VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets delegation of leading US businesses

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

At the meeting that took place in Hanoi on April 16, representatives of USABC, the US Embassy in Vietnam and participating businesses commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and improving investment climate, as well as its strategic development orientation toward rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 16 hosted a delegation of 52 leading US enterprises, led by Brian McFeeters, Interim President and CEO of the US–ASEAN Business Council (USABC), currently on a working visit to explore investment and cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

After more than three decades of diplomatic relations, and particularly following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, Vietnam–US economic relations have expanded significantly in both scale and quality. The US ranks 11th among foreign investors in Vietnam, with 1,501 projects totalling nearly $12.3 billion in registered capital. Meanwhile, as of October 31, 2025, Vietnam had run 266 investment projects in the US, with total registered capital of approximately $1.4 billion, placing it sixth among 85 countries and territories receiving Vietnamese investment. Bilateral trade reached an estimated $141.4 billion in the first ten months of 2025.

At the meeting, representatives of USABC, the US Embassy in Vietnam and participating businesses commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and improving investment climate, as well as its strategic development orientation toward rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Expressing strong confidence in the country’s growth trajectory, the US businesses reaffirmed their long-term commitment and readiness to expand investment in key sectors, including energy, technology and innovation, financial services, aerospace and automotive industries, logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, agriculture, consumer goods, tourism and creative industries.

They also called for continued improvements in Vietnam’s legal and institutional framework, particularly in streamlining administrative procedures, aligning standards with international practices, upgrading infrastructure, and developing high-quality human resources to better support business operations.

Concluding the meeting, PM Hung welcomed the large presence of the US enterprises, describing it as clear evidence of their strong interest in Vietnam’s market and the expanding scope of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.

He emphasised that Vietnam is pursuing rapid yet sustainable development, shifting its growth model toward greater reliance on science, technology, innovation and productivity, while advancing institutional reforms and fostering a more enabling, development-oriented governance approach. The private sector, he noted, is one among the most important drivers of the economy.

Vietnam remains committed to deepening international integration, mobilising external resources, implementing incentives, removing bottlenecks and obstacles, and creating favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from the US, to operate effectively and successfully.

Affirming that the US is one of Vietnam’s top partners, the PM expressed his desire to further promote a stable, substantive and sustainable Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the benefits of the two countries’ people and enterprises, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

He also underscored the Government’s determination to accelerate administrative reforms, improve the business environment, and promptly address concerns raised by enterprises, adding ministries and agencies have been tasked with reviewing and responding to specific proposals.

PM Hung called on USABC and US businesses, given their role and influence, to convey Vietnam’s goodwill and cooperation efforts, provide objective assessments reflecting the realities of the Vietnamese economy, and help advance the conclusion of an agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade between the two countries.

He also proposed the US consider early recognition of Vietnam as a full market economy and promptly remove Vietnam from the export control lists (D1–D3).

Highlighting priority areas, he welcomed greater US investment in energy, as well as enhanced cooperation in science and technology, particularly in telecommunications, 5G and digital infrastructure, on the basis of compliance with Vietnamese regulations and national security requirements.

He also noted Vietnam’s approval of Starlink satellite internet services earlier this year and encouraged US firms to strengthen technology transfer, especially in core technologies, to help Vietnam integrate more deeply into regional and global value chains.

The PM invited USABC and US businesses to partner with Vietnam to successfully host APEC 2027, thus creating momentum for Vietnam to further open its market, attract more investment and enhance its competitiveness. – (VNA)

VNA-

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holds phone conversation with Singaporean counterpart

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:10:00 GMT

During the conversation, the two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibility of signing an intergovernmental agreement on cross-border trade of low-carbon electricity, creating a legal framework to ensure the successful implementation of offshore wind power export from Vietnam to Singapore

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 16 had a phone conversation with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, according to the Government News.

The Singaporean PM congratulated Mr. Hung on his election as the Vietnamese Prime Minister for the 2026–2031 term, expressing his desire to work closely together with the latter to further strengthen the Vietnam–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a robust, substantive, and effective manner.

Singapore treasures its relationship with Vietnam, expecting to enhance high-level exchanges, cooperation in economy, defense and security, and other areas with Vietnam, contributing to regional peace, stability, and development, PM Wong emphasized.

Singapore will increase the total number of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) in Vietnam to 30 this year to mark the 30th anniversary of this successful model in Vietnam, the Singaporean leader stated.

He reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to supporting Vietnam in training and developing human resources, especially strategic-level officials, via new training agreements and expanding the Singapore Cooperation Program to localities across Vietnam.

PM Wong expressed his confidence that bilateral relations will continue to grow strongly and highlighted the ambition to achieve breakthroughs in new areas such as carbon credit exchange and cooperation in ensuring food security.

He took the occasion to invite the Vietnamese Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Singapore.

PM Hung, for his part, noted that Vietnam will soon introduce new policies to attract more foreign investment, including those from Singapore.

He suggested Singapore support Vietnam in developing the international financial center and upgrading the network of next-generation VSIP associated with high-tech transfer.

The Vietnamese leader urged the two countries to strengthen ASEAN cooperation in 2027, when Singapore will serve as ASEAN Chair and Vietnam will host APEC.

PM Hung also called on both countries to enhance defense and security cooperation, double efforts to combat transnational crime, support the development and operation of the national data center, high-performance computing center, and artificial intelligence center, and promote effective and substantive negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

The two leaders vowed to continue strengthening political trust, promoting delegation exchanges and high-level contacts at all levels, and maintaining the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the annual meeting mechanism between the two Prime Ministers.

They pledged to soon implement a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two ruling parties in 2026 and join hands in ensuring energy security.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing resources for effectively implementing the action program on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2025–2030 period.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibility of signing an intergovernmental agreement on cross-border trade of low-carbon electricity, creating a legal framework to ensure the successful implementation of offshore wind power export from Vietnam to Singapore.

VGP-Pham Long

For green public transport

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A preference for green public transport options will only take hold around Vietnam as networks and services become more integrated and convenient.

Transport has long been seen as a backbone of connectivity and economic expansion, but at the same time has also hit various stress points: rising energy demand, higher emissions, and increasingly costly operations. Amid environmental constraints, requirements in economic efficiency, and international commitments, the transport sector is being pushed into a deeper phase of transformation. The question is no longer whether to go green, but how to go about it.

Pressure to change

Air pollution and volatile transport costs are forcing the sector to adapt. Recent geopolitical developments have driven sharp fluctuations in domestic fuel prices, leading to immediate shifts in travel behavior. According to Mr. Le Bang An, CEO of Hanoi Metro, ridership on the Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro line rose by nearly 5 per cent following a fuel price adjustment, while the Nhon - Hanoi Station line saw an increase of more than 13 per cent. These figures suggest that when costs rise, commuters are willing to switch, provided viable alternatives exist.

However, transport experts argue that price is not the decisive factor. The key lies in overall convenience. People will only shift to public transport when journeys are seamless and efficient. When metro lines, bus networks, and feeder services are effectively integrated, modal shifts occur naturally rather than through administrative measures.

Experts have noted that the green transition is a multi-stage process. On one hand, emissions intensity from existing vehicles must be reduced, while on the other the adoption of new-energy transport must accelerate. At the same time, building a multimodal ecosystem, which means integrating different transport modes into a unified system, is seen as critical. This holistic approach underscores that transformation is not about isolated substitution, but about restructuring the system across multiple layers.

International experience shows there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Japan and Germany have pursued selective modernization, avoiding mass electrification to prevent disruption to domestic industrial chains. Singapore, meanwhile, prioritizes smart infrastructure to manage transport demand rather than simply limiting vehicle numbers. These approaches highlight that technical solutions must align with economic conditions and policy frameworks to deliver meaningful results.

Fragmented system

Over the past two decades, Vietnam’s transport infrastructure has expanded rapidly, strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration. However, this growth has largely been quantitative. Links between different transport modes have lagged behind. As a result, logistics costs remain high, energy consumption is significant, and emissions continue to rise, exposing the limits of a growth model based solely on infrastructure expansion.

Innovation is emerging across subsectors, but has yet to create systemic impact. In rail, companies are beginning to transition locomotive and rolling stock energy systems. Vietnam Railways has outlined a roadmap to gradually replace diesel locomotives with electric or cleaner alternatives, starting at the pilot scale. This signals a shift away from traditional operations toward lower-emission models.

Urban rail networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are also increasingly positioned as the backbone of urban mobility. Mr. Khuat Viet Hung, Chairman of Hanoi Metro, believes a fully-operational metro network could cut hundreds of thousands of tons of CO₂ annually. However, these gains depend on integration with bus networks and feeder services. Without such connectivity, their broader impact remains limited.

On the roads, the biggest challenge lies in scale and usage patterns. With around 7 million cars and nearly 80 million motorbikes, Vietnam faces a vast and highly fragmented base of private vehicles. Electric buses, taxis, and motorbikes are emerging, but high upfront costs, long charging times, and battery replacement expenses remain major barriers, according to transport operators. In the short term, electric vehicles are unlikely to fully replace conventional vehicles.

In logistics, structural challenges are even more pronounced. Logistics costs account for around 16-20 per cent of GDP; significantly above the global average. The main cause is a lack of integration across transport networks, forcing goods through multiple intermediaries, extending transit times, and increasing both costs and emissions. Some firms have experimented with coastal shipping, reporting emission reductions of up to 75 per cent compared with road transport, alongside notable cost savings.

At the same time, multimodal logistics projects are gradually taking shape, linking road, rail, seaports, and aviation within unified systems. This marks a shift from fragmented infrastructure development toward network-based thinking, where efficiency depends on overall connectivity rather than individual components.

The aviation sector faces its own transition challenges. With high emissions intensity per unit transported and limited electrification potential, aviation relies primarily on operational optimization, fleet modernization, and research into sustainable aviation fuel. Many major airports have deployed electric ground equipment and smart energy management systems. The sector’s capacity for deep emissions cuts, however, remains constrained.

Overall, innovation is visible across infrastructure, technology, and operations. Yet without a strong overarching design to connect these elements, the system remains fragmented. This lack of integration not only undermines investment efficiency but also limits the broader impact of green transition efforts across the economy.

Structural challenges

Recent developments underscore the limits of piecemeal greening. Replacing vehicles, while necessary, cannot drive transformation on its own if infrastructure and operational models remain unchanged. Without structural reform, even advanced technologies can only play a supporting role, with limited system-wide impact.

On the policy front, Vietnam has established a framework for green transport through laws, decrees, and strategies on emission reductions and sustainable development. However, according to the Ministry of Construction, the main challenge lies not in direction but in implementation. Gaps between institutions, technology, and public awareness are creating a disconnect between policy goals and real-world outcomes.

Addressing this requires restructuring the transport network toward a multimodal model. When road, rail, inland waterways, and aviation are effectively integrated, transport costs fall, and emissions can be better controlled across the entire chain. This forms the foundation for an optimized system, replacing today’s fragmented links.

Financing remains a decisive factor for large-scale infrastructure projects. Green infrastructure requires substantial upfront capital, long payback periods, and carries high risk, making investment mobilization difficult. Public-private partnerships and green finance are expected to play a key role, but attracting long-term capital will require clear risk-sharing mechanisms and a stable investment environment.

For businesses, green transition goes beyond fleet upgrades to encompass full business model transformation. Industry representatives emphasize the need for strong early-stage support policies, from tax incentives to credit tools, to ease investment burdens and enable adaptation. Without such support, private sector engagement will remain limited.

Technology continues to play an important enabling role, though it is not the ultimate determinant. AI, big data, and smart coordination platforms can optimize operations, reduce energy consumption, and improve efficiency. However, their effectiveness depends on being deployed within a well-structured, integrated transport system.

Ultimately, user behavior remains central. Reliance on private vehicles, particularly motorbikes, still dominates mobility patterns in major cities. A shift toward greener options will only occur when alternatives are convenient, accessible, and capable of meeting daily travel needs.

In this context, green transport is no longer about individual projects or standalone technologies. It is about reorganizing the entire transport system, where changes in infrastructure, logistics, and policy reshape how the broader economy functions.

VET-Huynh Dung

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

Lam Dong plans expansion for industrial park network

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The central province is expected to develop a total of 47 industrial parks in the 2021-2030 period, covering more than 27,300 hectares.

Lam Dong province, central Vietnam, is planning a major expansion for its industrial park network, aiming to strengthen regional connectivity and meet growing investment demand.

Under the proposed plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, the province is expected to develop a total of 47 industrial parks covering more than 27,300 hectares. Of these, 33 parks spanning over 16,490 hectares will be prioritised for investment before 2030, while the remaining 14 will be implemented after 2030 or when conditions permit.

At present, Lam Dong has 15 industrial parks with a combined area of nearly 4,270 hectares. Eleven of these are operational, covering more than 2,012 hectares and hosting 238 projects. However, occupancy remains modest at around 52.5%, indicating room for further development.

Based on current conditions and long-term planning orientations, local authorities have proposed continuing development in line with the approved 2021-2030 master plans of the former provinces of Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dak Nong which have been merged into new Lam Dong province since July 2025. In addition, 17 new or expanded industrial parks, totalling more than 11,190 hectares, are being studied to support future growth.

The planned parks will be concentrated in key areas such as Tra Tan, Suoi Kiet, Tan Minh, Ham Thuan Nam, Son My and Vinh Hao, forming interconnected industrial clusters. These locations are expected to leverage regional linkages, particularly with neighbouring Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City, to enhance investment attraction and industrial development.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Bách

Three new expressways proposed to be added to national road network

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:24:00 GMT

The expressways, with total length of around 574km, are proposed for investment before 2030.

Vietnam’s road authority has proposed adding three new expressways, with a combined length of nearly 574 km, to the national road network master plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, in a bid to strengthen regional connectivity and unlock new growth potential.

In a report submitted to the Ministry of Construction, the Vietnam Road Administration outlined plans for three routes: Lang Son–Thai Nguyen–Tuyen Quang–Yen Bai–Son La; Phan Thiet–Bao Loc–Gia Nghia; and Viet Tri–Hoa Binh. All are proposed for investment before 2030 and designed with four lanes.

The former and the longest, that will stretch about 378 km, across northern mountainous provinces, is envisioned as a regional ring expressway linking administrative centres with border areas and connecting key international border gates. It is expected to ease congestion on existing east–west corridors and open up new opportunities for industrial, logistics and urban development in the region.

Meanwhile, the 141-km Phan Thiet–Bao Loc–Gia Nghia expressway is set to form a key east–west economic corridor in central Vietnam. The route would enhance access to seaports and airports, while facilitating the transport of bauxite, alumina and agricultural products.

The 55-km Viet Tri–Hoa Binh expressway, located within the province of Phu Tho, is expected to improve the efficiency of existing routes and create a more integrated transport network, while supporting industrial and urban development in surrounding areas.

If approved, the additions would significantly expand Vietnam’s strategic transport infrastructure and strengthen interregional linkages nationwide.

VnEconomy-Gia Huy

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

Phu Tho seeks Chinese investment at conference in Beijing

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Vietnam's northern Phu Tho Province aims to attract enterprises specializing in semiconductors, electronic components, data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Vietnam's northern Phu Tho Province organized an investment promotion conference in Beijing, China, on April 14 to attract enterprises specializing in semiconductors, electronic components, data centers, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The event, that took place on the occasion of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's State visit to China, also focused on seeking partnerships in transport infrastructure, high-tech agriculture, finance, tourism, and the transfer of green energy technology.

Speaking at the conference, Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Mr. Tran Huy Dong, stated that the conference aimed to strengthen promotion, cooperation, and investment links between the province and its Chinese partners in trade and tourism.

“This is a testament to Phu Tho’s strong determination to proactively integrate and align with global trends of sustainable development and innovation,” he said.

Since the merger of Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, and Hoa Binh provinces in July last year, the new province of Phu Tho has significantly expanded its development potential. It now boasts a population of over 4 million people and a Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of $16 billion.

