Helping Asian Wealth Management Communities interact

Event
Agenda
Speakers
Partners

The Hubbis Digital Dialogue of February 22 will focus on the many portfolio investment opportunities in Vietnam for private clients. Many argue that the country is an excellent diversification opportunity for private portfolios. With a population approaching 100 million people – the 14th largest population in the world – and a young, relatively well-education and very hard-working demographic averaging just 33 years old, the odds are heavily stacked in Vietnam’s favour. Moreover, the evolution from a frontier to an emerging market in MSCI parlance is now around the corner.

These highly appealing demographics have proved a magnet for the growing number of global and international companies moving to Vietnam in recent years and bringing with them large amounts of FDI of more than USD20 billion annually – as well as technology and expertise.

The China Plus One strategy is another major driver for inward investment interest - Vietnam is actually the largest beneficiary of this trade and supply shift, and over the last 15 years, Vietnam has grown from the lowest position to become the second largest exporter within ASEAN, all supported by friendly government policies toward FDI, a young labour force, a competitive cost infrastructure, and proximity to China.

The country has other advantages such as high levels of oil and gas reserves spanning an estimated 62 years ahead, at least.

Meanwhile, inflation is currently under control in Vietnam, tracking around 3.2% in 2022 and just over 4% in 2023, and with current numbers well below that level. GDP per capita is around USD4200 per capita and is increasing alongside the nation’s economic growth.

Moreover, Vietnam is well managed fiscally, with a quite stable foreign reserve and a stable Vietnam Dong as well. With debt to GDP at only 45%, far below China’s 78%, Europe’s 90%, or the 125% level in the US, the credit rating is one notch below investment grade today. And that all means the state can provide stimulus if required – the government in 2023 accelerated their public investment by almost one-third.

Vietnam has been evolving from a largely agrarian country to a modernising and diversifying economy that, for example, counts Samsung as a major producer, making some two-thirds of the group’s tablets or phones with its approximately 200,000 employees in the country. Nike, Adidas and others make sporting goods, clothes and shoes. And the economy is continuously moving up the value chain.

More broadly, Vietnam is a case study of key themes such as industrialisation, rising domestic consumption, strong demographics, urbanisation, the expansion of education, healthcare and leisure, the growth of the financial sector, and so forth.

And with GDP growth of over 6% in 2023 and with a similarly positive outlook for 2024, the stars are aligned for the country in terms of fundamentals and well in excess of the average growth predicted for the other ASEAN countries.

As to equities, Vietnam is relatively undervalued, according to many sources. The country boasts a relatively attractive valuation compared with other ASEAN markets, for example with Vietnam trading at an estimated 20%-plus discount to neighbouring Thailand and at an even larger discount to the Philippines.

There is the additional potential driver for valuations in the form of the likely upgrade of Vietnam to MSCI emerging markets status. While Vietnam remains a Frontier Market, it is heading steadily towards EM classification, with many Vietnam watchers expecting that to take place in or by 2025. The market capitalisation of about USD265 billion is bigger than some other emerging markets such as Turkey or Poland, and the market liquidity is improving all the time.

Plus, by attending this session, you will also be entitled to receive a 1 Hour CPD/CPT Certificate.

Join us on February 22 to hear more about Vietnam’s formidable rising economic prominence and learn more about the significant equity market investment opportunities available today, especially as Vietnam’s listed equity market offers highly appealing valuations and prospects compared to many of its ASEAN peers.

These are some of the issues to be discussed:

Will be upgraded from a frontier market to an emerging market? What would be the consequences?
What are the key sectors that investors should be looking at? Where can you find the best value?
How would you explain the long-term opportunity?
What are the key economic and fiscal numbers for Vietnam that underline its current and future potential?
What are the key drivers of economic growth, and what is the outlook?
Is the government well placed to manage and help expand the economy? Are the government and regulators helping to promote the capital markets?
Is foreign capital flowing into the domestic stock market, and what avenues are private investors taking, such as mutual funds, ETFs or even investing directly?
Is the stock market undervalued and if so, why, and what might stimulate a re-rating compared with markets in other populous ASEAN countries?
What about corporate earnings?
Towards the end of last year, the engagement of prominent political figures—including President Joe Biden, President Xi Jinping, and Prime Minister Kishida Fumio of Japan—with Vietnam underscored the country's growing importance on the international stage. This interest from leading nations indicates Vietnam's pivotal role in regional dynamics. Furthermore, the bilateral agreements established with these countries are expected to significantly contribute to Vietnam's economic growth in the coming years. As such, is Vietnam being given due attention?

Feb 22

Investing in Vietnam – How Do You Best Get Exposure to the M...

3.00pm - 4.00pm HKT/SGT

More event info

View the full agenda View all speakers View all Partners

Featured Partners

All Partners

A community of leading organisations within Asian Wealth Management

Featured speakers

All event speakers

Senior figures in Asian Wealth Management are speaking at this event

Mario Timpanaro

AQUIS Capital

Rainer Michael Preiss

Das Family Office

Maximilian Hoenigsmann

Select Alternative Investments

Why you should attend Hubbis events

Connect

Connectivity across Private Banking, Independent Wealth Management, Retail Banking, Asset Management, Insurance, Technology, Professional Services and other communities.

Learn

Find out how the industry can develop further & lessons it can learn from elsewhere. Improve skills and knowledge through a practical, enjoyable and interactive learning experience.

Enjoy

Hubbis events are not only consistent, relevant, engaging and unique but also highly positive, and fun experiences.