Panasonic Moved Its Factory from Thailand To Vietnam | ANT Consulting

  Panasonic will close a large factory outside Bangkok – Thailand early this fall and move production to set up factory in Vietnam to get better production efficiency.

Specifically, according to Nikkei, Panasonic’s factory in Bangkok will stop producing washing machines in September 2020 and refrigerators in October 2020. The plant itself will be closed in March 2021, a research and development center will also be closed.

About 800 employees currently working at the factory in Bangkok will be laid off, but will also be recruited to new positions in the same business. By moving production to Vietnam, Panasonic will save a lot of costs.

Panasonic’s factory in Vietnam is currently the largest refrigerator and washing machine manufacturing center in Southeast Asia, the plant’s production capacity has now exceeded the required threshold.

This movement also reflects a new phase in manufacturing sector of Southeast Asia. Since the 1970s, Japanese electronics manufacturers have moved their production domestically to Singapore and Malaysia when the Yen increased rapidly because of the exchange rate floating policy that was applied for the first time and hurt the price competitiveness of Japanese goods. After that, production activities were transferred to countries like Thailand because of the increasing salary in Singapore.

Now, businesses are looking for cheaper places and also want to gain deeper access to markets where the demand for refrigerators, washing machines and microwaves is increasing in populous countries in Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.

Panasonic has been producing home appliances in Thailand since 1979. The total output that Panasonic produces in Southeast Asia after the latest change will not diminish.

Panasonic currently employs about 8,000 workers in Vietnam. Not only producing large appliances, the local Panasonic factory also produces TVs, cordless phones, terminal card payment devices and industrial equipment.

Panasonic is currently in the process of restructuring with the goal of reducing costs by 100 billion yen or about 930 million USD in the fiscal year ending in March 2022. Panasonic is also considering continuing to adjust equipment manufacturing operations. Last year, Sharp also increased its capacity to produce washing machines and refrigerators in Indonesia by 30% and 20%, respectively.

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.

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An Additional of 60 FDI Projects Received Investment Licenses into Hanoi

According to Hanoi’s Department of Planning and Investment, in November, the city had 60 newly licensed FDI projects with a total registered capital of 600 million USD.

Of these, there are 52 projects with 100% foreign direct investment; 8 joint venture projects. Besides, there are 8 projects being adjusted to increase investment capital with the additional capital of 6.7 million USD.

Also, in November 2019, foreign investors contribute capital and buy stakes reach 72.9 million USD.

Notably, during the recent Prime Minister’s business trip to Korea, the leader of Hanoi People’s Committee awarded 4 investment policy decisions worth more than 400 million USD, signing the memorandum of understanding to invest in Hanoi worth more than 4 billion USD.

Accumulated from the beginning of the year to November 25th 2019, the total registered capital of newly established projects and additional capital increased projects reached 2,142 million USD, of which newly registered 788 projects with total capital of 1,562 million USD; 160 additional projects register to increase investment capital of 580 million USD.

In the first 11 months of 2019, foreign investors contributed capital, buying capital contribution reach 5,330 million USD.

Previously, in October 2019, Hanoi had 91 newly licensed FDI projects with a total registered capital of 468 million USD, of which 72 projects were 100% foreign direct investment, 19 joint venture projects. Of these, foreign investors contribute capital and purchase shares reach 5,330 million USD. The number of projects terminating, suspending and dissolution is 27 projects, of which 24 projects are 100% foreign direct investment and joint ventures are 3 projects.

Major projects from the beginning of the year until now have invested in Hanoi such as the capital contribution and share purchase project of Beerco Limited (Hong Kong) in Vietnam Beverage Co., Ltd., the value of the capital contribution is 3.85 billion USD with the main target of brewing and brewing malt in Hanoi. The project Meiko Electronics Co., Ltd. (Hong Kong) with the goal of designing, assembling and manufacturing electronic components in Hanoi adjusts to increase an additional of 200 million USD investment capital.

Hanoi together with many leading corporations in Japan also exchanged memorandums of understanding (MOUs) on investment cooperation in many projects in the city with a total committed investment capital of up to 3.75 billion USD.

