The biggest M&A deals were in a variety of business fields, especially the real estate and banking sectors.

2017 was a good year for Vietnam’s banking sector with big profits for many banks and a decreased bad debt ratio.

Analysts believe the petroleum distribution market will see a breakthrough after the conclusion of IPOs for PV Oil and Binh Son Refinery (BSR).

The Vietnamese drug market, valued at US$5.2 billion, is attracting more foreign investors and multinationals.

Some foreign funds are leaving Vietnam after making huge profits from their investment deals, while others are entering the country to seek new opportunities.

Vietnam once put high hopes on automobile joint ventures, believing that foreign technologies would help develop the automobile industry. However, it now believes that it would be better not to rely on outsiders.

While some analysts note that a number of foreign banks have withdrawn capital from Vietnam banks, others see signs of a third investment wave from foreign investors.

According to the Ministry of Investment and Industry (MOIT), 183 foreign brands have been granted a franchise in Vietnam, mostly from the US, Australia, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and the EU.

The modern retail model is one of the best ways to approach the Vietnamese consumer goods market, with its young population, rising income, and shifting consumption habits, from traditional stores to shopping malls.

Car dealers and buyers are ‘holding their breath’ before January 1, 2018, when car prices are expected to see big fluctuations.