VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Argentina’s Malbec World Day 2026 celebrated in Hanoi

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT

This year marks a special milestone, with Hanoi continuing to be an important destination on the global celebration map, according to Argentine Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Marcos Antonio Bednarsk.

Wine enthusiasts in Vietnam and around the world on April 17 turned their attention to Argentina to celebrate the 16th Malbec World Day (MWD).

With the central message “Your Malbec, Your Call,” this year’s event not only honors Argentina’s “national treasure” wine but also ushers in a new chapter—one that is free-spirited, expressive, and boundless.

The Spirit of Freedom: “You Decide How You Enjoy Your Malbec”

H.E. Marcos Antonio Bednarski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Argentine Republic to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, emphasized that this year marks a special milestone, with Hanoi continuing to be an important destination on the global celebration map. Sharing the concept behind this year’s theme, he noted: “The idea for this year’s celebration stems from a desire to expand boundaries and distances, bringing a fresh breeze of freedom. Freedom here means that you fully decide how you enjoy Malbec.

Today, Malbec is no longer just a traditional red wine—it also comes in white and rosé expressions. If you prefer pairing white Malbec with red meat, or adding a few ice cubes to your glass of red to cool down on a hot summer day, that is perfectly acceptable. Enjoy Malbec authentically—through genuine, connected experiences rather than rigid conventions.”

The Ambassador also encouraged young Vietnamese consumers to explore in their own way: “Young people in Vietnam are highly experiential and enjoy making their own choices in how they consume and experience life. Malbec is the perfect companion to that lifestyle—accessible to everyone, anywhere, and at any time.”

A standing reception was held featuring Malbec labels distributed in Vietnam, paired with Argentine dishes from Los Fuegos restauran

A Cultural Bridge Through Cuisine and “Asado”

Another highlight shared by the Ambassador is the striking similarity between two cultures geographically far apart. He expressed his admiration for Vietnamese culinary culture, particularly the sense of connection around grilled meals:“I am very impressed by the similarities between our two countries, such as the culture of grilled meat. In Argentina, we have ‘Asado’—large cuts of meat slow-grilled over charcoal, seasoned simply to highlight the natural flavors—an essential part of our national identity. I see a similar spirit among the Vietnamese. These culinary and cultural connections form a strong foundation that brings our people closer together.”

The “Fan Town” Ecosystem: Bringing the World Cup 2026 Closer to Vietnam

At the event, guests are welcomed to pair white wine with Argentina steak and add ice to their red glass to to cool down the summer heat.

Beyond wine, football serves as another powerful bridge strengthening the relationship between Vietnam and Argentina.

In the event of Malbec World Day in Hanoi, Ms. Andrea Gottschalk, representative of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) in Vietnam, shared insights into a long-term strategy to enhance a local fan community.

She noted that the launch of the AFA Fan Town model in 2026 is a carefully planned step: “Our strategy is rooted in the passion Vietnamese fans have for football. We see the World Cup 2026 as a ‘kick-off’ for a long-term relationship. AFA’s goal is not only to promote football merchandise, but to create a complete ecosystem that elevates football fans’ overall experience—from outdoor watch parties in collaboration with local restaurants and brands, to bringing legends like Juan Pablo Sorín to Vietnam for direct engagement with fans.”

She also revealed more about the “immersive experience” AFA aims to bring to Vietnam: As the official representative of AFA, we have direct access to players and exclusive content to share with the community. We want to bring the electrifying atmosphere of the World Cup to Vietnam more vividly than ever before.”

Malbec’s Presence in the Market

The Malbec 2026 celebration in Hanoi also offers attendees the opportunity to experience the diversity of over 30 renowned Malbec labels, ranging from premium to contemporary, including Zuccardi, El Enemigo, Trivento, and Bodegas Bianchi.

Malbec World Day 2026 in Vietnam has gone far beyond the scope of a traditional wine tasting. It is where heritage dating back to 1853 meets the spirit of 2026, where the flavors of Malbec blend seamlessly with the rhythm of football and the warmth of human connection. As the Ambassador affirmed, this is the moment to “open our minds and bring fresh new perspectives to the classic traditions.”

vneconomy-Mai Truc Quynh

Tay Ninh, Okayama collaborate on hi-tech and human resources

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:15:00 GMT

Japan currently ranks fourth among the province's foreign investors, accounting for 176 projects with a total investment exceeding $1.26 billion.

Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam, is set to prioritize attracting Japanese investment into high-tech industries, supporting industries, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), high-tech agriculture, and renewable energy in the coming years.

This orientation was highlighted by Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Van Han during a working session on April 15 with a delegation from Okayama City, Japan, led by Mayor Omori Masao.

During the meeting, Mr. Han emphasized that Japan is one of the province's top strategic partners. Many Japanese enterprises are currently operating successfully in Tay Ninh, particularly in the fields of mechanical engineering, electronics, and agricultural and food processing.

To date, the locality has attracted over 2,000 FDI projects with a total registered capital of nearly $25 billion. Japan currently ranks fourth among the province's foreign investors, accounting for 176 projects with a total investment exceeding $1.26 billion. Japanese businesses are noted not only for their stable operations but also for their significant contributions to local industrial development.

Mayor Omori Masao expressed his hope that Tay Ninh and other Vietnamese localities would continue to provide favorable conditions for Japanese enterprises to explore the investment environment and expand their production and business activities. He also shared that Okayama City is currently facing a labor shortage in several sectors, including construction, nursing, elderly care, logistics, and trade.

He said he expected both sides to enhance cooperation in connecting, training, and receiving high-quality labor. This initiative aims to meet local socio-economic development needs while expanding job opportunities and increasing income for Vietnamese workers.

Based on the Joint Declaration of Cooperation signed during the session, key areas of future cooperation will focus on: developing high-tech and supporting industries; promoting high-quality human resource training tailored to corporate demands; and effectively implementing internship programs to provide opportunities for Vietnamese laborers to study and work in Japan.

Vneconomy-Phương Hoa

Opportunities for Vietnam from European Climate Law amendments

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Benefits will flow to Vietnam if it can adhere to recent amendments to the European Climate Law setting new 2040 targets.

The Council of the European Union (EU) has formally adopted amendments to the European Climate Law, introducing a binding mid-term target for 2040 that commits the bloc to reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent compared to 1990 levels. The move is widely seen as a critical step in reinforcing the EU’s pathway toward economy-wide climate neutrality by 2050.

The new target is expected to both increase pressure and create opportunities for Vietnam to accelerate its green transition and adapt to increasingly stringent climate standards in the European market.

Reshaping Vietnam’s exports

According to Dr. Nguyen Phuong Nam, International Reviewer for Climate Change Reports under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and CEO of Klinova, the 90 per cent emissions reduction target for 2040 is not a standalone figure. Rather, it represents the next step in the long-term roadmap of the European Green Deal; the EU’s overarching strategy to become a carbon-neutral continent by 2050.

In this context, the 2040 target serves as an “acceleration milestone,” signaling that climate requirements will become increasingly stringent and mandatory in global trade. The implications for Vietnam’s key export sectors are expected to be significant and multi-dimensional.

High-emissions industries such as steel, cement, aluminum, and textiles will face direct pressure from mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). As the EU gradually incorporates carbon costs into import pricing, Vietnam’s cost-based competitive advantage could erode without a timely transformation.

Carbon transparency requirements are also expanding beyond individual companies to encompass entire supply chains. The EU is placing growing emphasis on the full “carbon footprint” of products, from inputs to final output. This presents a major challenge for sectors such as textiles, footwear, and agriculture, which rely on complex and often unwieldly supply networks.

From a market perspective, green consumption trends in the EU are accelerating. European consumers and distributors increasingly prioritize products with sustainability certifications, low emissions, or carbon neutrality. Vietnamese businesses that transition early may not only retain market access but also tap into higher-value segments, thereby enhancing export value. “The EU’s 2040 target is essentially a strong and anticipated policy signal, since the European Green Deal was launched in 2019, about restructuring global trade toward a low-carbon model,” Dr. Nam said.

He added that, over the long term, the EU may prioritize partnerships with countries that demonstrate credible emissions reduction pathways. “This is not just about cost pressure, it reflects a fundamental shift in market demand, requiring Vietnamese businesses to move from cost-based competition to competition based on sustainability.”

New opportunities

Under the revised law, from 2036 onward, high-quality international carbon credits may be used, but only up to 5 per cent of the EU’s 1990 net emissions, with at least 85 per cent of reductions required to occur domestically. These credits must be based on credible emissions reduction activities in partner countries and aligned with the Paris Agreement.

Dr. Nam noted that the EU’s consideration of international carbon credits is a noteworthy signal, indicating that global carbon markets are becoming more interconnected rather than operating in isolation. However, he stressed that this opportunity will not come automatically. The key lies in ensuring the quality and transparency of carbon credits. The EU will only accept credits that meet strict standards for measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV). Vietnam’s shift from planning to implementing a domestic carbon market is therefore a positive step.

Mr. Do Duc Tien, Co-founder and CEO of NAYAN Sustainability Social Enterprise, said the policy changes present a “golden opportunity” for Vietnam, given its strong potential in forest-based credits (such as REDD+), low-emission agriculture, and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. However, this also requires Vietnam to rapidly develop its domestic carbon exchange and bring itself in line with international standards.

The country should learn from its experience with the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), where it ranked fourth globally in project numbers, at around 260, but had a relatively low issuance rate due to procedural and verification challenges.

To avoid repeating a “quantity over quality” scenario, Vietnam needs a clear roadmap focused on improving credit quality to meet stringent EU criteria, particularly regarding permanence and additionality. Building a robust MRV system aligned with international standards will be essential not only to leverage natural advantages but also to ensure that carbon projects contribute meaningfully to sustainable development. This could position Vietnam as a credible destination for green capital flows from Europe, rather than merely a supplier of low-cost credits.

