New Regulations for Foreign Investment Business Licenses

Key pointsThe Vietnamese government has announced Decree 342/2026/NĐ-CP, which establishes new regulations for the commercial activities of foreign investors and foreign-capitalized economic organizations. This decree outlines specific conditions for foreign investors to engage in buying and selling goods in Vietnam, emphasizing the need for environmentally sustainable business models and stronger connections with international supply chains.
Business impactWhile this new regulation lowers barriers for foreign companies entering the Vietnamese market, it also requires compliance with environmental standards, necessitating Japanese companies to enhance their environmental measures and prepare to obtain the necessary permits.

Key pointsThe Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in TP.HCM has indicated that 87.76 hectares of land need to be released for the TP.HCM - Trung Lương - Mỹ Thuận highway expansion project, highlighting that 5.1 hectares near the Chợ Đệm intersection remain unreleased. Currently, 73 land parcels have been identified, but contact has not been established with 18 owners, which may impact construction progress.
Business impactDelays in land release could hinder construction progress and affect deadlines, prompting Japanese companies to closely monitor the project's status and consider necessary countermeasures.

Key pointsThe average price of imported pork in Vietnam is 43,000 VND/kg, significantly lower than domestic pork prices. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam imported 112,090 tons of pork, marking a 27.1% increase compared to the same period last year, although the value of imports decreased by 20.9%. Imports from Brazil accounted for 44.5%, with global oversupply pushing prices down.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor the price trends of imported pork as competition with domestic pork producers intensifies. Particularly, there will be a need to reassess cost management and pricing strategies.

Key pointsThe Vietnam Road Administration is advancing the integration of data related to transport business licenses and cross-border transport licenses, aiming to reduce paperwork, cut costs, and improve transparency in transport activities. The integration of transport business license data is required by October 30, 2026. This initiative promotes the efficiency and digitalization of transport management.
Business impactThrough data integration, Japanese companies can enhance the efficiency of transport management and simplify procedures. It is particularly important to deepen understanding of transport-related legal and regulatory matters.

Key pointsThe Vietnamese tax authority warns that tax obligations do not cease even if a business is actually suspended. Taxpayers must follow proper procedures when temporarily halting or closing their business. It is particularly important to ensure that tax number information is accurate and to check for any unpaid taxes or penalties. There may still be obligations for tax declarations and invoice issuance during the suspension period, so caution is required.
Business impactJapanese companies risk incurring unpaid taxes if they neglect tax procedures during business suspension in Vietnam. It is crucial for the finance department to thoroughly verify tax number management and declaration obligations and to carry out the appropriate procedures.