VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Top leader inspects key infrastructure projects in Hanoi

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 04:00:00 GMT

General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that timely completion will ensure smooth traffic along the ring roads, better meet residents’ travel needs and improve connectivity across the urban transport network.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on October 10 inspected two key infrastructure projects in Hanoi, urging local authorities to complete outstanding work on schedule, ensure smooth traffic flows and priorities transport infrastructure in urban planning, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

The projects consist of a parking and green space complex between Ring Road 1 and La Thanh street, and Ring Road 2.5.

At the Hoang Cau–Voi Phuc section of Ring Road 1, the top leader inspected the parking and green space project, which covers about 6,803 sq.m and is funded by the municipal budget.

He praised Hanoi’s decisive leadership and relevant agencies' efforts in accelerating site clearance and ensuring the project remains on schedule. He also commended local households for relocating in support of the city’s policies, thereby facilitating construction and helping alleviate traffic congestion.

He asked for road widening to remain a priority in areas between Ring Road 1 and La Thanh street where site clearance has been completed.

At Ring Road 2.5, which runs through Cau Giay ward, General Secretary and President Lam urged municipal authorities to ensure close coordination among relevant agencies, address remaining tasks and complete the entire project as planned.

He stressed that timely completion will ensure smooth traffic along the ring roads, better meet residents’ travel needs and improve connectivity across the urban transport network.

The leader instructed the municipal Management Board for Transport Construction Investment Projects to work closely with relevant agencies and local authorities to ensure proper operation and maintenance, construction quality and safety, and efficient use of public investment.

Construction along both sides of the roads must be strictly managed, with transport infrastructure given the top priority, he stressed, noting that parking facilities and business areas must be arranged appropriately to meet residents’ needs while maintaining a green, clean and attractive urban landscape.

HCM City proposes stricter criteria for eco-industrial parks

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:40:00 GMT

A draft resolution proposes a roadmap to convert 10 existing industrial parks and 3 industrial clusters into eco-industrial models by 2045.

Ho Chi Minh City is finalising a draft resolution on criteria for eco-industrial parks and industrial clusters, along with support mechanisms to help existing facilities transition to the new model.

The draft regulation introduces not only environmental requirements but also quantitative criteria for resource efficiency, industrial symbiosis, shared infrastructure and the proportion of eco-friendly businesses. It proposes a roadmap to convert 10 existing industrial parks and three industrial clusters into eco-industrial models by 2045, supported by financial incentives and reimbursement obligations for entities that fail to meet their commitments.

To be qualified as an eco-industrial business, companies must demonstrate compliance over the two years before registration in seven areas: investment, enterprise operations, construction, land, environmental protection, fire prevention and control, and labour.

For resource efficiency, businesses must implement at least three measures covering resource efficiency, cleaner production or the circular economy. Each measure must reduce the use of raw materials, water, energy or chemicals by at least 5%. Alternatively, businesses must demonstrate at least a 5% reduction in waste, scrap or environmental emissions.

For new investors, according to the draft, the simple 5% savings threshold would be replaced by a requirement to apply the best available techniques (BAT) used in developed countries.

For eco-industrial clusters, at least 23% of land must be allocated to greenery, transport, shared technical infrastructure and social infrastructure. Newly developed clusters must reserve at least 12% for green space. Each cluster must have at least one industrial symbiosis activity, with participating businesses applying appropriate ISO management systems.

At least 10% of businesses operating in a cluster must meet eco-business criteria, or more than 15% must implement cleaner production solutions. Clusters must also provide accommodation, services and public amenities for workers.

For eco-industrial parks, the requirements are higher. At least 25% of land must be allocated to greenery, transport and shared technical and social infrastructure, rising to 28% for newly developed parks. Green space must account for at least 12%, while social infrastructure must make up at least 2%.

Each industrial park must have at least three industrial symbiosis activities and apply an appropriate ISO management system. At least 25% of businesses must implement resource-efficiency, cleaner-production or circular-economy measures and demonstrate savings in materials, energy, chemicals or waste. Alternatively, at least 10% of businesses must meet eco-business standards.

-Nguyet Ha

Da Nang earmarks $131 mln to relocate nearly 7,200 families from disaster-prone areas

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Under a recently-approved plan, the central city will relocate and resettle 7,174 households across 160 designated areas.

The People’s Council of central Da Nang city has approved a key master plan aimed at protecting residents' lives and property from natural disaster risks across two phases 2026–2030 and 2031–2036.

Under the plan, the city will relocate and resettle 7,174 households across 160 designated areas. Among these, 31 zones have already received financing or formal project approvals, accommodating 1,279 households. The city plans to roll out fresh investments across the remaining 129 zones to resettle 5,895 households, with proposed funding exceeding VND3.417 trillion ($131 million).

During the 2026–2030 phase, Da Nang will channel nearly VND2.256 trillion ($86.7 million) into 66 zones, providing safe housing arrangements for around 3.476 households.

In the subsequent 2031–2036 phase, the city will invest in the remaining 63 areas to rehouse approximately 2,419 households, with an estimated investment of nearly VND1.2 trillion ($44.8 million) drawn from the city’s medium-term public investment budget.

According to Permanent Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Ho Ky Minh, relocation priority will be granted to households living in zones facing acute risks of landslides, flash floods, inundation, and other natural hazards. Crucially, municipal authorities mandated that population restructuring must be paired with synchronized development of essential infrastructure, ensuring adequate conditions for agricultural production, local employment, and sustainable long-term livelihoods.

Under the implementation roadmap, Da Nang will focus on finalizing project paperwork and completing pre-investment procedures throughout 2026.

The 2027–2030 period will prioritize high-risk disaster zones and projects with committed financing. From 2031 to 2036, the city will systematically execute the remaining areas in order of priority, while addressing newly emerging resettlement needs, completing supporting infrastructure, and stabilizing socio-economic livelihoods for relocated residents.

VnEconomy-Ngo Anh Van

Vietnam motorcycle market up 10.4 percent in third quarter

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s two-wheeler market recorded a 10.4 percent year-on-year sales increase in Q3 2026, according to the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM).

According to the VAMM report published on October 9, total sales volume across VAMM’s six member companies - Honda Vietnam, Yamaha Motor Vietnam, SYM Vietnam, Piaggio Vietnam, Vietnam Suzuki, and Kawasaki Motors Vietnam - reached 686,661 units during the third quarter.

This result represents the strongest growth pace since the beginning of the year, maintaining a steady recovery trajectory for domestic motorcycle consumption. The sales performance provides crucial financial support for manufacturers after a prolonged period of market saturation and intense competition from alternative personal transport segments.

Commercial momentum in Q3 2026 was driven primarily by the peak back-to-school shopping season, combined with aggressive financial promotion campaigns launched by authorized dealerships.

Mass-market automatic scooters and affordable manual motorbikes continued to serve as the primary sales pillars, while sport manuals and premium automatic scooters contributed positively to profit margins across VAMM members.

However, rising sales figures do not indicate that the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) motorcycle market has escaped structural saturation. With average ownership exceeding 0.7 vehicles per capita in major metropolitan areas, growth headroom through pure quantitative expansion of ICE motorbikes has reached its ceiling.

A decisive factor reshaping Vietnam’s motorcycle landscape is regulatory pressure and new environmental policies. Hanoi’s official pilot and expansion of the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme, alongside stricter urban emissions standards in place as of October 2026, have established a countdown for fossil-fuel two-wheelers operating in inner-city areas.

The policy roadmap to restrict and eventually phase out petrol two-wheelers in urban cores by 2030 is directly influencing consumer purchasing decisions, forcing buyers to weigh traditional petrol models against electric options to avoid future depreciation and traffic restriction risks.

Facing regulatory transition, product portfolios announced by VAMM in its Q3 report reveal a strategic turning point as legacy manufacturers actively join the electrification race.

While the two-wheeled electric vehicle (EV) market was previously dominated by dedicated domestic and international EV brands, VAMM members have formally integrated pure electric models into their official commercial distribution channels.

The growing presence of electric models within VAMM’s product portfolio reflects adaptive strategy under competitive pressure from pure-play EV operators such as VinFast, Yadea, Dat Bike, and Selex Motors. Legacy joint ventures are investing in research and bringing EV models into the domestic market to build supporting ecosystems, gauge consumer sentiment, and prepare for large-scale transition.

Legacy joint ventures face a complex economic balancing act: maintaining revenues from existing petrol models while committing substantial capital to construct integrated charging, battery-swapping, and service networks.

Simultaneously, manufacturers are expanding big-displacement, adventure, and lifestyle motorcycle lineups through brands like Kawasaki, Suzuki, Piaggio, and Honda. As mass-market commuter segments face EV competition, producers are targeting recreational buyers, where traditional engine dynamics retain unique appeal.

Vietnam’s two-wheeler market is projected to maintain modest growth into Q4 due to year-end holiday demand, with full-year 2026 sales expected to exceed 2.6 million units.

However, industry competition is fundamentally shifting from pure unit volume toward energy technology, digital connectivity, and battery ecosystem integration for the 2027-2030 business cycle.

-Phi Hung

Ho Chi Minh City's retail sales rise 13.8% in 9M

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reaching VND1.49 quadrillion ($56.6 billion).

Retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in Ho Chi Minh City reached nearly VND1.49 quadrillion ($56.6 billion) in the first nine months of 2026, up 13.8% year on year, providing a solid foundation for the year-end shopping season.

Revenue in the third quarter alone totalled VND523.84 trillion, an increase of 15.5%. Retail sales of goods reached approximately VND699.43 trillion over the nine-month period, up 17.2%, while September retail sales rose 17.6% year on year.

In September, revenue from household goods, equipment and appliances increased 21.2% year on year, while sales of wood and construction materials surged 41.6%. Food and foodstuffs remained the largest retail category by revenue share, although sales declined 0.9% from a year earlier.

Retailers are extending the shopping season rather than relying solely on a few peak sales periods at the end of the year. Under Ho Chi Minh City’s 2026 concentrated promotion program, the second promotional period will run from November 11, 2026, to February 2, 2027.

The city’s large consumer market and improving purchasing power offer retailers significant opportunities to accelerate sales in the final months of the year.

-Uyen Phuong

HCM City targets over 181,200 social and rental houses by 2030

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Since the beginning of 2026, three social housing projects comprising 2,283 units have been completed and put into use.

Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up efforts to deliver 181,257 social and rental housing units between 2026 and 2030, as part of its sustainable urban development strategy.

At a socio-economic press briefing on October 8, the city’s Department of Construction outlined the annual targets for the five-year period. The plan calls for 9,000 units in 2026, 57,657 in 2027 and 38,200 units annually from 2028 to 2030.

Since the beginning of 2026, three social housing projects comprising 2,283 units have been completed and put into use. Another 13 projects, with approximately 14,000 units, have recently broken ground.

Overall, 25 projects comprising around 22,900 units are currently under construction across the city.

In 2026, the city expects 13 projects providing approximately 9,000 units to be completed. A further 17 projects, with a combined scale of around 18,000 units, are expected to complete construction from the foundation stage upwards, making them eligible for consideration for market launch in accordance with regulations.

The city’s housing program is intended to address growing demand for affordable accommodation while supporting sustainable urban development. Expanding social and rental housing is also expected to improve access to housing for residents amid continued urban growth.

-Pham Vinh

Malaysia recognises five Vietnamese Halal certification bodies

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:00:00 GMT

With five recognised bodies, Vietnam ranks third globally by the number of JAKIM-approved Halal certification organisations, behind Australia and Japan.

Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) has recognised five Vietnamese organisations and companies authorised to issue Halal certificates, out of 96 certification bodies from 49 countries worldwide, according to Mr. Phung Van Thanh, Commercial Counsellor at the Vietnam Trade Office in Malaysia.

Halal certification serves as a mandatory “passport” for consumer products targeting Malaysia’s Muslim market. The Halal label confirms that food products are produced, processed and distributed in compliance with strict Islamic principles and requirements. JAKIM’s recognition allows approved certification bodies to authorise the use of Halal labels on product packaging and display certification signs at production facilities.

As of August 21, 2026, the five recognised Vietnamese bodies were the Halal Certification Agency of Vietnam (HCA), Halal Vietnam Co., Ltd. (HVN), Vietnam National Halal Co., Ltd. (VNH), Vietnam Halal Inspection and Certification Company (VINAHIC), and Global Halal Certification Co., Ltd. (GHC). They are headquartered in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with branches in Can Tho.

With five recognised bodies, Vietnam ranks third globally by the number of JAKIM-approved Halal certification organisations, behind Australia and Japan.

The recognition is expected to make it easier for Vietnamese businesses to export Halal-certified products and services to Malaysia, opening up greater access to the country’s Muslim consumer market.

Obtaining JAKIM Halal certification requires strict compliance throughout the entire supply chain, from the selection of raw materials and processing to storage, packaging, transportation and distribution.

-Song Ha

Prime Minister to dialogue with 300 youth delegates

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:00:00 GMT

Under the theme "Fostering the Role of Vietnamese Youth in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Driving Economic Growth, and Job Creation," the program will focus on evaluating the implementation of youth policies, particularly those governing employment, startups, human resource development, and vocational training.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung alongside other government leaders and representatives from various ministries and agencies will meet with young citizens to hear their aspirations, during the Prime Minister Dialogue with Youth 2026 scheduled for October 15.

The event is expected to gather approximately 300 delegates representing diverse youth segments including civil servants, armed forces personnel, young entrepreneurs, industrial workers, students, rural and urban youth, ethnic minorities, religious followers, and youth with disabilities.

The upcoming dialogue forms part of a implementation plan recently issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs for the Prime Minister Dialogue with Youth 2026. The initiative aims to create a national platform for young people to express their perspectives, proposals, and policy recommendations tied closely to science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Under the theme "Fostering the Role of Vietnamese Youth in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Driving Economic Growth, and Job Creation," the program will focus on evaluating the implementation of youth policies, particularly those governing employment, startups, human resource development, and vocational training.

Participants will identify existing bottlenecks and propose actionable solutions to perfect the legal framework in the coming period.

Discussions will address mechanisms to enhance education quality and vocational skills, prioritizing digital capabilities, technology fluency, foreign languages, and adaptability to evolving labor market demands. Attention will also center on helping young workers improve professional capacity and labor productivity to meet the requirements of emerging economic sectors and the broader digital economy.

Furthermore, government representatives and youth leaders will examine policies facilitating market access, credit availability, land use, and technology transfer for young entrepreneurs.

The dialogue will explore strategies to support startup incubators, encourage digital transformation and artificial intelligence adoption in business models, and create favorable regulatory conditions for youth-led enterprises, cooperatives, and novel economic structures to join domestic and global supply chains.

Government officials are scheduled to receive, discuss, and resolve youth recommendations during the event, addressing queries within their authority while outlining clear roadmaps for complex policy issues that require multi-agency coordination and continuous monitoring.

-Phuc Minh

Biometric transfer rules tightened to combat AI impersonation

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:40:00 GMT

Under these rules, authentication systems must satisfy stringent technical benchmarks, obtain verified certifications, and align with international standards on anti-deepfake capabilities to block the exploitation of AI and unauthorized biometric data for fraudulent schemes.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is set to tighten biometric authentication standards to prevent artificial intelligence (AI) and deepfake impersonations, while introducing a mandatory minimum 24-hour transaction delay mechanism to counter fraud.

Scheduled to take effect in 2027, the incoming regulations aim to reinforce transaction security and protect payment service users.

Speaking at a recent press conference for Vietnam Digital Payments Day 2026, Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Payment Department at the SBV, noted that cross-referencing user biometrics against the National Population Database has significantly curbed fraudulent mule accounts as well as the illicit renting, buying, borrowing, and selling of bank accounts.

However, Mr. Tuan underscored that biometric matching is not an all-encompassing shield against fraud. Driven by rapid technological shifts, criminals increasingly deploy generative AI and deepfakes to circumvent checks and data-validation layers instituted by payment service providers.

"To be frank, bad actors have successfully bypassed certain biometric verification stages at several payment service providers," Mr. Tuan said.

According to the official, outlining long-term remedies, the central bank has incorporated rigorous technical specifications for biometric cross-referencing into formal legal and regulatory frameworks.

Under these rules, authentication systems must satisfy stringent technical benchmarks, obtain verified certifications, and align with international standards on anti-deepfake capabilities to block the exploitation of AI and unauthorized biometric data for fraudulent schemes.

Payment service providers and payment intermediaries that fail to meet these technical requirements will be barred from offering the corresponding services.

"Because institutions require time to upgrade infrastructure and meet the new technical specifications, the regulations include transitional provisions and are slated to enter into force in 2027," said Mr. Tuan.

He anticipated that adopting these elevated standards will make authentication systems across payment service providers substantially more robust and secure.

Nonetheless, the SBV representative reiterated that technical defenses merely mitigate fraud risks rather than eradicate criminal activity outright.

Notably, starting March 1, 2027, payment service providers will be required to offer tools enabling customers to set custom transaction caps and activate an optional 24-hour delay on transfers directed toward accounts with which they have had no transaction history over the preceding 12 months.

VnEconomy-Tung Thu

Ho Chi Minh City expands foreign homeownership project list

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City has added ten residential developments to its official list of projects permitted for sale to foreign organizations and individuals, aligning with citywide efforts to attract international investment and accommodate a growing workforce of foreign experts and engineers.

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee announced the approval of ten housing construction projects for foreign ownership, marking the 13th release of such project lists by municipal authorities.

This update brings the total number of foreign-accessible residential developments across Ho Chi Minh City to approximately 160 projects.

The newly approved portfolio encompasses diverse residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments located across key administrative wards.

These include the C1 and C2 high-rise apartment complex within the Hung Phu Residential Area in Tam Binh Ward, developed by Hung Phu Invest JSC; the Hoang Ha My Residential Area in An Phu Ward, developed by Hoang Ha My Real Estate Co., Ltd.; and the residential, commercial, and office complex in An Khanh Ward, developed by G Homes House Development JSC.

Further entries on the approved list feature the Ngoc Luc Bao 68 Apartment Complex, commercially known as The Emerald 68, in Binh Hoa Ward, developed by Le Phong Group JSC, alongside The Emerald River Park Apartment Complex in Lai Thieu Ward, developed by Minh Phuc Real Estate Investment and Development Co., Ltd., and the Thanh Loc Commercial Apartment and Hotel Complex in Thuan An Ward, developed by Thanh Loc Real Estate Investment Co., Ltd.

Rounding out the selection are the Loc Phu Gia Residential Area in Phuoc Hoa Commune, developed by Levacom Real Estate JSC, the Block A High-Rise Apartment Building in the Tan Phu Ward Residential Area in Tan My Ward, developed by Bao Gia JSC, Phase 1 of the Dong Duong Commercial and Service Apartment Complex in Dien Hong Ward, developed by Kingdom Dong Duong JSC, and Phases 1, 2, and 3B of the Saigon River Complex Residential Area, commercially known as Saigon Pearl, in Thanh My Tay Ward, developed by Vietnam Land SSG Co., Ltd..

As Ho Chi Minh City advances its strategic goals to establish an international financial center, foster free trade zones, and scale its high-tech semiconductor industry, residential demand among foreign experts is projected to increase rapidly. Expanding the list of eligible developments addresses immediate market needs while reinforcing the city's broader economic attractiveness to foreign capital.

Under the 2023 Housing Law and Government Decree 95/2024/ND-CP, foreign entities and individuals may acquire residential properties upon satisfying clear regulatory criteria. Foreign investment enterprises must present a valid Investment Registration Certificate, while foreign entities operating in Vietnam require appropriate operational authorization documents. Foreign individuals must possess valid entry clearance and remain ineligible for diplomatic or consular privileges.

Foreign buyers are authorized to own housing units within commercial residential projects and urban housing developments, provided the property does not lie within restricted national defense and security zones.

Statutory ownership caps restrict foreign buyers to a maximum of 30 percent of total apartment units within a single condominium building, or no more than 250 individual houses within a ward-equivalent population area.

