GOOD RISK MANAGEMENT FOR ENTERPRISE – THE KEY TO SUCCESS

RISK IS AN INEVITABLE FACTOR IN BUSINESS OPERATION ACTIVITIES, HIGHER RETURN IS ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED BY HIGHER RISKS. COPING AND MANAGING RISK IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY BUSINESS IF YOU WANT TO MAKE PROFIT AND CREATE VALUE TO SHAREHOLDERS. HOWEVER, IN FACT, THERE ARE A LOT OF BUSINESSES DOES NOT MANAGE RISK EFFECTIVELY AND FURTHERMORE NOT FULLY UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE RISKS THAT THEY ARE FACING.

Risk can be defined broadly as any factors or events could drive business and production activities of the enterprise below forecasted. Specifically, the measures that are commonly used as capital risk, profit risk or cash flow risk, depending on the emphasis that are accounting balance sheet and statement of cash flows.

According to the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade, in recent times, there are many corporate scams between Vietnam and foreign enterprises. In particular, the main behaviors are foreign companies purchase/sell goods or provide services for partners in Vietnam and the Vietnam partner fail to make payment.

Typically, a director has scammed 3 billion VND of foreign companies and he was arrested. Although his company does not have pepper but he still receives nearly 350,000 USD of the Egyptian company, then appropriated half. According to the investigation, a few years ago, Vinamex Co., Ltd signed contract with a Libya company in Egypt to sell 4 black pepper containers with price of 669,600 USD even though the Vinamex Company do not have condition to implement the contract and also do not have goods.

To obtain the money of partners, the Director of Vinamex forging multinational bills of lading, certificate of plant quarantine and then send to Lybia Company. The Lybia Company then transfer to Vinamex a deposit amount of 348,300 USD. After that, Vinamex’s director withdraws all money to pay for his company’s debt.

After months have been urging, the Vinamex Company buy a container of black pepper worth 174,150 USD and then send to Lybia Company. The remaining amount equivalent to 3 billion VND was appropriated by the Vinamex’s director. The Lybia Company has adopted Vietnam embassy in Egypt to submit the denunciation.

In fact, many business leaders often put heavy emphasis on the business activity, profit, and revenues instead of concentrating more on risk management. Improving risk management process will create a tight and effective control of the Board of Directors, on the other hand will help integrate the risk management process into every daily decision-making process.

Businesses do not improve the risk management process will be faced with a lot of different types of risks: financial losses serious, adverse effects on cash flows and the value of shares, as declining prestige with customers, employees and investors.

Businesses that do not improve the risk management process will have to face with a lot of different types of risks: serious financial losses, adversely affecting cash flows and the value of shares, decreasing prestige with customers, employees and investors.

In the period of global crisis had been predicted that almost bottomed out and started to show signs of recovery, although the recovery process can occur with different speed and characteristics depending on sector and location of the business, the fully preparation of business in all aspects including process and risk management strategy could helps business not falling into the passive and also have more possibilities to take advantage of growth opportunities after the recession.

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing intelligence, information, management or support and administrative services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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M&A in Vietnam: Strong Flow from Thailand

Merger and Acquisition (M&A) activities in Vietnam have been rapidly increasing over the the years in value and number of transactions when Vietnam’s opening policies to attract foreign investments loosen up.  The M&A due diligence and execution are therefore important steps to ensure a successful transaction.

M&A in Vietnam: Strong Flow from Thailand

Vietnamese Chains Attracting Foreign Funds

US Billionaire Mark Mobius Expanding Investment in Vietnam

Japan Increases Investment in Vietnam in Finance and Services

For foreign investors wishing to take advantage with a certain level of risks in Vietnam where the cost of labour are cheap, mid-income populations are growing, and the need of capital are high, it is imporatant to find the right target companies to invest.  Challenges might arise when approaching the right local companies, locating the right decision makers within the local companies, encountering differences in languages and cultures.

