On 8 August, EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert led a delegation representing the European business community at a high-level working session chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang on improving tax and customs administration. The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries, local authorities, and business associations to address practical bottlenecks and identify solutions to strengthen Vietnam’s investment and business environment. Also representing EuroCham were Vice-Chair Minh Nguyen, Head of Hanoi Office cum External Relations Manager Van Nguyen, and Advocacy Manager Phuong Vu.
Opening the session, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang highlighted the direct impact of taxation and customs on businesses’ costs, cash flow, and competitiveness. While the Government has made progress in institutional reform, administrative simplification, digital transformation, and risk-based management, he noted that businesses and associations continue to raise concerns regarding tax policies and customs procedures.
Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan reported continued efforts to modernise tax and customs administration with businesses at the centre, aiming to reduce compliance costs, address obstacles to production and business activities, and facilitate trade. He shared that tax administrative compliance costs have fallen by approximately 51% compared with 2024, equivalent to around VND 4.4 trillion, while electronic tax services, online public services, VNeID, e-invoices, and other digital platforms continue to expand.
EuroCham highlights priorities for European businesses
Drawing on insights from EuroCham’s recent dialogues with tax and customs authorities, Chairman Bruno Jaspaert presented the European business community’s key concerns and recommendations.
Mr. Jaspaert emphasised that, alongside infrastructure and energy, a transparent, simple, and easy-to-implement legal framework is an important factor in strengthening Vietnam’s investment attractiveness.
EuroCham called for clear and consistent transitional mechanisms when tax incentive policies change at both central and local levels, as well as common incentive mechanisms for eco-industrial parks to encourage green investment. EuroCham also recommended moving towards risk-based VAT refunds and automated VAT refund processes, ensuring that businesses with a strong compliance record can receive refunds on time.
The discussion also covered broader business concerns related to the consistency and predictability of tax and customs procedures, with participants sharing practical recommendations to further reduce compliance costs and improve the business environment.
From policy reform to practical implementation
Concluding the session, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang called for a stronger focus on resolving business difficulties thoroughly and without sending enterprises from one agency to another. He stressed the importance of consistent application of regulations, requiring businesses to provide information only once, strengthening risk-based management and post-clearance inspection, and ensuring that business recommendations have clear responsible authorities, timelines, and outcomes.
The Government will continue to prioritise solutions related to VAT refunds, electronic invoices, tax incentives, related-party transactions, customs clearance, risk management, and specialised inspections, with the Ministry of Finance tasked with studying the early implementation of automated, risk-based VAT refunds in 2026.
What this means for EuroCham members
EuroCham appreciates the Government’s and Ministry of Finance’s continued engagement with the business community and efforts to integrate on-the-ground business insights into improved tax and customs administration. Continuing our role as a bridge between the Vietnamese Government and the European business community, EuroCham is preparing for an upcoming dialogue with the Ministry of Finance’s Tax Department to help our members gain further clarity on tax regulations. Stay tuned for more information.
Read more about the working session HERE.
