VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Toward a target of one million social housing units

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Following a great deal of effort, Vietnam is making steady progress toward reaching its target of building 1 million social housing units by 2030.

With a range of decisive measures introduced, localities have been stepping up efforts to meet social housing development targets and help to rapidly expand housing supply while giving more workers the opportunity to establish stable homes and livelihoods. At the same time, such efforts are expected to contribute to the goal of “double-digit” socio-economic growth while strengthening social welfare.

According to Mr. Ha Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management at the Ministry of Construction (MoC), Vietnam has stepped up the development of social housing and worker housing alongside commercial housing in recent years, with the aim of supporting low-income groups who would otherwise struggle to secure housing for themselves and their families.

He noted that the adoption of National Assembly Resolution No. 201/2025/QH15, which pilots a number of special mechanisms and policies for social housing development, together with the relevant implementing decrees, addressed many bottlenecks and streamlined administrative procedures related to planning, land, construction investment, and other areas for social housing projects. “These measures are aimed at achieving the target of investing in and building at least 1 million social housing units by 2030,” he said.

Targets achieved

A report on the implementation of the 1 million-unit social housing program recently released by the MoC shows that, cumulatively, 875 social housing projects are currently being implemented nationwide, with a total planned scale of 773,457 units and estimated total investment of around VND637.019 trillion ($24.5 billion). Of these, 289 projects have been completed, providing 197,805 units with total investment of approximately VND162.912 trillion ($6.3 billion).

Nationwide, local authorities have also planned 1,986 sites covering approximately 10,279 ha for social housing development. These include 944 independent land funds covering about 6,047 ha; 837 land funds equivalent to 20 per cent of commercial housing projects, covering approximately 3,174 ha; 123 land funds for the people’s armed forces, covering around 475 ha; and 82 land funds for worker accommodation, covering approximately 583 ha.

Many localities have prioritized social housing land in convenient locations close to urban centers and industrial parks, with access to technical and social infrastructure. Major allocations include Dong Nai with 1,723 ha, Ho Chi Minh City with 1,740 ha, Hanoi with 1,555 ha, Bac Ninh with 754 ha, Tay Ninh with 570 ha, and Quang Ngai with 461 ha.

In practice, beyond projects already under development, many localities, particularly Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, are also pursuing breakthrough measures to enable the early commencement and accelerate the implementation of a large number of additional social housing projects.

Hanoi

Hanoi has drawn up plans to break ground at 114 housing projects during the second half of 2026. The Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Directive No. 16/CT-UBND on July 20, 2026, requiring the time taken to process administrative procedures be reduced by at least 50 per cent. The capital will also apply a “green lane” mechanism to applications related to planning, investment, land, and social housing construction. The Directive clearly assigns responsibilities to relevant agencies and units throughout the implementation process.

The capital has also established a special task force for social housing investment and construction, which is responsible for monitoring and directing measures to accelerate investment and construction; consolidating difficulties and obstacles arising during implementation; reviewing and promptly resolving issues related to administrative procedures, planning, investment, land, and construction; accelerating site clearance, compensation, and resettlement; implementing housing support policies for eligible groups; and addressing investment funding and tax incentives for social housing projects. It is also tasked with recommending measures for projects that are behind schedule, fail to meet quality requirements, or violate regulations.

City leaders have instructed departments, agencies and local authorities to clearly define their responsibilities, maintain a high level of focus, and coordinate closely to remove obstacles and accelerate project implementation. They have also called for more proactive and decisive action on site clearance, as well as the preparation, appraisal, and approval of planning documents within the authorities’ respective jurisdictions.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is similarly applying special mechanisms, accelerating administrative reforms, and expanding its land fund to increase social housing supply. According to a plan presented by the southern city’s Department of Construction at a regular socio-economic press briefing on August 13, the number of social housing projects expected to break ground between now and early 2027 is substantial.

On National Day, September 2, the city is scheduled to break ground on five projects with around 10,000 units. In the third quarter of the year, another 57 projects are expected to commence construction, with approximately 56,400 units, and a further 40 projects are planned in the fourth quarter, with a combined 40,000 units. Subsequently, the city expects to break ground on an additional 53 projects in the first and second quarters of 2027, comprising approximately 80,500 units.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoan, Deputy Head of the Urban Development Division at the Department of Construction, said the city had broken ground on ten social housing projects since the beginning of this year, with a combined 11,362 units. Cumulatively, 22 projects are now under construction, comprising approximately 19,878 units, equivalent to 69.7 per cent of the city’s target of 28,500 units for 2026. The simultaneous rollout of these projects is intended to create a foundation for the city to achieve the government-assigned target of developing 199,400 social housing units by 2030.

Supply remains limited

Despite significant progress in social housing development, the MoC said that supply actually reaching the market remains limited and disproportionate to the substantial demand among workers, employees, and low-income earners in urban areas and at industrial parks. Some localities have yet to give sufficient attention to social housing development and have not allocated local budget resources for compensation, support, and resettlement, or for the technical infrastructure investment needed to create serviced land for social housing projects and hand it over to developers.

Businesses have also reported difficulties in the implementation process, particularly with planning, site clearance, land allocation, and the resolution of outstanding issues. Coordination between State management agencies in handling procedures remains insufficiently synchronized, increasing investment preparation times and business costs. Access to bank credit support remains challenging, while preferential State funding is limited even though housing projects, including social housing projects, require substantial upfront investment and have relatively long capital recovery periods, particularly social housing for rent.

Against this backdrop, the MoC has called on local authorities to incorporate targets for social housing and rental housing development into their annual socio-economic development plans. Localities have also been urged to proactively allocate budget resources for compensation and site clearance and to create clean land funds for social and rental housing development. They should strictly comply with regulations on allocating land for worker accommodation within industrial parks.

At the same time, local authorities need to review their land funds and complete their planning. Social and rental housing plans should be closely integrated with technical infrastructure, essential social services, and cultural, healthcare, and educational facilities. Priority should be given to urban areas, economic zones, industrial parks, high-tech parks, and areas undergoing rapid urbanization. “Localities also need to continue simplifying procedures for social and rental housing development through a one-stop-shop, single-point mechanism,” an MoC leader said. “Procedures relating to investment, planning, land allocation, construction permits, and access to preferential credit must be shortened and made more convenient, with clear deadlines and individual responsibilities.”

The measures are intended to further accelerate project implementation and facilitate the early completion of the program to invest in and build at least 1 million social housing units for low-income earners and industrial park workers during 2021-2030.

-Phan Nam

Action program to implement ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan approved

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The action program will serve as a basis for Vietnamese ministries, agencies and relevant bodies to coordinate in implementing ASEAN connectivity.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision 1775/QD-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Giang on September 14, an action program to implement the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan in Vietnam for 2026–2035 period has been approved.

The action plan will serve as a basis for ministries, agencies and relevant bodies to coordinate in implementing ASEAN connectivity, the Government News remarked.

The ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan is envisaged to connect ASEAN by enhancing the physical, institutional, and people-to-people linkages across the region, and support the realization of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, through six Strategic Areas, including sustainable infrastructure, smart and sustainable urban development, digital innovation, seamless logistics and supply chain, regulatory excellence and cooperation, and people-to-people connectivity.

The six strategic areas are interconnected and shall be pursued in a holistic manner, which allows greater synergy and coordination across sectors and with the ASEAN Community Pillars, as well as in support of narrowing the development gap goals, where relevant.

-Khanh Van

Tay Ninh launches four key transport projects to connect economic zones

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The largest project is the Long An – Tan Ninh connection axis, with a total investment of about VND20.746 trillion ($795 million)

The People’s Council of southern Tay Ninh Province has approved a list of four important and urgent transport projects to be prioritized during the 2026–2030 period.

The largest project is the Long An – Tan Ninh connection axis, with a total investment of about VND20.746 trillion ($795 million). The main route will be approximately 74.3 km long, starting at the Tan An Ring Road and ending at National Highway 22 in Ben Cau Commune.

Preparations for investment and land clearance are scheduled for 2026–2027, while construction will take place from 2027–2031. The route is expected to shorten travel time and logistics costs while linking the province’s development centers with its western areas and border gates.

Another major project involves building three bridges across the Can Giuoc, Vam Co Dong, and Vam Co Tay rivers along provincial road DT.827E, which connects Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh and the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap. The project has a total investment of VND4.797 trillion (over $184 million), including about VND4.060 trillion (nearly $156 million) in South Korean ODA funding and VND736 billion ($28.3 milion) in counterpart capital.

Alongside the bridge construction, Tây Ninh has also included investment in the remaining sections of DT.827E in the priority list. This part covers about 19.5 km with a total investment of VND7.941 trillion ($288.3 million). Completing these sections will ease pressure on National Highway 1 and its bypass, while expanding connectivity between urban, industrial, and service areas along the corridor.

The fourth project is the construction of provincial road DT.818, from National Highway N2 to DT.838. This route is identified as a key connector between Long An and Tan Ninh, linking industrial zones and urban areas with the Moc Bai International Border Gate.

Investment in the missing section will shorten travel distance and time, reduce transport costs, and provide an additional connection from development centers to the border area.

Together, these four projects are expected to gradually form Tay Ninh’s transport network. The Long An – Tan Ninh axis and ĐT.818 will create connections between development hubs and border gates, while the three bridges and remaining sections of DT.827E will complete the inter-regional corridor linking Ho Chi Minh City with Tay Ninh and Dong Thap.

VnEconomy-Thien An

Hue seeks tech solutions for carbon neutrality

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 08:12:00 GMT

The central city of Hue is strengthening cooperation with Shizuoka City (Japan) to access green technologies, cut emissions, and develop the carbon market, driving toward carbon neutrality while enhancing business competitiveness.

A technical workshop on carbon neutrality has been recently held by the Department of Agriculture and Environment of central Hue City in collaboration with the Department of Environment of Shizuoka City (Japan).

The event enabled agencies and businesses to share Japanese climate mitigation technologies and sustainable solutions.

At the workshop, Mr. Kenji Tomita from Nippon Koei Co., Ltd. updated delegates on policy shifts and emission standards affecting Vietnamese enterprises. Reports showed Vietnam’s greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory system is entering full implementation. The number of facilities required to conduct mandatory GHG inventories grew from 2,166 in 2024 to 2,441 in 2026 under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 42/2026/QD-TTg. Affected entities must calculate emissions, draft mitigation plans, and execute reductions.

Additionally, Vietnam’s carbon market launched pilot trading on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) on June 29, 2026, where emission allowances and carbon credits can be traded. Experts noted carbon is now a valuable economic asset, urging firms to build reliable emission databases and link reduction targets with production and investment strategy.

Global pressures, such as expanding Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) and the full execution of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in 2026, place urgency on exporters to monitor emissions to protect market access, funding, and corporate value. Experts advised businesses to prioritize regulatory compliance, energy efficiency, and low-carbon product development.

Japanese participants showcased practical solutions, including renewable energy, smart agriculture, biochar production, high-efficiency boilers, and hydrogen energy. Discussions highlighted the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) for joint mitigation projects, backed by the updated Decree No. 112/2026/ND-CP of the Vietnamese Government on international carbon credit transfers under the Paris Agreement.

Highlighting local efforts, Mr. Le Van Cuong, Director of Hue City’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, noted the city is deploying climate action plans through 2030 across energy, transport, construction, waste, and tourism.

“Shizuoka City offers practical experience in green transition for Hue to learn and apply,” he said. “Through this workshop, both cities will deepen cooperation in climate action and foster ties between our regulatory agencies and business communities.”

-Nguyen Thuan

HCMC's ring road 3 expansion project to be implemented under PPP model

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:40:00 GMT

The project is a key transport infrastructure development, playing an important role in enhancing regional connectivity, completing the traffic network, and driving socio-economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region as a whole.

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has submitted a document to the Ministry of Construction and relevant authorities for the implementation of the expansion and completion of Ring Road 3 project (Phase 2) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

According to the People’s Committee, the project is a key transport infrastructure development, playing an important role in enhancing regional connectivity, completing the traffic network, and driving socio-economic growth in the southern city and the southern region as a whole.

A consortium of investors has already proposed to conduct research for the project. The implementation scope covers three localities: HCM City, Dong Nai City, and Tay Ninh Province. Both Dong Nai and Tay Ninh have issued official documents agreeing to authorize HCM City’s People’s Committee as the competent authority to organize and oversee the project.

The PPP investment approach aligns with the government’s directive to mobilize social resources for transport infrastructure development, as emphasized by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc.

Ring Road 3 has a total length of more than 90 km. Of this, over 15 km of the My Phuoc – Tan Van section has already been completed and opened to traffic with a six-lane urban road standard. Additionally, more than 8 km under Component Project 1A, built to a four-lane Class III plain road standard, was put into operation in 2025.

The remaining 70 km, invested by the three localities commenced construction in June 2023 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. The project is divided into eight component projects, each managed by the local People’s Committee where the road passes through.

Under the latest plan, by September 30 the project aims to complete about 38.6 km of the main expressway. By December 30, the entire 70.4 km of the main route, along with approximately 75 km of parallel and frontage roads, is expected to be finished.

VnEconomy-Thanh Thuy

Vietnam Economic Times September 14 2026

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:20:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 474 | Monday, September 14 2026

Dear readers,

According to NASA, ozone is the combination of three oxygen atoms into a single molecule (O3). It is a gas produced naturally in the stratosphere, where it strongly absorbs incoming UV radiation. But as stratospheric ozone decreases, UV radiation is allowed to pass through, and exposure at the Earth’s surface increases.

Protecting the ozone layer is, therefore, not just the individual responsibility of each country or international organization but an important part of the collective global effort to protect the environment and respond to climate change.

On October 15, 2016, in Kigali, Rwanda, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol adopted the Kigali Amendment to control and phase down the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under the Montreal Protocol, a landmark international treaty established to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances and which entered into force on January 1, 1989. The amendment aims to prevent an additional 0.5°C increase in global temperatures by the end of this century, contributing to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate global climate change.

The Kigali Amendment officially entered into force on January 1, 2019, and has since been ratified by nearly 88 per cent of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, including Vietnam, which ratified it on September 4, 2019, under Government Resolution No. 64/NQ-CP.

Under the Kigali Amendment, Parties to the Montreal Protocol have committed to gradually reducing the production and consumption of HFCs, substances with high global warming potential. The ozone layer, located in the Earth’s stratosphere, acts as a protective atmospheric shield, blocking up to 99 per cent of harmful ultraviolet radiation from the Sun and thereby protecting the Earth’s surface and living organisms from dangerous exposure.

Overall, the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol laid the foundation for protecting the ozone layer, while the Kigali Amendment also delivers significant benefits in limiting global warming.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the Kigali Amendment, and in the spirit of Ozone Protection Week, from September 14-20, initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and in celebration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer on September 16, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, in coordination with the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, hosted a roundtable discussion on September 14 entitled “Global Action for a Cooler Planet.”

Policymakers, experts, scholars, and scientists exchanged views on the achievements, challenges, and even bottlenecks in the collective global effort, as well as in Vietnam, during implementing international agreements to protect the ozone layer, analyzed the issues arising along the journey towards sustainable cooling in the future, and studied the opportunities for Vietnam to develop a green economy from this journey.

The most important messages from the roundtable discussion were to reduce the demand for cooling devices right from their planning and design and to develop green spaces. When cooling is necessary, energy-efficient equipment and climate-friendly refrigerants should be used. The effective management of refrigerant lifecycles must be promoted, and the participation of regulatory agencies, the scientific community, businesses, and the public enhanced to strengthen the journey to sustainable cooling while joining hands for a cooler planet.

The key message from the discussion was clear: reduce demand for cooling from the outset through urban planning, building design, and the development of green spaces; when cooling is needed, use energy-efficient equipment and climate-friendly refrigerants; promote effective environmental management of refrigerants throughout their lifecycle to limit emissions; strengthen the participation of regulators, the scientific community, businesses, and the public in advancing sustainable cooling; and work together for a cooler, healthier planet.

Responding to “Global Action for a Cooler Planet” is also an opportunity for Vietnam’s refrigeration industry to implement green transformation in efforts to meet the cooling needs of residential areas, both urban and rural, industrial parks, and logistics cold storage service providers.

To amplify the outcomes of the roundtable discussion and to contribute significantly to the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, our Cover Story in this edition focuses on “The Journey Towards Sustainable Cooling and Vietnam’s Action.”

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Green cooling solutions offer path to sustainable growth and emissions reduction

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:10:00 GMT

Adopting advanced energy-efficient cooling technologies and sustainable building practices present a vital opportunity for Vietnam to curb rising power demand, lower emissions, and advance its green transition goals.

At a seminar titled “Global Action for a Cooler Planet,” co-hosted by the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Vietnam Economic Association, and Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam /VnEconomy/Vietnam Economic Times on September 14 to mark World Ozone Day 2026 (September 16), experts and industry leaders highlighted strategic pathways to address rising cooling demand through technological innovation and energy efficiency.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Vice Rector of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, emphasized that cooling demand is expanding rapidly alongside global warming, urbanization, industrialization, and the rapid rise of digital transformation and tech industries.

According to him, electricity consumption for cooling currently accounts for over 25 percent of Vietnam’s national total, and without effective control measures, the sector could account for nearly 10 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Dr. Dung noted that over the past two decades, the market experienced double-digit annual growth during the first ten years, expanding at nearly triple the rate of Vietnam’s average GDP growth. Over the last decade, while growth has moderated slightly, it remains nearly double the global average for the cooling sector.

According to power consumption data, cooling consumes 25.5 percent of Vietnam’s total commercial electricity output, a figure that could triple by 2030 without intervention - aligning with International Energy Agency (IEA) projections that global cooling will account for 25 to 30 percent of commercial electricity output by 2030 or 2035, outpacing traditional industries.

From the equipment supplier perspective, Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Thanh, Director of Daikin Air-Conditioning Vietnam, acknowledged the rapid changes in air conditioning technology and market dynamics under pressures to save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensure cost-effective operational management.

“The future of the air conditioning industry is not only about providing a comfortable and convenient environment for users, but also about contributing to reduced power consumption and supporting sustainable development,” Ms. Thanh said, adding that “These factors are driving air conditioner manufacturers like us to invest heavily in advanced technologies to lower energy demand as well as environmental impacts.”

Complementing these technological advancements, Mr. Nguyen Cong Thinh, an expert in built environment, energy efficiency, and green buildings, highlighted key opportunities for energy optimization across physical infrastructure.

Drawing from scientific research and international project audits, he noted that electricity used for ventilation, cooling, and air conditioning currently accounts for 40 to 60 percent of a building’s total energy consumption. Implementing smart cooling solutions, green building standards, and energy-saving designs thus offers immense potential to reduce power loads, cut operational costs, and accelerate Vietnam's transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon economy.

-Nhi Anh

Increasingly visible benefits for Hanoi's housing market

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Hanoi’s housing market has gained momentum over time from institutional reforms, long-term planning, and major infrastructure investment.

Hanoi’s housing market has been benefiting from a rare combination of favorable conditions, including the 100-year Capital Master Plan, a major wave of infrastructure investment, and institutional reforms, including the Capital Law passed by the National Assembly. These measures are designed to support Hanoi’s development as a polycentric city, expand its urban footprint, and create more space for long-term housing development.

From 2026-2027, Hanoi is expected to see increasingly visible benefits from the completion of Ring Roads 3.5 and 4, along with a number of new bridges, including Tu Lien, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Cat, Van Phuc, Ngoc Hoi, Me So, and Hong Ha. By 2028-2029, infrastructure benefits are expected to extend further to growth hubs in the west, southwest, and south of the city.

By 2030, as metro lines, Ring Road 5, and the development vision for Hoa Lac Hi-Tech Park take shape, areas outside of the city center are expected to attract more residents, jobs, and economic activity, creating long-term momentum for the housing market.

Infrastructure boosts suburban housing

Savills expects Hanoi’s infrastructure priorities to boost real estate demand in the short term while laying the groundwork for long-term growth. Major infrastructure projects are also creating opportunities to expand access to affordable housing in suburban areas and neighboring localities.

The impact of infrastructure is already becoming evident in price trends and absorption rates in some areas. Savills has observed that projects along Metro Line No. 2A and Metro Line No. 3 have experienced smaller price adjustments than the broader market, highlighting how connectivity is becoming an increasingly important factor in determining the competitiveness of residential properties.

At the same time, improvements to connectivity between Hanoi and neighboring Hung Yen province are expanding residents’ housing options and increasing competition among neighboring markets. This competitive advantage is expected to strengthen further as Ring Roads 3.5 and 4 are completed and a series of new bridges open. These projects will not only improve connectivity between Hanoi and Hung Yen but also expand the scope for urban development east of the city.

According to Savills’ research, Hanoi’s housing supply is expected to continue expanding, supported by new large-scale urban developments and policies aimed at facilitating market growth. In the apartment segment, 22 new projects are expected to launch during the remainder of the year, bringing approximately 13,700 units to the market.

The outlook for villas and townhouses is also positive, with future supply coming from both existing and new projects. Savills forecasts nearly 6,000 units to be launched during the remainder of 2026, followed by approximately 28,000 units between 2027 and 2029.

Affordability remains a challenge

Hanoi’s housing market is entering a transition period, with both short and long-term factors influencing buyers’ decisions.

In the short term, affordability remains the biggest challenge, as housing prices continue to hold at elevated levels while affordable supply remains limited. As a result, liquidity in both the apartment and landed-housing segments has tended to slow compared with previous periods. In addition to interest rates and credit conditions, the announcement of numerous major master plans and infrastructure projects has also made many buyers more cautious. Buyers are taking more time to assess changes in connectivity and the development potential of individual areas before making decisions.

Over the long term, however, the market is developing a stronger foundation for its next growth cycle. The Capital Master Plan, the expansion of Hanoi’s urban footprint, and the accelerated development of ring roads, bridges, and transport links are creating the conditions for Hanoi to evolve into a polycentric city, extending development into areas beyond the urban core. As infrastructure improves, the development land bank will expand, creating opportunities for large-scale urban projects with a more diverse mix of housing products rather than the previous concentration in core areas.

At the same time, growing interest in social housing, affordable housing, and, in particular, rental housing is expected to help the market better meet residents’ actual housing needs.

Savills believes that expanding the development land bank, implementing large-scale projects and introducing dedicated credit policies for these segments could increase supply for groups currently facing difficulties accessing housing.

Looking ahead, integrated development models combining commercial housing, social housing, and rental housing will play an important role in meeting residents’ needs while contributing to the sustainable development of Hanoi’s housing market.

(*) Ms. Do Thi Thu Hang is the Senior Director, Advisory Services, at Savills Hanoi.

-Do Thi Thu Hang (*)

Ministry clarifies proposal to ease conditions for foreign investors

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is seeking comments on a draft amendment to the Investment Law, which proposes easing market access conditions for foreign investors.

During the consultation process, the proposal has received feedback from various ministries, agencies and businesses. Many have suggested that consideration be given to regulations governing sectors in which foreign investors would be permitted to own up to 100% of charter capital.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) said that allowing 100% foreign ownership in sectors such as financial services, accounting, auditing and travel agency services would mean that foreign capital inflows and outflows would be larger and more sensitive to global interest rate and exchange rate movements, thereby increasing the risk of capital-flow reversals.

In response, the MoF said that, among the 91 conditional market-access sectors and subsectors, 10 currently only require the establishment of a joint venture but do not impose any foreign ownership cap. This means foreign investors are already entitled to own up to 99.9% of charter capital in these sectors.

Therefore, removing the joint-venture requirement would not materially change the scale of foreign capital flows into these sectors. Instead, it would primarily remove barriers to market access and reduce compliance costs, in line with the tasks set out in the Politburo's Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW and the Prime Minister's Decision No. 2014/QD-TTg dated September 12, 2026.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Clause 3a of Article 8 of the revised draft has also been amended to establish a general principle.

It stipulates: “Based on socio-economic conditions and State management requirements in each period, the Government shall consider and decide on the relaxation of market access conditions in sectors and industries subject to restricted market access for foreign investors as provided for in laws and resolutions of the National Assembly, ordinances and resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, Government decrees and international investment treaties, ensuring publicity, transparency, consistent application and non-discrimination among investors.”

Compared with the first draft, the MoF has therefore removed the provision specifying “100% foreign ownership” of foreign investors.

For sectors in the finance and banking fields, the MoF said that any consideration of easing market access conditions, if applicable, must involve consultation with the SBV in its capacity as the sectoral regulator. It must also be subject to a comprehensive impact assessment, including its potential effects on the scale and structure of capital flows and on financial-system safety.

The ministry has asked the SBV to coordinate during the drafting of the detailed implementing decree.

Safeguards to prevent discretionary application

Commenting on the draft amended law, the Ministry of Industry and Trade proposed adding principles and criteria to prevent discretionary application of the provisions.

The Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises (VAFIE) also proposed making it clear that the Government may only make decisions based on a published list of sectors and a set of criteria. Any decision should clearly state its legal basis, scope, duration and conditions, and should be published on the National Single Window for Investment and subject to periodic review.

According to VAFIE, such a mechanism would allow Vietnam to pursue selective market opening while eliminating the potential for a “request-and-grant” mechanism.

The MoF said that, following revisions, Clause 3a of Article 8 of the draft law no longer refers to the concepts of “strategic investment projects with major impacts on socio-economic development” or “other projects.”

Instead, the relaxation of market access conditions would be determined on a sector-by-sector basis, regardless of whether a project is identified as strategic.

According to the ministry, the revised draft has established multiple layers of safeguards to eliminate the risk of discretionary application.

The draft law dossier has now been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal.

