ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

ANT Lawyers

Vietnam Law Firm with English Speaking Lawyers

Thứ Năm, 30 tháng 6, 2016

AGRICULTURE IN VIETNAM

Among many economic sectors in Vietnam, agriculture has always been a traditional and long-standing industry.

Vietnam now has 10.3 million hectares of arable land, majority of which is used for export. The exported agricultural products in Vietnam accounts for about 20% of Vietnam’s total export value. According to data from the General Statistics Office, the total export turnover of the whole sector in 2014 was around 30.86 billion USD, increased 11.2% compared to 2013. The sector’s trade surplus is estimated at $ 9.5 billion which increased 7.7% compared to 2013. Most of the exported products increased compared to 2013, such as: seafood products reached 7.92 billion US dollars; total value of wood and wood products was 6.54 billion; Coffee reached $ 3.6 billion; vegetables reached 1.47 billion USD; Pepper’s value was $ 1.2 billion; cashew nuts reached $ 2 billion.
Foreign investors today are looking for opportunities in Vietnam. When the Economic Partnership Agreement Trans-Pacific Strategic (TTP) was signed, there have been more exporting opportunities for Vietnam agricultural products. According to a study in 2014 of the United States Department of Agriculture, Vietnam should make use of “potential commercial development of agriculture” due to the implementation of the TPP agreement. Coffee and rubber has “received enough” benefits from the last trade agreements, TPP would probably be not much beneficial to these groups. However, rice, cassava, pepper, processed foods, and honey will have more opportunity to export, while meat, dairy, and fruits are likely to suffer from the greater competitiveness since US will increase to export these products to Vietnam.
The equitization of large state-owned enterprises in Vietnam from the Decree 37 of 2014 have had huge influence in the agricultural sector. The government planned to withdraw 3.2 trillion VND (150.6 million dollars) from 167 enterprises of the Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development (MARD). In 2014, the Government has executed equitization 776.2 billion (36.5 million dollars) from 28 member enterprises of Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), and 54 billion (2, 5 million dollars) from the Southern Food Corporation, reaching 17% of targeted equitization. Also in 2014, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also executed equitizationof Agriculturaland Rural Development Corporation, National Fisheries Vietnam, Vietnam Tea Corporation, Agricultural products and Fruit Corporation, Vietnam National Forestry Corporation, Southern Food Corporation, and Vietnam National vegetablesCorporation.
Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development maintains the level of investment of 3.6 trillion VND (167.6 million dollars) in 13 corporations and companies as well as continue equitisationof Forestry Corporation, General AgriculturalCorporation, 3 units of the Vietnam Rubber Corporation, 7 units of the General Southern Food Corporation, and 5 units of the Vietnam coffee Corporation. This will be a good opportunity for investors to select opportunities for themselves in the future.
In addition to these opportunities, Agricultural industryhas been facing some challenges which include uncompetitive technology, poor infrastructure, poor labor skills, and low quality of exported products; also the environmental challenges such as climate change, the rise of sea levels, deforestation and soil erosion. According to the world Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Vietnam had lost 43% of forest cover from 1973 to 2009.
However, the Government of Vietnam has been taking steps to improve agricultural industry seriously, seeking methods to protect environment and increasing investment in infrastructure, including roads and irrigation system. Vietnam’s government has been working with other governments, especially Japan and South Korea, to encourage the exchange of technology to help Vietnam’s export become more competitive. The government has also increased investment in agricultural science at the University and industrial leaders. More than 10,800 scientists have been working in the agricultural sector, with over 1 trillion VND (46.9 million dollars) annually is spent on scientific research and technology transfer through MARD. This amount accounts for more than 1/3 of the total state budget for scientific research and technology transfer.
It can be seen, there has been a huge opportunity for growth and investment in Vietnam’s agriculture. However the remaining restrictions are also very challenging, requiring the innovation of enterprises in the industry from technology to management, which put Vietnam agriculture sector become more potential for investment in the future.
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. 
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: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn



Thứ Tư, 29 tháng 6, 2016

PLASTIC INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM

Vietnam’s plastics industry is being evaluated as potential sectors with the maintaining stable growth rate of 16% – 18% during the last 5 years.



Due to benefit from a reduction of raw material and an increase in demand for plastic products, plastic manufacturing businesses have had experience strong growth.

10 plastic business on the stock market has had a successful year of 2015 with a total revenue of 13 trillion, increased 15% and net profit of approximately 1.1 trillion, increased 30% compared to 2014.

Besides, the business transaction in the quarter I/2016 was also very positive, with total revenue and profits reached 3.1 trillion and 367 billion respectively, increased 20% and 78.1% respectively compared to the same period of 2015. Therefore, the local enterprises have been expanding the production capacity.

In the past 3 years, there has been an impressive, reaching 15% -17% per year.
According to the reports of BIDC Security Company (BSC) in 2016, the demand for plastics in 2016 is forecasted to keep growing. This is based on factors such as the consumption of plastic per capita will increase and reach 45 kg / person / year in 2020. Also the recovery of realestate and construction industries in the near future will promote the consumption of plastic products.

Besides, the trend of moving production to Vietnam and increasing foreign direct investment will lead to the growth of technical plastic. Also raw material prices continue to drop, thus helping plastic manufactures to be more active in their production.

Due to many favorable factors of businessenvironment, the plastics manufacturers have invested in the scale of manufacturing capacity. It is mentioned that An Phat Plastic (AAA) has been building 2 plants: No. 6 (with a capacity of 3,000 tons / month) and No. 7 (capacity of 800 tons / month), which specializes in exporting bio-plastic bags to the markets such as Japan and the US.

In June 2015, HCD investment and commercial joint stock company planned to invest new production line of bio-plastic bags (similar technology to AAA) in Q3 with capital of over 100 billion after a significant increased im profit.

Meanwhile, Binh Minh Plastics (BMP) has put Long An Factory in operation since the end of 2015 to meet greater domestic consumption. Tien Phong Plastic has approved the merger of Five Star Plastics to launch the manufacture (Phase 1) in the central of Vietnam with a capacity 10,000 – 15,000 tons / year.

East Asia Plastics (DAG) also putprofile sheet production plant into operation in 2015 with the expectation to become a leader of plastic used in construction and adverting material.

Besides the expansion of the plants, the domestic enterprises have also focused on M & A to strengthen and expandmarket share such as Plastics Phat holds 30% stake of Plastic Packaging Vinh (VBC) or Dong Nai Plastics (DNP ) acquires Tan Phu Plastic (TPP)…

Thai enterprise desires for plastic enterprises in Vietnam.
From 1990 to present, the consumption of plastic Vietnam has shown rapid growth which proves that the demand for plastic products in Vietnam would be fertile land for enterprises’ exploitation. Besides, Vietnam has joined the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), investors are pouring into this country to take advantage of this.
Siam Cement Group (SCG) in Thailand has invested in more than 20 plastic companies in Vietnam in which 20% share of Binh Minh Plastic and 23.8% share of NTP – 2 current market leader in plastic used inconstruction. Last year, SCG bought 80% stake of Tin Thanh Plastic Company – top 5 manufacturers of plastic packaging in Vietnam.

SCG and other Thai corporations are continuing to purchase plastic companies in Vietnam. Some Thai companies have shown strong interest in acquiring all the shares that the state divested in plastic enterprises in 2016. Therefore, certainly, Vietnam will have to witness many of the other acquisitions of Thai companies in plastic industry and many other industries. According to published information, SCG will spend total of 5-6 billion USD for M&A in Vietnam by 2020.

Many experts, in the coming period, the plastic industry will maintain high growth rates in both revenue and profitability due to a series of trade agreements signed. However, if local enterprises are not alert, they will lose this piece of bread into the hands of the Thai people as it has currently happened to the retail industry in Vietnam.