Dr. Scott McDonald, Lecturer in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at RMIT University Vietnam, noted that analysts project the EU could spend €50 billion ($58 billion) on carbon credits in the 2030s, which underscores actual demand. Vietnam’s strengths in forestry, mangrove restoration, and renewable energy align well with EU priorities. The country has also signed bilateral agreements with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea under Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement for emissions trading. He emphasized that credit quality will be the decisive factor, with MRV readiness serving as the “gateway” to entering the EU market.

Policy lessons for Vietnam

Drawing from the EU’s climate law framework, Dr. Nam highlighted policy consistency and long-term vision as the most important lessons. The EU has not only set targets but also built a comprehensive legal framework, from climate law to carbon markets, sectoral standards, and financial mechanisms, all aligned with the 2050 neutrality goal.

Another key feature is the legally-binding nature of climate targets. Codifying commitments puts stronger enforcement pressure on governments and businesses while providing stable market signals for long-term investment decisions.

Despite having a unified EU framework, member states retain flexibility to develop national laws and roadmaps tailored to their domestic contexts, translating overarching goals into country-specific long-term strategies. This approach enables each country to fulfill its responsibilities while contributing to the bloc’s collective target. “For Vietnam, the priority is not just to introduce more policies, but to ensure coherence, feasibility, and clear roadmaps,” Dr. Nam said. “A stable and transparent policy framework will provide a solid foundation for achieving the country’s 2050 net-zero target.”

Dr. McDonald added that the EU’s binding 2040 target is already shaping investment decisions. Vietnam’s own net-zero commitment by 2050 similarly requires a strong legal anchor. He pointed to the EU’s phased expansion of its Emission Trading System, known as ETS2 and covering buildings, transport, and small-scale industries from 2027, as a structured approach that Vietnam can learn from, particularly in moving from pilot phases to full implementation.

At the same time, local-level policy implementation will be critical. Cities and provinces need to proactively develop emission reduction plans suited to their socio-economic conditions, integrating climate goals into development planning. “This is how national commitments can be translated into concrete local action, making the overall target more achievable,” Dr. Nam said.

Vietnam’s own net-zero commitment by 2050 requires a strong legal anchor.

Dr. Scott McDonald, Lecturer in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at RMIT University Vietnam

VET-Ngoc Lan

Vietnam, China issue joint statement on deepening Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in new era

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The State visit to China by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam was a great success, positively contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship and accelerating the building of the Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.

Vietnam and China have issued a Joint Statement on further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and advancing the building of a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance at a higher level in the new era.

The joint statement was reached during the state visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam, made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President Xi Jinping from April 14-17.

During the visit, the Vietnamese leader held talks with his Chinese counterpart and met with Premier Li Qiang, Chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji, and Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference Wang Huning. The two sides exchanged views on their respective Party and national situations, as well as on regional and international issues, reaching broad and important common understandings.

Both sides affirmed that the CPV and the CPC share historic missions to advance national development, improve people’s well-being, and contribute to global progress. They emphasised that maintaining and strengthening the comprehensive leadership of the two Parties constitutes a fundamental guarantee for advancing socialist modernisation in each country and for ensuring the long-term, stable and healthy development of bilateral relations.

The two sides agreed that Vietnam and China, sharing common aspirations and development paths, view the bilateral relationship as a strategic choice of overarching and long-term significance. China reaffirmed its consistent policy of friendship with Vietnam and its priority status in China’s neighbourhood diplomacy, while Vietnam reiterated that relations with China remain an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification.

Both sides stressed the importance of carrying forward the traditional friendship described as “both comrades and brothers,” nurtured by past leaders, and of adhering to guiding principles of “friendly neighbourliness, comprehensive cooperation, long-term stability and future orientation,” as well as the spirit of being “good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners.” They committed to advancing the overall goal of “six major orientations,” including stronger political trust, more substantive defence and security cooperation, deeper practical collaboration, firmer social foundations, closer multilateral coordination, and more effective management and resolution of differences.

Vietnam congratulated China on the CPC’s 105th founding anniversary and its recent national achievements, expressing confidence in China’s continued progress toward modernisation. In turn, China congratulated Vietnam on the success of the 14th National Party Congress, the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term as well as the organisation of the first session of the 16th NA, expressing support for Vietnam’s ongoing reform, industrialisation and modernisation, and international integration.

Both sides agreed that high-level strategic guidance is crucial to bilateral relations, while practical cooperation serves as a driving force and people-to-people friendship as a foundation. They pledged to build on past achievements, further enhance political trust, deepen cooperation across sectors, strengthen social foundations and expand multilateral coordination, while effectively managing and resolving differences.

They agreed that these achievements fully reflect the strategic nature and high level of Vietnam–China relations, demonstrating the accomplishments of China’s socialist modernisation and Vietnam’s ‘Doi moi’ (Renewal) process. Both sides also agreed to continue adhering to the overarching goal of the “six major orientations,” and steadily advance the Vietnam – China community with a shared future toward greater depth, substance and effectiveness.

Both sides held that regular contacts between the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries, which set directions and guide the development of Vietnam – China relations, are of particularly important strategic significance. They agreed to continue maintaining high-level exchanges through forms such as mutual visits, the dispatch of special envoys, hotlines, letters, annual meetings, and meetings on the sidelines of multilateral forums. These will help promptly exchange views on major issues in bilateral ties as well as regional and international situations, thereby steering the Vietnam–China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership in the new era toward sound, stable development from a strategic and long-term vision.

The two sides agreed to fully bring into play the special role of the Party-to-Party channel as a foundation for safeguarding the two Parties and the socialist regimes in each country, while promoting the steady development of bilateral relations. They agreed to continue implementing the new cooperation plan between the two Parties, organise theoretical seminars, and strengthen exchanges and cooperation between corresponding agencies at the central and local levels, especially in border provinces.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen friendly exchanges and cooperation between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the National People’s Congress of China, the two Governments, and the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. They will continue to effectively organise meetings of the cooperation committee between the two legislatures and exchanges between mass organisations, particularly in border areas. The role of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and the “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism at ministerial level among the two countries' foreign affairs, defence and public security ministries will be further promoted to coordinate development and security, deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation, and advance the building of a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Both sides concurred to effectively implement cooperation agreements between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs, maintain regular contacts between their leaders, and enhance exchanges between departments and agencies, while supporting improved working and living conditions for diplomatic missions in each country.

The Vietnamese side reaffirmed its adherence to the “one China” policy, recognising that there is only one China in the world, that Taiwan is an inseparable part of Chinese territory, and that the Government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing all of China. Vietnam supported the peaceful development of cross-strait relations and China's cause of national unification, firmly opposes any separatist activity seeking “Taiwan independence”, and consistently backed the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The Vietnamese side does not develop any state-level relations with Taiwan. Vietnam held that the issues of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet are China’s internal affairs, and supported China in maintaining the stable development of Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Tibet. The Chinese side expressed its support for Vietnam in maintaining social stability, ensuring national security, development, and national unity, and addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.

The two sides agreed to enhance high-level and all-level exchanges between their militaries, making full use of mechanisms such as border defence friendship exchanges and defence policy dialogues. Cooperation will be expanded in areas including political work, officer training, joint exercises and training, research, defence industry, naval visits and military inspection. They will also expand cooperation in logistics, military medicine, United Nations peacekeeping operations, and non-traditional security.

Border defence cooperation will be deepened through strengthened coordination in border management, joint land border patrols, and the encouragement of friendship ties between the two countries' border guard forces. The two sides will continue to effectively implement joint patrols in the Gulf of Tonkin and deepen exchanges and cooperation between their navies and coast guards, while strengthening multilateral security cooperation to promote regional peace and stability.

Both sides agreed to further deepen cooperation between their security and law enforcement agencies, effectively utilising mechanisms such as the ministerial-level conference on crime prevention, the hotline between the two ministers of Public Security, and deputy ministerial-level security dialogues. They will enhance high-level exchanges and coordination in safeguarding political security, ensuring safety for high-level visits and major political and diplomatic events.

Cooperation will be strengthened in security, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and the fight against cross-border crimes, including telecommunications fraud, online gambling, drug trafficking, human trafficking, economic crimes, illegal migration, and violations of immigration regulations. The two sides will also cooperate in the arrest and handover of wanted persons, recovery of illicit assets, and protection of the legitimate rights and interests of their citizens and organisations in each other’s country.

They agreed to coordinate in international law enforcement campaigns such as the “Mekong Dragon” initiative, while enhancing cooperation against smuggling, trade fraud, illegal cross-border transport of goods, and trafficking of narcotics, precursors, endangered wildlife, explosives, dual-use goods, tobacco and counterfeit products.

Both sides stressed the importance of the deputy ministerial-level strategic security dialogue mechanism, strengthening intelligence sharing and exchanging experience in countering interference, separatism, “colour revolutions” and “peaceful evolution” of hostile forces, while safeguarding economic and technological security and ensuring the safety of key cooperation projects. The Vietnamese side announced its intention to officially join the Lancang-Mekong Integrated Law Enforcement and Security Cooperation Centre and expressed its readiness to participate as a co-founding member of an international alliance against telecommunications fraud.

In the field of law and justice, both sides agreed to intensify cooperation and exchanges between their respective ministries of justice, effectively implement signed memoranda of understanding and cooperation programmes, and strengthen collaboration in resolving civil and commercial disputes in border areas. They will maintain the mechanism of justice conferences among border provinces and enhance exchanges on building a socialist rule-of-law state.

