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

Tuesday 23 June 2015

Investment Through Signing Contracts in Vietnam

Business co-operation contract (BCC) means the investment form signed between investors in order to co-operate in business and to share profits or products without creating a legal entity.

Build-operate-transfer contract (BOT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct and operate commercially an infrastructure facility for a fixed duration; and, upon expiry of the duration, the investor shall, without compensation, transfer such facility to the State of Vietnam.

Build-transfer-operate contract (BTO) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall grant the investor the right to operate commercially such facility for a fixed duration in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits.

Build-transfer contract (BT) means the investment form signed by a competent State body and an investor in order to construct an infrastructure facility; and, upon completion of construction, the investor shall transfer the facility to the State of Vietnam and the Government shall create conditions for the investor to implement another project in order to recover the invested capital and gain profits or to make a payment to the investor in accordance with an agreement in the BT contract.

Foreign investors may sign BOT, BT and BTO contracts with a competent State body to implement infrastructure construction projects in Vietnam. Typically, the contracts are for projects in the fields of transportation, electricity production, water supply, drainage and waste treatment.

The rights and obligations of the foreign investor will be regulated by the signed BOT, BT and BTO contract. The Government encourages both public- and private-sector investors to participate in BOT, BTO and BT in the following sectors:

(i) Construction, operation and management of brand-new infrastructure facilities; and

(ii) Renovation, expansion, modernization, operation and management of the existing infrastructure facilities such as:

• Roads, bridges, tunnels, and ferry landings;

• Railway bridges and railway tunnels;

• Airports, seaports and river ports;

• Clean water supply systems; sewage systems;

• Wastewater, waste collecting and handling systems;

• Power plants and power transmission lines;
Infrastructure works of health service, education, training, career training, culture, sport and offices of State agencies; and

• Other projects as may be determined by the Prime Minister

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:

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

accounting

ANT Consulting provides a complete range of financial, accounting and reporting services designed to help clients do business in Vietnam efficiently by focusing on core business.

By outsourcing the service to us, we could ensure your financial reporting is transparent, up-to-date and accurate. We manage our clients’ accounting processes and reporting – both internal and external – without any conflict of interest. Our service gives client clarity of accounting stands at all times, ensuring full transparency.

We also provide a flexible and scalable solutions that suit each client’s needs in terms of:
Statutory book-keeping: maintaining your books and records in accordance with local rules and directives and preparing and filing all required reports and specifications;
Management reporting: tailored to your individual requirements, in dual currency format and meeting the relevant local accounting standards;
Consolidated reporting: monthly and quarterly assistance in preparing output accounting reports and accounting reconciliation, management reports.

You could learn about why you should outsource book-keeping and accounting services to a professional firm, the list of services which we offer for statutory book-keeping, reporting and accounting services and the benefits of using accounting services of ANT Consulting.

Please reach us via email: ant@antconsult.vn or office tel: +848 35202779.

Let ANT Consulting help your business 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 call +848 3520 2779 (HCMC Office), +844 39388751 (Hanoi Office). To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Set-up Branch Office in Vietnam


The Branch of a foreign business entity in Vietnam (referred as “The Branch”).

Means a subsidiary unit of the foreign business entity, established in accordance with the law of Vietnam in order to enter into contracts in Vietnam and conduct activities being the purchase and sale of goods and other commercial activities consistent with its license for establishment in accordance with the law of Vietnam and any international treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.


Set-up Branch Office in Vietnam
The Branch will need to apply and obtain the establishment license; and have a seal bearing the name of the Branch.

The Branch is permitted to conduct activities being the purchase and sale of goods and other commercial activities consistent with its license for establishment in accordance with the law of Vietnam and any international treaty to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

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 call +848 3520 2779 (HCMC Office), +844 39388751 (Hanoi Office). To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Vietnam Supports Australian Enterprises Investing and Setting-up Business in Vietnam


DURING AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA, IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 17TH (LOCAL TIME), IN SYDNEY, PRIME MINISTER NGUYEN TAN DUNG AND HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM HAD THE DIALOGUE WITH THE BUSINESSES OF VIETNAM AND AUSTRALIA’S ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIETNAM’S ECONOMY AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITIES, PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.

