Coastal Shipping in Vietnam

1.Coastal shipping competition

According Maritime Bureau, in 2015, although business activities of coastal shipping enterprise still had some difficulty, the total output reached 118.7 million tons, increasing 9.5% compared to 2014.

A Deputy Director of Vietnam Maritime Bureau, Mr Bui Thien Thu said that domestic shipping had taken charge of 100% of the domestic demand of coastal shipping. The domestic container ships has increased to 39 ships, a total increase of freight load is 200% from 2013 to 2015. The coastal shipping routes has transported 6.1 million tons of cargo including coal, slag, stone, rock, metal, fertilizers, cement, ore, fuel oil …

In 2015, output of goods in Vietnam’s seaport system continues an impressive growth, estimated at 427.3 million tons, rising 14.6%, in which the container reached 12 million TEUs, rising 15.5% compared to 2014.

According to Deputy Director of Bureau Bui Thien Thu, cargo volumes through Vietnam’s seaport system in 2015 in accordance with the approved plan in Decision No. 1037 of the Prime Minister in 2014 was 410 million tons. Thus, the volume outperformed 4.1% in 2015 compared with the initial plan.

However, the goods have been misallocated between different domestic seaports. To resolve this situation, there is a need to improve connectivity transport infrastructure and supporting services to relocate goods in different seaports, while speeding up the relocation of the port on the Saigon River and Ba Son shipyard.

During the year, Vietnam Maritime Bureau has completed the review and adjustment of detailed planning of port group 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, thus managing the system more effectively. The Ministry of Transportation approved this plan.

By 2016, the total output of goods through the port system is estimated to reach 470 million tons (increasing 10% compared to 2015), in which each container is expected to reach 13.3 million, increasing 11% TEUs.

2.Vietnam Government published policy on Coastal Shipping, particular container services

In late May 3/2013, the Ministry of Transport has issued Document No. 128 / TB – BGTVT decision to terminate the operation of foreign fleets in terms of container shipping service in domestic routes, consisting of 20 units with a total tonnage of 500,000 DWT.

The foreign ship owners are not able to disapprove this decision since prioritising domestic fleets is compatible with the Law of the customs, as well as commitments to the world Trade Organization (WTO) on the protection of the members.

From 2013 to 2015, the fleets of Vietnam were given good opportunity to win back market share in terms of the domestic container shipping, which used to belong to the foreign shipping companies (with an estimated value of 1,000 billion / year). There are various container shipping companies gaining loyal leads which ground stable roots for domestic fleets.

Also Vietnam Maritime Bureau in collaboration with Ministry of Transport, Vinalines, Vietnam Ship Owners Association and Vietnamese ship owners operating on domestic routes ensure the limitation of congestion at seaport.

Average freight rates of Vietnamese fleet are offering customer around 5.2 million / 20-foot container for the north – south journey. This price is equivalent to the unit price of the foreign shipping company in 2012.

There have been more Vietnamese fleet being able to operate on domestic routes such as Hai Phong and Cai Lan to HCMC, Ba Ria – Vung Tau and vice again.

3.Vietnam regulations establishing who can and who cannot provide coastal shipping services, particular containers.

To ensure sufficient capacity to meet the demand for domestic container market, in addition to 30 domestic container shipping companies, Vietnam Maritime Bureau has also allowed 8 foreign fleets owned by Vietnamese enterprises to operate on domestic routes.

The biggest difficulty for domestic container shipping companies is that market has not completely recovered. Currently the container shipping companies from the South to the North reach approximately 80% of capacity, while the reverse route only reaches 50% capacity.

In long term, this policy has enabled the Vietnamese fleet to gradually recover from difficult period when all the domestic container shipping belonged to foreign companies.

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

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice

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.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Japan Pouring Capital into Vietnam Real Estate Market

Vietnam real estate market has seen a growing funds poured into the real estate market through signning partnership agreement with Vietnam partners or direct foreig own investment in setting up company in Vietnam.