VnEconomy-Do Men

Government calls for measures to strengthen domestic electronics and semiconductor supply chains

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

These measures aim to increase domestic value-added, competitiveness and Vietnam’s participation in global supply chains.

The Government has called for stronger measures to develop balanced and sustainable trade in the electronics and semiconductor sectors, while increasing the participation of domestic companies in global supply chains.

The Government Office issued Notice No. 481/TB-VPCP on September 14 summarising conclusions by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc following a meeting with the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association and major electronics and semiconductor import-export companies.

Under the conclusion, the Ministry of Industry and Trade was instructed to work with businesses recording large gaps between imports and exports, particularly major importers, to clarify the structure and purposes of their imports by the end of September 2026.

The ministry will also review priority supporting-industry products for electronics, focusing on components and materials with high demand and strong localisation potential. It will develop programmes to connect Vietnamese suppliers with domestic and international electronics, semiconductor and technology corporations.

The Ministry of Finance will review tax incentives for domestic production of electronic components, materials and supporting industries, while facilitating imports of machinery and materials not yet available domestically. It will also strengthen import-export data sharing, customs valuation monitoring and action against trade fraud and transfer pricing.

The State Bank of Vietnam will study suitable credit policies for supporting industries, technological innovation, automation and digital transformation, particularly to help small and medium-sized enterprises join electronics and semiconductor supply chains.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen support for domestic companies developing core technologies in semiconductors, integrated circuits, electronic materials and automation, while promoting chip design, semiconductor materials, packaging and testing, RD, intellectual property protection, and technical standards.

These measures aim to increase domestic value-added, competitiveness and Vietnam’s participation in global supply chains.

-Hạ Chi

Careful consideration for real estate credit

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Credit policy has a substantial and visible effect on all facets of the real estate market.

Vietnam’s real estate market is highly interconnected with the broader economy through multiple balance sheets and cash flows, ranging from the value of collateral securing bank loans and households’ major assets to bond flows, homebuyers’ advance payments, and activity across the construction, building materials, and interior furnishings supply chains. The concern is therefore not simply experiencing a period of real estate price correction but the prolonged stagnation of projects, the difficulty of distinguishing which projects remain viable, and, ultimately, which parties will bear the risks and losses.

Moreover, because real estate relies heavily on debt leverage, it is an investment channel directly and deeply affected by credit policy. When the credit “tap” is opened and interest rates are low, cheap money can fuel widespread speculation. Conversely, when interest rates are high, tighter liquidity can push the market toward stagnation.

Risk identification mechanisms

The country’s real estate market experienced a sharp downturn in 2011-2013, when lending rates exceeded 18-20 per cent per annum. Many companies and investors were forced to sell assets at steep discounts to cut losses, leaving the market “frozen” for an extended period, while property prices in many areas fell 30-40 per cent, including in central locations. One contributing factor was investment behavior heavily reliant on short-term borrowing, while real estate projects and assets have long investment cycles.

Since 2023, Vietnam’s credit and real estate policies have gradually shifted from simply easing liquidity constraints toward more targeted capital allocation. The initial phase focused on preventing a vicious cycle involving legal problems, corporate bonds, and credit through Resolution No. 33/NQ-CP, Decree No. 08/2023/ND-CP, and policies allowing debt repayment schedules to be restructured. Capital was subsequently directed more specifically toward social housing, young homebuyers, viable projects, and sectors identified as priorities.

However, after three years of implementing the VND145 trillion ($5.58 billion) credit program for social housing development under Resolution No. 33, involving nine commercial banks, total disbursements had only reached about VND12.44 trillion ($478.5 million) as of May 2026, or less than 8.6 per cent of the allocated sum. Credit is effective only when it is accompanied by a viable project, streamlined procedures, and borrowers with the ability to repay.

By 2025, after two years of tight controls, real estate credit had been loosened. Outstanding credit in the sector grew faster than overall credit growth across the economy and became more concentrated in real estate business activities as the bond market remained subdued. Cheap money helped make the market more active, with numerous projects restarting, while preferential interest rates and extended principal grace periods boosted both demand and transaction volumes.

Today, as authorities closely monitor the market and “standards” and “discipline” become critical requirements, controlling speculation and steering the market back toward genuine demand through a range of measures, including credit policy, is considered key to enabling Vietnam’s real estate market to enter a more sustainable growth cycle. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has asked credit institutions to continue tightly controlling real estate lending while proactively directing real estate credit toward segments aligned with the policies and priorities of the Party and the State.

The Vietnam Real Estate Market Research Institute at the Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS IRE) argues that the issue with real estate credit is not simply whether to “tighten” or “loosen” lending. More important is the effectiveness of capital allocation and the level of risk associated with it. In practice, real estate credit has a highly diverse structure, ranging from loans for housing needs, property purchases, and transfers to financing for project development, real estate businesses, and other investment and business activities. These credit categories differ in terms of the purpose of funds, cash flows, repayment capacity, and risk levels.

Therefore, rather than applying a uniform approach to all real estate credit, credit policy should gradually classify loans according to the nature of the asset, the purpose of the funding, borrower profiles, developer track records, and level of risk.

Credit should be prioritized for projects with sufficient legal approvals, a viable path to completion, the ability to increase housing supply, genuine demand, and significant spillover effects. Meanwhile, capital for speculative activities or for prolonging projects that are no longer viable should be appropriately controlled.

Targeted credit, controlled risk

Vietnam still has room to identify and prevent risks at an early stage. The legal framework governing land, housing, and real estate businesses is being developed in a more coordinated manner, while information systems and databases on housing and the real estate market are gradually being established.

However, data across banks, companies, projects, and homebuyers remains fragmented. The ability to identify a project at risk of becoming insolvent at an early stage is also not yet sufficiently clear. Without improvements in this area, a policy of “prioritizing credit” risks becoming an administrative capital-allocation mechanism rather than a data-driven risk-management tool.

The key change needed in the next phase, therefore, is a shift in the way credit is managed. Rather than treating real estate as a sector with a uniform level of risk and applying a common control mechanism, policy should move toward assessing risk based on the borrower, asset, purpose of funding, and repayment capacity.

First, projects should be classified to guide capital flows. The government could assign the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, local authorities, and the SBV, to study a mechanism for assessing and classifying projects based on their viability and recovery prospects. Under this approach, VARS IRE proposes considering three categories: projects with sufficient legal approvals, a viable path to completion, significant spillover effects, and that are primarily short of funding to continue development; projects that remain recoverable but require restructuring, such as additional equity, adjustments to their business plans, or restructuring of debt obligations; and projects that are no longer viable and need to be transferred, liquidated, or otherwise handled in accordance with regulations. The purpose of classification is to identify risk levels accurately and guide capital flows, while individual banks would retain responsibility and authority for lending decisions.

Second, the system should shift from sector-based controls toward assessments based on borrowers and assets. The SBV should gradually strengthen criteria such as the loan-to-value ratio of collateral, total debt obligations, and borrowers’ repayment capacity. First-time homebuyers, social housing buyers, affordable housing buyers, and income-generating assets should have more appropriate access to credit. Risk tiers should be based on actual data on borrowers and assets rather than primarily on product labels.

Third, the SBV should regularly conduct stress tests of banks against scenarios such as falling property prices, delayed project deliveries, maturing corporate bonds, or declining collateral values. The results should be linked to appropriate measures, such as higher provisioning, additional capital, or controls on credit growth for banks with high risk concentration. Debt restructuring should be a time-bound solution only for loans that remain recoverable, while loans that are no longer recoverable should be identified and handled in accordance with regulations.

Fourth, long-term funding sources for the real estate market should be gradually diversified. The Ministry of Finance and the SBV should study the development of funding sources beyond bank credit, including corporate bonds, real estate investment funds, and other appropriate financial products. However, expanding funding channels must go hand-in-hand with requirements for information transparency, independent valuation, and risk management. Policymakers should not create another fundraising channel if the risks ultimately return to the banking system or the State budget.

Fifth, all preferential credit policies should have clear criteria, time limits, and post-disbursement monitoring mechanisms. Policy effectiveness should be assessed not only by the amount of capital committed and disbursed, but also by the number of projects completed, homes delivered, people gaining access to funding, and the quality of credit after support is provided. In the near term, policymakers could focus on completing data systems and piloting project classification, with any expansion of new mechanisms based on actual results and the ability to control risks.

(*) Ms. Pham Thi Mien is the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Real Estate Market Research Institute at the Vietnam Association of Real Estate Brokers (VARS IRE)

-Pham Thi Mien(*)

21st AAAP Animal Science Congress sets to open in Hanoi in October

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 22:40:00 GMT

The conference aiming to place sustainability at the heart of scientific research, technological innovation and policymaking for the livestock sector in the coming years.

The 21st Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (AAAP) Animal Science Congress 2026 will take place from October 28–31 in Hanoi under the theme “Sustainable Animal Production.”

The conference aims to place sustainability at the heart of scientific research, technological innovation and policymaking for the livestock sector in the coming years.

The forum will bring together scientists, businesses and government agencies from across the region to share knowledge and practical experience and seek innovative solutions to challenges related to disease outbreaks, environmental pressures, climate change, market competition and animal welfare.

According to the Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association, around 1,400 delegates have registered for the event, including approximately 600 international participants from 42 countries and territories.

The conference will focus on emerging issues such as livestock production environments, digital management, smart farming, smallholder livestock production, animal welfare, pets and companion animals.

A key feature of AAAP 2026 will be its emphasis on strengthening links among science, technology, policymaking, businesses and farmers.

The event is expected to provide an important platform for regional and international cooperation and help promote more sustainable and innovative development of animal production.

-Chu Khoi

Tesla establishes $3 mln subsidiary in Vietnam

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The company is registered to operate in seven business sectors, including wholesale and retail of automobiles, auto parts, machinery, and several other wholesale and retail activities.

US electric car maker Tesla has set up a subsidiary in Vietnam, officially named Tesla Motors Vietnam LLC.

According to business registration records, Tesla Motors Vietnam LLC has its office at 2 Ngo Duc Ke Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

The company is registered to operate in seven business sectors, including wholesale and retail of automobiles, auto parts, machinery, and several other wholesale and retail activities.

The company has charter capital of VND77.7 billion (equivalent to $3 million).

Tesla Motors Vietnam has three legal representatives: one Vietnamese and two Americans. Among them, David Jon Feinstein, a senior executive at Tesla, serves as Chairman of Tesla Motors Vietnam LLC.

The other two legal representatives are Isabel Ching Fan, who holds the position of General Director of Tesla Motors Vietnam LLC, and Nguyen Manh Hung, Assistant General Director.

Tesla has not yet officially sold cars in Vietnam. The establishment of a legal entity does not necessarily mean the company has announced plans to sell vehicles, open showrooms, or build a charging network in the country.

Tesla is not the first company from Elon Musk’s ecosystem to establish a direct presence in Vietnam. Previously, SpaceX founded Starlink Services Vietnam LLC to deploy its Starlink satellite internet service.

In March 2025, the Vietnamese government allowed SpaceX to pilot controlled telecommunications services using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology for five years, with the trial period ending before January 1, 2031.

By February 2026, Starlink Services Vietnam was licensed to provide telecommunications services with satellite infrastructure, including fixed satellite telecommunications networks and mobile satellite telecommunications networks. The company was also granted permission to use radio frequencies and radio equipment.

VnEconomy-Bach Duòng

Vietnam’s pepper exports rise 14.2% in 8M

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The country exporting over 190,000 tons in the first eight months of 2026.

Vietnam exported 190,153 tons of pepper in the first eight months of 2026, up 14.2% from the same period last year, according to the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association (VPSA).

Asia remained the largest market, accounting for 88,441 tons, or 46.5% of the total exports. The Americas ranked second with 49,830 tons, equivalent to 26.2%, followed by Europe with 40,892 tons, or 21.5%. Africa accounted for nearly 11,000 tons.

The United States continued to be the largest buyer of Vietnamese pepper, purchasing 44,349 tons during the eight-month period. China ranked second with 20,495 tons, a sharp increase from 13,282 tons recorded in the same period of 2025.

Other major markets included the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, Germany, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Egypt and Hong Kong (China).

Speaking at a recent workshop launching the Agricultural Commodity Forum in Lam Dong province, VPSA Chairwoman Hoang Thi Lien said Vietnam’s pepper production has remained relatively stable at an average of 175,000–180,000 tons a year.

Annual exports have reached around 230,000–250,000 tons, while imports range between 20,000 and 25,000 tons a year, mainly to support processing and re-export activities.

Vietnamese pepper products are now available in more than 120 countries and territories worldwide, reinforcing the country’s position as a major global pepper supplier.

-Chu Khôi

HCM City plans 17 concentrated digital technology parks

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:20:00 GMT

The project aiming to attract major semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies and generating more than $10 billion in annual revenue.

Ho Chi Minh City has approved a plan to develop 17 new concentrated digital technology parks covering a combined area of 750–1,000 hectares, with the aim of attracting major semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) companies and generating more than $10 billion in annual revenue.

The project is also expected to contribute 30–40% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030.

A key focus of the plan is to maximise land-use efficiency. Unlike traditional industrial parks, the new digital technology parks will prioritise research and development (RD), chip design, AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data and cloud computing.

According to the city’s estimates, average annual revenue is expected to reach about $16 million per hectare. With a planned land area of 750–1,000 hectares, the parks could generate between $12 billion and $16 billion in revenue each year.

The city will prioritise developing the digital technology parks in the northern area, which is being positioned as the digital technology core of a science and technology-oriented urban area.

During 2027–2028, the focus will be on completing technical infrastructure and establishing clusters combining RD, pilot production and technology services.

By 2030, the network of 17 digital technology parks is expected to be largely established and operating stably, creating favourable conditions for the city to attract major global technology corporations and strengthen its position as a regional technology hub.

-Hồng Vinh

Integrated mechanism for unlocking national resources

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:55:00 GMT

Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong tells Anh Nhi how the amended Law on Planning will unlock national resources.

Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW, dated July 28, 2026, calls for eliminating overlaps and inconsistencies in land and related laws. Many real estate projects have been left “on hold” because of conflicts between land-use and construction plans. How do such delays affect economic growth?

When a project already has an investor, resources have been mobilized, and even part of the infrastructure has been developed, but it cannot move forward because of legal obstacles or inconsistencies between, for example, land-use and construction plans, the impact extends far beyond the individual project or company. It represents a waste of resources across the economy in several respects:

First, it slows growth and reduces investment efficiency: A stalled project means corporate capital is not being put into production or business activities, workers do not have jobs, and the State does not generate additional revenue from land, taxes, or related economic activity. If this situation occurs on a large scale, it reduces the efficiency of capital use and productivity across the economy.

Second, it wastes a particularly important resource: land: Land is a finite resource. A plot of land left unused for years is not simply a project that has yet to be implemented; it also represents a missed development opportunity.

Third, it undermines market confidence: When regulations overlap, processing times are prolonged, and businesses cannot predict whether or when a project can be implemented, costs and risks increase. This affects investment decisions, particularly for large-scale projects.

Resolution No. 21 directly addresses this issue. Accordingly, one of its key requirements is to complete a comprehensive and consistent legal framework governing land and related laws, while addressing shortcomings, overlaps, and conflicts in implementation, thereby unlocking land resources for development.

The Resolution also sets a clear goal of managing land in a strict, transparent, fair, efficient, and sustainable manner, and turning land into a strategic resource, competitive advantage, and driver of national development.

What mechanisms does the amended Law on Planning, passed on December 10, 2025, establish to address this bottleneck?

A very important aspect of the amended Law on Planning is that it does not simply address procedural obstacles. It establishes a more integrated mechanism linking planning with the investment process, directly addressing one of the bottlenecks that the real estate market and businesses have faced in recent years by clearly defining the relationship between different types of planning and setting out specific rules for assessing whether projects are consistent with those plans.

Regarding the relationship between different types of planning, the Law on Planning 2025 has re-established a unified planning system, covering national-level planning, regional planning, provincial planning, detailed sectoral planning, and urban and rural planning. The overarching principle is that plans must be spatially integrated and coordinated and serve common development objectives.

The Law stipulates that lower-level plans and plans intended to provide greater detail must be consistent with and implemented in accordance with higher-level plans. It also establishes mechanisms to determine which plan should be implemented and which plan must be adjusted when different plans conflict.

A particularly new and practically significant provision for businesses is that, when considering approval or endorsement of a project’s investment policy, the competent authority will use one of the plans within the national planning system as the basis for assessing the project’s consistency with planning requirements. This means that businesses will not have to wait for all relevant plans to be completed or adjusted before their investment policy can be considered.

Many projects remain stalled because they are simply not feasible. How will the new Law address this issue?

In practice, some projects are no longer aligned with development needs, lack the resources required for implementation, or involve investors whose capacity does not meet the necessary requirements.

The Law on Planning 2025 introduces a requirement for planning feasibility. A plan should not only determine what will be developed and where; it must also answer two critical questions: Where will the resources come from, and when will implementation take place? Planning must be linked to the ability to mobilize land, financial, infrastructure, and human resources, and must include a roadmap and solutions for implementation.

For projects that are currently “stalled,” I believe they should be reviewed against three criteria: Is the project still consistent with planning and development priorities? Is it capable of mobilizing resources and ensuring implementation on schedule? And does it genuinely meet the needs of the market and people, as well as broader socio-economic development requirements? This is particularly important for urban, housing, and real estate projects.

I believe this is also a key principle of Resolution No. 21: land must be managed, allocated, and used economically, efficiently, and sustainably. We must unlock land resources for development while simultaneously combating waste, speculation, and inefficient land-use.

What mechanisms will protect people’s rights in areas that have been included in planning but where the State does not yet have the resources to implement those plans?

This is a very important issue because planning must serve development, but people cannot be left bearing the consequences simply because the resources to implement a plan have not yet been secured.

The spirit of the Law on Planning 2025 is to improve the feasibility of planning by linking development objectives with available resources and implementation capacity. At the same time, it requires planning information to be public and transparent, so people can clearly understand how the areas they live in are planned.

I believe that publicly disclosing planning information and building integrated databases covering planning, land, investment, and the real estate market will enable us to better assess the feasibility of projects. When information is transparent, we can clearly identify which projects are being implemented and which are delayed and why.

Another important feature of the Law is its requirement to digitize planning data in its entirety. How do you assess the role of digital technology in making the real estate market more transparent?

One of the problems in the real estate market in recent years has been the lack of consistent information. People and businesses sometimes have difficulty determining exactly which plan applies to a particular plot of land, whether that plan remains in effect or has been amended, and whether a project is consistent with the applicable planning requirements.

The Law on Planning 2025 provides a basis for building, managing, and sharing planning information systems and databases, with the goal of connecting them with relevant databases.

I believe this is not simply a matter of “putting paper records online.” We need to move toward digitizing the entire planning process - from preparation, appraisal, and approval to publication, adjustment, and monitoring of implementation.

Mr. Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Finance

When planning data is standardized and connected with land, investment, construction, population, and socio-economic data, we can create a digital map of the country’s development space. People will then be able to easily access information, businesses can proactively assess investment opportunities, and government agencies can monitor planning implementation on a common data platform.

Digital data can significantly reduce information asymmetry, which is one of the factors contributing to speculation and market distortion in real estate. When planning information, legal status, and project implementation status are publicly available, people will no longer have to rely on unofficial sources, while businesses will have a stronger basis for making more transparent investment decisions.

How will this greater transparency change the way businesses and people operate in practice?

I believe that when planning data is digitized, standardized, and made public, the biggest change will be that businesses and people will have greater control over their own decisions, rather than having to rely on unofficial sources or spend significant time verifying information.

For businesses, before making an investment decision, they will be able to directly check planning information. This will allow them to more accurately assess whether a project is consistent with planning, where the legal risks lie, what resources need to be prepared, and what the expected implementation timeline is.

For people, the greatest benefit will be stronger rights to know and monitor. They will be able to proactively check whether the land or home they own, or plan to purchase, is subject to planning restrictions, and how that planning has been approved or subsequently amended.

For government agencies, digital data will make it possible to monitor planning implementation, identify areas showing signs of delays or inefficient land use at an early stage, and detect emerging problems so that appropriate action can be taken in a timely maner.

-Anh Nhi

Vietnam sets two tourism growth scenarios for 2026

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:25:00 GMT

Vietnam aiming to welcome 27 million international visitors and 153 million domestic tourists in 2026, assuming tourism maintains its positive momentum and the impacts of conflicts in the Middle East are resolved soon.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued a tourism development plan, outlining measures to boost the sector in the remaining months of 2026, thus contributing to the two-digit economic growth of the country and laying a foundation for its development during 2027–2030.

Under a Decision signed by Deputy Minister Ho An Phong, two tourism growth scenarios based on different developments in the international situation, tourist markets and air transport have been approved.

Under the high-growth scenario, assuming tourism maintains its positive momentum and the impacts of conflicts in the Middle East are resolved soon, Vietnam aims to welcome 27 million international visitors and 153 million domestic tourists in 2026.

The sector will focus on expanding the Chinese market, sustaining growth from South Korea and India, and promoting the Russian market. Western European and North American markets will continue to be developed, while greater advantage from nearby Southeast Asian markets through air, road and sea connections will be taken of.

Under less favourable conditions, including prolonged geopolitical tensions, disruptions to air connectivity and persistently high oil prices, the lower scenario targets 23.2 million international arrivals and 148 million domestic tourists.

The ministry has also assigned international visitor targets to 11 key tourism destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Binh, and Quang Ninh, among others.

-Tuong Bach

Green transition emerges as key driver of competitiveness

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:10:00 GMT

Nordic business experience shows that green transition is increasingly tied to cost, productivity, and the ability to meet export market standards, rather than being seen only as an environmental goal.

Vietnam not only needs more investment capital, but truly requires higher-quality investment. Long-term investment must go hand in hand with developing domestic supplier capacity and improving energy efficiency and emissions reduction.Chairman of NordCham Vietnam Thue Quist Thomasen emphasized this at the Green Industry Summit 2026 themed “Powering Vietnam's Green Industry 4.0,” recently organized by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (NordCham) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

The event attracted more than 200 leaders from government agencies, business, finance, and the international business community.

Mr. Thomasen also noted the gap between ESG reporting and actual changes in production.

Disclosure does not equal decarbonization. A well-written sustainability report has never reduced the cost per unit of product or won a single order, he said.

Nordic business experience shows that green transition is increasingly tied to cost, productivity, and the ability to meet export market standards, rather than being seen only as an environmental goal.

Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Johan Ndisi, cited Sweden’s experience: between 1990 and 2022, the economy grew about 79% while greenhouse gas emissions fell by more than 50%. According to him, this outcome was linked to investment in innovation and clean technology.

At LEGO’s factory in VSIP III (in the former province of Binh Duong, now part of Ho Chi Minh City), environmental factors were integrated right from the design stage. The plant was designed with a lifespan of over 50 years, combining rooftop solar with a direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) and the industrial park’s battery storage system.

Senior Vice President of Asia Manufacturing General Manager, LEGO Manufacturing Vietnam Jesper Hassellund Mikkelsen said the factory aims to run on 100% renewable electricity. It already meets most of its power needs from renewable sources, with the remainder still supplied by the national grid.

In the beverage industry, Carlsberg Vietnam has approached green transition through factors directly affecting operating costs. At its Hue brewery, the company switched heat sources to biomass and biogas in 2022, installed a 2 MW rooftop solar system, and is preparing for a wind power DPPA project expected to operate in 2028.

Carlsberg Vietnam’s representative Peter Wachenschwanz said the brewery currently consumes about 2.1 liters of water per liter of beer and has achieved zero landfill waste since early 2026.

These cases show that industrial green transition is not only about changing energy sources. Companies must also calculate efficiency in water, raw materials, waste, equipment, and data traceability throughout the production process.

Digitalization to measure and cut costs

If energy and resources are the “material” part of the green transition, data is becoming the infrastructure layer that helps businesses measure and optimize the process.

President and CEO of Ericsson Vietnam and Myanmar Rita Mokbel argued that data is often underestimated in green transition.

“We cannot reduce what we cannot see, and we cannot optimize what we cannot measure,” she said.

According to Ms. Mokbel, competitive advantage in manufacturing is shifting from low cost to smarter operations and the ability to prove a product’s carbon footprint.

The common lesson shared at the conference is that green transition only creates economic impact if it goes beyond the pilot stage and is implemented at scale.

That sets requirements for businesses, industrial parks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure. Companies need access to clean electricity at reasonable costs, data to measure emissions and efficiency, and the ability to integrate new solutions into existing production activities.

VnEconomy-Nhu Quynh

Techcombank Investment Summit 2026 on horizon

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

To be held by Techcombank on September 19 in Hanoi, this year’s annual gathering will again act as a platform to hear from a host of speakers on Vietnam’s progess.

The Techcombank Investment Summit 2026 is set to take place on September 19 at the Fairmont Hanoi Hotel, with the theme “A Prosperous Vietnam: Creating and Passing on Value Across Generations.” The annual international investment forum, organized by Techcombank, continues its journey of connecting resources, opportunities, and innovative mindsets toward a thriving and mighty Vietnam.

This year again sees the presence of senior government leaders, veteran investors, and leading domestic and international economic experts.

The gathering serves not only as a dialogue forum on how Vietnam can unleash all its resources, elevate its inherent advantages, promote innovation, and create exceptional value in the development phase ahead, but also as a platform for in-depth discussions and the sharing of perspectives.

Discussions will focus on infrastructure development, capital markets, finance, and the leading role in forging national prosperity in the spirit of Resolution No. 19-NQ/TW on innovating Vietnam’s development model, issued this past July.

