 200 member companies took part in the Business Climate Index survey, which was conducted online, said Alain Cany, chairman of Eurocham.

Eurocham executive board member Peter Born said the index showed a positive outlook, with an average of 75 points on a scale of 0 to 100 points, with 100 representing the highest level of confidence.

Seventy per cent of the respondents said the outlook for investment was "good" or "excellent", and 68 per cent said they planned to increase their investment in Viet Nam.

In addition, 60 per cent of respondents expected Viet Nam's GDP to reach 6-8 per cent next year. The survey showed that Eurocham members were concerned about inflation and the depreciation of the Vietnamese dong against the euro and US dollar.

Half of the respondents said that inflation could rise to 10 per cent while 39 per cent said it could reach 10-15 per cent.

Many of them said they anticipated a 5-10 per cent depreciation of the dong against the euro and US dollar.

When asked about recruitment plans, 31 per cent of the respondents said they expected to increase the number of employees by 20 per cent, while 18 per cent indicated a significant increase of more than 20 per cent.

Source: VNS