-Thien Di

JICA commits $630 million annual loans to support Vietnam’s growth target

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:10:00 GMT

JICA plans to direct these loan facilities toward projects assisting Vietnamese enterprises with technology transfer, business matching, and improved financial access.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) plans to provide approximately ¥100 billion ($630 million) in official development assistance (ODA) loans annually to support Vietnam’s economic expansion targets.

Mr. Fukuda Chihiro, Deputy Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam Office, announced the plan at a press conference on October 7.

The agency plans to direct these loan facilities toward projects assisting Vietnamese enterprises with technology transfer, business matching, and improved financial access.

JICA executives also noted that the anticipated upgrade of Vietnam’s stock market to secondary emerging market status could attract additional high-quality capital inflows into the domestic economy.

Mr. Kobayashi Yosuke, Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam Office, detailed that the agency’s support strategy focuses on four primary pillars: science and technology human resources, private sector development, business environment optimization, and strategic infrastructure development.

Mr. Yosuke noted that Vietnam’s economic growth over recent decades relied heavily on labor-intensive manufacturing, foreign direct investment (FDI), and global integration. Policy makers are currently pursuing new growth drivers to achieve Vietnam’s ambition of becoming a high-income nation by 2045.

Over the past fiscal period from October 2025 to September 2026, Japan committed ¥89.3 billion ($567 million) across three strategic projects in Vietnam. Funded initiatives include climate-resilient infrastructure development in northern mountainous and midland regions, rural disaster resilience enhancement, and support for green financing policy formulation.

The green financing policy initiative represents a new-generation ODA loan worth ¥50 billion ($318 million), structured as concessional financing featuring streamlined approval and rapid disbursement protocols.

According to JICA representatives, project efficacy is evaluated based on policy issuance, implementation quality, and measurable impacts rather than total capital disbursed. Specific measurable metrics include green bond issuance volumes and renewable energy penetration ratios.

Japanese development support to Vietnam expanded significantly over the past year following a period from October 2024 to September 2025 when no new loan agreements were executed. Prior to the latest commitments, Japan signed a ¥42 billion ($265.6 million) loan agreement in late 2023 for Ho Chi Minh City’s Urban Railway Line 1 connecting Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien.

Japan remains Vietnam’s largest bilateral ODA provider through late 2025. Cumulative Japanese concessional loans to Vietnam have exceeded ¥3 trillion ($19 billion), according to JICA data.

-Ngan Ha

CapitaLand rallies over 8,500 participants to support vulnerable children and youth in Vietnam

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Group’s charity initiative sees a $98,000 donation go to the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.

More than 8,500 participants rallied behind the fourth edition of CapitaLand Development’s “Together We Step: Step For Kindness” campaign, surpassing its target to achieve 490 million individual steps.

The achievement unlocked a $98,000 donation from the CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of the CapitaLand Group, to the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation.

Mr. Tan Tze Wooi, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Vietnam), presents the CapitaLand Hope Foundation(CHF)’s $98,000 donation to Ms. Skye Maconachie, Co-CEO of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, to advance education and skills development for vulnerable children and youth.

The donation is the final tranche of CHF’s three-year commitment of up to $270,000 to support vulnerable children and youth in Vietnam through education, vocational training, life skills, and leadership development. Participants contributed their steps over a four-month campaign comprising an online challenge and an outdoor community event on October 4 at Ocean City.

Across four editions, Step For Kindness has brought together employees, residents, business partners, and members of the public with a shared social purpose. Funding disbursed through CHF’s partnership with the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation has enabled more than 200 children and young people to maintain access to formal education, supported more than 20 young people in vocational training, and provided over 70 children and young people with more than 20 skills development sessions.

Over 8,500 people gathered together at K-Town Ocean City for the fourth edition of Step For Kindness’s outdoor walking event.

“Every step taken through Step For Kindness created opportunities for vulnerable children and youth,” said Mr. Tan Tze Wooi, CEO of CapitaLand Development (Vietnam). “We are grateful to everyone who came together behind this cause and made this milestone possible. Our collective effort shows how small actions can make a meaningful difference when people unite around a shared purpose. As a long-term developer in Vietnam, we remain committed to working with trusted partners to help build stronger and more inclusive communities. Following the progress achieved with Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, CHF will continue investing in programs that empower vulnerable groups to shape brighter futures.”

“CHF’s sustained support has enabled us to accompany children and youth beyond an immediate moment of crisis,” said Ms. Skye Maconachie, Co-CEO of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. “Through education, vocational training, and skills development, young people can rebuild confidence, prepare for employment, and work towards greater independence. The collective commitment behind Step For Kindness shows them that a wider community believes in their potential and is prepared to walk alongside them.”

Singer and songwriter Bui Cong Nam performed at Ocean City, inspiring participants to step up for vulnerable children and youth.

Singer and songwriter Bui Cong Nam contributed online steps to the campaign and performed for the first time at the outdoor community event this year. “I enjoy staying active, and this campaign gave me a meaningful way to turn my daily steps into support for children and youth,” he said. “Performing at Step For Kindness event allowed me to see the wider community behind the effort. Giving back can begin with something simple, and when many people contribute together, those small actions can create real impact.”

The Fullton Regal, the second phase of CLD’s first luxury low-rise residential development in Hung Yen province, was the main sponsor of this year’s Step For Kindness campaign. Other partners supporting the outdoor charity walk included Ascott International Management Vietnam, the Vinhomes Joint Stock Company, VietinBank - Hanoi Branch, the Otsuka Nutraceutical Vietnam Co. Ltd., Gelato Stick Legend, SmartHeart Gold Vietnam, the Lifestyle Viet Nam Joint Stock Company, Parkway Dental, and BIBPIX Technology Ltd. Together, they brought their resources, networks, and expertise to the campaign, helping to broaden community participation and advance a shared commitment to supporting vulnerable children and youth in Vietnam.

Ninh Binh approves $44.5 million GMP medical manufacturing plant

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:30:00 GMT

The facility aims to build a GMP-certified complex producing human pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmetics, medical equipment, and medical supplies.

The People's Committee of northern Ninh Binh Province has approved investment adjustments for a VND1.17 trillion ($44.5 million) GMP-certified manufacturing plant producing pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmetics, and medical devices at Kim Binh Industrial Cluster over a 60-month timeline.

Under Decision 3619/QD-UBND of the Committee, the project will be developed by EMJ Ha Nam Joint Stock Company. Equity contributed by the investor accounts for over VND421 billion ($16 million), or approximately 36 percent of total capital, while the remaining VND750 billion ($28.5 million) will be raised through credit institutions in Vietnam.

The facility aims to build a GMP-certified complex producing human pharmaceuticals, functional foods, cosmetics, medical equipment, and medical supplies.

Under the approved capacity, the plant is designed to manufacture approximately 1.25 million boxes of pharmaceuticals and 700,000 boxes of functional foods annually. Annual output for cosmetics is targeted at 850,000 to 1.1 million boxes, while consumable medical devices and basic supplies will reach 250,000 to 500,000 boxes per year.

The project will be executed across 60 months from October 2026 to September 2031. During the initial 24 months, the developer will construct Phase 1, comprising one manufacturing workshop, a wastewater treatment station, and related technical infrastructure.

From the 25th to the 35th month, the investor will initiate commercial operations for completed items meeting operational criteria. Phase 2 will run from the 36th to the 60th month, focusing on completing remaining facilities and bringing the entire complex into full operation.

Ninh Binh provincial authorities mandated strict compliance with environmental protection regulations. All wastewater must be collected and treated to meet Column A standards under QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT (National Technical Regulation on Industrial Wastewater in Vietnam, issued under Circular 06/2025/TT-BTNMT of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) before discharge into the environment.

The Ninh Binh Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment was tasked with monitoring environmental compliance. In the event of discharge violations, the investor must immediately suspend operations, bear remediation costs, and pay compensation in accordance with law.

-Nguyen Thuan

Power tariffs to be frozen, service fee hikes capped to curb inflation

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 07:10:00 GMT

Among the key cost-push factors, petroleum products are considered to have the widest spillover impact, directly affecting not only commuting expenses but also freight transport, manufacturing, product distribution, and ultimately end-consumer retail prices.

In the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 4.52% year-on-year—higher than the 3.27% increase logged in the same period of 2025 and exceeding the full-year target of 4.5%. Looking ahead to the end of the year, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) plans to restrict price hikes on select public services, freeze electricity tariffs, and deploy fiscal tax measures to alleviate upward pressure on overall price levels.

Addressing questions regarding room for inflation management in the final stretch of 2026 at the ministry's regular third-quarter press briefing on October 6, Ms. Le Thi Tuyet Nhung, Deputy Director General of the Price Management Department, noted that upward price pressure is intensifying as fuel prices rebounded sharply in Q3, triggering ripple effects across economy-wide costs.

Against the backdrop of keeping 2026 inflation anchored near the 4.5% target, the Ministry of Finance has instructed line ministries, government agencies, and local authorities to closely track market supply and demand trends as well as commodity prices, particularly for essential goods. Accordingly, securing adequate supplies remains the top priority to prevent shortages from driving up consumer prices in the final months of the year.

In parallel, ministries, agencies, and localities must actively forecast market demand, formulate suitable pricing plans, and tighten inspections on price regulations to curb hoarding, speculation, and artificial price hikes.

According to Ms. Nhung, for localities experiencing higher-than-average price surges, the MoF has requested an in-depth breakdown of pricing structures and root drivers. This will help identify which specific goods are exerting the strongest upward pressure on the CPI, enabling tailored administrative solutions.

Among the key cost-push factors, petroleum products are considered to have the widest spillover impact, directly affecting not only commuting expenses but also freight transport, manufacturing, product distribution, and ultimately end-consumer retail prices.

To mitigate pressure from these foundational commodities, the MoF submitted and secured the Government’s issuance of Resolution No. 43/2026/NQ-CP on September 30. The resolution extends preferential import tariffs, environmental protection taxes, and value-added tax reductions on gasoline, oil products, production raw materials, and aviation fuel from October 1 through December 31, 2026.

This serves as a crucial fiscal tool to cool input costs across the economy, thereby aiding price stabilization efforts late in the year. Given that volatile energy prices can spill over into numerous goods and service categories, maintaining tax relief on these commodities remains an essential price-management measure, Ms. Nhung said.

Another vital consideration is the timing and magnitude of tariff adjustments on state-priced goods and public services.

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi stressed that capping 2026 inflation within the threshold mandated by the National Assembly is a priority task firmly directed by the Government and the Prime Minister.

On that basis, the ministry will continue price management by securing strategic supplies, balancing petroleum availability, avoiding electricity shortages across the economy, and guaranteeing abundant supplies of essential goods.

For state-administered goods and services, the Government will continue steering tariff adjustments in electricity, healthcare, and education to minimize compound inflationary impacts on the CPI.

“With these combined solutions, I am confident we will achieve our target of keeping 2026 CPI growth strictly within the ceiling authorized by the National Assembly,” said Mr. Chi.

VnEconomy-Hoang Son

Social housing loan interest rate set at 6.5% per annum, after six adjustments

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 01:10:00 GMT

The initial scale of the social housing loan program was VND120 trillion (nearly $4.62 billion), with participation from four state-owned commercial banks.

The interest rate for social housing loans is currently set at 6.5% per annum for homebuyers and 7% for investors. The preferential interest rate period is five years for homebuyers and three years for investors, according to a statement by Mr. Nguyen Xuan Bac, Deputy Director in charge of the Credit Department for Economic Sectors at the State Bank of Vietnam, at a press briefing on October 7.

Mr. Bac stated that the initial scale of the social housing loan program was VND120 trillion (nearly $4.62 billion), with participation from four state-owned commercial banks. To date, the program has expanded to include 11 commercial banks, with a total scale exceeding VND153 trillion. As of August 31, 2026, the disbursement turnover of the social housing loan program reached approximately VND17.5 trillion, an increase of about VND9.95 trillion compared to the end of 2025.

The program's interest rate has been adjusted six times, currently standing at 7% per annum for investors and 6.5% per annum for homebuyers. The preferential interest rate period is three years for investors and five years for homebuyers.

For homebuyers under 35 years old, the preferential period extends to 15 years. In the first five years of borrowing, the loan interest rate is 2% per annum lower than the average medium and long-term VND lending rate of the four state-owned commercial banks. For the next ten years, the loan interest rate is 1% per annum lower than this rate.

By August 31, 2026, the committed loan amount reached approximately VND50.3 trillion. The program's disbursement turnover reached about VND17.5 trillion, an increase of approximately VND9.95 trillion compared to the end of 2025, with outstanding loans amounting to around VND14.3 trillion.

Specifically, for the loan program for young people under 35 years old purchasing social housing began on May 31, 2025. By the end of August 2026, the disbursement turnover reached approximately VND577 billion, with outstanding loans standing at about VND531 billion.

According to Mr. Bac, the supply of social housing has been limited recently. The government and relevant ministries have implemented various solutions to improve the supply of social housing. As a result, the commitment to disbursement has increased significantly, nearly three times compared to the end of 2025. Disbursement will be carried out according to the construction progress based on the completed volume and the needs of the project investors.

In the future, the State Bank will continue to direct its regional branches and credit institutions to actively implement the program, while closely coordinating with the Ministry of Construction to monitor the implementation situation.

Additionally, Mr. Bac provided further information on the outstanding loans of other major credit programs.

The outstanding loans for the infrastructure credit program reached approximately VND16.91 trillion. For the strategic infrastructure investment credit program in electricity, transportation, and technology, Mr. Bac noted that the program has a scale of VND500 trillion, with 21 commercial banks registered to participate, and is set to run until the end of 2030.

The infrastructure credit program offers preferential interest rates at least 1-1.5% per annum lower than the average lending rate for the same term of the lending bank. The minimum preferential period is two years.

Participating banks have issued internal guidelines to implement the program within their systems and are currently ready with the capital to deploy. As of August 31, 2026, the outstanding credit of the program at commercial banks stood at approximately VND16.91 trillion.

In the coming period, many large projects are expected to be implemented, requiring substantial capital. Based on the credit capital needs of these projects, commercial banks will consider lending according to regulations.

Another credit program, focusing on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, has outstanding loans amounting to VND238.129 trillion. This program initially had a scale of VND15 trillion. After four expansions in scale and scope, the program's current scale is VND185 trillion.

By the end of August 2026, the cumulative disbursement turnover of the program reached nearly VND238.12 trillion, equivalent to 128.7% of the program's scale, with 88,434 customers receiving disbursements.

On September 25, 2026, the State Bank issued Official Dispatch 8839/NHNN-TD, requiring 18 commercial banks participating in the program to report, evaluate the implementation results, and propose future implementation directions to provide a basis for advising competent authorities to continue the program.

-Hoang Lan

Enterprises to be empowered to set fuel prices

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A draft decree grants pricing authority to enterprises, but price calculations must adhere to the formula prescribed by the state.

A new draft decree on fuel trading aims to operate under a market mechanism with state management, granting pricing authority to enterprises, enhancing the capacity of key traders, and ensuring a stable supply.

At a regular quarterly press conference held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade on October 7, Ms. Nguyen Thuy Hien, Deputy Director of the Domestic Market Management and Development Department (the Ministry of Industry and Trade), stated that fuel trading significantly impacts people's lives, business activities, and social welfare.

Following the Government's directives, the draft decree on fuel trading, which, upon its promulgation, will replace existing decrees, has undergone four rounds of consultation with government members and continues to seek input from affected parties for completion.

On September 30, the Ministry of Industry and Trade held a broad consultation conference with the participation of production enterprises, key traders, distributors, retailers, and related parties. The draft's content was thoroughly analyzed and discussed. Based on the maximum absorption of feedback, the Ministry is urgently finalizing the draft to submit to the Government.

Regarding control tools, monitoring the formation and management of fuel prices to be set by enterprises, especially when global prices fluctuate but enterprises have not promptly adjusted accordingly, Ms. Hien stated that the draft decree's overarching goal is for fuel prices to operate closely following a market mechanism with state management. The draft grants pricing authority to enterprises, but price calculations must adhere to the formula prescribed by the state.

Enterprises must declare the pricing formula, constituent factors, and explain cost fluctuations on the price database system built and managed uniformly nationwide by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Regarding the automatic warning mechanism, Ms. Hien mentioned that the software system is designed with features to alert unusual fluctuation factors. This data is promptly linked to local Departments of Industry and Trade and the Market Management force to serve regular inspections and promptly detect enterprises with unreasonable declarations or unexplained price increase/decrease factors.

Concerning the principles and basis for enterprises' price adjustments, the State will not regulate prices on a fixed weekly cycle as before. Enterprises are allowed to determine prices based on actual business costs and actual shipments.

However, price adjustments must have valid grounds when price-forming factors fluctuate (input costs, profits, standard costs, etc.). Among these, standard costs remain a factor managed by the state, being a framework for enterprises to apply in the formula. Additionally, enterprises must base their actions on the state's price stabilization scenarios when necessary.

Currently, retail fuel prices in the country are often calculated from purchase prices determined by traders based on actual business conditions. However, public opinion suggests that this calculation method leads to the principle of "buy high, sell high, buy low, sell low" according to reality and does not promptly reflect daily global price fluctuations, potentially causing discrepancies and the risk of fuel smuggling abroad.

Addressing this issue, Ms. Hien stated that fuel stored in tanks, reservoirs, and containers makes it challenging to rigidly regulate the precise tracking of each batch purchased and sold for pricing. The goal of fuel price management is to move towards a transparent, competitive market mechanism closely following global price signals, with the highest priority being energy security and supply assurance.

Regarding the regulation that key fuel traders must meet a minimum total supply of 300,000 m3/tons per year, and if not meet for two consecutive years, their licenses will be revoked, Ms. Hien stated that this regulation aims to enhance the actual capacity of key enterprises, ensuring national energy security.

Currently, more than half of the key traders meet this criterion. For those who have not yet met it, there is a roadmap until 2027 to allow time for investment in infrastructure, storage facilities, and expanding distribution networks. "The regulation does not aim to immediately eliminate enterprises but to motivate units to enhance their competitive capacity," Ms. Hien affirmed.

Regarding concerns that key traders might dominate prices to the detriment of retail businesses, Ms. Hien stated that the new draft decree not only grants pricing authority to key traders but also to independent distributors (estimated at over 10,500 enterprises), ensuring fair competition and diverse supply sources in the market. The draft is also designed to reduce intermediary levels from three to two, making the market more transparent and streamlined.

In response to feedback, the drafting committee has added specific regulations to prevent and strictly handle anti-competitive agreements and unfair competition practices in accordance with the Competition Law.

Regarding ensuring fuel supply amid complex geopolitical conflicts, especially in the Middle East, Ms. Hien stated that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proactively developed response scenarios early (since the tensions in March-April). Currently, domestic supply is fully assured. Key enterprises closely follow the total supply allocation progress; inventory reserves at refineries and storage systems are at high levels.

Regarding current domestic fuel price management, it continues to closely follow global market developments. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance will coordinate to flexibly manage tools: continue proposing and implementing tax reduction policies (such as environmental protection tax, value-added tax, import-export tax as directed by the Government), and use the Price Stabilization Fund flexibly and timely when the market experiences significant fluctuations.

"From now until the end of the year, the overall balance of fuel supply is fundamentally assured, fully meeting the needs for business production and people's daily life," Ms. Hien affirmed.

-Huyen Vy

Irish grass-fed beef debuts in HCMC

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:40:00 GMT

The market opening comes as agri-food trade between Vietnam and Ireland sees expanding growth potential, enabling Irish exporters to access Vietnamese consumers seeking premium beef products.

The Irish Food Board launched Irish grass-fed beef in Ho Chi Minh City on October 5, following Vietnam’s authorization of Irish beef imports in January, creating new momentum for the bilateral agri-food trade between the two countries.