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. 
We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn



Thứ Ba, 28 tháng 6, 2016

POTENTIALS OF VIETNAM LOGISTICS INDUSTRY

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

According to the report of World Bank, the forecasted growth rate between 2015 and 2020 is 12%/year and import export turnover reached 623 billion USD in 2020, Vietnam is a promising destination for investors.
According to the statistics from the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), Vietnam’s logistics costs accounted for about 25% of GDP per year, much higher than countries such as the US, China or Thailand.
In the coming time when TPP agreement takes effect with many tariffs equal 0%, the export-import operations in Vietnam will promise to develop strongly. This is considered a great opportunity for the logistics industry to “boom”.
As an important link of the economy, the logistics activities help the goods to reach consumers and ensure the materials for the production process.
Despite facing strong competition from foreign rivals, many experts still appreciate the future prospects of the domestic logistics enterprises, especially in the context of free trade agreements (FTAs, TPP) boosted FDI inflows pouring into Vietnam industries.
On the other hand, the increasingly improved infrastructure in Vietnam will strengthen connectivity between logistics facilities and production areas; planning and supporting from the State, along with customs procedures are gradually improving in a positive direction.
In the recent two years, a series of key infrastructure projects have been started and completed as Long Thanh – Dau Giay  highway, Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway, Ha Noi – Hai Phong highway, Ben Luc – Long Thanh highway Highway 51 connecting industrial park with the ports and Soai Rap channel dredging works (in Hiep Phuoc port) and Thi Vai – Cai Mep channel…
In addition, the Government and the Ministry of Transport have launched a number of policies to guide, support and stimulate the sustainable development of the domestic logistics industry such as: policy to control road loading, preferential policies for Vietnam ships on domestic routes, the draft to establish port authorities to develop ports and port services, Decision No. 1037/QD-TTg on the port development plan till 2020…
Moreover, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam is also actively developing and implementing the ASEAN Single Window mechanism. The implementation of this process will benefit the business community, including logistics businesses such as reducing the time taken for administrative procedures and also cost reduction.
However, in order to develop logistics industry, the State should build and complete the legal framework, standardized service processes, upgrading infrastructure and human resources for the field of logistics.
Government should also take measures to guide and promote logistics companies to link together, formed the company with strong capabilities, able to compete with foreign companies.
With the above subjective and objective elements, Vietnam’s logistics industry still have great potential to develop and first of all, they will have conditions to advance to move towards to same level with foreign logistics businesses in the region.
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.  
We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn




Thứ Hai, 27 tháng 6, 2016

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 businesspartner 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 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.  
We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn



Thứ Năm, 23 tháng 6, 2016

VIETNAM PROMOTES THE DEVELOPMENT OF WIND POWER

The very first wind power plants, one in Binh Thuan and one in Bac Lieu, can be considered a breakthrough to pave the way for the construction of Vietnam’s wind power industry, which is expected to be pillar of the future power source in Vietnam.

 In the field of renewable energy, hydropower and wind power are considered clean power sources
In fact, hydropower has hidden dangers for communities. On the other hand, wind power is friendly and gentle to humans. We can consider hydropower as an old power source and the wind power is the young one. While hydropower has been playing a vital role in the power industry of many countries, wind power has only been noticed and invested for about 5 – 10 years.
With the wind power plants in Bac Lieu, Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan, recently, Vietnam Prime Minister has agreed to invest in a wind power plant in Khai Long resort – Ca Mau.
Under the direction of the Government, the investment objective of the above project is to build a wind power plant, connecting to the national electricity system and sell electricity through power purchasing agreement with the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN), contributing to ensure national energy security.
The plant will be built in Khai Long Village, Dat Mui Commune, Ngoc Hien District, Ca Mau. The total installed capacity is 100 MW on an area of land and sea of approximately 2,165 hectares.
The project will be implemented in the period from 2016 to 2018.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam currently has nearly 50 registered wind power projects but only about 10% of which are under construction, of which 3 projects are producing commercial electricity, which are Tuy Phong wind power project (Binh Thuan) with capacity of 30 MW; Phu Quy island wind power project with capacity of 6 MW in Binh Thuan; Bac Lieu wind power project with capacity of 16.5 MW.
Most recently, Phu Lac wind power project (Binh Thuan) with capacity of 20 MW and the total investment of nearly 1,100 billion USD has been started construction in July 2015.
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:
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: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn



Thứ Ba, 21 tháng 6, 2016

PHARMACY AND HEALTHCARE IN VIETNAM

1.     Overview
There has been an optimistic trend in pharmacyand healthcare industry in Vietnam. This industry is irreplaceable as the education level and life expectancy of Vietnamese have been significantly improved. However, due to some challenges, pharmacy and health care industry desires for a change in legal framework, thus creating favourable conditions for development in the futures.

