VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Vietnam Economic Times March, 09 2026

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:40:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 447| Monday, March, 09 2026

Dear readers,

The global economy has been significantly shaken by rising tensions in the Middle East, in particular the “Epic Fury” campaign launched recently by the US and Israel on February 28 against Iran, involving a missile barrage that resulted in the deaths of 49 of Iran’s most senior leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran then responded by attacking several strategic targets and military bases of the US and Israel in the region, plunging the Middle East into a new cycle of violence.

“This week, global economic resilience is being tested yet again by the new conflict in the Middle East,” International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told the Asia in 2050 Conference, held on March 5 in the Thai capital Bangkok. “This conflict, if it proves to be more prolonged, has obvious potential to affect global energy prices, market sentiment, growth, and inflation, placing new demands on policymakers.”

Consequently, global economies are concerned about the possibility of rising oil prices, which many experts predict could exceed $100 a barrel, if the conflict in the Middle East continues, especially if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the world’s oil tankers must pass. Oil extraction and export activities in the Gulf - the “gas station” of the world - are at risk of becoming “blocked,” threatening energy supplies in many regions globally.

With an open economy and deep international integration, where exports and imports play a crucial role as key economic growth drivers, Vietnam cannot avoid the turmoil, the immediate consequences of which include a number of flights connecting Vietnam with the Middle East being disrupted, together with rising fuel prices, delays in many import-export supply chains, and increasing logistics costs directly affecting production and business at most enterprises.

At the “Conflict in Iran and its Impact on the Global Economy” forum, organized by Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy / Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam on the afternoon of March 5, former Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung and former Ambassador of Vietnam to Iraq, H.E. Nguyen Quang Khai, analyzed the negative impacts of the military conflict on Vietnam’s economy and the global economy, helping update participants on the situation, not only developments in the conflict and the international reaction but also trade barriers and resulting challenges, while forecasting the difficulties and complexities that global supply chains will face, both in the short and long term.

Our Cover Story in this edition therefore focuses on events in the Middle East and the negative impact on global economic activities, particularly the unfavorable developments in international markets, especially in the energy market (oil and gas), and trade, and the direct consequences for Vietnam’s economy, while also recommending solutions to help businesses proactively adapt to the new situation.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

[Interactive]: Economic overview - February 2026

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:30:00 GMT

An overview of Vietnam's economy in February and the first two months of 2026.

vneconomy-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam Economic Times March, 02 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 01:10:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 445+446| Monday, March, 02 2026

Dear readers,

Women have been playing an increasingly affirmed and elevated role in Vietnam’s economy, from policy-making and macro-economic management to specific operations at many enterprises and production and business units, making key contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, especially in efforts to create a new era of Vietnamese entrepreneurs, with many women listed in the top ranks of successful businesspeople.

Entrepreneur Le Nu Thuy Duong, Vice Chairwoman and CEO of KN Holdings, who was awarded the title of Labor Hero last December, is one of those prominent figures. Under her leadership, KN Holdings has maintained sustainable growth for nearly 30 years, with total investment capital now exceeding VND120 trillion (nearly $4.6 billion).

Along with Ms. Duong, the insights and stories of many other successful female leaders in local and international organizations and women CEOs / entrepreneurs are introduced in this edition, which is dedicated to commemorating International Women's Day on March 8.

According to a report presented at the “Women Entrepreneurs in the Era of the Nation’s Rise” forum, held in Hanoi in March 2025, the number of women-owned enterprises in Vietnam accounted for about 27 per cent of the total as of the end of 2023; higher than the global average.

Women entrepreneurs not only assert their capabilities in the marketplace but also contribute positively to socio-economic development, holding many advantages in the era of digital technology, such as their ability to grasp technology, management flexibility, and creativity in business. Many female entrepreneurs and renowned female scientists in the fields of digital technology and AI have emerged, capable of mastering advanced technologies.

However, women entrepreneurs still face many barriers that need to be removed, such as in accessing capital, expanding domestic and international markets, and enhancing digital skills.

Nevertheless, many Vietnamese female entrepreneurs have succeeded in production and business activities, becoming pioneering entrepreneurs not only renowned domestically but also in regional and international markets.

The fact that the proportion of women holding leadership positions within Vietnam’s political system as well as in the field of socio-economic development is increasingly rising shows that their role and status have been respected in modern Vietnamese society, thus contributing to the successful implementation of the national strategy on gender equality, including gender equality in business, towards sustainable development.

The national strategy on gender equality for the 2021-2030 period set a goal of the proportion of female directors / owners of enterprises and cooperatives to reach at least 27 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030. Decree No. 80/2021/ND-CP from the government guiding the implementation of the Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises also included several priority policies to support enterprises owned by women.

On the occasion of the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day, our Cover Story in this edition looks at female entrepreneurs’ role in this new era of national development under major strategic orientations approved by the recent 14th National Party Congress, focusing on gender equality in society in general and in business in particular, with many female entrepreneurs standing out in various fields of socio-economic endeavor, whose successes, experience, and voices have contributed to helping the Party and State policy-making agencies update and adjust the guidelines for the socio-economic development of the country in general and the National Strategy on Gender Equality in particular.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam Economic Times TET Special edition 2026

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 443 + 444 | February 9 + February 16, 2026

Dear readers,

In Vietnam, every time Tet (the Lunar New Year) approaches and Spring comes into view, the country seems woven with brocade and embroidered with flowers. Spring, the season marking the beginning of a new year, is like youth: always full of vitality. Trees sprout and flourish, and countless flowers compete in color and fragrance in the cool weather, thus providing inspiration for every family to celebrate Tet and for everyone to enjoy Spring with a joyful and eager mindset, waiting for the best of a new year filled with happiness and prosperity.

This Tet marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, with great faith in and aspirations for a “soaring” Vietnam, as the country transforms and enters a new era of development, following the strategic orientation and vision approved by the 14th National Party Congress, which successfully concluded on January 23.

The Year of the Horse also marks the 96th Spring since the Communist Party of Vietnam was founded. During these 96 Springs under the Party’s leadership, the country has undergone miraculous transformations. Under the Party’s guidance, our nation, from the status of a “national slave,” “emerged from blood and fire, shaking off mud, standing bright,” as described by Poet Nguyen Dinh Thi in his well-known poem “Homeland,” then reclaimed its independence and freedom, unifying the homeland, and gradually developing. As a result, after nearly 40 years of “Doi Moi” (Economic Renewal), Vietnam has escaped from the group of the 20 poorest countries in the world and become a nation with a GDP of $514 billion and foreign trade turnover of more than $930 billion in 2025 - the final year of the five-year socio-economic development plan, per the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress.

During this time, across Vietnam’s three regions - northern, central, and southern - everywhere is adorned with flags and flowers celebrating Tet, with joy multiplied many times over by the successful outcome of the 14th National Party Congress that marked the start of a new era of development for the country, “The era of the nation’s rise,” as stated by Party General Secretary To Lam.

The great and comprehensive achievements attained in 2025 and in the 2021-2025 period created both a premise and a solid foundation for Vietnam to continue to rise in the early years of the new era of development.

In the new year, new opportunities in development will open up for Vietnam, which will, with strength and potential resulting from the success of 40 years of “Doi Moi”, overcome all inevitable “headwinds” from unpredictable global fluctuations.

Coincidentally, Vietnam’s new era of development begins with the Year of the Horse, which symbolizes dynamism, freedom, strength, and enthusiasm, promising many breakthrough opportunities.

It is hoped that in this Year of the Horse, the year that marks the beginning of the five-year socio-economic development plan (2026-2030), approved by the 14th Party Congress, Vietnam’s economy will achieve growth of at least 10 per cent, according to the goals set by the Congress. And if this becomes a reality, the Year of the Horse 2026 will be marked as the first year in the nation’s history that Vietnam achieved double-digit economic growth, laying the groundwork for similar growth targets in the years to follow.

The business community in Vietnam - both domestic and foreign - plays a key role in the collective effort to successfully achieve the double-digit growth target. Resolutions No. 68-NQ/TW and 79-NQ/TW from the Politburo (13th term) on the development of the private and State economies, respectively, serve as both a guiding principle and a motivating force to encourage all types of enterprises, both private and State-owned, to continue developing and boost production and business as the main force in the country’s socio-economic development.

Dear readers,

As a reliable source of economic information for all readers, including businesspeople, Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy wishes you and your family a prosperous, happy, and thriving Year of the Horse!

Happy New Year to all!

