Vietnam's Resolution 198/2025/QH15 offers a 3-year Corporate Income Tax (CIT) exemption for newly established Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). This article details eligibility criteria, including Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC) requirements and SME classification, and provides strategic advice for foreign investors.
Vietnam is accelerating its transformation into a regional innovation powerhouse. With the issuance of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in December 2024, the country has committed to a bold, strategic overhaul of its science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem. For foreign direct investors (FDIs), this resolution is more than a policy document—it’s a roadmap to a more dynamic, tech-driven, and globally integrated Vietnamese economy.
A National Strategy for Innovation and Digital Transformation
Resolution 57-NQ/TW outlines Vietnam’s vision to become a science- and technology-led nation by 2030, with a longer-term goal of achieving global competitiveness by 2045. The resolution is part of a broader national effort to:
- Modernize the economy
- Enhance productivity
- Foster sustainable development
- Strengthen national digital sovereignty
This strategic pivot is designed to attract high-quality investment, especially in sectors that align with Vietnam’s innovation priorities.
Key Goals and Timelines
| Target Year | Strategic Milestone |
| By 2030 | Vietnam becomes a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income, driven by STI • R&D investment to reach 2% of GDP • Digital economy to contribute 30% of GDP • Top 3 in ASEAN for AI research and development • 100% of public services at level 4 available online • At least 70% of enterprises using digital platforms |
| By 2045 | Vietnam becomes a developed, high-income country with a globally competitive innovation ecosystem • Top 30 globally in Global Innovation Index (GII) • At least 5 Vietnamese tech firms with regional/global influence • Digital economy contributes over 50% of GDP • Science and technology workforce accounts for 1.5% of total labor force |
What Resolution 57-NQ/TW Means for Investors
1. A Favorable Legal and Policy Environment
The resolution mandates the removal of institutional bottlenecks and the creation of a synchronized legal framework for science, technology, and innovation. This includes:
- Simplified procedures for technology transfer and licensing
- Stronger intellectual property protection
- Incentives for R&D investment and innovation hubs
For FDIs, this means lower compliance risks, greater legal clarity, and enhanced protection of proprietary technologies.
2. Strategic Investment in High-Tech Sectors
Vietnam is prioritizing investment in:
- Semiconductors and microelectronics
- Artificial intelligence and robotics
- Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
- Green energy and environmental technologies
- Digital platforms and cybersecurity
Foreign investors in these sectors can expect preferential policies, tax incentives, and access to national innovation programs.
3. Public-Private Partnerships and Global Integration
Resolution 57 encourages international cooperation and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to:
- Co-develop innovation infrastructure (e.g., science parks, R&D centers)
- Facilitate technology transfer and joint ventures
- Integrate Vietnam into global value chains
This opens the door for FDIs to collaborate with Vietnamese institutions, co-invest in innovation ecosystems, and scale regionally from a Vietnamese base.
4. Digital Transformation as a National Priority
Vietnam is embedding digital transformation across all sectors. The resolution supports:
- Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0
- E-government and digital public services
- Digital skills development and workforce upskilling
Investors in digital infrastructure, cloud services, fintech, and edtech will find a rapidly expanding market with strong government backing.
Institutional Reforms and Governance
To ensure effective implementation, the resolution proposes:
- A centralized governance model for STI policy
- Enhanced inter-ministerial coordination
- A national innovation fund to support startups and R&D
These reforms aim to streamline decision-making, reduce bureaucratic delays, and ensure accountability—key concerns for foreign investors.
Opportunities for Foreign Direct Investors
FDIs can benefit from Resolution 57 in several ways:
- Early-mover advantage in emerging sectors
- Access to government-backed innovation zones
- Participation in national digital transformation projects
- Collaboration with Vietnamese universities and research institutes
Vietnam’s growing middle class, digital-savvy population, and strategic location in ASEAN further enhance its attractiveness as an innovation hub.
Challenges to Watch
While the resolution is ambitious, investors should be mindful of:
- Implementation gaps at the local level
- Talent shortages in high-tech fields
- Regulatory adaptation to fast-evolving technologies
However, the government’s commitment to institutional reform, international cooperation, and human capital development suggests these challenges are being actively addressed.
Conclusion: A New Era for Investment in Vietnam
Resolution 57-NQ/TW marks a turning point in Vietnam’s development strategy. It signals a clear shift toward a knowledge-based economy, where science, technology, and innovation are central to national growth.
For foreign investors, this is a unique opportunity to align with Vietnam’s long-term vision, tap into a vibrant innovation ecosystem, and contribute to shaping the future of one of Asia’s most promising economies.
At Viettonkin Consulting, we are ready to help you navigate this evolving landscape—whether you're entering Vietnam for the first time or expanding your innovation footprint.
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