2.     Vietnam – next growing pharmacy and healthcare market
With the population of around 94 million, 44% monthly increasing income, 30% urbanisation rate with 3.4% growth rate per year, 6% GDP growth per year, the demand for better development of pharmacy and healthcare industry has been significantly increased.
Business Monitor International (BMI) in their report “Vietnam Pharmaceutical and Healthcare” revealed that annual total value of pharmacy market $3 billion with annual growth of 15.5% period 2014-2018. The same report also showed that the total healthcare spending reaches $13 billion in 2015 which account for 5.8% GDP- highest in ASEAN, is expected to grow to $24 billion in 2020s.
Vietnam has recently taken part in several trade agreement which allow foreign companies to easily enter Vietnam. Firstly, Vietnam has cut tariff on 47 tariff lines of pharmaceuticals. Also by encouraging foreign investment to enter Vietnam in various forms, among 171 pharmaceutical companies operating in Vietnam, 9% are foreign invested enterprise, 4% are joint ventures.
Secondly, in terms of healthcare sector, the data of Ministry of Health stated that there are 137 operational private hospitals, including six foreign invested hospitals, and about 30,000 consulting rooms. These six foreign invested hospitals have the initial investment capital of 94 million dollars. Vietnamese government had licensed to a lot of foreign invested projects in the healthcare sector which included a total investment capital of 1.16 billion dollars. In addition, the government has allowed the investors in healthcare sector to enjoy 10% corporate income tax for the whole life of the project, tax exemption for 4 years and lower land leasing fee for years.
  • Pharmaceutical products heavily rely on import
Local pharmaceutical production was valued at nearly US$920 million which satisfy 48 % of the needs in Vietnam. Imported drugs account for the remaining 52 %. Vietnam imports pharmaceuticals mainly from France, India and Korea. The medicine lines from this countries is stable and price competitive. In terms of domestic companies, the three largest public pharmaceutical companies are DHG Pharmaceuticals JSC (DHG), Traphaco JSC (TRA) and Domesco Medical Import-Export JSC (DMC).
Around 90 of raw material input are imported from foreign countries, in which 57% are from China, 18% from India and other countries such as Austria, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and Sweden …
  • Vietnam’s consumer behaviour
Vietnamese consumer has a strong preference of foreign medicines. The statistics have revealed that in the doctor prescription, 18 -20% domestic medicines are used for the patients even though the imported medicines are more expensive than domestic ones. Vietnameseconsumer has more confident in terms of quality of foreign products.
Only 20%-30% of Vietnamese consumers buy medicines with prescription. However, BMI expected that the usage percentage of medicine through prescription will increase to 74.6% in the next 5 years.
3.     Challenges
  • Poor regulation standards
Price management and intellectual property protection of the government have not been managed closely. Therefore, the price of products still increases every year and the counterfeit medicines is still floating in the market, around 0.1% in 2012 (Drug Administration of Vietnam)
Around 28% of pharmaceutical companies have the Global Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification, which states the minimum requirements that a pharmaceutical manufacturer must meet in order to prove that their products are of high quality and do not pose any risk to consumers. Particularly, in 2013, there are 79 out of 105 foreign medicine manufacturing enterprises and 5 of 80 domestic manufacturing enterprises that qualify GMP due to the fact that most of the enterprise are small in terms of sizes and capital investment. This indicates that Ministry of Health needs to take more aggressive actions to encourage the companies to meet the standards.
  • Specific patented medicines is weak
Even though there are plenty of investment projects in pharmaceutical and healthcare industry with support from government, producing patented medicines are still too expensive in terms of time and manpower. In fact, lack of medical qualification, infrastructure development and material sources are factors leading to underdeveloped circumstance in this sector.
  • Lack of accessibility in healthcare industry
There has been 1090 public hospital and 175 private hospitals in Vietnam in 2014, is expected to increase to 1204 and 200 respectively. However, there are 25.1 hospital beds per 10,000 inhabitants and 7.9 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, which are still a question mark that has not been handled.
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. 
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: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn




Thứ Hai, 20 tháng 6, 2016

FAST-MOVING CONSUMER GOODS MARKET IN VIETNAM

1.     Overview
With increasing disposable income, rising living standard, stable GDP and economic growth, young population and low inflation, Vietnam is one of the most dynamic emerging market in Southeast Asia region. Fast movingconsumer goods industry has promised a robust development.