In addition, the newly released data of Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), in the first 11 months, the country has attracted nearly 31.8 billion USD of foreign investment, up 3.1. % compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, in 11 months, capital contribution and share purchase reached US $ 11.24 billion, up 47.1% over the same period in 2018 and accounting for 35.4% of the total registered capital. Meanwhile, both newly and increased capital decreased. Specifically, newly granted capital reached 14.68 billion USD, down 7%; additional capital reached US $ 5.87 billion, down 10.7% over the same period last year.

In addition, the newly released data of Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), in the first 11 months, the country has attracted nearly 31.8 billion USD of foreign investment, increase by 3.1% compared to the same period last year.

Specifically, in 11 months, capital contribution and share purchase reached 11.24 billion USD, increase by 47.1% over the same period in 2018 and accounting for 35.4% of the total registered capital. Meanwhile, both newly and increase capital decreased. Specifically, newly granted capital reached 14.68 billion USD, decrease by 7%; additional capital reached 5.87 billion USD, decrease by 10.7% over the same period last year.

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Japanese Investment Flows into Vietnam Packaging Production

Vietnam Artpresto factory, 100% Japanese capital, specializing in packaging production with a total investment of 5 million USD was started in Chau Son Industrial Zone, Ha Nam province right in the first week after the Lunar New Year holiday.

This event once again shows that packaging is still the field that attracting capital, especially when the major manufacturing industries, from manufacturing and agriculture, are on the rise, leading to the need to use bags.

The Artpresto Vietnam packaging factory, invested by Artpresto Vietnam Company (belonging to Bandai Namco Group), with the goal of producing high quality packaging products.

Once completed, Artpresto Vietnam factory will operate with a capacity of nearly 40 million products/year.

Artpresto Company was established in 1983, in charge of packaging design, product design, and trading printing products of Bandai Namco Group. Artpresto’s total revenue in 2018 is about 8 billion yen.

According to general director of Artpresto Vietnam Company, when operating, the factory in Vietnam will contribute to improving the supply chain of high-quality packaging products for the Japanese and Vietnamese markets.

Not to mention customers, the demand of Bandai Namco Holdings – the parent company of Artpresto is very large, so the factory in Vietnam will be a significant packaging supply channel for the Group. And yet, in the calculation of this group, Artpresto Vietnam will be the first development of Bandai Namco to the Vietnamese market in particular, and the foundation of development in the Southeast Asian market in general.

This can be understood, when doing good business in Vietnam, capital will be poured to expand, increase production and catch up business opportunities.

Earlier, in mid-2018, United Packaging Co., Ltd. was also belong to a Japanese investor – Oji Holdings Corporation, had poured capital to build a factory located in Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park (Cu Chi district, HCMC), on an area of 5 hectares, with a total investment of more than 15 million USD.

United’s factory specializes in manufacturing paper products such as high-end packaging used in the food industry and goods labels.

It is known that Tan Phu Trung Packaging Factory is the 6th project of Oji Holdings Corporation in Vietnam, after projects in Hai Phong and Ha Nam and is the 31st factory of this group in the Southeast Asia region.

With the current growth rate of 10-15% per year, the Vietnamese packaging and processing industry is considered to be quite attractive to suppliers of machinery and equipment operating in the industry, as well as the trend of foreign enterprises expanding investment and acquiring businesses operating in this field.

Packaging is a product rich in types and designs, so packaging materials are also rich and diverse. Packaging materials in Vietnam are mainly plastic, paper, carton, metal and glass. It is estimated that the whole industry will grow by 25% in 2019.

According to the forecast, economic sectors mainly from food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics will grow 2-digit in the period from now to 2025, so packaging has a good opportunity to develop, including packaging industrial and agricultural packaging. The problem is that business owners need to develop clear strategies, identify core values, strengthen effective management solutions, find appropriate technology equipment…

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Lenovo Group Wants to Build Factory in Bac Ninh

Mr. Bach Bang, General Director of Lenovo Group (China) had a meeting with Chairman of Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Tu Quynh to explore investment opportunities and set up factory in Bac Ninh.

