To help Clients start business in Vietnam, ANT Consulting introduces the service to assist in setting up business venture in Vietnam.

Foreign investors could make direct investment in Vietnam through setting up one hundred per cent (100%) capital of foreign investors, or establishing joint venture between domestic and foreign investors, or investing in the contractual forms of: BCC, BO, BTO, and BT

Types of enterprise for foreign investors to invest in Vietnam are as following:

A limited-liability company may not issue securities to mobilize capital.

The main difference between Joint Stock Company and Limited Liability Company is the Joint Stock Company can raise funds by offering shares or securities. In addition, an enterprise tends to join the Stock exchanges or public company must be a Joint Stock Company. Management system of Joint Stock Company is more complicated than Liability Company.

Unlimited liability partners must be individuals who shall be liable for the obligations of the company to the extent of all of their assets. Limited liability partners shall only be liable for the debts of the company to the extent of the amount of capital they have contributed to the company.

Representative Office is not allowed to directly conduct profit making activities in Vietnam (i.e: the execution of contracts, direct payment or receipt of funds, sale or purchase of goods, or provision of services)

The Branch is permitted to conduct activities being the purchase and sale of goods and other commercial activities consistent with its license for establishment in accordance with the law of Vietnam and any international treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

Business co-operation contract (BCC) means the investment form signed between investors in order to co-operate in business and to share profits or products without creating a legal entity.

Build-operate-transfer contract (BOT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct and operate commercially an infrastructure facility for a fixed duration; and, upon expiry of the duration, the investor shall, without compensation, transfer such facility to the State of Vietnam.

Build-transfer-operate contract (BTO) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall grant the investor the right to operate commercially such facility for a fixed duration in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits.

Build-transfer contract (BT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall create conditions for the investor to implement another project in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits or to make a payment to the investor in accordance with an agreement in the BT contract.

Foreign investors may sign BOT, BT and BTO contracts with a competent State body to implement infrastructure construction projects in Vietnam. Typically, the contracts are for projects in the fields of transportation, electricity production, water supply, drainage and waste treatment.

To help Clients start business in Vietnam, ANT Consulting introduces the service to assist in setting up business venture in Vietnam.

Foreign investors could make direct investment in Vietnam through setting up one hundred per cent (100%) capital of foreign investors, or establishing joint venture between domestic and foreign investors, or investing in the contractual forms of: BCC, BO, BTO, and BT

Types of enterprise for foreign investors to invest in Vietnam are as following:

A limited-liability company may not issue securities to mobilize capital.

The main difference between Joint Stock Company and Limited Liability Company is the Joint Stock Company can raise funds by offering shares or securities. In addition, an enterprise tends to join the Stock exchanges or public company must be a Joint Stock Company. Management system of Joint Stock Company is more complicated than Liability Company.

Unlimited liability partners must be individuals who shall be liable for the obligations of the company to the extent of all of their assets. Limited liability partners shall only be liable for the debts of the company to the extent of the amount of capital they have contributed to the company.

Representative Office is not allowed to directly conduct profit making activities in Vietnam (i.e: the execution of contracts, direct payment or receipt of funds, sale or purchase of goods, or provision of services)

The Branch is permitted to conduct activities being the purchase and sale of goods and other commercial activities consistent with its license for establishment in accordance with the law of Vietnam and any international treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

Business co-operation contract (BCC) means the investment form signed between investors in order to co-operate in business and to share profits or products without creating a legal entity.

Build-operate-transfer contract (BOT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct and operate commercially an infrastructure facility for a fixed duration; and, upon expiry of the duration, the investor shall, without compensation, transfer such facility to the State of Vietnam.

Build-transfer-operate contract (BTO) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall grant the investor the right to operate commercially such facility for a fixed duration in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits.

Build-transfer contract (BT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall create conditions for the investor to implement another project in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits or to make a payment to the investor in accordance with an agreement in the BT contract.

Foreign investors may sign BOT, BT and BTO contracts with a competent State body to implement infrastructure construction projects in Vietnam. Typically, the contracts are for projects in the fields of transportation, electricity production, water supply, drainage and waste treatment.

On the afternoon of January 15th, 2021, the People’s Committee of Da Nang City in collaboration with the city government of Boras (Sweden) organized an online seminar on the UN’s sustainable development goals to 2030, within the framework of the project “Scientific education for sustainable development in Da Nang” cooperation between Da Nang and Boras.

Based on the UN’s sustainable development goals up to 2030, in which education, environment, science, and technology development are the goals that Da Nang cares for and develops. The city seeks to ensure quality, open and equitable education and increase lifelong learning opportunities for all the citizens, ensure availability and sustainable management of water resources of the city, build solid infrastructure, promote open and sustainable industrialization, and encourage innovation. The city takes urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts, conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, protection, regeneration, and promotion encourage the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, manage forest resources sustainably, combat desertification, prevent soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.   

