Set-up Partnership in Vietnam

A partnership is an enterprise which must be at least two members being co-owners of the company jointly conducting business under one common name. In addition to unlimited liability partners, there may be limited liability partners.

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

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing intelligence, information, management or support and administrative services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation. Our services are as following:

-Market Entry

-Tax Advice

-Legal Advice

-Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows. We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

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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Danang Resort Real Estate Is Growing Well

Savills Vietnam has just published a report updating the situation of Danang real estate market in the first half of 2016. Accordingly, the segment of hotel, resort and villa continues to be exciting with the launch of many new projects as well as the presence of many famous brands in the world.

Specifically, according to Savills Vietnam, in the first half of 2016, the number of tourists coming to Da Nang has increased by 28% year on year, while domestic passenger traffic increased by 4% year on year.

Thanks to the flourishing of the tourism activity, only in the second quarter of 2016, the total number of 3 – 5 stars hotel in Danang increased by 4% quarter on quarter and 15% year on year. The average occupancy rate has also increased by 2% compared to the first quarter of 2016. The average room rate has increased by 6% over the same period in 2015.

Place these datas in the context of the tourism industry of some central provinces (from Ha Tinh to Thua Thien Hue), which are suffering heavy losses due to the environmental disaster caused by Formosa in the first months of 2016, it is clear that the attraction of Danang tourism is very good.

Also according to Savills, in the second half of 2016, 3 new projects in the hotel segment, which are expected to enter the market, will continue to provide about 1,320 rooms; including Crowne Plaza phase 2, Hilton Danang Hotel and Four Points under Sheraton. Since the third quarter of 2016 to 2018, it is expected to have 35 new projects entering the market.

For the resort villa segment, Danang is a pioneer in high-end coastal real estate segment and second (after Nha Trang) in total supply with 1,199 villas and 3,367 apartments. The surveys indicate that more than 80% of buyers coming from Hanoi, being attracted by diverse portfolio of products, complete infrastructure, tourism prospects, attractive sales policy as well as an image of Danang as a green, young and dynamic city.

We have to mention the successful projects such as Bana Hill, Ocean Villas, Hyatt Regency, Furama, Intercontinetal and Azura. Moreover, there are large-scale future projects that are Soleil Danang, Coco Bay, Da Phuoc, Han Riverside, Ariyana, Central Coast, Vinpearl Han River and Ocean Suites & Estates. The market is expecting a large supply of coastal apartments and villas.

According to Savills Vietnam, Danang provides investors benefits from the complete development of infrastructure and urban planning. While the northwest coastal areas have the advantages of natural landscapes to develop eco-tourism, the urban areas are developing towards becoming a center of trade, finance and education. In addition, the eastern coastal areas are marked for tourism and hotel industries; the southern of Danang is expected to develop tourism and a large urban area.

With the modified Real Estate Business Law, Housing Law and expanding the conditions for foreigners to own houses in Vietnam, the real estate market of Danang will certainly become more attractive and with sustainable development in the 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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Vietnam Real Estate Attracts Singapore Investors

Investment flows from Singapore to Vietnam real estate sector are increasing with the presence of many huge investors.

According to the Consulate General of Republic of Singapore in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam is one of the leading markets for investment of Singapore businesses. Currently, Singapore’s real estate businesses are operating successfully in Vietnam. A typical case is the 7 Vietnam – Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP) that has attracted more than 8 billion USD of investment capital and creating jobs for more than 155,000 workers.

According to Director of Department of International Business Development of Singapore, many multinational enterprises that headquartered in Singapore are also very interested in the real estate market of Vietnam. One example is the Kusto Home Company based in Singapore, which is developing and managing the Diamond Island project in HCMC.

According to President of Kusto Home, they have studied Vietnam real estate market since 2005 and found that Vietnam is a potential and dynamic market, especially the housing segment.

There are many Singapore real estate investors that have operated in Vietnam market for a long time and have been quite successful such as Keppel Land, Mapletree, Sembcorp, CapitaLand…

In particular, Keppel Land is one of Singapore’s real estate investor that has been presented in Vietnam very early and became one of the largest investors in the real estate market of Vietnam.