Cooperation between procuracy agencies will also be strengthened through regular exchanges, mutual visits, training programmes, and coordination in protecting public interests and vulnerable groups. Both sides will continue to share experience in anti-corruption efforts, enhance coordination in multilateral frameworks, and promote cooperation in law enforcement in the judicial field regarding corruption combat.

The two sides agreed to step up communication and public education on the traditional friendship of being “both comrades and brothers” between the two Parties and countries, while highlighting exemplary models of people-to-people cooperation. They will expand exchanges and collaboration in cinema, publishing and media, and promote projects to translate and publish classical works from both Vietnam and China.

Both sides also agreed to enhance exchanges among mass organisations such as trade unions, women’s and youth organisations, as well as between localities with established friendship ties.

They concurred on continuing the effective implementation of their cultural and tourism cooperation plan for 2023–2027 between relevant agencies, while encouraging cultural organisations and art troupes to strengthen exchanges and collaboration. Vietnam expressed support for the China Cultural Centre in Hanoi to expand its activities; and China welcomed Vietnam’s plan to establish a culture centre in Beijing.

The two countries announced the launch of the “Vietnam–China Tourism Cooperation Years 2026–2027”, agreeing to elevate tourism cooperation as an important bridge for people-to-people exchanges and socio-economic development. Cooperation in sports will also be strengthened, with sporting bodies encouraged to enhance coordination in international events.

In education, both sides agreed to effectively implement the Vietnam–China education cooperation agreement and explore the establishment of a joint committee on education and training cooperation. They will promote exchanges of teachers, students and scholars. China welcomes and encourages more outstanding Vietnamese students to study and conduct research in China, pledging to offer additional scholarships. Vocational training cooperation and language exchange programmes will also be deepened, alongside partnerships between schools, universities and research institutions.

The two sides affirmed support for increased exchanges and cooperation between localities, particularly border provinces/regions, and agreed to continue mechanisms such as spring meetings between Party Secretaries of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang and Hai Phong of Vietnam and Guangxi of China, as well as an annual meeting involving Party Secretaries of Vietnam’s Lao Cai, Tuyen Quang, Dien Bien, and Lai Chau, and of China’s Yunnan.

Both sides also reaffirmed their firm commitment to upholding the international system with the United Nations at its core, an international order grounded in international law, and the fundamental norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter. They pledged to jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, uphold solidarity and cooperation within the international community, and promote the shared values of humanity, including peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom. They expressed support for an equal, orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation that delivers shared benefits, while advancing a more just and equitable global governance system. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing independent, self-reliant and peaceful foreign policies, upholding genuine multilateralism, and jointly opposing hegemonism and power politics, as well as unilateralism in all its forms and any actions that undermine regional peace and stability.

They agreed to promote cooperation within major initiatives, including the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, in order to jointly address global challenges. The sides will continue to enhance coordination and cooperation in international and regional frameworks such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), BRICS, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), ASEAN–China and Mekong–Lancang cooperation mechanisms, while supporting each other’s candidacies in international organisations and working together to safeguard peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

Vietnam spoke highly of the important role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in maintaining regional stability and development, and expressed its readiness to maintain exchanges on the possibility of becoming a partner of the SCO.

Both countries will continue to advance internal procedures towards the early ratification of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (Hanoi Convention), promote its early entry into force and effective implementation.

The two sides agreed to promote the comprehensive and effective implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and welcomed the application by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to join the agreement.

Vietnam expressed its support for China’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), in line with the agreement’s standards and procedures. Vietnam also voiced support for China hosting APEC in 2026, while China backed Vietnam’s hosting of APEC in 2027. The sides further affirmed support for countries to engage in equal negotiations to address trade issues through measures consistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Both sides also agreed to bolster cooperation in the Mekong–Lancang framework, jointly building a community with a shared future for peace and prosperity in the sub-region.

On human rights, they affirmed that promoting and protecting them is a shared goal of humanity. It is necessary to take into account each country’s specific conditions in identifying approaches to human rights development that best meet the needs of its people. The two sides expressed readiness to promote exchanges and cooperation in the field on the basis of equality and mutual respect, while resolutely opposing the politicisation and instrumentalisation of human rights, double standards, and the use of human rights issues as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states.

Both sides emphasised the need to better manage and actively resolve disagreements at sea, while maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea. They agreed to adhere to important common perceptions reached by the senior leaders of the two Parties and countries, based on the agreement on basic principles guiding the settlement of sea-related issues between Vietnam and China. The two sides will persist in resolving disputes through friendly consultations, actively seek fundamental and long-term solutions acceptable to both parties, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and refrain from actions that could complicate the situation or expand disputes, thereby maintaining stability at sea. They also agreed to promote discussions on delimitation of waters outside the mouth of the Gulf of Tonkin and on maritime cooperation for mutual development, aiming for substantive progress; and to actively expand cooperation in less sensitive maritime areas and enhance coordination in search and rescue at sea.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working with ASEAN countries and China to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and to soon conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Both sides also agreed to continue implementing the three legal documents on the Vietnam–China land border and to strengthen cooperation in border management and protection as well as cross-border development collaboration.

During the visit, the two countries signed a number of cooperation agreements covering Party channels, security, justice, economy, supply chains, customs, science and technology, social affairs, human resources, media and locality-to-locality cooperation.

The two sides noted that the State visit to China by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam was a great success, positively contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship and accelerating the building of the Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, thus promoting peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world.

On this occasion, the Vietnamese leader invited Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to visit Vietnam at an early date, and the Chinese leader gladly accepted. - (VNA)

VNA-

Investors approved for four renewable energy projects in Gia Lai

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:16:00 GMT

The projects, worth nearly VND5 trillion (about $190 million), have a combined installed capacity of 230 MW.

Authorities in central Gia Lai province have approved a consortium of investors to develop four renewable energy projects worth nearly VND5 trillion (about $190 million), in a move to boost clean energy capacity.

The consortium comprises EMI Investment JSC, Nhon Hoa Wind Power JSC No.1 and Nhon Hoa Energy JSC No.2, according to a report from Vietnam News Agency.

It will implement three solar power projects—Nhon Hoa 1, Nhon Hoa 1A and Nhon Hoa 2—alongside the Nhon Hoa 3 wind power plant.

Located primarily in Ia Le commune and partly in Chu Puh commune, the projects will have a combined installed capacity of 230 megawatts (MW).

The three solar plants will occupy nearly 275 hectares in Ia Le commune, with a total capacity of 188 MW and an estimated annual output of more than 345,700 MWh.

Meanwhile, the Nhon Hoa 3 wind power project will cover around 27.3 hectares across Ia Le and Chu Puh communes, with an installed capacity of 42 MW, contributing renewable electricity to the national grid.

Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2026, with commercial operations expected by August 2028.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Cafe Show Tea Show Vietnam 2026 to showcase the industry’s full value chain

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:42:00 GMT

The event features hundreds of international brands across the coffee, tea, pastry, and modern FB solution sectors.

Cafe Show Tea Show Vietnam 2026 opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16.

The event will run until April 18.

Held under the auspices of the Vietnam Coffee - Cocoa Association and the Vietnam Tea Association, the event will feature hundreds of international brands across the coffee, tea, pastry, and modern FB solution sectors.

More than just a traditional trade show, this year’s exhibition paints a comprehensive picture of the industry's value chain. Visitors can explore every link in the process, from raw material sourcing and roasting to equipment supply, retail chain management, and professional communities.

The presence of world-leading equipment brands—such as La Marzocco, Victoria Arduino, Nuova Simonelli, and Kees van der Westen—represented by major Vietnamese distributors like Kien Nam Barista (Copen), Procaffe, and Cubes, underscores the event's status as a premier professional B2B platform.

A major highlight of the 2026 season is the series of rigorous professional competitions. Most notably, the Vietnam National Barista Championship 2026 (VNBC) remains the only competition in Vietnam certified by World Coffee Events (WCE). The winner of VNBC 2026 will officially represent Vietnam at the World Barista Championship 2027 in Tokyo, Japan.

Additionally, the Vietnam National Cup Tasters Championship 2026 (VNCTC) will make its debut, honoring the sensory and flavor-differentiation skills of cupping experts.

Other events, such as the Dalatmilk World Matcha Latte Art Battle and various culinary and artistic pastry competitions, will further provide a creative arena for industry professionals.

Vneconomy-Song Hà

Vietnam and US boost cooperation in construction sector

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:20:00 GMT

Key areas of interest include Vietnam’s priorities in national key infrastructure projects, social housing development, and a transparent, stable, and sustainable legal framework for housing, urban development, and real estate market.

The US business community is keen to receive information from the Ministry of Construction (MOC) and explore ways to support Vietnam in its new stage of development, with a focus on fostering innovation-driven growth.

President of Boeing Southeast Asia, Ms. Penny Burtt, stated during a meeting on April 16 with Vietnamese Vice Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van.

She led a business delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) to discuss strengthening cooperation in the transport and construction sectors.

Key areas of interest for the delegation include the Ministry’s priorities in national key infrastructure projects, social housing development, and a transparent, stable, and sustainable legal framework for housing, urban development, and the real estate market.

Accordingly, future cooperation may focus on: developing modern, highly connected, and resilient infrastructure systems; promoting sustainable urban development and enhancing construction efficiency; supporting the modernization of logistics and related infrastructure to strengthen Vietnam’s participation in diverse and resilient global supply chains; and encouraging the application of technology and innovation in construction, engineering, and urban planning.

Echoing this sentiment, representatives from major corporations such as FedEx, Atlas Air Worldwide, and UPS revealed plans to ramp up investment and expand their presence in Vietnam, specifically targeting freight transport and logistics—with an emphasis on air transport.

They expressed a desire for the MOC to provide more detailed information to help realize these cooperation opportunities in the near future. These businesses also requested that the MOC and relevant Vietnamese authorities facilitate investment in airport service infrastructure and refine policies to support the sustainable development of transport and logistics.

In the aviation sector, Boeing expressed its readiness to support Vietnam across various fronts, including commercial aviation, defense and security, supply chain development, technical training, and sustainability initiatives. Key areas of focus include fleet development, aviation energy security, and the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Furthermore, several other businesses proposed collaborating on transport and urban infrastructure, specifically offering technological solutions to develop sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Vneconomy-Phan Nam

Vietnam, China sign deals on supply chain and cross-border economic cooperation

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The documents were signed in Beijing on April 15 in the presence of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

A series of key cooperation documents between ministries, sectors and localities of Vietnam and China were signed in Beijing on April 15 in the presence of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.

The documents include Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on establishing a working group to negotiate and promote the construction of a cross-border economic cooperation zone, and a working group on production chain and supply chain cooperation, between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam and the Ministry of Commerce of China.

Vietnam and China are stepping up efforts to steer bilateral trade towards a more balanced and sustainable trajectory, with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung calling for a restructuring of production, trade, and supply chains alongside stronger investment cooperation.

The two countries target raising bilateral trade turnover to $500 billion in the coming years, which was affirmed by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao during their talks the same day in Beijing.

The two ministers agreed to establish a joint technical working group to review progress and accelerate the implementation of the high-level consensus, outcomes of the talks, and commitments under the signed agreements.

According to Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade reached $256.5 billion in 2025, up 24.8% year-on-year.

VnEconomy-Nguyệt Hà

Vietnam tested by rising global energy risks

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Events in the Middle East are sure to test Vietnam’s long-term energy security strategy.

The global energy system is facing a severe shock following Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The crisis is also emerging as a “stress test” and an opportunity for Vietnam to accelerate a comprehensive, long-term transformation to safeguard energy security.

The concept of energy security in the 21st century has undergone a profound structural shift, moving beyond traditional definitions centered solely on fossil fuel supply. It now encompasses a broader framework built on four core pillars - the “4As”: Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Acceptability.

After four decades of transformation from an agricultural economy into a dynamic industrial manufacturing hub and major destination for FDI in Asia, energy security has become the absolute foundation of Vietnam’s growth, directly shaping macro-economic stability and national security.

Energy demand under growth pressure

Achieving the double-digit GDP growth target for 2026-2030 will require vast energy resources, with electricity demand projected to rise by 12-14 per cent annually. Industrialization, digital infrastructure, logistics, and urbanization all depend on stable and affordable energy supplies. Rapid economic expansion has pushed Vietnam’s energy system to a turning point. The country has shifted from being a net exporter of traditional energy to a rapidly-growing net importer.

Macro-economic data shows that Vietnam’s total primary energy consumption reached approximately 1,457.179 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024, equivalent to around 126 million tonnes of oil equivalent (Mtoe), with an average annual growth rate of 9 per cent during 2022-2024.

A key structural concern is the overwhelming dominance of fossil fuels, accounting for 78.46 per cent of total consumption. Coal leads with 693.435 TWh (47.58 per cent), followed by oil at 388.967 TWh (26.69 per cent) and natural gas at 60.987 TWh (4.18 per cent). This leaves the economy exposed to significant external risks, particularly as domestic production of coal, oil, and gas has reached technical limits and entered irreversible decline.

Domestic coal output by the Vietnam Coal and Minerals Industrial Group (Vinacomin) has plateaued at around 43-44 million tonnes annually as open-pit mines in Quang Ninh province near depletion. As a result, Vietnam imported more than 11.15 million tonnes of coal in 2024, worth over $1.2 billion, making it one of the world’s Top 5 coal importers.

Oil production peaked in 2004 and has been declining since, creating a structural paradox. Vietnam exports high-value light sweet crude (priced at $561.54 per tonne) but must import more than 2.16 million tonnes of specialized crude (at $501.48 per tonne) for the Dung Quat and Nghi Son refineries. At the same time, it imports over 2.17 million tonnes of refined petroleum products at significantly higher prices of up to $663.65 per tonne.

Cost modeling highlights the disparity: producing 1 TWh of primary energy costs approximately $18.64 million from imported coal, $44.28 million from LNG, and $55.95 million from oil.

Vietnam’s total primary energy bill in 2024 is estimated at $53.65 billion, equivalent to roughly 11.26 per cent of GDP. Of this, $37.39 billion was spent on fossil fuel imports, placing significant pressure on the balance of payments and eroding the country’s trade surplus.

Energy costs also play a central role in inflation transmission. Linear regression models indicate that a 1 per cent increase in total energy costs raises the CPI by approximately 0.2 percentage points. The impact spreads quickly through direct channels such as transport and electricity prices, as well as indirect channels including agricultural inputs and construction materials.

Global shocks and immediate impacts

These structural vulnerabilities became starkly evident from late February to early March, when the global energy system was jolted by Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and subsequent missile retaliation prompted Tehran to declare a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz - a critical maritime chokepoint handling about one-fifth of global oil and LNG flows. Vessel traffic plunged from 153 ships per day to just 13 by March 2, and was nearly halted on March 8-9, sending Brent crude prices soaring from $60-70 per barrel to a peak of $126.

Vietnam, deeply integrated into Asian maritime logistics, felt the macro-economic ripple effects almost immediately. In the first two and a half months of 2026 alone, fuel imports surged to approximately $5.27 billion.

Logistics and rail companies immediately raised fees by 10-15 per cent and shortened quotation validity to 24 hours. International air travel was disrupted, affecting more than 4,400 passengers.

The crisis also undermined the positioning of LNG as a “perfect transition fuel,” exposing the fragility of maritime supply chains under geopolitical shocks. Vietnam Electricity (EVN), already burdened with accumulated losses of VND44.792 trillion ($1.72 billion) as of end-2024, faced acute liquidity pressure as LNG-based power generation costs were projected to exceed VND3,327 ($0.13) per kWh, threatening affordability across the economy.

Short-term response, long-term strategy

Recognizing the inflationary risks and impact on purchasing power and export competitiveness, the government implemented a series of urgent policy measures while accelerating structural energy reforms.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered that energy shortages must not occur under any circumstances and activated emergency fiscal tools through Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP, effective from March 9 to April 30, 2026.

In a classic macro-economic trade-off, Vietnam temporarily sacrificed fiscal revenue by reducing Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) import tariffs to 0 per cent on key fuels, including gasoline (previously 10 per cent), diesel and aviation fuel (previously 7 per cent), and petrochemical inputs. This enabled importers to source fuel globally without origin constraints.

Price management was also liberalized under Resolution No. 36/NQ-CP, allowing immediate retail price adjustments if base prices fluctuate by 7 per cent or more in a single day, instead of following a fixed weekly cycle.

On the supply side, Vietnam secured approximately 4 million barrels of oil through high-level diplomacy with Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Domestic refineries were pushed to maximum output, with Dung Quat operating at about 118 per cent of capacity. The Law on Petroleum 2022 was also activated to prioritize domestic retention of crude oil and condensate.

While these measures stabilized the market in the short term, the March 2026 crisis demonstrated that fiscal and monetary policy space is finite. The only sustainable solution lies in a comprehensive system transformation outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW and the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8).

Politburo Resolution No. 70 elevates energy security to a pillar of national security, targeting strategic reserves equivalent to 75-80 days of net imports by 2030, rising to 90 days thereafter, requiring tens of billions of dollars in storage and logistics infrastructure.

The transition centers on accelerating renewable and low-emission energy to reduce dependence on external fossil fuel supply chains and avoid carbon-related trade barriers such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

The revised PDP8 targets total installed capacity of 89,655-99,934 MW by 2030, with renewables (excluding large hydropower) accounting for 28-36 per cent, rising to 70 per cent by 2050. The economics are increasingly favorable: Global Levelized Costs of Energy (LCOE) have fallen to around $34 million per TWh for onshore wind and $43 million per TWh for solar; far below imported fossil fuels.

To address intermittency and grid congestion, Vietnam is investing in a large-scale high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission network with a capacity of 40,000-60,000 MW, alongside battery energy storage systems (BESS) of 10,000-16,300 MW by 2030.

In a major policy shift, nuclear power is being reintroduced, with Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 expected to provide 4,000-6,400 MW of stable, zero-emission baseload capacity between 2030 and 2035.

Market reforms are also advancing. The Direct Power Purchase Agreement (DPPA) mechanism breaks the single-buyer model, unlocking private green investment, while cross-border grid integration under the ASEAN Power Grid, with projected regional investment of $764 billion, aims to enhance system resilience.

Only through a coordinated strategy, expanding domestic renewables, modernizing grid infrastructure, diversifying legal frameworks, and strengthening system affordability, can Vietnam build a robust macro-economic shield against global geopolitical shocks and secure sustainable prosperity in the 21st century.

VET-Associate Professor Nguyen Dinh Tho

Int'l conference on geotechnics, civil engineering and structures opens in HCM City

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:30:00 GMT

The eight edition aims to address global challenges in creating resilient and sustainable infrastructure through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The eight International Conference Series on Geotechnics, Civil Engineering and Structures (CIGOS) opened in Ho Chi Minh City on April 16, under the theme "Innovation in Planning, Design and Civil Infrastructure for Resilient and Sustainable Transformation".

The two-day event, attracting over 200 domestic and foreign experts and scientists, aims to address global challenges in creating resilient and sustainable infrastructure through innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

It covers a range of topics, including, but not limited to Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, digital transformation, construction, materials, structures, digital technologies, geosciences, environment, energy, planning, architecture, industrial design, transportation, infrastructure, management and investment.

The key objectives of CIGOS 2026 are to provide a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and recent advancements in civil engineering and related fields; foster economic partnerships and technological transfers among enterprises and institutions, and strengthen international cooperation in research, education, and sustainable development.