The dialogue of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has attracted the participation of hundreds of large enterprises of Vietnam and Australia in the areas of banking, finance, energy, oil and gas, mining. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has directly answered many questions of the businesses, Australian investors relating to prospects, opportunities to promote and enhance the intrinsic comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Australia.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has generalized the development of Vietnam’s economy from an underdeveloped country with a closed economy and until now Vietnam has become a middle-income country with a dynamic economy, enter into the regional economy and the world’s.

Vietnam achieved GDP growth of nearly 6% in 2014. Until now, registered aboard direct investment capital is up to nearly $ 300 billion, with nearly 18,000 projects from more than 100 countries and territories. Currently, there are over 100 leading corporations investing and set-up company in Vietnam.

The Prime Minister stressed: “To attract more powerful, more efficient foreign investment, the Government of Vietnam will continue to fulfill its smooth operation and economic institutions in Vietnam market, compete equally between domestic firms and foreign firms as committed international integration of Vietnam.

Vietnam confirms continuing international economic integration deeper through the full implementation of its commitments in the WTO and bilateral free trade agreements as well as other multilateral ones. Currently we are implementing 8 free trade agreements and negotiations and will continue to expand the market, open market with other free trade agreements, especially the new generation FTA with high requirements to create competitive business environment in the ASEAN region and create a legal framework consistent with international business practice in the market of Vietnam … “

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also said that Vietnam is focusing on the three breakthrough strategies to facilitate the attraction of investment and development, business and promote economic development, which is perfect institutional market economy as well as investment in infrastructure development and training human resources, especially human resources quality.

Vietnam also continues to ensure political and social stability and protects the legitimate rights and legality of investors, including domestic and foreign; and continue to improve the rule of law, ensure and promote strong democratic liberties of the people, both economically and politically.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has listened and directly answered many of the questions of businesses, Australian investors relating to prospects, opportunities to promote and strengthen comprehensive partnerships between Vietnam and Australia especially to promote cooperation in the field of competitive advantage, such as mining, energy, chemicals, agriculture, finance, banking, education and high quality services.

Government of Vietnam also supports Australian businesses involved in the process of restructuring the economy of Vietnam, especially in the strong field of Australia such as energy, telecommunications infrastructure, education – training, agricultural business and finance.

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 call +848 3520 2779 . To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Vietnam Personal Income Tax Laws Foreigners Should Know


AS THE DEADLINE FOR DECLARING PERSONAL INCOME TAX (PIT) IS APPROACHING, WE ARE REVIEWING SOME TAX LAWS IN VIETNAM THAT FOREIGNERS WORKING AND EARNING IN VIETNAM SHOULD KNOW AND COMPLY.


Law No. 71/2014/QH13 dated 26 November 2014 issued by Vietnam National Assembly amending five tax laws including Law on Personal Income Tax (“PIT”) and Law on Tax Administration provides with regulations on PIT finalization.

Vietnamese Government further issued a number of regulations on tax declaration, payment and finalization, as follows:
1. Decree No. 91/2014/ND-CP dated 1 October 2014, of Government, amending Decree No. 65/2013/ND-CP and Decree No. 83/2013/ND-CP of guidance on the Law on Tax Administration (“Decree 91”). Decree 91 has complemented several exemptions from PIT finalization and comes into effect from 15 November 2014.
2. Circular No. 119/2014/TT-BTC dated 25 August 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, amending and supplementing a number of tax circulars in order to simplify tax formalities (“Circular 119”). Circular 119 has supplemented regulations on PIT obligations of any individual who is a citizen of the country and/or territory entered into an agreement design webon preventing double taxation with Vietnam.
3. Circular No. 128/2014/TT-BTC dated 5 September 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding the reduction of personal income tax for individuals working in economic zones and border-gate (“Circular 128”). Circular 128 broadens the subject of tax deduction and comes into effect from 20 October 2014.
4. Circular No. 151/2014/TT-BTC dated 1 October 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding Decree 91/2014/ND-CP on various aspects of PIT finalization, providing detail subjects which are not required to finalize PIT.

Tax resident in Vietnam should note that 2014 Personal Income Tax finalization shall be made no later than 31 March 2015.

About ANT Consulting

We assist with Tax advice and related tax services in Vietnam to clients in various industries including financial services, trading, distribution and IT sectors on Corporate Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Value Added Tax, With holding Tax and update on relevant tax regulations.

We could be reached via email: ant@antconsult.vn or office tel: +848 35202779.

