2008 – a good chance to invest in Viet Nam

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The year 2008 is a good chance for foreign investors to launch business activities in Viet Nam despite potential risks, said a senior executive from the BIDV-Vietnam Partners Investment Management Joint Venture Company (BVIM).
BVIM General Director Bradley Lalonde delivered the message at a seminar opened in Ho Chi Minh City on April 8, pointing out positive changes in the country’s economic structure, more open investment policies and strong development of financial institutions as clear evidences.
The executive forecast that some 2,000 firms will list shares on Vietnam ’s stock market and its capital is likely to increase to 200 billion USD within the next five years.
However, Lalonde said, BVIM and other investors, particularly newcomers are keeping an eye on the government’s move to control inflation, manage the capital market and ensure stability of the investment policies. These are factors that have decisive impacts on their long-term investment strategies, he stressed.
During the two-day event, participants are scheduled to discuss investment alternatives like real estate investment, financial sources for infrastructure projects, the equitisation process, and share experiences in carrying out projects.
Many investors also spoke of Viet Nam ’s advantages after joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO), especially its new legal framework designed to create more favourable conditions for foreign businesses.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment took this occasion to introduce prioritised fields calling for foreign investment, and policies regarding infrastructure, hi-tech industry and stock market development, as well as regulations on the management and recruitment of skilled workers from abroad.
The 2nd annual seminar, dubbed “Choices to invest in Vietnam ”, brought together close to 100 foreign investors. (VNA)