WTO_Undertaken by Vietnam No. 318/WTO/CK of October 27, 2006, Schedule of Specific Commitments in Services

World Trade

Organization

RESTRICTED

WT/ACC/VNM/48/Add.2

27 October 2006

(06-5203)

Working Party on the

Accession of Viet Nam

I.     HORIZONTAL COMMITMENTS

ALL SECTORS INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEDULE

(3)   None, except:

       Unless otherwise specified in each specific sector or sub-sector of this Schedule, foreign enterprises are allowed to establish commercial presence in Viet Nam in the form of business co-operation contract[1], joint venture enterprise, 100% foreign-invested enterprise.

Representative offices of foreign service suppliers are permitted to be established in Viet Nam, but they shall not engage in any direct profit-making activities[2].

Unless otherwise indicated in each specific sector or sub-sector of this Schedule, the establishment of branches is unbound.

(3)   None, except: 

       Eligibility for subsidies may be limited to Vietnamese service suppliers, i.e. to juridical persons established within the territory of Viet Nam, or a part thereof.  The granting of one-time subsidization to promote and facilitate the process of equitisation is not in breach of this commitment.  Unbound for subsidies for Research and Development. Unbound for subsidies in the Health, Education and Audio-visual sectors.  Unbound for subsidies aimed at promoting the welfare and employment of ethnic minorities.

The conditions of ownership, operation and juridical form and scope of activities as set out in the respective licenses or other form of approval establishing or authorizing the operation or supply of services by an existing foreign service supplier shall not be made more restrictive than they exist as of the date of Viet Nam’s accession to the WTO.

Foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted by competent authorities of Viet Nam to lease the land to carry out their investment projects.  The land leasing period shall correspond to the time of operation of those enterprises and shall be stipulated in their investment licenses and shall be extended whenever the time of operation of those enterprises is extended by competent authorities.

Foreign service suppliers are permitted to make capital contribution in the form of buying shares of Viet Nam’s enterprises.  In this case, the total equity held by foreign investors in each enterprise may not exceed 30% of the enterprise’s chartered capital unless otherwise provided by Viet Nam’s laws or authorized by Viet Nam’s competent authority.

One year after accession, the 30% foreign equity limitation for acquisition of Vietnamese enterprises shall be eliminated, except for capital contribution in the form of buying shares of joint-stock commercial banks, and except for the sectors not committed in this Schedule. For the other sectors and sub-sectors committed in this Schedule, the level of equity held by foreign investors in acquisition of Vietnamese enterprises shall be corresponding to the limitations on foreign capital participation set forth therein, if any, including the

limitations in the form of

transitional periods, where applicable. 

(4)   Unbound, except measures relating to entry and temporary stay of natural persons who fall in one of the following categories:

(a)   Intra-corporate transferees

Managers, executives and specialists, as defined hereunder, of a foreign enterprise which has established a commercial presence in the territory of Viet Nam, temporarily moving as intra-corporate transferees to that commercial presence and who have been previously employed by the foreign enterprise for at least one year,  shall be granted entry and a stay permit for an initial period of three years which may be extended subject to the term of operation of those entities in Viet Nam. At least 20% of the total number of managers, executives and specialists shall be Vietnamese nationals. However, a minimum of 3 non-Vietnamese managers, executives and specialists shall be permitted per enterprise.

Managers and executives are those who primarily direct the management of the foreign enterprises which have established commercial presence in Viet Nam, receiving only general supervision or direction from the board of directors or stockholders of the business or their equivalent, including directing the establishment or a department or subdivision of the establishment, supervising and controlling the work of other supervisory, professional or managerial employees, having the authority personally to hire and fire or recommend hiring, firing or other personnel actions, and who do not directly perform tasks concerning the actual supply of the services of the establishment.

Specialists are natural persons working within an organization who possess knowledge at an advanced level of expertise and with knowledge of the organization’s services, research equipment, techniques or management.  In assessing such knowledge, account will be taken not only of knowledge specific to the commercial presence, but also of whether the person has a high level of skills or qualification referring to a type of work or trade requiring specific technical knowledge.  Specialists may include, but are not limited to, members of licensed professions.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in market access column.

(b)   Other personnel

       Managers, executives and specialists, as defined in (a) above, who cannot be substituted by Vietnamese and who are employed outside Viet Nam’s territory by a foreign enterprise which has established a commercial presence in the territory of Viet Nam with a view to participating in the foreign enterprise’s activities in Viet Nam, shall be granted entry and a stay permit in conformity with the term of the concerned employment contract or for an initial period of three years whichever is shorter, which may be extended subject to the employment contract between them and the commercial presence.

(c)   Service sales persons

       Persons not based in the territory of Viet Nam and receiving no remuneration from a source located within Viet Nam, and who are engaged in activities related to representing a service provider for the purpose of negotiating for the sale of the services of that provider where:  (i) such sales are not directly made to the general public; and (ii) the salesperson is not directly engaged in supplying the service. The stay of these salespersons is limited to a 90-day period.

(d)   Persons responsible for setting up a commercial presence

Managers and executives (as defined in (a) above) within a juridical person, who are responsible for the setting up, in Viet Nam, of a commercial presence of a service provider of a Member when (i) these people are not engaged in making direct sales or supplying services; and (ii) the service provider has its principal place of business in the territory of a WTO Member other than Viet Nam and has no other commercial presence in Viet Nam. The stay of these persons is limited to a 90-day period.