For the Boras city -Sweden, with the goal of sustainable development, Boras city focuses on implementing a number of contents such as improving the institutional system, policies, strengthen information and communication, promote the role and participation of the parties, arrange, mobilize and strengthen financial resources, and strengthen international cooperation.

Da Nang hopes that science education project for sustainable development in Da Nang, which is cooperated between Da Nang and Boras, will have specific activities, contributing to improving the capacity of science education, promoting innovation associated with sustainable development goals in the city.

Da Nang and Boras have cooperated for many years, with many policies to attract and support Swedish investors. Many Swedish investors and enterprises have chosen Da Nang as the investment destination in Vietnam to set up company, establish factory, apply for investment registration certificate. In the coming time, Da Nang-Boras hopes that more investors from Sweden will invest in the city in wastewater and solid waste treatment projects to further strengthen cooperation in investment, education, and science between the two cities.

Opportunities are opening for Vietnam to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) flows from France.

As planned, during the visit to Vietnam of French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (from November 2nd – 4th), in the afternoon of November 2nd, a series of new cooperation agreements were signed between enterprises of the two countries, to promote bilateral trade and investment cooperation. On November 4th, a business forum will also be held in Ho Chi Minh City, attracting the participation of about 200 businesses from Vietnam and France.       

These moves are promising to open new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries’ businesses, which are believed to have great potentials and are on the rise. In fact, in March 2018, after a visit to France of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, a series of new cooperation agreements were signed. Among them, there is an agreement between the T&T Group and the Bouygues Group (France) on investment cooperation of the no.3 urban railway project in Hanoi, with total investment estimated at 1.4 billion USD. The two Groups also signed an agreement on the BT contract (build – transfer) of a project to connect Ha Noi with Son Tay town (Nhon – Troi – Phung – Ring road 4 – Son Tay), cooperate to invest and develop the project of upgrading and expanding Hang Day Stadium…

In addition, there are cooperation contracts between Vietnam Airlines with Air France, Tre Viet (Bamboo Airlines) with Airbus…

In fact, there have been more positive trends in French investment into Vietnam since the beginning of this year. According to data released by the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), in the first 10 months of this year, French businesses have registered to invest 517 million USD in Vietnam.

France currently ranks in the Top 10 countries and territories with large investments in Vietnam, even ranks 1st among European investors have invested in Vietnam since the beginning of this year. If calculated cumulatively, France has invested in Vietnam 3.6 billion USD, surpassed UK.

When Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was on a trip to Europe, the European Commission (EC) agreed to submit to the European Council for approval to officially sign the European – Vietnam free trade agreement (EVFTA), expected by the end of 2018, then submitted to the European Parliament for approval, scheduled for early 2019. Once this agreement has been formally adopted, a new door to promoting EU – Vietnam trade and investment will be opened. In this context, investment flows from France are also expected to grow strongly.

At the present, most French investment projects in Vietnam are implemented in the early stages of FDI attraction, such as BNP Paribas, Total, Schneider Electric, Renault, Technip…

Recently, some French investors started to increase their investment in Vietnam. Typical is Auchan with plan to invest 500 million USD to open retail system in Vietnam. Or Schneider Electric, with the inauguration of a new factory in Ho Chi Minh City, with 45 million USD investment capital in Phase I in 2017. In addition, Sanofi has 3 factories in Ho Chi Minh City…

Newer names, such as In Vivo and Olmix, are also boosting their investments in agriculture in Vietnam. EDF Group has been licensed to participate in Son My 1 Gas Power Project. In addition, Saint-Gobain is building a factory in Hai Phong city; Veolia, Suez and Vinci are actively pursuing water treatment projects.

Fintech as financial technology is innovative ways of technology in design and delivery of financial services in intermediary payment, crowdfunding, peer to peer lending, blockchain, big data, etc which have been happening in Vietnam over the last several years. It is important for the fintech companies to research and understand the Vietnam market from different perspective to have a proper market entry plan into Vietnam, taking advantage of habit of using smart phone, internet of young Vietnamese.

Changes in fintech have greatly contributed to access of financial service decrease transfer fees, enhance on clearance and simple, more convenient and effective products, control effectively expenses and incomes.

Understanding the benefits of fintech, since 2017, the Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) established a Steering Committee on Financial Technology of the SBV, advising the Governor on solutions to improve the ecosystem, including legal framework to facilitate the development of fintech businesses in Vietnam, in line with the Government’s guidelines and orientations.

From practical perspective, fintech companies operating in Vietnam have to meet the legal requirements upon establishment license, enterprise registration certificate, service plan and obtain approval and permits. In addition, charter capital, human resources, facilities, technical infrastructure, IT system need to be considered when operating the financial technology to ensure the security for customers’ information and the safety of the whole system.

In the technology boom with the Industrial Resolution 4.0, electronic payment methods have become a popular trend all over the world. In Vietnam, this market is not really grown as much as other countries, but it is considered to be very potential.

