Containers at Tân Cảng - Cát Lái Terminal in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Export Development Canada (EDC) has publicised an article titled “Doing business in Vietnam: Catch this rising star in the Indo-Pacific” in which its author, international trade writer Carol Fragiskos, emphasises that strategic location makes it an ideal logistics and distribution hub.

In his writing, Fragiskos says that Việt Nam is called the Land of the Ascending Dragon. While its unique geographical shape may have inspired the original nickname, these days, it could be referring to its rapid economic growth

Based on data from World Economics, in the last 10 years, its compound annual growth rate has been more than 8 per cent. Last year, Việt Nam’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by more than 5 per cent, with forecasts for this year and next, sitting at 6 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively.

"With numbers like these, it’s no wonder EDC chose Việt Nam for our next representation in the Indo-Pacific," he wrote.

Scheduled to open in fall 2024, the in-market team will be led by Nathan Nelson, EDC’s first chief representative in Việt Nam and innovation director for the Indo-Pacific.

In his new role, Nelson’s intention is clear: Double the amount of trade from Canada to Việt Nam in the next five years.

The article says Việt Nam lies at the centre of the Indo-Pacific region. Located near major markets in Asia - with access to key global shipping routes - its strategic location makes it an ideal logistics and distribution hub. But it’s more than geography that makes this country a strong bet, Fragiskos emphasises.

Việt Nam’s middle-class growth is outpacing all others in the region. Though smaller than some of its neighbours, Việt Nam’s population of close to 100 million is significant, especially considering that half are under the age of 30.

According to the International Labour Organisation, although minimum wages are rising, Việt Nam’s labour costs are still lower than similar countries in the Indo-Pacific. As it shifts to higher-value industrial activities, it’s becoming an increasingly sought-after market for those with manufacturing interests.

The automated cow milking production line of a Tuyên Quang Province-based company was imported from Israel. — VNA/VNS Photo

The article also stresses that the politically stable Vietnamese government is committed to economic reform and liberalisation. Its progressive foreign investment environment offers tax incentives and preferential rates in certain priority sectors and geographic areas. Perhaps more importantly, a transparent legal framework and predictable regulatory regime provide additional confidence for companies looking to do business in this market.

Việt Nam is investing heavily in infrastructure development. Committed to net zero by 2050, the country is also looking to rapidly increase its renewable energy mix. Multiple nationwide projects are underway in green energy, waste management and sustainable urban development.

In addition, Việt Nam has a healthy digital economy that is expected to reach US$38 billion by 2025. Multiple sectors - including e-commerce, financial technology and artificial intelligence - have been boosted by initiatives that support innovation and entrepreneurship.

As a member of several bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements - including with China, India, the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Việt Nam is a country that’s wide open for business.

Canadian exporters have preferential access to this fast-growth market through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which eliminates tariffs and reduces barriers for 98 per cent of exports to member states.

Việt Nam is Canada’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade in goods totalling C$14 billion (US$10.2 billion) in 2023.

However, that trade is one-sided, with Canada’s exports to Vietnam under C$1 billion.

Nelson says, as quoted in the writing, that after a lot of market analysis, EDC can confidently say that Việt Nam has something for everyone. It’s the new star in the Indo-Pacific, especially for companies looking to diversify beyond China.

Nelson also says that now is an important time for Việt Nam. The country has been investing heavily in infrastructure development and is already an incredible manufacturing hub. For those reasons, he has focused on identifying which advanced manufacturing and infrastructure projects mesh closest with Canadian capabilities, so he can foster connections and build capacity.  —  VNS