VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

HCMC’s startup ecosystem valued at $7 bln

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City is currently ranked among the top 5 startup ecosystems in Southeast Asia and the top 110 globally, with an estimated valuation of $7–7.5 billion.

The city’s innovation network continues to expand, now featuring 35 incubators and innovation centers. These figures were highlighted by Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, during a first-quarter review meeting on April 14, regarding the implementation of major national resolutions and projects on science, technology, and digital transformation.

In the field of innovation, HCMC has successfully deployed 54 technological products for commercial pilot programs, attracting approximately VND500 billion ($19 million) in investment.

Additionally, the newly upgraded Technology Exchange has commenced operations, recording 17 technology transfer contracts with a total value of about VND22 billion ($8.4 million).

Regarding smart city development, the city is currently implementing the "Science and Technology Urban Area" project in its northern region. The Smart City Operation Center (IOC) continues to receive investment to enhance its capacity for monitoring, analysis, and decision-making support. The city is also accelerating data infrastructure development and seeking cooperation for large-scale data center projects.

HCMC has also issued a strategic technology implementation plan, identifying nine core technology groups and 26 priority products. Notably, the city is implementing a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and has selected six science and technology organizations to develop international-standard Centers of Excellence (CoE). A comprehensive science and technology program for the 2026–2030 period is currently being drafted with a focus on strategic technological breakthroughs.

Speaking at the conference, HCMC Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang demanded that the allocation and disbursement of resources for science and technology—specifically a budget of approximately VND12.7 trillion ($484 million)—must be managed strictly and reasonably.

Mr. Tran Luu Quang, who is also a Politburo member, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities to train science and technology experts abroad to strengthen the city's high-quality human resources.

Vneconomy-Thi Nguyễn

Finalizing AI camera standards to drive market development

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dũng has instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to promptly evaluate and select highly capable enterprises to lead the development of strategic technological products.

The move aims to prevent fragmented investment and inefficient domestic competition.

The Deputy PM also emphasized the importance of establishing a network of "core" enterprises connected with research institutes and universities. This collaborative ecosystem is intended to accelerate RD and ensure Vietnam masters AI camera technology.

Speaking during a working visit to the MK Vision factory in northern Phu Tho Province on April 15, the Deputy PM called for the swift finalization of a comprehensive system of technical standards and regulations for AI camera products. This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

A member of MK Group, MK Vision was established in 2020 with a focus on researching and providing smart AI-powered camera devices for national defense, security, and civilian applications.

By 2023, the company launched its first "Make in Vietnam" camera products. This success serves as a clear testament to the research, design, and manufacturing capabilities of Vietnamese firms in the high-tech sector.

During the session, Deputy Minister of MoST Pham Duc Long noted that while Vietnam has made significant strides in AI camera design and integration, a major bottleneck remains: the heavy reliance on imported hardware components such as chips, sensors, and lenses.

In response, the MoST underscored the requirement for businesses to gradually master the entire value chain—from initial design to core technology—to achieve full production autonomy. Furthermore, the ministry noted that developing a comprehensive technological ecosystem is essential, as the industry cannot rely on isolated products alone.

According to the Deputy Minister, the State will play the role of a "facilitator" through supportive mechanisms and policies. Meanwhile, large enterprises must take the lead by connecting with other firms to form technological alliances. This synergy is viewed as a prerequisite for Vietnam to enhance its competitiveness and participate more deeply in global value chains.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Ho Chi Minh City an expected international financial hub

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Launched late last year, the task now for Vietnam’s International Finance Center in Ho Chi Minh City is to ensure it is set up to deliver on its objectives.

Ho Chi Minh City has accelerated its efforts to establish itself as a regional and international financial hub since the International Financial Center (IFC) in the southern city was officially launched on December 19, 2025. Throughout this journey, the British Consulate General and the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam) have provided specialized support and strategic engagement. Building on this momentum, the Consulate General, BritCham, and Dragon Capital co-hosted the UK-Vietnam Open Conference on the International Financial Centre (IFC) 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25, with the theme “Financial Market Infrastructure.”

Addressing the Conference, Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, underscored that the development of IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and central Da Nang city represents an extraordinary opportunity for Vietnam, but their success depends on getting the foundations right from the outset. A truly competitive IFC rests on three core pillars: a robust legal framework, a credible and independent regulatory system, and sophisticated market services that enable the trading and mobilization of capital, attract high-quality foreign investment, and position Vietnam as a dynamic and trusted hub within the global financial system.

International alignment with local standards.

“The term ‘international’ in IFC refers to the ability to attract global capital, reflecting Vietnam’s own ambitions,” according to Ms. Angela Knight, Chair of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan and Member of the Astana IFC (AIFC) Management Board. “Drawing on my AIFC experience, I emphasize the importance of an independent regulator that coordinates effectively with both the financial center and national authorities.”

Kazakhstan operates a dual legal system. The AIFC was established under a special constitutional law that allows a distinct legal regime for financial services, including civil and commercial matters. The legal framework provides the foundation, while regulation delivers specific rules, supervision, and enforcement to ensure market integrity and stability.

The adoption of English law, combined with an independent court and regulator, has created a structure designed to attract international investors. The AFSA aligns elements with international standards, including Basel Committee guidelines and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The regulator focuses on capital markets, asset management, and fintech, engaging closely with international bodies to stay up to date and ensure compliance across jurisdictions. Local context is considered, but FATF rules are strictly enforced.

Independence is safeguarded through board composition, where most members are not affiliated with the government or the financial center. Public consultation supports transparency. All proposed rules are open to stakeholder input, with regular updates to keep the regulatory framework responsive to market developments.

From Vietnam’s perspective, a truly competitive IFC rests on three core pillars, as Consul General Smith noted above.

The first is a robust legal framework. A modern IFC requires transparency, stability, and predictability to inspire investor confidence, best reinforced through English common law. Around 40 per cent of international commercial contracts worldwide are governed by English law, highlighting its clarity and global recognition. The UK has collaborated with Vietnam’s Supreme Court and advisory groups from TheCityUK to shape the IFC court in Ho Chi Minh City.

The second is a credible regulatory framework. An independent, transparent, and well-resourced regulator is essential to oversee complex financial activity, attract institutional investors, and align Vietnam’s markets with international standards.

The third pillar focuses on market services that enable efficient capital flows. Vietnam has the opportunity to accelerate growth by developing specialized trading platforms, including commodity derivatives exchanges. The UK is providing technical support, drawing on international models, particularly London, to facilitate hedging, investment, and price discovery across commodities, energy, green bonds, and other sustainable instruments.

Together, these three pillars form the backbone of a competitive IFC. With these elements in place, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang can transform Vietnam’s financial landscape and elevate the country’s position in global markets.

Building a modern commodities market.

At the Conference’s panel discussion entitled “Commodity and Derivatives Markets - Market Practice and Institutional Perspectives,” experts examined the key foundations required for the development of modern commodity markets, particularly derivatives markets, in close connection with the legal framework, regulatory architecture, and market infrastructure supporting the development of Vietnam’s IFC. Speakers noted that the commodity market, particularly agricultural products, is facing a lack of synchronization between output and prices.

According to Mr. Dominic Scriven, Chairman of Dragon Capital, the core challenge in Vietnam’s commodity markets does not lie in production capacity but in how the market is organized to ensure more transparent and efficient price discovery mechanisms.

By way of example, he spoke of the coffee sector, where farmers and businesses in many cases still face structural information asymmetries, resulting in situations where “they have volume but no price” or the opposite. This reflects a structural weakness in the market, where price signals do not yet fully capture supply and demand dynamics.

He also stressed that the long-term objective is to transform fragmented competition between market participants into a collective advantage for the entire value chain, thereby improving market efficiency, transparency, and overall value creation within the commodities ecosystem.

From a strategic advisory perspective, Mr. Vincent Chin, Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, observed that Vietnam’s agriculture sector is highly-competitive but remains fragmented, limiting the overall efficiency of the value chain.

In his view, the issue is not a lack of competition, but rather the absence of a structured mechanism to translate competition into collective market strength. The key challenge, therefore, is to design frameworks that transform competition among producers into a shared market advantage, thereby improving overall resource allocation and operational efficiency.

Mr. Chin highlighted three critical pillars for a well-functioning derivatives market: a reliable settlement system, transparent price formation mechanisms, and a clear legal and regulatory framework to safeguard market integrity. Additionally, he underscored counterparty risk as a key area requiring strict control.

Meanwhile, Mr. Warrick Cleine, Chairman and CEO, Managing Partner - Deal, Tax and Legal Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, emphasized that market infrastructure is a fundamental determinant of the long-term sustainability of commodity and derivatives markets. “A modern market cannot function effectively without robust clearing and settlement systems, combined with transparent pricing standards,” he said. “These elements are essential to ensure market stability, reduce systemic risk, and enhance investor confidence.”

From a regulatory standpoint, Mr. Tran Huu Linh, General Director of the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized the need to strengthen market transparency while continually improving supervisory mechanisms to ensure fairness, stability, and effective market operation.

Some participants emphasized that the design of an IFC must ensure a high degree of internationalization, including the recognition of common law principles, the use of the English language, and adherence to international financial reporting standards, in order to facilitate access for global investors. It was also noted that regulatory frameworks need to be more flexible to accommodate different types of markets, whether financial markets or physical commodity markets.

A modern market cannot function effectively without robust clearing and settlement systems, combined with transparent pricing standards. These elements are essential to ensure market stability, reduce systemic risk, and enhance investor confidence.

Mr. Warrick Cleine, Chairman and CEO, Managing Partner - Deal , Tax and Legal Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The term ‘international’ in IFC refers to the ability to attract global capital, reflecting Vietnam’s own ambitions. Drawing on my AIFC experience, I emphasize the importance of an independent regulator that coordinates effectively with both the financial center and national authorities.

Ms. Angela Knight, Chair of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and Member of the Astana IFC Management Board.

VET-Nhu Quynh

HCMC unveils fintech hub, bridging local firms to global capital

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses.

Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange (LSE), hosted a high-level investment forum and officially launched the HCMC Fintech Hub on April 14, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The Fintech Hub is a core component of VIFC-HCMC, serving as a vital link between financial institutions, technology companies, and investment funds to drive innovation within the financial sector.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, emphasized that the launch of the Fintech Hub marks a critical milestone in the city’s financial development strategy.

According to Mr. Vinh, the city has proactively positioned itself not merely as a traditional financial hub, but as a next-generation financial center with deep integration into international capital markets. By leveraging the power of technology, the city aims to create distinct sectoral advantages.

The partnership with the London Stock Exchange, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, is viewed as a strategic move. It serves not only as a bridge for Vietnamese enterprises to access global capital but also as an opportunity to upgrade corporate governance standards, enhance transparency, and integrate more profoundly into the global financial ecosystem.

The city aims to transcend its role as Vietnam’s domestic financial hub to become a key regional economic and financial center, playing a pivotal role in connecting capital flows, technology, and innovation across Asia.

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses. Furthermore, it will provide essential support for Vietnamese companies seeking to enter international markets.

Ms. Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic growth economies, with increasing potential to attract international investment.

She added that the Vietnamese stock market has recently made significant strides in its reclassification roadmap by FTSE Russell. This progress serves as a positive signal to international investors regarding the market's stability and its readiness for significant capital inflows.

VOV-Khánh Chi

Next wave of energy transition

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy gathered the thoughts of EU and global partners on how Vietnam can turn its natural advantages into large-scale renewable investment and energy security.

Mr. Tibor Stelbaczky, Ambassador-at-Large, Principle Adviser on Energy Diplomacy at European External Action Service

I would like to mention three additional perspectives at the policy level regarding the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Firstly, the JETP is built upon the shared goals of Vietnam and the International Partners Group (IPG), which is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, implementing the Paris Agreement and working toward this goal. Based on that shared goal, this is the best way to realize the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities in implementing the Paris Agreement. This is a commitment from the IPG and the G7 to support Vietnam, and also a commitment from Vietnam to move toward net-zero emissions. Clearly, this is in the common interest of all participating parties, and we are very much looking forward to continuing cooperation to promote the meaningful and effective implementation of the JETP.

The second is that the “P” in JETP stands for “Partnership”. This signifies close cooperation between us and Vietnamese authorities, government, companies, and stakeholders. I think it is very important to gain experience from each other. Vietnam’s economic growth is remarkable - even fantastic. However, IPG countries also have a lot of experience in energy transition, and we are ready to share this experience and lessons with Vietnam. More importantly, it is not just about sharing experience, but also about being ready to invest and provide concrete support, from financial to technical assistance, to achieve tangible results in the implementation of the JETP.

Thirdly, in the past few years, especially since the signing of the Political Declaration in 2022 and the development of the Resource Mobilization Plan, as well as initial projects in place, the JETP has always been seen as an opportunity for Vietnam to leverage support from the IPG. However, in the current volatile context, this is no longer just an opportunity but a pressing need not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries, including IPG countries.

As the global energy market undergoes significant changes, shifting toward domestic energy sources such as renewable energy, while investing in energy storage, batteries, and grid development, becomes a necessary direction. This is not only a way to ensure the necessary energy supply to support economic growth, but also to ensure energy security and reduce external dependence. This is a common challenge for both Europe and Vietnam.

Therefore, we believe that moving toward greater renewable energy deployment and all investments in this sector, such as storage and grid development, as well as related regulatory measures and reforms, is the best way to ensure energy security, sustain impressive economic growth, and support Vietnam’s catch-up process - a mutual goal of both the IPG and Vietnam.

Mr. Alessandro Antonioli, Vietnam Country Manager at Copenhagen Offshore Partners

Vietnam is extremely competitive when it comes to the use of natural resources for renewables, because it is blessed with good wind and good solar radiation.

We expect the cost of renewable energy to progressively decrease, and Vietnam is very well positioned to capture a huge amount of these resources. This is the real “oil” of Vietnam, and is where the country should invest more in terms of cost competitiveness. It is a very fortunate coincidence that you have a well-established industry, especially in offshore engineering. This leads me to think that Vietnam is going to be, in the near term, if things go well, a regional power when it comes to offshore wind, because it can capture most of the benefit not just from generating power, but also from manufacturing the components in the country. So there is a double benefit in growing a local supply chain and also managing to get clean, affordable, and available power from resources.

The domestic market was relying on local loans to finance small-scale renewable energy projects. Now, as the technology becomes more complex and requires more capital, this is not enough to scale up the renewable energy system. So Vietnam needs to attract more international capital, about $130 billion by 2030, 90 per cent of which has to come from private capital.

To do that, Vietnam needs to provide guarantees to international investors: that they can invest safely, extract dividends, receive fair tax treatment, and resolve disputes in international forums. It is also important to ensure an appropriate level of returns for investors who take risks in a still immature regulatory framework for large-scale renewable energy.

Grid infrastructure remains a constraint on renewable energy expansion to the extent that there are physical bottlenecks. There needs to be more capacity and more battery storage, and this requires the right policies and incentives for both infrastructure and generating assets. We expect upcoming policies to provide more clarity.

Another important element is pricing mechanisms. This is still at an early stage, and the right mechanisms for renewable energy are not yet fully developed. We have seen what happened in the past with feed-in tariffs. The hope is to learn from that and move toward more dynamic and risk-mitigated pricing mechanisms.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has been here for many years, and this point in time feels like a moment of truth. There is a new government, new ambition, and some policy development over the last year.

If Vietnam maintains the pace and keeps the focus on shifting the energy system from carbon-based and hydrocarbon-based sources to renewable energy with battery storage, then it will see a completely different future in the near term.

Mr. Nguyen Phan Dinh, Vietnam Market Director at EDP Global, Head of EuroCham’s Energy Working Group

European businesses can make significant contributions to Vietnam’s energy transition in three main areas. First, their experience in policy and legal frameworks. With over 30 years of renewable energy development, Europe has accumulated a solid foundation, from establishing grid standards and carbon pricing mechanisms to liberalizing the electricity market. Through organizations like EuroCham, the European business community also contributes ideas, promotes reforms, and improves the investment environment.

Second, their system integration capabilities and technical expertise. European countries have extensive experience operating energy systems with a high proportion of renewable energy, particularly in managing the intermittent nature of power sources such as wind and solar. These are practical capabilities that European businesses can transfer to and support Vietnam with.

Third, their abundant green capital. When projects achieve financial viability, European banks and financial institutions are ready to provide significant funding to the Vietnamese market.

A prerequisite for attracting this capital flow is policy consistency and the stability of the legal framework. Changes that could reverse previous commitments, such as retroactive collection mechanisms, will directly affect investor confidence. Meanwhile, confidence is a key factor, especially since renewable energy projects typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years.

In the current context, Vietnam identifies renewable energy as a strategic direction to ensure energy security. However, to realize this goal, in addition to technological investment, building a stable and predictable long-term legal framework is crucial to strengthening confidence and attracting large-scale investment.

Ms. Anna Gibson, Climate Counsellor at the British Embassy in Vietnam

We saw the signing of a credit agreement for grid transmission infrastructure, aimed at enhancing transmission capacity and integrating renewable energy. Alongside this were a loan agreement for a hydropower expansion project and the breaking-ground ceremony for the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project. These are all significant milestones. These advances demonstrate how international public financing can be used to drive the next wave of energy transition projects in Vietnam, while also paving the way and facilitating deeper private capital participation in the market.

Alongside these asset projects, we also witnessed the signing of financing agreements within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) over the past year. These include green financing packages, such as a $200 million grant for energy transition between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Techcombank, as well as a $350 million green investment package from VPBank with support from development finance institutions within the International Partners Group (IPG), including the UK, Canada, and Japan.

Clearly, there has been progress and momentum for the JETP, but much remains to be done. Many agreements are underway, and technical assistance is in the works. A crucial part of the JETP is how to effectively combine tools - from technical assistance, development finance, public finance to private finance - to create synergistic, catalytic impacts and drive a substantive transformation of Vietnam’s green, clean, and sustainable energy system.

VET -Vietnam Economic Times

Vietnam plans $1.2 bln National AI Development Fund

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:11:00 GMT

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is currently drafting a Decree on the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Fund to institutionalize provisions of the Law on Artificial Intelligence.

To be established by the Government, the Fund will operate as a non-profit, extra-budgetary state financial fund under the management of MoST.

Its financial resources will be derived from the State budget as well as legal contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

The Fund’s primary activities will include investment, sponsorship, and support for AI development, spanning from research and development (RD) to application and commercialization.

According to the draft, the Fund may provide grants (sponsorship) covering up to 70% of a project's total cost and offer support of up to 50%, depending on the project's nature and scale. In exceptional cases, the Prime Minister will determine the support level.

Regarding sponsorship activities, the draft prioritizes RD tasks and the mastery of core technologies.

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools. Notably, the draft emphasizes the development of open-source solutions and shared platforms to foster a domestic AI ecosystem.

The Fund is also authorized to invest in shared AI infrastructure, including computing capacity, data, platforms, and AI models. Significantly, these investment projects will not be subject to standard public investment laws; instead, they will follow a specialized mechanism to ensure flexibility. The State will maintain a level of risk tolerance for these activities, provided that implementation complies with the established regulations.

Regarding its financial scale, the Fund is proposed to have a total state budget allocation of VND30 trillion (approximately $1.18 billion). The initial allocation will be VND1 trillion ($38 million), with subsequent funding provided in stages based on the state budget capacity and the Fund's operational requirements.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Vietnam’s offshore wind power landscape

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s offshore wind power development has picked up pace over recent years on the back of new policy and legal instruments and is set to be a key player in power generation.

Vietnam’s offshore wind power landscape has undergone a notable transformation over recent times. After a prolonged period of near policy stagnation, the industry is now showing clear signs of acceleration, aligned with the targets set out in the revised National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (PDP8), alongside National Assembly Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national energy development in the 2026-2030 period.

Specifically, under the revised PDP8, Vietnam aims to achieve a total offshore wind capacity of approximately 6,000-17,032 MW to serve domestic demand, with projects expected to come into operation between 2030 and 2035. Over the longer term, by 2050, total installed capacity is projected to rise to between 113,503 and 139,097 MW, reflecting strong ambitions to position offshore wind as a cornerstone of the national energy system.

Investment barriers

Vietnam is widely regarded as possessing highly-favorable preconditions for offshore wind development, comparable to those of Taiwan (China) 10-15 years ago in the early stages of its industry. On that foundation, the Vietnamese market is increasingly attracting strong interest from international investors, not only in project development but across the entire value chain, from equipment supply and technical services to supporting infrastructure.

However, as highlighted by speakers at the “Offshore Wind in Vietnam: Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Largest Clean Energy Opportunity” discussion session held within the framework of the EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum on March 24, policies related to survey licensing, project site allocation, and approval procedures for offshore wind projects in Vietnam remain insufficiently clear and consistent. This lack of clarity has made it difficult to establish a seamless development pathway from early-stage exploration to construction.

Therefore, the situation not only delays investment decision-making but also significantly heightens risk exposure, particularly given that offshore wind projects typically require seven to eight years to progress from early-stage preparation to full commercial operation. The long development timeline means that investors must commit capital well in advance, often without full visibility on future regulatory or market conditions.

For large-scale projects, which can reach capacities of up to 1,000 MW and require total investment of around $4-$5 billion per project, such uncertainty becomes even more critical. Any ambiguity in policies, licensing procedures, or approval processes can disrupt financial planning, complicate project financing, and ultimately undermine investor confidence. As a result, even well-prepared projects may struggle to secure funding, making policy clarity and consistency a decisive factor in attracting sustained international capital flows.

In addition, technical infrastructure and implementation capacity present further challenges to offshore wind development in Vietnam. Currently, the country’s port system, shipyards, and installation fleets remain insufficiently equipped to meet the logistical demands of large-capacity wind turbines and complex offshore structures.

According to Ms. Le Thi Phuong Nhi, Country Manager of Siemens Energy Vietnam, offshore wind development must be approached holistically across the entire value chain. Turbine manufacturing represents only one link, while other foundational elements, such as port infrastructure, logistics systems, and offshore technical services play equally critical roles in ensuring project viability. “Though Vietnam already has a relatively developed port system, it still requires upgrades to meet the specialized technical requirements of the offshore wind industry,” she emphasized.

