FM spokesperson responds to EU decision to add Vietnam to EU tax list
VOV.VN - On February 22, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded to a reporter’s question regarding the European Union’s February 17, 2026 decision to add Vietnam to the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes.
The EU decision was based on the results of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s peer review on exchange of information for tax purposes covering the 2021-2023 period.
As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam attaches importance to cooperation and exchanges with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), particularly in ensuring the transparency and effectiveness of the tax system, thereby contributing to a stable, transparent and favourable investment and business environment for the business community, including foreign enterprises and investors, Hang said.
During the OECD peer review process on exchange of information for tax purposes, Vietnam incorporated recommendations, amended and recently supplemented a number of legal documents in the fields of taxation, finance and corporate governance, including the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on Enterprises and Decree No. 168 on enterprise management. These measures help improve compliance with international standards on tax transparency and exchange of information.
The Government of Vietnam 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 European Union.
In the spirit of the Vietnam- EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam stands ready to exchange views, share information and cooperate closely and responsibly with the European Council and EU member states regarding the country’s progress in improving its legal framework, mechanisms and policies in a coherent, transparent and fair manner, in line with international standards and practices.
This will help facilitate a more objective and comprehensive assessment and further promote cooperation between Vietnam and its European partners for common development and prosperity, the official added.
Joint statement on Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership upgrade
At the invitation of State President Luong Cuong, President of the European Council António Costa paid an official visit to Vietnam on January 28–29, 2026, during which the two sides issued a Joint Statement upgrading Vietnam–EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
