How to win government contracts and tenders in Vietnam

Comprehensive Guide to Securing Government Contracts in Vietnam: Navigating Trade Policies and Regulatory Frameworks

Vietnam's dynamic economic growth and increasing integration into global trade frameworks create substantial opportunities for foreign companies seeking public contracts across various sectors, including infrastructure, renewable energy, technology implementation, and public-private partnerships (PPPs). Understanding Vietnam’s international trade commitments and corresponding domestic legislation is essential for successful market entry and compliance.

International Trade Agreements Governing Market Access

World Trade Organization (WTO) and Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Vietnam is currently not a member of the WTO Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) but maintains observer status and continues negotiations towards accession. The GPA membership would eventually grant mutual non-discriminatory treatment for foreign suppliers in Vietnamese markets, gradually opening up strategic sectors to international competition.
(Source: World Trade Organization)

Bilateral Agreements: European Union-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA)

The EVFTA, which became effective in August 2020, significantly enhances the entry opportunities for EU-based companies into Vietnam. This comprehensive agreement legally mandates a progressive elimination of tariffs for approximately 85% of goods traded and simplifies technical barriers, facilitating smoother market entry for construction, engineering, and consulting services.
(Source: EVFTA Official Documentation)

Vietnam’s Domestic Legal Framework for Foreign Entities

Investment Licensing Requirements

Foreign entities seeking government contracts must obtain two critical documents from Vietnam’s Department of Planning and Investment (DPI):

• Investment Registration Certificate (IRC)
• Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC)

Acquiring these certificates requires demonstrating financial solvency, compliance with zoning regulations, and comprehensive environmental impact assessments aligned with Vietnam’s revised 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
(Source: Vietnamese Government - Ministry of Planning and Investment)

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Decree No. 35/2021/ND-CP

Effective March 29, 2021, Decree No. 35 outlines an integrated legal framework for PPP projects. Sectors such as transportation infrastructure, energy, healthcare, education, water treatment, and IT infrastructure represent substantial opportunities for collaboration between multinational corporations and Vietnamese governmental bodies.
(Source: Decree No. 35/2021/ND-CP, Government of Vietnam)

Tendering Processes and Documentation Standards

Compliance with CISG (United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods)

Since January 1, 2017, Vietnam automatically applies the CISG to international commercial transactions unless explicitly contracted out by parties. Companies must thus ensure their procurement contracts adhere strictly to CISG provisions to avoid disputes and litigation.
(Source: United Nations – CISG Treaty Depository)

Electronic Procurement Systems and Digital Initiatives

Following the National Digital Transformation Program launched by the Vietnamese Government, electronic procurement systems are mandatory at both central and provincial levels for projects exceeding VND 500 million (~USD 21,000). Blockchain integration in customs procedures enhances transparency, reduces processing times, and improves traceability, crucial for secure and efficient procurement.
(Source: Vietnam Ministry of Information and Communications)

Sector-Specific Opportunities and Strategic Considerations

Renewable Energy and Infrastructure Projects

Vietnam’s commitments to international sustainability agreements, including COP26, and domestic initiatives such as the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) pilots commencing in 2024, present considerable opportunities in renewable energy infrastructure, particularly solar, wind, and LNG projects. Special Economic Zones (SEZs), notably in Da Nang and Quang Ninh, provide advantageous logistics and investment incentives for foreign investors.
(Source: Government of Vietnam; COP26 Vietnamese Commitments)

Emerging Trends Influencing Public Procurement

Digitalization and Blockchain Application

The digital transformation initiatives implemented by Vietnam’s government, especially blockchain technology in customs management, aim to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency within public procurement processes.

Sustainability Criteria and Green Growth Strategies

Vietnam is integrating sustainability and environmental evaluation criteria into procurement bidding processes, reflecting strategic alignment with commitments to sustainable development targets and the national green growth strategy.
(Source: National Green Growth Strategy of Vietnam)

Conclusion and Recommendations for Companies

Successfully entering Vietnam’s public procurement landscape requires thorough knowledge of the country's international trade commitments, rigorous adherence to local legislative requirements, and a responsive approach to evolving market trends, especially digitalization and sustainability standards. Companies should prioritize acquiring the necessary licenses, carefully implement CISG-compliant contractual structures, leverage the benefits of bilateral trade agreements, and continuously monitor regulatory developments and emerging investment opportunities to maximize their success in securing Vietnamese government contracts.

[1] https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/government-contracts-outside-eu
[2] https://geodis.com/us-en/blog/unpacking-key-benefits-evfta-european-vietnamese-companies
[3] https://www.legal500.com/c/vietnam/market-overview
[4] https://english.luatvietnam.vn/legal-news/vietnam-business-license-requirements-step-by-step-guide-for-foreign-investors-4729-101068-article.html
[5] https://www.sourceofasia.com/navigating-the-global-supply-chain-and-vietnams-position-2025-2026/
[6] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-03-04/pdf/FR-2025-03-04.pdf
[7] https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24A831/348801/20250226200602007_AIDS_Vaccine_Advocacy_Coalition_et_al_application.pdf
[8] https://en.sggp.org.vn/government-to-hold-discussion-about-uss-new-trade-policies-in-march-post116148.html
[9] https://www.somervillema.gov/departments/finance/procurement-and-contracting-services
[10] https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/vietnams-government-restructuring-updates-conclusion-127-implications.html/
[11] https://www.oananews.org/node/695692
[12] https://vietanlaw.com/intellectual-property/trademark-registration-in-vietnam/
[13] https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/procurement/pdf/rfp-0001.pdf
[14] https://www.moec.gov.ae/en/-/uae-and-vietnam-sign-joint-declaration-of-intent-to-launch-cepa-negotiations?p_l_back_url=%2Fen%2Ftest1%3Ftag%3D2014%26delta%3D8%26category%3D752020%26category%3D101580%26start%3D18
[15] https://vss.gov.vn/english/news/Pages/external-information.aspx?ItemID=12455&CateID=184
[16] https://investdanang.gov.vn/web/english
[17] https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/database/procurement/national/articles/345708/2025030300160001.html
[18] http://vneec.gov.vn/tin-tuc/news/t42426/launching-nationwide-energy-conservation-campaign-in-response-to-earth-hour-2025