(e)   Contractual service suppliers (CSS)

Natural persons who are employees of a foreign enterprise having no commercial presence in Viet Nam may enter and stay in Viet Nam for a period of 90 days or for the duration of the contract, whichever is less provided that the following conditions and requirements shall be applied:

       –      The foreign enterprise has obtained a service contract from a Vietnamese enterprise engaged in business operation in Viet Nam. The competent authority of Viet Nam must be able to establish the necessary procedures to guarantee the bona fide character of the contract.

       –      These persons must possess: (a) a university degree or a technical qualification document demonstrating knowledge of an equivalent level; (b) professional qualifications where this is required to exercise an activity in the sector concerned pursuant to the laws and regulations of Viet Nam; and (c) at least 5 years of professional experience in the sector.

       –      The number of these persons covered by the service contract shall not be larger than necessary to fulfil the contract, as it may be decided by the laws and regulations and requirement of Viet Nam.

       –      These persons should have been employed by the foreign enterprise having no commercial presence in Viet Nam for a period of no less than 2 years and have met the requirements prescribed for “specialist” above.

The entry of these persons is allowed for computer and related services (CP 841‑845, 849) and engineering services (CPC 8672).

II.    SECTOR-SPECIFIC COMMITMENTS

1.    BUSINESS SERVICES

A.    Professional Services

(a)   Legal services

(CPC 861, excluding:

–       participation in legal proceedings in the capacity of defenders or representatives of their clients before the courts of Viet Nam;

–       legal documentation and certification services of the laws of Viet Nam)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Foreign lawyers organizations[3] are permitted to establish commercial presence in Viet Nam in the following forms:

–          Branches of  foreign lawyers organizations;

–          Subsidiaries of foreign lawyers organizations;

–          Foreign law firms[4];

–          Partnerships between foreign lawyers organizations and Viet Nam’s law partnerships.

       Commercial presences of foreign lawyers organizations are permitted to make consultations on Vietnamese laws if the consulting lawyers have graduated from a Vietnamese law college and satisfy requirements applied to like Vietnamese law practitioners.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(b)   Accounting and auditing and bookkeeping services

       (CPC 862)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(c)   Taxation services

       (CPC 863)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       For the period of 1 year from the date of accession, the licensing shall be made on the case by case basis and the number of service providers shall be decided by Ministry of Finance subject to the need and development scope of Viet Nam’s market[5].

       For the period of 1 year from the date of accession, foreign-invested enterprises providing taxation services are only permitted to supply services to foreign-invested enterprises and foreign funded projects in Viet Nam.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(d)   Architectural services

       (CPC 8671)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       For the period of 2 years from the date of WTO accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises may only provide services to foreign-invested enterprises in Viet Nam.

       Foreign enterprises have to be juridical persons of a WTO Member.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(e)   Engineering services

       (CPC 8672)

(f)    Integrated engineering services

       (CPC 8673)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       For the period of 2 years from the date of WTO accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises may only provide services to foreign-invested enterprises in Viet Nam.

       Foreign enterprises have to be juridical persons of a WTO Member.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       The supply of services related to topographical, geotechnical, hydro geological and environmental surveys and technical surveys for urban-rural development planning, sectoral development planning are subject to the authorization of the Government of Viet Nam[6].

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(g)   Urban planning and urban landscape architectural services

       (CPC 8674)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       After 2 years from the date of accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises may be established.

       For the period of 2 years from the date of WTO accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises may only provide services to foreign-invested enterprises in Viet Nam.

       Foreign enterprises have to be juridical persons of a WTO Member. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None, except the service must be authenticated by an architect who has appropriate practicing certificate working in a Vietnamese architectural organization which has juridical entity status, and comply with relevant laws and regulations of Viet Nam.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except the responsible foreign architects working in foreign-invested enterprises must have the professional practicing certificate granted or recognized by the Government of Viet Nam.

       In some areas, subject to the regulations of the Government of Viet Nam for national security and social stability purposes, foreign service suppliers may not be permitted to provide this service[7].

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(i)    Veterinary services 

       (CPC 932)[8]

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Access is granted to natural persons exclusively for the conduct of private professional practice and under the authorization by the veterinary authorities.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

B.    Computer and Related Services (CPC 841-845, CPC 849)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       For the period of 2 years from the date of WTO accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises may only provide services to foreign-invested enterprises in Viet Nam. 

       After 3 years from the date of accession, branching is allowed. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that the chief of the branch has to be a resident in Viet Nam.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

C.    Research and Development Services

(a)   R&D services on natural sciences

       (CPC 851)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

E.    Rental/Leasing Services without Operators

(b)   Relating to aircraft

       (CPC 83104)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(d)   Relating to other machinery and equipment

       (CPC 83109)

(1)   Unbound, except for industrial machinery and equipment[9]:  None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound, except for industrial machinery and equipment:  None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

F.    Other Business Services

(a)   Advertising services

       (CPC 871, excluding advertising for cigarettes)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, foreign service suppliers are permitted to establish joint venture or business cooperation contract with Vietnamese partners who are legally authorized to do advertising services.

       Upon accession, joint ventures shall be allowed with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% of the legal capital of the joint venture. As of 1 January 2009, there shall be no limitation on foreign capital contribution in the joint ventures.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

The advertising for wines and spirits shall be subject to State regulations, which are applied on a non-discriminatory basis.

(b)   Market research services

       (CPC 864, excluding 86402)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession joint ventures shall be allowed with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% of the legal capital of the joint venture. As of 1 January 2009, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(c)   Management consultant services (CPC 865)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

       After 3 years from the date of accession, branching is allowed. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that the chief of the branch has to be a resident in Viet Nam. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(d)   Services related to management consulting

–    CPC 866, except CPC 86602

–    Arbitration and conciliation services for commercial disputes between businesses

                 (CPC 86602**)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that:

       After 3 years from the date of accession, branching is allowed.

