LAUNCHING BUSINESS HANDBOOK BY VIETNAM EMBASSY IN THE PHILIPPINES
In recent years, Vietnam-Philippines economic relations have been on rapid increase. In 2008, two-way trade value already reached USD2.2 billion, bypassing the target set at USD2 billion for 2010. Vietnam is the top rice exporter to the Philippines, accounting for over 80% of the country’s imported rice volume. The Philippines ranks fourth among ASEAN countries investing in Vietnam with 39 projects and total registered capital of USD276 million. However, these outcomes are still not commensurate with our great cooperation potential. With an aim to further promote bilateral trade and investment to facilitate business between the two countries, Vietnam Embassy in the Philippines publishes a business handbook titled Doing Business in Vietnam and the Philippines: Information and Experiences.

The Business Handbook  consists of 12 chapters, of which six first chapters are written in English (Part I), especially for Philippine businesspersons interested in doing business in Vietnam and six last chapters written in Vietnamese (Part II) for Vietnamese businesspersons interested in doing business with Philippine counterparts. Apart from 12 chapters, there are 13 appendixes providing practical business information. The 12 chapters comprise of (i) Overview of the country and people; (ii) The economy; (iii) Trade policies and practices; (iv) Policies and regulations vis a vis foreign direct investment (FDI); and (v) Taxation. In addition, each part contains one chapter specific for Vietnam and the Philippines, namely rice export of Vietnam, and education and professional training in the Philippines.

During the talks at General Meeting of Metro Manila Chamber of Commerce and Industry (26 November 2009) and at Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research on Agriculture (24 November 2009), Ambassador Vu Xuan Truong will introduce the Business Handbook. The Business Handbook has also been sent to business concerned Government agencies of both countries, including Philippine Embassy and Consulate General in Vietnam, business associations and companies of the two countries. The Handbook could be obtained in the Embassy of Vietnam in the Philippines (free of charge).

We look forward to comments and suggestions by the readers to the Handbook so that the next publication will be better in terms of contents and appearance.

Mabuhay and thank you very much!
 
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