Consolidated Document number 4718/VBHN-BNG Decree on signing and implementing international agreements on behalf of bureaus under ministries, ministerial-level agencies; specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees; border area commune-level People's Committees; provincial-level agencies of organizations.

DECREE

Regarding signing and implementing international agreements on behalf of general administrations, departments under ministries, agencies at the ministerial level; specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees; district People's Committees; commune People's Committees in border areas; provincial-level agencies of organizations.^[1]

Decree No. 64/2021/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2021 of the Government on signing and implementing international agreements on behalf of general administrations, departments under ministries, agencies at the ministerial level; specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees; district People's Committees; commune People's Committees in border areas; provincial-level agencies of organizations, effective from July 1, 2021, amended and supplemented by:

Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2025 of the Government amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to organizing local government at two levels and restructuring organizational apparatus in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

||| Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of Local Administration dated June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Law Amending and Supplementing Several Provisions of the Law on Organization of the Government and the Law on Organization of Local Administration dated November 22, 2019;

Pursuant to the Law on International Agreements dated November 13, 2020;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government promulgates this Decree on signing and implementing international agreements on behalf of departments under ministries, agencies at the ministerial level; specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees; commune People's Committees in border areas; provincial-level agencies of organizations.^[2]

Chapter I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed implementation of Clause 3 Article 20 and Clause 2 Article 23 of the Law on International Agreements on signing and implementing international agreements on behalf of^[3] departments under ministries, agencies at the ministerial level;^[4] provincial People's Committees in border areas; provincial-level agencies of organizations (hereinafter referred to collectively as subordinate units).

Article 2. Applicability

1.^[5] This Decree applies to the signing and implementation of international agreements on behalf of the following agencies and organizations:

a) Departments under ministries, agencies at the ministerial level (hereinafter referred to as agency at the departmental level);

b) Provincial People's Committees, centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as provincial People's Committees);

c) Specialized agencies under provincial People's Committees, centrally governed cities (hereinafter referred to as agency at the bureau level);

d) Commune People's Committees, wards, special zones in border areas according to the laws on border areas (hereinafter referred to as commune People's Committees in border areas);

đ) Provincial-level agencies of political-social organizations, political-social-professional organizations, social organizations, social-professional organizations (hereinafter referred to as provincial-level agencies of organizations).

2. Relevant agencies, organizations, and individuals.

3. The agencies and organizations specified in point a Clause 1 of this Article do not include agencies and units within the Vietnam People's Army and the Vietnam People's Public Security Force.

Chapter II. CONTENTS, PROCEDURES, AND FORMALITIES FOR SIGNING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF SUBORDINATE UNITS

Article 3. Contents of international agreements signed on behalf of subordinate units

1. An international agreement shall be in writing, stating the intention to cooperate through specific activities within the functions, tasks, and authorities of the relevant subordinate unit. An international agreement must contain the following main contents:

a) Name of the document;

b) Names of the signatories;

c) Field, content, and method of cooperation;

d) Effective date and duration;

đ) Date of signature, place of signature, language of signature;

e) Full name and position of the representative signing.

2. An international agreement may also contain other contents such as information exchange mechanisms, confidentiality, costs, dispute resolution, amendment, supplementation, extension, and termination of the international agreement.

3. The contents of an international agreement must reflect that the agreement does not have binding legal effect.

4. The contents of an international agreement signed on behalf of commune People's Committees in border areas must comply with the provisions of Clause 6 Article 3 of the Law on International Agreements.

5. The contents of an international agreement signed on behalf of provincial-level agencies of organizations must be consistent with the objectives, purposes, fields, and scope of activities of those organizations.

Article 4. Procedure for signing international agreements on behalf of the Bureau-level agency

1. Before proceeding to sign an international agreement, the Bureau-level agency shall seek written opinions from the agency or unit responsible for foreign affairs and international cooperation (hereinafter referred to as the main unit for international cooperation) and related organizations under the ministry or equivalent ministry directly related to that international agreement.