       For CPC 866 except CPC 86602: for the period of 1 year from the date of accession: only in the form of joint venture or business cooperation contract. Thereafter: none.

       For Arbitration and conciliation services for commercial disputes between businesses (CPC 86602**): for the period of 3 years from the date of accession: unbound.  Thereafter: none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except  that the chief of the branch has to be a resident in Viet Nam. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(e)   Technical testing and analysis services

       (CPC 8676, excluding conformity testing of transport vehicles and certification of transport vehicles)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except where Viet Nam allows private suppliers access to a sector previously closed to private sector competition on the grounds that the service had been supplied in the exercise of governmental authority, joint ventures to supply such service shall be allowed without limitation on foreign ownership 3 years after such access to private sector competition is allowed.  Five years after those private sector services suppliers have been granted such access: none.

Access to certain geographic areas may be restricted for national security reasons.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(f)    Services incidental to agriculture, hunting and forestry

       (CPC 881)[10]

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Only in the form of joint-venture or business co-operation contract.  Foreign capital contribution may not exceed 51% of the legal capital of the joint venture.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Access to certain geographical areas may be restricted.[11]

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(h)   Services incidental to mining (CPC 883)

1.    The commitments specified hereunder are not understood to cover the following activities: supply of equipment, materials and chemicals, supply base services, offshore/marine support vessels, accommodation and catering, helicopter services.

2.    The commitments specified hereunder are made without prejudice to the rights of the Government of Viet Nam to set out the necessary regulations and procedures to regulate the oil and gas related activities carried out within the territory or jurisdiction of Viet Nam in full conformity with the rights and obligations of Viet Nam under the GATS.

(1)     None, except: companies without a commercial presence may be required to be registered with the competent authority of the Government of Viet Nam under the terms outlined in Viet Nam’s applicable laws.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49% shall be permitted. After 3 years from the date of accession, this limitation shall be 51%.  Two years thereon, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None, except as indicated in market access column.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except as indicated in the market access column.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(i)    Services incidental to manufacturing  (CPC 884 and 885)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       After 3 years from the date of accession, only joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 50% shall be permitted.  Five years thereon: 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(m)  Related scientific and technical consulting services[12]
(CPC 86751, 86752 and 86753 only)

(1)   None, except: companies without a commercial presence  may be required to be registered with the competent authority of the Government of Viet Nam under the terms outlined in Viet Nam’s applicable laws.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49% shall be permitted. After 2 years from the date of accession, this limitation shall be 51%.  Two years thereon, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None, except as indicated in the market access column.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except as indicated in the market access column.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(n)   Maintenance and repair of equipment (not including maritime vessels, aircraft or other transport equipment)
(CPC 633)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49% shall be permitted. After 3 years from the date of accession, this limitation shall be 51%. Two years thereon, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except as indicated in the market access column.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

2.    COMMUNICATION SERVICES

B.    Courier Services (CPC 7512**)

*  Express delivery services[13], i.e. services consisting of collection, sorting, transport and delivery, whether for domestic or  foreign destination, of:

(a)   Written communication[14], on any kind of physical medium, including:

       –    Hybrid mail service;

       –    Direct mail.

       Except for the handling of items of written communication the price of which is less than:

       –    10 times the tariff for the handling of a standard domestic letter in the first weight level for domestic shipments;

       –    US$9 for international shipments;

       provided that the gross weight of these items is less than 2,000 grams.

(b)   Parcels[15] and other goods.

* Handling of non-addressed items.

(1)   None.[16]

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that foreign ownership in joint ventures may be limited to 51% within the first 5 years after accession.

       After 5 years from the date of accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)     None.

(3)     None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Services and services suppliers of any other Member shall be accorded treatment no less favourable than the treatment accorded to the Vietnamese Post Office or its subsidiaries for its competitive activities.

C.    Telecommunication Services

Commitments hereunder are made in accordance with “Notes for Scheduling Basic Telecom Services Commitments” (S/GBT/W/2/REV.1) and “Market Access Limitations on Spectrum Availability” (S/GBT/W/3).  For the purpose of these commitments, a “non-facilities based service supplier” means a service supplier which does not own transmission capacity but contracts for such capacity including submarine cable capacity, including on a long-term basis, from a facilities-based supplier. A non facilities-based supplier is not otherwise excluded from owning telecommunications equipment within their premises and permitted public service provision points (POP).

Basic telecommunication services

(a)   Voice telephone services

       (CPC 7521)

(b)   Packet-switched data transmission services

       (CPC 7523**)

(c)   Circuit-switched data transmission services

       (CPC 7523**)

(d)   Telex services

       (CPC 7523**)

(e)   Telegraph services

       (CPC 7523**)

(f)    Facsimile services

       (CPC 7521** + 7529**)

(g)   Private leased circuit services

       (CPC 7522** + 7523**)

(1)   None, except:

       Wire-based and mobile terrestrial services:  Service must be offered through commercial arrangements with an entity established in Viet Nam and licensed to provide international telecommunication services.

       Satellite-based services: Subject to commercial arrangements with Vietnamese international satellite service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam, except satellite-based services offered to:

(1)   None.

Viet Nam undertakes the obligations in the Reference Paper attached hereto.

For consortium submarine cable links where Viet Nam is member, foreign service suppliers shall be permitted to control fully-owned submarine cable transmission capacity (e.g. IRU or consortium ownership) terminating at a licensed cable landing station in Viet Nam, and to provide such capacity to international facilities-based service suppliers licensed in Viet Nam. 4 years after accession foreign service suppliers shall be permitted to provide such

capacity to international VPN and IXP service suppliers licensed in Viet Nam.

