The significance of Vietnam for US businesses, why they should take notice

Steven Cranwell, CEO and regional head, client coverage, in the Americas of Standard Chartered, explains why companies and investors should watch opportunities offered by Vietnam.

Vietnam has gone from being a frontier economy in ASEAN to a flourishing, cost-effective industrial nation. Firms and investors that are looking for new markets to grow, source or manufacture their products – especially in Asia – should consider Vietnam’s long-term potential and stay updated on its opportunities.

In recent years, Vietnam has benefited from trade tensions between the U.S and China. With U.S. companies adopting a ‘China plus one’ approach to their supply chains, the percentage of exports from Vietnam to the U.S. has risen by approximately 9% between 2018 and 2021.

It is, however, important to note that Vietnam has been an alternative to China for general manufacturing in Asia long before the Covid-19 pandemic, and its long-term prospects remain bright.

Despite the uncertainty from global economic conditions, we remain confident in Vietnam’s outlook. The country’s business-friendly atmosphere, strategic location as a gateway to other fast-growing markets, plentiful and skilled labor, competitive labor cost and incentives have been compelling propositions to companies looking to expand their manufacturing in the region.

Take Apple for example. While Vietnam has yet to host an Apple plant, the country is already home to 31 companies with 160,000 workers producing and assembling parts for Apple products. Other tech companies like Intel Corporation are also planning to increase their investments in the country. Nike is another example of a company that has expressed interest in expanding its investment and production in Vietnam. The recent increase in the S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index to above 50.0 in February is a positive sign of its manufacturing sector's renewed strength.

Numerous advantages for US companies

ASEAN is poised for long-term prosperity and is on track to become one of the world’s largest trading blocs, benefitting from global supply chain shifts and favorable demographics. It is one of the few economic blocs in the world where every major economy wants to do further business, and the opportunities in trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable finance are well acknowledged.

Over 90% of the 500 global business leaders we recently surveyed indicated plans to expand in ASEAN, and over 80% mentioned that they will increase investments in the region. This is consistent with feedback from U.S.-based respondents, where 92% have existing and future plans to expand sales in the region and 51% currently have or plan to have production capabilities in Vietnam.

While we are optimistic that more respondents will increasingly have plans to expand into Vietnam, there are challenges to ensure this trajectory continues at pace.

It is not uncommon to hear companies voicing concerns that Vietnam's infrastructure needs improvement, particularly in ports, transportation, and logistics capabilities, for the country to continue its rate of growth. Additionally, Vietnam's reliance on raw materials from China may impede the diversification efforts of companies as production may be disrupted if supplies from China cease. For example, the garment and textile industry relies on China for 70-80% of the material they require.

But these challenges come with opportunities. To enhance the national transportation network, the country’s Transport Infrastructure Master Plan is expected to support the upgrading of all transport infrastructure by 2030 and solve Vietnam’s traffic and congestion issues through public-private investments.

Vietnam participates in numerous free trade agreements. Some of them include the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), EU-Vietnam FTA, and UK-Vietnam FTA – all of which will improve the country’s ability to participate in worldwide and regional supply chains. This in turn enables businesses established in Vietnam to diversify and access a broader range of markets at favorable conditions.

Foreign direct investment to support the country's growth is also expected to continue through attractive tax and investment schemes. For example, special sectors like healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure development can expect to receive preferential corporate income tax rates. Projects in specific sectors and regions may also qualify for tax exemptions and reductions if they meet specific criteria.

Last but not least, as industries transition into more sustainable sources of fuel, Vietnam is well-positioned to partake in the energy transition. With the country’s recent agreement to be part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, it will stand to benefit from an initial $15.5 billion of public and private finance over the next three to five years to support the country’s shift to renewable energy sources. Given Vietnam's access to various renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and biomass, it is evident that there will be significant growth opportunities for businesses involved in promoting clean energy, sustainable infrastructure, and decarbonization technologies.

Vietnam is set to become one of the most important players in the Indo-Pacific and is making significant investments in the region. With certain geopolitical tensions persisting and the RCEP estimated to further enhance regional growth, Vietnam's draw as a growth market and manufacturing hub is likely to rise as companies seek to expand in ASEAN. Companies that take notice will only stand to benefit.