2. The agencies and units requested to provide opinions pursuant to Clause 1 of this Article shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive complete files regarding the proposal to sign the international agreement as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree.

3. The Minister or Deputy Minister of the equivalent ministry shall decide in writing on the signing of the international agreement within five working days from the date they receive complete files from the Bureau-level agency as stipulated in Article 12 of this Decree.

4.^[6] The Director of the Bureau shall proceed to sign the agreement or authorize in writing another person to sign the international agreement.

5. After signing the international agreement, the Bureau-level agency shall report in writing to the Minister or Head of the equivalent ministry, and at the same time send a copy of the international agreement to the main unit for international cooperation under the ministry for notification within fifteen days from the date the international agreement was signed.

Article 5. Procedure for signing international agreements on behalf of the Department-level agency

1. Before proceeding to sign an international agreement, the Department-level agency shall seek written opinions from the agency or unit responsible for external affairs under the provincial People's Committee (hereinafter referred to as the provincial external affairs agency), relevant Department-level agencies directly related to that international agreement, and other related agencies.

2. The agencies requested to provide opinions as specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive complete files as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree.

3. The Department-level agency shall compile, explain, and incorporate opinions and submit the file proposing the signing of the international agreement to the provincial external affairs agency for submission to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee for consideration and decision.

4. The Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall decide in writing on the signing of the international agreement within five working days from the date they receive complete files as stipulated in Article 12 of this Decree.

5. The head of the Department-level agency shall proceed to sign the agreement or authorize in writing another person to sign the international agreement.

6. After signing the international agreement, the Department-level agency shall report in writing to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, and at the same time send a copy of the international agreement to the provincial external affairs agency for notification within fifteen days from the date the international agreement was signed.

Article 6.^[7] (Repealed)

Article 7. Procedure for signing international agreements on behalf of the Border Commune People's Committee ^[8]

1. Before proceeding to sign an international agreement, the Border Commune People's Committee shall submit a file seeking written opinions from the provincial external affairs agency.

2. In cases where necessary, the provincial external affairs agency shall provide written opinions within seven working days from the date they receive complete files as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree.

3. The Border Commune People's Committee shall explain, incorporate opinions, and submit the file proposing the signing of the international agreement to the provincial external affairs agency within five working days from the date they receive the written opinion as specified in Clause 2 of this Article.

4. In cases where the provincial external affairs agency does not provide opinions as specified in Clause 2 of this Article, the provincial external affairs agency shall seek written opinions from the provincial Public Security Agency, the provincial Military Command, relevant Department-level agencies, and other related agencies within three working days from the date they receive complete files as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree.

5. The agencies and units requested to provide opinions as specified in Clause 4 of this Article shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive the written request for opinions from the provincial external affairs agency regarding the proposal to sign the international agreement on behalf of the Border Commune People's Committee.

6. The Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall decide in writing on the signing of the international agreement on behalf of the Border Commune People's Committee within five working days from the date they receive complete files submitted by the provincial external affairs agency as stipulated in Article 12 of this Decree.

7. The Chairman of the Border Commune People's Committee shall proceed to sign the agreement or authorize in writing another person to sign the international agreement.

8. After signing the international agreement, the Border Commune People's Committee shall report in writing to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, and at the same time send a copy of the international agreement to the provincial external affairs agency within fifteen days from the date the international agreement was signed.

Article 8. Procedure and formalities for signing international agreements on behalf of provincial-level organizations

1. Before proceeding to sign an international agreement, the provincial-level organization shall seek written opinions from the provincial foreign affairs agency, relevant provincial departments directly related to the international agreement, and other relevant agencies.

2. Where the charter of the organization provides for seeking the opinion of the central-level organization, in addition to seeking written opinions from the agencies specified in Clause 1 of this Article, the provincial-level organization shall also seek written opinions from the central-level organization.

3. The agencies whose opinions are sought under Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date they receive all required documents as stipulated in Article 11 of this Decree.