Similarly, Mr. Alessandro Antonioli, CEO of Copenhagen Offshore Partners and Senior Representative of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners in Vietnam, pointed out that one of the major bottlenecks lies in the capacity of the power grid. Offshore wind power development is not limited to generation but also requires large-scale investment in and upgrading of transmission infrastructure. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s power grid planning and investment progress have yet to keep pace with the rapid expansion of power generation. Without timely upgrades, even well-prepared projects may face risks of curtailment or delays in grid connection, directly affecting investment efficiency.

Mr. Antonioli noted that while the policy framework is gradually improving, not all investors are ready to enter Vietnam’s offshore wind market under existing conditions. Unless these issues are addressed systematically through policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and targeted capacity building, the pace of offshore wind development may fall short of the ambitious targets set out in the revised PDP8.

Ensuring clarity

In order to attract foreign investment, Vietnam needs to establish a policy and market ecosystem that is transparent, stable, and highly predictable, thereby fostering long-term investor confidence. In addition to refining the legal framework and upgrading infrastructure, investors particularly emphasize the importance of “strategic partnerships” between domestic and international enterprises in offshore wind development.

For foreign investors, this is not merely a process of technology transfer followed by disengagement. Rather, it should be structured as a long-term collaborative relationship in which all parties participate and share value throughout the entire project lifecycle. “Such cooperation can begin with planning and plant design, extend to supply and manufacturing, followed by transportation and logistics solutions, and continue through pre-assembly, installation, commissioning, and ultimately operations and maintenance,” Ms. Nhi explained.

Adding a practical perspective, Mr. Antonioli suggested that several core conditions must be ensured from the outset for offshore wind projects in Vietnam to be implemented successfully.

In particular, offshore wind power projects must be designed to be sufficiently “bankable,” meaning they meet the necessary criteria to attract financial institutions. This requires clear allocation of roles and responsibilities among stakeholders, particularly the power purchaser, along with appropriate financial guarantee mechanisms, which may involve domestic banks or State-backed institutions. At the same time, a transparent and stable pricing mechanism is also essential to build investor confidence.

Moreover, offshore wind development in Vietnam demands a fundamentally different and more structured, long-term, industry-building approach. This includes synchronized investment in infrastructure, especially port systems (notably in northern Vietnam), as well as the development of a capable domestic supply chain to support sustainable industry growth. “If the Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with State-owned enterprises and private developers, can come together under such a clear strategic direction, it will be entirely possible to establish appropriate contractual frameworks, not only for pioneering projects but also to lay the foundation for a fully-fledged offshore wind industry,” Mr. Antonioli emphasized.

In addition, Mr. Antoine Croize, Country Manager of Vestas Vietnam, underscored that a stable and predictable policy framework is a prerequisite for foreign investors to formulate long-term plans and operate effectively. Vietnam must continue to enhance market transparency and predictability, particularly by clarifying what can be realistically implemented. “Many countries have set highly-ambitious targets for offshore wind power but failed to realize them,” he said. “Therefore, establishing a clear and feasible development roadmap, accompanied by a concrete legal framework, will be the decisive factor in turning Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions into reality.”

Offshore wind development must be approached holistically across the entire value chain. Turbine manufacturing represents only one link, while other foundational elements, such as port infrastructure, logistics systems, and offshore technical services, play equally critical roles in ensuring project viability.

Ms. Le Thi Phuong Nhi, Country Manager at Siemens Energy Vietnam

VET-Phuong Nhi

Four pillars define the gap between AI experimentation and real business impact

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

The difference between experimentation and success lies not in choosing which AI model, but in the overall approach…

Generative AI stands apart from previous technological shifts: it’s fundamentally reinventing how businesses operate at breathtaking speed, according to AWS's research.

In Vietnam, for example, decades of digital transformation and industrial automation have helped manufacturing output grow at close to 10 per cent annually. AI is accomplishing similar changes in months. Already, sixty‑one percent of Vietnamese businesses that have adopted AI report revenue growth, averaging 16 per cent, while 58 per cent expect cost savings of around 20 per cent.

Yet despite billions of USD in investment, most organizations still struggle to move from pilot to production to adoption. In fact, according to Gartner research, in 2024, 60 per cent of GenAI POCs were abandoned upon completion.

The difference between AI experimentation and success isn’t about choosing the right large language model; it’s about much more.

“Through our work with partners and customers at various stages of their AI journey, we’ve observed consistent patterns that separate successful implementations from those that stall,” said Ms. Kirsten Gilbertson, APJ Head of SAP GTM ASEAN Partner Organization Leader, AWS.

Accordingly, Ms. Gilbertson pointed out that organizations that successfully move from pilot to production focus on four interconnected pillars and critically, they recognize that technology is only one of them.

The first is to build data foundation strategically. Simply having data isn’t enough – how organize, govern, and activate it makes all the difference. Leading organizations implement three specific practices: connect all data together, label and organize it so it’s easy to find, and set controls to ensure only the right people (or agents) have access to sensitive data sets.

Heavily regulated industries like financial services and healthcare often have an advantage here their existing governance frameworks can accelerate AI initiatives. “However, for organizations starting from scratch, rather than attempting to unify your entire data warehouse, start by working backwards from a specific use case,” Ms. Gilbertson said.

For instance, a telco operator might begin by connecting network performance data with customer service tickets and billing records for a single purpose: predicting service degradation before customers experience issues. Once that use case delivers value, it’s possible to determine which additional data connections matter most and scale from there.

The second is to build trust through security and verification. “In enterprise AI, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s the foundation that determines whether investment moves from pilot to production,” said Ms. Gilbertson. “Organizations face a dual challenge: they need AI systems secure enough to protect sensitive data, yet accurate enough to make consequential decisions.”

For example, consider one healthcare provider with over 700,000 members. Their customers call at their most vulnerable moments, needing either medical advice or information about their coverage. The opportunity AI could provide was enormous - supporting customers faster, 24/7, in any language. But a single hallucination in this context could cause real harm, eroding trust that takes years to build.

Leading organizations are moving beyond “trust but verify” to “verify, then trust.” They’re implementing multiple layers of validation: checking inputs for malicious content, verifying outputs against known facts and policies, and continuously monitoring for drift or unexpected behavior. Emerging techniques like automated reasoning—a mathematical approach used for decades in chip design and security verification can now check AI outputs against defined rules, in some cases reducing hallucinations by 99 per cent. This verification-first approach accelerates innovation rather than slowing it down, empowering teams to experiment more boldly when they know guardrails will catch errors before they reach customers.

The third is to transform culture, not just technology. The biggest inhibitor to AI adoption isn’t the technology - it’s change management. Organizations are structured around complex processes, with employees who manage those processes. Getting individuals to step back and reimagine those processes to be end-to-end automated or handled by agents requires intentional cultural transformation.

Success requires both top-down commitment and bottom-up enablement. Leaders must demonstrate visible commitment beyond words, while employees need the space and support to reimagine their own workflows.

Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint-Stock Bank (Techcombank) is an example of this approach. Instead of simply rolling out generative AI tools, the bank built a full enablement strategy around them. It began with a pilot of 50 developers using Amazon Q Developer, achieving 80 per cent team satisfaction, before rapidly scaling to 600 IT developers with 100 per cent active engagement. This expansion drove a 40 per cent quarter‑over‑quarter increase in team output.

By using this GenAI-powered assistant, the bank also accelerated development of Techcombank Mobile, its flagship digital banking application, and significantly reduced development time. More than 70 per cent of their developers report saving 5–10 hours each week. These efficiency gains are helping Techcombank deliver enhanced digital banking experiences to its 16.5 million customers across Vietnam.

“AI will automate many tasks while simultaneously creating new opportunities and elevating human potential in others,” Ms. Gilbertson noted. “The most successful organizations are transparent about this transformation and invest in reskilling their workforce to thrive in an AI-augmented environment.”

The final is to work with the right experts. “While some organizations have the resources and expertise to build generative AI capabilities entirely in-house, most find that strategic partnerships accelerate their journey from pilot to production,” said Ms. Gilbertson. “The question isn’t whether you can go it alone - it’s whether that’s the fastest path to realizing value.”

The right partners bring three critical advantages: technical expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, domain knowledge to apply AI to specific industry and regulatory environments, and change management experience to drive adoption at scale.

The data bears this out: organizations working with partners possessing deep AI expertise and proven customer success moved their AI projects into production on average 25 per centfaster than those working without specialized partners. In a landscape where speed to value often determines competitive advantage, that acceleration can be decisive.

In Vietnam, AWS Partners offer ready-made solutions that can help accelerate your business in adopting GenAI in areas such as intelligent operations automation (AIOps), document processing and analytics, and AI-powered customer engagement.

“In general, successful organizations approach generative AI as a business transformation, not just a technology deployment,” Ms. Gilbertson affirmed. “The organizations that will thrive aren’t those with the most advanced models, but those that recognize AI success requires equal investment in technology, people, and processes.”

vneconomy-Ngoc Lan

For effective energy transition

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Experience from the EU shows that an effective energy transition requires a synchronized set of factors, including a stable policy framework, strong technical capacity, and the ability to mobilize financing.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 458/QD-TTg of March 23, 2026, an updated implementation plan for the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) has been approved, with a focus placed on coordinating with international partners to mobilize resources for JETP projects.

The approval of the plan not only reaffirms Vietnam’s commitment to energy transition and its net-zero emissions target by 2050, but also highlights key challenges related to mobilizing international resources, improving policy frameworks, and accelerating project implementation. These issues were also emphasized by experts, policymakers, and international partners at the “JETP Energy Transition: A Key Platform for Policy Dialogue and Joint Projects” session held within the recent EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum.

Policy as a foundation

Sharing strategic directions, Mr. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), noted that energy transition, green growth, and the circular economy are consistent priorities of Vietnam’s Party and government, especially in recent years as the country works toward the net-zero commitment it made at COP26. “There are many solutions, including participation in international initiatives such as the JETP,” he said.

Since joining the JETP in 2022, Vietnam approved a financial mobilization mechanism in 2023 and has actively pursued regulatory reforms to address bottlenecks. The Politburo issued Resolution No. 70 on ensuring national energy security to 2030, with a vision to 2045, outlining a transition toward renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting environmental protection and economic stability. “Amid current challenges in fossil fuel supply, this direction has proven to be appropriate,” he emphasized.

To institutionalize these policies, the National Assembly and government have issued additional resolutions, while the MoIT has proposed amendments to the Law on Electricity and regulations on Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPAs), as well as mechanisms to receive JETP funding.

As a result, over the past five years, Vietnam has experienced one of the fastest renewable energy expansions globally, reaching about 23 GW of installed capacity as of the end of 2024, making it a leader within ASEAN.

However, Mr. Nguyen Phan Dinh, Vietnam Market Director at EDP Global and Head of EuroCham’s Energy Working Group, noted that coal still accounted for around 50 per cent of electricity generation in 2024, indicating significant space for transition and investment opportunities. He highlighted that the first opportunity lies in political commitments, such as the Prime Minister’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26. “This is a clear commitment, creating momentum for building a policy framework and paving the way for investment,” he said.

The next opportunity is development planning. Specifically, the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) has set very ambitious targets for renewable energy. To realize these goals, Vietnam needs to mobilize some $130 billion in capital for the 2031-2035 period. “I hope that about 20 per cent of that will be allocated to the power grid, with the remainder for renewable energy sources, and this represents a significant opportunity,” Mr. Dinh added.

Regarding participation in the JETP, the MoIT, along with international partners, has reviewed and selected 44 projects that meet JETP criteria. However, Mr. Duy Anh said that after more than two years, only three projects have received funding from JETP, with capital exceeding $700 million, while the remaining projects are being considered for funding and implementation in the near future.

“To accelerate the implementation of the JETP in the coming period, efforts are needed not only from the Vietnamese Government but also from partners participating in the JETP and the governments of countries interested in Vietnam’s energy transition,” he added. “We are committed to continuously improving policy mechanisms to remove bottlenecks in the implementation process, and to finding and developing projects that meet JETP criteria in order to support more projects in the time to come.”

Financing and technical support

Mr. Do Duc Tuong, a JETP Energy Project Development Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, believes that one of the major bottlenecks in the implementation of the JETP in Vietnam is the lack of resources for new projects, especially those without precedent. Therefore, in addition to traditional bank credit, the establishment and effective operation of technical assistance funds play a crucial role.

Data reveals that of the total of $15.5 billion committed by the JETP’s international partners, approximately $300 million is specifically allocated to technical assistance, with allocation depending on the priorities of each partner. To date, about 80 per cent of bilateral cooperation projects have been implemented, with the remainder in the preparation and funding connection stages.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Alice Carr, Executive Director for Public Policy at the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), noted that technical assistance resources are still not being effectively utilized. She argued that many projects might be unsuitable if they retain their original models, but could become viable if restructured, for example, by adopting a DPPA or receiving support for feasibility studies in line with international standards. “Vietnamese businesses have strengths in attracting capital, but still need to improve their technological and project implementation capabilities to more effectively utilize technical assistance resources,” she added.

From an international finance perspective, Mr. Stephan Opitz, Member of the KfW Management Board for Asia and Europe, said international experience shows that providing credit lines accompanied by technical assistance is a useful tool. These facilities are typically geared toward specific sectors, with clear requirements regarding standards and technology. “However, for commercial banks, this is still a relatively new area, requiring technological assessment capabilities and a team of specialized experts,” he added. “Given the relatively low profitability of loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, banks may be hesitant, but consolidating multiple loans and providing technical support will help reduce risk and expand access to capital for the private sector.”

Systemic approach

Vietnam’s energy sector is a focus of investment. “To date, we have committed approximately €1 billion ($1.15 billion) to transmission, distribution, and power generation projects, primarily in collaboration with EVN [Vietnam Electricity],” he said. “However, the key is not just capital, but a systemic approach. We are not only financing but also promoting a systemic approach to the transition to renewable energy, something we are also doing in many other countries.”

A prime example of KfW’s investments in Vietnam is the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project, a key component of this transition. This project acts as a form of “battery storage,” balancing the volatility of renewable energy, thus playing a crucial role in the system.

Similarly, the Tri An project is not simply an expansion of a hydropower plant. It will take on the role of supplying peak-load electricity, a task previously handled primarily by coal- and gas-fired power plants. Thus, renewable energy sources such as hydropower can replace and provide this crucial power supply.

Ten years ago, KfW also financed the first wind power project in Vietnam. Another role of KfW is to introduce new technologies into a country, thereby allowing all parties to better understand the costs, risks, and necessary framework conditions to attract private investors later on.

In addition, projects are often implemented through co-financing with multiple partners such as the French Development Agency (AFD), Proparco, Italian partners, and possibly the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU, to enhance resources and investment efficiency. “We also particularly appreciate the role of the EU, as the funding provided by the EU has been very helpful in preparing and promoting these investments,” Mr. Opitz said.

Regarding actual investments, he shared insights into mobilizing international capital based on policy-based lending. He suggested that, within a systems approach to energy transition, several directions could be pursued. Firstly, continuing to finance the projects mentioned, and secondly, providing credit to domestic banks, thereby facilitating private sector participation in energy investment.

In particular, the third, and equally important, direction is policy support loans, which KfW has successfully implemented in many countries such as South Africa and Indonesia; key partners in the JETP. In South Africa, from the outset, this model has been combined with infrastructure financing to create a synergistic impact.

According to Mr. Opitz, the essence of policy-based financing is that financial institutions collaborate with the government to develop and agree upon a set of effective policy criteria to promote investment, especially to attract more private capital into the energy sector, as well as to remove bottlenecks in the system.

“The advantage of this approach is the ability to combine experience from real-world projects with knowledge and recommendations from the business sector, thereby bringing policy dialogue into more effective engagement,” Mr. Opitz emphasized. “At the same time, financing is often implemented in the form of co-financing with many large financial partners, creating sufficiently strong resources to promote quality and ambitious policy reforms while integrating experiences from many countries. I believe this could also be an effective direction for Vietnam in the future, leveraging this tool for the energy transition process.”

VET-Ngoc Lan

Grab expands to the payment market in Vietnam in 2027

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

After withdrawing from the personal e-wallet market with Moca, Grab is repositioning its financial strategy in Vietnam by focusing on payments for businesses...

Grab officially introduced 13 new AI-powered features at the GrabX 2026 event held in Jakarta (Indonesia) recently, upgrading its superapp experience to serve as an intelligent everyday guide for millions across Southeast Asia.

In particular, many of these features have been and will soon be rolled out in Vietnam – one of Grab's key markets.

Notably, the feature of Tap to Pay will be announced in Vietnam. According to the rollout roadmap announced at GrabX 2026, Tap to Pay is already operational in the Philippines and Singapore. The feature is expected to expand to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand by the end of this year. In Vietnam, the launch date is set for 2027.

After Moca e-wallet ceased operations on Grab in mid-2024, the feature shows a new presence in the Vietnamese payment market. However, unlike Moca e-wallet, which targeted individual consumers (B2C), Tap to Pay is a financial feature specifically for business partners (B2B).

Accordingly, Tap to Pay feature turns GrabMerchant-enabled smartphones into a contactless payment terminal — no special hardware, no complex setup, and no lengthy onboarding. Merchants can start accepting cards and QR payments in minutes, straight from the GrabMerchant app.

Mr. Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer of Grab shared that he integrated feature on the merchant's device uses NFC technology to turn smartphones into point-of-sale (POS) terminals. It is suitable for small businesses that typically only accept cash or QR code payments. In reality, accepting card payments requires store owners to invest in POS machines, payment processing fees, and long-term contracts. Currently, the service fee for card swiping at POS terminals is charged by banks at approximately 0.7-3.5 per transaction.

"For all features, especially in the financial sector, we consider issues on a market-by-market basis and implement them only after obtaining the necessary licenses," Mr. Kandal affirmed. "Although we have no plans to partner with any new e-wallet in Vietnam to launch financial services by 2027, e will comply with legal procedures when developing payment features in Vietnam."

According to the 10th Southeast Asia Digital Economy Report, published last November by Google, Temasek, and Bain Company, the total value of transactions through digital payment methods is projected to reach $178 billion by 2025. In Vietnam, as of March 31, 2025, there are 47 licensed organizations providing e-wallet services, with nearly 46 million activated wallets and over 30 million active wallets.

The official recognition of e-wallets as a legal means of payment from July 1, 2025, under Circular 40/2024/TT-NHNN, has created an important legal foundation, placing e-wallets on par with cash and bank cards.

Following this is Circular 41/2025/TT-NHNN, which amends and supplements existing regulations with stricter provisions on customer verification, information transparency, and increased transaction limits for essential services, along with Decree 94/2025/ND-CP on a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) for the fintech sector.

Vneconomy -An Chi

Hanoi to launch Cybersecurity Center in 2027

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:12:00 GMT

The municipal government encourages research and development to master next-generation cybersecurity technology…

Hanoi will construct and put into operation a Municipal Cybersecurity Center to ensure monitoring capabilities and readiness against cyber threats, while enabling the sharing of national cybersecurity surveillance data, with completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

This initiative is a core part of Plan No. 149/KH-UBND regarding the assurance of cybersecurity, information security, and data safety within Hanoi's political system, signed and issued by Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Truong Viet Dung on April 11.

According to the plan, the city aims to review and remediate 100% of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the information systems of the city's Party and State agencies, Vietnam Fatherland Front, and other socio-political organizations by 2026.

The plan also ensures that national cryptographic infrastructure operates stably to facilitate the exchange of state secrets from the city level down to 100% of wards and communes.

Furthermore, Hanoi will strengthen discipline in State management of cybersecurity, implementing governance based on risk assessment and compliance with technical standards and regulations. The city will promote the application of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data analysis, and smart monitoring for the early detection and timely handling of cyber threats. This marks a transition toward a proactive defense model utilizing modern encryption solutions to protect critical data, state secrets, and government transactions.

The municipal government encourages research and development to master next-generation cybersecurity technologies, enhancing technological autonomy and fostering a strong national cybersecurity industrial ecosystem.

By 2030, the city aims to train and build a team of high-level cybersecurity experts capable of meeting both domestic and international demands.

By 2045, Hanoi intends to develop a team of leading experts and world-class digital scientists who master core technologies, alongside the development of modern cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, innovation centers, and high-tech industrial parks.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

China's Victory Giant Technology Vietnam hits $470 million revenue in Vietnam

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Revenue from the Vietnamese market has seen explosive growth over the past year. From 1.08 billion yuan in 2024, revenue tripled by 2025. Compared to 2023 (559 million yuan), the revenue scale has increased sixfold.

Victory Giant Technology, a leading Chinese technology group, specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), announced that its revenue in the Vietnamese market reached 3.23 billion yuan (approximately $473 million). This surge accounted for roughly 16.8% of the group's total revenue in 2025.

According to filings submitted by Victory Giant Technology to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), citing data from consultancy firm Frost Sullivan, the company ranked first globally in terms of revenue within the AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) PCB segments during the first half of 2025, capturing a 13.8% market share.

Notably, revenue from the Vietnamese market has seen explosive growth over the past year. From 1.08 billion yuan in 2024, revenue tripled by 2025. Compared to 2023 (559 million yuan), the revenue scale has increased sixfold.

The group noted that Vietnam-origin PCB products typically face US import tariffs of around 10%, which is significantly lower than the potential 35% tariff applied to similar goods from China. However, the company also cautioned that U.S. tariff policies remain subject to unpredictable fluctuations.

The Victory Giant Technology Vietnam factory project invested in by Victory Giant Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. specializes in the RD, production, and sale of high-precision multi-layer PCBs, High-Density Interconnect (HDI) boards, Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC), and Rigid-Flex boards.

These products are widely utilized in artificial intelligence, big data centers, the Industrial Internet, green energy vehicles, next-generation communication technologies, aerospace, and medical equipment.

