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An insight into Vietnam’s Investment Support Fund decree

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On December 31, 2024, the Vietnamese Government issued Decree No. 182/2024/ND-CP on establishment, management and usage of the Investment Support Fund – a move in response to the impact of the Global Minimum Tax (GMT). This strategic initiative underscores its commitment to fostering innovation and establishing Vietnam as a hub for cutting-edge technology, write Deloitte Vietnam analysts.

Tungsten, a strategically important refractory metal, is applied in traditional heavy industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering and toolmaking, oil and gas industry, medical technology, aerospace, chemical industry, and electronics. Photo courtesy of Masan High-tech Materials.

Tungsten, a strategically important refractory metal, is applied in traditional heavy industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering and toolmaking, oil and gas industry, medical technology, aerospace, chemical industry, and electronics. Photo courtesy of Masan High-tech Materials.

For the first time ever, Vietnam has rolled out a new groundbreaking incentive scheme, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to attract world-class high-tech businesses to further invest in Vietnam.

The decree establishes a framework for the Investment Support Fund (ISF), providing cash grants/subsidies to enterprises with qualified investment projects in Vietnam. Under the decree, criteria for project eligibility have been meticulously defined, ensuring alignment with economic development priorities.

The ISF shall be founded by the Government, and the Ministry of Planning and Investment is mandated to operate the fund, which will be financed from the State budget.

There are two main types of subsidy under the ISF, known as “annual expenses subsidy” and “initial investment subsidy”.

For annual expenses subsidy, the fund aimed at providing annual financial support for enterprises and investment projects in the high-tech sector and research & development (R&D) centers. Meanwhile, initial investment subsidy would be available for enterprises having R&D centers in semiconductors and AI.

The determination of eligible subjects may depend on total investment scale or annual revenue resulted from the project, with further conditions specifically required on case-by-case basis.

Certain types of annual expenses that incurred during business operation are eligible for support from the ISF, such as R&D expenses, investment costs for new fixed asset, manufacturing expenses of high-tech products, etc, if certain conditions are met. The subsidy level varies, depending on the applicable subject and types of expenses to claim for subsidy.

The decree on ISF comes into effective from fiscal year 2024 and the specified timeline for annual application for subsidy is before July 10 of the year following the subsidized fiscal year.

Recommendations

As the decree comes into effect from fiscal year 2024, enterprises should promptly kick-off the process of assessment and relevant preparation to ensure their entitlement for support from the fund, as well as to be ready for the first application to be submitted in July 2025 where applicable.

Thoroughly review the applicability of ISF policies

Conduct an in-depth analysis of the new ISF policy. Evaluate the eligibility criteria and conditions to identify potential opportunities for your business to benefit from the new incentive scheme.

Identify gaps and implement improvement actions

Assess the existing qualifications against the requirements for application of the new incentive policy. Identify any gaps that may prevent eligibility, such as the absence of required certifications. We recommend businesses to take proactive measures, such as applying for High-Tech Certification where appropriate, to ensure compliance and readiness for claiming these incentives.

Claim qualified incentives

Once eligible, enterprises should prepare and submit dossiers to claim the subsidies from the ISF.

Eligible subjects and incentive scheme

Incentive regimes for the two types of subsidy, annual expenses subsidy and initial investment subsidy, are as follows:

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Rubber industry to bounce back in 2025

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Vietnam’s rubber industry is poised for strong growth in 2025, driven by rising rubber prices, expanding production, and increased export opportunities, despite potential challenges from global trade policies and shifting market dynamics.

Phuoc Hoa Rubber JSC (PHR) is aiming to extract 12,800 tonnes of rubber in 2025, for total revenues of over $59 million, including around $51.5 million from rubber sales.

Rubber industry to bounce back in 2025
Photo: baodautu.vn

The company projects an average selling price of $1,750 per tonne, post-tax profit of $9.7 million, and a minimum cash dividend payout ratio of 10 per cent.

While revenue is expected to decline by 3.8 per cent on-year, post-tax profit is projected to increase by nearly 31 per cent. The company plans to optimise land use in Binh Duong province to enhance operational efficiency and exceed its revenue and profit targets by at least 10 per cent.

For the first quarter of the year, PHR has set a target of extracting of 1,920 tonnes of dry latex, processed rubber output of 3,420 tonnes, and sales of 4,900 tonnes, with an average price of $2,120 per tonne, generating $10.3 million in revenue and close to $1.2 million in pre-tax profit.

