Korea Convenience Store Chain Presented in Vietnam

In September 2016, the two first Ilahui stores in Vietnam have opened in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in the form of franchise.

According to Ilahui brand manager in Vietnam, in the fourth quarter of 2016, this brand will expand to 6 – 8 stores to serve the needs of customers both throughout the country. In the next 5 years, Ilahui will have at least 200 stores spreading across the provinces of Vietnam.

With the advantages of products and prices are updated, diverse in types and designs with elegant shopping space, the company expects this will be a new business model with strong penetration step intoVietnam retail market.

According to Nielsen Vietnam – a market research firm, among 93 million people of Vietnam, there are nearly 60% of the population are under 35 years old. The income of this class has also increased from 433 USD per person per year (in 2000) to 2,111 USD per person per year (in 2015). Vietnamese consumers also have demand to enjoy new and quality shopping experiences.

That is the reason leading to the explosion of the Vietnam retail market in recent years, especially the chain of convenience stores, which significantly including Family Mart, MiniStop, B’s Mart, Circle K, Shop & Go, Vinmart Plus and 7-Eleven… Now we have Ilahui – convenience store chain specializing in Korean style utilities items and fashion accessories in Hanoi and HCMC.

Ilahui strengths are Korean style utility items and fashion accessories, which are interested by Vietnam young people. With more than 3,000 products; 20,000 -25,000 products on shelves at a price from 10,000 VND; 100 new products every month with all types from men/women fashion, accessories, toys, stationery, home appliances, electronic accessories, cosmetics… bringing to customers many choices in terms of models and pricing. Besides, the new trends, fashion accessories that are favored by Korean idols will be updated quickly in Ilahui.

Besides customers are young people aged 15 – 35 years old, Ilahui also owns large numbers of customers over 35 years old who have modern spending habits, preferred the products with good designs and competitive price… All of them have created competitive advantage for Ilahui comparing with other convenience stores chain in the market.

Furthermore, Ilahui also target the personality of today’s youth through creating new style of shopping experience with simply but modern decorated space. The fashion accessories and cosmetics products are packaged in cute and colorful packaging. The number of products is a lot but they are sorted neatly on wooden shelves.

According to representative of Ilahui Vietnam, the Vietnam retail market is booming and the competition will become fiercer. High success rate along with the increasing openness of the market have led the franchise to become the investment plan that is interested by a lot of young Vietnamese people.

Ilahui is the convenience stores chain specializing in Korean style fashion accessories, which is expanding very fast in Asia with more than 500 stores within a year. Despite many challenges but with the advantages in product, distinct market segments and new shopping style, Ilahui is believed to have steady steps to conquer Vietnamese customers.

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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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COSMETIC INDUSTRY IN VIETNAM

Overview

According to the figure of Nielsen in 2013, the annual turnover of the Vietnamese cosmetics market is around 15 trillion VND (US$704.2 million).  The average per-capita spending was only $4 per person per year, compared with an average of $20 per person in Thailand. This indicates a huge potential for growth of this sector in Vietnam.

According to a report from The Society of Cosmetics of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has more than 400 cosmetics businesses, with 90% of the market share taken by foreign brands. Most of the popular domestic brands, such as Saigon Cosmetic, Thorakao and Lan Hao only achieved low sale volume and mainly export to neighbouring Asian markets.

Consumer behavior

Vietnamese consumers are familiar with Korean brand cosmetics compared with cosmetics from other countries. The market share for cosmetics products by foreign countries is as follows: Korea – 30%, EU – 23%, Japan – 17%, Thailand – 13%, US – 10%, and others – 7%. The Korean cosmetic products are often associated with “brand of youth”, “affordable price”, and “being fashionable”. Vietnamese women often consider American products as “expensive”, “good quality” and “brands for adult” whereas Japanese products as “good quality” and “good value for money”.

The research of Q&Me shows that there is 44% of Vietnamese women usually wearing makeup in which 24% women wear makeup every day, 44% women wear makeup once a week. Thus, it underlines that wearing makeup every day is not popular for Vietnamese women.

