HÀ NỘI — Experts have predicted a banner year for merger and acquisition (M&A) activities in 2019 thanks to recent positive developments.

According to Vice Chairman of the Việt Nam Foreign Investment Business Association Nguyễn Văn Toàn, M&A deals surged 160 per cent to US$9.9 billion in 2018, making disbursement of foreign direct investment (FDI) hit a record of $19.1 billion in the year.

This shows foreign investors’ increasing confidence in Việt Nam as well as achievements in state divestment and equitisation.

Toàn said Chinese enterprises would shift their investment strategies by pouring more capital into building plants in Việt Nam to take advantage of its integration commitments within ASEAN +, ASEAN and other free trade deals.

Despite expressing her optimism about the M&A market in 2019, Dr Nguyễn Thị Việt  Nga from the Academy of Finance said the sector was still facing challenges.

"As there are no full details for M&A in Vietnamese documents and laws, it is difficult for State agencies to manage and businesses to engage in the activities," she said, adding that lacking competence about the field stopped local firms from finding suitable partners.

Serving as brokers for M&A deals, securities, financial and audit companies had not performed their roles well due to limitations in regulations, human resources, professionalism and information. Nga also said opaque financial reports and overvaluation of M&A deals affected FDI attraction in the field. — VNS