vietnam

Vietnam: Conditions for foreign investors engaging in the freshwater aquaculture

The Vietnamese Prime Minister issued Decision No. 339/QD-TTg dated March 11, 2021, on approving the Strategy for Development of Vietnam’s Fisheries by 2030 with vision towards 2045. This article focuses on analyzing the conditions for foreign investors in freshwater aquaculture.

Vietnam: Limitations in compensation for environmental damage through civil proceedings

As Vietnam commits to achieving “Net Zero” by 2050, the Vietnamese government has implemented numerous programs to develop clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Under Vietnamese law, polluters may face administrative fines, criminal prosecution, and civil liability for the damages caused, depending on the severity of the offense.

Vietnam: Legal conditions for foreign investors operating as customs procedure agents in Vietnam

For foreign investors seeking opportunities in the Vietnamese market, the logistics services sector is promising but concurrently poses specific legal requirements that need thorough study. This article delves into the legal conditions that foreign investors must grasp when intending to establish and operate an enterprise engaged in customs procedure agent activities in Vietnam.

Vietnam: Resolving disputes by commercial mediation

Commercial mediation offers a flexible, cost-effective and constructive approach to dispute resolution, enabling the parties to reach a mutually agreed settlement based on voluntariness and good faith. To provide a clear legal framework for this method, the Government issued Decree No. 22/2017/ND-CP dated 24 February 2017 on commercial mediation. This is the first specialized legal instrument in Vietnam that comprehensively governs commercial mediation in accordance with international standards. This article outlines the key contents of the Decree.

Vietnam: New Regulatory Framework for Official Development Assistance and Preferential Foreign Loans

On 10 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam (“Government”) issued Decree No. 242/2025/ND-CP establishing comprehensive regulations for the management and utilization of official development assistance (“ODA”) and preferential foreign loans.

Vietnam: Guidelines for establishing electronic identification accounts for organizations

Pursuant to Clause 4, Article 40 of Decree No. 69/2024/ND-CP, existing accounts issued by the National Public Service Portal and the administrative procedure information systems at all levels shall remain valid until June 30, 2025. From July 1, 2025, organizations have been required to use electronic identification accounts.

Vietnam: Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence Released for Public Consultation

The Draft AI Law establishes foundational principles for AI development, delineates the roles and responsibilities of government authorities and AI developers, and introduces new schemes to regulate, manage, and promote AI innovation nationwide. This article reviews the Draft AI Law.

Vietnam’s Crypto Shift: From Grey Area to Restrictive Regime

On 9 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam promulgated Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, which marks the very first time establishing a formal legal framework governing crypto-assets through a five-year pilot period. Resolution 05 represents a significant regulatory development, terminating the prolonged period of legal uncertainty and initiating the transition of Vietnam’s digital asset market.

Vietnam’s Draft Law on Specialised Courts: Lessons from England’s CPR

Vietnam is currently considering a draft law on specialised courts for its planned International Financial Centre (IFC). The ambition is clear: to provide an independent, reliable forum for resolving high-value commercial disputes. However, in its current form, the draft contains several procedural shortcomings that risk undermining investor confidence.

Vietnam: Draft Law on Business Investment: Changes to foster a more attractive investment environment in Vietnam

Vietnam Accelerates Transformation To Digital Economy With Landmark Legislation

On the 4 June 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam passed the Law No. 71/2025/QH15 on Digital Technology Industry, taking effect from 1 January 2026. This landmark legislation represents a fundamental step in building a comprehensive legal framework for the digital technology sector, paving the way for Vietnam’s digital transformation.

Vietnam: US and Vietnam Outline Framework For Reciprocal Trade Agreement

On 26–27 October 2025, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, US President Donald Trump and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính issued a joint statement introducing a framework for an “Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade.” This framework builds on the existing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and aims to strengthen bilateral trade and investment across industrial, agricultural, and services sectors.

Vietnam: Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence Released for Public Consultation

In September 2025, the Government of Vietnam released the Draft Law on Artificial Intelligence for public consultation. Scheduled to be enacted during the National Assembly’s 10th session starting on 20 October 2025, the Draft AI Law will create Vietnam’s first comprehensive legal framework for the development, deployment, and utilization of artificial intelligence.

Vietnam: Vietnam’s Crypto Shift: From Grey Area to Restrictive Regime

On 9 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam promulgated Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, which marks the very first time establishing a formal legal framework governing crypto-assets through a five-year pilot period. Resolution 05 represents a significant regulatory development, terminating the prolonged period of legal uncertainty and initiating the transition of Vietnam’s digital asset market from an unregulated sphere into a controlled, transparent, and taxable regime.

Vietnam: Proposed Personal Income Tax Changes

The Ministry of Finance has just released an updated draft of the new Personal Income Tax Law. The proposed changes focus on key areas including: Expanding the tax base, Revising personal deductions for taxpayers and dependents, Reforming tax exemptions and reductions, and addressing inconsistencies in current regulations.

Vietnam: New Regulatory Framework for Official Development Assistance and Preferential Foreign Loans

On 10 September 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 242/2025/ND-CP establishing comprehensive regulations for the management and utilization of official development assistance (“ODA”) and preferential foreign loans.

Vietnam's New Investment Regulations: What Investors Need to Know

On 3 September 2025, the Government issued Decree 239, amending and supplementing Decree 31 which details and guides the implementation of the Law on Investment. This new decree clarifies and introduces new changes, with significant implications for project development, investment incentives and the M&S process in Vietnam.

Vietnam: New Decree On Foreign Investment in Credit Institutions in Vietnam

On 18 March 2025, the Government of Vietnam issued Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP providing amendments to the Decree No. 01/2024/ND-CP dated 3 January 2014 of the Government prescribing foreign investors' share purchases of credit institutions in Vietnam.

Vietnam issued administrative procedures to implement global minimum tax regulations

On 21 October 2025, the Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. 3563/QĐ-BTC, officially introducing formal administrative procedures for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and their constituent entities operating in Vietnam to comply with Resolution No. 107/2023/QH15 and Decree No. 236/2025/NĐ-CP.

Vietnam: DFDL Trade and Tariffs Client Update: New U.S. Tariffs on Asian Furniture, Trucks & Pharma

Executive Summary: On September 25, 2025, the U.S. administration under President Trump announced a significant expansion of import tariffs, set to take effect on October 1, 2025. These measures build on prior trade actions and target key sectors including consumer goods, industrial equipment, and pharmaceuticals.