Among the available PPP models in Vietnam, build-operate-transfer (BOT) is probably the most realistic considering the availability of an established legal framework for off-taking and state-sponsored contracts and precedent BOT projects. Sponsors would want the power project to be owned by the BOT company under a BOT contract with the relevant state authority and the LNG infrastructure to be owned by a separate joint venture company, with the cost of LNG infrastructure to be passed through to the electricity tariff. Under current legislation, non-BOT power projects (except solar or wind) are generally ineligible for off-taking arrangements, and are instead required to sell on the “competitive electricity market,” which may raise an important bankability issue.

Against this background, Vietnam recently passed a PPP Law and an Investment Law, while issuing a new decree to implement the new PPP Law called Decree 35/2021/ND-CP (together, the “New Laws”). The changes are not fundamental but do include some features which may be material to new PPP power projects.

Partner Duyen Ha Vo and Associate Quynh Anh Le shares their analysis on this matter.

Read the full article here as published in In House Community Projects & Energy edition.