In Vietnam, Keppel Land has a diversified investment portfolio in Hanoi, HCMC, Dong Nai and Vung Tau with 19 licensed projects, including the grade A office buildings, premium residential projectsnd, modern urban area complex serviced apartments.

According to CEO of Keppel Land, Vietnam with rapid growth rate is one of the key markets of Keppel Land at the present and in the future.

If Keppel Land invests in many market segments in Vietnam, CapitaLand is now regarded as the leading investors in the segment of housing development. Presented in Vietnam since the 90s of the last century, CapitaLand is developing projects in 6 major cities of Vietnam as Hanoi, HCMC, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Binh Duong. So far, CapitaLand has provided for the housing market of HCMC and Hanoi of about 7,850 quality apartments, with 8 housing projects.

According to General Director of CapitaLand, Vietnam is one of CapitaLand’s key markets in Asia. According to forecasts, in the coming time, Singapore still continues to invest heavily in the Vietnam market.

According to the latest report of the Foreign Investment Department (Ministry of Planning and Investment), by the end of June 2016, investment capital in real estate sector accounted for more than 30% of the total foreign direct investment (FDI) of the ASEAN region to Vietnam, with 97 projects. In particular, Singapore accounted for nearly 80% of the number of projects and 60% of total investment capital in this field. The projects of Singapore investors belong to many segments from residential, office, retail space to the real estate for tourism, resort.

According to Chairman of the Singapore Real Estate Brokerage Association, among Singapore’s 10 large enterprises that are investing in Vietnam, there are up to 5 businesses invest in the real estate sector.

In addition to traditional investors that are actively expanding their operations in Vietnam market, many new investors are pouring capital into this country.

SynGience Financial Group from Singapore, Lucky Land Company and Minh Nguyen Long Company have signed contract to invest 400 billion VND in Depot Metro Tham Luong project with the scale of 660 apartments, next to the Tham Luong line stop of the subway no. 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong).

Most recently, Ibeworth Pte. Ltd., – a subsidiary with 100% capital of Keppel Land and Nam Long Investment Joint Stock Company have signed contract to register to buy convertible bonds of Nam Long with a total value of 500 billion VND.

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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Vietnam Technology Startup Attracts Foreign Enterprises

Technology startup in Vietnam is increasingly attractive. Many foreign enterprises are interested in this area and showing their desire to set up business in Vietnam.

According to Mr Mitchell Pham, president of the New Zealand Technology Association (NZTech) – who is known to be the 1st native of Vietnam elected to become the chairman of NZTech, representing for over 400 technology enterprises New Zealand: “All trip participants were impressed with the development of science and technology in Vietnam. We are looking for specific opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam-tech enterprise”.

More information about the members of the delegation, Mr Mitchell Pham said that back to Vietnam this time, accompanied him are 6 young leaders of technology enterprises in New Zealand with a desire to learn and exchange with technology businesses in Vietnam, in order to create connection for long-term investment goals.

In terms of the favorable conditions, according to Mr Mitchell Pham, trade relations between New Zealand and Vietnam have the fastest growth rate in Southeast Asia with 120% in the period 2010 – 2015. Two-way trade of the two countries in 2015 has reached 1 billion USD.

Moreover, Vietnam is known as the country with the booming information technology market and the government is also trying to create more incentives for this sector. Meanwhile, technology businesses in New Zealand have experiences and large operating network, certainly the cooperation and investment in Vietnam will be intensified in the coming period.

According Chicilon Media, Vietnam technology market, especially Ho Chi Minh City is developing extremely powerful. Consumers is having trend to access to communication products and services via smartphones instead of traditional media such as TV, poster… Hence, this Company has strengthened their strategy focusing on channels to access information over the phone and access to a diverse range of partners such as the startup.

In parallel, the growth of mobile devices will continue in the coming years. Therefore, the approach to the users of mobile devices – who are moving to the final stage of the shopping journey and going to buy the product – becomes extremely important. Currently, marketing on mobile devices is evaluated as a simple marketing channels, rapid deployment and easy to access to customers.

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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Vietnam Increases Ranking in The List of Global Competition

The Global Competitiveness Report 2017 – 2018 was announced on September 26th 2017, confirming that countries are improving in terms of health, education and technology.

