EU-VIETNAM FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND INVESTMENT PROTECTION AGREEMENT – MOST LIBERALIZED MARKET ACCESS FOR SERVICE SECTORS AND UNMATCHED LEGAL CERTAINTY – LATEST UPDATE – WHAT YOU MUST KNOW:

I. OVERVIEW

On the 2nd of December 2015, after almost three years and 14 rounds of negotiation, President Donald Tusk, President Jean-Claude Juncker and Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyen Tan Dung announced the conclusion of the negotiations on the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). The EVFTA is a new-generation free trade agreement between Vietnam and the EU. On the 26th of June 2018, the EVFTA was split into two separate agreements: the Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). In August 2018, the EU and Vietnam completed the legal review of the EVFTA and the EVFTA requires ratification by the European Council as well as the consent of the European Parliament, while the EVIPA required additional ratification by parliaments of each individual EU Member State.

On the 30th of June 2019, EU Commissioner for Trade Mrs. Cecilia Malmstrom, together with the Romanian Minister for Business Mr. Stefan-Radu Oprea, representing the EU, signed the EVFTA and EVIPA in Hanoi, together with H.E. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vietnamese Government leaders. The Prime Minister expressed his belief that the European Parliament, parliaments of EU Member States, and the Vietnamese National Assembly will soon ratify the EVFTA and EVIPA. Both Trade and Investment agreements were endorsed by the European Parliament on the 12th of February. The EVFTA was approved by the EU Council on 30th of March 2020, thus the implementation of the EVFTA is therefore imminent if the Vietnamese National Assembly gives its approval at its May session, meaning that an entry into force early this summer is possible for the EVFTA. It will take more time for the EVIPA to enter into force because this agreement is subject to the endorsement of the Member States’ parliaments.

Both agreements are expected to bring significant advantages for enterprises, employees, and consumers in both the EU and Vietnam. Vietnam’s GDP is set to increase by 10-15 percent while exports are predicted to rise by 30-40 percent over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, the real wages of skilled labourers could rise by up to 12 percent, with salaries of common workers increasing by 13 percent. Once the EVFTA has entered into force, and once Government policies and institutional reforms begin to take effect, Vietnam’s business activities will boom. However, challenges still remain. In this chapter, EuroCham’s Legal Sector Committee will raise the issues relevant to their particular industries and make specific recommendations in order to address these concerns.

II. MARKET ACCESS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES

1. General market access for goods and services

The EVFTA is the most comprehensive and ambitious trade and investment agreement that the EU has ever concluded with a developing country in Asia. It is the second agreement in the ASEAN region, after Singapore, and it will intensify bilateral relations between Vietnam and the EU. Vietnam will have access to a potential market of approximately 446 million people and a total GDP of US$13,918 billion.

Meanwhile, exporters and investors from the EU will have further opportunities to access to one of the largest and fastest-growing countries in the region. According to a report released in early 2017 covering 134 cities worldwide, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are ranked among the top 10 most dynamic cities due to their low costs, rapid consumer market expansion, strong population growth and transition towards activities attracting significant amounts of FDI. According to the World Bank, Vietnam has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world — 7.1% GDP growth in 2018, and 6.7% at the mid-point of 2019. To put that in perspective: Vietnam’s GDP is growing at almost twice the rate of the USA.

In addition, Vietnam has the fastest-growing middle class in the region. It is predicted to almost double in size between 2014 and 2020 (from 12 million to 33 million people). Vietnam’s super-rich population is also growing faster than anywhere else, and there is no doubt that it will continue to rise over the next ten years.

2. Market access for goods

Nearly all customs duties – over 99 percent of the tariff lines – will be eliminated. The small remaining number will be partially liberalised through duty-free quotas. As Vietnam is a developing country, it will liberalise 65 percent of the value of EU exports to Vietnam, representing around half of the tariff lines, at entry into force. The remaining duties will be eliminated over the next ten years. This is an unprecedented, far-reaching tariff elimination for a country like Vietnam, proving its aspiration for deeper integration and trading relations with the EU.

Meanwhile, the EU agreed to eliminate duties for 84 percent of the tariff lines and 71 percent of its trade value for goods imported from Vietnam immediately at the entry into force of the EVFTA. Within 7 years from the effective date of the EVFTA, more than 99 percent of the tariff lines will have been eliminated for Vietnam. This is a wider reduction compared with the 95 percent of the tariff lines that the former TPP countries offered to Vietnamese imports. In the ASEAN region, Vietnam is the top country exporting goods to the EU. However, the market share of Vietnam’s products in the EU is still small. As a result of the EVFTA, the sectors set to benefit most are main export sectors that used to be subject to high tariffs from the EU including textiles, footwear, and agricultural products. The EU is also a good point for Vietnam to reach other further markets.