The fintech sector in Vietnam is relatively new despite the intermediary payment companies’ appearance was from 2008. There are up to 90% in payments performed in cash in Vietnam. Concerns of applying financial technology in Vietnam includes business risk, network risk and compliance risk from stakeholders. Along with the systemic risk, operating risk increases with the scale of system expansion. The entry of fintech companies into banking sector adds to the complexity of the system, as most new fintech businesses lack of experience in information technology.

Looking at positive sign, Vietnam is currently considered as a market space to develop fintech products that meet the demand. The State Bank of Vietnam shall take many actions to support fintech companies to meet customers’ increasingly diverse needs, but it is important to stay complied with the current legal frameworks on financial technology.

Consultants and lawyers at ANT Consulting have assisted a number of investors whom are interested in fintech for a proper market entry.

According to the forecast of Nielsen Vietnam, with the growth of up to 22% per year, the scale of Vietnam’s e-commerce market can reach 10 billion USD by the end of 2020.    

According to research of Nielsen Vietnam, 60% of online shoppers are women and 40% are men. Age of online shoppers from 25 – 29 years old accounts for 55%. Most online shoppers are single people, 55% of online shoppers are office workers using online shopping services. Currently, 35.8 million people use internet connection, the annual increase is 11%.

The Government is supporting a lot to develop e-commerce in Vietnam. Specifically, the Government want to improve logistics and transportation services better by 2025. With the growth of up to 22% per year, the scale of Vietnam’s e-commerce market can reach 10 billion USD by the end of 2020.

However, consumers are still psychologically afraid to buy products online because of fears that products are not as they want when they receive the goods, or they want to touch and test the products… These are the barriers of e-commerce in Vietnam. The future of e-commerce in Vietnam is still available but not growing steadily. Therefore, enterprises need to know whether consumers are willing to buy more or not to have an appropriate investment strategy.

Moreover, very few people buy goods without cash. Specifically, up to 76% of consumers who buy products online when receiving goods are paid in cash. However, this number is expected to decrease from 76% to 66% in the future. So which method will increase? That is the use of debit or credit card payments increased from 29% to 36%; using money transfer to purchase goods also increased from 30% – 33%.

On February 5th, 2021, Da Nang High-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority granted the Investment Registration Certificate to a Japanese corporation to invest in the Research Center project, Development and Production with total investment capital of 35 million USD.

This is a project to carry out scientific research and technology development in the fields of science, engineering and technology for the next generation of robots, unmanned aircraft, Hydro energy equipment, Nano equipment, technology. artificial intelligence (AI), water purification systems, wireless power transmission systems and new material development. The project also researches and develops in the fields of information technology, medical equipment, prototype production (testing), and manufacture of unmanned devices, robots, and medical devices for product commercial purposes and technology after research and development.      

From the beginning of 2021 up to now, Da Nang High-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority has attracted USD 145 million of foreign direct investment (FDI) capital, increasing the total registered FDI investment capital into the Da Nang hi-tech Park reached USD 536.1 million. Until now, Da Nang Hi-Tech Park has attracted 24 projects, including 12 domestic projects and 12 FDI projects.

In addition, on February 16th, 2021, the Prime Minister agreed to add an industrial zone supporting Da Nang high-tech park with an area of ​​58,531 hectares. This will help the Hi-Tech Park expand the area, helping investors to easily implement the project.

Besides, Da Nang city has a number of policies to attract investment in high-tech zones such as reducing company income tax, land rental, import tax, support to find suitable labor sources, etc. these are great advantage for investors to be able to do business during the investment process.

Currently, Da Nang is attracting investment for science and high-tech projects, so the investment by high-tech investors in Da Nang will be facilitated by the government to supporting investment procedures to set up company, manufacturing facility in Da Nang. With its efforts, Da Nang hopes that Da Nang Hi-Tech Park is expected to become a “Silicon Valley” in the near future.

Jun 02th, 2011, from The Wall Street Journal. HANOI—The State Bank of Vietnam has asked all state-owned firms to sell their foreign currency to banks beginning July 1, part of a plan outlined in February to eliminate the use of foreign money in the domestic market.

The central bank announced the directive Wednesday in a statement on its website. It didn’t provide details on the amount of foreign currency state-owned firms are believed to hold.    

The central bank also asked banks to raise their reserve ratio for foreign-currency deposits maturing in less than 12 months to 7%, from 6%. This will raise banks’ costs to absorb dollar deposits and should eventually force them to offer lower interest rates on such deposits, discouraging the public from holding dollars.

Hanoi-based bankers said the latest steps are in line with government efforts to boost the value of the local currency, the dong, and build Vietnam’s foreign-exchange reserves. On Thursday the central bank capped the interest rate offered on individuals’ dollar deposits at 2%—down from the 3% limit set in March—and lowered the cap for corporate accounts to 0.5% from 1%.