According to the company’s initial projections, once fully operational by 2030, the factory is expected to reach an annual output of 4 million square meters of products with an estimated production value of $900 million.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

To meet strong electricity demand

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Grid infrastructure has a key part to play in catering to the ever-increasing electricity demand amid Vietnam’s energy transformation and ongoing development.

Amid forecasts of continued strong growth in electricity demand in the years to come, at the same time as Vietnam’s power sector accelerates the development of power generation projects it is also stepping up investment in grid infrastructure to enhance transmission capacity, promptly distribute power output, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the system. As demand grows rapidly and the share of renewable energy increases, the role of the grid extends beyond mere “transmission” to become a decisive factor in the system’s ability to absorb and efficiently allocate power across the entire network.

Attracting the private sector

In terms of investment, under the National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 (PDP8), total investment in power generation and transmission grid development in Vietnam during the 2026-2030 period is estimated at approximately $136.3 billion. Of this, around $118.2 billion is allocated for power generation and $18.1 billion for power transmission grids. With more than 1,000 power transmission grid projects expected to be implemented during this period and total capital demand reaching roughly $18.1 billion, the investment pressure on national grid infrastructure is substantial.

During the thematic session entitled “National grid and regional connections: The way forward in Vietnam’s trajectory towards net-zero,” held within the framework of the recent EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong from the Planning and Development Division of the Electricity Authority of Vietnam (EAV) at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), noted that of the total $18.1 billion required, approximately $12.9 billion is expected to come from the State sector, while around $5.2 billion, equivalent to nearly 30 per cent of total investment, will need to be mobilized from non-State sources. “This clearly demonstrates the increasingly important role of the private sector and foreign investors in the development of transmission grid infrastructure,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, investment in the transmission grid is still largely undertaken by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), which maintain an almost monopolistic role in the construction and operation of the high-voltage grid. This reality underscores the urgent need to broaden the participation of other economic actors to meet rising capital demands.

This direction is also aligned with Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, which encourages private sector participation in energy projects on the basis of fair competition. Accordingly, the MoIT is expediting the institutionalization of these policies in the draft amended Law on Electricity, focusing on improving capital mobilization mechanisms, simplifying investment procedures to shorten project timelines, and developing technical standards for emerging areas such as smart grids and energy storage systems.

Similarly, the orientation set out in Politburo Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW reaffirms the private sector as a key driver of the economy, further emphasizing the need to create more favorable conditions for deeper private sector participation in the power sector. Mr. Cuong said that with these orientations and solutions, the MoIT is making determined efforts to translate major policy directions into reality, while effectively attracting resources from financial institutions and the private sector. “This will contribute to the development of the transmission grid system, which is critical infrastructure with decisive significance for economic growth, energy transition, and sustainable development,” he went on.

From the perspective of international investors, Ms. Cristina Bergomi, Senior Vice President of GE Vernova, suggested that in order to attract private and foreign investment into Vietnam’s national grid infrastructure, the country needs a clear, phased roadmap designed to gradually expand participation from both domestic and international investors.

Specifically, in the initial phase, transmission grid projects should receive strong government support, including guarantee mechanisms or risk-sharing frameworks, to build early market confidence. This is particularly important in the transmission sector, which is characterized by large capital requirements, long payback periods, and high risk levels. Once confidence is established through pioneering projects, the market will become progressively more attractive to private investors and international developers.

Building on that foundation, in subsequent phases, Vietnam can scale up investment attraction, promote deeper participation from the private sector and foreign investors, and encourage diverse partnership models across the value chain. “In particular, the successful implementation of pilot projects will serve as a ‘proof of concept,’ helping to reduce perceived risks and create a spillover effect for future projects,” Ms. Bergomi noted.

In addition, to enhance the likelihood of success, investors should be involved from the early stages of projects, not only in financing but also in design, technical studies, and operational structuring. Early engagement allows stakeholders to optimize implementation plans, better manage risks, and ensure long-term feasibility. This is also a key factor in transforming the power grid, traditionally dominated by State-owned enterprises, into a more attractive destination for both domestic and international investment capital.

Three core pillars.

Beyond boosting investment, experts also emphasize that improving the quality and operational capacity of Vietnam’s power grid remains a critical priority. Mr. Francesco Comito, Area Manager in South Asia and Far East at CESI, highlighted that the modernization of Vietnam’s transmission system should be built on three main pillars: digitalization, enhanced flexibility, and transformation of the operational model. On this basis, the power system will gradually transition from a traditional alternating current (AC) structure to a hybrid model, in which high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology serves as the “backbone,” complementing the existing grid.

Under the digitalization pillar, Vietnam should prioritize the development of core technologies to strengthen system monitoring and dispatch capabilities. In this context, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and energy management systems (EMS) are often described as the “brain” of the grid, enabling real-time monitoring and operation, while substation automation based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standards can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of outages.

At the same time, the deployment of wide-area monitoring systems will help track the dynamics of the entire grid, laying the foundation for a shift from reactive to predictive operations. According to Mr. Comito, though notable progress has been made, digitalization efforts still need to be accelerated and implemented more synchronously to establish a truly smart grid.

In terms of flexibility, as the share of renewable energy continues to rise, enhancing the flexibility of the transmission system becomes essential. Unlike conventional power sources, wind and solar energy are inherently variable, leading to continuous fluctuations in supply and demand. Without sufficient system flexibility, localized oversupply or grid congestion may occur, resulting in curtailment and reduced investment efficiency.

Regarding the third pillar - the transformation of the transmission model - the role of HVDC systems is particularly emphasized. Given Vietnam’s elongated north-south geography, where renewable energy resources are concentrated mainly in the central and southern regions while major demand centers are located in the north, the power system faces a structural imbalance. In this context, HVDC enables long-distance power transmission with lower losses while enhancing overall system stability.

Looking ahead, the development and mastery of HVDC systems will also provide a foundation for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the ASEAN regional power grid. “Overall, current priorities should not be limited to expanding power grid infrastructure in Vietnam, but more importantly, to building a smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable power system,” Mr. Comito concluded.

VET-Phuong Hoa

New initiative promotes high-impact scientific and tech research

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The program aimed at building a new generation of highly capable, independent scientists and strengthening national technological competitiveness.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has approved a major new initiative to support top doctoral researchers, marking a shift toward direct investment in high-impact scientific research.

The “Excellent Doctoral Research Support Program for 2026–2030” (VREF) will provide up to VND1 billion (around $40,000) per year for each selected PhD candidate, for a maximum of three years. Research projects may be extended by up to two additional years if necessary, though without additional state funding.

VREF represents a significant policy shift from training support to funding outstanding research, with the goal of building a new generation of highly capable, independent scientists and strengthening national technological competitiveness.

Each year, about 100 top doctoral candidates will be selected, with priority given to those working on core technologies and strategic products.

The program sets clear performance targets: at least 60% of research outputs must be published in leading international journals, at least 20% must result in intellectual property registrations, and a minimum of 15% must be commercialized or applied in practice.

Beyond individual support, VREF aims to foster networks of young scientists and strong research groups, while encouraging joint supervision with international experts.

Funded primarily by the state, with additional contributions from businesses and organizations, the program is expected to serve as a strategic lever to enhance Vietnam’s scientific capacity and global innovation standing.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Enhancement of legal frameworks for digital technology

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The legal framework surrounding digital technology has been boosted significantly in recent times as development continues apace.

Lawmakers enacted a sweeping package of legislation during the 15th National Assembly (NA) term, aimed at building a relatively comprehensive legal framework for the development of digital technology, including the revised Law on Electronic Transactions, the revised Law on Telecommunications, the Law on Data, the Law on Personal Data Protection, the Law on E-commerce, the revised Law on Advertising, the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Law on Digital Technology Industry Development, along with a range of related legal instruments. Most recently, the NA passed the Law on AI.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Hong, President of the Vietnam Digital Communications Association (VDCA), described this as one of the most intensive waves of policy reform since Vietnam entered the digital transformation era.

Building a legal architecture

At a recent workshop entitled “Enhancing policies and legal frameworks for digital technology development in Vietnam,” Mr. Nguyen Quang Dong, Director of the Institute for Policy Studies and Media Development (IPS), said a comprehensive review shows that Vietnam’s legislative trajectory clearly reflects efforts to keep pace with emerging issues in the digital era through dedicated laws.

He highlighted five particularly new and rapidly-evolving areas: cybersecurity, data, digital assets, AI, and e-commerce. According to Mr. Dong, these are issues that either did not previously exist or were not adequately addressed under the traditional legal system. Vietnam has chosen to draft standalone laws to directly regulate each of these areas.

In cybersecurity, the Law on Cybersecurity was enacted in 2018. At its most recent session, the NA adopted a comprehensively-revised version - the Law on Cybersecurity No. 116/2025/QH15 - which will take effect on July 1, 2026, to meet new requirements arising from the digital environment.

In the data sphere, Vietnam now has two key independent laws. The Law on Personal Data Protection 2025, developed on the basis of the Decree on Personal Data Protection 2023, and the Law on Data 2024, were recently passed by the NA. The latter provides comprehensive regulation of data collection, processing, sharing, and exchange, and sets out provisions for models such as data exchanges. As a result, Vietnam has established a clearly-differentiated legal framework separating personal data protection from broader data governance and development.

For e-commerce, the legislature passed the Law on E-commerce No. 122/2025/QH15 on December 10, 2025, effective from July 1, 2026. The Law is designed to address new issues arising from the rapid growth of e-commerce platforms and online trading. This underscores a clear policy direction: enacting specialized legislation for entirely new segments of the digital economy.

At the same time, several sector-specific laws have been amended to address challenges in the digital environment. Notably, the NA adopted the Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Law on Advertising No. 75/2025/QH15, effective January 1, 2026. The revised Law introduces new provisions governing advertising on digital platforms, clarifies the responsibilities of intermediary platform providers, and, in particular, sets out obligations for celebrities and influencers engaged in advertising on social media.

Entirely new issues such as digital assets and policy experimentation mechanisms have also been formally codified. The Law on Digital Technology Industry Development 2025 explicitly recognizes digital property rights, regulates digital asset transactions, and establishes a legal sandbox framework for emerging technologies.

Balancing risk and growth

On AI, Vietnam is among the early movers in enacting a standalone law on the technology. Mr. Ho Duc Thang, Director of the National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Science and Technology, said the core objective of the Law on AI is to strike a balance between risk governance and development promotion, with greater emphasis placed on fostering AI growth rather than tightening risk controls.

The National Institute of Digital Technology and Digital Transformation was one of the lead agencies involved in drafting the Law on AI. According to Mr. Thang, the law primarily adopts an ex-post oversight mechanism, under which enterprises are responsible for assessing the risk level of their AI systems.

Only a very limited number of particularly dangerous AI systems will be subject to ex-ante review. For example, autonomous vehicles cannot rely solely on self-assessment by enterprises and must undergo independent appraisal by competent authorities. The list of AI systems requiring pre-market review will be issued by the Prime Minister.

“Vietnam’s risk management approach largely relies on ex-post oversight, based on trust that enterprises will comply,” M. Thang said. “However, once that trust is placed, the Law also provides sufficiently strong sanctions.”

Beyond risk governance, much of the remaining content of the Law is devoted to promoting AI development. Notably, it allows AI-related activities to enjoy the highest level of incentives available under existing legal frameworks, including the Law on High Technology, the Law on Digital Transformation, and the Law on Digital Technology Industry Development.

“In other words, wherever preferential policies for AI exist under other laws, AI will benefit at the highest level,” Mr. Thang said. “We are also strongly promoting the sandbox mechanism. As a new technology with inherent risks, AI can benefit from participating in a sandbox, which helps enterprises shorten time to market while also receiving State support and investment during the process.”

The Law also lays the groundwork for the establishment of an AI Development Fund. The fund is intended not only to support research and product development but also to help stimulate the broader AI application market.

Dual-track approach

Alongside the introduction of new laws, Vietnam has also amended and supplemented numerous existing statutes to keep pace with the rapid advancement of digital technology in traditional sectors.

Experts say the country is pursuing two parallel tracks: drafting specialized legislation for entirely new areas of digital technology, while simultaneously upgrading existing laws to adapt to deepening digitalization. Behind this wave of legislation lies an extensive process of policy debate and consultation aimed at identifying an appropriate governance model. The overarching goal is to strike a balance between promoting innovation and enabling business growth on the one hand, and ensuring safety, security, and the protection of citizens’ rights in the digital environment on the other.

The Law on AI offers a case in point. While it establishes clear regulatory parameters, it avoids imposing overly rigid barriers, leaving room for enterprises to experiment, develop, and commercialize new technologies. This reflects what may be emerging as Vietnam’s distinctive model: clear legal frameworks without excessive rigidity. Sandbox mechanisms and dedicated AI legislation have been advanced swiftly yet designed with flexibility in mind, in order to respond to the rapid evolution of digital assets and new business models.

According to Mr. Dong, three overarching factors underpin Vietnam’s digital governance philosophy. The first is sovereignty and national security. The second is human rights. And the third is the imperative to foster innovation and encourage new business models. Legal provisions, he said, must continuously seek to balance and harmonize these three pillars.

“The State has taken a comprehensive approach to refining the legal framework, with more than ten key laws covering cybersecurity, data, telecommunications, digital assets, AI, e-commerce, intellectual property, and advertising,” Mr. Dong said.

However, he also cautioned that significant gaps remain. Many newly-enacted laws still operate largely at the level of principles. In sectors such as finance, healthcare, health technology, and especially AI applications in gene technology, the absence of detailed technical standards and corresponding enforcement capacity could lead to unforeseen consequences.

VET-Bao Binh

Deeper participation in semiconductor value chain

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The relentless development of semiconductors offers Vietnam an opportunity in the packaging space.

In 2021, at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic had only recently subsided, many economists were predicting that the global semiconductor market could reach, or even exceed, $1 trillion by 2030. In reality, the market already approached $800 billion at the end of 2025 and is projected to continue growing strongly in 2026, potentially nearing or surpassing the $1-trillion threshold. The period from 2026 to 2030 is expected to witness a major leap forward driven by the AI supercycle, pushing the market well beyond $1 trillion and possibly reaching $1.4-1.6 trillion, under the most recent scenarios.

In that context, advanced packaging is no longer a supporting step but has become a core component in scaling and enhancing semiconductor performance. It is increasingly viewed as a strategic opportunity for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the global semiconductor value chain.

AI supercycle

Ms. Nguyen Bich Yen, Honorary President of the Institute of Semiconductors and Advanced Materials at Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU), said the growth momentum of the semiconductor industry over the past five years “comes from new technologies”, and this will remain the case for the time being. She estimated that around 50 per cent of revenue growth is driven by AI, about 30 per cent by electric vehicles and intelligent transportation systems, and the remainder by the Internet of Things (IoT), premium consumer electronics, and, potentially, quantum computing in the future. “The demand for high-performance computing and the processing of massive data volumes is taking the entire semiconductor industry forward,” she noted.

A look at the history of the computer market clearly shows how successive waves of technology have created growth cycles for semiconductors. The first wave began in the 1970s, with mainframe computers pioneered by IBM, followed by minicomputers, personal computers, desktop computing, the internet, mobile internet, and big data. That technological evolution laid the foundation for the emergence and development of AI today.

“AI could not exist without the remarkable advances in integrated circuits, especially the rise of data centers with ever-increasing processing capacity,” Ms. Yen said. “The computing power of processors such as GPUs has grown exponentially, increasing up to ten-fold every decade.”

The semiconductor industry’s record growth is now triggering an unprecedented wave of manufacturing investment. According to the latest World Fab Forecast from SEMI, the global semiconductor industry association, 18 new semiconductor fabs (fabrication plants) began construction in 2025 alone, including 15 300mm fabs and three 200mm fabs. Most are expected to come online in 2026 or 2027, bringing the total number of major new or expanded fabs worldwide to more than 100 by the end of next year.

This expansion will require more than 1 million highly-skilled technical workers by 2030, including design engineers, process technicians, and manufacturing operators, Deloitte has warned in recent analyses.

In terms of capital investment, SEMI forecast that global spending on semiconductor manufacturing equipment will reach $133 billion in 2025, $145 billion in 2026, and a record $156 billion in 2027. Meanwhile, McKinsey estimated total global investment in new fabs could reach roughly $1 trillion by 2030.

Such massive capital spending and enormous demand for talent not only confirm the semiconductor industry’s supercycle but also highlight its deep economic spillover effects, from creating millions of jobs and advancing high-tech industries to reshaping global supply chains.

Focal point

The semiconductor industry has steadily miniaturized transistors - the most fundamental component of every electronic chip - over the last half a century. From micrometer-scale dimensions in the 1960s and 1970s, transistor sizes have continued to shrink, in line with Moore’s Law, and are now approaching the 2-nanometer (nm) node, with mass production expected to begin around 2026. At the same time, chip structures have become increasingly complex. The number of metal layers, once limited to just a few, has now expanded to dozens.

However, experts believe that the further transistor scaling progresses, the more sharply costs escalate. Starting at the 45-nm node, the cost of designing a single chip increases exponentially. At the 5-nm node, design costs can exceed $500 million, while at the 3-nm node they often surpass $900 million for high-end designs.

Meanwhile, manufacturing processes have become far more complex, particularly after transistors transitioned from flat 2D structures to 3D FinFET (Fin Field-Effect Transistor) architectures, requiring extremely precise technical control and sophisticated, expensive machinery.

More importantly, transistor scaling does not benefit every component on a chip equally. While logic and memory blocks can fully exploit advanced technologies to improve performance and energy efficiency, analog circuits, radio frequency (RF) components, and input/output (I/O) interfaces gain little benefit from, and may even be less suitable for, the most advanced nodes. Forcing an entire chip to be manufactured using the same cutting-edge process can significantly raise costs without delivering proportional gains.

Because of these cost and technical constraints, the semiconductor industry is gradually shifting from monolithic system-on-chip (SoC) designs to chiplet architectures. Instead of integrating all functional blocks - such as processing, memory, connectivity, and analog components - on a single die manufactured with the same technology, the chiplet approach divides the chip into multiple smaller units.

Each chiplet performs a specific function and can be manufactured using the most appropriate process technology. Processing components can use leading-edge nodes for maximum performance, while I/O or analog functions may use older nodes to reduce costs.

This approach reduces manufacturing risks, optimizes costs, and increases flexibility in product design and upgrades. However, when chips are divided into multiple chiplets, advanced packaging technologies become critically important. These technologies enable chiplets to connect at high speed with low latency, functioning together as a unified system. As a result, advanced packaging is emerging as a strategic segment in the global semiconductor value chain.

Major opportunity for Vietnam

Packaging is no longer simply about protecting chips. According to Mr. Nguyen Bao Anh, CEO of VSAP LAB Vietnam, chip packaging first acts as an “armor layer” protecting the semiconductor die from mechanical impacts, humidity, oxidation, and corrosive environmental factors.

Beyond protection, packaging also functions as a power distribution system. It supplies power to billions of transistors operating simultaneously and ensures energy is delivered stably to each transistor while minimizing losses and voltage drops. This is critically important because even slight power instability can affect the overall performance of the chip.

Experts say that advanced packaging is no longer a supporting step but a core component in scaling and improving semiconductor performance. Innovations in equipment and manufacturing processes play a decisive role in ensuring precision, uniformity, and scalability - all essential requirements for the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing.

“From 2025 onwards, the packaging sector is entering a particularly exciting phase,” Mr. Bao Anh said. “Packaging is no longer just a protective layer for chips but part of system architecture.” He added that major companies and research labs are investing heavily in increasingly sophisticated packaging technologies to boost performance for AI systems and future technologies.

The world, he continued, is entering a period in which packaging technologies will continue to evolve rapidly, and their role in the semiconductor industry will become more important than ever.

Ms. Yen said Vietnam holds significant advantages, from a young workforce capable of learning quickly and adapting to new technologies and strong government support for foundational technology sectors, including semiconductors. Vietnam is also seeing the emergence of domestic companies with ambition and a willingness to invest systematically in technically challenging but strategically valuable industries.

“Advanced semiconductor packaging is becoming a strategic opportunity,” she emphasized. “In the current context, advanced packaging could open a major opportunity for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the global semiconductor value chain.”

VET-Huyen Thuong

PM orders pilot launch of crypto asset exchange in Q2 2026

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Earlier in March, the Ministry of Finance sought feedback on seven applications for licences to operate crypto asset trading platforms.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has directed the pilot launch of a trading platform for crypto and digital assets starting in the second quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to develop new economic models.

He made the direction ơn April 9, while presenting a government report at the first session of the 16th National Assembly held in Hanoi.

The PM outlined updates on the implementation of the 2025 socio-economic development plan, progress on the 2026 plan, and key tasks for the remainder of the year.

The report also highlighted strategic orientations for emerging economic models.

According to the Prime Minister, authorities will develop a carbon credit market and pilot trading platforms for data, crypto assets, and digital assets beginning in the second quarter of this year.

Earlier in March, the Ministry of Finance sought feedback from the Ministry of Public Security and the State Bank of Vietnam on applications for licences to operate crypto asset trading platforms. The ministry said it had received seven applications, of which five were deemed valid and complete under current regulations.

VnEconomy-Nam Anh

First aviation training facility in Vietnam meets European standards

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:18:00 GMT

Vietnam Aircraft Engineering Company has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a maintenance training organization under EASA Part 147 standards.

Vietnam Aircraft Engineering Company (VAECO), a subsidiary of national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, has been certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) as a maintenance training organization under EASA Part 147 standards.

This marks the first time a Vietnamese organization has received the certification, representing a significant step forward in aligning the country’s aviation technical training with international standards.

EASA Part 147 is a globally recognized framework for aircraft maintenance training, enabling organizations to train engineers to European standards and issue certifications authorizing them to sign off maintenance work on various aircraft types, particularly those registered in Europe.

According to VAECO, the certification demonstrates that Vietnam’s domestic training capabilities are approaching international benchmarks, while also helping reduce costs compared to overseas training. This is particularly significant as the country’s aircraft fleet becomes more modern, driving demand for highly skilled technical personnel.