Last year’s Techcombank Investment Summit made a strong mark domestically and internationally by introducing the narrative of a “New Vietnam - A Vision for Value Creation.” It drew an attendance that exceeded expectations and garnered significant attention from top-tier local and foreign media outlets, including Bloomberg in Hong Kong (China) and Nikkei Asia.

Entering 2026, the major opportunities and prospects highlighted at the 2025 Summit are steadily materializing. It is now imperative for Vietnam to translate its growth aspirations into concrete action programs, which requires decisive implementation capabilities from the government, local authorities, industry organizations, and pioneering leading enterprises.

The Techcombank Summit 2026 has again been well received and attracted broad interest from experts, investors, and distinguished guests.

Unlocking logistics growth through practical policy reforms

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:10:00 GMT

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is currently reviewing relevant legal documents while researching the formulation of a draft Law on Logistics and proposing the establishment of a national logistics office and a national logistics database to enhance coordination, data management, and support business operations.

At a seminar entitled “Improving the Legal Institutional Framework for Logistics, Removing Bottlenecks, and Unlocking Development Space” organized by Industry and Trade Magazine under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) on September 11 in Hanoi, delegates emphasized the need for a new approach to logistics, urging stronger coordination among state agencies and the perfection of the legal framework to reduce costs and processing time for businesses.

Mr. Bui Ba Nghiem from the Import-Export Department (MoIT) stated that perfecting the institutional framework remains the top priority in logistics development.

“Because logistics connects everything from production, circulation, and distribution to import-export and consumption, it falls under the jurisdiction of multiple agencies, meaning a single policy change can impact the entire supply chain system,” he said.

According to him, national logistics development cannot rely solely on infrastructure, enterprises, or human resources. In practice, delays of a few days for cargo vessels or shipments increase costs, raise inventory levels, cause delivery delays, and lead to missed business opportunities, particularly for seasonal goods.

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Huong, Deputy Head of the Commercial Infrastructure Division under the Domestic Market Management and Development Department (MoIT), noted that rapid growth in e-commerce and omnichannel retail has led to millions of small individual orders requiring fast delivery, real-time tracking, and seamless returns.

Consequently, the legal framework for logistics must shift from managing individual, isolated steps toward a comprehensive approach based on cargo flows and supply chains, she noted.

Mr. Ngo Khac Le, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), argued that legal regulations must stem from practical realities and match administrative capabilities. Existing bottlenecks regarding logistics time and costs directly undermine the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods.

Regarding legal improvement measures, Mr. Nghiem revealed that MoIT is collaborating with ministries, local authorities, and business associations to review and evaluate the implementation of Decree No. 163/2017/ND-CP on logistics services business.

-Vu Khue

5G mobile speeds in Da Nang nearly three times faster than in Hai Phong

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The central city’s 5G speed was nearly 2.8 times that of the northern city and approximately 61% higher than the national average.

Vietnam’s nationwide 5G mobile network remained stable in August 2026, recording average download speeds of 437.88 Mbps and upload speeds of 118.33 Mbps, according to data from i-SPEED, a measurement platform operated by the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center (VNNIC) under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Among the five localities specifically measured by VNNIC, central Da Nang city continued to lead the way, with a 5G download speed of 705.53 Mbps. Meanwhile, Hanoi recorded 437.87 Mbps, southern Can Tho city 392.85 Mbps, Ho Chi Minh City 331.55 Mbps, and northern Hai Phong city 250.39 Mbps.

As a result, Da Nang’s 5G speed was nearly 2.8 times that of Hai Phong and approximately 61% higher than the national average, while Hanoi’s 5G network speed was roughly in line with the national average, and Ho Chi Minh City was around 106 Mbps lower.

According to the measurements, the overall quality of Vietnam’s mobile broadband network declined slightly in August after a series of consecutive monthly increases since April.

Mobile broadband download speeds fell from 102.61 Mbps in July to 90.68 Mbps in August. However, upload speeds remained stable at 29.3 Mbps.

At the local level, Da Nang again led with a mobile broadband speed of 290.12 Mbps, followed by Hanoi 153.45 Mbps, Can Tho 143.39 Mbps, HCM City 118.31 Mbps, and Hai Phong 82.8 Mbps.

As a result, mobile broadband speed in Da Nang was approximately 3.5 times higher than in Hai Phong. Hanoi and Can Tho also recorded speeds significantly above the national average, while Hai Phong was the only locality among the five measured to record a speed below the national average.

According to the statistics, nationwide fixed broadband speeds in August 2026 reached 263.68 Mbps for downloads and 188.13 Mbps for uploads.

Among the five localities measured, Hanoi recorded the highest fixed broadband download speed at 340.94 Mbps, followed by Da Nang at 319.3 Mbps, Ho Chi Minh City 284.12 Mbps, Can Tho 258.77 Mbps, and Hai Phong 258.4 Mbps.

Hanoi’s fixed broadband download speed was therefore approximately 29% higher than the national average.

VnEconomy-Bach Duong

L’amant Café addresses what global buyers need from a Vietnamese coffee supplier

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Local company presented a coffee supply solution at the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2026 designed around the priorities of international buyers: sustainability, traceability, customization, and scalable production.

A good tasting sample can start a conversation, but it cannot close a purchasing decision. Coffee buyers must answer a host of questions: Will the next shipment taste the same? Can the supplier maintain volume when demand grows? Is the origin traceable? Can the product, formulation, and packaging meet the needs of a certain market?

These concerns shaped discussions at L’amant Café’s booth during the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2026 (VIS 2026), where the Gia Lai province-based company introduced a supply solution built around consistency, origin visibility, manufacturing capacity, and product development.

What coffee buyers are really looking for

For importers, distributors, retailers, HoReCa (hotels, restaurants, and cafés/catering) operators, and private-label brands, supplier selection is an exercise in risk management. An attractive price means little if quality changes between batches. A compelling origin story is insufficient without traceability. Customization has limited value if a manufacturer cannot reproduce an approved sample at commercial scale.

Buyers need a supplier that understands how coffee is consumed in the destination market. A blend developed for Vietnamese “phin” preparation may not perform the same way in an espresso system, while an instant coffee for a convenience channel requires decisions on taste, formulation, serving size, and packaging. The right solution begins with the buyer’s consumer, channel, and commercial objective - not with an existing catalogue.

This is the idea behind what L’amant describes as Vietnam’s new-generation coffee: Vietnamese origin combined with deeper processing, verified standards, and market-specific product development.

Supply solution from origin to finished product

L’amant’s model begins with Fine Robusta from Gia Lai province in the central highlands. The region’s basalt soil and Robusta-growing expertise provide a product foundation, while the connection between growers, raw materials, processing, and finished coffee supports visibility across the farm-to-cup journey.

From that foundation, L’amant can meet purchasing needs. Distributors select branded products for their portfolios. Hotels, restaurants, and cafés require coffee profiles and formats suited to their service models. Retailers and brand owners seek OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or private-label development, covering roast profile, blend, instant formulation, packaging format, and positioning.

This approach addresses the buyer’s central concern: whether a Vietnamese coffee supplier can move from a successful tasting to repeatable commercial production. L’amant Café reports capacity of 4,000 tons of roasted coffee and 2,400 tons of instant coffee. Products connected to the Vinh Hiep ecosystem reach more than 60 countries and territories.

The brand was recognized under Vietnam Value 2024, was served as an official coffee brand at the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week, and holds organic credentials including USDA Organic certification. For buyers, these credentials are relevant not as promotional badges but as reference points when assessing standards, market access, and supplier reliability.

From the first meeting to long-term supply

Held in Ho Chi Minh City from September 3-5, VIS 2026 brought together 580 purchasing and distribution delegations from 60 countries and territories and more than 600 Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters. Its 3,000 curated B2B meetings reflected a shift from product promotion toward practical supply chain connections.

That shift is important for Vietnamese coffee. International buyers recognize Vietnam as a major coffee origin source. The next opportunity is to make the country recognizable for consistent finished products, transparent sourcing, and adaptable coffee manufacturing solutions.

After VIS 2026, a meaningful result for L’amant Café will not be the number of cups served but how many conversations develop into qualified projects and sustained partnerships.

For buyers considering coffee sourcing from Vietnam, L’amant’s proposition is direct: begin with the required taste, consumer, channel, volume, and format, then build the supply solution backward to origin. In a market where reliability matters as much as flavor, the supplier that understands the buyer’s risk is better positioned to become the partner behind long-term growth.

AEON expands investment, considering Vietnam as the Group's top priority market

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

With a total investment of nearly VND1.2 trillion (about $46 million), AEON Hai Duong (to open on October 3) marks AEON Group's 10th shopping center in Vietnam and its first medium-sized shopping center in the Red River Delta region.

AEON Vietnam will officially inaugurate the AEON Hai Duong Shopping Center in Thach Khoi Ward, Hai Phong City, on October 3.

With a total investment of nearly VND1.2 trillion (about $46 million), AEON Hai Duong is built on a total land area of 35,700 sq m. It marks AEON Group's 10th shopping center in Vietnam and its first medium-sized shopping center in the Red River Delta region.

Perspective of AEON Hai Duong. (Photo: AEON Vietnam)

On this occasion, Mr. Tezuka Daisuke, General Director of AEON Vietnam, spoke with VnEconomy about the retail potential in the Northern region and AEON Group's future retail expansion strategy in Vietnam.

How do you assess Hai Phong's potential within AEON Group's retail expansion strategy in Vietnam?

The total investment for the AEON Hai Duong project is approximately VND1.18 trillion (about $46 million), allocated primarily to land acquisition, building construction, facilities, and equipment for product display and sales, as well as for providing services to local consumers.

We view the Hai Duong area (now part of Hai Phong) as a market with significant growth potential, situated at a key transportation junction connecting Hanoi and Hai Phong. It is a market expected to continue growing strongly, driven by ongoing industrialization and a population of approximately 2 million people.

Furthermore, we have observed a strong desire for a modern lifestyle among the residents of Hai Duong, evidenced by the fact that many frequently travel to Hanoi for weekend shopping. However, local shopping facilities and major commercial centers remain limited. Through our market research and conversations with local residents, we have found that the community is eagerly anticipating the opening of a shopping center here.

As investors, we are excited to bring a modern retail facility to the area that meets the local population's needs.

Regarding the investor's role and contribution to the locality, what initiatives is AEON Hai Duong implementing to help the province's OCOP entities improve product quality, meet modern retail standards, and expand their markets both domestically and internationally?

AEON Hai Duong is acting as a bridge to help former Hai Duong province's OCOP products elevate their standards, access modern retail channels, and expand market reach. Beyond simply providing sales outlets, AEON helps OCOP entities reach a broader customer base while enhancing their production, management, and commercialization capabilities.

Over 90 per cent of the merchandise at AEON Hai Duong is sourced domestically, creating opportunities to connect with local producers. Signature products such as lychees, mung bean cakes, vegetables, and meat products have already been introduced into our system. We continue to seek new suppliers and collaborate with local authorities to promote OCOP products and connect them with consumers.

However, holding OCOP certification does not guarantee automatic entry into our retail system. Producers must still demonstrate their supply capacity and maintain standards over the long term. To enter modern retail chains, products require more than just OCOP certification or a compelling local story; they must also meet standards regarding quality, traceability, packaging, production volume, cost, and the ability to ensure a stable supply. This serves as a driving force for producers to transition from small-scale operations to professional business models capable of competing in a broader market.

AEON Hai Duong serves not only as a retail outlet but also as a market bridge and a testing ground for commercialization capabilities. Through this system, local products gain opportunities to refine their quality and branding while expanding into both domestic and international markets.

Major centers such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh are expected to form an interconnected urban-tourism corridor, driving regional economic growth. Hanoi is home to AEON’s first shopping mall in the country, AEON Mall Long Bien. Could you please share your insights on the potential of this region and AEON’s future expansion plans there?

AEON Mall Long Bien has established itself as one of the largest shopping malls for AEON Vietnam and within the wider AEON network in Southeast Asia.

We recognize significant growth potential in the Hanoi market. Throughout our investment journey in Vietnam, we have observed the Hanoi municipal government’s strong commitment and strategic efforts regarding urban development, the expansion of commercial zones, and infrastructure upgrades—initiatives that not only serve local residents but also contribute to Vietnam's overall economic growth. Furthermore, the middle-income demographic is expanding, and Hanoi is striving to become a modern metropolis—not just within Vietnam, but across Asia.

With the ongoing development and completion of infrastructure—including road networks and railway systems, particularly urban rail, Hanoi is poised for robust growth in the near future. The city is also expanding its urban footprint and developing numerous new urban areas. As infrastructure matures and urban areas flourish, residents' living standards rise and population density increases; this drives lifestyle changes and creates abundant opportunities for modern retail.

Given Hanoi’s status as a major metropolis characterized by suburban areas, high population density, and rapid development, we are planning to roll out a diverse range of retail models across the city. These formats range from large-scale and medium-scale shopping malls, general merchandise stores, and supermarkets to the small- and medium-sized MaxValu supermarket chain.

These formats are developed to align with available land in specific areas and new urban developments, catering to residents in densely populated urban zones where land is limited. Notably, the MaxValu supermarket chain is undergoing rapid expansion in central Hanoi.

So, will AEON’s future expansion strategy continue to focus on large-scale shopping malls in satellite cities and Tier-2 urban areas, or will it flexibly incorporate other streamlined retail formats?

Vietnam is one of the fastest-changing and most notably growing markets in the region. We identify Vietnam as a key market for accelerating investment and development in the near future, with the aim of achieving robust growth by 2030.

To execute this strategy, we will diversify our retail formats, employing various models tailored to the specific characteristics and needs of each locality.

In the fourth quarter, we will launch two major shopping malls including AEON Mall Thanh Hoa and AEON Mall Ha Long, bringing the total number of new mall openings this year to five. This marks the highest annual number of openings in our 12 years of operation in Vietnam. These large-scale malls are being developed in areas with ample land, designed to meet local demand, ensure investment efficiency, and attract large numbers of customers.

Our large-scale shopping malls are designed to serve residential and commercial areas with populations ranging from 500,000 to 700,000 people. Meanwhile, mid-sized shopping centers such as AEON Hai Duong, which we recently introduced—serve areas with populations of approximately 200,000 to 300,000.

In addition, we are developing general merchandise stores and supermarkets in smaller residential areas, as well as small-scale supermarkets in city centers. These models operate effectively in areas with smaller populations but high population density, particularly where land availability and the potential for developing store premises are more constrained compared to other regions.

Could you please share more detailed information on the strategy of regarding as a key market as previously mentioned?

According to reports on our investment performance in Vietnam, AEON’s average annual growth rate was approximately 5 per cent during the first five years. In the subsequent five-year period, this rate rose to about 13 per cent per year. By 2024, the reported growth rate reached 20 per cent, with a projected increase to 26 per cent in 2025.

AEON selected Vietnam as a key market for development based on an assessment of both macroeconomic and microeconomic data. Vietnam is recognized as one of the fastest-growing markets in Southeast Asia and globally. The country's rapid pace of change and ability to quickly adapt to new trends create significant opportunities for modern retail, one of AEON’s core business sectors.

AEON began exploring the Vietnamese market in 2008 through financial services. We continued our market research and, in 2014, commenced construction of our first shopping mall in Ho Chi Minh City.

Throughout our operations, we have had the opportunity to meet and exchange views with numerous retailers and industry peers in Vietnam; we found that everyone is impressed by the market's development and potential. For the past decade, I have remained confident in Vietnam's growth trajectory.

Based on our research, analysis, and economic data, AEON believes that Vietnam is a developing market with substantial growth potential, particularly within the modern retail sector.

Regarding the scale of AEON’s investment in Vietnam through 2030, specific figures have not yet been announced, so I am unable to share them at this time. However, according to published figures, AEON’s total investment in the Vietnamese market to date stands at approximately $1.5 billion. Following a period of rapid expansion marked by 26 per cent growth in 2025, our strategic direction through 2030 entails tripling our current scale over the next five years.

Alongside revenue and profit targets, AEON plans to establish a network of 300 stores in Vietnam by 2030.

This entails a corresponding allocation of investment capital to drive business expansion. As Vietnam is a key market, the majority of investment funds earmarked for Southeast Asia will be directed there; consequently, the scale of AEON’s investment in Vietnam by 2030 is expected to be significantly larger than in previous periods.

-Ngoc Lan

HCMC Friendship Dialogue 2026 underscores pivotal role of local diplomacy

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The Mayors’ Conference held within the framework of the 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2026 adopted a joint declaration, affirming the increasingly important role of local diplomacy within the nation’s overall foreign policy.

The 3rd Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue 2026 (FD 2026) was held from September 10 to 12, theming “Local Diplomacy: Driving Force for Innovation and Sustainable Growth.”

The event gathered nearly 500 delegates, including leaders from central ministries and sectors, Ho Chi Minh City officials, and 35 international delegations spanning four continents.

During the Mayors’ Conference, which was held in the framework of the FD 2026, a Joint Declaration was adopted, recognizing the growing role of subnational and local diplomacy in the implementation of national foreign policies.

Furthermore, participants agreed to assign focal agencies from Ho Chi Minh City and participating international localities to collaborate on concrete action plans in preparation for the 4th Ho Chi Minh City Friendship Dialogue scheduled for 2028.

In his opening address, Standing Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha stated that the presence of international delegates reflects friendship, trust, and solidarity.

He noted that the gathering demonstrates a shared desire to strengthen connectivity, share development opportunities, foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and jointly address challenges for sustainable growth.

Amid increasingly complex global developments, Mr. Ha highlighted that urban centers play a crucial role in shaping new growth drivers. Cities serve as focal points where strategic resources, knowledge, technological breakthroughs, and dynamic economic activities converge.

However, the municipal leader emphasized that no single city or locality can tackle modern development issues entirely on its own. Therefore, international cooperation is not merely an option, but a foundational requirement that determines the sustainable development capacity of every nation.

Looking ahead, Ho Chi Minh City has affirmed that strengthening internal resources, enhancing economic autonomy, and building national resilience must proceed in tandem with expanding comprehensive and deep-level international cooperation.

Through platforms like the Friendship Dialogue, the southern economic hub aims to reinforce its role as a key gateway for international integration, innovation, and sustainable development.

-Thanh Thuy

Hanoi identifies seven priority areas to support innovation

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

The Hanoi People’s Committee has issued a list of priority sectors for innovation support and innovative startup support in the capital city for the 2026–2030 period.

Under Decision No. 4884/QD-UBND dated September 10, 2026, signed by Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Truong Viet Dung, a list of priority sectors for innovation support and innovative startup support in the capital city for the 2026–2030 period has been announced.

The list comprises seven priority sectors:

First, digital technology, artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, and quantum technology, including artificial intelligence; big data; digital twins; cloud computing; edge computing; the Internet of Things; blockchain; quantum computing; information security; cybersecurity; data protection; and digital identification, authentication and trust.

Second, digital government and smart cities, including digital public services; data-driven urban governance; smart parking; e-ticketing; technologies for the management, operation and exploitation of urban railways; intelligent traffic management; urban logistics; and charging infrastructure.

Third, environmental technology, carbon-emission reduction and climate change adaptation, including environmental monitoring and early warning systems; waste treatment; resource efficiency; greenhouse gas emission reduction; development of carbon markets; clean energy; energy efficiency; flood and natural disaster warning systems; green urban solutions; green transport; and climate change adaptation.

Fourth, manufacturing technology, automation and new materials, including robotics; automation; sensors; embedded systems; 3D printing; smart manufacturing; semiconductor chip design, testing and packaging; and biomaterials, green materials and advanced materials.

Fifth, smart healthcare and applied biomedical technologies, including artificial intelligence for diagnosis, treatment and health management; smart medical devices; biosensors; biotechnology for healthcare; preventive medicine; and telemedicine.

Sixth, digital cultural industries and smart tourism, including creative design; digital communications; the digitization, preservation and exploitation of digital heritage; digital museums; smart tourism maps; virtual reality and augmented reality; and cuisine, traditional craft villages and products showcasing Hanoi’s cultural identity.

Seventh, high-tech agriculture and biotechnology, including smart agriculture; precision agriculture; the application of high technologies in the production, harvesting, preservation and processing of agricultural products; biotechnology for breeding, biological products, and the preservation and processing of agricultural products; as well as traceability and quality and food safety control.

VnEconomy-Ha Chi

AEON accelerates expansion in Vietnam with upcoming Thanh Hoa and Ha Long projects

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

AEON Thanh Hoa and AEON Ha Long are scheduled to open in October and November 2026, respectively, marking two of four shopping centers the retail giant plans to put into operation this year.

These two projects, together with AEON Da Nang Thanh Khe and AEON Hai Duong (in Hai Phong City), form part of the group’s plan to launch four shopping centers in 2026.

Speaking at a press conference on September 11, Mr. Isobe Daisuke, General Director of AEONMALL Vietnam Co., Ltd., noted that Vietnam is one of AEON MALL’s key markets in Southeast Asia. The company will continue expanding its shopping center network in Vietnam while focusing on developing each mall to align with local characteristics and demands.

AEON is executing its expansion strategy through a multi-format approach, ranging from large-scale shopping malls, general merchandise stores, and supermarkets to medium-sized formats and compact supermarkets. Through this strategy, the group aims to broaden its presence across major urban areas, regional hub cities, and suburban districts.

Mr. Tezuka Daisuke, Chief Vietnam Business Officer of AEON group and General Director of AEON Vietnam, stated that following Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, AEON is expanding into provinces and cities characterized by modern lifestyles, such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, and Quang Ninh.

Since entering the Vietnamese market with AEON Tan Phu Celadon Shopping Center in 2014, AEON has gradually expanded its footprint and diversified its business models.

As of August 2026, AEON Group companies operating in Vietnam manage nine shopping centers, 16 general merchandise stores and supermarkets, 40 supermarkets, 182 MINISTOP convenience stores, 71 specialty and service stores, along with two pharmacies.

Under its mid-term business plan for the 2026-2030 period, AEON aims to triple its business scale by 2030 and expand its nationwide network to 300 stores.

-Chu Lan Anh

Housing market expected to return to stable footing

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Professor Hoang Van Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Economic Association, tells Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy that the housing market will develop in a positive manner once new housing policies take effect.

What are the reasons behind the rapid increase in housing prices and their irrationally high levels today?

Housing prices have risen continually in recent years, with some areas even experiencing “fever” in the housing and land markets. There are many reasons why, but the fundamental one remains the mismatch between supply and demand.

For a long time, real estate projects were effectively “frozen.” Few new projects were launched, while many already under development were stalled by legal obstacles and could not be completed or put into operation. This has created a severe supply shortage even as Vietnam grows rapidly, liquidity remains strong, and housing demand continues to rise.

The imbalance is not only in the overall supply but also in its composition, with supply concentrated largely in the high-end segment while affordable housing, despite strong demand, has been largely overlooked.

Another major factor is widespread speculation. Many completed housing units have been bought and held by investors waiting for prices to rise before reselling for a profit. This has turned housing from an asset for use into an asset for wealth accumulation.

Some brokers and investors have also accumulated properties and created artificial scarcity to drive up prices. Together, these factors have pushed housing prices steadily higher, to far beyond what ordinary people can afford.

Given such challenges, can the market still fulfill its role?

The new development model is not simply about economic growth. It must be a comprehensive model built on multiple pillars - economic, social, security and defense, and environmental - with people at its center, both as the ultimate goal and as the driving force.

Development must revolve around people’s needs, and housing is one of the most fundamental. It not only reflects basic living conditions but is also a measure of living standards, quality of life, and the level of social development. Therefore, the housing market must ultimately be geared toward meeting people’s housing needs.

At the same time, if we effectively develop the housing market in particular and the real estate market in general, they can have spillover effects across an estimated 40 industries and sectors, including labor, construction, building materials, consumer goods, and interior and exterior furnishings and equipment.

Numerous figures show that every unit of capital invested in real estate can stimulate an additional 1.5 to 2.5 units of investment in other sectors. This creates broader economic growth. It is estimated that a 1 per cent increase in real estate growth can generate roughly 0.1-0.2 per cent growth in related industries in the short term.

Therefore, accelerating real estate growth would not only contribute to economic growth, as mentioned above, but also help address the shortage of housing supply. However, to achieve this, we must address the market’s shortcomings, particularly by removing the legal obstacles that have become a significant barrier to its sustainable development.

The Party Central Committee recently issued Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW, calling for continued amendments to the Land Law and related legislation toward greater consistency and coherence. In your view, once the Resolution’s directions are institutionalized, what will happen to housing supply and demand?

Resolution No. 21 sets out a number of objectives and solutions to manage and use land more effectively, turning land from a potential, untapped resource into an important resource for development.

In particular, it calls for decisive action to remove the legal difficulties and obstacles that have seen many real estate projects “mothballed.” Once these projects are unlocked, they can restart, freeing up resources for development, creating new momentum for growth, and, more importantly, increasing housing supply across different segments.

This will make an important contribution to restructuring the market, moving it beyond a concentration on high-end real estate projects and toward the stronger development of commercial housing that is affordable for ordinary people as well as rental housing and social housing.

Clearly, diversifying the housing segments in this way will create a more balanced and professional housing market, with the potential to meet the needs of a wider range of buyers, from those with substantial financial resources seeking high-end homes to those with more limited means who need quality housing within their budgets, such as young people, workers who move frequently, and lower-income households.

“Ensuring that every citizen has a place to live” is also the goal behind amendments to the Land Law, the Law on Housing, and other relevant legislation. What do you believe market participants need to do to make this goal a reality?

The goal of “ensuring that every citizen has a place to live” is enshrined in the Constitution as a fundamental right. But whether that right can be fulfilled depends largely on whether people have adequate access to housing. Achieving this goal therefore requires coordinated efforts from all levels of government, sectors, businesses, and citizens.

