Vietnam Business News: Week in Review (02 Nov 2025)

Vietnam has quickly become one of Asia’s most dynamic economies, offering foreign investors and entrepreneurs an attractive environment for growth. With its ongoing regulatory reforms, digital transformation, and focus on compliance, doing business in Vietnam is no longer just about market entry - it’s about understanding how innovation and law interact to create sustainable opportunities.

This week’s Vietnam business update highlights key developments:

• New IP Protection for AI and Virtual Assets
• Customs Penalty Decree: Simplified Rules for Importers
• Retail Investment Boom in Vietnam
• Technology Transfer Law: Boosting Innovation and Investment
• Government Digital Transformation: Efficiency and Integration

United Consulting provides regular business updates to highlight the most important shifts affecting entrepreneurs, SMEs, and foreign investors. Whether you’re already doing business in Vietnam or exploring new Business & Investment opportunities, staying ahead of these changes will help you navigate compliance and seize growth potential. Follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook to always stay up to date! 

New IP Protection for AI and Virtual Assets

Vietnam’s draft Intellectual Property (IP) Law amendment addresses legal gaps created by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual assets.

Key updates include:

• Extending IP protection to user interface designs and virtual assets.
• Establishing a clear legal basis to commercialize IP rights as marketable assets.
• Allowing IP rights as collateral to support financing and innovation.

The reform aims to align Vietnam’s IP standards with global practices, fostering an innovation-friendly environment that attracts foreign investment.

Tech companies and digital startups in Vietnam can now better safeguard and monetize their innovations. This marks a major step forward for innovation-based businesses operating in Vietnam’s digital economy.

Customs Penalty Decree: Simplified Rules for Importers

The Ministry of Finance has proposed a Draft Decree revising penalties in the customs sector to streamline Vietnam compliance and reduce overlapping regulations.

Key changes:

• Abolishing redundant penalties for declaration inconsistencies without supplementary documents.
• Tiered penalty structure based on severity:
  • Minor: Editing or deleting documents – 1–2 million VND fines.
  • Moderate: Missing documentation or late presentation – 4–10 million VND fines.
  • Severe: Fraudulent documents, illegal duty-free operations – 40–80 million VND fines.
• New penalties for missing “VIETNAM DUTY NOT PAID” labels on duty-free goods.

Importers and exporters doing business in Vietnam can expect fairer, more predictable enforcement. The streamlined rules help reduce confusion and enhance operational efficiency.

Retail Investment Boom in Vietnam

Vietnam’s retail sector remains a magnet for foreign investors and a driver of Vietnam business growth. The Retail Market Development Strategy to 2030 sets the tone for a modern and sustainable retail landscape.

Key targets:

• Achieve 11–11.5% annual growth in retail sales and service revenue by 2030.
• Promote digital, green, and omnichannel retail models.
• Strengthen market transparency and foreign investment access.

Major investments:

• Aeon Corporation names Vietnam its second core market after Japan, opening a 27,000 m² Aeon Tan An mall.
• MM Mega Market invests USD 20 million in its first “Super Center” in Da Nang.

Vietnam’s expanding consumer base and transparent policies offer lucrative opportunities for retail brands looking to enter or scale in the Vietnam business market.

Technology Transfer Law: Boosting Innovation and Investment

The proposed amendments to the Law on Technology Transfer aim to position enterprises as the backbone of Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem.

Key provisions:

• Recognizes technology transfer costs as tax-deductible expenses.
• Allows technology to be used as capital contributions to joint ventures.
• Prevents importation of outdated technologies to protect domestic industries.

Regulators support this policy direction but caution against inflating technology valuations during capital contributions.

Companies investing in R&D and technology collaboration can expect more incentives and legal clarity. These reforms strengthen Vietnam’s compliance framework while attracting high-quality technology investments.

Government Digital Transformation: Efficiency and Integration

Vietnam’s two-tier local government model, launched in July 2025, has accelerated administrative digitalization and improved ease of doing business in Vietnam.

Achievements (July–October 2025):

• Over 14.5 million administrative records processed, with 83.4% online.
• Integration of 34 provincial systems with the National Public Service Portal.
• Over 140 regulatory documents issued to enforce data sharing and system interoperability.

The digital-first model simplifies government procedures, cuts red tape, and enhances transparency. Businesses benefit from faster processing, less paperwork, and more consistent compliance standards.

Conclusion: Staying Compliant and Competitive in Vietnam

As Vietnam continues its transition into a digital and innovation-driven economy, keeping up with legal and regulatory changes is critical for sustainable success.

For both foreign investors and local enterprises, proactive compliance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a business advantage. By aligning with Vietnam’s evolving laws on IP, customs, technology, and digital governance, companies can position themselves to thrive in one of Asia’s most promising markets.

Need help navigating Vietnam’s new business and compliance landscape?

United Consulting can help you interpret regulations, implement compliant frameworks, and seize new investment opportunities in Vietnam.