Game on Mobile Phone Industry in Vietnam

About 3-4 years ago, the world’s game industry is undergoing a very big transformation, witnessing the rise of mobile gaming which outperformed the traditional platforms such as PC or console. In Vietnam, the gaming industry also falls in line with the world trend, many new companies or even large organization had developed mobile game.

In 2015, internet users in Vietnam reached 45 million, accounting for 48.4% of the total population of 93 million. The smartphone users reached 24 million, accounting for 25.8% of the total population, of which 9.3 million of mobile gamers and players loaded fee rate was 45%, reaching ARPPU index (average revenue average per player) is $ 27.71 (619.000 VND).

Until the end of 2015, the number of smartphone devices in Vietnam has reached $37 million, accounting for 52% the total number of mobile devices in the country. It can be seen from the General Statistic Office that from 2012 to 2015, 10 million devices have entered Vietnam’s market each year. Besides, Vietnam’s market has not come to saturation, so the potential growth for mobile gaming devices will continue to stay strong for at least 5-10 more years.

In terms of proportion of smartphone users based on age, the largest groups is from the age of 16-34 years old which accounted for 80% in 2015. In this group, the users from 16 – 24 years old take up to 45%. Besides, it can be noticed a remarkable rise of user groups of the age of 16-24 since this percentage rose from 20% in 2013 to 45% in 2015, indicating a huge change of demand of smartphone and purchasing power of smartphone.

If classifying users according to operating system, Android is still the most popular operating system in Vietnam in 2015 which accounted for 60% of users, followed by the 25% of iOS and Windows phone has the smallest market share of 15%. However, Windows phone showed significant change in 2015 when compared to 2014 (4%).  It indicates the development of a new market alongside iOS and Android. This is a unique point in the Vietnam mobile gaming market compared to other countries.

In terms classification depending on by device users and gender, smartphone devices still dominated completely with 90.3%, while tablet only accounted for 9.7%. In terms of gender, the rate does not differ hugely with 58% male and 42% female.

Smartphone game market value in Vietnam in 2015 reach $ 116 million (2,592 billion VND), the growth rate was 39.75% compared with 83 million dollars (1,854 billion VND) in 2014.

In terms of marketing channel for mobile gamers, social network such as Facebook channel remains an ideal place to promote game which accounted for 45%, followed by the local ad network (Admicro, Nova Ads …) accounting 30%, while Google and PR normally accounts for respectively 15% and 10%. Thus, both domestic companies that wish to penetrate the market will be highly recommended to use the ad unit local to achieve optimum efficiency.

In a paid form of payment, Vietnamese users can mainly use the phone (85%) to pay for the mobile gaming, followed by domestic bank card (10%) and Visa / MasterCard (5%). Thus, the mobile game usually have good links with the network provider of mobile phones in Vietnam. It is due to the fact that the users have not had the habit of using cards.

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

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TRADE PROMOTION IN THE INTEGRATION PERIOD

In the past 5 years from 2011 to 2015, trade promotion activities at home and abroad have achieved much progress, contributing significantly to the growth of the country’s export. However, when Vietnam integrates deeper into the world market, the role of trade promotion will become more significant.

In recent years, trade promotion has been implemented uniformly and efficiently, maximizes the resources at home and abroad to support the businesses and contribute to the economic and social development of the country.

Typical is the national trade promotion program. With the support from the program, the presence of Vietnam export products in many traditional markets such as the US, EU, China, Japan, South Korea is expanding. At the same time, the program has supported the business to come back to such markets as Russia and Eastern Europe, strengthening the operation in Myanmar, Laos, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America…

According to statistics, the activities of the national trade promotion program in the period of 2010 – 2014 have attracted the participation of more than 21,000 businesses. In particular, the companies have directly deal and signed contracts with a total contract value of export goods and sales reached nearly 5.3 billion USD and more than 1,000 billion VND.

The participation in the multilateral free trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and bilateral agreements, in addition to the benefits that it can bring to the export of strategic goods Vietnam, the domestic manufacturing sector is forecasted to face with negative impacts if there are no timely and appropriate measures to support.

In order to effectively effectively support companies and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the new generation FTAs, Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed the relevant agencies to deploy more practical trade promotion activities, focusing on activities to tapping and opening the markets that Vietnam has signed and under FTA negotiation.

In particular, focus on supporting the export promotion in overseas market with such activities as: Organize and participate in specialized trade fair abroad, organize trade delegations to help maintain export turnover in the key markets, expand export market in new and potentialmarkets.