To ensure readiness for new investment, the province has continuously upgraded its transport systems and technical infrastructure. Phu Tho has already established 28 industrial parks covering more than 5,800 ha.

Under the master plan through 2050, the number of industrial parks is expected to reach 58, with a total land area of over 14,000 ha. Many of these parks are currently equipped with synchronous infrastructure, ready to accommodate large-scale and high-tech investment projects.

Vneconomy-Khánh Vy

Vietnam - Australia fintech cooperation strengthens legal framework for IFC

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A fintech and regtech cooperation programme between the two countries is gaining traction as both work to support the development of a robust legal and institutional foundation for Vietnam's International Financial Centre.

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) has led a delegation of nine Australian fintech and regtech companies to Vietnam under the Landing Pad Vietnam Fintech and Regtech Immersion Program 2026.

The programme connects Australian solution providers with Vietnamese banks and financial institutions to support the development of secure, inclusive, and modern financial services, in line with Vietnam’s digital transformation agenda. It also builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2025 between Austrade and the Vietnam Banks Association, reaffirming Australia’s long-term commitment to Vietnam’s financial sector.

Running from April 14 to 16, the programme was launched in Ho Chi Minh City and will conclude in Hanoi, offering the delegation insights into Vietnam’s banking trends, regulatory priorities, and market opportunities, while fostering potential partnerships.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Emma McDonald, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of the Australian Government to Vietnam and Cambodia, said the programme is designed to foster direct, in-market exchanges. “We are confident this engagement will generate additional Australia–Vietnam commercial partnerships, contributing to a financial ecosystem that is resilient, trusted and globally connected, combining Vietnam’s characteristics with Australia’s technological solutions,” she said.

Vietnam is not only accelerating digital transformation across its banking sector but also laying the foundation for a broader strategy. The development of its International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City reflects a clear ambition to position Vietnam as a globally connected financial hub.

Increasingly, what defines a successful financial centre is not just capital or infrastructure, but the ability to build trusted, data-driven and inclusive financial ecosystems where risks can be effectively managed and cross-border activities can take place with confidence.

Vietnam’s strong fundamentals, including a young population, macroeconomic stability, and sustained GDP and foreign direct investment growth, position it as a potential digital hub in the region. Government initiatives are reinforcing this momentum, notably the establishment of Vietnam's International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang and the rollout of regulatory sandbox mechanisms for areas such as credit scoring, open API-based data sharing, peer-to-peer lending, and digital assets.

Australia, in turn, brings a mature fintech ecosystem ranked sixth globally and second in the Asia-Pacific, with nearly 900 active firms. Australian companies have developed strong capabilities in regulatory technology, cybersecurity, data governance, payments infrastructure, and digital assets within a highly regulated and trusted financial environment.

During the programme, participating firms showcased solutions spanning digital assets, fraud prevention, scam detection, and cybersecurity. Beyond providing technologies, these firms are also shaping how modern financial systems operate, particularly in risk management, compliance, and data governance - areas that are increasingly central to building investor confidence.

A seminar held in collaboration with Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City focused on advancing the next phase of Vietnam’s banking transformation and identifying international partnership opportunities. Discussions covered both policy frameworks and technical requirements, including cybersecurity, anti-money laundering, identity verification, risk management, payments infrastructure, and digital assets.

According to Mr. Rich McClellan, CEO of Vietnam's International Finacial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City, the development of the centre follows a three-phase roadmap: legal framework development, institutional setup, and market expansion. While 2025 is expected to complete the legal foundation, 2026 marks the institutional activation phase, with full market operations anticipated in 2027.

Vietnam has moved from a Politburo resolution to an operational institutional framework in less than 18 months, a pace considered rapid by international standards. However, the current focus remains on building and testing core systems rather than pursuing rapid expansion.

The development of an international financial centre requires globally aligned compliance and supervisory frameworks. New institutions, including regulatory bodies and specialised courts, must be equipped with advanced technological systems from the outset. This creates strong demand for international expertise, with Australia seen as a suitable partner given its experience in a transparent and tightly regulated financial system.

Vietnam's stock market will be upgraded from a frontier market to a secondary emerging market in September this year, following the latest mid-cycle review released by global index provider FTSE Russell on April 8. Its secondary emerging market could attract significant inflows from global investment funds and heighten international interest in the country’s financial infrastructure. This further underscores the importance of establishing a solid regulatory and technological foundation.

While the programme is not aimed at immediate deal-making, it is intended to help Australian firms better understand Vietnam’s development trajectory and position themselves for future opportunities. Looking ahead, continued efforts to refine the legal framework, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance data governance will be essential.

In the longer term, deeper Vietnam - Australia collaboration in fintech and regtech is expected to improve the efficiency and resilience of Vietnam’s financial system, while supporting innovation and sustainable development as the country integrates more deeply into global financial markets.

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

PM proposes solutions to ensure energy security at expanded AZEC summit

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

The expanded online summit of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) held amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed three key cooperation directions to address energy challenges and sustain supply chains while attending Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Plus online Summit on energy resilience, which was hosted on April 15 by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

PM Hung stressed that beyond diversifying energy supply, it is essential to build strategic trust, enhance cooperation and dialogue, and settle disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

Vietnam has identified renewable energy development and green transition as a strategic priority, he affirmed, adding that with the committed support of the international community, Vietnam is striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and actively partaking in relevant regional and global initiatives.

He suggested that in the short term, countries should strengthen cooperation and policy coordination to diversify energy supplies, facilitate trade, and maintain stable and undisrupted supply chains, particularly for energy and food.

In the medium to long term, it is necessary to boost strategic self-reliance and resilience of economies through the development of synchronized energy infrastructure, improvement of strategic reserves, and promotion of technology transfer, the PM said.

PM Hung also underscored the need to expedite the effective and substantive implementation of cooperation projects under AZEC's framework based on the capacity and practical circumstances of each country.

He pledged that Vietnam is committed to engaging in proactive, meaningful, and close collaboration with Japan and other partners in effectively implementing AZEC's initiatives. Such endeavors will help us together foster a greener, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for present and future generations.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

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

General Secretary and President of Vietnam holds talks with Chinese counterpart

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

During their talks in Beijing on April 15, the two leaders affirmed that the two Parties and countries should further strengthen solidarity, enhance strategic trust, and promote policy connectivity, trade, infrastructure, and energy.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam had talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in Beijing on April 15 morning, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and high-ranking delegation, President Xi warmly congratulated Mr. To Lam on his recent election as President of Vietnam by the 16th National Assembly. He appreciated his guest choosing China to visit first following the resounding success of the 14th National Congress of the CPV and the consolidation of state leadership positions, considering this as a demonstration of the high regard and top priority given by the Vietnamese Party and State in general, and General Secretary and President Lam in particular, to the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam, as well as the strategic nature and high level of bilateral relations.

The Vietnamese leader sincerely thanked General Secretary and President Xi for the warm and thoughtful welcome, and for the strong support shown in various forms for the 14th National Congress of the CPV.

Announcing the new theoretical and practical highlights of the 14th National CPV Congress, General Secretary and President Lam emphasized that the new leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State wishes to work with their Chinese counterparts to continuously nurture the traditional friendship, promote the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the Vietnam – China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

He congratulated the Chinese Party, State, and people on their epoch-making achievements, and expressed confidence that China will successfully implement its 15th five-year Plan, achieve high-quality development and Chinese-style modernization, successfully realize the "second centenary goal”, and continue to play an increasingly important role in the region and the world.

Vietnam always considers developing relations with China as a consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, multilateralization and diversification of external relations, he stated, affirming that Vietnam supports China's global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance, and consistently implements the "one China" policy.

Once again congratulating the CPV on its successful 14th National Congress, General Secretary and President Xi highly valued and congratulated Vietnam’s outstanding achievements in socialism building and the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, which have opened up a new era of development for the country.

He emphasized that China supports Vietnam in steadfastly upholding the Party's leadership and promoting the building of socialism, affirming Vietnam is a priority direction in China's neighborhood diplomacy.

The Chinese leader said he believes that under the leadership of the new CPV Central Committee, headed by General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam will successfully achieve the goals and tasks set forth by the 14th National Congress, and soon realize the two centenary goals, transforming Vietnam into a high-income and developed socialist-oriented nation.

The top leaders held in-depth and comprehensive discussions on their respective national situations, bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They expressed their satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral ties in recent years. Notably, high-level strategic exchanges have become increasingly frequent; cooperation mechanisms have been more comprehensive, diverse, and trustworthy; and defense and security cooperation has evolved from exchanges to more substantive activities. Economic, trade, and investment ties, along with transport connectivity, have seen new breakthroughs, while local-level cooperation and people-to-people exchanges have remained vibrant. Coordination in multilateral frameworks has also grown closer.

Amid complex global developments, the two leaders affirmed that the two Parties and countries should further strengthen solidarity, enhance strategic trust, and promote policy connectivity, trade, infrastructure, and energy. They agreed to continue deepening and elevating Vietnam–China relations in the new phase, practically contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Regarding future directions, they agreed to continue directing relevant agencies to adhere to the overarching “six major orientations”, maintain regular high-level exchanges, and promote the guiding role of Party-to-Party channels. They emphasized the need to expand substantive cooperation across sectors, reinforce the social foundation of bilateral ties, enhance close coordination at multilateral mechanisms, and better manage and resolve differences.

At the talks, the two leaders officially announced the launch of the “Vietnam–China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026–2027,” agreeing to step up joint promotion activities, improve tourism infrastructure and services, and maintain each country’s position as a leading source of tourists for the other.

General Secretary and President Lam also proposed both sides consider visa exemptions for group tourists at designated destinations on a reciprocal basis.

He proposed that the two sides strengthen political trust and strategic coordination at a new level, step up high-level exchanges, and continue to promote the role and effectiveness of comprehensive cooperation across Party, Government, National Assembly/National People’s Congress, and Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference channels.

The Party and State leader of Vietnam called for enhanced theory exchanges and cadre training, stronger substantive cooperation between key agencies, particularly in diplomacy, national defense, and public security, and the effective implementation of the ministerial-level “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism. He also proposed increasing cooperation in security, defense industry, and military trade, along with support each other in successfully hosting APEC Year 2026 and 2027 in each country.

He further suggested elevating economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties to a new height to contribute to the realization of each country’s development goals. Priority should be given to upgrading strategic infrastructure connectivity, especially railway, shifting from simple trade to deeper economic linkages, and associating bilateral trade with infrastructure, logistics, and market connectivity.

General Secretary and President Lam proposed that China open its market as wide as possible to Vietnamese goods and work toward balanced and heathy trade. He also called for stronger investment, technology transfer, development of supporting industries, and the establishment of complete production and supply chains in Vietnam, as well as coordination in building mechanisms to ensure strategic energy supply.

In addition, he emphasized expanding cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and local-level cooperation, including providing more scholarships for Vietnamese students and boosting collaboration between leading universities of the two countries.

Agreeing with and highly valuing the proposals, General Secretary and President Xi suggested that the two sides further intensify political trust and strategic exchanges, maintain the tradition of high-level contacts, and bring into play the special role of Party-to-Party relations. He asked for in-depth exchanges of experience in the Party building and state governance, and for maximizing the role of the ministerial-level “3+3” strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defense, and public security between Vietnam and China to firmly advance the socialist cause in both countries.

The host recommended the two sides effectively align the Belt and Road Initiative with the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework, accelerate strategic infrastructure connectivity, and actively implement the three standard-gauge railway projects linking the two countries.

He welcomed the increasing export of high-quality Vietnamese goods to the Chinese market, and called for deeper cooperation in key sectors, stronger production and supply chain collaboration, and encouragement for Chinese enterprises to invest more in Vietnam.

The two countries should enhance policy coordination in science and technology, promote diverse people-to-people exchanges, actively implement global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance, and jointly contribute to a stable, open and cooperative international environment while together promoting the socialist cause around the word as well as safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond, the Chinese leader added.

At the talks, the two sides agreed to properly resolve differences and promote cooperation in line with the new level of Vietnam – China relations on the basis of international law, seriously comply with the consensus between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and accelerate negotiations to soon finalize an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The top leader of Vietnam asked both sides to truly respect each other’s rights and legitimate interests and resolve differences through peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents across Party, public security, judicial, economic, science and technology, production and supply chain, social welfare, media, and local collaboration, reflecting the comprehensive outcomes of the visit.

VNA-

Construction ministry proposes two new airports to National Airport Master Plan

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:05:00 GMT

Mang Den and Van Phong airports are expected to be added to the revised national airport system master plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister seeking approval to revise the national airport system master plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, with addition of Mang Den and Van Phong airport projects, which are located in the central provinces of Quang Ngai and Khanh Hoa, respectively.

The proposed adjustment comes as Vietnam enters a new development phase requiring rapid yet sustainable growth, aligned with key policy directions set out in recent Politburo resolutions. In this context, several localities have put forward plans for new airports to support socio-economic development as well as national defence and security needs.

Notably, major projects such as Gia Binh International Airport and Phu Quoc International Airport have already had detailed plans approved and are under development to serve key national tasks, including preparations for the APEC Summit scheduled for late 2027.

The ministry emphasized that aviation infrastructure is a highly specialized sector with deep international integration and is one of the country’s three strategic infrastructure breakthroughs. Revising the master plan aims to ensure coordinated, sustainable development in line with global aviation trends, while enhancing regional connectivity and mobilizing investment resources.

Under the proposal, the revised plan will cover the entire network of existing and potential airports nationwide. It will consider adding two new airports—Mang Den and Van Phong—and upgrading Quang Tri Airport (also in central Vietnam) from category 4C to 4E.

The planning revision is expected to be completed within three months of approval. The Ministry of Construction will oversee the process, with the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam responsible for implementation.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Investors selected for $5 bln Can Gio port project in HCM City

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

The project is planned to span approximately 571 ha with a main wharf length of 7.5 km. Its design capacity is projected to reach 4.8 million TEUs by 2030, eventually scaling up to 16.9 million TEUs by 2047.

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has formally approved the investor consortium for the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, a mega-project with a total investment capital of nearly VND129 trillion (nearly $5 billion).

The joint venture selected to implement the project includes the Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC), Saigon Port Joint Stock Company, and Terminal Investment Limited Holding S.A (TiL).

The project is planned to span approximately 571 ha with a main wharf length of 7.5 km. Its design capacity is projected to reach 4.8 million TEUs by 2030, eventually scaling up to 16.9 million TEUs by 2047.

In the initial stage, the port will feature two to four berths capable of receiving vessels with a deadweight tonnage of up to 250,000 tons. By 2050, the facility is expected to expand to 13 berths, accommodating the world’s largest container ships as conditions permit.

The entire development is scheduled for completion within 20 years of the land handover, with the first phase aiming to complete at least two berths by 2030. The project has been granted an operational term of 50 years.

The approval decision sets out several strict binding conditions for the investors. Notably, the consortium is prohibited from transferring the project during the first 10 years and must disburse a minimum of VND50 trillion (nearly $1.9 billion) within this period. Should the investors fail to meet capital requirements, progress milestones, or other conditions, they may lose access to preferential investment mechanisms granted under the National Assembly’s special policy framework.

Furthermore, the project must adhere to rigorous environmental standards given its proximity to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. It is also required to meet strict national defense and security regulations while implementing advanced green and smart port technologies.

Following the Prime Minister's earlier approval of the project's investment policy, the finalization of the investor selection provides the foundation for the city to host a formal kick-off ceremony and officially announce strategic partners on April 30.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

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

Some 11 applications for gold bar production submitted to central bank

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:40:00 GMT

Under current rules, licensed entities are only allowed to import gold bars and raw gold with a purity of at least 99.5%.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has received 11 applications from enterprises and commercial banks seeking licences to produce gold barsSpeaking at a press briefing on April 14, Mr. Dao Xuan Tuan, Director of the Foreign Exchange Management Department under the SBV, said the central bank is coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to appraise the applications and grant licences to qualified entities in line with current regulations.