With the new accreditation, VAECO becomes one of the few companies in Southeast Asia to hold both EASA Part 145 and Part 147 approvals, covering maintenance, repair and training capabilities.

The milestone follows preparations since 2024, including the development of instructors, standardised curricula and training systems in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

Vietnam ranks among top countries for business AI tool application

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:46:00 GMT

AI is no longer just a standalone support tool; it is becoming the new "operational infrastructure" for businesses—ranging from customer care and marketing to experience optimization.

With 93% of Vietnamese enterprises utilizing AI tools on digital platforms—one of the highest rates in the world—Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a pioneer in conversational commerce and AI-driven discovery behavior.

According to recent surveys, approximately 93% of domestic businesses have integrated AI tools into their digital operations. This trend aligns with a rapid shift in consumer behavior.

A 2025 study by Kantar revealed that 89% of adults in Vietnam interact with businesses via messaging at least once a week, and 78% report positive experiences with chatbots.

This data suggests that "conversational commerce" has moved past the experimental phase to become a standard method for businesses to reach customers. At a press briefing on April 7, representatives from Meta Vietnam noted that this model originated in Asia, with Vietnam being a key player where consumers early on developed habits of interacting and shopping directly through digital platforms.

While livestream shopping and social commerce are not yet mainstream in Europe or the United States, signals from the Vietnamese market are helping to shape global consumer trends. These insights provide companies like Meta with the foundation to develop and refine products that cater to rapidly changing shopping behaviors.

From a business performance perspective, research by Deloitte shows that 86% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have recorded revenue growth driven by personalized advertising. Specifically, businesses using Meta’s AI tools, such as the AI features in Advantage+, have seen significant efficiency gains, including an average 20% increase in Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

These figures signal a major shift: AI is no longer just a standalone support tool; it is becoming the new "operational infrastructure" for businesses—ranging from customer care and marketing to experience optimization. Instead of investing in complex, independent infrastructure, many businesses are accessing AI through established platforms where the technology is directly integrated into sales and customer interaction workflows.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Vietnam targets five unicorns, each with $1.5bln venture capital market, by 2030

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The target is part of the national strategy for innovative startups, which seeks to foster a widespread wave of entrepreneurship across society, driven by science, technology and digital transformation.

Vietnam aims to have at least five startups, each valued at $1 billion or more, by 2030, with venture capital market projected to reach $1.5 billion, under Government Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP on the national strategy for innovative startups, which was issued on April 5.

This is the first national strategy for innovative startups in Vietnam.

The strategy seeks to foster a widespread wave of entrepreneurship across society, driven by science, technology and digital transformation.

It positions innovative startups as a key engine of socio-economic growth, contributing to improved living standards, accelerated industrialization and modernization, and stronger national self-reliance.

By 2030, Vietnam targets a total of five million business entities, including at least 10,000 innovative startups. It also plans to establish around 300 innovation hubs, centers and clusters nationwide.

The country aims to rank among the top 40 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and within the top 45 in the global startup ecosystem index.

Looking further ahead, by 2045, one in every 10 Vietnamese is expected to be engaged in entrepreneurial activity, with one enterprise for every 35 people and one innovative startup per 5,000 people.

Vietnam also targets a top-30 global ranking in innovation and startup ecosystems, at least 100 startups valued at $100 million or more, and a venture capital market worth $10 billion.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

Quang Tri attracts high-tech investment from Australia

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:18:00 GMT

The sectors of interest to HunterNet—including clean energy, seaport development, semiconductor technology, and aviation—align perfectly with the province's long-term development strategy.

HunterNet (Australia) aims to foster deep cooperation with Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, in key sectors where the association holds strengths, particularly in high technology and technical infrastructure.

This statement was made by Mr. Tim Owen, Chairman of HunterNet, during a working session with the People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province on April 6.

According to Mr. Owen, HunterNet is a prestigious industrial cooperative organization in Australia, comprising over 180 member companies operating in manufacturing, engineering, and technology.

Following extensive research and surveys, HunterNet recognizes Quang Tri as a locality with significant potential and competitive advantages for attracting investment.

The association proposed plans to conduct field surveys in the clean energy sector and study potential collaboration in seaport development to enhance the province's logistics gateway capacity. Furthermore, HunterNet expressed a particular interest in investing in high-value-added industries, such as semiconductor material production and the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft components.

As these sectors require advanced technological foundations, they necessitate close coordination between the local government and businesses from the pre-feasibility stage to ensure viability and efficiency during implementation.

During the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri People’s Committee, Mr. Le Duc Tien, emphasized that the sectors of interest to HunterNet—including clean energy, seaport development, semiconductor technology, and aviation - align perfectly with the province's long-term development strategy.

According to the official, Quang Tri aims to become a regional energy hub in Central Vietnam while simultaneously developing a robust maritime economy integrated with a modern logistics system.

In particular, high-tech industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and aviation technology are identified as vital sectors to drive scientific and technological breakthroughs, enhancing the value-added potential and economic competitiveness of the province.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Plan to realize Vietnam–France science and technology cooperation agreement approved

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Under the Government’s plan, the Ministry of Science and Technology will take the prime responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to guide, monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.540/QD-TTg, signed recently by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, a Government plan for implementation of the bilateral agreement on cooperation in science, technology and innovation between Vietnam and France has been approved.

The agreement was signed and came into force on May 26, 2025.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Science and Technology will take the prime responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to guide, monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement, according to the Government News.

The ministry will also compile reports on implementation progress and send them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consolidation and reporting to competent authorities.

Every two years, joint reviews will be conducted with France's Ministry of Higher Education and Research to assess implementation outcomes and discuss future cooperation plans.

Other ministries and agencies of Vietnam are required to coordinate closely, based on their respective mandates, to develop and carry out activities under the agreement.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will also work with its French counterpart to designate focal points for implementation in line with Article 7 of the agreement, while coordinating with diplomatic missions of both sides to organize bilateral meetings, conferences and forums to strengthen cooperation.

In addition, both sides will discuss the relaunch of the Hubert Curien "Hoa Sen Lotus" Program, with a view to signing a separate agreement in accordance with the laws of each country.

The plan underscores the importance of communication and outreach activities, including promoting the agreement and related guidelines, as well as relevant legal frameworks of Vietnam and France, to organizations, businesses and individuals through media campaigns, seminars, conferences and training programs.

VGP-Van Nguyen

Program for attracting foreign experts, scientists to work in Vietnam approved

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The program aims to attract 500 foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists willing to work full-time at Vietnam's higher education and vocational institutions.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.530/QD-TTg, signed recently by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, a program for attracting experts scientists. who are foreign nationals or overseas Vietnamese, to work in Vietnam has been approved.

The program targets by 2035 to attract 1,500 experts and scientists who are foreign nationals or overseas Vietnamese to work, teach, conduct research, and engage in regular or remote collaboration with Vietnamese higher education institutions and vocational education institutions.

Under the program, breakthrough mechanisms and policies will be implemented to attract foreign experts, scientists, and overseas Vietnamese to work at Vietnam's higher education and vocational education institutions.

Meanwhile, the program seeks to strengthen scientific and technological capacity, develop high-quality human resources, enhance innovation capabilities, and promote international integration in education, training, and scientific research, thus contributing to bringing Vietnam's education system to an advanced level in the region and globally by 2035.

According to the program, at least 30 outstanding foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists capable of taking on leading roles and spearheading key initiatives that create breakthroughs in education, training, scientific research, and technology transfer, especially in critical and strategic technologies, will be attracted by 2035.

The program also aims to attract 500 foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists willing to work full-time at Vietnam's higher education and vocational institutions, with the capacity to serve as research team leaders, laboratory heads, and program directors in key, strategic, and priority technology fields.

Key tasks have been set out in the program, including improving the institutional framework and policy mechanisms, strengthening communication and promoting Vietnam's image, creating a professional and modern research environment, and accelerating digital transformation and the application of science, technology, and artificial intelligence.

VGP-Pham Long

Dien Bien selected for controlled pilot of low-altitude economy

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:15:00 GMT

The project is not intended to test UAV technology itself, but rather to trial practical application models to measure efficiency and refine the national policy framework.

Dien Bien Province has been chosen to develop a controlled pilot scheme for the "low-altitude economy." The selection is based not only on its unique mountainous and fragmented terrain but also on the province’s potential to serve as a national reference model for other localities.

During a working session on March 4 regarding the development of the "Controlled pilot scheme for low-altitude economic eevelopment and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications," the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) emphasized a key principle: the project is not intended to test UAV technology itself, but rather to trial practical application models to measure efficiency and refine the national policy framework.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of MoST Bui Hoang Phuong highlighted that the low-altitude economy is a nascent field with high interdisciplinary potential and significant room for growth. He noted that selecting Dien Bien was a strategic move—leveraging its challenging geography to build a blueprint that other provinces can follow in the future.

According to the official, UAV technology is already well-established and widely used. Therefore, the focus of this scheme is to build specific application models to evaluate the economic impact of integrating drones into commercial activities.

The pilot must be implemented at a sufficient scale, addressing practical challenges such as freight transport while simultaneously collecting data for production, business, and administrative management. The project requires clear metrics to measure added value and operational improvements, said Mr. Phương.

Regarding safety and security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, stated that all UAV testing must strictly comply with current regulations. This includes adhering to no-fly zones, restricted areas, and following established flight licensing and monitoring procedures.

During the session, representatives from VNPost proposed a model for cargo transportation via UAVs in Dien Bien. They also recommended the removal of certain regulatory bottlenecks to ensure the feasibility of the project.

The pilot implementation in Dien Bien is expected to provide critical practical data. This data will serve as the foundation for building a comprehensive legal framework and shaping the future of the low-altitude economy in Vietnam.

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương

Digital platform for civil judgment enforcement officially activated

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:13:54 GMT

This transition moves the system from manual processing toward the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout the entire civil judgment enforcement workflow.

The Ministry of Justice has officially activated the Digital Platform for Civil Judgment Enforcement, designed to establish a centralized, connected, and synchronized database for the national enforcement system.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on April 3, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung stated that the operationalization of this digital platform reflects a profound shift in both mindset and technology. He emphasized that it marks a fundamental transition from traditional management methods to modern governance powered by digital data and real-time updates. This transition moves the system from manual processing toward the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout the entire civil judgment enforcement workflow.

The development and operation of this platform have resulted in a centralized and interconnected database system. This contributes to enhanced openness and transparency, while effectively supporting management, direction, and administration. Simultaneously, it creates more favorable conditions for citizens and businesses to exercise their legal rights and fulfill their obligations.

Building on this progress, Deputy PM Dung requested the Ministry of Justice to accelerate data connection and sharing between ministries, sectors, and localities. He urged for closer integration with national and specialized databases to gradually build a comprehensive data system for state management and judicial activities.

The Deputy PM also called for the urgent completion of the legal framework regarding digital transformation in civil judgment enforcement. This includes establishing the full legal validity of digital data and electronic records to ensure consistency during implementation.

He further noted that authorities must prioritize data quality, adhering to the principle that data must be “correct, sufficient, clean, and live” (accurate, complete, verified, and updated). Additionally, the accountability of agency heads must be strictly linked to the updating, management, and exploitation of this data.

Vneconomy-Như Nguyệt

Vietnam sets target of 12 sci-tech researchers per 10,000 people

Sun, 05 Apr 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Additionally, Vietnam aims to have at least 50 science and technology organizations ranked among the best in the region and the world.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has officially signed Decision No. 604/QĐ-TTg, approving amendments and supplements to the National Strategy for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Development through 2030.

The strategy aims to transform science, technology, and innovation into the primary driver of economic growth. It is designed to be the decisive factor in enhancing productivity, growth quality, and national competitiveness. Furthermore, the strategy focuses on mastering core and strategic technologies to establish a firm foundation for national technological autonomy.

By 2030, Vietnam aims for high-tech exports to account for at least 50% of the country’s total export value. The nation also targets a consistent rise in the Global Innovation Index (GII), aiming to break into the top 40 leading countries worldwide.

Regarding investment, total social expenditure on research and development (RD) is expected to reach at least 2% of GDP, with non-State funding contributing over 60%. The Government plans to allocate at least 2% of the annual state budget to STI development, with increases as necessary to meet development demands.

A major highlight of the strategy is the development of human capital, aiming for 12 scientific research and technological development personnel (full-time equivalent) for every 10,000 people. Additionally, Vietnam aims to have at least 50 science and technology organizations ranked among the best in the region and the world.

In terms of academic and intellectual property output, the strategy targets: a 10% average annual increase in international scientific publications; a 16–18% annual growth in patent applications and protection titles; and a commercialization rate for patents of 8–10%.

The strategy also focuses on National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), aiming for a spot in the world’s top 50. In the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Vietnam aims to be among the top three leading nations in Southeast Asia for RD.

For the business sector, the goal is for the technological and innovation capacity of Vietnamese enterprises to reach the global average. The strategy sets a target for over 40% of all enterprises to engage in innovation activities, and at least 30% of research results from institutes and universities to be commercialized.

Finally, Vietnam intends to cultivate 5 to 10 regional-scale technology corporations in strategic sectors. The strategy emphasizes mastering and domestically producing key strategic technology products that have a significant impact on both the national economy and national security.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

HCMC identifies 9 key tech pillars

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The city has selected nine strategic technology groups with 26 priority product categories, ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and 5G/6G networks to blockchain, semiconductors, new energy, cloud computing, and biotechnology.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has officially issued Plan No. 122/KH-UBND, dated April 1, 2026, regarding the development of strategic technologies and products through 2030 (Plan 122).

The central theme of this plan is a shift beyond mere research toward mastering, localizing, and commercializing technology, aiming to gradually establish a complete strategic technology ecosystem.

By 2030, the city aims to support the development of 30 to 50 strategic technology products with commercial potential and to establish five to seven shared research centers, laboratories, and platforms for RD. Approximately 100 to 150 enterprises will be supported to participate in the research, development, and application of strategic technologies. Among these, 10 to 15 products are expected to be directly implemented in state management, public services, or key economic sectors.

A notable feature of Plan 122 is the emphasis on a comprehensive survey of the current technological landscape within 2026. This survey intends to build a database and clearly identify the capabilities of every stakeholder in the ecosystem, from research institutes and universities to businesses. This is considered a vital foundational step to prevent scattered investment and ensure that development programs remain focused and high-impact.

Another key component is the development of shared technology infrastructure. Rather than fragmented investments, the city is directing the construction of research centers and platforms capable of serving the entire value chain, from research and testing to commercialization.

Regarding technological focus, the city has selected nine strategic technology groups with 26 priority product categories, ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and 5G/6G networks to blockchain, semiconductors, new energy, cloud computing, and biotechnology. High-value, breakthrough areas identified as key directions include Vietnamese Large Language Models (LLMs), AI chips, autonomous robots, hydrogen energy, and gene and cell therapies.

The defining difference of this plan lies in its approach to tightly coupling research with the market. The city has set clear requirements for commercializing research results and increasing the proportion of science and technology tasks that yield practical applications, revenue, or specific socio-economic value.

Furthermore, the city is placing special emphasis on high-quality human resources. The training model will be linked to real-world projects, laboratories, and businesses to cultivate a workforce of experts and scientists capable of mastering technology.

The plan aims to attract 30 to 50 domestic and international experts and scientists for strategic technology tasks, while fostering strong research groups through university-institute-business collaborations.

In terms of cooperation, the city intends to implement 10 to 15 international programs for research and technology transfer, while forming inter-regional strategic technology value chains through three to five linkage programs.

Attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) into strategic technology sectors is also a pillar of the plan, coupled with the development of a network of international-standard innovation centers.

Vneconomy-Thiên Ân

AI’s role in modernizing education

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

As AI makes its presence felt in the workplace, thought must also be given to the technology’s role in modernizing education.

Labor markets are being constantly reshaped by AI, which is altering the nature of many industries and job roles. As a result, the traditional university model - fixed-degree programs delivered through a set number of credits inside lecture halls - can no longer endure in its current form. Vietnamese universities therefore face an urgent need to restructure curricula, shift decisively towards competency-based education, integrate AI, and align more closely with the constantly evolving demands of the country’s labor market.

According to Associate Professor Dao Thi Thu Giang, President of Dai Nam University in Hanoi, AI does not render academic disciplines obsolete; it makes repetitive tasks obsolete and exposes the limitations of legacy training models focused on memorization and formulaic exercises. “The essence of AI, including generative AI, is to augment human capability,” she said. “AI can replace highly procedural operations, but it cannot replace critical thinking, decision-making, creativity, professional ethics, or human connection. The core question is not whether a field of study is still necessary, but how it is taught.”

Keeping pace

Speaking with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, Associate Professor Nguyen Binh Minh, Director of the Institute of Digital Technology and Economics at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, also argued that AI will not eliminate knowledge or professions but is making many traditional teaching methods obsolete, particularly those centered on memorization and repetitive tasks that machines can easily perform.

He identified the biggest bottleneck in higher education as institutional inertia. Technology evolves daily, he noted, while many lecturers remain in the comfort zone of traditional methods in which the teacher is the central authority and sole repository of knowledge. As AI and digital transformation challenge that dominance, the instinctive response is often concern or denial rather than acceptance. The greatest challenge, he said, is persuading lecturers to abandon the mindset of being “the one who knows everything” and instead become co-creators of knowledge alongside students and technology.

Education experts broadly agree that AI is restructuring work at the task level, transforming the nature of roles across the economy. Citing International Monetary Fund estimates, Associate Professor Minh said nearly 40 per cent of global jobs, and up to 60 per cent in advanced economies, will be affected by AI. The World Economic Forum forecasts that, by 2030, about 22 per cent of jobs will shift, with 170 million new roles created as 92 million disappear.

“At the Institute of Digital Technology and Economics, we do not treat technology and economics as separate pieces,” he explained. “We view them as an integrated whole under a training philosophy of ‘engineering combined with financial-economic problem-solving.’ This is a distinctive strength of our university, elevated for the digital era.”

On the sidelines of VinFuture Science and Technology Week 2025, Professor Tan Yap Peng, President of VinUni University, said that amid rapid advances in AI, digital transformation, and interdisciplinary science, no university can achieve excellence alone. Through collaboration, shared data, and AI-enabled platforms, the scientific community can produce research and solutions with long-term impact beyond the boundaries of any single institution, or even any single country. In the decade ahead, he continued, success will depend on mastering intellectual resources and data in an era defined by generative AI, the knowledge economy, and rapidly-changing employment models.

Associate Professor Phan Huu Nghi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance at the National Economics University, noted that Vietnam’s planned digital asset and cryptocurrency exchange, which is expected to involve banks, securities firms, and technology companies, will create substantial growth opportunities for digital banking, digital finance, and fintech. His Institute’s program development, he said, has consistently anticipated shifts in Vietnam’s financial market, launching new majors over time, from public finance and securities to advanced finance, high-quality programs, and one of Vietnam’s first fintech training programs.

Universities restructuring curricula

Associate Professor Giang said the central challenge is that changes to the labor market are outpacing the education system’s ability to adapt. University programs can no longer focus solely on transmitting knowledge; they must produce graduates with practical workplace capabilities. Faculty must continually update their own expertise while adapting to rapid technological change. At the same time, today’s students face an expanding array of career options but often lack clear direction and self-guided learning skills.

She outlined three main directions for curriculum reform. First, integrate AI as a foundational competency embedded across disciplines rather than taught separately. Second, shift from knowledge transmission to competency development, especially applied skills, systems thinking, and real-world problem-solving. And third, align training with the fluid demands of the labor market instead of fixed occupational frameworks.

At Dai Nam University, 2026 marks the second year of an accelerated training transformation in response to rapid AI development, with AI being integrated as a learning and working tool for students across all disciplines. “Our goal is not merely to teach students how to use AI tools, but to train individuals capable of mastering their work in a labor market continually reshaped by AI,” she said.

Amid new economic and labor market developments, Associate Professor Nghi told a recent conference on digital assets in the banking and financial system that the Institute of Banking and Finance will continue innovating its curricula, maintaining its current fintech program while adding a digital banking program developed through international partnerships and localized for Vietnam.

The Ministry of Education and Training, meanwhile, has issued a national framework requiring at least 120 credits for undergraduate programs, including compulsory courses such as political economy, physical education, national defense, and philosophy, along with basic graduate standards. Recent regulations also mandate the integration of digital knowledge to ensure students have foundational understanding of digital transformation and technology.

Beyond that framework, universities have autonomy to design programs for each major and specialization, subject to domestic or international quality accreditation. Many institutions, including the National Economics University, are pursuing international accreditation to enhance global integration, often adapting standard foreign curricula to Vietnam’s context while adding institution-specific components.

In terms of content, students must master core disciplinary knowledge while developing technological competence. “Theoretical learning without technological integration cannot meet real-world demands,” Associate Professor Nghi said. “English and digital literacy are no longer advantages but basic requirements. What remains lacking is interdisciplinary capability and the ability to apply knowledge to practical problems, such as finance, risk management, data analysis, basic programming, or using AI as a support tool.”

Professor Peng added that with a talented and highly-motivated student population, Vietnam has an opportunity to leap forward by focusing on AI, green technology, health sciences, and digital transformation, while strengthening public-private partnerships and attracting high-quality talent. “With the right approach, Vietnam can narrow the gap with leading countries and build a modern, flexible higher education model,” he believes.

VET-Bao Binh

Vietnam rolls out incentives to boost technology transfer and innovation

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The plan focusing on supporting businesses in adopting and innovating technology.

The Government has issued Decree 101/2026/ND-CP of March 31, 2026, detailing provisions and measures to implement the Law on Technology Transfer, with a focus on supporting businesses in adopting and innovating technology.

The decree, which took effect on April 1, outlines four key support mechanisms. First, enterprises receiving technology transfers will be eligible for assistance if their projects fall under investment incentive sectors or locations and have valid technology transfer agreements or certificates. Support will be delivered through science, technology and innovation programs, as well as startup ecosystem development initiatives.

Second, the State encourages collaboration in technological innovation. Businesses are urged to partner with domestic and international organizations, particularly universities, research institutes and innovation centers. Cooperation may include technology development, commercialization of research, workforce training, public-private partnerships, and data sharing. Participants will receive priority access to funding, infrastructure and innovation networks.

Third, support will be extended to technology transfer activities, covering both transferors and recipients, as well as intermediary organizations in the science and technology market. These entities may receive funding and be commissioned to carry out innovation-related tasks.

Finally, the decree prioritizes developing support networks for small- and medium-sized enterprises, cooperatives and individual businesses through state-funded science and innovation programs.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Da Nang city and Chemnitz (Germany) strengthen cooperation in semiconductor and AI

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:40:00 GMT

The two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on the potential and strategic development directions of high technology, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence, among other emerging sectors.

The Da Nang Semiconductor and AI Center (DSAC) hosted a meeting between government authorities and businesses from Vietnam's central Da Nang city and Germany's Chemnitz city on March 30, as part of a visit to Da Nang by Chemnitz Mayor, Mr. Sven Schulze.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ho Quang Buu, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, emphasized that the meeting took place as Da Nang city is accelerating the development of key technological sectors, including semiconductor microchips, artificial intelligence, high technology, and green technology.

Therefore, the city expressed its hope that Chemnitz and German partners will continue to accompany and support Da Nang in accessing new technologies, connecting with experts, fostering innovation ecosystems, and attracting high-tech and supporting industry enterprises to explore investment opportunities and establish long-term cooperation.

Da Nang city also reaffirmed its commitment to providing favorable conditions in terms of mechanisms, policies, infrastructure, and a cooperative environment, enabling joint programs between the two sides to be swiftly translated into practical projects. These efforts are expected to contribute to the development of a knowledge-based economy, innovation, and the enhancement of the city’s competitiveness in the new phase.

Chemnitz Mayor Sven Schulze, for his part, noted that the two cities share many similarities in their economic development orientations, high-tech focus, and sustainable development strategies. He also highlighted the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in Chemnitz as an important bridge for strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Moreover, the Mayor expressed his expectation that the meeting would open up new opportunities for economic cooperation, investment, and business connectivity between the two localities in the coming time.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the potential and development orientations in high technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green technology; discussed cooperation opportunities between local governments and enterprises; and attended a thematic presentation on an AI-integrated companion robot project designed to support the elderly.

Both sides actively discussed ways to enhance connectivity, focusing on high technology, semiconductor microchips, artificial intelligence, and green technology. This event is considered a meaningful specialized external relations activity, contributing to the expansion of Da Nang’s international cooperation network in key technological sectors.

On this occasion, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano Systems (ENAS), the Da Nang Semiconductor and AI Center (DSAC), and DSAI-TECH.

The MoU is expected to pave the way for concrete cooperation in research, technology transfer, human resource training, and the implementation of practical application projects.

vneconomy-Phuong Hoa

Vietnam aims to have 3 cybersecurity firms in the world’s top 50 by 2045

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Looking toward 2030, Vietnam aims to break into the top 15 nations globally, in terms of cybersecurity Index.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Decision No. 515/QD-TTg, dated March 30, 2026, approving a major scheme to enhance the operational capacity of the national cybersecurity force.

Looking toward 2030, Vietnam aims to break into the top 15 nations globally according to the Global Cybersecurity Index (ITU-GCI). To bolster its regional influence, the country will establish a Regional Training Center for cybersecurity and cybercrime prevention to enhance its leadership and capacity-building efforts within the area.

Human resource development is a central pillar of the strategy, with a goal of having at least 10,000 high-level cybersecurity experts by 2030, 20% of whom must meet international standards.

The scheme also mandates that 100% of specialized cybersecurity forces be fully deployed within the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of National Defense, various ministries, sectors, and provincial People's Committees, as well as agencies managing critical national security information systems.

Furthermore, the government aims for 90% of internet users to have access to cybersecurity awareness programs, skills training, and protective tools. Vietnam is committed to researching and mastering strategic cybersecurity technologies and developing a domestic ecosystem of products and services.

To ensure this autonomy, the State will select at least two organizations or enterprises to lead the development of each key cybersecurity product and platform.

Finally, the plan sets a target for 70% of ministries, sectors, local authorities, and critical national information systems to utilize strategic "Make in Vietnam" technology products by 2030.

By 2045, Vietnam aims to become a leading nation in the Asia-Pacific region for cybersecurity, possessing robust capabilities in defense, the suppression of cybercrime, and the neutralization of hostile forces. This vision seeks to firmly protect national digital sovereignty and safeguard all activities of the State, businesses, and citizens in cyberspace.

The plan envisions the cybersecurity industry becoming a spearhead economic-technical sector. A key target is to have at least three Vietnamese cybersecurity enterprises ranked among the world’s top 50 providers, specializing in the export of products, services, and technologies to the global market.

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương

343 suspects arrested and prosecuted in major transnational online fraud crackdown

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:40:00 GMT

The syndicate specifically targeted vulnerable groups, including the elderly, frequent social media users, regular online shoppers, and those with limited technological literacy.

The Criminal Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security, in coordination with the Dong Nai Provincial Police, Border Guard forces, and Cambodian authorities, has successfully dismantled a massive transnational online fraud syndicate.

According to the investigation, on March 17, 2026, at the Hoa Lu International Border Gate, Vietnamese authorities received nearly 400 Vietnamese nationals handed over by Cambodian functional forces. These individuals were identified as members of a sophisticated cyber-scam network operating within Cambodia.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects originally sought employment through social media before illegally exiting Vietnam to work at the Poi Pet Casino in Cambodia. Once there, they utilized various platforms—including WhatsApp, Zalo, Gap, Instagram, and Facebook—to orchestrate scams aimed at appropriating assets from unsuspecting internet users.

The syndicate specifically targeted vulnerable groups, including the elderly, frequent social media users, regular online shoppers, and those with limited technological literacy.

Following an intensive investigation and the collection of evidence, the Dong Nai Provincial Police (Criminal Police Division) officially prosecuted and issued temporary detention warrants for 343 suspects on March 27, 2026. They are being charged with "Using computer networks, telecommunications networks, or electronic devices to appropriate property."

Authorities are currently strengthening the case files to process the remaining suspects and are investigating further related criminal charges.

To assist with the ongoing investigation and protect the legal rights of victims, the investigative agency urges anyone who has fallen victim to online scams recently to contact their nearest police station immediately to provide information and support the case.

Vneconomy-Đỗ Như

Crypto assets defined as non-taxable objects for VAT purposes

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:30:00 GMT

For individual investors, regardless of their residency status, income from crypto asset transfers will be subject to Personal Income Tax at a rate of 0.1% of the transfer price per transaction.

The Ministry of Finance has issued Circular 32, providing guidance on Value Added Tax (VAT), Corporate Income Tax (CIT), and Personal Income Tax (PIT) for crypto asset transactions, transfers, and trading.

This guidance follows the Government's Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP regarding the pilot crypto asset market in Vietnam.

According to the new regulations, crypto asset transfers and trading activities are classified as not subject to VAT. Other related activities not falling under this category will continue to be governed by existing VAT legislation.

Regarding Corporate Income Tax, domestic institutional investors (entities established and operating under Vietnamese laws) that generate income from crypto asset transfers must pay tax at a rate of 20%. Taxable income is calculated as the selling price minus the purchase price and any relevant valid expenses. The same 20% tax rate applies to businesses providing crypto asset services.

Notably, foreign institutional investors established under foreign laws who transfer crypto assets through service providers in Vietnam will be subject to a tax rate of 0.1% of the revenue from each transaction.

For individual investors, regardless of their residency status, income from crypto asset transfers will be subject to Personal Income Tax at a rate of 0.1% of the transfer price per transaction.

The Circular also specifies that the timing for determining revenue and taxable income from crypto asset transfers will follow the same regulations currently applied to securities transfers.

Circular 32 took effect on March 27, 2026. It will remain in force throughout the pilot phase of the crypto asset market under Resolution 05/2025/NQ-CP, or until official tax policies for this sector are formally enacted.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Long Thanh int'l airport set for commercial launch by late 2026

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:40:00 GMT

During his on-site inspection tour at the airport project on March 29, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged coordinated measures to support contractors facing rising input costs, while accelerating the completion of essential systems such as fuel supply, electricity, water, telecommunications, and operational facilities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged faster progress on the construction of Long Thanh International Airport project and its key transport connections to ensure the facility can begin commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2026, according to a report from the Government News .

The request was made during his on-site inspection tour at the airport project on March 29, where he reviewed implementation progress and addressed existing bottlenecks in line with guidance from Party General Secretary To Lam.

All construction packages have now mobilized sufficient personnel, including managers, engineers, contractors, and supervision consultants. Nearly 9,000 workers are currently on site, supported by fully deployed machinery and equipment.

Component Project 3 — comprising 145 construction and consultancy packages — is being fast-tracked. So far, completed work is valued at around VND64.1 trillion (approximately $2.4 billion), equivalent to 74 percent of the total contract value, while disbursement has reached about VND40.7 trillion.

Contractors are adjusting timelines to reflect actual conditions, with the goal of completing construction by September and commencing commercial flights in the final quarter of this year.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Long Thanh International Airport is a nationally significant project approved by the National Assembly in 2015 and ratified by the Government in 2020. Although major construction only began in August 2023, a test flight was successfully conducted in September last year.

After more than two years of construction, several major components have been completed or are nearing completion, including the air traffic control tower, runway, and apron. The passenger terminal is in its final construction phase, while other systems — such as baggage handling, hangars, utilities, and internal transport infrastructure — are being rapidly installed.

He demanded strict handling of violations while protecting responsible individuals, and called on the Ministry of Public Security to expedite its review process to help resolve payment bottlenecks.

The Prime Minister also urged coordinated measures to support contractors facing rising input costs, while accelerating the completion of essential systems such as fuel supply, electricity, water, telecommunications, and operational facilities.

In addition, the PM called for faster progress on major transport links connecting the airport, including the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau, Ben Luc–Long Thanh, and Ho Chi Minh City–Long Thanh–Dau Giay expressways, as well as planned urban rail lines linking Suoi Tien, Bien Hoa, and Long Thanh. A 40-kilometer route connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport with Long Thanh Airport is also expected to play a key role.

Finally, he stressed the need to ensure construction quality, technical standards, environmental sustainability, and safety, while preventing corruption and wastefulness. He also called for restructuring the organizational model of Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), establishing a dedicated task force to resolve project bottlenecks, and developing plans for non-aviation services and an airport city to support the broader aviation economy.

Long Thanh International Airport is a flagship infrastructure project in southern Vietnam, designed to become one of Southeast Asia’s major aviation hubs. Located in Dong Nai Province, about 40 kilometers east of Ho Chi Minh City, the airport is being developed to ease congestion at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and support the country’s growing demand for air travel and logistics. With a total investment of around $16 billion, the project is planned in three phases, eventually reaching a capacity of 100 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo annually. Once completed, Long Thanh International Airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost economic growth, and position Vietnam as a key transit and trade gateway in the Asia-Pacific region.

VGP-Pham Long

A pivotal year for Vietnam’s semiconductor industry

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

With much effort already expended, 2026 is considered a pivotal year for Vietnam’s semiconductor industry.

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry has been gradually moving beyond the orientation and policy discussion stage and towards concrete implementation in recent times. Alongside the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, the Law on Digital Technology Industry, which took effect on January 1, has laid a legal foundation for semiconductor development in the country. The first standalone legislation of its kind globally, the Law aims to promote the digital industry, with a focus on semiconductors, AI, and digital assets.

Investment incentives

The Law on Digital Technology, together with other laws on investment, corporate income tax, and import-export activities, introduces special support mechanisms and incentives for industrial semiconductor activities. For example, semiconductor manufacturing RD projects with investment capital starting from VND6 trillion ($230.76 million) will be subject to a 5 per cent tax rate for 37 years; a tax exemption for six years followed by a 50 per cent reduction for the next 13 years; full exemptions from land and water surface rental fees; personal income tax exemptions for highly-qualified personnel for five years; and five-year visa and work permit exemptions for highly-skilled foreign workers.

According to Mr. Nguyen Khac Lich, Director General of the Department of Information Technology Industry at the Ministry of Science and Technology, these are exceptional, sector-specific incentives. Comparable incentives in other priority sectors typically apply only to projects with investment capital of at least VND30 trillion ($1.15 billion).

In November, the Ministry also issued six circulars guiding implementation of the Law on Digital Technology and submitted two decrees to the government, both of which took effect simultaneously with the Law on January 1. “This demonstrates the Vietnamese Government’s comprehensive vision in creating favorable conditions for key suppliers to participate in the domestic value chain,” Mr. Lich said.

On December 24, the Minister of Science and Technology issued Decision No. 4386/QD-BKHCN defining the functions and structure of the national center for support of semiconductor chip pilot production, called the Vietnam National Multi-Project Wafer Coordination Center (VNMPW/CC), under the Ministry’s Department of Information Technology Industry. The Center will connect research institutions and chip design companies with fabrication plants (fab plants), packaging and testing facilities, and technology partners at home and abroad, supporting the entire pilot production chain from design to chip evaluation.

Mr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Professional Director of the Office of the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV), noted that Vietnam’s push for semiconductor development comes amid a global resurgence of industrial policy. Excessive reliance on a few manufacturing hubs is now viewed as a strategic risk, he explained, and as global supply chains shift, Vietnam cannot remain outside such a trend. Moreover, the country’s growth model, based largely on low-cost labor and resource extraction over the past 30-40 years, has helped lift it out of poverty but is reaching its limits in boosting productivity and incomes.

“As the population ages and labor advantages decline, the need to transition to a knowledge, technology, and high value-based growth model becomes urgent,” he said. “Following the path of many economies, after light industry and electronics, semiconductors and AI-related technologies represent the next inevitable stage of development rather than a temporary choice.”

Asserting a role

Vietnam has identified semiconductors as a strategic technology crucial for enhancing its competitiveness, driving its economic growth, and strengthening its national standing. At the SEMI EXPO Vietnam 2025 in November, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong said the country currently hosts more than 170 foreign-invested semiconductor projects with total registered capital of nearly $11.6 billion. Vietnam’s semiconductor supply chain mainly focuses on two stages: chip design and chip packaging and testing.

Ms. Linda Tan, President of SEMI SEA, emphasized Vietnam’s remarkable progress, noting that the country has refined policies, strengthened infrastructure, and heavily invested in talent - laying the groundwork for a vibrant, globally-connected semiconductor ecosystem.

Also attending the event, Ms. Ly Nguyen, Manager of Asia Pacific Advisory at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), highlighted Vietnam’s favorable conditions for gradually asserting its role in the global semiconductor value chain. To move closer to becoming a regional hub or a recognized player on the global semiconductor map, she said Vietnam must ensure coordinated alignment between policies, implementation capacity, and links across stakeholders, from government and businesses to educational and research institutions.

Vietnam is on the right track, Ms. Ly noted, having adopted both a semiconductor development strategy and a workforce development strategy for the sector. The country must clearly define the core value it can offer, leverage its human capital advantages, and select segments that deliver sustainable value aligned with long-term socio-economic goals, while identifying the needs it can meet regionally and globally.

Clear delineation of stakeholder roles, including government, industry, and academia, is essential for effective coordination, knowledge diffusion, and the establishment of measurable targets for each priority segment of the semiconductor industry.

Standardizing and harmonizing technical standards with international benchmarks would give domestic suppliers a significant competitive advantage in becoming Tier 1 vendors to global corporations, she added. Clear policies, especially strong intellectual property protection, are also a leading concern for foreign investors in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors.

Opening new opportunities

These policy and institutional requirements align with expectations from global technology corporations. According to Mr. Brian Tan, Regional President of Southeast Asia at Applied Materials, the Covid-19 pandemic made supply chain resilience a top priority, shifting the world from a “just-in-time” to a “just-in-case” mindset. Applied Materials’ supply chain strategy rests on four pillars.

The first is sustainability and resilience, as the fast-growing semiconductor industry faces geopolitical and macro-economic volatility. The second is delivery time and environmental sustainability, with supply chains moving closer to operational hubs. Before Covid-19, Southeast Asia accounted for about 10 per cent of Applied Materials’ global supply chain spending; this has now risen to more than 20 per cent, reflecting a strategic shift.

The third pillar is trust, as customers prefer to work only with reliable partners - a message consistently conveyed to suppliers across the ecosystem. And the fourth is intellectual property protection, viewed not only as a business process requirement but also as a matter of corporate security for companies holding core technologies.

According to H.E. Kees van Baar, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam, understanding partners’ needs will open new opportunities for Vietnam as manufacturing capacity grows and the supporting industrial ecosystem strengthens. These factors position Vietnamese companies to become suppliers to global semiconductor companies, particularly those already operating in the country. Strengthening Vietnam’s semiconductor capabilities will diversify global supply chains, benefiting both Vietnam and other countries.

Vietnam currently has 58 design companies, including 13 domestic and 45 foreign firms. The government is developing a project to build a small-scale, high-tech semiconductor fab plant to serve research, design, and production needs, with operations planned by 2030. In addition, there are eight packaging and testing projects - one domestic and seven foreign-invested, including by Intel, Amkor, and Hanna Micron. Vietnam is also seeing the emergence of companies supplying semiconductor materials and equipment, such as Coherent and VDL Enabling Technologies Group.

Mr. Lich said Vietnam’s approach to semiconductor development is to define a clear national strategic direction, with the State acting as a facilitator through policy while enabling deep private sector participation in global supply chains. Rather than pursuing a broad-based model, Vietnam is focusing on segments aligned with domestic capabilities and creating favorable conditions for businesses to connect with international corporations. “Overall, three factors determine international companies’ investment decisions in Vietnam: the policy environment, geopolitical advantages, and human resources,” he said.

VET-

Token Sciences opens $27 mln display factory in Bac Ninh

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:14:00 GMT

The plant specializing in display screens, with an annual capacity of around 3.6 million units.

Token Sciences Vietnam Co., Ltd. inaugurated its manufacturing plant on March 26 in northern Bac Ninh province, marking a new addition to the province’s growing high-tech industrial base.

Built on nearly 19,000 square meters, the facility includes production lines, warehouses and supporting infrastructure, with a total investment of about VND689 billion ($27 million).

The plant specializes in display screens, with an annual capacity of around 3.6 million units serving consumer electronics, smart devices and high-tech industries.

The project received its investment certificate in March 2025 at Hoa Phu Industrial Park and has since undergone adjustments to finalise conditions for operation.

The company is a subsidiary of Wuhu Token Sciences, a leading Chinese firm in display materials.

Bac Ninh has continued to attract investment in the electronics sector. Recent developments include a $100 million accommodation project by Cooler Master Vietnam and a $60 million capital increase by GIS Technology Vietnam, a Foxconn subsidiary, bringing its total investment to $90 million.

The province plans to prioritize high-tech, high-value projects in the coming period.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets Russian President Putin in Moscow

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:30:00 GMT

During their meeting in Moscow on March 25, the two leaders committed to promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation…

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 25 as part of the former’s official visit to Russia, according to a report released by the Government News.

The two leaders agreed on the need to continue strengthening political trust through the exchange of delegations at all levels across Party, State, Government, National Assembly, local, business and people-to-people channels; to effectively maintain existing cooperation mechanisms, including the Intergovernmental Committee on economic–trade and scientific–technical cooperation; and to study the establishment of new cooperation frameworks.

They committed to promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation, encouraging and facilitating business operations and investment in each other’s markets; enhancing business connectivity; diversifying markets and supply chains; and addressing bottlenecks related to institutions, payments and transport, with a view to achieving balanced and sustainable growth in bilateral trade.

Both sides identified energy and oil and gas, science and technology, innovation, and infrastructure development as priority areas of cooperation aligned with each country’s development needs.

Speaking highly of efforts of both countries, including the two governments, in striving to conclude negotiations and sign an agreement on the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant in Vietnam, ensuring safety, efficiency and compliance with international standards, President Putin described this as an important direction of cooperation, contributing to ensuring energy security and sustainable development. He pledged to direct the Russian Government to expedite next steps to soon launch the project, turning it into a new symbol of Vietnam–Russia friendship in the new era.

The two sides also supported closer cooperation and expanded investment by energy and oil and gas enterprises in each other’s territories in accordance with international law.

They underlined the need to strengthen cooperation in military-technical, security, and science and technology fields. The Vietnamese Government leader praised Russia’s basic sciences and advanced technologies, noting its position as a leading country in these areas. He proposed that building on the experience of the Vietnam–Russia Tropical Center, the two side pledged to enhance cooperation in areas such as basic science, emerging and high technologies, biomedicine, and aerospace.

Both sides agreed to step up people-to-people exchanges and facilitate travel for citizens of the two countries, thereby promoting tourism and increasing the number of Russian visitors to Vietnam as well as Vietnamese visitors to Russia. President Putin assigned the Russian Foreign Ministry to consider visa exemptions for Vietnamese citizens. The two sides also agreed to increase scholarships for Vietnamese students to boost the number studying in Russia.

The two leaders also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, and agreed to continue close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN, contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

On this occasion, on behalf of the Party and State leaders of Viet Nam, Prime Minister Pham extended an invitation to President Putin to visit Vietnam at a convenient time. President Putin accepted the invitation with pleasure.

During his Russia visit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, met with the Chairs of the Russian parliament's chambers, Valentina Matvienko and Vyacheslav Volodin, as well as with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu.

The PM also witnessed the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on construction of the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam; visited the National University of Science and Technology (MISIS), where more than 1,000 Vietnamese engineers and specialists in mining, materials science and metallurgy; and held working sessions with leaders of AFK Sistema, Russia's largest private conglomerate, and Russian Railways (RZD).

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the Russian-Vietnamese negotiation process in recent days as very productive, and the agreement to build a Russian-designed nuclear power plant in Vietnam as a breakthrough, according to Russian News Agency (TASS).

VGP-Van Nguyen

A service that remains attractive to foreign providers

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The licensing of Starlink to provide satellite internet services in Vietnam is expected to be a catalyst for local companies to join the endeavor.