Promote export through activities organized right in Vietnam: Organize international exhibition in Vietnam; organize international conference; organize and welcome the foreign delegations to Vietnam; mobilize the commercial counselors in countries around the world to introduce business opportunities, connect businesses and provide updated market information for businesses.

Coordinating agencies, related organizations and multinational corporations bring Vietnamese goods to international supermarkets: Organize Vietnam goods week in supermarket system in France, Japan and Korea…

Improve the performance of the trade promotion office that have been established in the United States and China; completing the establishment of trade promotion offices in China; finishing the scheme to set up trade promotion office in foreign country.

In order for the trade promotion activities to operate effectively and bring good opportunities for businesses, apart from the support of the State, companies need to improve technological content, added value to their goods, building and developing brands and participate in global supply chains.

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

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FDI WAVE FROM THE UK INTO HO CHI MINH CITY

UK businesses are gradually becoming the largest investors inVietnam.

The southern key industrial zone (SKEZ) including Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and neighboring provinces such as Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Long An and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

SKEZ include 106 active industrial zones with a total area of 33,500ha. Those industrial parks have the advantage that lie near the highway, intercity road, seaport and international airport.

HCMC is the economic center of SKEZ, therefore this is the area that always receives the largest amount of FDI projects.

According to Savills Vietnam, in the first half of 2015, UK businesses have invested the most in HCMC, accounted for 59% of total FDI capitals, followed by investors from the British Virgin Islands (15%) and South Korea ranks 3^rd(10%).

HCMC has 16 active industrial parks, operating with 2,300ha leased land, attracted 425 million USD from FDI, increase by 50% compared with 2014.

Currently, HCMC has announced plans to open 7 new industrial parks, with a total area of around 2,000 ha to welcome FDI inflows in the textile, service and food processing industries.

Moreover, in recent years, HCMC has adopted preferential tax policies to encourage new businesses operating in the high-tech industry and related scientific disciplines.

Especially in infrastructure development, in order to welcome foreign investors, infrastructure of the city has been growing rapidly with many underway projects, such as the HCMC – Long Thanh highway, the metro 1 and the belt roads of the city.

In early 2016, two key roads will begin construction includes the belt road no.3 connecting Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai and Ben Luc – Long Thanh highway.

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

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice

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

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

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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

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VIETNAM REAL ESTATE SECTOR REVIEW

Real estate is one of the sector with important position and role for the national economy, have a direct relationship with the financial and monetary market, the construction market, building materials market and the labor market… The sustainable development and effective management of this sector will contribute significantly to promoting economic-social development, creating the ability to attract investment capital, contributing to the development, industrialization and modernization of the country.

There have been more favorable developments for the country’s economy in 2015 and 2015. The prices of oil continued to fall; GDP grows at stable rate around 6%. The inflation rate was controlled at 4.09% average; reduced deposit rates, lending rates were adjusted down to 10%. Foreign direct investment in Vietnam reached US $ 20.23 billion, exceeding 19% compared to the target (17 billion dollars) and expected in increase in 2016.

Mr. Nguyen Tran Nam, Former Deputy Minister of Construction, president of the Vietnam Real Estate Association, said the real estate market has been recovering, particularly in 2015. There were 40,000 successful transactions, increased 75% compared to 2014 in only Hanoi and HCM. In addition, the Vietnamese laws have changed which allow foreigners and Vietnamese people living abroad to own real estate in Vietnam from January 7/2015. The metro construction projects in Hanoi and HCMC, modern road system construction suchas Nhat Tan Bridge,  Long Thanh – DauGiay highway …  are also factors contributing to boost the real estate market.

Along with these positive factors, the volatility of the financial markets due to the impact of political issues and global movement (the gold market, securities, forex have reduce the lending rate) has turned the property into a safe place for investment at the moment.

In the current favorable environment, the property becomesa channel to attract investors who want to own property not to live but to invest in. This is an appropriate time for investment after nearly 7 years. In a report, Mr. Marc Townsend, Managing Director of CBRE Vietnam, saidthat ” in 2015 the real estate market will witness the spectacular comeback of property speculators”

According this report, if in 2014, cheap apartment was considered as the hottest segment of the market, in 2015, the segment of medium and high-end apartments returned to be the hottest attraction. According to data from CBRE, yielding from investing in luxury apartments in Vietnam is quite high compared to other countries in the region (7- 8% compared to 3% in Singapore, 4-6% Bangkok and 4% in Hong Kong). With a minimum profit margin of 7-8% a year and the highest one at 15-20%, this segment is attracting the attention of real estate speculators.