General Accountant Position

We are currently hiring General Accountant position for our client in Hanoi to take cares of accounting and tax in Vietnam.
Requirements:
BA degree in Accounting, Tax;
English capability in reading and writing;
English capability in speaking is preferred;
Communication skills;
2 – 3 years of experience in trading enterprises or Accounting and Tax service firms;
Prepare monthly Corporate Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Personal Income Tax declarations;
Familiar with accounting software;
Prepare payroll for employee;
Experts in Balance Sheet, Income Statement, Cash Flow;
Other admin works required.
Work independently

Applicants to send resume with pictures via email to hr@antconsult.vn

About ANT Consulting:

ANT Consulting assists the clients from the outset; providing intelligence, information, management or support, corporate, secretarial, and administrative services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation. We strive to save cost by guiding client towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support the client through early logistic solutions and carry through as the client’s 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.

Our services are as following:

Market Entry

Tax Advice

Legal Advice

Outsourcing Services

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

Bloomberg Considers Vietnam as “New Tiger” in Asia

AFTER SEVERAL DISAPPOINTING YEARS, BLOOMBERG SAID THAT VIETNAM’S ECONOMY IS CONTINUOUSLY EMERGING IN ASIA, WITH THE ADVANTAGE OF A YOUNG WORKFORCE AND IMPRESSIVE GROWTH.
According to the news, the large corporations as Samsumg, Intel have poured money into the factories in Vietnam leading Southeast Asian countries to emerge as new tiger in Asia. After renovation in the 1980s, Vietnam’s economy has grown rapidly, exceeding 7% before leveling off in recent years due to the increase in bad debt from the state sector.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP accounting firm, from now to 2050, Vietnam has become one of the largest growing economies in the world. Vietnam not only has the advantage of cheaper labor costs than China’s, but also become an ideal destination for Japanese corporations.
Mr. Vikram Nehru – senior research specialist on Southeast Asia of Carnegie Endowment commented: “Vietnam is possible to become the fastest growing economy in Asia. Just solve problems in state sector, the country can afford to develop strongly”.
Bloomberg also outlined a series of indicators showing that Vietnam’s economy is growing rapidly. In 2014, Vietnam has become one of  the largest export customers to the US market in ASEAN, surpassing competitors having a long tradition as Thailand, Malaysia.
Disbursement of foreign direct investment has also increased for 14 years, particularly in 2014 reached 12.35 billion US dollars, an increase of 7.4% compared to 2013 and higher than the $ 2.4 billion of 2000. Operation of Samsung in Vietnam is so strong that the government has allowed the group to have a separate air transportation port in Noi Bai International Airport.
Not only that, many other large companies are moving factories from China to Vietnam. Japan Kyocera Document Solutions Company which specialized in producing printer machine is making plan to increase 4 times of quantity, hence, increasing production up to 2 million units from now to May 3rd 2018. The company also said that the rest of this company will be transfered from China to Hai Phong and make plan to build a new factory here. This move also leads Vietnam to become the largest printer manufacturers for this business.
Frederic Neumann, HSBC Holdings Professionals recognizes Vietnam’s market is the market geting the most benefits when China was less competitive due to rising costs and the appreciation of the domestic currency. “Vietnam has emerged as the first alternative market for China and could benefit from this,” he said. Specifically, Bloomberg data also showed that the yuan rose 13% in the four years prior to 2014. According to the news agency, yuan rose strongest among 24 emerging economies.
This year, the VN-Index was up to 5.5% while the indices of the market such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand only increased 4.1%, 2.4% and 2.2% respectively.
In addition, growth in GDP of Vietnam during 2014-2050 is expected to reach 5.3%. According to PwC, the growth ranks at the second position only after Nigeria. In contrast, China’s GDP growth is forecasted to drop below 4%.
According to Bloomberg, the new labor force is a strong support for Vietnam’s economy, compared to China. According to the United Nations, by 2012, 13% of China’s population has more than 60 years old, while only 9% of Vietnam at that age. By 2013, more than 40% of Vietnam’s population, equivalent to 90 million people, aged between 15 and 49.
In addition, cheap labor is also a big advantage for Vietnam. The average monthly wage in the country in 2013 was 197 USD, compared to Thailand (391 USD), China (613 USD). This difference will continues to widen. According to estimates by the Economist Intelligence Unit, from now to 2019, labor costs per hour of production in China will be higher than 177% compared to Vietnam when the figure was 147% in 2012.
“I still remember a few years ago, pair of shoes I bought in China manufactured in Vietnam,” John Hawksworth, expert of PwC said..
However, the bad debt and labor productivity are still the weakness of the economy that Bloomberg called “tiger-second”. While banks are still struggling to deal with subprime loans, the government itself is also confronted with the problem of state and enterprises with inffective operation. Not only that, the issues of infrastructure, corruption still exist. Vietnam ranks 119 out of 175 countries on the index chart of corruption in 2014. Besides, the pressure from the competition for the manufacturing contracts with the large corporations from neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia also create many difficulties to Vietnam.
“Knowing that a lot of potential but not sure that Vietnam took advantage of all to develop,” said John Hawksworth.
If looking at from other aspects, many experts believe that most of the operations shifted from China to Vietnam has low value. In contrast, China is aspiring to raise the value of their production chain.
According to Karel Eloot, director of Shanghai branch of McKinsey & Co, the labor productivity of Vietnam is very low and may be the largest obstacle to the economic development of this country.
Not only that, according to a expert of ING Groep NV, Tim Condon,Vietnam is also believe to become the star of the Mekong region (including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan province of China). Thailand used to be seen as a “tiger” before the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, but the last two years, exports have declined strongly. In contrast, Vietnam’s exports in 2014 increased up to 14%.
ANZ Bank forecasts Vietnam’s GDP from 2014 to 2015 will increase by 6.5% due to the increase in retail sales, industrial production and the recovery of the construction industry.