4. After receiving written replies from the agencies and organizations specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article, the provincial-level organization shall submit the matter to the external affairs management agency of that provincial-level organization for its opinion on signing the international agreement.

5. The external affairs management agency of the provincial-level organization shall decide in writing on signing the international agreement within five working days from the date it receives all required documents as stipulated in Article 12 of this Decree.

6. The head of the provincial-level organization shall proceed to sign the international agreement or authorize in writing another person to sign the international agreement after receiving the written approval as stipulated in Clause 5 of this Article.

7. After signing the international agreement, the provincial-level organization shall report in writing to the external affairs management agency of the organization and simultaneously send a copy of the international agreement to the provincial foreign affairs agency for notification within fifteen days from the date the international agreement is signed.

Article 9. Cases where the opinion of the ministry-level agency is sought

1. In cases where the international agreement signed on behalf of a subordinate unit involves national defense and security matters within the purview of the Ministry of National Defense, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 4 and Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree, the subordinate unit shall submit the file to seek written opinions from the Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, who will then forward the file to the Ministry of National Defense. The Ministry of National Defense shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date it receives the complete file for opinion.^[9] 2. In cases where the international agreement signed on behalf of a subordinate unit involves security matters within the purview of the Ministry of Public Security, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 4 and Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree, the subordinate unit shall submit the file to seek written opinions from the Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, who will then forward the file to the Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry of Public Security shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date it receives the complete file for opinion.

3. In cases where the international agreement signed on behalf of a subordinate unit involves investment matters, in addition to complying with the provisions of Clause 1 of Article 4 and Clause 1 of Article 5 of this Decree, the subordinate unit shall submit the file to seek written opinions from the Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, who will then forward the file to the Ministry of Finance.^[10]This Decree stipulates that subordinate units submit to the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee a written request for the opinion of the Ministry of Public Security. The Ministry of Public Security shall respond in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the complete opinion-requesting file.

The Ministry of Finance shall reply in writing within seven working days from the date it receives the complete file for opinion.^[11] This Decree stipulates that subordinate units submit to the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee a written request for the opinion of the Ministry of Finance.^[12]4. The Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee may seek the opinion of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if they consider the international agreement signed on behalf of a subordinate unit to be complex or sensitive in terms of foreign relations. The procedure and formalities for seeking opinions shall be carried out according to the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of Article 19 of the International Agreement Law.^[13] The Ministry of Finance shall respond in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the complete opinion-requesting file.

5. The Minister, Head of an equivalent agency, or Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall decide in writing on signing the international agreement on behalf of a subordinate unit after receiving the written approval of the ministry-level agency as specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Article.

5. The Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee shall decide in writing on the conclusion of an international agreement on behalf of a subordinate unit after receiving a written approval from the central-level agency specified in Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of this Article.

Article 10. Content of the decision allowing the signing of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units

1. The decision of the Minister, Head of a ministerial-level agency, or Chairman of the provincial People's Committee to allow the signing of international agreements must be in writing and include the following contents:

a) The name of the international agreement and the names of the parties to the international agreement;

b) The representative signing the international agreement;

c) Requirements for publishing the international agreement;

d) Responsibilities of agencies and organizations in signing and implementing the international agreement;

đ) Draft text of the international agreement.

2. The decision allowing the signing of international agreements on behalf of provincial-level agencies includes the contents specified in points a, b, c, and đ of Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 11. Documents for soliciting opinions on proposals to sign international agreements on behalf of subordinate units

The documents for soliciting opinions as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 4, Clause 2 of Article 5^[14], Clause 2 of Article 7, and Clause 3 of Article 8 include:

1. A proposal document regarding the signing of the international agreement, which clearly states the context, purpose of signing the international agreement; main content of the international agreement; assessment of the compatibility of the international agreement with Vietnamese laws, impact of the planned international agreement; compliance with the provisions of Article 3 of the Law on International Agreements and Article 3 of this Decree; recommendation of the name and position of the representative signing; recommendation on publication and confidentiality of the international agreement.