Vietnam will benefit more from the EVFTA compared with other such agreements, since Vietnam and the EU are considered to be two supporting and complementary markets. In other words, Vietnam exports goods that the EU cannot or does not produce itself (i.e. fishery products, tropical fruits, etc.) while the products imported from the EU are also those Vietnam does not produce domestically, including machinery, aircraft and high-quality pharmaceutical products.

With better market access for goods from the EU, Vietnamese enterprises could source EU materials, technology, and equipment at a better quality and price. This, in turn, will improve their own product quality and ease Vietnam’s burden of over-reliance on its other main trading partners.

The EVFTA is considered as a template for the EU to further conclude FTAs with other countries in the ASEAN region with the aim of concluding a region-to-region FTA once there is a sufficient critical mass of FTAs with individual ASEAN countries. This process could take about 10-15 years. Thus, Vietnam should take advantage of this window of opportunity before FTAs with others in the region are concluded and take effect to become a regional hub.

3. Market access for EU service providers

Although Vietnam’s WTO commitments are used as a basis for the services commitments in the EVFTA, Vietnam has not only opened additional sub-sectors for EU service providers, but also made commitments deeper than those outlined in the WTO, offering the EU the best possible access to Vietnam’s market. Sub-sectors that are not committed under the WTO, but under which Vietnam has made commitments under EVFTA, include: Interdisciplinary Research & Development (R&D) services; nursing services, physiotherapists and para-medical personnel; packaging services; trade fairs and exhibitions services and building-cleaning services.

When these services reach international standards, Vietnam has a chance to export high-quality services, resulting in not only an increase in export value but also export efficiency, thus helping to improve the trade balance.

III. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT

Vietnam has one of the highest ratios of public investment to GDP in the world (39 percent annually from 1995). However, until now, Vietnam has not agreed to its Government procurement being covered by the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) of the WTO. Now, for the first time, Vietnam has undertaken to do so in the EVFTA.

The EVFTA commitments on Government procurement mainly deal with the requirement to treat EU bidders, or domestic bidders with EU investment capital, equally with Vietnamese bidders when the Government purchases goods or requests a service worth over the specified threshold. Vietnam undertakes to follow the general principles of National Treatment and Non-discrimination. It will publish information on intended procurement and post-award information in Bao Dau Thau – Public Procurement Newspaper – and information on the procurement system at muasamcong.mpi.gov.vn and the official gazette in a timely manner. It will also allow sufficient time for suppliers to prepare and submit requests for participation and responsive tenders and maintain the confidentiality of tenders. The EVFTA also requires its Parties to assess bids based on fair and objective principles, evaluate and award bids only based on criteria set out in notices and tender documentation and create an effective regime for complaints and settling disputes. These rules require Parties to ensure that their bidding procedures match the commitments and protect their own interests, thus helping Vietnam to solve its problem of bids being won by cheap but low-quality service providers.

Government procurement of goods or services, or any combination thereof, that satisfy the following criteria falls within the scope of the EVFTA Government Procurement rules:

Criteria – EVFTA

IV. INVESTMENT DISPUTE SETTLEMENT

Investment disputes now could be settled under the EVIPA. In disputes regarding investment (for example, expropriation without compensation or discrimination of investment), an investor is allowed to bring the dispute to the Investment Tribunal for settlement. To ensure the fairness and independence of the dispute settlement, a permanent Tribunal will be comprised of 9 members: 3 nationals each appointed from the EU and Vietnam, together with 3 nationals appointed from third countries. Cases will be heard by a 3-member Tribunal selected by the Chairman of the Tribunal in a random way. This is also to ensure consistent rulings in similar cases, thus making the dispute settlement more predictable. The EVIPA also allows a sole Tribunal member where the claimant is a small or medium-sized enterprise or the compensation of damaged claims is relatively low. This is a flexible approach considering that Vietnam is still a developing country.

In case either of the disputing parties disagrees with the decision of the Tribunal, it can appeal to the Appeal Tribunal. While this is different from the common arbitration proceeding, it is quite similar to the 2-level dispute settlement mechanism in the WTO (Panel and Appellate Body). We believe that this mechanism could save time and cost for the whole proceedings.

