Hybrid workshop on Platform Economy
Workshop on “International Experience on Regulatory Approaches for Platform Economy”

Mr Michael Siegner, Resident Representative of HSF Vietnam spoke at the workshop

HSF

Platform economy is a term that refers to the use of digital platforms to facilitate transactions and interactions between various parties, such as consumers, producers, service providers, and intermediaries. The platform economy has grown rapidly in Vietnam in recent years, especially in sectors such as e-commerce, ride-hailing, online advertising, and social media. However, the legal framework for regulating the platform economy in Vietnam is still underdeveloped and faces many challenges. Completion of regulations on management and development of platform economy are one of the key objectives for the institutional enhancement in the government agenda.

The two-day dialogue was a fruitful opportunity for participants and speakers to discuss intensively the legislative issues in the platform economy. Several key takeaways emerged from the discussion. First, the current regulations lack adaptability and flexibility to cope with the rapid changes and innovations of platform economy, which may hinder its growth potential. Second, speakers urged policymakers to adopt a holistic approach to legislation, rather than focusing on specific areas of law such as data protection and labor code, and to ensure coherence and consistency among different legal documents. Third, speakers highlighted the importance of harmonizing and coordinating with international standards and practices that affect the competitiveness and integration of platform economy in Vietnam. Fourth, speakers suggested that policymakers should promote dialogue and consultation among various stakeholders, including public and private sectors, workers, consumers, etc., to ensure the balance of interests and values in platform economy.

Offline and online participants of the workshop

HSF

HSF Vietnam invited 4 international experts to provide legal input to the discussions. While Prof Dr Martin Ebers of the Robotics & AI Law Society focussed on elaborating the EU Digital Services Act and its insights, Prof Dr Mathias Meissner and Mr Michael Schmidt presented their study on implications for labour and social policy in platform economy. Dr Vera Demary of the German Economic Institute shared her expertise on legal framework and personal data protection for platform economy and the importance of including the private sector in regulatory initatives in Europe. To conclude the workshop, Mrs Le Thi Hoang Thanh, Deputy General Director of the Department of Legal Civil and Economic Affairs, emphasized the importance of more research and engagement with a broader range of stakeholders in order to fully comprehend the legal elements of the platform economy and how to establish suitable approaches.

HSF Vietnam looks forward to continuing to support MOJ on this topic under the Rule of Law Dialogue between Germany and Vietnam.