First and foremost
HSBC has just received an internationally-recognised award, “Best Foreign Bank in Vietnam
2006”, by FinanceAsia. What were the selection criteria for the award?
FinanceAsia selected the award winners on the basis of their financial strength and performance, the
value of the franchise, acquisitions that help improve the franchise, staff numbers, client base, major
deals won during the period, and testimonials from clients. We would particularly like to thank our
customers, who set aside their valuable time to write strong testimonials that helped HSBC gain credit
in the decision making process. I believe our long-term commitment to Vietnam also played an
important role in the selection process.
We are very proud to be named Best Bank in Vietnam by FinanceAsia, one of the most reputable
financial publishing houses in Asia. The award reflects our relentless efforts in providing customers with
world-class services and we are delighted to see our position as the leading foreign bank in Vietnam
now being reaffirmed by the winning of this prestigious award. It is also worth mentioning that The Asian
Banker ranked HSBC at Number 2 in its scorecard for the Best Retail Bank in Vietnam 2006 Award,
and we are proud to be the only foreign bank in the top 3, despite our limited distribution network.
HSBC has also received international awards in securities services from other international
publications. Can you tell us more about these awards?
HSBC recently won the “Best Sub-Custodian Bank in Vietnam 2006” award from Asset Triple A. We
were also ranked Number 1 and - a first in Vietnam - received a Commended Rating from Global
Custodian Magazine’s market survey “Review of Agent Banks in Emerging Markets” in 2005. These
international industry awards reflect our leading position in securities services in Vietnam.
HSBC Vietnam was the first foreign bank to obtain a custodian licence in Vietnam. We are the only
foreign bank in the country that provides fund administration services, through a local team of eight
staff. Our focus is to bring international practice to the Vietnamese securities market and to provide
world-class services to our customers. Our competitive advantage lies in our consistency, reliability and
flexibility of services. In the first half of 2006 we installed a state-of-the-art custody system (HSBC’s
global securities system) to fully automate the processing of securities transactions. We will also soon
be launching HSBCnet, our global Internet banking platform, for securities customers in Vietnam.
We are very pleased to be able to establish good relationships with regulators to ensure we are able to
represent our clients’ interests. As the leading and most experienced sub-custodian bank in Vietnam,
HSBC has been frequently invited by regulators to share best practice from other international markets

priority country for future development.
It is said that HSBC recently proposed to the Techcombank board of management that it raise
its stake to 20 per cent from the current 10 per cent. Is this true? If yes, why now? If no, when
will HSBC make such a proposal to Techcombank?
Regulations limit the stake held by foreign banks in domestic financial institutions to 10 per cent. We are
interested in increasing our stake in Techcombank as and when regulations permit. Our priority now is
to implement the technical support agreements signed with Techcombank. Under these agreements we
will offer assistance on a range of areas, including risk management, corporate governance and internal
audit. The business co-operation agreement will allow both parties to actively explore business
opportunities in a wide range of areas within retail and corporate and commercial banking in Vietnam.
A consultant from HSBC Asia Pacific is now in place in Techcombank to provide guidance on corporate
governance and risk management. In addition, HSBC in Vietnam has seconded a senior executive to
Techcombank as Deputy General Director in charge of business development in the south of Vietnam.
We also formally assumed a seat on the board of Techcombank in August this year.
Our focus now is to work closely with Techcombank to bring our strategic partnership to a new height
for the benefit of both parties, and above all for the benefit of our customers.
What are the most important factors that foreign investors, especially those in the financial
sector like HSBC, consider when deciding to invest in Vietnam?
Vietnam has a number of factors in its favour, the most attractive being its emerging market status,
offering many business opportunities as well as obstacles. Although competition is beginning to mount,
there are plenty of opportunities for everyone. However, with our long history in Vietnam we should
have an advantage. Vietnamese people are also the country’s most valuable asset. Vietnam’s young,
educated, intelligent and eager to learn workforce has been the major driving force behind the recent
surge in foreign investment in Vietnam.
Another factor is the astonishing economic growth rate Vietnam has recorded in a relatively short period
of time since it embarked on market reform and liberalisation. Vietnam has now become one of the
fastest growing economies in Asia. These exciting developments will continue as Vietnam continues its
reform measures. Last but not least, the Vietnamese Government has sent a strong signal to the world
about its commitment to gradually open the door and integrate into the global economy. Vietnam’s
pending entry to the WTO is a good example. These efforts have helped build up investor confidence

1/ Find out the elements which promote the success of HSBC in Vietnam market?
2/ To be a Marketing manager of HSBC in Vietnam, which factors are your most concerns
in developing market-share in next 3 years?