The market opening comes as agri-food trade between Vietnam and Ireland sees expanding growth potential, enabling Irish exporters to access Vietnamese consumers seeking premium beef products.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr. Ronan Cunniffe, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam, said: “The opening of the Vietnamese market to Irish beef in January marks a new chapter in Ireland-Vietnam trade relations, coinciding with 30 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries. This achievement reflects years of collaboration between Irish and Vietnamese authorities, industry partners and businesses in both countries. As Ireland and Vietnam continue to strengthen our economic and agricultural ties, Vietnamese consumers can now enjoy Irish beef for the first time.”

According to the Irish Food Board (Bord Bia), Ireland’s beef export turnover reached approximately €3.4 billion ($3.7 billion) in 2025, up 24 percent year-on-year, while beef offal exports reached €155 million ($170 million), representing a 12 percent increase.

John Stone Fine Foods, a producer with nearly 60 years of industry experience, is introducing its grass-fed and dry-aged beef products to Vietnam through its local partner, Passion Gourmet Foods.

The firm targets premium restaurants, hotels, and discerning consumers. By supplying various cuts, including bone-in portions and pre-portioned cuts, the company aims to satisfy diverse culinary demands.

Regarding culinary compatibility with Vietnamese gastronomy, John Stone representatives demonstrated that Irish beef adapts well to Asian cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

At the launch, products were prepared in dishes inspired by both Japanese and Vietnamese cuisines, combining dry-aged grass-fed beef with indigenous Vietnamese ingredients.

Beyond product quality, Bord Bia emphasized full traceability and strict production standards. Ireland’s national food and drink sustainability program, Origin Green, enforces independently verified standards covering carbon footprint reduction, animal welfare, and supply chain traceability.

Ms. Lorna Allen, Bord Bia Southeast Asia Manager, highlighted Vietnam as a key strategic market in Southeast Asia, where consumer demand for food safety, origin, and quality is rising rapidly.

She expressed confidence that Origin Green enables Irish exporters to provide products verified by independent sustainability standards, while Bord Bia aims to expand partnerships with Vietnamese importers, chefs, and retail operators.

To support market penetration, Bord Bia published its Beef Market Entry Guide for Vietnam in May and hosted a delegation of Vietnamese importers in Ireland in August to observe grass-fed farming models, processing facilities, and quality assurance standards firsthand.

-An Na

Vietnam’s electricity output rises 9.3% in 9M

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:25:00 GMT

Total electricity generated and imported across the national system reached 265.79 billion kWh in the first nine months of 2026.

Vietnam’s power supply remained stable in the first nine months of 2026, with electricity generation and imports rising 9.3% year on year, according to Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

Total electricity generated and imported across the national system reached 29.97 billion kWh in September, up 9.2% from the same month last year, bringing the total output in the first nine months to 265.79 billion kWh.

Coal-fired power remained the largest source, generating 132.63 billion kWh, or 49.9% of the total. Hydropower contributed 68.48 billion kWh, accounting for 25.8%, while gas-fired power generated 20.48 billion kWh, or 7.7%.

Renewable energy supplied 33.6 billion kWh, equivalent to 12.6% of the total output. Solar power accounted for 21.5 billion kWh and wind power 10.85 billion kWh. Electricity imports contributed a further 10.3 billion kWh, or 3.9%.

EVN and its affiliated units also accelerated investment in the national power grid. During the first nine months, work began on 136 grid projects, including two 500kV, 18 220kV and 116 110kV projects. A total of 131 projects were put into operation, comprising five 500kV, 16 220kV and 110 110kV projects.

Electricity generation and imports are expected to reach 88.97 billion kWh in the fourth quarter, up 11.3% year on year, as demand continues to rise alongside economic activity.

-Huyen Vy

New incentives proposed to boost tourism as key economic sector

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 07:40:00 GMT

Corporate income tax would be exempted for two years, followed by a 50% reduction in tax payable for the next three years on income generated from products created under new tourism models.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is drafting a National Assembly resolution on special mechanisms and policies to develop tourism into a key economic sector, as outlined in Resolution 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo on developing Vietnam tourism into a spearhead economic sector in the new era.

Under the proposed policies, projects operating under new tourism business models would receive a reduction of at least 50% in land rental payments during their first three years. Corporate income tax would also be exempted for two years, followed by a 50% reduction in tax payable for the next three years on income generated from products created under these new tourism models.

In addition, personal income tax would be exempted for two years and reduced by 50% for the following three years on salaries and wages earned by experts and households from products generated by new tourism business models.

The proposed measures aim to strengthen tourism growth by 2030, with a focus on developing three major tourism growth poles – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang – alongside 10 key tourism centres and 20 national tourism areas. By 2030, Vietnam aims to have around 1.5 million accommodation rooms, while the tourism sector is expected to create approximately 2.3 million direct jobs and 3.5 million indirect jobs.

-Nhu Nguyet

U.S. Mission to Vietnam expands partnerships to build a skilled, future-ready workforce

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 03:30:00 GMT

This week the U.S. Mission to Vietnam launches two initiatives to support Vietnam's goal of building a skilled, future-ready workforce...

U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ms. Jennifer Wicks, launched NeoTECH EnglishWorks! nationwide on October 5.

The program, which is the latest investment in expanding English language training in Vietnam and will be implemented by Hanoi University of Industry, will help students and teachers at ten Vietnamese universities build practical English skills for the high-tech workplace.

Ambassador Wicks affirmed that English is more than a language. "For students in technical fields, strong English skills open doors to information, professional networks, and career opportunities," she added. "By investing in English education, the United States is proud to support Vietnam's young people and strengthen our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."

In addition to NeoTech EnglishWorks, the U.S. Mission also supports English language development across Vietnam through the English Access Program, the VietTESOL International Convention, and the American English Viewing Marathon.

Further, the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Program, launched in Vietnam in 2008, sends up to 22 U.S. college graduates to gifted high schools, colleges and universities across Vietnam every year to foster English teaching and learning while providing for cultural exchange between Americans and Vietnamese students.

Also, the Peace Corps currently has 36 volunteers teaching English in high schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. A new group of 19 volunteers just arrived on October 5.

In addition to NeoTECH EnglishWorks!, the Mission also will host a U.S. Pavilion at the International Conference on Education Cooperation in the Digital Era and the Education EdTech Exhibition (IECEE), to be organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) on October 8–9 in Hanoi.

The U.S. Pavilion showcases six U.S. universities and five private sector companies along with the U.S. Mission’s education programs. In addition, U.S. based Educational Testing Service, the largest private educational and testing service, and four other U.S. firms will have their own booths or pavilions to showcase how their companies can help Vietnam achieve its goals for higher education reform and workforce development.

The U.S. Pavilion features six American universities: the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and Oklahoma State University. Amazon Web Services, ELSA Corp, Google, Khan Academy Vietnam, and Meta are also taking part. U.S. experts are speaking on “Advancing Vietnamese Education with American Innovation,” international super intelligence (SI) partnerships, and strategies for building digital universities.

According to the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), more than 900 delegates have registered, including about 400 for the higher education session. Later this year, the U.S. Embassy will bring representatives from three leading U.S. institutions to Vietnam to share their experiences designing SI curriculum for undergraduate and graduate programs.

For more than three decades, Vietnam and the United States have partnered together to advance education in Vietnam. From the first Fulbright program in 1992 to this week’s events, education has been foundational to the bilateral relationship and a key element of the Vietnam - U.S. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Through these efforts and its work with the MOET, the U.S. Mission supports Vietnam's workforce development and advances the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

These new initiatives connect Vietnamese learners and educators with U.S. universities, U.S. businesses, and American English-language expertise.

-Ngoc Lan

Tax refunds exceeding VND149 trillion in 9 months

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 02:10:00 GMT

Of the total refunded amount, value-added tax refunds for exported goods and services accounted for the largest proportion, accounting for 84%.

As of the end of September 2026, the entire tax sector issued 14,668 tax refund decisions with a total amount of VND149.463 trillion (more than $5.752 billion), an increase of 46% compared to the same period last year, according to an announcement by Mr. Le Long, Deputy Director of the Department of Taxation, at the Ministry of Finance's third-quarter press conference, held on October 6 afternoon.

In addition to accelerating the processing of applications, tax authorities are strongly shifting towards data and risk-based management, aiming to automatically determine the eligible refund amounts.

As a result, to date, 99% of tax refund applications have been received electronically, with 73% of applications classified by the system as priority refunds and 87% resolved within a period of 6 working days.

Of the total refunded amount, value-added tax refunds for exported goods and services accounted for the largest proportion, with VND125.018 trillion, accounting for 84% of the total refund amount.

Cumulatively, in the first 9 months in 2026, the total state budget revenue managed by the Tax Authority is estimated to reach VND1,937,992 trillion (nearly $74.6 billion), equating to 86.4% of the statutory estimate.

Meanwhile, the entire sector conducted 46,939 tax inspections, recommending the handling of nearly VND59 trillion; the recovery of tax debts reached approximately VND61.311 trillion.

-Lan Anh

Harnessing the public

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 01:08:00 GMT

Vietnam’s goal of posting annual double-digit economic growth would be greatly helped by translating the country’s great national unity into a development resource

As Vietnam enters a new phase of development, its goal of double-digit GDP growth reflects an aspiration to achieve rapid and sustainable development and lay a solid foundation for the country’s objectives to 2030 and 2045. This is first and foremost an economic challenge, but viewing it solely through an economic lens is not enough.

To sustain high growth for many years, Vietnam cannot rely primarily on higher investment, resource extraction, low-cost labor, or expanded production. Growth must increasingly be driven by productivity, science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, high-quality human resources, modern institutions, and the more efficient allocation of resources.

Yet behind all these factors are people. Every percentage point of growth reflects millions of decisions on investment, production, work, consumption, learning, and innovation by citizens, businesses and other social actors. Even a sound policy becomes a material force only when people understand and support it, businesses have confidence in it, and the implementation apparatus acts responsibly.

Double-digit growth therefore cannot be the sole responsibility of the government, ministries, localities, and the business community. It must become a shared goal, aspiration, and endeavor across society.

Consensus for growth

Rapid growth inevitably brings major changes. Organizational restructuring, digital transformation, AI, automation, green transition, infrastructure development, urbanization, and the reallocation of resources create opportunities while also affecting the interests and livelihoods of different groups.

New technologies may create industries while displacing some jobs. Infrastructure can expand economic opportunities while affecting land, livelihoods, and communities. Administrative reform can improve efficiency while also affecting the employment and benefits of some public sector workers.

If these impacts are not identified early, people’s concerns are not heard and the interests of the State, businesses and citizens are not reconciled, the social costs of reform will rise. Social consensus therefore cannot be an afterthought; it must be built into the policymaking process.

The public consultation on the draft resolution amending and supplementing several provisions of the 2013 Constitution offers a notable example. Within a short period, the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) system, political and social organizations, and member organizations held 61,791 conferences and collected more than 51.19 million opinions, including more than 48.6 million from individuals and nearly 2.6 million from organizations.

The significance lies not only in the scale of participation but in the mechanism created for people to directly contribute to a matter of national importance. The same approach can be applied to major development policies and projects, particularly those affecting livelihoods and living conditions.

The VFF should therefore be involved at an early stage by providing information, organizing dialogue, gathering opinions, identifying differences, and conveying them accurately to the Party and State. In this sense, it should be more than a “bridge”; it should become a platform for building consensus around development.

Great national unity is a strategic policy of Vietnam’s revolution, but its meaning in the new period needs to be translated more directly into development.

Unity is not simply about bringing together different social forces. It is about connecting and harnessing their resources: the knowledge of intellectuals and scientists; the capital and management capabilities of entrepreneurs; the skills and creativity of workers; the production experience of farmers; the technological dynamism of young people; the growing economic and social role of women; the experience and credibility of veterans, older people, religious dignitaries and community figures; and the economic potential, knowledge, and international networks of Vietnamese people overseas.

This requires a shift from “mobilizing forces” to “organizing resources”; from “launching movements” to “delivering development outcomes”; and from “mobilizing people to participate” to “creating conditions for people to become actors in development.” That would represent a new stage in translating great national unity into a development resource.

Double-digit growth will not come solely from major investment projects. It will also be the cumulative result of millions of improvements, innovation, and productivity gains at businesses, cooperatives, production facilities, and communities.

Unlocking resources

Rapid growth requires the reduction of unnecessary costs created by institutional bottlenecks, cumbersome procedures, and inertia. This is another area where the VFF and mass organizations can make a direct contribution.

Under its 2025 work program, the VFF system set specific oversight targets, including at least three nationwide programs by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, at least two oversight areas for each political and social organization, and at least two for provincial VFF committees. Social criticism was also required for draft laws and legal documents at different levels.

The next challenge is choosing issues with the greatest impact on people and development. Priority should include administrative procedures, investment projects, land, housing, the environment, policies affecting businesses and cooperatives, vocational training, social welfare, and the disbursement of national target programs.

Double-digit growth will have meaning only if living standards improve and development gains are shared fairly. The transition to a new growth model may create groups that benefit quickly while leaving others vulnerable, including workers displaced by automation, people forced to change livelihoods, farmers affected by urbanization, older people, people with disabilities, the poor, and communities with limited access to technology.

The VFF and its member organizations need to identify these risks early. Experience from the “For the Poor” Fund, Great Unity houses, and the housing program shows that substantial social resources can be mobilized, but the next step should be to shift from “supporting hardship” to “building development capacity.”

A poor household may need a home, but the next priority must be a livelihood. A worker who loses a job needs immediate assistance, but also retraining for new employment. A disadvantaged young person may need a scholarship, but should also have access to vocational training, entrepreneurship opportunities, and the labor market.

Social welfare is therefore not separate from growth. Effective welfare policies help people participate in growth and make that growth more inclusive and sustainable.

Utilizing ideas

The experience of collecting more than 51 million opinions on constitutional reform shows the potential for broader mechanisms to harness public intelligence for socio-economic development.

Regular forums, both in person and on digital platforms, could give intellectuals, entrepreneurs, scientists, workers, farmers, young people, and Vietnamese people overseas opportunities to propose development initiatives. But gathering ideas is only the first step: proposals must be categorized, directed to the relevant agencies, followed by feedback, and effective models should be tested and scaled up. This would help turn dispersed knowledge and experience across society into a shared national resource.

These ambitions ultimately require the VFF and its member organizations to change themselves. A digital society cannot be mobilized primarily through meetings and documents, nor can people be effectively represented if activities remain distant from the grassroots.

The focus should shift from activities to outcomes; from one-way communication to dialogue; from broad campaigns to targeted priorities; from reporting to forecasting and solutions; and from managing members to serving members and the people.

Digital transformation should become a fundamental operating model. The 2025 target for 100 per cent of VFF committees at all levels to implement digital transformation and apply information technology should go beyond digitizing documents to building real-time channels for understanding public concerns, receiving petitions, conducting consultations, and measuring satisfaction.

VFF officials will consequently need not only public mobilization skills but also greater knowledge of economics, law, technology, digital communications, social governance, and public policy. Organizational streamlining should similarly mean fewer layers but faster responses, less administration but stronger representation, and greater ability to reach and serve the people.

National advantage

Financial resources can be mobilized from markets and technology can be researched, transferred, or imported. Trust and social consensus, however, cannot be bought.

A society with high trust can implement policies at lower cost. Communities capable of cooperation can mobilize resources faster, while people confident in the future are more willing to invest, work, innovate, and contribute.

The VFF’s record of mobilizing tens of trillions of VND for the poor, thousands of billions of VND for disaster relief, bringing society together to eliminate more than 334,000 temporary and dilapidated homes, and collecting more than 51 million opinions on a matter of national importance demonstrates that this strength is real.

The challenge now is to turn what has often been mobilized in moments of crisis or major campaigns into a permanent capacity for development.

Achieving double-digit growth is a major challenge, but behind more than 100 million Vietnamese people lies an enormous reservoir of knowledge, labor, creativity, capital, culture, patriotism and aspiration. The mission of the VFF, political and social organizations, and mass associations is to connect these resources and enable them to reinforce one another.

When the country’s development aspirations become the aspirations of citizens; when workers see productivity as a contribution to national competitiveness; farmers see the value of their products as part of growth; entrepreneurs see business expansion as intertwined with national development; intellectuals see their creativity valued; and Vietnamese at home and abroad find opportunities to contribute, great national unity will become more than a political and social foundation.

It will become a resource for development and a distinctive competitive advantage for Vietnam - and a practical foundation for achieving double-digit growth and building a prosperous and happy country in the new era.

(*)Dr. Nguyen Minh Chung is a Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organizations.

- Dr. Nguyen Minh Chung (*)

Matters of trust in fighting digital scams

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:40:00 GMT

As digital scams become ever-more common, recent reports have found that Vietnam has both a strong need for intervention and a relatively-broad public mandate to act.

Vietnam is entering a new phase in its digital transformation, in which the challenge is no longer simply connecting people and businesses but ensuring they can participate online with confidence. The country ranked fifth in ASEAN in the 2026 Digital Nations Index from GSMA Intelligence, which assessed digital readiness across infrastructure, innovation, data governance, security, and people. At the same time, the ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026, also from GSMA Intelligence, found that Vietnam has the region’s highest recent scam victimization rate among the six markets surveyed, with 13 per cent of consumers reporting that they had been scammed in the past 12 months.

Vietnam is strengthening the policies, infrastructure, and institutions needed for a more technology-intensive economy while consumers are confronting increasingly sophisticated forms of digital deception. Yet the ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026 also identified an important strength: trust in Vietnamese institutions remains comparatively high. The challenge now is to turn that trust into a coordinated defense system before unresolved cases begin to erode it.

From connectivity to trust

Vietnam’s digital ambitions are increasingly centered on data, AI, and the wider digital economy. The country has approved its National Digital Transformation Strategy for 2026-2030, with a long-term ambition of becoming a data- and AI-driven digital nation by 2045. The Strategy aims to fully digitalize administrative records by 2030 and raise the digital economy’s contribution to GDP to at least 30 per cent, positioning data and AI as key growth engines.

The broader regional environment is moving in the same direction. ASEAN adopted the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2030 in January 2026 and the Digital Economy Framework Agreement in May, with the latter designed to support digital trade, cross-border data flows, payments, consumer protection, AI, and cybersecurity. The regional digital economy is expected to grow from $1 trillion to $2 trillion by 2030.

Against this backdrop, digital trust is becoming an economic requirement rather than simply a cybersecurity concern. The 2026 Digital Nations Index report defined trust as confidence that digital systems, services, and the organizations behind them will operate securely, reliably, transparently, and accountably while protecting users’ rights and interests. It links trust to all five pillars of a digital nation: resilient infrastructure, trusted innovation, responsible data governance, security, and people’s ability to participate confidently in the digital economy.

Vietnam’s fifth-place ranking suggests that its digital foundations are advancing, though significant gaps remain. The Index places it in the 50-75 score band for infrastructure, data governance, security, and people, while in innovation it stands in the 25-49 band. All five components showed improvement from 2025.

The infrastructure push is also creating new requirements for resilience. ASEAN already has more than 2,000 data centers across key markets, including in Vietnam, while investment in Southeast Asia’s data center sector could approach $30 billion by 2030. As cloud services, AI, and digital public infrastructure become more important to economic activity, resilience and availability are becoming as important as connectivity itself.

Rising scams

The most striking finding from the ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026 is the combination of high exposure and high institutional trust in Vietnam. Thirteen per cent of Vietnamese consumers surveyed said they had been scammed within the previous 12 months; the highest rate among the six markets covered and significantly above the ASEAN average of 8 per cent. Vietnam also recorded the highest recognition of AI techniques used in scams, at 95 per cent.

Despite this exposure, trust in institutions has not fallen in parallel. Some 91 per cent of Vietnamese respondents were aware of government anti-scam programs, 82 per cent were comfortable sharing data with the government, and 62 per cent rated government protection highly; all regional highs. Meanwhile, 76 per cent were comfortable allowing their mobile operator to use their data to detect fraud; also the highest level among the six markets.