The latest global competition list of the World Economic Forum shows a messy picture of Asia, while Vietnam and Indonesia jumped in rank, Japan and India slumped.

Vietnam jumped to 55th place, up 5 steps compared with last year and 20 steps compared with 5 years ago. Accordingly, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in terms of technology and labor market efficiency. Trade is also a key factor that help Vietnam increasing ranking. Specifically, Vietnam is ranking 7th in terms of import ratio against GDP and 11th in export ratio against GDP.

The withdrawal of the US from the TPP may have removed some future trade opportunities of Vietnam, but the report states that “Vietnam’s growth is expected to be sustained, thanks to strong exports activities”.

Meanwhile, Indonesia ranked 36th, up from the 41st position of last year. Other Asian countries that also increased in rank are: Malaysia (23rd); China (27th) and Thailand (32nd). The Philippines also rose one step to 56th.

Japan led the opposite direction: Ranked 9th after decrease ranking in two consecutive years. The world’s third-largest economy continues to grow well in areas such as infrastructure, health and education, but is struggling with macroeconomic environment due to massive public debt.

Although leaping two years ago, India dropped one step down to the 40th position. Singapore again dropped to 3rd position, behind the United States.

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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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.

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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WB’s Director “constitutional design” to improve the business environment in Vietnam

Vietnam has made a special impression in the process to reform administrative, especially the tax procedures, social security, affirmed that Vietnam has built a social insurance system well.

11-Feb afternoon, Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister had a meeting with the National Director of World Bank in Vietnam – Mrs. Victoria Kwakwa. At the meeting , the Prime Minister welcomed the World Bank has supported, advised Vietnam to reform in banking and financial system, reaffirmed their determination to built the financial system, banks in accordance with international practices, transparency, effectiveness.

Appreciate the comments of Ms. Victoria Kwakwa about improving business investment environment in Vietnam, the Prime Minister wants the World Bank make analyze report of Vietnam’s business environment closely to clear the subject that need reform, inform in any direction. At the same time, affirmed the determination of the Vietnam Government is to promote the reform business investment environment with the goal of not inferior to the ASEAN-6 contries.

According to Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister, to reform state-owned enterpries, Vietnam has gone parallel in two directions to the equitization to diversify ownership and management business in the market mechanism. This is the way to Vietnam improve govermance and business performance of state-owned enterprises.

Nguyen Tan Dung Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam Government paid special attention to the formation of a legal framework to attract investment in the form of collaborative public – private partnership (PPP), the World Bank proposed to facilitate PPP traffic project from Long Thanh – Dau Giay to Phan Thiet; This is the typical project, a model for other forms of Public- Private Partnerships, the World Bank wants to promote interest in early deployments.

The Prime Minister agreed with the comments of Mrs. Victoria Kwakwa about the consequences of climate change, stating Vietnam is heavily affected by climate change, the Vietnam’s Government particularly interested, see here not just the immediate challenges but also the long-term challenge, threatening the sustainable development of the country.

Prime Minister concurred with the view approach to cope with varying multidisciplinary thinking, in each region can not separate local opinion Victoria Kwakwa and said the Government had planned Vietnam War strategies to cope with climate change, cooperation the Dutch Government launched the program in response with sea level rise for Cuu Long delta.

Prime Minister also welcomed the World Bank spent $300 million for projects to cop with climate change, expressed his desire World Bank continues to support Vietnam in the coastal forests to cope with climate change.

Sharing your view of the World Bank on the reform administrative procedures of Vietnam, Mrs. Victoria Kwakwa said Vietnam has made a special impression in the process of administrative reform, especially the Tax procedures, social cecurity, affirmed that Vietnam has built a social insurance system well.

According to Kwakwa, during the many local Vietnam has made good administrative, reducing the time to register and hopefully next time, Vietnam continues to have breakthough in this field.