Following the issuance of production licences, the State Bank will also consider granting permits for the import of raw gold materials to eligible organisations. Licensing decisions will be based on monetary policy objectives and the balance of gold supply and demand, while complying with existing legal frameworks.

Under current rules, licensed entities are only allowed to import gold bars and raw gold with a purity of at least 99.5%. They must disclose applicable standards, weight and purity levels, and are legally responsible for the accuracy of such information.

In addition to quality requirements, firms must establish internal regulations governing import-export activities, ensure transaction safety, and maintain data systems to track partners, volumes, purity and transaction values. All data must be connected to and shared with the central bank.

Imported raw gold may only be used for specific purposes, including gold bar production, jewellery manufacturing or resale to licensed entities, ensuring transparency and proper use in the market.

VnEconomy-Kỳ Phong

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

HCM City approves six housing projects for foreign ownership

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Since 2025, the city has announced similar lists five times, bringing the total number of projects open to foreign buyers to 123.

Ho Chi Minh City has announced a list of six housing projects eligible for foreign ownership, as part of efforts to attract international capital and meet rising demand from expatriates.

The developments are located across various parts of the city, ranging from large-scale urban complexes to mid-range apartment projects.

The largest is the nearly 50-hectare One World project in Thuan Giao ward, developed by Kim Oanh Group, which is expected to offer a modern and well-equipped living environment. Also in the former Binh Duong area, the Phu Dong SkyOne apartment project, covering more than 5,300 square meters, will add to the mid-range housing segment, which is considered highly liquid among foreign buyers.

In Binh Trung ward, two residential projects—Binh Trung Dong and Doan Nguyen—have also been included. Covering around 57,700 square meters and 60,700 square meters respectively, they are expected to provide additional options for foreigners seeking housing in the city.

Other projects include a mixed-use residential and commercial development on Hong Bang Street in Binh Tay ward, and a high-rise complex combining residential, office and commercial functions along Ben Binh Dong Boulevard.

Since 2025, the city has announced similar lists five times, bringing the total number of projects open to foreign buyers to 123. The move is expected to boost the real estate market and support the city’s ambition to become an international financial and innovation hub.

VnEconomy-Phạm Vinh

PM asks to accelerate public investment disbursement

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The move aiming to achieve a full 100% disbursement of the 2026 plan and double-digit economic growth.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called on ministries, sectors and localities to accelerate the allocation and disbursement of public investment, aiming to achieve a full 100% disbursement rate of the 2026 plan amid persistently slow progress in many areas.

According to the Ministry of Finance, as of March 31, only 11% of the assigned public investment budget had been disbursed nationwide. A total of 28 ministries and central agencies, along with 18 localities, reported disbursement rates below the national average.

To meet the full-year target and support the Government’s goal of achieving double-digit economic growth, the Prime Minister stressed that public investment disbursement must be treated as a top political priority and a key benchmark for evaluating the performance of institutions and individuals.

Authorities are required to assign clear responsibility to leaders and officials for each project, closely linking accountability to implementation progress. Detailed disbursement plans must be prepared on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, alongside strengthened inspection and supervision to promptly address bottlenecks.

Ministries and localities are also urged to fully allocate remaining funds without delay, regularly review projects, and reallocate capital from slow-moving projects to those with stronger disbursement capacity. Any unused funds must be reported to the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister before April 20, 2026, with clear explanations.

The directive also calls for improved project preparation, stricter enforcement of discipline, and firm action against individuals and organizations responsible for delays, inefficiencies or misconduct.

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

HCMC to accelerate mechanical engineering and automation development

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

A highlight of the plan is the development of a catalog of "key and potential industrial products" for the 2026–2030 period.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has issued a plan to support the development of businesses and products within the mechanical engineering and automation sector.

As one of the city’s key supporting industries, the move is aimed at driving modernization and fueling urban economic growth.

The plan sets out several specific targets, including organizing at least two conferences to provide guidance on interest rate subsidy loans, with the goal of helping at least two businesses access preferential capital.

Additionally, the city will implement five to ten human resource training courses and organize one to three trade promotion events dedicated to the sector. These targets focus not only on financial support but also on enhancing the quality of the workforce and expanding market reach for mechanical and automation products.

A highlight of the plan is the development of a catalog of "key and potential industrial products" for the 2026–2030 period. Priority will be given to sectors such as precision mechanics, industrial robotics, and automation equipment.

The city also emphasizes the development of high-quality human resources through specialized training and corporate partnerships, alongside upgrading training facilities to meet international standards. These essential steps are designed to ensure that the city's mechanical and automation industries remain competitive in the global market.

Trade promotion activities will also be ramped up through domestic and international fairs and exhibitions to connect local businesses with Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) partners and assist in brand building. The city expects to host at least one large-scale exhibition and one supply-demand matching conference within the year. These events will serve as vital platforms for businesses to showcase their products and seek out strategic partners.

Vneconomy-Minh Hà

Digital infrastructure a key element of cooperation

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

On the sidelines of the EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum, representatives from European businesses shared key perspectives on cooperative opportunities in two crucial pillars: green energy and digital transformation...

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

Mr. Bruno Sivanandan, Co-chair of the Digital Sector Committee at EuroCham

Digital technology is now pervasive throughout the entire economy. Almost no industry or business can operate without using it. Building robust, reliable, and resilient digital infrastructure - while ensuring connectivity and compatibility between Europe and Vietnam - is therefore a key driver of cooperation between the two sides.

Regarding the role digital technology plays in promoting the energy transition and green growth in Vietnam, I believe that nationwide connectivity coverage is particularly crucial and a prerequisite for deploying new technologies on a national scale, from energy optimization and logistics to agriculture. Many 5G applications and other connectivity technologies are already in place. The ability to share data and optimize operations thanks to digital technology offers significant benefits, and that is why Vietnam needs to continue investing heavily in this infrastructure.

Vietnam has posted impressive growth over recent decades, making it a promising investment destination. Simultaneously, it is experiencing increasing demand for collaboration in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and satellite telecommunications, as these are fundamental to long-term sustainable growth - where new technologies, data, AI, and digital transformation play a central role. Vietnam also boasts mature technology companies like Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC Corporation, contributing to an attractive investment environment.

Ms. Rita Mokbel, CEO of Ericsson Vietnam

Vietnam has significantly accelerated its 5G network deployment over the past 18 months to two years. In just a short period of time, approximately 40,000 base stations have been put into operation, which is a remarkable achievement. This momentum is now being leveraged to move to the next level. Two weeks ago, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, we announced an MoU with Viettel to expand cooperation and support their transition to a Level 4 autonomous network model.

We expect to expand this collaborative model to all telecommunications service providers in Vietnam. Telecommunications networks are becoming increasingly complex, serving not only mobile and data traffic but also expanding to the enterprise sector and critical applications for machinery. This significantly increases system complexity. Autonomous networks therefore offer enormous benefits, especially given Vietnam’s strong AI capabilities. The opportunities are vast. While we need to start strategically, our goal is to deploy autonomous networks for all carriers in Vietnam as soon as possible.

When we talk about 5G, we’re not just talking about technology, but also its impact at the national level. Key 5G applications in Vietnam today focus on crucial sectors that enable the economy to function and compete, such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, logistics, and public security. These are all essential sectors requiring high levels of security and absolute real-time performance.

5G opens opportunities for many industries, especially transportation and logistics, including railways and ports. Globally, the railway industry is undergoing a strong shift towards digital operations and comprehensive connectivity. With 5G, railway systems can leverage high reliability and extremely low latency for real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and enhanced operational safety, even in congested or emergency situations.

For a country like Vietnam - where many large-scale railway projects are being and will be implemented - this means a safer, more efficient transportation system and a better passenger experience.

Once again, digital transformation is a key pillar in building a strong digital economy. The infrastructure is gradually being completed, and the next step is how technology providers, network operators, the government, and the business community can collaborate to bring the benefits of 5G to all sectors. As mentioned, building a successful ecosystem requires a joint effort from all parties - from clarifying the value to accelerating digital transformation across all industries, in order to maximize the benefits of 5G as well as the investments the Vietnamese Government is making.

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.

vneconomy-Ngoc Lan

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

A new finance–education model drives British-style boarding school in Vietnam

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:05:00 GMT

A newly launched finance–education model is offering a new approach to addressing rising education costs while supporting long-term, sustainable investment in education.

As international education expenses continue to rise amid pressures from exchange rates, inflation, and operating costs, long-term financial planning for children’s education is becoming an increasingly pressing concern for many Vietnamese families.

Against this backdrop, Ardingly College Vietnam, in collaboration with Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPBank), annouced the launch of “World Ready” Finance–Education solution on April 9.

The solution, that has been exclusively designed for parents of students at Ardingly College Vietnam, allows parents to secure tuition and related costs throughout a student’s academic journey through an initial savings deposit.

Under the scheme, parents make a deposit aligned with their child’s study plan and duration. The interest generated will be then used by the bank to cover tuition fees over time, while the principal remains intact and will be returned upon completion of the programme, along with any accrued interest, depending on the selected terms.

Growing demand for a balanced international education environment

This approach effectively locks in education costs from the outset, reducing exposure to tuition fee fluctuations while enabling parents to take a more proactive approach to long-term financial planning.

Speaking with VnEconomy/Vietnam Economic Times, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Chairperson of Khoi Nguyen Investment Group (KNI), the developer of Ardingly College Vietnam, said the initiative is designed to ensure financial stability for parents throughout their children’s education journey. Locking in costs while preserving and growing capital can provide greater peace of mind, particularly as international education expenses continue to rise.

From an education perspective, the introduction of a British boarding system in Vietnam also reflects a broader trend of diversifying learning options, as the domestic market still lacks fully developed boarding school models.

According to Mrs. Oanh, while boarding education remains relatively new in Vietnam, it is widely adopted in the UK, where parents value not only academic performance but also a holistic development environment.

She noted that boarding programmes are designed to encourage hands-on participation, reduce reliance on digital devices, and limit negative impacts from the online environment. As children are exposed to technology at an increasingly early age, the need for a more balanced and healthy learning environment is becoming more urgent.

A well-structured boarding environment, she added, supports not only academic development but also life skills, social interaction, and independence—factors that are gaining increasing attention among parents.

Broadening access to international education

In practice, finance–education models are not entirely new in Vietnam. In 2019, when establishing the Canadian International School (CIS) in Ho Chi Minh City, KNI introduced a financial package backed by 100 founding parents. Each contributed $50,000, ensuring uninterrupted education for students, with the funds returned upon completion of the programme.

Notably, this initiative was launched during a period of credit constraints in Vietnam, highlighting the role of flexible financial solutions in sustaining education. Previously, most international schools required parents to pay a deposit equivalent to one year’s tuition to secure enrolment.

Compared to earlier models, the “World Ready” package represents a more structured approach with the involvement of a financial institution, helping improve transparency and optimise cash flow. It is particularly relevant for families with multiple children enrolled in international programmes, where financial pressure can be distributed more effectively over time.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh, Chairperson of Khoi Nguyen Investment Group (KNI).

Mrs. Oanh also noted that the programme includes a commitment to stabilising tuition fees throughout the study period for a limited number of participants in the initial phase. This helps reduce exposure to market volatility and rising global education costs.

“In an uncertain environment, parents’ biggest concern is ensuring stable financial resources to support their children’s long-term education without disruption,” she said, adding that the model aims to address this gap.

Beyond domestic families, the model also opens up access to international education for children of foreign professionals working in Vietnam. Depending on corporate policies, foreign-invested enterprises (FDIs) can establish savings accounts with partner banks and use these funds to cover tuition fees instead of making annual payments.

This approach not only helps optimise corporate benefit costs but also strengthens companies’ ability to attract and retain high-quality international talent.

Ardingly College Vietnam plans to offer both bilingual and international programmes, with day and boarding options. The school is expected to begin enrolment for the 2026–2027 academic year, while limiting the number of finance–education packages in the initial rollout.

From a market perspective, the emergence of finance–education models such as “World Ready” reflects a growing trend of cross-sector collaboration to meet evolving parental needs. In the longer term, however, the effectiveness of such models will depend on their ability to balance financial flexibility, educational quality, and transparency.

In an increasingly competitive and dynamic international education market, such innovations not only expand options for families but also place higher expectations on service providers from education to finance in building trust and delivering sustainable value.

Guided by the “World Ready” philosophy, Ardingly College Vietnam is committed to the holistic development of students in academics, skills, and character, preparing them for international higher education and to become global citizens in an ever-evolving world.

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

Vietnam's energy sector seeks qualitative growth

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:05:00 GMT

Efficiency and sustainability are the focus as Vietnam energy sector seeks qualitative rather than quantitative growth.

Vietnam’s energy sector has moved beyond a phase of rapid expansion and is entering a period of deep, quality-driven growth. Rather than racing to add capacity, the market is now focused on operational efficiency and sustainability, marking a strategic turning point that will redefine what is considered the “lifeblood” of the economy.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), total installed power capacity as of the end of 2025 stood at approximately 87,600 MW. Of this, renewable energy sources (wind, solar, and biomass, etc.) accounted for some 24,453 MW, or 27.9 per cent. These figures indicate that renewable power is steadily establishing itself as a key pillar of national energy security and Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Clean energy surge

Within the overall power mix, solar energy (both utility-scale and rooftop systems) remains the largest renewable source, with total capacity reaching approximately 17,200 MW as of the end of 2025. However, the most notable shift compared to the pre-2021 period is the strong transition from large-scale solar farms to self-consumption rooftop solar systems.

This shift stems from incentive policies introduced in late 2024 and early 2025, notably Decree No. 135/2024/ND-CP dated October 22, 2024, on rooftop solar for self-generation and self-consumption, and Decree No. 58/2025/ND-CP dated March 3, 2025, detailing provisions of the Law on Electricity on renewable and new energy development. While Decree No. 58 replaced Decree No. 135, it largely retains previous provisions while simplifying administrative procedures and improving accessibility for businesses and households.

Data from the MoIT reveals rapid growth in rooftop solar projects at industrial parks across northern, central, and southern Vietnam during 2024-2025. Total installed rooftop solar capacity at industrial parks has exceeded 3,200 MWp, with some 25 per cent of systems integrated with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Technical potential is estimated at over 40,000 MWp, with around 20,000 MWp likely achievable by 2030.

Notably, BESS integration is becoming a standard requirement in new projects, helping ease grid pressure during peak periods and minimize curtailment. Large-scale storage facilities in Ninh Thuan (now part of Khanh Hoa province) and Binh Thuan (now part of Lam Dong province) have helped address the mismatch between real-time demand and solar generation, allowing solar power to remain effective even after sunset.

Wind power - onshore and nearshore - had reached an estimated 6,000 MW as of the end of 2025. However, offshore wind has yet to see any commercial projects enter into operation, largely due to challenges related to marine spatial planning and survey licensing frameworks. Most large-scale projects remain in early-stage preparation or preliminary surveys. According to the Vietnam Energy Association, offshore wind will be “key” not only to achieving energy self-sufficiency but also to positioning Vietnam as a clean power export hub in ASEAN over the next decade via cross-border transmission lines.

A major driver of renewable energy growth in recent years has been the stable implementation of the Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism. The Electricity Authority of Vietnam at the MoIT reported that, as of early 2026, more than 60 DPPA contracts had been signed between clean energy developers (such as TT, BCG, and Trung Nam) and multinational manufacturers (including Samsung, Apple, Heineken, and Google).

The growing preference among large FDI enterprises, particularly in technology and electronics, to use 100 per cent clean energy not only helps them meet international green certification standards but also fosters a more competitive market, reduces pressure on public investment, and alleviates the financial burden on Vietnam Electricity (EVN). The DPPA mechanism has effectively become a magnet for foreign capital inflows into large-scale wind and solar projects.

Unlocking transmission

From a regulatory perspective, the MoIT has identified the socialization of power transmission as a key policy priority for 2026. The operation of the 500 kV transmission line (Circuit 3) from Quang Trach (in Quang Binh, now part of Quang Tri province) to Pho Noi (in Hung Yen province) since mid-2024 has significantly alleviated transmission bottlenecks for renewable projects in central Vietnam and the central highlands.

According to operational reports from the National System and Market Operator (NSMO) and EVN, renewable energy curtailment rates (wind and solar) have dropped sharply, from peaks of 10-20 per cent during 2020-2022 to below 2 per cent by late 2024, thanks to improved transmission capacity.

This progress has strengthened investor confidence in the transparency and efficiency of Vietnam’s power system. Energy experts also agree that the shift from fixed feed-in tariffs to competitive bidding has brought renewable energy prices closer to conventional power costs, paving the way for a more equitable and transparent energy economy.

However, challenges remain. Despite rising installed capacity, the system still requires clearer pricing mechanisms for large-scale BESS to ensure grid stability. There is also a pressing need to accelerate the development of a high-quality domestic workforce to gradually replace foreign experts in operating and maintaining complex offshore wind projects. In addition, the planned launch of a domestic carbon credit market in 2028 will require robust systems for measurement and certification of renewable energy projects.

At this stage, Vietnam’s renewable energy sector has moved beyond its volatile early phase and is entering a period of stable, in-depth development. The combination of flexible government policies, support from industry associations, and sustained FDI inflows is creating a promising green energy ecosystem. At this pace, Vietnam is well positioned to achieve the medium-term targets of the revised National Power Development Plan VIII in 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (PDP8), ahead of schedule, laying a solid foundation for a green industrial transformation.

Renewable energy is no longer a stopgap solution and has become a core driver of economic growth, enhancing national competitiveness and reinforcing Vietnam’s credibility in global climate action efforts. While challenges remain, strong government commitment and business alignment are making a clean, self-reliant energy future increasingly tangible.

VET-Huyen Vy

Singapore plans to implement VSIP III project in Bac Ninh province

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Rajpal Singh made such an announcement during a meeting with a leader from Bac Ninh province.

Deputy Secretary of the Bac Ninh Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Bac Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Pham Hoang Son, on April 13 had a working meeting with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore to Vietnam H.E. Rajpal Singh.

At the meeting, Mr. Pham Hoang Son stated that Bac Ninh currently hosts around 236 valid Singaporean-invested projects, with total registered capital of nearly $18 billion, ranking third among 44 countries and territories investing in the province.

Many large enterprises, such as Fukang Technology and New Wing, are operating efficiently and making significant contributions to socio-economic development, according to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee.

Mr. Son hoped that the Singaporean Embassy will continue to support the northern province for connecting with major corporations and investors from Singapore to explore opportunities in the province.

At the same time, the province proposed enhancing cooperation in training high-quality human resources and creating favorable conditions for local students to study and conduct research in Singapore.

The Singaporean Ambassador, for his part, highly appreciated Vietnam's northern Bac Ninh province’s socio-economic development achievements in recent years.

Vietnam–Singapore diplomatic relations were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2025, marking a transition from extensive cooperation to more comprehensive, substantive, and long-term collaboration.

In particular, the Ambassador noted that Bac Ninh has become an attractive destination for foreign investors, including those from Singapore, thanks to its favorable investment climate, strategic location, and high-quality workforce.

Currently, many major Singaporean enterprises are operating effectively in the province. Therefore, Singapore places great importance on and seeks to further strengthen cooperation with Bac Ninh.

The Ambassador affirmed that he would continue to act as a bridge to support Singaporean businesses in expanding their investment in the locality, while expressing his hope that the provincial leadership would create favorable conditions for enterprises to broaden their operations.

Looking ahead to 2026, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Vietnam - Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP)’s development in Vietnam, Singapore plans to expand its industrial park network, including studying the implementation of the VSIP III project in Bac Ninh province, with the aim of increasing the total number of projects nationwide to around 30, the Ambassador noted.

He proposed that the province facilitate the project’s implementation as early as 2026.

In addition to trade and investment cooperation, Singapore also committed to continuing its support for Vietnam in general and Bac Ninh in particular across various areas, especially in education and training of high-quality human resources, as well as capacity-building for officials upon request, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of bilateral relations, the ambassador confirmed.

Regarding the proposal to develop the VSIP III industrial park, the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee noted that Bac Ninh province will soon update and supplement its planning this year, while directing relevant departments and agencies to closely coordinate with Singaporean partners to implement the next steps, aiming to bring the project into operation as soon as possible, ensure high efficiency, and further drive socio-economic development, while strengthening cooperation between Bac Ninh and Singaporean partners.

vneconomy-Phuong Nhi

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

ADB's expert: Reforms on key sectors will help Vietnam sustain strong growth momentum

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Mr. Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Vietnam, shared his insights on Vietnam’s growth outlook amid ongoing global economic uncertainties...

How do you assess Vietnam’s economic outlook for 2026 and 2027 compared to other countries in the region? In addition, as the country targets becoming a high-income economy by 2045, what key strengths should it leverage and which priority reforms will be most critical?

According to forecasts by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Vietnam’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 7.2 per cent in 2026 and approximately 7 per cent in 2027. These are among the highest growth rates in Southeast Asia, clearly pointing to the economy’s resilience despite the overall challenges.

Vietnam’s performance is underpinned by strong economic fundamentals, a significant boost from public investment, and its export-oriented strategy, which continued to drive growth last year.

However, in order to sustain this high and resilient growth, the country needs to focus on raising productivity and improving production efficiency. It is also important to strengthen financial and capital markets to ensure investors have access to long-term capital.

Most importantly, as highlighted by recent crises, Vietnam must prioritize energy security and accelerate the transition toward green and clean, domestically sourced energy to reduce exposure to external shocks. Reforms in these three key areas will be crucial for Vietnam’s growth in the coming times.

How does ADB view Vietnam’s position in global and regional supply chains, and what policy priorities and investments are most important to help Vietnam move up the value chain, strengthen trade resilience, and safeguard macroeconomic stability over the next three to five years?

Vietnam is already well integrated into global value chains. Over the past decades, the country has built a strong manufacturing base, particularly in export-oriented industries, which has been a key factor in attracting foreign direct investment.

However, the level of value addition within Vietnam still needs improvement. The advantage of low labor costs is not a sustainable long-term strategy, as reflected in the relatively low domestic value added. Therefore, Vietnam needs to enhance its role in the supply chain by moving up the value chain and increasing value-added activities.

To achieve this, four key elements are essential.

First, a stronger business environment with greater transparency and ease of doing business is needed to attract high-quality investors.

Second, improved access to long-term capital requires deeper and more developed capital markets, both equity and debt, supported by appropriate regulatory reforms.

Third, the provision of high-quality infrastructure remains a key determinant in attracting continued investment into supply chains, despite significant progress through public investment and private sector participation.

Finally, the availability of skilled labor is critical, especially as Vietnam aims to advance in areas such as AI, fintech, and green growth, which demand advanced skill sets.

Focusing reforms on these four areas will enhance Vietnam’s ability to move up the value chain and strengthen its position in global supply chains.

How do you see Vietnam’s role in advancing green growth and energy transformation in Southeast Asia?

Vietnam plays a very important role in Southeast Asia and has been taking the right steps toward a more sustainable and green growth model. ADB’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) with Vietnam, formulated in 2023, also identifies green growth as a key pillar of its support, highlighting the country’s importance in the region’s transition.

Vietnam has set strong ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and has joined the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), which is progressing with early signs of success as more projects become financially viable.

However, more actions need to be done to improve the bankability of these projects. While there is strong interest from private investors, the government, and state-owned enterprises in green investments, financial viability remains the key consideration for both development partners and private financiers.

From ADB’s perspective, we remain deeply committed to supporting Vietnam’s energy transition. We have announced $10 billion in support for the ASEAN Power Grid, a regional initiative aimed at expanding renewable energy and strengthening transmission and distribution networks across ASEAN. As an important member of ASEAN, Vietnam stands to benefit significantly from this initiative.

What are the biggest bottlenecks slowing Vietnam's energy transition amid global fuel supply disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions? And how can policy frameworks both accelerate progress toward net zero while keeping energy costs competitive for households and businesses?

Some of the key constraints Vietnam is facing relate to policy and regulatory uncertainties, as well as infrastructure and financing gaps.

For instance, much of the country’s renewable energy capacity is concentrated in southern Vietnam, which requires a robust transmission and distribution network to transport electricity to major demand centers in the north. This highlights the urgent need for high-quality transmission infrastructure to ensure efficient power flow across regions.

Another challenge is the relatively slow adoption of green technologies. While there was a surge of investment during the National Power Development Plan VII (PDP7), particularly in solar, wind, and floating solar projects, momentum has slowed somewhat in recent years. Revitalizing investment in clean energy generation is therefore essential to sustain the transition.

To accelerate progress toward green growth while maintaining affordability, Vietnam needs stronger planning frameworks and a more predictable regulatory environment. Greater mobilization of private investment will also be critical, given the scale of financing required. This ultimately depends on creating an enabling environment that ensures projects are bankable and attractive to private capital.

In addition, diversifying energy sources and improving efficiency will be key. Expanding into areas such as offshore wind and battery energy storage systems can complement existing renewable capacity and enhance grid reliability.

At the same time, improving energy efficiency across industries, buildings, and households offers a cost-effective pathway toward reducing emissions. In many cases, enhancing efficiency can be a more economical solution than investing in new energy generation capacity.

What institutional or regulatory barriers continue to constrain private sector participation, and which reforms would most effectively crowd in private investment alongside public investment in Vietnam?

Going forward, one of the key priorities is to strengthen project ownership and significantly improve the quality of project preparation. While many projects are being announced and developed, challenges remain in ensuring their bankability and applying best practices in risk sharing and structuring.

To attract more private capital, the focus should be on expediting project preparation and improving project readiness. In recent years, there has been a period where project implementation slowed, but with new leadership and increasingly ambitious growth targets, there is now a strong opportunity to accelerate progress.

In particular, the time lag between project conception and execution needs to be shortened. Ensuring that projects are well-prepared and “shovel-ready” at an earlier stage will be crucial for unlocking financing. The government’s efforts, supported by development partners like ADB, should therefore prioritize faster and higher-quality project preparation to facilitate greater private sector participation.

Looking ahead, what breakthrough reforms in public governance, the business environment, and human capital development are most critical to boosting productivity and improving the quality of growth?

2025 marked a significant shift in Vietnam’s reform agenda, particularly in improving the business enabling environment. Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW placed the private sector at the center of the country’s growth strategy, while Decree No.114/2021/ND-CP helped streamline ODA borrowing procedures.

These reforms have reduced the multiplicity of approvals, simplified previously fragmented processes, and improved the staged approach to project preparation. Besides, there has also been greater decentralization, with more authority delegated to the provincial level. As a result, many projects are now being initiated at the local level, making it essential to ensure that provinces are well equipped to prepare high-quality, bankable projects that can attract international financing.

At the same time, recent administrative restructuring, including the move toward a more streamlined two-tier system, is already having an impact on decision-making processes and could further improve implementation efficiency going forward.

In the coming times, in human resources, strengthening skills development is critical. Vietnam needs to significantly expand its capacity to train workers in high-value sectors such as AI, science and technology, biotechnology, and fintech.

Besides, the establishment of international financial centers is a step in the right direction, as it helps build an ecosystem capable of attracting long-term private capital.

Investors, particularly from the private sector, are more likely to engage where risk allocation is clear and aligned with international best practices. Vietnam can also benefit from learning from regional peers that have been more successful in structuring projects and allocating risks effectively.

Public-private partnerships (PPP) are another area with substantial untapped potential. While PPPs in energy, particularly independent power projects, have seen some success, momentum has slowed in recent years.

Expanding PPP models into other sectors such as ports, metro systems, roads, and airports will be essential to mobilizing private capital at scale. Targeted reforms to address bottlenecks in PPP frameworks, including risk-sharing mechanisms and project structuring, will therefore play a crucial role in supporting Vietnam’s long-term growth trajectory.

vneconomy-Phuong Hoa

Public investment disbursement reaches $4.3bln as of early April

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Total capital allocated for 2026 estimated at more than VND1 quadrillion ($38 billion).

Public investment disbursement nationwide was estimated at over VND113.3 trillion ($4.30 billion) as of April 2 this year, or 11.2% of the Government assigned capital plan for 2026, according to the Finance Ministry.

During the period, 7 ministries and central agencies, and 16 out of 34 provinces and cities recorded disbursement rates meeting or exceeding the national average.

Under the 2026 plan, the Prime Minister has allocated nearly VND995.35 trillion ($37.7 billion) in state-budget public investment capital, roughly VND93 trillion ($3.53 billion) higher than in 2025. The total includes VND345.12 trillion from the central budget and VND650.23 trillion from local budgets.

Local authorities have also added over VND12.93 trillion ($491 million) from their own balanced budgets, while VND42 billion ($1.59 million) in previously approved capital has been extended into 2026. This brings the overall public investment plan to more than VND1 quadrillion ($38 billion), underscoring the Government’s determination to leverage public spending as a key engine for economic growth, with a target of over 10% expansion this year.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Sơn

PM requests to further cut unnecessary administrative procedures and business conditions

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Reform proposals on administrative procedures, business conditions and conditional sectors must be submitted by April 20.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered relevant ministries and agencies to submit reform proposals on administrative procedures, business conditions and conditional sectors by April 20.

The Government Office and the Ministry of Justice will review them for approval within April, he said while chairing a meeting of the Government’s permanent members in Hanoi on April 13 to follow the Party Central Committee’s conclusion from its recent second plenum.

According to reports, Vietnam now maintains 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions. Under the conclusion, ministries and agencies must cut at least 30% of existing conditional business lines, or about 60 business lines, while eliminating all redundant conditions. The target also includes a 50% reduction in both administrative processing time and compliance costs. At the same time, ministries are to handle no more than 30% of the total administrative procedures in their domains.

PM Hung noted that the conclusion lays out clear task groups to support Vietnam’s goal of achieving double-digit growth. Key priorities include improving the business environment and slashing compliance time and costs for citizens and enterprises, many of which fall within the authority of the Government, ministries and agencies and can be acted upon immediately.

The PM asked ministers to personally oversee a thorough review of administrative procedures under their authority to streamline, cut and decentralise them, while also reducing the existing list of 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Vietnam, Slovakia boost economic cooperation and bilateral investment

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:53:08 GMT

The Slovakia-Vietnam Business Forum held on April 13 as part of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s official visit to Vietnam.

Slovakia can serve as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese goods to access the European Union market. Conversely, Vietnam stands as an attractive investment destination and a vital bridge for Slovak businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN region, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The Vietnamese Government leader made the statement while addressing the Slovakia-Vietnam Business Forum held on April 13 as part of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s official visit to Vietnam.

The event was attended by leaders from various ministries, departments, trade promotion agencies, and more than 400 businesses from both sides.

PM Hung affirmed that the forum demonstrates the shared determination of both governments to realize the Vietnam-Slovakia Strategic Partnership framework in the coming period.

Earlier, during high-level talks, the two leaders adopted a Joint Statement on upgrading bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The move makes Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia to establish a Strategic Partnership with Slovakia.

The Vietnamese Government leader acknowledged that the current scale of bilateral trade and investment cooperation is not yet commensurate with the potential and strengths of each nation. He emphasized that there remains vast room for cooperation, particularly in sectors where the two economies are highly complementary. Such synergy could lead to the formation of joint value chains targeting both regional and global markets.

The two governments have committed to creating favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand their cooperation. This includes deeper integration into global value chains and the effective utilization of free trade agreements, most notably the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

In the spirit of the consensus reached during their talks, PM Hung urged the business communities of both countries to strengthen their networks and promote investment and business cooperation in areas of mutual strength and complementarity.

He emphasized a focus on key sectors, including industrial manufacturing and processing, high technology, renewable energy, the green transition, logistics, supply chain connectivity, innovation, digital transformation, as well as education and high-quality human resource development.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Vietnam identifies science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as its strategic breakthroughs. Simultaneously, the country is accelerating the development of synchronous infrastructure, green transition, and climate change adaptation to bolster productivity, competitiveness, and the strategic autonomy of the national economy.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam remains a welcoming and conducive environment for foreign investors, specifically those from Slovakia, seeking long-term and sustainable ventures. He committed that the Government would accompany, support, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all investors.

Addressing the forum, PM Fico expressed confidence that the open and friendly atmosphere from his talks with PM Hung would permeate the forum, enabling businesses to reach concrete cooperation agreements and realize the newly upgraded Strategic Partnership framework.

The Slovak PM affirmed that his government is committed to creating the most favorable conditions to implement cooperation initiatives within this new diplomatic framework.

Describing Vietnam as one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, PM Fico noted that Vietnam has clearly defined its short-term and long-term strategic development goals, backed by the high determination of its people. He emphasized that Slovakia seeks to continue building and deepening its partnership with Vietnam across a wide range of fields.

Analyzing the complex global landscape and its impact on global supply chains, the Slovak PM stated that during their talks, the two leaders clearly identified cooperation priorities through specific programs and projects.

In particular, Slovakia aims to boost its exports to Vietnam and achieve tangible progress in sectors such as nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, machinery manufacturing, the defense industry, cybersecurity, the automotive industry, and healthcare—fields where Slovakia possesses strengths and Vietnam has significant demand.

Furthermore, Slovakia welcomes the promotion of labor cooperation and encourages Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Slovakia. The country is also exploring the establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Slovakia, simplifying tourist visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, and considering visa exemptions for official passport holders.

Seeking partnership, expanding connectivity

At the forum, businesses from both countries showcased their potential, strengths, cooperation needs, and specific investment opportunities. The Slovak side expressed a strong interest in finding Vietnamese partners capable of providing services and goods, while also promoting exchanges to form joint ventures across various sectors.

Key sectors of interest for Slovak businesses include food and beverage technology, information and communication technology (ICT), green technology, renewable energy, telecommunications, construction, mechanical engineering, finance, the defense industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, export insurance, and legal services.

A total of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged at the Forum, focusing on several key sectors including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, finance, infrastructure, real estate, the environment, and industrial park development.

In 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached $1.78 billion, with Vietnam recording a trade surplus of $1.7 billion. In terms of investment, Slovakia currently has nine projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of approximately $247 million, while Vietnam has one investment project in Slovakia valued at $447,000.

Vneconomy-Hà Lê

Viet Nam - Slovakia joint statement on establishment of strategic partnership

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The joint statement was issued on the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam from April 12 to 14 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Viet Nam and Slovakia have issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership on the occasion of the official visit to Viet Nam from April 12 to 14 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The following is the full text of the joint statement as released by the Vietnam News Agency:

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

At the invitation of H.E. Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, paid an official visit to Viet Nam from 12 to 14 April 2026.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950, Viet Nam and Slovakia have developed a traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation based on trust, equality and mutual respect, for the benefit of their peoples.

Recognising the growing geopolitical, economic and technological importance of the Indo-Pacific, the two sides acknowledged the value of a stronger partnership between Viet Nam and Slovakia in support of regional connectivity, open international trade and a rules-based international order.

The ties between Viet Nam and Slovakia are grounded in shared interests and commitment to the general principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and the common principles set out in the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, of the other part. These principles include respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, respect for each country’s political system, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, commitment to open, fair and rules-based trade, and strengthening the role of international law and multilateralism, as well as the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in line with the UN Charter. Building on 75 years of bilateral relations, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic agreed to adopt this Joint Statement on upgrading Viet Nam–Slovakia relations to a Strategic Partnership.

The Strategic Partnership aims to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore new avenues for deepening cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Within this framework, Viet Nam and Slovakia will continue to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest in order to deliver tangible benefits to their peoples and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and beyond, with a focus on the following:

I. Strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation

1. The two sides reaffirmed the important role of high-level visits in consolidating the traditional friendship and opening prospects for effective and substantive cooperation between Viet Nam and Slovakia for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for peace, stability and development in the region. The two sides agreed to enhance delegation exchanges and political dialogue at all levels, particularly at the high level, and to explore the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries.

2. The two sides agreed to strengthen contacts across all appropriate channels, including between relevant agencies of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Government, the National Assembly and localities of Viet Nam and the relevant institutions and authorities of the Slovak Republic, in order to enhance political, socio-economic and foreign-policy cooperation and mutual understanding. The two sides agreed that regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries would serve as a key mechanism for reviewing cooperation and exchanging updates on bilateral, regional and international issues.

3. The two sides expressed their desire to further strengthen relations between their legislative bodies, including through delegation exchanges and bilateral and multilateral engagement, particularly between leaders, specialised committees and parliamentary friendship groups of both sides, in line with the new partnership framework between the two countries.

4. The two sides reiterated their commitment to multilateralism, underscored the central role of the United Nations, and reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based international order based on international law. The two sides reaffirmed the principle of refraining from the threat or use of force and supported the efforts of the international community to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable solutions to ongoing crises, with a view to achieving comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the promotion and protection of human rights on the basis of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

5. The two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation, exchange views and, where appropriate, seek coordination in regional and international frameworks, support each other’s candidacies at international organisations, particularly at the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, ASEAN–EU, ASEM and other relevant cooperation forums. The two sides will also continue to exchange views on regional and international issues and seek cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including pandemics, climate change, terrorism, water security, energy security and food security, while promoting sustainable development, trade liberalisation and stronger regional economic connectivity.

6. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in seas and oceans, and of resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

7. The two sides noted the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (called East Sea in Vietnam) (DOC). The two sides also welcomed progress towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

II. Expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation

8. The two sides identified economic, trade, and investment cooperation as one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. Based on existing bilateral and multilateral economic agreements and the complementary nature of the two economies, the two sides agreed to further deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation, while ensuring an open, fair, transparent, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment in each other’s markets.

9. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the role and effectiveness of the Viet Nam–Slovakia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia, as a key mechanism for identifying and promoting areas of cooperation and discussing sectors with significant potential for further development. The two sides also agreed to encourage the establishment of specialised subcommittees under the Intergovernmental Committee to review and assess the implementation of existing agreements and to propose measures to promote trade and investment, with a view to contributing to a more balanced bilateral trade relationship and further strengthening economic cooperation.

10. The two sides agreed to facilitate private investment in each other’s markets by promoting relevant activities in both countries and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, taking into account the respective strengths and needs of both sides, including the automotive industry, electronics, transport, energy, including nuclear energy, green technologies, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, specialised machinery, science and technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

11. The two sides emphasised the importance of an open, fair and transparent trade and investment environment based on international law and rules, and of maximising cooperation opportunities within the broader framework of Viet Nam–EU relations. They reiterated their support for the full and effective implementation of the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and acknowledged the importance of advancing the ratification of the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), with a view to strengthening legal certainty and fostering a predictable and transparent business environment. The two sides also expressed their readiness to further strengthen economic cooperation and promote stronger trade and business links with partners in the EU and ASEAN, while promoting sustainable fishery trade in compliance with international standards.

III. Strengthening defence and security cooperation

12. The two sides agreed to strengthen defence cooperation through delegation exchanges at all levels, including in such areas as personnel training, military education, United Nations peacekeeping operations, unexploded ordnance clearance, and response to non-traditional security challenges. The two sides agreed to explore possibilities for regular consultations between their defence authorities and to strengthen defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest, in accordance with the needs and strengths of each side.

13. The two sides expressed their desire to expand cooperation in cybersecurity, information security, and the prevention of and fight against cybercrime. The two sides will also make efforts to complete internal procedures related to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, recognizing that its early entry into force would further strengthen regional and international cooperation in this field.

14. The two sides would also enhance cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and exchange criminal information through INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL channels, in line with Agreement between the Ministry of Public Security of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic on Cooperation in preventing and in the fight against crime, signed on 06 March 2017.

IV. Promoting practical cooperation in science and technology, education, culture, tourism, labour, agriculture, climate, and healthcare

Science and technology

15. The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including digital transformation and digital economy development. The two sides agreed to seek to mobilise resources for the phased implementation of cooperation programmes, support research, innovation, and technology transfer projects between higher education institutions, research institutes, and businesses in areas of mutual strength and interest, while encouraging the participation of technology enterprises, as well as development and innovation funds. The two sides would also encourage the sharing of knowledge, experience, and good practices for capacity building in management, planning, and formulation of national policies on science, technology, and innovation.

Education and training

16. The two sides agreed to support strengthening cooperation in education and training, including higher education and postgraduate education through partnerships between higher education institutions, research institutes, and enterprises to provide training, conduct research, and develop highly applicable digital products and solutions. The two sides would step up exchanges of experts, academic staff and students, establish joint projects, and explore opportunities for cooperation, particularly in emerging scientific and technological fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, quantum technology, data science, computer science, smart technology, and fintech. The two sides agreed to consider promoting scholarship schemes to support student mobility.

17. The two sides will continue to cooperate in education and training by providing scholarships, promoting student and lecturer exchange programmes, and encouraging the participation of educational institutions in EU programmes such as ERASMUS+, and enhancing the relevance of training cooperation in line with evolving labour market needs.

Culture, sports, and tourism

18. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting deeper mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries and to encouraging the establishment and expansion of networks to strengthen connections and cooperation in culture and the arts. The two sides would work with each other to promote cultural cooperation in various fields, including strengthening direct contacts between cultural institutions and utilizing existing cooperation mechanisms through the hosting of cultural and arts exchanges, exhibitions, musical, cinematic, and sports events, especially on the occasion of major celebrations such as National Days and milestone anniversaries of diplomatic relations.

19. The two sides would bolster exchanges and connectivity among partners in tourism and sports, share each other’s experiences and strengths, promote tourism cooperation, and facilitate participation in annual tourism events organized in each country, thereby promoting tourism exchanges and making effective use of existing travel facilitation policies and mechanisms, including visa facilitation measures introduced by Viet Nam for citizens of the Slovak Republic, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

20. The two sides will consider the early negotiation of a possible Agreement between the two Governments on visa exemption for holders of official passports, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

Labour

21. The two sides stand ready to explore more effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of labour mobility in accordance with national laws, labour-market needs, and relevant social protection standards. In this context, the two sides will focus on the more effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, dated 27 October 2008, concerning cooperation in the field of labour mobility. Regarding the social protection of mobile workers, the two sides stand ready to start negotiations on an agreement on social security.

Agriculture

22. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in agriculture, agricultural processing and water management with a view to facilitating trade expansion, including through technical exchanges between plant protection and quarantine authorities, the sharing of best practices in food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, cooperation in agricultural technologies and innovation, exchanges of experience in water resource management, and the strengthening of links between relevant institutions and business entities in both countries.

Climate change and environmental affairs

23. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation with a view to achieving net-zero emissions, including through the exchange of information, experience and best practices on CO₂ reduction, carbon pricing and other relevant policy instruments. The two sides would also cooperate in diversifying energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security and supporting the transition to sustainable and low-emission energy sources such as nuclear, solar, hydro, geothermal and wind power. The governments, research institutes, universities and private sector entities of both sides would be encouraged to actively participate in these areas of cooperation.

The two sides agreed to step up cooperation and the exchange of experience in the circular economy and waste management. The two sides would also enhance collaboration in green technologies.

Healthcare

24. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in the development of human resources in the healthcare sector, with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the area of the healthcare workforce. The two sides also agreed to promote collaboration through the exchange of information, experience and best practices. They further expressed their desire to promote cooperation in balneology, including the protection and use of natural healing resources, expert exchanges, and rehabilitation and physical medicine. The two sides also expressed readiness to cooperate in regulated health tourism, particularly in services integrating tourism and healthcare, including the use of traditional medicine.

Legal and judicial cooperation

25. The two sides exchanged views on the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on legal and judicial cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Justice of Slovakia, to replace the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014, in line with the priorities of both sides in the new context.

Local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges

26. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between localities and promote people-to-people exchanges, recognising these as important pillars of the social foundation of bilateral relations. The two sides welcomed cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Košice on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016. They would also promote new cooperation frameworks between localities and foster the conclusion of further cooperation documents to unlock the potential of this Strategic Partnership. The two sides would also support closer ties with the Vietnamese community in Slovakia through cultural events and community organisations, while promoting travel and people-to-people contacts among civil society and friendship organisations of both countries, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

27. Based on the contents of this Joint Statement, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries will coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies on the development of a joint action plan to implement the aforementioned objectives..

VNA-

Gold prices in Vietnam continue downward trend

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Despite the decline, domestic prices remaining about VND20.08 million ($763) per tael higher than international levels.

Gold prices in Vietnam extended their downward trend, falling by VND900,000 ($34.2) per tael on both the buying and selling sides on April 13.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or about 1.2 ounces.

The buying price of SJC-branded gold bars dropped to VND168.5 million ($6,406) per tael, while the selling price declined to VND171.5 million ($6,520) per tael.

This represents a decrease of VND900,000 per tael compared to the last trading session of previous week.

Globally, gold prices fell by over 0.7% to $4,716.4 per ounce. Despite the decline, domestic prices remain about VND20.08 million ($763) per tael higher than international levels.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

Nghe An attracts $2.25bln in FDI in Q1

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:00 GMT

The central province ranking third nationwide in terms of FDI attraction.

Nghe An province, central Vietnam, attracted approximately $2.25 billion in registered FDI out of Vietnam’s total of more than $15.2 billion in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance.

This placed Nghe An third nationwide in the period, behind northern Thai Nguyen province and Ho Chi Minh City.

Notably, the province jumped 26 places from the same period last year, underscoring its strong momentum in investment attraction. Nghe An accounted for about 14.8% of the country’s total registered FDI in the first quarter—equivalent to nearly one-seventh of the national figure, a significant share by any measure.

Within the North Central region, Nghe An maintained its leading position, far outpacing neighboring localities. Ha Tinh recorded $411.13 million (ranking seventh nationwide), Thanh Hoa $142.22 million (11th), Hue City $123 million (12th), while Quang Tri attracted just $0.17 million, placing 27th.

Nghe An is targeting approximately $3.6 billion in FDI inflows for 2026.

To prepare for a new wave of investment, the province is focusing on easing bottlenecks in infrastructure and land availability.

VnEconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Mixed results of Q1 economy

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Q1 economic results were something of a mixed bag, with positives and negatives easy to find as Vietnam enters a new era amid a complex global environment.

The first quarter of 2026 - the opening of what has been described as a new era of the nation’s rise - exhibited both bright spots and areas of concern in terms of Vietnam’s economic performance and provide a basis for assessing prospects in the quarters to come. Results in the quarter can be viewed from several angles.

Strong GDP growth

In terms of GDP, one key bright spot in recent years has been the pace of growth. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 ranked among the highest in the opening quarter for the past seven years.

Notably, it not only exceeded the levels recorded in the first quarter of 2020 and 2021, when growth was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also surpassed the first quarter of 2019, prior to the pandemic, as well as the first quarter of 2023, 2024, and 2025. It was lower only than the first quarter of 2022, when growth was partly boosted by a very low comparison base in the first quarter of 2021. This outcome reflected clear signs of recovery, supported by strong determination, effective governance, and the efforts of businesses and the broader population.

The strong growth was even more notable given the conditions under which it was achieved. The comparison base in the first quarter of 2025 was already relatively high, while exports to the US have faced increasing difficulties since the second half of last year due to higher import tariffs.

Growth in GDP has been recorded across sector groups. Industry and construction, the largest segment of the real economy, posted the fastest growth. Meanwhile, the services sector, which absorbs the largest share of labor and capital, also expanded at a rate above the overall average.

Differences in growth rates have led to a positive structural shift. The share of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries continues to decline and remains significantly lower than its share of employment, indicating that workplace productivity in the sector remains the lowest among the three major sectors. This underscores the need not only to raise the share of trained workers but also to accelerate the shift of workers from agriculture to higher productivity sectors such as industry, construction, and services.

The share of employment in industry and construction continued to rise and exceeded its share of GDP, indicating that workplace productivity in the sector is above the national average and the highest among the three sectors. This calls for further improvements in workforce skills, a reduction in reliance on processing and assembly, and faster modernization through the development of the digital economy and high-tech industries such as semiconductors.

The services sector also continued to expand its share and exceeded its contribution to GDP, suggesting productivity above the national average and second only to industry and construction. While this is a positive development, the share of services in Vietnam’s GDP remains significantly lower than in many other countries and continues to be a structural weakness.

Growth quality also improved compared with the same period last year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 9 per cent, slightly below value-added growth of 9.01 per cent. Manufacturing grew 9.7 per cent, lower than value-added growth but higher than in the same period of last year, indicating a reduction in intermediate input costs. The Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR) declined to below 5, reflecting improved investment efficiency.

GDP growth outpaced the increase in the number of employed workers (7.83 per cent vs. 1.3 per cent), resulting in workplace productivity growth of an estimated 6.64 per cent. As investment efficiency and workplace productivity improve, supported by the application and upgrading of technology, the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) to GDP growth is estimated at around 45 per cent; the highest among the main growth drivers.

From the expenditure perspective, several issues emerged. The growth of asset accumulation was lower than GDP growth (7.18 per cent vs. 7.83 per cent), reducing the accumulation-to-GDP ratio to about 23.7 per cent from 24 per cent a year prior. As accumulation underpins investment, the investment-to-GDP ratio also declined. This is a point of concern, as investment is a key driver of GDP growth, and a lower ratio could make it more difficult to achieve this year’s targets.

Final consumption grew faster than GDP, at an estimated 8.45 per cent. The share of final consumption in GDP increased compared with the first quarter of last year, making it an important contributor to overall growth. Stronger domestic demand played a key role in supporting this expansion.

However, despite the increase in domestic demand (asset accumulation plus final consumption), the goods trade balance shifted from a $3.17 billion surplus to a $3.64 billion deficit.

Concerning inflation signals

Inflation remains a key macro-economic indicator closely linked to market participants, and the first quarter exhibited both positive and concerning signals.

Average CPI rose 3.51 per cent, higher than the 3.13 per cent posted in the same period of 2025 but still considered a positive outcome given stronger inflationary pressure. Cost-push factors have intensified, with price increases occurring in earlier stages of production. There are also emerging signs of imported inflation.

In the broader relationship between production and GDP use, final consumption grew faster than both GDP and in the same period of last year (8.45 per cent compared to 7.83 per cent), while the trade balance shifted from a $3.16 billion surplus to a $3.64 billion deficit. Retail sales of goods and services rose 10.9 per cent, higher than the 9.9 per cent recorded a year earlier, though real growth, excluding price effects, was 7 per cent; slightly lower than previously.

On the monetary side, growth in key indicators slowed compared to the same period last year. Money supply increased by 1.04 per cent against 1.99 per cent, deposits rose 0.44 per cent against 1.36 per cent, and credit grew 2.15 per cent against 2.49 per cent. These developments helped contain inflation.

On the fiscal side, revenue growth slowed, to 11.4 per cent compared to 29.3 per cent in the first quarter last year, expenditure growth accelerated, to 23.1 per cent compared to 11.6 per cent, and the budget surplus narrowed to VND84.9 trillion ($3.27 billion), down from VND99.5 trillion ($3.83 billion).

Psychological factors had a stronger impact than in the same period of 2025. Average gold prices surged sharply, while the USD increased more modestly due to tighter exchange rate management. The relatively stable exchange rate influenced trade flows and contributed to the shift from surplus to deficit.

Q1 trade deficit

A trade deficit was posted in the first quarter of 2026, reversing a trend seen in the opening quarter for the past two years (the first quarter of 2024 saw a $8.7 billion surplus and of 2025 a $3.16 billion surplus, while the first quarter of 2026 saw a $3.64 billion deficit).

Exports in the quarter faced significant difficulties compared to a year earlier. In addition to a relatively stable VND/USD exchange rate, higher US import tariffs and rising import prices weighed on performance. Despite this, exports to the US still generated a large surplus in absolute terms ($39 billion compared to $31.4 billion), while imports from China rose sharply ($50.1 billion compared to $38.1 billion).

The services balance remained in deficit. Compared with the same period last year, export growth slowed (19.2 per cent compared to 21.8 per cent), while import growth also eased (16.9 per cent compared to 18 per cent), resulting in a services deficit of $1.68 billion in the first quarter compared to $1.64 billion last year.

Meanwhile, international tourism continued to recover strongly, with Vietnam welcoming 6.67 million international visitors in the quarter, up 12 per cent year-on-year and marking a new record. Two markets exceeded 1 million visitors, with China contributing more than 1.4 million and South Korea nearly 1.33 million.

Outlook solutions

Based on first-quarter results, including both bright spots and emerging concerns, along with factors likely to influence the economy, what can be expected for Vietnam’s economy in the quarters ahead under more ambitious targets?

GDP

First, GDP indicators remain the top priority for this year and for the broader trajectory of the new era.

Following the pattern observed in previous years, production GDP growth tends to accelerate from the second quarter onwards through to the end of the year, as input factors - including investment capital, labor, technology imports, monetary policy, and fiscal spending - and output factors such as domestic consumption and exports move from initial implementation into a phase of stronger expansion. On that basis, GDP growth is expected to pick up in the second quarter, with the third and fourth quarters potentially reaching double-digit levels.

This outlook could materialize under the influence of several factors. Total social investment is expected not only to increase in scale, reflected in a rising share relative to GDP, potentially reaching 35 per cent, but also to improve in efficiency, as the ICOR declines to below 4.5. Greater emphasis should be placed on channeling capital into productive business activities, rather than speculative assets such as gold, cryptocurrencies, and real estate.

The number of employed workers is expected to rise as unemployment declines. More importantly, workplace productivity growth could remain strong, supported by a higher share of workers in more productive sectors such as industry, construction, and services, as well as by the proportion of trained workers surpassing 30 per cent for the first time.

The contribution of TFP to GDP growth is expected to approach 50 per cent, exceeding the contributions of capital and labor. This will be driven by improved investment efficiency, rising workplace productivity, greater technological adoption, and the expansion of enterprises with higher technological capabilities, alongside the continued development of the digital economy.

An important driver of both economic growth and social welfare is the development of businesses and entrepreneurs. The number of enterprises entering the market in the first quarter exceeded those exiting (96,000 vs. 91,800), pushing the total number of active enterprises nationwide to above 1 million for the first time; a target originally set for 2020 but only now achieved. Continued support for startups and for businesses facing difficulties, to prevent market exit and enable re-entry, remains essential. At the same time, it is important to reverse the declining share of business owners within total employment, which has fallen steadily over the years.

Concerns remain. The investment-to-GDP ratio has for many years exceeded that of asset accumulation, including in periods of budget deficits. This represents a potential risk, particularly as corporate profitability remains low and many enterprises continue to incur losses.

The longstanding issue of reliance on processing and assembly has been widely recognized but improvements remain tardy.

Overall, GDP growth in 2026 as a whole is expected to exceed the 8.02 per cent posted in 2025, but is unlikely to reach the targeted double-digit level.

Inflation

Inflation remains a key concern. From a conceptual standpoint, the view that inflation is not driven by monetary factors is fundamentally flawed. At its core, inflation reflects a depreciation of currency - when money supply exceeds goods supply. Monetary policy affects not only inflation but also growth, requiring a balance between tightening to control inflation and easing to support expansion.

To achieve higher GDP growth, policymakers may aim to increase the investment-to-GDP ratio. However, any move toward monetary easing must be carefully calibrated in light of current economic conditions. A key issue is the relationship between the scale and growth of money supply and the corresponding scale and growth of GDP.

A significant concern is the allocation of capital into speculative assets such as gold, real estate, and cryptocurrencies. While this has so far primarily driven price increases in those markets, any correction could spill over into goods and services, creating broader inflationary pressures. Gold prices have doubled or tripled since mid-2020, while real estate prices have more than doubled since mid-2022, with the upward cycle already lasting four to six years.

Cryptocurrencies remain highly volatile, gold prices have diverged significantly from global levels, and stock markets are vulnerable to speculation and market manipulation.

Cost-push pressures are also building. Though price increases in earlier stages of production have not yet fully transmitted to consumer prices, they are likely to do so over time through the production and distribution chain.

Imported inflation is another major risk, particularly as global prices rise and higher US tariffs drive up import costs.

Balance of payments

The balance of payments warrants close attention. Vietnam has recorded continuous trade surpluses for decades. While this provides a strong foundation, it also presents new challenges arising from domestic structural weaknesses and an evolving global environment.

One of the most prominent constraints is the continued reliance on processing and assembly, which persists in both the domestic and foreign-invested sectors. This not only limits national income - with gross national income remaining around 95 per cent of GDP - but also contributes to rising imports. The trade surplus has been narrowing in recent years and is expected to decline further in 2026, with the first quarter already in deficit. The ratio of trade surplus to total exports has also fallen sharply.

Exports have largely depended on the foreign-invested sector, while the domestic sector continues to run significant deficits. Improving export performance requires addressing structural weaknesses, particularly low workplace productivity and competitiveness that still relies heavily on low labor costs. The gap between purchasing power parity and the official exchange rate remains large, exceeding 3.5-times.

Exchange rate policy remains a critical lever. While depreciation could support exports, it would also raise import costs, increase inflationary pressure, and create risks related to external debt and trade disputes.

Though the exchange rate rose significantly last year, it remained relatively stable in the first quarter of this year. Import prices, however, especially for fuel, increased sharply. There is a risk that imports will continue to rise in both volume and value. If prices rise further and the VND depreciates, imported inflation could return, as seen in previous periods.

Overall, the trade balance is likely to weaken further this year and could shift into a full-year deficit. Meanwhile, the services balance is expected to remain in deficit. This combination will directly affect GDP growth from both the production and expenditure perspectives and should be viewed as a significant warning sign.

The services deficit has persisted for years, often reaching double-digit levels. It is most pronounced in transport and other services, including insurance, finance, and government services. Even tourism, which previously generated surpluses, has in some years shifted into deficit.

The financial account, meanwhile, has remained in surplus, driven mainly by FDI, while other forms of investment have often recorded negative balances.

VET-Do Van Huan

Vietnam, Slovakia upgrades ties to strategic partnership

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:05:00 GMT

A Joint Statement to this effect was issued following talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Hanoi on April 13.

Vietnam and Slovakia have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a significant step forward in bilateral ties.

A Joint Statement to this effect was issued following talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Hanoi on April 13.

The Slovak Prime Minister is on an official visit to Vietnam between April 12-14 as the first foreign guest of Vietnam's newly-elected Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to task their respective Foreign Ministries to promptly develop a plan of action to implement the newly-established strategic partnership framework in a bid to create substantial changes in the quality of bilateral cooperation.

At a joint press briefing following the talks, PM Hung noted that Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit takes place at a particularly significant moment, shortly after Vietnam completed the consolidation of its key leadership apparatus. He stressed that PM Fico is the first foreign guest he has received in his capacity as the Government leader, and also the first high-ranking leader from the European Union to visit Vietnam following the elevation of Vietnam–EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasised that the visit serves as a vivid testament to the importance that PM Fico personally and the Government of Slovakia attach to Vietnam, reflecting the longstanding, close, sincere, and trustworthy friendship between the two countries.

PM Hung expressed his belief that, with strong political determination from both governments and the joint efforts of businesses and people of the two countries, the Vietnam–Slovakia Strategic Partnership will bring prosperity to both nations and contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

PM Fico, for his part, noted that the two sides held frank and constructive discussions.

Recalling his visit to Vietnam in 2016, the Slovak PM expressed deep admiration for the country’s remarkable progress and significant achievements in recent years. He congratulated Vietnam on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which outlined key development strategies, notably the shift from quantity-based to quality-driven growth.

He highlighted the sound development of Vietnam – Slovakia relations on the basis of mutual benefit, emphasising that Vietnam is not only a friend but also Slovakia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. However, he noted that economic and trade cooperation has yet to match its full potential. Therefore, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation across all fields, particularly in economy and trade, in line with their newly upgraded Strategic Partnership as well as the Vietnam – EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

PM Fico said that a large Slovak business delegation is accompanying him on this visit and will attend the Vietnam – Slovakia Business Forum. The two countries' governments are committed to supporting enterprises in expanding cooperation, investment and business activities, translating political commitments into concrete outcomes.

Slovakia is ready to enhance cooperation and share expertise with Vietnam in priority areas such as nuclear energy, defence industry, finance and education-training. He also noted Slovak citizens’ strong interest in travelling to Vietnam, and thanked Vietnam for granting visa exemptions for Slovak nationals, while expressing his hope for the establishment of direct flights to further boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

On the occasion, the two sides signed 16 cooperation agreements across the fields of politics-diplomacy, national defense, culture, nuclear energy, standards and metrology, local-level cooperation, security, healthcare, tourism, and shipbuilding.

These agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the Slovak Ministry of Defense on cooperation in the defence industry; a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; and a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation for the 2026–2030 period between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Slovak Ministry of Culture.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Da Nang approves two social housing projects worth nearly $58 mln

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Spanning nearly 19,000 sq.m, the Vinh An Hoa Social Housing Area will feature five 12-story social housing apartment blocks alongside adjacent commercial townhouses.

Authorities of Da Nang city in central Vietnam have approved the investment policies and assigned developers for two major social housing projects located in Nui Thanh Commune.

The Vinh An Hoa Social Housing project that will be developed by Holdings Ngoi Sao Viet Joint Stock Company is situated on land plots A3 and A4 within the workers' housing zone of the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone.

Spanning nearly 19,000 sq.m, the development will feature five 12-story social housing apartment blocks alongside adjacent commercial townhouses. The project will also include auxiliary facilities such as parking lots, a community center, a kindergarten, and other essential infrastructure. The total estimated investment exceeds VND684 billion ($25 million).

The project is scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2028, with an operational term of 50 years starting from the date of land allocation or lease.

Meanwhile, the Nui Thanh Social Housing project, that will be developed by Ha My Hung Group Joint Stock Company, covers over 22,000 sq.m with a total investment of more than VND885.2 billion ($33 million).

The project will be located at plots A1 and A2 in the workers' housing zone of the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone.

Its construction is slated to run from the first quarter of 2026 through the end of the fourth quarter of 2028. The primary goal is to provide social housing apartments for sale to eligible beneficiaries under current housing policies, while also developing commercial housing areas in accordance with the Law on Housing.

vneconomy-Thanh Xuan

HCMC to develop 14 new smart and green IPs by 2033

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 07:11:00 GMT

Currently, the city accommodates 105 export processing zones and industrial parks with a total area of more than 50,288 ha.

Under its master development plan, Ho Chi Minh City expects to invest in 14 more new industrial parks (IPs) between now and 2033, covering a total area of approximately 3,833 ha.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA), the plan follows a "smart and green" model and is divided into three phases.

Four industrial parks of Pham Van Hai I, Pham Van Hai II, Vinh Loc 3, and Nhi Xuan will be developed in phase I (2025–2027); five IPs of An Phu, Trung An, Le Minh Xuan 4, Pham Van Hai III, and Hiep Phuoc 3 in phase 2 (2027–2030); and the remaining of Tan Phu Trung 2, 3, and 4, Binh Khanh 1, and Binh Khanh 2 in phase 3 (2030–2033).

A representative from HEPZA stated that these projects are currently in the planning stage. Since investors have not yet been selected, no significant difficulties or obstacles have arisen during the implementation process.

Once the subdivision planning is approved, HEPZA will advise the City People's Committee on organizing investor selection based on specific criteria. These include financial capacity, project implementation experience, technical expertise, and financial-commercial efficiency. The selection process is committed to ensuring openness, transparency, and compliance with the law.

Currently, the city accommodates 105 export processing zones and industrial parks with a total area of more than 50,288 ha. Among these, 58 zones are operational with an average occupancy rate of approximately 80%.

Vneconomy-Minh Hà

Work starts on $5.6 bln high-speed rail linking Hanoi and Quang Ninh

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:05:00 GMT

Once operational, travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh is expected to be slashed to just 23 minutes—five to seven times faster than current travel options.

Vietnam officially broke ground on the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway on April 12.

Attended by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, the ceremony marks the commencement of the nation’s first inter-regional high-speed rail link.

The project is developed by VinSpeed High Speed Rail Investment and Development JSC, a subsidiary of Vingroup, with the total investment estimated at over VND147 trillion (approximately $5.6 billion), excluding land clearance costs. According to the current timeline, the project is slated for completion by the end of 2028.

The railway will span 120.2 km, passing through four provinces and cities: Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.

Designed to international standards, the line will feature double tracks with a 1,435 mm standard gauge and will be fully electrified. While the train is designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h, the section passing through Hanoi will be restricted to 120 km/h.

Once operational, travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh is expected to be slashed to just 23 minutes—five to seven times faster than current travel options.

The route begins at Co Loa Station (Hanoi) and terminates at Ha Long Station (Quang Ninh). It includes three intermediate transit stations: Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong), and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), along with a primary maintenance depot located at the Ha Long terminus.

According to the developer, the project will utilize the latest generation of high-speed trainsets, as well as advanced signaling and technical systems provided by Siemens Mobility.

As part of the partnership, Siemens has committed to a phased technology transfer to VinSpeed, with the long-term goal of developing a domestic high-speed rail industrial ecosystem in Vietnam.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

New energy storage battery factory launched in Hung Yen

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The 1.2-hectare facility includes a modern two-story manufacturing workshop and a dedicated Research and Development (RD) center, with a design capacity of 5GWh per year.

GG Power officially inaugurated its Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) factory at Industrial Park No. 5 in Xuan Truc, Hung Yen province, northern Vietnam, on April 11.

The project represents an initial investment of VND300 billion ($11.4 million).

As one of Vietnam’s first professionally invested BESS facilities, the plant operates under international standards with an automation rate exceeding 90%, allowing for rigorous quality control at every stage of production.

The 1.2-hectare facility includes a modern two-story manufacturing workshop and a dedicated Research and Development (RD) center, with a design capacity of 5GWh per year. The factory will provide comprehensive energy storage solutions for all market segments, including residential (households), commercial and industrial (CI), and utility-scale grid projects.

Regarding its technological foundation, GG Power has secured technology licensing from the Goldwind Group to master its RD processes. This has enabled the company to successfully optimize an Energy Management System (EMS) that is highly compatible with Vietnam’s national power grid while ensuring that all stored data remains secure within the country.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long emphasized that a robust energy storage system is a mandatory requirement for the development of Vietnam’s renewable energy market. He praised the "can-do" spirit of the Vietnamese enterprise and affirmed that the Ministry of Industry and Trade would continue to support domestic businesses in building a "Made in Vietnam" green energy ecosystem.

Representing the local government, Le Quang Hoa, Vice Chairman of the Hung Yen Provincial People’s Committee, stated that the factory’s operation aligns with the province’s development orientation through 2030, with a vision to 2045, to become a high-tech industrial hub.

Vneconomy-Khánh Vy

Hai Phong proposes terminating logistics resolution to align with new city master plan

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The northern port city is currently adjusting its general master plan, in which all strategic directions, spatial structures, and logistics system development needs will be updated and synchronized.

The Hai Phong City People’s Committee has submitted a proposal to the City People’s Council, requesting the termination of the Council's Resolution No. 38/NQ-HDND regarding the city's logistics service development planning through 2025, with a vision toward 2030, citing its lack of suitability with current realities.

All strategic directions, spatial structures, and logistics development requirements therefore will now be integrated into the city’s revised master plan.

Previously, on December 10, 2018, the Hai Phong People’s Council passed Resolution No. 38/NQ-HDND with the objective of transforming Hai Phong into a modern logistics hub for the entire country. The plan focused on leveraging the city’s strengths as a major seaport, strengthening its position as a domestic and international trading gateway, and fostering highly competitive logistics enterprises.

According to the city People’s Committee, the resolution initially succeeded in establishing a logistics foundation closely linked to the city's maritime advantages.

However, the implementation of this specific logistics framework has faced significant limitations. Several planned logistics centers have not been initiated or have faced delays due to challenges regarding land funds, site clearance, investment procedures, and related policy mechanisms.

Furthermore, certain tasks and contents within Resolution No. 38 remain unfinished or have become obsolete due to changes in legal policies. The resolution's planning is no longer consistent with higher-level approved frameworks, including the city's general master plan, regional planning, national sectoral plans, and the expansion of administrative boundaries.

A major turning point occurred on July 1, 2025, when Hai Phong and Hai Duong merged to form the (new) Hai Phong City. The reorganization of commune-level administrative units significantly altered the spatial development scope and administrative boundaries, making the logistics orientations in Resolution No. 38 outdated.

Hai Phong is currently adjusting its general master plan, in which all strategic directions, spatial structures, and logistics system development needs will be updated and synchronized.

Vneconomy-Đỗ Phong

Higher requirements on agro exports to the EU

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Satisfying new requirements on agro exports to the EU are quite complex but will position exporters to more readily approach other markets.

A report from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) puts Vietnam’s exports of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries products to the EU in 2025 at $9.24 billion, accounting for 13.2 per cent of the sector’s total export value.

Coffee posted the strongest growth among export items, with shipments exceeding 666,000 tons and export value reaching $3.63 billion, up 68.3 per cent in value. The EU accounted for 40.7 per cent of Vietnam’s total coffee export value, maintaining its position as the country’s largest export market for coffee. Notably, coffee exports to key markets such as Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands all posted impressive growth.

Rising standards

The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is increasingly seen as a driver for Vietnam’s agriculture and forestry sectors to accelerate digital transformation, standardize data, and strengthen governance. Meeting EU standards not only helps overcome trade barriers but also creates favorable momentum for Vietnamese products to access other high-end markets more easily.

Exports of Vietnam’s agricultural and forestry products to the EU are expected to continue growing in the years to come. However, Dr. To Xuan Phuc, an expert at non-profit Forest Trends, said this growth trend is no longer simply about expanding market share but is accompanied by increasing pressure for comprehensive transformation in governance, transparency, and sustainable development.

Where businesses previously focused mainly on complying with domestic laws and basic trade regulations, they must now meet a broader set of criteria, including preventing deforestation, reducing carbon emissions, respecting the rights of indigenous communities, and ensuring equality and meaningful participation of smallholder farmers in supply chains. International trade, particularly in the EU, is shifting from price-based competition to standards-based competition.

According to Dr. Phuc, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EUVFTA) has created significant advantages for Vietnamese goods, as tariffs on many agricultural and wooden products have been reduced to zero, strengthening their competitiveness compared with countries that do not have trade agreements with the EU. However, as tariff barriers are gradually removed, technical barriers and compliance costs are becoming increasingly significant.

The EU is now widely viewed as a complex legal system with multiple overlapping regulations, including the EUDR, the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation. Among these, the EUDR is considered to have the most far-reaching impact on Vietnam’s coffee, rubber, timber, and wooden product sectors. In May 2025, the EU classified Vietnam as a “low-risk country” under the EUDR, meaning inspection rates of around 1 per cent and significantly simplified control procedures.

Traceability challenges

Mr. Truong Tat Do, an official from the Forestry and Forest Protection Department at the MAE, said there remains a misconception that Vietnamese companies must directly submit reports under the EUDR.

In reality, the legal obligation rests with importers in the EU. However, for partners to fulfill their due diligence responsibilities, Vietnamese businesses must provide complete and accurate information on product origin to EU importers. This means that although domestic companies do not directly submit documentation, they still face significant pressure to ensure transparency and the reliability of their data.

The EUDR sets out two core requirements. First, products must not be linked to deforestation or forest degradation after December 31, 2020. Second, production must comply with national laws, including regulations on land, environment, labor, and the rights of third parties. The regulation does not apply only to production areas but to the entire supply chain, from harvesting and transport to processing and export. If any stage involves legal violations or deforestation after the stated cut-off date, the product will not meet requirements.

Under the latest timeline, the EUDR will take effect on December 30, 2026, for large companies in the EU and on June 30, 2027 for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The preparation period is therefore limited, while the transformation required is both systemic and long term.

Dr. Phuc said Vietnam’s biggest challenge lies in the fragmented and small-scale nature of production. A farmer may own multiple plots of land, while raw materials can pass through six to seven intermediary layers before reaching processing factories. This structure makes traceability extremely complex, particularly when precise geolocation data must be provided for each shipment.

Another issue is the overlap of forestry land. In some localities, such as Son La in the north and parts of the central highlands, rising coffee prices led to expansion into areas designated as forestry land. Under Vietnamese law, some of these cases may not be fully compliant, while under the EUDR the risk of products failing to qualify for export is clear.

“Before discussing global standards, the most important requirement is compliance with Vietnamese law,” Dr. Phuc said. “There are still areas recorded as forestry land on paper where forests no longer exist in reality, and some forest allocation contracts from earlier programs remain legally valid, creating complications in management and accountability. If these issues are not addressed in a coordinated manner, adapting to the EUDR will face significant obstacles.”

Digital mapping

A major shift under the regulation is the requirement for geospatial data. Companies must provide precise geographic coordinates of production plots, and a closed polygon boundary must also be defined for areas of 4 ha or more. EU authorities will cross-check this data with satellite mapping systems as of December 31, 2020, to assess deforestation risks. This approach shows that the EUDR no longer relies solely on paper documentation but increasingly uses remote sensing technology and digital data for monitoring. Inaccurate or dishonest declarations can be quickly detected when compared with independent systems.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Hai, a remote sensing expert at the Forest Inventory and Planning Institute, said advances in remote sensing and digital transformation are fundamentally changing how information on forests and land use is accessed. Free satellite imagery from the US’s Landsat program has provided continuous data since 1972. While it previously took 16 days to obtain a new image, observation frequency is now significantly higher, enabling near-continuous monitoring.

“Just two or three overlapping satellite images can significantly improve observation capacity,” Mr. Hai said. “Observations generate data, and data produces information that objectively reflects conditions on the ground. For a specific forest plot, it is possible to trace land use history from the 1980s to the present, effectively ‘telling the story’ of how that area has changed over time.”

In practice, field inspections may show that an area has been planted with coffee, but it can be difficult to determine exactly when the crop was established. Satellite data allows analysts to trace backwards in time to determine whether the planting occurred before or after the 2020 cut-off date, and whether the land was previously farmland or forestry land. This capability helps clarify timing, a key factor under the EUDR.

According to Mr. Hai, Western partners do not necessarily require Vietnam to provide every piece of detailed information, as they can retrieve data from independent sources. Exporters only need to provide the coordinates of shipments, while importers can independently verify and cross-check the information. Multiple traceability systems are currently in use; beyond domestic platforms, international partners may build their own databases and compare data from various sources. There is no longer a single source of information.

In this context, data transparency has become essential. If reports differ between stages, external parties can verify the information using scientific data with a high degree of accuracy. Technology and data are reshaping how natural resources are managed and are setting higher transparency standards for the entire supply chain.

To help Vietnam’s agricultural and forestry products deepen their access to the EU market, experts recommend that during the 2025-2027 period the country should prioritize completing GPS mapping of raw material areas, building comprehensive traceability records, and strengthening data governance capacity.

VET-Chu Khoi

Tax resolution on petrol, oil, aviation fuel adopted

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:30:00 GMT

The resolution introducing key provisions on environmental protection tax, value-added tax and excise tax applicable to petrol, oil and aviation fuel passed by the National Assembly on April 12 takes effect from April 16, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

The National Assembly on April 12 adopted a resolution introducing key provisions on environmental protection tax, value-added tax and excise tax applicable to petrol, oil and aviation fuel.

Earlier, lawmakers heard Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, authorised by the Prime Minister, present a report explaining, reviewing and revising the draft resolution. The Government fully incorporated feedback from the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, and deputies, and completed the draft in coordination with relevant agencies in accordance with legislative procedures.

Under the resolution, which consists of four articles, the environmental protection tax rate is set at zero for petrol (excluding ethanol), diesel, kerosene, mazut fuel oil and aviation fuel.

These products are also not subject to VAT declaration or payment, but input VAT remains deductible.

The excise tax rate on all types of petrol is set at 0%.

The resolution takes effect from April 16, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

It also allows the Government to adjust the effective period and, in urgent cases, amend tax-related provisions to respond to market fluctuations, subject to subsequent reporting to the National Assembly.

During its validity, the resolution will prevail in case of inconsistencies with other legal documents on the three tax categories. Businesses and importers of the specified fuel products are not required to declare or pay VAT at import or sale stages.

Other tax matters not covered in the resolution will continue to be governed by existing laws and regulations on taxation and tax administration. - (VNA)

VNA-

Lam Dong attracts 14 projects with $2 bln in registered capital in Q1

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:18:00 GMT

Currently, the central province has 2,933 valid projects with a total registered capital of approximately VND827 trillion ($31.4 billion).

Lam Dong province, central Vietnam, is pushing investment promotion and improving its business environment to attract off-budget projects, creating growth momentum right from the start of 2026, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

In the first quarter of this year, in addition to attracting 14 off-budget investment projects with a total registered capital of nearly VND55 trillion (approx. $2 billion), Lam Dong also approved capital adjustments for 12 existing projects, raising the total registered investment to over VND77.73 trillion (nearly $ 3 billion).

Notably, several large-scale, "engine-of-growth" projects have been deployed, including: the expansion of the Lam Dong Bauxite-Aluminum Complex and the Nhan Co Alumina Plant; the Ham Tien – Mui Ne Commercial and Service Urban Area; and the Bung Thi Hot Spring Resort.

Currently, the province has 2,933 valid projects with a total registered capital of approximately VND827 trillion ($31.4 billion). Among these, 2,109 projects are already completed and operational, while 824 projects are currently under development.

According to Mr. Dinh Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Provincial Center for Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion, nearly half of the 72 key projects calling for investment in the 2026–2030 period have yet to secure investors.

In the coming period, the center will continue to refine the project portfolio and increase field surveys to proactively attract capital inflows, ensuring they meet the province's requirements for sustainable development, said Mr. Hieu.

VOV-

HCM City prepares to launch major seaport projects

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

These projects considered crucial to developing a modern seaport and logistics system and enhancing the competitiveness of southern Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City is accelerating preparations to break ground on a series of large-scale seaport projects, as part of efforts to strengthen its logistics capacity and maintain its role as the country’s economic engine, according to the city's Department Construction.

These projects, scheduled for groundbreaking on the occasion of the 51th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2026), are considered crucial to developing a modern seaport and logistics system and enhancing the competitiveness of southern Vietnam.

Three major projects have been identified, including the Cai Mep Ha General and Container Port (Phase 1), the Cai Mep Gemadept – Terminal Link Port (Phase 2), and the Can Gio International Transshipment Port. Each project involves investment ranging from tens to hundreds of trillions of dong and is expected to play a pivotal role in establishing an international cargo transshipment hub in the region.

To accelerate progress, the Department of Construction has urged relevant agencies to support investors in completing legal procedures, particularly land-use conversion, environmental impact assessments, and planning approvals.

If implemented on schedule, the projects are expected to significantly boost cargo throughput, reduce logistics costs, and support sustainable economic growth across the southern key economic region.

VnEconomy-Thiên Ân

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

HCM City fast-tracks investment licensing to 15 working days

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The special mechanism aimed at accelerating administrative procedures and improving the investment climate.

Ho Chi Minh City will issue investment registration certificates within 15 working days under a newly introduced special mechanism, aimed at accelerating administrative procedures and improving the investment climate.

The Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority (HEPZA) was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as announcing on April 10 that the fast-track process will apply once complete and valid dossiers are submitted.

The mechanism is implemented under Government Decree No. 96/2026/ND-CP, which took effect on March 31 and provides detailed guidance on several provisions of the Law on Investment.

Under the regulation, investors are required to submit a single, comprehensive application dossier in line with Article 47 of the decree. This includes a request for project implementation with commitments to comply with regulations on construction, environmental protection, technology transfer, and fire prevention and control.

Notably, the dossier must also include a project proposal incorporating an environmental impact assessment and mitigation measures, replacing the previously required preliminary environmental assessment.

After receiving the investment certificate, investors must implement projects in accordance with their registered commitments and relevant legal requirements. Environmental procedures must comply with Article 49 of the decree. At least 30 days before construction begins, investors are required to notify local construction authorities and HEPZA, along with the necessary documentation.

HEPZA will oversee, inspect, and evaluate projects throughout implementation, promptly informing investors of any issues and coordinating with relevant authorities to resolve bottlenecks, ensuring both progress and efficiency.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

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

Hai Phong city attracts $915mln in FDI in Q1

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:20:00 GMT

The northern port city targets $3.8bln in FDI attraction in 2026.

Northern Hai Phong city’s economic and industrial zones attracted an estimated $915.3 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority.

The figure exceeded the quarterly target of $900 million by 1.7%, surged 93.9% year-on-year, and fulfilled 25.4% of the city’s full-year FDI goal of $3.8 billion.

Domestic investment also posted strong growth, reaching more than VND22.6 trillion (approximately $967.8 million) during the period.

The authority attributed the positive results to administrative reforms across investment, planning, construction, environment, and labour, alongside digital transformation efforts. These measures have helped accelerate procedures, resolve bottlenecks for investors, and facilitate project implementation.

Mr. Pham Van Thep, head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, said the city will step up investment promotion in the second quarter, with a focus on attracting more FDI to meet its 2026 target of $3.8–4.3 billion.

The authority also plans to fast-track planning and development of the southern coastal economic zone and specialized industrial zones to support future investment inflows.

VnEconomy-Nam Khánh

POSCO to invest over $400 mln in battery materials plant in Thai Nguyen

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:15:00 GMT

Following a period of extensive surveys and careful research, POSCO Future M decided on Song Cong 2 Viglacera to establish its inaugural battery materials factory in Vietnam.

Amidst a significant shift in the global clean energy supply chain, POSCO Future M (a subsidiary of South Korea’s POSCO Group) has officially selected the Song Cong 2 Viglacera Industrial Park in Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam, as the site for its first large-scale battery materials plant in the country. Notably, this facility marks POSCO’s first overseas production base for cathode materials.

The signing ceremony for the in-principle land lease agreement at Song Cong 2 Viglacera IP took place on April 9.

Speaking at the event, a representative from POSCO Future M highlighted that the company is the only entity in South Korea capable of simultaneously producing both cathode and anode materials, serving as a vital link in the global supply chains of leading electronics and electric vehicle (EV) corporations.

Following a period of extensive surveys and careful research, POSCO Future M decided on Song Cong 2 Viglacera to establish its inaugural battery materials factory in Vietnam.

The project spans 37 ha with a total investment exceeding $400 million. Construction is slated to begin in the second half of 2026, with production expected to commence in 2028

The plant is designed with an initial capacity of 55,000 tons per year and is planned for phased expansion as order volumes grow. Once operational, the facility will serve as a strategic supply hub for top EV manufacturers in the United States, European Union, and South Korean markets.

Vneconomy-Phan Nam

Vietnam International Trade Fair opens in Hanoi

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT

The exhibition focusing on high value-added sectors such as supporting industries, textiles and garments, footwear, industrial equipment, hardware, and smart consumer products.

The 35th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2026) opened in Hanoi on April 8, bringing together hundreds of domestic and international businesses to strengthen trade links and expand export opportunities.

The event features more than 500 booths from over 420 enterprises, about half of which are foreign companies from 20 countries and territories, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

This year’s exhibition focuses on high value-added sectors such as supporting industries, textiles and garments, footwear, industrial equipment, hardware, and smart consumer products, in line with Vietnam’s push for industrialization, modernization, and green growth.

Held under the theme “Smart Consumption – Sustainable Industry – Global Integration,” Vietnam Expo 2026 highlights technological innovation, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly solutions, while enhancing user experience.

The four-day event also provides a platform for Vietnamese businesses to connect directly with international importers, distributors, and investors, creating opportunities for practical cooperation and market expansion.

VNA-Van Nguyen

WB forecasts Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth at 6.3%

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:10:00 GMT

This is the highest rates in the East Asia and Pacific region, according to the WB's East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update.

Vietnam’s economy is projected to grow by 6.3% in 2026 and 7.7% in 2027, the highest rates in the East Asia and Pacific region, according to the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update released on April 8.

The forecast is slightly higher than the 6.1% growth rate the World Bank projected last October.

The report highlights that a surge in artificial intelligence-related exports and investment was a bright spot in 2025, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Even as regional growth shows signs of slowing, the WB notes that Vietnam continues to stand out as a model of adaptability, turning challenges into opportunities to drive internal reforms.

According to the bank, Vietnam's strong growth momentum in 2025 will serve as an important "buffer," helping the country mitigate the impact of global headwinds.

The organization praised Vietnam's efforts to boost investment in infrastructure and education, as well as improve institutional quality, noting that these measures make policy support more effective compared to many countries in the region.

VnEconomy-Anh Nhi

More support from France for Vietnam's sustainable development

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

France provides support to Vietnam's climate transition through its companies operating in the Asian country.

Vietnam’s construction industry remains a key pillar of its economy, contributing some 17 per cent of GDP and posting growth of about 9 per cent in 2025. This momentum is expected to continue, driven by the government’s push to accelerate major infrastructure projects in cooperation with the private sector. Ensuring that these projects meet green standards across responsible architecture, urban planning, public transport, and energy efficiency will be critical for sustainable future and more livable cities.

These remarks were made by H.E. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam, at the Build to Last 2026 Conference organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV) in Ho Chi Minh City on April 7.

The gathering aimed to promote dialogue and strengthen cooperation across the construction and urban development ecosystem.

Strengthening climate cooperation

The Ambassador underscored the central role of sustainable construction, alongside strong participation from French and Vietnamese businesses and the international community.

Globally, the construction sector accounts for a significant share of worldwide emissions while contributing around 11 per cent of global GDP and 7 per cent of employment. Beyond its economic importance, the sector directly affects quality of life, underscoring its critical role in addressing climate change and making sustainability both an environmental and socio-economic priority.

According to Ambassador Brochet, the transition toward greener cities requires coordinated effort from multiple stakeholders, including governments, local authorities, businesses, investors, and research institutions. He also emphasized the importance of international cooperation, citing Vietnam and France’s engagement in the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC), a United Nations-backed initiative aimed at decarbonizing the building sector.

“Through the French Development Agency (AFD), France is supporting Vietnam in its efforts to adapt to climate change,” he told the Conference. “On the one hand, it has funded several projects aimed at reducing flood risks in various provinces, while on the other it grants loans to Vietnamese public and private banks to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) investing in the green transition. Finally, it advises Vietnam on the implementation of a carbon emissions trading scheme.”

In terms of climate change mitigation, the AFD signed several financial agreements at the EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum in Hanoi on March 24, including support for the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower plant, while continuing to invest in power infrastructure, including grid modernization.

From commitments to outcomes

Beyond policy discussions, the conference highlighted broader dimensions of sustainable urban development, including integrated planning, transport and logistics infrastructure, and the adoption of green energy and construction materials.

The role of the private sector in advancing sustainable construction also featured prominently. At the event, French multinational Saint-Gobain announced that its DURAflex fiber cement board plant in central Quang Tri province recorded net-zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2, becoming the first facility of its kind in Vietnam to reach this milestone.

Mr. Hai Nguyen Truong, CEO of Saint-Gobain Vietnam, said the milestone reflects the company’s commitment to translating sustainability goals into concrete outcomes, contributing to Vietnam’s net-zero emissions by 2050 target. Mr. Ludovic Weber, CEO of Saint-Gobain Asia, described Vietnam as a strategic market for the group, noting that the achievement underscores the country’s potential as a hub for low-carbon innovation.

Experts at the Conference also shared insights into the international building standards available in Vietnam. Speaking to VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times, Ms. Pearl Mars, Business Development Director - Building and Infrastructure (BNI) Building Resilience Index (BRI) at Bureau Veritas, noted that while international certifications are being increasingly adopted in the country, the distinction between “sustainability” and “resilience” remains unclear in practice.

Ms. Pearl Mars, Business Development Director - Building and Infrastructure (BNI) Building Resilience Index (BRI) at Bureau Veritas at the event. (Photo: CCIFV)

“Standards such as LEED and EDGE focus primarily on operational efficiency and energy savings,” she explained. “In contrast, BRI emphasizes a building’s ability to adapt to and withstand risks such as storms and flooding.”

Sustainability and resilience, she continued, address different dimensions of the climate challenge. While sustainability focuses on mitigating climate change, for example by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, resilience is concerned with adapting to increasingly frequent and severe climate-related risks.

In Vietnam, where exposure to natural disasters is significant, this distinction is becoming increasingly important. “After a major storm, the objective is not only for a building to remain structurally intact, but also to resume operations as quickly as possible,” Ms. Mars said. “Each day of disruption represents a financial loss.”

Despite the clear benefits, she added, adoption remains constrained by high upfront costs and limited awareness. Many developers, particularly in storm-prone central regions, remain hesitant to invest in resilience upgrades due to short-term profitability considerations.

Awareness about BRI in Vietnam remains in its early stages, with recognition estimated at around 30 per cent; significantly lower than in Singapore, where it exceeds 90 per cent. As such, Ms. Mars underscored the need for stronger communication efforts to raise market awareness. From an economic perspective, investing in resilience delivers clear returns. Studies show that every $1 invested in resilient construction can save approximately $4 in post-disaster repair and recovery costs.

Looking ahead, she suggested that resilience standards be integrated from the design stage to optimize both cost and effectiveness. However, even existing buildings can still be assessed and upgraded using available frameworks.

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined three strategic breakthroughs

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Speaking at a group discussion during the 16th National Assembly’s first session on April 10, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed that Institutional bottlenecks must be fully resolved in 2026.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has stressed that 2026 will be a decisive year to comprehensively address longstanding institutional bottlenecks, as the Government pushes for rapid and sustainable growth.

The PM was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as speaking at group discussions during the 16th National Assembly’s first session on April 10 that members of the Government had carefully listened to and absorbed lawmakers’ constructive and responsible feedback on the Government’s reports, including those on socio-economic development, public investment, and financial plans for the 2026–2030 period.

He backed proposals to streamline reporting to the legislature by consolidating socio-economic reports into a single comprehensive document, with detailed data presented in appendices, helping deputies save time and gain a more holistic view.

At the session, the Government presented reports reviewing the supplementary assessment of the 2025 socio-economic development plan, the implementation of the 2026 plan, as well as the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026–2030, the medium-term public investment plan for 2026–2030, the national five-year financial plan, and the public debt borrowing and repayment plan for the same period.

Emphasizing that these reports have largely gained consensus among National Assembly deputies, PM Hung further elaborated on key priorities, particularly the goal of achieving double-digit growth.

He said that this target is supported by strong consensus across the political system. He outlined three strategic breakthroughs, with institutional reform identified as the top priority. He likened institutions to “roads” for the economy, stressing that synchronized and improved regulations will accelerate development.

In 2026, the Government aims to thorough deal with key institutional issues, including a full review of the legal system, development of a modern legal strategy, and removal of obstacles in the two-tier local administration model by the second quarter. It will also complete socio-economic and land-use planning, and address thousands of stalled projects, including those in renewable energy.

He affirmed the Government’s determination to complete the above tasks by the second quarter of 2026, stressing the need for clearer responsibilities of localities in the work.

Administrative reform will also be accelerated, he stated, noting that special mechanisms and policies for particular locality will be reviewed, with ministries tasked to finalize plans to cut unnecessary procedures and business conditions by April 15, reduce compliance costs, and improve the business climate.

On infrastructure, PM Hung said the Government will priorities major and strategic transport, energy, and logistics projects, alongside adjustments to the national power development plan to ensure energy security and expand renewable energy.

Improving human resources is the third breakthrough, with efforts focused on high-quality workforce training linked to innovation, digital transformation, and stronger cooperation among universities, research institutes, and businesses.

To sustain high growth, total social investment is projected to reach around 40% of GDP in the current term, 33% higher compared to the previous term, with public investment accounting for just 20%, requiring the remainder to be mobilized from private and foreign sources. The PM stressed that a transparent and stable legal framework is essential to attract such capital.

He underscored that all growth targets must be built on macroeconomic stability, warning against “overheating” growth that could undermine economic fundamentals. The Government, he added, is closely coordinating fiscal, monetary, and trade policies to mitigate global market fluctuations.

Calling 2026 a pivotal year, the PM affirmed that the Government will continue refining its policies based on feedback from lawmakers to ensure effective implementation of development plans.

VNA-

ADB forecasts Vietnam's GDP growth at 7.2% for 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:20:00 GMT

Vietnam’s growth this year continues to be affected by global uncertainties, according to ADB experts.

According to the Asian Development Outlook April 2026 (ADO) report, released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on April 10, ADB forecast Vietnam’s GDP growth at 7.2 per cent for 2026 and 7 per cent for 2027.

The forecast was released amid rising external risks and heightened global uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's inflation is forecast to increase to 4 per cent in 2026 before easing to 3.8 per cent in 2027.

Along with that, industrial sector growth is expected to moderate to 7.7 per cent in 2026. Meanwhile, the services sector is projected to expand by around 7.5 per cent this year, supported by a recovery in tourism and the continued expansion of technology-driven activities.

Agricultural growth is expected to remain stable at 3.6 per cent for 2026.

Mr. Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Vietnam, noted that the Vietnamese government responded swiftly to energy supply disruptions triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

“Time-bound fiscal measures, including tax relief, the use of the stabilization fund, flexible price adjustments, and stronger supply coordination, have helped contain near-term inflationary pressures and support growth,” he said.

However, downside risks remain significant. A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt flows of oil, gas, and fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz, raising shipping costs and causing delays. Together with the war in Ukraine, these developments are intensifying commodity price volatility and placing further strain on global supply chains. Weaker growth in key trading partners could also narrow Vietnam’s trade surplus and weigh on growth.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung, ADB Chief Economist in Vietnam, the country’s 2026 growth may face greater challenges, as it will be measured against a high base from the previous year.

Besides, the global economy is expected to become more difficult and may slow down, thereby reducing demand for Vietnam’s exports as well as foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

Therefore, in the period ahead, Mr. Hung noted that advancing institutional reforms, including the ongoing administrative restructuring, along with improvements in public investment and the legal framework, could boost medium-term growth by enhancing public sector efficiency, attracting more private investment, and strengthening the resilience of the Vietnamese economy.

Moreover, ADB experts also suggested that strengthening Vietnam’s corporate bond market will be essential to mobilize long-term financing beyond bank credit and support sustained investment. Enhancing transparency, ensuring consistent regulations, and broadening market participation will be key to improving investor confidence and market efficiency.

If implemented effectively, ongoing reforms in this area could position the corporate bond market as a stable source of long-term finance for sustainable and inclusive growth, according to the experts.

vneconomy-Phuong Nhi