This puts Vietnam in an unusual position: it has both a strong need for intervention and a relatively-broad public mandate to act.

But the ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026 warned that this trust could weaken if victims repeatedly report scams without seeing meaningful resolutions. Across ASEAN, 68 per cent of scam victims lose money, and 82 per cent of those who lose money recover none of it. Meanwhile, 45 per cent of reported cases remain unresolved. Victims typically report to multiple organizations, including financial institutions, police, digital platforms, and telecom operators.

The problem is therefore shifting from awareness to resolution. Nearly half of victims report scams involving more than one channel, meaning no single organization has a complete view of the case. The report recommends that a case reported at any entry point should be registered once and made visible to the organizations capable of acting on it, rather than requiring victims to repeatedly navigate different institutions.

Unresolved cases can also undermine the trust needed for the next generation of digital defenses. Among reported victims, 52 per cent whose cases had been resolved considered SMS trustworthy, compared with only 32 per cent of those whose cases remained unresolved. Similar gaps emerged in willingness to share personal data with conversational platforms and allow digital platforms to use data for fraud detection.

For Vietnam, where willingness to share data with government and telecom operators is particularly high, preserving that confidence could be crucial.

Securing the digital economy

The 2026 Digital Nations Index report identified four interconnected foundations of digital trust: identity, secure communications, resilient networks, and collective intelligence. Together, they address basic questions users face online - who they are dealing with, whether an interaction is safe, whether the underlying infrastructure is reliable, and how emerging threats are identified and managed.

Mobile operators are particularly important because they sit across all four foundations. They operate communications networks, participate in identity verification, secure infrastructure, and have access to network intelligence that can reveal suspicious activity. The report argued that operators are increasingly moving from being connectivity providers to becoming providers of trust.

For Vietnam, this could mean using telecom infrastructure more actively in fraud prevention. Authentication APIs, number verification, and SIM-change signals can help financial institutions and digital platforms identify suspicious activity, while network-level intelligence can help detect and block fraudulent communications before they reach users.

Vietnam already has an example of infrastructure being designed around resilience. The 2026 Digital Nations Index noted that Viettel had built redundancy into its 5G core, allowing prioritized traffic-slicing layers to support government and emergency-rescue communications during severe coastal typhoons and maintain service continuity when terrestrial links are damaged.

The same principle can be applied to fraud prevention. Instead of relying primarily on consumers to recognize suspicious calls, messages or websites, telecom operators, financial institutions, digital platforms, and government agencies can combine their respective signals to identify risks earlier.

The policy challenge, however, is to make these safeguards targeted rather than burdensome. The ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026 found that consumers across the region already experience online transaction friction, at 5.7 out of 10, and would accept a maximum of 6.4 in exchange for stronger protection. Vietnam has one of the narrowest margins, at just 0.5 points, suggesting that additional security measures should focus on high-risk transactions rather than being applied indiscriminately.

Vietnam’s digital transformation strategy sets an ambitious course toward a data- and AI-driven economy, while its position in the 2026 Digital Nations Index shows that many of the necessary foundations are advancing. The ASEAN Consumer Scam Report 2026, meanwhile, highlighted the vulnerability that comes with deeper digital adoption.

The immediate priority is therefore not simply raising awareness. Vietnamese consumers already show high awareness of scams and AI-enabled deception. The greater opportunity lies in creating a system in which reporting is coordinated, outcomes are measurable, funds can be recovered where possible, and trusted data can move securely between the organizations that need it.

-Diep Linh

Transport sector maintains double-digit growth

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Road transport accounting for the overwhelming majority of freight volume in the first nine months of the year.

Vietnam’s transport sector continued to record strong growth in September, with both passenger and freight transport posting double-digit increases from a year earlier, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.

Passenger transport reached 663.4 million passenger trips during the month, up 18% year on year, while passenger traffic rose 14% to 30.8 billion passenger-kms.

Freight transport totaled 321.9 million tons, up 19.3%, while freight traffic increased 17.9% to 62.7 billion ton-kms.

In the first nine months, passenger transport increased 17.4% year on year to 5.3 billion trips, while passenger traffic rose 11.9%. Domestic passenger transport accounted for 5.286 billion trips, up 17.4%, while international passenger transport reached 15 million trips, an increase of 4.1%.

Freight transport totaled 2.58 billion tons during the 9-month period, up 15.8%, with freight traffic increasing 12.8%. Domestic freight accounted for the overwhelming majority at 2.536 billion tons, up 15.8%, while international freight reached 44.5 million tons, rising 13.4%.

Road transport accounted for the overwhelming majority of freight volume in the first nine months.

Of the total 2.58 billion tons of goods transported during the period, road freight reached 1.95 billion tons, up 17% year on year.

Inland waterway transport ranked second, handling 499.4 million tons, an increase of 13.1%. Maritime transport reached 123.9 million tons, up 9.6%.

Rail freight, by contrast, declined sharply, with 3.4 million tons transported, down 18.6% from the same period last year. Air freight remained a very small segment, at around 0.3 million tons, although it increased 2% year on year.

-Tuan Khang

Thu Dau Mot - Ho Chi Minh City metro line project approved

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The entire route spans about 33.2 km, with approximately 17.7 km elevated and the remainder underground.

The Thu Dau Mot - Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 2 has been approved by the municipal People's Committee with a route length of approximately 33.2 km, featuring 11 elevated stations and 13 underground stations.

The projected metro line will connect Thu Dau Mot in the former province of Binh Duong (now part of Ho Chi Minh City) with the city center.

According to the approved plan, the entire route spans about 33.2 km, with approximately 17.7 km elevated and the remainder underground.

The line begins at Station S5 of the urban railway project Line 1 (New Binh Duong City - Suoi Tien) in Binh Duong Ward and ends at Tao Dan Station of Metro Line 2, Ben Thanh - Tham Luong segment, in Ben Thanh Ward in the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

The design of the line aims to integrate with other urban railway lines which are under construction, as well as connect with the national North-South railway and future planned railway lines.

The route passes through 16 wards, including Binh Duong, Phu Loi, Thu Dau Mot, Thuan An, Thuan Giao, Lai Thieu, Binh Hoa, Tam Binh, Hiep Binh, Binh Thanh, Gia Dinh, Thanh My Tay, Saigon, Xuan Hoa, Ben Thanh, and Ban Co.

The project includes 24 stations, with 11 elevated (from C0 to C10) and 13 underground (from C11 to C23). A depot is planned at Hiep Binh Phuoc in Tam Binh and Hiep Binh Wards for maintenance and overnight parking.

After the route and construction locations were determined, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assigned the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) to implement the project according to the approved content and relevant legal regulations.

MAUR is responsible for reviewing and assessing the impact between the project and structures along the route, completing the route plan and construction location documents, and submitting them to the Department of Planning and Architecture of the city for appraisal, stamping, and archiving as per regulations.

During implementation, if there are changes to some route directions and station locations, MAUR must compile and report to the Department of Planning and Architecture to advise the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on considering and approving adjustments to the route plan and construction locations as per regulations, along with other tasks.

The People's Committee requires MAUR to finalize the determination of the center of gravity for stations and depots in the project documents, serving as a basis for defining the boundaries of urban development model planning areas oriented towards public transport development (TOD).

The Thu Dau Mot - Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 2 is one of three metro lines expected to be submitted for approval in December, with construction starting at the end of the year and completion by 2030.

The project is currently undergoing appraisal for technology plans, key technical standards, and feasibility study reports for compensation, support, resettlement, route direction, and construction locations.

The Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board has submitted for appraisal the technology plan, standard list, technical standards, and feasibility study reports for compensation, support, and resettlement.

To implement the project, Ho Chi Minh City plans to reclaim approximately 81.2 hectares of land, affecting about 2,681 cases, with around 398 cases requiring complete clearance. The total compensation, support, and resettlement cost is estimated at nearly VND34.4 trillion (more than $1.32 billion), sourced from the city's budget.

-Thanh Thuy

Green shifts drive new growth phase in Vietnam packaging industry

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 08:30:00 GMT

With 81.2 percent of packaging companies citing green consumer demand as a crucial growth driver, Vietnam’s packaging industry is undergoing a structural transformation in 2026, according to a survey report by Vietnam Report.

According to the survey report, the market is opening up significant growth opportunities across various sub-segments. Growth headroom is no longer coming solely from the expansion of total demand, but from structural shifts as the market increasingly prioritizes packaging solutions that meet higher criteria for materials, recyclability, and environmental friendliness.

Furthermore, 100 percent of respondents recognized increasing the use of recycled raw materials as the single most critical ESG trend over the next five years. This shift aligns directly with stricter requirements across major export destinations, particularly the European Union, where recyclable content standards dictate international market access.

Beyond raw materials, emissions reduction and product traceability are fast becoming essential links in ESG execution across the sector. Approximately 57.7 percent of enterprises prioritize reducing carbon emissions across their entire value chain, while 50.1 percent focus on tracing raw material origin, reflecting a broader shift toward Scope 3 emissions management under the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.

With stringent requirements governing raw inputs and supply chains, carbon tracking and ESG compliance require precise operational data. Consequently, digital transformation is serving as the primary infrastructure enabling enterprises to quantify, track, and optimize sustainability targets.

The survey reveals that 68.4 percent of packaging enterprises have integrated digital technologies into specific production and management stages, while 25.9 percent have deployed digital systems enterprise-wide.

Market pressure is intensifying following the comprehensive application of the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation EU 2025/40, on August 12, 2026. The framework establishes mandatory lifetime standards spanning design, material use, reuse, recycling, and waste management.

In response, 96.5 percent of surveyed Vietnamese packaging firms have established and partially implemented ESG commitments, with 100 percent planning to increase ESG investments in 2026 to fulfill rising customer demands.

Consumer sentiment is actively reinforcing this market transition. Consumer survey results indicate that 33.9 percent of consumers are always willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly packaging, while 53.9 percent are willing to pay more if the price increase remains reasonable. Only 9 percent choose green packaging exclusively when no alternatives exist, and 3.3 percent are unwilling to pay any price premium.

While environmental awareness is altering purchasing behavior, commercial viability remains essential to bridging consumer interest and actual purchasing decisions. Packaging function has also evolved: clear, legible product information ranked highest among consumer priorities at 73.8 percent, outstripping storage convenience at 59.4 percent and attractive design at 54.2 percent, while 41.9 percent explicitly prioritized eco-friendliness and reusability.

As packaging evolves from a basic protective layer into a critical touchpoint for transparency, operational data, and trust, enterprises that proactively combine green materials, digital management, and supply chain transparency are best positioned to secure competitive advantages in 2026.

-Nhi Anh

Hanoi welcomes 27.5 million visitors in nine months

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:35:00 GMT

Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND113.2 trillion ($4.3 billion), up 13.3% year on year.

Hanoi welcomed an estimated 27.5 million visitors in the first nine months of 2026, up 6.2% from the same period last year, according to statistical data.

International arrivals reached approximately 6.67 million, up 22%, including around 4.7 million visitors who stayed overnight. Domestic tourists totaled 20.9 million, an increase of 2%.

Total tourism revenue recorded by the capital city in the nine=moth period was estimated at VND113.2 trillion ($4.3 billion), up 13.3% year on year.

Accommodation establishments also recorded strong growth. In the first nine months, they served 6.874 million visitors, up 24.3% from a year earlier. International guests accounted for 4.763 million, rising 25.7%, while domestic guests reached 2.111 million, up 21.2%.

Hanoi’s tourism profile also received international recognition. At the World Travel Awards ceremony for Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, held in Maldives on September 27, the capital was named Asia’s Leading City Break Destination and Vietnam’s Leading City Cultural Destination for 2026.

Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that Hanoi has won the Vietnam’s Leading City Cultural Destination title, following its victories in 2024 and 2025.

According to the World Travel Awards, Hanoi retained the 2026 title after competing against Ha Long, Hoi An, Ninh Binh and Sa Pa. The latest awards add to the capital’s growing international tourism profile as visitor numbers and tourism revenues continue to rise.

-Tuong Bạch

Hanoi launches TikTok channel to promote OCOP products and boost e-commerce

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 07:20:00 GMT

The program aims to translate national and municipal policies on digital transformation, the digital economy and e-commerce into practical initiatives, while implementing Hanoi’s plans for developing digital commerce.

The Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, in cooperation with the Hanoi Press and Broadcasting Agency, TikTok Vietnam Technology Co., Ltd. (TikTok Shop) and relevant agencies, launched the “Digital Store – Empowering Hanoi Merchants” program on October 6, alongside the official launch of the “OCOP HA NOI” TikTok channel.

The program aims to translate national and municipal policies on digital transformation, the digital economy and e-commerce into practical initiatives, while implementing Hanoi’s plans for developing digital commerce.

The “OCOP HA NOI” channel, which provides information related to "one commune one product" (OCOP) products produced and traded in the capital city, will serve as a digital content and commercial connection hub, promoting OCOP-certified products, traditional craft products, artisans, producers, businesses and Hanoi-based sellers through short videos, product stories, real-life experiences, livestreams and collaborations with content creators. Consumers will be directed from the channel to eligible sellers’ individual online shops.

The Department of Industry and Trade stressed that “OCOP HA NOI” is not a government-run online shop. State agencies will not directly sell products, process orders or receive payments. Individual sellers will operate their own shops and remain responsible for products, prices, inventories, orders, delivery and customer service.

The program will support businesses, cooperatives, household enterprises and OCOP producers in strengthening their digital presence, improving e-commerce capabilities and expanding market access. Participants will receive guidance on product information, online-store operations, video production, livestreaming, affiliate marketing and collaboration with creators and key opinion consumers.

The program also places emphasis on product quality, traceability and transparency. Participating products must meet circulation requirements, have clear origins and comply with relevant regulations, while sellers remain responsible for their products, information and transactions.

-Chu Khôi (Chu Minh Khôi)

Long Thanh airport launches full-acale operational trials ahead of commercial launch

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

ACV plans to commission the mega-airport in three distinct stages, with initial operations from December 2026 through March 2027 running at 6% to 10% of design capacity, handling 20 to 30 flights daily...

In preparation for commercial operations in December 2026, the new International Airport of Long Thanh in southern Dong Nai city is set to conduct three rounds of Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) trials: Phase 1 across September and October 2026, Phase 2 in November, and Phase 3 in December 2026, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

These comprehensive trials and drills follow three distinct operational scenarios, focusing on four core areas: passenger services and ground connectivity, baggage handling, airside operations, as well as security, safety, and IT systems. The objective is to identify potential risks, test operations, and verify the overall readiness of systems, infrastructure, and personnel before opening the airport.

Regarding construction progress, Component Project 3—which covers essential airport facilities—comprises 16 contract packages. To date, executed work value has reached nearly 86% of the total contract value. Among these, four packages have been completed, eight are on schedule with several elements exceeding 90% completion.

However, four critical-path packages face scheduling pressures: the passenger terminal, internal airport road networks and utility infrastructure, cargo terminal No. 1, and the multi-story parking facility. Contractors are mobilizing additional resources and re-organizing construction shifts to safeguard the December 2026 operational deadline.

ACV plans to commission the mega-airport in three distinct stages. Initial operations from December 2026 through March 2027 will run at 6% to 10% of design capacity, handling 20 to 30 flights daily—primarily domestic routes and short-haul international services.

Throughput will scale up to roughly 50% between April and October 2027, before reaching full design capacity with a complete international and domestic network in time for the airline industry’s winter schedule later that year.

During a recent working inspection on the Long Thanh International Airport project and its connecting transit routes, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc instructed ACV to submit a comprehensive project status report before October 7. The report must detail contractor bottlenecks, provide clear completion timelines across all packages, and lay out specific phased-operation schemes along with essential criteria to ensure safe and effective airport commissioning.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiet

Key trends driving global competition for Vietnam's high-skilled talent

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Vietnam’s demand for high-quality human resources over the coming years is set to outpace market supply. Rapid digital economy expansion, global talent mobility, and growing executive-level requirements are intensifying competition for skilled professionals.

Manpower Vietnam has identified three major shifts driving high-quality workforce demand and international expert movement over the coming decade, based on insights shared by the company’s Operations Director Vo Thi Bich Thuy.

First, demand for skilled talent is growing faster than market supply. According to Manpower’s Hiring Trends survey, 52 percent of businesses plan to increase hiring in the fourth quarter of 2026. Recruitment orders throughout 2026 show strong growth across artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, automation, logistics, supply chain, and high-tech manufacturing.

However, suitable talent shortages remain a critical bottleneck, with nearly 50 percent of surveyed firms taking longer to fill open roles compared to 2025 due to candidate scarcity. In the semiconductor industry, Vietnam targets 50,000 qualified personnel by 2030, but current supply stands at approximately 15,000 workers, covering only 30 percent of long-term demand.

Second, corporate expectations for high-skilled professionals are evolving. Formal qualifications, language proficiency, and managerial experience have shifted from key differentiators to baseline criteria. Enterprise demand now prioritizes mid- and senior-level candidates who can execute digital transformation, optimize operations, manage cross-border teams, and deliver organizational growth. Recruitment priorities have transitioned from finding candidates who operate existing workflows to selecting leaders who actively drive innovation and expansion.

Third, competition for top-tier talent is transitioning to a global scale. Domestic enterprises no longer compete solely within local markets; qualified AI specialists, factory directors, and senior executives can select roles across major international economic hubs. The shift requires Vietnam to compete globally not only for foreign direct investment but also to attract and retain domestic and international talent.

To align training capacity with national development priorities, Mr. Nguyen Tien Thao, Director General of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education and Training, noted that the ministry is executing targeted training programs in STEM fields, high-speed rail, nuclear engineering, IC design, and information technology.

By 2030, higher education requirements in both semiconductors and AI are each projected to surpass 50,000 qualified personnel, requiring closer institutional collaboration with enterprise end-users.

-Thu Hang

Hanoi leads Vietnam’s 2026 Provincial Innovation Index

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The Provincial Innovation Index (PII) provides data and evidence to help local authorities design and implement measures to improve the effectiveness of innovation activities and strengthen their innovation ecosystems.

Hanoi has retained its position as Vietnam’s leading locality in the 2026 Provincial Innovation Index (PII), according to results released by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The PII provides data and evidence to help local authorities design and implement measures to improve the effectiveness of innovation activities and strengthen their innovation ecosystems.

Among the nation's total 34 cities and provinces, Hanoi recorded the highest score at 63.80 points, ranking first nationwide, while the northern moutainous province of Cao Bang ranked 34th with the lowest score of 21.22 points.

The 10 leading localities were Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hue, Da Nang, Thai Nguyen, Tay Ninh and Hung Yen.

Hanoi led in 18 of the PII’s 52 component indicators, particularly those related to research and development and innovation. These included RD personnel and spending, the number of science and technology organisations, the proportion of businesses conducting RD and innovation activities, as well as intellectual property outputs such as patents, utility solutions, plant varieties, trademarks and industrial designs.

Hanoi also led indicators related to poverty reduction and human development.

Ho Chi Minh City ranked second and led 12 of the 52 component indicators. Its strengths included science and technology organisations, general infrastructure, private-sector credit, microfinance, business density, corporate RD and innovation activities, newly established enterprises and several intellectual property indicators.

-Ha Chi

Local execution breakthroughs to unleash business momentum: VCCI President

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Addressing the annual Vietnam New Economy Forum 2026 (VNEF 2026), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Sy Hung, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), affirmed that the past two years witnessed unprecedented institutional breakthroughs, unlocking developmental headroom and creating robust momentum for enterprises.

Driven by breakthrough institutional reforms, Vietnam’s business climate has seen tangible improvements. However, implementation capacity at the subnational level is now playing a decisive role in turning regulatory opportunities into sustainable growth momentum for the enterprise community.

Addressing the annual Vietnam New Economy Forum 2026 (VNEF 2026), held in Hanoi on Octover 3, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ho Sy Hung, President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), affirmed that the past two years witnessed unprecedented institutional breakthroughs, unlocking developmental headroom and creating robust momentum for enterprises.

