Find clients and sell your products in Vietnam

Finding clients abroad is always a challenge, and business development in Vietnam is not different. You need the right contacts and once you reach the decision maker, you need the right sales pitch.

A lot of companies that want to enter the market in Vietnam do this with their general sales pitch. However, if you don’t know the local regulations, pricing levels and your competition’s product, sales meetings may be difficult to conclude successfully.

How to sell your product or service in Vietnam?

Vietnam, in Southeast Asia has a population at around 100 million. Vietnam has experienced rapid economic growth in recent decades, becoming an emerging market in the region.

With a GDP per capita of about $3,500 USD in 2023, Vietnam’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Rice is a key agricultural product, and Vietnam is one of the world’s leading rice exporters. Manufacturing, particularly in textiles, footwear, and electronics, has seen significant growth. Tourism is also a growing sector, with its rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.

Vietnam imports machinery, refined petroleum, and electronic equipment, essential for its industrial and consumer sectors.

Important cities include Hanoi, the capital with a blend of Eastern and Western cultures; Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), the economic powerhouse; and Da Nang, known for its beaches and port.

Who actually decides?

Business development abroad fails more often on the wrong contact than on the wrong product. Decide first whether you sell to end users, to a procurement department or through a partner: each asks for a different pitch and a different price level.

Expect to adapt three things per market. The language of your materials, your proof — local references count for more than global ones — and your price positioning against the local alternatives.

Do you need help in Vietnam?

Our service providers are local specialists. They know the market, the regulations and the parties that matter, and they can support you with the steps on this page.

Ask a professional

Finding your first clients in Vietnam in three steps

Step 1

Define the target group

Describe the companies or consumers you want to reach, the budget they have and the problem you solve for them. Skip this and every later step costs more time.

Step 2

Build a list and approach

Collect 50 to 100 relevant companies, find the person who decides, and reach out in the local language by email, LinkedIn or telephone.

Step 3

Follow up and localise

Track what you hear back and sharpen the pitch on it. Add local proof: translated pages, references from the region and a local number or partner.

Find clients and sell your products in Vietnam