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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Classify Risks in Business Environment

Risks are varied and often change. It evolves according to the changes and evolution of the business environment. There are many ways to classify the type of risk, depending on the field, origin, function, scope, impact, occurrence and severity of harm…

However, we can generalize several common risks in the business environment in Vietnam as follows:

First is financial risk. Financial risk can be defined as the risks in the field of financial management such as credit risk, exchange rate, interest rate, liquidity, investment, asset, liability and cash flow… In recent times, many Vietnam companies are reeling from interest rate risk (interest rate goes up too high) and investment risk (inefficient investment); while banks are reeling from credit risk (bad debt). The risk in exchange rate also caused many hardships to import businesses. After signing the contract to purchase goods in foreign currency, the exchange rate increased unexpectedly. Financial risks could be considered risk that covers all risks because the result of these risks, whether they are non-financial, is more or less led to financial losses.

Second is policy risk. Policy risk is the risks related to Government policy. A new or changed policy can bring business opportunities for this group of enterprises but can cause severe damage to other business groups. The policy to open door or close door to foreign firms may affect the operation of domestic enterprises. A tax policy changes could make many business owners scared.

Next is strategic risk. It is defined as the risks related to the planning and implementation of strategies. A strategy is selected by emotion; lack of careful analysis can potentially lead to failure. The multi-sectoral strategy of many enterprises recently is clear examples of strategic risk when businesses participate in new industries that does not based on its core competences. Even a properly planned strategy also has risk of failure in the implementation process. Also, along the way of a long-term strategy, there may be fluctuations that if businesses do not have the appropriate adjustment steps, the risk of failure is unavoidable.

The fourth type of risk is brand risk, which is the risk related to the image and prestige of the brand. A company that has illegal activities, deceiving consumers, harmful to people’s health and environment could make bad brand image. As a result, customer will boycott, the company may become unprofitable and even bankruptcy. In other case, a company trying to build a brand without protection, it will be imitated by competitors or furthermore will also go bankrupt as a consequence.

The fifth type of risk is technology risk. It can be defined as the risks related to technology. For example, desk phone is almost dead with the development of mobile phone with cheap subscription fees.

Next, the seventh type is legal risk. Legal risk is the risks related to the law. Enterprises can accidentally or intentionally violate the law. On the other hand, law can also vary according to the negative direction for the business. If enterprise does not update legal information and conduct early identification of legal risks, business can easily fall into situation of legal violation or loss of competitiveness when required to comply with the law.

The eighth type of risk is human risk. Human risk is the risks related to the corporate workforce. Talented people and key personnel can leave the enterprise for any reason. The gray matter of the enterprise (often accompanied by technological know-how and trade secrets) can flow to competitors. In contrast, businesses may inadvertently acquire vandals come to work in the enterprise. Incompetence and poor ethics general manager or senior management is capable of making a business to become bankrupt. That is not including other risks related to the strike, shortage or surplus of human resources… In fact, human risk could par with the financial and business risks because since its adverse effects are not inferior.

Ninth is operational risk, which is the risk relating to management and operation capacity of business, including management system, operational process, policies, rules, regulations, operating procedures, the way of management and administration and also the use of human in the operating system. A loose management system can create multiple vulnerabilities, causing loss of property and money; an unreasonable or lacking strict control operating procedure may give rise to violations, leading to malfunction or damage. The flaws in personnel arrangement are not only reducing the working efficiency but also obstructing and even hazardous for the development of enterprises.

Tenth is the market risk, which is defined as the risk related to the movement and changes of the market, including products, customers, consumers, suppliers, partners and competitors. Changes in consumer trends can make it difficult for many businesses. The new competition ways from rivals may directly threat to the normal operations of the business.

Next is the contract risk. Contract risk is the risks related to the signing of the cooperation agreements, economic contracts and contracts of sale… The terms that lacks of clarity are detrimental, leading to damages to the enterprise in case of disputes.

Twelfth is the security risk, which is risk related to information. Technological know-how and trade secrets might be revealed or leaks. At normal levels, businesses may be imitated by competitors. More specifically, the entire plan or strategy can go bankrupt.

In addition, there are other types of risk that could be mentioned as disaster risks (natural disasters, fires, explosions, accidents, war, violence…), relational risk, communication risk and risk in the application of information technology…

Most of these types of risk, enterprises are commonly encounter. If they know how to manage risks, businesses are more likely to evade, disable, minimize negative impacts or at least actively embrace and respond in the most appropriate manner.

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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Jabil Expands Investment in Vietnam

Jabil Circuit, Inc has just broke ground to build a new factory in Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP), realizing the plan to expand investment in Vietnam.

