Vietnam’s 2025 Reforms: What they mean for Australian SME’s

Vietnam is undergoing a wave of ambitious regulatory and economic reforms in 2025, from reducing provincial bureaucracy to shifting tax compliance frameworks and navigating global trade pressures. 

In this article, AVPI Fellow Peter Dwyer shares his opinion on the key developments Australian SMEs need to watch, and how these changes could shape market entry, compliance, and investment strategy in one of the region’s fastest-evolving economies. 

Key takeaways 

• Vietnam’s merger of provinces, from 63 to 34, signals a push to streamline public administration and reduce business red tape. 
• A revised US tariff on Vietnamese exports highlights Vietnam’s growing exposure to global trade tensions, with implications for Australian firms reliant on regional supply chains. 
• New tax and compliance measures will impact foreign-invested enterprises, especially SMEs navigating transfer pricing, incentives, and reporting standards. 
• For Australian businesses, success in Vietnam will require sharper strategies, stronger partnerships, and deeper engagement with the country’s evolving regulatory and economic environment.