Decree 9 gives information on business license requirements, issuance term, administrative procedures and relevant authorities. Requirements for foreign owned enterprises (FOE) to obtain a business licence are reduced, the retail sector is opened up and the same requirements apply to companies from non-WTO countries. The economic needs test (ENT) remains and new requirements are introduced.

Decree 8 sets out a wide range of amendments of investment conditions imposed on enterprises in various trade areas such as food production and trading, oil and gas, tobacco, electricity, and franchising. Its main objective is to reduce administrative procedures and easing doing business. The expected abolishment of the registration requirement for franchises did not materialise.

Decree 14 provides details on cross-border trade activities with neighbouring countries China, Laos, and Cambodia. It contains specific provisions on trade activities in border areas and the purchase, sale and exchange of goods among border inhabitants.

The new Cybersecurity Law is expected to impact FDI as it requires investors to open a branch or representative office when active in sectors covered by the law. Companies have to comply with the requirements by 1 January 2019.

Decree 108 will simplify the business registration procedures and reduce costs. Notable changes are related to registration and notification requirements; and the prohibition of setting up another business location is removed.

There have been issues, such as unfairness towards the customers, failure to fulfil tax obligations, and the sale of low-quality products, with MLM companies in Vietnam. Decree 40 intends to address these issues and provide a better legal framework for companies using MLM as well as create transparency.

Decree 22 provides additional information on collection and distribution of royalties, protection invalidation of copyright and related rights, and the timeline related to the copyright registration certificate.

Vietnam is working towards supporting different kinds of industries by introducing new concepts of industrial zones with incentives. Decree 82 introduces the new concepts, such as the auxiliary industrial zone, or supporting industry zone, and the eco-industrial zone. Incentives are also set out for manufacturers of supporting industries' products and eco-enterprises.

The new Competition Law is expected to have an impact on mergers, consolidations, acquisitions, joint ventures between offshore parties. It will also apply to foreign companies, with or without a presence or subsidiary in Vietnam.

The Law on Product and Goods Quality sets out requirements products must meet before they can put on the Vietnamese market. Most notable changes in Decree 74 are the possibility to self-assess product conformity and that several products such as samples and luggage when arriving at Tan Son Nhat international airport, are exempted of inspection.

The Government seems to be more relaxed about foreign investment in the educational sector allowing more Vietnamese students to enrol, but investment capital and teacher qualification requirements have increased. The decree also contains criteria related to educational linkage, approval and accreditation requirements, joint programs for foreign language proficiency, and increased investment capital minimums.

Decree 27 on the use of internet services and online information intends to create an investment environment that will increase online activities ranging from online gaming, social networks and website creation. At the same time, it will regulate the management of social network sites.