The project with big scale which delayed during freezing period such as Goldmark City, Sapphire Palace, Gemek Tower in Hanoi, Vista Verde, the Park Residence, Le Meridien, City Gate Towers, has been released to sell up.

As reported by CBRE, in the quarter 4/2014, in HCM, it was recorded that 6670 apartments were offered, increased 117.8% from the previous quarter and 150.2% over the same period last year. For the whole 2014, it was sated that 60% of 14 807 apartments from 37 projects were offered while this figure was 47% in Hanoi of total 16,200 units from 31 projects.

In terms of price, the projects inside the city and surrounding areas with developed infrastructure continue to attract buyers and tends to keep the price high. The average selling price luxury apartments in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in the range of US $ 1500-1700 / m2, apartment Range US $ 1,000 / m2, the budget – US $ 700 / m2.

The companies with foreign investors are allowed to sublet the property which has been leased or acquire buildings which has been built. This contributes to dynamic of office properties in Vietnam. According to CBRE’s report, in 2014, many office buildings have adopted methods of long-term lease or buy off the area. In 2015, this trend will be more popular in terms of office building.

In the segment of real estate retail, restructuring the dynamics of retail businesses such as Parkson Hanoi Co. and the close of Parkson shopping center in Keangnam Landmark Tower Complex (Hanoi) showed very strong pressure this segment due to increase in supply and competition. With more than 90 million people, Vietnam is a leading nations in the Asia – Pacific region in terms of growth of retail market (9.3% versus 6.3% in Hong Kong, 4.5 1.7% of Malaysia and Singapore). Thus, the segment of retail market is still promising.

A series of big brand to expand the retail network such as as Aeon Group (Japan) plans to open 20 hypermarkets in Vietnam. Vinmart plans to build 9 shopping center, 100 supermarkets and 1,000 Vinmart convenience stores in 2017. Lotte Group (Korea) announced that it would open 60 supermarkets in Vietnam in 2020…

However, in 2015, the new game will be very intensed. According to the CBRE, in 2015-2016, the market will welcome nearly 800.000m2 retail space from 24 projects. Therefore, retailer market will be faced a new challenges. Rising operating costs, the development of electronic commerce and improved knowledge of consumer in purchase decision will be the factors that led to high level of market competition.

Also in 2015-2016, villa projects seem to become very attractive investment in Vietnam. In 2016, Vingroup will launch the resort in Da Nang, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, PhuQuoc that combines financial investment to attract investors. Especially, at the beginning of March, the Group will launch VingroupVinpearl Resort & Villas project in Long Beach – Nha Trang.

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

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice

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

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

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US GOVERNMENT SPONSORED 1 BILLION USD FOR VIETNAM WIND ENERGY

US Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City has just signed a non refundable sponsorship for Cong Ly Construction, Trade and Tourism Co., Ltd an aid amount of nearly 1 billion USD to conduct a feasibility study program to develop Bac Lieu wind power plant with capacity of 300MW.

Accordingly, the research project involves conducting assessments on resources and wind energy; review of licensing issues and land controlling; grid connection and foundation design; estimating construction costs… The project has been approved by the Prime Minister and this is the first private project of Vietnam in the field of offshore wind power, which is benefit from the supporting programs of the US Government to Vietnam.

This activity is part of the implementation of commitments to comprehensive support Vietnam of the US Government. At the same time, the connection and promote cooperation between the two Governments will help organizations and enterprises of the two countries to have the opportunity to connect with many commercial activities.

According to the project investor, Bac Lieu wind power plant is implemented in 3 phases. The 1^st phase has been operated since August 2013 and used 10 wind turbines which were produced by the General Electric Company, with capacity of 16MW. After 19 months of operation, it has provided about 60 million KW of electricity into the national grid. The 2^nd phase of the project is being implemented and the number of wind turbines will increase by 50, which is expected to go into operation by mid 2016.

Directed to complete a project with capacity of 300MW, in the 3^rd phase, the project will be extended to the sea of about 2.1 km. According to leaders of Bac Lieu province, the construction of the Bac Lieu wind power plant is included in the overall plan to solve the problem of energy, especially clean energy. Moreover, through the deployment of wind power plant project, it is showed the benefits for ecology, culture, protection of forests and fisheries resources.