Sunday 14 June 2015

Benefits of Setting Up Business in Danang

Danang is considered an ideal destination for investment. The result shall be incredible where we evaluate on the following aspects:
Danang – one of the strategic economic centers of Vietnam’s central region
In March 13th, 2004, the prime minister signed a decision to establish central region’s strategic economic center, including 05 provinces and cities: Thua Thien Hue, Danang, 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, Danang is defined as the role of nuclear motivation for promoting the development of the central region and the highlands.
Danang – 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.
Benefits of Setting Up Business in Danang
Benefits of Setting Up Business in Danang
Currently, the road system in Laos, Thailand and the road line from Danang 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 Danang 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
Danang - entrance of the cultural heritage and natural wonders of the world
Danang is located in the heart of the "world heritage road", stretching from the central coast of Vinh city to Da Lat city. From Danang, 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 Danang), 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, Danang is an ideal destination for tourists as well as investors.
Infrastructure is step by step improved
Danang 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.
Danang port is the third largest commercial ports in Vietnam after Saigon port and the port of Haiphong. With a depth of 11m wharf, warehouse systems and equipment upgraded by capital funds of the government of Japan, Danang port can receive ships with a capacity of 45,000 dwt and others such as container ships, passenger ships, cargo ships. Danang is the international shipping route anabling to go to Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan and Korea.
Danang international airport is one of the three best airports in Vietnam. In addition to domestic flights, there are weekly international flights directly from Danang to Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei. In the near future, the airport will open more routes to Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. Danang international airport is currently being upgraded and expanded to meet the needs of increasing passengers and cargos.
The system of roads in and out of the city are constantly being expanded and newly constructed
Telecommunication systems: Danang is one of three major telecomunication centers of the country, international transmission speed with good quality of  Southeast Asia. Danang 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 Danang. 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
Danang 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 Danang are lower than some other cities in the country.
Danang 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 Danang 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.
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 Danang continuously improved.
Unlike other large cities in Vietnam, next to the bustle of urban development, living in Danang always bring a sense of peace, comfort and closeness to nature. Danang 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.
Danang today is a city with a healthy cultural environment, with urban civilized lifestyle, literacy levels elevated, beautiful natural scenery. It can be said that Danang is an exciting place to live, work, travel  and invest in Vietnam.
If you wish to explore investment opportunities in Danang, or set-up companybusiness in Ho Chi Minh City in particular or in Hanoi or in Vietnam in general, please contact us via email ant@antconsult.vn or call our office number: +848 35202779 (HCMC) or +844 39388751 (Hanoi).
ANT Consulting, let us help your business in Vietnam.

Thursday 11 June 2015

Big Manufacturer Waves Enter Vietnam

Facing difficulties in manufacture and consumption, some big car manufacturers in Thailand and Indonesia are planning to find new market in ASEAN. Moreover, recently, LG Electronics- the world’s second largest television manufacturer also intends to move from Thailand to Vietnam.