Since 2011, Tokyu Corp of Japan has already had cooperation agreements with Becamex IDC Corp to invest USD 1.2 billion to develop the urban area project of 71ha in Binh Duong new city.  Other real estate business as Thanh Dong has also signed cooperation with many Japanese investors to mobilize capital for investment in a range of real estate projects. Accordingly, Thanh Dong is negotiating with a private equity fund in Osaka to cooperate investment in 3 major projects of this company in Hai Duong. Besides, Thanh Dong has also reached agreement with Handa Global (Yokohama) on contributing capital to build a 5 star hotel complex in Nha Trang – Dien Khanh urban area and a sea villa complex in the urban area of trade, tourism and financial services in Nha Trang city center. The total committed value between Thanh Dong and Handa Global reach 200 million USD.

Earlier, Japanese investors are willing to invest in golden lands at Le Duan – Hai Ba Trung (District 1 – HCMC) to construct a building for the Japanese investors which are growing fast in numbers in Vietnam. In addition, Sumitomo Corporation is exploring the investment projects in Thu Thiem commercial and financial center in the area of 20ha.

In the segment of industrial real estate, industrial park in Dong Nai was developed by Donafood Vietnam and three Japanese partners: Sojitz Corporation, Daiwa House Co., Ltd and Kobelco Eco-Solution. With the 88% joint-venture cooperation, the Japanese companies and local partners will invest USD 100 million in this segment.  In HCM City, Vietnam – Japan industrial zone with an investment of USD 31 million has just been inaugurated phase 1.

In particular, the Mekong River Delta (MRD) is a new target of Japanese businesses, not only in the field of real estate but also logistics and seaports. Japanese investors are looking forward to be introduced by Can Tho’s authority agencies the position that they can invest in an industrial zone exclusively for Japanese businesses to invest in tourism, trade and services. It is reported that the Saporo Japan Corporation is also exploring opportunities to cooperate and invest in a golf course and ecological urban area in Can Tho and cooperative investment in some other areas of the group’s strengths in some provinces in the MRD.

Commenting about this trend, Japanese investors said that Vietnam’s economy continues to have the prospects and potential for development, and Vietnam will become an important destination to attract more business delegations and Japan’s leading investors in the coming years.  The according to Mr. Toshihiko, the chairman of Creed Group said: “This is just the first step in cooperation, if the real estate market of Vietnam developed well, we will pump hundreds of millions of USD to not only An Gia Investment, but also into many other partners”. He further said, Vietnam’s economy is integrating deeper into the world economy. The Vietnam government is interested to complete the negotiations of TPP agreement, which will open huge opportunities for the economy; attracting major international investors. Besides, Vietnam has young population, mainly concentrated in urban areas however modest housing fund will be huge growth opportunity for the real estate sector. Meanwhile, the law on land of Vietnam is becoming more transparent and open to foreigners to buy houses, create purchasing power and investment opportunities for domestic and foreign enterprises.

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.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Indian Businesses Consider Vietnam as a New Investment Destination

On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Vietnam – India diplomatic relations and 10 years of strategic cooperation between the two countries, Mr P. Harish, Ambassador of India to Vietnam said that the two countries’ cooperation is very nice, many Indian businesses are considering Vietnam as a new investment destination in the region and choose to set up business in Vietnam.

India and Vietnam relationship have been developing very strongly since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1972. The two countries advanced their relationship into strategic partnership in 2007 and then became comprehensive strategy in September 2016, when the Prime Minister of India visited Vietnam. This cooperation framework includes security, defense, economic and cultural cooperation, high-level delegation exchanges and people-to-people exchanges.

In terms of trade, bilateral trade has increased tenfold, from 1.15 billion USD in fiscal year 2006 – 2007, to 10.1 billion USD in fiscal year 2016 – 2017 (according to Indian data). The two countries’ leaders have set a bilateral trade target of 15 billion USD by 2020. India is among the top 10 trading partners of Vietnam and Vietnam is India’s fifth largest trading partner in ASEAN region.

Regarding investment, Vietnam currently has 136 Indian projects, with a total registered capital of about 1.28 billion USD, including capital from India through third countries, mainly focusing on areas as oil and gas, renewable energy, minerals, agricultural product processing, information technology and automotive components. The latest project of India in Vietnam is the instant coffee processing project of Tata Coffee Company in Binh Duong province, with a total registered capital of 63 million USD.

