How US Authorities Could Request for Help on Taking the Evidence in Vietnam for Civil or Commercial Matters?

The Evidence Collection Convention is a multilateral Hague Conference convention that was signed on March 18, 1970 and went into effect on October 7, 1972. The objective of the Convention is to facilitate the collection of evidence and to harmonize the methods of evidence collection between States.

Evidence Law in Vietnam

On May 3, 2020, Vietnam became a party to the Convention on the Collection of Evidence Abroad. After becoming a member of this Convention, Vietnam only applies and accepts requests for evidence collection by a written request as described in Chapter I of this Convention. As a result, Vietnam does not use the process of gathering evidence carried out by a diplomatic officer, consular officer, or authorized person in Chapter II of the Convention.

Procedures for collecting evidence between the United States and Vietnam under the Hague Convention

Both Vietnam and the United States are parties to the Convention on Collection of Evidence. However, since Vietnam only participates in collecting evidence in writing, the United States has to collect evidence in Vietnam via this method.

Step 1: The U.S. Agency sends a written request to collect evidence to the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam

In the settling a case involving a civil or commercial field, the party can request the Court to assist in collecting evidence in Vietnam. The US judicial agency will issue a written request for evidence collection to the competent Vietnamese agency (specifically, the Ministry of Justice). This document must ensure that follow the contents of Article 3 of the Convention, and must be written in Vietnamese or accompanied by a Vietnamese translation and delivered via postal service.

Step 2: A written request for evidence collection is received by Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice

The Ministry of Justice of Vietnam will receive the request for evidence and decide whether or not to comply with the request for evidence collection. In the event of a refusal, the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam must clearly state the reasons specified in Article 12 of this Convention. For example, the request is not within the scope of the Convention in the civil and commercial fields, or the implementation of which may be detrimental to the sovereignty and security of that country, etc.

Step 3: The Ministry of Justice requests competent agencies to collect evidence

After having sufficient grounds to handle the request of the U.S. Agency, the Department of Justice will send a written acceptance of the request to collect evidence to the United States and forward it to the competent domestic agency for collection evidence process. The Vietnam agency will notify the U.S. Agency of the time, place, and procedures to collect evidence to be followed so that relevant parties and their representatives can be present.

When making the written request, a judicial officer from a U.S. agency may be present, and this presence has to be approved by the Vietnam Agency. Further, according to Article 11 of this Convention, the person being asked to provide evidence has the right to refuse to comply with the request for evidence collection if required by Vietnam law or  in the written request for evidence collection state that they can refuse to provide evidence expressly stated.

Step 4: The Ministry of Justice of Vietnam sends a written response on the results of evidence collection to the U.S. Agency

After receiving the results of evidence collection from other agencies, the Ministry of Justice sends a written response to the results of evidence collection to the U.S. Agency to compete the process.

To comply with the process and ensure the evidence could be properly collected for usage in trial, it is important to consult with dispute lawyers in Vietnam for legal advice.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam, will always follows up the evidence in Vietnam for civil or commercial matters to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-us-authorities-could-request-for-help-on-taking-the-evidence-in-vietnam-for-civil-or-commercial-matters.html

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How Guardianship of Minors is Regulated in Vietnam Laws?

Guardianship under Vietnam laws aims to protect the legitimate rights and interests of groups that are not yet fully developed physically or mentally. There are two forms of guardianship prescribed by law: natural guardians and guardians appointed by a competent state agency, in which natural guardians can only be individuals. This type of guardianship is defined by the provisions of the guardian, the ward, and the rights and obligations of the guardian towards the ward and their property. There are potential disputes in finance or caring responsibility among people having responsibility of guardship therefore it is important to understand the order of natural guardians when life event happens that trigger the need for guardianship. Hence, having the advice form civil or marriage and family dispute lawyers in Vietnam with understanding of the matters is very important.

