Vietnam: Expanding subjects of conclusion of international agreements from July 01, 2021

The Law on International Agreements 2020 of Vietnam set forth rules, powers, procedures for conclusion, amendments, renewal, termination, withdrawal, suspension, and implementation of international agreements, responsibilities of relevant authorities in conclusion and implementation of international agreements.

The Law has expanded the subject of conclusion of international agreements, creating a legal framework for the conclusion of international agreements by subjects which were not specified in the Ordinance on conclusion and implementation of international agreements 2007, for example: Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, agencies attached to the Government; People's Councils and People's Committees of provinces; General Departments, Departments of Ministries and ministerial-level agencies; specialized agencies under the Provincial People's Committees; etc.

Moreover, the Law on International Agreements 2020 of Vietnam also clarified the definition of "international agreement" to distinguish it from international treaties and civil, economic, financial and investment contracts and transactions with foreign countries. Specifically, “international agreement” means a written agreement on international cooperation between a Vietnamese contracting party, within its functions, tasks and powers, and a foreign contracting party, which does not give rise to, alter or terminate a right or obligation of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam under international law.

View more details at the Law on International Agreements 2020 of Vietnam, effective from July 01, 2021.

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