In order to achieve this goal, Vietnam and India need to work more closely in strengthening the exchange of business delegations and encouraging investment in one another, to promote trade.

In addition, Vietnam and India are expected to strengthen connectivity in aviation and sea line. Expected this year, Vietjet will open direct flights to India. Furthermore, linkage in the banking and finance sectors is also accelerating. Also, India has also strengthened its projects in Vietnam in the areas of human resource development, IT capacity building, English language teaching and science and technology.

With such a multidisciplinary approach, we can realize a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and explore the potentials of two nations.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email  ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Vietnam Is One of Fastest Tourism Growing Countries in The World

Dubbed as a smoke-free industry, Vietnam tourism industry is a potential sector and presently, Vietnam has become the top choice destination for foreign visitors.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has just announced the list of the top fastest tourism growing countries in the world. Notably, Vietnam ranks 7th in the list, with an increase of 24.6% in foreign visitors in 2016, just behind other 2 countries in the same continent which are Nepal (increases by 39.7%, ranks 2nd) and South Korea (increases by 30.3%, ranks 4th). Other Asian countries on the list include Japan at 8th and Indonesia at 20th. The Sierra Leone nation, which is located in West Africa, topped the list with an increase of 310% in 2016.

According to the General Statistics Office, international visitors coming to Vietnam in the first 6 months of 2017 were estimated at 6,206.3 thousand people, increases by 30.2% over the same period last year. In which arrivals by air reached 5,212 thousand people, increases by 33%; by road reached 823.5 thousand people, increases by 15.8%; by sea reached 170.8 thousand people, increases by 26%.

Of the international visitors to Vietnam in the first half of 2017, led by visitors from Asia with 4,572.7 thousand people, accounting for 73.7%. Followed by visitors from Europe with 979.3 thousand people, accounting for 15.8%.

To promote Vietnam tourism on the Internet, on July 9th, the Tourism Information Center, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will officially launch new website “vietnamtourism.com” and special pages “Travel Destination” in English. This new interface is expected to contribute to improve the efficiency of Vietnam’s online travel advertising on the internet, creating novelty, modern features and interfaces, getting tourists centered to change the way to access and provide information to visitors.

Also for the purpose of serving tourists, on June 30th, Hanoi Transport Corporation (Hanoi Transerco) has tested a two-stage bus named City Tour.

With a value of about 7-9 billion VND, the bus is painted in bright red color for visitors to easily identify, the car equipped with 4G wifi system, many modern equipments, accessories to support up, down and lock the wheelchair in the cab for disabled clients. The 2nd floor has mobile roof to cover sun and rain.

The bus is designed for Vietnam tourism market to develop city tour product. It is expected that the first 10 buses will be put into use in July 2017. If the test run successful, Hanoi Transerco will order to produce this product domestically, scheduled to officially start operation in the next 2 months.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Japan Pouring Capital into Vietnam Real Estate Market

Vietnam real estate market has seen a growing funds poured into the real estate market through signning partnership agreement with Vietnam partners or direct foreig own investment in setting up company in Vietnam.

Since 2011, Tokyu Corp of Japan has already had cooperation agreements with Becamex IDC Corp to invest USD 1.2 billion to develop the urban area project of 71ha in Binh Duong new city.  Other real estate business as Thanh Dong has also signed cooperation with many Japanese investors to mobilize capital for investment in a range of real estate projects. Accordingly, Thanh Dong is negotiating with a private equity fund in Osaka to cooperate investment in 3 major projects of this company in Hai Duong. Besides, Thanh Dong has also reached agreement with Handa Global (Yokohama) on contributing capital to build a 5 star hotel complex in Nha Trang – Dien Khanh urban area and a sea villa complex in the urban area of trade, tourism and financial services in Nha Trang city center. The total committed value between Thanh Dong and Handa Global reach 200 million USD.