Minors (a person under 18 years old) who have lost their parents are one of the subjects of guardianship under Vietnamese law. They are considered vulnerable in the society and need to be cared for and protected. Therefore, to avoid the case that these people have no guardians when their parents suddenly die, civil law has provided a provision to determine the order of natural guardians based on their blood relationship as follows: (i) the eldest brother or sister shall be the guardian of the ward; if the eldest brother or sister fails to satisfy all requirements for acting as a guardian, the next eldest brother or sister shall be the guardian, unless otherwise agreed that another biological brother or sister shall be the guardian; (ii) the paternal grandfather, grandmother or the maternal grandfather, grandmother shall be the guardian or these persons agree to appoint one or several of them as guardians; (iii) a biological uncle or aunt of the ward shall be the guardian.

Thus, in the same order as above, the natural guardian of a minor will always be specifically identified and this person must ensure that the guardian’s conditions are fully met, including:  having full legal capacity; having good ethics, and necessary means to exercise rights and fulfill obligations of a guardian; not being a person facing criminal prosecution or a person who has been convicted but his/her criminal record has been not expunged for a deliberate crime of violation of life, health, honor, dignity or property of another person; and not being a person having parental rights to minor child restricted by a Court.

In case a minor does not have a natural guardian, the commune-level People’s Committee of the place where they reside shall have to appoint a guardian. In addition, if there is a dispute between the natural guardians about the guardian or a dispute over the appointment of the guardian, the Court will appoint the guardian. 

Accordingly, when a minor loses their parents, according to the law, their biological brother or sister will be their natural guardian. However, if this person does not have a biological brother or sister, the paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents will be the natural guardians of this person, and both of them have equal rights in guardianship for their grandchildren minors under the provisions of the Civil Code the Law on Marriage and Family as follows: “Paternal grandparents and  maternal grandparents have the right and obligation to look after, care for and educate their grandchildren, lead an exemplary life and set a good example for grandchildren; in case a minor grandchild or an adult grandchild loses his/her civil act capacity or is unable to work and has no property to support himself or herself without a caregiver as prescribed in Article 105 of this Law, paternal grandparents, and maternal grandparents have the duty to raise their grandchildren.”

The law always respects the voluntary agreement of the involved parties in determining guardianship for minors who have lost their parents. Paternal grandparents and maternal grandparents may agree to appoint one or several of them as guardians for their minor grandchildren according to regulations. In case the two parties cannot agree on a guardian for the grandchild, this is another type of marriage and family dispute. Therefore, pursuant to the Civil Procedure Code, one of the parties can make an application to the competent district court to request the court to settle the case according to civil procedure. The court will base on the facts of the case, the conditions of the guardianship of the parties, the emotional relationship between the guardian and the ward, and the capability to ensure the best physical and mental development to decide to assign the child to whom to act as guardian. In addition, if the ward is six years old or older, the Court will have to consider their wishes during the dispute resolution process to make a decision to appoint the most suitable guardian.

In summary, Vietnam law has clear and specific provisions to determine natural guardians for minors who have lost their parents. In addition, the law also stipulates that the determination of guardians may involve the intervention of a competent state agency, namely the People’s Committee, and the Court in the event of a dispute between guardians to appoint a guardian equitably. All these regulations ensure that minors are cared for and nurtured in the best conditions for future development.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam will always follow up with authorities for legal update on matters relevant to marriage and family to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLAWYERS: https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-guardianship-of-minors-is-regulated-in-vietnam-laws.html

Source: ANT Lawyers 

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Regulations on Pay to Employees Working During Lunar New Year Holiday

Regulations on Pay to Employees Working During Lunar New Year Holiday

Under the provisions of Article 106.1 of the Labor Code 2012, overtime is a period of work outside normal working hours prescribed by law or according to a labor agreement or regulation. Depending on the needs and agreement of the two parties, the enterprise may request employees to work overtime during lunar new year (Tet) holiday, but must not exceed 12 hours in a day and must pay overtime as prescribed by law.

According to Article 25 of Decree No. 05/2015 / ND-CP, the salary for overtime work on lunar new year holiday for employees is prescribed as follows:

An employee who works overtime in the daytime of the lunar new year holiday is entitled to at least 300% of the normal day salary, excluding the salary on that new year holiday if the employee receives wages.