These steps come after the dong has lost more than 15% of its value against the U.S. dollar over the past two years. The central bank has devalued the currency four times but still has failed to stop the bleeding.

“Though the government has introduced various measures to control imports, monthly trade deficits have been rising fast so far this year, making the authorities come out with new steps to support the dong’s value and improve foreign reserves,” one executive at a commercial bank said.

According to Nguyen Hai Ha, an analyst with MBCapital, one of Vietnam’s largest fund management groups, the steps will help the central bank meet short-term targets on the reserves and the exchange rate.

In the long run, however, “the dollar is expected to rise because local reserves of the U.S. currency are thin, while trade deficits continue to rise,” the analyst said.

The central bank said companies will be able to buy back dollars later if they need them.

Vietnam’s trade deficit widened to $1.7 billion in May from $1.49 billion in April, its largest monthly deficit since December 2009, government figures showed.

The country’s trade deficit during the January-May period was $6.59 billion, compared with $5.46 billion deficit a year earlier.

Da Nang – one of the strategic economic centers of Vietnam’s central region

The Vietnam prime minister has established central region’s strategic economic center, including 05 provinces and cities: Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh to promote potential, geographical location and competitive advantages and step by step develop this economic region to become one of the most dynamic economic region in the country. In particular, Da Nang is defined as the role of nuclear motivation for promoting the development of the central region and the highlands.

Da Nang – eastern gateway of east – west economic corridor (EWEC)      

EWEC is one of five economic corridor developed by the initiative of the Asia development bank in the greater Mekong sub – region.

Currently, the road system in Laos, Thailand and the road line from Da Nang to Savannakhet are completed. The second international bridge spanning the Mekong river was completed in the end of 2006 to facilitate the circulation of goods and passengers by road line from Da Nang to the northeastern provinces of Thailand and vice versa. East-west economic corridor not only provide an opportunity for the country on the path of promoting regional cooperation and improve living standards for the people but also enable businesses better access to the raw materials market services, capital, labor and technology with the purpose of creating favorable conditions for investment and trade across the border and diversifying economic activity and exports and promoting tourism development

Da Nang – entrance of the cultural heritage and natural wonders of the world

Da Nang is located in the heart of the “world heritage road”, stretching from the central coast of Vinh city to Da Lat city. From Da Nang, along the national highway 1A, visitors can access quickly and conveniently four of five world heritages in Vietnam, including Phong Nha – Ke Bang national park (about 300 km from the north of Da Nang), the ancient capital of Hue (about 100km from the north), Hoi An (about 30km from the southeast) and My Son (about 70 km from the southwest).

With the advantage of geographical location and potential economic development in tourism, Da Nang is an ideal destination for tourists as well as investors.

Infrastructure is step by step improved

Da Nang is an important traffic hub of the central – highlands and country with system of international airports, deep sea ports, roads, north-south railways developed conveniently.

Da Nang port is the third largest commercial ports in Vietnam after Saigon port and the port of Hai Phong. With a depth of 11m wharf, warehouse systems and equipment upgraded by capital funds of the government of Japan, Da Nang port can receive ships with a capacity of 45,000 dwt and others such as container ships, passenger ships, cargo ships. Da Nang is the international shipping route enabling to go to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Korea.

Da Nang international airport is one of the three best airports in Vietnam. In addition to domestic flights, there are weekly international flights directly from Da Nang to Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei. In the near future, the airport will open more routes to Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Da Nang international airport is currently being upgraded and expanded to meet the needs of increasing passengers and cargo.

The system of roads in and out of the city are constantly being expanded and newly constructed

Telecommunication systems: Da Nang is one of three major telecomunication centers of the country, international transmission speed with good quality of Southeast Asia. Da Nang post provides various and modern telecommunication services and be capable meeting the needs of customers.

The other services supporting investment (financial, banking, insurance …): most banks and finance companies of Vietnam have large branches in Da Nang. Some branches of foreign banks and international insurance companies are operating effectively in the city. These services have increasingly been improved better to meet the needs of investors.

Trained and abundant human resources

Da Nang has abundant human resources (over 50% of the population of the city), mostly young labor. Number of employees with technical expertise trained account nearly a quarter of the labor force. Labor costs in Da Nang are lower than some other cities in the country.

Da Nang is one of the provinces in the country with the high educational development index which create a favorable platform for the development of human resources of the city to perform the goal of improving the quality of human resources, quality of life. The city has about 14 universities, 15 colleges and professional schools with nearly 140,000 students. This system performs training in most areas of science, engineering, information technology, economics, business administration, language and pedagogy… Danang university also cooperates with universities of countries with an advanced education such as France, US, Japan, Australia, Canada, New Zealand …

Software technology center in Da Nang is one of the leading software producers in Vietnam and is the leading training center of the central region. Over the years, the software technology center has cooperated closely with companies of India (aptech) and Japan (aots) to train programmers, technicians and engineers reaching the international standard. Many IT company has chosen Da Nang to set up company in da nang to hold their talents for international projects.

