NEWS

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.

The new Labour Code includes substantial changes to recognise the evolution of labour relationships under the impact of the Industrial Revolution 4.0. Important is also that the draft for the first time contains a definition of sexual harassment, which is already prohibited under the current Labour Code.

The 2019 Law on Securities for the first time ever mentions foreign investors' participation on the securities market. The law also amends and adds definitions, and separates the initial and additional public offering. Furthermore, the conditions for both public and non-public offerings will be tightened, and the maximum fine will be increased.

As of 1 July 2020 it will become easier to switch to a different type of visa for foreign investors and job-finders who entered the country on a tourist visa. There will also be more types of visa available for foreign investors and duration depends on investment but can be up to 10 years.

Decision 26 is expected to speed up the equitisation of SOEs and divestment of State capital to create a level playing field for business entities, generate funds for infrastructure projects and comply with international commitments and free trade agreements.