Netflix closes in on establishing Vietnam office

By Thuy Tuong
Fri, February 24, 2023 | 5:14 pm GMT+7

Global streaming giant Netflix is preparing to open an office in Vietnam to serve the tech-savvy market of 100 million people.

Vishal Sarin, vice president of Netflix Asia Pacific, visited Vietnam in December to study conditions for establishing a wholly foreign-owned company in the country. He met with Nguyen Van Doan, chief of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's (MPI) Office, in Hanoi on December 5 to discuss the establishment of the office.

Netflix completed an assessment in late 2022 that evaluated security and political risks of operating an office in Vietnam and the handling of user data and sensitive content, Reuters said on Friday, citing sources who declined to be named due to confidentiality clauses.

Netflix first arrived in Vietnam in 2016 and officially launched its Vietnamese version in October 2019. The giant and the Vietnam Association of Film Promotion and Development signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2022 to develop the film industry and the creative economy in Vietnam, as well as promote Vietnamese movies and culture.

Vishal Sarin (L), Netflix Asia Pacific vice president, meets with Nguyen Van Doan, MPI Office chief on December 5, 2022. Photo courtesy of the ministry.

Vishal Sarin (L), Netflix Asia Pacific vice president, meets with Nguyen Van Doan, MPI Office chief on December 5, 2022. Photo courtesy of the ministry.

Vietnam, with the fastest-growing middle class market in Southeast Asia, has become a key target for tech giants. The country’s digital economy, including fintech, e-commerce and online entertainment, is on track to grow to nearly $50 billion in total transactions per year by 2025, more than double last year's figure, according to a report by Google, Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, and Bain & Company.

In December, Google Malaysia’s managing director Marc Woo was appointed managing director of Google Vietnam, where the American tech giant does not have an office. Without such a physical presence, he works at the Google Asia Pacific office in Singapore.

Vietnam's government announced last August new rules on cybersecurity in Decree 53, which took effect on October 1. The decree applies in particular to tech giants like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, e-commerce sites, gaming platforms, telecoms networks, online payment platforms, and other enterprises with online customers.

Comments (0)
  • Read More
Vingroup-backed VinSpace targets first satellite launch in 2027

Vingroup-backed VinSpace targets first satellite launch in 2027

VinSpace, an aerospace venture founded by Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, aims to manufacture and launch its first microsatellite into orbit by 2027, marking Vietnam’s latest push into the commercial space industry.

Companies - Wed, April 15, 2026 | 4:39 pm GMT+7

Saigontel eyes record revenue, accelerates LNG, data center development in 2026

Saigontel eyes record revenue, accelerates LNG, data center development in 2026

SaiGon Telecommunication & Technologies Corporation (Saigontel) targeting record revenue in 2026 while accelerating a strategic shift into energy and digital infrastructure, backed by a planned rights issue to fund large-scale LNG and data center projects.

Companies - Wed, April 15, 2026 | 3:37 pm GMT+7

Vietnam's Vosco plans $104 mln tanker building in S Korea as part of long-term fleet expansion

Vietnam's Vosco plans $104 mln tanker building in S Korea as part of long-term fleet expansion

Vietnam Ocean Shipping JSC (Vosco) plans to invest up to $104 million to build two new medium-range (MR) tankers, as the state-controlled firm accelerates fleet renewal despite weaker earnings and cash flow pressures.

Companies - Wed, April 15, 2026 | 2:39 pm GMT+7

From property broker to developer: Is Khai Hoan Land Group ready?

From property broker to developer: Is Khai Hoan Land Group ready?

Khai Hoan Land Group (HoSE: KHG) has set relatively ambitious targets for 2026, aiming for net revenue of VND1.25 trillion ($47.48 million) and net profit of VND123 billion ($4.67 million), roughly doubling year-on-year, as it seeks to transition from a brokerage-focused model to a property developer.

Real Estate - Wed, April 15, 2026 | 1:27 pm GMT+7

Novaland says revenue, profit inflection point to come from 2027

Novaland says revenue, profit inflection point to come from 2027

Major Vietnamese developer Novaland said it expects a meaningful pickup in revenue and profit from 2027, as 2026 will only see limited recognition despite the resumption of sales.