(o*)  Other services

–      Videoconference services

       (CPC 75292)

–      Video Transmission services, excluding broadcasting[17]

–      Radio based services includes:

       + Mobile telephone
(terrestrial and satellite)

       + Mobile data
(terrestrial and satellite)

       + Paging

       + PCS

       + Trunking

–      Internet Exchange Service (IXP)[18]

–    Upon accession: off-shore/on sea based business customers, government institutions, facilities-based service suppliers, radio and television broadcasters, official international organization’ representative offices, diplomatic representatives and consulates, high tech and software development parks who are licensed to use satellite-earth stations;

–    Three years after accession: multinational companies[19], which are licensed to use satellite-earth stations.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

       Non facilities-based services:  Upon accession joint ventures with telecommunications service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 51% of legal capital of the joint ventures. Three years after accession:  joint venture will be allowed without limitation on choice of partner.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 65% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       Facilities-based services:  Upon accession, joint venture with telecommunications service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed. Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 49% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       51% gives management control of the joint venture.

       In the telecommunications sector, foreign investors in BCC will have the possibility to renew current arrangements or to convert them into another form of establishment with conditions no less favourable than those they currently enjoy.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Basic telecommunication services:

(o*)  Other services

–      Virtual Private Network (VPN)[20]

(1)   None, except:

       Wire-based and mobile terrestrial services:  Service must be offered through commercial arrangements with an entity established in Viet Nam and licensed to provide international telecommunication services. 

       Satellite-based services: Subject to commercial arrangements with Vietnamese international satellite service suppliers duly licensed  in Viet Nam, except satellite-based services offered to:

       –    Upon accession: off-shore/on sea based business customers, government institutions, facilities-based service suppliers, radio and television broadcasters, official international organization’ representative offices, diplomatic representatives and consulates, high tech and software development parks who are licensed to use satellite-earth stations;

(1)   None.

Viet Nam undertakes the obligations in the Reference Paper attached hereto.

For consortium submarine cable links where Viet Nam is member, foreign service suppliers shall be permitted to control fully-owned submarine cable transmission capacity (e.g. IRU or consortium ownership) terminating at a licensed cable landing station in Viet Nam, and to provide such capacity to international facilities-based service suppliers licensed in Viet Nam. 4 years after accession foreign service suppliers shall be permitted to provide such capacity to international VPN and IXP service suppliers licensed in Viet Nam.

       –    Three years after accession: multinational companies¹⁹, which are licensed to use satellite-earth stations.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Non facilities-based services: Upon accession, joint ventures shall be allowed without limitation on choice of partner.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 70% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       Facilities-based services: Upon accession, joint venture with telecommunications service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed. Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 49% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Value-added services

(h)   Electronic mail

       (CPC 7523 **)

(i)    Voice mail

       (CPC 7523 **)

(j)    On-line information and database retrieval 

       (CPC 7523**)

(k)   Electronic data interchange (EDI)

       (CPC 7523**)

(l)    Enhance/value-added facsimile services, incl store and forward, store and retrieve

       (CPC 7523**)

(m)  Code and protocol conversion

(n)   On-line information and data processing (incl. transaction processing)

       (CPC 843**)

(1)   None, except:

       Wire-based and mobile terrestrial services: Service must be offered through commercial arrangements with an entity established in Viet Nam and licensed to provide international telecommunication services. 

       Satellite-based services:  Subject to commercial arrangements with Vietnamese international satellite service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam, except satellite-based services offered to: 

       –    Upon accession:  off-shore/on sea based business customers, government institutions, facilities-based service suppliers, radio and television broadcasters, official international organization’ representative offices, diplomatic representatives and consulates, high tech and software development parks who are licensed to use satellite-earth stations;

       –    Three years after accession: multinational companies¹⁹, which are licensed to use satellite-earth stations.

(1)   None.

Viet Nam undertakes the

obligations in the Reference Paper attached hereto.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Non facilities-based services:

Upon accession:  business cooperation contracts or joint ventures will be allowed. Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 51% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

Three years after accession:  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 65% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       Facilities-based services:  Upon accession, business cooperation contracts or joint ventures (JV) with telecommunications service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 50% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       Fifty-one % gives management control of the joint venture.

       In the telecommunications sector, foreign investors in BCC will have the possibility to renew current arrangements or to convert them into another form of establishment with conditions no less favourable than those they currently enjoy.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Value added services

(o)   Other

–      Internet Access Services IAS[21]

(1)   Wire-based and mobile terrestrial services:  None, except:  Service must be offered through commercial arrangements with an entity established in Viet Nam and licensed to provide international telecommunication services.

       Satellite-based services:  Subject to commercial arrangements with Vietnamese international satellite service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam, except satellite-based services offered to:

       –    Upon accession:  off-shore/on sea based business customers, government institutions, facilities-based services suppliers, radio and television broadcasters, official international organization’ representative offices, diplomatic representatives and consulates, high tech and software development parks who are licensed to use satellite-earth stations;

       –    Three years after accession: multinational companies¹⁹, which are licensed to use satellite-earth stations.

(1)   None.

Viet Nam undertakes the obligations in the Reference Paper attached hereto.

(2)   None.

(3)   Non facilities-based services:

       Upon accession:  joint ventures with telecommunications suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 51% of legal capital of the joint ventures.  

       Three years after accession: joint venture will be allowed without limitation on choice of partner.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 65% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

       Facilities-based services:  Upon accession, joint venture (JV) with telecommunications service suppliers duly licensed in Viet Nam will be allowed.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 50% of legal capital of the joint ventures.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

D.    Audiovisual Services 

With regard to motion picture production, distribution and projection services, all films must have their content censored by Viet Nam’s competent authorities. 