It is imporant that the local consultants with the understanding of the business and legal environment in Vietnam where the local companies are incorporated could be involved at an initial stage to monitor and minimize the risks, improve the effectiveness of the M&A process in Vietnam.

The Vietnam consulting company could also provide corporate intelligence and insights of the Vietnam targeted companies to have an overall evaluation of the compliance of the Vietnam companies, possible risks involved and growth potential.  Financial forensic services might also be needed before other further steps.  Then, the following will need to be considered when undertaking the M&A in Vietnam.

Due diligence

M&A due diligence in Vietnam is a vital step because it determines whether the M&A will succeed or not. There are some aspects that must be carefully considered:

• Financial reports

Review all the financial reports of the Vietnam targeted companies within 3 to 5 years to assess the current and future financial situation. These data needs to be audited by a reputable independent auditing company. Evaluating financial situation targets on many aspects such as the reasonable connection between the financial statements, operating and sales margin of the business in relation to the average in that industry.  These data allow valuation real value of the target business.

• The cash flow

Checking the dates on invoices showing that whether targeted businesses have paid promptly or not. Term of payment may vary from industry to industry, but generally 30 to 60 days. If the money order is paid after the billing date period of 90 days or more, it means that the business owner may be struggling with cash flow. Finding out that if the clients’ inability to pay bills or not is very important.

• The staff

Determining the importance of staff for the success of the business considering work habits of employees, working time of key employees; ability to remain working after a change of the owner occurs; the incentives necessary to keep key employees; ability to easily replace key employees; the relationship of key employees with the company’s customers.

• The customers

This is the most important assets of the Vietnam targeted company. Make sure that clients are as the other tangible assets of the business. Evaluating customers on some primary aspects: the relationship with the current owner of the business, customer history with business relations and the contribution of each customer to the profits of the company; assessing that customer will leave or stay when the businesshaving new owners; customer services and dispute of the company, the relationship of the former owner of the business with the community or the industry.

• Business location

This is especially important if the targeted company is a retail company. Does the importance of business location play a crucial role for the success of the company? How is the location of the company you plan to acquire? Is there sufficient parking lot for customers? How does the company depend on sales in the region? How is the prospects of the business in this area? Does this place have been in the process of rapid change from new residential district office building or not? Has business location become more or less desirable because of contemplated changes in surrounding area or not?

• Competitors

Considering this aspect in order to define the capacity of the targeted business in the industry, the following questions would help: who are its competitor and what are their strategies? Does the price war happen frequently? How has the competitive environment changed?

• Business registration, permits and zoning

It’s necessary to make sure that business registration certificate and other legal documents can be easily given to the buyer. It would be better to acknowledge the procedures to transfer these documents and its fee with the help of local management consulting company in Vietnam. If the targeted company is a joint-stocks company, what is the procedure for the business registration? Can foreigners own the company 100% according to Vietnam laws?  Conditional investments in Vietnam need to be considered carefully by lawyers in Vietnam to avoid mishaps.

• The company image

Company image can be a significant asset and that cannot be assessed in the financial report. There are many intangible factors to consider when evaluating a company: how to serve customers, how employees answer the phone and the level of support the community or the industry.

Negotiate the price

It is important to understand the purpose and motivation of both parties. The sellers’ motivation are formed and affected by value drivers. There are two main value drivers which are approach value and avoidance value. Approach value is our purpose such as prosperity and avoidance value is the negative effect that we need to eliminate. Normally, the buyers try to find out what are the reasons why the owner wish to sell the companies. This will help the buyers plan a reasonable strategy beforehand.

A research analyzes the general aspects that the buyers seeking for via conducting surveys companies’ owner who have sold or transformed their enterprises. The research results are focus on profit maximization (79%), minimization of tax payable (73%), protection of viability of the company (71%)…(Source: Acquisition Marketplace Review, 2007).

