一、the basic situation
According to Vietnam's accession to the WTO (WTO) and China - ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) on the commitment, foreign investors or foreign-funded enterprises can be more engaged in the import, export and distribution of goods, provides as follows:

(一) import and export of goods. According to February 12, 2007 more 23/2007/ND-CP promulgated in the Government decision, foreign investors or foreign-invested enterprises can apply for approval to invest in import-export operations right, have been approved, directly to the dealer to buy goods and exports, but also imported goods from abroad to the dealer after the sale, import and export formalities can be handled directly in the Vietnamese customs.

(二) distribution of goods. Vietnam to allow legal imports of foreign goods and domestic goods, commission agents, wholesale, retail and other services, but with more joint venture partners, the share of foreign capital does not exceed 49%. 1 January, 2009 until the abolition of restrictions on the share. Foreign operators of goods does not include: burning of cement and cement blocks, tires (excluding aircraft tires), paper, tractors, motor vehicles, cars and motorcycles, iron and steel, audio-visual equipment, wine and liquor, fertilizer and so on. July 1, 2010 until the abolition of restrictions on goods. Services on the franchise, with more foreign partners to form joint ventures, foreign The share capital of not more than 49%. 1 January, 2008 until the abolition of restrictions on the share.

(三) to engage in import, export and distribution of goods of foreign investment examination and approval are required to perform periodic reports to the financial situation. Investment approval departments each quarter report regularly to the approval of Ministry of Industry and Trade, cancel, add, modify the investment permit.

二、 the procedures

(一) import and export of goods. The first foreign investment in Vietnam to apply for import and export of goods, the need to bid to host the investment license. More investment in business enterprises to apply for import and export of goods, simply based on the original investment approval procedures can re-submit. Investment approval of Ministry of Industry and Trade departments to seek their views do not.

(二) distribution of goods. The first foreign investment in Vietnam to apply for distribution of goods, the need to bid to host the investment license. Investment required to seek the approval of Ministry of Industry and Trade sector views. More investment in enterprises to increase product distribution services, the need to re-submit the application procedures. Investment consulting the Ministry of Industry and Trade for approval views, may issue a permit after the new investment to recover the original permit at the same time.

(三) a foreign-funded enterprises have been set up after the retail system, such as the creation of new retail system, departments are required to bid for investment approval procedures. Investment required to seek the approval of Ministry of Industry and Trade sector views.

三、 the status quo distribution

At  present, the more smaller distribution outlets scattered layout and the low level of intensity to the traditional shops and market-oriented, less mode of operation. National distribution of existing types of 9000, of which 75% for rural markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, chain stores, such as the formation of the modern format is not the size, mainly located in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang and other medium-sized cities. According to Vietnamese statistics, in 2005 the total retail, traditional stores account for 46%, 44% of rural markets, shopping malls and supermarkets, such as only 10%. Distribution is closely related with the development of the logistics industry lags behind, there is no national professional logistics park and logistics in
Heart, no commodity distribution centers, there is no professional logistics companies, ports, warehouses, roads, railways and other infrastructure less. Larger room for the development of the distribution industry.

Vietnam's accession to WTO and with the CAFTA, the distribution industry, a marked increase in investment attractiveness. According to the company AT KEARNY study shows that the distribution industry in 2006 more attractive to investors last year's world rankings from No. 8 to No. 3, behind only India and Russia. Generally more optimistic about the distribution of foreign capital market.