VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

NIC Hoa Lac to become Vietnam-Japan technology cooperation hub

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The hub will be serve as a venue for businesses, research institutes and universities jointly do research, test and develop products while connecting with investors.

The National Innovation Center (NIC) Hoa Lac in Hanoi’s Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park has been positioned as a hub for Vietnam-Japan technology cooperation, where businesses, research institutes and universities can jointly research, test and develop products while connecting with investors.

The Vietnam-Japan Innovation Forum 2026 was held at NIC Hoa Lac on August 13 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation among businesses, research institutions, universities and partners from the two countries.

Under the new direction, cooperation at Hoa Lac will move beyond resource networking toward technology research, testing and development, with a focus on generating concrete investment projects.

As part of a project funded by the Japanese Government to strengthen NIC’s innovation support capacity, the Vietnam-Japan Innovation Hub is being established at NIC Hoa Lac in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The hub will serve as a platform for practical technology cooperation, enabling businesses, research institutes and universities from both countries to conduct joint research, testing and training and connect with investors.

Semiconductor human resources development is one of the key areas of cooperation. A Vietnam-Japan Semiconductor Human Resources Development Working Group was launched at the forum, bringing together Japan’s Embassy in Vietnam, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), NIC, Japanese semiconductor companies and four leading Vietnamese engineering universities.

The group will assess supply-demand gaps, link industry needs with universities’ training and research capacity, and promote talent development programs.

Other strategic technology fields, including UAVs, quantum technology and cybersecurity, have also been identified as priorities. NIC’s technology networks are gradually shifting from networking platforms to “action networks” focused on knowledge sharing, workforce development, technology testing and new partnerships.

-Tuấn Khang

UK hopes to deepen cooperation in various aspects

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

On the sidelines of the UK-Vietnam High-Level Conference in Hanoi on August 12, H.E. Iain Frew, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam, told VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times about Vietnam-UK cooperation in technology, strengthening multifaceted collaboration, and developing financial technology...

Based on the UK’s own experience, what policies or support mechanisms would be the most effective in helping businesses integrate AI into their operations and technology transfer, build a digital ecosystem, and unlock productivity gains?

AI is an exciting area of innovation in both the UK and Vietnam, and it is encouraging to see the collaboration between the two countries and the sharing of experience. From the UK’s early experience in implementing AI, several lessons have emerged, though there is still much more to learn together.

One of the first lessons is that implementing AI and realizing its potential within businesses is not primarily a technology problem; it is a business problem. It is about how a business operates and how it transforms itself through the use of AI. I think this is the perspective we also need to bring to the development of AI in businesses in Vietnam.

There are several areas that can help businesses think about AI deployment. First, we should focus on skills and leadership. What capabilities does an organization need to go through an AI transformation and really gain its benefits? A business could bring in the most talented AI technology expert, but what it really needs is a leadership and management structure that understands AI, identifies opportunities, and works with its teams to deploy AI effectively. This is fundamentally a leadership and management issue, whether through bringing in new people or upskilling existing employees.

H.E. Iain Frew, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam speaks at the UK-Vietnam High-Level Conference in Hanoi. (Photo: British Embassy Hanoi)

The second area is collaboration with the wider ecosystem. AI businesses in the UK have been working with AI experts in government and academia. There is significant potential in Vietnam for collaboration between businesses, government, and academia to make the most of this rapidly developing sector. As new AI models with new capabilities emerge and more examples of effective deployment become available, the right collaboration can help accelerate implementation and allow businesses to benefit from these innovations more quickly.

The final area is unlocking finance and making the best use of digital infrastructure for AI. AI places significant demands on data centers and energy, so it is important to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place. At the same time, businesses with ideas and ambitions to take advantage of AI opportunities need access to finance.

I have been very pleased to see a strong start here in Vietnam. The Vietnam National Innovation Center’s program has attracted many applications and some very good new ideas. Building on this will be very important.

What opportunities do you see for deeper collaboration in AI, smart manufacturing, semiconductor technologies, and digital trade that could bring tangible benefits to Vietnam’s industrial and commercial sectors?

I think the UK and Vietnamese economies are highly complementary, and we have identified several areas where we want to deepen our cooperation.

First is AI. We are seeing significant innovation in areas such as data security and business models, as well as the impact of AI deployment. Bringing researchers together is important, and this is something the government can help facilitate. We also need to think about governance mechanisms: how AI can be deployed responsibly, and what guidelines can both foster innovation while providing regulatory clarity, so businesses know where they stand and consumers and the public can be confident that these tools are being used responsibly.

Second is manufacturing. Vietnam is a manufacturing powerhouse, and its manufacturing businesses are becoming increasingly sophisticated and moving up the value chain. The deployment of new technologies is therefore important. The UK can bring expertise in areas such as effective supply chains, management tools and different technologies to help Vietnam’s manufacturing sector develop in its next phase.

The next area is semiconductors. The UK is a player in the semiconductor sector, with a strong focus on chip design, engineering, and particular semiconductor subsectors. This aligns well with Vietnam’s ambitions.

Last year, the British Embassy co-hosted a UK-Vietnam Semiconductor Forum, bringing together major UK businesses focused on chip design and technology deployment to collaborate with Vietnam. This is not only about developing semiconductor manufacturing but also about upskilling the country. The ambition to develop and train 50,000 semiconductor engineers is something that the UK’s education and professional sectors are very focused on. There have also been collaborations with universities, including Oxford, to support this. There is therefore a lot for both sides to build on.

At the same time, we need to look ahead to technologies that have not yet been widely deployed. There is a lot of discussion around quantum computing and the frontiers of communications technology. Again, the complementarity between Vietnam and the UK bringing together the UK’s skills, expertise, and research strengths with Vietnam’s ambition to innovate and build new international partnerships provides a very strong foundation.

As fintech and digital assets become global trends, what recommendations would you make for both our nations to strengthen cooperation in sharing regulatory experience and establishing a safe legal framework for this sector?

This is really about finding the right balance between innovation and regulation. Both countries need to develop regulations in a smart and timely way to keep pace with technology, while avoiding too many barriers that could prevent them from taking advantage of new opportunities.

One important opportunity for governments and businesses is to develop regulatory sandboxes where businesses can experiment with regulation and technology and test and trial their ideas while allowing regulators to become more familiar with how these technologies work in practice. Cryptocurrencies are a good example, as financial regulators are developing their approaches and implementing initial regulations.

At the UK-Vietnam High-Level Conference, we also heard from the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority about how cryptocurrencies are being regulated. Sandboxes provide a valuable opportunity in this area. In the UK, regulators have received more than 2,000 deployments of new ideas and technologies through the sandbox, which I think is very important.

The second priority is strengthening international connections. As regulatory systems and frameworks develop, both countries should share regulatory experience and, at the business level, consider interoperability in areas such as e-payments and transaction platforms. This can build confidence across borders and support trade through digitally-secure and integrated mechanisms.

Building these connections is therefore important. There is a regulatory challenge and an opportunity for innovation, but there is also a challenge from internationalization. Both countries need to ensure that the regulatory and technological systems they develop are ready to connect internationally. It is encouraging to see innovative ideas from UK businesses being brought to Vietnam and partnerships being built with Vietnam’s rapidly-growing digital sector.

-Ngoc Lan

Starlink officially launches in Vietnam, prices starting at $43/month

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Satellite internet services will coexist with terrestrial infrastructure, such as fiber optics and 4G/5G networks operated by Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone.

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, began offering its services in Vietnam on August 13. Users can now place a deposit to register for the service through the company's official website.

According to the website, Starlink currently offers household service packages starting at VND1,131,990 ($43.3) per month, with hardware kits priced from over VND8.65 million ($331).

In its initial phase, the Starlink satellite system has been authorized for a pilot rollout with four gateways and a maximum of 600,000 terminals, representing approximately 2.5% of the market share.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam Telecommunications Authority, Nguyen Anh Cuong, under the Ministry of Science and Technology, previously stated that Starlink is considered a complementary piece to the digital economy ecosystem. It is particularly useful in areas where traditional telecommunications infrastructure is difficult to reach, such as maritime and airspace regions, as well as in emergency response situations.

Satellite internet services will coexist with terrestrial infrastructure, such as fiber optics and 4G/5G networks operated by Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone. This addition expands coverage to remote areas and provides more connectivity options for both individual users and businesses.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

International collaboration bolsters Vietnam’s presence in global AI value chain: Deputy PM

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 00:10:00 GMT

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung noted that the Government is directing the formulation of a new National AI Strategy and a National AI Transformation Strategy (AIX).

FPT Group and Mila – Quebec AI Institute (Canada), the world’s leading artificial intelligence research institution, recently signed a cooperation agreement focused on AI research, high-quality human resource development, and knowledge transfer.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung emphasized that, under the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, AI is one of the strategic technologies that Vietnam must focus on developing and eventually mastering.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, this vision is being institutionalized by the Government through several key policies, including Decree No. 142/2026/ND-CP on the implementation of the Law on Artificial Intelligence; Decision No. 804/QD-TTg on data for AI development; Decision No. 33/2026/QD-TTg regarding high-risk AI systems; Decision No. 1528/QD-TTg on AI human resource development; and Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg concerning strategic technologies.

The Deputy PM also noted that the Government is directing the formulation of a new National AI Strategy and a National AI Transformation Strategy (AIX). These initiatives aim to further refine the direction for AI development, application, and governance in Vietnam.

In this context, the expansion of the FPT-Mila partnership is highly consistent with Vietnam’s AI development goals. Acknowledging the results achieved over the past six years, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed his expectation that this collaboration will provide practical solutions to the nation’s major challenges, bring tangible value to the community, and enable Vietnam to proactively participate in the global AI value chain while helping shape international AI governance standards.

Moving forward, he urged FPT and Mila to focus on four key pillars.

First, prioritize practical products as the ultimate benchmark. There must be a strong shift from pure research to quantifiable outcomes, ranging from core technologies and inventions to commercialized solutions.

Second, place high-quality human resources at the core of development. Efforts should be intensified to train and develop a team of elite AI experts and engineers.

Third, develop AI in a safe, reliable, and responsible manner. Transparency, data security, and system safety must be prerequisites from the design stage. Both parties should take a leading role in contributing to and shaping AI governance frameworks and standards that align with international norms while remaining suitable for Vietnam’s practical needs.

Fourth, expand a collaborative ecosystem with a ripple effect. This involves promoting the "Triple Helix" (State–Research Institute–Enterprise) model. Resources should be prioritized to definitively solve key issues in manufacturing, healthcare, education, and digital infrastructure, using real-world effectiveness as a basis for large-scale replication.

VnEconomy-Hằng Anh

Vietnam and Japan strengthen strategic technology cooperation

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Vietnam and Japan are deepening cooperation in strategic technologies, with innovation and human resources at the heart of the partnership...

The Vietnam-Japan Innovation Forum 2026 took place on August 13 at the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) in Hanoi-based Hoa Lac High-Tech Park (HHTP), aiming to creat connection among authorities, technology enterprises, startups, investors, universities, research institutes, and international organizations from both Vietnam and Japan.

It also sought to promote technology co-creation, facilitate investment and business linkages, and initiate concrete collaborative projects in strategic technology sectors.

The Forum was part of the Project for "Vitalizing the Vietnam National Innovation Center," funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the NIC.

Bright spots

A key highlight of the forum was the announcement of the establishment of the Vietnam-Japan Semiconductor Human Resource Development Working Group, aimed at strengthening coordination among regulatory bodies, enterprises, and educational and research institutions from both nations to develop the workforce for the semiconductor industry.

The semiconductor industry is a strategic technology sector and a priority in the cooperative framework for science, technology, and innovation between Vietnam and Japan. The working group comprises the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japanese semiconductor companies, the NIC and four key technical universities in Vietnam, including Hanoi University of Science and Technology; University of Engineering and Technology under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology under the Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City; and Da Nang University of Science and Technology under the University of Da Nang.

The working group will focus on identifying the supply-demand gap for semiconductor talent and aligning the practical needs of enterprises with the training and research capabilities of universities. This effort aims to foster collaborative programs for training, development, and talent connectivity in the semiconductor sector between Vietnam and Japan. This initiative is expected to serve as a foundation for the two sides to further expand cooperation in developing a high-quality workforce and deepening their participation in the semiconductor value chain.

The Forum also featured activities marking the first anniversary of the NIC’s Strategic Technology Networks, highlighting the journey from their inception to the initial results achieved in resource connection, workforce development, and the promotion of technological collaboration.

In the cybersecurity sector, the network has implemented training programs and cultivated a team of cybersecurity engineers, thereby helping to supply high-quality human resources to a field that plays an increasingly vital role in digital transformation and the development of the digital economy.

In the realm of quantum technology, the network successfully organized the International Quantum Computing Hackathon for Social Good (QC4SG 2026). This event created a platform for experts, researchers, businesses, and the younger generation to explore, experiment with, and develop ideas for quantum technology applications, while simultaneously expanding Vietnam's connections with the global quantum technology community.

Building upon specific cooperation programs, the NIC is also gradually establishing the Vietnam–Japan Innovation Hub at HHTP, as part of a project funded by the Japanese government and implemented by the UNDP in collaboration with the NIC. This hub is envisioned as a platform for substantive technology cooperation, where enterprises, research institutes, and universities from both nations can engage in joint research, testing, training, and investment networking.

Building Innovation Ecosystems

Speaking at the Forum, Mr. Hoang Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the NIC, affirmed that with its assigned mission, NIC is committed to continuing its partnership with Japanese stakeholders—ranging from government agencies, organizations, research institutes, and universities to the business community and investors—to pool resources, foster collaboration, and create new value.

"NIC also looks forward to the continued interest, support, and partnership of the Japanese Government and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam," he added. "We aim to implement an increasing number of practical and meaningful cooperative programs and projects at NIC, thereby translating cooperation commitments into concrete, long-lasting, and far-reaching results.”

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, highly valued the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Japan, as well as Vietnam’s strategic focus on placing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation at the core of the country's next phase of development.

“For Vietnam to sustain rapid growth and enhance competitiveness in an increasingly technology-driven global economy, knowledge and innovation must become stronger drivers of productivity and value creation," she emphasized. "This requires investment, skills, robust institutions, and, above all, partnerships. An innovation center is only truly strong when ideas are developed and partnerships are forged within it, and when entrepreneurs and researchers effectively utilize and leverage the resources available there.”

Ms. Khalid encouraged startups, researchers, investors, universities, and businesses from both nations to fully capitalize on this opportunity—bringing forward new ideas, conducting trials and validation, seeking partnerships, and transforming high-potential technologies into solutions that generate economic, social, and environmental value.

From the Japanese perspective, Mr. Ishikawa Isamu, Deputy Ambassador of Japan to Vietnam, highlighted the long-standing cooperative foundation between the two countries regarding the development of the HHTP, from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)’s formulation of the HHTP master plan nearly three decades ago to the current advancements in the innovation ecosystem.

The Deputy Ambassador also affirmed that the Japanese Government would continue to implement specific cooperation programs to support Vietnam’s innovation development, including the Project for "Vitalizing the Vietnam National Innovation Center".

People-centric collaboration

To promote Vietnam - Japan cooperation, Ms. Khalid believes that innovation is driven not only by infrastructure, but also, and more importantly, by people. A hub is only as valuable as the ideas developed within it, the partnerships formed around it, and the entrepreneurs and researchers who actually use it.

"I encourage startups, scientists, investors, universities, and enterprises from both countries to make full use of this opportunity," she added. "Bring your ideas, test them, challenge them, find partners, and turn promising technologies into solutions that create economic, social, and environmental value. Every partnership formed here, every technology tested here, and every idea exchanged here will help strengthen Vietnam’s innovation ecosystem and deepen the innovation partnership between Vietnam and Japan."

Vietnamese Former Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung affirmed that Japan has consistently been one of Vietnam's top partners, boasting strong foundations in science and technology, industry, the business sector, research institutes, and leading universities.

Meanwhile, Vietnam possesses a dynamic economy, a young workforce, strong technological adaptability, and a determination to develop strategic technology sectors. The two nations enjoy numerous complementary advantages that can drive mutual development. The challenge lies in how to harness these advantages to create a combined strength for shared growth.

"To address challenges and create new value, the spirit of Vietnam-Japan cooperation in this new era must be people-centered, driven by technology and innovation, and grounded in enterprises and practical challenges, while resting on a foundation of mutual development and mutual benefit," Mr. Dung noted.

-Ngoc Lan

Technology talent training center inaugurated in Thai Nguyen

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The center is designed to be a vital link in the high-tech human resource training ecosystem, specifically addressing the growing demand for expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and semiconductors.

Samsung Vietnam on August 13 officially inaugurated the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) High-Tech Talent Development Center at the University of Information and Communication Technology (ICTU) – Thai Nguyen University, in the northern province of the same name.

The center is designed to be a vital link in the high-tech human resource training ecosystem, specifically addressing the growing demand for expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and semiconductors.

Spanning nearly 1,000 sq.m, the facility includes two SIC classrooms, two semiconductor labs equipped with Virtual Reality and Extended Reality (VR/XR) technology, two meeting rooms, and a lounge area. The center has been systematically invested in to provide students with a comprehensive environment for hands-on training, research, and technological exploration.

The launch of this high-tech talent model in Thai Nguyen comes at a time when the province is already home to a significant presence of technology corporations, with Samsung serving as a key investor. However, moving beyond merely expanding production capacity, this investment in training infrastructure signals a strategic shift toward deeper involvement in cultivating the human capital necessary for the industrial ecosystem.

General Director of Samsung Vietnam, Mr. Na Ki Hong, stated that starting from 2026, Samsung will focus on a strategy to expand and upgrade the SIC Lab model in provinces across the country. Following successful launches in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Bac Ninh, the Thai Nguyen center continues to broaden the program's high-tech training network.

The 2026 SIC program is implemented through a partnership between Samsung Vietnam, the National Innovation Center (NIC), Letuin High Tech, and nearly 20 universities and colleges nationwide. The program aims to train approximately 2,200 students in the fields of AI, IoT, Big Data, and semiconductors.

VnEconomy-Dũng Huỳnh

Firms from Vietnam and Singapore partner to develop cross-border digital trust infrastructure

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The partnership between PILA and TOTM Technologies aims to establish a trusted digital verification platform for cross-border transactions, helping promote digital trade, reduce verification costs and strengthen trust among businesses, financial institutions and regulators.

Vietnamese technology company PILA and Singapore-based TOTM Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on August 13 to develop cross-border digital trust infrastructure for ASEAN.

As global trade increasingly shifts to digital platforms, countries and regions are developing digital trust infrastructure to ensure the authenticity and interoperability of data in cross-border transactions.

The partnership aims to establish a trusted digital verification platform for cross-border transactions, helping promote digital trade, reduce verification costs and strengthen trust among businesses, financial institutions and regulators.

In the initial phase, the two companies will conduct a proof of concept (PoC) using Verifiable Credentials (VCs) as an additional digital trust layer for letters of credit (L/Cs) between Vietnamese and Singaporean banks.

The initiative will be built on the TradeTrust technical framework of Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), creating a trusted digital trade corridor between the two countries.

The two sides will also study cross-border payment infrastructure based on digital trust, initially connecting Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia before expanding across ASEAN.

-Nam Anh

Bac Ninh attracts over $2.7 bln into semiconductor industry

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The presence of global giants is laying the groundwork for the northern province to gradually build a semiconductor ecosystem.

Northern Bac Ninh province has so far attracted 33 projects in the fields of semiconductors, semiconductor materials, and manufacturing of supporting equipment and components, with a total registered capital exceeding $2.742 billion, the online newspaper of Radio the Voice of Vietnam cited figures from the Provincial Department of Science and Technology as reporting.

Of these, six projects focus on semiconductors and semiconductor materials, while 27 others involve the production of ancillary equipment and components for the industry. Many of these are large-scale investments from major international technology corporations.

Notable examples include Amkor Technology’s project with a total investment of $1.6 billion; Hana Micron Vina with $669 million; Micro Commercial Components with $115 million; Hana Micron Vietnam with $37.46 million; and Synergie Cad Vietnam Co., Ltd. with $21.21 million. Additionally, FPT’s semiconductor testing and packaging technology project has an investment capital of VND50 billion ($1.9 million).

The presence of these global giants is laying the groundwork for the locality to gradually build a semiconductor ecosystem. This development facilitates stronger links between electronics enterprises and the semiconductor industry while enhancing the province's ability to integrate into global supply chains.

Bac Ninh’s success in attracting semiconductor investment is significantly bolstered by its well-established electronics industry. Currently, the province is home to approximately 1,282 electronics companies, employing a workforce of around 481,948 people.

By 2025, the industrial production value of electronics enterprises in the province is projected to reach approximately VND1.85 quadrillion ($71 billion). This established industrial base serves as a crucial advantage, allowing electronics firms to transition into the semiconductor sector and form a highly integrated production and supply network.

In addition to this corporate foundation, the province’s industrial park system continues to be expanded and refined to meet the requirements of high-tech projects. Among the 39 industrial parks that have received investment policy approval, 23 are currently operational.

VOV-Khanh Chi

Vietnam targets 10,000 highly skilled AI professionals by 2030

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The Government has approved a National Program on AI Human Resources Development through 2030, with a vision to 2035.

Vietnam aims to develop 10,000 highly qualified artificial intelligence (AI) professionals by 2030, including researchers, engineers and experts capable of researching, developing, mastering and managing advanced AI systems. At least 1,500 of them will be capable of researching and mastering core AI technologies.

The goal is part of a National Program on AI Human Resources Development through 2030, with a vision to 2035, which has been approved under Prime Ministerial Decision No.1528/QD-TTg, signed on August 11 by Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau.

Under the program, Vietnam aims to provide learners, workers and management personnel with widespread knowledge and skills to use AI safely and effectively by 2030.

The country will also provide new training, retraining and advanced training for at least 50,000 university graduates and above, equipping them with AI application capabilities in key sectors.

The program seeks to establish advanced AI training centers, programs and research groups capable of training high-quality AI professionals, developing core AI technologies, attracting international experts and participating more deeply in regional and global AI development networks.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to rank among the region’s leading countries in AI human resources, with a safe, reliable and responsible ecosystem for AI training, research, application and governance. This is expected to contribute directly to labor productivity, innovation, public service quality and national competitiveness while safeguarding national interests in the AI era.

-Bạch Dương

Convenience stores remain customers' preferred choice

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 10:37:39 GMT

A recent InsightAsia study found that customers are spending more and more time inside convenience stores, and not always for shopping.

Convenience stores long competed on a straightforward promise: they will be closer, stay open longer, and make shopping faster. Success depended largely on store density, extended operating hours, and the ability to provide everyday essentials within minutes. That formula is now beginning to lose its edge.

A new study by InsightAsia suggests that Vietnam’s convenience store industry has entered a different stage of development, one in which consumers no longer see these outlets simply as places to make quick purchases. Rather, they are becoming destinations where people have meals, meet friends, study after class, and spend time between work and home. The shift is particularly evident among younger urban consumers, who increasingly view convenience stores less as retail outlets than as part of their daily lifestyle.

Beyond convenience

Based on a survey of 1,236 convenience store shoppers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the report found that 72 per cent visit a convenience store at least once a week, with 60 per cent of regular shoppers being under the age of 30. More tellingly, 38 per cent stay inside these stores for more than half an hour, suggesting that convenience stores are no longer merely facilitating transactions, they are increasingly providing a place to spend time.

The report’s most significant conclusion is that Vietnam’s convenience stores are evolving into what urban planners often describe as a “third place” - a space separate from both home and the workplace where people can comfortably spend time.

That evolution reflects broader changes in urban lifestyles. Younger consumers increasingly seek affordable, accessible, and comfortable environments where they can eat, study, charge their electronic devices, or simply escape the heat without committing to the higher prices typically associated with cafés. Convenience stores, many of which now offer seating areas, wi-fi, air conditioning, and freshly-prepared meals, have naturally filled that role.

The research shows that consumer behavior has already shifted to match this new function. While beverages remain the most commonly-purchased category, bought by 84 per cent of respondents during the previous month, ready-to-eat meals have become nearly as important. Sixty-three per cent reported purchasing hot meals or ready-to-eat food, and 41 per cent said their most recent visit was specifically to buy food or drinks for immediate consumption rather than groceries to take home.

Equally revealing is how consumers are using these spaces throughout the day. Traditional assumptions that convenience stores primarily serve morning commuters no longer hold. Only 19 per cent of visits now occur before 11am, while afternoon visits account for 28 per cent and another 31 per cent take place after 8pm. Together, those two latter periods represent nearly three-fifths of all visits, illustrating how convenience stores have become destinations throughout the day rather than simply stops during the morning rush.

These behavioral shifts are particularly pronounced among Gen Z consumers, who dominate afternoon and evening visits and increasingly choose convenience stores as casual meeting places instead of purely functional retail outlets. The finding helps explain why operators are investing in larger seating areas, more comfortable interiors, and expanded food service offerings despite the higher operating costs such investments entail.

No longer about location

For much of the industry’s development, location represented the single most important competitive advantage. The chain with the largest footprint generally attracted the greatest number of customers. That relationship has become considerably more complicated.

According to InsightAsia, nearly half of consumers under the age of 25 willingly walk past a closer convenience store to visit one that better matches their preferences for atmosphere, products, or overall experience. The report describes this as a transition “from the nearest one to the one with the vibe,” reflecting how brand identity is beginning to outweigh simple proximity among younger shoppers.

Food sits at the center of that competition. The research found that purchases including ready-to-eat meals generate baskets roughly 1.6-times larger than ordinary transactions. Average spending across all visits stands at approximately VND52,000 ($2), but rises to VND68,000 ($2.60) when consumers purchase meals intended for immediate consumption. Moreover, 57 per cent of respondents indicated they would willingly pay higher prices for healthier food options, reinforcing the idea that quality rather than discounting is becoming the primary driver of spending.

Those findings help explain the increasingly distinct positioning adopted by Vietnam’s major convenience store chains. FamilyMart receives the strongest ratings for food quality, cleanliness, and staff service, while GS25 leads in drink variety, trendy products, and digital capabilities. Circle K, meanwhile, continues to dominate perceptions of accessibility, location convenience, and around-the-clock availability through its extensive network of approximately 500 stores.

The growing importance of digital services further reinforces this competitive shift. More than three-quarters of respondents used cashless payment during their latest visit, while 34 per cent have ordered convenience store products through delivery applications. Digital payment systems, mobile apps, and loyalty programs are therefore becoming baseline expectations rather than value-added features, with retailers increasingly competing on the seamlessness of the customer experience as much as on their physical stores.

Experience over proximity

These changing consumer priorities also provide important context for the arrival of China’s Meiyijia, which entered Vietnam in May under the Ohmee brand. Known for operating more than 40,000 stores in China and leveraging a vertically-integrated supply chain to support highly-competitive pricing, the retailer might once have been expected to disrupt Vietnam’s convenience store sector through lower prices alone.

InsightAsia’s findings suggest the challenge facing the newcomer may be more complex. Though 22 per cent of respondents in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City were already aware of the Ohmee brand, only 6 per cent had visited one of its three pilot stores. More significantly, 58 per cent of those familiar with the chain said lower prices alone would not persuade them to switch from their preferred retailer.

The report argues that the industry’s next phase will therefore be shaped less by price competition than by operators’ ability to build stronger emotional connections with consumers. The most successful chains are likely to be those capable of combining high-quality ready-to-eat food, comfortable environments, digital convenience, and distinctive brand identities into a cohesive customer experience.

That conclusion reflects the broader trajectory of Vietnam’s convenience store market, which reached an estimated VND12.16 trillion ($486 million) in 2025 and continues to expand at an annual rate exceeding 13 per cent. While future store openings will remain important, particularly beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the industry’s defining competition increasingly appears to be taking place inside the stores themselves.

In many ways, the country’s convenience stores are becoming less like traditional retailers and more like compact urban living spaces. The chains that succeed over the years to come are unlikely to be those with the cheapest shelves or the most locations. They will be those that best understand that modern consumers are no longer simply looking for somewhere to shop, they are looking for somewhere to spend part of their day.

-Diep Linh

Six strategic solutions for international tech cooperation through 2030 unveiled

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

This strategy is expected to make practical contributions to the development of strategic technologies aimed at sustainable development, ensuring national defense and security, and strengthening national technological autonomy.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc on August 11 signed Prime Ministerial Decision No 139/QD-TTg, officially issuing the "International Cooperation Strategy on Strategic Technologies to 2030."

The strategy focuses on six key solution groups: creating a favorable environment for cooperation; implementing international commitments and agreements; enhancing access to advanced technologies; improving technology development capacity; providing support for enterprises; and offering policy advisory.

This strategy is expected to make practical contributions to the development of strategic technologies aimed at sustainable development, ensuring national defense and security, and strengthening national technological autonomy.

At the recent 33rd Diplomatic Conference, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan affirmed that, in line with Party Resolutions No. 57 and No. 06, international integration and diplomacy—specifically science and technology diplomacy—have been positioned as a "strategic breakthrough". This pillar now stands independently and on equal footing with economic and political-security integration.

Notably, Vietnam has officially decided to establish and develop the Global Vietnamese AI Expert Network. This initiative aims to attract and mobilize Vietnamese AI experts worldwide while establishing international-standard mechanisms for leadership, training, and knowledge transfer to enhance the quality of Vietnam’s AI human resources.

In tandem with expanding international cooperation, Vietnam is also refining its research and testing infrastructure. On August 4, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung signed Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1483/QD-TTg, approving a project to "Develop a system of national research centers, testing facilities, and key national laboratories focused on strategic technologies."

Under the project, by 2030, Vietnam aims to upgrade, invest in, and operationalize at least eight national key laboratories. Priority will be given to sectors including: digital technology and next-generation mobile networks (6G); robotics and automation; advanced biology and biomedicine; advanced energy and materials; cybersecurity and quantum technology; marine, ocean, and underground sciences; and aerospace and aviation.

Furthermore, Vietnam strives to establish at least four national research and testing centers focused on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), biotechnology, advanced materials, and high-speed and urban rail systems.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Shaping shopping

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Digital technologies, especially AI, are being increasingly used in the retail sector to boost sales by personalizing the customer experience.

Mordor Intelligence has projected that the global AI in retail market will grow from $18.64 billion in 2026 to $82.72 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.7 per cent during the period. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights has estimated that the market will increase from $9.36 billion in 2024 to $85.07 billion by 2032, for a CAGR of 31.8 per cent.

The retail industry is undergoing a profound transformation as businesses worldwide, including in Vietnam, accelerate the adoption of digital technologies to optimize operations, better understand customers, and respond more effectively to market changes.

Part of the shopping journey

A range of factors are driving this remarkable expansion, with the growing use of AI to achieve business objectives emerging as one of the most significant. Retailers have moved beyond pilot projects to full-scale implementation, synchronizing pricing, promotions, and inventory across all sales channels in real time.

Omnichannel retailers are increasingly integrating large language models (LLMs) into existing data systems, boosting average basket values by more than 20 per cent through personalized shopping experiences. Meanwhile, innovations such as computer vision-based checkout systems and AI-powered supply chain management are reducing labor costs and food waste. Together, these advances are sustaining double-digit growth in retail AI, even as stricter privacy regulations, rising energy costs, and talent shortages increase implementation risks.

According to McKinsey Company, up to 52 per cent of retail activities can now be automated, with cashiers, entry-level customer advisors, and order processing roles among the most vulnerable to replacement. The World Economic Forum estimates that 44 per cent of retail skills will change over the next five years, largely driven by AI. Meanwhile, multinational consulting firm EY found that 82 per cent of people worldwide have actively used AI over the past six months, with 67 per cent using it as part of their customer experience.

In the US, retailers such as Kroger, Carrefour, and Tesco have introduced shelf-scanning robots developed by Simbe Robotics to monitor inventory levels and pricing accuracy in real time. In Europe, new research from Bayes Business School in the UK found that shoppers using smart shopping carts spend an average of 32 per cent more than those using conventional carts.

Across Asia, retailers in China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore have made AI a central pillar of their digital transformation strategies. China continues to lead retail AI adoption, with companies such as Alibaba and JD.com integrating the technology into nearly every stage of the customer journey. Singapore continues to encourage AI adoption through training subsidies, tax incentives, and digital transformation programs. Meanwhile, Japan and South Korea are leveraging AI to ease labor shortages driven by aging populations.

In Vietnam, Saigon Co.op officially opened its Coopmart Thong Nhat supermarket in Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City, in late 2025, introducing AI-powered robots to assist shoppers. “Customers can issue voice commands or interact directly with the robot, which guides them to the desired product category while recommending related promotions,” said Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op.

Similarly, WinMart has deployed self-checkout kiosks at selected supermarkets in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while GS25 has been piloting facial recognition payment technology.

According to the Vietnam E-Commerce Association, more than 80 per cent of e-commerce businesses in Vietnam now use chatbots or automated customer service systems. A large proportion of these companies report that chatbots handle most routine customer interactions, from product recommendations to order completion.

- The latest Visa Consumer 360 study, which surveyed 1,000 consumers in Vietnam, revealed that Vietnamese consumers are entering the next phase of digital commerce with a level of confidence and readiness that sets them apart in the Asia-Pacific.

- As confidence grows, consumers are increasingly embracing digital-first shopping and payment methods, positioning Vietnam at the forefront of the region’s evolving commerce landscape. The country also stands out for its strong interest in AI-assisted shopping and cross-border payments.

- Visa Consumer 360 found that 57 per cent of Vietnamese consumers are open to using AI agents to shop online, compared with the Asia-Pacific average of 50 per cent. These tools can streamline product searches, comparisons, and purchases, although concerns over data privacy, accuracy, and unauthorized payments remain, highlighting the importance of trust as AI becomes more deeply integrated into everyday commerce.

At the same time, NielsenIQ found that more than 70 per cent of Vietnamese consumers are willing to embrace automated shopping experiences when available. These figures underscore AI’s growing role as a competitive advantage for retailers.

People still at the center

As retail systems become capable of remembering, tracking, and analyzing virtually every purchasing decision, new concerns inevitably arise. Are consumers being monitored too closely? Shoppers often have little way of knowing whether AI-generated recommendations genuinely reflect the best product for their needs or simply prioritize items backed by larger advertising budgets. As a result, many governments are tightening regulations governing consumer data and AI applications in retail.

Culture presents another challenge, as shopping remains a deeply social activity. In Japan, the philosophy of “omotenashi” has long defined the country’s service culture. In China, concepts of personal relationships and social status continue to shape purchasing decisions, particularly in premium market segments.

Across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, friendly face-to-face interactions between sales staff and customers remain an essential part of the retail experience.

Ms. Nguyen Phi Van, Chairwoman of Retail Franchise Asia in Vietnam, believes technology can enhance customer experiences but cannot fully replace the human element. Consumers may interact with machines, but they still seek reassurance that a real person ultimately stands behind each transaction. A chatbot may provide rapid responses, but it cannot assume responsibility.

According to Mr. Lam Quang Nam, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA), in this new stage of development, AI and people will work together within a collaborative ecosystem. He argued that while companies may adopt the same technologies, only some succeed in creating a lasting competitive advantage, whereas others fail to realize the anticipated benefits. “This is not a journey from people to machines,” he said. “It is a transition from using AI as a tool to redesigning how businesses operate in the digital era.”

The Vietnam - Asia DX Summit 2026 in May heard that Vietnam’s enterprise AI market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 31 per cent between 2026 and 2034, while 78 per cent of the country’s online population already uses AI.

Vietnam’s retail sector also benefits from an increasingly supportive policy environment. Politburo Resolution No. 68 provides new momentum for private sector development, while Politburo Resolution No. 57 promotes innovation and digital transformation. Together, these initiatives are expected to improve businesses’ access to capital, technology, markets, and other strategic resources, enabling retailers to accelerate their digital transformation in the years ahead.

-Tue My

Tax payments via e-Tax Mobile app rise 2.4-fold in 7M

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Total value through the app during the period reaching VND45.018 trillion ($1.7 billion).

Tax payments made through the eTax Mobile application reached VND45.018 trillion ($1.7 billion) in the first seven months of 2026, up 2.4 times year-on-year, according to the Tax Department.

The agency said digital transformation in tax administration continued to deliver positive results, with 99.4% of businesses using electronic tax filing services and 98.9% completing registration for electronic tax payment services with banks.

As of July 20, eTax Mobile had recorded more than 16 million user sessions and nearly 25 million transactions processed through commercial banks, with value totalling VND45.018 trillion.

Alongside the digitalisation of tax services, the use of e-invoices has also been expanded.

The tax authority said its system processed about 7 billion e-invoices in the first seven months, bringing the cumulative number processed e-invoices since the system was launched to around 28 billion.

The number of businesses using e-invoices generated from cash registers reached 527,604, up 40% from the end of 2025. The figure included 205,769 enterprises and 321,835 household businesses.

-Mai Nhi

Vietnam’s cashless payment transactions rise 34.3% in first half

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The total number of cashless payment transactions exceeding 15 billion, with a combined value of more than VND190 quadrillion ($7.27 trillion)

Cashless payment activity in Vietnam maintained strong growth in the first half of 2026, with transaction volume and value rising significantly from the same period last year, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).

The total number of cashless payment transactions exceeded 15 billion, with a combined value of more than VND190 quadrillion ($7.27 trillion), representing year-on-year increases of 34.28% in volume and 12.24% in value.

The figures were released by the SBV at a press conference on the 2026 Banking Industry Digital Transformation event held in Hanoi on August 11.

The average daily transaction value reached approximately VND1.05 quadrillion, equivalent to around $40 billion.

According to the central bank, many basic banking operations have now been fully digitised. At numerous Vietnamese credit institutions, more than 95% of transactions are conducted through digital channels.

The adoption of digital banking services has also expanded among the population. More than 89% of Vietnamese people aged 15 and above now have payment accounts, providing a strong foundation for the continued development of cashless payments and digital financial services.

-Kỳ Phong

VinSpace partners with SpaceX to boost Vietnam’s space industry

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 23:30:00 GMT

According to VinSpace, testing self-developed satellite modules in orbit is a prerequisite for converting domestic RD capabilities into practical missions, creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

VinSpace Joint Stock Company on August 11 officially signed a satellite launch contract with SpaceX—the aerospace empire of billionaire Elon Musk.

Under the agreement, satellites researched, developed, and manufactured by VinSpace will be launched into orbit via SpaceX’s Transporter Rideshare program in the second quarter of 2027. This collaborative model is a strategic choice, allowing multiple customers to share a single launch to optimize both costs and timelines.

Notably, VinSpace’s involvement extends far beyond simply hiring a launch service. The company is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project—from research, development, and manufacturing to satellite operations once in orbit. This reflects the enterprise’s firm commitment to mastering core technologies rather than acting as a mere service user.

Furthermore, the decision to partner with SpaceX is part of VinSpace’s long-term strategy to build comprehensive aerospace capabilities. VinSpace aims to become a "Full-Stack Aerospace Company," participating in the entire value chain: from design and RD to Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT), launch mission management, satellite operations, and the development of remote sensing products and ground-based space data services.

According to VinSpace, testing self-developed satellite modules in orbit is a prerequisite for converting domestic RD capabilities into practical missions, creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Beyond technical achievements, this agreement holds profound significance for both VinSpace and Vietnam. In terms of technology, it enables VinSpace to verify its systems in real-world orbital conditions, cultivate a team of highly specialized engineers, and expand international cooperation.

Ultimately, this partnership with SpaceX is more than just a commercial transaction as it affirms the position of a dynamic and innovative developing nation in the new era of global technology.

VnEconomy-Phạm Vinh

Workshop discusses location data strategy and international lessons for Vietnam

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The Politburo’s recent approval of the project to develop the national database, along with the orientation toward developing a data economy, further proves the critical importance of this field

To boost economic development, Vietnam needs to build a systematic and synchronized data chain across key sectors such as logistics, energy, urban planning, and industry, contributing to a modern, safe, and sustainable national data ecosystem, said Major General Nguyen Ngoc Cuong, Director of the National Data Center and Vice President of the National Data Association (NDA).

Speaking at a workshop theming “Location Data – International Experiences and Lessons for Vietnam,” organized by NDA collaboration with the Vietnam Global Data Expert Network (VDEN) on August 10, Major General Cuong, affirmed that data has become a vital strategic resource for every nation.

The Politburo’s recent approval of a project to develop the national database, along with the orientation toward developing a data economy, further proves the critical importance of this field. Among various types, location data serves as the core and most essential layer, he said.

“The core goal is for data to truly contribute to economic development and increase scientific content through in-depth handling of specific issues. Currently, the Party and State have cleared maximum institutional hurdles; the remaining issue lies entirely in execution,” Mr. Cuong said.

Elaborating on the implementation strategy, Lieutenant Colonel Dao Duc Trieu, General Secretary of the NDA, noted that building data infrastructure is like a revolution moving from “nothing” to “something.” The Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress identified the data economy as the focus of the new growth model. The State is aiming to turn data into a new factor of production, standing alongside land, capital, labor, and science and technology.

To catch up with advanced countries, Vietnam is simultaneously executing five stages: data creation, infrastructure building, data governance based on trust (ensuring data is accurate, sufficient, clean, live, and unified for shared use), application exploitation, and promoting socio-economic value. The exploitation of resources will focus on the four most important types of data: people, items, locations, and behaviors.

Regarding location data, sharing experiences from Switzerland, Dr. Luu Vinh Toan—Technical Analysis Director at UBS Group and President of the Association of Vietnamese Intellectuals and Expertsn in Switzerland—affirmed that preparing a foundational database is a mandatory step before expecting complex AI applications.

“Switzerland prepared its address data long ago, establishing standardized formats to link entities such as buildings, streets, administrative landmarks, and postal codes without needing AI. Once the infrastructure is solid, AI steps in to create added value,” said Dr. Toan.

Therefore, for Vietnam at this stage, the core principle in input standardization is “do it once and at a single window.” The management of data components such as buildings, entrances, and postal codes must be clearly assigned to specific agencies.

“Inaccurate location data can cause enormous costs, affecting hundreds of delivery companies or telecommunications firms that may fail to suggest appropriate internet packages to residents. Therefore, to ensure effectiveness, reports of data errors should be sent directly to the State’s management system for synchronization across the economy, rather than just being reflected on foreign platforms, which lack legal responsibility for national infrastructure,” Dr. Toan said.

VnEconomy-Khánh Vy

Vietnam, Australia boost investment in high-tech and high-value sectors

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam proposed that bilateral cooperation shift toward long-term programs in innovation, science and technology, human resource development, green finance, high-quality infrastructure, strategic supply chains, education, and research.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam received Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, Mr. Nicholas Moore, in Sydney on August 10, as part of his ongoing state visit to Australia..

During the meeting, Mr. Moore discussed opportunities to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in implementing Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. This includes expanding two-way trade and investment, as well as strengthening connections between businesses and investors in Vietnam’s priority sectors.

Highlighting the positive results of bilateral trade, Mr. Moore emphasized the need to aim for even greater scale and trade value. He noted that recently signed cooperation agreements in aviation and other sectors will enhance connectivity and provide further momentum for trade and investment.

According to the Special Envoy, many investors are drawn to Vietnam by its dynamic market, clear development goals, and strong aspirations for growth. Furthermore, the Vietnamese community and student population in Australia serve as a vital resource for promoting innovation and startups.

General Secretary and President To Lam expressed his desire for Vietnam to remain a central partner for Australia in the implementation of the Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040.

Affirming that Vietnam considers Australia one of its top priority partners in the Indo-Pacific region, the Vietnamese leader stated that bilateral relations are entering a period of new opportunities. He emphasized that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership must be advanced substantively and effectively, with a focus not only on expanding trade and investment but also on co-creating new growth drivers.

He noted that Vietnam aims to become a high-income nation by 2045, with development driven by science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and private sector growth.

With a stable investment environment, a young workforce, a strategic position in global supply chains, and a growing market, Vietnam is well-positioned to be a priority destination for Australian firms. The country prioritizes projects featuring advanced technology, modern management, and high value-added, which facilitate technology transfer, human resource training, and stronger integration with domestic enterprises.

He proposed that bilateral cooperation shift toward long-term programs in innovation, science and technology, human resource development, green finance, high-quality infrastructure, strategic supply chains, education, and research.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Quang Tri eyes $3.8mln high-purity quartz materials plant

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The project is expected to help the central province gradually strengthen its participation in supply chains for semiconductor materials and other high-tech industries.

Central Quang Tri province is seeking to attract high-tech materials manufacturing projects, including a proposed VND100 billion ($3.8 million) Vietnam Wafer plant producing high-purity quartz crucibles.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Tien recently chaired a meeting with Vietnam Wafer JSC and Japan’s Kanematsu Corporation to discuss plans for the project and the province’s strategy for attracting building materials and high-tech materials projects.

Vietnam Wafer presented plans for its high-purity quartz crucible manufacturing plant, a component project under the second phase of the Vietnam Wafer Semiconductor Materials Manufacturing Complex.

The proposed plant would be located in Quang Ngang Industrial Park and the Southeast Quang Tri Economic Zone, covering approximately 1.5 hectares with estimated investment of VND100 billion.

The facility would manufacture high-purity quartz crucibles used in producing silicon crystal ingots for the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries, as well as high-end optical lenses.

The products require exceptionally high levels of purity and advanced manufacturing technology. The project is expected to help Quang Tri gradually strengthen its participation in supply chains for semiconductor materials and other high-tech industries.

The proposed investment is also expected to contribute to the development of a high-tech materials manufacturing ecosystem in the province and attract further investment in related industries.

-Nguyen Thuan

Top Leader: science, technology to become new pillar of Vietnam-Australia relations

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam urged the two countries to transition from cooperation to co-creation, from technology transfer to joint research and development, and from connecting individual organizations to linking their two entire innovation ecosystems.

As part of his state visit to Australia, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam on August 10 attended and addressed the Vietnam–Australia Techconnect Forum.

In his remarks, Vietnam’s top leader stressed that the forum holds special significance as the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to flourish—becoming deeper, more substantive, and more effective. This is particularly true in sectors that will determine the competitiveness and prosperity of both nations in the decades to come.

From cooperation to co-creation

Developing science, technology, innovation, and high-quality human resources is not merely a choice but has become an essential requirement for Vietnam to realize its aspiration of becoming a high-income developed nation by 2045, he said.

The Party and State of Vietnam have established a new development model in which knowledge, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and international integration serve as the primary drivers of growth. Concurrently, Vietnam continues to refine its institutions, empower the private sector, and effectively attract international resources.

The General Secretary and President stated that Vietnam is shifting strongly from the goal of attracting investment to "cooperation for mutual development"; from receiving technology to "co-creating technology"; and from participating in value chains to gradually securing positions with higher added value within global value chains.

Stressing that Australia is a partner with numerous strengths that Vietnam highly values and wishes to walk alongside, he shared a vision for a new type of partnership—stronger, deeper, and more strategic—in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and human resource development.

He urged the two countries to transition from cooperation to co-creation, from technology transfer to joint research and development, and from connecting individual organizations to linking their two entire innovation ecosystems. The goal is to build a regional innovation ecosystem where businesses, universities, research institutes, and investment funds can connect, innovate, and grow together.

The leader proposed that the two countries develop and implement a connectivity strategy for science, technology, and innovation with a long-term vision, establishing this as a new pillar of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (front row, first right) and delegates visit an exhibition showcasing achievements in cooperation between Vietnam and Australia across the fields of science and technology, innovation, investment, and education. - (Photo: VNA)

He emphasized that both sides need to expand joint research programs; strengthen connections between research centers, universities, businesses, and innovation investment funds; and form cooperation networks in priority fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, digital technology, biotechnology, quantum technology, clean energy, strategic minerals, and the maritime economy.

Furthermore, the two nations should promote two-way investment in high-tech industries; establish research and development (RD) centers, joint laboratories, business incubation programs, and innovation projects with commercial potential; and build financial support mechanisms for joint research and risk-sharing, aiming toward co-development and co-investment.

Linking training and research with business needs

Vietnam encourages high-quality investment from Australia in the development of green financial products, digital infrastructure, data centers, and innovation hubs. Simultaneously, Vietnam seeks increased technical support and experience sharing regarding the development of the International Financial Center in the country.

The General Secretary and President proposed expanding cooperation in training high-quality human resources, particularly engineers, scientists, technology experts, and innovation managers, while encouraging the exchange of students, postgraduates, and experts between the two nations.

He noted that both sides need to closely align training and research with the actual needs of businesses. This includes promoting bilateral mechanisms and annual forums for policy dialogue, experience sharing, and fostering the "Triple Helix" model of collaboration between the State, academia, and industry.

The top leader of Vietnam expressed his confidence that with the determination of both governments and the support of the business community, universities, research institutes, and scientists, both sides will achieve new breakthroughs. This will help make the Vietnam–Australia relationship a model for cooperation in science, technology, innovation, and human resource development within the region and globally.

Speaking at the forum, Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan proposed that both sides concentrate resources on strategic sectors such as AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum technology, biology, clean energy, and maritime technology. He also suggested building a cooperation chain spanning from research and testing to commercialization, while connecting capital sources for innovation.

Addressing the event, Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite emphasized that science and technology lie at the heart of human progress, economic growth, and the improvement of quality of life. He also spoke highly of Vietnam’s Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW. Within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both sides are seeking further ways to cooperate and invest in science, research, and innovation.

At the forum, businesses from both countries exchanged cooperation documents and announced new initiatives. On this occasion, Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company signed a cooperation agreement with Western Sydney International Airport, announcing the opening of a direct flight route from Ho Chi Minh City to Western Sydney International Airport starting in January 2027. This move is expected to boost the economy, investment, trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

HCM City emerges as APAC data center investment hotspot

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 05:10:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City, with a total data centre supply of 68 megawatts (MW), is gradually strengthening its position on the regional data centre map.

The data center market in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has recorded remarkable growth, with Ho Chi Minh City emerging as a new bright spot attracting growing attention from international investors.

According to the latest report by Cushman Wakefield, APAC’s data center market reached a record 26.5 gigawatts (GW) of capacity in the first half of 2026, driven by major operators and the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) platforms. Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia and Thailand, accounted for about 50% of capacity under construction, highlighting the region’s growing appeal.

