Founder of Harvey Law Group Jean Francois Harvey: We are proud of accompanying Vietnam on its way to the world

ON THE OCCASION OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF HLG VIETNAM, Jean-François Harvey, founder and Managing Partner of HLG Group, has been interviewed by Business and Brand Vietnam about the mission of market leading enterprise and his vision for the next coming years.

Business & Brand VN: Could you please share with us the size of HLG in Vietnam and globally?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: Harvey Law Group was founded in 1992. Right from the start, we have been present throughout Asia, North America, South America and the Middle East. HLG has grown to become a leading multinational corporation specializing in CBI (Citizenship By Investment), with offices in Hong Kong (China), Bangkok, Yangon, Manila, Montréal, Phnom Penh, Miami, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, Paris and London. Together with the regional and international network, HLG has a strong workforce ready to provide the best service to diverse clients on a global scale.

In Vietnam alone, HLG was established in 2008 as the first Canadian law firm licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam with now 03 offices in Ha Noi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.

As one of the leading international law firms in the field of CBI in Vietnam, HLG has recognized the potential of the market and is committed to providing the best legal services based on international experience along with the specific insight of each country. The market knowledge and dedication of HLG have been widely recognized in the industry.

In addition, HLG is one of the first global CBI law firms established in Vietnam. It requires a lot of time, patience, and the ability to overcome challenges. Over the years, we have made the business community feel that HLG is coming to Vietnam and staying here to accompany them. Our goal is to help high-income Vietnamese realize their full investment potential.

Business & Brand VN: To be successful, it is necessary to make a difference. So what is the difference between HLG and its competitors?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: The difference is that HLG is privileged to work with both companies in and out of a country in terms of commercial tasks of the country. We see the upgrade and setting standards of how professional services for CBI are provided in Vietnam as one of the most important achievements of the HLG. We believe that much of our success comes from combining our international expertise with local knowledge, and it is always an important part of our work to respect Vietnamese culture and customs. 95% of HLG's staff in our three offices in Vietnam are locals, who have made a significant contribution to our overall strength in Vietnam.

Business & Brand VN: As a pioneer law firm in the field of CBI in Vietnam, what do you think about the role of HLG in the CBI industry as this topic is increasingly common in Vietnam?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: We are the first international law firm which actually opens the CBI for Vietnam with full-time locally-based lawyers who can provide on-demand services to clients (not like other companies with only "fly" lawyers who will occasionally drop in). Thus, we are able to establish a strong foothold in the marketplace by committing ourselves to legal excellence, professional integrity and transparency in working with our customers.

Although HLG always selects the customers that we represent, our long history of delivering successful results has said it all. We are very grateful to our customers for their trust and support that has enabled HLG to gain a large market share. But we also realize that we must constantly strive to maintain our position in the forefront.

Business & Brand VN: What do you think about the potential market for CBI in Vietnam?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: We believe that we are just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg for the CBI industry in Vietnam. The CBI market will grow significantly when the Vietnamese government decides to regulate and legalize the industry, as we have seen in China and other countries. In our experience, it creates a great impact on the local CBI industry as the government realizes how well immigration benefits their domestic economy.

Business & Brand VN: Ten years ago, the CBI was a new concept for Vietnamese investors. According to the current report, the CBI has grown much stronger. What is HLG's Unique selling point in comparison with other immigration companies on the market?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: Unlike most other immigration companies on the market, HLG is a legally licensed law firm. Therefore, we have legal responsibility for our customers; actions taken on behalf of the client are insured and therefore the client may claim or initiate a lawsuit to hold HLG liable if it is found that we have been negligent in the profession.

In addition, as a law firm, we have obligations not only to our clients but also to various law associations and government agencies that modify the practice in each nation. To operate, we are required to comply with strict legal and professional requirements to protect our customers. As lawyers, we are required to adhere to a code of professional conduct: "acting in the client’s best interest", ensuring that the client is well cared for.

Business & Brand VN: What are the difficulties faced by Vietnamese investors in implementing their migration plans in countries where HLG is currently consulting?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: One of the biggest challenges for Vietnamese investors is dealing with bank documents and taxes. As a law firm, we have worked hard over the past decade to develop a legal and educational solution for immigration and other government agencies involved in dealing with the applications of Vietnamese clients. With our world-renowned reputation and expertise, we have been able to streamline many of CBI's handling practices with the reality of Vietnam to ensure the efficient handling of our customer records.

Business & Brand VN: Is the potential and growth of this market the same as the expectation of HLG when it decided to open an office in Vietnam 10 years ago?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: Indeed, the potential and growth of the Vietnam’s market is the same as our prediction 10 years ago when we started doing business here. In fact, the growth is so strong that Vietnam is one of our top markets in Southeast Asia.

For the ASEAN market in general, we believe there will be significant growth in the CBI industry for at least the next five years. For Vietnam alone, HLG continues to be optimistic that the CBI industry will soon be adjusted and legalized in Vietnam, so that HGL’s forecast for the next 10 years will be achieved.

Business & Brand VN: With the current CBI, how is HLG supporting the business community in Vietnam and in which countries? What are the main programs that HLG is consulting for Vietnamese investors?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: The choice of CBI programs is a deeply subjective and personal process, so we cannot simply highlight one or two programs. Although the main goal of a client is to use CBI to expand their business opportunities, ease travel restrictions or improve their standard of living, ultimately, every one of our customers has different desires and goals and the best CBI program is the program that suits their needs.

At HLG, we are not just about helping our customers get CBI programs, but we will also work with our clients on meeting their business goals to ensure they are ready to face the business environment outside of Vietnam.

Business & Brand VN: When the United States and other European countries tighten their immigration regulations, will HLG’s activities be affected?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: There is certainly some impact on HLG’s activities when the countries tighten their immigration regulations, but we believe it is where the power of our practice is most evident. After all, everyone in this industry can do well as the immigrant environment favors. HLG is the first law firm and we have extensive knowledge to understand laws and regulations. As these laws and regulations change, HLG's lawyers are fully equipped with experience to develop a quick and effective legal solution.

During 26 years of operation of HLG in the industry, we have seen a tendency for immigration regulations to be tightened when our performance is at its highest level. We have seen many changes in regulations over the decades, so when HLG builds a profile with its customers, we always look at the worst case scenario - it's a successful strategy based on the exceptionally high success rate of HLG. We believe in building a complete and full record, so it can withstand the most stringent supervision.

Business & Brand VN: What advice do you have for Vietnamese citizens who are dreaming of CBI settlement in developed countries around the world?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: Our advice is not to rush into the process and spend time looking at all the options available. The CBI industry offers a variety of existing options and new options are constantly being added. At HLG, our top priority is always to update and provide more immigration options so that we can help our clients make informed decisions.

Business & Brand VN: Could you capture the picture of HLG in the next 10 years?

Mr. Jean-Francois Harvey: Over the past 10 years of development in Vietnam, HLG appreciated the business environment here. We hope to be able to accompany Vietnamese businesses for a long time on their way to the world. For global HLG, we are constantly striving to expand our operations and influence in Asia and other continents.

Thank you so much!

SOME ACHIEVEMENTS OF HLG:

• ALB (Asian Legal Business) Award in Hong Kong (China) for “The Best Immigration Law Firm of the Year” (2014 and 2017);

• IAIR Award for “The Best Immigration Law Firm of the Year” (2016);

• Acquisition International Magazine’s Award for “The Best Settlement Law Firm in Asia” (2016).

My Dung