NGOs in Vietnam
Thanks to more open conditions created by the Government, the number of NGOs operating in Vietnam increases quickly, from 183 in 1992 to 514 and 800 in 2003 and 2010 respectively.
As of 2025, foreign NGOs in Vietnam continue to operate within a significantly evolved legal and regulatory framework. While initial restrictions on foreign NGO activities were prevalent in the late 1980s, the landscape for international assistance has transformed dramatically over the years. Currently, NGOs in Vietnam manage considerably larger budgets and engage in a variety of projects that focus on humanitarian and developmental goals. The shift from mainly in-kind assistance to more structured programmatic support has characterized this evolution.
Key legal frameworks overseeing the operations of foreign NGOs in Vietnam have encompassed various decrees since their inception. The pivotal regulations were established with Decision 339/TTg, which formed the Committee for NGO Affairs, alongside Decision 340/TTg, which outlined the regulations governing the operations of foreign NGOs. These frameworks have continued to be refined and updated in response to changing needs and circumstances.
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Under the current regulations, foreign NGOs are allowed to conduct development assistance and charitable activities that are classified as non-profit. However, they must still secure the government's approval for various operational forms, including a Permit for Operation, a Permit for the Establishment of a Project Office, or a Permit for the Establishment of a Representative Office. The Committee for Foreign NGO Affairs, established by Decision 59/2001/QD-TTg on 24th April 2001, plays a crucial role in this process.
The committee assists the government with administrative oversight and addresses issues related to foreign NGO activities in Vietnam. The position of the Executive member of the Committee is held by the president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO). The People's Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM), as a specialized body within VUFO, processes the issuance, extension, and modification of permits required for international NGOs operating in Vietnam, adhering to established regulations.
As of 2025, the government’s favorable policies have led to a substantial increase in the number of NGOs operating in Vietnam, rising from 183 in 1992 to approximately 800 in 2010, and as of now, the number has surged to around 1,200. This growth reflects both the increasing engagement of international organizations and the government's commitment to fostering partnerships that support socio-economic development in the country.