The motivation of the buyer in most cases is similar to the motivation of the seller, which is to maximize profits, expand markets, increase revenue, operating areas, areas of activity, minimize taxes…

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing corporate intelligence, risk advisory, management consulting services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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Pho Noi A Industrial Zone

Geographic location:

Located bordering the National Highway 5 road corridor (Km19) connecting Ha Noi and Hai Phong; 24km from the center of Hanoi, 60 km from Noi Bai International Airport, 75 km from Hai Phong port, 120 km from Quang Ninh deep-sea port.

Planned area:

594 hectares, the area of industrial land for rent is approximately 400 hectares; the filled industrial land area is about 210 hectares.

Industrial zone technical infrastructure:

Pho Noi A Industrial Zone has been completed the construction of technical infrastructure for the first phase covering an area of over 300 ha; including water supply and sewerage systems, concentrated wastewater treatment plant, traffic road systems, fire prevention and fighting systems, communication systems…

The sector attracting investment project:

Producing and assembling electric, electronic, mechanic, automobile and motorcycle; Production of steel and products from steel; Processing of agricultural products and foodstuffs.

Investment project attraction status:

Pho Noi A Industrial Zone has received over 110 projects in the country and abroad, with the leased industrial land area of about 260 hectares. In particular, there are many projects of investors from Japan, Korea, US such as Canon, Inax, Hyundai, Cargill…

Owner of Pho Noi A Industrial Zone:

Pho Noi A Industrial Zone Exploitation Management Company

For more information, please contact ANT Consulting.

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing corporate intelligence, risk advisory, management consulting services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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Policy and regulatory research

At ANT Consulting, we assist client to search and analyze policy and regulation that have direct implications to the business of the clients.

We offer insights on the changing policy landscape and the risks and opportunities for investors and business person.  We utilize contacts within the public and private sectors to ensure accurate and timely information.  Overall, we assist client to make an informed and better business decision through local contact in Vietnam in a management report.

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing intelligence, information, management or support and administrative services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +8428 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

Let us help your business in Vietnam.

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Risk Management in Enterprise

Risk and manage risk

Conceptually, risk is any uncertainty that may be harmful to the ability to successfully implement the business objectives of the enterprise. Businesses can identify potential risks to manage them. Fully understood, risk management is a process of a comprehensive review of the business operations to identify potential risks that may impact adversely to the operational aspects of the business. Based on that, the response solutions will be given corresponding to each risk. We can also understand that the risk management process is a process that is organized in a formal way and ongoing to determine, control and report the risks that can affect the achievement of the business objectives of the enterprise.

Requirements for operational risk management

To ensure that risk management activities are carried out as planned, the implementation must ensure the following requirements:

• Raising awareness about the risks as well as the ability to cope with risks appropriately throughout the enterprise;

• Formalize the process of risk management;

• Develop unified risk management processes in the enterprise;

• Transparency risks;

• Including risk management process as part of the internal control system;

In fact, well organized and efficient risk management activities will contribute to add value to the enterprise, specifically:

• Help improving operational efficiency and create competitive advantage;

• Contribute to the allocation and efficient use of corporate resources;

• Minimize errors in all aspects of business operations…

Recently, with the powerful impact of high inflation rate and economic recession caused by the global financial crisis to enterprises, people are concerning more about risk management activities. Many experts believe that well organized and effective operated risk management system will help businesses withstand and overcome fluctuations.

However, how to organize a complete risk management system is the fact that not many businesses are well understood. The worrying thing is many businesses supposing that with the use of insurance services, their businesses are making adequate risk management. That is completely incorrect.

Risk management policies and implementation

To establish risk management systems, enterprises should start from the development of risk management policy. This policy will define the approaching and managing of risk. In addition, risk management policies will clearly defined responsibilities for risk management throughout the enterprise to Board of Directors; The subordinate units; Departments; Risk management department (if any); the internal audit department – internal control. The implementation of risk management activities should be tied to business strategy, annual budget plan and the business cycle in the enterprise.