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

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VIETNAM MARKET RESEARCH

Market research is an important operation. If the market research is well done, it provides accurate information to help marketers make an appropriate strategy and then, bring high efficiency in business. In other words, if the result of market research is inaccurate information and does not correctly reflect the actual market situation, marketing activities will be inefficient.

Companies would fail if underestimating the importance of market research before entering a new market.

Therefore, market research activity is so important for whomever needing success. Namely, the market research is considered an active approach to enter into the market. The market research also helps you understand the latest development in the target market, thereby making marketing decisions quickly. The international business environment is quite volatile, that‘s why you need a proactive approach like that and it is really your competitive advantage.

Through the market research, you can form the idea of developing a new product and choose the correct strategy for that product in each specific market. Through research, you also do not have to waste money and effort for the false hope, especially when you export the products to oversea for the first time. On the other hand, it should be noted that although the market research does not make sure success in business, it will help you avoid many wrong decisions.

Market research service can:

• Help find the biggest market for your products, the fastest growing market, trends and prospects of market, conditions, business practices and opportunities for your product on the market.
• Allow to make efforts effectively in a field or a certain range. After that, you can set the priority for a specific target market and plan for the future market.
• Help understand the competitors, including strengths and weaknesses, mistakes and their causes of success.
• Help find ideas to develop new products.
• Helps strengthen business relationships with partners.

If you wish to explore investment opportunities, before setting-up company, or learn benefits of doing business in Ho Chi Minh City, or doing business in Hanoi, let us help with market research.  Please contact us via emailant@antconsult.vn or call our office number: +848 35202779 (HCMC) or +844 39388751 (Hanoi).

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THAI BILLIONAIRES AND M&A ACTIVITIES IN VIETNAM

The billion-dollar acquisitions of Thai billionaires have brought Thailand to become a formidable force in M&A activities in Vietnam and Asia.

Big C Vietnam has fallen into the hands of billionaire Tos Chirathivat – the boss of Central Group (Thailand) from Casino Group (France) for 1.05 billion USD. In 2015, this group also spent about 100 million USD to acquire Nguyen Kim – the leading retailer in the electronics market. Recently, the Group also spent 10 million USD to acquire the business segments in Thailand and Vietnam of Zalora (belongs to Global Fashion Group of Rocket Internet Corporation).

Previously, billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi – owner of TCC Holdings (Thailand) spent 655 million Euros to buy 19 centers and relating real estates of Metro Cash & Cary Vietnam. Also, Berli Jucker (BJC), a subsidiary of TCC Holdings also acquired Family Mart Vietnam. Especially, along with the acquisition of Metro Cash & Carry Vietnam, billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi also through the Singapore Beverage Group – Fraser & Neave (F&N) became the 2^nd largest shareholder in Vinamilk with 11.04% share. Currently, Thaibev which also belongs to this billionaire is racing to buy 40% share in Saigon beer (Sabeco), with a value of 1 billion USD.

In fact, the trend that Thai businesses acquired businesses outside their national borders is not new. In 2012, Siam Cement Group (SCG) of Thailand signed an agreement to buy 85% share in Prime Group JSC (Vietnam) at the price of 7.2 billion Baht (nearly 5,000 billion VND). This is also the biggest M&A deal in the field of building materials in Vietnam so far.

In the plastic industry, currently, SCG has invested in more than 20 Vietnam plastic enterprises. Particularly, the most significant  investment is to buy 80% share in Tin Thanh Plastic Company, a top enterprise in the field of plastic packaging of Vietnam. SCG also holds large shares in 4 companies specialized in manufacturing plastic household – packaging in Vietnam, which are Vietnam – Thai Plastchem Joint Venture, TPC Vina Plastic and Chemical, Minh Thai and Chemtech Plastic Materials.

Currently, SCG is also the 2^nd largest shareholder in Tien Phong Plastics and Binh Minh Plastics, just after State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC). Moreover, SCIC planned to divest from this two plastics companies. This will create opportunities for Nawaplastic Industries to increase its shares in Tien Phong Plastics and Binh Minh Plastics. SCG continues to seek opportunities to invest in Vietnam’s plastic industry.

Most recently, the Ton Poh Thailand Fund has spent 130 billion VND to buy 5.9 million shares of Hoang Huy Investment – Service Company, equivalent to 5.32% of the charter capital of the company. In addition to Hoang Huy, Ton Poh Thailand Fund also owns nearly 6% share of Cotec Construction Company.

