Opportunities for Exporters
There are growing opportunities for UK companies in Vietnam , across a range of sectors .
Education
Growing demand for English language training . There is growing demand in Vietnam to learn English in order to access higher paid jobs , and a growing ability to afford training due to continued economic growth . The sector is receiving substantial investment and there is strong political will to upskill the labour force .
Growing demand for higher education and teacher training . There is growing demand for quality higher education and Vietnam is open to international education , joint degree programmes , and transnational education partnerships . Due to a shortage of teachers there are ongoing opportunities for UK companies .
Energy
Growing demand for technical training and professional qualifications Technical and vocational training is central to Vietnam ’ s development plans , to meet the needs of an evolving labour market . There is demand particularly in IT , science , technology , engineering and mathematics ( STEM ) and education technology .
Ambitious energy transition strategy . With electricity demand projected to continue to rise rapidly , there is increasing need in Vietnam for policy and regulation support , technology , equipment and capacity-building for the renewable energy sector .
Plentiful natural resources for renewable energy . Vietnam ’ s significant geographical advantages include high wind speeds off the south coast , and high solar irradiance . The solar power sector is one of the fastest-growing in the region , and the offshore wind sector is similarly set to grow rapidly .
Infrastructure
An expanding public transport network Plans to develop metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are in the early stages . Initial steps towards building a highspeed North-South railway are expected in 2021 . This will create opportunities for UK businesses who have products and services in the railway supply chain .
Opportunities to participate in regional partnerships Many infrastructure projects in Vietnam are supported by development assistance funding from other countries or the Asian Development Bank . There are opportunities for UK businesses to participate and play a role in the supply chain via partnerships with third countries .
Expansion of opportunities in aviation Vietnam ’ s expansion of existing airlines and the entry of new operators offers possibilities for UK companies to provide equipment , training and other aviation services . Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City remains one of the busiest domestic routes worldwide .
Healthcare
Expansion and diversification of the healthcare sector Healthcare spending continues to grow as the country aims to increase the skills of its healthcare workforce and improves its capability to deliver quality healthcare .
Demand for imported pharmaceutical products Vietnam imports 60 % of its pharmaceutical end products and 90 % of its active pharmaceutical ingredients ( Vietnam Foreign Investment Agency , 2019 ).
Major developments in healthcare infrastructure Vietnam is investing in healthcare infrastructure projects , including the construction of more hospitals . Low corporate income tax and tax exemptions are among the incentives offered to overseas healthcare investors .