Employees who work overtime at night during lunar new year holiday, apart from enjoying 300% of the normal daily salary, excluding the salary, if the employee receives a daily salary, the employee is also paid at least 30% extra of the average daily wage, and 20% extra of the of the lunar new year holiday pay rate.

In particular, night working hours are calculated from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am of the following day.

For employees who work overtime on the same day as lunar new year holiday, they shall receive overtime pay according to lunar new year holiday; if the lunar new year holiday is the same as a weekly holiday, pay overtime is same as pay for work in weekend.

In addition, when making overtime workers, the enterprise must pay attention to the maximum number of overtime hours a day and must organize compensatory leave for employees as prescribed in Article 106 of the Labor Code and Article 4. Decree 45/2013/ND-CP.

ANT Lawyers – A law firm in Vietnam, always follow up the labour matters to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANT Lawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/legal-service/regulations-on-pay-to-employees-working-during-lunar-new-year-holiday.html

Source: ANT Lawyers

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How Foreigners Could Apply for Residence Permits to Stay in Vietnam from 2022

How Foreigners Could Apply for Residence Permits to Stay in Vietnam from 2022

In the current process of industrialization and international integration, it is common for foreigners to reside and work in Vietnam permanently or temporarily. In order to legally reside in Vietnam, a foreigner must be eligible to be granted a permanent residence card or a temporary residence card in accordance with Vietnam immigration law.

Temporary residence card is a document issued by an immigration management agency or a competent agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to a foreigner who is allowed to reside in Vietnam for a definite time and has a valid temporary residence card visa replacement. Subjects granted temporary residence cards in Vietnam include: (i) Foreigners who are members of diplomatic missions, consular offices, representative offices of international organizations of the United Nations, inter-governmental organizations the government in Vietnam and their spouses, children under 18 years of age, and domestic servants who accompany them for their respective terms; (ii) Foreigners enter with visas with symbols LV1, LV2, LS, DT1, DT2, DT3, NN1, NN2, DH, PV1, LD1, LD2, TT. Depending on each person who is granted a temporary residence card in Vietnam, the duration of the temporary residence card is different.

Foreigners who are eligible to be granted temporary residence cards in Vietnam according to the two subjects mentioned above must be sponsored and applied for residence card in Vietnam by the agencies, organizations, individuals at the Immigration Department or the Immigration Department Police Department of the province, centrally run city where the agency or organization sponsoring is headquartered or where the sponsored party resides.

It is very challenging to apply for the permanent residence card in Vietnam. The permanent residence is issued by the immigration authority to foreigners who are allowed to reside indefinitely in Vietnam and is valid in lieu of a visa. Foreigners who are considered for permanent residence in Vietnam include: (i) Foreigners who have made meritorious, contributions to the cause of construction and defense of the Vietnamese fatherland are awarded medals or titles by the Vietnamese government state honor; (ii) Foreigners who are scientists, experts temporarily residing in Vietnam; (iii) The foreigner is guaranteed by father, mother, wife, husband, child who are Vietnamese citizens who are permanently residing in Vietnam; (iv) Stateless people who have temporarily resided continuously in Vietnam from 2000 or earlier. At the same time, the following conditions must be met: (i) Having a lawful place of residence and a stable income to ensure life in Vietnam; (ii) If a scientist, expert is temporarily residing in Vietnam, must be requested by a Minister, Deputy Minister of a ministerial-level agency, a government-attached agency in charge of state management in that professional field, (iii) If sponsored by father, mother, wife, husband, child who is a Vietnamese citizens who are permanently residing in Vietnam, the duration of temporary residence in Vietnam for a foreigner applying for permanent residence shall be determined as follows: Foreigners who have temporarily resided in Vietnam for 03 consecutive years or more are determined on the basis of the entry verification stamp, the exit verification stamp issued at the border gate with a total temporary stay in Vietnam from 03 years or more in the last 4 years from the date of applying for permanent residence.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam, always follow up the immigration cases to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers:  https://antlawyers.vn/library/visa-and-immigration-matters-in-vietnam.html

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn 

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What Are Some New Points In The Draft Amending Land Law?

What Are Some New Points In The Draft Amending Land Law?