2.     Fast-moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) in Vietnam
  • FMCG growth
There is a significant volume growth from -1,6% in 2014 to 2,7% in 2015 in terms of demand for FMCG and the figure is expected to continue increasing in 2016 and 2017 (Nielsen, 2015). Vietnam’s volume growth in 2015 in only behind Thailand and the Philippines in South East Asian religion. In short term, urban citizens remain positive value growth of 3,6% whereas value of growth in rural areas grow at weak pace.
  • Value contribution in FMCG
It can be seen from the chart beverage contribute the largest value to FMCG industry while baby care products remain the lowest value contribution. Interestingly, urban prefers liquid tonic food drink with the rise of 4,4 PTS when the most popular beverage in rural is soya milk with the increase of 8,7 PTS.
  • Distribution channel
The data of Kantar research shows that traditional trade outlet such as wet markets and grocery stores is still one of the most popular channel for FMCG. Convenient stores/mini market is a new rising star in distribution channel which experience 60% growth from 2014 to 2015. For example, VinMart + have appeared from 100 to 200 store in 2015, Circle K from 97 to 129 stores, and Shop & Go from 103 to 130 stores. E-commerce also will be a big trend which reaches steady growth of 13%.
  • Consumer behaviour patterns
Consumer confidence index also experiences positive trend since Vietnam is the 6th most optimistic country globally. Despite of the increase of 6,3% CPI in 2015 compared to 2014, Vietnamese consumer is prudent, still prefer saving than spending. Pricing has also been one of the most important decision making factor during purchase. Additionally, dropping shopping frequency proves that Vietnamese consumer has been lessen spending
The demand for high end FMCG is still week regard to relatively low income of majority of Vietnamese consumers in rural areas. Compared to other South East Asian countries, Vietnam’s per-capital expenditure on food and non-alcoholic beverages was US$200 in 2011 while this figure is US$900 in Thai Land and US$1000 in Malaysia.
3.     Future trend and potential investment
  • Booming of foreign investment in FMCG
Vietnam has emerged as a popular destination for multinational and regional retailers. It is allegedly agreed that Vietnamese consumers are more likely to prefer foreign brands. In addition, 57% of Vietnam’s population below 35 years old, 44% monthly increasing income, 30% urbanisation rate with 3,4% growth rate per year; and 1.6 times more college and university graduate (Nielsen) result inthe shift toward modern trade outlets such as shopping mall and supermarket. Some of well-known foreign retailers are AEON (Japan), Lotte (Korea), Central Group (Thailand), Mark and Spencer (UK). In additional to strong foreign competitors, Vinmart and Citimart are the most popular domestic rising stars in FMCG/retail market in Vietnam.
  • Shopper get smarter and more purchasing power
In 2015, 48% of Vietnamese consumers stated that “staying fit and healthy” is the top concern (Nielsen). Therefore, Vietnamese consumers have become more concerned about the quality, hygiene and safety of the products. Due to high competition in FMCG industry in terms of manufactures and retail outlets, Vietnamese consumer have more purchase power decision. This implies that manufactures as well as retailers also need to be more selective with the products that provide to customers.
  • The emergence of new online channel
According to Nielson report in 2 big cities: Hanoi and HCMC, 92% of internet users are online shopper and 93% of shopper are middle class and millennial. Additionally, in such a busy world, on-the-go lifestyle will become a big trend in Vietnam. Thus, it indicates the high demand for online platform that conveniently host information and acquire interaction between online and offline store choices. Also lack of innovative approach and strategy to attract online shoppers is a huge issue in Vietnam market at the moment. Also there has been a huge lack of accessibility to online channel in rural areas and other smaller cities. E-commerce in FMCG promises high potential for investment.
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.  
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: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn