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Vietnam Law
Doing Business in Vietnam? We’ve Got You Covered
Legal support for companies and individuals doing business in Vietnam.
Contact UsShifting Manufacturing to Vietnam
The US-China trade war and the COVID-19 pandemic have reinforced to many businesses the importance of a diversified supply chain, and many of our clients from all over the world are shifting manufacturing from China to Vietnam.
Harris Sliwoski has a long history with Vietnam; we drafted our first Vietnam manufacturing contract more than a decade ago and have had a physical presence in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly as long.
This process predated the current US-China trade war, and early movers were quick to set themselves up in Vietnam, which over the past 10 years has attracted significant foreign investment through ongoing economic reforms, new free trade agreements, a young and increasingly urbanized population, political stability, and inexpensive labor costs.
Vietnamese Manufacturing
In 2019 alone, Vietnam attracted USD20.3 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), and imports of goods from Vietnam to the United States increased 35.6 percent, while goods imported from China to the United States decreased by 16.2 percent. From 2010-2019 inclusive Vietnam attracted USD143 billion in cumulative FDI, of which 59 percent went into manufacturing – especially in the electronics, textiles, footwear, and automobile parts industries.
At the same time, Vietnam continues to present challenges to investors and business operators. Foreign and Vietnamese business owners agree the country would benefit from improving intellectual property rights protection and simplifying legal procedures and tax codes, as well as streamlining the bureaucratic process related to government decision making.
Establishing manufacturing facilities and a logistics infrastructure are complicated processes, and missteps can cost millions. Our deep knowledge of local laws and business and regulatory environment allows us to help our clients identify the most appropriate manufacturing model and operational framework for them in Vietnam.
For companies considering an investment in operations or manufacturing in Vietnam, questions we can help answer include:
- What should be done to protect foreign companies that manufacture in Vietnam?
- What ownership structures are permitted for foreign businesses?
- What are the tax implications of manufacturing and operating in Vietnam?
- Are there special economic zones that offer benefits such as reduced tax and reduced land cost?
- Have some industries been targeted to receive additional tax and other incentives?
- Has Vietnam offered incentives for companies relocating manufacturing from China?
- Are there any special challenges to obtaining visas for foreign workers, e.g. executives and experts?
- What are the advantages of Vietnam’s membership in the ASEAN Economic Community (a single market of more than 600 million people covering 10 countries in the region)?
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Wil Crummer, CEO PRO Farms
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Aaron Draplin, Founder Draplin Design Co.
I am impressed with this law firm. They answered all my questions regarding cannabis businesses and the California cannabis framework, and they have helped me with a variety of legal issues in a timely fashion, while always clearly communicating with us throughout the process. They also redirected me to other quality people for my business needs. Everyone I worked with at Harris Sliwoski is an expert in their field, and I was in good hands throughout my legal representation.
Corey T., CEO Thinc Cubed, LLC
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Dan Pak Hospital Supply Chain Executive
Harris Sliwoski has represented our company in the legal cannabis industry for years. Harris Sliwoski has advised us in a wide variety of legal matters, and they are truly experts in their field. I would highly recommend Harris Sliwoski to anyone with questions about cannabis law, or any legal matters. They have been great for our Company, and will continue to guide us as our industry evolves
Matt Hurt, COO Cannabis Nation
You won’t find a better partner than Harris Sliwoski when trying to navigate the complex world of healthcare regulations. They not only give sound and reliable legal advice, but they are also very responsive and are able to guide you in a way that helps you reach your business objectives as well.
Joseph Axelrod, General Counsel Irwin Naturals
When we started the process of building a ‘seed to sale’ cannabis company in Oregon, we saw the need for expert legal counsel. The cannabis sector is fraught with potential peril at every turn, and we wanted the best legal advice we could find. After talking to several firms and individuals, we feel extremely fortunate to have chosen Harris Sliwoski as our legal counsel.
Tony Theiss, CEO and Co-Founder Redbarn Cannabis
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Kevin English, CEO We Are Camp
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Andrea Barona Valladolid, Senior Legal Counsel Fairphone
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