In addition, the city also has about 55 vocational training centers which often provide short-term training courses in computer science, sewing, mechanics, electricity – electronics, construction techniques, etc …

Quality of life

Along with the process of urbanization, economic growth in recent years has helped to material life and spirit of the people of Da Nang continuously improved.

Unlike other large cities in Vietnam, next to the bustle of urban development, living in Da Nang always bring a sense of peace, comfort and closeness to nature. Da Nang is one of the very few cities in Vietnam having a harmonious combination between high mountains, deep forests, long beach, deep river. After work, you can easily find space to relax beside the river or on beautiful beaches.

Da Nang today is a city with a healthy cultural environment, with urban civilized lifestyle, literacy levels elevated, beautiful natural scenery. It can be said that Da Nang is an exciting place to live, work, travel and invest in Vietnam.

Vietnam has become a destination for Indonesian investors to set up business in Vietnam thanks to the ever-improving investment environment and the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

At the Conference named “Vietnam – Indonesia: Strengthening trade cooperation in palm oil and paper industries” that was recently held in Hanoi, the Indonesian Ambassador in Vietnam said that many Indonesian businesses are exploring business and investment opportunities in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and many other places in Vietnam.

Accordingly, more Indonesian investors will come to Vietnam in the coming time because Vietnam is a promising place for Indonesian investors to open their production bases thanks to AEC tariff reductions.

According to the Indonesian embassy, the Indonesian 12 largest palm oil exporters and 14 largest paper exporters are planning to expand their export markets to Vietnam and expecting to enter into joint ventures with local businesses to directly produce products in Vietnam.

In addition to calling for investment and cooperation in the palm oil and paper sectors, Vietnam has recently welcomed many Indonesian investors coming to Vietnam seeking investment opportunities and doing business successfully in the areas of animal feed, building materials, real estate…

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s capital flowing into Vietnam through mergers and acquisitions has been rising steadily, such as PT Semen Gresik – Indonesia’s largest cement company, has spent 230 million USD buying 70% of the shares in Thang Long Cement Company from Geleximco.

Indonesia’s second largest M&A deal in Vietnam is Salim Group spent 37 million USD to purchase 49% shares in Hiep Thanh Group – a trading, processing, aquaculture and export group of two agriculture strategic products that are rice and seafood.

It appears that Vingroup Incorporation is studying the US “Silicon Valley” model to implement VinTech City in Dong Anh (Hanoi). This is the first environment to help nurture the high tech to put into life.

With more than 70 hectares of land in Dong Anh, VinTech City will be fully equipped office buildings, computers and the internet for the companies to start up.    

With the target is become a technology corporation in the next 10 years, Vingroup has taken the first steps in this strategy. In particular, the commercial-service field is a financial backbone and provides an ecosystem that supports the research and commercialization of industrial-technology products. The industry segment including automobiles and smart electric- appliances will increase both in terms of production and consumption, towards export.

Technology will be the main driver, and there will be sufficient human resources and infrastructure to research the artificial intelligence, development of new materials and software production.

The plan is to gather high-profile scientists of science and technology as well as foreign experts combined with local researchers. CEO Vingroup said that the corporation has signed with more than 50 universities in the field of science and technology to prepare human resources of 100,000 engineers for the next 10 years.

Vietnam has become attractive to IT development center business ideas and it is expected it will continue to strongly supply high quality programmers to play important role in global IT business.

Vietnam has signed many Free Trade Agreements with many countries and regions around the world, which makes international economic exchange easier. However, the expansion of international trade also makes many businesses at risk when they encounter fraudulent customers in their business.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in 2020, the Trade and Embassy of Vietnam in the a number of countries continuously received invitations to sell, buy goods and sign commercial transaction contracts which have signs of fraud and scams.     

Despite many warnings and notices, but due to subjective psychology, high profits, limited foreign trade operations, lack of understanding of customers, difficulties due to epidemics, many businesses cannot directly meeting, checking goods,… using online transactions, which causes businesses to take advantage of fraudulent acts.

Some ways of commercial fraud activities such as: Unpaid delivery; Forging documents even bank papers to get goods; Set the person to get export documents; Using hackers to infiltrate the email addresses of two parties that are having transactions, track the progress of the negotiation, when the buyer prepares to transfer money to buy goods, hack the mailbox (or create an email account with the exact same address as the seller’s email) to send fraudulent account information. After the buyer transfers money to the fraudulent account, they will immediately withdraw the money and disappear; Using advantage of carelessness and unprofessionalism of domestic enterprises such as not asking a reputable inspection organization to check the goods before delivery, not verifying information about partner enterprises… to transfer goods with no value, not in accordance with the contract, or to notify the damaged or poor quality goods to pressure the price, deduct the debt or claim compensation …

Some signs of identifying fraudulent businesses which one should pay attention are: the price negotiation, the contract takes place easily, quickly, less bargaining, accepting high prices; Deposit to receive investment money; Do not provide or provide documents of many different legal entities; Opening L/C at a non-reputable bank in a third country; Business license is about to expire …

In order to avoid working with fraudulent partners, businesses need to improve their professional expertise, legal knowledge, and thoroughly understand their partners before making transactions, especially the new partner is dealing for the first time.