After nearly 10 years of enforcement and implementation, the 2013 Land Law has brought about remarkable achievements in land management, exploitation and use. However, with a significant increase in land use demand, especially in the city center areas, many issues have arisen that are beyond the law’s control. The requirement to amend and supplement this law, therefore, is set out to be suitable with reality and bring high results in the application process. The Draft Land Law has been recently released on the Government’s portal, and public opinions have been collected to complete the amended Land Law. This is the opportunity for people, experts, officers, real estate dispute lawyers in Vietnam to provide opinions and comments for improvement.

In general, the Draft Land Law includes 237 articles, of which 48 articles have remained unchanged; 153 articles have been amended and supplemented; 36 new articles have been added and 8 articles have been annulled compared to the 2013 Land Law.

Some notable changes in Draft Land Law

For land use purposes, the Draft Land Law has added a provision on “multi-purpose land” (Article 184), allowing organizations and individuals to use the land for different purposes instead of just a single purpose, as long as the principles are met. Meanwhile, the 2013 Land Law does not have any provisions directly stipulating that the holders have the right to use multi-purpose land even though this situation is common nowadays, for example, land users can combine residential and business purposes in the same land plot. Therefore, adding this provision to the Draft is extremely reasonable to legalize the use of land for various purposes, increasing the efficiency of land use. At the same time, this article has also given some specific principles, ensuring that the multi-purpose land is not abused, leading to the problem of arbitrary land use.

Besides, the Draft Land Law has removed the land price frames and revised the regulations on determining land prices. As for the land price frames, Article 113 of the 2013 Land Law stipulates that: “The Government shall promulgate land price frames once every 5 years for each type of land and for each region…”. This provision has been completely deleted in the Draft. Removing the land price frames means that the State will no longer apply minimum and maximum prices for each type of land. Instead, when promulgating the land price tables of each locality, the People’s Committee of the province will base on the principles and methods of land valuation, land standards and land prices, the fluctuations in real land prices in the market to build a land price tables. After completing the construction of the land price tables, they will be submitted to the Provincial People’s Council before approval. Based on the actual situation, the land price frames issued by the Government has a huge difference compared to the real land price in the market, leading to the existence of a two-price land mechanism. That makes it difficult for the competent authorities’ management, the land investment activities of the investors and the interests of the land users. In addition, the difference in land prices also creates conditions for corruption and monopoly in auctions. Therefore, the decision to remove the land price frames in the Draft Land Law is a remarkable step forward, having a great impact on the land sector in particular and socio-economic life in general. In addition to the land price frames, the regulations related to the land price tables has also been revised and supplemented. Specifically, Article 130 of the Draft Land Law has added a basis for determining the land price list as “the common land price in the market and land price fluctuations” and changes the period of the land price tables’ construction from once every 5 years to once a year. These provisions in the Draft make it possible for the land price tables proposed by the Provincial People’s Committee to be more reasonable and less different from the actual land price.

Not only that, the responsibility for monitoring and evaluating the management and use of land is decentralized to localities according to the provisions of the Draft Land Law. The 2013 Land Law has never provided for the decentralization of land management and use. The draft has added provisions to regulate this issue. Article 223.4 stipulates responsibilities for monitoring and evaluation from high to low levels, from central to local levels, including the responsibilities of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Provincial People’s Committees, the People’s Committees of district-level People’s Committees and People’s Committees of commune level. The above agencies are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the land management process. Accordingly, superior agencies will manage their subordinate agencies to ensure transparency and correctness in the management and use of land. The management decentralization mechanism makes management easier, faster and more effective than the centralized management of all the other agencies.

Moreover, Article 124.1 of the Draft Land Law has added financial revenues from land compared to Article 107 of the 2013 Land Law. Some new revenues are the collection of land use levy when using land in combination with other purposes; additional land use levy, land rent for projects that are behind schedule or do not put the land into use and collected from the sanctioning of administrative violations on land. At the same time, the Draft adds revenues from public land services in Article 125. These additions are necessary to avoid loss of the State’s budget for the benefits coming from the land and show obligations of land users.