An open economic space will create significant opportunities for investment flows. The formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), which expected to take effect from 2018, is the impetus for  investment flows into the country in this area. The race has just begun for the countries, investors and Thailand businesses seem to hold this game.

The billion-dollar acquisitions of ambitious billionaires brought Thailand to become a powerful force in M&A activity in Asia. According to experts, the deal with the presence of Thai companies in theM&A market in Asia has increased rapidly, just behind China, Korea and India.

In particular, the market of more than 600 million people of AEC is considered as a more stable market than most emerging markets in the world. The growth opportunities for businesses here will be very attractive, regardless of Thailand, Vietnam enterprises or from other economies.

To sum up, according to economic analysts, the increase of M&A activities will be the obvious result due to the free trade between the countries in goods, services and human resources.

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

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

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

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

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JAPANESE GIANT PETROLEUM CORPORATION ENTER VIETNAM MARKET

There is a trend that foreign corporations entering Vietnam market as they see the potentials of this rising economy.

Japan’s Idemitsu Kosan Group has received an investment license to open a joint venture with a unit of Kuwait to build a petrol distribution system in Vietnam.

This corporation will contribute 50% capital to Idemitsu Petroleum Q8 Co., Ltd, along with Kuwait Petroleum International (KPI) to set up station system to retail gasoline in Vietnam.

The investment registration license has been granted by the Vietnam Government and the business registration procedures are being conducted. If completed, this would be the first time when Vietnam petroleum distribution market has the participation of an enterprise with 100% foreign capital.

Currently, the two partners in the joint venture of Idemitsu Petroleum Q8 are all shareholders in Nghi Son Petrochemical Complex and Vietnam Oil and Gas Corporation (each party hold 35% of the capital).

Nghi Son Petrochemical is expected to trial operating in 2016 and commercial operating in 2017. Thus, through the establishment of a separate company on the distribution of petroleum products, Idemitsu and KPI will complete the production and distribution chain in Vietnam, ensuring the supply as well as output for the product.

Apart from the investment in joint venture distribution and petrochemical company, Idemitsu Kosan is also engaged in a series of beginning stage projects of the petroleum industry, such as investment in the mining lots (Lot 09-3, Lot 05.1). Moreover, this Japanese giant also said that they are ready to consider contributing funds when PV Oil carries out equitisation.

Idemitsu Kosan is one of the leading oil and gas group in Japan, with history of over 75 years of formation and development. The group’s market capitalization has now reached 108.6 billion Yen (almost 1 billion USD) with net sales in 2014 reached 4,630 billion Yen (about 42 billion USD). By the end of the first quarter of 2015, the corporation has nearly 9,000 employees.

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Vietnamese Restaurant Chain Attract Foreign Funds

The start-up project with the restaurant chain named “Kafe Group” of Chi Anh Dao, a female chef and businesswoman born in 1984 has just get the attention by receiving an investment amount of 5.5 million USD (over 120 billion VND) from Cassia Investments – an investment fund from Hong Kong (China).

Previously at the end of 2014, the chain of 100 restaurants named “Mon Hue” (Hue Dishes) of Huy Vietnam Food Processing Co., Ltd is invested by Franklin Templeton fund, a fund managed by billionaire Mark Mobius with 11 million USD investment capitals.

According to the owner of “Mon Hue” restaurant, this food chain also receives investment capitals from 4 other investors from Singapore, Hong Kong (China)… Currently, this chain includes 3 brands: Mon Hue, Rice Express and Mr. Hung Noodles.

Before KAfe Group and Huy Vietnam, Golden Gate – including such brands as Kichi Kichi, Sumo BBQ, Ashima, Vuvuzela… receive the investment flow with 2.6 million USD from Mekong Capital Fund in 2009. Next, Standard Chartered Private Equity Fund from Standard Chartered Bank has spent 35 million USD to repurchase these shares.

Besides buying shares of Vietnam companies, the culinary market has continuously welcome many foreign brands opening restaurant in Vietnam such as Tokyo Deli, Coca Suki, Sakura, Oshima…

According to experts, investing in culinary market is the trend of modern business model. In particular, food chains seem to be less affected by the economic downturn as they meet the indispensable needs of life. Therefore, this sector is always attractive to funds.

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

·         Market Entry

·         Tax Advice

·         Legal Advice

·         Outsourcing Services

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

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

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