The current commodity prices could be updated through market information or on international commodity websites. Therefore, when there is a request for goods to be paid too high, or too low compared to the prices in the market, the enterprises need to pay close attention and carefully check their reliability.

It is also possible to reduce the risks through the professional service of local risks management in Vietnam for conducting of business due diligence, business license record checking, site visit survey, shareholders or directorship checking, criminal record certificate checking, business reputation verification, public reputation search, research for records of enterprises, research for the reputation of the company, …

In the international conference “Investing in Sustainable Urbanization” organized by Danang People’s Committee in collaboration with the regional network of local authorities on human capital management (CityNet), Da Nang has called for investment in 7 strategic projects.    

At the workshop, Danang People’s Committee announced the list of 7 projects calling for investment in the form of PPP (public-private partnership): Lien Chieu port; solid waste treatment complex; new railway station and integrated urban area; infrastructure development and technology for non-motorized transport solutions; Da Nang – Hoi An metro; smart city construction and industrial park construction projects.

In particular, the project of Lien Chieu port is calling for investment with the aim of becoming the main wharf of the international gateway to the Central region, accommodating ships up to 100,000 tons. The relocation and construction of Da Nang Railway Station calls for investors to pay attention and implement the project in the form of PPP, which might be through BOT contract.

Da Nang Integrated Urban Renovation Project has a total budget of more than 345 million USD (over 7,900 billion VND). Project on development of vehicles and application of smart traffic management system in the form of ODA or PPP with a total capital of about 3.300 billion VND. The project to build metro connecting Da Nang with Hoi An city (Quang Nam) with a length of 33 km, along the coastal road, this project needs funding from 7,000 to 14,000 billion VND.

According to the Vice Chairman of Danang People’s Committee, sustainable urban development is one of the priorities of the city. Da Nang has set the orientation and guidelines for sustainable development. Since 2014, the city has approved a smarter city plan with priority areas of transportation, water supply, sewerage, food safety and building better city connections. Hence, Da Nang calling for investment in 7 key projects to address sustainable issues related to transport, urban.

Mr Vijay Jagannathan, Secretary General, of CityNet said that the workshop “Investing in Sustainable Urbanization” in Da Nang is seeking financial investment in urban infrastructure in a sustainable manner, overall and resistant to climate change. He also emphasized that infrastructure is a major challenge for urbanization as demand grows. Urban communities depend largely on effective urban planning as well as access to affordable public services.

Foreign investors who are licensed to invest in the food sector in Ho Chi Minh City are in the process of implementing the project, while other projects are interested by foreign partners. It shows the excitement of investors when deciding to set up business in Vietnam.

In particular, project of Nam Duong International Food Co., Ltd with registered capital of 25.6 million USD has completed the construction of the factory, installation of equipment and machinery. The project is licensed by the end of 2015, which is a joint venture between the Saigon Co-operative Alliance (Saigon Co.op) and Wilmar International Limited (Singapore), with the capital contribution of 49% and 51% respectively. The project aims to produce sauces and spices for domestic and export markets.

Wilmar’s investment in Vietnam and cooperation with Saigon Co.op is to utilize strengths from both sides to improve the competitiveness and coverage of Nam Duong brand as well as contribute significantly to the development of the sauce and spices industry.

Meanwhile, the project of CJ Cau Tre Foods Joint Stock Company, with investment capital of 53.3 million USD, which was licensed by the end of May 2017, is being expedited by investors to implement the procedures under regulations to prepare to start construction.

This is a food processing complex on an area of 7.1 ha, including food processing plant, research and development center, modern food safety center… The 1st phase of the factory has designed capacity of 12,000 tons of products per year, which will be consumed domestically and exported to markets such as Korea, Japan, USA, EU…

The project is invested by CJ Cheiljedang Corporation (Korea) through the ownership of 71.6% stake in Cau Tre Export Processing Joint Stock Company.

We can see that, in recent times, many foreign investors have approached the market by acquiring or holding controlling shares in local companies and it is forecasted that this trend will continue.

In terms of attracting investment in the coming time, Ho Chi Minh City has many incentive policies for projects in 4 key industries, which are food processing, chemicals – rubber, mechanical and electronic – information technology. The field of food processing has received a lot of attention from many foreign investors and the fact that many large-scale investment projects have been licensed.

When Vietnam joins the TPP, Vietnam logistics industry has many opportunities to develop and engage more deeply into the world’s logistics centers…

According to the report of World Bank, the forecasted growth rate between 2015 and 2020 is 12%/year and import export turnover reached 623 billion USD in 2020, Vietnam is a promising destination for investors.

