Economy back on stability track to lure investors

This was a key message from Vietnam Access Day, a major forum in Ho Chi Minh City during October 23-24, jointly held by Viet Capital Bank, Viet Capital Securities Company and Viet Capital Asset Management, which saw the participation of more than 300 guests and speakers.

The forum is designed to provide a complete panorama of the Vietnamese economy, to help foreign investors evaluate the investment environment and market opportunities, as well as to connect capital and investment opportunities.

The event’s first part was a panorama of the Vietnamese economy, with an analysis of important economic indices. It also updated foreign investors with Vietnam’s laws.

The second part will include discussions of particular issues, with a view to bringing investors an understanding of sectors which have attracted great attention, such as agriculture, information technology and communication, bank securities, real estate, medical services and healthcare.

The speakers were leading experts from large international financial organisations, including International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank, McKinsey, ANZ Bank, Citibank, CBRE and ACNielson. Vietnamese representatives were from local authorities such as the State Bank and Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.

“As for international investors interested in opportunities in Vietnam, but with not enough time to learn about the market, I believe this event will provide them with a full understanding,” said Michel Tosto, Viet Capital Securities institutional sales and brokerage director.
 
“As for operating investors, what they can expect is an in-depth look at each of sectors with stable growth despite the economic crisis, such as consumer goods, healthcare or the fast-growing industries like information technology, or where Vietnam enjoys clear competitive advantages such as agriculture.

“The discussion topics on the stock market, realty market and banking will also help investors assess whether the economy has touched the bottom or not. In addition, we will focus on meetings and networking – the event is where investors come to meet companies to network, learn and be inspired,” he added.

Viet Capital Securities CEO To Hai said: “While the Vietnamese economy is being restructured, along with domestic capital, foreign sources of funding plays an important role as a catalyst to help Vietnam’s economic growth return to its former orbit.

“We believe that Vietnam, with its natural advantages such as geographic location, young population, abundant workforce and a large market with 90 million consumers, will always be an attractive destination for investors.

Hai said despite the prolonging global economic crisis, Vietnam attracted $8.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first nine months of 2012, down just 1 per cent against the same earlier period.

Tosto said international investors thought few Vietnamese companies had sufficient efficiency and transparency for them to put money in, and they said they would increase their investments in Vietnam if they find competent companies.

At present, the areas of interest were consumer goods, electricity, water and agriculture, he added.

Kevin B. Hawkins, a partner at law firm Mayer Brown JSM Vietnam, said Vietnam was now like a hidden dragon.