Policy

Over the past year, Viet Nam has accelerated efforts to modernise its intellectual property (IP) regime, with particular emphasis on enforcement, an area long scrutinised by foreign investors assessing market and operational risk. These reforms come as Viet Nam continues its shift towards higher value manufacturing, technology, and branded consumer goods, sectors in which IP protection is central to investment decisions rather than a secondary concern.

Government Decree No. 141/2026/ND-CP, issued on April 29, 2026, is already generating a clear ripple effect across the small-scale economic sector.

Amid complex geopolitical developments globally, the logistics sector, both worldwide and in Viet Nam, is being strongly affected by energy shocks and supply chain disruptions. Green transformation has become an urgent requirement, serving both immediate needs and the sector’s long-term strategy.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Viet Nam continues to grow steadily. However, to sustain its appeal amid intensifying competition, a comprehensive upgrade of the investment attraction platform is required, with a focus on high-quality capital flows aligned with “green” and “digital” transformation.

The introduction of a mixed excise tax on tobacco from 2027 is expected to help guide consumption, protect public health and increase state revenue. However, it also raises the risk of rising illicit tobacco trade, requiring coordinated and decisive enforcement measures.

Viet Nam is in the process of building a closed-loop “circular economy” ecosystem, with the industrial sector at the forefront of the most robust, decisive, and comprehensive transformation.

Amid the transition towards a green and sustainable growth model, green finance has been identified as a key resource. However, access to this capital remains challenging, requiring further improvements in institutions, standardised criteria, and enhanced corporate capacity to ensure efficient allocation.

Viet Nam is entering a breakthrough phase of development. As 2026 marks the first year of the period aimed at achieving long-term double-digit growth, the State requires mechanisms and policies to mobilise and utilise all social resources across every economic sector.

Amid an economic landscape marked by intertwined opportunities and challenges, the business community and citizens expect the new-term Government to continue acting in a strong, consistent and resolute manner to carry forward unfinished reforms.

The policy aims to give businesses greater pricing flexibility while allowing regulators to focus on more widely consumed fuels such as petrol and diesel.

The Prime Minister has ordered ministries, sectors and coastal localities to comprehensively address persistent shortcomings in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with the goal of securing the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood exports in 2026.

The Vietnamese economy has demonstrated notable resilience despite prolonged global headwinds. Growth has been underpinned by strong export-oriented manufacturing, sustained foreign direct investment, and firm domestic demand.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang has called for swift and effective operations of the Viet Nam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, stressing that “progress comes from action” and must go hand in hand with firm, reliable implementation.

The FDI Connect Forum 2026, themed “Towards Sustainable Global Supply Chains”, took place in the northern province of Bac Ninh on April 24.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 24 called for stronger action against fragmented public investment, while stressing greater accountability among leaders to ensure 100% disbursement of public investment capital as planned, helping support the Government’s double-digit growth target.

Viet Nam has rolled out a cross-border QR payment service with the Republic of Korea (RoK), marking a new step in financial connectivity between the two countries and supporting growing tourism and trade flows.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang has urged Argentina, as coordinator of negotiations, to accelerate progress towards an early signing of a preferential trade agreement (PTA) between Viet Nam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) following the launch of talks in December 2025.

The Ministry of Construction, along with other ministries and agencies, must accelerate ongoing tasks while proposing ways to meet the political imperative of launching the North–South high-speed railway with optimal efficiency, said Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the Viet Nam-Republic of Korea Economic Forum under the theme “Advancing Industry, Investment and Science Technology Partnership”, in Ha Noi on April 23.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to ensure there are no shortages of electricity or fuel under any circumstances to support efforts to achieve the double-digit growth target for this year.