2. Draft text of the international agreement in Vietnamese and foreign languages. In cases where the international agreement only has a text in a foreign language, there must be a Vietnamese translation attached.

Article 12. Documents submitted for the signing of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units

The documents submitted for the signing of international agreements as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 4, Clause 3 of Article 5^[15], Clause 6 of Article 7^[16] and Clause 5 of Article 8 of this Decree include:

1. A proposal document regarding the signing of the international agreement, including the contents prescribed in Clause 1 of Article 11 of this Decree and issues with differing opinions among relevant agencies and organizations (if any).

2. Written opinions of agencies and organizations as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 4, Clause 2 of Article 5^[17], Clause 5 of Article 7^[18], Clause 3 of Article 8, and Clause 1 and Clauses 1, 2, 3, and 4 of Article 9 of this Decree.

3. Report explaining and incorporating opinions of relevant agencies and organizations.

4. Draft text of the international agreement in Vietnamese and foreign languages. In cases where the international agreement only has a text in a foreign language, there must be a Vietnamese translation attached.

Chapter III. AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENTATION, EXTENSION, TERMINATION OF EFFECTIVENESS, WITHDRAWAL, TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS

Article 13. Amendment, supplementation, extension of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units

1. Authority to decide, procedures, and formalities for amending, supplementing, and extending international agreements are carried out similarly to the provisions of Articles 4, 5^[19], 7, and 8 of this Decree.

2. Agencies at the Bureau level, agencies at the Department level^[20] shall notify in writing the lead unit for international cooperation under the ministry or provincial-level foreign affairs agency about the amendment, supplementation, or extension of the international agreement within 15 days from the date such amendment, supplementation, or extension takes effect.

3.^[21] The People's Committee of border communes shall report in writing to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee and notify in writing the provincial-level foreign affairs agency about the amendment, supplementation, or extension of the international agreement within 15 days from the date such amendment, supplementation, or extension takes effect.

4. Provincial-level agencies of organizations shall notify in writing the organization's foreign affairs management agency and the provincial-level foreign affairs agency about the amendment, supplementation, or extension of the international agreement within 15 days from the date such amendment, supplementation, or extension takes effect.

Article 14. Termination of Effectiveness, Withdrawal, and Temporary Suspension of Implementation of International Agreements on Behalf of Subordinate Units

1. Responsibilities, authority to decide, procedures, and formalities for terminating effectiveness, withdrawal, and temporary suspension of implementation of international agreements shall be carried out similarly to the provisions set forth in Articles 4 and 5.^[22], 7, and 8 of this Decree.

2. Agencies at the Bureau level, agencies at the Department level^[23] The main unit for international cooperation under the Ministry or provincial foreign affairs agency must notify in writing about the termination of effectiveness, withdrawal, or temporary suspension of implementation of international agreements within fifteen days from the date such actions become effective.

3.^[24] The People's Committee of border communes must report in writing to the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and notify in writing the provincial foreign affairs agency about the termination of effectiveness, withdrawal, or temporary suspension of implementation of international agreements within fifteen days from the date such actions become effective.

4. The provincial-level agency of the organization must notify in writing the external activity management agency of that organization and the provincial foreign affairs agency about the termination of effectiveness, withdrawal, or temporary suspension of implementation of international agreements within fifteen days from the date such actions become effective.

Chapter IV. MANAGEMENT OF ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE CONCLUSION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS ON BEHALF OF SUBORDINATE UNITS

Article 15. Responsibilities of Agencies and Organizations in Managing Activities Related to the Conclusion and Implementation of International Agreements on Behalf of Subordinate Units

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees have the responsibility:

a) To manage activities related to the conclusion and implementation of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units according to the provisions stipulated in Clauses 4, 5, and 6 of Article 42 of the Law on International Agreements;

b) To disseminate, educate on laws, supervise, inspect, audit, commend, handle violations of laws, resolve complaints and denunciations related to the conclusion and implementation of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units according to the provisions stipulated in Clauses 4, 5, and 6 of Article 46 of the Law on International Agreements;

c) To report on the situation of concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of subordinate units according to the provisions stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 16 of this Decree.