The State must establish a strong policy framework to support diverse types of housing and, in particular, encourage businesses to develop affordable and rental housing.

Businesses, as the main investors and developers, should focus on segments with genuine demand and real value. As the legal framework improves and the market becomes more selective, choosing the wrong segment could result in weak liquidity or unsold inventory, exposing developers to greater risks, particularly those overly reliant on credit.

Citizens, meanwhile, also need to shift their mindset from homeownership to having a place to live. For those without substantial financial resources, taking on heavy debt simply to own a home can mean spending much of their working lives paying it off, often at the expense of other needs such as children’s education, healthcare, leisure, and travel.

Renting, by contrast, can provide secure housing while offering greater flexibility to move when changing jobs or schools, starting a family, or needing more space. Without the burden of mortgage payments, household income can also be allocated more broadly to other needs, potentially delivering a better quality of life than devoting one’s entire working life to owning a home.

A well-developed rental housing market would also bring broader social benefits. It would make housing accessible to more people while ensuring that a greater share of the existing housing stock is actually used, reducing waste and improving social equity.

A high homeownership rate is not the only measure of housing security. In many developed countries, renting is more common than owning. As the gap between the need for housing and the ability to buy continues to widen, homeownership is not necessarily the optimal solution. The priority should be access to quality housing that matches people’s needs and ability to pay, which makes developing a professional rental housing market increasingly important.

Completing a real estate project takes at least three to five years on average, so we cannot expect large volumes of new housing to immediately flood the market next year. Nevertheless, we can reasonably expect that during the 2027-2030 period the housing market will return to a more stable footing in terms of both supply and demand and prices, without the runaway price increases seen in recent years.

Professor Hoang Van Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Economic Association

How do you see the housing market developing in 2027?

Over the past year, many stalled projects have had the obstacles removed and resumed their development. Many new projects have also been launched, including several large-scale urban developments spanning thousands of hectares.

As a result, housing supply is expected to increase significantly in the time ahead. As supply rises, supply and demand will become more balanced, leaving less room for speculation and price manipulation. This should bring housing prices down to more reasonable levels.

However, completing a real estate project takes at least three to five years on average, so we cannot expect large volumes of new housing to immediately flood the market next year.

Nevertheless, we can reasonably expect that during the 2027-2030 period the housing market will return to a more stable footing in terms of both supply and demand and prices, without the runaway price increases seen in recent years.

The market’s various segments will be restructured in a more balanced manner, while supply will become much more diverse, giving people with genuine housing needs a wider range of choices.

Put simply, five years ago, the housing market was largely a seller’s market. Over the next three to five years, it will depend much more on the buyer.

Full remarks by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at 18th BRICS Summit

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung attended the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, as the representative of a BRICS partner country, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Below is the full remarks by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India on September 13, as released by the Government News:

Your Excellency Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, Chairman of the 18th BRICS Summit,

Distinguished leaders,

This year's Summit marks two decades of BRICS' continuous rise in empowering the role and voice of developing economies in global political and economic affairs. During these two decades of BRICS development, the world has undergone profound shifts in the balance of power, growth models, and methods of global governance.

In this context, Vietnam supports, and calls on BRICS to work more closely with regional, inter-regional, and global multilateral mechanisms. This aims to contribute to peace, stability, and cooperation, and create fair and sustainable development opportunities for all nations. We also hope that BRICS will play a greater role in promoting dialogue and cooperation, building and strengthening confidence, seeking solutions to global challenges, and advancing reforms of the multilateral system, so that it more comprehensively satisfies the interests of developing countries.

In this spirit, I highly appreciate the 2026 BRICS' priorities of "Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability", and would like to propose three areas for BRICS to advance:

First, shift from responding to changes to proactively strengthening the resilience and self-reliance of economies.

We hope that BRICS will strengthen the sharing of experience in policy-making, risk management, and strategic forecasting. We also look forward to BRICS' support for developing countries in enhancing productivity, strengthening endogenous capacity, and fostering adaptability to economic and financial shocks, natural disasters, epidemics, and cross-border challenges.

Second, shift from expanding the scale of cooperation to renewing traditional growth drivers, while creating new, inclusive, and sustainable growth drivers at the same time.

Accordingly, BRICS could strengthen coordination to ensure uninterrupted flows of trade, investment, finance and supply chains, and make the most of its potential and advantages to expand the space for South-South cooperation. BRICS should also make better use of existing financial institutions, and mobilize long-term resources at affordable costs. This will enable developing countries' more equitable access to financing for digital transformation and green transition.

Third, translate cooperation opportunities in science-technology and innovation into concrete programs and projects that serve the shared interests of countries.

We propose that BRICS strongly promote joint research activities, human resource development, and technology transfer, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, smart agriculture, and clean energy. Mechanisms such as the iBRICS Network and the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Framework Program should be expanded, with a view to sharing research infrastructure, providing skill training and supporting the commercialization of technology products.

Distinguished leaders and delegates,

Vietnam is entering a new phase of development, with the perspective of placing people at the center, taking institutional reform and modern governance as the driving force, and science, technology, and innovation as the foundation; while harmoniously combining economic growth with social progress and environmental protection.

In this process, Vietnam wishes to work closely with BRICS members to deliver concrete cooperation programs and bring about practical benefits to parties concerned. We stand ready to work together with BRICS in the spirit of responsibility, goodwill and substantive cooperation to build a future of peace, prosperity, sustainable and inclusive development for all countries and people.

Thank you very much!

-Van Nguyen

People at the center

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The recently-issued Resolution No. 21 opens a new phase in land and real estate policy, placing land more firmly within the broader context of social equity and quality of life as well as economic growth and resource allocation.

Three laws governing land, housing, and real estate business, which all took effect on August 1, 2024, established a new legal foundation for Vietnam’s property market. Two years later, on July 28, 2026, the 14th Party Central Committee issued Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW, setting out the policy direction for amending the Land Law and related legislation while retaining the relevant principles of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, issued in 2022.

Resolution No. 21 is not a new real estate law. Rather, it provides the political and policy framework for the next phase of legal reforms. Yet its directions could reshape Vietnam’s property market over the years to come.

At its core, the Resolution redefines land as more than an object of administrative management. It recognizes it as a strategic development resource, while affirming land-use rights as a protected form of property and a key productive asset within the economy.

Reframing land and housing policy

Several provisions stand out for their potential market impact.

First, the State will continue to regulate and determine land prices, but valuations must be based on data and scientific methodologies, with greater transparency to reduce price manipulation and speculative “artificial” valuations.

Second, land allocation and leasing will rely primarily on auctions of land-use rights and competitive bidding for State-managed land projects, with an emphasis on transparency, competition, and selecting investors capable of using land efficiently.

Third, the Resolution seeks to sharply limit the subdivision and sale of land plots in urban areas, particularly in major cities.

Fourth, it encourages private investment in affordable rental housing through preferential land allocation and leasing policies. Rental housing, social housing, and State-owned public-service housing would also receive long-term land-use tenure.

Fifth, the Resolution calls for new financial and tax policies that make land hoarding more costly than speculative gains. It also proposes higher taxes on vacant and unused land, alongside mechanisms to capture increases in land value.

And sixth, it envisions a more transparent and integrated real estate market by requiring greater public disclosure of planning, project legality, land prices, transactions, financial obligations, mortgages, disputes, and land-use status. Over time, land transactions would become subject to mandatory registration and linked with planning, tax, banking, notarization, and real estate databases.

Resolution No. 21 calls on the State to move beyond compensating people for acquired assets and toward rebuilding lives when land is recovered. The objective is not only to improve housing conditions and livelihoods for displaced residents but also to strengthen every citizen’s ability to secure a place to live through better land policies and a more accessible rental housing market.

Groundwork for the shift

The new directions set out in Resolution No. 21 did not emerge in an institutional vacuum. Vietnam had already embarked on major reform with the three abovementioned laws: the Land Law 2024 (passed by the National Assembly on January 18, 2024), the Law on Housing 2023 (on November 27, 2023), and the Law on Real Estate Business 2023 (on November 28, 2023).

The Laws were initially scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2025. However, the National Assembly later passed Law No. 43/2024/QH15, on June 29, 2024, amending provisions in all three laws and bringing their effective date forward to August 1, 2024. Putting the three laws into effect simultaneously was significant, because land, housing, and real estate business cannot function as three separate markets.

Land is the key input, housing is the product that meets residential needs, and real estate business provides the mechanism for bringing properties and land-use rights to the market. The three are closely interconnected, forming a single value chain. When one link is constrained, the entire process, from project development and supply creation to people’s access to housing, is affected.

Land Law 2024: From management to unlocking resources

The Land Law 2024 provides a critical foundation, not only regulating land management and use but also seeking to unlock and allocate land resources more efficiently for socio-economic development.

One of its major changes was the removal of the land price framework under the Land Law 2013, alongside a redesigned system of land price tables and specific land prices. Land price tables are now based more closely on market principles and can be adjusted, amended, and supplemented annually when necessary.

The Law also expands and clarifies cases involving State land recovery, land allocation and leasing, and changes in land-use purpose, while strengthening decentralization and the delegation of authority alongside inspection and oversight. For the real estate market, these changes directly affect land costs, compensation, site clearance, and project feasibility.

Resolution No. 21, however, makes clear that this process is not yet complete. The new direction is to further refine land pricing based on data, scientific methodologies, and greater transparency. The central government will establish criteria, principles, methodologies, and oversight mechanisms, while local authorities will determine land prices within the legal framework.

This suggests that the land pricing challenge in the next stage will not simply be about “how much” but also about “how the price is determined, what data it is based on, and how the gains from rising land values are distributed.”

Law on Housing 2023: From homeownership to access

While the Land Law focuses on the key input, the Law on Housing focuses on the product and its beneficiaries.

The Law on Housing 2023 devotes a specific chapter to social housing development and expands the groups eligible for housing support. Importantly, it does not eliminate the obligation to allocate land for social housing in commercial housing projects.

Under Article 83, provincial-level People’s Committees must ensure sufficient land for social housing development, in line with approved housing development programs and plans. In Special-Class, Class I, Class II, and Class III urban areas, depending on the circumstances, commercial housing developers may fulfill this obligation by allocating part of their project land for social housing, providing serviced social housing land at another location, or making a payment equivalent to the value of the serviced land required for social housing development.

The key change, therefore, is not the “removal of the 20 per cent requirement” but the diversification of ways developers can fulfill their social housing obligations, alongside greater responsibility for local authorities in planning and land allocation. The Law also provides social housing developers with incentives covering land, taxes, credit, and other forms of support.

Notably, the law provides exemptions from land-use fees and land rental payments for qualifying social housing project land, helping remove a procedural hurdle that has historically contributed to delays in project development.

More importantly, however, the Law on Housing 2023 broadens the policy focus to include rental social housing. This aligns closely with the concept of the “right to secure housing.”

A low-income person does not necessarily need to buy a home immediately to be considered as having access to housing policy. A rental home that is affordable, of adequate quality, and available on stable terms can also provide a meaningful form of housing security.

Law on Real Estate Business 2023: Improving market transparency

The Law on Real Estate Business 2023 introduces a range of provisions aimed at improving transparency and protecting buyers. It requires real estate businesses to publicly disclose complete, truthful, and accurate information about properties and projects offered for sale.

For off-plan housing and buildings, the Law limits developers to collecting a deposit of no more than 5 per cent of the sale or lease-purchase price once the property is legally eligible to be marketed. Deposit agreements must clearly state the sale or lease-purchase price.

The Law also requires real estate businesses to receive customer payments through accounts at credit institutions or foreign bank branches legally operating in Vietnam.

These provisions are intended not only to strengthen control over financial flows but also to curb improper capital raising and make transactions easier to verify. Taken together, the three laws can be viewed as three interconnected layers of the system:

LAND → HOUSING → MARKET

In this context, Resolution No. 21 adds a fourth and more fundamental layer:

LAND → HOUSING → MARKET → HOUSING SECURITY

From homeownership to housing security

For decades, the Vietnamese idea of “settling down and building a career” has been closely tied to owning a home. The logic is understandable. A home is not only a place to live, but also a store of wealth, collateral for credit and, for many households, their most important asset. But as housing prices rise faster than incomes, equating housing security with homeownership is creating a growing paradox.

In a modern urban economy, access to adequate housing does not necessarily require property ownership. This distinction lies at the heart of the difference between owning a home and having housing security. A stronger focus on access to housing would give policymakers a broader set of tools, including social housing for sale, lease-purchase, and rental; affordable commercial housing; long-term rentals; worker housing; dormitories; and other models tailored to different income groups. This is why Resolution No. 21 places specific emphasis on developing affordable rental housing.

Vietnam’s rapid urbanization and increasingly mobile workforce are creating new patterns of housing demand. Workers move to industrial parks. Students head to major cities. Young people relocate to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or emerging economic centers. Professionals may spend only a few years working in a particular location.

In many of these cases, the immediate need is not to buy a home, but to find decent housing at a predictable cost. Yet Vietnam’s housing market remains heavily geared toward development for sale. As a result, many people rely on a fragmented rental market where quality, safety, services, and lease stability vary widely.

A professional rental housing market could offer a third option between informal lodging and homeownership. One example is Build-to-Rent, where developers build properties specifically for long-term rental rather than selling individual units. Combined with appropriate incentives for land, taxation, credit, and planning, the model could create a new source of housing supply.

Resolution No. 21 points in this direction, calling for preferential land allocation and leasing policies to encourage private sector investment in affordable rental housing. This could become one of the most significant shifts in Vietnam’s housing policy during 2026-2030.

But expanding rental supply alone will not solve the affordability problem. When housing prices rise faster than incomes for an extended period, the gap between the need for housing and the ability to buy it widens. Credit is only part of the answer.

If supply remains constrained by limited land, lengthy procedures, high land costs, and speculation, expanding mortgage access may simply push demand ahead of supply. Tackling housing affordability therefore requires action across the entire chain, from land supply and project costs to housing products and speculative behavior.

Resolution No. 21 identifies several areas for action. It calls for a more data-driven and transparent system for determining land prices; mechanisms to regulate the additional value generated by planning, infrastructure investment, changes in land use, and urban expansion; tax policies to discourage land hoarding, vacant land, and speculation; tighter limits on land subdivision and plot sales in urban areas; and greater disclosure of planning, legal status, land prices, transactions, mortgages, disputes, and financial obligations.

If these measures are implemented coherently, the market could gradually move away from a model driven largely by expectations of rising land prices toward one based more on actual use value and the ability to generate sustainable cash flows.

The shift in thinking also extends to what happens when the State acquires residential land. Resolution No. 21 calls for a move from “compensating for acquired assets” toward “rebuilding people’s lives,” marking an important change in the philosophy of land policy.

If a household whose residential land is acquired is viewed simply as an asset owner entitled to compensation, the process may end with a financial payment. But if that household is seen as having a right to maintain and improve its living conditions, the solution must go further - to include housing, infrastructure, schools, healthcare, employment, livelihoods, and integration into a new community.

Resolution No. 21 also continues to promote the separation of compensation, support, and resettlement into independent projects that can be implemented in advance. Resettlement areas are expected to provide adequate infrastructure and essential services, while giving greater attention to residents’ livelihoods.

Taken together, these measures point to a broader policy shift: housing policy is gradually moving beyond the question of who owns a home toward the more fundamental question of whether people can secure a safe, stable, and affordable place to live.

Redefining “Settling down”

International experience shows there is no single model for achieving housing security. Singapore has built a large-scale public housing system, with the State playing a strong role in land planning, housing development, and financial support. Germany, by contrast, has a relatively low homeownership rate but a highly-developed rental market, allowing people to build stable lives without necessarily owning property.

The two models are very different, but they point to the same conclusion: a high homeownership rate is not the only measure of housing security. What matters is whether people can access housing that fits their income, workplace, family needs, and stage of life.

The lesson is particularly relevant to Vietnam as labor markets become more flexible and urbanization continues. A young professional may rent; a family may lease-purchase social housing; a higher-income household may buy a commercial home; a factory worker may rent near their workplace; and an older person may choose housing suited to their care needs. A diverse housing ecosystem is ultimately more effective than a market where buying is the only path to stability.

If housing security becomes a policy objective, the way the real estate market is assessed must also change. Total investment, project numbers, transaction volumes, and price growth alone cannot show whether housing is meeting people’s needs.

Greater attention should be given to indicators that directly reflect living conditions. The house price-to-income ratio shows how many years of household income are needed to buy a home. The housing cost-to-income ratio should capture not only purchase prices and rent, but also management fees, utilities, transportation, and other costs that determine real affordability.

The share of social and rental housing in total supply also matters. A market dominated by high-end projects is unlikely to address mass-market demand. The distance between housing and employment is equally important: an affordable home far from workplaces can carry significant additional costs in transportation, commuting time, and quality of life.

Housing quality and infrastructure must also be part of the equation. Housing security means more than having a roof over your head. It means access to safe neighborhoods, transportation, schools, healthcare, public spaces, and essential services. Housing policy therefore needs to be considered alongside urban planning, transport, employment, and social welfare.

The three laws established an important legal foundation. The Land Law provides the framework for managing and allocating land resources; the Law on Housing shapes housing and social housing policy; and the Law on Real Estate Business sets the rules governing the market and transactions.

Resolution No. 21 adds another layer: land should be used more efficiently, markets should become more transparent, speculation should be better controlled, and resources should be directed toward genuine economic and social needs. Its emphasis on affordable rental housing is particularly significant, suggesting that housing policy is beginning to move beyond a traditional focus on homeownership.

This could prove an important shift. A modern economy cannot expect every worker to own a home before they can establish a stable life. A newly-graduated engineer may need to rent. A factory worker may need housing near their workplace. A foreign professional may only need accommodation for a few years. A young family may need to rent before it can afford to buy. Housing, therefore, is not simply an asset. It is also infrastructure that enables people to live, work, raise families, and sustain their livelihoods.

Seen from this perspective, the ultimate measure of the real estate market is not how much housing prices rise, how large market capitalization becomes, or how many high-end projects are launched. The more important measure is whether people can find safe, stable, and well-serviced housing they can afford.

A new phase

The simultaneous implementation of the Land Law 2024, the Law on Housing 2023, and the Law on Real Estate Business 2023 on August 1, 2024, marked a major step in strengthening Vietnam’s real estate institutions. Law No. 43 provided the legal basis for bringing the three laws into effect earlier than originally scheduled, but two years of implementation have shown that legal reform is not the endpoint.

Resolution No. 21, issued on July 28, 2026, opens a new phase in land and real estate policy, placing land more firmly within the broader context of economic growth, resource allocation, social equity, and quality of life.

From reforming land valuation and compensation to tightening controls on land subdivision and speculation; from building integrated land and real estate databases to improving transaction transparency; and from expanding social and rental housing to shifting from compensating for assets toward rebuilding the lives of people affected by land acquisition, the Resolution points to a common objective: putting people at the center of land and housing policy.

The shift from property ownership to housing security does not diminish the importance of ownership, but instead broadens the concept of what it means to have a secure home in a rapidly-changing urban society.

People can achieve housing security through a home they own. But they can also find it in a stable long-term rental, a social housing unit, an affordable apartment, or a resettlement home that provides adequate living conditions and sustainable livelihoods.

The goal of “everyone having a home” can therefore be understood more broadly. It does not necessarily mean that everyone must become a property owner. It means that everyone should have access to housing that is suitable, safe, stable, and affordable. That may be the most important shift Resolution No. 21 opens up for Vietnam’s housing policy in the years ahead.

When housing returns to its fundamental role as economic and social infrastructure serving people, the real estate market can become more than a vehicle for asset accumulation. It can become part of the country’s broader development infrastructure. And when people can achieve housing security without having to “buy at any cost,” the property market will have a greater chance of shifting from growth driven by asset prices toward growth built on use value, better cities, and a higher quality of life.

-VnEconomy Strategic Research Group

PM pushes for cooperation on aviation infrastructure and multilateral trade

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMT

On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 12 met with GMR Group Chairman Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao and World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

On the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 12 met with GMR Group Chairman Grandhi Mallikarjuna Rao and World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, seeking to advance cooperation in aviation infrastructure investment and international trade integration.

During his meeting with the GMR Group chairman, the Prime Minister was briefed on the group’s operations in airport development and management, energy, transportation and urban infrastructure.

Mr. Rao said GMR is interested in exploring opportunities for cooperation and investment in Vietnam, particularly in airport and aviation infrastructure.

Appreciating GMR’s experience in developing, operating and commercially exploiting aviation infrastructure, PM Hung said Vietnam considers aviation infrastructure development a key priority in strengthening international connectivity, promoting trade and tourism, and attracting investment.

Vietnam plans to develop a network of 36 airports by 2030 and continue expanding the network through 2050.

The Prime Minister welcomed GMR’s efforts to strengthen connectivity and explore cooperation opportunities with Vietnamese partners. He called on the group to study the possibility of participating in suitable projects involving airport development and operations, airport cities, commercial exploitation, aviation service ecosystems, digital transformation and airport technology.

He also called on GMR to share its expertise, facilitate technology transfer and contribute to human-resource training in Vietnam.

Vietnam: a multilateral trade success

During his meeting with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, PM Hung affirmed that Vietnam has always participated actively and responsibly in the WTO’s agenda.

He said Vietnam supports the WTO in continuing to play its coordinating role in promoting inclusive and balanced global trade for peace, cooperation and development, while effectively addressing global challenges.

PM Le Minh Hung meets with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in India on September 12. (Photo: chinhphu.vn/Nhat Bac)

Vietnam expects the WTO to continue advancing its reform process to meet the demands of its mission in the new context, while expanding its agenda to emerging areas such as digital trade, artificial intelligence, the green transition, climate change and supply-chain resilience.

PM Hung also called on the WTO to continue implementing projects and initiatives to help Vietnam strengthen its capacity, provide specialized training in trade policy, offer legal advice on international dispute settlement, and facilitate trade so that Vietnam can effectively leverage international agreements and commitments and enhance its competitiveness.

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala congratulated Vietnam on its highly impressive economic achievements, saying that the country’s recent macroeconomic indicators reflect the Government’s strong capacity for macroeconomic management.

After nearly 20 years of WTO membership, Vietnam has become a prominent example of the success of the WTO and the rules-based multilateral trading system, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said.

She also expressed her hope that Vietnam would share its development and international integration experience with other developing countries.

The WTO Director-General welcomed Vietnam’s ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and its participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA), emphasizing that these steps demonstrate Vietnam’s strong commitment and sense of responsibility toward the multilateral trading system.

Discussing Vietnam’s development priorities going forward, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said the country is on the right track by continuing to diversify its markets, products and supply chains, while moving toward higher levels of the value chain, particularly high-value products related to artificial intelligence, semiconductors and microprocessors.

She med that the organization will continue to accompany and support Vietnam in its international economic integration process, and expressed her hope that Vietnam would support WTO reform efforts and the WTO accession process of other countries.

VnEconomy - Bao Chinh phu-Ha :Le

Vietnam, India set $25 bln trade target, deepen economic connectivity

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

During his talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on September 12, Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said Vietnam welcomed investment by major Indian corporations, particularly in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on September 12 held talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of his working trip to India to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, reported the Government News.

The two leaders noted that Vietnam and India are among the world’s fastest-growing economies, with highly complementary strengths and enormous potential for further cooperation. They expressed their determination to step up measures to raise bilateral trade to $25 billion at an early date, while facilitating market access for products from both countries, particularly pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, seafood and livestock products.

PM Hung proposed that the two sides establish economic corridors and supply chains to enhance connectivity between the two economies; consider launching negotiations on a bilateral Free Trade Agreement; and actively coordinate with ASEAN member states to accelerate the completion of the review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

The Vietnamese Govenrment leader said Vietnam also welcomed investment by major Indian corporations, particularly in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.

The two Prime Ministers underscored the importance of connectivity by road, rail, air and sea. They agreed to study ways to promote railway connectivity projects, establish a South Asia–Southeast Asia connectivity corridor, and strengthen links between the two countries’ seaports in connection with the Eurasia maritime route.

PM Hung proposed that India continue increasing the frequency of direct flights connecting major cities of the two countries.

PM Le Minh Hung (L) held talks with India PM Narenda Modi on September 12. (Photo: chinhphu.vn/Nhat Bac)

Expanded cooperation in technology, defense and security

The two Prime Ministers assessed that defence and security cooperation is an important pillar of bilateral relations. They agreed to step up cooperation in defence industry and military trade, training, and the provision of preferential credit, while working to convene the first meeting of the Foreign Affairs–Defence Dialogue mechanism at an early date.

In the fields of science and technology, PM Hung proposed that the two sides soon develop a Vietnam–India technology connectivity strategy, focusing on key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 5G/6G mobile network technologies. He also proposed establishing cooperation programmes on training AI and semiconductor engineers, providing digital technology training for young people, and connecting start-ups and innovation enterprises of the two countries.

Highlighting the two countries’ longstanding strengths and close ties in culture, civilisation, history and religion spanning thousands of years, the two leaders expressed their desire to leverage these advantages to further expand cooperation in tourism and culture, preserve and promote cultural values, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges, thereby consolidating the solid foundation of friendship between the two countries.

PM Hung proposed that the two sides step up cultural and sports exchanges, as well as cooperation in yoga and Buddhist exchanges in 2027 to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his agreement with PM Hung’s proposals and affirmed that the Government of India will continue to support and make efforts to implement measures to promote cooperation between the two countries across various fields, further deepening bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at regional and international forums.

VnEconomy - Báo Chính phủ-Ha Le

The future of small and medium-sized enterprises

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

An amended law on SMEs is to go before the National Assembly shortly and aims to boost their operations and economic contribution.

The government issued Decree No. 90/2001/ND-CP on September 11, 2001, the first legal document to define small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and introduce measures to support their development. Nine years ago, the National Assembly (NA) passed the country’s first law dedicated to SMEs - the Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

On August 11, 2026, the government issued Resolution No. 224/NQ-CP approving the draft Law on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development, which will replace the amended Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, for submission to the second session of the 16th NA.

International context

According to the World Economic Forum, around 400-420 million SMEs are currently operating worldwide, of which 150-200 million are formally registered. Around 50 million new businesses enter the market each year. SMEs account for 90-99 per cent of all businesses in any one country and provide around 70 per cent of total jobs, while contributing roughly half of global GDP.

Yet today’s SMEs face a very different operating environment from those of previous decades. Alongside familiar challenges such as limited access to finance, technology, and resources, businesses are increasingly turning to AI as a new source of growth. They are also moving from “Just-in-Time” to “Just-in-Case” supply approaches as global and regional supply chains face greater risks from disruption.

There is no universally-accepted definition of an SME. Thresholds vary significantly between countries, with some definitions based on the number of employees and others on criteria such as registered capital, assets, revenue, or export value. By way of example, an SME could employ up to 1,200 people in certain industries in the US, fewer than 250 in the EU, no more than 200 in Vietnam, and 50 in Egypt.

Despite these differences, the importance of SMEs is widely recognized. They account for the vast majority of businesses in most countries, create jobs and incomes, and contribute to poverty reduction. At the same time, their smaller scale and more limited resources often leave them at a disadvantage when accessing finance, technology, and markets.

Supporting SMEs therefore has implications beyond the business sector. Socially, it helps expand the middle class and sustain a more resilient model of development. Economically, SMEs maintain dynamism through entrepreneurship, business-model adaptation, and participation in value chains. They also contribute to innovation and resilience during periods of crisis. At the individual level, they provide people across generations with an opportunity to turn entrepreneurial ambitions into reality.

In recent years, the emphasis has expanded to digital transformation, innovation, internationalization, and sustainable development, alongside improving access to finance. Many of today’s global corporations also demonstrate the potential of small businesses to scale. Apple, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and HP all began as micro-enterprises or family businesses, in some cases operating from home garages. Major technology companies also regularly acquire startups and SMEs to strengthen innovation, adopt new technologies and reduce the risks associated with developing them internally.

OECD reports and studies by other international organizations indicate that SMEs can be particularly innovative, especially in high-income economies. In some cases, micro-enterprises can even achieve higher business productivity than large corporations.

Vietnam’s SME sector

A typical newly-registered Vietnamese SME in 2026 has an average of 4.7 employees, down 10.9 per cent year-on-year, and registered capital of VND12.1 billion ($465,000), up 63.6 per cent.

Though the number of new businesses declined during periods of economic crisis, including 2011-2014, and during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, the longer-term trend has been positive. The number of newly-established enterprises has continued to rise, and 2026 is expected to be the first year in which Vietnam records more than 200,000 new businesses.

SMEs accounted for nearly 98 per cent of all Vietnamese enterprises as of the end of 2024. Micro-enterprises made up roughly two-thirds of the total, small enterprises more than one-quarter, and medium-sized and large enterprises some 3 per cent each.

Despite their numbers, however, Vietnamese SMEs still make a relatively modest contribution to the economy and cannot yet be considered its “backbone” in the way SMEs are in many developed economies. Only around 8 per cent of domestic enterprises participate in exports, accounting for approximately 25 per cent of total export value. SME loans accounted for just 17.6 per cent of total outstanding credit in 2024.

Links between the SME and FDI sectors also remain poor, with limited improvements overall in the technological capabilities, management capacity, and market access of domestic enterprises. Previous surveys have shown that Vietnam’s participation in global value chains remains significantly lower than in ASEAN neighbors such as Thailand and Malaysia.

Investment in science and technology and RD is another weakness. Vietnamese businesses spend less than 1 per cent of revenue on the task on average, compared with around 5 per cent in India, 10 per cent in South Korea, and 50 per cent in Japan. In developed ASEAN economies such as Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, the average is at least 9 per cent of total revenue.

The road ahead

These gaps underline the scale of the challenge facing SME development in the years ahead. International best practices traditionally emphasize three areas for government action: creating a favorable business environment, facilitating access to finance, and providing access to business-development services, including human resources, consulting, information, science and technology, production facilities, market expansion, and public procurement.

In today’s volatile global market, however, this agenda needs to go further. Governments must also support innovation, the digital economy, and sustainable development, while helping SMEs diversify their supply chains and adapt to rapidly-changing technologies.

Vietnam has already established a new strategic framework through a series of major Politburo resolutions that set out a long-term vision, seek to remove institutional bottlenecks, and look to create new momentum for different sectors of the economy, particularly SMEs, to mobilize resources and turn potential into competitive advantages.

Against this backdrop, high expectations will be placed on the Law on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development, which is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly at its upcoming session.

The change is more than a matter of terminology - from the “Law on Support for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises” to the “Law on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development.” The concept of “development” should reflect a broader and stronger understanding of what SMEs require in order to grow, one that is better aligned with current policy priorities and the realities of economic governance.

The new Law should build on the legal and institutional foundations established over the past 25 years, expand policy space for an enabling state, incorporate international experience, and, most importantly, establish SMEs as the true center of policy.

The government’s role, however, should not be to replace the market. It should create the conditions for businesses to succeed - achieving the greatest and broadest impact at the lowest possible cost, providing support where it is most needed, minimizing unnecessary intervention, and, above all, giving SMEs stronger incentives to adapt, innovate, and take control of their own future.

International experience has placed strong emphasis on SME development for nearly 80 years, while Vietnam began this journey only a quarter of a century ago. There is therefore still considerable room to unlock the sector’s potential and strengthen its contribution to national development.

As Vietnam pursues rapid and sustainable growth and seeks to make the private sector a major driver of the economy, the new Law on Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development should be more than a change in name. It should mark a shift in development thinking, and a stronger commitment to putting SMEs at the center of Vietnam’s next stage of growth.

(*) Mr. Nguyen Hoa Cuong is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies (IPSS) at the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy.

-NGUYEN HOA CUONG (*)

HCM City begins early land preparation for 255-km rail network

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:10:00 GMT

The southern city will prioritize investment in eight projects and complete 255 km of railway lines during 2026–2030. By 2035, the city aims to complete seven urban railway lines with a total length of 532 km.

With plans to prioritize investment in eight projects and complete 255 km of railway lines during the 2026–2030 period, Ho Chi Minh City has called for compensation, support, resettlement and land clearance work to be prepared at an early stage, rather than waiting until projects enter the investment implementation phase.

These tasks are among the key steps that need to be carried out in advance to shorten the implementation time of large-scale railway projects, particularly as the projects will affect multiple areas and directly involve residents’ rights and resettlement needs.

According to the city's Department of Agriculture and Environment, under recently issued guidelines on compensation, land clearance and ensuring supplies of construction materials for urban railway projects in the city, the locality will prioritize investment in eight projects and complete 255 km of railway lines during 2026–2030. By 2035, the city aims to complete seven urban railway lines with a total length of 532 km.

The large scale of investment will entail a substantial workload involving land acquisition, compensation, support and resettlement. This will require adequate financial resources and appropriate implementation mechanisms from the project preparation stage.

Leaders of the Department emphasized that land acquisition, compensation, support and resettlement must be regarded as particularly important tasks and carried out in advance.

In addition, the city has asked project investors and commune-level People's Committees in areas where the projects will be built to develop detailed plans using Gantt charts — horizontal bar charts that list tasks along the vertical axis and timeframes along the horizontal axis to help monitor progress. Each task must be assigned to a lead agency and coordinating agency, with specified start and completion dates as well as key milestones throughout the implementation process.

Another mechanism under consideration is the application of special policies for the railway sector under the 2025 Railway Law and National Assembly Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15.

VnEconomy-Xuan Nghi

Millions of national sci-tech data records to be shared on unified platform

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

One of the system's key features is its ability to establish multidimensional links among data on science and technology organizations, scientists, science and technology tasks, and scientific publications.

The Ministry of Science and Technology on September 11 officially put into operation the National Information System for Science, Technology and Innovation at https://sti.gov.vn.

The system enables the connection, integration, management, exploitation, and sharing of information and data on science and technology activities; intellectual property; standards, metrology and quality; technology and high technology; science and technology enterprises; innovative startups; technology transfer; and other related areas.

It also provides a statistical data platform featuring 137 sectoral statistical indicators for science and technology and 17 national statistical indicators in the field. This provides an important foundation for gradually building a unified and centralized data source capable of supporting monitoring, analysis, evaluation, and data-driven policymaking.

One of the system's key features is its ability to establish multidimensional links among data on science and technology organizations, scientists, science and technology tasks, and scientific publications. It can also automatically connect and synchronize with the Information System for Administrative Procedure Settlement and the Digital Platform for Managing Science and Technology Tasks of the Ministry.

In terms of connectivity infrastructure, the system has been integrated with the National Data Center. It supports single sign-on via VNeID and is ready to connect and share data in real time with the National Population Database.

The system is designed to serve a wide range of users. Government agencies will have additional tools for monitoring, analysis, and decision-making; scientists will have better access to information on experts, organizations, research and technology tasks, and scientific publications; research institutes and universities will gain an additional data source for research and evaluation; while businesses will be able to access information on technology, innovation, and technology transfer more conveniently.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh stressed that the launch and operation of the system is only the beginning.

“The value of the system does not lie in how modern the software is, but in the quality of the data, its ability to connect, the extent to which it is utilized, and the practical impact it delivers,” he said.

VnEconomy-Ha Chi

Vietnam, France issue joint statement on promoting implementation of comprehensive strategic partnership framework

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:40:00 GMT

Vietnam and France reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea and of full respect for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam and France have issued a joint statement on promoting the implementation of their comprehensive strategic partnership framework on the occasion of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam’s official visit to France and attendance at the International Space Summit from September 10-12, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

This marked the third meeting between the two leaders in nearly two years, serving as a testament to the dynamism of the bilateral relationship and the importance both Vietnam and France attach to fully implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership framework which was established during General Secretary and President Lam’s visit to France in October 2024.

Discussions between the two leaders affirmed a high level of trust and significant alignment regarding views and interests concerning sovereignty, sustainable economic development, and the upholding of multilateralism. In the spirit of the speeches delivered at the Shangri-La Dialogue by French President Emmanuel Macron in May 2025 and General Secretary and President To Lam in May 2026, Vietnam and France expressed their desire to cooperate with partners from the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), as well as other close partners in Europe and Asia, to safeguard the principles of open international trade and a rules-based international order, while opposing power politics and any form of threat or use of force contrary to international law. To strengthen societal resilience in both nations, the two leaders called for the fostering of a spirit of independence and a cooperative mindset. This serves as the foundation for the 2026–2028 action plan aimed at implementing the comprehensive strategic partnership framework between Vietnam and France, which was warmly welcomed and adopted by the two leaders.

In a world marked by profound instability and mounting crises and challenges to the fundamental principles of international law, Vietnam and France reaffirm their commitment to joint action aimed at restoring a stable and prosperous world order that fully respects international law and the UN Charter. This is essential for addressing the three global crises — climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution — while ensuring global health protection and tackling sustainable development challenges. Both nations also reaffirmed the importance of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms for the development of each country.

Vietnam and France emphasised the essential role of the United Nations in the international architecture while acknowledging the need for institutional reform within the organisation. The two leaders supported the UN Secretary-General’s UN80 initiative. Vietnam supported the initiative led by France and Mexico regarding the regulation of the veto power in the UN Security Council in cases of mass atrocities.

The two sides also committed to enhancing consultation and coordination in regional forums and supported strengthened cooperation between ASEAN and the EU. France welcomed the establishment of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the European Union (EU) and Vietnam in January 2026. Vietnam supported France in strengthening its ties with ASEAN, valued the progress made in the ASEAN-France development partnership, and backed France's proposal to become an ASEAN Sectoral Dialogue Partner. Both Vietnam and France advocated for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), of which Vietnam will hold the chairmanship in 2026.

The two leaders also affirmed their desire to strengthen cooperation within the framework of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, building on their shared commitment to the French language and in anticipation of the 20th Francophonie Summit to be held in Phnom Penh in November 2026. They welcomed the fact that this significant event is being hosted in Asia for the second time since the 1997 Hanoi Summit, and expressed hope that the summit would help promote the use of the world's fourth most spoken language across the region, thereby opening up numerous opportunities for cultural and economic cooperation. Both sides committed to fostering cooperation within the Francophonie community, including in the fields of education, training, science, and technology.

Vietnam and France reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea and of full respect for the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two countries emphasised that the UNCLOS establishes the comprehensive legal framework for all activities in the seas and oceans; supported the principle of the peaceful settlement of disputes; firmly opposed any act involving the threat or use of force contrary to international law; and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation and overflight, and unimpeded trade, as well as the right of innocent passage in the East Sea and worldwide. The two countries supported regional efforts to establish an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) that is consistent with international law, particularly UNCLOS.

Vietnam and France called on the relevant parties to soon conduct negotiations to end hostilities and achieve a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace in Ukraine, in accordance with international law and based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Vietnam and France reaffirmed their readiness to participate in international efforts and coordinate closely with relevant parties to promote dialogue, seek peaceful solutions to end the current conflict, and rebuild Ukraine.

Vietnam and France reaffirmed the essential importance of respecting the political independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of all nations.

The leaders of the two countries expressed deep concern regarding the highly alarming situation in the Near and Middle East. They called on all parties to de-escalate, exercise restraint, and work towards a diplomatic solution to the ongoing conflicts. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to freedom of navigation in straits used for international navigation worldwide and called for the restoration of safe, continuous, and unhindered passage for vessels and aircraft through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with international law as reflected in UNCLOS. France reiterated the French-British initiative on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, in the launch meeting of which Vietnam had participated.

Vietnam and France expressed concern regarding the situation in Gaza, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and other ongoing conflict hotspots in the Middle East, while reiterating their commitment to the two-state solution—the only solution capable of meeting the legitimate aspirations for peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis. The two leaders called on the parties to immediately cease actions that escalate tensions, strictly implement agreed-upon ceasefires, and establish lasting ceasefires to facilitate diplomatic solutions in Gaza, Lebanon, and other Middle East hotspots; and to respect international law and the UN Charter, including the principles of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, for the sake of regional and global peace and stability.

Amidst the restructuring of the global economy, the two leaders reaffirmed their determination to develop trusted and mutually beneficial economic partnerships, enhance supply chain resilience, and promote sustainable investment in strategic sectors, thereby contributing to regional peace, stability, and development, as well as global economic security. The two leaders welcomed the organisation of the Vietnam-France Business Leaders Forum, which they both attended, and emphasised the following priorities:

Vietnam and France will strengthen cooperation in the defence sector, prioritising defence industry and defence technology collaboration aligned with the needs and interests of each side. To enable Vietnam to achieve autonomy in this field, the two leaders encouraged relevant agencies and enterprises from both countries to accelerate the cooperation process. Vietnam and France welcomed enhanced cooperation in peacekeeping operations as well as in the sharing of historical and wartime memories.

Vietnam and France supported the promotion of security and cooperation, including training, in combating organised and transnational crime, preventing illegal migration and human trafficking, and implementing the United Nations Convention on Cybercrime (signed in Hanoi in October 2025). The two countries welcomed cooperation in the civil security industry, particularly through joint efforts to enhance aerial operational capabilities. The two sides committed to enhancing information exchange regarding crime prevention and control, and to developing cooperation in civil defence, particularly within the framework of the European Union’s Global Ports Safety (GPS) project.

The two sides welcomed the strengthening of cooperation in legal and judicial matters, especially between the French Council of State and the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam.

Vietnam and France supported enhanced cooperation in trade and the establishment of an international environment conducive to shared prosperity. Both sides committed to the continued full implementation of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), including in areas such as market access and intellectual property rights protection, to foster balanced trade. Vietnam welcomed France's progress in the ratification process of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which is expected to be completed this year.

The two sides will continue close cooperation in the fisheries sector. Notably, France will continue to provide technical assistance to Vietnam in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and in developing sustainable fisheries.

Cooperation in science and technology - a key pillar of the bilateral relationship - will be further intensified within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership action plan. This will be achieved particularly through training, the development of joint research programmes, investment in research infrastructure, and the encouragement of private-sector collaboration in areas of mutual interest identified in the action plan, starting with artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, digital technology, biotechnology, energy and marine technologies, and smart transport.

Vietnam and France welcomed the success of the International Space Summit held in Paris on September 9–10, 2026. The two countries expressed their intention to cooperate on the VNREDSat-2 Earth observation satellite supply and launch project, a project supported by France through the mobilisation of French financial instruments.

The two sides welcomed the signing of the Letter of Intent on critical minerals, as well as the operationalisation of this cooperation through a trilateral agreement on the sustainable management of mineral resources and the enhancement of geological knowledge in Vietnam, involving the French Geological Survey (BRGM), the French Development Agency (AFD), and the Vietnam Department of Geology and Minerals.

Exchanges between the two countries' competent authorities and enterprises will be strengthened to support Vietnam in developing strategic infrastructure in the energy and transport network sectors, particularly regarding railways and urban transport. The two leaders particularly welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction and Systra regarding the renovation of the Hanoi–Haiphong railway line — a project France will support. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the intensified dialogue between French and Vietnamese enterprises in the railway transport sector, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding among the Hanoi People's Committee, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the University of Transport Technology regarding the establishment of a Railway Technology School.

The two sides welcomed the continued promotion of the strategic partnership framework in civil aviation, alongside the signing and announcement of several major contracts between French and Vietnamese enterprises.

Building upon the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership, leveraging France's experience and strengths in the energy sector, and capitalising on the positive cooperation outcomes achieved to date, the two sides will continue their collaboration in this field. Regarding the peaceful use of nuclear energy, cooperation will focus specifically on assessing opportunities for nuclear power development for electricity generation, researching and applying advanced nuclear power technologies, ensuring nuclear safety and security, and fostering human resource training and development. Vietnam and France will also strengthen cooperation on energy infrastructure development and technical collaboration to modernise power system operation infrastructure and electricity markets, thereby enhancing the capacity to integrate renewable energy sources.

The two sides supported enhanced cooperation in the health sector through the signing of a new intergovernmental agreement at the bilateral level and continued collaboration at multilateral forums, in support of the "One Health" approach.

The two leaders called for continued efforts to address the three crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, particularly plastic pollution. They reaffirmed their determination to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement by announcing ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and implementing commitments to phase out fossil fuels, advance low-carbon electrification, and develop low- and zero-emission energy sources. These actions aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 while ensuring national energy security and sustainable development, in alignment with the best available scientific knowledge from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The two countries reiterated the conclusions of the first Global Stocktake of the Paris Agreement adopted at COP28, particularly regarding the pathway to transition away from fossil fuels in a manner consistent with each country's specific conditions, circumstances, level of development, and energy security requirements.

France welcomed Vietnam’s ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions and phase out coal-fired power generation by 2050. In pursuit of this objective, Vietnam welcomed France’s continued, vigorous, and decisive implementation of its commitments under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Regarding nature and biodiversity conservation, the two sides reaffirmed their determination to implement and achieve the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Both countries recognised the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable management in achieving sustainable development goals. The two sides welcomed the entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and noted that the first Conference of the Parties (COP1), scheduled for January 2027, would lay a crucial foundation for the agreement's implementation.

Vietnam and France welcomed the organisation of the World Delta Summit on the sidelines of the UN Ocean Conference and affirmed their desire to further promote transboundary cooperation regarding the Mekong River. France stands ready to assist Vietnam in ratifying the Water Convention, which concerns cooperation on transboundary water basins.

The two countries will promote people-to-people exchanges by facilitating cooperation in cultural fields, particularly heritage preservation and promotion, artistic exchanges, and cultural industries, as well as in sports, science, and innovation. This includes exchange programmes for students and young researchers (including PhD candidates and post-doctoral fellows) under the new Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC Hoa Sen Lotus) programme. Both sides committed to the effective implementation of signed cooperation agreements on education and training, particularly those supporting French language teaching in Vietnam.

In this context, France welcomed the prospect of relocating the University of Science and Technology of Hanoi (USTH) to its new campus in Hoa Lac by 2028, a move that will enable the university to continue its rapid development into a regional centre of academic excellence.

The two leaders welcomed France's return of a Dong Son bronze drum to Vietnamese authorities, an action taken within the framework of their mutual commitment to combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Airbus, Vietnam Airlines sign MOU on five A350-900 aircraft

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The Airbus A350 is a new-generation wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul routes. According to Airbus, more than 730 A350 aircraft are currently operated by airlines worldwide.

As part of General Secretary and President To Lam’s official visit to France, Vietnam Airlines and Airbus on September 10 signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the proposed sale of five A350-900 aircraft, with deliveries expected in 2033–2034.

According to Vietnam Airlines, the MOU is part of its plan to expand its long-haul operations after 2030. Based on the agreement, the two sides will continue to study, assess and finalize relevant terms, paving the way for investment and procurement procedures in accordance with regulations.

Vietnam Airlines has identified the investment in 30 wide-body aircraft after 2030 as a key project in its fleet development strategy. The plan is aimed at meeting growing demand in international markets, enhancing the carrier’s capacity to operate medium- and long-haul routes, and strengthening its competitiveness.

Vietnam Airlines currently operates 81 Airbus aircraft, including 67 A320 and A321 aircraft and 14 A350s.

The Airbus A350 is a new-generation wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul routes. According to Airbus, more than 730 A350 aircraft are currently operated by airlines worldwide.

In the near term, Vietnam Airlines will continue to lease additional aircraft suitable for international routes to meet recovering travel demand and support the restoration of connectivity.

VnEconomy-Dũng Huỳnh

Navigating Vietnam’s smart manufacturing revolution: Scaling, software, and strategic growth

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

As Vietnam’s manufacturing sector increasingly embraces digital transformation, scaling these advanced initiatives from pilot projects to full production remains a central challenge for local enterprises.

Within the framework of the International Manufacturing Congress 2026 (IMC 2026), recently held at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Hanoi, industry leadership gathered for a high-level panel discussion titled “Smart factory at scale: Deploying AI, automation and digital technologies across Vietnam’s manufacturing sector,” Dr. David Tw. Chia, Regional Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation Southeast Asia, shared deep strategic perspectives during the session regarding critical industrial technological shifts and collaborative ecosystems.

Unlocking Industrial Scalability and Real-Time Data Optimization

Addressing the defining technological trends in the industry, Dr. Chia noted that while artificial intelligence often dominates headlines, a more fundamental trend is rapidly reshaping the landscape. He stated, "I think the trend over the past 3 years. No doubt it's about AI, but I would not say AI," adding that software-defined automation holds a bigger impact primarily because it bridges the gap between hardware and software to enable mass production scalability.

Dr. David Tw. Chia, Regional Managing Director of Beckhoff Automation Southeast Asia. (Photo: IMC 2026 Organizing Committee)

Addressing how manufacturers operating with legacy infrastructure can unlock value without replacing assets, Dr. Chia acknowledged, "It's a difficult question." He noted that companies spend heavily on equipment, yet "the machines don't talk, right?", advising manufacturers that "my suggestion is really to bite the bullet and get through it." For aging hardware, he recommended utilizing sensorization to convert analog data into digital formats, while pointing out that newer equipment running on open protocols makes data retrieval significantly easier.

Transitioning to the purpose of real-time data collection, Dr. Chia explained the importance of capturing operational information. To illustrate, he posed a practical question: "What I'd like to know is, is my factory producing the 10,000 parts per day that it promised to do?"

Noting that Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is not a novel concept, he explained that it evaluates three straightforward metrics covering operating hours, design output volume, and quality. Sharing a case study where implementation was tested on a cluster of machines, he noted that after estimating an eighteen-month return, "the project pays back in six months. Not 18 months, in six months," prompting the customer to remark that they should have done it much earlier.

Looking ahead to the strategic horizon of 2030, Dr. Chia stressed that Vietnam’s large base of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must look beyond domestic boundaries and embrace a broader regional perspective. He asserted that for an SME to grow successfully, it must focus on the ecosystem across Southeast Asia by mobilizing critical resources. Urging businesses to view neighbors as collaborators rather than competitors, he highlighted that combining diverse expertise and resources "will help the economy a lot" and create a very strong regional model.

Overcoming Lab-Scale Barriers and Empowering the Next-Gen Workforce

Transitioning to an exclusive sidebar interview with Vietnam Economic Times, Dr. Chia elaborated further on the root causes of failure when scaling up from laboratory environments. He observed that the fundamental challenge faced globally is "not knowing what you want to achieve at the end of the day," warning manufacturers against focusing narrowly on low-cost solutions without considering interoperability and future mass production requirements.

Addressing how SMEs can access advanced automation without excessive initial financial pressure, Dr. Chia pointed to the industry trend of software-defined automation, which he described simply as "the de-link between hardware and software." Drawing a parallel to mobile operating systems, he explained how decoupling software from diverse hardware models fosters innovation, noting that PC-based control systems give manufacturers "the choice of using either the hardware or the software, or both," providing the distinct advantage of testing solutions before full implementation.

Finally, offering guidance for young Vietnamese professionals seeking careers in smart manufacturing, Dr. Chia advised against focusing on learning specific big brand names during their education. Emphasizing the mastery of fundamental principles and close institutional links between academic settings and industrial environments, he concluded that true preparation involves students learning how to "train for automation, train for the fundamentals of how AI is now being used in automation," ensuring they can successfully scale their skills to meet industry demands.

