Product Recalls Abroad Affecting Vietnamese Consumers

Key pointsThe National Competitiveness Council has warned that products recalled abroad may affect Vietnamese consumers, including automobiles, cosmetics, and toys. Notably, Nature’s Own products and Allen's candies recalled in Australia have been highlighted, raising concerns about health and safety risks.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this trend and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local practices.

Key pointsThere is a problem where many companies have been inactive for a long time but cannot close their tax numbers. The tax authority is reviewing policies to organize the tax obligations of inactive companies, having organized 72,000 tax numbers by the end of August 2026. The tax authority aims to simplify procedures and secure necessary resources.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this trend and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local practices.

Key pointsResolution No. 27, announced on August 28, 2026, outlines a new framework to promote regional development in Vietnam. It emphasizes the importance of regions functioning according to their roles and advantages, highlighting the significance of a unified ecosystem. This is expected to strengthen inter-regional collaboration and contribute to national development.
Business impactThis resolution encourages Japanese companies to reassess their regional strategies, particularly emphasizing business development that leverages inter-regional collaboration. Companies need to formulate strategies that consider the characteristics of each region.

Key pointsThe Mayor of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Van Duc, highlighted an increase in companies exiting the market during the economic and social conference in August, urging a review of administrative procedures. While the city's budget revenue has reached approximately 78% and public investment execution is at 57.7%, private investment execution is lagging, potentially impacting growth. The mayor instructed for expedited procedures based on urban development laws, particularly emphasizing the need for land tax exemptions and incentives.
Business impactJapanese companies should pay attention to the review of administrative procedures in Ho Chi Minh City and seek opportunities to utilize new incentives in their investment plans and project progress. It is important to deepen understanding of policies aimed at future growth objectives.

Key pointsThe revamp of Phu Quoc International Airport in Vietnam is deemed necessary for the upcoming APEC 2027. The Ministry of Construction's review committee has supported adjustments to modernize the airport's infrastructure and promote sustainable development, anticipating an increase in air passenger numbers for Phu Quoc.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor the progress of infrastructure development for APEC 2027. In particular, businesses related to logistics and tourism may see increased demand as the airport's functionality improves.

Key pointsThe Vietnam Tax Authority announced that during an 8-month period in 2026, it assigned new tax numbers to 167,637 companies and invalidated 94,991 tax numbers. This campaign aims to organize corporate data and support companies returning to the market. Notably, over 6,000 reinstatement procedures were conducted in August, with approximately 17,000 companies in contact with the tax authority. Additionally, GDP growth and increased tax revenue are anticipated for 2026, positively impacting the overall economy.
Business impactThis information is crucial for Japanese companies to understand tax management and corporate registration status. It is essential to stay updated on the latest trends regarding tax number invalidation and reinstatement procedures to respond appropriately.

Key pointsOn September 4, 2026, a seminar titled 'Enhancing the Value of Agricultural Products and Food in Sustainable Supply Chains' was held in Ho Chi Minh City, discussing new requirements for Vietnamese agricultural products to enhance their competitiveness in international markets. The seminar emphasized the stringent technical barriers and environmental standards in the EU and US markets, highlighting the importance of traceability and sustainability for agricultural products.
Business impactJapanese companies have the opportunity to strengthen collaboration with Vietnam's agricultural sector by providing technologies and know-how to meet these standards.