2. Agencies and organizations concluding international agreements implement the reporting system on international agreement work as stipulated in Clause 1 of Article 16 of this Decree.

3. The main unit for international cooperation under the Ministry or provincial foreign affairs agency receives reports on the situation of concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of subordinate units, compiles and builds reports of ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees on international agreement work on behalf of subordinate units as stipulated in Article 16 of this Decree.

4. The external activity management agency of the provincial-level agency of the leading organization coordinates with the provincial People's Committee to guide the conclusion and implementation of international agreements on behalf of the provincial-level agency of the organization.

Article 16. Reporting on the Situation of Concluding and Implementing International Agreements on Behalf of Subordinate Units

1. Agencies and organizations concluding international agreements implement the reporting system on the situation and anticipated conclusion and implementation of international agreements periodically annually or at any time upon request of the competent authority:

a) Agencies at the Bureau level submit reports to the main unit for international cooperation under the Ministry.

b) Agencies at the Department level submit reports to the provincial foreign affairs agency.

c) ^[25] The People's Committee of border communes submits reports to the provincial foreign affairs agency.

d) The provincial-level agency of the organization submits reports to the external activity management agency of the provincial-level agency of the organization, and simultaneously sends them to the provincial foreign affairs agency.

2. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees have the responsibility to build reports on the situation and anticipated conclusion and implementation of international agreements on behalf of subordinate units to be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Reports are prepared according to the form guided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Article 17. Posting of International Agreements on Behalf of Subordinate Units

1. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, provincial People's Committees^[26] shall promptly post the full text of international agreement documents on behalf of department-level agencies, bureau-level agencies, border district People's Committees, and information about amendments, supplements, extensions, termination of validity, withdrawal, and suspension of implementation of international agreements on their electronic portals, except where posting and disclosure are not required under laws on state secrets protection or according to agreements with foreign signatories.

2. The lead unit for international cooperation within ministries, provincial-level external affairs agencies shall take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies and organizations to implement the posting and disclosure of international agreements as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article.

3. Provincial-level agencies of organizations shall publicly disclose their international agreements through posting on their electronic portals, websites, public media, or other appropriate means, except where posting and disclosure are not required under laws or according to agreements with foreign signatories.

Chapter V. IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS ^[27]

Article 18. Effective Date

This Decree takes effect from July 1, 2021.

Article 19. Responsibility for Implementation ^[28]

Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Chairpersons of provincial People's Committees,^[29] Chairpersons of border district People's Committees, heads of relevant agencies and organizations are responsible for implementing this Decree.

LIST OF AGENCIES AND UNITS RECEIVING NOTIFICATION NUMBER 4718/MFA-LPQT

LIST OF AGENCIES AND UNITS RECEIVING NOTIFICATION NUMBER 4719/MFA-LPQT

^{_____________________________________}

^[1] This Decree has been amended and supplemented according to Clause 1, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[2] Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements is based on the following grounds:

"Pursuant to the Law on the Organization of the Government dated February 18, 2025;"

Pursuant to the Law on Local Administration Organization dated June 16, 2025;

Pursuant to the Law on International Agreements dated November 13, 2020;

At the proposal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs;

The Government promulgates a Decree amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements.”

^[3] The term "General Department" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[4] The term "People's Committee at the district level" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[5] This Clause has been amended and supplemented according to Clause 2, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[6] The term "General Department Director" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[7] This provision is repealed pursuant to Clause 9, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[8] This provision is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 3, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[9] The phrase "Clause 1, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[10] The phrase "Clause 1, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[11] The phrase "Clause 1, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[12] The phrase "Ministry of Planning and Investment" is replaced by the phrase "Ministry of Finance" pursuant to Clause 7, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[13] The phrase "Ministry of Planning and Investment" is replaced by the phrase "Ministry of Finance" pursuant to Clause 7, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[14] The phrase "Clause 2, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[15] The phrase "Clause 3, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[16] The phrase "Clause 5, Article 7" is replaced by the phrase "Clause 6, Article 7" pursuant to Clause 7, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[17] The phrase "Clause 2, Article 6" is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[18] The phrase "Clause 4, Article 7" is replaced by the phrase "Clause 5, Article 7" pursuant to Clause 7, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[19] Article 6 is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[20] The term "People's Committee at the district level" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[21] This clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 4, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[22] Article 6 is abolished pursuant to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[23] The term "People's Committee at the district level" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[24] This clause is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 5, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[25] This point is amended and supplemented pursuant to Clause 6, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing certain Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing some issues related to the organization of two-level local administration and the restructuring of organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.