According to Federal Thailand Industry –FTI’s figures, In 2014, 881,800 cars were sold in Thailand, decreasing 34% compared to 2013. That is the second year in two consecutive years the market is in recession. It was a strong effect to decrease the quantity of output produced in last year : 1,88 million cars (included quantity exported). In Indonesia, quantity sold also lightly decreased which caused reduction of the quantity produced from 1.4 million cars down to 1.3 million cars.
Except for the problem of production, Thailand investors are facing other difficulties, political depression has effected manufacture and trade,and highcosts of labor haverisen the price up. Besides, Thailand’s manufacturing capacity is full, if we want to increase it, we have to invest more. All difficulties above force cars manufacturers to seek for new producing places.
In ASEAN, there are two places which investors are considering to: Philippines and Vietnam. These are two populous countries have enormous potentiality. Hence, the investors still want to invest money in these two countries.
Many people think that this is a facile opportunity for Vietnamto intensively attract new investors, develop cars industry, accommodate domestic demand and export. In Vietnam,  monthly figures on consumption which enterprises declared indicated that the growth still has not had signs of slowing down.
According to the monthly report in Jan 2014, VAMA forecasted industry’s  consumption rate in 2014 would be about 120.000 cars and increase 9% compared to ones in 2013. However, the real number raised almost 158.000, increased 43%. The quantity sold in December achieved a new record when surpassing 20.000 cars and this is the 21th consecutive month when the industry’s  quantity sold higher in comparison with the same period previous year .
Vietnam’s  advantage is an enormously potential cars market.In forecast, after 2020 when nation’s income per capita overcomes  3000 USD, the demands of cars will break out. In Vietnam, there are two million of car types, rate of cars per capita is still low, in 2030 the quantity sold would overcome 1 million cars per year. In addition, the low costs of labor in Vietnam helps reducing the costs of manufacture.
 LG chooses Vietnam to be the producing place instead of Thailand:
LG Electronics – the world’s second largest televisions manufacturer is planning to move manufactory from Thailand to Vietnam in this year because of efficient producing system, low costs and good logistics services.
In October 2013, LG was authorized to invest 1.5 billion USD to Vietnam for constructing factories in order to produce and assemble electrical goods.
In a phone  interview with Reuters’ reporters, Mr. NiponWongsaengarunsri – LG’s marketing manager in Thailand revealed that LG want to construct a manufacturing “fortification” where produce new lines of TV like the main factories in Korea. And Vietnam is their best choice.
 “We consider Vietnam as an ideal destination to invest. Low costs of labor is an important factor. However, decisive elements are quality and good logistics services” said Mr. Nipon.
Besides, Mr. Nipon also revealed that LG produces about 600.000 TV products per year in Thailand, cost about 8 billion baht (243 million USD). Among those products, there are about 100.000 for export.
Will Vietnam gain benefit?
Following the integration process,  at the end of 2015,Asean Economic Community (AEC) will be established. It will give Vietnam opportunities to expand import and export market, attract investment and skillful labor force in ASEAN area.
Besides, Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is on negotiation stage with final rounds, will prospectively give opportunities to Vietnam’s economy. Free Trade Agreements (FTA)  is and will be concluded which contribute to attract investment and stimulate export.
In that circumstance, Vietnam government continually gives special treatments to foreign enterprises investing in high technological fields, many big Manufacturer chose Vietnam to be manufacturing “fortification” or expanding investment.  For instance, Samsung invested 11 billion USD for factories in Bac Ninh, Thai Nguyen, Ho Chi Minh city; Intel also declared production line of Haswell chip for desktop in Vietnam;  expecting to accommodate 80% global demand within the next six months.
2014 is the year for transferringbig enterprises from China to Vietnam. Not only Samsung, Intel, Nokia… but also many enterprises in textile, shoes, are pouring billion USD to manufactories in Vietnam, even when they already have had large factories in China.
Considering Vietnam’s opportunities, many experts suppose that Vietnam should prepare thoroughly in order not to be disadvantageous in our own house, by enforcing science and technology, developing supportive industries and improving competitive ability. If we can do well these stages, Vietnam will receive chances from future transfers.

Vietnam’s Tourism Real Estate Sector

According to forecasts, in the next 5-10 years, Vietnam will remain as an attractive destination for foreign investors. In which the tourism real estate sector is preparing to welcome a new wave of investments with large-scale projects.
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Vietnam’s tourism real estate sector
A report of Capital Partners Group Vietnam shows that in the next 5-10 years, GDP per capita of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will be equivalent to those of some large cities in Southeast Asia. Therefore, beachfront apartments will become the new growth segments.
Mr. Kenneth Atkinson, CEO of Grant Thornton Consulting Group Vietnam claiming that the living standard of people in general are more advanced, the demand for tourism is growing and a lot of foreign investors are heading their attention to resort projects. The demand for hotels, luxury resorts in the long term are remains high, therefore the number of projects in the hotel and resort sectors will continue to increase with more luxury resorts to meet diverse customer demand.
Recently, many localities have also implemented plan and urged local and foreign investors to invest in tourism real estate projects.
For example, recently, Quang Ninh is calling for investors to set-up business and invest in Vietnam for the period from now till 2020, including projects: coastal resorts, tourism, casino…There are some huge projects: Casino and entertainment complex with scale up to 2,000 hectares in Van Don with a total investment of 4-5 billion USD, Phoenix resort projects (Van Don) 250 million USD; Dam Nha Mac Service Industrial Park with 3,170 hectares and 530 million USD…
In Binh Dinh province, Vingroup has built the Hai Giang tourism project, with a total of more than 650 hectares, a total investment of nearly 3,500 billion VND. In 2015, it is expected that Vingroup can supply over 830 seaside villas to the market from three locations: Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Da Nang.
FLC Group is also preparing to launch the complex project of golf course, resort, villas and high-end entertainment named FLC Nhon Ly in Nhon Ly Commune, Quy Nhon city. The project has a total investment of 3.500 billion VND.
Most recently, M.I.K Company has introduced the Sol House luxury resort project in Phu Quoc. The project is expected to be launched in early 2016, with a total investment of over 40 million USD, including 260 hotel rooms and villas, spa, indoor and outdoor entertainment areas, two restaurants, beach bar…
Mr. Than Thanh Vu, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Real Estate Association also said that recent moves of the Government on reducing the administrative procedures will provide ventilation for the real estate business, real estate market in general and tourism real estate in particular. In the next phase, tourism real estate sector will have a rapid growth.
Furthermore, Mr. Nguyen Nam Son, Executive Director of Capital Partners Vietnam said that: “If in the future, Vietnam can minimize the troublesome administrative procedures, increase Government budget on promoting tourism of Vietnam on international channels, travel trade fairs, open representative offices in foreign countries…, that will help Vietnam tourism industry and tourism real estate sector to grow fast”.
“Because investors are lack of information about the policy, project planning therefore they do not know where to invest in, which specific projects, for how long… so the local governments should organize more meetings, dialogues for domestic and foreign investors to exchange with each other and discuss with the leaders of the provinces and thereby make the appropriate investment decisions, “said Mr. Jonathan Tizzard, Department of hotel and resort, Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam.
According to Mr. Jonathan, the coastal localities like Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan will become the most attractive destination in the next 5 years. In particular, the island of Phu Quoc (Kien Giang) has great potential to become a “hot” destination. Phu Quoc is not soon becoming an attractive casino center and tourism in Southeast Asia if the open policy of Government that enterprises can invest in resorts include casino soon to be widely implemented.
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:
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

Tuesday 9 June 2015

Bloomberg Considers Vietnam as “New Tiger” in Asia

AFTER SEVERAL DISAPPOINTING YEARS, BLOOMBERG SAID THAT VIETNAM’S ECONOMY IS COUTINUOUSLY EMERGING IN ASIA, WITH THE ADVANTAGE OF A YOUNG WORKFORCE AND IMPRESSIVE GROWTH.
According to the news, the large corporations as Samsumg, Intel have poured money into the factories in Vietnam leading Southeast Asian countries to emerge as new tiger in Asia. After renovation in the 1980s, Vietnam’s economy has grown rapidly, exceeding 7% before leveling off in recent years due to the increase in bad debt from the state sector.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP accounting firm, from now to 2050, Vietnam has become one of the largest growing economies in the world. Vietnam not only has the advantage of cheaper labor costs than China’s, but also become an ideal destination for Japanese corporations.
Mr. Vikram Nehru – senior research specialist on Southeast Asia of Carnegie Endowment commented: “Vietnam is possible to become the fastest growing economy in Asia. Just solve problems in state sector, the country can afford to develop strongly”.
Bloomberg also outlined a series of indicators showing that Vietnam’s economy is growing rapidly. In 2014, Vietnam has become one of  the largest export customers to the US market in ASEAN, surpassing competitors having a long tradition as Thailand, Malaysia.
Disbursement of foreign direct investment has also increased for 14 years, particularly in 2014 reached 12.35 billion US dollars, an increase of 7.4% compared to 2013 and higher than the $ 2.4 billion of 2000. Operation of Samsung in Vietnam is so strong that the government has allowed the group to have a separate air transportation port in Noi Bai International Airport.
Not only that, many other large companies are moving factories from China to Vietnam. Japan Kyocera Document Solutions Company which specialized in producing printer machine is making plan to increase 4 times of quantity, hence, increasing production up to 2 million units from now to May 3rd 2018. The company also said that the rest of this company will be transfered from China to Hai Phong and make plan to build a new factory here. This move also leads Vietnam to become the largest printer manufacturers for this business.
Frederic Neumann, HSBC Holdings Professionals recognizes Vietnam’s market is the market geting the most benefits when China was less competitive due to rising costs and the appreciation of the domestic currency. “Vietnam has emerged as the first alternative market for China and could benefit from this,” he said. Specifically, Bloomberg data also showed that the yuan rose 13% in the four years prior to 2014. According to the news agency, yuan rose strongest among 24 emerging economies.
This year, the VN-Index was up to 5.5% while the indices of the market such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand only increased 4.1%, 2.4% and 2.2% respectively.
In addition, growth in GDP of Vietnam during 2014-2050 is expected to reach 5.3%. According to PwC, the growth ranks at the second position only after Nigeria. In contrast, China’s GDP growth is forecasted to drop below 4%.
According to Bloomberg, the new labor force is a strong support for Vietnam’s economy, compared to China. According to the United Nations, by 2012, 13% of China’s population has more than 60 years old, while only 9% of Vietnam at that age. By 2013, more than 40% of Vietnam’s population, equivalent to 90 million people, aged between 15 and 49.
In addition, cheap labor is also a big advantage for Vietnam. The average monthly wage in the country in 2013 was 197 USD, compared to Thailand (391 USD), China (613 USD). This difference will continues to widen. According to estimates by the Economist Intelligence Unit, from now to 2019, labor costs per hour of production in China will be higher than 177% compared to Vietnam when the figure was 147% in 2012.
“I still remember a few years ago, pair of shoes I bought in China manufactured in Vietnam,” John Hawksworth, expert of PwC said..
However, the bad debt and labor productivity are still the weakness of the economy that Bloomberg called “tiger-second”. While banks are still struggling to deal with subprime loans, the government itself is also confronted with the problem of state and enterprises with inffective operation. Not only that, the issues of infrastructure, corruption still exist. Vietnam ranks 119 out of 175 countries on the index chart of corruption in 2014. Besides, the pressure from the competition for the manufacturing contracts with the large corporations from neighboring countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia also create many difficulties to Vietnam.
“Knowing that a lot of potential but not sure that Vietnam took advantage of all to develop,” said John Hawksworth.
If looking at from other aspects, many experts believe that most of the operations shifted from China to Vietnam has low value. In contrast, China is aspiring to raise the value of their production chain.
According to Karel Eloot, director of Shanghai branch of McKinsey & Co, the labor productivity of Vietnam is very low and may be the largest obstacle to the economic development of this country.
Not only that, according to a expert of ING Groep NV, Tim Condon,Vietnam is also believe to become the star of the Mekong region (including Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Yunnan province of China). Thailand used to be seen as a “tiger” before the Asian financial crisis of 1997-1998, but the last two years, exports have declined strongly. In contrast, Vietnam’s exports in 2014 increased up to 14%.
ANZ Bank forecasts Vietnam’s GDP from 2014 to 2015 will increase by 6.5% due to the increase in retail sales, industrial production and the recovery of the construction industry.

