On Feb. 22, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to reporters’ questions regarding Vietnam’s reaction after, on February 17, the EU added Vietnam to its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The decision was based on the 2021-2023 peer review results by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development on Vietnam’s exchange of information for tax purposes.

“As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam attaches great importance to cooperation and exchanges with the OECD, particularly in ensuring the transparency and effectiveness of the tax system. This helps create a stable, transparent and favorable investment and business environment for the corporate community, including foreign enterprises and investors,” Pham Thu Hang stated.

During the OECD peer review process on exchange of information for tax purposes, Vietnam studied the recommendations, made revisions and recently supplemented a number of legal normative documents in taxation, finance and corporate governance. These include the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on Enterprises and Decree No. 168/2025/ND-CP on enterprise management, thereby enhancing compliance with international standards on transparency and exchange of tax information.

According to the spokesperson, the Vietnamese Government is currently developing and implementing a national action plan to carry out the recommendations of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, while strengthening international cooperation in taxation with partners, including the EU.

“In the spirit of the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam stands ready to exchange, share and cooperate closely and responsibly with the European Council and EU member states regarding the outcomes achieved in improving its legal system, mechanisms and policies toward greater coherence, transparency and fairness in line with international standards and practices. This will contribute to a more objective and comprehensive assessment, as well as promote cooperation between Vietnam and its European partners for shared development and prosperity,” the Foreign Ministry spokesperson affirmed.

Tran Thuong