The event marked the expansion of Jabil Group’s operation in Vietnam, with total factory area of 38,369 square meters. The factory is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017. The new facility will provide additional production and warehousing spaces to meet future large-scale manufacturing activities for products such as computer, storage, networking equipment, telecommunications, automation, digital housing, mobility, sale equipment, printing, industry and energy.

This expansion also marks Jabil’s a decade of development in Vietnam and a stepping stone for the future growth of the Group.

Jabil started operations at SHTP in September 2007, specializing in the manufacture of electronics and telecommunications equipment with an initial investment of only 30 million USD. However, in 2011, Jabil decided to raise capital to 100 million USD. And in 2015, Jabil once again announced the expansion of investment in Vietnam. According to the signed memorandum, Jabil plans to invest an additional 500 million USD to expand production in Vietnam with a facility of more than 93,000 square meters.

Currently, Jabil Vietnam employs around 4,500 people and aims to create over 3,000 new jobs for the province in the next five years. In addition, Jabil also plans to develop high quality human resources in Vietnam for future leadership positions through training and development opportunities.

Jabil is a product solutions company that provides electronic technology solutions including design, manufacturing and comprehensive manufacturing management for electronics and technology companies around the world. Providing complete supply chain management from facilities in 28 countries, Jabil offers comprehensive and focused solutions for customers in a variety of industries. In Vietnam, Jabil specializes in providing large-scale product solutions for sectors as industry, power, networking and telecommunications equipment, sales and printing equipment.

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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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%.

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 Investors Invest in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is an exciting investment destination with total FDI capital reached 40 billion USD. With many advantages in economic development and business environment, foreign investors have been coming to set up business in Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr Dinh La Thang, Party Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has met group of United States (US) investors led by Mr Howard Lutnick, Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald Financial Group come to explore investment opportunities in HCMC.

Highly appreciated the US investors have chosen HCMC to invest in Financial Tower project, Mr Dinh La Thang committed that the city would create the most favorable conditions for US businesses as well as other international investors, bringing benefits to the enterprise and also the city.

At the same time, the city desires Cantor Fitzgerald Group and US investors will soon implement the Financial Tower project in Thu Thiem urban area, bringing Thu Thiem into a financial center in the region, attracting more investors and large financial corporations of the US and the world.

The city also believes that with the visit of US President Barack Obama to Vietnam, a new wave of investment from US will increase rapidly, especially when the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement takes effect.

With its dynamic, HCMC is training human resources to be able to meet the needs of development and investment.

According to Cantor Fitzgerald Group, the reason for choosing Vietnam as investment destination was calculated very carefully, because Vietnam is an important destination for the circulation of financial flows in Southeast Asia in the coming time. Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and dynamic place with strong entrepreneurship, especially among the young.

With great financial strength, the Cantor Fitzgerald Group wants to invest and along with HCMC to grow prosperously.

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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Open for Private Investment in Vietnam Railways

The revised Railway Law has just been passed by the National Assembly will create attraction for investors to set up company in Vietnam to invest in infrastructure and railway projects.

The revised Railway Law has just been passed by the National Assembly and is expected to come into force on July 1st 2018 with many preferential mechanisms that will create attraction for investors to invest in infrastructure and railway projects.

Up to now, Lotte E&C (Korea) is the most zealous foreign investor in the Yen Vien – Lao Cai Railway Upgrading Project and the project to build railway connecting Lao Cai – Ha Khau in the form of PPP. Previously, in mid-February 2017, a preliminary study including investment plan, capital size and project repayment capacity was submitted by the Korean investor to the Ministry of Transport. In addition to the proposal to apply the form of build – lease – transfer (BLT), Lotte also wants to receive some incentives during the implementation of the project.

It is known that with the type of BLT contract, Lotte will invest capital to build infrastructure. Upon completion, the investor is entitled to provide services on the basis of operating that facility in a determined period of 20 years. The competent state agency shall hire the service and pay to the investor, when expired, the investor shall return the facility to the competent State authority for management and use.

