Persons committing usury in civil transactions could be criminally charged, according to a draft resolution prepared by the Supreme People’s Court to guide Article 201 of the 2015 Penal Code regarding the offense of usury and trial of usury cases in civil transactions.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has released a draft decree providing state inspection of quality and state inspection of food safety for imports, focusing on the simplification of order and procedures for inspection, application of principles of risk management and commodity-based inspection, and information technology in inspection process.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has proposed reducing the minimum period of social insurance premium payment for participants to enjoy pension from 20 years to 15 years, eventually 10 years, as from 2024.

A foreign teacher wishing to teach his mother-tongue language in Vietnam would have to possess a college or higher degree and a certificate of being trained in teaching of such language.

The Ministry of Finance is working on two draft legal documents on tax administration, aiming to close current loopholes in the tax systems, especially those related to collection of tax on e-commerce and digital platform-based trading activities.

Personal data processors that violate regulations on personal data would be subject to a maximum fine of VND 80-100 million (USD 3,400-4,300), according to the second draft of a decree on protection of personal data formulated by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS).

During 2021-25, state-invested enterprises undergoing ownership transformation, reorganization or state capital withdrawal would be classified into three categories based on operating sectors; scope and characteristics of operation; and areas of operation.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed some revisions to the third amended draft law on cinematography concerning film dissemination, classification, licensing and production, aiming to facilitate the development of the film industry.

Three giant state-owned enterprises (SOEs), MobiFone, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Viettel, would be selected to become spearheads in the telecommunications, energy and defense industries, according to a draft scheme on development of large-sized SOEs.

Manufacturers would have to test the quality of medicinal materials, traditional medicaments as well as primary packaging of traditional drugs before putting them into production.