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Do Hoang Anh Tuan, Deputy Minister of Finance believes in raising
Vietnam’s image by offering refund on Value Added Tax (VAT) on commodities
purchased in Vietnam by foreign travellers at point of departure at Noi Bai and
Tan Son Nhat International Airports from July 2012 till June 2013.
The deputy minister mentioned this at a conference in Ho Chi Minh City recently
to implement the new pilot scheme that will offer a VAT refund to foreigners
leaving the country with purchases made during their stay.
Tuan said the pilot scheme will help promote tourism and leave a good impression
on foreign visitors, so officials at airports must provide and facilitate easy
procedures for the same.
The pilot scheme will be improved gradually in accordance with international
practices, but for now VAT refund formalities must be made simple, clear and
transparent, Tuan said.
Foreigners will now receive a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund on commodities
purchased while in Vietnam and which they carry back when leaving the country.
According to the General Department of Taxation, 154 enterprises in Hanoi and
HCMC are eligible for participating in the new scheme. Purchases made by foreign
visitors during their stay in Vietnam, will receive VAT refund at point of
departure, provided all criteria is met.
These enterprises are eager to join the pilot scheme as this is an excellent
opportunity for them to promote their products in other countries of the world.
Relevant agencies such as tax and customs departments will release the addresses
and names of participating enterprises on their websites. They will also be
allowed to advertise the scheme on billboards and posters on their shops, so as
to inform foreign clientele.
Tax and customs departments should also inform travel agents of the enterprises
listed in the VAT refund scheme, so as to curb corruption.
Enterprises also raised the idea that there should be one common logo for the
VAT refund scheme for easy recognition by foreign tourists. This idea met with
approval from the deputy minister.
The General Department of Taxation has been asked to think of a common logo to
be used by shops offering VAT refund in the country.
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