Citing tangible examples from some localities, the VCCI President emphasized that the evolving policy framework is turning exceptionally favorable, granting substantial leeway and resilience to businesses.

In northern Phu Tho province, for instance, realized and registered foreign direct investment (FDI) reached $2.4 billion by the end of September 2026—achieving 151.3% of the annual target and doubling the figure recorded in the same period last year. In southern Tay Ninh province, a single investment promotion conference organized for the first eight months of 2026 saw 93 projects approved with aggregate registered capital of approximately VND900 trillion ($34.6 billion), of which groundbreakings commenced immediately on projects totaling VND116 trillion ($4.46 billion).

Cross-border trade also logged notable progress through the deployment of the "smart border gate" model in northern Lang Son province. Commercial vehicle throughput increased from 650–750 trucks per day in 2024 to more than 1,000 trucks per day, while customs clearance turnaround times fell from 4–5 days to under 24 hours, reducing operational costs for enterprises by 30% to 40%. Consequently, Lang Son's two-way trade turnover in the first nine months of 2026 exceeded $91 billion, up 37% over 2025.

Four critical gaps in execution

Emphasizing that developmental headroom for businesses remains substantial, Mr. Hung noted that the business community expects administrative bottlenecks to be dismantled with even greater determination.

Although registered FDI in the first nine months of 2026 recorded an impressive surge to $50.36 billion (up 76.4%), domestic private capital reached only around VND1.65 quadrillion ($63.5 billion)—lagging behind total social investment benchmarks and falling short of Government targets.

Several factors account for this discrepancy, prominent among which is a pronounced divergence in problem-solving efficiency among different localities. According to the VCCI President, this divergence stems from administrative political will and the organizational approach to execution.

Delegates at the Vietnam New Economy Forum 2026 (VNEF 2026) on October 3. (Photo: Viet Dnng/VnEconomy)

Drawing on empirical findings from VCCI's 2026 field surveys, he highlighted four major implementation gaps:

First, the gap between statutory authority on paper and real-world administrative behavior: Because governing regulations often lack clarity, enforcement bodies tend to adopt the safest course of action for themselves, shifting legal and procedural risks onto enterprises.

Second, the gap between central policy intent and local interpretation: Disjointed, inconsistent legal application across subnational jurisdictions exposes businesses to substantial operational uncertainty.

Third, the gap between decentralization and execution capability: While administrative machinery has been streamlined, professional human capital and technical expertise at the commune level have struggled to keep pace with newly delegated responsibilities.

Fourth, the gap between reducing administrative burdens and actively fostering development: While several localities have expedited paperwork processing, proactive developmental support remains limited, particularly toward household business establishments.

A 2026 VCCI survey covering more than 1,000 household businesses revealed that 73.3% faced significant or severe regulatory hurdles, and merely 15.6% planned to incorporate as formal enterprises within the next two years.

According to the VCCI President, these four disconnects make one thing clear: breakthrough execution cannot be achieved simply by churning out more administrative circulars or regulations; it requires structural changes to how delivery is organized, how accountability is apportioned, and how performance outcomes are measured.

Grassroots solutions for breakthrough execution

To bridge these gaps and achieve the national target of 2 million operating enterprises by 2030, Mr. Hung proposed four key solution clusters:

First, establishing "safe harbor" execution rules by codifying four statutory principles: When a regulation is subject to multiple interpretations, priority must be given to the interpretation most favorable to citizens and enterprises; public agencies may not reject administrative dossiers due to the absence of subordinate implementing guidelines; officials who act in strict compliance with written guidelines must be exempted from liability; and detrimental retroactivity must be strictly prohibited.

"These principles will give businesses the confidence to exercise their statutory rights, while providing local civil servants with a clear legal basis to act decisively and execute without fear," Mr. Hung stressed.

Second, ensuring unified nationwide statutory interpretation: Requiring ministries and central agencies to issue detailed implementing guidelines complete with reference annexes and concrete practical examples. Official guidance and formal clarifications provided to one locality must be made public to serve as standardized precedents for similar cases across all jurisdictions.

Third, upgrading grassroots capacity alongside data interoperability: Commune-level staffing allocations must be aligned with actual administrative caseloads rather than rigid headcounts, reinforced by technical backstopping from provincial authorities, while replacing manual inter-provincial paper verifications with centralized, real-time database queries.

Fourth, evaluating execution quality by concrete outcomes: Instituting an independent index to measure actual processing turnaround times, out-of-pocket compliance costs, and regulatory consistency across jurisdictions.

"Policy innovation creates opportunities, but execution capacity at the local level is the ultimate deciding factor in turning those opportunities into substantive economic growth," Mr. Hung said.

VnEconomy-Vu Khue

23rd Excellent Brands program announced

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The program was initiated by former Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, now Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times /VnEconomy, in 2003 to honor enterprises which make outstanding contributions to Vietnam's socio-economic development.

In the framework of the Vietnam New Economic Forum 2026 (VNEF 2026) held in Hanoi on October 3, the 23rd Excellent Brands took place, with the Vietnam Economic Association and Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy acting as co-organizers.

The Excellent Bands was initiated by former Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, now Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times /VnEconomy, in 2003 to honor enterprises which make outstanding contributions to Vietnam's socio-economic development.

This year, the event honored outstanding corporate brands in five categories: Leading Enterprises in the Digital Era; Leading Private Enterprises; Pioneering Green Transition Enterprises; Outstanding Development Enterprises; and Leading State-owned Enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Dao Quang Binh, Secretary General of the Vietnam Economic Association and Deputy Chairman of the Editorial Board of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam/Vietnam Economic Times/VnEconomy, stated that for 23 years of accompanying the business community, the Excellent Brands Program has continuously made positive contributions to the development of localities and the national economy, enhancing cooperation connections among the business community, and creating a platform for economic and cultural exchanges as well as sharing experiences in production, business, and brand development.

-Anh Nhi

Right people for the right positions

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Vietnam must determine how to bring its myriad human resources strategies into a single endeavor to meet anticipated requirements in the economy of the future.

Vietnam has adopted numerous strategies and policies on human resources development, from attracting and effectively utilizing talent and developing its intellectual workforce to building human resources for emerging sectors such as AI and semiconductors. The challenge now is how to connect these pieces into a unified system directly aligned with the Vietnamese economy’s human resource needs through 2045.

From numbers to skills

The challenge is becoming increasingly urgent as demands for higher workforce quality and productivity continue to grow. Vietnam had 53.7 million people aged 15 and above in the workforce in the first half of 2026, but only 29.7 per cent possess formal qualifications or certificates.

Notably, informal employment accounted for 61.7 per cent of the total, indicating that a large share of the workforce remains outside the formal employment sector, with more limited access to training, upskilling, and employment protection mechanisms.

The human resources gap, therefore, is not simply a matter of numbers, but also of quality, skills, and the ability to meet the demands of a new growth model. This requires a shift from an approach focused primarily on training by field of study toward forecasting and developing human resources based on the skills demanded by the economy.

Looking at Vietnam’s current human resources policy landscape, it is clear that the country has already developed many of the key building blocks for addressing its long-term workforce needs. On July 31, 2023, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 899/QD-TTg approving the National Strategy on Attracting and Utilizing Talent Through 2030, with a Vision to 2050. The Strategy aims to establish strong and breakthrough policies and solutions to attract and effectively utilize talent from both Vietnam and abroad, particularly in science and technology, education and training, healthcare, culture, information and communications, and digital transformation.

Vietnam has also adopted separate strategies and policies for intellectuals, science and technology workers, high-tech talent, AI, and other strategic sectors. These include Decision No. 2711/QD-TTg, issued on December 12, 2025, approving the National Strategy for Developing the Intellectual Workforce Through 2030, with a Vision to 2045. And since late 2024, work has also been underway on a Human Resource Development Strategy through 2030, with a Vision to 2050.

The larger question, however, is how to connect these strategies into a unified system aimed at building a human capital strategy for the future economy. If Vietnam is to become a developed, high-income country by 2045, it must answer a series of fundamental questions: What sectors will drive its economy in 2045? What occupations and skills will those sectors require? How many workers will Vietnam need? How many will be needed in the country’s major growth centers? Where should they be trained? How will businesses use and retrain workers? How can Vietnam retain domestic talent while attracting international talent?

Human resources planning

Vietnam must identify the industries and sectors it wants to develop strongly over the next 15 to 30 years. From there, it must determine the occupations, skills, workforce numbers, and competency levels required in each sector.

With semiconductors having been identified as a strategic technology sector, Vietnam will need semiconductor engineers as well as chip design engineers, process engineers, packaging and testing engineers, equipment and materials specialists, supply chain professionals, project managers, and research teams.

Likewise, developing an international financial center will require more than banking and securities professionals; it will also need specialists in asset management, risk management, derivatives, fintech, international financial law, fund management, international taxation, and other supporting services.

The human resources strategy toward 2045 should therefore establish a national human resources demand map for each five-year period - 2030, 2035, 2040, and 2045 - linked to economic development scenarios and priority industries. This would provide a basis for proactively adjusting the scale and structure of training based on projected demand, rather than simply responding to changes that have already occurred in the labor market.

Another important shift is to move the focus of training from “degrees” to “skills.” In a digital and AI-driven economy, workers may need to retrain multiple times throughout their working lives. Vietnam should therefore gradually develop a National Skills Framework that defines skill standards for key occupational groups and connects those standards with higher education, vocational education, corporate training, and professional certification systems. This should be accompanied by mechanisms for lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling.

This is also where businesses need to be placed at the center of the training system. Companies should not simply be destinations for students after graduation. They should participate from the outset in identifying skills needs, designing curricula, providing practical training, and assessing outcomes. A system in which businesses define the skills needed, training institutions provide the programs, workers accumulate skills, and businesses employ and continue to train them would be better aligned with the labor market of the future.

Talent market

A human resources strategy with a 2045 vision cannot be confined by geographical borders. Vietnam is entering an increasingly intense competition for talent with regional hubs such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia. To gain an advantage in this competition, Vietnam needs two fundamental institutional shifts.

First, it should build a Global Talent Network. Rather than relying on the old notion that talent must return home, Vietnam should adopt a model of “flexible value connectivity.” An overseas Vietnamese expert or international scholar working in Silicon Valley, Tokyo, or Singapore could still contribute to Vietnam through joint research projects, remote teaching, technology consulting, or investment matchmaking.

Second, Vietnam should establish institutions and policies to attract international experts. This could include special work visa mechanisms such as a Tech/Talent Visa, personal income tax incentives, housing policies, and a superior working environment, making Vietnam an attractive destination for global technology engineers, scientists, and management professionals.

Another gap lies in financing mechanisms for human resources development. Training high-quality workers is a long-term investment, but most policies are still viewed primarily through the lens of education spending.

Based on international experience, Vietnam should gradually develop financial instruments for human capital, including education loans, individual learning accounts, reskilling support, government-business co-financing, tax incentives for training expenses, and training funds for strategic industries. In particular, Vietnam could consider a model in which the government prioritizes support for skills that have the greatest impact on national productivity and competitiveness.

Finally, to manage a dynamic national human resources strategy, Vietnam should establish a National Human Capital Dashboard integrating data from ministries, sectors, local governments, training institutions, and the labor market. This would allow the government and educational institutions to immediately identify which industries face worker shortages and which skills are at risk of being displaced by AI, enabling them to adjust workforce policies, training quotas, and investment flows before worker shortages or surpluses become a crisis.

Vietnam already has a vision and development goals for 2045. It also has strategies for intellectuals, talent, and human resources across various industries and sectors. The next step should be to develop an overarching strategy or design a Vietnam Human Capital Map toward 2045. If Vietnam wants to become a developed economy by 2045, it must know today what kind of people that economy will need.

(*) Mr. Nam Son is an Independent Expert.

-Nam Son(*)

Vietnam’s September CPI rises 5.08%

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The growth mainly fueled by increase of transport, petrol, education and food prices.

Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.62% in September from the previous month, bringing the index up 4.20% from December 2025 and 5.08% year on year, according the data release by the National Statistics Office on October 3.

Nine of the 11 major groups of consumer goods and services recorded price increases, while two groups saw declines.

Transport recorded the largest increase, rising 3.97% and contributing 0.40 percentage points to the overall CPI increase. Domestic petrol prices rose 9.39%, while diesel prices increased 4.53%, largely reflecting movements in global fuel markets.

Education prices rose 1.41%, contributing 0.08 percentage points to overall CPI growth. Education service prices increased 1.60%, while demand for textbooks, stationery and school supplies also rose at the beginning of the new academic year.

Food and catering services increased 0.19%, contributing 0.07 percentage points, as food prices rose 0.27% and rice and other staple food prices increased 0.11%.

Housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials rose 0.28%, driven by higher kerosene, gas and rental prices. Electricity prices, however, fell 0.13% amid lower consumption during the rainy and stormy period.

Meanwhile, culture, entertainment and tourism prices fell 0.28%, while information and communications prices declined 0.14%.

Average CPI in the third quarter increased 4.80% year on year. For the first nine months, average CPI rose 4.52%.

Core inflation increased 0.11% month on month in September and 4.45% year on year. Average core inflation for the first nine months rose 4.26%, below headline CPI growth, partly because volatile items such as fuel, gas, food and fresh produce, and healthcare services are excluded from the core inflation calculation.

-Song Ha

Hai Phong targets $22 billion for housing development through 2030

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 07:20:00 GMT

Under a recently-approved plan, the northern port city aims to raise its average per capita residential floor area to approximately 37.17 square meters by 2030.

The northern port city of Hai Phong has approved its Housing Development Plan for 2026-2030, projecting an estimated investment capital requirement of VND572.59 trillion ($22 billion) to expand urban floor space, complete key social housing targets, and eliminate substandard dwellings.

The plan operationalizes adjusted housing goals previously set for the 2021-2030 master strategy. It establishes concrete targets for total completed floor area, housing types brought into market use, and the specific project portfolio scheduled for completion during the five-year cycle.

Under the plan, Hai Phong aims to raise its average per capita residential floor area to approximately 37.17 square meters by 2030. In urban zones, average living space is targeted at 38.95 square meters per person, while rural areas are projected to reach 33.01 square meters per person.

In terms of completed housing stock, the city targets 35,454,906 square meters of commercial housing floor space and 4,096,371 square meters of social housing floor space. Housing support programs funded by the central budget will be executed following targeted government approval.

Regarding housing quality, the city aims for 100 percent solid and semi-solid residential structures citywide by 2030, completely eradicating temporary and makeshift dwellings.

To achieve these goals, local authorities outlined several key policy measures, including institutional refinements, land fund allocation, project execution capacity building, capital and tax incentives, real estate market development, and administrative procedural reform.

During this period, Hai Phong identified 52 priority housing development projects to attract investment.

Notable large-scale developments include the East Vo Nguyen Giap Avenue Mixed-Use Urban Area in Thach Khoi Ward covering 162.2 hectares, the East Phu Thai Town Residential Area (Blocks A and B) in Phu Thai Commune spanning 94.04 hectares, the Minh Duc Ward Urban Area reaching 77.5 hectares, the West Phu Thai Town Residential Area in Phu Thai Commune covering 72.89 hectares, the Nam Sach Central Park Urban Area spanning 44.6 hectares, the Thanh Binh Eco-Urban Area in Thanh Ha Commune across 44.57 hectares, and the Luu Thuong Urban Area in Kinh Mon Ward measuring 23.23 hectares.

Simultaneously, the city approved 10 land plots totaling 611,008 square meters across Gia Vien, Hai An, Do Son, and Hong An wards to execute pilot projects under National Assembly Resolution 171/2024/QH15. These comprise nine plots currently owned by real estate developers and one plot slated for land use rights transfer.

-Thanh Xuan

Nghe An deploys shared data warehouse to upgrade governance capabilities

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

All incoming data undergoes cleansing and quality evaluation before integration into the system and is connected directly to the National Financial Database.

Central Nghe An province has officially launched and initiated pilot operations of its shared data warehouse alongside a provincial data analytics and operations platform, establishing the bedrock for transitioning public governance to a data-driven model.

Following a pilot phase running from September 7 to September 30, 2026, the system has structured four foundational components: a shared data repository, the "iNgheAn" executive handbook, a real-time operational dashboard, and an open data-sharing portal.

To date, eight sectors across the province have developed data repositories comprising 148 datasets. The overarching provincial shared data warehouse now hosts 93 datasets across 21 distinct categories. All incoming data undergoes cleansing and quality evaluation before integration into the system and is connected directly to the National Financial Database.

The operational platform features a three-tiered executive dashboard organized across nine core data axes. The iNgheAn application, available on both iOS and Android, enables provincial leadership to monitor and analyze administrative metrics anytime, anywhere, while progressively integrating an AI-powered data assistant. A public open-data portal has also been deployed to disseminate non-confidential municipal data.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Thai Van Thanh emphasized that building a shared data warehouse is not merely an exercise in accumulating data for storage, but rather about unlocking data flows across tiers of the local government and line departments, transforming data into an active asset for governance and socio-economic development.

The provincial authorities required all integrated data to be regularly updated, interoperable, and efficiently shared. Agency heads responsible for creating and managing data hold ultimate accountability for its accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and cross-system sharability.

Over the immediate term, Nghe An is prioritizing data integration across core sectors: socio-economic development indicators, state budget revenue and expenditure, public investment disbursement, administrative procedures, and the execution status of official assignments.

The shared data warehouse serves as the structural foundation for Nghe An to systematically foster data-driven governance, aiming for faster, more accurate municipal administration and higher public service delivery standards for citizens and enterprises.

VnEconomy-Nguyen Thuan

Wave of wealth transfer

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 10:30:00 GMT

A recent McKinsey Company report highlights the growing opportunity for insurers across Asia as HNWIs and UHNWIs accumulate more assets, and raises important considerations for Vietnam’s insurance market.

The assets of Asia’s high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) are growing quickly, especially in wealth hubs such as the Hong Kong (China) and Singapore, according to a recent McKinsey Company report. At the same time, the requirements and expectations of HNWI clients in Asia are evolving. They are seeking liquidity when it matters (family support and business continuity), protection across uncertainty (longevity risk and health), and control of wealth transfer to the next generation. The multi-jurisdictional family structures, cross-border wealth, and increased expectations of control are challenging traditional wealth solutions in the Asian HNWI market.

Market evolution

The evolution of this market offers a big opportunity and challenge for insurers in Asia. McKinsey Company estimates annual HNWI new-business premiums in Asia will reach $100-$140 billion by 2030. As part of a holistic wealth strategy, insurance can offer guaranteed liquidity, payout certainty, and risk protection in a single integrated solution. At the same time, it can complement trust structures, which provide governance and control over asset distribution. Well-structured insurance solutions also offer accessible cash value and flexibility in allocating assets across beneficiaries as well as support efficient wealth transfer and estate planning.

Despite rapid wealth creation across Asia, the HNWI insurance market remains structurally underpenetrated, creating a window of opportunity for insurers. Only 15-20 per cent of HNWIs in the region have integrated life insurance into their wealth planning, according to industry estimates and McKinsey Company’s interviews with insurance CEOs and other experts.

Some insurers are pursuing this market with their existing retail playbook: more advisors and more life insurance policies wrapped around an investment portfolio. McKinsey Company believes that approach is ill-adapted to the HNWI segment. Insurance in Asia is less about selling individual products than developing new capabilities that enable underwriting authority, cross-border operating muscle, and a service model that signals status and certainty. To that end, this market requires a dedicated business with its own operating model within the insurer.

In addition, brokers remain the gatekeeper in HNWI insurance, often controlling access to clients and influencing product selection and pricing conversations. At the same time, a parallel opportunity is emerging for insurers to partner with fast-growing mid-tier private banks, financial advisors, and external asset managers looking to strengthen their wealth offerings and increasingly open to embedding insurance into holistic client solutions. To succeed, insurers can position themselves as the default risk-and-legacy partner for multi-jurisdiction families.