The final settlement is binding and enforceable from the local courts regarding its validity, except for a five-year period following the entry into force of the EVIPA (please refer to further comments in the Legal Sector Committee’s chapter on Judicial Recourse).

V. CONCLUSION

The EVFTA and EVIPA, once ratified by Vietnam, will create sustainable growth, mutual benefits in several sectors and be an effective tool to balance trade relations between the EU and Vietnam. Vietnam is making continuous efforts and progress to meet the high standards set out in the two FTAs and is currently offering greater opportunities for foreign businesses in preparation for the FTAs’ finalisation. It is now time for foreign investors to start their business plans and grasp the upcoming clear opportunities.

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Please do not hesitate to contact the author Dr. Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com if you have any questions or want to know more details on the above. Dr. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.
Thank you!

Lawyer in Vietnam Dr. Oliver Massmann – INTERVIEW WITH ViTV CHANNEL ON MAJOR IMPACT OF INVESTMENT PROTECTION AGREEMENT AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENT EUROPEAN UNION AND VIETNAM

1 – Viet Nam and the EU officially concluded the legal review process of the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement as well as agreed on the contents of the Vietnam-EU Agreement on Investment Protection (IPA). How do you assess the context of this action?

The legal review is concluded in the context where the EU continues to be Vietnam’s 3rd largest trading partner and the 2nd largest export market of Vietnam. Two-way trade has increased by 12 times from USD4.1 billion in 2000 to over USD50.4 billion in 2017.
In addition, Vietnam’s GDP in 2017 reached 6.81%, a record breaking in 10 years. Recent Vietnam’s economic developments and better access to the EU markets have been one of the underlying reasons that both sides wanted to speed up the finalization of the agreement, this is done now.

2- Why does the EU want to split EVFTA and IPA into two separate agreements?

It is due to a change in the EU’s ratification procedures of free trade agreements. Specifically, as a result of the ECJ’s opinion on the EU- Singapore FTA, the Union will have exclusive competence for the common commercial policy, while issues related to non-FDI investment and investor-to-state dispute settlement will be shared competence between the Union and the member states. Thus, in order to reap the benefits of the EVFTA as soon as possible, the commercial part (EVFTA) will be proceeded first pending the finalization of the IPA and its ratification of member states’ parliaments, which takes longer and harder to estimate timing.

3- Could you please give us more detail about the IPA agreement? How will Vietnam businessmen be affected by this agreement? (Advantages and challenges)

In short, the IPA will provide levels of legal certainty for foreign investors that are unmatched in FDI history in Vietnam. The basic content of the IPA will be the ISDS mechanism. In disputes regarding investment (for example, expropriation without compensation, discrimination of investment) between the investor and the host state, an investor is allowed to bring the dispute to the Investment Tribunal for settlement. The final arbitral award is binding and enforceable without any question from the local courts regarding its validity. This is an advantage for European investors considering the fact that the percentage of annulled foreign arbitral awards in Vietnam remains relatively high for different reasons.

4- What is the next step to bring EVFTA into effect?

The EVFTA will be translated into Vietnamese and main languages of the EU. Then it will be submitted to ratification by competent body of each party. For Vietnam, it will be the National Assembly who ratifies the EVFTA. In the EU, the Commission has already submitted a proposal on signing and ratification of the EVFTA to the EU Council and published all texts.

5. For EVFTA, although not formally effective, this agreement has had a positive impact on relations between the EU and Vietnam. How do you rate this?

Nearly all customs duties – over 99% of the tariff lines will be eliminated for Vietnam. Vietnam’s products will have great opportunities to access EU’s market at more competitive price. According to MOIT Minister Tran Tuan Anh, exports from Vietnam into the EU could increase by $16 billion in the first one or two years, and reach $75-76 billion in 2028. The deal would also benefit the EU, increasing the region’s income by $34.4 billion in the long run.

6- The EU said it would help Vietnam to improve its capacity to effectively utilize the FTAs after being signed and put into practice. So what are the weaknesses that Vietnam needs to improve to be ready for EVFTA and IPA?

Vietnam needs to review the whole domestic legal framework to make sure there is no inconsistency with the EVFTA. The legal framework should also be ready to fully implement the EVFTA so as to avoid further disputes or bottlenecks in implementation.
In addition, domestic enterprises are still not familiar with the EVFTA. To take fully advantage of the agreement, Vietnam needs to conduct several trainings and seminars so that they are aware of the EVFTA’s benefits and how to utilize the agreement for their own business. Small and medium enterprises also need to improve management quality, workforce skills, competitiveness, etc. to survive in the domestic market before the wave of EU investment.