^[26] The term "People's Committee at the district level" is abolished according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/ND-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to the organization of two-tier local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, taking effect from July 1, 2025.

^[27] Article 9 and Article 10 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amend and supplement several Decrees in the field of international agreements; address certain issues related to organizing two-level local administration and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025, are stipulated as follows:

"Article 9. Responsibilities for organization and implementation

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be responsible for coordinating with ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government agencies, and supporting local authorities in resolving difficulties and obstacles (if any) during the process of handling inherited international agreements, and reporting to the Government and the Prime Minister on issues arising when implementing this Decree that exceed their authority to resolve.

2. The Ministry of Finance shall be responsible for supporting local authorities in resolving difficulties and obstacles (if any) related to funding for the organization and implementation of inherited international agreements during the implementation of this Decree.

Article 10. Provisions on implementation

1. This Decree takes effect from July 1, 2025.

2. The provisions of Clause 4, Article 5 shall apply from the date this Decree takes effect until February 28, 2027."

^[28] The responsibilities of agencies in handling international agreements that have been signed are stipulated in Articles 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 of Decree No. 117/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing several Decrees in the field of international agreements; addressing certain issues related to organizing two-level local administration and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025, are stipulated as follows:

"Article 3. Handling of international agreements signed by the People's Committee of the district before July 1, 2025

1. Responsibilities of the People's Committee of the province in inheriting international agreements signed by the People's Committee of the district before July 1, 2025 (hereinafter referred to as "inherited international agreements"):

a) Perform the functions, tasks, and powers of the agency proposing to sign and the main implementing agency according to the International Agreement Law 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Update and adjust the new name of administrative units in inherited international agreements.

2. Authority of the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province in inheriting international agreements:

a) Decide on amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of inherited international agreements.

b) Decide on signing new international agreements on behalf of the People's Committee of the province to replace inherited international agreements when necessary, based on exchanges and consensus with foreign signatories.

c) Decide on applying necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of the Vietnamese signatory in cases where inherited international agreements are violated.

3. Responsibilities of the provincial foreign affairs agency:

a) Advise the People's Committee of the province to update and adjust the new name of administrative units in inherited international agreements.

b) Assist and advise the People's Committee of the province in exchanging and reaching consensus with foreign signatories regarding changes to the main implementing agency of inherited international agreements.

c) Notify foreign signatories about the full or partial inheritance of inherited international agreements.

d) Advise the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to decide on amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of inherited international agreements.

đ) Advise the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to decide on signing new international agreements on behalf of the People's Committee of the province to replace inherited international agreements when necessary, based on exchanges and consensus with foreign signatories.

e) Advise the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province to decide on applying necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of the Vietnamese signatory in cases where international agreements are violated.

4. Procedures and formalities for amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of inherited international agreements:

a) Before amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of inherited international agreements, the provincial foreign affairs agency must seek written opinions from relevant specialized agencies under the People's Committee of the province directly related to such agreements and other relevant agencies.

b) Agencies receiving requests for opinions must respond in writing within seven working days from the date of receipt of the request for opinions.

c) The provincial foreign affairs agency must compile, explain, incorporate opinions, complete the dossier, and submit it to the Chairman of the People's Committee of the province for consideration and decision.

d) The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province must decide in writing on amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of international agreements within five working days from the date of receipt of the dossier submitted by the provincial foreign affairs agency.