Beside amending and supplementing the above-mentioned outstanding provisions, the Draft Land Law also has many other innovations. The draft is still in the process of reviewing and soliciting comments from the public, including people, industry experts and law firm in Vietnam hence there will be many changes. However, the advantages and progress of the Draft compared to the current Land Law are obvious, showing the development in line with the actual situation. Therefore, it can be affirmed that, if the Draft is approved and officially takes effect, it will bring positive results.

Source ANT Lawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/buy-real-estate-in-vietnam/what-are-some-new-points-in-the-draft-amending-land-law.html

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

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The Ministry of Industry and Trade to Review the New Exporter in case Anti-dumping AD07

The Ministry of Industry and Trade to Review the New Exporter in case Anti-dumping AD07

July 15, 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 1403/QD -BCT on the results of the first review of applying anti-dumping measures on several plastic products and plastic products made from polymers which is the production of propylene originating from Malaysia, Thailand, and the People’s Republic of China (case code: Anti-dumping AD07).

On August 19, 2022, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam received a dossier requesting for reviewing of the anti-dumping taxes applied to new export enterprises from SRF Industries (Thailand) Limited (SRF Thailand) Company in the AD07 case.

Based on the request, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted an assessment and sent out written requests to supplement and clarify some information and content on the basis for reviewing the new exporter enterprises.

On October 17, 2022, the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam issued an Official dispatch No 820/PVTM-P1 confirming the complete and valid dossier.

Under the provisions of Clause 3, Article 82 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management, dated November 14, 2022, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Decision No. 2400/QD-BCT on conducting a review of new exporters in applying anti-dumping measures on certain plastic products and plastic products made from propylene which is the production of polymers originating from Malaysia, Thailand and the People’s Republic of China (NR01.AD07).

If Client needs any more information or request for legal advice or potential dispute regarding trade remedies measures including, anti-dumping, countervailing duty and safeguard measures or international trade dispute matters, our competition, anti-dumping, and countervailing duty lawyers of International trade and tax practice at ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam always follow up anti-dumping cases and its development to update clients on regular basis.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/anti-dumping-law-firm-in-vietnam/review-the-new-exporter-in-case-anti-dumping-ad07.html

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

 

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How a Foreign Company Apply for Certificate of Origin in Vietnam?

Vietnam has growing fast due to the opening policy of the government, and has been signing a number of free trade agreements with ASEAN, China, Korea, Japan, India, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Russia, Belarus… with effectiveness. The expecting Europe Vietnam Free Trade Agreement has been signed but not yet effective at this moment. Having said that, Vietnam has become a destination for foreign investors to set up factory and set up company in Vietnam to undertake manufacturing for export and enjoy tax preference because of Vietnam origin.

Certificate of Origin Law Firm in Vietnam

The applicant wishing to be granted the Certificate of Origin (“C/O”) needs to register the trader profile under Vietnam regulations before submitting the dossier applying for C/O.  There are steps to be followed at the State authorities to check the trader profile, its legal registration in Vietnam, manufacturing facilities that produce the goods which are subject of C/O. Further, additional information and proof will be required for verification at Vietnam State Authorities including the declaration of origin provided by manufacturer or supplier of originating materials or locally produced originating goods if such material is used in subsequent stage to produce another good, good manufacturing process. Not only checking the documents, the authority could undertake an inspection visit to the manufacturing facility of trader and request the applicant to submit evidence of customs declaration of materials imported and used in production of exported goods (if imported materials are used in the production process); a sale contract or VAT invoice of locally purchased materials (if locally purchased materials are used in the production process) and other documents as deemed necessary. If the documents, the process, and the conditions are met, the C/O will be issued.

In general, an originating good is a good which is originating in a country, group of countries, or territory where the last processing operation is performed and substantially transforms such good. To qualify for non-preferential goods, there will be required of:

1.“Change in tariff classification” (hereinafter referred to as CTC): means a change in two-digit, four-digit, or six-digit HS heading of a good as compared with the HS heading of non-originating materials (including imported materials and materials of undetermined origin) used for the production of such good.

2.“Local value content” (hereinafter referred to as LVC)

The applicant for C/O shall choose either direct formula or indirect formula at their own discretion to calculate LVC and apply the chosen formula throughout such financial year. The verification and identification of LVC criteria for exported goods of Vietnam shall be based on the aforesaid formula.