Moreover, the Railway Law (amended) has added a number of provisions, which are considered to be the great drive for the railway sector. Specifically, the rail transport business is defined as the industry that is entitled to investment incentives; Organizations and individuals engaged in railway activities shall be entitled to incentives and supports such as free land use fees for land area for infrastructure construction, the highest incentives level for enterprise income tax rate, enjoy the most preferential credit policy; applying the pricing mechanism for the mode of leasing or transferring the right to exploit railway infrastructure.

These regulations will create breakthroughs in investment resources, attracting businesses to concentrate resources on railway development, in fact many countries have similar policies.

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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ACWA Power and FECON Develop Renewable Energy Projects in Vietnam

On July 3rd, ACWA Power Energy Corporation from Saudi Arabia and FECON JSC have signed Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to develop renewable energy projects in Vietnam.

According to the national electricity development plan and the renewable energy development strategy of Vietnam, the Vietnam Government prioritizes the mobilization of all resources to develop renewable energy, increasing the rate of electricity produced from renewable energy sources (excluding medium and large hydropower), account for 7% by 2020 and above 10% by 2030. In which, wind and solar power are areas of great concern. Along with the above strategy, many incentives and support mechanisms are being built and perfected to attract investors in this field.

Recognizing this potential, ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia) decided to choose Vietnam as the first and strategic country in Southeast Asia to invest in renewable energy projects. ACWA Power is a developer, investor, operator and co-owner of a portfolio of power plants in 12 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa and Southeast Asia. Particularly in the Middle East, ACWA Power is a developer of electricity and water in the top 2 of region.

ACWA Power’s portfolio is valued at over 30.5 billion USD, with a total generating capacity of 21.5 GW.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding, FECON and ACWA Power will jointly study and evaluate the opportunities and potential of renewable energy investment in Vietnam. Particularly wind and solar power projects in some provinces in the Southern of Vietnam such as Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan… Then, the two sides will set up joint venture company to invest in specific projects.

Furthermore, according to CEO of ACWA Power, Vietnam is the perfect place for investors to invest and develop renewable energy projects in the coming time. The investment potential in Vietnam is huge due to the increasingly cheaper technology cost, with the advantage of resources, the local partner ‘s understanding and the advantages of modern technology and capital. The cooperation between the two sides will certainly go to success. ACWA Power’s CEO also expects the Government of Vietnam will to continue to support and license the projects of this Corporation when they expanding investment in Vietnam in the 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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Vietnam’s Oil and Gas Industry Continues to Grow

Vietnam oil and gas industry has a great potential as it plays a vital role in Vietnam’s industrial development.

According to a report by the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, oil production in Vietnam in April 2015 reached 1.5 million tons, up 7.2% from the last year’s figure. Gas production reached 0.9 billion cubic meters (+1.8%), and production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)—60.3 thousand tons (+2.9%). During the same period of time, Vietnam produced 6.1 million tons of oil (+8.9%) and 3.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas (+1.6%). In contrast, the amount of liquefied petroleum gas produced fell by 12.2%, down to 241.3 thousand tons. The country produced 12.5% more petroleum products, some of which saw greater production rates than the average for the industry. Over the 4 months of 2015, the country produced 2.26 million tons of petroleum products, the source reported. According to the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, the overall performance of the oil and gas industry is in line with the targets set out for the sector.

Opportunity for oil and gas equipment, service and distribution enterprise to set-up business and invest in Vietnam has been predicted positive.

Vietnam’s expanding offshore exploration and production have created steadily growing market for offshore oil and gas equipment and service. In general, suppliers of oil and gas equipment and service are quite competitive in the upstream and midstream sub-sectors where advanced technologies and reliability are strict requirements. Offshore enterprise will find significant opportunity for exporting their equipment and services in Vietnam with many offshore oil and gas exploration and production projects, as well as several gas pipeline projects. The number of projects is likely to increase substantially over the next few years as PetroVietnam awards new oil and gas blocks to foreign oil and gas companies.