(a)   Motion picture production

       (CPC 96112, excl. video tape)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   Unbound.

(3)   Only in the forms of business cooperation contracts or joint ventures with Vietnamese partners who are authorized to provide these services in Viet Nam.  Foreign capital contribution may not exceed 51% of the legal capital of the joint venture.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   Unbound.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

–      Motion picture distribution
(CPC 96113, excl. video tape)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None. 

(3)   Only through business cooperation contract or joint venture with Vietnamese partners who are authorized to provide these services in Viet Nam.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 51% of the legal capital of the joint venture.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(b)   Motion picture projection service (CPC 96121)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Only through business cooperation contracts or joint venture with Vietnamese partners who are authorized to provide these services in Viet Nam.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 51% of legal capital.

       Viet Nam’s houses of culture, film projection place, public cinema clubs and societies and mobile projection teams are not allowed to engage in business cooperation contract or joint-venture with foreign service suppliers.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(e)   Sound recording

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

3.    CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED ENGINEERING SERVICES

A.    General construction work for building

       (CPC 512)

B.    General construction work for civil engineering 

       (CPC 513)

C.    Installation and assembly work  (CPC 514, 516)

D.    Building completion and finishing work 

       (CPC 517)

E.    Other

       (CPC 511, 515, 518)

(1)   Unbound.*

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       For the period of 2 years from the date of accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises could only provide services to foreign-invested enterprises and foreign-funded projects in Viet Nam.

       Foreign enterprises have to be juridical persons of a WTO Member. 

       After 3 years from the date of accession, branching is allowed.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.^*

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that the chief of the branch has to be a resident in Viet Nam.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

4.    DISTRIBUTION SERVICES

Measures applicable to all sub-sectors in Distribution Services:

Cigarettes and cigars, books, newspapers and magazines, video records on whatever medium, precious metals and stones, pharmaceutical products and drugs[22], explosives, processed oil and crude oil, rice, cane and beet sugar are excluded from the commitments.  

A.    Commission agents’ services

       (CPC 621, 61111, 6113, 6121)

B.    Wholesale trade services

       (CPC 622, 61111, 6113, 6121)

C.    Retailing services

       (CPC 631 + 632, 61112, 6113, 6121)[23]

(1)   Unbound, except none for:

–     Distribution of products for personal use;

–     Distribution of legitimate computer software for personal and commercial use.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       A joint venture with a Vietnamese partner(s) is required, and foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 49%.  As of 1 January 2008, the 49% capital limitation shall be abolished.  As of 1 January 2009, none.

       Upon accession, foreign-invested companies engaging in distribution services will be permitted to engage in the commission agents’, wholesale and retail business of all legally imported and domestically produced products except for: cement and cement clinkers; tyres (excluding tyres of airplanes); papers; tractors; motor vehicles; cars and motorcycles; iron and steel; audiovisual devices; wines and spirits; and fertilizers.

(1)   Unbound, except as indicated in Mode 1, market access column.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

       As of 1 January 2009, foreign-invested companies engaging in distribution services will be permitted to engage in the  commission agents’, wholesale and retail business of tractors; motor vehicles; cars and motorcycles.

       Within 3 years of Viet Nam’s accession, foreign-invested companies engaging in distribution services will be permitted to engage in the commission agents’, wholesale and retail business of all legally imported and domestically produced products.

       The establishment of outlets for retail services (beyond the first one) shall be allowed on the basis of an Economic Needs Test (ENT)[24].

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

D.    Franchising services

       (CPC 8929)

(1) (2) None.

(3)   None, except a joint venture with a Vietnamese partner(s) is required, and foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 49%.  As of 1 January 2008, the 49% capital limitation shall be abolished.  As of 1 January 2009, none.  

       After 3 years from the date of accession, branching is allowed.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1) (2) None.

(3)   None, except that the chief of the branch has to be a resident in Viet Nam.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

5     EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

Only in technical, natural sciences and technology, business administration and business studies, economics, accounting, international law and language training fields.

With regard to points (C), (D), and (E) below:  The education content must be approved by Viet Nam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

B.    Secondary education services

       (CPC 922)  

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

C.    Higher education services

       (CPC 923)

D.    Adult education

       (CPC 924)

E.    Other education services

       (CPC 929 including foreign language training)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, only in the form of joint-ventures.  Majority foreign ownership of such joint ventures is allowed.  As of 1 January 2009, 100% foreign-invested education entities are permitted.

       After 3 years from the date of accession: none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Foreign teachers who wish to work in foreign-invested schools shall have at least 5 years of teaching experience, and their qualifications shall be recognized by the competent authority.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

6.    ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

       Access to certain geographic areas may be restricted for national security reasons[25].

A.    Sewage Services

       (CPC 9401)

(1)   Unbound, except related consulting services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

Confirming that services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority as defined in Article I:3(c) may be subject to public monopolies or exclusive rights granted to private operators.

       Upon accession joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51 % are allowed during 4 years after accession. After that, none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound, except related consulting services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Foreign companies are allowed to do business activities in Viet Nam in the form of build-operate-transfer (BOT) and build-transfer-operate (BTO).

B.    Refuse disposal services

       (CPC 9402) [26]

(1)   Unbound, except related consulting services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Confirming that services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority as defined in Article I:3(c) may be subject to public monopolies or exclusive rights granted to private operators.  Foreign ownership is limited to 51 % during 4 years after accession.  After that, none.