In terms of sources for finding information about cosmetic, friends and website are the most popular source. The websites are usually designed for women such as eva.vn, phunutoday.vn …

Domestic enterprises

Since there is a fierce competition of international cosmetic brands, Vietnamese enterprises in cosmetic industry is seeking to export or link with other international companies for new items. However, there have not been a lot of successful business which may include Cosmetics Manufacturing Company Limited Lan Hao (Thorakao), JSC Saigon Cosmetics, JSC Sao Thai Street…

According to Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao – Vice Chairman of HCM City Cosmetics Association, there are a few FDI enterprises stop production chain in Vietnam and moved to Malaysia, Thailand to enjoy preferential policies. Therefore, in Vietnam, the exported cosmetic product to Vietnam significantly increased.

According to Ms. Thao, even though importing and distributing cosmetics or machinery in this industry in Vietnam is the best solution to survive in the market, not many companies choose this solution.

“There are also cases which companies have modern production lines due to the cooperation with pharmaceutical companies to supply to the market, but they do not want to be published. Also some of cosmetics enterprises cooperate with foreign companies to product cosmetic products, but only retain only a few specific products to distribute in the domestic market. There are some small cosmetic enterprises forced to stop operation due to difficulties and fierce competition.”

Many free trade agreements between Vietnam and other countries has signed which put tariffs on exported good to 0% including cosmetic, thus this industry has longer attraction for domestic enterprise to invest in manufacture or production chain.

Majority Vietnamese cosmetic enterprises are still relatively young, thus only able to produce shampoo, shower gel … Most of cosmetic products used in spa are imported. Therefore, it is an opportunity for high-end foreign owned cosmetics brands to compete in Vietnam market. Specifically, cosmetic products which curse/reduce acne and treatment for oily skin, rejuvenate the skin, whiten skin and take care of hair are the best seller products.

According to Phuong Mai JSC, the trend of using natural products with 100% organic (organic) ingredients become the top choice of spa. So if any domestic brands catch up cosmetic this trend, they will succeed in finding a new direction for the cosmetic enterprises to compete in this industry in Vietnam.

Even if domestic enterprises are able to catch up with the current trend, Vietnamese enterprises still need to learn, update technology as well as knowledge and experience from the big corporations with turnover of billions dollars such as Korean business and hundred billions of baht  such as Thailand’s enterprises.

Vietnam enterprises are aware their position in this industry through different beauty exhibition. There have been many exhibitions of the beauty industry took place in Vietnam recently.

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: THE POTENTIAL DESTINATION FOR VENTURE CAPITALS

If we see the business, the attention of Venture Capitals (VCs) and foreign investors are the indication then Vietnam is emerging as a potential environment for the startup operation.

Besides the investment funds that have been presented in Vietnam as IDG Ventures Vietnam, a number of new VCs have joined the Vietnam entrepreneurship ecosystem and are very optimistic about the ahead opportunities.

On August 2015, the Captii Ventures owned by Captii Corporation has invested a sum of 6 numbers to the startup OnOnPay phone recharge. This represents the first venture investment of Captii in Vietnam.

Factors attracting investors here are the demographic advantages and business models that can be replicated. According to Techlist.asia, the startup figure in Vietnam has risen to 1,400, bringing this country becomes the 3^rdlargest startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia after Singapore and Indonesia.

With a population of 90 million people who are in the process of economic growth, young population structure, emerging middle class and the rate of Internet user is increasing rapidly, especially mobile phone, Vietnam is in the beginning phase of a very exciting cycle.

Moreover, Vietnam is a large, young and growing rapidly economy, the technology index such as the ratio of using the Internet and smart phone are in large-scale, the leading founder generation have achieved success and demonstrate the potential of the talent and market of Vietnam.

Compared to other Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines and Vietnam), Vietnam has strong advantages in the available technique human resources, energy, resources and potential growth the market.

Moreover, the new policy on foreign investment has entered into force on July 1^st 2015 with more freedom for foreigners to own real estate in Vietnam and simpler procedures for projects or portfolios.

In the 3 areas that Captii Ventures is focusing on that are market, digital media and apps for business, they will participate more actively in at least two areas that are market and apps for business.