      

According to the statistics from the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), Vietnam’s logistics costs accounted for about 25% of GDP per year, much higher than countries such as the US, China or Thailand.

In the coming time when TPP agreement takes effect with many tariffs equal 0%, the export-import operations in Vietnam will promise to develop strongly. This is considered a great opportunity for the logistics industry to “boom”.

As an important link of the economy, the logistics activities help the goods to reach consumers and ensure the materials for the production process.

Despite facing strong competition from foreign rivals, many experts still appreciate the future prospects of the domestic logistics enterprises, especially in the context of free trade agreements (FTAs, TPP) boosted FDI inflows pouring into Vietnam industries.

On the other hand, the increasingly improved infrastructure in Vietnam will strengthen connectivity between logistics facilities and production areas; planning and supporting from the State, along with customs procedures are gradually improving in a positive direction.

In the recent two years, a series of key infrastructure projects have been started and completed as Long Thanh – Dau Giay highway, Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway, Ha Noi – Hai Phong highway, Ben Luc – Long Thanh highway Highway 51 connecting industrial park with the ports and Soai Rap channel dredging works (in Hiep Phuoc port) and Thi Vai – Cai Mep channel…

In addition, the Government and the Ministry of Transport have launched a number of policies to guide, support and stimulate the sustainable development of the domestic logistics industry such as: policy to control road loading, preferential policies for Vietnam ships on domestic routes, the draft to establish port authorities to develop ports and port services, Decision No. 1037/QD-TTg on the port development plan till 2020…

Moreover, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam is also actively developing and implementing the ASEAN Single Window mechanism. The implementation of this process will benefit the business community, including logistics businesses such as reducing the time taken for administrative procedures and also cost reduction.

However, in order to develop logistics industry, the State should build and complete the legal framework, standardized service processes, upgrading infrastructure and human resources for the field of logistics.

Government should also take measures to guide and promote logistics companies to link together, formed the company with strong capabilities, able to compete with foreign companies.

With the above subjective and objective elements, Vietnam’s logistics industry still have great potential to develop and first of all, they will have conditions to advance to move towards to same level with foreign logistics businesses in the region.

On the morning of July 22nd, 2020, the High-Level Forum on National Energy Development 2020 took place at the same time many investment signing activities among leading energy enterprises in Vietnam, the region and in the world, open up a strong and sustainable period of clean energy development in Vietnam.

At the forum, the signed projects include: gas power plant project in Ca Na – Ninh Thuan province, LNG Chan May gas power plant project in Chan May Economic Zone – Thua Thien Hue province, project wind power off La Gan – Binh Thuan province.

The most outstanding of which is the wind farm project off the coast of La Gan in Binh Thuan province with a total investment of up to 10 billion USD. Accordingly, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), on behalf of New Market Fund I, with Asiapetro and Novasia Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the People’s Committee of Binh Thuan Province on the development of the offshore wind power project La Gan, Binh Thuan province. With a capital up to USD 10 billion, the pharmaceutical project is expected to create significant sources of income and employment for Binh Thuan and Vietnam, promoting the potential of developing wind energy in Vietnam.

For the LNG Chan May gas power plant project (in Thua Thien-Hue province) with a total investment of about USD 6 billion, cooperation between the US and Vietnam. When operating, every year, the plant will provide an average power output of 24 to 25kWh. Accompanying with the project are the US Government’s support programs for private investment projects of US citizens abroad, along with the world’s leading partners in finance, technology, operation and gas supply (source guaranteed from the United States) and corporate governance: US Development Finance Corporation, USAsia EDGE, World Bank, US EXIM Bank, GE Gas Power … help contribute to the growth of trade relations between Vietnam and America.

Besides foreign investors, domestic investors are also interested in developing clean energy such as gas power project in Ca Na and Phu My solar power development project in Binh Dinh with investment capital more than 6,000 billion.

With the development of clean energy projects, Vietnam expects many domestic and international investors to invest in the field of clean energy, set up company, obtain investment licenses, or acquire other company through merger and acquisition, bring in fresh capital in order to fully realize Vietnam’s capabilities in this field and bring great economic benefits to investors and contribute to environmental protection, sustainable clean energy development in the future.

In the period of many countries in the world and in the region competing for attracting FDI, especially when the wave of diversification of supply chains after the Covid-19 epidemic is growing sharply, Vietnam is considered to be one of the countries with the most FDI attraction in Southeast Asia for investors to set up company.

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country with a fast-growing economy, stable politics, young population, abundant labor costs and competitive costs compared to other countries in the region. Besides other names such as Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, each country has a different advantage to attract FDI enterprises from Japan, Korea, EU, USA, etc. However, Vietnam is still the expected destination of many investors.

As a landlocked nation with an extensive international port system throughout the country, Vietnam has a superior position in trading and exchanging goods with other countries. With the investment in infrastructure, the development of international seaports and airports, Vietnam is gradually becoming a destination for international investors. In addition, Vietnam’s infrastructure develops relatively evenly across regions, not so different between regions, so investors can freely choose the right investment location for themselves.