In addition, the event focuses on connecting research with practice in Vietnam, in the context of rapid urbanization and the impacts of climate change in Southeast Asia.

Since its beginning in 2010 in Paris, the CIGOS has solidified its reputation as a prominent global forum for fostering high-quality academic and professional exchanges in geotechnical, structural, and construction engineering. With seven successful editions, CIGOS continues to attract a diverse community of academics, researchers, designers, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to share cutting-edge advancements and innovative ideas.

VnEconomy-Vân Nguyễn

VET hosts seminar: “Hormuz Shock” and Vietnam’s energy security challenge

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:03:32 GMT

The seminar will address critical questions: Where does Vietnam stand on the global energy “risk map”? How can the country ensure an uninterrupted flow of petroleum products despite external "shocks"?

The Vietnam Economic Times /VnEconomy hosts a seminar titled: “The ‘Hormuz Shock’: Vietnam’s Energy Security Equation,” that is livestreaming on its online platform at vneconomy.vn on April 17, from 9 am.

Featuring leading industry experts, the discussion aims to analyze emerging challenges and propose strategic solutions to ensure national energy security in a volatile global landscape.

Conflicts in the Middle East have transcended geopolitical disputes to become a direct threat to global energy supply chains. As crude oil prices fluctuate wildly and vital maritime routes face potential blockades, concerns over energy security have become more urgent than ever. As a highly open economy in the midst of a strong recovery, Vietnam cannot remain insulated from these global disruptions.

While Vietnam has made significant strides in energy self-sufficiency—currently producing 70-75% of its domestic petroleum supply—no nation is an "island" in today's interconnected world. With the continued need to import millions of tons of crude oil annually, domestic fuel prices remain inextricably linked to global market trajectories.

The seminar will address critical questions: Where does Vietnam stand on the global energy “risk map”? How can the country ensure an uninterrupted flow of petroleum products despite external "shocks"?

To provide a deeper look into these issues, the Vietnam Economic Times/VnEconomy is convening a panel of experts to discuss: the context and strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz; direct and indirect impacts of regional instability on Vietnam; an evaluation of the national reserve system and immediate response mechanisms; and strategic solutions and a long-term vision for energy resilience.

Distinguished guest speakers include:

Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Head of the Petroleum and Gas Business Management Division, Domestic Market Authority (Ministry of Industry and Trade)

Mr. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Hoang Luong, senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Science and Technology; Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Energy Association, and

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Hung, Deputy General Director of the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex).

The seminar will be livestreamed on VnEconomy.vn and the VnEconomy FanPage.

VNeconomy-

Government asks to increase transport services during upcoming holidays

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:15:00 GMT

A sharp rise in travel demand is predicted during the holiday period.

The Government has ordered ministries, agencies and localities to strengthen transport services, strictly control fares and ensure traffic safety during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day and the April 30–May 1 holiday.

A directive, issued on April 15, 2026, warns of a sharp rise in travel demand during the holiday period, putting pressure on transport systems and increasing the risk of congestion and accidents. Volatile fuel prices are also expected to impact transport operations.

Authorities are required to ensure sufficient transport capacity, particularly for passenger services at railway stations, airports, bus terminals and seaports, and to prevent service cuts that could leave travellers stranded. Strict measures will be taken against overcharging and unfair pricing practices during peak travel periods.

The Ministry of Public Security has been tasked with intensifying patrols and enforcing traffic laws, focusing on violations that commonly lead to accidents, while preventing illegal street racing and public disorder.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Construction will oversee transport operations, requiring operators to increase capacity in line with demand and manage costs amid fuel price fluctuations.

Relevant agencies are also instructed to enhance inspections of transport businesses, enforce fare transparency, and penalise unjustified price hikes.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Tunnel through Cu Hin Pass proposed to link Cam Ranh and Nha Trang

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The total investment estimated at nearly $143 million, with implementation scheduled for 2026–2030.

The Department of Construction of Khanh Hoa Province, central Vietnam, has recommended that the Provincial People's Committee include a tunnel project (through Cu Hin Mountain) in the public investment plan for the 2026–2030 period.

According to the report, the Provincial Management Board for Agricultural and Transport Project Investment has been designated as the primary investor for the project.

The total investment capital is estimated at approximately VND3.751 trillion (nearly $143 million), with implementation scheduled for 2026–2030.

The project will have a total length of 5.2 km, featuring a tunnel section of approximately 4.5 km. The route is set to begin at the intersection of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in southern Nha Trang and terminate at Provincial Road DT.657I in Cam Lam Commune.

In terms of scale, the road will have an average cross-section width of 20 m. The tunnel itself is designed with two parallel tubes positioned roughly 30 m apart, with each tube measuring 8 m in width.

According to the Department of Construction, once completed and operational, the project will provide an additional transport link between Cam Ranh International Airport and Nha Trang, significantly shortening travel times.

Furthermore, the tunnel is expected to support the growth of local industry, tourism, and service sectors.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets delegation of leading US businesses

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VNA-

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holds phone conversation with Singaporean counterpart

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:10:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VGP-Pham Long

For green public transport

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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

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

Pressure to change

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

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

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

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

Fragmented system

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Structural challenges

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VET-Huynh Dung

HCMC’s startup ecosystem valued at $7 bln

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:10:00 GMT

Ho Chi Minh City is currently ranked among the top 5 startup ecosystems in Southeast Asia and the top 110 globally, with an estimated valuation of $7–7.5 billion.

The city’s innovation network continues to expand, now featuring 35 incubators and innovation centers. These figures were highlighted by Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, during a first-quarter review meeting on April 14, regarding the implementation of major national resolutions and projects on science, technology, and digital transformation.

In the field of innovation, HCMC has successfully deployed 54 technological products for commercial pilot programs, attracting approximately VND500 billion ($19 million) in investment.

Additionally, the newly upgraded Technology Exchange has commenced operations, recording 17 technology transfer contracts with a total value of about VND22 billion ($8.4 million).

Regarding smart city development, the city is currently implementing the "Science and Technology Urban Area" project in its northern region. The Smart City Operation Center (IOC) continues to receive investment to enhance its capacity for monitoring, analysis, and decision-making support. The city is also accelerating data infrastructure development and seeking cooperation for large-scale data center projects.

HCMC has also issued a strategic technology implementation plan, identifying nine core technology groups and 26 priority products. Notably, the city is implementing a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and has selected six science and technology organizations to develop international-standard Centers of Excellence (CoE). A comprehensive science and technology program for the 2026–2030 period is currently being drafted with a focus on strategic technological breakthroughs.

Speaking at the conference, HCMC Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang demanded that the allocation and disbursement of resources for science and technology—specifically a budget of approximately VND12.7 trillion ($484 million)—must be managed strictly and reasonably.

Mr. Tran Luu Quang, who is also a Politburo member, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities to train science and technology experts abroad to strengthen the city's high-quality human resources.

Vneconomy-Thi Nguyễn

Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 launched

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s national brand valued at $519.6 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally.

The Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 was launched in Hanoi on April 16, together with a national brand forum in Hanoi, underscoring efforts to enhance the country’s competitiveness and global standing.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stating at the opening ceremony that the national brand program must evolve beyond traditional trade promotion to become a strategic asset reflecting Vietnam’s overall competitiveness and reputation in global value chains.

Amid deepening international integration, he noted that building a national brand is not only about promoting “Made in Vietnam” products, but also about strengthening the country’s credibility and soft power on the global stage.

Running from April 16 to 23 nationwide, the Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 marks the 18th anniversary of Vietnam Brand Day (April 20). The event brings together policymakers, businesses and market stakeholders through a series of activities, including the opening ceremony, a national brand forum, thematic seminars, exhibitions and business networking events.

The forum is the centrepiece, gathering representatives from ministries, localities, international organisations, experts and the business community to discuss brand development trends in a changing global landscape.

Since its launch in 2003 with just 30 participating enterprises, the program has expanded to 190 in 2026. Vietnam’s national brand value reached $519.6 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally, an increase of more than $200 billion compared to 2020.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Lam Dong plans expansion for industrial park network

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Hoàng Bách

Three new expressways proposed to be added to national road network

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:24:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Gia Huy

Finalizing AI camera standards to drive market development

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dũng has instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to promptly evaluate and select highly capable enterprises to lead the development of strategic technological products.

The move aims to prevent fragmented investment and inefficient domestic competition.

The Deputy PM also emphasized the importance of establishing a network of "core" enterprises connected with research institutes and universities. This collaborative ecosystem is intended to accelerate RD and ensure Vietnam masters AI camera technology.

Speaking during a working visit to the MK Vision factory in northern Phu Tho Province on April 15, the Deputy PM called for the swift finalization of a comprehensive system of technical standards and regulations for AI camera products. This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

A member of MK Group, MK Vision was established in 2020 with a focus on researching and providing smart AI-powered camera devices for national defense, security, and civilian applications.

By 2023, the company launched its first "Make in Vietnam" camera products. This success serves as a clear testament to the research, design, and manufacturing capabilities of Vietnamese firms in the high-tech sector.

During the session, Deputy Minister of MoST Pham Duc Long noted that while Vietnam has made significant strides in AI camera design and integration, a major bottleneck remains: the heavy reliance on imported hardware components such as chips, sensors, and lenses.

In response, the MoST underscored the requirement for businesses to gradually master the entire value chain—from initial design to core technology—to achieve full production autonomy. Furthermore, the ministry noted that developing a comprehensive technological ecosystem is essential, as the industry cannot rely on isolated products alone.

