Faculty of Economics Students Gain Practical Insights from Experts through Topical Seminars

Rules of Origin in the Integration Era: Opportunities and Challenges

At the seminar for the Customs Procedures module, Mr. Dang Thai Thien—Former Senior Customs Inspector and Deputy Head of the Customs Supervision and Management Division, Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department—shared practical insights on “The importance of rules of origin amid proliferating FTAs and the rise of trade-defense measures.”

Representatives of the Faculty of Economics presented a letter of thanks to Mr. Đặng Thái Thiện.

The speaker emphasized that mastering rules of origin (ROO) enables businesses to leverage tariff preferences under free trade agreements (FTAs). Alongside opportunities to expand export markets, enterprises also face challenges such as complex regulations, risks of origin fraud, and difficulties in meeting agreement-specific conditions.

A major issue highlighted was origin fraud, which can seriously damage corporate reputation and trigger trade-defense actions by importing countries. According to Mr. Thai Thien, enterprises must ensure strict regulatory compliance and build an effective origin-management system, while customs authorities should strengthen supervision to maintain a transparent business environment.

Practical Lessons from International Investment Stories

At the seminar for the International Investment module, students heard from Ms.Nguyen Hong Nhung, Head of Vietnam Corporate Coverage, BNP Paribas Ho Chi Minh City. Under the theme “International Investment Stories,” she examined notable deals and key success factors in the field.

Ms. Nguyen Hong Nhung clarified inbound and outbound investment models related to Vietnam.

The speaker outlined common investment modes, including: foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam—citing examples such as Samsung, Tetra Pak, and Sabeco—and indirect investment via equity stakes, with participation by funds such as Jardines, SK, GIC, and Bain Capital.

She also discussed challenges foreign investors encounter when deploying capital in Vietnam: aligning with Vietnamese shareholders, complying with the local legal framework and business culture, and restrictions on profit repatriation (the so-called “cash trap”). At the same time, she predicted that upcoming investment flows will prioritize companies with sustainable development strategies.

Students also explored outbound investment cases from Vietnam in two main forms: cross-border M&A—for example Masan, Vinamilk, and TTC AgriS—and greenfield capital contributions, exemplified by PetroVietnam’s project in Venezuela.

The session on international investment drew strong interest and engagement from students.

Through these two seminars, UEFers gained deeper expertise and a clearer view of real-world practice in Economics and International Business. Insights from the guest experts provide a solid foundation for students to confidently enter professional roles while shaping strategic thinking for the labor market. With such high-quality academic activities, UEF students are increasingly prepared to seize career opportunities in an international environment.