Earlier, Japanese investors are willing to invest in golden lands at Le Duan – Hai Ba Trung (District 1 – HCMC) to construct a building for the Japanese investors which are growing fast in numbers in Vietnam. In addition, Sumitomo Corporation is exploring the investment projects in Thu Thiem commercial and financial center in the area of 20ha.

In the segment of industrial real estate, industrial park in Dong Nai was developed by Donafood Vietnam and three Japanese partners: Sojitz Corporation, Daiwa House Co., Ltd and Kobelco Eco-Solution. With the 88% joint-venture cooperation, the Japanese companies and local partners will invest USD 100 million in this segment.  In HCM City, Vietnam – Japan industrial zone with an investment of USD 31 million has just been inaugurated phase 1.

In particular, the Mekong River Delta (MRD) is a new target of Japanese businesses, not only in the field of real estate but also logistics and seaports. Japanese investors are looking forward to be introduced by Can Tho’s authority agencies the position that they can invest in an industrial zone exclusively for Japanese businesses to invest in tourism, trade and services. It is reported that the Saporo Japan Corporation is also exploring opportunities to cooperate and invest in a golf course and ecological urban area in Can Tho and cooperative investment in some other areas of the group’s strengths in some provinces in the MRD.

Commenting about this trend, Japanese investors said that Vietnam’s economy continues to have the prospects and potential for development, and Vietnam will become an important destination to attract more business delegations and Japan’s leading investors in the coming years.  The according to Mr. Toshihiko, the chairman of Creed Group said: “This is just the first step in cooperation, if the real estate market of Vietnam developed well, we will pump hundreds of millions of USD to not only An Gia Investment, but also into many other partners”. He further said, Vietnam’s economy is integrating deeper into the world economy. The Vietnam government is interested to complete the negotiations of TPP agreement, which will open huge opportunities for the economy; attracting major international investors. Besides, Vietnam has young population, mainly concentrated in urban areas however modest housing fund will be huge growth opportunity for the real estate sector. Meanwhile, the law on land of Vietnam is becoming more transparent and open to foreigners to buy houses, create purchasing power and investment opportunities for domestic and foreign enterprises.

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.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +8428 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Read More

An Investment Wave is Coming to Vietnam

On July 11th 2017 in La Haye (Netherlands), Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has met Dutch investors and businesses seeking opportunities to set up business in Vietnam.

Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that Vietnam is an open economy with total export value of up to 400 billion USD. Along with that, Vietnam is continuing to clarify the legal system with a stronger marketability. The legal system on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam has been more and more open, so far it has attracted 23,600 FDI projects with total investment capital of over 320 billion USD. To sum up, the Vietnamese law regards FDI as part of the domestic economy.

The Prime Minister also said that a wave of investment is coming to Vietnam and highlighted that the Vietnam stock market is reaching the highest level in 9 years with value of more than 100 billion USD. Furthermore, the Government regards the success of foreign investors as the success of the Vietnam Government. Also, the Vietnam Government protects the legitimate rights, interests of foreigners and investors coming to Vietnam.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email  ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Many Foreign Brands Are Coming to Vietnam

Vietnam is welcoming many foreign brands

Realizing that Vietnam is a promising market, foreign enterprises want to do business in Vietnam through the form of franchising. Recently, many consumer goods, fashion and cosmetics brands from Japan and Thailand are promoting the franchise with Vietnamese partners and enterprises.

In the framework of the program “Vietnam – Thailand Enterprises Interaction in The Field of Franchising” which was held in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) recently, there were 40 Thailand enterprises operating in the food, beverage, restaurant, supermarket, health care, cosmetic sectors joined to find partners in Vietnam.

According Mr Nupartpat Sutthitham, Director of the MP Mart convenience store chain (Thailand), currently in Thailand there are 3 MP Mart stores, in which the model is not the same as Family Mart or Circle K. While Family Mart sells mainly food (80%), MP Mart sells mainly fast moving consumer goods, which are produced in Thailand (70%).

According to representatives of MP Mart, the cost to open a store in Thailand with an average area of 150 m2 is approximately 50,000 USD. Realizing the Vietnam market has many opportunities, MP Mart wants to explore and this is the first time this brand comes to Vietnam. The criteria for selection of investors, partners of MP Mart are having financial resources to be able to scaling this model in large numbers in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, according to representatives of Kokekokko – a well-known chicken fast food brand in Thailand with 5 stores, using Japanese spices to marinate chicken. Representatives of this brand also did not hide their intention to find partners with business understanding and financial resources to open stores in Vietnam.