Companies - Wed, April 15, 2026 | 8:17 am GMT+7

Vietnam's central bank to continue easing bias on interest rates

Vietnam's central bank to continue easing bias on interest rates

State Bank of Vietnam said it will continue steering interest rates lower to support economic growth, while maintaining a careful balance with inflation control.

Banking - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 9:16 pm GMT+7

Vinhomes targets record $1.9 bln profit, bets on transit-oriented development strategy

Vinhomes targets record $1.9 bln profit, bets on transit-oriented development strategy

Vinhomes, a subsidiary of conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC), has outlined a record-breaking 2026 business plan, targeting net profit of VND50 trillion ($1.9 billion), up 18.7% year-on-year, as Vietnam’s largest listed developer positions for a selective recovery in the property market.

Companies - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 4:55 pm GMT+7

Hanoi eyes mega underground reservoir system to tackle flooding

Hanoi eyes mega underground reservoir system to tackle flooding

Hanoi is planning an ambitious underground infrastructure network, including a massive “super reservoir” system, as part of a 100-year urban development vision aimed at tackling chronic flooding.

Infrastructure - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 4:33 pm GMT+7

Shipping behemoth MSC selected as major investor for mega port project in southern Vietnam

Shipping behemoth MSC selected as major investor for mega port project in southern Vietnam

Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have approved a consortium consisting of Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), Saigon Port, and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A. as the investor for the $4.98 billion Can Gio international transshipment port project.

Infrastructure - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 2:27 pm GMT+7

GG Power launches internationally standard energy storage battery plant

GG Power launches internationally standard energy storage battery plant

GG Power, a wholly Vietnamese-owned firm, has debuted a battery energy storage system (BESS) manufacturing plant in Hung Yen province, marking a milestone in the country’s push into high-tech energy industries.

Industries - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 11:47 am GMT+7

Firms need legal clarity, non-criminalization of business risks to invest boldly: lawyer

Firms need legal clarity, non-criminalization of business risks to invest boldly: lawyer

Businesses will only commit to large-scale investments and long-term strategies when the legal framework is transparent and consistent, without mechanical criminalization of business risks, said a lawyer at Baker & McKenzie.

Economy - Tue, April 14, 2026 | 8:58 am GMT+7

Generational transition must strengthen, not just transfer, leadership: SHB bank vice chairman

Generational transition must strengthen, not just transfer, leadership: SHB bank vice chairman

Do Quang Vinh, vice chairman of Vietnamese private bank SHB, said generational transition in Vietnamese companies should focus on strengthening capabilities rather than simply transferring authority, as firms enter a new phase of development.

Companies - Mon, April 13, 2026 | 10:33 pm GMT+7

Vietnam’s textile giant Vinatex posts 31% profit jump in Q1, braces for potential trade risks

Vietnam’s textile giant Vinatex posts 31% profit jump in Q1, braces for potential trade risks

Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group (UPCoM: VGT) reported Q1 profit rising 31% year-on-year, as improved yarn margins and stable garment orders helped offset a volatile global backdrop.

Companies - Mon, April 13, 2026 | 5:07 pm GMT+7

Private sector – 'one most important growth driver': legislator

Private sector – 'one most important growth driver': legislator

After 40 years of Doi moi (reform), Vietnam's private sector has surged to become "one most important growth driver", helping build a more autonomous, self-reliant and resilient economy, says Phan Duc Hieu, a member of the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee.

Economy - Mon, April 13, 2026 | 4:37 pm GMT+7

Vietnam conglomerate Thaco’s 2025 profit jumps 65% to $251 mln

Vietnam conglomerate Thaco’s 2025 profit jumps 65% to $251 mln

Vietnamese conglomerate Thaco posted strong earnings growth in 2025, with net profit from its core operations surging over 65% on the back of its real estate segment, according to newly released disclosures from Singapore-based shareholder Jardine Matheson.

Companies - Mon, April 13, 2026 | 2:58 pm GMT+7

Vietnamese private economic groups: Achievements, efforts and paradoxes

Vietnamese private economic groups: Achievements, efforts and paradoxes

If we place Vietnam's private sector in the context of the region and the world, a clear paradox emerges: numerous but not yet strong, dynamic but not yet profound, making significant contributions but maintaining a modest position in the global value chain, writes Dau Anh Tuan, deputy secretary general of the Vietnam Federation of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Economy - Mon, April 13, 2026 | 1:57 pm GMT+7