7 – How do you expect the official time that the EVFTA will take effect?

The EVFTA has been signed and will be ratified at the beginning of next year and will take effect in the same year 2019. It will contribute to make Vietnam the next manufacturing hub in Asia because China and the EU do not have a Free Trade Agreement. Vietnam will be “the next China” with regard to manufacturing for decades to come.
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com if you have any questions or want to know more details on the above. Dr. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.

Rechtsanwalt in Vietnam Oliver Massmann POWER UND ENERGIE IN VIETNAM – AUSBLICK FÜR DAS EU – VIETNAM FREIHANDELSABKOMMEN (EVFTA)

Vietnam hat das Bestreben zum Ausdruck gebracht, zu erneuerbarer und umweltfreundlicher Energie zu wechseln, wobei regional gewonnene Energie hinsichtlich sozialer, wirtschaftlicher und energieschonender Faktoren bevorzugt wird. Die zunehmende Nachfrage nach Energie drängt Vietnam dazu, lokale Ressourcen zu erschließen, was private Investitionen erfordert.

Vietnam ist bislang nicht unabhängig genug, um die der lokalen Nachfrage entsprechende Energie zur Verfügung zu stellen. Um Energieeffizienz zu erreichen, muss Vietnam eine doppelte Maßnahme anstrengen: die Entwicklung des lokalen Sektors durch private Investitionen und die Einrichtung von Verwaltungsmaßnahmen zur Senkung der Stromverschwendung durch die Nutzer.

Ein Bericht der “Made in Vietnam Energy Plan” -Kommission, kommt zu dem Schluss, dass Vietnam weiterhin die Nutzung herkömmlicher Energiequellen (Gas, Kohle, Wasserkraft, Öl, Wind, Solar) bis zur Entwicklung einer künftigen grünen Energie nutzen sollte. Aufgrund der erwarteten Wiedereinführung der Kohlenutzung, würde die Modernisierung von Kohlekraftwerken die Verschlechterung der Luftqualität verlangsamen, die durch ältere Kohlekraftwerke verursacht wird. Darüber hinaus könnten weitere Maßnahmen von der Regierung eingeleitet werden.

Förderung der Erdgas-Energie

Vietnam verfügt über Erdgasvorkommen, dessen Verwendung dem Kohleverbrauch vorzuziehen ist. Erdgas ist flexibler, billiger und sauberer als Kohle. Aufgrund vieler internationaler Vereinbarungen, die die erneuerbare Energieentwicklung fördern, wird es für Vietnam einfacher sein Investitionen für erneuerbare Energien als für Kohleenergie zu finden.

Investitionen in die Erdgasförderung sollten stark gefördert werden, da sie den internationalen Verträgen folgen und eine gute ökonomische und ökologische Alternative bieten. Die Regierung sollte daher Rahmenbedingungen und Regulierungen vorbereiten, um ausländische und inländische Investitionen, Technologie und Erfahrungsaustausch auszubauen und erfolgreiche Märkte zu entwickeln.

Darüber hinaus scheint die Entwicklung von Offshore Gas-to-Power eine weitere günstige und wirtschaftliche Alternative zu importierter Kohle zu sein. Nicht nur die Kosten der Erdgasausbeutung sind niedriger als die Kosten für saubere Kohleimporte oder –produktion, soweit Steuern und Lizenzgebühren im Zusammenhang mit Gaspreisen berücksichtigt werden, darüber hinaus würden auch mehr Investoren darauf aufmerksam werden. Außerdem würde es den Staat von hohen Ausgaben befreien, da der Internationale Währungsfonds (IMF) schätzte, dass die Gesundheits- und Umweltausgaben mit dem derzeitigen Energieentwicklungsplan, der auf Kohle abstellt, bis 2030 jährlich 15 Milliarden USD betragen würden.

Entwicklung von Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

Die Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) hat Empfehlungen für Wind- und Solarenergie-Kaufverträge (PPAs) für erneuerbare Energien abgegeben. Sie beinhalten eine spezifische Bewertung der Kosten und Tarife für PPAs, um mehr diskontfähig zu sein. Sicherzustellen, dass ihre Umsetzung stark gefördert wird, ist zur Förderung von dauerhafter und nachhaltiger Entwicklung empfehlenswert.