At the meeting, according to Mr. Bach Bang, Lenovo Group is a global enterprise, operating in the field of manufacturing computers, phones, electronic accessories and providing 24% of computers worldwide. Through reference to a number of large enterprises investing in Bac Ninh, as well as directly visiting some industrial parks, he realized that the potential and advantages of the province were great and expected to invest in building a factory to produce computer components with an area of ​​about 30 hectares in Bac Ninh. The products will be exported directly to the US.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Tu Quynh welcomed Lenovo’s intention to invest in building a factory in Bac Ninh and stressed that in addition to preferential policies for projects with large investment capital, high disbursement rates, the province will have policies to support the training of human resources and housing for workers in the area, at the same time, promptly remove difficulties, create favorable conditions for enterprises to invest in the province.

As known, Bac Ninh province currently has 16 concentrated industrial parks, attracting more than 1,300 FDI projects, total investment of about 18 billion USD from 33 countries and territories, of which China ranks 5th with about 160 projects. The FDI enterprises in the province have been operating stably, contributing to the local development and accounting for 73% of the province’s industrial production value.

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FDI flows into Vietnam from China?

In the longer term, FDI flows may decrease in China and move out of the country. Vietnam has the opportunity to attract investment capital when many investors wish to set-up business to enter Vietnam market.

Earlier, according to the survey of FDI Market in the Asia – Pacific region, Vietnam is the 2nd largest country that attracts FDI after China. However, rising labor costs in China in recent years has created opportunities for the emerging markets in Asia including Vietnam to enhance their competitiveness in the manufacturing sector.

Specifically, the cost to open one factory to produce chemical equipment or pharmaceutical technology in Vietnam is cheaper than in China by 50%. Similarly, the cost to build an auto manufacturing plant in Vietnam is 40% cheaper than in China. Foreign investors have sent signals to switch manufacturing into Vietnam.

Looking at the medium term, the picture of foreign investment in Vietnam is bright. The domestic market continued to recover with the forecasting GDP growth for 2015 is 6.1% and increase to 6.2% in 2016.

Therefore, if Vietnam can make good use of opportunities, maximize cost benefits; enhance the skills of workers and improve production technology, Vietnam will benefit in the upcoming shift.

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Can Vietnam Become a New Production Center of The World?

Vietnam now is a machining and production center, just behind Singapore on the total investment amount of China.

China is following the model of the Japanese economy and then has higher production costs. Therefore, Chinese enterprises are now diverting into neighboring countries to find the location for new manufacturing facilities.

With great potential for growth, young population structure and lower wage costs, Vietnam will benefit from the development of infrastructure associated with competition for positions in regional influence between China and other major economies.

This is an opportunity for Vietnam to improve its position in the value chain by becoming a global center of production of low-value commodities.

To enhance accessing to investment capitals, becoming a center of manufacturing, global outsourcing and enhancing the position in the value chain, in the long term, Vietnam will actively screening the list of projects FDI under the strategy and development-oriented by the Government.

Vietnam needs to invest in education and training to develop workforce skills. In addition, Vietnam also needs to focus more on investment in environmental infrastructure, especially in transportation and services.

Along with the continuous integration in ASEAN and by the importance of this region for the 4 largest economies in the world, Vietnam has many advantages to attract multinational companies to invest in order to take use existing opportunities of Southeast Asia area.

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US and North Korea Leaders Will Meet in Hanoi, Vietnam

President Donald Trump announced that Hanoi, Vietnam will be chosen as the place to hold the second US-North Korea summit on February 27 and 28, 2019. There are signs of intention of both parties to transform the relationship and create a solid foundation for the de-nuclearization of North Korea and end the Korean War. This is the opportunities for Vietnam to promote the country as a place for foreign investors to trust and invest through setting up factory and companies, and further grow the country through foreign direct investment.

Vietnam has been selected as the place for this important international political event due to a number of reasons, including good relations with the US, South Korea and North Korea, closer to North Korea in distance, and that Vietnam is a country with experience in organizing in high security event i.e. APEC 2017 with leaders from US, Russia, China, Japan, Korea. Further, the administration of President Trump thinks that Vietnam is a political and economic model that North Korea should pursue in terms of opening the country and attracting foreign investment, allowing foreigners to set up factory, set up companies in various areas. From difficult relationship with embargo, the US and Vietnam has now become partners with two-way trade which turnover increased from 451 million USD in 1995 to 52 billion USD in 2016, and that Vietnam has become one of the rising export markets of US. From North Korea’s perspective, Kim Jong-un will be interested in witnessing the story of Vietnam, which can be an inspiration and a model for the road ahead for North Korea to follow.

This event will be an opportunity for Vietnam to promote the country of peace, opportunity, prosperity and land of foreign investment, growing its role in the international markets in both business and politics, which further attract foreign direct investment, the driver for growth of the country over the decades.

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Vietnam and European Union Will Eliminate over 99% Import Tariffs on Each Other

At a press conference on October 30th in Vietnam informed of important agreements between Vietnam and European Union (EU), Mr. Bruno Angelet – Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) said that early August 2015, the EU and Vietnam has announced the conclusion of negotiations but the negotiation group continues to resolve the remaining technical issues, while improving documents.

Once completed, the Agreement must be approved by the National Assembly of Vietnam, the Council and the European Parliament. Accordingly, Vietnam and the EU will eliminate over 99% of import tariffs.

For the few remaining tariffs, both parties will grant each other tariff quota or tariff reduction. This can be seen as the highest level of commitment that Vietnam has achieved in the FTA has been signed so far.

In the investment sector, the commitments to ensure an open business and investment environment to help promote high quality investment flows of both the EU and other partners in Vietnam. Thus, Vietnam has the opportunity to become the connection for trade and investment activities between EU and other countries in the region.

In addition, the commitments related to investment, liberalization of trade, service, Government procurement and intellectual property protection… will also open up opportunities for both sides to approach each other’s markets and ensure balance overall benefit.

EU can become the best partner in the future of Vietnam because Vietnam is also becoming one of the most dynamic countries and have good relationship with EU in the region. EU can support Vietnam in many fields such as governance models and provide excellent services in the field of infrastructure, training and education, the judiciary and law, health, social insurance and sustainable energy.

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Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park Company Limited (VSIP) Surveyed Investment in Quang Tri

Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee, Mr Nguyen Duc Chinh just had a meeting with the delegation of Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park Limited Company (VSIP) led by Mr Anthony Tan, Deputy General Director of VSIP, representing VSIP (Singapore) – Amata (Thailand) – Sumitomo (Japan) as the leader.

On this occasion, Mr Anthony Tan, Deputy General Director of VSIP informed the leaders of Quang Tri province about the project of developing industrial parks and urban areas in VSIP at Quang Tri. According to representative of VSIP, currently the joint venture of investors VSIP – Sumitomo – Amata has selected contractors to survey the terrain and geology of the regions and soon have results to report to the Provincial People’s Committee.

On behalf of the provincial leaders, Chairman of Quang Tri Provincial People’s Committee thanked the delegation of VSIP – Sumitomo – Amata Joint Venture investors for visiting Quang Tri province. At the same time, in 2019, Quang Tri province will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the re-establishment of the province. Therefore, the provincial leaders have directed the branches and authorities to make efforts to work together with investors to start or inaugurate projects to celebrate this important event.

Regarding the investment plan for the infrastructure development project of industrial parks and urban areas in Quang Tri, Chairman of Quang Tri provincial People’s Committee wishes that the join venture of VSIP (Singapore) – Amata (Thailand) – Sumitomo (Japan Version) makes more efforts to start the project as soon as possible.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

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FDI Flows into Vietnam’s Geotechnical Engineering

The need for strong development of infrastructure in Vietnam is attracting more and more foreign businesses in the geotechnical engineering industry to come and set up business in Vietnam.

Geonia, a leading corporation in Korea specializing in the production of high quality geotextile product (the fabric with permeability, when using to line in the soil, it is capable of separating, filtering, protecting, processing strengthening and water drainage), which are expected to achieve strong revenue in Vietnam market.

According to Geonia’s Chief Representative in Vietnam, the Government of Vietnam is promoting the construction of road and port infrastructures; therefore the demand for geotextile products is very huge. Vietnam has built a number of highways and Geonia has provided this product, with revenues of more than 5 million USD in 2014 and approximately 5 million USD in 2015. In the coming years, revenue can increase; even twice when many projects in Vietnam are performed.

At the 3rd International Conference on Geotechnical took place recently in Hanoi, not just Geonia, there were nearly 50 other foreign companies participated and wanted to find out the business investment opportunities in Vietnam, through the establishment of partnerships, joint ventures and promoting the sale of geotechnical products in Vietnam market.

According to Sales Manager of ACE Geosynthetics Company (Taiwan), until the end of 2016, this Company will set up partnership with 5 enterprises in Vietnam, bringing the total number of partners to 18, although ACE Geosynthetics has not have official investment and trade activities in Vietnam. Currently, ACE Geosynthetics is the leading exporter of geothermal synthetic products in Asia.

ACE Geosynthetics could set up factory in Vietnam in the future. Last year, ACE Geosynthetics has achieved sales growth at 2 figures. In 2016 and 2017, ACE Geosynthetics also expect to achieve such results.

Meanwhile, according to Director of Sanshin Construction Corporation (Japan), Sanshin is considering setting up partnership with local business to implement a number of large infrastructure projects in Vietnam, beginning from 2017.

Since early of this year, Sanshin has partnered with Technical Link Construction Company (Vietnam) to implement a number of industrial infrastructure projects in the southern region. In the next year, these two enterprises will jointly implement a number of other similar projects.

Many construction enterprises from Japan are coming to Vietnam for the construction of infrastructure projects. Therefore, Sanshin also wants to expand its presence here to cooperate with Japanese companies.

According to construction experts, Vietnam is a country located in geographic areas with complex geological conditions; therefore the selection of foundation solutions for infrastructure is extremely important.

In the strategy to 2020, Vietnam will basically become an industrially developed towards modernization country, so the demand for infrastructure development, industrial development, urban development during this period is very large. In particular, the Government has been setting up special policies giving priority to infrastructure development in all industries and sectors. This is the opportunity for businesses and investors at home and abroad.

According to Vice President of International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, in Vietnam, in addition to forms of public transport in major urban centers, the economic development requires faster means of transportation over long distances. Therefore, high-speed rail and highways will soon become urgent needs. This shows that the demand for geotechnical engineering will increase in the very near future. This is the investment opportunity for many businesses.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

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Foreign Investment in Hanoi Increased Strongly

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Hanoi is increasing in both quantity and quality. Foreign investors have gradually believed in the decision to set up business in Vietnam.

Unlike many other localities in the country with large FDI projects such as billion-dollar manufacturing complex, Hanoi is much quieter in attracting FDI. But the reality is different. According to the statistics from the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Planning and Investment), up to the end of May 2017, Hanoi still ranked at the 4th place among provinces attracting the most FDI with over 26.2 billion USD.

If we list the large-scale FDI projects registered in Vietnam since the beginning of 2017, Hanoi can contribute 3 projects, first is Aeon Mall Ha Dong with registered capital of 192.51 million USD. The next is Coca-Cola Vietnam’s 319.8 million USD capital increase project and 72 million USD Park City project.

Last year, a series of FDI projects poured into Hanoi. For example, the project to invest in the purchase and operation of technical system, equipment, technology, software and trading of lottery elective named “Vietlott” (210 million USD); Vietnamobile Company increased its capital (208 million USD); or Vietnam Public Bank project (134 million USD) …

Not to mention, Hanoi has attracted Samsung’s 300 million USD Center for Research and Development (R&D). This proves that the quality of FDI inflows into Hanoi has been improved.

According to information from the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment, the city is working hard to improve the investment environment to attract more investment capital both at home and abroad. Many solutions have been mentioned, such as facilitating access to land, land use, land for investment and business; improve the efficiency of administration, administrative reform, improve the investment environment; promoting and enhancing the effectiveness of investment promotion activities…

Good news for Hanoi is that the Prime Minister has officially issued a separate Decree allowing the implementation of separate mechanism for the Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park. For example, allowing investment projects in Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park to enjoy the highest incentives in accordance with the law of Vietnam, allowing the application of the one-door mechanism, prioritizing the allocation of land funds to develop housing for employees… This is also an opportunity for Hanoi to attract investment in hi-tech sectors, attracting investment from multinational corporations – a priority orientation for FDI attraction identified by Hanoi for many years.

