Vietnam’s economy—valued at $430 billion in 2024—is one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing, driven by key sectors like manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, technology, and agribusiness. As foreign investment and cross-border transactions surge, complex commercial disputes are becoming more common. International arbitration offers a neutral, enforceable, and efficient solution, especially in cases involving foreign partners, joint ventures, and high-value contracts. Sectors such as digital tech, renewable energy, and large-scale infrastructure increasingly turn to arbitration to resolve licensing, performance, and regulatory disputes. Singapore has emerged as a preferred arbitration seat for Vietnamese parties, offering legal certainty, experienced tribunals, and robust enforcement under the New York Convention.
Vietnam has solidified its position as a global manufacturing hub. International corporations including Samsung, Nike, and Foxconn rely on Vietnam’s competitive labor market and robust export infrastructure to serve global demand. With this growth, disputes are inevitable. Issues often arise around delivery delays, product quality claims, miscommunication between OEM partners, and breaches of exclusivity or pricing terms. Many of these disputes involve counterparties in different jurisdictions, making arbitration a natural choice. It allows manufacturers and suppliers to resolve conflicts without jeopardising critical commercial relationships. RBN Chambers represents manufacturing clients in arbitrations seated in Vietnam and across Asia under ICC, SIAC, and VIAC Rules.
Vietnam’s infrastructure boom continues with landmark developments such as the North-South Expressway and Long Thanh International Airport. These projects, often structured through public-private partnerships or funded by foreign capital, are legally complex. Disputes frequently arise from contractor performance issues, project delays, and unforeseen regulatory challenges such as land acquisition bottlenecks. Post-pandemic challenges have further strained timelines and budgets, increasing the likelihood of disputes. Arbitration provides a neutral and enforceable mechanism to address these claims. RBN Chambers assists construction companies, developers, and government-linked entities in resolving high-value disputes via arbitration.
Vietnam’s digital economy is growing rapidly, with strong investment in fintech, cloud solutions, and outsourced IT services. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are becoming technology hubs in Southeast Asia. However, the fast-paced nature of this sector has led to an uptick in legal disputes involving software development agreements, licensing issues, and data privacy breaches. Tech contracts often span jurisdictions and require adjudication by arbitrators who understand both legal and technical nuances. RBN Chambers offers arbitration services tailored for tech companies, helping them resolve disputes with discretion, technical accuracy, and a focus on preserving innovation-driven partnerships.
Vietnam is a global leader in the export of rice, coffee, seafood, and cashew nuts. Its agribusiness sector is essential to rural development and national GDP. However, as global supply chains become more demanding and sustainability requirements increase, disputes are becoming more common. Exporters and investors face challenges such as contractual breaches, disputes over shipment quality, and disagreements in land use arrangements. Environmental claims and regulatory compliance are also rising issues. Arbitration offers agribusinesses a confidential and internationally enforceable path to resolving these conflicts. RBN Chambers represents stakeholders in agricultural arbitrations with a strong understanding of the sector’s commercial and regulatory context.