Asian marketplace splitting into two groups

Retail-first insurers and HNWI specialists designed for complexity now define the HNWI competitive landscape.

Retail-first insurers moving upmarket. This group is extending the proven affluent market client model into the HNWI segment. These insurers’ approach is based on scale with broader distribution access (financial advisors, insurance agents, bancassurance, and brokers), targeting entry-level HNWI and younger emerging wealthy segments, relatively smaller case sizes, a domestic market focus, and a higher degree of reinsurance cession to manage risk.

This model can potentially be effective in capturing growth at the lower end of the HNWI spectrum and in building early relationships with future HNWI clients. Some insurers are adding pockets of underwriting expertise or selective offshore access to push further upmarket.

HNWI specialists designed for complexity. These insurers (existing players and new units of incumbents) are designed from the ground up to serve HNWI and ultra-high-net-worth-individual (UHNWI) clients across jurisdictions. Their models typically combine multi-booking centers (for example, Bermuda, Hong Kong (China), and Singapore). The distribution is more curated, often broker-led or employing banking partnerships. These insurers have greater risk-retention tolerance with higher-sum assured underwriting supported by strong reinsurer access, and they are competing on capability depth. Beyond bringing innovative products to market quickly, their proposition features rapid execution.

Retail-first insurers can continue to scale in the emerging HNWI segment. But as client needs get more complex and case sizes increase, the bar shifts from distribution reach to underwriting depth, from product innovation to execution reliability, and from onshore engagement to offshore orchestration.

One example is the variation in auto binding limits (the maximum sum assured an insurer can issue under its delegated underwriting and reinsurance authority without requiring facultative approval). These limits can vary significantly across insurers. Specialist HNWI carriers may operate with auto binding limits of $50-$75 million or more, while retail-first insurers often have limits closer to $2-$10 million. This difference can materially affect speed, certainty, and the ability to compete for large and complex cases.

Six building blocks

Some retail insurers might treat the HNWI opportunity as a segment expansion needing limited investment. According to McKinsey Company, success in this segment requires building a dedicated unit with its own capabilities, operating model, and talent, and leveraging any synergies with the wider group. This means underwriting authority for complex risks, cross-border reach, a service model built around the client’s lifecycle stages, and specialist talent that can engage directly with the HNWI client and across the HNWI ecosystem of brokers, private banks, and family offices.

The following offers a path forward for building a winning position in the Asian HNWI market: build a clear view of your target HNWI customer; drive solution engineering; build underwriting authority as a strategic asset; re-anchor distribution around the true control points; engineer a cross-border operating spine; and design a premium service model that suits the focus segment.

The six capabilities are not a checklist to complete before the HNWI business launch. The objective is to establish the right to compete quickly, deliver early commercial results, and strengthen the capabilities as the business scales.

Mr. Vishal Kaushik, Expert Associate Partner, and Bernhard Kotanko, Senior Partner at McKinsey Company, tell Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy about the report’s findings at the Asia level and their potential relevance for Vietnam’s insurance market.

McKinsey projects $100-$140 billion in annual new-business premiums from Asia’s HNWI segment by 2030, yet only 15-20 per cent of HNWIs in the region have integrated the insurance into their wealth planning. What does this opportunity specifically mean for Vietnam’s insurance market?

The research was conducted at the Asia level, so we would not translate the regional opportunity of $100-$140 billion directly into a Vietnam-specific market estimate.

What may be relevant for Vietnam, as for other markets, is that as wealth grows, insurance can play a broader role in a family’s overall wealth architecture. Rather than providing mortality protection alone, insurance can also help address liquidity, business continuity and succession, and intergenerational wealth transfer. These themes could be particularly relevant to wealthy families in Vietnam.

How do the needs of HNWI clients in Vietnam differ from those of the mass market, particularly in areas such as legacy planning, liquidity, business continuity, and family protection? What does this imply for how insurers should design products and advisory services?

The distinction highlighted in our research is less about geography and more about complexity. As wealth increases, client needs tend to move beyond individual protection products towards what we describe as “life-stage architecture.” This encompasses liquidity planning, legacy transfer, business succession, health, retirement, and wealth structuring.

For insurers, the implication is not simply to take a mass-market product and increase the sum assured. HNWI clients require greater customization, more sophisticated underwriting, stronger service, and greater coordination with the wider ecosystem around the family.

More standardized high-value solutions may be appropriate for emerging HNWIs. High-net-worth-plus clients, however, are more likely to require bespoke solutions and institutional-grade expertise.

What will it take for insurers and advisers in Vietnam to move beyond traditional product-led distribution toward more integrated wealth-protection propositions that combine insurance with legal, tax, and investment advice?

Our industry findings should be viewed as a framework for asking the right questions in Vietnam, rather than as a prescribed model for the Vietnamese market.

Serving HNWIs effectively requires a shift from selling individual insurance products to addressing broader client needs. This does not mean that an insurer needs to become a tax adviser, lawyer, investment manager, and insurer simultaneously. Rather, it points toward an ecosystem model in which insurers work effectively with the firms and individuals already advising wealthy families, including private banks, brokers, financial advisers, family offices, and relevant legal and tax specialists.

A few capabilities will be particularly important:

- Advisers who can understand a client’s broader wealth and family objectives rather than leading with a product.

- An operating model that can coordinate effectively across different specialists and intermediaries.

- Underwriting and service capabilities that can handle larger and more complex cases with speed and certainty.

-McKinsey Company

ITPC partners with Arobid to digitalize trade and investment promotion

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:42:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City is extending its trade and investment promotion activities into the digital realm by leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to maintain continuous engagement with buyers and investors following physical fairs and exhibitions.

The Investment and Trade Promotion Center of Ho Chi Minh City (ITPC) on October 1 signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Arobid Technology Joint Stock Company to deploy the former's Digital Trade Investment Platform.

The collaboration aligns with Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1968/QD-TTg, which targets conducting 60 percent of trade fairs and exhibitions on digital platforms between 2025 and 2030, alongside Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Under the partnership framework, ITPC oversees platform management, policy alignment, and municipal data governance, while Arobid provides technological infrastructure, integrates global B2B marketplace features, and delivers AI tools for business matchmaking and data optimization.

A core component of the initiative is the Digital Trade Expo, designed to complement rather than replace physical exhibitions by engaging partners before, during, and after events.

ITPC Director Pham Quang Nhat stated that digital transformation in trade promotion involves reorganizing the entire investor journey around centralized data. Municipal data governance principles require all platform data to remain city property stored at Ho Chi Minh City’s central data warehouse to support decision-making while ensuring data accuracy and security.

Arobid Chairman and Co-founder Tran Van Chin noted that the platform aims to reduce promotion costs, shorten networking cycles, and connect local businesses with international partners across the country's Southeast and Mekong Delta regions.

Mr. Hoang Trung Son, Chairman of the Vietnam Pulp and Paper Association, added that integrating AI into promotion efforts provides essential digital extension to traditional physical showcases.

-Van Nguyen

Building a safe and fair digital consumer environment for 2027

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2027 will kick off in January 2027, reach its peak during the action month of March, and sustain activities throughout the entire year.

Amid the rapid expansion of e-commerce and digital platforms, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has officially unveiled its action plan for Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2027.

March 15 is officially recognised as Vietnam's Consumer Rights Day under the 2023 Law on Protection of Consumer Rights.

Under the theme “Responsible Technology - Fair Access - Peace of Mind Consumption,” the initiative aims to foster a secure, transparent digital market that safeguards public interests.

The program addresses three major priorities in today's market.

First, responsible technology requires businesses to ensure personal data protection and transparent information disclosure. Regulatory authorities will step up oversight in cyberspace, while consumers are encouraged to enhance their digital skills for self-protection.

Second, fair access ensures all citizens - including those in remote areas or with limited tech literacy - have equal access to products, information, and legal protection, with vulnerable social groups receiving targeted support.

Third, peace of mind consumption focuses on establishing a trustworthy shopping environment where consumers have the knowledge and tools needed to transact with confidence, free from fraud or unfair practices.

The nationwide campaign will kick off in January 2027, reach its peak during the action month of March, and sustain activities throughout the entire year.

Alongside the national launching ceremony led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, local authorities nationwide will roll out awareness campaigns across traditional markets, supermarkets, commercial centers, and production facilities, bringing consumer protection principles closer to daily life.

-Song Ha

Vietnam - Laos Product Week held in Hanoi to accelerate bilateral trade

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:40:00 GMT

The Vietnam - Laos Product Week is showcasing unique regional specialties while creating tangible business cooperation opportunities for enterprises from both nations, strengthening trade connectivity and delivering authentic regional goods directly to consumers.

Themed “The Beautiful Champa Flower,” the Vietnam - Laos Product Week is taking place from October 1 to 4 at the 93 Dinh Tien Hoang Exhibition Center in Hanoi.

Organized under the 14th edition of the “Vitality of Vietnamese Goods” program, the event is jointly hosted by the Domestic Markets Department under the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) and the Department of Internal Trade under the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce.

The Lao exhibition space highlights notable signature products, including Yodsam and Champahom sticky rice, Laofood buffalo meat, Deejai beef, Lanxiang, Xieng Khouang, and Somnuek ancient tea, Beerlao, essential oils, traditional scarves, and ties. These iconic goods were specially selected to engage Hanoi consumers and visiting tourists.

Alongside Lao specialties, the Vietnamese display features selected regional items such as Viet Huong green rice pork rolls, Hanoi traditional lard pastry, Hong Lam preserved fruits, traditional figurine art by artisan Dang Van Hau, Luan Nghiep fish sauce, Le Phuong peanut candy, Kim Giang shrimp salt, Tung Duong lap cheong, Sukova cordyceps, Luong Quoi coconut products, and vegan cosmetics from Ha Noi Xanh Cooperative.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Viet Son affirmed that Vietnam and Laos share a great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive partnership continuously nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens from both nations. On this foundation, bilateral economic and trade cooperation is receiving heightened focus, with the two ministries maintaining close coordination across multiple operational fields.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the event provides a concrete platform for businesses, cooperatives, and manufacturers from both countries to meet, assess market demands, build partner networks, and expand commercial partnerships. Connections formed during the week are expected to endure past the event, bringing products closer to consumers while expanding bilateral trade channels. Each displayed product carries cultural narratives that enhance mutual understanding between the two populations.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Khamphao Ernthavanh, stressed that the product week takes place as both nations actively implement high-level leadership agreements on economic, trade, and investment cooperation. By bringing products directly to market and facilitating face-to-face enterprise networking, the event translates high-level commitments into concrete market actions.

Mr. Tran Huu Linh, Director General of the MoIT’s Domestic Market Management and Development Authority, noted that this marks the first-time specialty products from both Vietnam and Laos are jointly showcased in a unified space on a central Hanoi boulevard. For Lao businesses, the event serves as a prime entry point to study Vietnamese consumer preferences, partner with local distributors, and penetrate the domestic market.

-Song Ha

New Circular directs government support for 10,000 private sector CEOs by 2030

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:10:00 GMT

Vietnamese private enterprises and business executives will receive comprehensive training support, including e-learning access, direct courses, and scholarship vouchers, under a national program targeting 10,000 chief executive officers by 2030.

Under its recently-issued Circular No. 141/2026/TT-BTC, the Ministry of Finance has provided guidelines for implementing the Executive Training and Capacity Building Program for 10,000 CEOs by 2030, which had been approved by the Prime Minister (Decision No. 525/QD-TTg dated March 31, 2026).

The new circular establishes implementation mechanisms for diverse training initiatives, ranging from scholarship vouchers and structured courses to specialized tracks such as CEO Lab, CEO Readiness Program, and CEO Talk. The program applies to executive personnel from private business entities, alongside ministries, local authorities, business associations, and related institutions.

Program funding will be mobilized from three primary sources. Public funding will be allocated from regular state budget expenditures for education, training, and vocational education at both central and local levels.

The second source comprises financial contributions and sponsorships from trainees, enterprises, and domestic or foreign organizations. Additionally, funding will be integrated from existing government programs and projects sharing aligned objectives.

Under Circular 141, priority selection will heavily rely on digital data integration. Supporting agencies will primarily utilize corporate registration databases, self-declared metrics on the official program portal (10000ceo.business.gov.vn), and verifiable business records. Enterprises need to present physical documentation only when digital records are incomplete or require post-inspection verification.

Priority status is extended to innovative startups, women-owned enterprises, firms with large female workforces, digital and high-tech companies, and social enterprises. A private company is recognized as women-owned if a female entrepreneur serves as the sole proprietor. For limited liability, joint-stock, or partnership firms, women must hold over 50 percent of charter capital and occupy at least one executive management role.

For online learning via the government platform (business.gov.vn), state funds will cover platform upgrades, software maintenance, server hosting, and digital curriculum production.

The Agency for Private Enterprise and Collective Economy Development under the Ministry of Finance will manage and operate the e-learning system. Enterprises and trainees can register for an unlimited number of courses on the official E-learning system.

Beyond government-operated platforms, the program authorizes support for executives accessing reputable commercial e-learning networks. Supporting agencies may acquire corporate learning accounts through public procurement standards, provided learning progress, assessment data, and completion certificates are synchronized with the national 10,000 CEO Program database.

An alumni network will also be established to maintain post-training engagement, facilitating peer-to-peer executive exchanges and business growth support. The initiative underscores the government's strategy to elevate private sector management standards amid accelerating digital transformation and global competition.

-Song Hoang

Vietnam faces nuclear workforce shortage

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Against the backdrop of reviving two major nuclear power projects—Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2—and potentially progressing toward small modular reactor (SMR) deployments, Vietnam is highly likely to face a sharp human resource crunch.

Human resources represent one of the hurdles Vietnam must resolve expeditiously if nuclear technology is to achieve its full potential in the country.

While atomic energy is deployed extensively across the globe in fields ranging from healthcare and industry to environmental protection, Vietnam's real-world utilization remains constrained despite mastering several key foundational techniques.

This bottleneck stems primarily from a severe shortage of qualified personnel. In addition, public perception remains skewed—most people associate "nuclear" strictly with explosives and atomic bombs, unaware that nuclear technology actively drives efficiency across diverse socio-economic sectors.

Dr. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) under the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlighted these talent development constraints during the ministry's regular press briefing in September.

Against the backdrop of reviving two major nuclear power projects—Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2—and potentially progressing toward small modular reactor (SMR) deployments, Vietnam is highly likely to face a sharp human resource crunch.

In Western facilities, operating a nuclear reactor typically requires between 600 and 700 personnel depending on the underlying technology. Under Russian reactor designs, staffing requirements can climb to nearly 1,000 workers per plant.

Vietnam previously dispatched nearly 100 specialists to Russia and Japan for advanced training in nuclear power. Following their return, however, a substantial portion migrated to other sectors. Only roughly 30% of those trainees remain active in the nuclear domain today, Dr. Thanh revealed.

Nevertheless, the Ministry of Education and Training continues to send personnel to Russia for specialized instruction. While Russia offers Vietnam approximately 1,000 university scholarships annually across multiple disciplines, Vietnam consistently underutilizes this quota. In the nuclear field specifically, the country dispatched only about 10 candidates this year.

"Naturally, selection must be rigorous; we must identify truly capable individuals for training. Nuclear is an exceptionally challenging discipline requiring advanced proficiency in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and interdisciplinary engineering. It cannot be taught through mass training programs," Dr. Thanh explained.

Attracting high-caliber talent into the nuclear industry remains a formidable challenge, regulatory officials conceded. Yet, Vietnam must secure as an immediate prerequisite an engineering workforce fully capable of operating domestic nuclear power infrastructure.

Dr. Thanh estimated that a standard nuclear power plant requires roughly 1,000 personnel. The vast majority—up to 700 to 800 positions—comprises operating technicians, engineering crews, and auxiliary support staff, while the core specialized scientific and nuclear engineering cadre accounts for around 200 to 300 personnel.

VnEconomy-Ngô Huyền

Polish Ambassador highlights economic cooperation potential between Vietnam and Poland

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 23:10:00 GMT

On the afternoon of October 1, at the Residence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland in Hanoi, H.E. Ms. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, met with Vietnamese media representatives to talk about the longstanding and close relationship between Vietnam and Poland.

H.E. Ms. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam, met with Vietnamese media representatives in Hanoi on October 1 afternoon to talk about the longstanding and close relationship between Vietnam and Poland.

According to the ambassador, To date, Vietnam and Poland have maintained more than 75 years of traditional friendship and diplomatic relations. Vietnam is now one of Poland’s major trading partners in Southeast Asia, while Poland is one of Vietnam’s leading partners in Central and Eastern Europe.

Speaking to Vietnam Economic Times’s Anh Hoang at the event, Ambassador Joanna Skoczek emphasized that the potential for economic cooperation between the two countries is vast, spanning a wide range of sectors.

The ambassador highlighted green development and energy as promising areas for Vietnam-Poland cooperation, as Vietnam’s rapidly growing cities need practical solutions for environmental and urban challenges. According to her, in such major cities of Vietnam as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, technologies for water and waste treatment, waste management, and recycling could help improve daily life.

“All the small things that are very important for improving the quality of life of people, and I think that’s one of the objectives for the Vietnamese government to develop very dynamically as a whole economy, but also to upgrade the standard of living for people. This is an opportunity for exchange, not only for exporting technology, but also for investment and joint ventures between Poland and Vietnam,” she said.

H.E. Ms. Joanna Skoczek, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam and Vietnamese media representatives at their meeting in Hanoi on October 1 afternoon (Photo: Phuc)

The ambassador said that Poland can share experience with Vietnam in digital administration, e-health, and cybersecurity. She compares Poland’s digital administration application with Vietnam’s, noting that both systems make government services accessible online.

“VNEID, for example, is something that we understand because we have quite a similar model in Poland. It is called ‘mObywatel’, and the application also includes many services like administrative services, healthcare appointments and different things. All are available remotely,” she said.

Ms. Skoczek traced the relationship to Vietnamese students who had came to Poland from the late 1950s and 1960s onward. They studied fields including engineering, medicine, shipbuilding, geology, and architecture, with the aim of returning to help rebuild Vietnam after the war. She said those educational ties helped lay a foundation for business connections. Some graduates later established Polish-Vietnamese companies in fields such as geology, architecture, and mining, and she described these companies as part of the backbone of cooperation between the two countries.

“Our goal, our ambition, is to build on that, to develop by sharing experience gained through Poland’s economic reforms and the technologies that supported the country’s development," said Ms. Skoczek.

-Anh Hoang

Pandora opens $150-million jewelry crafting facility in Ho Chi Minh City

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The state-of-the-art facility features an annual capacity of up to 60 million jewelry pieces, expanding Pandora’s total global production capacity by approximately 50 percent.

Danish jewelry manufacturer Pandora inaugurated a $150-million crafting facility at VSIP 3 Industrial Park in Ho Chi Minh City on October 1, marking its first crafting plant outside Thailand and its largest manufacturing site globally.

The state-of-the-art facility features an annual capacity of up to 60 million jewelry pieces, expanding Pandora’s total global production capacity by approximately 50 percent. Operating fully on renewable energy and designed to LEED Gold green building standards, the plant emphasizes responsible manufacturing.

Prior to this expansion, Pandora manufactured all its products across three facilities in Thailand, where it currently employs around 13,000 workers. In 2025, the brand sold 112 million pieces of jewelry globally.

Mr. Jeerasage Puranasamiddhi, Chief Supply Officer of Pandora and Managing Director of Pandora Production Vietnam, noted that the investment leverages local craftsmanship. The plant is expected to employ up to 7,000 workers at full capacity.

“We are building on decades of crafting expertise from Thailand and combining it with new capabilities and talent in Vietnam,” said Ms. Berta de Pablos-Barbier, CEO of Pandora Group. “This investment provides us with capacity, flexibility, and innovation to support future growth.”

