Ho Chi Minh City, 16 September 2025
Indochine Counsel proudly participated in the ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA) Legal & Business Conference 2025 held from 11–13 September 2025 at the Na Lotus Hotel, Nanning, Guangxi, China. Themed “Linking to ASEAN, Going to the World” the conference gathered over 250 delegates, including leading law firms, regulators, business leaders, and cross-border professionals from ASEAN, China, India, Europe, and beyond.
Indochine Counsel was represented by a strong delegation, including:
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Mr. Dang Hoan My – Partner | Co-Head of Corporate and M&A, Projects & Infrastructure
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Mr. Pham Viet Tuan – Partner | Head of Litigation & Dispute Resolution, Real Estate & Construction
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Ms. Le Mai Phuong – Managing Associate | Head of Hanoi Office
The delegation contributed actively to conference sessions, shared Vietnam’s perspectives on investment reforms and arbitration, and engaged in strategic networking to strengthen ASEAN–China legal and business ties.
Key Insights from Indochine Counsel Partners
Legal & Administrative Reforms in Vietnam: Unlocking Opportunities, Managing Risks (Mr. Dang Hoan My)
Mr. Dang Hoan My’s presentation provided an in-depth look at Vietnam’s sweeping administrative and legal reforms:
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Government Restructuring & Provincial Mergers: Vietnam has reduced central ministries from 22 to 17 and merged provinces from 63 to 34, creating a two-tier administrative structure. This aims to streamline approvals and reduce bureaucracy, though transitional uncertainty may occur
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Investment Impact: Provincial mergers may change investment incentives, land-use planning, and tax breaks, urging businesses to reassess location strategies.
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Policy Reforms (Resolution 68-NQ/TW & 66-NQ/TW) – Vietnam is committed to:
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Cutting 30% of compliance time and costs by 2025.
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Growing to 2 million enterprises by 2030, contributing 55–58% of GDP.
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Building legal frameworks for innovation, AI, digital assets, and green transition
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Legal Updates: New regulations require mandatory disclosure of Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) and mandatory VNeID registration, affecting compliance. Updates to the Investment Law, Bidding Law, PPP Law, and Data Law further signal Vietnam’s shift toward a data-driven, innovation-friendly legal environment
Takeaway: Vietnam’s reforms present unprecedented opportunities for investors, but require agility, early engagement with regulators, and close monitoring of implementation.
Developments in Vietnam’s Arbitration Towards ASEAN–China Business Integration (Mr. Pham Viet Tuan)
Mr. Pham Viet Tuan highlighted Vietnam’s evolving arbitration landscape and its role in strengthening ASEAN–China commercial integration:
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Amendments to the 2010 Arbitration Law – Proposed changes will:
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Expand arbitrable disputes.
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Align procedures with UNCITRAL Model Law and the New York Convention.
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Recognize modern forms of arbitration agreements, including smart contracts and electronic communications
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Judicial & Arbitration Reforms: Resolution 66-NQ/TW promotes alternative dispute resolution (ADR) and simplifies court procedures to enhance enforceability of arbitral awards
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Recent Case Law:
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The Supreme Court reinstated enforcement of a Vietnam-seated ICC award, confirming support for international arbitration recognition
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A case on e-signature agreements highlighted the need for clearer recognition of digital contracts in arbitration.
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Regional Integration: Vietnam’s arbitration system now links more closely with ASEAN and China frameworks (e.g., VIAC, VTA, SHIAC, SIAC, HKIAC), supported by agreements under RCEP, ACIA, and CPTPP
Takeaway: Vietnam is positioning itself as a regional arbitration hub, with reforms improving certainty, enforceability, and alignment with global standards – critical for cross-border investors and businesses.
Beyond these sessions, the Indochine Counsel delegation engaged in networking, cultural exchanges, and client discussions throughout the trip. The event not only showcased Vietnam’s evolving legal environment but also created meaningful opportunities to deepen partnerships and foster ASEAN–China cooperation.
The 2025 ALA Conference offered a vital platform for exchanging perspectives on:
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AI and digital economy applications
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Investment risk management across ASEAN countries
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Cross-border compliance and localization challenges
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Dispute resolution frameworks for ASEAN–China cooperation
By actively contributing to these discussions, Indochine Counsel reinforced its position as a trusted advisor to investors, multinational companies, and regional partners navigating Vietnam’s evolving legal landscape.
About the ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA)
The ASEAN Legal Alliance (ALA) is a network of independent law firms across ASEAN member states, dedicated to providing seamless cross-border legal services. Its annual conferences serve as a key hub for thought leadership, client engagement, and regional collaboration.
About Indochine Counsel
Founded in 2006, Indochine Counsel is one of Vietnam’s leading business law firms, recognized for its expertise in M&A, Projects & Infrastructure, Banking & Finance, Dispute Resolution, Intellectual Property, and Technology, Media & Telecoms (TMT). With offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, the firm serves international and domestic clients in diverse sectors including manufacturing, real estate, technology, and financial services.
Additional photos from the trip:
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Vietnam’s legal landscape is evolving rapidly. From investment reforms to dispute resolution mechanisms, businesses must stay ahead of regulatory changes to succeed in today’s ASEAN–China market. To learn how Indochine Counsel can support your business with M&A, projects, arbitration, and cross-border legal solutions in Vietnam, reach out to us at info@indochinecounsel.com or (+84) 28 3823 9640.
