Vietnam's breakthrough policy shift regarding rare earth resources in the draft amendments to the Law on Geology and Minerals represents not merely a legal adjustment, but a strategic declaration. In the context where rare earths are critical materials for defense technology (serving as the foundation for "numerous weapons systems, foundational technologies, and core technologies, particularly high-precision weapons" as noted in the user query, such as the F-35 stealth fighter jet and Tomahawk cruise missiles) and the global green energy transition, being among the countries with the world's largest reserves, compels Vietnam to transform from a raw material supplier into a high-value-added processing center.    

In the context of the country pursuing the goal of "The era of raising" to promote Vietnam's economic development, many policies have been extensively reformed to attract investment. Among these, the renewable energy industry is growing rapidly, as each additional GDP growth requires corresponding electricity supply. Many foreign investors have also seen great prospects in this field and decided to "pour money" into Vietnam. However, in 2023, after inspecting several renewable energy projects that did not have Certificate of Completion of Constructions (CCA) before the Commercial Operation Date (COD), the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued a new circular — Circular 10/2023/TT-BCT to regulate this activity. This raised the reality that many projects would be affected as they would not enjoy the initial FIT price level. This article will briefly outline similar international lessons on Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) by Spain when sued by investors through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).

On 6 November 2025, the Government promulgated Decree No. 291/2025/ND-CP (“Decree 291”), which amends Decree No. 103/2024/ND-CP dated 30 July 2024 on land use fees and land rentals (“Decree 103”) and Decree No. 104/2024/ND-CP dated 31 July 2024 on the land development fund. Decree 291 took effect immediately on the date of issuance and introduces several notable revisions as follows.

Việt Nam đang bước vào giai đoạn quyết định trong tham vọng trở thành một trung tâm tài chính cạnh tranh trong khu vực. Chính phủ đang khẩn trương hoàn tất Dự thảo Nghị định về Thành lập và Vận hành Trung tâm Tài chính Quốc tế (IFC), với chỉ đạo dứt khoát của Thủ tướng yêu cầu các trung tâm đầu tiên tại TP. Hồ Chí Minh (TPHCM) và Đà Nẵng phải sẵn sàng đưa vào vận hành bước đầu ngay trong tháng 11. Đây được đánh giá là một trong những quá trình xây dựng khung pháp lý nhanh nhất từng được thực hiện cho một dự án hạ tầng tài chính mang tầm quốc gia.

Ngày 24/11/2025, tại Phiên họp thứ 51, Uỷ ban thường vụ Quốc hội cho ý kiến về dự thảo Nghị quyết của Quốc hội về cơ chế, chính sách tháo gỡ khó khăn phát triển năng lượng quốc gia giai đoạn 2026 – 2030 (“Dự thảo”). Trình bày Tờ trình về dự thảo Nghị quyết của Quốc hội về cơ chế, chính sách tháo gỡ khó khăn phát triển năng lượng quốc gia giai đoạn 2026 – 2030, Bộ trưởng Bộ Công Thương đã nêu những vướng mắc thực tiễn và các giải pháp cơ chế, chính sách đặc thù nhằm thúc đẩy phát triển năng lượng quốc gia.  

On November 24, 2025 at 51st Session, the National Assembly Standing Committee provided feedback on the National Assembly Resolution Draft on mechanisms and policies to address difficulties and develop national energy in the 2026–2030 period (“the Draft”). In presenting the report on the Draft Resolution, the Minister of Industry and Trade articulated the practical challenges and specific policy mechanisms and solutions aimed at accelerating national energy development.

On 7 August 2025, the Government issued Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP regulating foreign workers in Vietnam (“Decree 219”), replacing the provisions on foreign workers in Vietnam under Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. Effective the same day, Decree 219 reflects the Government’s policy to streamline procedures and digitalize management of expatriate employment. For foreign investors, FDI enterprises, and employers of foreign professionals, several key changes and compliance points warrant close attention. 

Vietnam is accelerating the establishment of its domestic carbon market with a suite of new regulatory instruments, including amendments to climate legislation and a draft decree governing internationally transferred mitigation outcomes (ITMOs). These measures form a critical part of the country’s pathway toward its 2050 net-zero commitment and are designed to ensure that all carbon market activities—domestic or international—primarily advance Vietnam’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Vietnam is entering a decisive phase in its ambition to position itself as a competitive regional financial hub. The Government is expediting completion of the Draft Decree on the Establishment and Operation of International Financial Centres (IFCs), with a firm directive from the Prime Minister that the first centres—located in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Da Nang—must be ready for initial operation within November. This marks one of the fastest regulatory build-outs ever attempted for a financial infrastructure project of national significance.