According to the Deputy Minister, the State will play the role of a "facilitator" through supportive mechanisms and policies. Meanwhile, large enterprises must take the lead by connecting with other firms to form technological alliances. This synergy is viewed as a prerequisite for Vietnam to enhance its competitiveness and participate more deeply in global value chains.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Vietnam - Canada advance energy cooperation

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

In a recent interview to Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, H.E. Mr. Jim Nickel, Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam, said Canada is ready to expand LNG exports, promote investment ties, and build long-term energy partnerships with Vietnam.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/o-Hvj2bDkso

Your Excellency, having recently taken up your post in Vietnam, how do you assess the current state of economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Canada, and what key areas do you see as priorities for future cooperation in the coming years?

Well, thank you very much for this invitation to speak with Vietnam Economic Times readers and viewers.

It is a great opportunity to speak with our Vietnamese friends about the excellent relationship that we have between Canada and Vietnam. In fact, the bilateral economic relationship between Canada and Vietnam has been growing by leaps and bounds0growing very rapidly, actually.

Over the last four or five years, we have doubled our bilateral trade. Even just this past year, in 2025, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Canada increased by a little more than 30 percent, which is quite remarkable. According to Canadian trade statistics, we now have a bilateral two-way trade relationship worth $ 20.6 billion.

I should point out that Vietnam has a clear advantage in that bilateral trading relationship. For every one billion dollars that Canada exports to Vietnam, Vietnam exports some nineteen billion dollars of merchandise goods to Canada. So clearly, Canada is a very good trading partner for Vietnam. We buy a great deal of merchandise goods from Vietnam.

At the same time, with the rapid growth of the Vietnamese economy-one of the fastest-growing economies in the world-and with an expanding middle class that has increasing purchasing power and appetite for higher-quality goods, we see many opportunities for Canadian exporters as well.

With our natural resources, our agricultural products, and other high-quality products, we believe there is much that Vietnamese consumers would also value.

Of course, Canada also relies on many supplies from Vietnam for industries back home. So this is a mutually beneficial relationship.

This relationship is grounded in our Comprehensive Partnership, which we have enjoyed since 2017, when that partnership was established, and also in our joint membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the CPTPP. These elements have really bound us together economically as reliable partners.

I think some of your viewers may have heard Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, speak recently-for example at Davos-about the importance of middle powers such as Vietnam and Canada, and like-minded economies of our size, working together to uphold international trading rules and a rules-based economic order.

This is particularly important for exporting countries such as Vietnam and Canada, where we depend heavily on the international economy. Some practical steps we are taking in that regard include Vietnam’s role this year as Chair of the CPTPP.

Our Prime Minister has sent his Special Envoy for Europe to engage with Vietnamese leaders and officials about how we can link the economies of the CPTPP with European economies-countries that share an interest in a rules-based approach to trade and investment.

We are also encouraged by the ongoing negotiations between ASEAN and Canada for a free trade agreement, which we hope may conclude perhaps this year.

That too would help realize the idea of middle powers with a vested interest in a rules-based trading system working together.

Finally, I would simply say that Canada will be a reliable trading partner for Vietnam. We have mutual interests in trade, investment, innovation, and I believe there is much more that we can do together.

Your Excellency, could you briefly share an overview of Canada’s oil and gas industry-its development, current position, and global role today?

Certainly. For Canada, some of the priority areas where we see cooperation with Vietnam include sectors that have been identified by both Vietnamese leadership and Canadian leadership.

Clearly, energy is one of the most important areas-energy security, energy sovereignty, and the commitment we both share to reduce emissions as we move toward a net-zero world.

Canada today is one of the world’s major energy producers. We are the fourth-largest producer of crude oil in the world and the fifth-largest producer of natural gas. Canada therefore plays an important global role in conventional energy markets. At the same time, our strategic direction is not only to remain a reliable supplier of conventional energy, but also to support the global energy transition through cleaner production, lower emissions technologies, LNG development, carbon capture, and advanced clean technologies.

We also see strong opportunities with Vietnam in aviation and aerospace, technology and innovation, information and communications technologies, clean technologies, education, agriculture, and agri-food products. These are all priority areas where both Canadian and Vietnamese leadership see opportunities to mutually grow our economies.

Canada is emerging as a major LNG supplier globally. What strengths does Canada bring to partners like Vietnam? And Could you share more details about LNG transportation from Canada to Vietnam, including timelines and logistical advantages? And how could this impact Vietnam’s energy security?

Thank you very much. Perhaps I will address directly Canada’s LNG strengths and the advantages that this could offer Vietnam. But first, let me note again that Canada is the fourth-largest producer of crude oil in the world and the fifth-largest producer of natural gas.

Canada is truly a global energy superpower in conventional energy. Historically, most Canadian crude oil and gas exports have gone to the United States. However, we recognize that globally there is increasing demand for more energy, more energy security, and more reliable energy partners. Canada therefore wants to play that broader role globally as well.

In recent years, Canada has been developing domestic infrastructure that allows us to deliver energy to Asian markets. For example, in May 2024, Canada brought online the Trans Mountain Expansion Pipeline. This carries Canadian crude oil from the province of Alberta in western Canada to the Pacific coast of British Columbia for shipment to Asia.

We have already begun shipping crude oil to Asian countries, particularly China, Japan, South Korea, and Northeast Asia more broadly. We are currently shipping approximately 890,000 barrels per day to the Pacific coast and Asian markets. Within roughly the next year, that capacity should nearly double to around 1.7 million barrels per day.

On the LNG side, Canada has only recently developed infrastructure to export LNG directly to Asia. As I mentioned earlier, much of our natural gas had previously been used domestically or exported to the United States.

But there is now clear global demand for Canadian LNG. In June 2025, the first LNG facilities on the British Columbia Pacific coast began shipping LNG to China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Current export capacity is around 14 million tonnes per year. That capacity will double next year to approximately 28 million tonnes per year.

This is only the beginning of Canada’s LNG export story. We currently have two more LNG facilities under construction that are expected to come online in 2026 and 2027, along with several additional projects under review.

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s objective is that by the 2030s, Canada would have the capacity to export approximately 50 million tons of LNG annually. By the 2040s, Canada could potentially export as much as 100 million tonnes annually. In that scenario, Canada becomes a major and reliable supplier of an important transition fuel.

LNG has significantly lower emissions than many conventional fuels. Canada’s LNG currently produces approximately 60 percent lower emissions than the global average. With new facilities, improved technologies, and the use of hydropower and renewable electricity to operate LNG plants, Canadian LNG could reach emissions levels around 90 percent lower than the global average. That represents a very clean transition energy source.

For Vietnam specifically, it is clear that Vietnam is seeking secure and stable energy supplies. Vietnam is also seeking cleaner energy sources and replacing coal over time. Canada can be that reliable supplier.

Not only is the supply available, but there are also strong logistical advantages.

One of the major advantages of LNG exports from Canada is shipping time: from British Columbia (Canada) to Vietnam approximately 15 days and from the U.S. Gulf Coast to Vietnam approximately 30 days. So shipments from Canada take roughly half the time. That means lower shipping costs. It is also a safer and more secure route. Canadian LNG travels directly across the Pacific Ocean.

Alternative supply routes may involve the Panama Canal, which can be a chokepoint, or sensitive geostrategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Strait of Malacca. So not only is shipping faster and more cost-effective, it is also strategically more secure.

As Vietnam looks to diversify energy sources and secure cleaner transition fuels, Canada could be a very strong partner.

Is Canada ready to engage in long-term LNG supply agreements with Vietnam?

Yes. As Canada develops its energy resources for export to Asia, one of the things we are particularly interested in is building long-term partnerships. We are looking for stable, reliable, and enduring partnerships. Of course, there is the opportunity for Vietnam to purchase LNG or other Canadian energy products through long-term supply arrangements. But there is also another important opportunity: Vietnam can participate directly in LNG projects in Canada. As I mentioned earlier, several LNG projects are under development in Canada, and we welcome foreign investment in those projects. Currently, some Asian investors have already taken equity stakes in Canadian LNG resources in order to secure long-term access to supply and establish strategic energy partnerships.

These include: PetroChina, Petronas of Malaysia, Korea Gas Corporation, Japanese investors and trading houses. So we already have a number of Asian partners who have invested in Canadian LNG. That is exactly the kind of long-term partnership model we value.

What Canada is looking for is a stable and reliable partnership, and there are different ways Vietnam can participate in that partnership: Through long-term purchase agreements; Through equity investment in Canadian LNG projects; Through broader strategic cooperation in energy trade and infrastructure.

From the Embassy of Canada, we are always happy to help make introductions and facilitate discussions so that Vietnam can connect with the right partners and decision-makers.

Do you see opportunities for PetroVietnam to invest in upstream oil and gas projects in Canada? If so, could you elaborate on possible cooperation models?

Yes, certainly. I believe there are many opportunities as Canada continues to develop its LNG sector as well as oil and gas infrastructure more broadly. Canada welcomes foreign investment. Canada is a safe, transparent, and reliable investment environment.

For foreign companies and foreign countries that wish to invest in Canada, it is a very secure jurisdiction with strong rule of law, transparency, and attractive long-term returns. Let me give you an example. I mentioned Petronas of Malaysia earlier.

In Canada’s first major LNG project exporting to Asia, Petronas has taken a 25 percent stake. That is a very concrete example of how international participation can work.

PetroChina has also invested. Korea Gas has also invested. So Canada already has a proven track record of welcoming foreign investment in upstream gas assets, LNG facilities, and broader energy development. We welcome those investments. Indeed, such partnerships are important for developing natural resources at the scale required by growing global demand.

To give you an idea of the scale, the current stock of foreign investment in Canada’s energy sector today is approximately $ 157 billion. So Canada is very open to that type of partnership.

We would be more than happy to facilitate introductions for PetroVietnam, EVN, or any other Vietnamese stakeholders interested in participating in the development of Canadian energy resources. That could be an important contribution to Vietnam’s long-term energy security going forward.