       For the purpose of ensuring public welfare, foreign-invested enterprises are restricted from collecting refuse directly from households.  They are only permitted to provide services at the refuse collection points as specified by local municipal and provincial authorities.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

Foreign companies are allowed to do business activities in Viet Nam in the form of build-operate-transfer (BOT) and build-transfer-operate (BTO). 

D.    Other services

–      Cleaning services of exhaust gases

       (CPC 94040) and noise abatement services (CPC 94050)

(1)   Unbound, except related consulting services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Confirming that services supplied in the exercise of governmental authority as defined in Article I:3(c) may be subject to public monopolies or exclusive rights granted to private operators.  Foreign ownership is limited to 51 % during 4 years after accession.  After that, none. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound, except related consulting services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

–      Environmental impact assessment services
(CPC  94090*) 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that foreign ownership is limited to 51% during 4 years after accession.  After that, none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

7.    FINANCIAL SERVICES

A.    Insurance and Insurance-Related Services

a.    Direct insurance

       (a) Life insurance, excl. health insurance services

       (b) Non-life insurance services

b.    Reinsurance and retrocession

c.     Insurance intermediation (such as brokerage and agency)

d.    Services auxiliary to insurance (such as consultancy, actuarial, risk assessment and claim settlement)

(1)   None for:

       –    Insurance services provided to enterprises with foreign-invested capital, foreigners working in Viet Nam;

       –    Reinsurance services;

       –    Insurance services in international transportation, including insurance of risks relating to:

       +   international maritime transport and international commercial aviation, with such insurance to cover any or all of the following: the goods being transported, the vehicle transporting the goods and any liability arising there-from; and

(1)   None.

       +   goods in international transit;

       –    Insurance broking and reinsurance broking services;

       –    Consultancy, actuarial, risk assessment and claim settlement services.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       100% foreign-invested insurance enterprises shall not be allowed to engage in statutory insurance business, including motor vehicle third party liability, insurance in construction and installation, insurance for oil and gas projects, and insurance for projects and construction works of high danger to public security and the environment.  As of 1 January 2008, this limitation shall be abolished.

       After 5 years from the date of accession, non-life branches of foreign insurance enterprises shall be permitted, subject to prudential regulations.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

B.    Banking and Other Financial Services

       Commitments with respect to banking and other financial services are undertaken in accordance with relevant laws and regulations promulgated by competent authorities of Viet Nam to ensure the consistency with Article VI of the GATS and Para 2 (a) of the Annex on Financial Services. 

       As a general rule and on a non-discriminatory basis, the offer of banking and other financial services or products is subject to relevant institutional and juridical form requirements.

(a)   Acceptance of deposits and other repayable funds from the public

(b)   Lending of all types, including consumer credit, mortgage credit, factoring and financing of commercial transaction

(c)   Financial leasing

(d)   All payment and money transmission services, including credit, charge and debit cards, travellers’ cheques and bankers drafts

(e)   Guarantees and commitments

(f)     Trading for own account or for account of customers, whether on an exchange, in an over-the-counter market or otherwise, the following:

–      Money market instrument (including cheques, bills, certificates of deposits);

–      Foreign exchange;

–      Exchange rate and interest rate instrument incl products such as swaps, forward rate agreements;

–       Bullion.

(h)   Money broking

(1)   Unbound, except B(k) and B(l).

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

(a)   Foreign credit institutions are only permitted to establish commercial presence in Viet Nam in the following forms:

       (i)  With respect to foreign commercial banks: representative office, branch of foreign commercial bank, commercial joint venture bank with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 50% of chartered capital, joint venture financial leasing company, 100% foreign-invested financial leasing company, join venture finance company and 100% foreign-invested finance company, and, beginning on 1 April 2007, 100% foreign-owned banks are permitted.

       (ii)  With respect to foreign finance companies: representative office, joint venture finance company, 100% foreign-invested finance company, joint venture financial leasing company and 100% foreign-invested financial leasing company.

(1)   Unbound, except B(k) and B(l).

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

(a)   The conditions for the  establishment of a branch of a foreign commercial bank in Viet Nam:

–      The parent bank has total assets of more than US$20 billion at the end of the year prior to application.

(i)    Asset management, such as cash or portfolio management, all forms of collective investment management, pension fund management, custodial, depository and trust services

(j)    Settlement and clearing services for financial assets, including securities, derivative products, and other negotiable instruments

(k)   Provision and transfer of financial information, and financial data processing and related software by suppliers of other financial services

(l)    Advisory, intermediation and other auxiliary financial services on all activities listed in subparagraphs from (a) to (k), including credit reference and analysis, investment and portfolio research and advice, advice on acquisitions and on corporate restructuring and strategy

       (iii)  With respect to foreign financial leasing companies: representative office, joint venture financial leasing company and 100% foreign-invested financial leasing company.

(b)   During 5 years from the date of accession, Viet Nam may limit the right of a foreign bank branch to accept deposits in Vietnamese Dong from Vietnamese natural persons with which the bank does not have a credit relationship to a ratio of the branch’s paid-in capital according to the schedule below:

–    1 January 2007: 650%
of legal paid-in capital;

–    1 January 2008: 800%
of legal paid-in capital;

–    1 January 2009: 900%
of legal paid-in capital;

–    1 January 2010: 1,000%
of legal-paid-in capital;

–    1 January 2011:  Full national treatment.

(b)   The conditions for the establishment of a joint venture bank or a 100% foreign-owned bank:

–      The parent bank has total assets of more than US$10 billion at the end of the year prior to application.

(c)   Equity participation:

       (i)  Viet Nam may limit equity participation by foreign credit institutions in equitized Vietnamese state-owned banks to the same level as equity participation by Vietnamese banks. 