In order to calculate LVC according to the formula, value of materials and cost incurred in the production process of goods shall be determined as follows:

a) “Value of materials originating in a country, group of countries, or territory of production” is inclusive of CIF value of materials acquired or locally produced that are originating in a country, group of countries, or territory; direct labor cost, overhead cost, other costs and profits.

b) “Value of materials originating in a country, group of countries, or territory of production” is CIF value of materials imported that are originating in a country, group of countries, or territory; or the earliest ascertained price stated in the VAT invoices associated with materials of unidentifiable origin used for the production, processing of ultimate product.

c) “FOB” is the value stated in the export contract which is calculated as follows: “FOB = Ex-workshop price + other costs”.

-“Ex-workshop price” = Production cost + profit;

-“Production cost” = material cost + direct labor cost + overhead cost;

-“Material cost” covers expenses associated with purchase of materials, their cost of freight and insurance;

-“Direct labor cost” covers wages, bonuses and other welfare amounts related to the production process;

-“Overhead cost” covers: Overhead cost relates to production process (insurance for buildings, factory rents and hire-purchase cost, depreciation of buildings, repairs, taxes, collateral interests); hire-purchase cost and interests of factories and equipment; factory security; insurance (for factories and equipments used in the production process); expenses for essentials for production process (energy, electricity and other essentials to be used directly in the production process); research, development, design and workmanship; pressing molds, moulds, devices and amortization, maintenance and repairs of factories and equipment; patent royalties (in respect of patented machines or use of patented machines in production process or goods production licenses); testing of materials and goods; storage in factories; waste treatment; cost factors in calculating value of materials, such as port-related cost, good clearance and import duties on taxable components;

-“Other costs” are the costs incurred in placing the good in the ship or other means of transport for export including, but not limited to, domestic transport costs, storage and warehousing, port handling, brokerage fees, service charges and relevant costs incurred when loading goods onboard ships for export.

If the goods that do not qualify to be issued C/O in Vietnam, it can not be granted C/O.  Any violations of laws will be punished by the government.

It appears that many manufacturers are in the process to relocate significant manufacturing process to Vietnam to enjoy “Made-in-Vietnam”.

In the meantime, alarmingly, there are equal number of other manufactures whom wish to only transfer a small portion of manufacturing process to Vietnam i.e re-packaging, re-labeling which does not meed to qualifications above.

It is important that Vietnam authorities to alert and constantly monitor the C/O application process to ensure all responsible departments, officers to follow the rule as set by law to evaluate the C/O application documents, and proof given by trader, manufacturer carefully.

By doing that, Vietnam government will encourage the “real” transition of manufacturing from China to Vietnam, therefore increasing FDI, boosting the economy through encouraging manufacturing sectors.

By urging customs authority to investigate and punish violators, the Vietnam government is sending strong message to US that Vietnam is not standing to support unfair trade, and in the meantime take advantage of the situation to attract quality manufacturing projects into Vietnam. Therefore, more crackdowns are expected.

ANT Lawyers, as a law firm in Vietnam in international trade has been actively providing legal services through advisory to manufacturers on the C/O matters and assisting a number of investor to set up manufacturing company, review leasing contract at industrial zone as part of the process to transition manufacturing into Vietnam to seriously invest and do business taking advantage of origin, labour, opening policy of Vietnam government.

Source ANTLawyers:  https://antlawyers.vn/library/how-a-foreign-company-apply-for-certificate-of-origin-in-vietnam.html

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

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Regulations of Radio and Television Services in Vietnam

What Changes in Decree 71/2022/ND-CP  on Regulations of Radio and Television Services in Vietnam?

