SSI pushes for FIE listings to bridge market gap

At a seminar in Hanoi on September 17 titled "A Listing Roadmap for FIEs in Vietnam," SSI CEO Nguyen Duc Thong highlighted the need for foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) to participate more fully in Vietnam's capital market. Despite FIEs contributing around $27.6 billion in investment and generating more than three-quarters of the country's exports last year, only 10 FIEs are currently listed on the market, representing less than 0.15% of its total value.

Thong pointed out that a stock market listing offers more than just capital-raising; it can signify a milestone in a company's development, providing higher corporate governance and transparency standards, enhanced credibility with customers and partners, and access to domestic long-term capital. For FIEs, participating in the stock market can also demonstrate their long-term commitment to Vietnam.

SSI CEO Thong emphasized that Vietnam's capital market is entering a new phase of development, propelled by legal reforms, improved trading infrastructure, and the country's transition from a frontier to an emerging market status. This transition is attracting leading international investors seeking high-quality issuers with strong governance and solid business operations. With recent amendments to the Securities Law and related decrees, there is now a clear legal framework for enterprises to pursue a listing.

SSI Corporation has pledged to support FIEs throughout the listing process, from initial public offering preparation through to post-listing engagement. The company aims to become a long-term partner for international businesses and investors in Vietnam. Greater FIE participation in the public market would expand investment options, add depth and quality to the stock market, and strengthen ties between Vietnam's capital market and international capital flows.