H.E. Ms. Lina Gandløse Hansen, Ambassador of Denmark to Vietnam, highlighted that Pandora’s investment - alongside major Danish projects such as Lego - underscores confidence in Vietnam as a long-term manufacturing hub under the Vietnam-Denmark Green Strategic Partnership.

The ambassador also revealed that Denmark will officially open its Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City on December 1, 2026, to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties.

Mr. Nguyen Loc Ha, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, commended the project for strengthening the city’s role in global supply chains, creating thousands of jobs, and promoting green manufacturing standards across the region.

-Van Uyen

Canada-backed project launches to support biodiversity and indigenous women in Tuyen Quang

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 09:10:00 GMT

The CAD-funded BLOOM project will restore 10,000 hectares of forest ecosystems and advance economic opportunities for ethnic minority women across buffer zone communities in the northern mountainous province of Tuyen Quang through 2030.

Tuyen Quang Province’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with Society for International Development Cooperation (Socodevi) - a Canadian non-profit organization, launched "The Biodiversity and Livelihood Opportunities for Ethnic Minority Women" (BLOOM) project on September 30.

Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through non-refundable aid totaling more than VND29.2 billion ($1.11 million), the project is jointly implemented by Socodevi and the Développement international Desjardins (DID).

Scheduled to run through April 3, 2030, the project focuses on five buffer zone communes surrounding the Du Gia - Dong Van Karst Plateau National Park, including Du Gia, Tung Ba, Minh Son, Minh Ngoc, and Lung Tam.

The project targets the restoration and conservation of approximately 10,000 hectares of forest ecosystems while delivering direct benefits to 5,000 residents and indirect benefits to an estimated 20,000 individuals. Ethnic minority women represent the primary focus group, participating in livelihood programs, capacity-building workshops, and natural resource governance.

To achieve its ecological and economic objectives, the project will implement nature-based solutions, support sustainable biodiversity usage, and develop local agricultural value chains. Local communities will receive targeted assistance to enhance production standards, secure financial access, and build eco-friendly livelihoods tied to indigenous resources.

By integrating women into sustainable forest management, the initiative aims to strengthen community voices in resource allocation decisions while building long-term climate resilience. The project also reinforces bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Canada in environmental conservation, climate action, and inclusive economic development.

-Hang Anh

Government mandates priority lanes for social and rental housing project approvals

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:30:00 GMT

According to the targets set by the Government, from 2026 to 2030, the country will develop over 700,000 social housing units and nearly 200,000 rental units to increase the supply of affordable housing, meeting the significant demand for housing among workers.

The Government on September 30 issued Resolution No. 303/NQ-CP, assigning social housing and rental housing development targets to localities for the 2026-2030 period.

The resolution states that under the decisive direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, alongside active engagement from ministries, sectors, and localities, social housing development has achieved significant progress. Institutional frameworks and policies have gradually improved, resolving operational bottlenecks, streamlining investment procedures, and ensuring execution progress toward the overarching plan to construct at least 1 million social housing units.

Despite positive preliminary results, current supply remains insufficient, with a market structure heavily skewed toward homeownership, while demand for affordable rental housing among industrial workers remains exceptionally high.

Following directive opinions and strategic orientations issued by General Secretary and President To Lam regarding social housing development, the Government agreed to adjust the targets of the master project on "Investing in the construction of at least 1 million social housing units for low-income earners and industrial park workers during the 2021-2030 period" and assign revised development targets to local authorities for 2026-2030. Specifically, the goal by 2030 is to complete or exceed the target of constructing at least 1 million social housing and rental units.

To effectively realize these targets, the Government requires provincial People's Committees to integrate assigned social housing and rental housing goals into their annual socio-economic development plans. Local authorities must review existing projects under provincial housing development programs to ensure target fulfillment, while urging investors of active construction sites to concentrate resources for completion by 2026.

Additionally, local authorities are instructed to direct project developers to increase the proportion of social housing for rent and lease-purchase, while reducing units designated for outright sale. Localities must approve identified land plots dedicated to social housing and rental developments, ensuring adequate land allocation in convenient locations with synchronized technical and social infrastructure.

Furthermore, mechanisms must be established to encourage capable investors with available clean land - meeting urban planning requirements and infrastructure standards - to propose projects and secure investor selection under current regulations.

Administrative procedures should be streamlined by placing social and rental housing projects into a "green lane" or "priority lane," executing investment, land, planning, construction, and environmental procedures concurrently. Project appraisal, approval, land allocation, and construction permitting times should be minimized to reduce administrative friction to the maximum extent.

On a quarterly or ad hoc basis, localities must review and report implementation progress, difficulties, and operational bottlenecks to the Ministry of Construction for consolidation and submission to the Prime Minister.

Relevant ministries, sectors, and localities are tasked with proactively monitoring, inspecting, and evaluating housing development within their jurisdiction, while strengthening community supervision to ensure projects align with approved plans, meet quality standards, and prevent loss or waste.

In Resolution 303, the Government emphasized five core principles governing social housing and rental housing development:

First, developing social housing and rental housing is a crucial political priority to realize the principle that legal housing is a fundamental right of citizens, ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable housing.

Second, alongside housing for sale, rental housing must be established as a strategic, long-term segment serving the majority of the population, helping guarantee social welfare, public order, labor productivity, and real estate market stability.

Third, priority must be given to rental housing development, particularly rental apartment models with integrated infrastructure in major urban centers, industrial zones, economic zones, transit-oriented development (TOD) areas, dynamic economic regions, and key economic corridors.

Fourth, priority allocation of clean land funds and state budget capital through local housing development funds must be directed toward rental housing projects.

Fifth, housing development should not rely solely on state budget allocations, but must mobilize broader social resources - particularly from large, experienced, and socially responsible real estate enterprises - to participate in social and rental housing delivery.

-Phan Duong

Ho Chi Minh City seeks innovative startup solutions to transform tourism sector

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:20:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City is searching for innovative solutions to diversify tourism products, enhance destination connectivity, and extend visitor stays and spending.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Promotion Center launched the 4th Ho Chi Minh City Innovative Startup for Tourism Competition (HIST 2026) on September 30.

Under the theme ““Start with Innovation. Scale Sustainably,” the event aims to identify, incubate, and scale innovative solutions that elevate visitor experiences, enhance competitiveness, and drive high added value for the city's tourism sector.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pham Huy Binh, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, noted that the sector is entering a transformative growth phase. Major policy frameworks, including Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Urban Development Law No. 18/2026/QH16, provide structural momentum to resolve longstanding bottlenecks and position tourism as a primary economic driver.

“To capitalize on these opportunities, the tourism industry requires practical, actionable innovations," Mr. Binh emphasized. “Competing teams should begin by addressing specific friction points in the traveler journey or business operations, then iteratively test and refine their models based on market feedback.”

HIST 2026 prioritizes five core tracks, including Nighttime Economy and Tourism, Digital Transformation and AI in Tourism, Cultural and Creative Tourism, Green and Sustainable Operations, and the Commercialization of Research from Universities and Research Institutes.

The competition features two distinct divisions: Division 1 (Aspiring Founders) for student-led ideas, and Division 2 (Early-Stage Startups) for venture-backed or operational startups. Registration opened on September 30, 2026, at hist.visithcmc.vn, leading into screening, pitching, mentorship, finals, and investor matchmaking rounds.

Winning teams will receive cash awards and incubation packages under the UII Sandbox Program, alongside startup support services worth over VND14 billion ($539,176). Qualifying startups will gain access to investment consideration from Expara SEA Ventures VI, offering funding commitments starting from VND2.6 billion ($100,132), as well as enrollment in the Expara Academy training program valued at VND156 million ($6,000) per team.

The initiative comes as Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector continues its strong momentum. During the first nine months of 2026, international arrivals reached over 8.5 million - up 34.5 percent year-on-year and fulfilling 77.4 percent of the annual target. Total tourism revenue reached VND282.7 trillion ($10.9 billion), representing a 43.4 percent year-on-year surge and achieving 85.7 percent of the full-year plan.

Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, highlighted that having achieved over 70 percent of all key annual targets within nine months, the industry is well-positioned for a strong push during the final quarter’s peak travel season.

-Tuong Bach

Sun PhuQuoc Airways approved to expand wide body flight operations to Europe

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:40:00 GMT

This regulatory approval marks a major milestone for SPA following its initial AOC issuance on September 25, 2025, and its inaugural commercial flight on November 1, 2025.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has approved Sun PhuQuoc Airways (SPA) to operate Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft starting September 30, expanding its operational territory to Europe just one year after securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).

This regulatory approval marks a major milestone for SPA following its initial AOC issuance on September 25, 2025, and its inaugural commercial flight on November 1, 2025.

According to SPA, the airline submitted its application for A330 operation approval on April 16, 2026. Throughout the evaluation process, the carrier finalized operational documentation, conducted rigorous training programs, and underwent mandatory verification checks covering flight operations, maintenance engineering, dispatch, and ground services. CAAV authorities performed comprehensive inspections before granting full operational approval for the wide-body fleet.

Under its fleet expansion roadmap, SPA has taken delivery of its first owned Airbus A330 (registration VN-A969). The aircraft is scheduled to enter commercial service on October 3 on the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route before deployment on international long-haul flights. SPA plans to expand its A330 fleet to eight aircraft by April 2027.

The airline’s first international route using the A330 will connect the pearl island of Phu Quoc and Moscow (PQC-SVO), set to be launched on November 13, 2026. SPA is also conducting feasibility studies for additional direct routes from Phu Quoc to key markets across Europe and Central Asia. The airline also plans to introduce the A330 on routes to Japan from January 2027 and to Australia from May 2027.

Prior to receiving A330 approval, SPA held authorization to operate flights to over 10 international destinations across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. During its first year of operations, the airline carried nearly 3.4 million passengers.

The addition of the A330 marks SPA’s strategic transition from a narrow-body operator to a dual narrow-body and wide-body carrier.

The airline plans to introduce Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners to service longer transcontinental routes.

-Dung Huynh

Vietnam extends preferential tax policies for fuel imports

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:10:00 GMT

The move aimed at diversifying fuel supply sources, and strengthening energy security.

The Government has issued a resolution, extending preferential import tax, environmental protection tax and value-added tax policies for gasoline, oil products, fuel-production inputs and aviation fuel.

Under the new resolution, the preferential import tax measures introduced under Resolution No. 25/2026/NQ-CP and Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP will be extended. The policy is aimed at diversifying fuel supply sources and enabling businesses to import from markets beyond ASEAN and South Korea, helping reduce dependence on a limited number of suppliers and strengthen energy security.

Under Decree 72, the preferential import tariff on unleaded motor gasoline was reduced from 10% to 0%, while the same rate applies to certain gasoline-blending materials, including naphtha and reformate.

For diesel, fuel oil, aviation fuel and kerosene, the preferential import tariff was cut from 7% to 0%. Tariffs on certain petrochemical inputs, including xylene, condensate and p-xylene, were also reduced from 3% to 0%, while the rate for other cyclic hydrocarbons was cut from 2% to 0%.

The Government will also extend environmental protection tax and VAT policies under Resolution No. 19/2026/QH16 through December 31, 2026. Accordingly, the environmental protection tax on gasoline, excluding ethanol, as well as diesel, kerosene, fuel oil and aviation fuel, will remain at zero.

Meanwhile, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil and aviation fuel will remain subject to a VAT mechanism under which businesses are not required to declare and pay output VAT but may deduct input VAT.

Excise tax on gasoline will continue to be governed by the 2025 Law on Special Consumption Tax and related regulations, with current rates of 10% for conventional gasoline, 8% for E5 gasoline and 7% for E10 gasoline.

-Hoang Son

Ninh Binh shifts toward green and circular agricultural economy

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Facing climate change, resource depletion, and increasingly stringent international green standards, the northern province is accelerating its transition from traditional agricultural production to a market-driven agricultural economy focused on green, circular, and low-emission models.

At a scientific workshop held on September 30 by the Party Committee of the northern Ninh Binh province, the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, discussions focused on strategies to develop ecological agriculture alongside environmental protection, climate adaptation, and sustainable rural development in the Red River Delta province.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Ngo Dong Hai, Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information and Education, emphasized that modern agriculture must look beyond basic food security to build ecological farming, modern rural areas, and civilized farming communities. He noted that changing environmental dynamics require a decisive shift toward green, circular, and low-carbon growth capable of generating sustainable added value.

Following administrative merger since July 2025, Ninh Binh spans nearly 4,000 square kilometers with a population exceeding 4.4 million. The province features a diverse ecosystem ranging from plains and semi-mountainous regions to limestone karst, coastal wetlands, special-use forests, and mangroves.

Mr. Tran Huy Tuan, Secretary of the Ninh Binh Provincial Party Committee, stated that agricultural performance can no longer be measured purely by volume. Production must simultaneously boost economic value, protect soil and water resources, preserve biodiversity, reduce emissions, and secure rural livelihoods.

Under the Resolution of the 1st Provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 tenure, Ninh Binh aims to become a centrally run city by 2030, balancing heritage preservation and environmental protection with economic growth, green transformation, and digital adoption. The province targets agricultural, forestry, and fishery production values to reach at least VND220 million ($8,472) per hectare by 2030.

To realize these goals, Ninh Binh is executing its agricultural restructuring scheme for 2026-2030. Since 2024, the province has collaborated with the Vietnam Academy of Agriculture and Japanese partners to implement water-saving, low-emission rice farming aimed at generating carbon credits. The initiative has expanded to over 8,800 hectares across 21 communes, with plans to exceed 15,000 hectares by the Spring 2027 crop.

In aquaculture, the ASC-certified clam farming area in Kim Dong Commune covers 1,205 hectares, providing a foundation for sustainable seafood production tied to environmental management, product traceability, and export markets.

Overall, Ninh Binh currently hosts over 400 agricultural enterprises, 1,074 agricultural cooperatives, more than 120 production-to-consumption supply chains, and 279 certified growing area codes spanning over 7,500 hectares.

Despite progress, structural bottlenecks remain. Addressing the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Sy Linh from the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, identified key challenges, including project-dependent mindsets, sectoral policy fragmentation, asymmetric value distribution for eco-conscious farmers, lack of impact measurement frameworks, weak market demand for eco-products, and limited local administrative capacity.

To resolve these constraints, Dr. Linh proposed five fundamental transitions: optimizing total economic value rather than maximizing yield, shifting from isolated households to regional eco-zones, transitioning from basic products to full value chains, managing outcomes rather than inputs, and moving from single-model subsidies to systemic capacity investment.

-Chu Khoi

Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway set to open to traffic from October 1

Thu, 01 Oct 2026 01:02:53 GMT

The expressway is nearly 58 km long, running through southern Tay Ninh province, Ho Chi Minh City and southern Dong Nai city.

The entire Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway has opened for traffic from October 1, according to the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC)

The expressway is nearly 58 km long, running through southern Tay Ninh province, Ho Chi Minh City and southern Dong Nai city. It has four motor-vehicle lanes and two emergency stopping lanes.

To begin generating investment benefits at an early stage, VEC had gradually opened two sections that met operational requirements since January 2025. The first section runs from My Yen Interchange, which connects with the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway, to Nguyen Van Tao Interchange, and the second from Phuoc An Interchange to National Highway 51. Together, the two sections cover nearly 30 km.

VEC has since focused resources on completing the remaining works, particularly the Binh Khanh and Phuoc Khanh cable-stayed bridges.

The completed route is expected to further improve connections with the Ho Chi Minh City–Trung Luong Expressway, Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road No. 3 and the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway. It will also improve access to Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai city, seaports, industrial parks and logistics centres, helping shorten travel times, reduce transport costs and strengthen regional economic links.

-Thanh Thủy

Japan supports Vietnam in developing quantitative precipitation forecasting technology

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

A new JICA-backed technical project will enhance Vietnam’s short-term heavy rainfall and flood forecasting capabilities while transferring advanced numerical weather prediction technology to domestic experts through 2028.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has launched a technical assistance project titled “Advisory on Developing Quantitative Precipitation Forecast Technology for Vietnam,” supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Running from September 2026 to September 2028 in Hanoi and across the country, the initiative aims to boost short-term rainfall forecasting accuracy, strengthen early warning systems for heavy rain and flood hazards, and establish a long-term technological and human framework for Vietnam to independently manage and improve quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF).

Speaking at the project rollout meeting on September 29, Mr. Kobayashi Kenichi, Deputy Chief Representative of JICA Vietnam, noted that the initiative builds on Japan’s long-standing support for Vietnam’s meteorological capacity building. This builds on the 2018 - 2023 technical cooperation project that modernized radar data exploitation, automatic rain gauge networks, and short-term flood warning systems.

Under the new phase, Japanese experts will work directly with Vietnamese technical agencies to exchange experience, provide technical assistance, and transfer knowledge in nowcasting and data assimilation using existing radar and automatic rainfall networks.

The project centers on developing advanced quantitative precipitation forecasting products and nowcasting capabilities, while upgrading Vietnam’s meteorological operations.

Key technical focuses include improving spatial and temporal accuracy, upgrading radar data integration in numerical weather prediction models, developing ensemble forecasting, and refining nowcasting systems.

In addition to technical enhancements, the project places strong emphasis on capacity building. Specialist working groups will be established covering numerical modeling, data assimilation, ensemble forecasting, short-range forecasting, and data quality control. Vietnamese meteorologists will participate in workshops, expert exchange programs, and research visits to Japan.

The initiative will also encourage local experts to present findings at international scientific conferences and publish research in peer-reviewed journals, elevating Vietnam’s research and technological capabilities in disaster mitigation and climate response.

-Hang Anh

Creating a complete health journey

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:55:00 GMT

Experts and industry insiders discuss how Vietnam can develop wellness tourism through stronger standards, distinctive products, traditional medicine, and specialized talent.

Dr. Truong Sy Vinh, Former Deputy Director of the Institute of Tourism Development Research at the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism.

One issue that needs to be clarified when developing the proposal [on wellness tourism] is the boundary between wellness tourism and medical tourism. In practice, though definitions and distinctions have been established, the two concepts are still often used interchangeably. This has direct implications for licensing, regulation, and the organization of activities.

The scope and substance of wellness tourism need to be clearly defined. Activities involving medical intervention or treatment should be distinguished from those aimed at maintaining and improving health.

This distinction is also relevant to human resources and service providers. If an activity requires specialized medical expertise or involves medical intervention, it must fall within the relevant scope of the healthcare sector. By contrast, wellness tourism needs its own requirements, from workforce training to the development of service facilities. If these boundaries are not clarified from the outset, businesses may struggle to determine the scope of their operations and regulators may find it difficult to determine their jurisdiction.

Another issue to consider is the scale of investment. Two major trends can be identified. The first is for wellness services to become part of the overall travel experience, and the second is to combine multiple services into a comprehensive wellness experience. This model requires a broader service offering and greater investment. Therefore, the proposal should take both approaches into account, rather than focusing solely on large-scale facilities.

At the same time, the scope for incorporating indigenous knowledge and traditional medicine into wellness tourism also needs to be clearly defined. A medicinal remedy or body of knowledge intended to treat illness does not become a wellness product simply because it is incorporated into a tourism program. Its suitability for health and wellness purposes needs to be established, along with clear boundaries regarding the relevant professional expertise.

The key is to clarify the substance and scope of wellness tourism before developing products, training the workforce, or investing in facilities. Workforce development for wellness tourism should differ from training for medical tourism. Likewise, developing wellness facilities does not mean developing medical facilities. The two fields are related, but their boundaries need to be clearly defined.

* * *

Ms. Do Thi Loan Phuong, CEO of the Nam Duoc Dai Phu An JSC.

Vietnam does not necessarily need to compete by building larger wellness resorts, but by offering distinctive health and wellness experiences that are difficult to replicate elsewhere. Based on our experience operating a wellness resort, we believe the key is not simply adding a few spa, massage, or yoga services to an accommodation facility. A sustainable model needs to establish a wellness value chain in which traditional medicine knowledge and local resources are transformed into well-organized products and experiences.

Traditional medicine can provide two key forms of value: a story to share with customers, and a professional foundation for health and wellness products.

