Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
- The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on October 17 adopted a resolution to adjust the personal income tax (PIT) deduction rates, applicable from the 2026 tax period, with final settlement in the first quarter of 2027.
In its proposal, the Government mentioned two options. In the first one, with a projected cumulative CPI increase of 21.24% from 2020 to 2025, the deduction for taxpayers will rise from 11 million VND (more than 417 USD) per month to about 13.3 million VND, and from 4.4 million VND to 5.3 million VND per month per dependent. This would reduce state budget revenue by about 12 trillion VND per year. Read full story
- The Asia–Pacific region, which accounts for over 60% of global GDP, continues to be the pillar of global growth, innovation, and international economic integration despite global political and economic shifts, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Nguyen Quoc Dung.
Addressing the opening session of the 1st Potomac Dialogue 2025 hosted by the Centre for Asia Pacific Strategy on October 16, the Vietnamese diplomat said in the face of “headwinds” such strategic competition, protectionism, supply chain disruption, and climate change, economies must strengthen dialogue, cooperation, and respect for international law, while leading in digital transformation, innovation, and green and inclusive development. Read full story
- Vietnam on October 16 officially announced its participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) which aims to help maintain the stability of the dispute settlement system within the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Vietnam’s participation in the MPIA sends a strong message of commitment to a rules-based multilateral trading system. In the context of the WTO Appellate Body, which is considered the "supreme court" of global trade, being temporarily inactive, the country’s decision is seen as a responsible action that contributes to maintaining trust and stability in international trade. Read full story
- Vietnam’s adoption of the global minimum tax marks a strategic step that demonstrates the country’s responsibility and proactive integration with international standards, aiming to both retain existing investors and upgrade the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the years to come.
Under the Government’s Decree No. 236/2025/ND-CP, effective from October 15, 2025, Vietnam officially applies a global minimum tax rate of 15% on multinational enterprises with consolidated revenues of 750 million EUR (877.87 million USD) or more. This move helps the Southeast Asian nation align its tax policy with international practices, as more than 100 countries have already introduced similar measures. Read full story
- Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) on October 16 announced the launch of Unitel Logistics in Laos, marking its strategic expansion into the logistics and international transportation infrastructure sector as it moves towards becoming a global technology corporation.
The ceremony was attended by General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defence of Vietnam, and Senior Lieutenant General Khamliang Outhakaysone, Minister of National Defence of Laos, along with senior representatives from both defence ministries. Read full story
- A 6.1-magnitude earthquake jolted southern Philippines on October 17, the US Geological Survey said, a week after two powerful quakes hit the country.
The tremor struck near Dapa municipality in Surigao del Norte province at a depth of around 69km, USGS reported./. Read full story
