Vietnam Tax Authority Strengthens Int’l Cooperation

The Department of Taxation of Vietnam recently held working sessions with a delegation from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the Country-by-Country Reporting (CbCR) initiative. These meetings were part of the ongoing technical cooperation program between the two sides, aimed at enhancing Vietnam’s capacity in data analysis, risk management, and alignment with international tax standards.

Improving processes and enhancing the use of CbCR data

According to representatives of the Department of Taxation, the discussions focused on issues related to the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) program, particularly mechanisms for international tax information exchange and the application of data in risk assessment. This is one of the key areas in Vietnam’s implementation of international commitments on tax transparency.

The Deputy Chief of the Office of the Department of Taxation said that through this program, Vietnam is receiving direct technical assistance from OECD experts in three main areas.

First, Vietnam is working to refine procedures for collecting, exchanging, and using CbCR data in line with international standards, ensuring that tax information is managed in a unified, secure, and analytically robust manner.

Second, the cooperation focuses on improving the knowledge, skills, and practical capacity of tax department units, particularly staff engaged in risk analysis, tax inspection, and audits of foreign-invested enterprises.

Third, the program reinforces sustainable cooperation between Vietnam and the OECD, enabling Vietnam to progressively meet all BEPS minimum standards and thereby enhance its credibility and tax administration capacity within the global system.

A representative of the Compliance Management Department of the Department of Taxation added that Vietnam has been actively implementing measures to meet BEPS requirements. Among these, CbCR data plays an important role in helping tax authorities accurately assess transfer pricing risks, evaluate corporate compliance, and ensure tax fairness among countries.

At present, the Department of Taxation is working with the OECD to review the legal framework and procedures for receiving, storing, and using CbCR data in a more standardized and modernized way. Access to OECD’s technical tools, analytical methodologies, and advanced risk assessment processes will allow Vietnam to make better use of global data, directly supporting tax inspection and audit activities involving multinational corporations.

Strengthening international cooperation toward a transparent investment environment

Speaking at the meeting, Nicole Casey, representative of the OECD expert delegation, emphasized that the exchange and analysis of CbCR data bring dual benefits to participating countries. On one hand, tax authorities can improve their ability to identify transfer pricing risks early; on the other, businesses benefit from a more transparent, equitable, and predictable business environment.

According to Nicole Casey, the OECD viewed Vietnam as an active partner in implementing the BEPS program and remains ready to provide technical assistance, training, and analytical tools. “We highly appreciate Vietnam’s efforts to gradually build a modern tax data and management system aligned with international practices. The OECD will continue to accompany Vietnam in standardizing procedures for collecting, analyzing, and applying CbCR data for effective risk management,” she said.

The cooperation between the OECD and Vietnam represents an important step in the country’s tax sector integration process. Beyond strengthening institutional capacity, access to advanced management models helps Vietnam narrow the gap in tax risk governance compared with developed economies, while meeting the growing demand for transparency in managing multinational enterprises.

A representative of the Department of Taxation affirmed that in the coming period, the tax authority will continue to work closely with the OECD to refine professional procedures, develop a centralized data system, and strengthen specialized training for staff. These efforts are essential for Vietnam to effectively implement BEPS standards and adapt to the global shift toward data-driven and intelligent risk-based tax administration.

Building capacity toward modern tax management

The OECD’s cooperation with Vietnam in implementing CbCR reflected the international community’s strong commitment to Vietnam’s tax integration process. When CbCR data are effectively used, tax authorities obtain a comprehensive understanding of multinational corporate activities, allowing for more accurate tax assessments, reduced revenue loss, and greater fairness between domestic and foreign enterprises.

Beyond technical aspects, the partnership with the OECD also enhances Vietnam’s strategic management capacity, guiding the tax system toward a modern, data-centered management model. This is a necessary trend in the digital and globalized economy, where cross-border transactions are increasingly complex and require more sophisticated monitoring tools.

With OECD support, the Department of Taxation expected to soon complete its data infrastructure, analytical processes, and legal framework to fully leverage CbCR. This effort will not only strengthen risk management and financial transparency but also reinforce investor and business confidence in Vietnam’s investment and tax environment.

By Nam Hung, Vietnam Business Forum