Finally, what message would you like to convey to Vietnamese businesses and policymakers regarding cooperation with Canada in the energy sector?

Canada, as I said earlier, is an energy superpower. We have conventional energy resources. We have renewable energy. We have clean technologies that help reduce emissions. We are doing significant research and development in the energy field. We have highly experienced companies operating across the sector. And, of course, we have substantial natural resources to share with the world.

As Vietnam’s economy continues to grow rapidly, as manufacturing capability rises to higher levels, and as demand for energy continues to increase, I believe we should work together on reliable, secure, and clean sources of energy for Vietnam’s future. Canada could be a very strong partner for Vietnam in this regard.

We look forward to continuing discussions with the Government of Vietnam, private companies, and other interested stakeholders. Whether in: oil and gas, LNG, carbon capture, utilization and storage, renewable energy, conventional nuclear power, small modular reactors. I believe we can build a mutually beneficial partnership.

Vneconomy-Trọng Thoan

Ho Chi Minh City an expected international financial hub

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Launched late last year, the task now for Vietnam’s International Finance Center in Ho Chi Minh City is to ensure it is set up to deliver on its objectives.

Ho Chi Minh City has accelerated its efforts to establish itself as a regional and international financial hub since the International Financial Center (IFC) in the southern city was officially launched on December 19, 2025. Throughout this journey, the British Consulate General and the British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam) have provided specialized support and strategic engagement. Building on this momentum, the Consulate General, BritCham, and Dragon Capital co-hosted the UK-Vietnam Open Conference on the International Financial Centre (IFC) 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25, with the theme “Financial Market Infrastructure.”

Addressing the Conference, Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, underscored that the development of IFCs in Ho Chi Minh City and central Da Nang city represents an extraordinary opportunity for Vietnam, but their success depends on getting the foundations right from the outset. A truly competitive IFC rests on three core pillars: a robust legal framework, a credible and independent regulatory system, and sophisticated market services that enable the trading and mobilization of capital, attract high-quality foreign investment, and position Vietnam as a dynamic and trusted hub within the global financial system.

International alignment with local standards.

“The term ‘international’ in IFC refers to the ability to attract global capital, reflecting Vietnam’s own ambitions,” according to Ms. Angela Knight, Chair of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) in Kazakhstan and Member of the Astana IFC (AIFC) Management Board. “Drawing on my AIFC experience, I emphasize the importance of an independent regulator that coordinates effectively with both the financial center and national authorities.”

Kazakhstan operates a dual legal system. The AIFC was established under a special constitutional law that allows a distinct legal regime for financial services, including civil and commercial matters. The legal framework provides the foundation, while regulation delivers specific rules, supervision, and enforcement to ensure market integrity and stability.

The adoption of English law, combined with an independent court and regulator, has created a structure designed to attract international investors. The AFSA aligns elements with international standards, including Basel Committee guidelines and the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards. The regulator focuses on capital markets, asset management, and fintech, engaging closely with international bodies to stay up to date and ensure compliance across jurisdictions. Local context is considered, but FATF rules are strictly enforced.

Independence is safeguarded through board composition, where most members are not affiliated with the government or the financial center. Public consultation supports transparency. All proposed rules are open to stakeholder input, with regular updates to keep the regulatory framework responsive to market developments.

From Vietnam’s perspective, a truly competitive IFC rests on three core pillars, as Consul General Smith noted above.

The first is a robust legal framework. A modern IFC requires transparency, stability, and predictability to inspire investor confidence, best reinforced through English common law. Around 40 per cent of international commercial contracts worldwide are governed by English law, highlighting its clarity and global recognition. The UK has collaborated with Vietnam’s Supreme Court and advisory groups from TheCityUK to shape the IFC court in Ho Chi Minh City.

The second is a credible regulatory framework. An independent, transparent, and well-resourced regulator is essential to oversee complex financial activity, attract institutional investors, and align Vietnam’s markets with international standards.

The third pillar focuses on market services that enable efficient capital flows. Vietnam has the opportunity to accelerate growth by developing specialized trading platforms, including commodity derivatives exchanges. The UK is providing technical support, drawing on international models, particularly London, to facilitate hedging, investment, and price discovery across commodities, energy, green bonds, and other sustainable instruments.

Together, these three pillars form the backbone of a competitive IFC. With these elements in place, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang can transform Vietnam’s financial landscape and elevate the country’s position in global markets.

Building a modern commodities market.

At the Conference’s panel discussion entitled “Commodity and Derivatives Markets - Market Practice and Institutional Perspectives,” experts examined the key foundations required for the development of modern commodity markets, particularly derivatives markets, in close connection with the legal framework, regulatory architecture, and market infrastructure supporting the development of Vietnam’s IFC. Speakers noted that the commodity market, particularly agricultural products, is facing a lack of synchronization between output and prices.

According to Mr. Dominic Scriven, Chairman of Dragon Capital, the core challenge in Vietnam’s commodity markets does not lie in production capacity but in how the market is organized to ensure more transparent and efficient price discovery mechanisms.

By way of example, he spoke of the coffee sector, where farmers and businesses in many cases still face structural information asymmetries, resulting in situations where “they have volume but no price” or the opposite. This reflects a structural weakness in the market, where price signals do not yet fully capture supply and demand dynamics.

He also stressed that the long-term objective is to transform fragmented competition between market participants into a collective advantage for the entire value chain, thereby improving market efficiency, transparency, and overall value creation within the commodities ecosystem.

From a strategic advisory perspective, Mr. Vincent Chin, Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group, observed that Vietnam’s agriculture sector is highly-competitive but remains fragmented, limiting the overall efficiency of the value chain.

In his view, the issue is not a lack of competition, but rather the absence of a structured mechanism to translate competition into collective market strength. The key challenge, therefore, is to design frameworks that transform competition among producers into a shared market advantage, thereby improving overall resource allocation and operational efficiency.

Mr. Chin highlighted three critical pillars for a well-functioning derivatives market: a reliable settlement system, transparent price formation mechanisms, and a clear legal and regulatory framework to safeguard market integrity. Additionally, he underscored counterparty risk as a key area requiring strict control.

Meanwhile, Mr. Warrick Cleine, Chairman and CEO, Managing Partner - Deal, Tax and Legal Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia, emphasized that market infrastructure is a fundamental determinant of the long-term sustainability of commodity and derivatives markets. “A modern market cannot function effectively without robust clearing and settlement systems, combined with transparent pricing standards,” he said. “These elements are essential to ensure market stability, reduce systemic risk, and enhance investor confidence.”

From a regulatory standpoint, Mr. Tran Huu Linh, General Director of the Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, emphasized the need to strengthen market transparency while continually improving supervisory mechanisms to ensure fairness, stability, and effective market operation.

Some participants emphasized that the design of an IFC must ensure a high degree of internationalization, including the recognition of common law principles, the use of the English language, and adherence to international financial reporting standards, in order to facilitate access for global investors. It was also noted that regulatory frameworks need to be more flexible to accommodate different types of markets, whether financial markets or physical commodity markets.

A modern market cannot function effectively without robust clearing and settlement systems, combined with transparent pricing standards. These elements are essential to ensure market stability, reduce systemic risk, and enhance investor confidence.

Mr. Warrick Cleine, Chairman and CEO, Managing Partner - Deal , Tax and Legal Advisory at KPMG in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The term ‘international’ in IFC refers to the ability to attract global capital, reflecting Vietnam’s own ambitions. Drawing on my AIFC experience, I emphasize the importance of an independent regulator that coordinates effectively with both the financial center and national authorities.

Ms. Angela Knight, Chair of the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) and Member of the Astana IFC Management Board.

VET-Nhu Quynh

Phu Tho seeks Chinese investment at conference in Beijing

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vneconomy-Khánh Vy

2025 Vietnam Banking Brand Health Ranking released

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The results highlighting intensifying competition as the gap between leading banks and their challengers continues to narrow.

Mibrand Vietnam has released its 2025 Vietnam Banking Brand Health Ranking, highlighting intensifying competition as the gap between leading banks and their challengers continues to narrow.

The report, based on a survey conducted from November 10 to December 15, 2025, gathered feedback from consumers aged 18 and above across the country. The sample was evenly distributed across northern, central and southern regions, with a strong focus on major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Respondents completed a comprehensive questionnaire of up to 50 questions.

The ranking is built on the Brand Beat Score (BBS), a proprietary measurement tool developed by Mibrand to assess brand health and its close relationship with brand value.

According to the 2025 results, State-owned banks continue to demonstrate strong brand performance, while private banks are making notable gains in customer experience and brand image.

Vietcombank maintained its top position among the 10 strongest banking brands in Vietnam, with a BBS of 35 for the fourth consecutive year. Meanwhile, MB rose from fourth place in 2024 to second in 2025, swapping positions with Techcombank, which slipped from second to fourth.

The findings underscore growing pressure on banks to sustain brand strength in an increasingly competitive market.

VnEconomy-Ngân Hà

Vietnam - Australia fintech cooperation strengthens legal framework for IFC

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

China officially opens market for Vietnamese pomelos and lemons

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Pomelos and lemons are two of Vietnam’s most prominent agricultural strengths.

Within the framework of the State visit to China by Party General Secretary and Stats President To Lam, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) officially signed a Protocol regarding phytosanitary requirements for pomelos and lemons to be exported from Vietnam to the Chinese market.

The signing ceremony on April 15 was witnessed by the top leader of Vietnam and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the signing of this Protocol is the culmination of rigorous technical negotiations that began in 2019 between the specialized plant protection and quarantine agencies of both countries.

The agreement not only reflects close coordination and a high sense of responsibility in harmonizing technical requirements but also demonstrates the proactive efforts of both sides to open markets for products with competitive advantages. Amidst the strengthening agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and China, this Protocol further affirms the shift toward official, transparent export channels that comply with international standards.