Also in late November of 2016, there were 9 Japan enterprises with 14 fashion brands came to Vietnam to find partners to open franchise stores or distribute products in the domestic market.

According to Mr Akira Kaise, representatives of I Am Company Limited, this fashion brand has been presented in many markets around the world such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Korea, Taiwan, Spain, UK, Netherlands… and this is the first time he comes to Vietnam to study the market.

Representative of I Am Co., Ltd commented that young population, good economic development, increasing people’s incomes… are factors to make Vietnam becoming a potential market for fashion items. In addition to the market penetration, the Company is also interested in outsourcing or investing in Vietnam to take advantage of low labor costs and highly skilled labors.

At the Vietnam market, Japanese businesses are often mentioned in the culinary field, meanwhile, the fashion, cosmetics or beauty brands are not widely known by consumers. Thus, recently, many Japanese cosmetic brands have decided to enter the market of Vietnam and looking for official distributors.

In an activity operated by the Esuhai Company of Vietnam recently in HCMC, there were nearly 10 cosmetic brands of Japan participated. Among them, the brand Kose is well known by many consumers.

According to the representative of Kose, this enterprise has been established since 1946, global sales reached 2.1 billion USD a year and has been presented in 18 countries. However, so far, this brand does not have official distribution channel in Vietnam market. Therefore, along with the promotion of market presence and product introduction, on this occasion, Kose desires to find agents and official partner in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, according to representatives of Nippon Menard Cosmetic Company, owner of the brand Menard, the Company is fully confident to introduce their products to consumers in Vietnam and wanted to find good partners to be able to access to more consumers.

According to the representatives of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) in HCMC, Vietnam currently has more than 93 million populations, of which half are women who want to become more beautiful as earnings are improving and willing to spend the budget for beauty and body care. Therefore, this is a favorable time and good opportunity for the Japanese cosmetics brand to penetrate the market of Vietnam.

However, there is the fact that the Japanese cosmetic and fashion products are priced relatively high compared to the average income of local consumers. In addition, the Japanese fashion is not common in Vietnam market. Therefore, this is seen as the first step for the fashion and cosmetic brands of Japan to explore the market and find partners.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email  ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

Lotte Wants to Open 60 Supermarkets in Vietnam

Vietnam’s retail market has the highest growth rate in the region, therefore Lotte expects to grow further through setting up more retail business or M&A activity in Vietnam.

South Korea is the largest investor in Vietnam with over 4,000 enterprises, total investment in Vietnam as of July 2015 is 32.8 billion USD.

Among South Korean firms investing in Vietnam, Lotte Mart is one of the corporations with the most powerful investment force and they are leading in a number of areas with the models of retail, hotel, cinema…

Benefits of Setting up Business in Hanoi

Benefits of Setting up Business in Da Nang

Benefits of Setting up Business in Ho Chi Minh City

Assistance in Setting up Business in Vietnam

M&A Services in Vietnam

Mr. Hong Won Sik, CEO of Lotte Mart Vietnam said that Vietnam’s retail market has the highest growth rate in the region, therefore Lotte wants to invest more. The target is to open 60 supermarkets till 2020 and now they have opened 11 supermarkets in Vietnam.

Some of the current Lotte shopping centers have made a big impression on Vietnam consumers and the investment from Lottle makes it to be one of the biggest players on the retail landscape in Vietnam.

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.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +8428 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Read More

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 is here to assist you from the outset; providing corporate intelligence, risk advisory, management consulting services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Advisory
• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice

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.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +84 28 35202779.  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Read More

US Investors Have Poured 1.1 Billion USD into Ho Tram Strip Project

The Ho Tram Strip project was poured $ 1.1 billion by US investors

Asian Coast Development Ltd is one of the large US investor who come and set up company in Vietnam.

Ho Tram Project Company (HTP) is a wholly foreign-owned subsidiary of Asian Coast Development Ltd, with more than 1 billion USD of committed capital deployed, which is the largest US private company investing in Vietnam. Moreover, they are also the first company to register for Vietnamese to play casino.

According to HTP – the investor of the 4-billion-dollar-super-project named “Ho Tram Strip”, the Company has poured 1.1 billion USD in this project and they has just announced to continue to fund the phase 3 includes apartment tower, condotel and villa.

Located on the north side of The Grand Ho Tram Strip resort, the 12-story Kahuna Ho Tram Strip project has a total of 244 rooms. It consists of 164 one or two-bedroom apartments, 9 penthouse apartments and 44 luxury villas located on the beach with area of 218 to 223 square meters.

According to the developer, this project when completed will contribute to the diversification of facilities and realize the goal of turning Ho Tram into the entertainment capital of Vietnam. In addition, HTP has developed the Gallery Villa apartment project at the nearby The Bluffs golf course. The 2nd hotel tower with 559 rooms named “The Beach Club” is now rushing to complete to welcome its first guests in early 2018. Furthermore, other service facilities such as water park, outdoor theater and private international airport are also underway.

It is known that the price of condotel apartment in Ho Tram is from 2 billion VND (equivalent to about 88,800 USD), villa is priced from 8 billion VND (about 350,000 USD). The project was designed by leading architectural firm Korn Architects and is due to commence in quarter 4 of 2017.

How ANT Consulting Could Help Your Business?

Please click here to learn more about ANT Consulting or contact our lawyers and consultants in Vietnam for advice via email  ant@antconsult.vn or call our office at +84 28 3520 2779

Read More

What Investment Areas Encouraged in Vietnam?

Vietnam is encouraging investment in infrastructure, developing high-quality workforce, supporting industry and agriculture.

ANT Consulting has helped a number of foreign investors in entering Vietnam market successfully.  The Company will continue to assist foreign companies in taking advantage of the Vietnam’s investment encouragement policies to set-up business venture and maintain the company in Vietnam.

Vietnam remains consistent policies to attract foreign investment oriented to continuous improvement of policies, enabling businesses environment to be more competitive.  In the meantime, the Vietnam National Congress are passing important legislation such as the Investment Law, Business Law.  The Vietnam government is reviewing the overall legal system to synchronize, avoid contradictions and overlapping. The Government will be transparent in sectors which investment is conditional and prohibited.

In particular, the Vietnam Government has reduced corporate income tax from 25% to 22% and from May 1st, 2016 this rate continue to decline to 20%.  Before, the enterprise takes 537 hours per year to do the procedure in tax preparation and declaration and now this has dropped to 201 hours.   In 2015 this procedure is expected to fall to 171 hours – equivalent to the average level in other ASEAN countries. The customs clearance of goods also fell to 63 hours.  Procedure in social insurance fell from 335 hours to 108 hours in 2015 and is expected to only 49.5 hours.  Since 2005 – 2008, the average time to establish a company in Vietnam is 32 days. Now the time was reduced to 5 days, and in 2015 reduced to 2-3 days.

In the coming time, Vietnam will implement a number of policies to encourage investment in four areas.  The first is the development of infrastructure. In this field, the public-private partnership (PPP ) should be prioritized.  The second area is the development of human resources, especially human resources with high quality.  The third area  is supporting industry. The fourth area is agriculture with the goal of increasing the value of the processing product. Vietnam is a country where the proportion of the working population in agriculture is very high. The advantage of Vietnam’s agricultural sector is also something that many international organizations have recognized.

ANT Consulting was founded by experienced and internationally trained professionals in Vietnam market entry services.  We are different by combining the strength of business acumen with legal experience and the understanding of local cultures to assist clients deliver the right results.  The services could be tailored to meet sophisticated clients’ requirements.  We strive for integrity, professionalism, accountability and long-term relationship.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or office tel +8428 35202779

Read More

Benefits of Setting Up Business in Danang

What are the benefits of establishing a business in Danang?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Infrastructure is step by step improved

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trained and abundant human resources

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

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

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

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

Quality of life

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

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

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

Read More