Not only with the VCs, Vietnam startup is also attractive to other foreign companies such as Yello Mobile from South Korea, the company has invested in CleverAds advertising company and Websosanh – the price comparison site.
Garena, a Singapore’s internet company has invested Series B for Foody, startup locations that in the same month continued to receive Series C investment from Tiger Global Management – US venture capital fund.

Transcosmos, a software manufacturing company based in Tokyo, had previously acquired a 30% stake in Hotdeal e-commerce platform in a deal signed on August 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.  

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 IS THE FOCUS OF FOREIGN INVESTORS

With favorable conditions in macroeconomic, political and social, Vietnam is a potential destination for setting up company and conduct the M&A activity.

In Vietnam, the growth of the retail market and the entry of international brands, while the average income of consumers is increasing along with stable economic conditions are creating motivation for retail market. In addition, e-commerce sector is growing and accounts for a large part of total retail sales, although traditional forms of shopping still being preferred by consumers.

Moreover, the liberalization of the retailmarket in 2009 created favorable condition for foreign brands to join and domestic brands are constantly expanding in order to maintain market presence. The most developing sectors of the retail segment are food & beverage (F&B) and consumer products.

Vietnam Retail Market

Prospect for the Asian retail market is very positive, the average growth rate in retail sales is 8.5% in the last 5 years. The number of tourist increases is promoting retail activity in the shopping venues with a prime and convenient location. Although the development of e-commerce in the region is now very noticeable, but the traditional forms of shopping still has an important position in the market. The store owner will need to focus on improving the shopping environment and concerning about the customer experience in order to increase competitiveness.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, in the next 5 to 7 years, approximately 1.5 million m2 of retail floor space will enter the Ho Chi Minh City market of retail space, bringing the total number of retail area to nearly 2.5 million m2. The retail market will be busy, especially in the affordable and intermediate segments. The powerful foreign retail corporations will consider Vietnam as potential market in the region, demonstrating that in the period 2014 – 2015, the retail and consumer goods are the mainstream of M&A activity in the world, accounting for 36% of the total value of M&A activity in Vietnam.

In addition, Vietnam ranked 32^nd in the list of nations that have the shopping streets with the most expensive rent cost in the world, in the context of Vietnam is preparing to join a series of free trade agreements such as AEC and TPP, then this will cause domestic retailers to face with many difficulties because rent cost plays the 2^nd important role (after the location) in business strategy. When foreign retailers have strong financial resources, they can afford to hire premises with the most favorable location in the market.

Vietnam Tourism Real Estate Market

Many promient investors have visited Vietnam to explore the market potential. In the real estate segment, Kevin Green, one of British’s leading millionaires has just come to Vietnam to experience the market. He interested in tourism real estate and especially Sapa when the Hanoi – Lao Cai highway has completed. Moreover, the Fansipan cable car when completed will attract huge number of tourists to come here. Convenient transportation is a golden opportunity for tourism real estate.

Sapa is currently attracting around 2.5 million visitors. This figure is expected to rise to 5 million in 2020 due to infrastructure connections between Sapa and other areas are increasingly improved.

When talking about investment opportunities in tourism real estate in Sapa, Kevin Green said that Sapa has a lot of potentials for investment. He interested in the resort project “Sapa Jade Hill”, which is currently being developed. He also works with investors to be able to offer this product to abroad market, while completing the procedure to purchase Sapa Jade Hill villa for long term investment.

Reportedly, Sapa Jade Hill is a key project in Sapa, developed by Truong Giang Sapa and by Dai Hung Investment and International Trade JSC (GBI Land) with a total investment of nearly 2,000 billion USD. This project has completed Phase 1 with 19 service villas, which was sold out and handed over the red book to customer.

In addition, in the Property Expo Conference was held in Hanoi, Kevin Green and enrichment experts have shown a huge shift of capital flow from foreign companies, factories to Vietnam, then this is the most ideal place for real estate investment within the next 5 -10 years. The employment index is an indicator of the increase in value of real estate, as the number of workers in the industrial zone of Vietnam is on the rise.

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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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 6^th 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

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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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