In addition, Hanoi also determines to encourage the development of supporting industries, biotechnology, using modern technology, friendly with the environment; projects in the field of information technology, agricultural development, food safety… And especially, large-scale infrastructure projects.

Without hesitation, Hanoi has frankly expressed the desire that Japanese investors will invest in urban railway projects, investment projects to build bridges spanning the Red River, ring routes, metro lines, underground parking lots, satellite urban areas…

Not only FDI capital, calling for investment in these projects also means that Hanoi also determined to promote investment in the form of public-private partnerships (PPP). In the first 6 months, Hanoi has attracted 24 PPP projects, with a total investment of 32.103 billion USD. A very promising shift, promising that in the coming time, there will be strong waves of investment poured into Hanoi.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

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Thailand: Long-term Investors in Vietnam Market

Thailand is one of the few investors involving in a lot of industries in Vietnam, they set up business in Vietnam for years and this trend has not shown signs of decline.

Thailand was one of the first foreign investors came to Vietnam in 1992. To date, Thai investors have committed to invest in Vietnam 468 projects with a total registered capital of 8 billion USD, ranked 10th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Thai investors have poured capital into many sectors of Vietnam’s economy, from processing industry to agriculture, wholesale and retail…

After more than 25 years of presence in Vietnam, Thais have quietly acquired BigC, Metro, Nguyen Kim, Vinamilk, Prime… The chain of wholesale and retail stores of Thai people has spread throughout Vietnam. Not many foreign investors in Vietnam can do that.

With a large investment scale, it can be said that Thailand is the leading investment partner of Vietnam. Meanwhile, in ASEAN, Thailand is Vietnam’s largest trading partner, while Vietnam is Thailand’s second largest export partner, with total bilateral trade in 2016 reached 12.5 billion USD. Of which, Vietnam exports to Thailand reached 3.7 billion USD. In the first half of 2017, total two-way trade turnover reached nearly 7 billion USD, increase by over 22% over the same period last year. The two sides set a target to bring two-way trade turnover to 20 billion USD by 2020.

However, Vietnam and Thailand are also direct “competitors” in both competition to attract foreign investment and export goods. There are a lot of Thai exports that are similar to Vietnam’s exports, in which rice is one of the typical items.

In terms of investment attraction, Thailand has long been a leading investment destination in the region and Vietnam is competing directly with this market. In recent years, many Korean and Japanese investors, including LG, have decided to move production sites from Thailand to Vietnam. According to a report released by PwC, Vietnam has surpassed both Thailand and Malaysia in terms of new FDI inflows. Even PwC says that overtaking Thailand and Malaysia, Vietnam is at a “booming point” in the development process, thanks to a series of trade agreements being signed and an increasingly transparent and open business environment.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

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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 Vietnam. 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 7th 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.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

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Attracting FDI: New Regulations, New Face

The strategy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam from now to 2030 with many new points is attracting special attention of investors.

The perspectives of the Ministry of Planning and Investment in developing a strategy to attract FDI capital for the coming period are to selectively attract and focus to increase the efficiency of FDI’s contribution to economic growth in the context of deeper international integration with the implementation of a series of new free trade agreements.

Accordingly, the orientation to attract FDI in the coming period is to prioritize capital flows into high-tech, new and environmentally-friendly industries such as information technology, electronics, telecommunications, automobiles and agricultural machines, construction equipment, industrial equipment, electrical equipment, supporting industry, internet of things (IoT)…

Other priority areas include: processing and manufacturing industries for agriculture to meet international standards, high-tech agriculture, high-value agriculture, medical equipment, health care, education and training, high quality tourism, financial services, logistics and other modern services; developing technical infrastructure, clean energy, renewable energy, smart energy.

At the same time, Vietnam will continue to attract FDI into industries with advantages such as textiles and garments, leather and footwear…, but priority is given to high value-added stages, associated with smart production processes, automation.

