HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — Starbucks Coffee Co. has expanded its relationship with Hong Kong Maxim’s Group to operate Starbucks stores in Vietnam, with the first store in the country opening in February 2013.

The company said Asia continues to be a significant driver of growth, and the expansion into Vietnam will further this effort. Starbucks has given Hong Kong Maxim’s Group subsidiary, Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Ltd., the license agreement for the Vietnam market, and Coffee Concepts (Vietnam) Ltd. will be Starbucks’ licensee for operating Starbucks stores in that market.

Starbucks has more than 3,300 stories in 11 countries in the China and Asia Pacific region. Through Coffee Concepts (Hong Kong) Ltd., its licensed partner and a subsidiary of Hong Kong Maxim’s Group, the company has more than 130 stores in Hong Kong and Macau.