-Hoang An

PM calls for overhaul of fuel distribution system

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:20:00 GMT

The system should be restructured with intermediaries reduced as much as possible, input costs lowered and the fuel pricing mechanism reformed to ensure adequate supplies under all circumstances.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called for an urgent restructuring of Vietnam’s fuel distribution system, with intermediaries reduced as much as possible, input costs lowered and the fuel pricing mechanism reformed to ensure adequate supplies under all circumstances.

PM Hung made the request while chairing a meeting with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and relevant agencies on September 11 to discuss reorganising the country’s fuel distribution network.

The Prime Minister stressed that ensuring national energy security is a fundamental prerequisite for economic stability and achieving the country’s target of double-digit growth.

The meeting focused on restructuring the distribution network and cutting unnecessary intermediary stages, while clearly separating responsibilities between fuel sourcing and distribution and retail operations.

Participants also discussed measures to improve efficiency and reduce costs and prices, as well as the application of science and technology across the supply and distribution chain to ensure a stable market and prevent supply disruptions.

The Government will continue to reform the fuel pricing mechanism based on market principles under State management, while developing mechanisms and tools to safeguard supply during periods of market volatility.

The meeting also examined the use and operation of the Petroleum Price Stabilisation Fund as part of measures to maintain market stability and ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies.

-Huyen Vy

Expanding Vietnam-China trade: Techcombank offers businesses more cross-border CNY transaction solutions

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Import-export activities via Vietnam’s northern border gates are increasingly expanding and modernizing, driving up corporate demand for foreign exchange settlement and cash flow management.

Vietnam’s foreign trade continued to surge in the first half of 2026. Data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that total merchandise trade turnover stood at roughly $549.69 billion in the first half, up 27.1 per cent year-on-year. Of this, exports accounted for $266.52 billion and imports $283.17 billion.

China continued to hold its position as Vietnam’s largest import market, with turnover reaching $115.2 billion in the first half of the year, up 36 per cent compared to the same period of 2025. The Chinese market alone accounted for 40.7 per cent of the country’s total import turnover, remaining Vietnam’s primary supply source of goods.

On the export side, shipments to China reached $37.9 billion, up 30.2 per cent compared to the same period last year and equivalent to an increase of $8.79 billion year-on-year. Total Vietnam-China trade turnover in the first half stood at $153.22 billion, consolidating China’s position as Vietnam’s largest trading partner.

Behind these impressive figures is a massive flow of goods crossing the border daily. Import activity is heavily dominated by machinery, equipment, components, and raw materials, underscoring strong domestic demand for production inputs.

As trade volumes scale up, business requirements are shifting. It is no longer just about moving goods across the border, but also about securing efficient cross-border payments, foreign exchange trading, and liquidity management.

From traditional border gates to smart border gates

The rapid expansion of Vietnam-China trade is running in parallel with the modernization of border infrastructure and customs clearance procedures.

In Lang Son province, local authorities are piloting a smart border gate model that applies technology to cargo deliveries and customs procedures, aiming to boost clearance capacity while cutting processing times and cost for businesses.

Similarly, Quang Ninh province is pushing forward with the Mong Cai - Dongxing smart border gate initiative, leveraging technology and AI across management, logistics, and trade operations. Both sides agreed to establish dedicated lanes for tourists and cargo transport, paving the way for a more modern border framework.

Meanwhile, Lang Son has also integrated a digital border gate platform into its import-export management system to keep trade flows seamless and trouble-free for enterprises.

These changes signal a clear shift in Vietnam-China border trade from traditional practices toward a more modern, digitalized, and professional ecosystem.

For businesses, every link in the cross-border chain - from logistics and customs to payments and cash flow management - must now be tightly connected and streamlined.

As trade expands, demand for CNY payments increases

For companies regularly dealing with Chinese partners, choosing the right payment currency offers greater control over transactions, especially for overland trade through border gates.

Rather than going through multiple intermediary steps, businesses can adopt CNY transaction solutions tailored specifically to the dynamics of Vietnam-China trade.

This trend fits into a broader shift toward standardizing international trade practices. Companies are moving beyond simply finishing a transaction - they want better cash flow control, smarter foreign exchange risk management, transparent trades, and optimized costs.

Techcombank provides additional CNY transaction options for enterprises

To meet this demand, Techcombank has introduced a specialized CNY transaction solution for corporate clients, particularly those active in trade with China.

Through its border trade payment offering, companies can settle purchases and sales for goods transported overland across the Vietnam-China border. They can also send or receive payments for border trade directly through Techcombank.

This solution gives businesses more flexibility when working with Chinese vendors and buyers, while making it easier to execute and manage import-export payments.

Clients can conduct transactions at over 30 Techcombank branches or handle their banking online via the Techcombank Business digital platform.

Techcombank is also running an incentive program for eligible corporate clients, offering CNY exchange rate markups of up to 45 points and waiving fees for over-the-counter international transfers until December 31, 2026. Businesses can also unlock additional foreign exchange and international payment perks within Techcombank’s ecosystem, depending on program terms in each period.

These incentives are designed to help businesses cut transaction costs and take a more proactive approach to Vietnam-China trade.

Beyond CNY: Techcombank expands its ecosystem for traders

For import-export enterprises, a cross-border transaction is typically tied to diverse financial needs - ranging from foreign exchange trading and international payments to cash flow and capital management.

Therefore, alongside its CNY solution, Techcombank also provides a comprehensive solution ecosystem to support enterprises in international trade operations, encompassing foreign exchange, international payments, and financing solutions.

Enterprises can execute foreign exchange transactions at Techcombank with program incentives while enjoying seamless execution on Techcombank Business.

For businesses with capital requirements to support import-export operations, trade finance and working capital solutions can also be integrated throughout the service experience.

Growing trade volumes highlight the importance of financial management capacity

Vietnam-China trade is entering a high-growth phase powered by larger trade volumes and modern trading methods. As border gates go digital, logistics upgrade, and cross-border freight grows, the bar for businesses is rising. The goal is no longer just “getting deals done” but “executing deals efficiently.”

In this environment, choosing the right currency, securing favorable foreign exchange rates, cutting payment costs, and managing cash flow will directly define a company’s competitive edge.

With its CNY transaction solution alongside a comprehensive ecosystem covering foreign exchange, international payments, and capital financing, Techcombank aims to partner with businesses as they expand their presence in Vietnam-China trade.

Learn more about Techcombank’s CNY solutions at:

https://techcombank.com/thong-tin/thong-bao/khai-mo-cny-khoi-dong-giao-thuong-cung-techcombank?utm_source=PRutm_medium=Articleutm_campaign=CNY_Solutionutm_id=SME_IMEX

Vinh Long to expand high-tech shrimp farming to 8,100 ha for export

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:40:00 GMT

The Mekong Delta province is inviting investors for four large-scale aquaculture projects covering over 1,000 ha, with an expected capital of approximately $13 million, concentrated in key coastal communes.

The Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long is prioritizing the completion of infrastructure in aquaculture zones while calling on major, well-resourced enterprises to invest in high-tech shrimp farming for export, aiming to increase income for local residents, according to a report by the VOV online newspaper.

Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Pham Minh Truyen, stated that the locality is focusing on planning and investing in transport and electricity infrastructure to serve high-tech shrimp farming regions.

“In the coming time, Vinh Long will prioritize the completion of infrastructure and invite large enterprises with sufficient resources to invest in both the input and output stages of the brackish water shrimp industry,” said Mr. Truyen.

“The locality has specific incentive mechanisms, such as land and credit policies for high-tech brackish water shrimp farming, to ensure sustainable and stable development.”

Currently, Vinh Long is inviting investors for four large-scale aquaculture projects covering over 1,000 ha, with an expected capital of approximately VND345 billion (nearly $13.3 million), concentrated in key coastal communes.

Simultaneously, the province is seeking to build a deep-processing shrimp plant with a capacity of 18,000 tons per year. This facility is intended to help products directly penetrate major markets such as China, Japan, the United States, and Europe, contributing significantly to the local export value chain.

Since the beginning of the year, aquaculture—and brackish water shrimp farming in particular—has continued to be a major contributor to Vinh Long’s total output and export turnover. High-tech shrimp farming, specifically, is delivering superior efficiency for both farmers and businesses.

According to the Department, the province’s total farming area for black tiger shrimp and white-leg shrimp has reached over 65,000 ha, with a total harvest output of nearly 163,000 tons. Within this, high-tech white-leg shrimp farming accounts for more than 6,300 ha.

These high-tech models achieve yields of 40 to 60 tons per hectare—four to five times higher than traditional methods. Each farming cycle can generate a net profit of between VND500 and 700 million ($19,220 – 26,900) per hectare for local farmers.

VOV-Khanh Chi

HCMC tourism revenue nears full-year target after eight months

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:30:00 GMT

The southern city's total tourism revenue estimated at $9.9 billion.

Ho Chi Minh City welcomed an estimated 7.77 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, up 38.5% year-on-year, while domestic arrivals reached approximately 35.5 million, according to local authorities.

Total tourism revenue during the period was estimated at VND259.7 trillion ($9.9 billion), up 48.8% year-on-year and equivalent to 78.7% of the city’s full-year target.

For 2026, the city aims to attract 61 million visitors and generate VND330 trillion in tourism revenue. With revenue already approaching four-fifths of the annual target after eight months, the sector is expected to retain considerable growth momentum during the remaining months of the year.

The city is also developing a support mechanism for new tourism services, products and activities. A draft resolution proposes a combination of non-financial measures and direct budget support, with funding of up to VND1 billion ($38,000) available for some eligible models.

-Uyên Phương

Economic structure shortfall addressed

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

A look at production-side GDP against expenditure-side GDP over the last 40 years offers a wider view of Vietnam’s evolving economic structure and shifting performance.

To mark the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s statistical sector (May 6, 1946 - May 6, 2026), the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance published “Vietnam’s Economic Structure: 40 Years of Reform (1986-2025)”, which offers a first-time comparison of production-side and expenditure-side GDP, providing a broader perspective on how Vietnam’s economic structure has evolved over four decades of reform and highlighting several important shifts and emerging challenges.

The most significant overall development is the changing balance between domestic production GDP, representing domestic supply, and domestic expenditure GDP, representing domestic demand. The economy has shifted from a position of domestic production falling short of domestic use to one in which domestic production had exceeded domestic use by 2025.

Positive results by 2025

Prior to and during the 2006-2010 period, the ratio of production GDP to expenditure GDP was almost continually below 100 per cent, indicating a substantial shortfall in domestic production relative to domestic use.

From 1976 to 1985, before Vietnam’s reform period, its economy faced a particularly severe shortfall, with the deficit reaching double digits in percentage terms. In 1976 and 1977, it exceeded 20 per cent. The entire pool of capital accumulation, along with part of final consumption, depended heavily on large-scale foreign aid and external borrowing.

The prolonged gap between production GDP and expenditure GDP had significant consequences. Most notably, it contributed to a severe socio-economic crisis that began in the late 1970s, intensified during the 1980s, and continued into the early 1990s. Though production GDP continued to grow, its rate was low and, in some years, barely kept pace with or fell below population growth. GDP per capita measured in US dollars at the official exchange rate remained below $100 for many years. In 1988, for example, it stood at just $86, placing Vietnam among the world’s lowest-income countries and territories.

The shortfall of production GDP relative to expenditure GDP continued through 2010. From 2011 to 2025, however, production GDP exceeded expenditure GDP in 12 of the 15 years. This represents a significant and encouraging improvement, marking a shift from an economy in which domestic production was insufficient to one in which domestic production exceeded domestic use.

The improvement in the balance between production GDP and domestic expenditure GDP has also been reflected in other socio-economic indicators. Economic growth has continued through 2025 despite the impact of the Global Financial Crisis and economic downturn that began in late 2008, the systemic transition crises in Eastern European socialist countries and the Soviet Union, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Production GDP measured in US dollars at the official exchange rate increased from $5.48 billion in 1988 to $514 billion in 2025; a 93.8-fold increase. GDP per capita, measured in US dollars at the official exchange rate, rose from just $86 in 1988. Twenty years on, in 2008, Vietnam moved out of the low-income group and into the lower-middle-income group. Seventeen years after that, in 2025, it moved into the upper-middle-income group; three years earlier than the global average. Hyperinflation has subsided, and inflation was kept under control from 2016 through 2025, in line with annual targets.

In trade, Vietnam shifted from a prolonged period of large trade deficits to a sustained trade surplus from 2016 through 2025. The surplus exceeded $20 billion in each of the past three years, reaching more than $28.1 billion in 2023. Vietnam’s foreign exchange reserves exceeded $109 billion in some years, surpassing short-term external debt and the conventional international safety threshold of three months of imports. Between 2012 and 2025, the VND depreciated against the USD in only two years; in four years, the increase was below 1 per cent, and in seven years it was below 2 per cent.

The unemployment rate, which stood at 13 per cent in 1988, has fallen to 2.28 per cent, while the underemployment rate has declined to 1.65 per cent. The proportion of households experiencing food poverty fell from 53 per cent in 1993 to 5.8 per cent in 2016, while the multidimensional poverty rate declined from 9.2 per cent in 2016 to 4.3 per cent in 2024.

Key 2026 targets

Main targets for 2026 include production GDP growth of more than 10 per cent. GDP per capita is targeted at $5,400-$5,500. Assuming average population growth of 0.95 per cent from 2025, equivalent to a population of 103.32 million, production GDP in 2026 would be estimated at $557.9-$568.3 billion, representing growth of 8.55-10.66 per cent from 2025.

The manufacturing and processing sector is targeted to account for 24.96 per cent of production GDP, while average CPI growth is expected to be around 4.5 per cent. Average social labor productivity is targeted to increase by 8.5 per cent, implying estimated growth of 1.38 per cent in the number of employed workers.

Agricultural workers are targeted to account for 25.3 per cent of total employment, while the proportion of workers holding degrees or certificates is expected to reach 29.5 per cent. The urban unemployment rate for the working-age population is targeted at below 4 per cent, while the poverty rate is expected to decline by 1-1.5 percentage points.

In the healthcare sector, the targets are 15.3 doctors and 34.7 hospital beds per 10,000 people, with health insurance coverage reaching 95.5 per cent.

In environmental management, the target is for 95 per cent of urban household solid waste to be collected and treated in accordance with applicable standards, while 95 per cent of operating industrial and export processing zones are expected to have centralized wastewater treatment systems meeting environmental standards.

These are broad targets covering the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. However, they do not include many indicators directly related to the relationship between production GDP and expenditure GDP, particularly asset accumulation, final consumption, and merchandise and services trade balances.

Developments in 2026

Actual developments as of August 15 raise several issues relevant to the relationship between production GDP and expenditure GDP.

During the first half, production GDP increased 8.18 per cent year-on-year; the highest growth rate recorded in the first half for many years. Final consumption increased 8.15 per cent, or almost in line with production GDP. Asset accumulation increased 15.2 per cent, or nearly twice the growth rate of production GDP. Overall, domestic expenditure GDP, comprising asset accumulation and final consumption, grew faster than production GDP. This suggests that production GDP may once again have fallen below expenditure GDP, returning the economy to a deficit position similar to that seen before 2010.

What is unusual is that this potential shortfall does not appear to have resulted from weak GDP growth or excessive consumption. Though the strong increase in asset accumulation would normally imply stronger development investment, given that accumulation provides the foundation for investment, actual development investment at current prices increased by only 12.9 per cent, or well below the growth of asset accumulation.

At constant prices, the gap is even wider. Moreover, the development investment-to-GDP ratio stood at only 27.3 per cent during the first half of this year; significantly below the corresponding ratio in previous years, which was above 30 per cent.

This raises the question of whether a significant portion of asset accumulation has been directed into investment channels such as speculative digital assets, gold, and real estate rather than productive investment. Prices in these markets rose sharply during the first half, with gold, for example, increasing 51.86 per cent. The CPI also rose faster than in the same period of the previous year, at 4.39 per cent compared to 3.28 per cent.

Another development that warrants attention in assessing the relationship between production GDP and expenditure GDP is the merchandise and services trade balance.

In overall trade, from the beginning of 2026 through August 15, the surplus was approximately $10 billion, compared with nearly $20.1 billion for full-year 2025. The trade surplus as a percentage of exports stood at approximately 2.9 per cent through August 15, compared with 4.2 per cent for full-year 2025.

However, the trade balance through August 15, 2026, moved in the opposite direction, with the country recording a merchandise trade deficit of $21.88 billion. This deficit represented 6.33 per cent of exports; a relatively large scale and ratio compared with the corresponding periods of previous years.

Several factors contributed to the trade deficit through August 15. At the national level, though exports grew at an unusually high rate compared with the same period of previous years, imports were larger than exports both in absolute terms, at $367.3 billion versus $345.4 billion, and in year-on-year growth terms, at 34.7 per cent versus 22.2 per cent.

By sector, exports by the domestic economic sector increased only 6.4 per cent, or significantly below the national growth rate, while its share of total exports was also lower, at 20.1 per cent versus 23.1 per cent. By contrast, imports by the domestic economic sector surged 77.4 per cent, roughly twice the national growth rate. Its share of total imports reached 26.7 per cent; higher than its 20.1 per cent share of exports.

As a result, the domestic economic sector recorded a merchandise trade deficit of nearly $28.9 billion through August 15, equivalent to nearly 29.4 per cent of exports. Both figures were substantially higher than in the same period last year, when the deficit was $19.6 billion and represented 6.9 per cent of exports.

The foreign-invested sector recorded export growth of 26.9 per cent, above the national rate and well above the domestic sector’s growth rate. It accounted for 79.9 per cent of total national exports, substantially higher than the domestic sector’s share. Imports by the foreign-invested sector increased 23.7 per cent through August 15, significantly below both the national rate and the growth rate of domestic-sector imports.

Thus, both sectors contributed to the shift in the national trade position from surplus to deficit, with the foreign-invested sector doing so through a reduction in its trade surplus.

Major categories

Several major export and import categories also contributed to the trade deficit through August 15. Export items recording declines or relatively low growth included rice, crude oil, rubber, cassava, wooden products, and products made from base metals. Major import categories recording strong growth included petroleum products, chemicals, plastic materials, precious stones and precious metals and products thereof, iron and steel products, other base metals, computers and electronic products and components, machinery, equipment and other tools and spare parts, as well as other components and parts.

Several export products also recorded lower unit prices, including coffee, coal, rice, and cassava and cassava products. Meanwhile, 14 imported products recorded higher unit prices, including coal, crude oil, petroleum products, gas, base metals, textile fiber and yarn, scrap iron and steel, and plastic materials.

Among major export markets, several recorded substantial declines during the first seven months of 2026. At the same time, 59 of 77 major import markets recorded increases, with several posting rises of more than $1 billion. Imports from China rose $37.1 billion, South Korea by more than $17.6 billion, Taiwan (China) by over $9.9 billion, the US by nearly $2.8 billion, Malaysia by more than $2.6 billion, Japan by over $2.3 billion, Thailand by more than $2 billion, Singapore by over $2.8 billion, India by nearly $1.5 billion, and Indonesia by more than $1 billion. Together, these markets accounted for over $80 billion of additional imports.

Higher imports relative to exports also reflect the continued reliance on imported inputs for production and consumption. As noted for many years, Vietnam’s support industries remain underdeveloped, while processing and assembly remain widespread, including within the foreign-invested sector. This reduces domestic value-added while simultaneously increasing import demand.

The gap between imports and exports was particularly large in several product categories, exceeding $1 billion in each case. Computers, electronic products, and components recorded a gap of $50.222 billion, followed by other base metals at $8.262 billion and petroleum products at $6.760 billion, to name just a few.

Another factor that may warrant attention is the possibility that some countries are using Vietnam as an intermediary export market to circumvent US import tariffs, contributing to a sharp increase in exports to Vietnam.

Consumption patterns among some segments of the population are another factor. There has been an early rise in spending on luxury and limited edition global brands, including among some lower-income consumers, driven in part by conspicuous consumption.

The services sector presents several notable features. First, Vietnam remains a net importer of services. Second, the services trade deficit has persisted over the years. Third, the deficit has been substantial, reaching double-digit billions of dollars in several years.

The services trade deficit as a share of services exports has also been relatively high, exceeding 30 per cent in many years. In some years, the ratio was particularly high, reaching 136.9 per cent in 2020, 198.9 per cent in 2021, and 96.8 per cent in 2022.

Among services, transportation and other services recorded the largest deficits. The transportation deficit is largely attributable to the weakness of Vietnam’s domestic transportation services, particularly maritime transport.

Tourism services also recorded deficits in several years, including $1.378 billion in 2020, $3.681 billion in 2021, $3.467 billion in 2022, and $520 million in 2024. Key contributing factors include the relatively small number of international visitors making repeat trips to Vietnam, and relatively low visitor spending. Other services, including financial, insurance, and government services, also posted trade deficits.

Outlook for 2026

Based on developments during the first six and seven months of the year and through August 15, exports and imports for full-year 2026 could develop as follows.

Merchandise exports are projected to increase 22 per cent to $579.6 billion, while imports could rise 34 per cent to $609.7 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of around $30 billion, reversing the $20 billion surplus recorded previously.

For services, exports are projected to increase 20.5 per cent to $36.5 billion, while imports are expected to rise 19.4 per cent to $48.4 billion, resulting in a services trade deficit of $12.9 billion, higher than the $10.2 billion recorded in 2025.

Using these projections, two possible scenarios emerge for the relationship between production GDP and expenditure GDP. The first is that Vietnam could remain in a position where production GDP exceeds expenditure GDP, but with a smaller surplus than during 2011-2025.

The second is that Vietnam could return to a “shortfall” position, with production GDP falling below expenditure GDP, though the deficit would remain smaller than the level recorded before 2010.

The objectives of the new era, characterized by the nation’s aspiration to advance and achieve greater prosperity, include achieving double-digit economic growth and moving into the high-income group within the next 20 years, by 2045. These objectives require not only faster growth in production GDP, but also stronger growth in accumulation and consumption. In other words, the fundamental economic balance between production GDP and expenditure GDP will need to improve beyond the levels achieved during 2011-2025.

-Do Van Huan

Dong Nai industrial zones go green

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:20:00 GMT

By 2030 the southern city aims to have at least two industrial parks certified as ecological industrial parks; at least 10% of enterprises in industrial parks applying resource efficiency and cleaner production solutions; and 90% of industrial parks adopting energy-saving and efficient use solutions.

Instead of only developing new industrial parks based on green criteria, southern Dong Nai City is setting out a roadmap to transform existing industrial parks into green and ecological models.

From cleaner production and industrial symbiosis to efficient energy use and greenhouse gas inventories, this process is being concretized through a series of plans in 2026.

The city's plan No. 76/KH-UBND on transforming existing industrial parks into green and ecological industrial parks by 2030, with a vision to 2050, was issued by the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee (now Dong Nai City People's Committee) in early February 2026.

This is an important policy foundation for the city to shift from traditional industrial park development to reorganizing production activities, infrastructure, and relationships among enterprises in industrial parks toward resource efficiency, emission reduction, and improved energy use.

The plan sets the goal of promoting the formation of green and ecological industrial parks, linked with digital transformation, green transition, innovation, and the target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Infrastructure investors and enterprises in industrial parks are tasked with participating in this roadmap, including requirements to carry out at least one industrial symbiosis activity, apply resource efficiency solutions, cleaner production, and emission reduction.

By 2030 the city aims to have at least two industrial parks certified as ecological industrial parks; at least 10% of enterprises in industrial parks applying resource efficiency and cleaner production solutions; and 90% of industrial parks adopting energy-saving and efficient use solutions.

The focus of the program is not only on building new industrial parks with green infrastructure but also on transforming those already in operation. This presents a different challenge in terms of scale and implementation, as existing industrial parks have long-established infrastructure, enterprises, factories, and production processes.

According to the plan, enterprises are guided to implement solutions for efficient use of raw materials, water, energy, and chemicals; reduce waste, scrap, and emissions into the environment. Alongside this, they are encouraged to adopt production and environmental management systems aligned with international standards and to prepare ESG reports in line with local orientation.

In the ecological industrial park model, enterprises do not merely operate in parallel but can establish symbiotic relationships, where by-products, waste, or unused resources from one enterprise can become inputs for another.

VnEconomy-Anh Khue

Vietnam targets $80-90bln in tourism revenue by 2030

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:10:00 GMT

The Government has issued an action plan to implement the Politburo Resolution on developing tourism into a leading economic sector.

The Vietnamese Government has issued a Resolution on an action program to implement the Politburo Resolution on developing tourism into a leading economic sector in the new era.

Under the program, Vietnam aims to welcome 45-50 million international visitors and serve 160 million domestic tourists by 2030. Total tourism revenue is expected to reach $80-90 billion, with tourism directly contributing 10-12% of GDP.

The country also aims to rank among the top three destinations in Southeast Asia in terms of tourism scale and growth rate.

To support these targets, Vietnam plans to establish three major tourism growth poles in Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside 10 key tourism centres and 20 national tourism areas.

The sector is expected to develop 15 major tourism groups and corporations with strong brands and international competitiveness, expand accommodation capacity to more than 1.5 million rooms, and create approximately 2.3 million direct and 3.5 million indirect jobs.

The Government also plans to complete and operate a smart tourism ecosystem, a national tourism database and a national digital tourism platform.

Notably, Vietnam aims to become an important destination on Asia-Pacific cruise itineraries, supported by coordinated investment in international-standard seaport infrastructure.

-Nguyet Ha

Vietnam’s 200 largest taxpayers contribute record $38.6 bln to State budget

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

By ownership structure, the list comprises 99 private-sector companies, 73 State-owned enterprises (SOEs), and 28 foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and joint ventures.

