A gong-striking ceremony was held on September 18 evening within the conference "Vietnam officially joins the global index basket – FTSE Russell Global Equity Index Series" (FTSE GEIS), organized in Hanoi by the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, and the State Securities Commission) in coordination with FTSE Russell, marking the milestone of Vietnam’s stock market transitioning from "Frontier" to "Secondary Emerging" market status under FTSE Russell’s classification to take effect from Sep. 21.
Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan performed the gong-striking ceremony.
Speaking on this occasion, Minister Ngo Van Tuan emphasized: Today's conference is a very important milestone for Vietnam's financial market. On September 21, 2026, the Vietnamese stock market will officially transition to a "secondary emerging market" status under FTSE Russell’s classification.
However, according to the Minister, the upgrade is not the final step but a new advancement, while also setting higher requirements for the market and regulatory agencies in the context of continuous changes and transformations in the global financial market. Vietnam therefore still continues to be proactive, flexible, and ready to improve mechanisms, policies, and market supervision management.
H.E. Mr. Iain Grant Frew, the British Ambassador to Vietnam, shared at the event: "I am truly honored to attend today's event to celebrate a significant milestone for Vietnam: the upgrade of Vietnam's financial market to Secondary Emerging Market status in the FTSE Global Equity Index Series."
According to the British ambassador, this milestone is the result of many years of effort, and the upgrade reflectts the significant transformation of one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, driven by the development of Vietnam's capital market. At the same time, this is also a strong signal sent to the global investment community about Vietnam's ambition to develop deeper, more accessible, and internationally connected financial resources.
Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, Director of the World Bank in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, stated: "I am very honored to attend today's event to congratulate Vietnam on being included in the FTSE Russell Emerging Market Index. This is an important milestone, recognizing the significant reforms that Vietnam has implemented over the years, while also opening a new chapter for the development of Vietnam's capital market."
Ms. Fiona Bassett, Executive Director of FTSE Russell, emphasized: "This is a historic event. FTSE Russell is proud to support Vietnam in this important milestone of capital market development and in the next phase."
"Vietnam's upgrade is not only a recognition of the progress made but also an important step to further enhance Vietnam's presence in the eyes of international investors and facilitate the deeper participation of global capital in the market over time," Ms. Fiona Bassett added.
Mr. Duncan Burns, Director of Investment Management and Global Equities for the Asia-Pacific region at Vanguard, stated: "In the coming year, Vanguard plans to invest approximately $2.5 billion in Vietnam through fund portfolios. This is about VND65 trillion, invested on behalf of millions of people worldwide."
"Many of these investors may never have been to Vietnam, but through globally diversified portfolios, they will have the opportunity to participate in Vietnam's sustainable growth," emphasized the Vanguard representative.
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