Bản tin hàng tháng OneStepVietnam – Tháng 3/2025
ECONOMIC NEWS
The government has announced plans to raise its 2025 GDP growth target to 8.0%, up from the previous 6.5%-7.0% range, pending parliamentary approval. However, the World Bank forecasts a more modest 6.8% growth for the year and 6.5% in 2026, citing slower export growth due to expected economic slowdowns in China and the U.S.
“Public investment will be crucial in driving growth, particularly in urban infrastructure, transportation, and energy, provided the government can scale up investment and ensure efficient spending” said Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
In February, Vietnam posted a rare trade deficit of $1.55 billion, following a $3.02 billion surplus in January, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). This was only the third monthly deficit since early 2023. Imports surged 40% year-on-year, outpacing a 25.7% rise in exports, driven by higher imports of dairy products, automobiles, and metal goods.
Despite the deficit, Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. grew to $17 billion in the first two months of 2025, a 16.3% increase. The January-February trade balance remained positive at $1.47 billion, in line with government data.
Source: Tuoitre, GSO and World Bank
NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Circular No. 03/2025/TT-BLDTBXH on Work Classification Standards based on Working Conditions
According to the regulation, working conditions include 6 types: Non-arduous, non-toxic, or non-dangerous jobs/occupations are classified as type I, II, III working conditions; Arduous, toxic, or dangerous jobs/occupations are classified as type IV working conditions; Very arduous, toxic, or dangerous jobs/occupations are classified as type V, VI working conditions.
Relevant ministries and employers could use a score-based method to assess and classify working conditions. Additionally, the Ministry of Home Affairs (formerly MOLISA) could use either a statistics- and experience-based method or a mixed method, combining occupational exposure factors, statistics on occupational accidents, and occupational diseases to classify working conditions.
Employers shall take control of dangerous, harmful factors in accordance with regulations in Chapter II of the Decree No. 39/2016/ND-CP dated May 15, 2016 of the Government on guidelines for some articles of the Law on occupational safety and hygiene; assess the improvement of working conditions for the applied occupations based on the results of working environment monitoring and the results of preventing dangerous, harmful factors; implement methods prescribed in Article 4 of this Circular if it is mandatory to re-determine working conditions.
ONESTEPVIETNAM NEWS
March 21, 2025, marks the 20th anniversary of OneStep Vietnam, a company founded in 2005 by Nguyen Chau A with a mission to bridge the gap between businesses and international standards for social responsibility and sustainable development.
Over the past two decades, OneStep Vietnam has remained dedicated to providing compliance assessment services, ensuring that businesses fully adhere to local laws, uphold international human rights standards, maintain safe working conditions, and protect the environment for brands, NGOs, and factories. Beyond compliance assessments, the company has also implemented training and consulting programs to help businesses understand and integrate social responsibility into their operations – transforming compliance into a competitive advantage in the global market.
In addition to our core compliance services, OneStep Vietnam partners with businesses to develop Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, helping them meet international standards in sustainability and corporate governance. The company assists enterprises in conducting greenhouse gas inventory (GHG) reports, consulting on ESG sustainability reporting, and enhancing transparency in social responsibility and corporate governance activities. By doing so, businesses not only meet investor expectations but also create long-term sustainable value.
If you are interested in our special event, please find more information in the links below:
1. OneStep – Pioneering Journey in Sustainability Assessment and Development Consulting
2. Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: High Demands in the Supply Chain
3. OneStep and the Journey to Make Tan Hoa Village the Best Tourism Village by UN Tourism
4. Onestep Empowers Businesses in Green Transformation Through Sustainable Strategies
OneStepVietnam team – March 2025