đ) The Chairman of the People's Committee of the province must sign or authorize another person in writing to sign the document amending, supplementing, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, and temporarily suspending the implementation of international agreements with foreign signatories.

Article 4. Handling of international agreements concluded on behalf of agencies at the Bureau level affected by state administrative organization restructuring

1. Responsibilities of the agency receiving the functions, tasks, and authorities of the agency at the Bureau level that is implementing the functions, tasks, and authorities related to concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of the agency at the Bureau level:

a) Implementing the functions, tasks, and authorities of the agency proposing to conclude and the main agency implementing international agreements on behalf of the agency at the Bureau level according to the Law on International Agreements 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Reviewing the provisions of international agreements affected by state administrative organization restructuring.

c) Notifying, exchanging, and agreeing with foreign partners on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements (if applicable).

d) Notifying foreign partners about the succession of all or part of the international agreement concluded on behalf of the transferring agency and proactively conducting procedures to amend provisions of the affected international agreement (if applicable).

2. The procedure for amending, supplementing, extending, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, or temporarily suspending the implementation of international agreements concluded on behalf of agencies at the Bureau level affected by state administrative organization restructuring shall be carried out in accordance with current laws.

3. In cases where the amendment of international agreements concluded on behalf of agencies at the Bureau level affected by state administrative organization restructuring only relates to the name of the Vietnamese signatory, the agency at the Bureau level shall submit a written decision by the Minister or Deputy Minister of the equivalent ministry regarding the amendment of the international agreement without seeking written opinions from the agencies stipulated in Clause 1, Article 4 of Decree No. 64/2021/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2021 of the Government.

Article 5. Handling of international agreements concluded on behalf of provincial-level state agencies affected by administrative unit restructuring at various levels

1. Responsibilities of the agency receiving the functions, tasks, and authorities of provincial-level state agencies that are implementing the functions, tasks, and authorities related to concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of provincial-level state agencies already concluded:

a) Perform the functions, tasks, and powers of the agency proposing to sign and the main implementing agency according to the International Agreement Law 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Reviewing the provisions of international agreements affected by administrative unit restructuring at various levels, including reviewing changes in rights and obligations of the Vietnamese signatory.

c) Notifying, exchanging, and agreeing with foreign partners on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements and other provisions (if applicable).

d) Notifying foreign partners about the succession of all or part of the international agreement concluded on behalf of the transferring agency and proactively conducting procedures to amend provisions of the affected international agreement (if applicable).

2. Responsibilities of the provincial-level foreign affairs agency:

a) Advising the Provincial People's Committee to implement the functions, tasks, and authorities of the agency proposing to conclude and the main agency implementing international agreements on behalf of the Provincial People's Committee according to the Law on International Agreements 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Advising the Provincial People's Committee to review the provisions of international agreements concluded on behalf of the Provincial People's Committee affected by administrative unit restructuring at various levels, including reviewing changes in rights and obligations of the Vietnamese signatory.

c) Advising the Provincial People's Committee to adjust and update the new names of administrative units in international agreements concluded on behalf of the Provincial People's Committee.

d) Implementing notifications, exchanges with foreign partners on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements and other provisions (if applicable) according to the classification of the Provincial People's Committee.

đ) Advising the Provincial People's Committee to agree on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements and other provisions (if applicable).

e) Advising the Provincial People's Committee to notify foreign partners about the succession of all or part of the international agreement concluded on behalf of the transferring agency.

3. The procedure for amending, supplementing, extending, terminating the effectiveness, withdrawing from, or temporarily suspending the implementation of international agreements concluded on behalf of provincial-level state agencies affected by administrative unit restructuring at various levels shall be carried out in accordance with current laws.

4. In cases where the amendment of international agreements concluded on behalf of provincial-level agencies affected by administrative unit restructuring only relates to the name of the Vietnamese signatory, the provincial-level agency shall proactively conduct procedures to amend the international agreement without seeking written opinions from the agencies stipulated in Clause 1, Article 19 of the Law on International Agreements 2020.