       (ii)  For capital contribution in the form of buying shares, the total equity held by foreign institutions and individuals in each Viet Nam’s joint-stock commercial bank may not exceed 30% of the bank’s chartered capital, unless otherwise provided by Viet Nam’s laws or authorized by a Viet Nam’s competent authority. 

(d)   A branch of foreign commercial bank:

       –    is not allowed to open other transaction points outside its branch office.

(e)   Upon accession, foreign credit institutions are allowed to issue credit cards on a national treatment basis.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(c)   The conditions for the establishment of a 100% foreign-invested finance company or a joint venture finance company, a 100% foreign-invested financial leasing company or a joint-venture financial leasing company:

–      The foreign credit institution has total assets of more than US$10 billion at the end of the year prior to application.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

C.    Securities

(f)    Trading for own account or for account of customers, whether on an exchange, in an over-the-counter market or otherwise, the following:

       –    Derivative products incl. futures and options;

       –    Transferable securities;

       –    Other negotiable instruments and financial assets, excluding bullion.

(g)   Participation in issues of all kinds of securities incl. under-writing and placement as an agent (publicly or privately), provision of services related to such issues

(i)    Asset management, such as portfolio management, all forms of collective investment management, pension fund management, custodial depository and trust services

(j)    Settlement and clearing services for securities, derivative products, and other securities-related instruments

(k)   Provision and transfer of financial information, and related software by suppliers of  securities services

(l)    Advisory, intermediation and other auxiliary securities-related excluding (f), including investment and portfolio research and advice, advice on acquisitions and on corporate restructuring and strategy (for other services under (l), refer to (l) under banking sector)

(1)   Unbound, except services C(k) and C(l).

(2)   None.

(3)   Upon accession, foreign securities service suppliers shall be permitted to establish representative offices and joint ventures with Vietnamese partners in which foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49%.

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

       For services from C(i) to C(l), after 5 years from the date of accession, branches of foreign securities services suppliers shall be permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

8.    HEALTH RELATED AND SOCIAL SERVICES

A.    Hospital services

       (CPC 9311)

B.    Medical and dental services

       (CPC 9312)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Foreign service suppliers are permitted to provide services through the establishment of 100% foreign-invested hospital, joint venture with Vietnamese partners or through business cooperation contract. 

       The minimum investment capital for a commercial presence in hospital services must be at least US$20 million for a hospital, US$2 million for a policlinic unit and US$200,000 for a specialty unit. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

9.    TOURISM AND TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES

A.    Hotel and restaurant including

–      Lodging services

       (CPC 64110)

–      Catering food

       (CPC 642) and  

       drink services

       (CPC 643)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except for a period of 8 years from the accession date the services provided should be in parallel with investment in hotel construction, renovation, restoration or acquisition.  None afterwards.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

B.    Travel agencies and tour operator services

       (CPC 7471)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that:

       foreign service suppliers are permitted to provide services in the form of joint ventures with Vietnamese partners with no limitation on foreign capital contribution.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except tourist guides in foreign-invested enterprises shall be Vietnamese citizens. Foreign service supplying enterprises can only do inbound services and domestic travel for inbound tourists as an integral part of inbound services. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

10.   RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTING SERVICES

A.    Entertainment services
(including theatre, live bands and circus services)

       (CPC 9619)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound except after 5 years from the date of accession, joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49% are permitted.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

D.    Other

–      Electronic games business

       (CPC 964**)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Only through business cooperation contract or joint-venture with Vietnamese partners who are specifically authorized to provide these services.  Foreign capital contribution shall not exceed 49% of the legal capital of the joint ventures.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

11.   TRANSPORT SERVICES 

A.    Maritime Transport Services

(a)   Passenger transportation less cabotage

       (CPC 7211)

(b)   Freight transportation less cabotage

       (CPC 7212)

(1)   Unbound, except international freight transportation: None.

(2)   None.

(3)   (a) Establishment of registered companies for the purpose of operating a fleet under the national flag of Viet Nam:

       After 2 years from the date of accession, foreign service suppliers are permitted to establish joint-ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 49% of total legal capital.  Foreign seafarers may be permitted to work in ships under the national flag of Viet Nam (or registered in Viet Nam) owned by joint-ventures in Viet Nam but not exceeding 1/3 of total employees of the ships. The Master or first chief executive must be Vietnamese citizen. 

(1)   Unbound, except international freight transportation: None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

The following services at the port are made available to international maritime transport suppliers on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms and conditions:

1.    Pilotage;

2.    Towing and tug assistance;

3.    Provisioning, fuelling and watering

4.    Garbage collecting and ballast waste disposal;

5.    Port Captain’s/Harbour Master’s services;

6.    Navigation aids;

7.    Shore-based operational services essential to ship operations, including communications, water and electrical supplies;

8.    Emergency repair facilities;

9.    Anchorage, berth and berthing services;

10.   Access to maritime agency services.[27]

(b)   Other forms of commercial presence for the supply of international maritime transport services[28]:

Upon accession, foreign shipping companies can establish joint ventures with 51% foreign ownership. After 5 years from the date of accession, foreign shipping companies can establish 100% foreign-invested enterprises.

       Upon accession, foreign-invested enterprises are only permitted to carry out activities from (1) to (5) as indicated below:

1.     Marketing and sales maritime transport services through direct contact with customers, from quotation to invoicing;

2.     Acting on behalf of the cargo owners;

3.     Provision of required business information;

4.     Preparation of documentation concerning transport documents including customs documents, or other documents related to the origin and character of the goods transported; and

5.     Provision of maritime transport services including cabotage services by Vietnamese flagged vessels for the supply of integrated transport services.