Wellness tourism still faces bottlenecks in mechanisms and policies and a lack of common standards and specialized human resources, while regional links remain weak. We therefore recommend developing open mechanisms and policies that make it easier for investors to enter the sector, followed by the development of a common set of national criteria.

We believe the key question for Vietnam’s wellness tourism in the time ahead is not how many wellness resorts the country has but how many destinations can genuinely deliver quality, distinctive wellness journeys and connect them into an ecosystem.

For example, in the northwest region, the competitive advantage does not necessarily lie in building larger or more luxurious facilities, but in the ability to transform medicinal herbs, forests and mountains, culture, indigenous knowledge, and local communities into quality wellness experiences with economic value.

* * *

Associate Professor Pham Van Loi, Institute of Vietnamese Studies Development Science at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

Wellness tourism has favorable conditions for development in Vietnam. In addition to international trends that have emerged since the Covid-19 pandemic, rising incomes have also increased people’s interest in their own health and that of their families. Vietnam boasts abundant natural and cultural resources, ranging from its natural environment to cultural and spiritual elements. These provide an important foundation for developing this form of tourism.

However, the scope of wellness tourism needs to be clarified first. A range of concepts are currently used, including wellness tourism, health tourism, and medical tourism. Even spiritual tourism contains elements related to psychological and mental well-being. The issue is not to choose one concept at the expense of another, but to scientifically define the substance of each concept and the relationships between them within the broader wellness tourism system.

Once the scope is clearly defined, it will become easier to identify specific products. Hot-spring bathing, mineral mud baths, yoga, meditation, and similar activities need to be distinguished between those that constitute wellness tourism products and those that are simply components of tourism products more broadly. A classification system could be developed to identify which wellness products are included in a specific tour.

This is important not only for product development but also for evaluation. Once the scope and products of wellness tourism are clearly defined, there will be a basis for assessing its economic, social and cultural impacts, as well as determining the contribution of wellness tourism to the tourism sector’s overall revenue.

Therefore, clarifying the concepts and developing a product classification system are fundamental to ensuring that wellness tourism develops in the right direction, while also creating a foundation for evaluating the sector’s effectiveness in the future.

* * *

Ms. Vu Thi Nhung, Faculty of Tourism at the East Asia University of Technology

Different demands are placed on the wellness tourism workforce than conventional tourism. Professionals in this field must first have tourism expertise, while also possessing basic health knowledge, an understanding of service safety, digital skills, specialized foreign-language skills, empathy, the ability to personalize services, and knowledge of local culture. This is an interdisciplinary field, but that does not mean the tourism workforce needs to be “medicalized.”

The current challenge is an uneven and insufficiently standardized workforce. The digital skills gap remains significant, specialized foreign-language skills do not yet adequately meet the needs of international visitors, and the ability to personalize services remains limited. At the same time, workers have not received systematic training tailored to the specific requirements of wellness tourism.

I believe the focus needs to shift from imparting knowledge to developing professional competencies. Tourism and hospitality training programs should integrate wellness tourism content, develop specialized modules, and regularly update them in line with occupational standards and business needs. Training methods should also place greater emphasis on practical experience, case-based learning, real-world projects, and work-based learning.

In particular, training should not follow a one-size-fits-all formula for every destination. Ba Vi and Sapa, for example, have different conditions and characteristics, so the workforce serving wellness tourism products should also be trained to reflect the specific features of each destination. In addition to tourism lecturers, the process should involve business experts, medical and pharmaceutical specialists, and holders of local and indigenous knowledge.

Resources create potential and products create appeal, but human resources are what transform that potential into quality experiences and economic value.

* * *

Mr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Chairman of the Vi Dieu Nam Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.

Folk traditions still preserve hundreds or even thousands of medicinal remedies that have been passed down through generations by traditional healers and practitioners. Many of these remedies are believed to have practical value in health and wellness. We therefore recommend establishing a special mechanism allowing folk and hereditary remedies to undergo independent testing and preclinical evaluation and, where they meet the requirements under relevant regulations, to be considered for inclusion in the range of products serving wellness tourism.

At the same time, pharmaceutical production needs to be standardized, including allowing qualified facilities to produce at an appropriate scale if they meet standards such as ISO 22000, ISO 13485, and GMP for traditional medicine and pharmaceuticals. This would help ensure safety and hygiene throughout the processing, finishing, and packaging of products.

We also recommend that the Ministry of Health work with the Ministry of Education and Training to study the integration of knowledge and practical skills in traditional medicine-based health and wellness into medical training programs and tourism vocational institutions, thereby helping develop a high-quality workforce.

* * *

Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute of Tourism Economics.

reviously a niche market, wellness tourism has been shifting into a high value-added segment. Vietnam has numerous advantages for development, from its climate, coastline, forests, hot springs, and medicinal herbs to traditional medicine and resort facilities.

However, these resources remain fragmented, products lack integration, standards are not yet consistent, and specialized human resources remain limited. The biggest bottleneck, therefore, is not a lack of resources, but the ability to connect resources, products, standards, markets and brands into an ecosystem.

There needs to be a common understanding of the concept and a clear product hierarchy. This could be divided into three tiers. First is wellness tourism, covering activities such as leisure and relaxation, meditation, yoga, healthy nutrition, and hot-spring bathing, without the objective of treating any illness. Second is wellness services with a medical component, involving medical expertise to a certain degree but without treatment as the primary objective. And third is medical tourism, covering medical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, interventions, and rehabilitation, and subject to existing healthcare regulations.

Clear segmentation is essential for developing appropriate policies for each type. Wellness tourism should not be medicalized, and activities that fall within the scope of medical expertise cannot simply be turned into tourism products.

The development framework could be built around three layers: one ecosystem, three product tiers, and key policy pillars. The ecosystem should involve the government, businesses, healthcare providers, communities, training institutions, insurers, and technology companies. The pillars should cover institutions, destinations, products, investment, human resources, markets and data. Safety, quality, green development, and sustainability should be cross-cutting requirements.

Development should not be spread too thinly. Rather, five to seven destination clusters with clear advantages should be selected for piloting, evaluation, and subsequent expansion if successful. At the same time, a national set of criteria and quality labeling should be developed on a voluntary basis, without creating an additional licensing requirement for businesses.

High-value wellness products cannot simply be a combination of spas, accommodation, and hot springs. They must constitute a complete health journey, from identifying needs and designing a program to accommodation, nutrition, physical activity, meditation, therapy, and cultural and nature-based experiences, as well as post-trip assessment and guidance. Tourism businesses, healthcare providers, medicinal herb companies, local communities, insurers, and travel companies need to be connected into an integrated value chain.

Vietnam should also avoid simply copying models from elsewhere. Instead, it should develop its own identity based on advantages such as hot springs, traditional medicine and practices, nature, climate, nutrition, and local cuisine.

-Dr. Truong Sy Vinh (*)

Vietnam Craft Village Fair 2026 to showcase traditional products and digital commerce

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 09:42:00 GMT

The fair scheduled to take place in Hanoi from October 8-12, featuring 100 booths from more than 50 organizations nationwide.

The 22nd Vietnam Craft Village Fair 2026 will take place from October 8-12 in Hanoi, bringing together nearly 100 exhibition booths from more than 50 organisations across 18 provinces and cities, according an announcement from the event's organizers at a press conference on September 30.

This year’s event will place greater emphasis on digital technology, livestream shopping, product traceability and links between traditional craft products and rural tourism.

The event is organised as part of a series of activities promoting craft villages, OCOP products and agricultural and rural tourism.

Products on display will include bamboo and rattan handicrafts, ceramics, lacquerware, silk, brocade, wood and metal products, as well as OCOP products rated three stars or higher, products protected by geographical indications and outstanding rural industrial products.

A key new feature this year is the expanded use of digital platforms to promote and sell craft products. The combination of physical exhibitions and digital sales is expected to help craft villages reach wider customer networks while strengthening links with distributors, supermarkets and e-commerce platforms.

Alongside the fair, a week-long program promoting agricultural and rural tourism will be held in the outdoor area, showcasing rural culture, destinations and tourism products from across Vietnam.

-Chu Khôi

Ho Chi Minh City re-evaluates OCOP portfolio to focus on high-value products

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:57:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City is conducting a comprehensive review of its One Commune One Product (OCOP) portfolio, shifting its strategy from rapid quantitative growth toward enhancing product quality, brand value, digital traceability, and market reach.

Ho Chi Minh City has initiated a citywide review of its One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, focusing on re-assessing expired recognitions, improving product quality, and building high-value brands capable of entering premium domestic and export markets.

Under Official Dispatch 8406/UBND-DT issued by the municipal People's Committee, local departments and authorities are directed to ensure that OCOP evaluations remain objective, transparent, and aligned with practical market standards. The review aims to improve the overall competitiveness and commercial viability of recognized products across the economic hub.

The move follows the rapid expansion of the city's urban agriculture program from 2021 to 2025, during which the total number of recognized OCOP items expanded significantly from 38 to 1,006 products. This catalog includes 781 three-star items (accounting for 77.6 percent) and 225 four-star items (22.4 percent), involving 416 participating entities ranging from cooperatives and farms to private enterprises and household businesses.

While this expansion created jobs and helped transition local agriculture from raw production to processing, municipal authorities noted that growth has been largely quantitative. Deeply processed goods, advanced technology adoption, and innovative packaging remain limited, leaving few local products ready for high-end retail or international trade.

To address these shortcomings, Ho Chi Minh City is prioritizing quality over sheer volume. Official Dispatch 8406 requires authorities to review all products with expiring certifications, guide producers through re-evaluation using updated criteria, and select high-potential items for specialized development support.

Simultaneously, each commune and ward is tasked with introducing at least one new qualified candidate during 2026, maintaining momentum while enforcing stricter entry standards.

The municipal Department of Science and Technology is partnering with local producers to implement digital transformation tools, supply chain traceability, and intellectual property registration. Priority assistance is directed toward signature products capable of reaching higher star ratings and generating greater added value.

This operational shift aligns with the city's 2026 to 2030 agricultural strategy, which focuses on building modern supply chains, logistics infrastructure, and value-chain linkages to bring regional specialties up to export-ready standards by 2030.

Furthermore, the municipal Department of Tourism is integrating OCOP goods into rural, community, and craft-village tourism routes, linking producers with travel agencies, hotels, and gift supply networks for international visitors.

The results of this strategy are reflected in the second evaluation round of 2026. Out of 77 products submitted by 25 entities across 18 localities, 33 were new applications, 31 underwent re-assessment, and 13 sought upgrades. The process yielded 25 three-star ratings, 5 four-star ratings, and 10 top-scoring items exceeding 90 points. Producers of these 10 candidates are finalizing dossiers for national five-star OCOP consideration in December 2026.

By linking raw material zones, processing technology, brand protection, and tourism integration, Ho Chi Minh City aims to transform certified OCOP items from mere titleholders into commercially sustainable goods capable of competing across broader regional and global markets.

-Hoai Niem

Vietnamese women-led enterprises gain e-commerce boost to access EU market

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 08:22:00 GMT

Phase 2 of the “Accessing European Markets through E-Commerce” project has been launched in Hanoi, focusing on enhancing digital capabilities, regulatory compliance, and EU market readiness for Vietnamese women-led enterprises.

Co-organized on September 29-30 by the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades Initiative (ITC SheTrades), the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, the project aims to help female entrepreneurs expand their export capacity and build a sustainable presence in the 500-million-consumer European market.

Participating businesses will receive specialized technical coaching and opportunities to establish verified storefronts on major global platforms like Alibaba.com.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jens Kuitert, Second Secretary for Political Affairs at the Embassy of the Kingdom of Netherlands in Vietnam, highlighted that Phase 2 offers targeted support to promote women-led businesses in Europe.

He noted that with approximately 500 million consumers, the European market presents immense opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, while strengthening institutional and business connections facilitates practical policy development.

According to Ms. Kritee Sharma from the SheTrades Initiative under the Sustainable and Inclusive Trade Section at the ITC, e-commerce lowers barrier costs for small enterprises entering foreign markets. However, establishing an online presence is merely the initial step. Cross-border trade requires meeting strict regional regulations regarding product quality, packaging, labeling, environmental sustainability, and buyer-specific criteria.

During Phase 1, the initiative built digital capabilities for over 500 entrepreneurs. Through a partnership with Alibaba.com, 32 women-led enterprises created digital storefronts featuring more than 12,700 listed products.

Ms. Sharma emphasized that Phase 2 will intensify its focus on practical market entry for the EU. Beyond foundational e-commerce tools, the project will help businesses identify European market opportunities, evaluate operational readiness, adapt products to European standards, and prepare for direct buyer matchmaking.

Ms. Nguyen Bao Thoa, ITC SheTrades National Coordinator in Vietnam, outlined the three primary pillars of Phase 2: enhancing digital capacity, facilitating European market access, and developing a sustainable business ecosystem. Participating enterprises will undergo rigorous selection based on engagement metrics and co-financing commitments, receiving tailored coaching and B2B connection opportunities.

She noted that while Vietnam offers unique products rooted in cultural heritage and regional craftsmanship, entering European supply chains requires simultaneous investment in technology, compliance, branding, and market linkage. Assisting women-led enterprises not only expands export revenues but also drives job creation and fosters inclusive economic growth.

-Bao Binh

Vietnam’s e-commerce market records strong growth in first half of 2026

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:50:00 GMT

Total gross merchandise value (GMV) on four major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam — Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki - reaching $10-11.1 billion.

The total gross merchandise value (GMV) on four major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam — Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada and Tiki — reached an estimated VND264.8–291.6 trillion ($10–11.1 billion) in the first half of 2026, according to data analysis platforms Metric.vn and YouNet ECI.

The number of sellers generating revenue reached 613,800, up 14.1% year on year, while sales volume rose 13.7% to 2.19 billion products.

Shopee continued to lead Vietnam’s e-commerce market, accounting for more than half of total GMV at approximately VND144.3 trillion, up 15% from the same period last year. TikTok Shop, meanwhile, recorded significantly faster growth, with GMV increasing 27% to VND115 trillion, narrowing the gap with Shopee.

By category, consumer electronics and home appliances posted the strongest growth at 26%, followed by fast-moving consumer goods at 20%, fashion and accessories at 18%, and beauty products at 12%.

Vietnam’s retail e-commerce market has expanded roughly tenfold over the past decade, from $4 billion in 2015 to $38.5 billion in 2025, according to the Vietnam E-commerce Association’s 2026 report. If current growth continues, the market could be 25 times larger by 2030.

For 2026, the market is projected to reach $44.3 billion, representing growth of around 15% from 2025.

-Bach Duong

Ho Chi Minh City integrates AI and digital trading platform at Export 2026

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:10:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City Export 2026 will pioneer an offline-to-online (O2O) trade promotion model, leveraging artificial intelligence, big data, and a dedicated digital expo platform to connect domestic exporters with international buyers round the clock.

Organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, Ho Chi Minh City Export 2026 will take place on October 22-24, at the WTC Expo International Exhibition Center in Ho Chi Minh City.

The exhibition aims to showcase high-quality Vietnamese products, enhance brand value, and expand market access for domestic enterprises.

According to Mr. Pham Van Danh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, a key feature of this year’s event is the “on-site export” mechanism. International buyers can inspect products at the expo before visiting factories and material zones directly, streamlining supplier evaluation and contract negotiations.

To support the hybrid format, the Technical Support and Sustainable Development Center (CSED) under the Department of Industry and Trade partnered with Arobid Technology Joint Stock Company to launch Expo Platform. This dedicated digital infrastructure integrates B2B e-commerce, big data analytics, and AI algorithms to analyze buyer preferences, match business opportunities, and maintain year-round trading connections.

The digital platform supports the newly announced HCMC Export Digital Trade Expo series, comprising 12 specialized events scheduled across 2026 and 2027 tailored to specific industries, markets, and economic themes.

“Instead of traveling abroad to expand markets, domestic businesses can connect with international buyers on-site through the digital platform, saving significant time and operational costs,” Mr. Danh said, adding that the platform will operate prior to the physical event to enable early matchmaking and remote communication.

Mr. Tran Van Chin, Chairman and Co-founder of Arobid Technology JSC, noted that Expo Platform is designed to digitize trade promotion into a continuous operational environment. “The platform extends the fair’s reach domestically and internationally, creating a 24/7/365 trade promotion space,” he said.

The announcement comes as Ho Chi Minh City maintains strong economic momentum. In the first eight months of 2026, the city's industrial production index grew 10.8 percent year-on-year.

Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached more than VND1.3 quadrillion ($49.73 billion), up 13.7 percent, while total export turnover hit $65.8 billion, representing a 7.82 percent increase compared to the same period in 2025.

Ho Chi Minh City Export 2026 is expected to feature 750 booths highlighting key export sectors, including textiles, footwear, processed food, Halal products, wooden furniture, handicrafts, home appliances, and hardware tools. Export support services such as logistics, testing, insurance, banking, and e-commerce solutions will also be showcased.

To date, 21 foreign trade delegations with 103 international buyers from the United States, France, Canada, Hungary, Sri Lanka, Singapore, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Dubai, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan have registered to attend the event.

-Minh Huy

Vietnam approves master plan to develop commercial outlet centers by 2030

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Vietnam has officially launched a national strategy to develop commercial outlet centers through 2030 with a vision toward 2045, marking a significant step in modernizing the country’s retail infrastructure and boosting experiential tourism.

Under a recent decision by the Minister of Industry and Trade, a comprehensive scheme to develop commercial outlet models across Vietnam through 2030 has been approved.

The scheme aims to stimulate domestic consumption, support local supply chains, and build world-class retail and tourism destinations.

Under the scheme, clear regulatory frameworks for outlet retail will be established, enabling brand owners and authorized distributors to sell authentic products, factory overstock, and specialized lines directly to consumers at discounted prices.

The plan targets creating at least one pilot outlet center by 2030, with nationwide expansion planned between 2030 and 2045 to ensure that Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam each host at least one major outlet complex. Additionally, the ministry plans to train at least 5,000 civil servants, market regulators, and business executives in international retail management and oversight.

To adapt to local market dynamics, the strategy outlines three distinct outlet formats.

First, Premium Outlet Villages ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 square meters. Designed as open-air shopping destinations, these complexes will host mid-to-high-end and luxury global brands near major metropolitan areas, tourism hubs, and key transport nodes such as expressways and international airports.

Second, Urban and Suburb Outlet Centers with rentable space between 5,000 and 25,000 square meters. Operating in indoor or outdoor formats, these centers will focus on mass-market and mid-tier brands, specifically sports apparel, fashion, and home goods, to serve everyday residents and domestic travelers.

Third, Integrated Outlets featuring 15,000 to 50,000 square meters of rentable space located within multi-functional developments combining residential, office, healthcare, and entertainment facilities in densely populated areas.

Geographically, development will focus on locations with high purchasing power and strong transit connectivity. Priority corridors near Hanoi include expressways that connect Hanoi and Mong Cai, Hanoi and Lao Cai, Nhat Tan bridge and Noi Bai International Airport, and Hanoi and Haiphong.

In Southern Vietnam, focus centers on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway and areas surrounding Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai city, along with Phu Quoc island in An Giang province.

In the Central region, potential sites line the coastal road connecting Da Nang and Hoi An, along with Cam Ranh peninsula in Khanh Hoa province.

Crucially, the scheme mandates that domestic goods make up 30 to 40 percent of total merchandise at pilot outlets. By 2030, Vietnam aims to establish at least 10 “National Gift” product categories for display and sale, prioritizing Vietnam National Brand items, five-star One Commune One Product (OCOP) goods, and flagship industrial products.

Key localities including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, and An Giang are encouraged to lead pilot investment efforts. Investor selection will prioritize financial strength, international retail experience, and concrete commitments to promoting Vietnamese goods. Market surveillance authorities will simultaneously enforce strict origin tracking and pricing transparency to prevent counterfeit goods and trade fraud.

-Vu Khue