Ho Chi Minh City, with a total data centre supply of 68 megawatts (MW), is gradually strengthening its position on the regional data centre map. The city’s market has been boosted by investment from major technology companies.

In the first half of 2026, UAE-based AI company G42 signed a $1 billion framework agreement with FPT Corporation and Viet Thai Group to develop three data centres in Vietnam, while also participating in a $2 billion hyperscale AI data centre project in Ho Chi Minh City.

Meanwhile, Sembcorp, through its StarMason joint venture with BB Holdings, received approval for a 90MW data centre project in the city.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has also announced plans to invest up to $3 billion in Vietnam, including digital infrastructure, further underscoring international confidence in the country’s digital economy.

-Phạm Vinh

Major contents of the Party Central Committee's Resolution on innovation of development model

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The resolution was approved by the 3rd plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee, which took place between July 20-24.

Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW on innovation of Vietnam's development model was adopted by the 3^rd plenum of the 14^th Party Central Committee, which took place between July 20-24.

Below are the major tasks and solutions to innovate Vietnam's development model, as cited by the Government News:

1. On institutions, national governance, and improvement of the political system

- Enhance the leadership capacity, governing capability, and fighting strength of the Party, focusing on leadership capacity in strategic planning, institutional building, implementation, self-rectification, and self-renewal.

Party building and rectification, along with organizational and personnel work constitute the core elements of national governance.

Comprehensively innovate personnel work, taking cadre evaluation as a breakthrough step with work efficiency as the primary measure; encourage and protect dynamic, creative cadres who dare to think, dare to act, and dare to take responsibility for the common good; establish an inter-linked mechanism in recruitment, attraction, and utilization of high-quality experts and human resources between the public and private sectors.

- Fundamentally innovate the drafting and implementation of Party resolutions and conclusions, ensuring consistence from policy to action and from objectives to results. Clearly define tasks, roadmaps, resources, deliverables, and responsibilities.

Innovate governance mechanisms based on objectives, outputs, and development impacts; uphold the primary responsibility of heads of agencies and organizations; strengthen inspection, supervision, and control of power; resolutely prevent and combat corruption, wastefulness, negative phenomena, bureaucracy, inertia, and evasion of responsibility.

- Perfect the socialist law-governed State of the people, by the people, and for the people, led by the Communist Party of Vietnam; shift from sector- and field-based administrative management to harmonious and effective integration with ecosystem-based development governance; from control to enabling development.

Transform the relationship among the State, the market, and society toward a model where the State regulates, guides, directs, creates new markets and sectors, and builds national strategic capabilities in science, technology, innovation, data, new energy, and strategic competitive fields.

The market plays a decisive role in mobilizing, allocating, and efficiently utilizing resources; the society participates, supervises, provides feedback, builds consensus, and exercises the people's right to mastery. The State focuses on formulating and perfecting institutions, planning, standards, technical regulations, and managing outputs; lawmaking must closely mirror practical realities, "standing firmly on the practical soil of Vietnam," selectively absorbing the refined values of humanity, ensuring systematic coherence, seizing every opportunity, clearing the path, and unlocking all resources to turn institutions and laws into a competitive advantage, a solid foundation, and a powerful driving force for development, creating room to promote double-digit economic growth.

- Formulate laws that are clear, feasible, transparent, synchronous, unified, stable, easy to implement, flexible, and rapidly adaptable to new development demands, approaching advanced international standards and practices while conforming to national realities.

End the mindset of "banning what cannot be managed"; shift decisively from "pre-inspection" to "smart post-inspection" and management based on results and output efficiency.

Effectively guarantee and protect property rights, assets, and freedom of business. Improve the business investment environment, striving to join the leading group in ASEAN and approaching the standards of developed economies regarding business investment environment and innovation.

- Complete the normative legal document framework on controlled testing mechanisms (sandboxes) across various sectors; encourage ministries, sectors, and localities to issue appropriate sandbox mechanisms; ensure consistency in awareness and implementation of risk-tolerance mechanisms in scientific research, technology, and innovation.

Promote rational decentralization and delegation of power to qualified localities; permit controlled pilot testing of new business models, new governance mechanisms, and special, superior policies.

Complete the legal framework on artificial intelligence and digital technology; protect personal data and human rights in the digital environment.

- Develop digital government, shared data, and digital platforms to monitor the implementation of resolutions, strategies, planning, public investment, and development targets; focus on inspecting results, impacts, and heads' responsibilities; ensure every task has a clear assignee, clear workload, clear authority, clear resources, clear timeline, and clear deliverables.

Build a national governance indicator framework according to international practices.

- Organize a streamlined, efficient, effective, and operational political system apparatus on the principle that each task is assigned to a single focal agency; complete and operate effectively the two-tier local government model; accelerate decentralization and delegation of power; build grassroots-level administrative units with sufficient capacity, authority, and resources; leverage the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations in gathering, mobilizing, supervising, and providing social feedback; promote democracy and the people's right to mastery. Pilot, review, and replicate the socialist commune and ward model in certain localities.

2. On the economy

- Establish a new growth model driven by productivity, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and high-quality human resources; modernize traditional growth drivers; strongly foster new growth drivers from high-tech industries, high-value services, smart agriculture, digital economy, data economy, green economy, new economic models, and high value-added sectors.

- Reorganize the national development space toward a multi-layered, multi-polar structure, synchronously linking land - sea - maritime domains - underground space - digital space, and new development spaces; shift from administrative-boundary-based development to functional development based on potentials, advantages, resource-environmental conditions, regional linkages, and sectoral linkages; align with ensuring national strategic autonomy and enhancing the resilience of regions, growth poles, economic centers, and key supply chains.

- Develop Vietnam into a nation strong in and enriched by the sea, boasting top regional competitiveness in marine industries. Transform maritime space into a strategic development area and a long-term growth driver; formulate and execute strategies utilizing marine space, coast-bound economic corridors, and oceans as primary development axes, radiating into midland, mountainous, and border regions. Develop a modern, green, digital, autonomous, and dual-use maritime industry.

- Develop the low-altitude economy into an important, highly competitive techno-economic sector. Efficiently exploit and utilize outer space; establish a space economy ecosystem; master core technical infrastructure, satellite technology, and spatial data. Strongly develop underground space in major urban centers, growth poles, financial, commercial, and logistics centers, and public transportation hubs.

- Develop production factor markets—especially capital, land, science, technology, data, and high-quality labor—in a synchronous, modern, transparent, and interconnected direction.

Fully establish property rights over research outcomes, promoting the circulation, transaction, and commercialization of technology, knowledge, and intellectual property assets; establish and develop derivative commodity trading markets.

Deeply reform the financial system; raise national credit ratings and upgrade the stock market status; expand and diversify long-term capital channels for infrastructure, key projects, innovation, green transition, social housing, and tech enterprises; develop green finance, climate finance, and agricultural insurance; establish an international financial center with special, superior mechanisms to serve as a hub for mobilizing, allocating, and leading resources, piloting institutional mechanisms, fostering innovation, and connecting global finance.

- Fundamentally innovate the mechanisms for mobilizing, allocating, and utilizing national resources; shift from an allocation mindset to an enabling mindset that maximizes resource efficiency; take development efficiency and impact as measures; ensure the principle of comprehensive economic accounting in the allocation, management, and use of all social resources; implement allocation according to strategic priorities and high-productivity, high-value-added, high-spillover sectors; utilize public investment to lead and activate private investment; unblock and transform stagnant resources into development drivers. Innovate distribution relations toward efficiency, fairness, and inclusiveness.

- Rapidly develop new and modern production forces; turn science, technology, and innovation into direct productive forces and primary growth drivers.

Treat data as a new production mean and strategic resource; ensure transparency and controlled management of public sector data; establish mechanisms allowing intellectual property rights to serve as capital contribution, credit guarantee, and commercial exploitation assets.

Develop artificial intelligence into an intelligence infrastructure and a high-quality productive force; synchronously and effectively implement the National AI Transformation Strategy; prioritize national computing infrastructure, Vietnamese Large Language Models (LLMs), shared platforms, and digital citizen platforms.

- Formulate and execute a new-generation industrialization and modernization strategy; place emphasis on tech capability building; prioritize key sectors like semiconductors, AI, advanced materials, quantum, biotechnology, advanced processing- manufacturing, green industries, and energy industries; develop materials industry into a core, foundational sector; prioritize supporting industries linked with higher localization rates.

Develop ecological, smart, high-tech, circular, high-value-added, and low-emission agriculture along value chains, tied to building civilized rural areas and professional farmers.

Develop a modern, high-quality services sector, prioritizing high-value-added services linked to upgrading industry, agriculture, and urban center.

Invest in and develop tourism into a spearhead economic sector; establish regionally and internationally competitive service hubs; develop the healthcare economy into an important, high-value-added sector.

- Develop an enterprise ecosystem structured in multi-tiered, mutually supportive links with tailored, targeted, and objective-driven support policies.

Focus on developing leading enterprises, supply chain heads, and highly competitive industrial ecosystems coupled with enhancing the capacity, quality, and performance of Vietnamese enterprises; strengthen state ordering and task-assignment mechanisms; establish breakthrough mechanisms to promote linkages among large enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovative startups, cooperatives, research institutes, universities, and innovation centers.

Develop state-owned enterprises to truly play a leading role in ensuring macroeconomic stability, major balances, strategic direction, and leading the economy.

Develop the private sector into one of the most important growth drivers; consolidate and develop the collective and cooperative economy; transform household businesses into dynamic and sustainable production and business units; selectively attract foreign direct investment (FDI) tied to technology transfer, production capacity enhancement, and integration/spillover effects with the domestic economic sector.

- Develop synchronous, modern, smart, green strategic infrastructure with multi-layered, multi-modal connectivity; prioritize high-speed transport infrastructure, seaports, airports, energy, smart cities, underground space, marine space, climate change adaptation infrastructure, and infrastructure for mountainous and extremely disadvantaged areas.

Integrate physical infrastructure with digital infrastructure in transport, energy, industry, logistics, agriculture, education, healthcare, and public services.

Build digital, data, computing capacity, and AI infrastructure as national strategic infrastructure; leverage the role of the National Data Center; develop large-scale data centers, high-performance computing infrastructure, shared national digital platforms, national open data, and centers of excellence in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing.

Develop a modern, multi-modal logistics system effectively connecting seaports, border gates, airports, railways, expressways, industrial zones, and economic corridors.

- Restructure the national innovation ecosystem around enterprises, with the State playing an enabling, guiding, and risk-sharing role; nurture national champion enterprises in tech fields, foundational industries, and strategic markets.

Make long-term investments in basic research and key national laboratories; encourage enterprise investment in research and development (RD), intellectual property, and core technology; support technology capacity building for SMEs and startups.

- Strongly innovate the integration of research, application, transfer, and commercialization of research outcomes; grant autonomy to research organizations while safeguarding the legitimate interests of scientists; synchronously develop testing, technology transfer, intellectual property, and financial platforms to rapidly introduce research outcomes into production and business, forming commercial products, enterprises, and new economic sectors. Synchronously institutionalize the State - Enterprise - Research Institute/University linkage mechanism.

- Accelerate urbanization and develop urban areas into major growth drivers; build growth poles, innovation hubs, and green, smart urban centers with international competitiveness; strengthen effective regional and inter-sectoral links; restructure development space alongside the formation of economic corridors, financial centers, and logistics hubs.

3. On social development

Build a disciplined, safe, civilized, harmonious, dynamic, adaptable, and resilient society against fluctuations. Deploy modern, proactive social management methods based on data, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Establish a proactive, comprehensive, inclusive, modern, and sustainable human security framework; build early detection, warning, and handling systems for risks to social stability and safety; develop conciliation, dialogue, and legal aid institutions at the grassroots level. Formulate and implement comprehensive social assessment criteria, index sets on social happiness, quality of life, social trust, and human security assurance.

- Build a modern, multi-layered, sustainable, inclusive, flexible, and highly adaptable social security system; treat social security investments as investments in development; better protect vulnerable groups; construct risk management systems and a digital map for social security.

Narrow development gaps across regions, urban and rural areas, and lowlands and highlands; pay special attention to deep-lying, remote, mountainous, border, island, ethnic minority areas, and vulnerable groups.

- Shift the healthcare system model from disease treatment to disease prevention and comprehensive healthcare, ensuring all citizens receive managed, cared-for, and improved health services; achieve universal health insurance coverage and progressively waive hospital fees according to a roadmap; ensure self-sufficiency in vaccines, pharmaceutical supplies, and medical equipment for epidemic prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment.

- Innovate human resource development governance and modernize the labor market. Build a unified national-to-local forecasting, planning, and human resource development governance framework linked with socio-economic, sectoral, regional, and local development strategies.

Modernize the labor market based on digital data and AI; complete national databases on labor, employment, and vocational skills, synchronously connecting databases; comprehensively digitize and develop public employment services into labor market coordination hubs; encourage private employment service development and public-private partnership mechanisms in service delivery; ensure equal access to sustainable employment opportunities, leaving no one behind.

4. On culture and human development

- Build an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity; synchronously deploy the systems of national values, cultural values, family values, as well as human standards, and social standards from central to grassroots levels; link cultural institution building with practicing, spreading, and deeply embedding these value systems in social life; make a culture of respect for the law and social discipline core values.

Harmoniously balance conservation and development; strongly develop cultural industries and the creative economy; establish mechanisms and policies to develop master artisans; boost cultural exports; assetize cultural values and build a cultural intellectual property market; construct digital culture and defend national digital cultural sovereignty.

- Build an open, interconnected, equitable, adaptable, and learner-centered education system. Innovate education and training toward pragmatic learning, career readiness, creative capacity, critical thinking, digital skills, and an entrepreneurial spirit meeting market demands.

Develop higher education into the core of national intellectual capacity; build world-class research universities and centers of excellence in science and technology. Comprehensively innovate vocational education tied to enterprise needs; expand dual training, workplace training, retraining, and upskilling models; promote post-secondary vocational training models; build a vocational skill development ecosystem and a national vocational skills framework.

Establish skill forecasting systems, retraining programs, career transition support, and worker protection frameworks during digital and green transitions. Innovate general education toward developing personal qualities, competencies, scientific thinking, digital skills, self-learning abilities, and adaptability. Build a learning society and lifelong learning mechanisms; accelerate digital literacy and knowledge enrichment for farmers.

- Develop high-quality human resources with an emphasis on digital skills, practical capacity, creative capacity, and lifelong learning capabilities. Formulate and implement a National Strategy on Talent Attraction and Utilization featuring special, superior, and internationally competitive mechanisms and policies, especially in basic sciences, AI, semiconductors, quantum, data science, and strategic/emerging technologies; attract overseas Vietnamese intellectuals, experts, scientists, and international talents.

- Fundamentally shift the mindset from managing population size and structure to developing national demographic capital, treating population as a strategic resource for long-term growth; improve population quality, linking population policy with human resource development, social security, and the labor market. Proactively draft strategies and population policies adaptable to population aging; strongly develop the "silver economy" along with ecosystems, products, and services for the elderly.

5. On eco-environment

Treat natural resource and environmental governance as a pillar of sustainable development linked to ensuring energy security, water security, food security, climate change adaptation, and economic resilience.

Build an ecological culture and promote a green lifestyle in harmony with nature. Complete environmental protection and climate change response institutions toward an enabling framework that leads green transition, developing within ecological boundaries and environmental carrying capacities; effectively utilize economic instruments in environmental management. Achieve the net-zero emissions goal by 2050 following an appropriate roadmap; promote circular economy, low-carbon economy, and green transition across sectors, backed by support mechanisms for production regions.

- Fully develop and operate the carbon credit market; apply carbon credit pricing, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mechanisms, and green public procurement; expand green credit, green bonds, and green capital markets; perfect environmental tax/fee systems and carbon taxes according to international practices; strongly decentralize powers to major urban centers to collect environmental fees, issue green bonds, and establish low-emission zones.

- Build a modern, data-driven natural resource and environmental governance platform linked with inter-sectoral and inter-regional coordination mechanisms; strengthen management, efficient exploitation, and conservation of resources; preserve nature and biodiversity, restoring environments and ecosystems; construct ecological corridors and biodiversity protection networks; progressively integrate natural capital accounting into national statistical systems; expand automated, real-time monitoring; integrate resource-environmental protection and climate adaptation requirements into planning, budget allocation, and investment decisions.

- Proactively prevent and strictly control pollution sources; promptly resolve environmental issues to improve citizens' living environments. Proactively and effectively adapt to climate change and mitigate disaster risks; prioritize investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and urban centers.

Innovate disaster/epidemic prevention and climate adaptation work, shifting from passive response to proactive risk governance, and from handling consequences to early, far-reaching prevention; boost the application of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

- Develop the environmental industry into a strategic economic sector; establish controlled testing mechanisms (sandboxes) for green and climate technologies; encourage eco-industrial parks and traceable recycling systems; proactively handle natural disasters, sea-level rise, land degradation, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.

6. On national defense and security

- Synchronously complete national defense and security institutions and legal frameworks matching the requirements of national development model innovation, adapting to new forms of warfare and new strategic spaces. Build a strong, modern all-people national defense and an all-people defense posture linked seamlessly with the people's security posture; connect the digital defense posture and digital security posture with a firm "people's heart" posture.

Build a revolutionary, regular, seasoned, and modern People's Army and People's Public Security; step up investments and prioritize modernizing naval, air, cyber, electronic warfare, unmanned, robotic, and specialized operational forces in security, intelligence, science, technology, and specialized engineering fields.

- Accelerate breakthroughs in developing a proactive, self-reliant, strategically autonomous, dual-use, and modern defense and security industry, with appropriate participation from the domestic private sector. Prioritize AI, semiconductors, advanced materials, satellites, unmanned vehicles, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum technology, and electronic warfare; step by step master the design and manufacture of high-tech weaponry.

Formulate and synchronously develop dual-use defense-economic zones, industrial clusters, national security industrial complexes, and defense/security innovation centers; build a network of defense and security enterprises capable of mastering strategic technologies and leading spearhead sectors; develop dual-use infrastructure integrating defense, security, and civilian needs. Establish mechanisms for ordering, testing, commercializing, and controlled exporting of dual-use products; encourage overseas investment in defense and security industries.

- Ensure strategic autonomy in technology and data; construct defense data infrastructure and interconnected digital command and control systems; establish strategic forecasting mechanisms, inter-agency security coordination, and national security risk mapping.

- Comprehensively develop national security assurance capacities. Formulate and synchronously execute the National Security Strategy; firmly safeguard national security, regime security, human security, economic security, cultural-ideological security, energy security, food security, water security, cybersecurity, tech security, financial security, and security in emerging domains (outer space, low-altitude, underground, sea, and ocean...); prepare proactive scenarios and plans for handling new forms of security violations and crisis situations, as well as framework scenarios for non-traditional security threats.

- Build a synchronous, multi-tiered security posture across domains; proactively detect, effectively respond to, and push back all traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Establish periodic national resilience testing mechanisms; establish security risk assessment mechanisms for major strategies, large projects, major digital platforms, foreign direct investments in sensitive sectors, and high-impact emerging technologies; build tracking and early warning systems for supply chain and tech risks.

Formulate and refine a national strategic framework on human security; enhance citizen protection against non-traditional and cyber threats. Focus on effectively combating crimes, building an orderly, disciplined, safe, civilized, harmonious, and progressive society.

7. On foreign affairs and international integration

- Build a comprehensive, modern, professional diplomatic sector; remain steadfast in pursuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification; safeguard national interests to the highest degree based on international law; leverage the combined strength of Party diplomacy, State diplomacy, and people-to-people diplomacy; deepen relationships with partners, especially comprehensive strategic partners, strategic partners, and key partners; devise solutions to intertwine strategic interests with major powers; persistently resolve border, territorial, and maritime sovereignty issues through peaceful means on the basis of international law.

- Take economic diplomacy as a central task; synchronously and effectively conduct tech, digital, cultural, environmental, and climate diplomacy; leverage head-of-state diplomacy in building political trust; link high-level diplomatic activities with investment attraction and technology transfer; maximize the role of overseas diplomatic missions in promoting scientific and technological cooperation and attracting talent.

- Elevate multilateral diplomacy; play a core role in regional and global mechanisms; participate in shaping new international standards regarding the digital economy, AI, green finance, cybersecurity, and supply chains; promote defense and security diplomacy to protect the Fatherland early and from afar through peaceful means.

- Enhance foreign affairs and international integration capabilities of local governments and enterprises. Leverage the roles of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations, and the overseas Vietnamese community in people-to-people diplomacy, knowledge diplomacy, tech, and digital diplomacy.

- Diversify partners, markets, supply chains, and technology ecosystems; proactively manage risks of strategic dependency; apply special mechanisms to attract multinational corporations, research organizations, and international talent to participate in science and technology programs in Vietnam; strongly mobilize the resources and role of the overseas Vietnamese community.

-Van Nguyen

National special program on science, technology and innovation for strategic technologies approved

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Vietnam expected to master at least four strategic technologies in the 2026–2030 period.

A national special program on science, technology and innovation for strategic technologies has been approved under Prime Ministerial Decision 1493/QD-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on August 6.

The program aims to develop competitive products and strengthen Vietnam’s technological autonomy.

It also targets mastering, developing, completing and commercialising strategic technology products with strong competitiveness and gradually integrating them into global value chains.

The program will focus on developing strategic technologies, particularly core technologies, while building an ecosystem linking the State, businesses and science and technology organisations.

For 2026–2030, the program aims to master at least four strategic technologies on the list issued by the Prime Minister and develop and commercialise at least 15 strategic technology products. At least five of these products are expected to reach regional or international markets, with a targeted localisation rate of about 40%.

Under the program, at least 20 businesses capable of mastering strategic technologies and products will be developed, including at least five with products participating in global value chains.

For 2031–2035, the targets will rise to six strategic technologies and at least 25 strategic technology products, with at least 15 reaching regional or international markets. At least 30 businesses are expected to master strategic technologies and products, including 10 participating in global value chains.

-Ha Chi

Establishment of 496-ha hi-tech park in northern Hung Yen province approved

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The park will focus on high-tech activities in line with Vietnam’s national high-tech development policies.

The establishment of a high-tech park covering more than 496 ha in northern Hung Yen province has been approved under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1499/QD-TTg, signed on August 6 by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung.

The Hung Yen High-Tech Park will be located in Hoan Long and Viet Yen communes and will focus on high-tech activities in line with Vietnam’s national high-tech development policies.

The park will undertake research, application and development of high technologies and strategic technologies, as well as manufacture high-tech and strategic technology products. It will also provide high-tech and strategic technology services.

In addition, the park will support technology incubation, training and technology transfer, contributing to the development of a high-tech ecosystem in the province.

The facility will also perform other functions and tasks assigned to high-tech parks under Vietnam’s relevant laws and regulations.

The establishment of the park is expected to create a platform for attracting high-tech investment, promoting research and development, and strengthening Hung Yen’s capacity in strategic technology sectors.

-Ha Chi

PM orders establishment of National AI Security Framework

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 00:30:00 GMT

The Ministry of Public Security is also tasked with researching and developing a National AI Security Framework and specialized AI security capabilities by 2027, as well as issuing temporary guidelines on the safe use of AI within state agencies by the end of 2026.

Following a ceremony marking Vietnam Cybersecurity Day on August 6, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Chairman of the National Cybersecurity Steering Committee, chaired the committee’s second meeting of 2026.

At the meeting, the PM emphasized that cybersecurity capacity has not yet kept pace with the rapid development of emerging technologies, resulting in limited readiness and proactive response capabilities.

He noted that mechanisms for coordination, information sharing, incident response, and public-private partnerships remain unsynchronized, while cybercrime, data trafficking, online fraud, and violations on cross-border platforms continue to evolve in complex ways.

Furthermore, the Government leader pointed out that the recruitment, training, and retention of high-quality cybersecurity personnel have not met requirements, and the development of core technologies and the domestic cybersecurity industry remains slow.

Looking ahead, he assessed that global competition in cyberspace is shifting beyond technology to the control of data, platforms, standards, supply chains, computing power, artificial intelligence, and cryptography. Cyberattacks, espionage, information warfare, cognitive manipulation, and high-tech crimes are expected to intertwine, posing significant challenges to cybersecurity, socio-economic development, and national security.

To address these challenges, the PM requested the Ministry of Public Security (MoPS) to urgently finalize the draft Law on Data Security for National Assembly approval by October 2026.

The ministry is also tasked with researching and developing a National AI Security Framework and specialized AI security capabilities by 2027, as well as issuing temporary guidelines on the safe use of AI within state agencies by the end of 2026.

Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Technology was directed to promptly submit specialized mechanisms and policies to attract and support domestic technology enterprises and cybersecurity startups by the third quarter of 2026.

The PM further instructed the MoPS to finalize and submit a cybersecurity index by the third quarter of 2026 to evaluate the capacity of ministries, agencies, localities, and businesses. This index will also be considered for integration into the annual performance evaluations of government officials in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Other key targets include operationalizing the Asia-Pacific Regional Cybercrime Prevention Center in 2027, preparing a "Cybersecurity Economy" initiative for APEC 2027, and completing the expansion of the National Cybersecurity Operations Center by the second quarter of 2028.

Regarding national defense, PM Hung required the Ministry of National Defense to develop a "cyber-battlefront" and warfare capabilities for potential conflict scenarios. The ministry is to collaborate with the MoPS to establish mechanisms for information sharing and the transition from peacetime protection to combat readiness, including organizing at least one national-level inter-agency drill in 2026.

The Ministry of Science and Technology was also tasked with implementing comprehensive solutions to manage mobile subscribers, telecommunications services, and virtual switchboards to ensure that all subscribers can be held accurately and legally accountable.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

FPT partners with OpenAI to tap into the $240 bln cybersecurity market

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:10:00 GMT

AI is not only driving a new wave of investment but also reshaping the demands of the cybersecurity market.

FPT Corporation has officially been recognized as a select parnter of OpenAI. Under this partnership, FPT will deploy advanced AI models and products to organizations and businesses on a large scale.

According to FPT, by "joining forces," the two technology giants will support global organizations in building AI transformation roadmaps, developing platforms, enhancing internal capabilities, and deploying AI solutions that are safe, responsible, and tailored to the practical needs of each unit.

Through this collaboration, businesses can optimize the cost of operating AI models by effectively managing tokens (the data processing units of AI models). They can also maximize the value of advanced large language models, such as GPT-5.6, and tools like ChatGPT Work to realize strategic business goals.

Executive Vice President of FPT Corporation and CEO of FPT Software, Mr. Pham Minh Tuan, said that FPT and OpenAI will work together to integrate advanced AI models into the operations of large-scale enterprises, accelerating a transformation process that is fast, efficient, and responsible.

According to Mr. Tuan, cybersecurity is a key sector where advanced AI models can create the most significant impact. By integrating next-generation AI intelligence from GPT-5.6 Sol and Codex Security into FPT’s cybersecurity platforms and smart business operation processes—particularly FPT’s "Patch the Enterprise" program—customers' IT infrastructure and application environments will be proactively protected against new AI-related risks.

AI is not only driving a new wave of investment but also reshaping the demands of the cybersecurity market. Gartner predicts that global cybersecurity spending will increase by 12% to reach $240 billion by 2026. The cybersecurity services market alone is expected to grow from approximately $84 billion in 2025 to $93 billion in 2026.

Furthermore, by 2027, an estimated 17% of cyberattacks will involve Generative AI (GenAI), leading to a growing demand for AI security, cybersecurity governance, and compliance solutions. This is one of the fastest-growing markets in the AI era.

VnEconomy-Nam Anh

HCM City's e-commerce retail sales expected to grow 25% annually

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The southern metropolis has unveiled its 2026–2030 Master Plan for E-commerce Development.

Ho Chi Minh City has unveiled its 2026–2030 Master Plan for E-commerce Development, setting ambitious targets to accelerate digital commerce and promote sustainable growth.

Under the plan, 70% of the city's adult population is expected to shop online by 2030, while e-commerce retail sales are projected to grow by an average of 25% annually, accounting for 20% of total retail sales across the city.

The plan identifies e-commerce as a key pillar of the digital economy, aiming to optimize the entire value chain—from production and business operations to consumer experience. It also seeks to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental protection.

A major focus of the strategy is the development of green and sustainable e-commerce. By 2030, the city aims to reduce the proportion of products using plastic packaging to no more than 45%, while increasing the share of recycled packaging to 50%.

In addition, at least 40% of logistics companies are expected to adopt clean energy solutions, and 50% of businesses are targeted to implement environmentally friendly packaging standards, supporting the transition toward a low-carbon and more sustainable digital economy.

-Hồng Vinh

Attracting international technology talent and venture capital

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Mr. Tyler McElhaney, Country Head - Vietnam, at Apex Group Ltd., tells Ngo Huyen how to make Vietnam a destination for international technology talent and highlights factors that could help it attract more venture capital into the technology sector.

From the perspective of a foreign expert who has lived and worked in Vietnam for nearly a decade, how do international entrepreneurs and technology experts evaluate Vietnam?

Objectively, Vietnam is currently a market with great potential for the development of science and technology. But I would describe it as a high-potential destination rather than a fully-mature global talent hub.

Vietnam’s strengths are real. It has a young and digitally-engaged population, a strong entrepreneurial culture, competitive operating costs, and a strategic location in ASEAN. For technology professionals and founders, Vietnam is exciting because the market still has many unsolved problems.

Vietnam is no longer viewed only as a manufacturing destination. It is a market where technology, capital, and policy reform are moving together.

Mr. Tyler McElhaney, Country Head - Vietnam, at Apex Group Ltd.

However, though the procedures for foreign experts to work for Vietnamese businesses have become more convenient than before, for founders, obtaining business licenses or complying with regulations in areas such as data, payments, and foreign ownership remains relatively complex.

But Vietnam does not need to remove all regulation. It needs to make the path easier to understand. International talent can accept regulation. What they struggle with is uncertainty. If the process is clear, digital, and consistent, Vietnam will become a much more attractive destination for international experts, encouraging them to move from simply being interested in Vietnam to deciding to live, establish a business, or expand operations here.

Each country in the region has its own strengths. So where does Vietnam fit in? Beyond the advantages you mentioned, how should technology experts and entrepreneurs view the market?

In my opinion, Vietnam should learn but not replicate. Rather, it can position itself as the most dynamic emerging market in ASEAN, a market full of opportunities for technology builders, operators, engineers, founders, and investors who want to participate in real technology growth.

To realize that goal, it needs clearer talent pathways, stronger English-language guidance, faster digital processing, and better coordination between immigration, labor, tax, banking, and investment authorities.

Vietnam has introduced a number of policy reforms in recent years to create a more favorable environment to attract international technology talent. Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP, effective from August 7, 2025, cuts work permit processing to ten working days, relaxes experience requirements for experts, and creates new exemptions for professionals in finance, science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. The International Financial Center framework shows Vietnam is willing to think ambitiously about attracting investors and senior professionals.

Recently, on behalf of the Vietnam Private Capital Agency (VPCA), you proposed that Vietnam introduce a “Remote Talent Visa” to attract experts in various fields, including technology. Could you elaborate on this idea?

It would allow qualified foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and independent experts to live in Vietnam while working remotely for overseas clients, exploring startups, investing, or mentoring Vietnamese companies.

The objective is not tourism but economic development. Many talented people today work remotely: software engineers, AI specialists, product managers, investors, consultants, and founders. They may not be ready to open a company in Vietnam on Day 1, but if Vietnam gives them a legal, simple, and attractive way to live here, many will eventually invest, hire, mentor, or build businesses here.

I would design it with clear categories: remote professionals with proof of foreign income, startup founders exploring Vietnam, and investors or experts in priority sectors like AI, fintech, semiconductors, climate technology, and financial services. It needs safeguards: proof of income, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and compliance with Vietnamese tax and immigration rules. It should not create informal work. It should create a transparent pathway into Vietnam’s innovation economy.

This is also not a new idea imposed from outside. Vietnam’s own national startup strategy explicitly calls for favorable visa policies to attract foreign entrepreneurs, experts, investors, and fund managers. The Remote Talent Visa is one practical way to deliver on a commitment the government has already made on paper.

It helps build a pipeline of global talent that becomes familiar with Vietnam, connects with local companies, and eventually contributes to the broader innovation ecosystem.

Vietnam should not wait until someone has already decided to invest. It should create a pathway that helps them fall in love with the country first, then build here.

As a financial expert, how attractive do you think Vietnam’s technology market is to international investment funds?

Vietnam is attractive, but still developing from an institutional investor perspective. The appeal is strong. Vietnam has a large domestic market, rising incomes, high digital adoption, and major gaps that technology can solve. Regional themes support it too: supply chain diversification, digital finance, AI adoption, and a growing middle class. Investors also like that there is real economic activity behind the technology story.

At the same time, investors see challenges. Exit pathways are limited. Initial Public Offering (IPO) markets are not yet deep enough for many venture-backed companies. Mergers and acquisitions (MAs) are improving but need more scale. Legal structures for venture investment, convertible instruments, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), etc., remain complicated.

So my view is positive, but practical. Vietnam has the demand side. It has founders, talent, and growth. The next stage is strengthening the capital formation side: fund structures, exits, sandboxes, investor protection, and regulatory clarity.

Vietnam’s National Strategy for Innovative Startups aims to grow the country’s venture capital market to reach $1.5 billion by 2030. Do you think this is a feasible goal? What does Vietnam need to do to realize this goal?

Yes, the target is realistic, but it will not happen automatically. Vietnam today has more than 4,000 startups and two unicorns, and annual venture investment has averaged around $400 million, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology’s latest report. Reaching $1.5 billion means roughly tripling or quadrupling annual volume in four years. That is achievable, but only if the conditions for capital improve as fast as the ambition.

My first recommendation is legal infrastructure. Vietnam needs clearer rules for venture funds, convertible bonds, SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) agreements, ESOP programs, and other investment instruments that align with international practices.

Second, build strong regulatory sandboxes in fintech, AI, digital assets, and climate technology, so regulators learn while innovation moves forward under supervision.

Third, attract foreign fund managers, accelerators, and institutional investors. Capital matters, but global networks matter just as much. Startups need customers, later-stage investors, and overseas markets.

Fourth, connect the startup strategy with the International Financial Center strategy. If Vietnam wants to be a regional financial and innovation hub, venture capital should be part of that design, not a side project.

Finally, focus on exits. Venture capital grows when investors believe there is a path to liquidity. That means deeper IPO markets, more MAs, and stronger corporate venture participation.

Vietnam has ambition, high-quality human resources, and significant growth potential. The next step is building legal, financial, and regulatory architecture that is modern enough to turn these advantages into competitive strength on a global scale.

The last thing I want to say is that Vietnam should not only attract visitors. It should attract builders.

-Ngo Huyen

Semiconductor support services officially integrated into public service framework

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has signed Decision No. 1481/QĐ-TTg, officially issuing the List of public career services utilizing the state budget within the field of science and technology.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1481/QĐ-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on August 4, a list of State-funded public career services in the field of science and technology has been approved.

According to the decision, the new list comprises 22 services categorized into six distinct sectors.

Within the digital transformation group, the list includes evaluation services for digital products and digital technology services that fall under the category of key digital products as prescribed by law. Notably, this group also includes support services for the development, design, trial production, measurement, testing, and evaluation of semiconductor chip products.

The science, technology, and innovation group consists of five services, including support for the activities of science and technology market intermediaries and services to evaluate technological levels and capabilities while supporting the creation of technological innovation roadmaps. Other services in this group involve technology incubation support, the provision of technical infrastructure, laboratories, shared equipment, and co-working spaces for innovation and science-related enterprises, as well as the evaluation of science and technology activities.

For the intellectual property group, there are four services provided, focusing on consulting and support for the registration, management, and exploitation of geographical indications, certification marks, and collective marks.

This group also includes support for assessing the technical status of inventions in the management and implementation of state-funded science and technology tasks, services for searching and providing information for preliminary assessments of industrial property protection, and legal support for organizations and individuals involved in international cooperation to protect intellectual property rights.

In the area of standards, metrology, and quality, the list identifies three services: the development of national standards and technical regulations; guidance on applying national, international, regional, and foreign standards; and the maintenance and use of national measurement standard systems and technical documentation.

Regarding atomic energy, radiation, and nuclear safety, five services are listed, ranging from responding to and handling radiation and nuclear incidents at both provincial and national levels to national environmental radiation monitoring and warning services. This category also includes the maintenance of national standard laboratory systems for radiation measurement and the inspection and calibration of radiation-measuring equipment conducted by public service units.

Finally, the telecommunications and internet group includes three services focused on quality testing of telecom services and products to ensure safety and serve state management, along with data processing for monitoring and regulating the telecommunications market.

The Decision took effect on August 4, replacing Prime Miniterial Decision No. 2099/QD-TTg of December 27, 2017, regarding the list of state-funded public career services under the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park as a nucleus of innovation

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:10:00 GMT

Hanoi is looking to transform Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park into a science and technology city that will anchor the capital’s innovation ecosystem and future growth.

Almost three decades ago, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park was envisioned as a research and innovation center modeled on some of the world’s most successful technology parks. While it has since developed the foundations of a science and technology ecosystem, Hanoi leaders believe the Park must now evolve beyond the traditional high-tech park model into a modern science and technology city to support the capital’s next phase of development.

A series of policies and strategic decisions being issued recently signals a strong commitment from both the Party leadership and the Hanoi administration to transform Hoa Lac into the nucleus of the capital’s innovation ecosystem and a new growth engine for the knowledge economy.

Current developments

Since its establishment under Decision No. 198/1998/QD-TTg, dated October 12, 1998, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park has attracted 113 projects with total registered investment of around $5 billion. The Park is home to major domestic and international technology companies, including Viettel, FPT, and VNPT from Vietnam, South Korea’s Hanwha, and Japan’s Nidec, alongside research institutions such as the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (VKIST), the Vietnam National Space Center, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, FPT University, and several other higher education institutions. Together, these organizations are gradually creating an ecosystem that connects education, scientific research, technology development, and manufacturing.

Under Hanoi’s higher education development strategy outlined in the Capital Master Plan with a 100-year vision, Hoa Lac University Town will be expanded by approximately 1,500 ha, bringing its total area to 2,500 ha. The expanded zone will bring together universities, research institutes, RD centers, technology companies, and innovation support institutions to create a complete ecosystem where knowledge is transformed into technology and technology is commercialized into high-value products.

Despite this progress, a recent report from the Hanoi High-Tech and Industrial Park Management Board (HHTIP) showed that only about 42 per cent of Hoa Lac’s commercial land has been occupied. Technical infrastructure, science and technology infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure also remain incomplete. The figures point to substantial room for growth, but they also highlight persistent bottlenecks that must be addressed if Hoa Lac is to become both Hanoi’s technology growth pole and one of Vietnam’s leading innovation centers.

Speaking at a recent working session with the HHTIP, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Truong Viet Dung said the greatest obstacle is no longer infrastructure but development thinking. He argued that sustainable high-tech parks are built around a “1+1” ecosystem model that combines advanced technology with a modern urban environment. Such a model creates not only a center for research and innovation but also a hub capable of generating economic value and driving the capital’s innovation ecosystem.

Hoa Lac’s current development model has reached its limits, he believes. The Park therefore needs a new development mindset, stronger governance, greater management autonomy, and a more selective approach to attracting investors in strategic high-tech industries. At the same time, commercial services, education, healthcare, housing, and urban amenities must be developed in parallel to complete the ecosystem.

The ultimate goal is to transform Hoa Lac into a modern science and technology city and the nation’s leading center for research, education, innovation, and technology transfer, creating a new growth engine for western Hanoi.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee shared the same view, saying the biggest limitation has been treating Hoa Lac as a standalone high-tech park. Around the world, he noted, successful innovation ecosystems emerge only when technology parks are integrated with universities, research institutes, modern urban areas, transport infrastructure, healthcare, education, and business support services.

Under current master plans, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will need to mobilize an estimated $214 billion to $241 billion to develop more than 2,000 km of metro lines. The greatest challenge, however, is not simply securing sufficient capital, but designing a financing framework that enables the system to continue attracting investment, operate efficiently, and maintain long-term fiscal sustainability.

The timing is especially significant, he continued, as Hanoi revises its master plan and prepares to launch a series of major investment projects. In the years to come, the city should implement a development roadmap with clear priorities, focusing on planning, infrastructure, innovation ecosystem development, and the targeted attraction of strategic investors.

New incentives

Hanoi’s leaders believe Hoa Lac has strong potential to attract leading global technology investors if it succeeds in building a complete innovation ecosystem. That means developing not only technology infrastructure but also skilled human resources, university networks, electricity and transport systems, cultural facilities, healthcare, education, housing for experts and workers, and a business environment that supports long-term investment.

Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation identifies Hanoi as a pioneer in implementing new development models. The Resolution is expected to create fresh opportunities to attract investment into strategic technology industries while reinforcing Hoa Lac’s role as the capital’s science and technology hub.

At the same time, Politburo Resolution No. 02/2026/NQ-TW on the development of Hanoi sets the objective of turning the capital into a center for innovation, digital technology, and high-value services via breakthrough policies that strengthen its national leadership role and enhance its regional and international competitiveness.

Under the Resolution, Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park will serve as the country’s core RD center, piloting new policies, technologies, business models, and regulatory sandbox mechanisms while promoting research commercialization, startup development, and high-quality workforce training.

However, city leaders argue that granting special development mechanisms alone will not be enough. The criteria used to measure Hoa Lac’s performance must also change. Instead of focusing primarily on land occupancy rates or the number of investment projects, they say success should be measured by innovation outcomes, including patent registrations, the number of science and technology enterprises established, revenue generated from core technologies, startups securing investment, research commercialization, and the share of value-added created within Hoa Lac itself. These indicators, they argue, provide a far more accurate measure of the vitality of a modern science and technology city.

Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park is now at a pivotal stage in its development. The convergence of strong political commitment through recent Party resolutions, the special mechanisms introduced under the revised Capital Law, and Hanoi’s new development strategy presents a rare opportunity to transform the park into a modern science and technology city.

-Bach Duong

Master plan on development of research centers serving strategic technologies approved

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 08:05:00 GMT

Under the plan, at least four national research and testing centers for priority areas of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), biology and biomedicine, advanced materials, high-speed rail and urban rail will be formed.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.1483/QD-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on August 4, a master plan on the development of research centers, testing facilities and key laboratories serving strategic technologies has been approved.

Under the plan, by 2030, Vietnam aims to upgrade, establish, and put into operation at least eight national key laboratories in the fields of digital technologies, next-generation mobile networks, robotics and automation, advanced biology and biomedicine, advanced energy and materials, cybersecurity and quantum technologies, marine and ocean sciences and geosciences, and aviation and aerospace, according to the Government News.

At least four national research and testing centers for priority areas of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), biology and biomedicine, advanced materials, high-speed rail and urban rail will be formed.

From now to 2030, Vietnam targets the mastery of at least 10 core technologies that directly support the development of strategic technology products and address major national challenges.

The plan seeks to accelerate the commercialization of research outcomes and intellectual property generated by the research and testing centers and national key laboratories.

It also aims to establish at least 10 innovative startups or science and technology enterprises capable of developing, mastering, and commercializing core technologies, strategic technologies, and strategic technology products.

Each national research and testing center and national key laboratory will be required to establish and maintain close collaboration with at least one innovation ecosystem or cluster comprising research institutes, higher education institutions, enterprises, and state management agencies.

By 2035, Vietnam targets to further upgrade and expand the network of national research and testing centers and key laboratories, integrated with advanced regional and international research infrastructure networks.

Several testing centers and laboratories are expected to achieve regional leadership in strategic technology fields.

-Pham Long

Vietnam launches Global AI Experts Network to strengthen innovation and talent development

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The network is designed to attract, connect and sustain the participation of Vietnamese AI experts across the globe while creating a mechanism for international-standard knowledge transfer, mentorship and training to enhance the quality of Vietnam's AI workforce.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued a decision establishing the Global Vietnam AI Experts Network, a new initiative aimed at mobilizing Vietnamese artificial intelligence (AI) talent worldwide to support the country's AI ecosystem and technological development.

The network is designed to attract, connect and sustain the participation of Vietnamese AI experts across the globe while creating a mechanism for international-standard knowledge transfer, mentorship and training to enhance the quality of Vietnam's AI workforce.

It also seeks to strengthen collaboration among research institutions, businesses and international AI specialists to establish high-impact research teams capable of addressing real-world challenges, developing commercially viable AI products and solutions, and accelerating technology commercialization.

In addition, the network will serve as a platform for leading Vietnamese AI experts to contribute to national policymaking and play key roles in major AI programs and projects. Their expertise will support the development of strategic technologies in priority sectors, including healthcare, education, smart cities, cybersecurity and national data infrastructure.

The initiative forms part of Vietnam's broader strategy to build a globally connected AI ecosystem, foster innovation and enhance the country's competitiveness in emerging technologies.

-Bach Duong

Conviction 2026: driving digital growth through AI, blockchain, and policy integration

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The tentative agenda for the first day of Conviction 2026 focuses on blockchain and digital assets, featuring topics related to the commercialization of technology.

The Ho Chi Minh City Tech Festival, known as Conviction 2026, is set to take place on August 14–15 under the theme Real World, Real Movement.

The forum serves as a premier platform connecting policy, technology, and investment in two fields considered the new engines of the digital economy: blockchain and AI.

According to the organizers, Conviction 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment as Vietnam introduces a series of landmark policies to accelerate digital technology development.

Notably, the Law on Digital Technology Industry officially took effect on January 1, 2026, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for digital assets and blockchain for the first time. That was followed by Prime Ministerial Decision No. 21/2026/QD-TTg, which classifies blockchain and AI as national strategic technologies, and the Government's Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP, which paves the way for a pilot crypto-asset market.

Chairman of the HCMC Electronics and Communications Association, Nguyen Quy Hoa, noted that these policy shifts are creating a prime opportunity for the city to solidify its role as a regional hub for innovation, technology, and finance.

"We expect Conviction to be more than just a tech event; it will be a forum that brings together policymakers, international experts, enterprises, investors, startups, and the innovation community to share a common vision, foster collaboration, and create new growth opportunities," Mr. Hoa stated.

From a practical perspective, Mr. Pham Thai Lai, Director of the Center for Economic Information and Media under the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), emphasized that businesses must be the primary drivers of innovation and digital transformation.

He expected that Conviction 2026 will bridge the gap between policy and technology, contributing to the refinement of legal frameworks and promoting the adoption of AI and digital assets to create a long-term impact on the Vietnamese business community.

The tentative agenda for the first day of Conviction 2026 focuses on blockchain and digital assets, featuring topics related to the commercialization of technology. These include Real World Asset (RWA) tokenization, stablecoins, cross-border payments, capital market development, regulatory sandboxes, and the roadmap for building an International Financial Center in Vietnam.

Conviction 2026 is designed not only as an annual tech event but also as a space for dialogue between the public and private sectors.

A key highlight of the program will be a policy dialogue on the development of blockchain and digital assets. This session will feature representatives from the National Assembly, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice, and VCCI, alongside tech experts and industry leaders.

VnEconomy-Nhu Quynh - Hong Vinh

Hanoi promotes AI and e-commerce adoption to drive double-digit growth among SMEs

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The capital is currently home to 221 science and technology enterprises, more than 1,000 innovative start-ups and nearly 11,000 digital technology companies.

Hanoi is stepping up efforts to accelerate economic growth in the second half of 2026 by helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt artificial intelligence (AI) and e-commerce to enhance competitiveness, improve productivity and create new growth capacity.

Speaking at the 2026 Hanoi Economic Forum on July 31, themed "Hanoi SMEs Applying AI and E-commerce: Achieving Double-Digit Growth," Mr. Cu Ngoc Trang, Director of the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology, said AI and e-commerce adoption is no longer simply a technological issue but a practical solution to improving productivity, expanding market access and strengthening the competitiveness of both individual businesses and the capital's economy.

The department outlined a strategic roadmap centered on integrating advanced technologies into production and market expansion while accelerating the commercialization of research and innovation. It also proposed building a comprehensive support ecosystem through a five-party collaboration model involving businesses, technology providers, banks and investment funds, industry associations and government agencies to connect demand with technological solutions, financing and policy support.

Hanoi also plans to maximize the use of preferential policies and institutional reforms to encourage digital transformation among enterprises.

The capital is currently home to 221 science and technology enterprises, more than 1,000 innovative start-ups and nearly 11,000 digital technology companies, providing a solid foundation for expanding AI adoption and fostering sustainable economic growth.

-Vu Khue

Hung Yen High-Tech Park to be submitted for Prime Minister’s approval

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 02:30:00 GMT

As outlined by the People’s Committee of the northern province of Hung Yen, the projected high-tech park is slated for construction in Hoan Long and Viet Yen communes, covering an area of approximately 496.1 ha.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung recently chaired a meeting with relevant ministries and agencies to discuss the establishment of the Hung Yen High-Tech Park.

During the session, the Deputy PM reached a consensus on the proposal to be submitted to the Prime Minister for a final decision on the park's establishment. He also mandated the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee to issue the park's operational regulations, ensuring full legal compliance and accelerating the implementation process.

The Deputy Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to lead the drafting of the establishment decision. The ministry will coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Provincial People’s Committee, and the Office of the Government to finalize the documentation and submit it to the Prime Minister for signing by August 5, 2026.

According to a report from the Government Office, the dossier submitted by the Ministry of Science and Technology has incorporated feedback from relevant ministries and is essentially finalized. Following a comprehensive review, the Government Office expressed its support for the proposal to establish the high-tech park.

As outlined by the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee, the high-tech park is slated for construction in Hoan Long and Viet Yen communes, covering an area of approximately 496.1 ha.

The location is strategically chosen to leverage high-quality human resources from Hanoi while strengthening connections with the production and logistics chains of the Northern Key Economic Zone, which includes Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho, and Ninh Binh provinces.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

HCM City targets Top 50 global smart cities by 2030

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The southern city aims to develop its smart city infrastructure based on a model of green growth and data-driven governance.

Ho Chi Minh City has officially approved a smart city development scheme for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision extending to 2045.

