New measures on tap for funding swell

Greg Testerman - Chairman American Chamber of Commerce in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang

Investors continue to be concerned about uncertainty and complexity in Vietnam’s national energy policy, as well as the protracted regulatory approval process. We recommend that Vietnam expedite the approval process for energy projects. This would have an immediate, positive impact on Vietnam’s energy competitiveness, and on inflows of foreign capital.

We particularly look forward to the eventual approval of Vietnam’s Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), as significant international investment waits on the sidelines ahead of its approval. We recommend that Vietnam prioritise the development of more battery energy storage under the PDP8. Early approval of a pilot direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) model will also unlock billions in investment, especially from companies that have committed to renewable energy and carbon reduction.

The free flow of data across borders, and access for Vietnamese users to global-standard services and data protection, are vital to sustained economic competitiveness. We look forward to reviewing the contents of the new decree on personal data protection over the coming weeks and appreciate the consultations with the Ministry of Public Security.

In the healthcare sector, our members face lengthy approval processes for the import of healthcare products that Vietnam urgently requires. We applaud the National Assembly’s recent passage of a resolution giving automatic extensions for marketing authorisations of drugs that were set to expire at the beginning of this year. We recommend that a permanent solution be implemented to align Vietnam’s processes with global standards, including amendments to the pharma law.

It still takes about eight years for a new drug to be licensed and included in the National Reimbursement Drug List, and so we recommend a new round of review that would contemplate frequent updating of that list.

Our members also support the government’s efforts to build a green and circular economy, although there are still obstacles that impede the implementation of extended producer responsibility regulations, such as lack of recycling cost norms and recycling technology, among other factors.

Gabor Fluit - Chairman European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam

To stay on top of future energy needs, expediting the completion and implementation of PDP8 is crucial. In order to encourage renewable power production, Vietnam should implement DPPAs. Specifically, factories located in industrial parks should be allowed to participate in these agreements, as they can be a significant source of renewable energy production.

Likewise, we suggest facilitating stronger conditions for production facilities that require renewable electricity to meet the EU’s compliance requirements.

Vietnam’s transition to a circular economy is equally pivotal to achieving sustainable development goals and fostering economy-wide resource efficiency. We commend the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s proposed roadmap and Vietnam’s efforts in implementing extended producer responsibility. However, we recommend introducing recycling costs that reward businesses for using materials with high-recycling values.

Enterprises should also be allowed to turn in their recycling contributions for 2024 at the start of 2025, based on their production and import figures. On the same front, Vietnam stands to gain from increasing penalties for violating waste regulations and promoting the adoption of alternative materials like biodegradable plastics as a major waste reduction measure.

Considering the vital importance of developing human resource quality, Vietnam should also continue to focus on being a magnet for high-quality talent and experienced management. Taking decisive action to attract and retain talent is like planting the seeds of prosperity for Vietnam’s future economic growth and development. This, of course, requires the resolution of the work permit bottleneck. The plans to simplify the application process for new or renewed permits will undoubtedly yield long-term effects that will benefit the country in many ways.

In terms of tourism, this sector is a significant component of Vietnam’s growth, and we are excited to hear more about the government’s upcoming tourist visa reforms. For this, we strongly recommend extending visa-free entry to all European Union member states, opening the door to high-spending tourists and paving the way for increased investment in Vietnam’s future.

As for healthcare, we are focused on improving access to pharmaceuticals and medical devices by optimising management processes and implementing global best practices. To achieve this, value-based financing and procurement policies should be revised through the Law on Pharma. We acknowledge the Ministry of Health’s efforts to approve marketing authorisation for outstanding Class C and D medical devices, as well as new submitted devices. This will absolutely contribute to improving access to high-quality healthcare at an affordable cost.

The chamber endorses the government’s decision to extend tax payments and reduce VAT, which will support business recovery and stimulate consumer demand as a prime mover of growth. Regardless, Vietnam should also develop appropriate, competitive preferential policies to draw investment, especially given the impending GMT policy. In addition, harmonising administrative procedures and tax policies is crucial for driving trade growth under the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement.

In that vein, our recommendation is for the government to not use the special consumption tax (SCT) as a tool to counteract the advantages of eliminating import taxes. The government may also consider applying a hybrid SCT system on wine and spirits, but the tax should not be used for essential products such as milk and nutritional supplements. Moreover, we recommend exempting or reducing the SCT for environmentally friendly industrial products, such as electric vehicles.

To maintain Vietnamese economic competitiveness and future-proof its administrative capacity, both the public and private sectors should continue to prioritise comprehensive digital transformation, especially in the implementation of administrative procedures to enhance the quality of life for people and businesses. This should include the digitalisation of services and the use of modern technologies such as cloud computing, automation, and AI.