MB Securities anticipates that Phuoc Hoa Rubber’s 2025 revenue may dwindle by 3 per cent compared to 2024, but post-tax profit could grow by 10 per cent, driven by sustained high selling prices.

By 2026, the company’s revenue and net profit are expected to increase by 2 per cent and 8 per cent, respectively.

Dong Phu Rubber JSC’s high-yield rubber plantations produce over two tonnes per hectare and are expected to support growth in both rubber extraction and industrial real estate.

The company’s undertaking in Bac Dong Phu Industrial Park expansion, encompassing 317 hectares (ha), was approved for investment on January 16, and is anticipated to generate cash flow over the next two years.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Rubber Group’s (GVR) plantations generate an average yield of 1.5 tonnes per ha, yet the company’s 2025 outlook remains promising due to projected high rubber prices in the first half of the year.

The Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries expects the demand for rubber to remain stable, particularly in China, Vietnam’s primary market for rubber exports.

An Binh Securities projects GVR’s revenue to grow by 6.6 per cent on-year to $1.12 billion this year, while post-tax profit is expected to rise by 4.7 per cent to $176.3 million.

As for Tay Ninh Rubber (TRC), the company is managing over 7,000ha of rubber plantations which continue to achieve high yields of over 2 tonnes per ha.

In Cambodia, its plantations, established in 2014, are entering peak production, yielding around 1.3-1.4 tonnes per hectare.

In Laos, the company oversees more than 10,000ha, with the majority entering peak harvest season between 2024 and 2029, expected to yield over 2 tonnes per hectare.

Over the past month, PHR shares rose by 25 per cent, TRC shares by 9.2 per cent, GVR shares by 6.2 per cent, Song Be Rubber shares by 6.1 per cent, and DakLak Rubber Investment JSC shares by 8.2 per cent.

Several stocks recorded substantial gains on-year, with Tan Bien Rubber JSC shares rose 123 per cent, Tay Ninh Rubber JSC grew by 151 per cent, and Dak Lak Rubber JSC went up 109 per cent.

Market analysts predict rubber prices will continue their upward trend in 2025, benefiting the natural rubber sector.

MB Securities forecasts that prices will remain elevated through the second quarter of 2025, with an estimated annual increase of 5-10 per cent compared to 2024.

In the US, a declining reliance on rubber imports from China, Canada, and Mexico has created new opportunities for Vietnamese rubber exporters, who increased their exports to 29,200 tonnes in 2024, valued at $50.6 million, raising the market share from 1.5 per cent in 2023 to 1.7 per cent.

As global trade dynamics continue to evolve, Vietnam’s rubber industry remains well-positioned to leverage rising prices, supply constraints in competing markets, and increasing demand from key trade partners.

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ACCA event highlights technology’s role in sustainability practices

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The commitment of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) to supporting firms in their development was evidenced at a conference on technology’s role in applying sustainability practices that took place in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12.

The event presented key topics including international standards and technological solutions for carbon emissions’ management, environmental, social, and governance policy evaluation based on global standards, and the application of technology in optimising operational costs.

ACCA event highlights technology's role in sustainability practices
ACCA event highlights technology’s role in sustainability practices

The conference served as a platform for future-oriented businesses to share their successes and challenges while fostering collaboration among those committed to sustainability.

During the conference, Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Mainland Southeast Asia, delivered in-depth insights into ACCA’s role in supporting businesses in building sustainable development capabilities.

Citing 2024 trade figures, Varma noted that Vietnam’s import-export turnover maintained unprecedented levels over the past 40 years, supported by the enforcement of over 17 trade agreements.

Vietnam-EU trade exceeded $67 billion, with numerous domestic enterprises integrating into European and global supply chains.

“Implementing sustainability reporting is imperative for Vietnamese firms participating in global supply chains to comply with Europe’s mandatory sustainability disclosure regulations. The key challenge is how businesses can effectively implement sustainability reporting with existing resources while meeting international standards,” said Varma.

Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Mainland Southeast Asia speech at the conference. Photo: ACCA Vietnam
Ren Varma, head of Mainland Southeast Asia, ACCA. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Representatives from various other organisations, such as VACPA, FPT, Unilever, HDBank, PwC, and the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City shared their experiences in leveraging technology for sustainability.

These real-world case studies enabled participants to gain practical insights into how best to apply technology to sustainable management, while understanding the essential competencies required for effective implementation.