February 13, 2025 may well be remembered as a landmark for Vietnam’s telecommunications market, when the Starlink Services Vietnam Co., Ltd. - a legal entity under Elon Musk’s SpaceX - was officially licensed to pilot satellite internet services in Vietnam. Notably, with its entire charter capital of VND30 billion ($1.15 million) owned by Starlink Holdings Netherlands B.V., Starlink Services Vietnam is the first and only company (as of early 2026) permitted to provide telecommunications services with 100 per cent foreign ownership under a special pilot mechanism.

Historic turning point

Telecommunications has long been a particularly sensitive field due to its direct link to strategic information infrastructure and national security. For many years, though numerous global giants have entered Vietnam, most have done so only through joint ventures or business cooperation contracts, with foreign ownership capped at 49 per cent or 65 per cent depending on the service category.

A breakthrough came in March 2025, when the 15th National Assembly passed Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15, allowing a controlled pilot mechanism for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite telecommunications services, with no limits on foreign ownership ratios or capital contributions.

Based on this Resolution, just days later Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung signed Decision No. 659/QD-TTg, approving a controlled pilot for LEO satellite telecommunications services from the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX). Once the legal corridor was established, Vietnamese regulators actively guided the procedures for establishing SpaceX’s local entity.

By September 2025, Starlink Services Vietnam had completed business registration procedures, with satellite telecommunications as its core business. In mid-February 2026, the company was granted licenses by the Authority of Radio Frequency Management to use radio frequencies and equipment.

According to business registration records, Mr. Do Ba Thich serves as CEO, while the Chairwoman and legal representative is Ms. Lauren Ashley Dreyer, a US national and Vice President of Global Business Operations at Starlink. The company’s capital contribution is represented by Starlink Holdings Netherlands B.V.

Telecommunications is critically important and directly tied to national security. Why, then, were foreign ownership restrictions relaxed for a pilot LEO satellite case such as Starlink Services Vietnam? The answer likely lies in the technical nature of satellite internet. Unlike traditional ground-based telecom infrastructure, the core infrastructure of this model - satellites - is located in space. Requiring a joint venture with a domestic partner would be technically impractical for operating such a system.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s needs are clear. The country aims to leverage Starlink’s infrastructure to cover connectivity “blind spots” in island areas and remote regions, while ensuring communications for search and rescue operations where fiber-optic cables cannot reach. SpaceX has committed to investing approximately $1.5 billion in Vietnam, including developing a component supply chain.

Opening up without loosening control

Despite being allowed 100 per cent ownership, Starlink Services Vietnam must comply with strict pilot conditions. First, the company must install gateway stations in Vietnam. Starlink has been licensed to deploy its first four gateways in Da Nang, Phu Tho (one each), and Ho Chi Minh City (two), ensuring that all data traffic passes through domestically-managed infrastructure before connecting to international networks. This mechanism enables regulators to monitor and block illegal content or cybersecurity threats. In addition to technical requirements, the company must meet the same business conditions as domestic telecom operators.

Starlink operates LEO satellites at altitudes from 160 km to under 2,000 km above sea level. This model offers low latency and high data transmission speeds. As of February 2025, Starlink led the world in scale, with more than 6,000 satellites launched and in active service.

Vietnam’s telecom infrastructure still relies primarily on fiber-optic networks and 4G/5G base stations deployed by major operators such as Viettel, VNPT, and MobiFone. While these networks provide wide coverage and strong capacity, they face challenges in areas with complex terrain due to high investment and operational costs. In this context, LEO systems could serve as a complementary solution for telecommunications and internet services with significant advantages.

At the government’s first meeting for 2026 of the Steering Committee on science and technology development, innovation, digital transformation, and Project No. 06, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh tasked the Ministry of Science and Technology with implementing coordinated measures to accelerate the rollout and commercial operation of LEO satellite internet services within the year.

Vietnam’s telecom infrastructure landscape is evolving not only due to external factors but also internal dynamics. Major domestic firms such as Viettel and VNPT have begun researching and preparing for LEO satellite services.

In November 2025, news that Vingroup had established the VinSpace JSC to enter the space and satellite telecommunications sector drew significant attention in the tech community. Though newly formed, VinSpace’s business registration already signals broad ambitions, from operating telecommunications satellites to researching and manufacturing small satellites (CubeSats). Starlink’s licensing in Vietnam therefore not only helps complete the country’s telecom infrastructure but also serves as a catalyst for domestic telecom firms to accelerate their efforts.

Under Resolution No. 193/2025/QH15, the controlled pilot mechanism for LEO satellite telecommunications services will last no more than five years and must conclude before January 1, 2031. After that, policy scenarios will depend on pilot results. If the model proves effective in expanding connectivity, ensuring data security, and promoting fair competition, Vietnam may move to formalize a legal framework for satellite telecommunications. Otherwise, regulators will have practical grounds to tighten or adjust the mechanism.

VET-Ngo Huyen

PM seeks deeper cooperation with Russian firms in tech and railways

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

PM Pham Minh Chinh meeting leaders of AFK Sistema and Russian Railways (RZD) in Moscow as part of his official visit.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held working sessions with leaders of AFK Sistema, Russia’s largest private conglomerate, and Russian Railways (RZD), in Moscow on March 25, as part of his official visit.

At a meeting with AFK Sistema, the Prime Minister called on the group to expand and diversify its investment in Vietnam. He reaffirmed that the Vietnamese Government supports stronger business cooperation in areas where Russia has strengths and Vietnam has demand, including data infrastructure, information technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and pharmaceuticals.

AFK Sistema Chairman Vladimir Yevtushenkov expressed interest in expanding operations in Vietnam and hoped the government would facilitate procedures for establishing a legal entity and opening an office in Hanoi. The group is also exploring pilot projects in national biometric databases, AI-powered camera systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

During meeting with Russian Railways CEO Oleg Belozyorov, PM Chinh proposed enhanced cooperation in urban railway development and underground infrastructure in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Belozyorov said the company is ready to deepen ties with Vietnam by sharing advanced technologies and supporting workforce training, while coordinating with Vietnamese partners to implement concrete projects.

VnEconomy-Dũng Hiếu

Vietnam approves program to protect children in cyberspace for 2026–2030

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The country targets 100% of general education institutions to implement cybersecurity solutions, while all internet service providers will be required to integrate tools to block harmful content.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has approved a national program on protecting and supporting children in the digital environment for the 2026–2030 period.

The program aims to strengthen child protection while promoting healthy development and enhancing digital competencies, contributing to the formation of a new generation of digital citizens amid the country’s ongoing digital transformation.

Key pillars of the program include a strengthened legal framework on cybersecurity and child protection, a unified nationwide communication and education strategy, and the widespread deployment of cybersecurity solutions to help manage children’s online activities and safeguard them in the digital space. It also emphasizes digital skills education, counseling services, and smart support solutions for children.

In addition, the program calls for improved coordination among relevant agencies and the development of children’s “proactive immunity” through education on online safety knowledge and skills.

During the 2026–2030 period, Vietnam targets 100% of general education institutions to implement cybersecurity solutions, while all internet service providers will be required to integrate tools to block harmful content.

All localities are expected to develop technological solutions to support digital skills education and provide smart counselling and assistance for children.

The program also ensures that all children who are victims of online abuse receive timely support and intervention upon request from themselves, their families, or the community.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

World Bank partners with Vietnam to develop high-tech ecosystem

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The bank proposes investing in large-scale high-tech centers in key destinations such as Hoa Lac (Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho (in the Mekong Delta), with a requirement for synchronized implementation from infrastructure, laboratories, equipment to operational mechanisms.

During a meeting with Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan in Hanoi on March 24, Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, the World Bank's Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, announced that the bank is collaborating with Vietnamese agencies to develop a comprehensive investment program for the high-tech ecosystem, including research infrastructure, workforce training, and business connectivity.

She proposed investing in large-scale high-tech centers in key destinations such as Hoa Lac (Hanoi), Ho Chi Minh City, and Can Tho (in the Mekong Delta), with a requirement for synchronized implementation from infrastructure, laboratories, equipment to operational mechanisms. The focus is on connecting the ecosystem between the government, businesses, and educational institutions to foster the formation of highly concentrated innovation clusters that align training and research with market needs.

According to Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, international experience, particularly in Asia, shows that innovation clusters linked with universities and high-tech enterprises can create breakthroughs in workforce development and commercialization of research results. She emphasized leveraging the global network to help Vietnam access technology, experts, and effective implementation models. Strengthening the role of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) is seen as a crucial approach to attracting resources from the private sector.

Ms. Mariam J. Sherman also pointed out several bottlenecks that need to be addressed, including laboratory operation mechanisms, resource utilization efficiency, workforce quality, and the sustainability of the three-party cooperation models (between the Government, businesses and educational institutions).

Currently, Vietnam's spending on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation accounts for about 3% of the total budget, with 15% allocated to strategic technology, yet it still does not meet practical requirements. The World Bank suggested that Vietnam quickly designate a technical focal point to accelerate preparation and implementation, while continuing in-depth technical and financial exchanges in the future.

Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan, for his part, appreciated the World Bank's cooperation proposal. He also mentioned that Vietnam is actively developing proposals for the development of laboratory systems and strategic technology.

The Deputy Minister candidly pointed out obstacles in the implementation process, particularly the lack of synchronization between policy and execution. Although policy directions have been open, legal regulations still pose many barriers when concretized.

Regarding resources, spending on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation currently accounts for about 3% of the total budget, with 15% allocated to strategic technology, yet it still does not meet practical requirements. Strategic technology programs often have large scales, requiring new approaches in management and implementation. Concurrently, the review and update of the high-tech and strategic technology list suitable for Vietnam's conditions are being completed, serving as a basis for investment and policy orientation. Issues such as the coordination mechanism between the state, businesses, and research institutes, risk acceptance in research, criteria for stopping ineffective projects, or developing venture capital funds for the commercialization phase are also raised.

Deputy Minister Vu Hai Quan affirmed support for the World Bank's approach in developing large-scale innovation centers, emphasizing the state's coordinating role in resource allocation and the need to effectively mobilize international capital. The Ministry of Science and Technology requested the World Bank to continue supporting Vietnam in institutional improvement, reviewing the strategic technology list, sharing experiences in implementing large-scale programs, as well as the operation mechanism of venture capital funds and the three-party cooperation model. The Ministry also acknowledged the World Bank's companionship in recent times, especially in the field of digital transformation, and expressed the desire to enhance expert support and effectively implement the high-tech workforce development program for the 2026-2030 period.

vneconomy-Bach Duong

Journey of continued growth.

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:15:00 GMT

The upgrade of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership adds further momentum to a Vietnam - EU relationship already developing in a positive manner.

Vietnam and the EU announced the upgrade of their bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on January 29, during the official visit to Vietnam by the President of the European Council António Costa, marking a significant milestone in their 35 years (November 28, 1990 - November 28, 2025) of bilateral relations and shared commitment to peace and prosperity. The upgrade reflects the breadth and depth of cooperation developed over more than three decades.

“For 35 years, our partnership has grown in depth and ambition,” President Costa said. “This upgrade fully captures the breadth and depth of our collaboration to date and our expectations for its future evolution - on trade, on green and digital transformation, on security, and on people-to-people ties.”

Bright spots.

One of the highlights in Vietnam - EU relations is trade and investment cooperation. After more than five years of implementation, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has led to remarkable growth in bilateral trade.

The most-recent figures from the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance put trade turnover between Vietnam and the EU at $73.8 billion in 2025, an increase of 7.8 per cent against 2024. Of this, Vietnam’s exports to the EU totaled $56.2 billion, an 8.6 per cent increase, while imports reached $17.6 billion, up 5.4 per cent. The trade balance for the year was in surplus to Vietnam, by $38.5 billion, a 10.1 per cent ($3.5 billion) increase compared to the previous year and a record high for this market.

According to the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), significant milestones such as the Framework Agreement on Cooperation (FCA) in 1995 and the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in 2012 have contributed to shaping an increasingly stable legal framework for bilateral relations.

“The cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the EU since 1990 is seen as a strong, comprehensive, and increasingly in-depth development process,” said Mr. Dau Anh Tuan, Vice Secretary-General and Director of the Legal Department at VCCI. “Starting from humanitarian issues, cooperation between Vietnam and the EU has gradually expanded to many key areas, especially trade and investment.”

From a bilateral trade volume of less than $200 million in the early 1990s, he continued, this figure had reached nearly $74 billion by 2025, reflecting the increasingly close economic ties between the two sides. “Notably, in the context of a volatile global economy, the EVFTA has contributed to maintaining the positive growth momentum of bilateral trade, with an average growth rate of approximately 10 per cent a year,” he added. “The EU is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner and an important export market for many of its key products, such as electronics, textiles, footwear, and agricultural products (coffee, cashews, and seafood), and is also a major source of machinery, technology, pharmaceuticals, and industrial equipment.”

Regarding investment, the EU is the sixth-largest investor among 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, with total FDI from EU enterprises in Vietnam standing at $32.39 billion. Thousands of EU investment projects operate effectively in Vietnam, and the EU business community continues to expand its investments in the country. Conversely, Vietnam currently has 98 investment projects in the EU, with total capital of $434.88 million.

According to Mr. Tuan, the EU is one of Vietnam’s important foreign investment partners, with a significant presence of investors from the Netherlands, Germany, France, Luxembourg, and Denmark. “EU capital flows are primarily concentrated in the manufacturing and processing industries, energy, infrastructure, and high-quality services,” he added. Notably, EU projects often feature high technology content, advanced governance standards, and a commitment to sustainable development, thereby making a positive contribution to Vietnam’s growth model transformation.

According to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, looking to the next 35 years and beyond, with a solid foundation and shared vision, along with the upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, there is confidence in a journey of continued growth for Vietnam - EU relations, with broader cooperation space and increasingly high and sustainable quality.

New horizons.

Given ongoing development trends worldwide, Vietnam - EU cooperation faces open doors in various fields. In particular, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will provide a strengthened framework for cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade and investment, climate action, energy transition, digital transformation, security and defense, human rights, and people-to-people exchanges.

Under the Partnership, both sides have great potential for cooperation in the fields of trade, sustainable development, innovation, the maritime economy, governance, security, and people-to-people exchanges. The EU wishes to strengthen cooperation with Vietnam in traditional areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, sustainable development, and climate change response, while expanding cooperation into new areas such as the green transition, the digital transformation, a just energy transition, infrastructure, and transport connectivity, commensurate with the level of the Partnership and becoming a model of cooperation between the EU and a Southeast Asian country.

From a European perspective, Mr. Alain Cany, Chairman of the EuroCham Advisory Board and Country Chairman of Jardine Matheson Vietnam, said this progress brings greater confidence, especially in the long term. “When making major investment decisions far from home, involving not just a few million dollars but substantial capital commitments, stability is essential,” he added. “Vietnam has consistently offered political stability, a talented workforce, and a strong position as a regional hub.”

Vietnam had also previously established comprehensive partnerships with several European countries, including France and Germany. However, he continued, having this framework at the EU level - where decisions on trade and investment are driven - provides stronger assurance for long-term engagement. It signals to European boardrooms that Vietnam is a market where long-term strategies can be confidently developed.

Mr. Tuan believes that building upon traditional areas of cooperation such as trade, investment, and agriculture presents both sides with opportunities to expand cooperation strongly into new, high-potential, and strategic areas such as the green transformation, the digital transformation, a just energy transition, infrastructure development, and connectivity.

Notably, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is expected to become a new pillar in bilateral cooperation, leveraging Europe’s strengths in science and technology, digital transformation, and connectivity to support Vietnam in enhancing its competitiveness and transforming its growth model.

At the same time, upgrading the relationship will facilitate more effective utilization of the EVFTA and accelerate the ratification process of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EUVIPA), thereby improving the business environment, increasing investor confidence, and attracting high-quality capital flows from the EU to Vietnam.

Areas such as environmental protection, the green economy, the circular economy, the marine economy, and clean energy will also continue to open up many opportunities for substantive cooperation, contributing to shaping Vietnam - EU economic relations in a sustainable, balanced, and long-term direction.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in its sixth year of implementation, fulfilment of the terms within the EVFTA has nearly reached 100 per cent. This is a “golden opportunity” for Vietnamese businesses to maximize the advantages of the Agreement, and also a crucial stage for transforming themselves toward the green and sustainable development trends found in the EU.

To further exploit the benefits of the EVFTA in the future, industries and businesses must continue to standardize production, better meet the technical standards of EU buyers, and promote exports while focusing on increasing added value, especially in sectors where Vietnam holds advantages, such as agriculture, fisheries, and manufacturing.

Next practical steps.

Mr. Cany said Vietnam offers political stability and is a dynamic and growing market, meaning that European investors can commit for the long term and select the right partners. “Vietnam offers much more than low-cost labor,” he added. “It has a young and capable workforce, a stable political environment, and strong growth ambitions. For investors who commit for the long term and choose the right partners, the opportunities are substantial.”

To promote Vietnam - EU economic relations in a more substantive and effective manner in the future, Mr. Tuan pointed out that Vietnam needs to implement a comprehensive set of solutions with clear and consistent policy directions. Firstly, continuing the effective implementation of the EVFTA while simultaneously urging the bloc to expedite the ratification of the EUVIPA is crucial in strengthening the legal framework and creating a transparent and stable investment environment, thereby attracting more high-quality capital flows from the EU.

It is also necessary to strengthen cooperation in green transition and sustainable development, considering this a strategic pillar of cooperation. Leveraging the EU’s strengths in technology, green finance, and environmental standards will not only help Vietnam accelerate the transition to a green growth model, develop a circular economy, and reduce carbon emissions, but also open opportunities for it to participate more deeply in global green value chains and better meet the increasingly stringent requirements of the EU market.

Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen business connections, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises, through trade promotion activities, partner networking, supply chain development, and technology transfer promotion, thereby transforming commitments into concrete and sustainable business opportunities.

Meanwhile, the continued improvement of the investment environment, the enhancement of human resources quality, and infrastructure development play a crucial role in improving the capacity to absorb and effectively exploit opportunities from the EU. These reforms will not only increase the attractiveness of high-quality investment capital but also promote technology diffusion and enhance production capacity and added value in the economy, thereby creating a solid foundation for the stable, sustainable, and long-term development of Vietnam - EU economic relations.

VET-Ngoc Lan

Vietnam approves updated JETP plan to accelerate energy transition

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The plan seeking to ensure energy security while supplying sufficient electricity for economic growth.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has approved a revised plan to implement the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), aimed at accelerating Vietnam’s shift toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy system.

The plan aligns with the national power development strategy for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, and seeks to ensure energy security while supplying sufficient electricity for economic growth, national defence and daily life.

It outlines a roadmap for a “just” energy transition, promoting renewable and new energy sources alongside more efficient energy use, contributing to Vietnam’s net-zero emissions target. By 2030, the country aims to complete a policy and regulatory framework to attract investment in offshore wind, solar power and energy storage.

Vietnam plans to work with global partners to upgrade transmission infrastructure and build a smart grid capable of integrating large-scale renewable energy.

The plan targets the establishment of two renewable energy industry and service hubs by 2030, while linking the transition to job creation, workforce retraining and social welfare for vulnerable groups.

Renewable energy is expected to account for around 47% of total installed power capacity by 2030, while coal-fired power capacity will be capped at just over 30 GW. Emissions from the power sector are projected to peak at no more than 170 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

Beyond 2030, Vietnam will continue policy reforms to support clean energy development, aiming for renewables to make up 80–85% of total primary energy by 2050, while phasing out ageing coal plants and further cutting emissions.

VnEconomy-Huyền Vy

Hue city targets 12,000 ".vn" domain names by 2030

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 07:16:00 GMT

For newly established enterprises and individual business households, the central city will provide two years of free “.biz.vn” domain usage, along with integrated services such as websites, email, and hosting.

Hue city in central Vietnam aims for at least 50% of businesses, 50% of university and college students, and 30% of business households to utilize “.vn” domain names by 2030.

The central city has set an overall target of reaching approximately 12,000 registered “.vn” domains, translating to a ratio of 9–10 domains per 1,000 residents—a key indicator of digital economic growth and transformation.

Starting in 2026, Hue will implement a comprehensive program offering specific support policies. For newly established enterprises and individual business households, the city will provide two years of free “.biz.vn” domain usage, along with integrated services such as websites, email, and hosting.

For youth aged 18 to 23, the program offers two years of free “.id.vn” domains. This package includes tools for personal websites, blogs, and online resumes (CVs), aimed at helping young people build their personal brands and enhance their digital skills.

These objectives are part of a newly issued plan by the Hue City People’s Committee to promote a secure and reliable online presence through national “.vn” domains for the 2026–2030 period.

According to the plan, the city seeks to raise awareness and encourage residents and businesses to establish a professional presence on the internet. By combining “.vn” domains with digital services such as websites and email, organizations and individuals can step-by-step build their brands, expand into new markets, and improve their competitiveness.

The program also aims to accelerate the development of the digital economy and society, promoting technology applications in various sectors, including e-commerce, education, healthcare, and culture. Notably, using the national “.vn” domain ensures a higher level of trust for online information through clear and transparent identity verification.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Cyberattack damage far exceeds traditional crime losses

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

According to data from the Ministry of Public Security, online fraud in Vietnam resulted in estimated losses of over VND8 trillion (over $304 million) in 2025.

Experts estimated that cybercrime causes approximately $10 trillion in damages annually across the globe, far exceeding the impact of many traditional crimes such as drug trafficking or terrorism. In Vietnam, losses from this type of crime are also reaching trillions of Vietnamese dong (VND) each year.

According to data from the Ministry of Public Security, online fraud in Vietnam resulted in estimated losses of over VND8 trillion (over $304 million) in 2025.

Meanwhile, a report by the National Cybersecurity Association revealed that domestic information systems encountered roughly 552,000 cyberattacks throughout 2025, representing a 19.38% decrease compared to 2024 (which saw approximately 659,000 attacks).

Despite the decline in the total number of attacks, the severity of the damage has shown an upward trend. Up to 52.3% of government agencies, organizations, and enterprises reported being affected by cyberattacks in 2025—a significant jump from the 46.15% recorded in 2024.

