Set up company in Vietnam and comply

  Vietnam’s economy is increasingly diversified in terms of business activities and business regulations are also constantly being improved and enhanced. Accordingly, foreign investors can freely choose the right type of business to set up company in Vietnam.  After the investors set up company in Vietnam, the continuous procedures to comply is always a matter of great interest to foreign investors.

Why it is important to comply with the laws after the investors set up company in Vietnam?

Complying with the law after the investors set up company in Vietnam is of utmost importance for several key reasons.

Firstly, legal compliance ensures that your company operates within the boundaries of the law, avoiding any potential legal repercussions or penalties. Vietnam has specific regulations and requirements that businesses must adhere to, such as tax obligations, labour laws, environmental regulations, licensing requirements, and corporate governance standards. By following these regulations, you demonstrate your commitment to ethical business practices, maintain a positive reputation, and reduce the risk of legal disputes or regulatory actions.

Secondly, legal compliance fosters a stable and sustainable business environment. Adhering to the law helps create a level playing field for all market participants, promoting fair competition and ensuring that businesses operate on a fair and equitable basis. Compliance also enhances transparency and accountability, which can attract potential investors, partners, and customers who value companies with strong ethical practices. By establishing a reputation for legal compliance, your company is more likely to build long-term trust and maintain fruitful relationships with stakeholders.

Furthermore, compliance with the law safeguards the rights and interests of your employees. Labour laws in Vietnam provide essential protections for workers, such as fair wages, working hours, occupational safety, and social insurance. By complying with these regulations, you create a safe and equitable working environment, fostering employee satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity. Prioritizing legal compliance in Vietnam also minimizes the risk of labour disputes, ensuring harmonious and productive relationships with your workforce.

Lastly, legal compliance contributes to the overall economic development and stability of Vietnam. When businesses operate in accordance with the law, they contribute to a robust and sustainable economy. Compliance supports government initiatives, such as tax revenue generation, social welfare programs, and infrastructure development, which benefit the country as a whole. By fulfilling your legal obligations, you actively participate in the growth and progress of Vietnam’s business ecosystem.

What are steps to follow to set up company in Vietnam and comply with the laws?

With the promulgation of the enterprise law, the business setting up process has been adjusted with many favorable regulations for investors.  However, in order for a business to start up and comply in operation, the following basic steps should be noted:

The first step is to set up company in Vietnam. To take this step, the investor first needs to determine the type of business to choose to establish and provide the business name and expected information. Accordingly, the composition of the enterprise establishment dossier will be prepared according to regulations and submitted at the Business Registration Office, the Department of Planning and Investment of the place where it is expected to be headquartered. After submitting a valid application, the enterprise will be granted an enterprise registration certificate and announced the registration contents on the National Business Registration Portal.

The second step is to publish the contents of business registration. After being granted an enterprise registration certificate, an enterprise must make a public announcement on the National Business Registration Portal.

In the third step, the enterprise conducts stamp engraving. Enterprises can request to make a seal from the seal making agent. Accordingly, the enterprise actively decides on the type, quantity, form and content of the seal and is solely responsible for the use of its legal entity seal.

Fourth step is that to open a bank account in Vietnam. Currently, businesses can choose a bank to open an account for their business, to open an account, the bank requires an application form issued by the bank, a seal sample, the company’s charter, and a certificate. Business registration and related documents are required by different bank.

The fifth step is to register the tax declaration form in Vietnam. Accordingly, enterprises register for the use of e-invoices and notify the use of e-invoices to their tax authorities. Enterprises need to contact the invoice supplier to order the printing of value-added invoice books and must register self-printed invoices with tax authorities.

In the sixth step, the enterprise needs to conduct labor registration in Vietnam. Enterprises register with the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to declare the use of labor. Within 30 days from the date of commencement of operation, the employer must register the employer to the Labor Department (according to the prescribed form). In addition, enterprises should note that the relationship between the employer and the employee is regulated by the Labor Code and specified in the labor contract.

Seventh step is to register for social insurance in Vietnam. Enterprises register with the Social Insurance Agency to pay health insurance and social insurance for employees. Employers must fill in all information according to the form provided by social insurance, including: full name, date of birth, salary (recorded in labor contract), number of social insurance book (for employees who have been issued with a book), a certified copy of the company’s business registration certificate and a copy of each labor contract.

How a consulting firm in Vietnam could help set up company in Vietnam and stay complied?

It can be seen that in order for the investors to set up company in Vietnam, it requires investors to carry out a number of procedures and comply with many different regulations of tax, banking, labour, insurance… Therefore, besides learning about legal regulations and businesses can seek the support of professional consulting firm to set up company in Vietnam with expertise and experience in the field of business establishment to implement the process quickly and effectively.

Compliance with the law after the investors set up company in Vietnam is essential for maintaining a strong legal standing, fostering a fair and transparent business environment, protecting the rights of employees, and contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s economy. By upholding legal compliance, your company can thrive and build a solid foundation for long-term success in Vietnam while doing business in Vietnam.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/7-basic-steps-to-set-up-a-business-and-comply-with-vietnam-laws.html

Potential to attract investment when iPhone can be assembled in Vietnam

  iPhone is the name of the smartphone line from Apple – a large American technology corporation. The iPhone is a high-end technology product and is used by many people around the world. Currently, Apple assembles the majority of iPhones in factories located in China, and components are manufactured in India, Thailand, the US and many other places.  The setting up of iPhone manufacturing facilities in Vietnam will attract other investors to set up company in Vietnam.

Pegatron is one of three iPhone production partners for Apple that is under pressure to expand production outside of China. In addition, China’s application of Covid control measures has pushed the plan to expand production even more strongly. Accordingly, one of the expected locations to be selected is Vietnam.

Although in China the social distancing orders to control Covid-19 have been gradually removed, the labor shortage is still a serious problem. On the other hand, in the peak season, the demand for labor to increase production increases. Therefore, expanding production activities to other regions like Vietnam is a necessary solution to solve the labor shortage.

