Corporate Governance Country Assessment : Vietnam

Abstract

This report assesses Vietnam's corporate governance policy framework. It highlights recent improvements in corporate governance regulation, makes policy recommendations, and provides investors with a benchmark against which to measure corporate governance in Vietnam. It is an update of the 2006 Corporate Governance ROSC for Vietnam. Good corporate governance enhances investor trust, protects minority shareholders, and encourages better decision making and improved relations with workers, creditors, and other stakeholders. Better investor protection can lower the cost of capital and encourage companies to list and raise funds through equity markets. Good corporate governance also helps to ensure that these companies operate more transparently and efficiently. Vietnam has undertaken important corporate governance reforms in recent years. However protecting minority shareholders, fully tapping the potential of capital markets, and professionalizing boards and management will require that reform continues. Key reforms include: Developing an action plan to address core failings of state owned enterprise corporate governance, including replacing the current state economic groups, or SEG oriented system with one that has more accountable state ownership; and Increasing transparency with greater auditor independence, better disclosure of ownership and control, and convergence of accounting standards with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS.