The U.S. government is increasing resources dedicated to assisting U.S. companies explore business opportunities and address challenges to doing business in Vietnam. Use this self-diagnostic tool to open the door to pursue export opportunities and evaluate whether your company is prepared to meet the challenges posed by Vietnam's system for regulation of international trade. Below certain questions you will find suggestions on how to enhance market entry preparation.

1. Prior export experience to at least one foreign market.
( ) Yes ( ) No

2. Commitment to developing export opportunities includes top management support, designation of an internal Vietnam sales manager, sales and technical staff who are willing to travel to Vietnam often, and support staff including an interpreter or translator to facilitate communication with Vietnamese buyers.
( ) Yes ( ) No

3. Ability to acquire familiarity with export logistics unique to Vietnam including negotiation of letters of credit, freight forwarders, export documentation and export licensing.
( ) Yes ( ) No

4. Sufficient financial resources to actively support marketing of products in Vietnam including translation of product brochures, participation in trade shows, and organization of customer informational seminars.
( ) Yes ( ) No

5. Ability to host visits by potential buyers to conclude sales negotiations, facilitate pre-contractual equipment inspections, and provide installation training.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO any question numbered 1-5, your company should consider identifying an export management firm with Vietnam experience or approach a different market with fewer technical, logistical, cultural and business risk hurdles before attempting business in Vietnam.

6. Ability to acquire and analyze Vietnamese market data, identify sources of competition including domestic and foreign firms, and ascertain distribution channels.
( ) Yes ( ) No

7. Ability to locate Vietnamese import regulations, safety certification and labeling requirements and cultural preferences to modify the product and its packaging.
( ) Yes ( ) No

8. Prepared an international marketing plan with realistic goals, Vietnam-specific marketing strategies, progress benchmarks and an exit plan.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO to any question numbered 6-8, the Vietnam website can provide more information. Please review the market research and the exporting reference pages to learn about Vietnamese import regulation. If you find that this information is insufficient to get started on a marketing plan, consider using one of the many sources of assistance offered by the U.S. Commercial Service and other federal government agencies.

9. Sufficient financial resources to engage services of local attorneys or consultants to navigate Vietnam's system of international trade regulation, develop a sales contract that is enforceable in Vietnam, undertake due diligence investigations, and address problems.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO to question 9, you have determined your company is able to begin market activity, but may be unable to effectively address problems when they may arise. To learn more about how the U.S. government can help address market access barriers, challenges to bidding on major projects, or resolving commercial disputes, please contact us. The U.S. Commercial Service also offers customized services to undertake due diligence investigations and obtain market research concerning your product and clarify basic import regulatory issues. If you conclude that these resources are insufficient and the cost of private service providers is excessive, reconsider whether your company can sustain market activity through serious regulatory challenges.

10. Ability and financial resources to provide training for a Vietnamese sales agent or distributor in the United States, continuous guidance for conducting market research and planning sales goals.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO to question 10, your company may be able to explore the market, but will eventually need to augment capabilities in order to support expansion of market activity. Some new-to-market firms explore the market through direct exports while acquiring market knowledge. After this phase, a firm evaluates whether market prospects merit commitment of resources to select and manage a Vietnamese sales agent or distributor. The U.S. Commercial Service can help your firm identify a qualified sales agent or distributor through the International Partner Search or Gold Key Service.

11. Ability to establish a program for protection of intellectual property including trademark or patent registration, market monitoring, and enforcement strategy.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO to question 11, your company's marketing plan may assume too much commercial risk. Vietnam's system for protecting trademarks and patents is based on a first-to-file principle. To establish a legal right to prevent others from appropriating intellectual property rights established in the United States, it is necessary to register in Vietnam. Speaking with local legal service providers in Vietnam is also recommended . An expanded reference list of legal service providers is available through the local Business Service Provider directory.

12. Commitment to providing domestic and foreign customers equivalent service quality, which may necessitate frequent travel to Vietnam by a technician or establishment of an equipment service and maintenance center with a Vietnamese partner.
( ) Yes ( ) No

Suggestion: If you answered NO to question 12, your company may need to commit more resources in the future to maintain the quality of service delivery or the installed equipment base. Most companies with a mature market presence eventually establish a joint venture service center with a Vietnamese partner.