Risk Management Process

Basically, risk management processes typically include basic steps such as: confirmation of the business objectives, identify risks, description and classification of risk, assessment and risk ratings, response planning development, reporting an update on implementation, monitoring the process of implementation, review and improvement of risk management processes. Details of some of the main steps in the risk management process are as follows:

Confirmation of business objectives

Risk management activities are organized and implemented towards ensuring the successful implementation of the enterprise objectives. Therefore, at the begining the risk management process, the first task that business leaders need to do is confirming the operational goals of the business. This will be the base to ensure that risk management activities are held in the right direction.

Identify Risks

There are many methods to identify risk. Each method has different advantages and disadvantages. However, the following methods are considered using to determine the risk:

• Organize risk assessment workshop;
• Organize “Brain Attack” meeting;
• Questionnaire;
• Audit and inspection;
• Based on industry norms;
• Situation analysis

In fact, the method of determining risk that are used most in organizations is organizing risk assessment workshop. Attending the workshop are the Board of Directors and leaders of all departments. Members at the workshop will exchange information to give a list of business risks. In many cases, the result of the risk identification process is a long list of potential risks. However, this should not be too worried, the implementation of the next steps of the risk management process will help identify clearly the risks that are really the great risk to enterprises.

Description and classification of risk

After identifying potential risks, the next step is to describe briefly but specifically about the origin, cause, consequence and impact of each risks to the enterprise.

Next, we will implement the risk classification. There are many different types of potential risks for enterprises. They can originate inside or outside the enterprise. Based on the nature of the risk, they are many way to classify risk. However, the most common way is to classify risk into 4 groups as follows:

• Financial risk: interest rate, exchange rate, credit source, cash flow and ability to pay…;
• Strategic risk: competition, customer changes, industry changes, risks for research and development activities, intellectual property…;
• Operational risk: the leaders, corporate culture, violation of management rules, financial control, information systems…;
• Dangerous risk: environmental risks, supplier, natural disaster, risks for assets, contracts, products and services…

The classification of risks as above will help enterprises to manage risk in a systematic way.

Assessment and risk rating

Enterprise resources are limited while the number of the risks is great. So, the next step is to organize, evaluate and ranking risks according to priority level of response. Enterprises will analyze, evaluate each risk according to two criteria: the possibility of risk and the extent of the risks affecting the business if happened. The risk that the businesses need to prioritize response and prevent is the risk with high likelihood and degree of influence.

Develop response plans

Develop response plans is an important stage in the process of risk management. At this stage, enterprise should given the preventive measures and specific control should be taken to prevent and minimize damage if the risk occurs. There are 3 contents that must be determined for each specific risk when developing response plans:

1. Measures that should be implemented to prevent risks;
2. The completion deadline for those measures;
3. The person that responsible for managing that risk.

Monitoring the implementation of measures

In the process of implementation of response measures, businesses need to build a system of reporting regularly to ensure strict control of the implementation process. Enterprises also need to ensure that all shortcomings in the implementation of risk control measures must be timely reporting to leaders.

At the same time, business leaders must also build a culture of risk management to every staffs in the enterprise. It is high time that the corporate governance should seriously view the role of risk management activities, consider setting up and maintaining a risk management system in business. Practical experience shows that, once the risks are forecasted, enterprises can fully develop and deploy effective response plans for sustainable development.

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Benefits of Setting up Business in Hanoi

Benefits of Setting up Business in Da Nang

Benefits of Setting up Business in Ho Chi Minh City

Assistance in Setting up Business in Vietnam

M&A Services in Vietnam

ANT Consulting is here to assist you from the outset; providing corporate intelligence, risk advisory, management consulting services that assist market entrance, and ensure efficient business start-up operation.  Our services are as following:

• Market Entry
• Tax Advice
• Legal Advice
• Outsourcing Services

We strive to save your cost by guiding you towards economical solutions that comply with local legislation and procedures. We support you through early logistic solutions and carry you through as your business grows.  We aim to bridge the gap between international best practices and local cultures and assist foreign companies and organizations entering Vietnam market to overcome commercial and regulatory issues.

We could be reached at email: ant@antconsult.vn or tel: +848 3520 2779 .  To learn more about us, please visit www.antconsult.vn

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