
Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers
Project Director Vietnam
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom
For many foreign investors, the two neighbouring countries of Vietnam and China seem to be similar in terms of their socioeconomic and political structure. Thus, investors exercising caution with the Vietnamese market. Prof. Dr. Andreas Stoffers, Country Director of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation in Vietnam, outlined his thoughts to the Vietnam Investment Review (VIR).
In recent years, there has been an increase in overall corporate bond issuance in Vietnam. However, starting in 2022 and continuing into 2023, there was a decline in bond issuance along with a general market turmoil that affected all market participants. The article analyses the pillars on which to build a solution for Vietnam.
To realise its ambition of becoming Southeast Asia and Asia’s leading hub in multiple sectors, Ho Chi Minh City must bolster its infrastructure. With the city’s budget only covering 30-40 per cent of infrastructure costs, amidst an economic slump, there is an urgent need to devise strategies to entice international financing, potentially through bonds. A future financial centre could also be instrumental in this endeavour.
Over the past few years, American companies have been actively investing in Vietnam, with a consistent rise in the number of projects and registered capital. In the first half of 2023 alone, U.S. investors contributed over $405 million, ranking 8th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Businesses are looking at Vietnam as a destination for development and opportunities. Vietnam should take this opportunity to welcome more "eagles" from the U.S. to add a decisive boost to their long-term economic growth goals.