Representative Offices
In contrast to JVs and 100 percent FOEs, a representative office (RO) is forbidden from conducting any revenue-generating activities. Rather, ROs are permitted to conduct market research, serve as a liaison with an overseas parent company and/or serve other supporting roles such as ensuring quality control, acting as a product showroom and helping to facilitate the execution of the contracts of the parent company. Unlike in certain other Asian countries, ROs in Vietnam are permitted to hire staff directly, both Vietnamese and expatriate.