New law increases transparency 26/01/2011

The amended Law on Securities passed last year and taking effect this July 1 includes notable provisions which will help the nation's securities market develop more transparently and efficiently.

Experts discuss competition law 31/12/2010

HCM CITY — The Competition Law, which became effective in 2004, should contain more specific language about penalties and fines, experts said.

New requirements on occupational safety in executing consutruction works 22/12/2010

On December 3, the Ministry of Construction issued Circular No.22-2010-TT-BXD on occupational safety in executing construction works ("Circular 22"). Circular 22 provides in details requirements on ensuring safety during the execution of construction works and liabilities of the relevant parties.

New laws issued on elections, inspections and administration 20/12/2010

President Nguyen Minh Triet has signed into law the Law on National Assembly and People's Council Elections (revised); the Law on Inspection and the Law on Administrative Litigation and the Resolution on the implementation of Administrative Litigation.

First Environmental Tax, Securities laws enacted 20/12/2010

President Nguyen Minh Triet promulgated Viet Nam's first Environmental Tax Law as well as new Insurance Business an and Securities Laws yesterday.

Mining, civil service, consumer laws issued 20/12/2010

President Nguyen Minh Triet yesterday promulgated three new laws including the Law on Consumer Rights Protection, the amended Law on Minerals, and the Law on Public Officials and Civil Servants which were passed by the National Assembly during its 8th session.

New regulations on maintenance of construction works 20/12/2010

On 6 December 2010, the Government promulgated Decree No.114/2010/ND-CP on maintenance of construction works. Accordingly, where the construction works are put into operation the owners or their authorized representatives, the administrators, or the users shall be responsible for the maintenance works.

Income tax registration process simplified 08/12/2010

The Ministry of Finance issued Circular No 175/2010/TT-BTC on November 5, amending Circular No 84/2008/TT-BTC of September 2008 on registration for personal income taxes. Accordingly, an income tax registration dossier includes:

Reporting obligation of foreign invested companies 08/12/2010

Starting from 15 January 2011, State owned enterprises and foreign invested enterprises and projects must submit regular reports to the competent authorities of statistics and investment management. This is the new regulations promulgated by Decision No.77/2010/QD-TTg dated 30 November 2010 of the Prime Minister.

New rules on transfer of profits abroad 03/12/2010

The Ministry of Finance issued Decree No 186/2010/TT-BTC on November 18, providing guidelines on a foreign investor's transfer of profits abroad. The new decree takes effect in 45 days from the date it was promulgated and replaces Circular No 124/2004/TT-BTC of December 2004.

Decree clarifies charter capital rules 03/12/2010

The Government issued Decree No 102/2010/ND-CP on October 1, including regulations issued pursuant to the 2005 Law on Enterprises. Decree 102 replaces Decree No 139/2007/ND-CP of September 5, 2007 (Decree 139), getting rid of unreasonable provisions while clarifying confusing provisions on corporate governance.

New regulations on the Law on Personal Income Tax 30/11/2010

On 5 November 2010, the Ministry of Finance issued Circular No. 175/2010/TT-BTC amending and supplementing Circular No. 84/2008/TT-BTC dated 30 September 2008 on Personal Income Tax.

Whistleblowers need legal protection: NA 22/11/2010

After earlier disagreement, law-makers yesterday decided that whistleblowers should be protected in the new draft Law on Denunciation.

Decree clarifies IP rights enforcement 22/11/2010

The Government issued Decree No 97/2010/ND-CP on September 21, establishing administrative sanctions for violations of industrial property rights, and part of an overall regulatory scheme promulgated under the Law on Intellectual Property of 2005 (recently amended in October 2009).

New rules set for unemployment insurance 22/11/2010

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs has issued Circular No 32/2010/TT-BLDTBXH, detailing a number of provisions in Decree No 127/2008/ND-CP of December 12, 2008, on unemployment insurance.

Minimum wage to increase on January 1 22/11/2010

The Government issued Decree No 107/2010/ND-CP on October 29 setting the minimum wage for Vietnamese workers working in foreign-invested enterprises, foreign organizations, international organizations and foreigners in Viet Nam.

Status of co-operatives ‘must be recognised' 18/11/2010

National Assembly deputies insisted yesterday that any changes to the Co-operative Law must recognise the special status the organisations have in Viet Nam.

Assembly eyes laws on independent audit 17/11/2010

The majority of National Assembly deputies last Saturday advocated for the need to issue the Independent Audit Law in order to build a comprehensive legal framework of auditing services and enhance the efficiency of State management.