A quick overview of Vietnam oil and gas industry

Vietnam’s oil and gas industry is currently the country’s biggest foreign currency earner and a major procurer of imported technology. Since the first export shipmentin April 1987, crude oil has earned over US$17 billion for Vietnam. The oil and gas industry contributes US$1 billion to Vietnam’s State budget every year. The rapid expansion of Vietnam’s economy has fueled a surging demand for energy, which is projected to grow at the rate of over 10% annually. To meet this need, the Government of Vietnam is encouraging investment from both local and foreign sources in offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

Oil in Vietnam

Vietnam is ranked third in the Southeast Asian region and 31st in the world in terms of crude oil and gas output. Among the 50 field structures with proven oil and gas reserves, 20 commercial fields have been developed. Vietnam has 600 million barrels of proven oil reserves. Bach Ho (White Tiger), RangDong (Dawn), Hang Ngoc, Dai Hung (Big Bear), and Su Tu Den (Ruby) are the largest oil producing fields in the country. Crude oil production averaged average volume of 500,000 barrels per day.

Vietnam is a small exporter on the world oil market, currently supplying about 0.6% of global demand. The United States is named as the biggest importer of Vietnam’s crude oil, accounting for 27.9% of the country’s export volume, followed by Singapore with 27%, Japan 22.2%, China 18%, the Netherlands 2.8% and Malaysia with 2%.

Gas in Vietnam

Vietnam has proven gas reserves of 6.8 trillion cubic feet. Besides crude oil, Vietnam also produces associated and natural gas from several fields. Vietnam’s natural gas production and consumption have been rising rapidly since the late 1990s, with further increases expected as additional fields come on stream. Natural gas iscurrently produced entirely for domestic consumption. The Cuu Long basin offshore from the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam, a source of associated gas from oil production, is the largest Vietnamese natural gas production area. Only two fields in Vietnam have been developed specifically for their natural gas potential: Tien Hai, with a potential output of 1.76 million cubic feet per day, and LanTay/ Lan Do in the Nam Con Son Basin, which began producing over 5 million cubic feet per day in 2002. In the Nam Con Son Basin, a $565 million, 230-mile pipeline has been completed connecting the Lan Tay and Lan Do fields to the mainland at Vung Tau. The Nam Con Son project consists of five sub sea wells linked to aproduction platform and a pipeline leading to an onshore treatment plant. Gas is piped to three generating plants at the Phu My industrial complex, where electricity is provided primarily to areas surrounding Ho Chi Minh City. Output from Nam Con Son has reached 88 billion cubic feet. The project currently supplies the Phu My 1, My 3, Phu My 2.1 power plants and the extended Phu My 2.1 plant. Phu My 2.2will soon begin using output from the field. A consortium headed by KNOC of Korea, signed a 23-year contract with PetroVietnam in 2002 to install facilities to pump and supply 130 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to Vietnam. The natural gas, located in the Rong Doi and Rong Doi Tay fields on Block 11-2 of the Nam Con Son Basin, is sold to PetroVietnam,which then resells most of the volume to Electricity of Vietnam (EVN). Production at the fields began in 2005. In 2004, KNOC and PetroVietnam signed agreements to further exploit natural gas in both Blocks 11 and 12. Construction of an additional pipeline to bring ashore natural gas from block 11 began in 2005, and is scheduled for completion in 2006.The Su Tu Den and Rang Dong oil fields, both of which have considerable reserves ofassociated natural gas, are located near the 62-mile pipeline from the Bach Ho field.An estimated 60 million cubic fee per day of gas from the fields is earmarked forconsumption in power plants in southern Vietnam.Both TotalFinaElf and ChevronTexaco have found natural gas in exploratory drillingin the Malay basin. Additionally, Talisman Energy has found natural gas at the CaiNuoc field in block 46. The discovery is close to block PM-3-CAA, which straddles the maritime border with Malaysia, and is expected to contain up to 100 billion cubic feet of recoverable gas reserves.

A contract was awarded to Mc Dermott International in March 2006 for construction of a 200-mile pipeline, which will transport natural gas from the PM3-CAA block to Ca Mau province in southern Vietnam. It is scheduled for completion in 2007.