The VNTAX 200 list for 2026 has been released, recognizing the 200 largest taxpayers in Vietnam based on the actual amount of taxes and other payments they made to the State budget in 2025, reported the Government News.

According to the rankings, the 200 companies contributed a combined VND989.3 trillion (over $38.12 billion) to the State budget in 2025, an increase of 25% from VND794 trillion ($30.6 billion) in the previous ranking. Against the backdrop of total State budget revenue reaching VND2.65 quadrillion (over $102.2 billion) in 2025, the 200 leading companies accounted for more than 37% of the country's total revenue.

By ownership structure, the list comprises 99 private-sector companies, 73 State-owned enterprises (SOEs), and 28 foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and joint ventures. Although SOEs do not account for the majority of companies on the list, they remain the largest contributors by value, equivalent to 43% of the total contribution of the VNTAX 200. Private-sector companies followed closely, contributing more than 39%.

The remarkable growth of leading private-sector corporations, combined with the large and stable revenue streams generated by SOEs and foreign-invested businesses, is creating a strong financial foundation and providing a key impetus for Vietnam's economy as it pursues double-digit growth targets in the new era.

The substantial budget revenues generated by these companies provide important fiscal space for the Government to accelerate investment in strategic infrastructure projects and strengthen social welfare, healthcare and education systems, delivering tangible and widespread benefits to millions of people.

Pillars of the national budget

The bulk of the ranking's contribution is concentrated among its core group: the top 20 companies contributed VND614 trillion ($23.7 billion), accounting for nearly 62% of the total amount paid by all 200 companies. This highlights the crucial role of major corporations in generating resources for the national budget.

Vingroup became Vietnam's largest taxpayer for the first time. The Top 20 also includes five other private-sector companies: Sunshine Group, NH Smart City, a member of BRG Group, Hoa Phat, Thanh Cong and THACO.

Ranking second overall and leading the SOE group is Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (PetroVietnam/PVN). Six other SOEs made the Top 20: Viettel, Petrolimex, Vinacomin, Vinataba, EVN and Vietcombank.

Heineken Vietnam led foreign-invested companies—including companies whose parent companies are foreign enterprises and joint ventures in which foreign investors hold a majority stake—with a contribution of approximately VND27 trillion (over $1 billion). Other major foreign-invested names on the list include Toyota, Honda, Vietsovpetro, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical, Sabeco and Ciputra Hanoi.

A total of 26 companies contributed more than VND10 trillion ($385.9 million) each, nine more than in the previous ranking. In addition to companies in the Top 20, six other businesses joined the group of taxpayers contributing more than VND10 trillion: BIDV, Ford, FPT, Techcombank, VietinBank and MB.

The real estate and construction sector became the largest contributing industry in the VNTAX 200, with total payments nearly 24% of the ranking's total.

Bao Chinh phu-Khanh Chi

15 new laws promulgated to unlock resources for development

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:30:00 GMT

The 2026 Petroleum Law introduces a number of new provisions concerning investment incentives for petroleum activities, carbon capture and storage, the development of offshore energy infrastructure, and high-tech petroleum engineering services associated with petroleum activities, among other areas.

The Presidential Office on September 10 held a press conference to announce the President’s orders promulgating 15 laws passed by the National Assembly at its First Extraordinary Session.

The 2026 Petroleum Law strengthens decentralization by granting greater authority to the state management agency responsible for petroleum activities, while also delegating powers to Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam). At the same time, the law clearly defines Petrovietnam’s functions, separating its role as a petroleum contractor and investor from the special functions assigned to it by the State.

The law also introduces a number of new provisions concerning investment incentives for petroleum activities, carbon capture and storage, offshore energy infrastructure, and high-tech petroleum engineering services associated with petroleum activities, among other areas.

The Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Customs Law consists of four articles. It provides a legal foundation for redesigning customs management procedures and restructuring the development of customs information technology systems, while strengthening interconnected data sharing among ministries, sectors, and local authorities.

The law also promotes the reduction of administrative procedures and the costs of carrying them out; expands decentralization and delegation of authority to local customs agencies; strengthens inspections targeting smuggling and trade fraud; and enhances compliance with customs regulations.

The Law Amending and Supplementing a Number of Articles of the Investment Law adds a provision that prohibits trading N2O (nitrous oxide) for human inhalation, except for medical, food technology, testing, scientific research, and other purposes as prescribed by the Government. The provision will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The law also introduces an Appendix containing the List of Conditional Business and Investment Sectors, replacing Appendix IV attached to Investment Law No. 143/2025/QH15. Compared with the 2025 Investment Law, the new list removes 62 conditional business and investment sectors and revises 14 others.

Enhancing the effectiveness of urban management

The Law on Urban Development will take effect on October 1, 2026, establishing a stable, consistent, breakthrough, and feasible legal framework to promote the development of Ho Chi Minh City, other special-class cities, other cities, and special economic zones.

The Law establishes a comprehensive system of mechanisms and preferential policies to enable HCM City and other special-class cities to develop in a coordinated manner in terms of institutions, infrastructure, economy, culture, society, environment, development resources, and regional connectivity and development.

The Law amending and supplementing a number of provisions of 10 laws related to administrative procedures and business conditions in the agriculture and environment sectors will take effect on January 1, 2027.

The Law eliminates 40 administrative procedures, simplifies 12 others, and removes 40 business conditions. It also delegates authority over 24 administrative procedures currently handled by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to provincial-level People's Committee chairpersons.

The Law amending and supplementing a number of provisions of the Law on Radio Frequencies, Law on Telecommunications, Law on Electronic Transactions, and Law on Technology Transfer will take effect on March 1, 2027.

Under the Law, two administrative procedures will be abolished, 47 business conditions will be eliminated, four business conditions will be simplified, and three business conditions will be amended.

VnEonomy - TTXVN-Như Nguyệt

Encouraging efficient use of land

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Party Central Committee’s Resolution No. 21 aims to identify possible changes to the legal framework surrounding land and seeks ongoing reform in the real estate sector.

Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW from the 14th Party Central Committee, signed recently by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, outlines views and orientations for amendments to the Land Law and related legislation and calls for reforming land valuation mechanisms based on data, scientific methods, openness, and transparency, while strengthening links between land data and relevant databases to curb price manipulation and the creation of artificial prices.

The Resolution also calls for limiting land subdivision and plot sales in urban areas as much as possible, introducing regulations on the use period of high-end apartments, and completing policies to curb speculation and encourage the more efficient use of land.

Toward actual use value

Ms. Do Thi Thu Giang, National Head of Valuation at Savills Vietnam, said shortcomings in land valuation and land-related financial mechanisms have been among the bottlenecks in implementing land legislation in recent years. In some cases, specific land prices have been determined without sufficient and transparent data, potentially creating a gap between actual value and market prices while increasing financial pressure on investors.

Resolution No. 21 is expected to gradually address these shortcomings. One important element is a clearer division of responsibilities between the central and local governments in determining, appraising, and deciding land prices, with the central government to establish framework criteria, principles, methodologies, and inspection and oversight mechanisms while local governments will determine land prices.

At the central level, the financial authority will be responsible for State management of land prices, while at the local level the financial authority will take the lead, coordinating with agricultural and environmental authorities and relevant agencies in developing land price tables and land price adjustment coefficients. The Resolution also requires land valuation to be based on data and scientific, open, and transparent methods, with interoperable links between land data and relevant sectoral databases, preventing price manipulation and the creation of artificial prices. At the same time, land-related financial policies must ensure a balance of interests between the State, land users, and investors.

Ms. Giang said that when land data becomes more complete and transparent and financial and tax tools are appropriately designed, this could help reduce the amount of land left vacant or land that has been slow to be put into use while encouraging land resources to be utilized more efficiently. In addition, orientations under Resolution No. 21, including limiting land subdivision and plot sales in major urban areas, increasing the cost of holding unused land, and improving transparency in land prices and transactions by connecting land, planning, tax, banking, notarization, and real estate data, will help tie real estate values more closely to actual development and use. This could promote a more transparent and efficient market.

Mr. Tran Quang Trung, Business Development Director at OneHousing, emphasized that Resolution No. 21 sets out important orientations that provide a basis for the government to address shortcomings in the Land Law, the Law on Housing, and the Law on Real Estate Business. It also introduces a new perspective on real estate value, with construction quality, infrastructure, legal status, and actual development potential becoming increasingly important. In particular, the policy of limiting land subdivision and plot sales in major urban areas is driving demand toward well-planned projects with integrated infrastructure designed to address population pressures.

According to Mr. Trung, over the years, subdividing land and developing housing spontaneously in some areas has caused population density to grow faster than infrastructure capacity, placing additional pressure on transportation, schools, healthcare, and public spaces. This issue is becoming more significant as, under Hanoi’s 100-year master plan, the city’s population is projected to reach around 14-15 million by 2035, creating increasingly significant demands on urban planning and infrastructure capacity. Therefore, controlling land subdivision and plot sales needs to be considered as part of the broader urban development equation, helping curb spontaneous growth in areas that already have high population densities.

This orientation will also have a significant impact on housing demand. Projects and urban areas with clear planning, convenient infrastructure connections, and integrated services will be better positioned to attract buyers. This approach is also consistent with Hanoi’s goal of developing a polycentric, multi-centered urban structure, in which residents, employment, and services are gradually distributed across new development areas rather than remaining overly concentrated in the urban core.

Long-term benefits

From an investment perspective, instead of focusing solely on expectations for capital appreciation, investors will need to pay greater attention to whether a property can generate cash flow, whether there is actual demand for it, and whether it has genuine potential for use and exploitation.

The provision on the use period of high-end apartments in Resolution No. 21 underscores the importance of a building’s life cycle, encouraging buyers to pay greater attention to developer reputation and operational capabilities than worrying about losing ownership rights, according to Mr. Trung.

From a market perspective, he continued, this will also make construction quality a more important consideration when buyers select properties. Buyers will need to look more closely at factors that directly affect a building’s ability to maintain its quality over time, including the developer’s reputation, design standards, materials, construction quality, and post-handover management and operational capabilities. For owner-occupiers, the value of a property is increasingly tied to its ability to meet their living needs over many years, from transportation and education to healthcare, the environment, and amenities.

On this issue, many observers also believe that policy changes are introducing a different perspective on real estate value. As these changes take shape, the market is shifting toward greater emphasis on genuine demand, with real estate value increasingly tied to how an asset is actually used rather than simply to expectations of future price increases.

A recent survey by the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS) found that demand remains present but is increasingly selective and concentrated on projects with transparent legal status, reliable implementation progress, and good quality, while also meeting genuine housing needs and offering potential for use and cash flow generation. However, Resolution No. 21 currently only sets out views and orientations that will need to be further institutionalized in the coming period. For these provisions to be effectively implemented, several important issues still need to be clarified.

Regarding the use period of apartments based on a building’s service life, these include criteria for determining a building’s service life based on technical standards; the conditions, procedures, and authority responsible for determining when a building has reached the end of its service life; mechanisms for fulfilling financial obligations when reconstructing apartment buildings; owners’ rights after a building is reconstructed; and solutions for cases where owners do not agree or lack the financial capacity to participate.

“Regulating the use period of apartments based on the service life of the building is an appropriate orientation for modern urban development and building life-cycle management, and could help remove bottlenecks in the renovation and reconstruction of old apartment buildings,” a VARS representative said. “However, to ensure the effectiveness of the policy, it is important to safeguard property rights, ensure transparency in implementation mechanisms, and build confidence among residents and the market.”

-Phan Nam

Vietnam ready to partner with French businesses to expand into ASEAN and global markets

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:30:00 GMT

General Secretary and President To Lam stressed that the two countries should move from bilateral cooperation toward jointly building value chains serving ASEAN, the European Union, and global markets.

General Secretary and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron met with leaders of leading French and Vietnamese corporations and businesses in Paris on the evening of September 10 (local time).

The meeting took place as part of the former's official visit to France from September 10-12.

Speaking after hearing reports and proposals from the participating companies, Mr. Lam stressed that the most essential task at present is to jointly establish a new quality of economic cooperation—one that is more substantive, balanced, technology-intensive, closely connected, and capable of delivering tangible benefits to businesses and people in both countries.

To elevate Vietnam–France economic relations to a new level, commensurate with the potential and aspirations of both sides, he called for a focus on three major shifts.

First, the two countries should move from trade in goods toward joint investment and production. Vietnam encourages French corporations to establish manufacturing facilities, research and development centers, technical centers, and supplier networks in Vietnam, while also encouraging Vietnamese businesses to invest in France.

Second, the two sides should move from a supplier–customer relationship toward a technology partnership. Cooperation should go beyond the purchase of equipment and technology to encompass technology transfer, human-resource training, component manufacturing, research and development, maintenance, repair, operations, and the promotion of innovation.

Third, the two countries should move from bilateral cooperation toward jointly building value chains serving ASEAN, the European Union, and global markets.

The Vietnam’s top leader called on businesses and relevant agencies from both countries to focus on strategic areas, including strategic infrastructure and the energy transition; the aviation, aerospace, and high-tech transportation industries; science and technology, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, semiconductors, and innovation; as well as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and the development of a highly skilled workforce.

General Secretary and President Lam affirmed that Vietnam is ready to serve as a partner for French businesses seeking access to a market of more than 100 million people and the broader ASEAN market, while making use of next-generation free trade agreement networks, diversifying supply chains, establishing manufacturing and research and development facilities in Asia, and working with Vietnamese companies to enter third-country markets.

Vietnam also encourages capable domestic enterprises to expand their investment, commercial presence, technological capabilities, and brands in France. This would help leverage the complementary strengths of the two economies and enhance their competitiveness amid the rapid restructuring of the global economy.

He emphasized that the business community is the core force in turning potential into projects, projects into technologies and products, and these into jobs and new development value.

The cooperation documents exchanged on this occasion should soon be translated into concrete implementation plans. Each agreement should quickly bear fruit in the form of products, services, and projects that deliver measurable value.

VnEconomy - TTXVN-Dung Hieu

Notable trends and core shift of smart factories in Vietnam

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The trend of shifting towards smart factories integrated with AI and clean data is becoming a core key that helps Vietnam's manufacturing sector break through and elevate its position in the global supply chain.

Within the framework of the International Manufacturing Congress 2026 (IMC 2026), held on September 10 at the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC) in Hanoi, leading industry experts gathered for a high-level panel discussion titled “Smart factory at scale: Deploying AI, automation and digital technologies across Vietnam’s manufacturing sector.”

The session served as a dynamic platform for stakeholders to dissect pressing industry challenges, debate digital transformation strategies, and explore breakthrough operational solutions designed to propel Vietnam’s manufacturing landscape into its next phase of growth.

Reflecting on the prominent trends of core shifts in Vietnam's manufacturing sector, Dr. David Tw. Chia, Regional Managing Director, Beckhoff Automation Southeast Asia, noted that the biggest trend in recent years is not just AI but "Software-Defined Automation." This technology plays a smooth bridging role between hardware and software, addressing the core issue of scaling from the testing phase to mass production.

Mr.Huynh Thien An, Director of LAPP Vietnam (C) is speaking at the event. (Photo source: IMC organizers)

From an investment attraction perspective, Mr. Huynh Thien An, Director of LAPP Vietnam, pointed out that Vietnam is currently attracting large corporations not only due to labor costs or geographical location. The choice of global brands comes from the quality of the workforce, green energy infrastructure meeting 100% stringent standards, and the ability to master new technologies such as the semiconductor industry.

“In the next three years, competition will have to change. From low labor costs, we will shift to a higher labor and energy source, along with technological support. Especially, AI technology will help Vietnam become more competitive in the supply chain and attract FDI investment.

Mr.Huynh Thien An, Director of LAPP Vietnam

This shift also requires technological infrastructure to evolve. According to Mr. Doan Dai Phong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Viettel IDC, digital infrastructure and technology are no longer separate from the production process. In the next 3-5 years, individual smart factories will not be able to stand alone but must be deeply integrated into a tightly connected ecosystem with the entire value chain behind.

Agreeing with this trend of integration, Ms. Kimmy Nguyen, Regional Director of NTQ Europe, analyzed that while in the past 3-5 years, data primarily served internal management to optimize operations, in the next three years, factory data will become a direct competitive advantage of products, especially as customers increasingly care about traceability and quality reporting. “This will also be a competitive advantage when we know how to leverage factory data,” Ms. Kimmy Nguyen affirmed.

From a systemic perspective, Mr. Cao Dai An, Head of Technology and Solutions Office and AI Practice for ASEAN and Japan, Hitachi Digital Services, likened modernized data to the "brain" of enterprises. As integration deepens, data must be transparently linked globally to meet sustainable development standards. “We will see that data and digital workforce are among the trends in the coming years,” Mr. An remarked.

Resolving the infrastructure bottleneck: Synchronizing OT - IT and the clean data challenge

However, experts also noted that the gap between the idea of applying AI and its actual implementation in factories always contains many challenges. Mr.Huynh Thien An pointed out that the biggest barrier lies in the differences in protocols between devices and machinery imported from Japan, Europe, or the US. For AI to analyze and make accurate predictions, factories must solve the connectivity issue between OT (Operational Technology) data layers (devices, sensors, robots) and IT (office management systems) so that they can speak a common language.

Regarding infrastructure architecture, Mr. Đoan Dai Phong believes that for a factory, the core question is not about balancing edge computing or centralized computing, but rather where the workload needs to be processed.

For example, data from sensors or robots on the production line needs to be processed on-site to ensure fast response times. Conversely, image data from cameras in many factories needs to be centralized for analysis and training AI models.

A suitable technology architecture for factories must be a hybrid model, where the most important principle is to accurately determine the optimal processing location for each specific workload.

Mr. Doan Dai Phong, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Viettel IDC

Adding to the role of technology, Mr. Cao Dai An stressed that technology is merely a supporting tool. In the testing phase, technology often takes center stage. However, when moving into actual operation, technology only plays the role of an activating factor for the transformation process, where data is the brain of the enterprise.

Especially, enterprises cannot apply pre-trained AI models based on general knowledge from around the world but must learn from their own clean data. “Industrial knowledge and internal data platforms are the core keys. If we only focus on individual technology projects, enterprises may succeed in the testing phase, but that data will not fully reflect operational realities,” Mr. An emphasized.

Therefore, the technology platform must be scalable enough to continuously update operational insights suitable for prioritized use cases. Concurrently, as AI and the digital workforce enter operations, enterprises must redesign their operational models and workflows. “From the railway manufacturing industry, transformers to high-tech robots, the question remains the same: how must processes and human roles change to develop in parallel with the digital workforce in the system,” Mr. An added.

Strategies to optimize technology investment for enterprises

Dr. David Tw. Chia pointed out the reality that many enterprises spend heavily on machinery, but these devices cannot communicate with each other, whether they are old or new machines. To address this, he recommends that factories should attach sensors to convert analog data to digital for old machines or leverage open protocols for new devices.

For leaders facing the challenge of limited capital but still wanting to create practical value, experts have proposed highly practical solutions.

Ms. Kimmy Nguyen suggested a strategy focusing on evaluating and collecting real-time data at a specific cluster of machines to address the downtime issue. Practical experience from electronic component projects shows that analyzing downtime causes by specific groups can help enterprises reduce downtime by up to 21% in just 6 months.

Ms. Kimmy Nguyen, Regional Director of NTQ Europe, is speaking at the event. (Photo source: IMC organizers)

Discussing the digital transformation challenge for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Mr. Doan Dai Phong believes that these units should not build separate AI or digital infrastructure. According to him, self-investing in capital expenditure (CapEx) faces many significant barriers due to the complexity and short technology lifecycle, as AI chip lines often last only 2 to 3 years before becoming obsolete.

Therefore, Mr.Phong recommends that factories and SMEs should leverage shared infrastructure such as cloud computing or solutions from external providers. This approach helps enterprises shorten the time to market, optimize efficiency, and easily scale. Additionally, this expert also emphasized the importance of selecting the right business problem to implement in order of priority to achieve quick results.

Concluding the strategic discussion, Mr. Cao Dai An emphasized that leadership must plan a long-term roadmap of five to ten years suitable to the specific characteristics of the enterprise. Investing in a solid data platform from the outset, combined with addressing process bottlenecks, will be the key to helping enterprises maintain competitiveness and sustainable development amidst market fluctuations.

-Hoang An

Machinery over 10 years old can still enter Vietnam under new rules

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:00:00 GMT

A new circular of the Ministry of Science and Technology provides an exception for enterprises already operating production facilities in Vietnam that need to import machinery or equipment more than 10 years old in order to maintain their operations.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has issued Circular No. 56/2026/TT-BKHCN, setting out regulations on the import of used machinery, equipment and technology lines.

The circular applies to machinery, equipment and technology lines classified under Chapters 84 and 85 of Vietnam’s List of Imports and Exports, when imported by enterprises for use in production in Vietnam. It does not apply to goods on lists of items banned from import under regulations issued by the Government, the Prime Minister, ministries or ministerial-level agencies.

Under the new regulations, used technology lines may be imported provided they meet a number of requirements.

First, the technology lines must have been manufactured in accordance with safety, energy-efficiency and environmental-protection standards and comply with applicable national technical regulations (QCVN).

Where no relevant QCVN exists, the technology lines must have been manufactured in accordance with technical specifications under Vietnamese national standards (TCVN), or national standards of a G7 country or the Republic of Korea.

Second, their remaining capacity — measured by the quantity of products produced by the technology line within a given period — or remaining performance must be at least 85% of the designed capacity or performance.

Third, the consumption of raw materials, materials and energy must not exceed 15% above the designed levels.

Fourth, the circular sets requirements concerning the origin and prevalence of the technology. The technology used in the production line must not be included in the list of technologies subject to restrictions or bans on transfer under current regulations.

Fifth, the technology used in the technology line must be in operation at least three production facilities in countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

For used machinery and equipment, the first requirement is that they must be no more than 10 years old. Certain specialized sectors are subject to separate age limits specified in an appendix to the circular.

As with technology lines, used machinery and equipment must meet safety, energy-efficiency and environmental-protection standards and comply with applicable QCVN requirements.

The circular also provides an exception for enterprises already operating production facilities in Vietnam that need to import machinery or equipment more than 10 years old in order to maintain their operations.

In such cases, enterprises may request the Ministry to consider approving the import, provided the equipment meets two conditions: its remaining capacity or performance is at least 85% of its designed capacity or performance, and its consumption of raw materials, materials and energy does not exceed 15% above the designed levels.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Da Nang ranks sixth in Asia for returning international visitors

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:20:00 GMT

The strong repeat-visitor rate highlights the central city’s growing appeal among international travellers and reinforces its position as one of Vietnam’s leading tourism destinations.

Central Da Nang city has risen two places from its 2025 ranking to sixth among Asian cities with the highest rate of returning international visitors in the first half of 2026, according to data from online travel platform Agoda.

The ranking, released by Agoda on September 8, 2026, was based on booking data recorded on the platform during the first six months of the year. Da Nang outperformed several well-known destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, Fukuoka, Taipei and Johor Bahru.

Vietnam also ranked among the top three Asian destinations with the highest proportion of repeat international visitors, behind only Japan and Thailand, Agoda reported.

Da Nang recorded the highest rate of returning international visitors among Vietnamese destinations during the six-month period, outperforming other major tourism hubs including Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Hanoi and Phu Quoc.

The strong repeat-visitor rate highlights Da Nang’s growing appeal among international travellers and reinforces its position as one of Vietnam’s leading tourism destinations. The result also indicates strong potential for the city to retain international visitors and encourage repeat travel through continued improvements in tourism products and services.

-Ngo Anh Van

VIS 2026: Elevating Vietnamese exporters into strategic global partners

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 07:05:00 GMT

From Middle Eastern retail chains to cashew wholesalers in the Philippines and commercial attachés across Europe, global buyers are turning to the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo (VIS 2026) as a trusted platform where supply chain connections and long-term commercial relationships are steadily cultivated.

Organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, VIS 2026, held from September 3-5 in Ho Chi Minh City, marks its fourth consecutive edition since its inception in 2023. For many participating enterprises, the event represents an ongoing process where expanding scale and connection quality yield tangible commercial value year after year.

Sellers: From visibility to sustainable orders

For many Vietnamese exporters, the most immediate benefit of participating in VIS is gaining direct visibility among global sourcing networks.

As a veteran participant present across all four editions, Mr. Diep Nam Hai, General Director of Cholimex Import-Export and Investment Joint Stock Company (Cholimex), observed that VIS 2026 features a significantly larger scale and far more professional displays.

“Because the expo is fundamentally a business-to-business (B2B) networking event, partners who visit our booth have genuine cooperation needs,” Mr. Hai shared.

On the opening morning on September 3, numerous buyers from the United States and Europe visited the Cholimex booth, having learned about the event through Vietnam’s overseas trade offices.

According to Mr. Hai, when diplomatic and trade agencies endorse such events, it serves as a strong guarantee of quality, linking national prestige directly with corporate credibility.

Buyers: Seeking long-term stability and quality

On the purchasing side, international buyers view VIS 2026 as a strategic destination to diversify supply chains and secure reliable manufacturing partners.

Highlight the strategic value of sourcing from Vietnam, Mr. Tariq Al-Mansoor, Senior Procurement Manager at Lulu Group International, said: “Vietnam stands out in Southeast Asia due to improving production standards, with VIS connecting the group directly with vetted manufacturers.”

Similarly, Mr. Ramon Santos, Managing Director of AgriGoods Philippines, praised the expo’s B2B format, noting that negotiating directly with processors gives his firm confidence to establish multi-year procurement contracts.

Mr. Jean-Pierre Dupont, Commercial Attaché at the French Trade Commission (Business France), noted that European importers are increasingly prioritizing sustainable sourcing, traceability, and environmental standards - areas where Vietnamese exporters have made substantial progress.