Article 6. Handling of international agreements concluded on behalf of provincial-level agencies affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels

1. Responsibilities of the agency assuming the functions, tasks, and powers of the provincial-level agency subject to administrative unit restructuring at all levels that are related to concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of the provincial-level agency:

a) Perform the functions, tasks, and powers of the agency proposing to sign and the main implementing agency according to the International Agreement Law 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Review the provisions of the international agreement affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels.

c) Notifying, exchanging, and agreeing with foreign partners on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements (if applicable).

d) Notifying foreign partners about the succession of all or part of the international agreement concluded on behalf of the transferring agency and proactively conducting procedures to amend provisions of the affected international agreement (if applicable).

2. In cases where multiple agencies assume the functions, tasks, and powers of the provincial-level agency subject to administrative unit restructuring at all levels that are related to concluding and implementing international agreements, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee decides which agency will take over the international agreement based on the advice of the provincial foreign affairs agency.

3. The procedures for amending, supplementing, extending, terminating the validity, withdrawing from, or temporarily suspending the implementation of international agreements concluded on behalf of the provincial-level agency affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels shall be carried out in accordance with current laws.

4. In cases where the amendment of an international agreement concluded on behalf of the provincial-level agency affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels only involves the name of the Vietnamese signatory party, the provincial-level agency shall submit the dossier to the provincial foreign affairs agency for the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee to decide in writing on the amendment of the international agreement without seeking written opinions from the agencies specified in Clause 1, Article 5 of Decree No. 64/2021/NĐ-CP dated June 30, 2021 of the Government.

Article 7. Handling of international agreements concluded on behalf of border commune people's committees affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels

1. Responsibilities of the agency assuming the functions, tasks, and powers of the border commune people's committee subject to administrative unit restructuring at all levels that are related to concluding and implementing international agreements on behalf of the border commune people's committee:

a) Perform the functions, tasks, and powers of the agency proposing to sign and the main implementing agency according to the International Agreement Law 2020 and guiding documents.

b) Review the provisions of the international agreement affected by administrative unit restructuring at all levels.

c) Notifying, exchanging, and agreeing with foreign partners on the necessity to amend provisions related to the name of the agency specified in international agreements (if applicable).

d) Notifying foreign partners about the succession of all or part of the international agreement concluded on behalf of the transferring agency and proactively conducting procedures to amend provisions of the affected international agreement (if applicable).

2. In cases where multiple agencies assume the functions, tasks, and powers of the border commune people's committee subject to administrative unit restructuring at all levels that are related to concluding and implementing international agreements, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee decides which agency will take over the international agreement based on the advice of the provincial foreign affairs agency.

Article 8. Handling of international agreements concluded on behalf of multiple agencies and organizations affected by state organizational restructuring or administrative unit restructuring at all levels

Where the Vietnamese signatory parties belong to the objects of state organizational restructuring or administrative unit restructuring at all levels, the agency or organization designated as the lead signatory of international agreements on behalf of multiple agencies and organizations pursuant to Article 24 of the International Agreements Law 2020 shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Take the lead and coordinate with other signing agencies and organizations to review the provisions of international agreements on behalf of multiple agencies and organizations affected by state organizational restructuring or administrative unit restructuring at all levels, including reviewing changes in the rights and obligations of the Vietnamese signatory party.

2. Take the lead in exchanging and reaching consensus with other signing agencies and organizations and foreign partners regarding the amendment of provisions of international agreements on behalf of multiple agencies and organizations if necessary.

3. Notify the foreign partner about changes related to the Vietnamese signatory party in international agreements on behalf of multiple agencies and organizations.”

^[29] The phrase "Chairman of the District People's Committee" has been removed according to Clause 8, Article 1 of Decree No. 177/2025/NĐ-CP amending and supplementing several decrees in the field of international agreements; handling some issues related to organizing two-level local governments and restructuring organizational structures in the field of international agreements, effective from July 1, 2025.