Bản tin hàng tháng OneStepVietnam – Tháng 11/2024
ECONOMIC NEWS
Exports are one of the primary forces behind Vietnam’s economic expansion and recovery. According to the General Department of Viet Nam Customs, as of November 15, the country’s overall import-export revenue reached US$681.48 billion, a 15.7% rise from the previous year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for US$461.33 billion of the total, up US$56.74 billion, or 14%, over the same time last year.
Key export products include computers and electronics, machines and tools, garments, and timber. Compared to 2023, although export value decreased in the short term (from early to mid-November 2024), the total export value since the beginning of the year reached USD 352.38 billion, an increase of 14.8% compared to the same period last year, thanks to improvements in supply chains and effective utilization of free trade agreements (FTAs). These results reflect a positive shift in the structure of export goods, focusing on increasing product value and expanding international markets, which has not only bolstered the nation’s economic standing but also had significant implications for its labor market. Viet Nam’s trade with the rest of the world is expected to hit US$800 billion by the end of this year.
As reported on November 17 from S&P Global Market Intelligence highlights Viet Nam as the top destination for manufacturing relocation, overtaking Mexico. Major corporations have demonstrated this shift, like Samsung, Nike, adidas, and Intel have shifted operations to Viet Nam. The country’s advantages include its strategic geographic location providing easy access to major Asian markets, competitive labor costs attracting cost-conscious companies, and government policies supporting foreign investment. Viet Nam’s workforce has played a crucial role in this success story, ranking ninth among 60 countries in ManpowerGroup’s Total Workforce Index, demonstrating its reliable and skilled labor force.
Source: Online Newspaper of the Government
NEW LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Decree No. 143/2024/ND-CP Regulating Voluntary Occupational Accident Insurance for Workers Without Labor Contracts
a. Voluntary Occupational Accident Insurance Scheme
– Assessment of Work Capacity Reduction: The level of work capacity reduction due to occupational accidents will be evaluated.
– Occupational Accident Benefits: Workers who qualify will receive benefits under the voluntary occupational accident insurance scheme.
b. Conditions for Receiving Voluntary Occupational Accident Insurance Benefits
– Eligibility:
Workers participating in voluntary occupational accident insurance are eligible for benefits as outlined in Article 4 of this Decree if they meet the following conditions:
+ They have suffered a reduction in work capacity of 5% or more due to an occupational accident occurring during their participation in the voluntary occupational accident insurance.
+ They are not subject to any of the following exclusions.
– Exclusions:
Workers are not eligible for benefits under Article 4 if the accident occurred due to one of the following reasons:
+ A conflict between the worker and the person causing the accident, unrelated to work or labor duties.
+ The worker intentionally self-inflicted harm to their health.
+ The worker used illegal drugs or narcotic substances in violation of the law.
The Decree was issued on November 1, 2024. It will come in to force from January 1, 2025.
2. Decree No. 153/2024/ND-CP on Environmental Protection Fees for Emissions.
On November 21, 2024, the Government issued new Decree on Environmental Protection Fees for Emissions, which shall be applied from January 5, 2025.
a. Entities Subject to Environmental Protection Fees for Emissions
Under this Decree, entities subject to environmental protection fees for emissions include dust and industrial emissions released into the environment that require treatment, originating from projects, production facilities, businesses, and service providers. These entities have to obtain the environmental permits as stipulated by environmental protection laws, specifically permits that include provisions for emissions discharge (hereinafter referred to as “emission-discharge facilities”).
b. Fee Rates
– For Emission-Discharge Facilities Not Subject to Emissions Monitoring:
Fixed fee (f): 3,000,000 VND/year.
If the fee is paid quarterly, the fee per quarter is f/4.
For new emission-discharge facilities starting operations after this Decree comes into effect, or existing facilities operating before the Decree’s effective date, the fee is calculated as:
Fee payable = (f/12) × fee calculation period (in months).
The fee calculation period starts from the month following the Decree’s effective date (for existing facilities) or the month the facility begins operations (for new facilities) and ends at the end of the quarter or year.
– For Emission-Discharge Facilities Subject to Emissions Monitoring:
+ Fixed fee (f) is determined as stated in Section 1 above.
+ Variable fees are applied for pollutants in emissions, as follows:
Dust: 800 VND/ton
NOx (including NO2 and NO): 800 VND/ton
SOx: 700 VND/ton
CO: 500 VND/ton.
ONESTEPVIETNAM NEWS
This month, we provided regular audit, assessment, Higg FEM and SLCP verification services for its customers as our usual business. Additionally, we conducted CSR training sessions for two factories, equipping them to enhance their systems and meet customer requirements effectively.
Our representative also participated in the 2024 APSCA Annual Meeting of Members & Stakeholders, a key event that brought together industry leaders, auditors, firms, and stakeholders to shape the future of social compliance auditing. They further joined the To the Finish Line of Higg FEM (TFL) Vietnam Meet-up 2024, a program dedicated to promoting collective action and collaborative learning to drive improvements in environmental performance.
OneStepVietnam team – November 2024