Vietnam aims to attract high quality and more efficient use of FDI to access new technologies, increase connections between domestic and foreign enterprises, increase participation in global value chains, contributing to increase the country’s competitiveness and promoting economic restructuring according to the change of growth model.

Vietnam also aims to increase the contribution of the FDI sector to 20 – 25% of the total investment capital of the economy, reducing the energy consumption of FDI enterprises below the national average while increasing the contribution of this sector in GDP growth in the coming period.

The often-changing legal framework is the concern of investors. Law enforcement should be improved to reduce difficulties for businesses when the new law takes effect. Many foreign investors leave China because of this reason and this trend will continue. How attractive Vietnam is depending on the future policies of the Government and enforcement agencies.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

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Passing Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam Leads the Region in The PMI Index

Vietnam’s Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) has risen from 51.8 in August to 53.3 in September. Nikkei evaluated that the business conditions of the month had a strong improvement, achieving the best speed since April. Accordingly, the health of this field is positive during the past 22 months.

Ranking the countries according to the PMI index of the month, Vietnam continued to lead the overall growth list with the PMI index rising to a high in September. The Philippines advanced to the second position with 50.8 points, although overall growth is still light.

Indonesia with 50.4 points indicates that business conditions continue to be improved while Thailand has rebounded to 50.3 points after a decline in the previous two months. After the improvement last month, Malaysia (49.9 points) recorded almost unchanged production conditions in September. Meanwhile Singapore (48.6 points) fell into the decline. Myanmar (49.4 points) continue to have weak business conditions, although the speed of decline is light.

Analyzing the reasons for growth in Vietnam, according to the Nikkei, customer demand increased and new orders increase as a result. This is the most significant increase in 5 months. Order growth rate also improved sharply in September.

Thanks for that, inventories also fell for the third month in a row, the biggest drop since July.

Production output of Vietnam has also increased in 11 consecutive months. All three areas of the market have increased production, led by companies producing consumer goods.

In terms of input costs, Nikkei noted that due to rising raw material prices, including raw materials from China, input costs rise significantly, the strongest since May 2011. Therefore, in September 2017, for the first time in 5 months, companies must increase output prices.

According to Mr Andrew Harker from IHS Markit, the company that collected the survey results evaluated that the third quarter ended with a positive note for Vietnamese producers. As a result, manufacturers may continue to grow in the last quarter. Nevertheless, he noted that Vietnam should be cautious as inflationary pressures reappeared.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

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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.

Acordingly, 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.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Talk to our consultants at +84 28 730 86 529 or email us ant@antconsult.vn

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Tetra Pak Construct 110 Million USD Packaging Factory in Binh Duong

Tetra Pak (Sweden) has started construction of a 110 million USD packaging factory on an area of 10,000 m2 and a total capacity of 20 billion packages per year at Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Park II – A (Binh Duong). This information has been announced since the end of 2016. The factory is expected to come into operation by the beginning of 2019.

According to the Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, this is the factory with largest scale among 54 projects that Sweden investors have invested in Vietnam.

Moreover, he affirmed that the factory could become the leading bird, leading many Swedish businesses to come and set up business in Vietnam.

Sweden was the first country in the Western region that establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. There will be many Swedish multinational corporations want to invest in Vietnam. Therefore, Vietnam in general and Binh Duong in particular need to prepare better investment environment to catch the wave of FDI, especially from Sweden.

According to representative of Tetra Pak, this is the company’s most green packaging factory in their system, as well as the 4th largest packaging factory in East Asia and Oceania in terms of scale.

The two popular types of packaging will be produced at the factory including Tetra Brik Aseptic and Tetra Fino Aseptic.

According to Tetra Pak, dairy and beverage products in South East Asia, Australia and New Zealand markets are expected to grow at a rate of 5.6 percent annually from now until 2019.

In Vietnam, milk production is still the largest sector in the country, which is expected to double consumption per capita to 28 liters per year by 2020. While the market for fresh fruit juice is expected to grow 17.5% in the next year. This is the basis for packaging factories – including Tetra Pak’s factory to expect fast growth in the near future.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Talk to our consultants at +84 28 730 86 529 or email us ant@antconsult.vn

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US Businesses Intend to Move to Vietnam

Is Vietnam ready for relocation investment?

Answering this question, the flow of foreign investment, particularly the United States to Vietnam will have great changes.

Is Vietnam ready?

This question is again raised, this time from Mrs Marie Diron, Managing Director of the National Credit Risk Group for Asia and the Pacific (Moody’s).

Mrs Marie Diron posed this issue at the Seminar on The Indian Ocean – Pacific Strategy and its Economic Impact on Vietnam, seeking solutions to promote sustainable development in Vietnam and other countries in the area (in the framework of the Asian Economic Forum held by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Amcham) last week in Ho Chi Minh City).

The relationship between the US and China remains complicated, yet it cannot be correctly identified. Foreign manufacturers in China tend to move their investments to Vietnam, but the institutions, human resources, infrastructure, or hardware and software of Vietnam are generally ready to welcome this shift?

Just a few days ago, at the Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) 2018, Mr Michael Kelly, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham) has mentioned the results of AmCham’s recent survey to the US businesses in China, whereby one-third have relocated or are considering relocating some of their manufacturing facilities to overseas. A separate survey of foreign companies from other countries shows that half are considering relocation and Southeast Asia is their top choice.

China will remain an important member of the global supply chain. But with the shift in investment, Vietnam is gaining benefits. The question is how can Vietnam take full advantage of this opportunity to keep up the pace of rapid economic growth?

On the US investors side, according to Chairman of AmCham, they know what they need. Vietnamese businesses and foreign invested enterprises need an equal and supportive environment for development. That means the relationship between investors and the administration needs to be mutual and transparent.

In particular, Chairman of AmCham said that there should be improvements in important areas that have great significance to Vietnam’s competitiveness, they are energy (to strengthen Vietnam’s future); facilitate trade and flow of goods; creating a more attractive, transparent and stable business environment; fully exploiting the potential of the digital economy in Vietnam; and modernize education, ensuring reasonable labor costs.

AmCham believes that the business environment can be improved by increasing productivity and reducing costs as well as business risks in Vietnam. More importantly, reducing costs and business risks will benefit Vietnamese businesses – many of which are small and medium enterprises – and will also promote entrepreneurship and start-up spirit, ensuring competitiveness and growth in the future of Vietnam.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Talk to our consultants at +84 28 730 86 529 or email us ant@antconsult.vn

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

Japan-Vietnam economic cooperation will form a new value chain

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.

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Talk to our consultants at +84 28 730 86 529 or email us ant@antconsult.vn

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US Textile and Footwear Enterprises Seek Opportunities in Vietnam

In the context of the absence of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), US textile and garment companies are finding their own opportunities to invest in Vietnam.In late October, the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) organized a series of activities in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the information shared at the program, the growth rate of exports from Vietnam to the US continues to outstrip competitors, although not benefiting from any preferential trade programs or free trade agreement.

According to the AAFA, garment imports into the United States from Vietnam increased by 8.74%, footwear increased by 11.83% in the last 12 months, and Vietnam is the second largest exporter to this market, after China. Retailers and consumers in the United States see the strengths in quality, price and delivery commitment of Vietnam. This is also the reason that AAFA and US businesses come to Vietnam.

According to the regional director of Hanes Brands (USA), after 10 years of presence in Vietnam, the total investment of this group is about 55 million USD, with 3 factories in Thua Thien Hue and Hung Yen. Production capacity of Hanes Brands Vietnam currently accounts for about 20% of the Group’s total global production. Vietnam is identified as Hanes Brands’ manufacturing base in South East Asia, in which the Hue factory is equipped with the most modern technology and equipment.

According to a senior adviser at Alston & Bird LLP, despite the absence of TPP, there are other opportunities for Vietnamese textiles and footwear. Accordingly, the programs that businesses should pay attention to are: the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), the European Union – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the Belt Road Initiative (BRI), the Vietnam – China Strategic Partnership (Two Corridors and one Economic Belt)…

ANT Consulting assists clients with Market Entry, Legal Advice, Tax Advice and Outsourcing Services in Vietnam.

We are located in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

Talk to our consultants at +84 28 730 86 529 or email us ant@antconsult.vn

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