       After 5 years from the date of accession, activities from (6) to (7) shall be allowed.

6.     Acting on behalf of the company, organising the call of the ship or taking over cargoes when required;

7.     Negotiate and sign contracts for road, rail, inland waterways transportation related to cargoes transported by the company.

       The number of joint ventures by foreign shipping companies will be limited to 5 companies upon accession.  Three additional companies will be allowed every two years thereafter. After 5 years from the date of accession, no limitation on the number of joint ventures.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

Maritime Auxiliary Services

–      Container handling services
(CPC 7411)[29]

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that upon accession joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 50% can be established. 

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

–      Customs Clearance Services[30]

(1)   Unbound.*

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that upon accession joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% can be established. After 5 years, joint ventures can be established with no foreign ownership limitation.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   Unbound.^*

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

–      Container Station and Depot Services[31]

(1)   Unbound.^*

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that upon accession joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% can be established.  Seven years upon accession, none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.^*

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

B
.    Internal Waterways Transport

(a)   Passenger transport

       (CPC 7221)

(b)   Freight transport

       (CPC 7222)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Upon accession, foreign service suppliers are permitted to provide services only through the establishment of joint ventures with Vietnamese partners in which the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 49% of total legal capital.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

C.   
Air Transport Services

(a)   Sales and marketing air products services

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Airlines are permitted to provide service in Viet Nam through their ticketing offices or agents in Viet Nam.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section.

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(b)   Computer reservation services

(1)   None, except the foreign service supplier must use public telecommunication network under the management of Viet Nam telecommunication authority.

(2)   None, except as indicated in Mode 1.

(3)   None, except as indicated in Mode 1.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(c)   Maintenance and repair of aircraft (CPC 8868**)

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   Upon accession, joint-ventures are permitted with the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 51%.  After 5 years from the date of accession, 100% foreign-invested enterprises shall be allowed.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   None.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

E.    Rail Transport Services

(a)   Passenger transportation

       (CPC 7111)

(b)   Freight transportation

       (CPC 7112)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound except:  Foreign suppliers are permitted to provide freight transport services through the establishment of joint ventures with Vietnamese partners in which the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 49% of the total legal capital.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Unbound.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

F.    Road Transport Services

(a)   Passenger transportation

       (CPC 7121+7122)

(b)   Freight transportation

       (CPC 7123)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except:

       Upon accession, foreign service suppliers are permitted to provide passenger and freight transport services through business cooperation contracts or joint-ventures with the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 49%.

       After 3 years from the date of accession, subject to the needs of the market[32], joint-ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% may be established to provide freight transport services.

One hundred % of joint-venture’s drivers shall be Vietnamese citizen.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

H.    Services Auxiliary to all Modes of Transport 

(a)   Container handling services, except services provided at airports

       (part of CPC 7411)

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   Upon accession, foreign service suppliers are only permitted to provide services through the establishment of joint ventures with Vietnamese partners with the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 50%.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(b)   Storage and warehouse services (CPC 742)

(c)   Freight transport agency services (CPC 748)[33]

(1)   Unbound.*

(2)   None.

(3)   None, except that upon accession joint ventures with foreign capital contribution not exceeding 51% can be established.  Seven years after accession, none.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(d)   Other

       (part of CPC 749)[34]

(1)   Unbound, except freight brokerage services:  None after 5 years from the date of accession.

(2)   None.

(3)   Upon accession, foreign service suppliers are only permitted to provide services through the establishment of joint ventures with Vietnamese partners with the capital contribution of foreign side not exceeding 49%.  After 3 years from the date of accession, this limitation shall be 51%.  Four years thereon, this capital limitation shall be abolished.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

(1)   Unbound, except freight brokerage services:  None after 5 years from the date of accession.

(2)   None.

(3)   None.

(4)   Unbound, except as indicated in the horizontal section. 

All sectors

Commercial presence.

Measures extending preferential treatment pursuant to bilateral investment treaties.

All countries that have signed bilateral investment treaties with Viet Nam.

Indefinite

Foster investment in Viet Nam.

Audiovisual services 

–   Production, distribution and projection of television programmes and cinematographic works.

Measures based upon co-production agreements of audiovisual works, which confer National Treatment to audiovisual works covered by such agreements.

WTO Members with which such bilateral or plurilateral agreements are in force, now or in the future.

Indefinite

The aim of these agreements is to promote cultural links between the countries concerned.

Audiovisual services

–   Production and distribution of television programmes and cinematographic works.

Measures granting the benefit of support programmes to audiovisual works, and suppliers of such works meeting origin criteria.

WTO Members with which bilateral and plurilateral agreements have been signed in the area of cultural cooperation.

Indefinite

These programmes aim at preserving and promoting the cultural identity of countries with which Viet Nam has long-standing cultural links.

Audiovisual services

–   Production and distribution of audiovisual works through broadcasting transmission to the public.

Measures which extend National Treatment to audiovisual works which meet certain origin criteria regarding access to broadcasting transmission.

WTO Members with which bilateral or plurilateral agreements have been concluded in the area of cultural cooperation.

Indefinite

These measures aim, within the sector, to promote cultural values both within Viet Nam, and with other countries, including in the region.

Maritime transport.

Measures based upon agreements covering the normal business operations of fully owned subsidiaries of  foreign shipping companies.

All WTO Members with whom maritime transport cooperation may be desirable.

5 years

Bilateral Agreements.

Sea‑transport services:

–   Internal road freight transportation by lorry;

–   cargo storage and warehousing; and

–   container yard.

The three sub-sectors are subject to preferential treatment under Maritime Agreement between Viet Nam and Singapore.

Republic of Singapore.

10 years

Bilateral Agreement.