Along with the strong development of the Internet is an increase in people’s demand for using television services on the Internet instead of the traditional methods. Television services on the Internet providing domestic and foreign programs, movies, etc. have brought a significant source of revenue for domestic and foreign enterprises providing radio and television services. However, to ensure legal fairness for domestic enterprises as well as foreign enterprises doing business in providing this service to users, on October 1^st, 2022, the Government issued Decree 71/2022/ND-CP amending and supplementing some articles of Decree No. 06/2016/ND-CP dated January 18^th, 2016 on management, provision and use of radio and television services. The promulgated Decree has added new regulations on the management of domestic and foreign enterprises providing radio and television services, or in other words, changes in broadcast law in Vietnam. Specific details should be advised by media and entertainment lawyers in Vietnam however this write-up expects to provide some update on the development of regulations in this area.

As for management policies, the Decree stipulates the management of the provision and use of radio and television services in Vietnam, including radio and television services on the Internet, or across borders to users in the territory of Vietnam. Accordingly, foreign enterprises providing across borders radio and television services in Vietnam must be managed and comply with the provisions of Vietnam law.

For internet radio and television services (OTT TV), enterprises can choose from two service delivery models: (i) OTT TV provides both online channels and on-demand content (VOD) and (ii) OTT TV only provides VOD (OTT TV VOD). For OTT TV VOD service, enterprises are not required to provide program channels like traditional services and only needed to make a declaration according to the form of the Ministry of Information and Communications, instead of having to make a scheme as previously required to apply for a license to provide paid radio and television services. This regulation creates favorable conditions for domestic enterprises with the same technical conditions as foreign enterprises to participate in providing radio and television services on demand on the internet. Foreign enterprises wishing to participate in the market must also carry out the procedures for applying for a license like domestic enterprises.

The next highlight of Decree No. 71/2022/ND-CP is the addition of regulations on editing, classifying and translating radio and television content on demand (VOD). Enterprises are allowed to actively edit and classify VOD content as movies, sports and entertainment programs when meeting the conditions and criteria as prescribed by competent agencies which previously, according to the provisions of Decree No. 06/2016/ND-CP, all VOD content must be edited by a press agency with a radio and television license before being provided on the service. Accordingly, this content is divided into 03 groups to perform as follows:

(i) For news and current affairs programs; programs on politics, national defense, security, economy, and society must be produced and edited by a press agency that has licensed to operate radio and television before being provided on the service;

(ii) For films: Before providing services, enterprises must ensure conditions for the classification of films according to the Government’s regulations and take responsibility to the law for the content and results of film classification according to the classification criteria prescribed by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; In case enterprises have not yet met conditions for classification of films, it is requesting the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism or an agency authorized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to classify films that have not been granted a Film Classification License or a Broadcast Decision;

(iii) For sports and entertainment programs: Enterprises must edit and classify before providing them on the service and display warnings while providing services, ensuring that they do not commit violations against regulations of Vietnam law. Enterprises shall work on the principles of editing, classifying, and warning content in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Information and Communications and relevant laws to carry out editing and classification activities.

Regarding regulations on translation management, enterprises are allowed to take the initiative in translation activities. The translation of foreign programs and channels, enterprises must respect and preserve the purity of the Vietnam language, and ensure that they do not violate the prohibitions according to the provisions of Vietnam law.

In addition to supplementing regulations on management policies, Decree 71/2022/ND-CP has added regulations to reduce administrative procedures, and orient online application components to reduce costs for enterprises providing radio and television services. Accordingly, enterprises that wish to apply for a license i.e. a license to provide paid radio and television services, amend or supplement the content of the license, or re-issue the license, only need to prepare set of 01 (a) dossier (previously two sets, 01 sets of originals, 01 sets of copies) and can submit online on the online public service portal of the Ministry of Information and Communications for cases which electronic authentication certification is available. In addition, the processing time for the above procedures and documents are also significantly shortened, creating favorable conditions for enterprises when carrying out administrative procedures quickly, ensuring that the business operations are not affected.

Decree No. 71/2022/ND-CP officially took effect on January 1^st, 2023.

ANT Lawyers, as a reliable law firm in Vietnam, we focus on providing possible solutions that best meet the needs of legal and business clients. We help customers achieve their goals while protecting their interests, minimizing risks, and complying with the law.

Tell us how we can be of service and one of our team members will contact you. Email: ant@antlawyers.vn, Tel: +84 28 730 86 529.