According to the scheme, the southern city aims to develop its smart city infrastructure based on a model of green growth and data-driven governance. By leveraging digital technology, the city intends to enhance the efficiency of state management, improve the quality of urban services, and boost both the residents' quality of life and the city’s overall competitiveness.

By 2030, the city targets a position among the top 50 smartest cities in the world. The scheme identifies citizens as the centerpiece of this development process, aiming to provide urban services that are transparent, convenient, and safe, while actively encouraging community participation.

By 2035, the city strives to become one of three national smart city operation centers, playing a key role in coordinating data, technology, and innovation.

By 2045, it aims to achieve the highest level of smart city maturity according to the National Sustainable Smart City Criteria. Simultaneously, it seeks to establish itself as a leading science, technology, and innovation hub within the Asia-Pacific region.

The scheme outlines nine fundamental principles for smart city development: ensuring legal compliance and unified management; placing citizens and businesses at the center; utilizing data as the foundation for development; ensuring interoperability, integration, and shared resources; guaranteeing information security and privacy rights; emphasizing the responsibility of leadership; implementing projects in a safe and controlled manner; following a roadmap aligned with available resources; and maintaining openness and flexibility while avoiding technological dependence.

VnEconomy-Minh Huy

Hai Phong approves 13 projects, worth $3.2 bln

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 04:30:00 GMT

Among the projects is LG Innotek’s $1 billion semiconductor chip manufacturing plant in the northern port city’s Free Trade Zone.

Authorities of northern Hai Phong port city on July 30 granted investment registration certificates to 13 projects and signed two investment cooperation memoranda with investors that plan to develop industrial parks, with total committed and proposed capital of about $3.2 billion.

Among the newly licensed projects, LG Innotek Vietnam’s $1 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant at the Free Trade Zone subdivision in Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park (Zone 2) is considered particularly significant. The project is expected not only to reinforce LG Innotek’s pioneering position in Vietnam’s semiconductor industry but also to elevate Hai Phong’s high-tech industrial ecosystem.

According to official statistics, Hai Phong attracted an estimated $3.26 billion in foreign direct investment in the first seven months of 2026, up 71.8% from the same period last year.

As of July 2026, Hai Phong was home to 1,868 valid FDI projects from 41 countries and territories, with total registered capital of approximately $54 billion.

-Đỗ Hoàng

Partners for sustainable industrial parks

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Policymakers and industry experts look at how Vietnam’s industrial parks can compete for high-value investment at a time when investors seek more than just a plot of land.

Dr. Tran Van Quan, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee

Industrial parks (IPs) and economic zones have long been among the key drivers of Vietnam’s industrialization and modernization process. Today, around 70-80 per cent of newly-registered FDI in manufacturing is concentrated in IPs and economic zones.

According to Politburo Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW on the development of the foreign-invested sector, FDI enterprises currently contribute around 20 per cent of Vietnam’s GDP and more than 70 per cent of exports, and directly employ nearly 3.83 million workers. These figures underscore the continued importance of IPs as a major driver of industrial growth and national competitiveness.

The current development landscape is also creating new opportunities. In 2025, Vietnam attracted more than $38 billion in registered FDI, while disbursed FDI exceeded $27.6 billion; the highest level in five years. Manufacturing remained the largest recipient of investment, accounting for more than 56 per cent of newly-registered capital.

At the same time, the restructuring of global supply chains is positioning Vietnam as a destination for high-tech investments in sectors such as semiconductors, data centers, AI, and renewable energy. To date, the semiconductor industry has attracted total investment of more than $14 billion across more than 240 projects, while investors from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, China, the US, and Europe continue to view Vietnam as an increasingly important link in regional and global supply chains.

These investment trends are also creating new demand for IP development. According to the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam has nearly 500 established IPs covering almost 150,000 ha, with more than 300 already in operation. The country is expected to develop more than 200 additional parks in the years to come, adding over 70,000 ha and generating substantial demand for infrastructure investment.

However, the priority is no longer simply expanding capacity. The next phase requires higher-quality development through eco-IPs, smart IPs, and IPs tailored to investors’ specific requirements. This will require integrated planning and coordinated investment in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and other supporting resources from the outset.

Vietnam is entering a new stage of development, with the goal of maintaining average annual GDP growth of at least 10 per cent during 2026-2030, while manufacturing will continue to serve as the principal engine of growth. Achieving this objective will require IPs to evolve through more integrated planning and infrastructure, while accelerating green and digital transformation and strengthening their capacity to accommodate high-tech, semiconductor, and innovation-driven projects. At the same time, the investment climate and administrative procedures must continue to improve to reinforce the confidence of both domestic and international businesses.

IPs are not simply locations for investment and manufacturing. They are strategic platforms that enable Vietnam to integrate more deeply into global value chains, improve the quality of economic growth, and achieve its long-term development objectives. Realizing this vision will require that IP development be guided by a long-term strategy that closely integrates planning, infrastructure, innovation, green transformation, and a high-quality investment environment, laying the foundation for the sustainable development of Vietnam’s industrial sector.

* * *

Associate Professor Le Trung Thanh, Full-Time Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment.

The criteria for industrial park (IP) development are undergoing a clear shift. As Vietnam implements Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are becoming increasingly important determinants of IP competitiveness.

Alongside these changing competitive criteria, Vietnam’s legal framework is also evolving in a positive direction. In recent years, a series of Party resolutions, National Assembly resolutions, laws, including the Law on Environmental Protection, and regulations governing science and technology, innovation, data, and technology transfer have been revised and updated to create a more coherent framework for economic development and IP growth.

Even so, as institutional bottlenecks are gradually being addressed, I believe the greater challenge now lies in human resources and implementation capacity. The competitive landscape for IPs has changed, meaning that local governments, IP authorities, and infrastructure developers must proactively adapt to investors’ evolving expectations. Without early preparation in areas such as infrastructure, talent, energy, and supply chains, it will be difficult for Vietnam’s IPs to strengthen their competitiveness amid intensifying regional competition.

Another area that deserves greater attention is the development of IPs tailored to strategic industries. Vietnam is pursuing major national initiatives in areas such as high-speed rail, nuclear power, advanced materials, and high-tech manufacturing. Each sector has distinct infrastructure, supply chain, and ecosystem requirements. This calls for the development of more specialized IPs rather than continuing to accommodate a wide range of industries within a single park.

As IPs adapt to these new competitive requirements, Vietnam will be better positioned to attract high-tech and clean industry projects while strengthening links between FDI enterprises and domestic companies, in line with the country’s broader agenda for science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

* * *

Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Director General of the Department of Sectoral Economics, and Member of the Scientific Council at the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy.

As Vietnam’s political system moves decisively to accelerate industrialization and modernization, with science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation serving as new engines of growth, the country’s approach to industrial park (IP) infrastructure must also evolve. This transformation should go hand-in-hand with the implementation of national strategies on green transition, energy transition, digital transformation, economic restructuring, and human capital development.

IP infrastructure can no longer be viewed simply as the physical foundation for manufacturing. It must instead be recognized as a key determinant of the competitiveness of the broader economy. In this context, infrastructure should be understood in its broadest sense, encompassing transport networks, energy systems, water supply and drainage, wastewater and solid waste treatment, digital infrastructure, logistics, warehousing, distribution centers, production support services, and urban and social services for workers.

More importantly, the entire system must be planned, developed, and operated according to the principles of green, circular, sustainable, smart, and integrated development.

International experience shows that green IPs, eco-IPs, low-carbon IPs, and smart IPs are becoming the dominant direction of development. Many countries have established green IP standards and certification systems, promoted industrial symbiosis, where the waste generated by one enterprise becomes the input for another, expanded the use of renewable energy, and adopted digital technologies, big data, and smart monitoring systems to manage infrastructure and environmental performance.

These experiences provide valuable lessons for Vietnam as it develops an IP model suited to its own development priorities and conditions.

* * *

Mr. Truong Gia Bao, Vice President and General Secretary of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association (VIREA).

When Vietnam first began actively attracting FDI, securing an investor was considered a success in itself. At the time, localities had limited capacity to be selective, while investors were largely responsible for developing the infrastructure needed to support their own operations. Few investors asked about industrial ecosystems or value-added services, because they expected to provide most of what their projects required.

Today, the landscape has changed. Vietnam has adopted a more sustainable industrial development strategy that prioritizes high-value investment projects capable of delivering long-term benefits for both the country and local communities. In my view, this shift is changing not only the criteria for selecting investors but also the way industrial parks (IPs) are developed.

The goal is no longer simply to fill IPs with tenants. The focus has shifted to attracting higher-quality investment. As a result, sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, green technologies, and other strategic industries are becoming priorities. These sectors require coordinated preparation in terms of policy, infrastructure, talent, and supporting business ecosystems.

Meeting these demands requires a coordinated effort. No single locality or IP developer can create a competitive advantage on its own. The key is to translate the central government’s development strategy into clear local priorities, enabling each locality to build industrial ecosystems with distinct strengths and competitive advantages.

One encouraging development is the rapid improvement in Vietnam’s investment environment over recent years. Local governments, economic zone authorities, and State agencies have become more proactive in streamlining administrative procedures, supporting businesses, and improving investment services. In some localities, FDI-related procedures are now processed remarkably quickly, enabling investors to launch projects and begin operations much sooner.

Planning is also becoming more strategic. At both the provincial and local levels, development strategies are increasingly being built around each area’s comparative advantages. Rather than pursuing broad-based industrial expansion, localities are identifying priority industries linked to their seaports, logistics networks, industrial clusters, and supply chains.

As each locality defines its own development identity, investor selection will become more effective. Companies will be able to match their investment needs with local development priorities to identify the most suitable destination. This represents an important shift in investment promotion, from actively courting investors to attracting them through clear development strategies and a stronger alignment between investor needs and local competitive advantages.

* * *

Mr. Koen Soenens, CSM Director at DEEP C Industrial Zones.

If I had to use one word to describe what international investors look for when choosing an investment location, it would be “trust.”

Companies still evaluate traditional factors such as labor availability, tax incentives, land supply, and infrastructure. Today, however, investors are asking more than whether an industrial park (IP) has adequate infrastructure. They want to know whether it can help them meet the increasingly-stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) requirements imposed by global technology companies, covering everything from manufacturing environments and carbon emissions to sustainable governance standards.

A recent example is DEEP C’s successful attraction of a major South Korean manufacturer producing critical components for the AI semiconductor industry. The company told us that trust was the deciding factor in choosing Hai Phong and DEEP C over other locations in the region. That trust was built on the IP developer’s ability to support the investor throughout the project’s lifecycle, particularly in helping the company achieve its sustainability objectives.

Another example is a leading electronics manufacturer from Taiwan (China) that supplies companies such as Apple, Sony, and Microsoft. Similarly, its primary concern was whether DEEP C could help it comply with the increasingly-demanding ESG requirements of global technology companies, from production standards and carbon emissions to broader sustainability and governance expectations.

These examples illustrate how the competitive advantage of IPs has shifted. Today, it is no longer defined by land lease rates or investment incentives, but by the ability to become a long-term sustainability partner for investors. As multinational corporations continue to tighten ESG requirements across their supply chains, an IP’s capacity to support emissions reduction, renewable energy adoption, environmental management, and transparent governance will increasingly determine its ability to attract high-quality FDI.

* * *

Ms. Tran Huyen Yen Phuong, Deputy Director of Strategic Development at the IDICO Corporation.

We need to redefine what “connectivity” means in industrial park (IP) development. In the past, connectivity was largely understood as transport infrastructure - a road leading into an IP or the movement of goods. Today, however, it must be viewed more broadly as an integrated, sustainable infrastructure system that forms a complete ecosystem for investment and manufacturing.

From the perspective of physical infrastructure, connectivity is no longer limited to roads. It also encompasses links to economic corridors, seaports, airports, and logistics networks that enable businesses to participate more deeply in global supply chains. Vietnam already benefits from an extensive network of free trade agreements (FTAs), which is one of the key reasons international investors continue to choose the country. But to turn that advantage into lasting competitiveness, IPs must be seamlessly connected to logistics systems, import-export infrastructure, and transport hubs.

Even traditional infrastructure requirements are evolving rapidly. In the past, businesses simply needed a reliable electricity supply. Today, they also expect access to clean, renewable energy and a sustainable power system. This marks a significant shift in how investors evaluate potential locations.

In my view, however, connectivity is about more than physical infrastructure; it also includes soft infrastructure. IP development is no longer just about building infrastructure to lease land. It is about creating a complete industrial ecosystem with business support services, modern amenities, and social infrastructure.

Overall, IP developers should focus on three priorities to meet the expectations of global investors.

First, infrastructure must be delivered quickly and be sustainable. Investors today require reliable utilities, technical infrastructure, legal advisory services, and support from the moment they begin exploring investment opportunities in Vietnam.

Second, IP products and services must become more flexible. Whereas developers once focused almost exclusively on land leasing, investors now seek a broader range of options, including ready-built factories, ready-built warehouses, and more flexible investment models that enable faster market entry, lower upfront costs, and room to scale over time.

Third, IPs must build ecosystems that place people and social well-being at the center of development.

Some 14 tech startups from Taiwan (China) eye Vietnam’s AI market

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 01:00:00 GMT

This vision was shared by Mr. Hank Han, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City, during the "Vietnam Taiwan (China) Tech Solution Day 2026" forum held on July 30.

With a shared goal of becoming leading AI hubs in the ASEAN region, Vietnam and Taiwan (China) are assuming increasingly strategic roles. This partnership leverages Taiwan (China)’s advanced semiconductor integration alongside Vietnam’s rapid digital transformation and the synergy between their two innovative startup ecosystems.

This vision was shared by Mr. Hank Han, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Ho Chi Minh City, during the "Vietnam Taiwan (China) Tech Solution Day 2026" forum held in the city on July 30.

A key highlight of the event was the announcement of commercial validation metrics for pioneering Taiwanese AI projects deployed on Vietnam’s FPT Smart Cloud – AI Factory infrastructure.

The most prominent examples included three of the 14 participating startups: TAC Dynamics, GitHouse, and Chimes AI. These companies showcased AI applications in logistics, business operations, and smart manufacturing, illustrating a growing trend in cross-border tech collaboration. This milestone demonstrates the enhanced technological adaptability and implementation capacity of Vietnamese enterprises.

This year’s forum focused on connecting Taiwanese startups with the Vietnamese market, creating a platform for businesses and investment funds to meet and explore partnerships. Featuring experts in AI, smart manufacturing, and digital transformation, the event opened new doors for Vietnamese companies to integrate AI into their core business operations.

Beyond networking, the event served as a catalyst for deep cooperation. A standout example is the partnership between Horizon AI (Taiwan, China) and SotaTek (Vietnam). The two firms are co-developing technological products, conducting joint research, and manufacturing solutions to participate in the global value chain.

During a panel discussion, a representative from Horizon AI emphasized that a successful Proof of Concept (PoC) is built on two pillars: thorough preparation of requirements and a high-performing execution team. "Instead of rushing in without clear goals, the most effective strategy is to start with a small, manageable scope to prove real-world value before considering scaling," the representative noted.

Vietnam Taiwan (China) Tech Solution Day 2026 also underscored the vital importance of capital and human resources in AI development. Discussions centered on strategies to convert pilot tests into formal enterprise contracts and methods for building cross-border teams. Experts agreed that these factors are essential for AI to transition from experimental stages to generating genuine commercial value.

VnEconomy-Minh Hà

A "tenant-favorable" approach in industrial parks

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Vietnam’s modernized development strategy and ever-growing investor expectations have reshaped thinking on what an industrial park must provide tenants.

Vietnam attracted more than $34.6 billion in registered FDI during the first half of 2026, up nearly 61 per cent year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance. Disbursed FDI totaled $13.03 billion; the highest in many years. These figures underscore Vietnam’s ongoing appeal to international investors as global supply chains continue to realign.

Yet as investment inflows steadily grow, so too do investors’ expectations. While land availability, physical infrastructure, and investment incentives once defined an industrial park (IP)’s competitiveness, high-tech and high-value projects increasingly assess locations based on access to skilled talent, supporting industries, logistics networks, innovation ecosystems, and sustainability performance. The shift reflects not only changing site selection criteria but also a broader transformation in how IPs themselves are designed and developed.

This evolving landscape was a recurring theme at the Vietnam Industrial Park Summit 2026. Whether representing international organizations, government agencies, local authorities, or IP developers, speakers converged on the same question: how can IPs create greater value for investors long after a project is established, rather than simply providing manufacturing space? The answer is reshaping the competition for FDI in Vietnam’s next phase of development.

Beyond the gates

Land bank size and occupancy rates were long the standard indicators of an IP’s success. The more land developed and projects attracted, the more successful a park was considered. This approach suited a period when Vietnam focused on attracting labor-intensive manufacturing, where production space, investment costs, and basic infrastructure were the primary competitive advantages.

As Vietnam shifts toward attracting higher-quality FDI, however, these strengths have become baseline requirements rather than differentiators. Semiconductor plants, research centers, and other high-tech investments evaluate locations not only by land lease costs and infrastructure but also by their ability to access suppliers, recruit skilled workers, collaborate with research institutions, meet sustainability standards, and support long-term expansion. Increasingly, an IP’s competitiveness is determined by factors that lie beyond its physical boundaries.

According to Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao, Country Representative of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Vietnam, the country has made significant progress in attracting FDI over nearly four decades, but the quality of investment still has room for improvement. Localization rates remain relatively low, links between FDI enterprises and domestic companies are still limited, and technology transfer has yet to meet expectations.

Against this backdrop, Ms. Thao called for shifting the focus from the quantity of FDI to quality, emphasizing innovation capacity, technology transfer, supplier development, workforce upskilling, and greater domestic value creation. If these become the defining measures of investment quality, IPs can no longer compete solely on land supply and physical infrastructure.

The changing expectations are also reshaping IP models. Ms. Sinem Demir Duru, Decarbonization Expert / Eco-Industrial Parks Lead for Asia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC), said eco-industrial parks (eco-IPs) are designed not only to improve resource efficiency and reduce emissions but also to strengthen governance, enhance business services, promote industrial symbiosis, facilitate access to green finance, and meet the international standards increasingly prioritized by multinational corporations when selecting investment locations. For the IFC, eco-IPs are therefore a competitiveness strategy rather than simply an environmental initiative.

Mr. Tran Van Nam, a representative of the Vietnam-China Nexus Center, Vice Principal of FPT Polytechnic College, and Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Semiconductor Alliance, said high-quality human resources, business support services, innovation capacity, and the readiness of the broader industrial ecosystem will increasingly determine the ability to attract semiconductor projects, high-tech manufacturing, and RD centers.

Experts agreed that the role of IPs has fundamentally changed. While their primary value once lay in providing land and infrastructure, they are now expected to connect businesses with suppliers, skilled workers, research institutions, logistics providers, and local innovation ecosystems. Roads, electricity, and water remain essential, but they offer little competitive advantage if investors cannot recruit qualified engineers, find capable local suppliers, or integrate into global supply chains.

IP boundaries may still define the footprint of an investment project, but they no longer define its competitiveness. A factory may occupy only a few dozen hectares, yet its long-term success depends on the quality of the local workforce, regional supplier networks, logistics infrastructure, and innovation environment. Increasingly, it is these assets beyond the IP’s gates that determine whether high-quality FDI can be attracted and retained.

Ecosystem advantage

Competition for FDI is no longer defined by how many new IPs a locality can develop, but by how effectively those parks are integrated into a broader regional ecosystem. While IPs were once planned as largely self-contained manufacturing zones, high-tech industries, semiconductor projects, and data centers increasingly depend on seamless connections to logistics, digital infrastructure, research institutions, financial services, and regional business networks.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Tien, Standing Deputy Head of the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Parks Authority, said this thinking underpins Da Nang’s industrial development strategy. Rather than promoting individual IPs, the central city is building an integrated development ecosystem linking logistics infrastructure, seaports, the international airport, digital infrastructure, the Hi-Tech Park, the Free Trade Zone (FTZ), and the International Financial Center. Within this framework, IPs are no longer the final destination for investment but one component of a broader value chain spanning research, manufacturing, logistics, and services.

Vietnam’s first FTZ, covering nearly 1,900 ha, is being developed alongside Lien Chieu Port and the International Financial Center, with a focus on logistics, trade, digital technologies, innovation, semiconductors, data centers, and cross-border e-commerce. The National Hi-Tech Park, spanning 1,128 ha, is targeting industries such as semiconductors, aerospace, robotics, unmanned aerial vehicles, and high-speed rail technologies.

Meanwhile, the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, covering more than 27,000 ha, is expanding industrial development linked to seaports, airports, and large-scale manufacturing. Rather than competing with one another, these developments are designed to extend the value chain within a single integrated ecosystem.

This approach aligns closely with the IFC’s vision for eco-IPs. Ms. Demir Duru believes the value of an IP should be measured not only by occupancy rates or infrastructure utilization but also by the quality of its governance, business services, supplier networks, job creation, and capacity to generate local economic value. In other words, IPs are increasingly judged by their ability to provide an environment where businesses can grow over the long term rather than simply offering a place to build factories.

According to Ms. Tran Huyen Yen Phuong, Deputy Director of Strategic Development at the IDICO Corporation, as differences in land availability, infrastructure, and rental costs narrow across localities, competitive advantage will increasingly depend on service quality and the ability to support investors throughout the entire project lifecycle. That means developers must move beyond building infrastructure for lease and instead provide comprehensive services ranging from investment procedures and logistics connectivity to operational support and business expansion.

-Tuan Khang

Foreign affairs must play pioneering role, provide sound advice, take prompt action: Top leader

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:40:00 GMT

Addressing the opening of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference in Hanoi on August 1, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that a good diplomat must first have firm political mettle and always take national interests as the compass for action.

Addressing the opening of the 33rd Diplomatic Conference, which was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hanoi on August 1, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam called on the diplomatic sector to play a pioneering role, strengthen strategic research and forecasting, provide sound policy advice and take timely action to safeguard national interests and create resources for development, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency.

The Party and State leader requested the seven-day conference to enable the entire foreign affairs system to clearly identify what has been accomplished, what remains behind schedule, and agree on priority tasks, coordination mechanisms and specific outcomes.

According to the leader, the world is undergoing rapid and complex changes, but peace, cooperation and development remain common aspirations. The key is to identify opportunities early and turn them into tangible results rather than waiting for favourable conditions or responding only after situations arise.

To effectively implement the foreign policy adopted at the 14th National Party Congress, General Secretary and President Lam urged the sector to renew its thinking and improve the quality of research, forecasting and strategic advice. Research should focus on developments with direct and long-term impacts on Vietnam’s security and development, including strategic adjustments by major powers, shifts in economic, technological and power centres, and changes in trade, finance, energy and water resources, he said.

Emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, the digital economy, green transition, cybersecurity and data security must be studied early and thoroughly, he said, stressing that research should place greater emphasis on identifying opportunities and proposing concrete actions.

He also called for closer exchanges between research and performing units, between domestic agencies and overseas representative missions, as well as stronger engagement with experts, businesses and Vietnamese communities abroad.

Regarding diplomatic relations, he stressed that established and upgraded frameworks must be translated into action programmes and projects with measurable results. An upgraded relationship marks the beginning of a new chapter, not the completion of a task. Following each high-level visit, there must be an implementation plan, while each agreement must clearly define the lead agency, responsibilities, timeline and monitoring mechanism.

The effectiveness of foreign relations, he said, should not be measured by the frequency of contacts or the names of cooperation frameworks, but by whether they help consolidate peace, safeguard national interests, expand markets, generate projects, enhance technology and human resources, and deliver tangible benefits to the people.

The Party General Secretary and State President called for deeper development-focused diplomacy, with practical effectiveness as the key measure. Priority should be given to mobilising resources for science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, the private sector and higher-quality foreign investment. Vietnam should selectively attract high-tech projects in semiconductors, AI, digital infrastructure, clean energy, biotechnology and modern agriculture, while linking investment with technology transfer, human resources training and greater participation by Vietnamese firms in global value chains.

The top leader emphasised that sci-tech diplomacy must become a regular task, with networks connecting research institutes, universities, businesses and experts to bring appropriate knowledge and technologies to Vietnam. Diplomacy should seek not only capital, but also knowledge, talent and effective practices. At the same time, he called for stronger and better work involving overseas Vietnamese, culture diplomacy, external information, consular affairs and citizen protection, emphasising that all external activities must ultimately serve national development and the people.

He also urged the sector to raise the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy and implement comprehensive, coordinated and effective international integration. Preparations for Vietnam’s hosting of APEC Year 2027 must begin early, while implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 59 on international integration should be linked with institutional improvement and stronger domestic capacity.

The top leader placed particular emphasis on building a diplomatic workforce with strong political qualities, professional capacity and credibility. He urged improvements in recruitment, training, assessment and personnel deployment, while developing specialists with expertise in key geographical areas and emerging fields, and creating mechanisms to attract talent from both inside and outside the sector.

A good diplomat must first have firm political mettle and always take national interests as the compass for action, he said, stressing that every foreign affairs official must remember that behind them stand the Party, the country and the people.

