Focus: Legalizing Digital Assets: The draft Law on Digital Technology Industry, discussed during the National Assembly’s 8th sitting, contains four provisions defining digital assets, criteria for identification, principles of management, and responsibilities of state management over such assets. This marks the first time digital assets have been explicitly addressed in a legislative process.
Inside Vietnam
A Post-Golden Population Era: Vietnam is stepping into a new era of growth, propelled by a firm resolve to overcome challenges and achieve lasting prosperity, said Party General Secretary To Lam during a recent discussion at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics. In addition to efforts to break free from the middle-income trap, the country must also prepare for the post-golden population era to maintain high economic growth.
Rationale Behind Revival Of BT Contracts: Vietnam will need an estimated US$25-30 billion per year for infrastructure development over the next 10 years. Mobilizing capital from the private sector is necessary, so it is wasteful to ignore the build-transfer (BT) contract, said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Quoc Toan of Hanoi Construction University in an interview with The Saigon Times.
VAT For Low-Value Imports: Regarding the identification of digital platforms responsible for value-added tax (VAT) collection, along with the roles of sellers and buyers, this article discusses the guidance of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on determining the taxing point and proposes tax solutions for low-value imports while providing observations to improve Vietnam’s tax policy.
Business
Stabilizing Interest Rates Amid Credit Expansion: Loans totaling nearly VND1.51 quadrillion were made by credit institutions in the first 11 months of 2024. All eyes are on whether interest rates will come under pressure in the rest of the year as credit has been expanding.
Uncertainty Surrounds Growth Target: Vietnam’s economy is facing uncertainties in a Trump 2.0 era, with trade emerging as an area of critical concern. Experts emphasize the need to bolster domestic growth drivers, instead of relying heavily on exports.
Living
From Trash To Treasure: Nguyen Quoc Dan’s art does not just depict waste; it explores possibility, transformation, and redemption as pathways toward sustainability.
Trekking Through Golden Dry Grass Fields: Ta Nang – Phan Dung is celebrated as one of Vietnam’s most stunning trekking routes. With its diverse vegetation, breathtaking scenery, and moderate level of difficulty, the trail draws numerous adventurers. It also features various paths designed to suit trekkers of different experience levels.
Travel
A 200-Year-Old Khmer Heritage In Soc Trang: Built in 1798, O Chum Pagoda, also known as O Chumaram Prek Chek Pagoda, has stood as a spiritual and cultural beacon for the Khmer community in Soc Trang. Despite enduring two wars of resistance against French colonists and American imperialists, the pagoda remains a testament to the resilience and rich heritage of the region.
Stream Moss: A Delicacy In Northwest region: From a simple dish of the Tay and Thai ethnic communities, stream moss has become a prized specialty of northwest Vietnam, celebrated for its unique flavor and deep cultural significance.