At the event, experts reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing capabilities and professional expertise in achieving national sustainable development goals and the target of Net-Zero by 2050.

Ren Varma, ACCA’s head of Mainland Southeast Asia with other speakers at the conference. Photo: ACCA Vietnam
Photo: ACCA Vietnam

ACCA pledged its continued support by launching the Professional Diploma in Sustainability (ProDipSust) across more than 180 countries, including Vietnam. This initiative aims to equip professionals with the necessary expertise to implement sustainable business practices.

ProDipSust not only provides in-depth knowledge on sustainability but also guides businesses on practical applications, from understanding international frameworks and regulations to strategic management, sustainability reporting, and assurance.

Recognised as a globally standardised knowledge framework, this diploma plays a crucial role in strengthening corporate sustainability governance, ensuring transparency, and complying with international standards.

Beyond offering training programmes, ACCA actively collaborates with leading organisations to drive sustainable development initiatives.

Beyond offering training activities, ACCA collaborates with major organisations to drive sustainability initiatives. In this seminar, ACCA Vietnam, in partnership with VACPA and PwC Vietnam, established a highly practical forum to help Vietnamese firms align with international standards and devise effective sustainability strategies.

Ren Varma underscored the critical role of finance and accounting professionals in advancing sustainable development, saying, “Financial expertise is not just about financial reporting, it plays a fundamental role in shaping sustainable strategies. Finance professionals are responsible for integrating sustainability initiatives into business models, accurately measuring their impact, and transparently communicating them to stakeholders. ACCA’s certification serves as a vital tool for businesses and individuals to enhance their expertise in this field.”

“With a strong commitment to fostering sustainability competencies, ACCA will continue to support businesses and financial professionals on their journey towards a responsible and sustainable economy,” he added.

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Ho Chi Minh City looks to develop potential of Saigon River

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Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to develop infrastructure along the Saigon River towards the East Sea.

Ho Chi Minh City will lead toward the sea and along Saigon river

Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to develop infrastructure along the Saigon River towards the East Sea.

Photo: Le Toan

Talking with VIR on March 4, Doan Manh Thang, director of water and resilience at Royal HaskoningDHV Vietnam, said the Saigon River has great potential but has not been exploited properly. The plan will map out a waterway from Cu Chi to the city centre.

Royal HaskoningDHV is the leader of a consortium that includes Boston Consulting Group, Roland Berger, the Ministry of Construction, and ACUD Consult that has been tasked with developing this plan which was approved by the prime minister on December 31, 2024.

The plan aims to develop Ho Chi Minh City into a hub of high-quality human resources, modern services, and advanced industries, pioneering in the green economy, the digital economy, and a digital society. It will also maintain its position as Vietnam’s leading centre for economy, finance, commerce, culture, education, and science and technology, with deep international integration.

“We can build service areas such as marinas and commercial centres along the river, alongside green spaces,” Thang said.

Moreover, a metro line from the city centre to Can Gio Island could act as the driving force for the city to reach double-digit growth, he confirmed.

Can Gio Port, meanwhile, is strategically located opposite Cai Mep-Thi Vai Port – the largest international port in Vietnam. However, it is only operating at 50 per cent capacity. The government has decided to upgrade Can Gio Port to become an international transit centre, with an estimated investment of $4 billion. The port is expected to handle 10 per cent of Vietnam’s imports and exports, of which 90 per cent will be international transshipment.

According to Phan Van Mai, newly appointed Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee and former Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the city will strive for regional GDP growth of 8.5-9.0 per year until 2030.

“To effectively implement the plan, the city needs to mobilise resources, attract investment, develop human resources, and apply science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and environmental protection,” Mai said.

Meanwhile, Thang said that the biggest bottleneck in implementing this plan is the lack of mechanisms to entice capital.

“Public investment is the seed capital to stimulate investment from other economic sectors. In fact, many investors are interested, but the mechanisms for investment must be more detailed,” he said.

A resolution issued in June 2023 grants special mechanisms for the development of Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, in February 2025, the National Assembly issued another resolution for Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to invest and develop metro systems. On that basis, Ho Chi Minh City will invest simultaneously and complete seven routes with a total length of 355km within 10 years.

“Initially, the state will have to spend money because it will be difficult to attract investment, but when it starts to take shape, private investors will be looking to spend money to build infrastructure. This would remove the bottleneck, but still requires appropriate policies,” Thang said.

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