He required the conference to produce concrete outcomes, including priority tasks, timelines and responsibilities for implementing foreign affairs and international integration resolutions; a review of delayed treaties, agreements, commitments and major projects; and a clear identification of key markets, projects, technologies, partners and human resources. Immediately after the event, its conclusions must be translated into plans, assigned to specific persons, with clear deadlines and regular reviews, he added

-Van Nguyen

Biotechnology development plan in agriculture and environment approved

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The plan aims to develop biotechnology into a key foundational sector that drives innovation to support growth in agriculture and environment based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1466/QD-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung on July 31, a biotechnology development plan in agriculture and environment has been approved.

According to the plan, biotechnology will be developed into a key foundational sector that drives innovation to support growth in agriculture and environment based on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The plan seeks to master core and strategic technologies, foster an ecosystem of biotechnology enterprises and strategic technology products, and enhance competitiveness in service of green, circular, and sustainable agriculture.

It set a target to master next-generation biotechnology, strategic biotechnology, and gene-editing technologies by 2045, which will be applied to develop industrial-scale products and establish a techno-economic sector capable of supplying high-quality and safe products to both domestic and international markets.

According to the plan, Vietnam will form a market for agricultural and environmental biotechnology, thus positioning the nation as one of the world and region's leading biotechnology countries for smart biotechnology production and services.

Moreover, businesses are expected to increase their investment scale and growth by 70 percent. Biotechnology products are targeted to replace at least 60 percent of imported products, while the biotechnology industry will contribute 15 percent of the sector's value added.

To achieve these objectives, the Plan outlines the following priority tasks and solutions:

- Developing science and technology to support growth in the agriculture and environment sectors;

- Building and strengthening biotechnology capabilities, including infrastructure, human resources, and research capacity;

- Developing biotechnology industry for agriculture and the environment;

- Establishing and improving legal and policy frameworks to promote biotechnology industry development;

- Enhancing international cooperation in biotechnology; and

- Raising public awareness and communication about biotechnology industry.

-Khanh Chi

Asian Meeting of the Econometric Society opens in Hanoi

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The event aims to foster evidence-based policymaking and contribute to shaping macroeconomic policies amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

The 2026 Asian Meeting of the Econometric Society (AMES 2026) officially opened in Hanoi on July 31, gathering nearly 300 researchers and scholars from around 30 countries and territories.

The conference serves not only as a leading platform for academic exchange in econometrics and economics but also as an important venue for translating theoretical research into practical applications. Organizers said the event aims to foster evidence-based policymaking and contribute to shaping macroeconomic policies amid an increasingly uncertain global environment.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Hoang, president of Thuong Mai University, said scientific forums such as AMES play an important role in connecting researchers and providing evidence-based policy recommendations as countries respond to geopolitical uncertainty, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and the transition to greener economies.

-Khánh Vy

Hai Phong launches Free Trade Zone and announces new economic zones

Sat, 01 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Free Trade Zone in the northern port city is planned to include manufacturing areas, port and port-logistics facilities, logistics centers, commercial and service areas, and other functional zones.

The People’s Committee of northern Hai Phong port city on July 30 held a conference to announce the Prime Minister’s decisions on the locality’s economic zones, and officially launched the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone.

On February 12, 2026, the Prime Minister approved the establishment of the Hai Phong Specialized Economic Zone, covering approximately 5,300 hectares in the western part of the city. The zone will focus on science- and technology-intensive industries and services, including artificial intelligence, robotics, big data and chemicals, as well as research and development activities.

Earlier, on December 4, 2024, the Prime Minister approved the establishment of the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone, covering approximately 20,000 hectares. On March 14, 2026, the Government approved the zone's master plan through 2050.

The Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone has been identified as a key growth engine for the city and a major marine economic hub. It is expected to support and connect with other coastal economic zones while contributing to the development of the Red River Delta.

The Hai Phong Free Trade Zone, covering nearly 6,300 ha within the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone, is planned to include manufacturing areas, port and port-logistics facilities, logistics centers, commercial and service areas, and other functional zones.

Priority sectors will include research and development, semiconductors, information technology, automation, high-tech supporting industries, digital infrastructure and logistics, positioning the free trade zone as a strategic platform for attracting investment and developing high-value industries in Hai Phong.

-Đỗ Hoàng

Underpinning industrial growth

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 GMT

As global sustainability standards tighten, Vietnam is accelerating the shift from traditional industrial parks to greener, smarter, and more resilient industrial ecosystems.

Speaking at Conference Session 1 of the Vietnam Industrial Park Summit 2026, with the theme “Planning, Construction, and Operation of Industrial Park Technical Infrastructure Toward Green, Circular, and Sustainable Criteria,” Mr. Vu Manh Hung, Director General of the Department of Sectoral Economics and Member of the Scientific Council at the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, said developing green industrial parks (IPs) is no longer optional. “This is an inexorable requirement to realize the Party and State’s major policies on industrialization and modernization in tandem with green growth, the circular economy, innovation, and digital transformation,” he told participants.

National competitive advantage

IPs have played a pivotal role in Vietnam’s socio-economic development over the past several decades, he continued, serving as a key driver of FDI attraction, exports, economic restructuring, job creation, and State budget revenue. They have also strengthened links between domestic enterprises and multinational corporations, enabling Vietnam to integrate more deeply into global value chains.

According to the Foreign Investment Agency at the Ministry of Finance, Vietnam had 485 IPs covering 145,910 ha as of December 2025. Of these, 326 were in operation, with an average occupancy rate of 77 per cent. Multi-sector industrial parks account for 84.5 per cent of the total. After eight years of implementing eco-industrial parks (eco-IPs), only three have been officially certified by local authorities, or just 0.61 per cent of the total.

Mr. Hung added that the current development model still faces significant shortcomings. Most IPs have expanded extensively rather than intensively, while the quality and integration of technical infrastructure remain inadequate. Connectivity with regional infrastructure, urban areas and logistics networks also remains limited. At the same time, mounting pressure on land, natural resources, and energy, alongside increasingly stringent emissions reduction requirements, means the traditional model is no longer sufficient.

As Vietnam simultaneously advances green, digital, and energy transitions while pursuing a new growth model, IP infrastructure must be viewed through an entirely different lens. “IP infrastructure is no longer merely a physical foundation for production,” Mr. Hung said. “It must become a decisive factor in the competitiveness of the entire economy.”

To accelerate the transition, the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy proposed five key priorities.

First, Vietnam should clearly define a next-generation IP model aligned with the national industrial development strategy, green growth strategy, circular economy, digital economy, and climate adaptation objectives, while strengthening links between IPs, urban areas, economic zones, and economic corridors.

Second, requirements for energy efficiency, resource efficiency, circular economy principles, and climate resilience should be integrated into the planning process from the outset. Green and eco-IP standards and technical regulations should also be developed alongside industrial symbiosis and resource reuse models.

Third, digital technologies should be deployed more extensively in infrastructure management through data platforms, the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and centralized control systems to optimize energy consumption, environmental monitoring, water supply, waste treatment, and operational safety.

Fourth, Vietnam should develop modern logistics infrastructure with seamless connections to seaports, airports, railways, and expressways, while establishing logistics centers and smart warehouses to lower costs and strengthen business competitiveness.

Finally, institutional reforms should encourage investment in green and digital infrastructure, expand green finance and green credit, refine tax and fee mechanisms, promote public-private partnerships (PPPs), and mobilize greater private and international financial resources.

“If implemented comprehensively, green IPs will become more than production hubs,” Mr. Hung said. “They will serve as the foundation for Vietnam’s new growth model, bringing together modern manufacturing, innovation, digital transformation, the circular economy, and sustainable development.”

Practical models

While policymakers have outlined the vision for next-generation IPs, businesses say success ultimately depends on translating those ambitions into practical operating models.

Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of the Shinec JSC, the developer of the Nam Cau Kien Industrial Park in northern Hai Phong city, said Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, announced at COP26, is more than a national political pledge. It has become a powerful force driving companies to rethink their development strategies.

Several years ago, Nam Cau Kien adopted an eco-IP model built on three core pillars: green industry, the circular economy, and digital transformation. These principles now underpin its broader sustainable governance framework.

Rather than focusing solely on physical infrastructure, the IP has developed a management model centered on three priorities: sustainable governance supported by environmental, energy and resource monitoring systems; cleaner production that improves resource efficiency and reduces emissions; and industrial symbiosis among tenant companies.

The distinguishing feature of this model is that waste or by-products from one company become raw materials for another. Shared infrastructure and common services are also developed to optimize costs and create value across the entire IP, rather than maximizing efficiency for individual businesses alone.

According to Mr. Anh, the efforts of infrastructure developers alone are insufficient to build a genuine eco-IP. Success depends on coordinated participation from four stakeholders: the government, providing a clear legal and policy framework; infrastructure developers, acting as coordinators; tenant companies, actively participating in industrial symbiosis; and local communities, supporting environmental protection.

From the perspective of sustainability standards, Mr. Douglas Snyder, Executive Director of the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), said one of Vietnam’s biggest gaps is the absence of an independent IP assessment system with clear criteria aligned with international standards.

He said existing regulations have laid an important foundation for eco-IP development but remain largely compliance-based. Meanwhile, businesses and financial institutions increasingly require measurable environmental, social, and governance (ESG)-based standards that support performance assessment, certification, capital raising, and competitiveness.

To address that need, the VGBC has developed the LOTUS Industrial Park certification system, the first certification framework designed specifically for Vietnam’s IPs. The framework references international standards, including the UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park Framework, GRI, the World Green Building Council, the ASEAN Taxonomy, and the Vietnam Green Taxonomy. “These criteria are designed not only to reduce emissions but also to strengthen IPs’ access to green finance while meeting the expectations of investors and global supply chains,” Mr. Snyder said.

He added that renewable energy, green buildings, carbon management in construction materials, water reuse, waste reduction, and digital technologies should all be incorporated into IP planning and operations from the outset. “Every IP should establish a decarbonization roadmap through 2050 starting today, because the net zero target cannot be achieved through short-term measures alone,” he concluded.

- Ngoc Lan

Towards better industrial parks

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Vietnam’s industrial parks must evolve to meet emerging investment and sustainability needs and facilitate economic growth.

After nearly four decades of economic reform, industrial parks (IPs) have become a cornerstone of Vietnam’s industrialization process, attracting FDI, expanding manufacturing and exports, creating new growth poles, and generating millions of jobs. The country is pursuing double-digit annual economic growth in the years to come, with a focus on shifting from expansion alone to a development model driven by productivity, science and technology, innovation, and high-quality human capital. This requires the country’s IPs to evolve beyond conventional manufacturing hubs into platforms capable of attracting higher-quality investment and supporting the next phase of economic growth.

Given that, the Vietnam Industrial Park Summit 2026 was held in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 10, endorsed by the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy and organized by the Vietnam National Real Estate Association (VNREA) in coordination with relevant agencies. Policymakers, local authorities, and businesses in attendance agreed that developing green IPs is no longer optional but an essential prerequisite for maintaining Vietnam’s investment appeal, increasing industrial value-added, and achieving sustainable growth.

Changing landscape

According to Mr. Nguyen Anh Duong, Head of General Research and International Integration at the Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies (IPSS) at the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, the global economy is expected to continue recovering during 2025-2027 but will remain vulnerable to geopolitical competition, trade and investment volatility, and macro-economic risks. Meanwhile, digital transformation, the green transition, the circular economy, and the effective use of free trade agreements are becoming key determinants of national competitiveness in attracting investment.

Mr. Duong noted that global GDP growth is projected to have reached around 2.9 per cent in 2025, will slow to 2.5 per cent in 2026, and then recover to 2.8 per cent in 2027, while global trade growth is also expected to moderate. Against this backdrop, Vietnam aims to sustain double-digit annual economic growth during 2026-2030 while advancing industrial modernization and strengthening economic self-reliance.

As a result, IPs can no longer focus on merely providing manufacturing space. Mr. Duong argued that they should evolve into modern industrial ecosystems that enable businesses to embrace digital and green transformation, strengthen regional links, enhance investment attraction, and contribute to greater economic resilience.

Associate Professor Le Trung Thanh, Full-Time Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, observed that 10 to 20 years ago IP competitiveness was largely determined by location, land rental costs, and labor availability, while investors today increasingly prioritize science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development.

In particular, the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science and technology, innovation, and national digital transformation is creating entirely new requirements for IP development, which must now provide not only integrated physical infrastructure but also robust digital infrastructure, energy-efficient systems, low-carbon operations, supply chain connectivity, and innovation capabilities.

From an international perspective, Ms. Sibylle Bachmann, Chargé d’Affaires a.i at the Embassy of Switzerland in Vietnam, noted that investors worldwide are increasingly selecting locations based not only on costs and logistics but also on renewable energy availability, carbon performance, circular economy solutions, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. “The IPs of the future will no longer simply provide land and infrastructure,” she said. “They must become platforms for innovation, resource efficiency, low-carbon growth, and industrial collaboration.”

Mr. Koen Soenens, CSM Director at DEEP C Industrial Zones, said investors continue to evaluate traditional factors such as labor availability, tax incentives, land supply, and infrastructure when selecting locations. However, when committing hundreds of millions of dollars to factories expected to operate for 20 to 50 years, their greatest concern is whether the IP can serve as a reliable long-term partner.

Building better IPs

Meeting these new expectations requires more than planning and infrastructure investment. It also demands institutional reforms that move ahead of market developments. Speaking at the Summit, Mr. Duong said policies need to be updated to facilitate the formation, efficient operation, and long-term adaptability of new IP models in line with evolving industrial production and investment trends.

One important direction, he noted, is the diversification of IP models. Alongside conventional IPs, Vietnam is also promoting eco-IPs, specialized IPs, high-tech IPs, and integrated industrial-urban-service zones to meet increasingly diverse business needs while supporting green and digital transformation. These efforts are being accompanied by policies encouraging circular economy practices, more efficient resource use, stronger regional connectivity, and closer integration between IPs and logistics, urban areas, and service infrastructure.

Mr. Duong added that institutional reforms should go beyond expanding IP models and create favorable conditions for businesses to invest in next-generation infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, energy systems, and solutions supporting green transition and innovation. At the same time, Vietnam should continue decentralizing authority and strengthening coordination between central and local governments to shorten project implementation timelines and improve investment efficiency.

As IP models evolve, investment attraction strategies must also change accordingly. Rather than focusing primarily on increasing project numbers or scale, priority should be given to attracting investments with advanced technologies, strong innovation capacity, efficient resource use, and meaningful spillover effects for domestic enterprises.

This direction is also reflected in Politburo Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW on the development of the foreign-invested sector, issued shortly after the Summit. The Resolution emphasizes the selective attraction of high-tech, environmentally-friendly projects with modern governance while strengthening links between FDI enterprises and domestic enterprises, promoting technology transfer, developing high-quality human resources, and enhancing Vietnam’s position in global value chains.

From policy direction to implementation

The transition toward new IP models is already moving beyond policy discussions and being translated into planning and implementation in several localities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dung, Deputy Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, said that following the city’s administrative expansion, authorities see the restructuring of development space as an opportunity to build a more integrated IP system rather than continuing the fragmented development approach of the past. Under this strategy, IPs are planned in close connection with the city’s seaport network, logistics system, urban development, and transportation infrastructure to create highly-integrated production and supply chains.

She added that alongside reviewing and integrating land use, construction, and transportation planning following the merger, the city is also developing shared technical infrastructure across IPs, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and energy systems. The objective is to reduce investment costs, improve operational efficiency, and better prepare IPs for future development requirements.

Another priority highlighted by the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board is the selective attraction of investment projects in sectors such as semiconductors, precision engineering, biotechnology, and other industries that make efficient use of land while generating low emissions. At the same time, the city is implementing a roadmap to upgrade existing IPs into eco-IPs, promote circular economy practices, and expand the use of renewable energy in manufacturing.

At DEEP C Industrial Zones, Mr. Soenens said that many facilities once regarded as supporting infrastructure are now becoming integral components of IP development. These include renewable energy systems, water reuse, industrial symbiosis, shared logistics, supplier network development, and workforce training.

These components, he continued, must be incorporated from the earliest planning and investment stages to create manufacturing environments capable of meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of international investors. This reflects a broader shift in IP development, which is no longer simply about building physical infrastructure but requires a more integrated approach that addresses the evolving needs of both businesses and industrial development.

Experience from Hai Phong and DEEP C demonstrates that, alongside institutional reform, the transformation of Vietnam’s IPs is already taking shape through integrated spatial planning, infrastructure investment, and the development of comprehensive business ecosystems. Together, these represent the first tangible steps toward realizing the country’s vision for IPs in the next stage of economic development.

-Huynh Dung Ngoc Lan

A fresh approach to industrial development

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 09:30:00 GMT

UNIDO has offered recommendations and introduced programs that will help Vietnam build a more competitive, resilient, and sustainable industrial sector in a changing global landscape.

Amid intensifying geoeconomic competition, the green transition, and the restructuring of global supply chains, Vietnam is entering a new phase of industrial development. Drawing on its experience supporting industrial development across many countries, as well as its ongoing programs in Vietnam, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) believes that enhancing industrial competitiveness will require a more integrated approach. In this context, attracting high-quality FDI should be embedded within a broader strategy to build modern, resilient, and sustainable industrial ecosystems.

New phase of industrial development

Manufacturing has been one of the principal drivers of Vietnam’s economic growth over the past four decades. Deep international integration, together with sustained inflows of FDI, has expanded production capacity, boosted exports, and positioned Vietnam as an important link in global value chains. These achievements provide a strong foundation for the country’s ambition of becoming a modern industrial economy in the decades ahead.

At the same time, the global development landscape is evolving rapidly. Geopolitical tensions, supply-chain diversification and restructuring, rapid advances in AI, and the global commitment to net zero emissions are reshaping production networks and investment decisions. Sustainability requirements, circular economy practices, supply-chain transparency, and policy instruments such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) are becoming increasingly important for international market access.

As a result, investment decisions are shifting away from a primary focus on labor costs and investment incentives toward the quality of industrial ecosystems, including green infrastructure, clean energy, support industries, skilled human resources, and innovation capacity.

This changing landscape presents Vietnam with both challenges and opportunities to upgrade its industrial development model. Politburo Resolution No. 10 on foreign-invested economic development clearly signals a shift from attracting investment by quantity to prioritizing projects that promote advanced technology, innovation, green transformation, stronger links with domestic enterprises, and greater domestic value creation.

UNIDO’s international experience shows that countries capable of sustaining long-term industrial growth are those that successfully transform external resources into stronger domestic industrial capabilities. This calls for industrial policies that go beyond expanding production capacity and instead focus on building modern industrial ecosystems that are innovative, resilient, and sustainable.

Toward higher-quality industry

To realize the objectives of Politburo Resolution No. 10, UNIDO’s experience suggests that success depends not only on selecting the right investment projects but also on building industrial ecosystems capable of absorbing technology, raising productivity, and generating greater domestic value-added.

Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao from the UNIDO Vietnam.

Its Global Eco-Industrial Parks Programme (GEIPP) provides a compelling example. More than an environmental initiative, eco-industrial parks (eco-IPs) have proven to be an effective approach to strengthening the competitiveness of both enterprises and industrial parks (IPs). Through resource efficiency, cleaner production, and industrial symbiosis, the GEIPP has supported ten IPs and 159 enterprises in identifying 2,036 resource-efficiency opportunities, of which 1,078 have already been implemented. Each year, participating enterprises save more than 60,000 MWh of electricity and nearly 700,000 cubic meters of water, reduce approximately 248,000 tons of CO2 emissions, and generate direct cost savings of more than $7.6 million. These achievements demonstrate that green transformation can reinforce both productivity and business performance.

Building on these results, UNIDO is promoting the Global Energy Districts Programme (GEDP), which introduces shared energy infrastructure at the IP and urban levels. The Energy Districts concept supports integrated systems for steam, heating, cooling, and energy supply, facilitating greater use of renewable energy, industrial waste heat recovery, and improved energy efficiency. This approach is expected to become a key feature of next-generation IPs, where green infrastructure, clean energy, and resource efficiency are planned and developed in an integrated manner.

Alongside infrastructure development, strengthening the capabilities of domestic enterprises is essential to maximizing the spillover effects of FDI. Through the Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP), UNIDO supports the strengthening of national quality infrastructure, standards, testing, and certification systems, enabling enterprises to meet international market requirements and integrate more deeply into global supply chains.

In parallel with upgrading existing industries, UNIDO is also supporting Vietnam in preparing for the industries of the future. As the global transition toward clean energy and sustainable mobility accelerates, e-mobility represents not only a technological shift but also an opportunity to develop new industrial value chains.

Drawing on experience from a number of countries, UNIDO is working with Vietnamese partners to develop an e-mobility ecosystem program focusing on policy development, standards, charging infrastructure, enterprise capability enhancement, and domestic supply-chain development. The objective is to help Vietnam evolve from being primarily a consumer market into an increasingly important participant in the global electric mobility value chain.

Though these initiatives span different sectors, they all reflect a common vision: industrial development is not simply about attracting more investment or expanding production capacity; it is about progressively building industrial ecosystems that are more productive, greener, and better equipped to withstand global economic shocks.

Partnering with Vietnam

The rapidly-evolving global landscape calls for a fresh approach to industrial development. In UNIDO’s view, future competitiveness will depend less on production costs or the scale of investment and more on the ability to build industries that are productive, innovative, green, and resilient. For Vietnam, this calls for an integrated industrial development strategy built around four priorities.

First, FDI attraction should shift from maximizing the number of projects to maximizing their quality and development impact. The value of FDI should be assessed not only by capital inflows but also by its contribution to technology transfer, human capital development, innovation, and stronger links with domestic enterprises.

Second, IPs should evolve into next-generation industrial ecosystems by integrating green infrastructure, shared energy systems, and industrial symbiosis from the planning stage. Such an approach would improve resource efficiency, reduce emissions, and enhance Vietnam’s attractiveness among high-quality investors.

Third, strengthening domestic enterprises should become the centerpiece of industrial policy. Sustainable industrial development requires local firms that can meet international standards, participate more deeply in global supply chains, and progressively upgrade their technological capabilities. This, in turn, requires coordinated investment in supplier development, innovation, skills, and national quality infrastructure.

Finally, Vietnam should proactively prepare for the industries of the future rather than relying solely on its existing comparative advantages. Clean energy, electric mobility, smart manufacturing, the circular economy, and other green industries will create new value chains over the coming decade. Early investment in institutions, standards, infrastructure, human resources, and enterprise capabilities will enable Vietnam to capture emerging opportunities arising from global investment shifts and technological transformation.

These four priorities are mutually reinforcing and together provide the foundation for building a modern, competitive, green, and inclusive industrial economy. They also reflect the approach that UNIDO is advancing through its cooperative programs in Vietnam and around the world.

As the UN’s specialized agency for industrial development, UNIDO remains committed to supporting Vietnam by sharing international experience, strengthening policy and institutional capacity, developing pilot models, and fostering partnerships between government, the private sector, and development partners. Building on the UNIDO Country Programme for Vietnam 2025-2028, UNIDO looks forward to continuing its contribution to Vietnam’s industrial development agenda toward 2030 and the vision for 2045, helping to build an industrial sector that is more productive, greener, and more resilient.

-By Ms. Le Thi Thanh Thao, Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thuy Ms. Nguyen Tram Anh from UNIDO Vietnam

Priorities for industrial park development

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s current and future industrial expansion requires that industrial parks play a greater role in boosting productivity, resilience, and self-reliance.

The global economy is entering a period of heightened uncertainty, with increasingly rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments. Several international organizations have forecast that global economic growth will slow markedly in 2026 compared to 2025. Against this backdrop, countries are not only diversifying trade and investment relationships but also accelerating efforts to build more self-reliant economies supported by resilient and adaptable production capacity.

FDI continues to favor destinations that offer political and macro-economic stability, modern digital and energy infrastructure, strong connectivity, and manufacturing ecosystems capable of adapting to supply chain shifts, digital transformation, and the green transition. In this environment, Vietnam has strengthened its position as one of the region’s leading investment destinations through consistent and effective macro-economic policies.

The 14th National Party Congress set a strategic objective of achieving double-digit annual GDP growth during 2026-2030, with the goal of becoming a developing country with a modern industrial base by 2030. This direction was reinforced in Conclusion No. 18-KL/TW, issued on April 2, 2026, which identified industry as the primary engine of economic growth. The industrial and construction sector is targeted to expand by 12.3 per cent annually during 2026-2030, while manufacturing is expected to average 12.4 per cent annual growth.

Future industrial expansion, however, will be driven by a new development model centered on science and technology, innovation, higher value-added production, digitalization, green transformation, and deeper integration into global value chains. Achieving these objectives will require Vietnam’s industrial parks (IPs) and economic zones to be fundamentally repositioned, not only in terms of function and development model but also in the quality of investment they attract. Their role will increasingly be to support modern production ecosystems while enhancing productivity, resilience, and economic self-reliance.

Redefining industrial growth

IPs serve as the foundation for developing industrial clusters and integrated manufacturing ecosystems. Concentrating businesses within shared infrastructure reduces transaction costs, improves logistics efficiency, shortens project implementation timelines, and promotes greater specialization.

When fully connected with seaports, airports, railways, logistics hubs, research institutions, universities, and service-oriented urban areas, IPs become critical links in regional and global production networks. Stronger coordination between IPs in different localities would not only deepen regional integration but also redistribute manufacturing activities more efficiently and create new economic corridors.

IPs also remain one of Vietnam’s most important tools for attracting higher-quality FDI. Politburo Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW, issued on June 8, 2026, sets a target of integrating around 10,000 domestic companies into the value chains of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs), including 500-1,000 Tier-1 suppliers. The development of IPs provides an important mechanism for implementing this strategy, by prioritizing investment projects involving advanced technologies, RD, workforce training, and stronger links with domestic suppliers.

At the same time, IPs provide an ideal environment for implementing digital and green transformation. Digitalized management systems integrating land, construction, environmental, and energy data can streamline administrative procedures, lower compliance costs, improve incident response, monitor energy efficiency, facilitate data sharing, and strengthen real-time oversight.

Industrial symbiosis - where one company’s waste or byproducts become another company’s production inputs - can also help manufacturers meet increasingly stringent sustainability requirements in export markets. Successful international examples include Denmark’s Kalundborg industrial symbiosis model, South Korea’s transformation of the Ulsan industrial cluster, and Japan’s Kawasaki Eco-Town circular economy initiative.

Policy reforms

Vietnam has already introduced a series of important policies supporting IP development. Beyond the industrial development priorities established by the 14th National Party Congress and Conclusion No. 18, Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW, adopted in November 2022, calls for the development of large-scale modern eco-industrial parks (eco-IPs), expanded railway connections linking IPs with economic zones, airports, and seaports, and the development of coastal eco-IPs integrated with urban areas and major marine economic centers. It also encourages the industrial park-urban-service model.

These policy directions have been translated into concrete legal reforms. Government Decree No. 35/2022/ND-CP established the legal framework for a diverse range of IP models, including specialized IPs, supporting IPs, eco-IPs, high-tech IPs, and integrated industrial park-urban-service developments, while promoting industrial symbiosis.

The Law on Investment 2025 further decentralizes investment approval authority and introduces special investment procedures designed to accelerate project implementation.

More recently, under Official Letter No. 4551/NHNN-CSTT, dated May 29, 2026, the State Bank of Vietnam allowed credit institutions to exclude additional lending to IPs and export processing zones from real estate credit growth calculations in 2026 when monitoring lending limits. This measure is intended to facilitate greater financing for industrial infrastructure development.

Four priorities

Going forward, Vietnam should focus on four key policy priorities to accelerate IP development.

First, industrial infrastructure development should be aligned with major structural transitions, particularly through regulatory sandboxes that support the green and circular economy. In the digital era, data should be treated as strategic infrastructure alongside transportation, energy, and logistics networks, providing the foundation for smart governance, resource optimization, and higher-value business services. Wider adoption of AI, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other digital technologies should improve infrastructure management, energy efficiency, environmental performance, and overall competitiveness, while cybersecurity and data protection must remain integral to the digital transformation process.

Second, policy should shift from expanding the number of IPs to improving their quality and effectiveness. As global supply chains are reconfigured and competition for investment intensifies, success will depend less on attracting more projects than on attracting high-quality investment capable of transferring technology, driving innovation, and strengthening links with domestic enterprises, thereby moving Vietnam higher up global value chains.

Third, investment promotion and incentive policies should evolve in line with Politburo Resolution No. 10 by moving away from input-based incentives toward performance-based support tied to investors’ commitments. This approach should encompass the full project lifecycle while encouraging stronger cooperation between foreign investors and domestic businesses.

Fourth, IPs should become more specialized and better integrated into value chains, evolving into comprehensive manufacturing ecosystems that connect anchor manufacturers, supplier networks, logistics centers, research and innovation institutions, workforce training facilities, financial services, and industrial support services within a coordinated development framework.

(*) Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien is Vice Chairman of the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy (CCPS), and Chairman of the CCPS Scientific Council.

-Dr. Nguyen Duc Hien(*)

Global Vietnam Innovation Forum 2026 highlights Vietnam's technology ambitions

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The forum aiming to promote innovative initiatives, technology projects and advanced solutions while strengthening links between Vietnam and the global innovation community.

The Global Vietnam Innovation Forum (VGIC) 2026 opened in Ho Chi Minh City on July 29 under the theme “Vietnam’s New Era of Growth – Positioning the Nation on the Global Technology Map.”

The forum aims to promote innovative initiatives, technology projects and advanced solutions while strengthening links between Vietnam and the global innovation community.

The event brought together 100 Vietnamese and overseas Vietnamese innovators, including scientists, technology leaders and researchers holding key positions at leading global technology companies, research institutes and universities.

A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a joint declaration to establish the Vietnam Innovation Policy Labs (VIPL) by the Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts (AVSE Global), the Global On-Chain Economy Alliance (GOE Alliance) and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI).

VIPL is an independent policy research and advisory initiative designed to bridge international expertise with Vietnam's policymaking process.

The initiative seeks to establish a collaborative platform connecting the global network of Vietnamese experts, the private sector and international policy advisory organisations. It is expected to support institutional development, foster innovation and strengthen Vietnam's long-term national competitiveness.

-Vân Nguyễn

Hanoi launches pilot digital consumption initiative to promote transparent e-commerce

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The program aiming not only to establish an additional online sales channel but also to build a safe, transparent and traceable digital consumption ecosystem under the supervision of the municipal government.

Hanoi has approved a pilot program on digital consumption and e-commerce endorsement, marking a strategic government-led initiative to create a more transparent online shopping environment, thus strengthening consumer protection and improving oversight of the digital marketplace.

The program aims not only to establish an additional online sales channel but also to build a safe, transparent and traceable digital consumption ecosystem under the supervision of the municipal government.

Beyond safeguarding consumers' legitimate rights and interests, the initiative is designed to create a reliable data source to support state management. Data collected through the platform will help authorities monitor market developments, forecast consumer trends, provide early risk warnings and formulate digital economy policies based on real-world market conditions.

To implement the strategy, Hanoi has set a series of measurable targets for 2028. The city aims to attract 500 participating businesses and organisations to the program while listing 1,000 products on its digital marketplace or linked online platforms.

At least 80% of listed products are expected to carry traceability information or recognised digital identification codes, while all participating businesses will receive guidance on mandatory information disclosure requirements.

-Song Ha

Ha Tinh approves detailed plan for $3bln steel plant

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Invested in by VinMetal Manufacturing and Trading Joint Stock Company, the project covering 460ha in Vung Ang Economic Zone.

The Economic Zone Management Authority of central Ha Tinh province has approved a detailed plan for the VinMetal Ha Tinh Steel Manufacturing Plant, covering nearly 460 hectares in Vung Ang Economic Zone.

The project has a total investment of nearly VND80 trillion (approximately $3 billion).

The project is planned as a modern, integrated steel production complex featuring a full range of functional facilities, including raw material handling areas, coke production, ironmaking and steelmaking plants, steel rolling and hot-rolling facilities, a thermal power plant, lime and cement production facilities, finished-product warehouses, slag treatment areas, technical infrastructure and an administrative office complex.

The project was granted an investment registration certificate on February 27, 2026. The investor is VinMetal Manufacturing and Trading Joint Stock Company, a steel manufacturing subsidiary established by Vingroup.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Electronics and phone exports drive Vietnam’s trade growth

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The two product groups accounting for more than 60% of the $46.33 billion increase in Vietnam’s total merchandise exports in the first half of 2026.

Vietnam’s exports of computers, electronic products and components increased by $23.44 billion in the first half of 2026, while exports of phones and components rose by $4.8 billion, according to the Vietnam Customs.

Together, the two product groups accounted for more than 60% of the $46.33 billion increase in Vietnam’s total merchandise exports compared with the same period last year.

Exports of computers, electronic products and components reached $14.94 billion in June, bringing the six-month total to $71.16 billion, equivalent to 26.7% of the country’s total export turnover. The sector recorded year-on-year growth of 49.1%, representing an increase of $23.44 billion.

The US remained the largest export market for the product group, with shipments reaching $28 billion in the first six months, up 51.4% year-on-year, or $9.5 billion. China ranked second with $11.8 billion, up 43.9%, followed by Hong Kong (China) at $6.77 billion, up 44.1%; South Korea at $4.56 billion, up 10.6%; and Mexico at $1.41 billion, marking a sharp increase of 170%.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s phone and component exports reached $5.32 billion in June, up 4.6% from the previous month. Six-month exports totalled $31.69 billion, accounting for 11.9% of the country’s total export turnover and rising 17.8% year-on-year, equivalent to an increase of $4.8 billion.

China was the largest export market for phones and components, with shipments valued at $6.94 billion, up 27.7%. The US followed with $5.61 billion, up 4.8%.

-Hạ Chi

Systematic, sustainable success of game industry

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 23:35:00 GMT

Dr. Cao Minh Thang, Director of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology at the Postal Telecommunications Institute of Technology, tells Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy about the transformation of Vietnam’s game industry.

How would you assess the development of Vietnam’s game industry over the past decade, particularly since the “Flappy Bird” phenomenon?

Dr. Cao Minh Thang, Director of the Institute of Information and Communications Technology at the Postal Telecommunications Institute of Technology.

Over the past five years, Vietnam’s game industry has made what I would describe as extraordinary progress. Looking back to 2014, when Mr. Nguyen Ha Dong achieved unexpected global success with the Flappy Bird game, and comparing it with where we are in 2025, it is clear that Vietnam’s game industry has grown far beyond a single breakthrough. It has become a sustainable, internationally-competitive industry built by Vietnamese talent, without relying on foreign partners.

I call it extraordinary because Vietnam’s game industry has two distinct segments. The first consists of companies that license games from China, South Korea, and Japan for the domestic market. This model dates back to the early 2000s, but its total revenue is estimated at just over $500 million.

The second comprises Vietnamese-founded companies that publish games globally. While there are no official figures, their combined revenue is estimated to be three to four-times larger. More importantly, they have achieved remarkable international success.

Take iKame Global, one of our academy’s industry partners. In 2025, the company generated nearly $200 million in global revenue from a single game. That was not a one-off success, as iKame has produced multiple hit titles and maintained that performance over several years.

This proves that Vietnamese developers can compete head-to-head with the world’s best and even reach the No. 1 position globally. Unlike the exceptional case of Flappy Bird, this is not about luck or a one-time phenomenon. It is systematic, sustainable success.

Our goal at the academy is to help students realize they can achieve the same. They will not only learn the fundamentals but also work alongside industry partners who can help bring their ideas directly to international markets. Failure is inevitable, but it is also an essential step toward success.

The biggest advantage today for digital content creators, especially in gaming, is that their ideas can reach the market almost immediately.

Why are game students now able to bring their ideas to market so quickly?

Because Vietnam’s game companies have matured enough to publish products globally. Our students, including some in just their second year, have already launched more than 10 commercial projects. Several have performed very well. The most successful has reached around 500,000 downloads and generated nearly $300,000 in revenue.

In today’s competitive economy, this industry offers young people the opportunity to build successful careers at an early age. It is a path that suits Vietnam’s younger generation.

Many games developed by Vietnamese studios have succeeded in markets such as the US, Japan, and South Korea but struggled at home. Why is that?

Vietnam’s gaming market generates only around $500 million in annual revenue, while the global market is worth about $200 billion. Vietnam is only beginning to climb the global rankings. China and the US each generate roughly $60 billion-$70 billion annually, Japan around $40 billion, and South Korea about $18 billion.

Another important factor is consumer behavior. Vietnamese players are still relatively unaccustomed to paying for games.

Many high-quality titles developed by Vietnamese studios have struggled domestically. A good example is “7554”, created by Mr. Nguyen Tuan Huy and Emobi Games. The project was intended not only as a commercial product but also to promote Vietnamese culture and history. However, when it launched, the domestic market was not yet ready to pay for premium games.

Even today, games released in Vietnam, particularly mobile titles, generally deliver limited commercial returns.

By contrast, Vietnamese-developed games have performed strongly in major “Tier 1” markets such as the US, the UK, South Korea, and Japan.

What strengths enable Vietnam’s game industry to compete globally despite strong competition from China and other countries?

That is a complex question, but I believe the key factor is what I would call the “smartness” of Vietnamese people - our ability to adapt quickly, recognize opportunities, and identify what matters most. That quality is especially valuable in digital content.

The most successful Vietnamese games are rarely built entirely from scratch. Instead, developers carefully study successful titles, identify opportunities to improve them, and create something better.

Within the industry, people often summarize the formula as “7-2-1”: 70 per cent follows what already works, 20 per cent improves on it, and 10 per cent introduces something genuinely different. Vietnamese developers have become very good at applying that formula.

Unlike the one-off success of Flappy Bird, many Vietnamese companies have built sustainable, long-term success over the past five years using this approach. The evidence is clear: more companies are entering the industry, more young people want to become game developers, and the government now recognizes the sector’s potential and has introduced supportive policies.

At the strategic level, most major barriers have been removed. The remaining challenge is turning those policies into practical implementation.

How is the Postal Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) working with industry partners to train game developers?

Industry participation is essential in game education. A game can only succeed once it reaches the market and is judged by players. Game students face different expectations from students in many other disciplines. They must produce real products. Only through completed products can they demonstrate their abilities, validate what they have learned, and measure their professional skills. Without players, there is no meaningful evaluation.

I often tell my students that I never praise them, nor do I expect them to praise me. Instead, we should let the market evaluate both teachers and students. To receive that evaluation, industry partners are indispensable because they publish the games, and publication is what generates player feedback.

The gaming business is global. We rarely know exactly who our customers are or where they are. We understand them through data. Without companies, there is no data. Without data, we have no way of knowing how successful a game truly is.

People who excel in game development often thrive in other fields because the discipline combines knowledge from many areas and reflects complex human interactions. In many ways, life itself resembles different kinds of games. Relationships with spouses, colleagues, and friends all involve interaction, role-playing, and their own sets of rules.

Could you share PTIT’s plans for 2026 and beyond?

The academy aims to become Southeast Asia’s leading institution for digital content and game education by 2030.

In 2024, we offered only one program - Game Design and Development - focused on game design and programming, with an emphasis on logic and analytical thinking.

In 2026, we will launch two major programs that will complete our game education ecosystem.

The first is Game Graphic Design, designed for students with stronger artistic abilities. It focuses on visual design, particularly digital art. Even the best-designed game is incomplete if its visuals fail to engage players.

The second is Cultural Industry Technology, with a specialization in Digital Cinema. Half of the program focuses on producing digital video content, including short films, web dramas, livestreams, TikTok and YouTube content, and animation. The other half directly supports game production.

Major blockbuster games such as “Black League” and other global titles rely heavily on cinematic cut-scenes between gameplay sequences. Those scenes require professionals with genuine filmmaking expertise and artistic depth.

While mobile games depend less on this capability, it becomes essential for developing large-scale PC games with billion-dollar ambitions.

These two programs are strategic additions to our ecosystem. Within the next five years, we hope Vietnam will develop a generation of professionals capable of creating games at this level while maintaining competitive production costs by leveraging advanced technologies, including AI.

Speaking of technology, AI is advancing rapidly. Has PTIT changed its training approach in response?

That is an excellent question, and one that challenges educators everywhere, not just PTIT or the game industry. My view is that AI remains a tool rather than a complete solution. A true solution would mean AI could independently solve problems on our behalf. It is not yet capable of doing that, especially in game development.

AI performs well on narrowly-defined tasks. Game development, however, is inherently interdisciplinary, so AI currently serves as an assistant rather than a creator. Games are ultimately about people and emotions, something AI still cannot fully understand.

AI excels when objectives are clearly defined, such as programming software with predetermined functions. But creating experiences that genuinely connect with human emotions remains well beyond its current capabilities. That is why we teach AI from the first year as a tool.

For example, students who cannot draw can use AI to generate artwork, but they must still provide the creative vision. They need to know what they want AI to produce. We teach students how to direct AI, not let AI direct them. We also remind them that relying on AI to write an entire game storyline offers little value because anyone can ask AI the same question. Students should focus on mastering the things AI cannot do. Make AI your servant, rather than becoming its servant.

AI is not something to fear. It helps us work faster and more efficiently, but it cannot replace human creativity and emotional intelligence in fields such as game development.

First made-in-Vietnam aluminum ingot products announced

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 08:00:00 GMT

After more than 11 years of investment and construction, the Dak Nong Aluminum Electrolysis Plant successfully produced its first aluminum ingot with a purity of 99.71 percent, becoming the first facility in Viet Nam to complete the full value chain from bauxite mining and alumina refining to aluminum electrolysis.

The first domestically made aluminum ingot products were announced at a ceremony held on July 26 at the Dak Nong Aluminum Electrolysis Plant in Nhan Co Industrial Park, Nhan Co Commune, Lam Dong Province.

Thus, Vietnam has successfully produced its first domestically made aluminum ingot products, marking the completion of the country's bauxite–alumina–aluminum production chain and a major milestone in the development of its metallurgy and deep-processing industries, the Government News remarked in its news story on the event.

After more than 11 years of investment and construction, the Dak Nong Aluminum Electrolysis Plant successfully produced its first aluminum ingot with a purity of 99.71 percent, becoming the first facility in the country to complete the full value chain from bauxite mining and alumina refining to aluminum electrolysis.

The plant's first phase has an annual production capacity of 150,000 tons. Output is expected to increase to 300,000 tons by the end of 2026 before reaching its designed capacity of 450,000 tons per year in the first quarter of 2027.

It is expected that once operating at full capacity in 2027, the plant would generate production value of approximately VND35-36 trillion, thus helping reduce aluminum imports by an estimated $1.5 billion each year.

General Phan Van Giang, Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, was quoted by the Government News as saying at the ceremony that the successful production of the first aluminum ingot is a historic milestone for Vietnam's metallurgy industry, adding that it demonstrates the country's determination to develop deep-processing mineral industries, enhance value addition and strengthen economic self-reliance.

The Deputy Prime Minister on ministries and relevant agencies to continue improving policies for the development of the aluminum industry, while supporting enterprises in mastering advanced metallurgical technologies, training high-quality human resources and accelerating digital transformation in production.

He said the project reflects the growing technological capability, management capacity and skilled workforce of Vietnamese enterprises, enabling the country to shift from exporting raw materials and semi-finished products toward producing strategic industrial materials.

Domestically produced aluminum is expected to serve key sectors, including electricity, mechanical engineering, automobile manufacturing, railways, aviation, defense, construction and high-tech industries.

Vietnam is estimated to possess around 5.8 billion tons of bauxite resources, most of which are located in the Central Highlands.

-Khanh Chi

Vietnam remains a promising digital entertainment market

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Streaming is becoming the dominant means for Vietnamese viewers to watch content found only on television channels in days gone by.

After 16 years of operations, in January 2026, K+, one of Vietnam’s pioneering subscription television providers, withdrew from a business increasingly challenged by changing viewing habits, rising content costs, intensifying competition from streaming platforms, and years of widespread digital piracy.

Yet only six months later, Warner Bros. Discovery delivered a very different message, by launching HBO Max in Vietnam on June 16 as part of its direct-to-consumer expansion across Southeast Asia.

Rather than sending contradictory signals, the two developments reflect a market undergoing structural change. Traditional pay television is gradually giving way to streaming, while international media companies continue to view Vietnam as one of the region’s most promising digital entertainment markets.

From growth to profitability

According to DataReportal’s “Digital 2026: Vietnam” report, the country had 85.6 million internet users at the end of 2025, representing 84.2 per cent of the population, alongside 137 million mobile subscriptions and approximately 79 million social media user identities. Combined with rising disposable incomes and one of Southeast Asia’s youngest online populations, those figures continue to attract global streaming companies seeking growth beyond increasingly mature markets in North America and Western Europe.

HBO Max will enter an increasingly competitive landscape already occupied by foreign players like Netflix and Apple TV+, and a growing number of domestic services, including FPT Play, VieON, TV360, Galaxy Play, and VTVgo. But unlike a decade ago, when streaming platforms competed primarily by introducing Vietnamese audiences to on-demand viewing, today’s contest is less about acquiring first-time users than building sustainable businesses in a market where consumers have abundant choice.

That evolution is evident across the industry. Platforms are facing higher costs for premium content, sports broadcasting rights, and customer acquisition, while viewers are spreading their attention across streaming services, short-form video, gaming, and social media.

Success increasingly depends not only on attracting subscribers but on retaining them through exclusive content, a superior user experience, and stronger brand loyalty.

Copyright enforcement

Vietnam’s regulatory environment is also changing in ways that could reshape the industry’s economics. For years, piracy remained one of the defining obstacles to the development of legitimate streaming services.

Unauthorized websites routinely offered newly-released films, television series, and sporting events free of charge, undermining subscription platforms that had invested heavily in licensing rights. While infringements were frequently identified, enforcement often relied on administrative penalties or civil proceedings, limiting their deterrent effect.

Authorities have now adopted a more assertive approach. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has strengthened cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security through a joint program between the Copyright Office of Vietnam and the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (A05), covering the 2026-2029 period.

Recent cases have also seen authorities pursue criminal prosecution against organized copyright infringement while expanding efforts to target the revenue streams generated by illegal content distribution rather than simply removing infringing material.

The implications extend well beyond legal compliance. For international studios, sports rights holders, and streaming platforms, stronger copyright enforcement reduces investment risk and improves the commercial viability of licensed content. As Vietnam seeks to develop a more sophisticated digital economy, intellectual property protection is increasingly becoming an economic issue as much as a legal one.

Beyond piracy

Even so, stronger enforcement alone is unlikely to determine the industry’s future. The next phase of competition may ultimately be decided less by who owns the largest content library than by who wins the greatest share of consumers’ attention.

According to a recent social listening study by Kompa, nearly 85 per cent of online conversations about streaming platforms in Vietnam now take place on YouTube and TikTok, while traditional news outlets account for just 0.4 per cent.

Rather than discovering new movies or television series through conventional advertising, viewers increasingly rely on trailers, creator reviews, reaction videos, memes, and short-form clips shared across social media before deciding what to watch.

The findings point to a fundamental shift in the industry’s competitive dynamics. Marketing is no longer centered on television commercials or banner advertisements but on becoming part of everyday online conversations.

Netflix continues to dominate that conversation. Kompa found the platform generated around 18-times more online discussion than FPT Play and 24-times more than VieON during the study period, reinforcing its position as the default reference point for premium streaming among Vietnamese audiences.

Yet the report argues that the gap extends beyond content or pricing. Netflix has become embedded in internet culture, while many domestic platforms are still building comparable levels of brand familiarity.

That does not mean local platforms are losing the race. Rather than competing head-on with Netflix’s international catalogue, they are increasingly differentiating themselves through local strengths.

FPT Play has built its position around premium football rights, VieON around Vietnamese reality shows and entertainment programs, and TV360 through Viettel’s telecommunications ecosystem and its co-broadcast rights to all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while VTVgo continues to leverage the credibility and broad reach of the national broadcaster. These four services account for nearly 80 per cent of online discussions about domestic OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms.

The challenge, however, is sustaining that momentum. Many platforms remain heavily dependent on a single flagship property, making them vulnerable to sharp declines in engagement once a major tournament ends or a hit program fades. Long-term success will depend less on producing the next blockbuster than on building a broader pipeline of exclusive content capable of turning temporary viewing spikes into lasting subscriber loyalty.

The Kompa study also highlights where the next opportunities may lie. Consumers increasingly view streaming as part of a broader digital ecosystem rather than a standalone service, creating room for bundled offers that combine broadband, mobile data, and entertainment subscriptions. Telecommunications operators are particularly well positioned to capitalize on this trend by leveraging existing customer relationships to lower acquisition costs while increasing average revenue per user. At the same time, underserved content segments, including anime and sports beyond football, could provide attractive niches for platforms seeking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly crowded market.

Contrary to long-held assumptions, Vietnamese consumers are not necessarily unwilling to pay for legitimate content. Rather, many cite practical shortcomings - limited content libraries, slower subtitle releases, and an inconsistent user experience - as the primary reasons they continue to use unauthorized streaming sites.

Vietnam’s streaming market is no longer defined by how many platforms compete for viewers, but by how effectively they can convert attention into sustainable businesses. For global entrants such as HBO Max, the country remains one of Southeast Asia’s most promising growth markets. For domestic platforms, success will depend on building stronger local content ecosystems rather than competing on scale alone. As the industry matures, the ultimate winners are likely to be those that convince audiences not only to watch but to keep coming back and to pay for the experience.

-Diep Linh

Unprecedented tax incentives proposed to boost Vietnam's gaming industry

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Specifically, publishing enterprises would be exempt from corporate income tax for two years, followed by a 50% tax reduction for the next four years on income generated from encouraged game development activities.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on July 23 organized a conference to collect feedback on a draft decree aimed at amending and supplementing Government Decree No. 147/2024/ND-CP regarding the management, provision, and use of internet services and online information.

A landmark feature of this draft is the first-ever formal introduction of the "Vietnamese game" concept, which serves as a legal foundation for applying unprecedented incentive policies to stimulate the domestic production and publishing sector.

To be officially classified as a Vietnamese game under these new regulations, a title must meet specific criteria: it must be produced by a local enterprise that holds legal intellectual property rights to the software, it must incorporate Vietnamese cultural or historical elements, and at least 30% of the personnel directly involved in production must be Vietnamese citizens.

Under the proposed framework, qualifying Vietnamese games will be permitted a trial release period of up to 90 days, with developers required only to notify regulatory authorities at least 10 days prior to the launch.