Besides, there are many different reasons for Pegatron to set up a factory in Vietnam. One of the reasons mentioned is that the stakeholders want to reduce the concentration of production in the current areas and limit the difficulty in recruiting personnel. Meanwhile, Vietnam has young and abundant human resources and production areas are planned and created more favorable conditions for foreign investors.

Moreover, Pegatron previously intended to expand the production line to Vietnam and Pegatron is building a factory in Hai Phong. In addition, many of Apple’s assembly partners also have factories in Vietnam, but no factories have yet assembled iPhones. Therefore, if Iphone is assembled in Vietnam, it will create a strong effect to attract foreign investors to invest in Vietnam and establish company in Vietnam. Accordingly, this will also be a great opportunity for the labor market in Vietnam and promote investment and development.

Currently, the Vietnamese market is gradually becoming an investment target of many large foreign investors. Therefore, besides the government’s open door policies, Vietnamese businesses and workers need to make more efforts to promote their capacity when participating in cooperation and working for large enterprises like Apple.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/potential-to-attract-investment-when-iphone-can-be-assembled-in-vietnam.html

7 basic steps to set up a business and comply with Vietnam laws

  Vietnam's economy is increasingly diversified in terms of business activities and business regulations are also constantly being improved and enhanced. Accordingly, foreign investors can freely choose the right type of business.  Therefore, the set up company in Vietnam is always a matter of great interest to foreign investors whom find business opportunities in Vietnam.

With the promulgation of the enterprise law, the business setting up process has been adjusted with many favorable regulations for investors. However, in order for a business to be set up and be complied in operation, it must go through the following basic steps:

The first step is to set up a business in Vietnam. To take this step, the investor first needs to determine the type of business to choose to establish and provide the business name and expected information. Accordingly, the composition of the enterprise establishment dossier will be prepared according to regulations and submitted at the Business Registration Office, the Department of Planning and Investment of the place where it is expected to be headquartered. After submitting a valid application, the enterprise will be granted an enterprise registration certificate and announced the registration contents on the National Business Registration Portal.

The second step is to publish the contents of business registration. After being granted an enterprise registration certificate, an enterprise must make a public announcement on the National Business Registration Portal.

In the third step, the enterprise conducts stamp engraving. Enterprises can request to make a seal from the seal making agent. Accordingly, the enterprise actively decides on the type, quantity, form and content of the seal and is solely responsible for the use of its legal entity seal.

Fourth step is that to open a bank account in Vietnam. Currently, businesses can choose a bank to open an account for their business, to open an account, the bank requires an application form issued by the bank, a seal sample, the company's charter, and a certificate. Business registration and related documents are required by different bank.

The fifth step is to register the tax declaration form in Vietnam. Accordingly, enterprises register for the use of e-invoices and notify the use of e-invoices to their tax authorities. Enterprises need to contact the invoice supplier to order the printing of value-added invoice books and must register self-printed invoices with tax authorities.

In the sixth step, the enterprise needs to conduct labor registration in Vietnam. Enterprises register with the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs to declare the use of labor. Within 30 days from the date of commencement of operation, the employer must register the employer to the Labor Department (according to the prescribed form). In addition, enterprises should note that the relationship between the employer and the employee is regulated by the Labor Code and specified in the labor contract.

Seventh step is to register for social insurance in Vietnam. Enterprises register with the Social Insurance Agency to pay health insurance and social insurance for employees. Employers must fill in all information according to the form provided by social insurance, including: full name, date of birth, salary (recorded in labor contract), number of social insurance book (for employees who have been issued with a book), a certified copy of the company's business registration certificate and a copy of each labor contract.

It can be seen that setting up a business requires businesses to carry out a lot of procedures and comply with many different regulations of tax, banking, labor, insurance... Therefore, besides learning about legal regulations and businesses can seek the support of professional consulting firm in Vietnam with expertise and experience in the field of business establishment to implement the process quickly and effectively.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/7-basic-steps-to-set-up-a-business-and-comply-with-vietnam-laws.html

German Investors Funded 15 Million USD for Kinh Bac to Implement Workshop Project

  The total investment value of the project is 33.4 million USD, equivalent to about 755 billion VND, which is invested in construction and development in industrial zones.

According to information from Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC), the subsidiary of this unit is Kinh Bac Office and Workshop Trading One-Member Limited Company has just reached an agreement: signed contract to finance a project to build a workshop with the German Investment Corporation (DEG) under the German Development Bank (KfW). KfW is now managing more than 600 billion euros.

Accordingly, Kinh Bac Office and Workshop Trading One-Member Limited Company will receive a long-term loan from the DEG worth 15 million USD (total value of the project is 33.4 million USD) with a loan term of up to 8 years to supplement the capital for construction and development of workshops in industrial zones.

According to DEG’s representative, Mr Hubertus Pleister - Director of DEG Asia, Vietnam's economy has grown steadily, continuously and sustainably over the long term, this is an important market, with many investment inflows. In addition, KBC is known as a prestigious business in the field of real estate and calls for foreign investment in industrial parks.

According to KBC, in addition to sponsored the above funds, DEG also committed to support KBC to access to other long-term development funds from financial institutions under the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) where DEG is a key member. KBC has undergone a rigorous 2-year appraisal process that ensures DEG's criteria for financial capacity, management and environmental factors.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/german-investors-funded-15-million-usd-for-kinh-bac-to-implement-workshop-project.html

IHI Corporation (Japan) Wants to Participate in Transportation Projects in Hai Phong

  Japan is a familiar investor in the Vietnamese market, many Japanese companies have set up business in Vietnam and IHI Corporation is not an exception.

Recently, Hai Phong People's Committee has been working with the delegation of IHI Corporation (Japan) to explore opportunities to participate in transportation projects in Hai Phong. At the meeting, Mr Atsushi Kutawa - Managing Director of Operations, President in charge of business of IHI Corporation has talked about the company's business situation with city leaders.

In particular, IHI has successfully built Binh bridge (Hai Phong) and Nhat Tan bridge (Hanoi). In 2015, the Group has built the IHI Infrastructure Asia (IIA) plant at Dinh Vu Industrial Park, which specializes in the manufacture of steel structures, supplying for bridge construction projects, thermal power plants and engineering facilities, serving for key construction works in the city.

Through investigation, it is known that there are plans to deploy Hai Phong transportation expansion projects, in which Nguyen Trai bridge and many key bridges connecting trade between the city and the northern provinces will be built. Hence, IHI Corporation wishes to have the opportunity to contribute their accumulated experiences to the cooperation and construction of these bridges.

Accordingly, Chairman of Hai Phong People's Committee has highly appreciated the effective cooperation between Vietnam - IHI in the past time and also provide information about the bridge construction projects of Hai Phong in the coming time, like Nguyen Trai bridge, Vu Yen bridge...

In addition, he also expressed his wish that in the near future, IHI will explore and promote the cooperation in building bridges of Hai Phong. At the same time, in coordination with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), speed up the implementation of transportation projects, focusing on the Nguyen Trai bridge project.

Hai Phong always take care and create conditions for qualified contractors with high quality products. With the potential, efficiency and experiences of the IHI Corporation that has been confirmed, Hai Phong city will create the best conditions for the IHI Corporation to participate in the transportation development projects of Hai Phong in the coming time.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/ihi-corporation-japan-wants-to-participate-in-transportation-projects-in-hai-phong.html

Hemaraj (Thailand) Builds Billion-Dollar Industrial Park in Nghe An

  Nghe An - a province located in the central region of Vietnam always has a lot of attractive incentives for foreign investors who come and set up business in Vietnam. In which, Nghe An has a number of solutions to support infrastructure enterprises to quickly implement large-scale industrial parks, including the Hemaraj industrial park – which is preparing to start construction.

According to the plan, at the end of October 2017, Hemaraj industrial park project in the South East Economic Zone will be started construction by Hemaraj Group (Thailand). construction work. The project has a total area of about 3,200 hectares, total registered investment of about 1 billion USD, divided into 7 phases, in which phase I has an area of nearly 500 hectares.

According to leaders of Nghe An province, the provincial leaders are providing maximum support to Hemaraj so that the project can started construction as soon as possible.

Prior to that, in September 2015, a joint venture between Sembcorp Group (Singapore) and Becamex IDC have kicked off the VSIP Nghe An project with an area of 750 hectares. Currently, the project has leveled and built synchronous infrastructure for about 100 hectares of industrial land phase 1A.

More than 90 companies from many countries and territories have come to seek information and investment opportunities at VSIP Nghe An and 10 companies have signed investment commitments with total investment capital of over 400 billion VND. By the beginning of September 2017, some companies was handed over land and started to build the plant.

In order to attract investment, leaders of Nghe An province will be more drastic in reforming administrative procedures. Accordingly, if foreign enterprises want to complete the investment license application, they should only go through the one-stop department of the Investment Promotion Center of Nghe An province.

We, ANT Consulting company, support you with the service of setting up a company in Vietnam, Risk management in Vietnam, Employee background check in Vietnam... to help you shorten the implementation time.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/hemaraj-thailand-builds-billion-dollar-industrial-park-in-nghe-an.html

Mavin Pledged to Invest 80 Million USD in Nghe An

  Mavin Group (Australia) has operated in Vietnam for a long time and now they do not hide their ambition to expand investment and set up business in Vietnam.

In February 2017, Mavin Group inaugurated an animal feed production factory in Nghe An. This plant has a total investment of 15 million USD, which is built on an area of 3.6 ha and has a capacity of 300,000 tons per year.

Mavin Group has invested in Vietnam for more than 12 years and now has production facilities in 7 provinces and branches, warehouses in 19 different provinces in the country. However, up to date, Nghe An is the only province that Mavin plans to invest in 4 separate projects with a total investment of 80 million USD.

In addition to the inaugural animal feed factory, Mavin Group plans to deploy 3 more projects in Nghe An.

In April 2017, Mavin Group was granted a license to invest in a 18 million USD hi-tech pig farm, built on an area of ​​100 hectares. Subsequently, the Mavin Group plans to invest in a Veterinary Research Center. At the same time, conducting a feasibility study to invest in a food processing plant that may be launched by 2018. The project has a total investment of 25 million USD, built on an area of ​​5 hectares, capacity of 200,000 tons/year. This factory will produce products made from meat, sausage, ham and other traditional meats... serving the domestic market and exporting to Laos and Cambodia.

According to the Chairman of the group, Mavin Group before making investment decision always consider 6 issues that are: human resources; market; geographic factors; political issues (attention, government support, security...); incentive policy and transparency.

In addition, representatives of the Mavin Group expressed their satisfaction when investing in Nghe An. Moreover, they also suggested that investors should choose to invest in Nghe An not only because of favorable geographic location, synchronous facilities, great source of human resources but also highly supported from province leaders with great investment incentives.

According to the representative of Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in the Central and South regions, recently many local and foreign investors have come to Nghe An seeking investment opportunities.

Previously, in September 2015, VSIP Nghe An was officially started construction with a total area of 750 hectares. After more than a year of land handover, up to now, VSIP Nghe An has now leveled and built complete infrastructure for about 100 hectares of industrial land area in phase 1A. The wastewater treatment system, clean water supply, power supply, fire prevention and protection have been completed and ready to serve investors in production.

More than 90 companies from many countries and territories have come to find out information and investment opportunities at VSIP Nghe An and 10 companies have signed investment commitments with total investment capital of over 400 billion VND. By the beginning of September 2017, some companies have received land handover and started plant construction. In which, the first factory was officially put into operation. It is expected that by the fourth quarter of 2017, two more companies will come into operation, attracting about 1,000 workers.

It is known that VSIP Nghe An is the 7^th project that VSIP deployed in Vietnam. Previously, in addition to 2 VSIP projects in Binh Duong, there are projects in Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ngai and Hai Duong. Currently, VSIP's projects attract a total of 720 investors from 30 countries and territories with total domestic and foreign investment of 9.2 billion USD, creating jobs for about 180,000 workers.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/industry/mavin-pledged-to-invest-80-million-usd-in-nghe-an.html

Korea Leads FDI in Vietnam

  The flow of FDI capital into Vietnam has continued to grow strongly over the years, demonstrating the confidence of foreign investors when deciding to set up business in Vietnam.

According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), the total amount of FDI capital such as new registered, capital increase, capital contribution and share purchase in the first 7 months of 2017 is 21.93 billion USD, increases by 52% over the same period in 2016.

Of these, the new registered capital was 12.92 billion USD, increases by 48.7% over the same period; the added capital was 5.87 billion USD, increases by 38.5% over the same period. The amount of capital that investors spend to contribute capital and buy shares in enterprises in Vietnam is 3.12 billion USD, increases by 109.7% over the same period in 2016.

According to the trend, more and more foreign investors have recently invested in Vietnam through capital contribution and share purchase. An increase of over 109% indicates that. Furthermore, data from the Foreign Investment Agency showed that by July 20^th 2017, the FDI projects have disbursed 9.05 billion USD, increase by 5.8% over the same period in 2016. The rate of increasing in FDI capital disbursement is gradually improving compared to the first months of the year.

In the first 7 months of 2017, foreign investors have invested in 18 industries and sectors, of which the manufacturing and processing sectors have attracted the attention of foreign investors, with total capital of 10.83 billion USD, accounting for 49.4% of the total registered capital. The electronic production and distribution sectors ranked 2^nd with total investment of 5.25 billion USD, accounting for 23.98% of total investment capital. Standing at the 3^rd position is mining sector with total registered capital of 1.28 billion USD, accounting for 5.86% of the total registered capital.

Meanwhile, in terms of partner, Korea ranked 1^st with a total investment of 5.62 billion USD, accounting for 25.63% of total investment capital. Japan ranked 2^nd with total registered capital of 5.46 billion USD, accounting for 24.92% of total investment capital in Vietnam.

In terms of localities, Thanh Hoa is the most attractive province with the total registered capital of 3.06 billion USD, accounting for 13.9% of total investment capital. Bac Ninh ranked 2^nd with total registered capital of 2.95 billion USD, accounting for 13.48% of total investment capital. Nam Dinh ranked 3^rd with a total registered capital of 2.2 billion USD, accounting for 10% of total investment capital.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/industry/korea-leads-fdi-in-vietnam.html

Guangdong, Hong Kong Businesses Seeking Opportunities in Vietnam

  60 enterprises coming from Guangdong, Hong Kong (China) are visiting Hanoi, exploring opportunities to set up business in Vietnam.

The conference between Vietnam and Guangdong, Hong Kong enterprises is organized in Hanoi. In addition to 60 businesses wishing to explore investment opportunities with Vietnam enterprises, the conference also attracted delegates including Government and business leaders from 12 provinces and cities of Vietnam, Guangdong and Hong Kong, along with enterprises, leaders of many provinces and cities of Vietnam, especially the provinces bordered with China such as Lang Son, Lao Cai...

The enterprises from Guangdong and Hong Kong operating in the field of manufacturing and trading in the fields of electrical equipment, electrical appliances, consumer goods... Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises doing business in such sectors as transportation, general import and export, agricultural products, industrial zone infrastructure...

With the two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Guangdong reached 17 billion USD in 2016, increased by 2.9% compared with 2015, Guangdong is the province playing significant role in promoting the growth of two-way trade between Vietnam and China. In addition, Guangdong's total production value in 2016 reached 1.160 billion USD, Guangdong continues to be one of China's leading localities for economic and trade cooperation with Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam consumer market has increasing scale and purchasing power, creating conditions for Guangdong enterprises to bring goods to Vietnam for consumption. In the opposite direction, with a population structure of more than 100 million people, this is also a potential market for a wide range of commodities, especially Vietnam agricultural products. It is expected that the value of Vietnam's agricultural products exporting to Guangdong will soon reach billions of dollars.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/guangdong-hong-kong-businesses-seeking-opportunities-in-vietnam.html

First Solar Re-Launch Billion Dollars Project in HCMC

  First Solar Corporation - one of the US investors have set up business in Vietnam in the field of high technology.

After several years of halt operation, First Solar Corporation (USA) has officially restarted the project of manufacturing solar panel with thin-film technology in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC).

So far, First Solar’s project (in the Dong Nam Industrial Zone, Cu Chi district, HCMC, investment capital of 1.2 billion USD) is still the only and largest scale project, producing solar panel with thin-film technology in industrial parks and processing zones in HCMC. Therefore, the dynamics of investors involved in this project attracted great attention.

First Solar's contractor has started work for about two months. Meanwhile, the investor is coordinating with the authorities to carry out the works such as making environmental impact assessment reports, import and export procedures... After completing the necessary works, Fisrt Solar will carry out the import of equipment and machinery for factory installation to prepare for production.

It is known that First Solar's project was granted investment certificate in January 2011 and started construction in March 2011. However, 8 months after starting construction, the investor has announced a temporary halt to the project, due to the supply-demand imbalance of solar cell products in the global market.

According to a privileged information source, on early August 2017, representatives of First Solar Corporation is expected to meet and share information on the implementation of the project with leaders of HCMC.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/first-solar-re-launch-billion-dollars-project-in-hcmc.html

Vietnam - Russian Federation: Cooperation in The Spirit of Friendship

  There are many opening opportunities, so that the Russian Federation enterprises can come to explore and set up business in Vietnam and vice versa.

Previously, there is almost a constant law, that is only Vietnam come to promote investment abroad, now the story seems to be different. Japan has organized an investment promotion conference in Vietnam. And just recently, on March 2017, during a visit to Vietnam of Mr Yuri Trutnhev - Deputy Prime Minister, Russian Presidential Representative in the Far Eastern Federation, also held the same investment promotion workshop. There have been calls for Vietnamese businesses to invest in Russia, with many investment incentives.

In fact, in the last few years, Vietnam's investment in Russia has increased rapidly, from 100 million USD in 2008 to about 2.4 billion USD in the recent times, concentrating mainly on oil and gas, trade, agriculture… Vietnam's large investment projects in Russia include Rusvietpetro, Gazpromviet Petroleum Joint Venture, TH TRUE Milk, Ha Hoi Trade Center in Moscow.

Contrary to the trend of capital inflows from Vietnam to Russia have increased dramatically in recent years, investment flow from Russia to Vietnam is slowing. In the first 5 months of 2017, Russian businesses only invested 7.2 million USD in Vietnam. To sum up, the accumulated investment capital from Russia to Vietnam is currently about 1 billion USD.

The figure is modest and substantial, focusing on traditional projects which is oil and gas cooperation. Besides the Vietsovpetro Joint Venture, the two countries have established such joint ventures as Rusvietpetro, Vietgazprom and Gazpromviet to expand oil and gas cooperation in Vietnam, Russia and third countries.

In April 2017, a meeting between two leaders of Russia and Vietnam's leading oil and gas corporation that are Gazprom and PVN, took place in Moscow. In which, both sides have continued to discuss on the cooperation to exploit oil and gas in Vietnam, as well as oil and gas projects in Russia.

In fact, Gazprom has participated in the Hai Thach - Moc Tinh gas field project in Vietnam since 2003 and up to now, the total output of this mine has reached about 6.6 billion m3 of gas. In particular, in 2016, the output reached 2 billion m3.

In addition, the two sides also discussed the process of geological exploration in plots 112 and 129 - 132 on the continental shelf of Vietnam, also deployed the project of developing oil - gas - condensate - Nagumanovskoye field and gas field - condensate Severo - Purovskoye in Russia, at the same time discussed the prospect of joint venture cooperation in the field of electrification and transport vehicles using natural gas (NGV). Once these agreements become reality, Vietnam - Russia oil and gas cooperation will be more closely and effectively, opening great investment cooperation opportunities between the two sides.

Opportunities will be even greater when the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union (includes Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Amenia and Kyrgyzstan) is effectively implemented. Implemented effectively. Although it is just a free trade agreement, the agreement will create a great opportunity for two sides to cooperate and take advantage of each other's markets. This common market block has total GDP of 2,200 billion USD and 183 million people. Moreover, Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union have also set target of increasing two-way trade to 10 billion USD by 2020. This is an important basis for investment cooperation between Vietnam and the Russian Federation, as well as other intra-regional economy will be further boosted.

The visit to Belarus and the Russian Federation from June 26^th to July 1^st 2017 by Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang is expected to create opportunities for further economic and investment cooperation between Vietnam - Russian Federation and Vietnam - Belarus.

Source: https://www.antconsult.vn/news/industry/vietnam-russian-federation-cooperation-in-the-spirit-of-friendship.html

Thailand's FDI into Vietnam Reached 8.13 billion USD

  By the end of March 2017, Thai investors had invested in 458 projects with a total registered investment capital of 8.13 billion USD, standing at the 10^th position out of 115 countries and territories investing into Vietnam.

With the determination of the two Governments and the proactive of businesses, the economic cooperation between Vietnam and Thailand will grow strongly and reach the target of 20 billion USD in bilateral trade by 2020. Vietnam-Thailand trade relation has grown by more than 40% during the past five years. Specially in 2016, the growth rate continues to reach 10% with total turnover of nearly 13 billion USD. In the coming years, the two countries' trade will increase as the two countries move towards the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement and other general agreements.

On the Vietnamese side, as of January 1^st 2015, Vietnam has cut its tariffs by 0% on more than 8,600 tariff lines. The remaining 669 tariff lines will be reduced to 0% by 2018. On the Thai side, currently more than 9,500 tariff lines under the tariff reduction schedule of the ATIGA have been fully abolished since 2012. In that context, the two sides should organize activities to promote trade and investment; continue to encourage Thai businesses to invest in Vietnam, support Vietnamese businesses to expand their business to Thai market, contributing to balance the trade balance.

In fact, Vietnam is Thailand's second largest trading partner in ASEAN and Thailand is the largest trading partner of Vietnam. The two countries are located on the mainland with convenient transportation. The two countries also have open policies, implementing many measures to reduce barriers, facilitate the flow of goods.

Not only a major trading partner, Thailand is also one of the countries having cooperative investment with Vietnam very early, right after Vietnam implement the policy to open and attract foreign investment. In the past few years, Thai businesses have made specific plans to increase their investment capital in advantageous areas in Vietnam such as retail, building materials production, thermal power, animal feeds...

The establishment of the ASEAN economic community (AEC) is a great motivation for Thai investors to bring capital to Vietnam and expand their business area. Not only towards the market of 90 million people in Vietnam, Thai businesses are far more visionary to penetrate the AEC market with a population of 600 million and a total GDP of 3,000 billion USD.

We, ANT Consulting company, support you with the service of setting up a company in Vietnam, Risk management in Vietnam, Employee background check in Vietnam... to help you shorten the implementation time.

Hong Kong Investors Explore Vietnam Infrastructure Projects

  Hong Kong investors are promoting investment in southern provinces in the areas such as infrastructure investment, waste water treatment, waste and also learn about set up company in Vietnam.

Recently, about 40 Hong Kong investors and experts in investment and infrastructure development sectors have visited Ho Chi Minh City. Sharing the purpose of this business trip, Mr Vincent HS Lo - Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council said that these investors are people who have a lot of experiences in the financial, consulting, architecture, energy, water and waste treatment, engineering and construction, law and accounting, transportation sectors...

Also according to Mr Vincent HS Lo, investors and businesses in Hong Kong are very interested in Vietnam infrastructure projects, especially the system of railway, road, airport and seaport.

Previously, during meetings with representatives of the Ministry of Transport in Hanoi, representatives of Hong Kong investors and businesses also expressed their interest in the North-South Expressway Project with a length of more than 1,300 km. A Hong Kong representative said that this project would help develop the strengths of a gateway to attract investment in large projects.

