Introduction
The energy sector in Vietnam and South East Asia has witnessed sustained growth over the past two decades. Among the many factors responsible for this development are rapidly increasing industrial output, growth in consumer spending and the burgeoning of new infrastructure projects. Energy security is a significant priority for Vietnam and other nations in the region as well as anxiety over energy availability and costs. Power production has also undergone changes, with hydroelectricity, coal and natural gas remaining dominant in the region, with recent inroads by a number of bio-energy, solar and wind power projects. Overall, Vietnam and the South East Asian region will remain an attractive area for energy investment, especially in renewables, for years to come.
Despite the opportunities that the region has to offer, energy companies face a number of complex challenges that are distinct from other economic sectors, such as governmental and regulatory scrutiny, environmental concerns, and special financing and property issues. Due to the rapidly changing legal landscape of Vietnam, it is important that an energy company or investment group retain competent legal counsel in order to overcome the obstacles and take advantage of the opportunities.
About
The energy practice at Corporate Counsels encompasses a wide array of matters faced by the energy sector such as mergers and acquisitions between electric and gas utility holding companies, corporate insolvency and restructuring, debt and equity financing, formation and operation of energy market operators, project development, and regulatory issues. We also work with existing industries and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and become more energy efficient. Further, our lawyers adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to all issues, taking into account environmental concerns, tax issues, labor and employment matters, media coverage, real estate/assets and intellectual property, amongst others. This results in creative, flexible solutions that not only meet our clients’ needs but assist them to reach their business goals.
Corporate Counsels’ attorneys have extensive experience in the energy sector and are consistently ranked in the top tier by Chambers & Partners and other leading legal publications. Both international and local clients frequently turn to our Firm as a reliable partner in this rapidly changing and expanding field. Corporate Counsels is committed to being on the cutting edge of developments in the energy sector and represent a broad-range of clients, including power and electric utilities, electricity suppliers and lenders, independent power producers, developers, construction contractors, entrepreneurs, venture capital and private equity firms, and strategic investors.
Services
Corporate Counsels provides advice to clients on a wide array of energy-related matters, including:
- Energy Investments
- Energy Sector Business Formation
- Environmental Regulations and Permits
- Financing and Securitization
- Intellectual Property
- Leasing and Production
- Land Use and Environmental Issues
- Operating Agreements
- Project Finance and Development Transactions
- Project Mergers Acquisitions, Joint Ventures, and Disposition
- Real Property and Assets
- Regulatory Matters
- Restructuring and Dissolution
- Siting, Permitting and Closing Facilities
- Tax and Accounting
- Transportation and Distribution