The government is finalizing a draft amendment to the Investment Law, focusing on streamlining bureaucracy and the ease of doing business. One crucial point in the draft regulation is the target to reduce the list of conditional investment and business sectors by at least 30 percent. This reform step is taken to create a more transparent, dynamic, and business-friendly investment climate.
In his presentation, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan explained that this amendment also contains strict new regulations. The government proposes a total ban on the sale of nitrous oxide (N₂O), popularly known as "laughing gas," for human consumption through inhalation, except for medical purposes. This firm step is taken following the widespread abuse of the gas, which has had a negative impact on public health.
The new draft regulation will replace Appendix IV on the List of Conditional Investment and Business Sectors in the Investment Law. Based on the latest government decision, as many as 56 business sectors will be removed from the conditional list, while 14 other sectors will have their scopes adjusted. The bill, compiled through a simplified procedure, is projected to take effect on September 1, 2026.
Nonetheless, the Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic and Finance Committee, Phan Van Mai, warned that this cut in investment requirements must be substantive. According to him, the government should not merely chase a quantitative target of 30 percent without evaluating the effectiveness of supervision in the field. He also emphasized the need for a strong post-inspection mechanism to prevent the emergence of new disguised regulations that could actually make things difficult for business actors.
On the other hand, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested the implementation of digital technology in the monitoring system to minimize public risks from the relaxed business sectors. Concluding the discussion, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Hong Dien emphasized that this reform of investment regulations must still maintain a balance between business freedom and the protection of national security, social order, and public safety.