Warmest regards,

Dr. CHU VAN LAM,

CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

[Interactive]: Economic overview - January 2026

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 07:46:00 GMT

In January 2026, Vietnam’s economic landscape continued to show positive signals, indicating that the momentum of recovery and growth has been steadily maintained.

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam Economic Times February 02, 2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 03:40:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 442 | Monday, February 02, 2026

Dear readers,

Digital and cryptocurrency asset markets have developed extensively around the world and are becoming increasingly popular, as they act as a convenient and effective fundraising channel in the era of the digital economy.

Many countries, such as China, the US, Japan, South Korea, and the UAE, apply different market models. In terms of technology and technique, these models do not significantly differ from each other, though their levels of development are not the same. However, the associated legal regulations are completely different, and depend upon the overall legal framework of each country.

How a digital and cryptocurrency asset market operates, whether it is favorable or unfavorable in terms of legal aspects, as well as whether the rights, interests, and assets of businesses, organizations, and individuals participating are guaranteed and protected, all depend on legal regulations in the host country.

Vietnam is in the process of preparing to pilot a digital asset market. The first and most important step is to create a legal framework towards “regulating” but not “restraining” such a market. The Law on Digital Technology Industry, passed by the National Assembly on June 14, 2025, and effective from January 1, 2026, clearly defines the concept of “digital assets” and related activities concerning this important asset type, aiming to facilitate the legal aspects of storing, accumulating, exchanging, buying, selling, and investing in digital assets, now that this type of asset is officially legal.

Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, issued on September 9, 2025, and effective on the same day, allows for a pilot crypto asset market in Vietnam, and clearly stipulates the implementation of pilot offerings, the issuance of crypto assets, the organization of a crypto asset market, and the provision of crypto asset services, while also outlining State management of the market. In implementing Resolution No. 05, the Ministry of Finance issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC on January 20, announcing new administrative procedures in the field, within the scope of its management functions.

Thus, fundamentally, the legal environment for organizing and piloting a crypto asset market in Vietnam has been established. The legal framework not only serves as the foundational basis for establishing and operating such a market but also sets the parameters for the market to operate according to regulations, creating trust among participating domestic and foreign investors.

However, in the process of introducing these legal regulations, it is inevitable that issues will arise which, if not adequately addressed, could create bottlenecks for the market and even undermine investor confidence. The primary question, though, is which digital asset market model should Vietnam adopt to align with its legal environment and specific socio-economic conditions.

A regular thematic dialogue entitled “Following the Digital Asset Flow” - an in-depth forum connecting State management agencies, policy experts, technology and finance businesses, and the investment community - was initiated and organized by Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy and took place on January 26, with the first dialogue session focusing on the topic “Legal Pathways and Development Models for Vietnam’s Digital Asset Market”, clarifying issues related to legal regulations and alternative options for a suitable digital asset market model in Vietnam.

Our Cover Story in this edition therefore focuses on analyzing the legal framework for a digital asset market that will open up prospects and opportunities for investors to participate, while also introducing a comprehensive overview of the global digital asset market, with Vietnam remaining in the initial pilot phase of market development.

Warmest regards,

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam Economic Times January 26, 2026

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 441 | Monday, January 26, 2026

Dear readers,

Since its 4th National Congress in 1976, after national unification, and under its Charter, the Communist Party of Vietnam has held its National Congress once every five years. The 14th National Party Congress took place from January 19-23, 2026, with the participation of 1,586 delegates representing more than 5.6 million Party members.

A new Party Central Committee (PCC), comprising 180 official members and 20 alternate members, was elected. The 14th PCC, during its first plenum on January 23, elected a 19-member Politburo - the most powerful body of the Party - then elected Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the 13th PCC and Member of the 14th Politburo, as General Secretary of the 14th PCC. Meanwhile three members of the 14th PCC were elected as new members of the PCC’s Secretariat, which consists of 13 members, including Party General Secretary To Lam and nine other Politburo members assigned by the Politburo as members of the Secretariat.

The Congress unanimously adopted its Resolution, reaffirming core assessments of the implementation of the 13th Congress Resolution, the review of key theoretical and practical issues arising from 40 years of socialist-oriented renewal in Vietnam, and the 15-year enforcement of the Party Charter (2011-2025), as presented in documents submitted to the Congress by the 13th PCC.