Unternehmen die sich öffentlich verpflichtet haben erneuerbare Energien zu nutzen und andere Großverbraucher, sollten das Recht haben, Direktverträge (DPPAs) mit Stromversorgern zu unterzeichnen. Bisher werden zum Beispiel in den Fällen von Nike, Coca-Cola, Apple, Google etc. nach der vietnamesischen Gesetzeslage DPPAs nicht ermöglicht. Durch die Änderung dieser Rechtslage, werden ausländische Investitionen in die Wertschöpfungskette der grünen Energie zunehmen.

Kontrolle der Stromnutzung und Reduzierung von Energieverschwendung

Durch eine effizientere Nutzung von Strom und eine Verringerung der Energieverschwendung wäre Vietnam eine wettbewerbsfähige und tragfähige Alternative für ausländische Direktinvestitionen. Die Gewährung steuerlicher Anreize für einzelne Haushalte und Unternehmen, die ihren Energieverbrauch reduzieren, sowie die Förderung von Solarenergie, Windenergie oder anderer erneuerbaren Energien, würde das Vertriebssystem entlasten und die Verbraucher fortbilden.

Die Entwicklung von Stromgewinnung aus Abfall in Gemeinden hätte einen doppelten Nutzen: die Verbesserung der Gesundheit und Hygiene sowie die Erhöhung der Stromversorgung und Entlastung der Stromverteilung. Die Kohlenstoffemissionen würden automatisch gesenkt.

Die Festlegung eines Energiepreis-Fahrplans mit marktbasierter Preisgestaltung und variablen Preisen unter Berücksichtigung der privaten, gewerblichen oder industriellen Nutzung sollte Vorrang haben. Die Überzeugung, dass der Energiepreis weiterhin von der Regierung subventioniert wird, macht jede Anstrengung zunichte, um Investitionen und Innovation in den Bereichen Energieeffizienz zu fördern. Außerdem kann ein Bewusstsein für die Energiekosten Verbraucher und Investoren dazu bewegen, effizientere Geräte und Verfahren zu gebrauchen.

Empfehlungen für Regierungsverordnungen

Um die vietnamesische Regierung zu unterstützen Umweltziele zu erreichen, sollte die Bonität des staatseigenen Unternehmens „Electricity of Vietnam“ (EVN) verbessert werden. Die Versicherung von EVN für erneuerbare Energieversorger zu zahlen durch die Erhöhung der internationalen Geber, wird dazu beitragen die Durchführbarkeit der Projekte zu gewährleisten und Investitionen zu fördern.

Ein nachhaltigerer Plan kann implementiert werden, wenn er mit ordnungsgemäßen Rahmenbedingungen umgesetzt wird. Die wichtigste Empfehlung zur Sicherstellung einer umweltfreundlicheren Zukunft ist es den Anteil der Kohlekraftwerke im Energieentwicklungsplan bis 2030 zu senken.

Es könnte ein flexibler Plan zur Anpassung der zukünftigen Nachfrage und zur Verhinderung von Schwankungen in der Nachfrage erstellt werden. Dieser Plan sollte ausländische und inländische Investoren anziehen und den Rückgriff auf ausländische Regierungen reduzieren. In jedem Fall würde die Regelung von obligatorischer Energieeffizienz und von Anforderungen im Bauwesen für die Wohnungs-, Büro- oder Einzelhandelsentwicklung sich positiv auf den Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien auswirken.

Ausblick auf die EVFTA

Die EVFTA, die am 2. Dezember 2015 unterzeichnet wurde, wird voraussichtlich bis Januar 2018 in Kraft treten. Die Beziehungen zwischen Vietnam und der EU werden stark intensiviert, zumal Vietnam das zweite Abkommen mit der EU nach Singapur unterzeichnet, das nicht konkurriert Die gleichen Felder. Viele Investoren werden von der EU nach Vietnam fließen und neue Technologien und Techniken einführen.

Ein Kapitel in der EVFTA ist der nachhaltigen Entwicklung gewidmet, und es steht zu erwarten, dass die EU als Verteidiger der erneuerbaren Energien, Vietnam dazu bewegen wird, seinen Energieentwicklungsplan in absehbarer Zeit zu überprüfen.

Die wichtigsten Fragen

– Der Kohle-Sektor soll nach dem Stromentwicklungsplan wiederbelebt werden, obwohl sauberere und wirtschaftlichere Alternativen Vietnam offen ständen.

– Der IMF schätzt, dass jährlich 15 Milliarden US-Dollar für Gesundheits- und Hygienekosten bereitgestellt werden müssen. Luftreinigung sowie ein Ende weiterer Luftverschmutzung ist ein Thema, für das dringender Handlungsbedarf besteht, was sich zusätzlich dramatisiert aufgrund der Wiedereinführungspläne der Kohleenergie.

– Die Gewährung von DPPAs würde Investitionen und Innovationen im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien fördern und das Vertriebssystem entlasten.

– Die Fortbildung von Lieferanten, Verbrauchern und Investoren durch eine Energiepreis-Übersichtskarte, die Entwicklung von Stromgewinnung aus Abfall und steuerliche Anreize ist der effektivste Weg, um die Einhaltung der Umweltschutzmaßnahmen der Regierung zu gewährleisten.

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Bitte zögern Sie nicht, Herrn Rechtsanwalt Oliver Massmann unter omassmann@duanemorris.com zu kontaktieren, sofern Sie Fragen haben oder mehr darüber erfahren möchten. Oliver Massmann ist der Geschäftsführer von Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.

Vielen Dank!

 

 

EU- VIETNAM FREE TRADE AGREEMENT – MARKET ACCESS OPPORTUNITIES

On 02 December 2015, after nearly 3 years with 14 rounds of negotiations, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, H.E. Vu Huy Hoang and the European Commissioner for Trade, H.E. Cecilia Malmström have signed the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both parties will finalize the ratification process as soon as possible for the FTA to take effect from the beginning of 2018.

The FTA is considered one of the most comprehensive and ambitious trade and investment agreements that the EU has ever concluded with a developing country. It is the second agreement in the ASEAN region after Singapore and it will intensify the bilateral relations between Vietnam and the EU. Vietnam will have access to a potential market of 500 million people and a total GDP of USD15,000 billion (accounting for 22% of the global GDP). The other way around, exporters and investors from EU have further opportunities to access one of the fastest-growing countries of more than 90 million people in the region.

The real wages of skilled laborers may increase by up to 12% while real salary of common workers may rise by 13%. The macro economy will be stable and inflation rate is controlled. Vietnam’s business activities will be booming in the next few years once the EU- Vietnam FTA officially comes into force and Government’s policies as well as institutional reforms start showing their positive effects.

Vietnam’s GDP is expected to increase by 0.5% annually; increase in exports is 4-6% per year. If this trend continues until 2020, Vietnam’s exports to EU will increase by USD 16 billion. Until 2025, the FTA is estimated to generate an additional 7-8% of GDP above the trend growth rate.

Market access for goods

 Nearly all customs duties – over 99% of the tariff lines will be eliminated. The small remaining number is partially liberalized though tariff tare quotas. As Vietnam is a developing country, it will liberalize 65% of import duties on EU exports to Vietnam at entry into force and the remaining duties will be eliminated over the next ten years. For some products, EU duties will be eliminated over a seven-year period such as motorcycles with engines larger than 150 cc, car parts, about half of EU pharmaceutical exports. The market will be opened for most of EU food products, i.e. wine, spirits and frozen pork meat after seven years and for dairy products after a maximum of five years. This is unprecedented far-reaching tariff elimination for a country like Vietnam, proving its targets of deeper integration and trading relations with the EU.

From the EU side, it agrees to eliminate duties for 85% of the tariff lines for goods imported from Vietnam immediately at the entry into force of the FTA. Within 7 years from the effective date of the FTA, there is more than 99% of the tariff lines being eliminated for Vietnam. The EU will eliminate duties for some sensitive products in the textile and footwear sector over a 5-7-year period, with a fabric-forward rule (instead of a strict yarn-forward rule as in the TPP) and allowing Vietnam to import fabrics from South Korea. The EU also offers access to some Vietnamese sensitive agricultural products via tariff rate quotas (TRQs), in addition to a number of main Vietnamese exports such as mobile phones, computer accessories, and sport shoes. Vietnamese exports of textile, clothing and footwear to the EU are expected to more than double in 2020 as a result of the FTA.

We note that besides Vietnam in the region, Singapore also concluded an FTA with the EU in 2014. However, this does not affect the competitiveness of Vietnam in trading with the EU. This is due to the fact that Vietnam mainly exports textiles, footwear, agricultural products, etc. while Singapore’s main exports are machines, chemical products and transport equipment. Moreover, while the EU is accelerating procedures to negotiate FTAs with different countries in the ASEAN region, Vietnam should take advantage of this golden time before FTAs with others in the region are concluded and become effective.

