As a fast-growing economy and Southeast Asia's third-largest market, Vietnam has set the stage for international investors to expand their business in the country. Vietnam's GDP clocked a growth rate of 5.2% in the 4th Quarter of 2021 in a display of bolstered economic performance. This article summarizes the top 8 compelling reasons to invest in Vietnam.
 

1. Sustainable Investments

Vietnam realizes that the need to transition to green energy is inevitable and recently set its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Indeed the country now has the largest solar power capacity installed in Southeast Asia and was one of the top ten countries globally, with solar energy capacity developed in 2020.

The country plans to triple its installed wind and solar power-producing capacity to 31-38 gigawatts by 2030, necessitating investment. This has cleared the road for international companies to participate in Vietnam's hitherto unexplored Wind Energy sector.
 

2. Young & Inexpensive Workforce

With 100 million inhabitants, Vietnam is one of Asia's most populous countries. Despite the aging population, the country still had a young median age of 32.5 in 2020. Furthermore, Vietnam's Minimum Wages held steady from 2020 to 2021, at USD 192 per month. The culmination of these factors has significantly contributed to the country's economic progress.
 

3. Government Incentives

The two main corporate income tax (CIT) incentives in Vietnam are preferential tax rates (lower tax rates) and tax holidays. Companies can also save money by taking advantage of customs tariff reward systems and land leasing exclusion provisions. As recently as December 2021 the government passed further tax incentives to assist companies affected by COVID-19, known as resolution 406. Some of these incentives see CIT reduced by as much as 30% for the year 2022.

Preferential Tax Rates

Companies might choose to pay CIT at a lower rate than the standard 20%. There are three different levels of preferential treatment: 10%, 15%, and 17%. Depending on the specific terms, these rates may apply for the length of a project or a fixed period. 

Tax Holidays

Companies can be excused from paying CIT for a specific period, generally for a period of four years. Once a tax vacation has ended, businesses can apply for a partial tax holiday, which requires them to pay only half of the taxes owed. The tax-free period normally begins in the first year of profit or the fourth year of earning money, whichever comes first. Businesses may be eligible for a tax holiday and lower tax rates in some conditions.
 

4. An Ideal Setting

Vietnam's central location in Southeast Asia makes it an attractive investment destination. It's also worth mentioning that it shares international shipping lanes and borders with China.

The main cities in Vietnam are equally well-positioned. In the north, we can find the capital city, Hanoi, whereas Ho Chi Minh City, the financial powerhouse of the country, is located in the south. This facilitates doing business both inside and outside the country. In addition to these two cities, Da Nang, the third-largest city, located in the central part of the country offers other lucrative commercial options as well as a business-friendly local government.
 

5. Lucrative Trade Agreements

Vietnam has several trade agreements in place, which makes doing business in the nation more seamless than ever before. These trade agreements facilitate foreign investors to set up businesses and take advantage of cheaper tariffs. Some notable trade agreements are as follows:

• EU-Vietnam Trade Agreement: The EU-Vietnam trade agreement is the EU's most extensive one with a developing country. The agreement is projected to reduce tariffs on 95% of all goods traded between the two nations.
• ASEAN Free Trade Area: The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) is a trade bloc pact that encourages local trade and industry in all ASEAN countries while allowing economic integration with regional and international partners. AFTA's main goals are to boost ASEAN's competitiveness as a global manufacturing base by reducing tariffs and non-tariff barriers within the region and attracting more foreign direct investment.
• UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: As per the UK government's publishing services, 65% of all tariffs have been eliminated since the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement went into effect. Tariff reductions will reach 99% after 6 to 9 years. Tariffs will be reduced following a plan that calls for yearly reductions in the same amount. Customers and businesses will benefit from lower prices on garments, fabric, and footwear as a consequence.

These are some other relevant trade agreements and affiliations:

• Member of ASEAN 
• Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) with the US
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Japan
• FTA with Korea

6. Political & Economic Stability 

7. Supply Chain Shift From China

8. A Stable & Industrialized Future

Finally, Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong signed a resolution (No. 23-NQ/TW) regarding the national industrial development policy focusing to achieve ultimate modernization and industrialization by 2045. 

Thinking about setting up an office in Vietnam?