According to Hong Kong businesses, in addition to transport infrastructure, they are also interested in large-scale real estate projects in Vietnam. Mr Johnson Choi, Managing Director of Sunwah Group said that the company had many large investment projects in Vietnam, notably real estate projects. According to Mr Choi, among countries in Asia, Vietnam is considered as a potential country for real estate. Therefore, not only investing in projects in HCMC, Hong Kong businesses also pay attention to projects in Hanoi and the Central region.

According to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, as of the end of the first quarter of 2017, Hong Kong is the sixth largest investor in Vietnam with more than 1,200 projects and a total registered capital of more than 17.57 billion USD.

Hong Kong’s licensed projects in Vietnam are quickly implemented. For example, the project of Worldon Vietnam Co., Ltd in Dong Nam Industrial Zone (HCMC), after being licensed to increase capital by 140 million USD in 2016, has nearly completed the Fashion Design and Production Center for high quality knitwear.

Or project of Nam Phuong Textile Joint Venture Co., Ltd., with registered capital of 120 million USD in Viet Huong 2 Industrial Zone (Binh Duong), has made new moves in the project implementation after starting work at the end of 2014. The project is constructed on an area of 12 hectares, operating in the field of weaving fabric, phase I has capacity of 36 million meters of cloth per year, mainly for export...

In 2016, Vietnam is Hong Kong's largest export market in ASEAN with a total export turnover of 9.25 billion USD. In addition, Vietnam is Hong Kong's third largest trading partner in the ASEAN region with a total bilateral trade reached 16.2 billion USD.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Strengths in FDI Attraction of Vietnam

  Vietnam has many strong points in FDI attraction that foreign investors are very interested in. This has made Vietnam an attractive destination for investors to set up company in Vietnam.

Firstly, the stable security and political situation is an important condition for deciding to set up long-term investment activities in Vietnam. Moreover, Vietnam has a favorable geographic position in trade with the world as well as a connection hub of the region and a gateway to penetrate economies in the western part of the Indochina Peninsula. Third, with a population of 92 million people, Viet Nam has the advantage of abundant and quality labor force with competitive labor costs. In addition, with 12 new generation free trade agreements and Vietnam's entry into the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), it is a good opportunity for Vietnam to connect with Asean market with over 600 million population and also the world market.

The institution, law and transparency of Vietnam are gradually being completed associated with integration, not only enabling investors to be reassured for long-term operation, but also help enterprises to participate in the supply chain, global value chain in a convenient way.

The field that foreign investors consider as strength of Vietnam is the manufacturing, processing industry. Up to now, this sector has attracted the most foreign investors with 11,833 investment projects with total registered capital reached over 175 billion USD (accounting for 51.6% of the total number of projects and 58.9% of total registered capital in Vietnam). Such investment structure is evaluated positively and place strong impact on the development of Vietnam's industries in line with the country's industrialization and modernization policy.

In the coming time, Vietnam will continue to prioritize attracting investment projects in the fields of supporting industries, projects with advanced technology, environmentally friendly and efficient use of the resources, minerals, land; facilitate and strengthen the connection with domestic enterprises.

Over the past years, Vietnam's business and investment environment has been constantly improving in  the open and transparent way, in line with international standards. In the context of Vietnam's increasingly deep integration into the world economy, it will increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of Vietnam in attracting foreign investment, especially multinational corporations.

In addition, FDI enterprises have contributed to the socio-economic development of Vietnam. In recent years, the proportion of foreign investment in total investment always accounting for about 25%; contributing over 20% to GDP; contributing to the state budget and creates millions of jobs for employees.

Foreign investment capital continues to increase annually. From 2013 to now, the registered FDI capital is over 20 billion USD. Furthermore, the results of production, business, export, import and state budget contribution of FDI enterprises also achieved superior results.

In addition, the FDI sector has a spillover effect on other sectors of the economy; raising domestic investment resources, shifting economic structure, reforming state-owned enterprises and administrative procedures, improving market economy institutions and promoting international economic integration.

French Corporation Opens "Laughing Cow" Cheese Factory in Vietnam

  According to the European Supermarket magazine, Bel Group (France) has just opened a 1 ha plant in Vietnam to produce "laughing cow" cheese to serve the Southeast Asian market, marking their first penetration into the Vietnamese market.

The new plant will produce an additional 3 million pieces of cheese a week, doubling the output for the region. In addition to being sold in Vietnam, the product will be exported to the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia and Thailand.

Bel Group began construction of this plant in July 2015 in Binh Duong, with an investment capital of17 million USD. The factory also has a research center to develop products suitable for Southeast Asian taste.

The brand "laughing cow" cheese is currently occupies 85% of the market share in Vietnam in this segment.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

SCG (Thailand) Pours Capital into Vietnam Petrochemical Sector

  With the acquisition of 25% shares from Qatar Petroleum at Long Son Petrochemical Refinery Complex project, SCG Group (Thailand) continues to strengthen its position as a major investor in Viet Nam petrochemical sector.

Previously, Vina SCG Chemicals (VSCG), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SCG in Vietnam, has signed contract to acquire shares of QPI Vietnam Limited (QPIV), a subsidiary of Qatar Petroleum to receive all 25% shares in Long Son Petrochemical Co., Ltd - the investor of Long Son petrochemical complex, according to a press release posted on SCG's website.

This 36.1 million USD deal (approximately 1.100 million Thai bath), which raised SCG's direct and indirect shares in Long Son Petrochemical Co., Ltd from 46% to 71%. Meanwhile, the remaining 29% of the joint venture to develop this project is held by PetroVietnam (PVN).

This project is a major oil and gas project, the first petrochemical complex in Vietnam with production capacity of up to 1.6 million tons of olefins per year, total investment estimated at 5.4 billion USD, applying modern and advanced technologies and techniques, operating safely and meeting the requirements of environmental protection, ensuring high quality petrochemical products such as PP, PE...

The project will create about 15,000 - 20,000 jobs during construction and more than 1,000 jobs when go into commercial operations.

Moreover, the project is estimated to contribute to Ba Ria - Vung Tau and the national budget 115 million USD per year (about 2.5 trillion VND per year) during 30 years since its inception.

The successful negotiation and signing of documents and transfer of funds among partners are important milestone in the project implementation, ensuring that the project is put into operation by 2021.

The Siam Cement Group (SCG) is a leading corporation in the ASEAN region with many efforts to establish competitiveness in the global market. SCG has entered the Vietnam market since 1992.

SCG has also invested heavily in Vietnam in such core business lines as: construction materials, petrochemicals and packaging. In addition to direct capital inflows, in recent years, SCG has also expanded its investment in Vietnam through mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

SCG's companies in Vietnam are mainly operating in the fields of cement - construction materials, chemicals and packaging. By the end of 2016, total assets of SCG in Vietnam are about 943 million USD.

We, ANT Consulting company, support you with the service of setting up a company in Vietnam, Risk management in Vietnam, Employee background check in Vietnam... to help you shorten the implementation time.

Due Diligence in Choosing Business Partner

  Joint ventures and association in business will bring many opportunities for the development and success, especially expanding and making entry into new Vietnam as new market through cross border transaction, setting up company, acquiring shares in new company.

However, it is not easy to choose partners to help maximize the value for business, especially in this difficult time. That is the reason why we should conduct the due diligence research in Vietnam before making any decision.

According to experts, there are enterprises that growing very fast because they choose the right partners involving in the value chain, but also there are well-known enterprises in the market that have to face with a lot of difficulties due to choosing wrong partners. Therefore, how to choose the right business partners, financial partners and strategic shareholders to help enterprises overcome difficulties, develop faster and more sustainable are always issues that concerned by many business leaders.

In challenging conditions as at present, the economic situation in Vietnam and the world places great influence on the partner selection of companies. Currently, the debt crisis in some European countries caused the demand for import from these countries dropped sharply. Therefore, Vietnam enterprises must seek new markets. In this situation, companies should restructure their operations, choosing to produce products that are suitable with the new markets.

There are two key partners that companies need to keep in mind, they are financial partner and business partner. Depending on the objectives of the companies that they will choose the right partner. Normally, with the stable economic condition, companies often choose strategic partner.

However, in difficult situation such as the present, the choice of partners is made for short term so that the company could be able to change and adapt according to the general environmental condition. Many experts believe that, in difficult times, good cooperation will help enterprises to stand firm and "over storm" successfully.

Hence, conducting the due diligence research helps us to have a clearer vision of partners before deciding to cooperate with them in business, especially partners in foreign countries where you still feel strange. Whether choosing business partner or financial partner, companies should be cautious. They should learn from the Japanese companies. Before deciding to cooperate with a partner, Japanese companies often study the partners very thoroughly. Therefore, the cooperation project of Japanese companies often succeeds up to 85%.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

FDI Status in 11 Months of 2016

  Vietnam has become an ideal destination for foreign investors from many countries to come and invest in Vietnam. Generally in the first 11 months of 2016, total newly registered and additional capital reach 18.103 billion USD, equivalent to 89.5% compared with the same period in 2015.

Operational status:

Implemented capital:

As of November 20^th 2016, it is estimated that the foreign direct investment (FDI) projects have disbursed 14.3 billion USD, increased by 8.3% over the same period in 2015.

Exports and imports:

Exports of the foreign investment sector (including crude oil) in the first 11 months of 2016 reached 114.076 billion USD, increased by 8.6% over the same period in 2015 and accounted for 71.5% of export turnover in 2015. Exports excluding crude oil in the first 11 months of 2016 reached 111.979 billion USD, increasing by 10.3% over the same period in 2015 and accounted for 70.2% of export turnover.

Imports of the foreign investment sector in the first 11 months of 2016 reached 92.831 billion USD, increased by 3.6% over the same period in 2015 and accounted for 59.2% of import turnover. Generally in the first 11 months of 2016, foreign investment sector has export surplus 21.245 billion USD including crude oil and 19.148 billion USD excluding crude oil.

The investment certificate granting status:

According to the data from the information system on foreign investments, as of November 20^th 2016, there were 2,240 new projects were granted the investment certificates with total registered capital of 13.028 billion USD, equal 96.1% over the same period in 2015. Till November 20^th 2016, there were 1,075 projects register to adjust the capital with the total registered additional capital of 5.075 billion USD, increased by 76.1% over the same period in 2015.

Generally in the first 11 months of 2016, the total newly registered and additional capital reached 18.103 billion USD, equal 89.5% over the same period in 2015.

According to the investment areas:

In the first 11 months of 2016, foreign investors have invested in 19 areas, in which the processing and manufacturing industries are areas attracting more attention of foreign investors with 907 newly registered investment projects and 766 adjusting capital projects, the total newly registered and additional capital reached 13.41 billion US dollars, accounting for 74.1% of total registered capital in 11 months.

The real estate sector ranks 2^nd with 49 newly licensed projects, with the total newly registered and additional capital reached 740.93 million USD, accounting for 4.1% of total registered capital. The professional activities, scientific and technological sectors ranks 3^rd with 684.84 million USD, accounting for 3.8% of total investment capital.

According to the investment partners:

In the first 11 months of 2016, there are 68 countries and territories having investment projects in Vietnam. Korea leds with total newly registered and additional capital of 5.29 billion USD, accounting for 29.2% of total investment capital in Vietnam; Singapore ranked 2^nd with total newly registered and additional capital of 2.05 billion USD, accounting for 11.3% of total registered capital; Japan ranked 3^rd with total newly registered and additional capital of 1.95 billion USD, accounting for 10.8% of total investment capital.

According to the investment location:

In the first 11 months of 2016, foreign investors have invested in 54 provinces and cities. In which Hai Phong attracted the largest foreign investment with 45 newly licensed projects and 35 projects register to adjust capital. The total newly registered and additional capital reached 2.74 billion USD, accounting for 15.2% of total investment capital.

Binh Duong ranked 2^nd with total newly registered and additional capital reached 1.93 billion USD, accounting for 10.7%. Followed by Dong Nai, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City with total newly registered and additional capital reached 1.87 billion USD, 1.84 billion USD and 1.32 billion USD respectively.

Some large projects that are licensed in the first 11 months of 2016:

- LG Display Hai Phong project, licensed on April 15^th 2016, the total registered capital is 1.5 billion USD, which is invested by LG Display Co., Ltd (Korea) to manufacture and produce plastic OLED display products for mobile devices such as cell phones, smart watches, tablets...

- LG Innotek plant project in Hai Phong, the total registered investment capital is 550 million USD, invested by LG Innotek Co., Ltd. (Korea) to produce camera module.

- The project to develop the port and industrial parks complexes in Dam Nha Mac area, Quang Yen Town, Quang Ninh province, invested by CDC International Corporation (Cayman Islands) with total registered investment capital of 315.46 million USD.

- Amata Long Thanh City project, with total investment capital of 309.3 million USD, invested by Thailand investors to build urban area in Dong Nai.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Forms of Public Private Partnership Investment in Vietnam

  Public investment in Vietnam is not just limited to the transportation infrastructure, electricity, renewable energy, water, health and environment, but also in areas such as education, training, vocational training, culture, sports, commercial infrastructure complex, science and technology, economic zones, industrial zones...

Vietnam is in the development stage that needs significant investment in infrastructure.  However, the state budget is limited, and donor funds have been reduced and limited. Therefore, the investment pattern in the form of public-private partnership (also known as PPP) is an effective solution to this problem. PPP has been expected to mobilize resources for investment in infrastructure from the private sector, from both domestic and foreign investment.

Investments in the form of public-private partnership investment is made on the basis of contracts between competent state agencies and investors or project company for the implementation, management and operation of the project in infrastructure, or providing public services. Accordingly, investors, project company shall be authorized to implement investment projects on construction or renovation, upgrading, expansion, management and operation of infrastructure projects or providing public services.

The investment contracts in the form of public-private partnership are defined in Vietnam as following.

BOT Contract

“Build – Operate – Transfer contract” (referred to as BOT contract) means a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a competent state agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall be entitled to operate it for a specified period of time; eventually, the investor shall transfer it to the Vietnam competent state agency.

BTO Contract

“Build – Transfer – Operate contract” (referred to as BTO contract) means a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a competent state agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall transfer it to the competent agency, and shall be entitled to operate it for an agreed period of time.

BT Contract

“Build – Transfer contract” (referred to as BT contract) means a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a regulatory agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall transfer it to the competent agency, and then the investor will be allotted a land parcel used for carrying out another project.

BOO Contract

“Build – Own – Operate contract” (referred to as BOO contract) is a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a competent agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall take ownership of this project and have the right to operate it for a specified period of time.

BTL Contract

The Build – Transfer – Lease contract (referred to as BTL contract) means a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a competent agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall transfer it to the regulatory agency and shall be entitled to provide services on the basis of operation of such project for a specified period of time; the competent agency shall lease and make payment for the investor’s services.

BLT Contract

“Build – Lease – Transfer contract” (referred to as BLT contract) means a type of contract to build an infrastructure project between a competent agency and an investor; after completing the construction, the investor shall have the right to provide services on the basis of operation of such projector a specified period of time; the competent agency shall lease and make payment for the investor’s services according to the regulation; when the lease term expires, such project shall be transferred to the competent agency.

O&M Contract

“Operation & Management contract” (hereinafter referred to as O&M contract) means a type of contract to operate the project between a competent agency and an investor for a specified period of time.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.

Why Japan Investors Invest in Vietnam

  The depreciation of yen against dollar, more available funds for loans from Japanese banks, and the fast aging population make Japanese corporations increasing investment in foreign markets including Vietnam through setting up business venture.

In a morning of Jan 22^nd 2015, the office of Ministry of Planning and Investment and Foreign Investment Agency have met and worked with small and medium business delegation of Japan to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam.  The Japanese business delegation led by Mr. Shuichi Kageyama, vice president of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, are representative of 21 companies operating in the area of construction, real estate, electronics, manufacturing, chemicals, pharmaceuticals products, medical devices.  The visit has shown interests of Japanese investors in various sectors in the socio-economic development, environmental and investment policies of the government of Vietnam in attracting foreign investment. The Vietnam government also shows effort to support Japanese investor through improving on administrative procedures, and transparency.

The visit of Japanese delegation to Vietnam should be noted amid the strongest wave of Japanese corporations’ investment into foreign markets since 2006 after building up record cash on hands.  The yen has been at weak level making M&A into foreign market expensive.  However it is expected that yen will depreciate further against dollar over the year to come due to the policy of Mr. Shinzo Abe. In the meantime, Japanese banks are also ready to make more funds available for loans.  Another fact is that Japanese population is aging faster. Those combined reasons together with Vietnam's attractiveness for investors make Japanese corporations increase investment through making direct investment or acquiring other corporations in foreign markets including Vietnam.

According to the Foreign Investment Agency, as of Oct 2014, Vietnam has attracted more than USD 36.5 billion from Japan with more than 2,434 FDI projects. Japan ranks first in the number of countries and territories that have investment projects in Vietnam, in which, the first 10 months of the year 2014, total investment of newly registered and increased capital from Japan reached USD 1.66 billion.  Thanh Hoa has 9 projects with a total investment of USD 9.68 billion; Hanoi has 607 projects at nearly USD 4 billion; Binh Duong province has 241 projects at USD 3.8 billion.

Japanese corporations invest in various area including retail, food processing, IT, manufacturing, constructions.  Several prominent Japanese investors have been successful in Vietnam are Cannon, Isuzu Motors, Ajinomoto, Toyota Corporations, Logitem Logistics, Mitsubishi Corp, Kotobuki Holdings, Taisei Corp, Sumitomo Corp, Itochu Corp. The list will continue to grow as the time to come as Japan diversifies from China and Vietnam continues to emerge as an attractive destination.

Finding the right business partner in Vietnam is also important. We recommend doing research on the reputation of the company and individual shareholders, corporate or individual, gathering publicly available company information, and performing background checks on key personnel to find potential risks in cooperation. Working with a reliable partner can help achieve economic benefits, saving time and money in business.