Source ANTLawyers: https://antlawyers.vn/library/regulations-of-radio-and-television-services-in-vietnam.html

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

 

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Vietnam attends APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Conference

 Vietnam attends APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Conference

The 27th APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) took place online on June 5, 2021 with the participation of 21 APEC member economies and observers including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). Measures to open market will be discussed to facilitate trade and investment, including the smooth policy from Vietnam to support to establish company in Vietnam.

In 2020, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the global economy shrank 3.3%. However, because of strong efforts in the introduction of vaccine production and vaccination, financial support programs in some countries, as well as more effective disease containment measures in many countries, this year’s global economy is forecasted to achieve marked improvements compared to 2020. According to a report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) published in April 2021, the global economy is forecast to reach 6% in 2021 and 4.4% in 2022.

At this meeting, APEC Ministers focused on discussing trade policies to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Measures taken include ensuring open markets, promoting the smooth flow of trade in essential goods and services, and facilitating safe and effective vaccine supply chains.

Another important content of the 27th MRT Conference is to support the multilateral trading system, including the progress of implementing reforms of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and updating the progress of negotiations in many fields, such as fisheries subsidies, special and differential treatment, industrial subsidies, market access, agriculture, etc. The APEC Ministers expressed their hope that reform and progress in WTO negotiations will bring positive results, contributing to strengthening the role of the multilateral trading system as well as global and regional economic integration.

At the Conference, the Vietnamese representative also affirmed that Vietnam would actively participate in negotiations and discussions to resolve current issues in the WTO to contribute to the success of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference. In addition, Vietnam also supports initiatives to promote the movement of goods and services in the region, both to help prevent the epidemic and to develop the economy.

Through the meeting, the participants hoped that in the coming time, in parallel with fighting the epidemic, the parties would also take measures to promote trade and investment to achieve the goal of economic development in the world. Vietnam commits to support the global trade and policy to smooth investment into Vietnam through setting up company in Vietnam.

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam could offer service to set up company in Vietnam. We assist clients needing legal service in obtaining investment certificate, business registration certificate, or other  licensing procedures.

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How to Set-up Travel Services Business in Vietnam?

 How to Set-up Travel Services Business in Vietnam?

Foreign investor could only set-up joint venture with Vietnam travel agency to set-up travel services business in Vietnam because transport of passenger belongs to investment areas with conditions applied to foreign investor in Vietnam.

10 Questions to Ask Before Setting up Company in Vietnam?

No one could deny that information technology has tremendously changed the way travel services business operates. The use of booking reservation system application on smartphone and internet are widespread that make travel has never been easier.  Foreign investor would be interested to explore the travel services market. However, 100% foreign owned company is not allowed to set-up travel services business in Vietnam. As this investment area is conditional, it is advised that a law firm in Vietnam should be consulted to ensure compliance with local regulations.

The application process and documents requirements are briefly as following:

1. Required documents:

-Application for the International Travel Business License (form);

-Certificate of business registration (copy – certified)

-Business plan for the international travel agency;

-Tour schedule

-Proof of at least 4 years of experience in international travel business operations

-Certified copies of the tourist guides’ cards whereby at least 3 international tourist guides are required

-Confirmation of bank deposit (as per regulations);

-Proof of office premises or legally registered place of business

2. Business License Application Procedure

-Submission of the required documents to the correct authority (Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the province/city where the business is headquartered).

-The Department of Tourism of the province/city completes the records of appraisal and submits a written request with the agency’s records to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Vietnam within ten working days from the date of receipt of a valid application. When cases are not eligible for the proposed permit to the state agencies, the provincial tourism department shall cite the specific reasons for refusal. 

-The state management agency of tourism (VNAT – Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) is responsible for reviewing and licensing the international travel business within ten working days from the date of both receipt of the file and written request of the state agency of tourism in the province. In case of refusal, the ministry shall state the specific reasons to the state and provincial tourism authorities

3. Number of records

-Submission to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: 01

-Tourism Authority Filed in: 01

ANT Lawyers, a law firm in Vietnam could offer service to establish company in Vietnam. We assist clients needing legal service in obtaining investment certificate, business registration certificate, or other  licensing procedures.

Source: ANT Lawyers.vn

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