 Market access for EU service providers

Although Vietnam’s WTO commitments are used as a basis for the Chapter on Trade in Services and Commitments, Vietnam has not only opened additional (sub)sectors for EU service providers but also commits deeper than in the WTO, offering its EU partners best possible access to Vietnam’s market.  (Sub)sectors that are not committed under the WTO but under which Vietnam makes commitments are, for example:  Interdisciplinary R&D services; Nursing services, physiotherapists and para-medical personnel; Packaging services; Trade fairs and exhibitions services; Building-cleaning services. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the FTA contains a provision that allows one party to grant the other party the best treatment that the former is negotiating with other partners under other framework (for example, TPP, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,  Vietnam – European Free Trade Association) on 17 July 2015.

We set out below certain Vietnam’s commitments in key sectors with reference to its commitment in the WTO.

 

Distribution sector

WTO requires an Economic Needs Test (ENT) for establishment of outlets for retail services (beyond the first one). EVFTA requires the same but adds cases for ENT exemption and timeline for ENT abolishment.

 

processed oil and crude oil by foreign investors are still prohibited

WTO EVFTA
The establishment of outlets for retail services (beyond the first one) shall be allowed on the basis of an Economic Needs Test (ENT) In case of establishing an outlet less than 500m2 within the area planned for trading activities and already completed construction of infrastructure, ENT is not required.

5 years from the date of entry into force of the Agreement, the requirement of the ENT will be abolished.

 

Power/ Energy

 

WTO EVFTA
N/A Commitments are made in 3 sub-sectors: (i) Production of electricity; transmission and distribution of electricity on own account; (ii) Manufacture of gas; distribution of gaseous fuels through mains on own account; and (iii) Production of steam and hot water; distribution of steam and hot water on own account.

 

Maritime Transport

 

Sub-sectors WTO EVFTA
Maritime transport services Mode 3 Market Access (MA): joint venture with maximum 49% foreign ownership Mode 3 MA: joint venture with maximum 70% foreign ownership
Internal Waterways transport

+ Passenger transport

+ Freight transport

 

Mode 1: No commitment

Mode 3: joint venture with maximum 49% foreign ownership

Mode 1: No restriction

Mode 3: joint venture with maximum 51% foreign ownership

 

Securities services

 

WTO EVFTA
Commitments on 6 sub-sectors

 

 

Mode 3:

foreign securities service suppliers are permitted to establish representative offices and joint ventures with maximum foreign ownership of 49%.

 

After 5 years from the date of accession, securities service suppliers with 100% foreign-invested capital shall be permitted.

Same commitments in 6 sub-sectors

 

 

Commitments on 2 additional services: Provision and transfer of financial data processing; and credit reference and analysis.

 

Mode 3: Same as the WTO

 

Telecommunication Services

 

  • Non facilities-based services: WTO/ AFAS: maximum 65% foreign ownership forever but in the EVFTA after 5 years, this could be 75%.
  • Other services – Virtual Private Network (VPN): maximum 70% foreign ownership forever but in the EVFTA after 5 years, this could be 75%.

Conclusion

 Vietnam is a country of changes and currently offering increasing opportunities for foreign businesses. The underlying strength of the economy is reflected in, among others, controlled macroeconomic indicators, strong productivity gains and extensive integration into regional and global economy. It is now exactly time for foreign investors to start their business plans and grasp the upcoming clear opportunities.

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Please do not hesitate to contact Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com; if you have any questions or want to know more details on the above. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC. THANK YOU !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawyer in Vietnam Oliver Massmann EU-VIETNAM FREE TRADE AGREEMENT OFFICIALLY SIGNED