By connecting global buyers with local manufacturers, VIS 2026 helps Vietnamese enterprises move up the value chain into strategic, long-term partners.

-Nguyet Ha

Role for companies in education

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 04:10:00 GMT

Vietnam’s dreams of becoming a major player in semiconductors will only come to fruition if it can produce a skilled cohort of engineering graduates.

More than 166 universities nationwide now offer programs related to semiconductor technologies and engineering, attracting around 134,000 new students each year. However, specialized programs in chip design and semiconductor technology only began expanding significantly in the 2024-2026 period. Mr. Nguyen Duc Minh, Vice-Dean of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, said semiconductors are among the engineering fields with “very high requirements” for human resources.

According to experts and businesses, however, the challenge is not simply about the number of engineers being trained but, more importantly, the quality of these graduates and their ability to meet real-world job requirements.

Quality imperative

Mr. Minh said many of the University’s graduates have secured good incomes within five years or so of graduation. However, this does not mean that every student graduating in semiconductors will easily find a job or earn a high salary. “If students study because it is a trend, or study only enough to pass their courses, there is no such thing as a good job with a high salary,” Mr. Minh said. Expanding training capacity, therefore, needs to go hand-in-hand with improving graduate quality.

In practice, the semiconductor industry has characteristics that distinguish it from many other fields. Students need not only a solid foundation in electrical engineering, electronics, integrated circuits (ICs), and design, but also the ability to work with the tools, processes, and technical requirements used by businesses. These technologies are, however, evolving rapidly. This raises a major question for Vietnam’s semiconductor workforce development: how to move from training large numbers of students to developing engineers who are genuinely capable of contributing to industry projects.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Thuy, Director of the Training Center at the Southeast Asia Institute for Advanced Technology (AIAT), the semiconductor industry requires continuous training, retraining, and skills upgrading throughout a person’s professional career. “This is the ‘science of sciences’ and requires long-term investment,” she said. “Developing talented people in the field requires four to ten years. Turning an engineer into an inventor requires nurturing curiosity and passion as well as a constant desire to explore and conquer new challenges.”

Behind tiny semiconductor chips, she continued, are highly-complex manufacturing processes. From the initial raw materials used to produce wafers, semiconductor manufacturing involves hundreds of stages before fabrication begins. The entire process can involve around 30,000 production steps, illustrating the scale and sophistication of the industry.

Extending internships

From a business perspective, Mr. Le Quoc Trong, Product Manager at Willas Electronic Vietnam, part of Taiwan (China)’s Willas Electronic Corp, said career opportunities in chip design are currently expanding rapidly. Many international companies are increasing their RD operations in Vietnam and have significant demand for IC design engineers.

Chip manufacturing in Vietnam, meanwhile, remains at an early stage of development. The country is beginning to build the foundations of its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, while many universities have launched semiconductor programs or are training their first cohorts of students. This has created differences in workforce demand across the value chain. According to Mr. Trong, employment opportunities in manufacturing will gradually expand as Vietnam’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem develops.

However, for these “building blocks” to develop into an engineering workforce capable of meeting industry requirements, the gap between education and business needs must be narrowed. Mr. Nguyen Trong Van, Regional Manager (Vietnam Thailand) at Gowin Semiconductor, agreed that this gap remains, though there have been positive signs from growing cooperation between businesses and universities. One necessary change, he said, is to extend student internships.

“Student internships typically last around two months at the moment,” he explained. “Engineering students may have longer internships, but this is still not enough for them to participate fully in an engineering project. Two months is only enough for students to become familiar with the working environment and the product. By the time they begin to understand the work, the internship is over.”

Mr. Van proposed extending internships to around six months and counting them as the equivalent of one or two academic courses. This would allow students to participate in a real-world project for a sufficient period, from understanding requirements and becoming familiar with tools to addressing problems that arise during implementation. More importantly, the process would help students identify gaps in their skills before entering the labor market.

Only through direct involvement in product development, he believes, can students encounter the challenges that arise in real-world research and manufacturing environments. This can also help bring university curricula closer to the requirements of industry.

Industry in the classroom

Direct business involvement in education is considered an important factor in improving the quality of Vietnam’s semiconductor workforce. Mr. Alex Chan, General Director of Willas Electronic Vietnam, said Vietnamese students have strong foundations, are intelligent, and can quickly absorb new technologies. However, one limitation is that they have relatively few opportunities to participate in real-world projects with global companies.

Taiwan (China)’s experience shows that combining theory with practical training from the university level plays an important role in developing a semiconductor engineering workforce. “From the university level, education in Taiwan (China) has placed a strong emphasis on combining practical experience with theory,” he said.

Vietnam, he noted, is still at an early stage of semiconductor development but has an advantage as more foreign companies invest in the country, expand their operations, and create internship and employment opportunities for students. This also points to a new approach to semiconductor workforce development: rather than waiting until students graduate before businesses begin recruiting, companies should become involved in training at an earlier stage.

In electronics generally, and semiconductors in particular, product development cannot be separated from the education and industrial ecosystem. Stronger connections between universities, businesses, and society can create an environment in which students acquire academic knowledge while gaining exposure to products and real-world challenges.

As businesses become more deeply involved in education, students can gain earlier access to technologies, equipment, product development processes, and actual market requirements. At the same time, companies can play a more proactive role in developing a workforce aligned with future requirements.

ManpowerGroup’s 2026 Global Engineering Labor Market Report forecast a shortage of more than 200,000 semiconductor engineers in the Asia-Pacific region in the years to come. Vietnam is also facing a serious shortage of semiconductor talent, and currently meets only around 20 per cent of the industry’s actual demand.

The country currently has more than 50 chip design companies, employing around 7,000 engineers. Major technology groups such as Renesas, Ampere, Intel, Marvell, Synopsys, Cadence, and Realtek have established or expanded RD operations in Vietnam, creating substantial demand for semiconductor engineers that simply must be met.

-Huyen Thuong

Norwegian Seafood Council launches major campaign to promote salmon in Vietnam

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The Norwegian Seafood Council has rolled out its largest campaign of 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to promote Norwegian salmon among major retail and restaurant partners as bilateral trade relations deepen.

The launch ceremony for the Q3 2026 Norwegian salmon promotional campaign took place on September 10 in Ho Chi Minh City, marking the Norwegian Seafood Council’s (NSC) largest initiative in Vietnam this year.

The event brought together industry partners, nutritionists, chefs, and culinary enthusiasts to explore the story of Norwegian salmon through sushi - a globally recognized dish now familiar to Vietnamese consumers.

The promotion comes as Vietnam and Norway celebrate the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties, serving as a catalyst for boosting bilateral trade.

In 2025, Norway’s fresh salmon exports to Vietnam reached approximately 7,900 tones, representing a 40 percent surge compared to the previous year.

Bilateral commercial prospects received a further boost in July 2026, when Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) - of which Norway is a member - concluded negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Once signed, ratified, and entered into force, the agreement is expected to unlock broader market access for Norwegian goods, including seafood, into the Vietnamese market.

Norwegian salmon continues to strengthen its presence in Vietnam. According to the latest survey by the NSC, 52 percent of Vietnamese respondents expressed a preference for Norwegian salmon, though many consumers still mistakenly assume their favorite salmon originates from Japan.

Ms. Åshild Nakken, NSC’s Southeast Asia Regional Director, noted that Vietnamese households and diners are increasingly incorporating salmon into their daily diets, making origin awareness a crucial factor in consumer decision-making.

She emphasized that Norwegian salmon is farmed under stringent quality and food safety standards. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority monitors the entire value chain, while the Institute of Marine Research independently tests fish before market placement, ensuring safety and quality from processing and chilling through transportation and distribution.

-Minh Huy

Vietnam, France seek to deepen Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:10:00 GMT

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore deeper sectoral cooperation to meet development needs in the new context.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed on new directions to make the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership deeper, more substantive and effective at their talks in Paris on September 10 (local time), according to the Vietnam News Agency.

President Macron congratulated Vietnam on the major achievements it has made in socio-economic development in recent years. Hailing Vietnam’s growing role and stature in the region and on the international stage, the leader highlighted the longstanding ties between the two peoples and affirmed France’s readiness to stand alongside Vietnam in its new era of development.

President Macron stressed that General Secretary and President Lam’s visit provides an opportunity for the two countries’ high-ranking leaders to exchange views and set new directions to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

General Secretary and President Lam congratulated France on its outstanding achievements and spoke highly of Paris’s important role and position on the international stage. He affirmed that Vietnam’s decision to attach importance to France and choose it as the first EU member state with which to establish a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is a clear testament to the high level of political trust and the determination to elevate bilateral ties to a new level.

The two leaders welcomed the strong and substantive progress in bilateral ties nearly two years after the relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Looking ahead, they agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels and through all channels, including the Party, Government, National Assembly and people-to-people exchanges, effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore deeper sectoral cooperation to meet development needs in the new context.

On defence and security, the two sides agreed to further strengthen and expand cooperation in military medicine training, coordinate efforts to combat crime, and share information on criminal activities, particularly organised and transnational crime. Vietnam asked France to continue supporting efforts to address war consequences, particularly the search for missing military personnel and the exchange of wartime memorabilia.

In the areas of economy, trade and investment, the two leaders concurred to pursue new, strategic and long-term areas of cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with a focus on developing strategic industries and services with broad spillover effects. In particular, they agreed to promote value-chain partnerships based on the model of “French technology – Vietnamese manufacturing – regional and global supply,” helping the two countries’ key products, including processed and manufactured goods and agricultural and food products, become part of global supply chains.

The French side welcomed the signing of a number of cooperation documents during the visit, including agreements covering realms of importance amid the current global context.

General Secretary and President Lam called on both sides to continue effectively implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), and urged France to soon complete the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to provide fresh impetus for investors. He also called on France to encourage the European Commission (EC) to remove the “yellow card” on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing at an early date, supporting Vietnam’s efforts to develop fisheries sustainably.

Looking to the future, the leaders agreed to fully tap France’s strengths as a leading scientific power in Europe and officially make science and technology cooperation a new and key pillar of bilateral ties. Breakthrough efforts will focus on strategic areas such as aerospace, critical minerals, quantum technology, clean energy, and research for sustainable development and climate change response.

General Secretary and President Lam suggested the two countries expand scientific research, including space science, and promote technology transfer and the mastery of technologies. He also called on France to support Vietnam in gradually developing quantum technology.

In this regard, President Macron expressed his hope that the two countries would soon launch major and new projects in strategic science and technology fields.

The two sides will also fully tap the potential of traditional areas of cooperation and shift toward more inclusive and effective partnership models.

They will step up cultural and people-to-people exchanges through the organisation of cultural weeks and days in each country, with the Vietnam Days in France programme scheduled for October 2026 as an immediate priority. General Secretary and President Lam suggested France simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The French side affirmed its readiness to support Vietnam in the development of the Museum of the Communist Party of Vietnam. President Macron said France would continue to actively support Vietnam in developing its cultural industries, an area in which France has strengths, as well as provide additional archival materials on President Ho Chi Minh.

France will also continue to promote extensive cooperation with Vietnam in health care and education and training, he added.

General Secretary and President Lam expressed his sincere appreciation to the French side for returning a Dong Son bronze drum to Vietnam as part of the two sides’ commitment to combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property, and for donating several artefacts to the Museum of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Praising the active work of the French Institute in Vietnam, he welcomed France’s cooperation in organising a series of Vietnamese cultural events in Paris in October 2026. He also called on France to further support Vietnam in researching, restoring, preserving and promoting the values of its heritage and historic structures, including Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi and old French villas, with the involvement of French architects.

On education and training, the two sides agreed to effectively implement existing cooperation agreements, particularly those supporting French-language teaching in Vietnam.

General Secretary and President Lam called for expanding cooperation in high-quality human resources to sectors aligned with current practical and strategic needs, including semiconductors, new energy and railways.

In health care, the leader highlighted the role of the Pasteur Institutes in Vietnam and called on the two sides to elevate their cooperation, with a view to making Vietnam a leading hub for the application of modern medical technologies in Southeast Asia. He also called for continued scholarships for medical students in Vietnam.

On this occasion, General Secretary and President Lam proposed France continue facilitating the deep integration and strong development of the Vietnamese community there, and establish mechanisms to fully tap the potential of Vietnamese experts, intellectuals and scientists, enabling them to contribute to their host country as well as bilateral ties.

Regarding regional and international issues, President Macron highly valued and shared the Vietnamese leader’s profound views at the recent Shangri-La Dialogue on upholding international law and promoting multilateralism.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and within the ASEAN-EU framework.

On maritime issues, the two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, ensuring unimpeded trade and the right of innocent passage in the East Sea and around the world. They underscored the need to settle disputes by peaceful means on the basis of respect for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

On this occasion, General Secretary and President Lam and President Macron witnessed the signing and exchange of a number of important cooperation documents between ministries and agencies of the two countries, covering security, health care, aerospace, science and technology, and critical minerals.

Vietnam's coffee exports hit $6 billion in eight months

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Robusta remained the dominant product, accounting for 73.3% of the country’s total coffee export value in the period.

Vietnam exported nearly 1.7 million tons of coffee in the first eight months of 2026, earning more than $6 billion, according to the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa).

Export volume rose by more than 10% year-on-year, but its value fell 11.2% as average export prices declined.

Robusta remained the dominant product, accounting for 73.3% of total coffee export value. In the first seven months of 2026, Vietnam shipped nearly 1.01 million tons of Robusta worth $4 billion, up 11.4% in volume but down 15.4% in value due to lower selling prices.

Processed coffee accounted for 19.5% of the total export value, reaching $1.06 billion, up 4.3% year-on-year, indicating growing demand for higher-value processed products.

Arabica exports totalled 58,500 tons, worth $387.7 million, representing 7.1% of the total export value, with both volume and value declining slightly. Excelsa coffee, although accounting for a small share, recorded strong growth, with export value rising more than 44% to $4.3 million.

Vicofa expects coffee export volume to increase 8-10% in 2026, supported by supplies from the new crop beginning in November.

-Chu Khoi

Vietnam to prioritise around 20 specialized semiconductor chip groups

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Specialised chips are designed to perform specific tasks and are used in applications including AI cameras, IoT devices, robots, UAVs, telecommunications systems, power electronics and smart grids.

The Ministry of Science and Technology is preparing to issue a list of around 20 groups of specialized semiconductor chips that will receive priority in State procurement, focusing on artificial intelligence, edge computing, next-generation telecommunications, sensors, IoT, power electronics and hardware security.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the National Centre for Pilot Semiconductor Chip Manufacturing Support under the Ministry, revealed the plan at a seminar held on September 10 on challenges and solutions for developing specialised semiconductor chips in Vietnam.

Mr. Tuan said that amid intensifying global technology competition, the semiconductor industry is not only a high-value economic sector but also increasingly important to technological self-reliance, national security and economic competitiveness.

Vietnam considers specialised chips a suitable way to leverage its existing strengths and gradually participate more deeply in the global semiconductor value chain.

Unlike general-purpose chips, specialised chips are designed to perform specific tasks and are used in applications including AI cameras, IoT devices, robots, UAVs, telecommunications systems, power electronics and smart grids. Their value lies less in mass production than in optimising performance, reducing energy consumption and meeting specific product requirements.

The strategy aligns with Vietnam’s existing capabilities, including a growing chip-design workforce, a strong electronics industry and a sizeable domestic market in telecommunications, AI, electric vehicles, energy and digital transformation.

-Bach Duong

Additive manufacturing technology center set to be built in Vietnam

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Additive manufacturing is expanding beyond high-tech fields such as nuclear energy and aerospace into healthcare and manufacturing.

Rosatom's Fuel Division and Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) on September 9 signed an agreement on a project to establish an additive manufacturing center in Vietnam.

The document exchange ceremony was witnessed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and General Secretary, President To Lam during the latter's state visit to Russia from September 7-9.

The agreement marks a new step in technological cooperation between the two sides. Additive manufacturing technology, more commonly known as 3D printing, is intended to be applied directly to the production, maintenance and repair needs of the fuel and energy sector.

Under the agreement, Rosatom and Petrovietnam agreed on a list of equipment and a delivery schedule for the establishment of a fully functional 3D printing center in Vietnam.

Rosatom will provide 3D printers manufactured by its Fuel Division. In addition to 3D printing systems, the center will be equipped with facilities for heat treatment, mechanical processing, laboratory analysis and other processes required for additive manufacturing.

Additive manufacturing is expanding beyond high-tech fields such as nuclear energy and aerospace into healthcare and manufacturing.

Another provision of the agreement involves establishing conditions for the production of metal powders in Vietnam. This is an important factor because the quality and availability of input materials play a decisive role in determining the quality and scalability of additive manufacturing.

The two sides are expected to cooperate in technical training and information exchange, as well as in developing quality standards, capability assessment procedures and product certification.

VnEconomy-Trong Hoang

Vietnam, Mongolia seek to strengthen legislative cooperation and expand trade, investment

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Both sides agreed to actively consider further opening their respective markets to each other’s products, particularly facilitating the entry of Vietnam’s key agricultural, fisheries and seafood products into the Mongolian market.

During his official visit to Mongolia, National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man held talks with Chairman of the Mongolian Parliament Sandag Byambatsogt on September 10, immediately after the official welcoming ceremony.

At the talks, the two sides agreed to maintain regular high-level and multi-level exchanges and delegation visits, while continuing to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms as well as commitments and agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, including the Joint Statement on the establishment of the Vietnam-Mongolia Comprehensive Partnership.

They agreed to strengthen defense, security and judicial cooperation, closely coordinate in combating transnational crimes, and effectively respond to non-traditional security challenges.

The two sides also agreed to enhance the role of the legislative bodies of the two countries in coordinating efforts to promote substantive and effective economic connectivity, commensurate with the potential of both countries.

They agreed to actively consider further opening their respective markets to each other’s products, particularly facilitating the entry of Vietnam’s key agricultural, fisheries and seafood products into the Mongolian market, with a view to achieving the target of raising bilateral trade turnover to $200 million at an early date.

The two sides also agreed to step up investment promotion activities and work toward the early signing of a new Agreement on the Promotion and Protection of Investments between Vietnam and Mongolia.

The two leaders noted that the two countries still have significant potential and room for development, not only in economic, trade and investment cooperation, but also in such areas as culture, sports, tourism, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges.

VnEconomy - Quốc hội-Đỗ Như

Build-to-suit data center

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:00:00 GMT

The scope and nature of data centers is being swayed by the continued growth of AI and the conditions the technology requires.

The appearance and adoption of AI has been changing the development equation for data centers in Vietnam, as rapidly-growing computing demand raises requirements for power, cooling, connectivity, space, and energy efficiency. At the Vietnam Cloud Datacenter Convention 2026, organized by W.Media in Ho Chi Minh City on August 20, experts and businesses said the market is entering a new phase of development, with a range of models being considered, from hyperscale and high-density data centers to liquid cooling, domestic cloud, hybrid cloud, and edge computing.

Alongside resource optimization, access to power, land, and connectivity as well as deployment timelines are increasingly influencing investment decisions. This is creating room for both large-scale projects and more flexible models that can be deployed in phases to better match demand in Vietnam.

Regulatory and infrastructure challenges

According to Mr. Le Quang Dam, General Director of Marvell Vietnam, the AI boom is significantly changing the traditional data center model. “An AI data center with a capacity of around 1 GW consumes roughly as much electricity as nearly 100,000 households,” Mr. Dam said. “For larger data centers, demand can reach several gigawatts, equivalent to the electricity consumption of an entire city.”

AI data centers also require significant amounts of water for cooling. As power density rises, the heat generated by computing systems increases, putting greater demands on cooling infrastructure. “AI systems can deliver extremely high computing performance, but at the same time they consume significant amounts of electricity and water,” he said.

This creates challenges not only for technology companies but also for data center infrastructure planning and development. As AI facilities become larger, improving energy efficiency will be increasingly important to limit pressure on power supplies and the environment.

From its experience deploying data center models in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Hai Nguyen, CEO of USDC Technology, said Vietnam is creating more room for foreign investment in data centers. The Law on Telecommunications 2023 also does not impose a foreign ownership cap specific to data center businesses.

However, power planning remains a challenge for foreign investors. “The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recently asked telecommunications authorities to collect information on projects that businesses plan to develop through 2030, so that power infrastructure can be planned accordingly,” Mr. Hai said.

He also noted that, alongside power infrastructure, expanding submarine cable stations and diversifying international connectivity would help improve the resilience and redundancy of Vietnam’s digital infrastructure as demand from data centers and AI continues to grow.

Meanwhile, AI development is also changing enterprises’ requirements for data infrastructure. Mr. Henry Nguyen, Regional Director of Synology Vietnam, told the Convention that data sovereignty is becoming an increasingly important consideration when businesses choose data storage and processing infrastructure. “Businesses increasingly want to know exactly where their data is stored, who has access to it, and whether they can maintain full control over that data,” he explained.

The rapid adoption of AI is creating another requirement: businesses want to deploy the technology without moving sensitive internal information, such as contracts, documents, and operational data, outside their own systems because of concerns over security and control.

Mr. Henry Nguyen also highlighted the growing importance of data backup and disaster recovery as corporate data volumes expand and the risks of system failures and cyberattacks increase.

Greater efficiency and sustainability

As computing demand rises, improving the efficiency and sustainability of data center infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Beyond expanding power and cooling capacity, the industry is also looking at ways to reduce energy consumption at the source.

According to Mr. Dam, a more effective approach would be to address energy consumption at its source rather than focusing solely on removing the heat generated by computing systems. “Instead of only looking for ways to remove heat more efficiently, if we can reduce heat generation and power consumption at the source, we can achieve significant energy savings,” he believes.

At the AI infrastructure level, he identified three key technology directions for improving energy efficiency. The first is advanced semiconductor technology, with increasingly smaller transistor sizes. Marvell is developing designs using processes such as 5nm (nanometer), 3nm, and 2nm. Smaller transistors can help reduce power consumption during processing.

The second is advanced packaging technology. Rather than placing components on a single plane, 2.5D and 3D packaging can shorten the distance between components. This can optimize space while reducing the energy required for data transmission.

The third is the shift from electrical to optical connectivity. Optical connections can transmit signals at high speeds with lower resistance, helping reduce the energy required to move data, particularly as connectivity expands from within servers to between servers, data centers, and even across geographic locations.

These three technology directions, Mr. Dam continued, provide a foundation for developing chips for AI infrastructure with greater energy efficiency while meeting increasingly demanding computing requirements.

Mr. Hai, for his part, said the data center market is also becoming more diversified in terms of scale and deployment models. Alongside large facilities, demand is growing for smaller systems that can be deployed quickly and expanded in phases.

With modular and prefabricated models, power, cooling, and technology infrastructure can be integrated and tested before being transported to the deployment site, significantly shortening construction time. Meanwhile, edge data centers bring computing, storage, and connectivity closer to users, making them suitable for applications driven by AI, 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

At the data protection layer, businesses can implement multi-layer backup strategies, including immutable and air-gapped copies. According to Mr. Henry Nguyen, this approach provides an additional layer of protection against data being altered, deleted, or encrypted during cyberattacks, while allowing businesses to take greater control of system recovery.

For Vietnam, deeper participation in the AI technology value chain will not only create job opportunities but also help build a talent pool capable of leading high-tech sectors in the future.

Mr. Le Quang Dam, General Director of Marvell Vietnam.

Mr. Colin Wang, Technical Manager at Attom Technology in the US, said one of the key challenges is deployment speed. Data centers are traditionally built using subsystems from different suppliers, but current demand requires faster deployment.

The solution, he went on, is to integrate these systems into a single solution covering cooling, power, racks, and monitoring. For small businesses or branch facilities, systems can be deployed within one or two days. For larger data centers, prefabricated container-based solutions can significantly shorten construction time. “A traditional data center can take one to two years to complete,” Mr. Wang said. “With prefabricated solutions, this can be reduced to one or two months.”

Deployment speed is becoming increasingly important as AI advances rapidly and new generations of GPUs and CPUs emerge continuously. If infrastructure takes one or two years to build, the technology selected at the beginning of a project could risk becoming outdated by the time the facility becomes operational.

“We integrate the infrastructure, and install, connect, and commission everything at the factory before transporting it to the site,” he explained. “On-site installation can then be completed in around a month.” This approach enables businesses to put servers into operation, deploy applications, and start operations more quickly than with conventional data center construction.

Building Vietnam’s role

Beyond infrastructure and chips, Mr. Dam also highlighted the role of technology talent in Vietnam’s AI development. Marvell began operations in Vietnam around 12 years ago, with a small team of engineers. The local workforce has since grown to more than 650 engineers, participating in multiple stages of advanced technology development.

Vietnamese engineers are now capable of contributing to high-end technologies, he said, including high-speed optical connectivity solutions for advanced AI systems. This is also part of Marvell’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, not only through expanding its workforce but also by enabling local engineers to participate more deeply in RD and technological innovation.

From Marvell’s perspective, developing AI infrastructure is not a task that any single company can handle alone. The AI ecosystem encompasses a host of components, requiring collaboration between multiple businesses and technology partners. “No company can do everything on its own in AI and AI infrastructure,” he said. “We need collaboration and partnerships.” For Vietnam, he believes deeper participation in the AI technology value chain will create not only employment opportunities but also a pool of talent capable of leading high-tech sectors in the future.

As demand for AI computing continues to rise, the question for data centers is no longer simply how much additional space can be built, but how much computing capacity can be delivered per unit of electricity and resources consumed. This will be one of the key factors determining how Vietnam can scale its AI infrastructure in a more efficient and sustainable manner.

-Nhu Quynh