Vietnam is a country with a young population in Southeast Asia, a country with the lowest labor costs in Southeast Asia, the labor force in Vietnam is fully trained in many different fields. Not only that, workers in Vietnam are gradually improving their foreign language skills, so that they can meet the needs of international investors, which will make it easier for investors to find the suitable human resources. The human resources in Vietnam not only help businesses invest in Vietnam but also qualified to implement projects of investors in many other countries.

In addition, Vietnam is a politically stable country in the region and investors can be assured of making investments in Vietnam. Along with that, Vietnamese culture has many similarities with Japan and Korea, many investors can make investments without worrying about the cultural differences that will affect the project implementation.

At a time when the cost of doing business in other countries in the region is increasing, the demand for investment movement out of China of international investors is growing strongly, Vietnam needs to seize opportunities, improve infrastructure, create policy clearance, helping investors to attract maximum quality FDI investors to invest, set up company, obtain investment registration certificate and business certificate, transfer in investment capital, hire local people helping create the economic recovery process and business development in Vietnam.

On December 29th, 2020, representatives of Vietnam and the United Kingdom signed the free trade agreement negotiation between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UKVFTA) in London, United Kingdom. It would open up opportunities for flow of goods and that investors from UK to make investment in Vietnam through setting up company, and manufacturing facilities.     

After December 31st, 2020, the Vietnam – EU free trade agreement (EVFTA) will no longer apply to the UK due to Brexit, so the implementation of the signing of a free trade agreement between the two countries is essential to sustaining and developing economic cooperation. The UKVFTA is expected to help reduce import duties on goods from the UK to Vietnam and vice versa. In addition, the commitments in the Agreement will help develop trade and investment between the two countries in the coming time.

In recent years, the UK is a major trading partner of Vietnam in Europe, the import-export turnover between the two countries has increased significantly, especially products of seafood, garments, wood products, agricultural products etc. Besides opportunities to promote exports, improve business investment environment, expand commodity supply, the UKVFTA also poses certain challenges in meeting the quality of goods to qualify for pressure tax incentives in the Agreement.

In order to make the most of the economic effects from the UKVFTA, there are UK investors to invest and produce products that meet the quality and demand conditions for the UK market is essential for Vietnam. Besides, in addition, the advantages of British investors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, chemicals…will benefit Vietnam. Investing in Vietnam in this industries will enable investors to take advantage of highly skilled labor, perfect facilities as well as investment attraction policies in Vietnam to bring the best benefits for investors. On that basis, Vietnam also learn the operations, management and experience from British investors, thereby helping to develop the domestic market. In addition, Vietnam also needs to import raw materials for UK manufacturing industries such as textile materials and leather to ensure compliance with the rules of origin in order to make the best use of incentives from the Agreement.

With the negotiation of the Agreement, this is a new beginning for the economic relationship between the two countries Vietnam and the UK during a period of many difficulties due to epidemics and economic crisis. In addition, this is a step towards further developing the diplomatic, cultural and educational relationship between the two countries in the future.

Over the past 10 years, Vietnam has always been one of the leading M&A destinations in Southeast Asia. Many international investors have chosen Vietnam as their place of business destination to set up company and apply for investment registration certificate under direct investment or acquiring shares or capital contributions through M&A.

M&A activities enable international businesses to take advantage of the existing business platforms of Vietnamese businesses to continue making investments. This helps international investors to timely grasp the changing trend of technology, legal policies, and facilities to do business, instead of rebuilding from scratch, it will take more time and effort.

Recently, the M&A market in Vietnam has been active and attractive to many investors around the world, especially in the retail and financial sectors. Many international investors have undertaken significant M&A deals in Vietnam over the years and achieved significant profits in their business.

There are many reasons for investors to choose Vietnam as a place to do business, but some of the main factors that make Vietnam attractive are political stability and its economic growth, despite the effects of the Covid-19 epidemic. In addition, with a population of 100 million people, this is considered a large consumption market, along with an abundant and high-quality labour source.

Currently, with the trend of moving production out of China, many investors have chosen Vietnam as the location of setting up company for manufacturing facilities. Rebuilding factories from scratch also makes investors time consuming and costly, therefore taking advantage of Vietnamese factories will help investors not to interrupt their production, and operate the business in a best way.

However, to be able to perform M&A activities in Vietnam, foreign businesses need to understand the Vietnamese market and partners before performing M&A. This will help investors understand the partners’ strengths and weaknesses, and outline a suitable business path after implementing M&A. In addition, to avoid unnecessary risks relating to the transaction and to the business itself, investors need to find a reputable and experienced professional consulting company that could help with market research, background check, management criminal record check, business certificate verification, corporate and individual reputation to build up confidence in doing M&A deal in Vietnam.