Over the past three years, law enforcement authorities have detected and handled more than 30 cases involving the illegal trading and misappropriation of data. These incidents resulted in the exposure and leaking of over 160 million data records across various sectors.

From a business standpoint, Mr. Nguyen Hung Son, Vice Chairman of FSI, noted that organizations are currently caught in a "pincer" of dual pressure. On the one hand, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and complex. On the other, Vietnam’s cybersecurity legal framework is tightening, demanding much higher levels of compliance.

In reality, statistics reveal a stark situation: only about 11% of organizations in Vietnam possess sufficient capacity to defend against cyberattacks, while 56% lack dedicated information security personnel. "For government agencies and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), even basic IT staff are in short supply, let alone specialized security experts," Mr. Son said.

Speaking at the seminar "Compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law - Challenges, Risks, and Technological Solutions" held on March 20, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Dinh Do Thi, Deputy Head of the Network Information Security Division under the Department of Cybersecurity and High-Tech Crime Prevention (Ministry of Public Security), emphasized that data now plays a vital role as the "lifeblood" of the digital economy. Many nations have come to regard data as a precious asset requiring stringent protection.

According to statistics, there are currently over 30 types of cybercrime, with perpetrators viewing personal data as a "gold mine."

Following nearly 30 years of internet connectivity, Vietnam has recorded impressive growth. As of January 2026, the country boasts approximately 85.6 million internet users, accounting for 84.2% of the population.

However, alongside this progress, the infringement and illegal trading of personal data in cyberspace have become increasingly complex. On both public and private forumso and groups, the sale of data has reached alarming levels. Numerous datasets, some containing tens of millions of Vietnamese records, are being openly traded and meticulously categorized by specific sectors.

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương

Legal preparatory steps for crypto asset market

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 09:46:00 GMT

Work continues on developing a framework for the regulation of a crypto asset market in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s crypto asset market remains in its early, pilot stage. As such, during the five-year pilot period, the framework will be continually reviewed and fine-tuned to ensure it operates in line with market developments. Experts believe that if the implementation of Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on the pilot rollout of the crypto asset market in Vietnam delivers positive outcomes and receives strong social acceptance, a standalone law on crypto assets could be developed.

Sharing insights into the process of drafting Resolution No. 05, Ms. Le Thi Hoang Thanh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic-Civil Legislation at the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), said the issue of legally institutionalizing crypto assets had been raised as early as ten years ago and had undergone extensive debate. These discussions focused on three core questions: whether crypto assets should be recognized as assets; which legal instrument should be used and whether the Civil Code would need to be amended; and which ministry should assume primary responsibility. After extensive inter-ministerial discussions, consensus was eventually reached, Ms. Thanh said.

Regulatory rollout

Accordingly, crypto assets were recognized as assets, as they possess all essential attributes of assets, including being the result of labor, production, and investment, having identifiable value, and being capable of existing as physical assets or property rights depending on their structure. It was also agreed that the Civil Code, as the foundational law, should remain unchanged, as it is designed to regulate only stable and general social relations.

Both the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the MoJ supported issuing a dedicated regulatory instrument tailored to this special class of assets. Regarding institutional responsibility, the MoF was designated as the lead agency, given the financial nature of crypto assets and their role in capital mobilization.

According to Mr. To Tran Hoa, Standing Deputy Head of the Management Board for the Digital Asset Trading Market at the State Securities Commission (SSC) under the MoF, Article 17 of Resolution No. 05 assigns several key tasks to the Ministry. First is the drafting of a decree on administrative sanctions in the crypto asset sector, which has already been submitted to the government for promulgation.

Second, the resolution requires the MoF to coordinate with other ministries to provide detailed guidance on its implementation. Two major issues are currently being addressed: accounting and auditing regimes for enterprises participating in the crypto asset market, and tax regimes applicable to crypto asset-related activities.

Mr. Hoa said the Ministry is drafting three circulars: one on accounting and auditing regimes for crypto asset service providers, issuers, and trading enterprises; one on tax policy, setting out a framework for applicable tax rates; and one defining taxable entities and providing guidance on tax collection. “The SSC is coordinating with relevant units under the Ministry, and these circulars are expected to be issued in the first quarter of 2026,” he said.

In parallel, the SSC has submitted proposals for ministerial-level decisions, including a decision issuing an implementation plan for Resolution No. 05, which establishes professional focal points to support market operations.

In addition, the Commission has submitted Decision No. 96 on administrative procedures to the MoF for issuance. On January 20, it officially opened the portal to receive the first registration applications from organizations seeking to provide crypto asset services.

Ms. Nguyen Van Hien, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association, said a series of legal frameworks had been issued during 2024-2025 to accelerate market development. “We often joke that just over one year of policy-making has achieved what would normally take ten years to build,” she said.

While Vietnam entered the field later than some countries, Ms. Hien noted that it has actively learned from and adapted international regulatory models. As a result, Vietnam is not moving slowly but rather at a relatively fast pace, with basic legal frameworks already in place. She expressed an expectation that more specialized and in-depth regulations would follow.

From a legislative perspective, Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, said Vietnam’s approach reflects two key realities: its relatively large volume of crypto asset transactions compared to global markets, and its strong pool of information technology engineers. These factors, he said, underscore the sector’s development potential.

He added that the Law on Digital Technology Industry, passed in June 2025 and effective from January 1, 2026, includes provisions on digital assets under the Civil Code, signaling a gradual legal formalization of real-economy developments. In addition, pressure from international organizations such as the Financial Action Task Force to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures has reinforced the government’s resolve. Resolution No. 05 was issued just three months after the Law’s passage. “The approach is gradual, proactive, and cautious, ensuring development while maintaining legislative discipline, system security, and investor protection,” Mr. Nam said.

Towards a dedicated law

Experts emphasized that current legalization efforts do not amount to the immediate and full legitimization of the crypto asset market, but rather the establishment of a foundational framework for future growth. Once such a framework is in place, key questions will include how Vietnam identifies and channels global capital flows, estimated at more than $220 billion, how transactions are structured, and how many Vietnamese currently hold crypto assets.

Under Resolution No. 05, crypto asset exchanges operating during the pilot phase will serve two groups: Vietnamese investors currently trading on overseas platforms, and foreign investors, particularly those interested in crypto assets linked to real-world assets; a segment forecast to grow strongly through 2030.

Ms. Hien said a robust legal framework would enhance transparency and investor confidence. After the pilot phase, crypto assets could become accessible to both international and domestic investors, creating opportunities to attract new capital into Vietnam. “We expect the initial legal framework to continue evolving, with the crypto asset market potentially developing in parallel with the stock market,” she said.

Ms. Thanh noted that sufficient grounds already exist to move beyond Resolution No. 05, which has a five-year validity period. Depending on implementation outcomes, higher-level legal instruments could be considered even before the pilot period concludes.

She outlined three possible paths: issuing a decree to guide implementation of the Law on Digital Technology Industry, continuing with a National Assembly pilot resolution at a higher legal level, or, ideally, enacting a standalone law on crypto assets. “The choice will depend on implementation effectiveness and social demand,” Ms. Thanh said. “If Resolution No. 05 delivers positive results and broad social acceptance, a dedicated law on crypto assets would be appropriate, one that balances effective management with the promotion of market development.”

Mr. Nam added that international practice typically progresses from framework laws to pilot sandboxes and eventually to specialized legislation. Vietnam is currently in the second phase, requiring time for implementation, supervision, and evaluation. Once data is sufficiently mature, policymakers can determine the appropriate timing for a specialized law, aligned with Vietnam’s broader economic context.

VET-Thuy Dieu

PM highlights cybersecurity safeguarding as urgent, regular, critical requirement

Sun, 22 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

At the first meeting in 2026 of the of the National Steering Committee for Cybersecurity, held on March 21, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underscored that safeguarding cybersecurity and data security is an urgent, regular and critical task, inseparable from Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the first meeting in 2026 of the National Steering Committee for Cybersecurity on March 21.

The hybrid meeting, held at the Government headquarters and connected to 34 provinces and cities, reviewed the steering committee’s performance in 2025 and outlined key directions and solutions to ensure national cybersecurity, and protect the security of activities of state agencies and citizens in the digital environment.

The Prime Minister was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stating at the meeting that safeguarding cybersecurity and data security is an urgent, regular and critical task, inseparable from Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

PM Chinh stressed that the increasingly complex developments in the global and regional situation require new mindset, particularly in addressing non-traditional security threats, including cyberattacks, online fraud, and activities that could undermine political stability and social order.

Placing cybersecurity within the broader context of national development in a new era, he called for a shift from task-based management to results-oriented governance, where tangible outcomes and public trust serve as the ultimate benchmarks of effectiveness. He emphasized the need to move from “doing more” to “doing the right things thoroughly and effectively,” ensuring that efforts translate into concrete products rather than remaining on paper.

The Government leader reiterated that the 14th National Party Congress identified comprehensive security, including national security, non-traditional security, cybersecurity and human security, as a strategic foundation to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for development, particularly as the country pursues two-digit economic growth targets.

Reviewing key achievements, he highlighted six major outcomes, including stronger leadership, improved legal frameworks, enhanced protection of national sovereignty in cyberspace, expanded international cooperation, mobilization of social resources, and more effective public communication.

At the same time, he pointed out ongoing limitations in awareness, institutional organization, human resources, and financial capacity, as well as increasingly complex online scams.

Therefore, PM Chinh called on ministries, sectors, and localities to strictly adhere to the leadership of the Party, headed by General Secretary To Lam, and ensure national sovereignty in cyberspace.

He urged a comprehensive transformation in mindset and action, with clear assignment of responsibilities, timelines, and accountability. Emphasis was placed on strengthening discipline, optimizing resource allocation, and implementing a coordinated approach under the guiding principle: enhancing awareness, mastering technology, early prevention, proactive protection, effective response, close coordination, and safeguarding sovereignty.

The PM outlined key objectives, including preventing and disabling cyber threats, ensuring national security and public safety, protecting national sovereignty and interests, and people’s peaceful life, and placing cybersecurity within the overall framework of national security and national development.

He assigned specific tasks to ministries and localities, including completing institutional frameworks, developing strategies to protect sovereignty in cyberspace, strengthening coordination mechanisms, investing in human resources and domestic cybersecurity industries, and expanding international cooperation, particularly in implementing the United Unions Convention against Cybercrime, also known as the Hanoi Convention.

The Steering Committee’s Office and relevant subcommittees were tasked with finalising and issuing their 2026 action plans by April, clearly defining targets, timelines, and responsibilities.

Expressing his confidence in the collective determination of the political system, businesses, and citizens, PM Chinh said strengthened cybersecurity efforts will help build digital trust, advance the digital economy and society, and contribute to a prosperous, stable and secure Vietnam.

VNA-Pham Long

Blockchain and digital asset talent in high demand

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Training talent will be critical along Vietnam’s journey to becoming a major player in blockchain and digital assets.

With the ambition of becoming a strong country in terms of blockchain, Vietnam is approaching the field with a proactive and decisive mindset. National-level blockchain infrastructure has begun to be built and some was put into pilot operation starting in 2025. A series of major initiatives is being rolled out, including the formation of International Financial Centers and regulatory sandboxes (policy and technology testing environments) in central Da Nang city, with plans to later expand to Ho Chi Minh City.

Notably, the southern city recently established its first venture capital fund, with initial charter capital of VND500 billion ($19.23 million), which is expected to increase to VND5 trillion ($192.31 million) by 2035, or ten-fold the initial level. The fund focuses on emerging technologies such as blockchain, AI, and other high-tech sectors, and is expected to begin official operations in the first quarter of this year. The capital is expected to provide a major boost to the innovation ecosystem, accelerate the development of the blockchain industry.

From observer to participant

Most recently, the Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC, announcing new administrative procedures to pilot the digital asset market. These are highly positive steps, marking Vietnam’s transition from a “gray zone” to a clearer legal framework for blockchain and digital assets.

Mr. Dat Le, Head of Growth at Varmeta, affirmed that Vietnam is no longer at the stage of “standing on the sidelines” and has officially entered the blockchain game with a decisive stance. “Instead of crowding into traditional sectors that are already saturated and fiercely competitive, blockchain is a ‘blue ocean’ - a vast open sea of career opportunities for anyone willing to adapt,” Mr. Dat emphasized.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jeffrey Tchui, Executive Director of US software company Hashgraph - the developer of the Hedera Hashgraph distributed ledger, which provides enterprise-grade blockchain infrastructure for Web3 and digital asset applications - said that based on his experience working in major financial centers such as Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong (China), he sees that Vietnam is moving very quickly. “The legalization of digital assets and the piloting of digital asset exchanges will mark a major, structural shift in the market,” he believes.

Successful financial centers such as Hong Kong (China), Singapore, the UAE, and Switzerland all follow one common principle: develop human capital first, then attract capital. “Talent always comes before money,” Mr. Tchui emphasized. “Vietnam’s major advantage is that it is developing later than traditional financial centers, without being constrained by heavy historical legacies. This allows it to rapidly build a modern legal framework and an efficient new financial ecosystem.” He added that Hong Kong (China) took a great deal of time to establish legal clarity, capital market depth, and institutional credibility.

Drawing global attention

Vietnam currently ranks among the countries with the highest rates of digital asset adoption in the world. Many studies, however, show that around 70-80 per cent of retail investors still incur losses due to cryptocurrency scams. This reflects a significant gap in knowledge and risk awareness, an issue not only of the market but also of human capacity and systems.

According to experts, as International Financial Centers open up further and transparent policies move the blockchain and digital asset market “from gray to light,” international companies and organizations are coming to Vietnam in search of both markets and talent. “What we need are not just programmers, but people with strong financial foundations, basic technological literacy, legal awareness, systems thinking, and the ability to understand how technology interacts with economic and social systems, especially an entrepreneurial mindset,” Mr. Tchui said.

He further noted that global platform organizations are not only building financial centers but also providing open source technologies so that high-quality talent in Vietnam can use the best tools to build the next generation of applications. He hopes that Vietnam’s younger generation and students will take greater interest in careers in AI and digital finance, deepen their understanding of national policies related to International Financial Centers, and contribute to domestic development.

Dr. Phan Huu Nghi, Deputy Director of the Institute of Banking and Finance at the National Economics University (NEU), said that, in the near future, when Vietnam establishes digital asset and cryptocurrency exchanges with the participation of banks, securities firms, and technology companies, sectors such as digital banking, digital finance, and fintech will have “tremendous room for growth.” The NEU will soon roll out specialized training programs in fintech and digital assets to provide students with the most solid preparation ahead of shifts in the labor market.

According to Mr. Tchui, blockchain and new technologies will strongly impact many industries, in both positive and negative terms. Large, diversified conglomerates that possess vast amounts of data are likely to benefit the most, as blockchain enables data connectivity, integration with AI, and the creation of entirely new financial applications. From real-world asset tokenization, decentralized lending and borrowing, treasury management using stablecoins, to real-time salary payments, “all of these open up financial models that have never existed before,” he explained.

Conversely, industries and business models built on information monopolies, where value is created through earlier or better access to data than others, will face the risk of being displaced. As such, Mr. Tchui believes the younger generation needs to understand that transparency and data analysis capabilities create far more value than information hoarding. Those who can best extract, analyze, and apply data will be the ones who create the greatest value.

Talent comes first

From the perspective of training and workforce preparation, a key question is what students need to prepare in order to enter the digital asset and blockchain field in the years to come. According to experts, the most important skill is not necessarily programming, but the ability to work effectively with AI.

Ms. Trang Dang, Product Management Director at Varmeta, said that from a career perspective, banking and finance students can participate in blockchain and digital asset projects in many different roles. “The two most important foundations are banking and financial knowledge, and the ability to apply AI with critical thinking,” Ms. Trang said. “With these two elements well prepared, students will have a major advantage when entering the digital asset, blockchain, and new economic model space in the years ahead.”

Students with backgrounds in strategy, markets, business, marketing, engineering, design, and other complementary skills will hold significant advantages in pursuing this path. In practice, even very young, newly-graduated students are already able to participate in building technology companies, developing new products, and pioneering markets.

According to experts, this is a critical moment. In human history, there have been few periods in which breakthrough technologies have emerged with the power to fundamentally transform how people work and organize society as profoundly as today.

Students over the next five years are expected to become a “generalist generation” - individuals who can serve as general managers, product managers, advisors, project-based professionals, and adapt flexibly across many roles. “This creates a huge advantage for today’s students,” Ms. Trang said. “While those who graduated 20 years ago are having to return to school to adapt to a new era, today’s students are at a very special moment, with many opportunities to catch up, or even leap ahead, if they know how to seize them.”

On blockchain and digital assets, Mr. Tchui emphasized that “Vietnam needs talent-first infrastructure.” The success of an economy, he continued, depends on people; it is talent that creates value and ultimately attracts investment capital.

VET-Huyen Thuong

HCMC launches new version of technology exchange platform

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

The new version of the exchange is designed not only as a showcase for technology but also as a functional marketplace where transactions are promoted, recorded, and tracked with full transparency.

The launch of the newly upgraded Ho Chi Minh City Technology Exchange on March 20 marked a significant milestone in the development of intermediary infrastructure for Vietnam's science and technology (ST) market.

Organized by the city Department of Science and Technology, the event drew substantial interest from high-level leaders, the business community, research institutes, and universities. This initiative is a key part of the city's efforts to implement Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW regarding the development of science, technology, and innovation.

Developed from the existing techport.vn platform, the HCMC Technology Exchange has steadily solidified its role as a vital data and connectivity hub for the Southern region. Having processed thousands of technological demands from enterprises and facilitated over 280,000 information connections, the platform has successfully expanded its reach nationwide.

The new version of the exchange is designed not only as a showcase for technology but also as a functional marketplace where transactions are promoted, recorded, and tracked with full transparency. This allows city authorities to accurately assess the "health" of the technology market, enabling timely support and regulatory adjustments.

The revamped platform is built upon three pillars of innovation: new tradable technology products, a modern technological foundation, and an optimized operating model. Its data is structured into four specialized layers: Intellectual Property (IP) rights, research results, technology, and machinery/equipment.

Furthermore, the system manages the entire lifecycle of a technology transaction—from listing and networking to negotiation, contract signing, and post-transfer monitoring. This end-to-end management helps businesses easily identify and select suitable solutions while ensuring the transparency and efficiency of every deal.

To mark the launch, 12 technology transfer contracts were signed with a total value of nearly VND19 billion (over $720,000). These agreements cover strategic sectors such as robotics, automation, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Additionally, more than 70 technologies and pieces of equipment were on display at the event, providing an opportunity for direct exchange and partnership between stakeholders.

Vneconomy-Hồng Vinh

Dong Nai to develop concentrated digital technology park

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The development aiming to establish a key information technology center, providing infrastructure for digital applications and innovation.

Authorities of southern Dong Nai province have approved a zoning plan for the Long Thanh Concentrated Digital Technology Park, aimed at developing a major hub for Vietnam’s digital economy.

The park will cover more than 119 hectares in An Phuoc and Binh An communes, with over 117 hectares allocated for development.

The park is designed as an integrated digital technology complex, comprising functional zones for production and business of digital products and services, research and development, training and technology incubation, as well as office space for management and operations. It will also include technical infrastructure, exhibition and communications areas, along with supporting services such as accommodation, finance and banking.

The project is expected to employ between 9,500 and 10,500 workers.

The development aims to establish a key information technology center, providing infrastructure for digital applications and innovation. It is also intended to foster IT industry growth, support research and technology transfer, incubate digital enterprises and attract investment in high-value technology services.

Authorities expect the park to create a favourable investment environment, drawing both domestic and foreign capital and technologies, while helping position the IT sector as a key economic driver.

The project will also support the development of locally made digital products to replace imports and enhance competitiveness, while contributing to Vietnam’s broader economic growth and strengthening its digital technology brand.

VnEconomy-Thiên Di

The Vietnam - US innovation and investment forum held in the US

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Experts at the forum noted that Vietnam is gradually becoming an attractive destination for US investors amidst its rapid technological development.

The Vietnam - United States Innovation and Investment Forum was held in California (US), on March 17 by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) in collaboration with the Global Electronics Association (GEA) and international partners.

Held within the framework of the APEX EXPO 2026, and bringing together over 100 distinguished leaders, experts, and innovators from the global technology and innovation landscape, the Forum featured participation from prominent corporations, organizations, and investment funds, including GEA, EXCEL Services Corporation, Viglacera, Sun Group, Prodezi, VNPost, Azurich, Saigontel, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

The Forum took place at a pivotal juncture as Vietnam enters a transformative phase aimed at realizing national strategies on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Serving as a dynamic platform for investment connectivity, the event facilitated capital flows and fostered substantive cooperation frameworks among financial institutions, universities, and leading technology enterprises from both countries.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), emphasized that Vietnam is proactively seizing opportunities arising from the new industrial revolution. Leveraging synergies with global innovation ecosystems, particularly strategic partners in the US, will not only strengthen Vietnam’s technological self-reliance but also serve as a powerful driver in shaping the country’s firm position within the global economic architecture, he said.

Mr. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC), speaks at the forum (Photo: NIC)

Through in-depth discussions, participants explored global supply chain realignments, Vietnam’s increasingly strategic role, and pathways to attract investment in key sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), smart manufacturing, renewable energy, robotics, aerospace, and autonomous technologies.

Representing the international business community, Mr. John W. Mitchell, Chairman of the Global Electronics Association, noted that Vietnam is emerging as a pivotal link and a strategically significant destination within the global technology supply chain. The Vietnamese Government’s proactive and enabling approach, combined with a dynamic and ambitious workforce, acts as a powerful magnet for US investors.

GEA, he added, remains committed to building robust bridges to help enterprises integrate more deeply into Vietnam’s promising innovation ecosystem and generate sustainable development value.

Echoing this perspective, Mr. James Voss, Vice President of EXCEL Services Corporation, highlighted the vast potential for bilateral cooperation in next-generation energy technologies. Expanding joint research and development, strengthening clean and stable energy infrastructure, and enhancing workforce training will lay the groundwork for large-scale flagship projects between the two countries in the coming era, he said.

