NEWS

After the issuance of Decree 153, MOF became aware of certain risks related to non-compliance and/or high-risk financing via corporate bonds. The draft decree intends to lower risks for investors and make the market more transparent. However, with the current draft, Vietnamese companies might be impacted negatively.

Decree 128 on penalising administrative violations in securities and the securities market sector amends some existing penalties and adds a new one as well. Penalties can be given related to issuing shares, selling treasury shares, publishing maximum ownership ratio and the reporting regime.

Decree 122 clarifies the definition of organisation, imposes higher administrative penalties for many violations covered by it. It also adds a new sanction for over-declaration of the charter capital.

Resolution 43 sets out the new fiscal and monetary policies to support the Vietnamese program of socio-economic recovery and development. It contains guidance on tax reduction and exemption, steered public investment in various sectors and monetary measures. It will have an impact on businesses and individuals.

As of 1 January 2022, Decree 85 aims to tax Vietnam-sourced income from local individual customers regardless if the merchant is local or foreign and will impact e-commerce activities. A draft Decree related to import and export via e-commerce activities will have a further impact but clarifies certain points as well.

After almost 2 years of limited access, it will become easier for foreigners with a business visa, visa exemption, temporary or permanent residence cards, overseas Vietnamese and their family members to enter Vietnam. Tourists are expected to be able to come to Vietnam later this year without having to join an organised tour.

Vietnamese pharmaceutical sector has grown significantly over the last decade thanks to positive regulatory changes and rising domestic demand. Watch the Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Market Webinar, a part of BritCham Vietnam's Sector-focused Webinar Series, where we discuss opportunities and challenges within the imported pharmaceutical market in Vietnam.

The circular gives information on who can buy shares (strategic investors, local and foreign investors, employees, trade unions), how shares can be offered (public auction and direct negotiation) and how deposits can be made in foreign currencies. It also contains sample documents.

Decree 80 provides more support to women-owned SMEs or SMEs with a high percentage of female employees and social SMEs. New is also that technology and consulting support can be obtained and specific SMEs can qualify for special interest rates.

Directives 15, 16 and 19 no longer provide guidelines in light of COVID-19. Instead, Resolution 128 outlines how services can be provided and businesses can operate. The country will be divided into red, orange, yellow or green zones with connected possibilities and requirements. The provincial People’s Committees are responsible for implementation.

Directive 18 provides information on which businesses can open and which not yet and under which conditions. It also prescribes the obligation to use QR codes for movement and proof of vaccination. Step-by-step more businesses can open again which will help to recover HCMC's economy.

The law will also cover insurers, reinsurers and insurance brokers practising insurance auxiliary services and other activities directly related to the insurance business. Insurance services and products can be offered and promoted online. Finally, it simplifies some investment and establishment conditions.