On 02 December 2015, after nearly 3 years with 14 rounds of negotiations, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, H.E. Vu Huy Hoang and the European Commissioner for Trade, H.E. Cecilia Malmström have signed the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Both parties will finalize the ratification process as soon as possible for the FTA to take effect from the beginning of 2018.
The FTA is considered one of the most comprehensive and ambitious trade and investment agreements. It is the second agreement in the ASEAN region after Singapore and it will intensify the bilateral relations between Vietnam and the EU.
The agreement has separate chapters on Trade of Goods, Rules of Origin, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade in Services, Investment, Trade Remedies, competition, State-Owned Enterprises, Government Procurement, Intellectual Property, sustainable Development, Cooperation and Capacity Building, Legal and Institutional Issues.
Nearly all customs duties – over 99% of the tariffs will be eliminated. The small remaining number is mainly due to the transition period. Vietnam will liberalize 65% of import duties on EU exports to Vietnam at entry into force and the remaining duties will be eliminated due to the next ten years; EU duties will be eliminated over a seven year period. The market will be opened for most of EU food products, i.e. wine, spirits and frozen pork meat will be liberalized after seven years and dairy products after a maximum of five years. The EU will eliminate duties for some sensitive products in the textile and footwear sector. The EU has offered access to Vietnamese exports via tariff rate quotas (TRQs), because some sensitive agricultural products will not be fully liberalized. Furthermore, the agreement will contain an annex with provisions to address non-tariff barriers in the automotive sector. Vietnamese exports of textile, clothing and footwear to the EU are expected to more than double in 2020 as a result of the FTA.
The FTA will help to increase quality of investment flows from EU, accelerate the process of sharing expertise and transfer of green technology and the creation of more employment activities.
The real wages of skilled laborers may increase by up to 12% while real salary of common workers may rise by 13%. The macro economy will be stable and inflation rate is controlled. Vietnam’s business activities will be booming in the next few years once the EU- Vietnam FTA officially comes into force and Government’s policies as well as institutional reforms start showing their positive effects.
Vietnam’s GDP is expected to increase by 0.5% annually, increase in exports is 4-6% per year. If this trend continues until 2020, Vietnam’s exports to EU will increase by USD 16 billion. Until 2025, the FTA is estimated to generate an additional 7-8% of GDP above the trend growth rate.
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Please do not hesitate to contact Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com if you have any questions or want to know more details on the above. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.

BREAKING NEWS – EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement: In-principle agreement reached – Vietnam to benefit from greater market access for its goods and services – WHAT YOU MUST KNOW:

The Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, H.E. Vu Huy Hoang and the European Commissioner for Trade, H.E. Cecilia Malmström agreed in principle on the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
After a teleconference on the 4th August 2015 and three years of negotiations with commitments taken by both sides the FTA is considered one of the most comprehensive and ambitious trade and investment agreement. The legal text will be negotiated after the summer break and both sides are aiming to sign and ratify the agreement within this year. It is the second agreement in the ASEAN region after Singapore and it will intensify the bilateral relations between Vietnam and the EU.
The agreement will comprises of Trade of Goods, Rules of Origin, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures and Technical Barriers to Trade, Trade in Services, Investment, Trade Remedies, competition, State-Owned Enterprises, Government Procurement, Intellectual Property, sustainable Development, Cooperation and Capacity Building, Legal and Institutional Issues.
The FTA is considered to bring a positive impact for both sides especially for the Trade and Investment Sectors.
Nearly all customs duties – over 99% of the tariffs will be eliminated. The small remaining number is mainly due to the transition period. Vietnam will liberalize 65% of import duties on EU exports to Vietnam at entry into force and the remaining duties will be eliminated due to the next ten years; EU duties will be eliminated over a seven year period. The market will be opened for most of EU food products, i.e. wine, spirits and frozen pork meat will be liberalized after seven years and dairy products after a maximum of five years. The EU will eliminate duties for some sensitive products in the textile and footwear sector. The EU has offered access to Vietnamese exports via tariff rate quotas (TRQs), because some sensitive agricultural products will not be fully liberalized. Furthermore, the agreement will contain an annex with provisions to address non-tariff barriers in the automotive sector.
Regarding the investment sector, the FTA will be able to ensure an open and conductive business and investment environment, particularly will it help to promote the capital flow from the EU and gives Vietnam the opportunity to become a hub whilst connecting the EU’s trade and investments with the region. Both sides have achieved a lot, but the provisions concerning the investment protection and dispute settlements are still being negotiated.
The commitments made concerning investment, trade in service, government procurement, intellectual property rights, etc. will ensure an overall balance between both sides. Even Vietnam has to adapt new regulations. Those adjustments are in content with the Vietnamese attempt of administrative reforms to strengthen the country. Moreover Vietnam will achieve a grade of transparency and procedural fairness.
In the context of Intellectual Property Rights Vietnam has itself committed to standards which go beyond those of the WTO TRIP agreement and is creating a safer environment for EU innovations and brands and a stronger enforcement of those provisions.
Signing the FTA will have a broad impact on Vietnam, i.e. create more jobs and stabilize the welfare for Vietnam. Furthermore, there will be many opportunities to get access to modern technology and sharpen management skills.
There will be a framework within the FTA to resolve any future disagreement which may follow about the understanding and implementation of the agreement.

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Please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Oliver Massmann under omassmann@duanemorris.com if you have any questions on the above. Oliver Massmann is the General Director of Duane Morris Vietnam LLC.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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The opinions expressed on this blog are those of the author and are not to be construed as legal advice.

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