Looking ahead, the Resolution sets out a vision centered on firmly maintaining peace and stability; pursuing rapid and sustainable development while safeguarding national defense; comprehensively improving people's living standards; strengthening strategic autonomy and self-resilience and confidence; and resolutely advancing into a new era of national development. It targets Vietnam becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle incomes by 2030 and a high-income developed nation by 2045.

Key targets for the 2026-2030 period include average annual GDP growth of at least 10 per cent; GDP per capita of $8,500 by 2030; manufacturing and processing to account for roughly 28 per cent of GDP; the digital economy to contribute around 30 per cent of GDP; Total Factor Productivity to exceed 55 per cent of growth; annual workplace productivity growth of about 8.5 per cent; total asset accumulation of 35-36 per cent of GDP; average total social investment of around 40 per cent of GDP; social objectives to feature an HDI of approximately 0.8; average life expectancy to reach around 75.5 years, including at least 68 healthy years; 35-40 per cent of the workforce holding qualifications or certificates; and a sustained annual reduction of 1-1.5 percentage points in the multidimensional poverty rate. Vietnam also aims to rank among the world’s Top 40 countries in the happiness index.

The 14th National Party Congress was of great importance as it opened up a new era of national development - “The era of the nation’s rise”.

Speaking at an international press conference announcing the results of the 14th National Party Congress on the afternoon of January 23, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Congress was held at a particularly pivotal and historical moment, in a new context that calls for a fresh vision - one that extends beyond the 14th term (2026-2031) towards 2045. “Vietnam’s development needs in this phase require fast, efficient, and proactive progress, making it necessary to build an appropriate development model,” the Party leader said. “Economically, Vietnam must adopt a model capable of delivering double-digit growth.”

Our Cover Story in this edition looks at the work ahead as Vietnam aims to post double-digit growth in 2026 and subsequent years in an ever-changing world, with recognition that a new growth driver is critical.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam Economic Times January, 19 2026

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 440 | Monday, January, 19 2026

Dear readers,

In the era of Industry 4.0, digital assets have been constantly created, issued, stored, accumulated, exchanged, traded, and invested in many countries globally, becoming an essential part of an economy in general and a digital economy in particular.

Under the Law on Digital Technology Industry, passed by the 15th National Assembly on June 14, 2025, and effective from January 1, 2026, “Digital assets are assets as defined by the Civil Code, represented in the form of digital data, created, issued, stored, transferred, and verified by digital technology in an electronic environment”; with digital assets including virtual assets in the electronic environment, encrypted assets, and other digital assets, but, as stipulated by the Law, excluding securities, digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and other financial assets under the Civil Code.

This is a significant legal advancement in Vietnam in defining and clarifying the concept of “digital assets” and related activities concerning this important type of asset, facilitating the process of storing, accumulating, exchanging, buying, selling, and investing in such assets, as these and encrypted assets have officially been legalized (excluding digital currencies and cryptocurrencies, which have not yet been regulated in the Law on Digital Technology Industry) and are being piloted as an important asset class, according to Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP from the government on piloting the cryptocurrency asset market in Vietnam.

Thanks to the rapid development of the digital economy and legal advantages, with the Law on Digital Technology Industry coming into effect, along with Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg, dated June 12, 2025, which identifies blockchain technology as a strategic technology group, and digital assets, digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and traceability systems as part of the strategic technology products group, Vietnam is facing many opportunities to capitalize on the growth wave of the tokenized asset market, with tokenization defined as the process of digitizing traditional assets into digital tokens on blockchain.

In recent years, the tokenization of real-world assets has emerged as a notable innovative trend in the global financial system.

The global tokenized asset market in 2025 was valued at approximately $600 billion and is projected to grow to $18.9 trillion by 2033 in an average growth scenario, accounting for over 10 per cent of global GDP, while in an optimistic growth scenario it could reach up to $23.4 trillion.

The question arises as to how Vietnam will seize the growth wave of the tokenized asset market, in the context of rapidly-developing tokenized assets globally, with the country already among those with the highest transaction volumes and ownership rates of tokenized assets in the world.

By providing forecast information and analyzing the growth trends of the tokenized asset market while identifying the policy limitations regarding the trend in the context of a rapidly-developing digital economy in the country, including issues related to the market, legal aspects, and technology concerning asset tokenization, our Cover Story in this edition focuses on the potential of Vietnam’s tokenized asset market, which is expected to open a new door for the domestic capital market.

Warmest regards.

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy