VACETS is making this US Government sponsored document available on-line as part of its contribution to a general understanding of Country Commercial Guide: Vietnam 1997. The views and recommendations contained in this document is the US Government's. We would like to encourage a discussion of the content of the document. Technical discussion can be held on [email protected]

Country Commercial Guide:
Vietnam 1997

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER I: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

CHAPTER II: ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK

A. Major Trends and Outlook

B. Principal Growth Sectors

C. Government Role in the Economy

D. Balance of Payments Situation

E. Infrastructure Situation

CHAPTER III: POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

A. Nature of Political Relationship with the United States

B. Major Political Issues Affecting Business Climate

C. Brief Synopsis of Political System, Schedule for Elections, and Orientation of Major Political Parties

CHAPTER IV: MARKETING US PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

A. Distribution and Sales Channels

B. Use of Agents and Distributors

C. Direct Marketing D. Joint Ventures/Licensing

E. Steps to Establishing an Office

F. Selling Factors/Techniques

G. Advertising and Trade Promotion

H. Pricing Product

I. Sales Service/Customer Support

J. Selling to the Government

K. Protecting Your Product From IPR Infringement

L. Need for Local Legal Services

CHAPTER V: LEADING SECTORS FOR US EXPORTS

A. Leading Prospects for Non-Agricultural Goods and Services

B. Leading Prospects for Agricultural Products

CHAPTER VI: TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS

A. Trade Barriers

B. Customs Valuation

C. Import Licenses

D. Export Controls

E. Import/Export Documentation

F. Temporary Entry

G. Labeling, Marking Requirements

H. Prohibited Imports

I. Standards

J. Free Trade Zones/Warehouses

K. Membership in Free Trade Arrangements

CHAPTER VII: INVESTMENT CLIMATE

A. Openness to Foreign Investment

B. Conversion and Transfer Policies

C. Expropriation and Compensation

D. Dispute Settlement

E. Political Risk

F. Performance Requirements/Incentives

G. Right to Private Ownership and Establishment

H. Protection of Property Rights

I. Regulatory System: Laws and Procedures

J. Bilateral Investment Agreements

K. OPIC and Other Investment Insurance Program

L. Labor

M. Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports

N. Capital Outflow Policy

CHAPTER VIII: TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING

A. Brief Description of Banking System

B. Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trading

C. Financing Exports/Methods of Payment

D. U.S. Export Financing & Insurance

E. Types of Available Export and Project Financing

F. List of Banks with Correspondent US Banking Arrangements

G. Co-Investment Sources

CHAPTER IX: BUSINESS TRAVEL

A. Business Customs

B. Travel Advisory and Visas

C. Business Hours & Holidays D. Business Infrastructure

CHAPTER X: APPENDICES

A. Country Data

B. Domestic Economy

C. Trade

D. Investment Statistics

E. US and Vietnam Contacts

F. Market Research

G. Trade Event Schedule

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Last update: March 1997 by VACETS