However, this trial phase is subject to two specific conditions: the total number of players must remain below 10,000, and the game must not generate any revenue.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Deputy Director of the ministry's Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, explained that this mechanism is designed to create favorable conditions for businesses—particularly gaming startups—to bring their products to market and gather user feedback for further refinement.

Beyond streamlined testing, the draft offers significant financial support for games that contain educational content or promote Vietnamese cultural and historical values.

Specifically, publishing enterprises would be exempt from corporate income tax for two years, followed by a 50% tax reduction for the next four years on income generated from encouraged game development activities.

Furthermore, experts and employees directly involved in the production of these games would benefit from a personal income tax exemption for two years and a 50% reduction for the following four years on their salaries and wages.

To ensure these incentives are applied accurately, the ministry plans to establish an expert council on culture and history to appraise game content and determine eligibility.

Additionally, the draft decree introduces new regulations for managing imported games, a move intended to resolve existing legal bottlenecks and facilitate the organization of professional e-sports tournaments in Vietnam.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Seeking advancement for Vietnamese manufacturers

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Amid stellar FDI figures and continued foreign interest lies the fact that Vietnamese manufacturers remain at the lower end of the value chain.

According to PwC’s 29th Annual Global CEO Survey, released in early 2026, business leaders across the Asia-Pacific region ranked Vietnam among their Top 3 preferred destinations for future investment expansion. This shift presents an unprecedented opportunity, particularly in electronics components, high technology, and the semiconductor industry.

Yet Vietnam’s role within these value chains remains modest. After decades of attracting FDI, most domestic companies continue to occupy the lower end of the value chain, performing contract manufacturing and other low-value-added production stages. Despite enjoying significant advantages in flexibility and a young workforce, Vietnam’s support industries still face a formidable challenge in moving beyond contract manufacturing to become Tier-1 suppliers for global corporations.

Three strengths and weaknesses

Mr. Chu Viet Cuong, Director of the Industrial Development Support Center at the Industry Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, summarized the sector’s competitive position as “three strengths and three weaknesses.”

On the strengths side, flexibility comes first. Supported by increasingly modern production systems, Vietnamese manufacturers have reduced their response time for major customers such as Samsung and Toyota from around ten days to just 24 hours.

Second is human capital. Vietnam possesses a young, abundant workforce that has demonstrated a strong ability to absorb advanced manufacturing technologies.

And third is deep international integration. New-generation FTAs, including the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), have created both competitive pressure and substantial growth opportunities, encouraging domestic companies to upgrade their capabilities.

Balanced against these advantages are three persistent constraints. The first is technological capability. Most support industry companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that struggle to finance investments in advanced machinery and production equipment.

Second is limited financial capacity. Thin capital resources make it difficult for companies to expand production facilities or upgrade factories to accommodate larger contracts.

And third is poor industrial links. Cooperation between domestic companies, as well as between local suppliers and FDI manufacturers, remains limited, preventing the development of a more integrated industrial ecosystem.

As an FDI company operating outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) facilities in northern Bac Ninh province while actively seeking local suppliers, Mr. Chung Won Seok, General Director of Hana Micron Vina Vietnam, said the company has benefited from strong support from both the Vietnamese Government and Bac Ninh authorities. Nevertheless, semiconductor manufacturers continue to face several industry-specific challenges.

One is the implementation of the Global Minimum Tax, which has reduced the effectiveness of traditional corporate income tax incentives.

Reliable electricity is another critical concern. Semiconductor manufacturing requires an uninterrupted power supply, yet voltage fluctuations caused by extreme weather and natural disasters occasionally disrupt operations.

Customs procedures also remain a bottleneck. Semiconductor plants operate continuously throughout the year, but customs clearance during weekends and public holidays has yet to become fully seamless, resulting in shipment delays and higher inventory costs.

Workforce development presents another challenge. While South Korea has more than 40 years of semiconductor industry experience and China around 30 years, Vietnam’s semiconductor sector is only about four years old. Companies therefore shoulder much of the responsibility for training process and equipment engineers.

Shift in mindset

To capture high-quality investment and evolve into Tier-1 suppliers, Vietnamese companies must first confront both their strengths and weaknesses in order to narrow the competitiveness gap as quickly as possible.

From an international market perspective, the EU is now Vietnam’s third-largest export market. Exports to the bloc exceeded $56 billion in 2025, making Vietnam its largest trading partner within ASEAN. However, most exports remain concentrated in contract manufacturing and basic assembly.

Mr. Torben Minko, Vice Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam, likened the relationship between European manufacturers and Tier-1 suppliers to a marriage. “Finding the right local supply chain partner requires both sides to share the same direction and understand each other deeply before entering into a long-term partnership,” he said. “Europe has many laws and regulations, but Vietnamese businesses should not be intimidated by them. These rules reflect the expectations of end-consumers, who are becoming increasingly concerned about sustainability.”

Europe has many laws and regulations, but Vietnamese businesses should not be intimidated by them. These rules reflect the expectations of end-consumers, who are becoming increasingly concerned about sustainability.

Mr. Torben Minko, Vice Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam

There are three essential requirements for Vietnamese companies seeking to enter European supply chains, he continued. The first is sustainability. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards have now become a mandatory operating requirement rather than a voluntary initiative.

The second is transparency. Companies must build capable teams with a thorough understanding of international regulations and the ability to collect, manage, and disclose reliable data. The third is long-term commitment. Businesses willing to invest substantial resources while abandoning short-term thinking will be better positioned to become trusted, long-term partners in global supply chains.

Amid these challenges, Hanel PT has emerged as one of Vietnam’s success stories. After 26 years in support industries, the company has established itself as a Tier-1 supplier to leading global manufacturers of sensors and printed circuit boards. Most recently, it signed an agreement with a major US technology company to manufacture equipment for the semiconductor industry in Vietnam, replacing exports from the US to Asian markets.

Sharing the company’s approach, Ms. Tran Thi Thu Trang, Chairwoman and CEO of Hanel PT and Chairwoman of the Bac Ninh Manufacturing Association, said success begins with answering three strategic questions: Where are we going? What are we doing? Who are our target customers?

The company also follows what it calls the “Five-Way Shared Benefit” philosophy, ensuring every product and service creates balanced value for five stakeholders: customers, employees, the environment, the country and society, and, finally, the sustainable growth of the business itself.

The real key lies in readiness, determination to continuously improve, and the long-term vision of business leaders.

Ms. Tran Thi Thu Trang, Chairwoman and CEO of Hanel PT and Chairwoman of the Bac Ninh Manufacturing Association

She also attributes Hanel PT’s global competitiveness to its rigorous “10-pillar management wheel,” which encompasses quality, delivery, cost, people, technology, safety, social responsibility, environmental management, RD, and after-sales service.

She stressed that quality is non-negotiable. Competing on price alone is impossible without thousands of standardized processes that ensure consistent quality control. Companies must guarantee product stability, effectively manage delivery risks, provide large-scale production at globally-competitive prices, continuously improve technology and workplace culture, and establish rapid customer response systems, responding within five minutes of customer contact, investigating abnormalities within 30 minutes, and being prepared to travel overseas immediately when direct negotiations are required.

Overarching all ten pillars, Ms. Trang said, are governance - the “G” in ESG - and a strong corporate culture, both of which are essential to building lasting trust with global partners. “The journey to becoming a Tier-1 supplier has never been easy, and access to capital is not the first deciding factor,” she explained. “The real key lies in readiness, determination to continuously improve, and the long-term vision of business leaders.”

-Vu Khue

Vietnamese consumers spend at least $61 mln daily on online shopping

Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:40:00 GMT

During the first six months of 2026, "Beauty" remained the highest-grossing category, which was followed by "Women’s Fashion", and "Home Living".

By the end of June, the top four e-commerce platforms alone recorded an average daily revenue of VND1.611 trillion (nearly $61.2 million).

In the first half of 2026, total sales across Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki reached VND291.6 trillion ($11 billion), representing a 44.11% increase compared to the same period in 2025.

According to data from the market analysis platform Metric.vn, total sales volume reached 2,186 million items, a 13.67% increase. Meanwhile, the number of active shops generating orders hit 613,800, up 14.11% year-on-year.

The e-commerce market maintained a high growth rate throughout the first half of the year, with sales across all four platforms rising between 38% and 52% compared to the previous year.

On a monthly basis, figures consistently outperformed the same period in 2025. January recorded the highest growth at 52%, before dipping to 39% in February. Growth rebounded to 47% in March, stabilized at 38% in April, and then regained momentum in May and June with increases of 43% and 44%, respectively.

During the first six months of 2026, "Beauty" remained the highest-grossing category, which was followed by "Women’s Fashion", and "Home Living".

Notably, sales from official "Mall" stores saw a significant surge. In H1 2026, Mall shops accounted for only 2.79% of the total number of stores on Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, yet they contributed a staggering 34.2% of the total revenue across these three platforms. According to Metric, this trend indicates that revenue is increasingly concentrating among high-performing official sellers.

In terms of brand market share, the Technology sector continued to lead in sales. Apple retained the number one spot with a revenue of over VND4 trillion (over $153 million), a slight increase of 0.77% year-on-year. Samsung followed in second place, recording an explosive growth rate of 142.48%. Xiaomi also maintained strong momentum, reaching over VND1.5 trillion ($57 million) in sales, up 81.24%.

Looking ahead to Q3 2026, sales across these four platforms are forecast to reach approximately VND146.3 trillion ($5.56 billion), a 2.31% increase over Q2 2026. Sales volume is projected to hit 1,084 million products, up 3.45% compared to the previous quarter.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

More support from IAEA for Vietnam's peaceful nuclear development

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 08:20:00 GMT

Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), tells Ngoc Lan that the Agency is committed to continuing its support for Vietnam’s development of nuclear applications across a wide range of sectors.

Which areas of nuclear science do you believe hold the greatest potential to support Vietnam’s sustainable development over the next 10 to 20 years?

Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Vietnam has already developed strong capabilities in several areas where nuclear science and technology can make a significant contribution to sustainable development.

One of the most important is food and agriculture, which is closely linked to food security. Vietnam has successfully developed some of the world’s best rice varieties, demonstrating how nuclear science and technology, through the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), can support agricultural innovation and strengthen food security.

Another key area is industry. Technologies such as radioisotopes, radiotracers, and non-destructive testing help ensure the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure, including bridges, hospitals, schools, and industrial facilities. Vietnam already possesses considerable expertise in these applications.

Healthcare is equally important. Nuclear technologies play a vital role in the early diagnosis and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and dosimetry are essential for ensuring patients receive precise and effective radiation treatment. These technologies will remain indispensable for many decades to come.

To sustain progress across all these sectors, human capital is critical. As the Minister of Science and Technology has emphasized, Vietnam needs to inspire and train a new generation of scientists and engineers in nuclear science and technology. The country has already established a solid foundation for developing future experts, and the IAEA is committed to supporting Vietnam through capacity building and technical cooperation.

Going forward, the IAEA will continue to work alongside Vietnam in advancing nuclear applications for food security, healthcare, water management, ocean health, and environmental monitoring. These are all essential pillars of sustainable development, and VINATOM already has the expertise needed to expand their impact.

As Vietnam prepares to restart its nuclear power program, what should be the country’s top priority to ensure it is developed safely, effectively, and with public confidence?

The decision to pursue nuclear power is entirely Vietnam’s sovereign choice, and the IAEA stands ready to support the country throughout that journey, just as we have done with many other member countries.

The first and most important priority is developing a highly-skilled workforce. Vietnam will need not only nuclear engineers but also specialists in nuclear safety, nuclear security, radiation protection, communication, and other supporting disciplines.

Public communication is another crucial element. People need clear, transparent information about why nuclear power is safe, secure, and beneficial. Building public confidence requires both technical excellence and effective communication.

Once Vietnam has confirmed its roadmap, the IAEA will continue working closely with the government to strengthen institutional capacity and develop the human resources necessary for a safe and successful nuclear power program. Ultimately, human capacity remains the cornerstone of long-term success.

Vietnam is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. How can nuclear and isotopic techniques help it adapt and strengthen climate resilience?

Climate change is a reality, and its impacts are becoming increasingly evident across agriculture, water resources, marine ecosystems, and many other sectors. Addressing these challenges requires science, innovation, and practical solutions, and nuclear science has an important role to play.

Take agriculture as an example. Nuclear techniques can help develop crop varieties that are more resilient to harsh environmental conditions and require less water. Sterile insect techniques can protect crops from pests, while irradiation technologies help preserve food and reduce post-harvest losses.

Vietnam has already developed strong expertise in many of these areas. In fact, whenever I speak internationally about food irradiation, I often encourage people to visit Vietnam and see its achievements firsthand.

Beyond agriculture, nuclear and isotopic techniques also support research on ocean acidification, water resource management, and environmental monitoring. Vietnam already possesses the necessary knowledge and technical capacity. The next step is to expand these successful applications on a broader scale.

As Vietnam expands its international cooperation in nuclear science and technology, what role do you see the country playing in advancing regional collaboration?

Vietnam has already demonstrated regional leadership in this area. For several years, it has worked closely with the IAEA to support neighboring countries such as Laos and Cambodia, particularly in healthcare, through tripartite cooperation programs.

Vietnam is also an active participant in the Regional Cooperative Agreement (RCA), which brings together more than 20 countries across Asia and the Pacific to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and jointly develop regional programs.

Through these mechanisms, Vietnam is both contributing its expertise and learning from the experiences of other countries. I believe it will continue to play an increasingly important role in strengthening regional cooperation in nuclear science and technology.

What advantages does Vietnam have compared with other countries in the region in developing nuclear power successfully?

As I mentioned earlier, developing nuclear power is a decision for Vietnam to make, and the IAEA’s role is to support that decision.

Vietnam is not starting from scratch. Several countries in the region already operate nuclear power plants, providing valuable experience and opportunities for regional cooperation and knowledge sharing.

The IAEA will continue supporting Vietnam by facilitating access to international expertise and helping the country benefit from lessons learned by others.

What are the IAEA’s priorities in supporting Vietnam’s nuclear power development?

Our priority is capacity building. Developing nuclear power requires a highly-qualified workforce capable of ensuring safe, secure, and reliable operations.

This includes expertise in reactor operation, nuclear fuel management, radioactive waste management, nuclear safety, and nuclear security. Every aspect of the program depends on having well-trained professionals.

The IAEA is ready to support Vietnam through training, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer. At the same time, organizations such as VARANS are also well positioned to strengthen the country’s regulatory framework for nuclear safety and security.

The IAEA has extensive global experience, Vietnam has a strong foundation and a clear commitment, and together we will continue working to ensure the country’s nuclear program develops safely and successfully.

-Ngoc Lan

Development plan for Vietnam International Financial Center approved

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The center is expected to rank among the top 75 financial centers worldwide, top 25 in the Asia-Pacific region, and third in ASEAN, by 2035.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang, who is also Chairman of the Executive Council for the Vietnam International Financial Centre (IFC), on July 22 signed Decision No. 04/QD-HDDHTTTC of the Executive Council, approving a development plan for the IFC until 2035

Under the plan, the IFC aims to develop into a key driver for mobilizing, allocating, and efficiently utilizing domestic and international financial resources, thereby promoting rapid and sustainable economic growth while improving the quality and efficiency of the economy.

Accordingly, the IFC is expected to rank among the top 75 financial centers worldwide, top 25 in the Asia-Pacific region, and third in ASEAN, by 2035.

It also seeks to gradually enhance Vietnam's position and role in the regional and global financial network, the Government News remarked in its news story on the development plan.

For the 2026–2030 period, the plan targets the comprehensive development of a special legal and institutional framework, governance, operational, and supervisory mechanisms for the IFC in line with international standards, ensuring transparency, safety, and efficiency. During this phase, priority financial products and services will be piloted and launched, the news story further reported.

Core financial, digital, social, and legal infrastructure supporting the center's operations will also be established and put into operation, it said.

The plan further aims to attract major international financial institutions, investment funds, banks, professional market participants, and high-quality financial talent, laying the foundation for the center's sustainable development and deeper international integration in subsequent phases.

During the 2031–2035 period, the plan envisions expanding and enhancing a modern financial ecosystem encompassing capital markets, green finance, digital finance, and financial technology (fintech), while increasing the diversity, depth, and connectivity of the IFC.

The center is expected to evolve into a major hub connecting international capital flows and establishing a prominent position within the Asia-Pacific and global financial networks.

Development orientation for IFC in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang

According to the plan, the IFC in Ho Chi Minh City will be developed into a comprehensive and diversified international financial hub, focusing on:

(1) Developing capital markets and providing both traditional and specialized financial services while maximizing synergies among capital raising, investment, payment, issuance, and trading of financial products;

(2) Asset management, fund management, green finance, and digital finance; and

(3) Commodity markets and commodity derivatives linked to international trade and logistics.

Meanwhile, the IFC in Da Nang will be positioned as an innovation- and fintech-driven financial hub, focusing on:

(1) Digital assets, digital payments, and asset tokenization;

(2) Establishing and operating specialized trading platforms and exchanges;

(3) Financial services liked with innovation, startups, trade finance, supply chain finance, and sustainable finance; and

(4) Regulatory sandbox mechanisms for testing financial technologies, products, services, and business models.

The plan also calls for the development of competitive incentive mechanisms and policies, along with improved access to infrastructure supporting the IFC.

Administrative procedures will be standardized and digitized to shorten processing times, improve the quality of public services, and create a more favorable business environment for investors and center participants.

In addition, the Government will develop integrated financial, digital, data, transport, and high-quality urban infrastructure to ensure seamless domestic and international connectivity and support the center's continuous, secure, and efficient operations.

The plan also emphasizes the need for the development of a highly skilled workforce for the IFC.

It also covers special visa, residency, and incentive policies to attract international experts in finance, technology, and legal services to work at the center.

-Khanh Van

More legal responsibilities for digital trading required

Sat, 25 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Debate continues over how legal responsibilities are best assigned in an increasingly digital trading ecosystem.

Cross-border e-commerce is reshaping the way international trade operates while exposing significant gaps in traditional customs management. As the flow of goods, payments, and data is no longer tied to a single party, policymakers are increasingly confronted with the challenge of redefining the boundaries of responsibility among participants in the digital commerce ecosystem.

Improvements in customs efficiency are evident more than 12 years after the implementation of the Law on Customs 2014. According to the Department of Customs, the physical inspection rate for red-channel customs declarations has fallen sharply, from 9.68 per cent in 2014 to an estimated 2.65 per cent in 2025, even as the total number of customs declarations has increased by 67 per cent.

Behind these achievements, however, lies a growing contradiction. The rapid evolution of modern commerce is rendering the existing legal framework increasingly outdated. At the heart of the issue is the widening gap between traditional regulatory thinking and the realities of today’s trading environment. While the Law on Customs 2014 was designed around document-based controls and the movement of physical goods, the rise of cross-border e-commerce has fundamentally transformed import and export operations. As a result, a regulatory model centered on border inspections and manual paperwork is exhibiting clear limitations.

Compliance costs weigh on platforms

Digital transformation in customs administration has entered a new phase, where the focus extends beyond adopting new technologies to fundamentally restructuring the regulatory framework. In this transition, clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of participants in the digital commerce ecosystem has become essential to ensuring effective policymaking.

In practice, the business community does not oppose greater automation and digitalization of customs procedures. On the contrary, businesses generally view these changes as necessary to improve administrative efficiency and reduce transaction costs. Their primary concern lies in specific policy proposals, including one that would classify e-commerce platform operators as customs declarants.

The first issue stems from a mismatch in legal principles. Under e-commerce regulations, online platforms serve as technology intermediaries, connecting buyers and sellers without acting as transaction parties or legal representatives. The new draft Law on Customs, however, appears to assign them responsibilities comparable to those of parties directly involved in commercial transactions. This discrepancy widens the gap between legal obligations and actual control over transactions, inevitably increasing compliance costs.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Van, representing Bay Global Strategies, said requiring e-commerce platforms to directly file customs declarations would fundamentally alter their operating models. To comply, platforms would need to develop entirely new capabilities, including integrating their systems with government agencies, establishing customs declaration processes, and collecting and standardizing data for every individual order. These functions fall well outside the original design of marketplace platforms and would require significant investments in both technology and personnel.

Beyond direct costs, such changes could also disrupt an ecosystem that has already evolved over time. In practice, customs brokers and logistics providers currently perform specialized intermediary functions that help streamline customs clearance. Transferring declaration responsibilities to e-commerce platforms would not only duplicate existing functions but could also reduce the overall efficiency of supply chains.

Misplaced responsibility

The more fundamental issue is not simply who files customs declarations, but how responsibility is allocated throughout the transaction chain. Assigning declaration obligations to platforms risks blurring the distinction between an intermediary and an importer, creating significant legal uncertainty. If regulatory risks arise, the key question becomes which party should ultimately bear responsibility for tax obligations and regulatory compliance.

Business representatives argue that the distinction between customs declarants and importers should be preserved. If platforms are involved in customs declarations, their role should be limited to providing technical support or facilitating data transmission. Buyers, as the ultimate beneficiaries of imported goods, should remain the parties ultimately responsible for tax liabilities and compliance with sector-specific regulations.

“If the distinction between customs declarants and importers is not clearly established, the policy could shift legal risks away from the party that controls the goods to an entity that merely facilitates data exchange,” Ms. Van emphasized. “In that case, platforms would not only be responsible for filing declarations but could also become exposed to the entire chain of legal responsibilities relating to transportation, documentation, and compliance for each shipment.”

Under customs regulations, customs declarants are legally responsible for the accuracy and completeness of declared information; an obligation that presupposes the ability to verify and control that information. However, e-commerce platforms do not directly participate in the physical supply chain. They neither manufacture, warehouse, nor transport goods, nor do they independently possess critical information such as product specifications, origin, or customs valuation.

In cross-border e-commerce, where transactions involve numerous sellers, diverse product categories, and constantly changing information, much of the data used for customs declarations originates from sellers. Platforms generally lack both the authority and the practical means to independently verify that information. Requiring them to assume legal responsibility for data they cannot control therefore creates unavoidable compliance risks.

“When companies do not have complete information about the goods, they cannot realistically verify or assume responsibility for customs declarations,” said Ms. Le Thi Xuan Hue, Deputy Managing Director of BowerGroupAsia. “That effectively places significant legal risks on platforms that they are unable to control.” This reflects a clear policy design mismatch, she continued, where legal obligations exceed an entity’s actual ability to exercise control.

That [a lack of information] effectively places significant legal risks on platforms that they are unable to control.

Ms. Le Thi Xuan Hue, Deputy Managing Director of BowerGroupAsia

The central policy challenge is therefore no longer whether regulation is necessary, but how to design a regulatory framework sophisticated enough to manage risks without undermining market development. Because cross-border e-commerce operates through data-driven networks, regulations must accurately reflect the decentralized nature of platform business models, where information, payments, and goods move separately through multiple intermediaries. Ignoring these characteristics and treating all participants as though they perform identical roles risks creating an imbalanced allocation of responsibilities, imposing disproportionate compliance costs, and weakening the competitiveness of platform-based business models.

Finding the right balance

The policy debate should therefore move beyond simply expanding or reducing regulatory oversight. Rather, it should begin by identifying which participants actually possess the relevant information throughout the transaction chain. Only by assigning obligations to those with both access to data and the ability to exercise meaningful control can regulations achieve both fairness and effectiveness.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Thao, Deputy Head of the Department of Business Development and Business Environment at the National Institute for Economics and Finance under the Ministry of Finance, said regulations built on untested assumptions about businesses’ implementation capacity could create substantial operational burdens, particularly given the high volume, diversity, and frequency of cross-border e-commerce transactions. Effective regulatory oversight, she emphasized, does not increase in proportion to greater government intervention, but depends on whether supervisory mechanisms accurately reflect market realities.

However, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Customs, noted that this regulatory approach has already been adopted by major economies including China, Japan, and the EU. When platforms control data flows, payment flows, and much of the transaction information, continuing to treat them as parties entirely outside the scope of legal obligations is increasingly unrealistic.

From this perspective, the nature of e-commerce platforms needs to be reconsidered. Rather than viewing them solely as neutral intermediaries, policymakers are increasingly embracing the concept of shared responsibility, under which legal obligations arise not only from physical possession of goods but also from control over information and coordination of transactions. Requiring platforms to be involved in customs declarations is therefore not simply an additional administrative procedure but a broader effort to realign legal responsibility with the realities of the digital economy.

Practical experience also suggests that this approach has merit, particularly as new risks continue to emerge. In a decentralized trading environment, platforms cannot claim to have no knowledge of transaction activities. If logistics networks are exploited to transport prohibited goods such as narcotics, platforms cannot reasonably be considered entirely detached from the resulting risks. In such cases, Mr. Hung emphasized, the implications extend beyond tax evasion to broader non-traditional security concerns, making customs regulation an issue that reaches well beyond economic management.

Even so, he acknowledged that the business community’s initial concerns are understandable. Any policy change that disrupts established operating practices is likely to create short-term resistance. Over the longer term, however, the benefits of a more transparent and risk-based customs system are expected to outweigh the initial costs of adaptation. Ultimately, the objective is not simply to maximize convenience, but to establish a regulatory framework that is aligned with the evolving realities of the digital economy.

-Phuong Linh