Country-Specific Strategies for Companies Entering E-Commerce 

4 minutes
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Premia TNC Vietnam Team

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Table Of Contents

Headquartered in Hong Kong, we help businesses expand across Asia and the Middle East, including Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Dubai. Our approach combines tailored, country-specific strategies with practical insights, enabling seamless e-commerce entry and optimized growth in each market

Why a National Combination Strategy Outperforms Single-Country Advancement

As of 2025, the e-commerce market has entered an era where it is difficult to achieve sustainable growth simply by entering a country and opening an online mall. 

Because each country has different platform structures, consumer trends, tax regulations, foreign exchange policies, and fulfillment infrastructure, a multi-country structure design (multi-network strategy) is more effective in generating real profits and diversifying risks. 

The Necessity of a National Union Strategy

Comparison: Single-Country vs National Union Strategy 

Division 

Entry into a Single Country 

National Union Strategy 

Tax Risk 

Fully exposed to the regulations of the respective country. 

Minimizing risk by decentralizing functions across corporations. 

Capital Recovery 

Restrictions may apply in countries subject to foreign exchange regulations. 

Flexible collection through hub countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore. 

Brand Extension 

Limited to domestic sales. 

Easy access to foreign platforms Singapore, Malaysia, and more. 

Localization Burden 

Direct response to platform, language, and license. 

Headquarters (hub) management and local execution can be delegated. 

 Key Takeaway: 

A distributed structure across countries is a strategy that can secure risk avoidance, tax optimization, and operational flexibility. 

Ideal Country Combinations Based on Entry Objectives

Middle East Market Strategy with Trade and Export Focus 

Strategic Combination: 

Hong Kong or Singapore Headquarters with a Dubai Sales and Warehousing Entity 

  • Hong Kong: A raw materials export hub, manufacturing hub, or brand headquarters. 
  • Dubai: Accessible throughout the GCC region (easily accessible to Amazon.ae and Noon), duty-free access to the Free Zone. 

Operating Structure: 

  • Products exported from Hong Kong are repackaged at a warehouse in Dubai and then delivered to the final consumer. 
  • Local Dubai corporations can process taxes after registering for VAT (5%). 

ASEAN Expansion with Tax Stability Assurance 

Strategic Combination: 

Singapore Headquarters with Malaysia or Vietnam Sales Entity 

  • Singapore: Liberalized foreign exchange and multiple tax treaties enhance transparency in intercompany transactions. 
  • Malaysia: Easy access to Shopee, Lazada, and more for halal products and global beauty brands. 

 

Operating Structure: 

  • Integrated accounting and logistics management in Singapore, while the Malaysian subsidiary is responsible for fulfillment and customs clearance. 
  • Manage your sales revenue settlement structure in a tax-optimized manner. 

Essential Operational Strategies for Each Business Structure

Example of a Hong Kong Holding Company with a Vietnam Operating Subsidiary 

Division 

Holding Company (Hong Kong) 

Operating Corporation (Vietnam) 

Role 

Brand or IP ownership and revenue recovery. 

Local sales and licensing. 

Profit Structure 

Receive royalties and brand usage fees. 

Platform sales generation. 

Risk 

No foreign exchange regulations. 

Application of Vietnamese labor and tax laws. 

Accounting Processing 

Simple with foreign currency accounting. 

FDI Standards Accounting and Tax Reporting. 

 

Key Takeaway: 

International settlement is possible without any tax burden when revenue is recovered through royalties and technology usage fees. Premia TNC can help you design contract structures and remittance structures. 

Optimizing Fulfillment and Logistics Through Country-Specific Strategies

Country 

Fulfillment Characteristics 

Practical Strategy 

Hong Kong 

The best international express delivery companies, including DHL and FedEx. 

Shopify leverages Amazon’s Global Shipping Hub. 

Singapore 

Shopee and Lazada fulfillment automation. 

Integrated logistics operations across ASEAN is possible. 

Vietnam 

TikTok dedicated warehouse activated. 

Integrated inventory and delivery and low-cost structure. 

Taiwan 

Sophisticated local logistics network. 

Suitable for high-end brand products. 

Malaysia 

Low warehousing costs with Lazada having its own warehouse. 

Used as an intermediate warehouse and repackaging base. 

Dubai 

Development of transport infrastructure across the GCC. 

High value-added products or bulk products. 

Key Takeaway: 

Fulfillment strategies are linked to not only simple logistics costs but also taxes, revenue collection, and customer experience, so pre-planning the structure is essential. 

Key Points and Commonly Overlooked Tips for Practitioners

Platform Entry Requirements by Country 

  • Shopee: Requires establishing a local corporation and obtaining a tax code in each participating country. 
  • TikTok Shop: Requires a local corporation, account registration, relevant licenses, and linking of electronic tax invoices. 

 Product Registration and Customs Clearance 

  • Health Functional Foods and Cosmetics: Vietnam, Malaysia, and Dubai each have specific registration requirements. 
  • Electronic Products: CE/FCC certification is required in certain countries, such as Taiwan and Dubai. 

Order of Securing Business Address and Licensing 

  • Countries like Vietnam and Malaysia require on-site inspections of business premises, so signing the lease prior to inspection is necessary. 
  • The recommended sequence of procedures would be business establishment, followed by incorporation, and finally business license application. 

Premia TNC's Global Integrated Support Services

Premia TNC supports businesses across multiple markets, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Dubai, handling company incorporation, license registration for e-commerce, F&B, and health functional foods, as well as accounting, taxation, VAT, and electronic tax invoice management. 

Beyond these services, we provide strategic guidance on country-specific remittance, exchange rate management, and local logistics, including fulfillment company integration. Premia TNC is more than a corporate service provider, as we partner with you to design and optimize your entire business structure. 

To Conclude

Relying on a single country limits opportunities in taxation, logistics, and brand management. By leveraging strategic partnerships across borders, using Hong Kong as a revenue hub, Singapore for ASEAN integration, and Vietnam as a forward base for sales, businesses can achieve risk diversification, profit growth, and scalable operations. Premia TNC’s dedicated global e-commerce team offers one-stop support, designing the optimal country mix and strategy tailored to your business goals across Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Dubai. 

Picture of Premia TNC Vietnam Team
Premia TNC Vietnam Team

Author

Premia TNC Vietnam is a dynamic team of experts dedicated to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs as they establish, manage, and grow their presence in Vietnam and across the region. Premia TNC Vietnam specializes in providing tailored corporate services, from company incorporation and compliance to tax planning and accounting. With our extensive experience and deep understanding of the local regulatory environment, we are here to make business operations smoother and more efficient.