NEWS

Finally, on 1 August 2020 the free trade agreement between the EU and Vietnam entered into force. This agreement is expected to increase trade between the EU and Vietnam. Various implementing documents have been issued recently. Important is the rule of origin determination to qualify for reduced tariffs.

As a result of COVID-19 pandemic, business owners might be forced to sell their company or parts of it. If you would like to buy such a company there are various issues that you might need to consider. In this update we set out some of the most important issues you need to think of to minimise the risk, such as various approvals that could be required but also how to structure the deal.

The law changes the foreign ownership ratio for defining a Foreign Invested Entity. There are several changes with regard to incentives and business lines. Also more clarity is given on which law prevails in certain circumstances related to investment. An important point is also the change related to the requirement of obtaining an M&A approval.

Some important changes are that a digital signature will have equal validity as an original seal and the rights of minority shareholders will be protected better. Other changes are related to corporate governance for JSCs. The amended law also will imply less administrative hassle.

If you could not join the webinar on 'What to do when you receive a Force Majeure Notice?' please read the slides presented by Minh Nguyen, Senior Associate and Head of Dispute Resolution Practice at the webinar organised by the Society of Construction Law as one of the four experts or watch the presentation.

The draft resolution contains measures related to tax, loans, labour, import & export, incorporation and business promotion that will support businesses and individuals to cope with the negative impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This further to measures that have already been taken, such as the ones set out in Decree 41.

During the past weeks, businesses were forced to suspend their operation or could not use their offices, but they had to pay rent, nevertheless. In this update a solution to address lease issues will be introduced.

Decree 35 provides detailed guidance on, amongst other things, how to determine relevant market and market share, the specific threshold figures for economic concentration notification, the anti-competitive effects, and market dominance based on significant market power; and gives a definition of controlling or influence for merger control purposes.

Decree 41 serves to support companies during the Covid-19 Epidemic. It sets out which taxes (VAT, CIT, PIT) and land rent can be deferred for how long and in which sectors. It is worthwhile to be aware that the tax authorities may not agree with deferral as requirements are not met and penalties might apply. Furthermore, if the fiscal year is not the same as a calendar year it is not clear if deferral will be possible.

The long-awaited Decree 10 sets out several business conditions applicable to a transportation business by vehicles. These businesses include the app-based taxi services provided by Grab and Be. The discussion that has been going on for a long time on the type of services they provide has probably come to an end.

A substantial amount of information has been shared on the economic impact of the Corona virus, however, what does it mean for your business from a legal perspective. In this update we will set out some issues you might have to consider in light of the Labour Code as well as the Civil Code in connection with the steps taken by the Government.

The law will also impact e-commerce activities of offshore entities; and introduces new definitions. Finally, legal reps need to be aware that they can be prevented from exiting Vietnam when the company has not paid due taxes. Please note that 6 months remain to take measures to remain compliant.