Oil Refineries in Vietnam

Although it is a significant oil producer, Vietnam remains reliant on imports of petroleum products due to a lack of refining capacity. Most of Vietnam’s crude oil is exported to refiners in the United States, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Vietnam is contemplating development of two oil refineries: the Dung Quat refinery with a planned capacity of 6.5 million tons per year and an estimated total investment of $1.5 billion, and the Nghi Son refinery with estimated capacity of 7 million tons and $3 billion in investment. According to many industry experts, the decisions to build these two facilities were based largely on political considerations, raising questions regarding their commercial viability. Nevertheless, after several years of delays in financing, the construction of the $1.5 billion Dung Quat Refinery, located in Quang Ngai province, finally began in November 2005. More than $1 billion has been invested. Vietnam’s distribution infrastructure is discontinuous, with the north and south of the country functioning to some extent as separate markets. Completion of the Dung Quat Refinery, located in the center of Vietnam, led to greater interaction between the regions. A second refinery project, with investment of $3 billion, is located at Nghi Son, north of Hanoi in the Thanh Hoa province. In August 2004, Mitsubishi Corporation agreed to participate in building Nghi Son for completion in 2010. Vietnam has also contracted a feasibility study for a third oil refinery, to be located at Vung Ro in the southern province of Phu Yen, close to both currently producing oil fields and the major markets in southern Vietnam. The Vietnamese government hopes to complete the refinery within 12 years. PetroVietnam is proceeding slowly with the development of the third refinery in light of the other two projects discussed above.

Oil and Gas Players in Vietnam

Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (also known as PetroVietnam or PV), the national oil and gas monopoly that is monitored by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry on behalf of the Vietnamese government, is empowered to make decisions on strategies, plans and policies for the development of the industry, including cooperation with foreign entities, signing petroleum contracts as well as implementing, monitoring, inspecting and supervising petroleum activities.PV has supplied up to 70 percent of services for the domestic oil and gas industry andis also a business partner with foreign companies in the oil and gas sector. Any oiland gas exploration and production activities by foreign entities in Vietnam aresubject to cooperation with PV.Vietnam’s largest oil producer is Vietsovpetro (VSP), a joint venture (JV) betweenPetroVietnam and Zarubezhneft of Russia. VSP operates Vietnam’s largest oil field,Bach Ho. Other foreign partners include Conoco Phillips, BP, Petronas, and Talisman Energy.

Vietnam’s storage and transportation division, Petrolimex,recently completed a new oil storage facility in the central Khanh Hoa province. The depot is largest in the country, with a total storage capacity of 3.68 million barrels.To date, exploration rights for only 25-30% of the country’s continental shelf with hydrocarbon potential have been awarded. Forty-nine foreign oil and gas companies with exploration contracts operate under Product Sharing Contracts (PSC), Joint Operating Companies (JOC) and Business Co-operation Contracts (BCC), with total registered investment capital of more than $7 billion. The remaining offshore areas, generally with water depths of 200 meters or more, are unexplored and open for new bidding.

Oil and Gas Products and Services in Vietnam

Vietnam’s expanding offshore exploration and production has created a steadily growing market for offshore oil and gas equipment and services, which is estimated at $1.2 billion in 2006. American equipment and services have captured about 15% ofthe market and this share is expected to expand over the next few years. In the local market, American companies are well known as world leaders for advanced technologies, quality, and experience in the offshore oil and gas sector. These U.S.firms are currently the most successful in the oil and gas sector in Vietnam. In general, U.S. suppliers of oil and gas equipment and services are quite competitive in the upstream and midstream sub-sectors where advanced technologies and reliability are strict requirements. Sales opportunities are promising in the following areas:

• 3-D Seismic Survey Equipment

• Blowout Preventers

• Buildings

• Chemicals

• Computer and Wireless Technologies

• Corrosion and Abrasion Control

• Cranes, Hoists, and Winches

• Deep-Sea Drilling Services

• Enhanced Recovery Equipment Services

• Fishing Tools

• Instruments and Control Systems

• Logging and Formation Evaluation

• Marine Equipment and Services

• Offshore Engineering & Design Services

• Offshore Platforms (Fixed and Floating)

• Offshore technology licensing

• Perforating and Testing Services

• Pollution, Oil Spill Control, and Environmental Technologies

• Power Supply, Engines, and Turbines

• Process Equipment

• Production Equipment and Services

• Project management services

• Pumps and Compressors

• Ropes, Wire Ropes, and Chains

• Rubber Products

• Software Engineering Services & Equipment

• Tools• Tubes and Piping

• Valves and Actuators

• Wellhead Assemblies

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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