Vietnam Personal Income Tax Laws Foreigners Should Know

AS THE DEADLINE FOR DECLARING PERSONAL INCOME TAX (PIT) IS APPROACHING, WE ARE REVIEWING SOME TAX LAWS IN VIETNAM THAT FOREIGNERS WORKING AND EARNING IN VIETNAM SHOULD KNOW AND COMPLY.
Vietnam Personal Income Tax Laws Foreigners Should Know
Law No. 71/2014/QH13 dated 26 November 2014 issued by Vietnam National Assembly amending five tax laws including Law on Personal Income Tax (“PIT”) and Law on Tax Administration provides with regulations on PIT finalization.
Vietnamese Government further issued a number of regulations on tax declaration, payment and finalization, as follows:
1. Decree No. 91/2014/ND-CP dated 1 October 2014, of Government, amending Decree No. 65/2013/ND-CP and Decree No. 83/2013/ND-CP of guidance on the Law on Tax Administration (“Decree 91”). Decree 91 has complemented several exemptions from PIT finalization and comes into effect from 15 November 2014.
2. Circular No. 119/2014/TT-BTC dated 25 August 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, amending and supplementing a number of tax circulars in order to simplify tax formalities (“Circular 119”). Circular 119 has supplemented regulations on PIT obligations of any individual who is a citizen of the country and/or territory entered into an agreement on preventing double taxation with Vietnam.
3. Circular No. 128/2014/TT-BTC dated 5 September 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding the reduction of personal income tax for individuals working in economic zones and border-gate (“Circular 128”). Circular 128 broadens the subject of tax deduction and comes into effect from 20 October 2014.
4. Circular No. 151/2014/TT-BTC dated 1 October 2014, of the Ministry of Finance, guiding Decree 91/2014/ND-CP on various aspects of PIT finalization, providing detail subjects which are not required to finalize PIT.
Tax resident in Vietnam should note that 2014 Personal Income Tax finalization shall be made no later than 31 March 2015.
About ANT Consulting 
We assist with Tax advice and related tax services in Vietnam to clients in various industries including financial services, trading, distribution and IT sectors on Corporate Income Tax, Personal Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Withholding Tax and update on relevant tax regulations.
We could be reached via email: ant@antconsult.vn or office tel: +848 35202779.
Let ANT Consulting helps your business in Vietnam.

Vietnam Supports Australian Enterprises Investing and Setting-up Business in Vietnam

DURING AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO AUSTRALIA, IN THE MORNING OF MARCH 17TH (LOCAL TIME), IN SYDNEY, PRIME MINISTER NGUYEN TAN DUNG AND HIGH-LEVEL DELEGATION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM HAD THE DIALOGUE WITH THE BUSINESSES OF VIETNAM AND AUSTRALIA’S ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF VIETNAM’S ECONOMY AS WELL AS THE OPPORTUNITIES, PROSPECTS FOR COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.
The dialogue of Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has attracted the participation of hundreds of large enterprises of Vietnam and Australia in the areas of banking, finance, energy, oil and gas, mining.  Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has directly answered many questions of the businesses, Australian investors relating to prospects, opportunities to promote and enhance the intrinsic comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Australia.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has generalized the development of Vietnam’s economy from an underdeveloped country with a closed economy and until now Vietnam has become a middle-income country with a dynamic economy, enter into the regional economy and the world’s.
Vietnam achieved GDP growth of nearly 6% in 2014. Until now, registered aboard direct investment capital is up to nearly $ 300 billion, with nearly 18,000 projects from more than 100 countries and territories. Currently, there are over 100 leading corporations investing and set-up company in Vietnam.
The Prime Minister stressed: “To attract more powerful, more efficient foreign investment, the Government of Vietnam will continue to fulfill its smooth operation and economic institutions in Vietnam market, compete equally between domestic firms and foreign firms as committed international integration of Vietnam.
Vietnam confirms continuing international economic integration deeper through the full implementation of its commitments in the WTO and bilateral free trade agreements as well as other multilateral ones. Currently we are implementing 8 free trade agreements and negotiations and will continue to expand the market, open market with other free trade agreements, especially the new generation FTA with high requirements to create competitive business environment in the ASEAN region and create a legal framework consistent with international business practice in the market of Vietnam … “
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also said that Vietnam is focusing on the three breakthrough strategies to facilitate the attraction of investment and development, business and promote economic development, which is perfect institutional market economy as well as investment in infrastructure development and training human resources, especially human resources quality.
Vietnam also continues to ensure political and social stability and protects the legitimate rights and legality of investors, including domestic and foreign; and continue to improve the rule of law, ensure and promote strong democratic liberties of the people, both economically and politically.
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has listened and directly answered many of the questions of businesses, Australian investors relating to prospects, opportunities to promote and strengthen comprehensive partnerships between Vietnam and Australia especially to promote cooperation in the field of competitive advantage, such as mining, energy, chemicals, agriculture, finance, banking, education and high quality services.
Government of Vietnam also supports Australian businesses involved in the process of restructuring the economy of Vietnam, especially in the strong field of Australia such as energy, telecommunications infrastructure, education – training, agricultural business and finance.
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:
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 call +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn