In this new edition, you can read an update on the highlights of the United Kingdom-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement as well as on Decree 31 implementing the Law on Investment. We provide you also with some other news and regulations which we thought might be of interest.

In this new edition, you can read an update on the pros and cons of investing in data centres in Vietnam, a sector to potentially attract a lot of FDI, and on Decree 38 on violations involving cultural and advertising activities. We provide you also with some other news and regulations which we thought might be of interest. Last but not least we would like to draw your attention to the initiative of Newborns Vietnam.

Social Enterprises Vietnam article explores the legal framework for social enterprises in Vietnam, businesses that prioritize social and environmental goals alongside profit. It outlines the rights and obligations of these enterprises, the process for obtaining social enterprise status, and the challenges they face in the current landscape. Despite regulatory hurdles and limited public awareness, social enterprises in Vietnam are making a tangible impact, as exemplified by Mai Handicraft, Tò He, and The Zó Project. The article concludes with recommendations to strengthen the social enterprise sector, including clearer guidelines, enhanced public support, and increased awareness campaigns.

Decree 52 on non-cash payments significantly overhauls Vietnam's non-cash payment landscape. With a sharper focus on e-money and international payments, it aims to boost efficiency, transparency, and security. Key changes include a clear definition of e-money, stricter regulations for payment intermediaries, and new rules for public postal service providers.

Decree 101, effective August 1, 2024, outlines new regulations for land registration, LURCs, and land-attached assets in Vietnam. Key changes include clearer timelines for registration, new LURC issuance requirements, unique LURC codes, and improved access to land information. These updates aim to streamline the land registration process and enhance transparency for land users in Vietnam.

A recent amendment to Vietnam's regulations governing employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) has significantly simplified the process for foreign entities to offer these benefits to Vietnamese employees. The State Bank of Vietnam's Circular No. 23/2024/TT-NHNN, effective from August 12, 2024, has removed several hurdles, making it easier for companies to implement offshore-issued ESOPs.

Vietnam is expected to speed up equitisation of state-owned enterprises and divestment of state capital to create a level playing field for business entities and generate funds for infrastructure. Law firm ACSV Legal's associates Phuong Huynh and Duc Tran find out how these actions may offer ample opportunity for private financiers to invest in some of Vietnam's leading market players in 2020.

Investment is a key driving force for economic growth and competitiveness as it spurs innovation, creates jobs, and connect investors to global value chains. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) provides a strong, rule-based framework through which to grow investment relations with key Asia-Pacific economies. ACSV Legal Vietnam outlines how the CPTPP benefits investors, and the terms and conditions to ensure that investment procedures will be easier and more transparent for foreign funders.

The global coronavirus epidemic has caused massive disruption to businesses and may impact certain contractual relationships, either with clients or employees, Minh Nguyen, senior associate and head of dispute resolution practice at ACSV Legal, discusses notable changes in regulation which could directly affect daily business operations in Vietnam, and pores over certain legal issues that Vietnamese-based companies might encounter due to the pandemic.

In this special edition, you can read about the Government's Resolution 15, plans to resume business operations for HCMC, Hanoi, Binh Duong and Long An, and the lock down regulations for HCMC until the end of September.

In this new edition, you can read about the new regulation of Vietnamese tax law, a new update introduces support packages for employees and employers seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the draft decision on special investment incentives. We provide you also with some other news and regulations which we thought might be of interest. Last but not least, you can find our latest contribution to Chambers and Partners' Doing Business in Vietnam 2021 guide.

In this newsletter, you can read about the new Decree on Security for Performance of Obligations and other regulations have entered into force within June 2021. You can also read the latest news and relevant topics we have handpicked for you in Other News section.