Demonstrating tangible outcomes of the Forum, several strategic cooperation agreements were announced, notably between NIC and EXCEL Services Corporation, Azurich Investment Fund and Viet Tri University of Industry, EXCEL Services Corporation and Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.

The Forum represents a key highlight of the Global Business Innovation Connect (GBIC) 2026 program, held from March 12–17, 2026, in the United States. Within this framework, the delegation participated in APEX EXPO 2026, attended the seminar “Connecting the Viet Nam Innovation Experts Network in Silicon Valley to Advance Strategic Technology Development,” and engaged with leading global technology partners including NVIDIA, Meta, OpenAI, Marvell, Stanford University, SEMI, Anduril, etc…

-Phuong Nhi

Construction of Hanoi-Quang Ninh high-speed railway set to start on April 12

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The project to be developed under a PPP model, with total investment estimated at VND147.37 trillion (approximately $5.8 billion).

Construction of the Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed railway is scheduled to start on April 12, according to authorities in northern Quang Ninh province.

The 120km railway will be built as a double-track, standard-gauge (1,435mm), electrified line, designed for speeds of up to 350kph.

The route will pass through Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, starting at Co Loa Station in Hanoi and ending near the Tuan Chau public park area in Quang Ninh, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Five stations are planned along the line — Co Loa, Gia Binh, Ninh Xa, Yen Tu and Ha Long Xanh — along with a depot at Ha Long Xanh for maintenance, technical services and train storage.

The project will be developed under a public–private partnership (PPP) model, with total investment estimated at VND147.37 trillion (approximately $5.8 billion).

Construction is expected to be completed and the line put into operation by 2028.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Gobi Partners proposes to join Vietnam's national venture capital fund

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Gobi Partners investing in startups across Asia, focusing on sectors such as AI, semiconductors, digital technology and green innovation.

Gobi Partners has expressed interest in joining Vietnam’s proposed national venture capital fund, as the country steps up efforts to strengthen its innovation ecosystem.

The firms' co-founder and chairman Thomas G. Tsao discussed the plan at a meeting with Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan on March 19.

Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners invests in startups across Asia, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, digital technology and green innovation.

Mr. Tsao noted that the firm has partnered with local governments in Asia to support startups through funding initiatives and technology linkages.

He also proposed exploring opportunities to connect companies within its portfolio to the Vietnamese market, especially in high-tech sectors.

Both sides discussed potential cooperation in startup incubation and support programs in areas such as semiconductors, AI, big data and new energy, as well as collaboration models including regulatory sandboxes, co-investment and value chain linkages.

Deputy Minister Quan said Vietnam considers high-tech industries, particularly semiconductors and AI, as key drivers of sustainable growth, adding that the country is working to improve policies, attract investment and develop high-quality human resources.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

Smart border gates to be piloted in Lao Cai province

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The model will apply advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and fully automated smart transport systems.

The Prime Minister has approved a plan to develop “smart border gates” at Kim Thanh road bridge clearance point and the Ban Vuoc clearance point under Lao Cai International Border Gate, aiming to modernise trade and logistics links with China.

The model will apply advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and fully automated smart transport systems. It will also involve synchronised upgrades of multimodal logistics infrastructure, connecting railways, inland container depots and expressways.

The initiative is designed to create a major import-export hub, strengthen connectivity between Vietnam, ASEAN and southwest China, and enhance competitiveness while supporting sustainable border economic development.

The smart border gate model will integrate cross-border e-commerce and digitalised customs management, helping to ease congestion, cut transport costs and streamline procedures. It is also expected to improve logistics services, boost state revenue, curb smuggling and trade fraud, and reduce emissions while ensuring security and border sovereignty.

By 2030, cargo throughput at the two customs clearance points is projected to double, while logistics costs could fall by 20–30% for firms using fully automated transport. Total trade value through the clearance points is expected to reach about $9 billion.

The project will begin in the second quarter of 2026, and full operations targeted by 2029.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

Overview of crypto assets market

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Digital assets will soon be a key feature of financial and digital technology systems worldwide and in Vietnam.

Digital and crypto assets are increasingly gaining broad recognition, both in terms of market size and their role in the global digital economy. The global digital asset market is now moving beyond the experimental stage to become an integral component of the emerging financial and digital technology system, and Vietnam is no exception to this trend.

At the “Legal Path and Development Models for Vietnam’s Digital Asset Market” dialogue, organized by Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy on January 26, Ms. Nguyen Van Hien, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association (VBA), said global developments clearly show that a new asset class has taken shape, gained recognition, and is expanding rapidly within the global financial system.

In addition, the cross-border nature of crypto assets and their 24/7 tradability have enabled the emergence of an entirely new capital market. As a result, many countries are researching and developing policies and legal frameworks that both regulate and promote the growth of the crypto asset market.

Rapid traction

According to forecasts by JPMorgan, global crypto asset market capitalization could reach about $10 trillion by 2030. In July 2025, the market set a historic peak of approximately $4 trillion. At present, total market capitalization remains at around $3.1 trillion. Average 24-hour trading volume stands at roughly $100 billion, with nearly 900 centralized and decentralized exchanges operating worldwide.

Notably, the number of token issuance projects has grown at an exceptionally rapid pace, from 13 million tokens globally in May 2025 to some 28 million at present. This highlights the expanding scale and increasing dynamism of the digital asset sector.

In terms of users, the total number of participants in the global crypto asset market now nears 1 billion. By comparison, it took the internet about 14 years to reach 1 billion users, while crypto assets achieved a similar milestone in just eight years. Forecasts suggest that, by 2030, around 4 billion people worldwide could be using and participating in this market.

Beyond its global momentum, crypto assets are also penetrating Vietnam at a rapid pace. According to data from international organizations, approximately 17 million Vietnamese currently hold crypto assets, with the number reaching as high as 21 million at certain points. As of 2025, Vietnam ranks among the world’s Top 7 countries by number of crypto asset holders, and also has the highest proportion globally of young freelancers who own crypto assets.

Vietnam is also among the Top 3 destinations in the Asia-Pacific region for capital inflows from blockchain and crypto asset markets. In 2025 alone, total inflows stood at about $220 billion; double the annual average in the previous three years, which reached $105 billion, $120 billion, and $110 billion, respectively.

Global position

At the international level, a growing number of countries and major institutions are becoming deeply involved in the crypto asset market. Governments such as those in the US, China, the UK, Ukraine, and El Salvador have held crypto assets, with some even including Bitcoin in national reserve portfolios, alongside participation from financial institutions, investment funds, and large corporations.

According to the VBA, most legal frameworks worldwide focus on four core areas: management and taxation; anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing; consumer protection; and licensing and oversight of crypto asset market activities.

A survey conducted in 75 countries by the Atlantic Council showed that, as of May 2025, 45 had issued legal frameworks or laws recognizing the legality of crypto assets. Meanwhile, 20 countries have imposed partial bans and ten have enacted complete bans. Notably, among the 45 countries that have legalized crypto assets, 12 are G20 members, accounting for about 57 per cent of global GDP, underscoring the strong interest of major economies in the sector.

Ms. Hien noted that on January 1, 2026, when the Law on Digital Technology Industry officially took effect, Vietnam became the 46th nation worldwide to legalize crypto assets. This marks a significant milestone in the development of its domestic digital asset market.

As the global digital asset market enters a more mature phase, Vietnam’s formal legalization of crypto assets through the Law on Digital Technology Industry, along with pilot market mechanisms under Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on piloting a crypto asset market in Vietnam, goes beyond merely recognizing a new asset class. It reflects Vietnam’s strategic choice in the competition to attract capital, technology, and digital talent in a new stage of development.

VET-Bach Duong

AI and Big Data drive major breakthroughs in natural disaster warnings

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The application of these technologies helps shorten data processing times, improve forecast precision, and support the creation of effective response scenarios.

In the coming period, Vietnam’s meteorology and hydrology sector will prioritize comprehensive digital transformation, with many initiatives, including building a national Big Data architecture, developing modern forecasting systems, and strengthening data-sharing networks with domestic and international organizations.

Simultaneously, the sector aims to modernize its observation network by expanding automated monitoring stations, utilizing satellite data, and developing multi-hazard warning platforms.

Another critical goal is to deliver alerts to the public faster and more accessibly via digital platforms, mobile devices, and multi-channel communication systems.

These strategic directions were highlighted by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh at a workshop titled “New Technologies in Natural Disaster Forecasting and Early Warning,” held on March 18 in Hanoi.

According to Mr. Thanh, climate change is significantly altering natural disaster patterns both globally and in Vietnam.

Between 2021 and 2025, Vietnam has been impacted by an average of 10 to 12 storms and tropical depressions in the East Sea annually, along with hundreds of heavy rain events and other extreme weather phenomena.

Over the past five years, natural disasters have claimed more than 1,500 lives (including those reported missing) and caused economic losses totaling hundreds of trillions of VND (VND1 trillion is equivalent to around $38 million).

Notably, many recent disasters have occurred on a localized scale but carried immense destructive power. Meanwhile, traditional forecasting methods have shown limitations, particularly regarding accuracy and timeliness. This has created an urgent need for innovation in technology and forecasting approaches.

Facing these challenges, Deputy Minister Thanh stated that management agencies have identified technology as a "breakthrough" solution. Specifically, AI, Big Data, remote sensing, smart sensor systems, and high-resolution numerical weather prediction models will play a pivotal role.

The application of these technologies helps shorten data processing times, improve forecast precision, and support the creation of effective response scenarios. In particular, real-time data analysis allows for the early detection of anomalies, enabling the issuance of timely warnings, he said.

From a community perspective, Dr. Cao Duc Phat, Chairman of the Vietnam Disaster Prevention Community Foundation, noted that the integration of AI into weather forecasting is yielding positive results. Specifically, AI can improve short-term storm intensity forecasting accuracy by 10-20%, while enabling the automated identification of storm locations and intensity from satellite data with an accuracy rate exceeding 90%.

Furthermore, ultra-short-term warning systems for thunderstorms, tornadoes, and heavy rain are being developed using multi-source data—including radar, satellite imagery, lightning detection, and automated monitoring stations—allowing for early warnings ranging from 30 minutes to several hours.

"Real-time monitoring and warning platforms for flash floods and landslides are also being gradually deployed, with the capability to provide details down to the commune level. At the same time, modern hydrological and hydraulic models support flood and saltwater intrusion forecasting for specific river basins, enhancing the overall effectiveness of disaster prevention and control," said Mr. Phat.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

PM asks to accelerate key railway projects

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

All projects must stay on schedule, comply with regulations and meet quality requirements, according to the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged ministries, agencies and localities to accelerate key railway projects, while chairing a meeting in Hanoi on March 18.

Priority projects include the North–South high-speed railway, the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong line, and planning for the Hanoi–Lang Son and Hai Phong–Mong Cai routes, along with urban rail systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

He called for the urgent completion of standards, criteria and procedures in line with international practices while adapting them to Vietnam’s conditions.

All projects must stay on schedule, comply with regulations and meet quality requirements, with funding allocated adequately and managed strictly, the Prime Minister requested, stressing the need for rigorous inspection, supervision and auditing, warning against corruption, negative practices and vested interests.

PM Chinh also highlighted the need to expedite land clearance and resettlement, and diversify funding sources, including public investment, private capital, public-private partnerships, loans and bonds, while preventing waste.

He urged the adoption of advanced construction technologies to accelerate progress and enhance project quality.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Seminar on sharing experience in decentralization between Vietnam and the Nordic countries held in Hanoi

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:30:00 GMT

Representatives of the Nordic countries shared their experiences in advancing digital transformation in decentralization with Vietnam.

The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, in coordination with the Nordic Embassies in Hanoi (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden), ơn March 18 organized the 9th Annual Nordic Seminar under the theme: “Successful implementation of decentralization in the digital era - Sharing experience between Vietnam and the Nordic Countries”.

Speaking at the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Hai Binh, Member of the Party Central Committee and Permanent Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, noted that Vietnam’s ongoing reform, which focuses on streamlining its organizational structure, administrative apparatus, and institutions, as well as transitioning from a four-tier administrative system to a three-tier system with a two-level local government model, has delivered significant progress in decentralization in recent years.

“This momentum has been strongly driven by the national digital transformation process, which is laying critical foundations for shifting mindsets, modernizing governance methods, improving public sector performance, and fostering greater citizen participation and co-creation in the development process”, he emphasized.

Mr. Binh also expressed confidence that the seminar would provide valuable scientific and practical references for further institutional reform and governance practices in Vietnam, as well as for training, research, and policy advisory work at the Academy and nationwide. It would also help strengthen and deepen the traditional friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Nordic countries.

The Nordic countries consistently rank among the world’s top performers in welfare provision, digital transformation, and public administration. Their governance models are widely recognized for combining universal social protection, advanced digital public services, and high levels of transparency and public trust.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/VOS91x3jIOA

Norwegian Ambassador H.E. Hilde Solbakken said that decentralization in the digital era is not merely about transferring authority, but about enhancing public trust, accountability, and service delivery. The Nordic experience shows that digital tools, when combined with clearly defined institutional roles and sound fiscal frameworks, can empower local governments while maintaining national coherence.

“At the same time, digital solutions must be user-friendly, accessible, and inclusive, designed not only for the digitally proficient, but also for citizens with limited digital literacy. We are pleased to share our experience and support Vietnam’s reform and digital transformation journey”, H.E. Hilde Solbakken added.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Od2xRUWVjw

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Johan Ndisi likewise noted that in Sweden, decentralization paired with digital transparency does not weaken oversight, but rather enhances precision and effectiveness in public administration. By equipping local governments with digital tools and granting them autonomy in managing budgets and services, authorities can both improve service delivery and stimulate grassroots innovation.

H.E. Johan Ndisi also emphasized that countries can learn from one another not only from successful models of decentralization, but also from the challenges and lessons learned along the way. “Through this dialogue with Vietnam, we are also learning. Vietnam has been remarkably swift in certain reforms, moving at a pace that in some cases took much longer in our own countries”, H.E. Johan Ndisi remarked.

Similarly, Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Pekka Voutilainen highlighted that one of Finland’s key lessons is sustained investment in education to build digital capacity, alongside inclusive policymaking and evidence-based governance.

As a result, digital tools have enhanced public participation, responsiveness, and social cohesion. By combining technology with trust-based governance and a strong education system, Finland demonstrates how digital transformation can reinforce democratic institutions and make public governance more adaptive in a rapidly changing environment.

“We also recognize the vital role of the business community in driving digital innovation. Finland stands ready to connect its technology companies with Vietnamese partners to further advance digital tools in support of Vietnam’s governance efforts”, H.E. Pekka Voutilainen affirmed.

Moreover, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Nicolai Prytz shared that broadening the tax base is not only about increasing revenue, but also about promoting fairness, transparency, and strengthening trust between citizens, businesses, and the State.

“Denmark demonstrates that a transparent, equitable, and citizen-centered tax system can operate effectively, supported by the robust and flexible application of digital tools. Ensuring that these digital solutions are user-friendly is key to enabling taxpayers to comply with their obligations with ease”, H.E. Nicolai Prytz said.

Vneconomy -Phuong Nhi

Fundamental prerequisites for Vietnam’s crypto assets market

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy asked experts and policymakers for their perspective on a legal framework to shape the development of Vietnam’s crypto asset market.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee

The market for digital and crypto assets does not merely depend on a legal framework; such a framework is decisive and critically important. Alongside designing a market development model, it is necessary to have a corresponding legal framework so that development can be facilitated, consistent with the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 57 on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, while any risks are still effectively managed.

In reality, we can see various risks in the digital asset market, as well as differing and even conflicting policy approaches. These include differences in legal perspectives between China and the US, and even within the US itself, while Japan and South Korea are also highly developed in this field. These are models that Vietnam can consider and learn from.

For Vietnam, in addition to the overall financial system model, there are two new elements: the International Financial Centers in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. This underscores the necessity of having a legal framework that moves in tandem with development.

Central authorities have issued clear directives, and the government and the Ministry of Finance, particularly the State Securities Commission, have made strong and proactive efforts to introduce a series of timely legal documents. As the Party General Secretary has emphasized, institutional development remains a key bottleneck, and addressing this requires careful consideration of how to open up new space and usher in a new era, in line with the country’s strong aspiration to develop alongside the world.

Ms. Le Thi Hoang Thanh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic-Civil Legislation, Ministry of Justice

Within the overall framework of socio-economic development, institutions and the legal framework are a crucial and fundamental prerequisite for development. Establishing a legal framework is therefore of critical importance.

However, this legal framework must be positioned within a harmonious and coherent system alongside other relevant laws and regulations. For example, effective implementation of Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on piloting the crypto asset market in Vietnam requires a broader supporting legal system, including the Law on Investment, tax and fee laws, and legislation governing corporate organizational models, in order to ensure the successful execution of the Resolution.

While the law itself is critical, its organization and enforcement is an equally vital stage and a key contributor to success in promoting socio-economic development. Effective law enforcement requires adequate implementation capacity, physical infrastructure, and necessary safeguards. It also involves the work of State management, as well as the role of enforcement agencies in preventing, detecting, and handling legal violations.

Mr. To Tran Hoa, Standing Deputy Head of the Management Board for the Digital Asset Trading Market, State Securities Commission, Ministry of Finance

Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on piloting the crypto asset market in Vietnam was issued in a special context. At present, Vietnam is placed on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list. The FATF is the global body responsible for monitoring and supervising anti-money laundering (AML) activities worldwide. It has set out 17 action items, including Action 6 related to the crypto asset market, and has assessed Vietnam as one of the countries facing AML risks in the crypto asset sector.

As a result, the FATF has required Vietnam to develop a legal framework to demonstrate the government’s determination to bring the crypto asset market under regulatory oversight and to meet international standards and recommendations on AML. In this spirit, the government has directed ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Public Security, the State Bank of Vietnam, and other relevant bodies to develop a legal framework for managing the crypto asset market.

On September 9, 2025, with the coordination of multiple ministries and agencies, the MoF submitted Resolution No. 05 to the government for promulgation. The primary objective and guiding view of this Resolution is to bring the crypto asset market under management and to establish a centralized crypto asset trading market in Vietnam. This is intended to create a new investment channel for the public, a new capital mobilization channel for enterprises, and a source of revenue for the State budget, while also meeting FATF’s AML requirements.

We recently held working sessions in Thailand with FATF to explain and clarify issues related to Resolution No. 05 and the government’s policy direction on managing the crypto asset market. One point that FATF greatly appreciated was that activities within the crypto asset market have been clearly identified, defined, and specified in Resolution No. 05. With its focus on bringing the crypto asset market under management, we have developed regulatory frameworks and rules aligned with international practices, with the aim of laying the groundwork for the formation of a basic, foundational market in Vietnam.

Accordingly, the market will initially be structured around two main segments: the primary market and the secondary market. The primary market is intended to encourage Vietnamese enterprises to issue crypto assets backed by real assets to foreign investors, with the objective of mobilizing overseas resources for national economic development, in line with the central government’s goal of achieving double-digit economic growth.

As for the secondary market, we believe that the crypto asset market inherently carries significant risks, and that the public currently has limited knowledge of crypto assets. Therefore, to create a buffer during the pilot phase, we have designed policies allowing domestic investors who already hold crypto assets, as well as foreign investors, to open accounts at licensed service providers to conduct transactions. During the pilot period, we will also coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies, as well as the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association, to implement training and awareness programs for the public and businesses, before moving towards a more comprehensive policy framework for the crypto asset market.

Ms. Nguyen Van Hien, Vice Chairwoman and Secretary General of the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association

As a bridging organization, the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Assets Association (VBA) has access to a wide range of information. We hope that once the first crypto asset exchange becomes operational, more information will be available. At that point, in our role as a connector, we will work together with the State Securities Commission and the Management Board for the Digital Asset Trading Market - the focal point under the Ministry of Finance - to organize knowledge-sharing workshops, thereby helping policies to be implemented more smoothly.

In practice, in Vietnam, if we take a broader view of the digital and crypto asset market, there are currently three layers of development. The first is the innovation zone in Da Nang under National Assembly Resolution No. 136/2024/QH15 on the organization of urban government and piloting specific mechanisms and policies for Da Nang’s development. This framework provides a sandbox mechanism for digital and crypto assets, allowing fintech companies and startups to deploy applications in this field under a controlled and supervised sandbox model.

Second, within the International Financial Center in Da Nang, there is also a dedicated component for the development of digital assets, designed to align more closely with international models.

Third, at the national level, the government is developing the crypto asset market under Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP.

There are no contradictions within these three layers of development. Rather, they are sequential and complementary. With this three-tier approach, it is clear that Vietnam is not overlooking any opportunities in technology and financial innovation, while regulators and the State continue to play a strong and transparent role in overseeing and managing the market.

We also expect that, with this approach, Vietnam’s crypto asset market will grow strongly between now and 2030. By then, Vietnam could potentially become a financial hub for the crypto asset market, alongside other financial centers in the region and around the world.

VET-

Construction of Can Gio Bridge in HCM City scheduled to start in June

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The bridge, crossing Soai Rap River, expected to drive the growth of ecotourism, sea-reclamation urban areas, and the marine economy.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to commence construction of Can Gio Bridge in June this year under the PPP model with a Build–Transfer contract, according to the municipal People’s Committee.

The Can Gio Bridge is designed to be 6.3 km long with six lanes, allowing a maximum speed of 80 kph.

The project includes a nearly 3 km main bridge crossing the Soai Rap River, directly linking Nha Be Commune with Can Gio Commune.

Total investment capital is estimated at VND13.2 trillion ($502 million).

The project aims to replace the aging Binh Khanh ferry, resolve waterway traffic bottlenecks, and unlock new development space toward the sea area.

Alongside infrastructure benefits, the Can Gio Bridge is expected to drive the growth of ecotourism, sea-reclamation urban areas, and the marine economy.

Construction is expected for completion in 2029.

VnEconomy-Thanh Thủy