Under the terms of the Protocol, all growing areas and packing facilities intended for export to China must be registered with the ministry and approved by both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities.

Furthermore, these growing areas must implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Specific technical measures are also required, such as bagging pomelos at least 60 days prior to harvest and deploying fruit fly traps to ensure effective pest control.

Pomelos and lemons are two of Vietnam’s most prominent agricultural strengths. The country currently boasts approximately 106,000 ha of pomelo cultivation, placing Vietnam among the world’s leading producers in terms of scale.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

PM proposes solutions to ensure energy security at expanded AZEC summit

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

HCMC unveils fintech hub, bridging local firms to global capital

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses.

Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange (LSE), hosted a high-level investment forum and officially launched the HCMC Fintech Hub on April 14, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The Fintech Hub is a core component of VIFC-HCMC, serving as a vital link between financial institutions, technology companies, and investment funds to drive innovation within the financial sector.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, emphasized that the launch of the Fintech Hub marks a critical milestone in the city’s financial development strategy.

According to Mr. Vinh, the city has proactively positioned itself not merely as a traditional financial hub, but as a next-generation financial center with deep integration into international capital markets. By leveraging the power of technology, the city aims to create distinct sectoral advantages.

The partnership with the London Stock Exchange, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, is viewed as a strategic move. It serves not only as a bridge for Vietnamese enterprises to access global capital but also as an opportunity to upgrade corporate governance standards, enhance transparency, and integrate more profoundly into the global financial ecosystem.

The city aims to transcend its role as Vietnam’s domestic financial hub to become a key regional economic and financial center, playing a pivotal role in connecting capital flows, technology, and innovation across Asia.

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses. Furthermore, it will provide essential support for Vietnamese companies seeking to enter international markets.

Ms. Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic growth economies, with increasing potential to attract international investment.

She added that the Vietnamese stock market has recently made significant strides in its reclassification roadmap by FTSE Russell. This progress serves as a positive signal to international investors regarding the market's stability and its readiness for significant capital inflows.

VOV-Khánh Chi

Next wave of energy transition

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy gathered the thoughts of EU and global partners on how Vietnam can turn its natural advantages into large-scale renewable investment and energy security.

Mr. Tibor Stelbaczky, Ambassador-at-Large, Principle Adviser on Energy Diplomacy at European External Action Service

I would like to mention three additional perspectives at the policy level regarding the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Firstly, the JETP is built upon the shared goals of Vietnam and the International Partners Group (IPG), which is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, implementing the Paris Agreement and working toward this goal. Based on that shared goal, this is the best way to realize the principle of shared but differentiated responsibilities in implementing the Paris Agreement. This is a commitment from the IPG and the G7 to support Vietnam, and also a commitment from Vietnam to move toward net-zero emissions. Clearly, this is in the common interest of all participating parties, and we are very much looking forward to continuing cooperation to promote the meaningful and effective implementation of the JETP.

The second is that the “P” in JETP stands for “Partnership”. This signifies close cooperation between us and Vietnamese authorities, government, companies, and stakeholders. I think it is very important to gain experience from each other. Vietnam’s economic growth is remarkable - even fantastic. However, IPG countries also have a lot of experience in energy transition, and we are ready to share this experience and lessons with Vietnam. More importantly, it is not just about sharing experience, but also about being ready to invest and provide concrete support, from financial to technical assistance, to achieve tangible results in the implementation of the JETP.

Thirdly, in the past few years, especially since the signing of the Political Declaration in 2022 and the development of the Resource Mobilization Plan, as well as initial projects in place, the JETP has always been seen as an opportunity for Vietnam to leverage support from the IPG. However, in the current volatile context, this is no longer just an opportunity but a pressing need not only in Vietnam but also in many other countries, including IPG countries.

As the global energy market undergoes significant changes, shifting toward domestic energy sources such as renewable energy, while investing in energy storage, batteries, and grid development, becomes a necessary direction. This is not only a way to ensure the necessary energy supply to support economic growth, but also to ensure energy security and reduce external dependence. This is a common challenge for both Europe and Vietnam.

Therefore, we believe that moving toward greater renewable energy deployment and all investments in this sector, such as storage and grid development, as well as related regulatory measures and reforms, is the best way to ensure energy security, sustain impressive economic growth, and support Vietnam’s catch-up process - a mutual goal of both the IPG and Vietnam.

Mr. Alessandro Antonioli, Vietnam Country Manager at Copenhagen Offshore Partners

Vietnam is extremely competitive when it comes to the use of natural resources for renewables, because it is blessed with good wind and good solar radiation.

We expect the cost of renewable energy to progressively decrease, and Vietnam is very well positioned to capture a huge amount of these resources. This is the real “oil” of Vietnam, and is where the country should invest more in terms of cost competitiveness. It is a very fortunate coincidence that you have a well-established industry, especially in offshore engineering. This leads me to think that Vietnam is going to be, in the near term, if things go well, a regional power when it comes to offshore wind, because it can capture most of the benefit not just from generating power, but also from manufacturing the components in the country. So there is a double benefit in growing a local supply chain and also managing to get clean, affordable, and available power from resources.

The domestic market was relying on local loans to finance small-scale renewable energy projects. Now, as the technology becomes more complex and requires more capital, this is not enough to scale up the renewable energy system. So Vietnam needs to attract more international capital, about $130 billion by 2030, 90 per cent of which has to come from private capital.

To do that, Vietnam needs to provide guarantees to international investors: that they can invest safely, extract dividends, receive fair tax treatment, and resolve disputes in international forums. It is also important to ensure an appropriate level of returns for investors who take risks in a still immature regulatory framework for large-scale renewable energy.

Grid infrastructure remains a constraint on renewable energy expansion to the extent that there are physical bottlenecks. There needs to be more capacity and more battery storage, and this requires the right policies and incentives for both infrastructure and generating assets. We expect upcoming policies to provide more clarity.

Another important element is pricing mechanisms. This is still at an early stage, and the right mechanisms for renewable energy are not yet fully developed. We have seen what happened in the past with feed-in tariffs. The hope is to learn from that and move toward more dynamic and risk-mitigated pricing mechanisms.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has been here for many years, and this point in time feels like a moment of truth. There is a new government, new ambition, and some policy development over the last year.

If Vietnam maintains the pace and keeps the focus on shifting the energy system from carbon-based and hydrocarbon-based sources to renewable energy with battery storage, then it will see a completely different future in the near term.

Mr. Nguyen Phan Dinh, Vietnam Market Director at EDP Global, Head of EuroCham’s Energy Working Group

European businesses can make significant contributions to Vietnam’s energy transition in three main areas. First, their experience in policy and legal frameworks. With over 30 years of renewable energy development, Europe has accumulated a solid foundation, from establishing grid standards and carbon pricing mechanisms to liberalizing the electricity market. Through organizations like EuroCham, the European business community also contributes ideas, promotes reforms, and improves the investment environment.

Second, their system integration capabilities and technical expertise. European countries have extensive experience operating energy systems with a high proportion of renewable energy, particularly in managing the intermittent nature of power sources such as wind and solar. These are practical capabilities that European businesses can transfer to and support Vietnam with.

Third, their abundant green capital. When projects achieve financial viability, European banks and financial institutions are ready to provide significant funding to the Vietnamese market.

A prerequisite for attracting this capital flow is policy consistency and the stability of the legal framework. Changes that could reverse previous commitments, such as retroactive collection mechanisms, will directly affect investor confidence. Meanwhile, confidence is a key factor, especially since renewable energy projects typically have a lifespan of 10-20 years.

In the current context, Vietnam identifies renewable energy as a strategic direction to ensure energy security. However, to realize this goal, in addition to technological investment, building a stable and predictable long-term legal framework is crucial to strengthening confidence and attracting large-scale investment.

Ms. Anna Gibson, Climate Counsellor at the British Embassy in Vietnam

We saw the signing of a credit agreement for grid transmission infrastructure, aimed at enhancing transmission capacity and integrating renewable energy. Alongside this were a loan agreement for a hydropower expansion project and the breaking-ground ceremony for the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project. These are all significant milestones. These advances demonstrate how international public financing can be used to drive the next wave of energy transition projects in Vietnam, while also paving the way and facilitating deeper private capital participation in the market.

Alongside these asset projects, we also witnessed the signing of financing agreements within the framework of the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) over the past year. These include green financing packages, such as a $200 million grant for energy transition between the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Techcombank, as well as a $350 million green investment package from VPBank with support from development finance institutions within the International Partners Group (IPG), including the UK, Canada, and Japan.

Clearly, there has been progress and momentum for the JETP, but much remains to be done. Many agreements are underway, and technical assistance is in the works. A crucial part of the JETP is how to effectively combine tools - from technical assistance, development finance, public finance to private finance - to create synergistic, catalytic impacts and drive a substantive transformation of Vietnam’s green, clean, and sustainable energy system.

VET -Vietnam Economic Times

General Secretary and President of Vietnam holds talks with Chinese counterpart

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VNA-

Southern Dong Nai province to become a centrally-run city

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:45:00 GMT

The National Assembly Standing Committee on April 14 gave opinions on a plan to set up Dong Nai as a centrally-run city.

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on April 14 approved a resolution on the establishment of 10 wards in southern Dong Nai province, and gave opinions on a plan to set up the province as a centrally-run city.

At its first session, the 16th NA Standing Committee also endorsed in principle the establishment of the People’s Court and People’s Procuracy of Dong Nai city.

Regarding the Government’s proposal to convert 10 communes into wards, NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stating that the move aligns with the Party Central Committee and Politburo's policies to build Dong Nai into a centrally-governed city based on its current provincial boundaries. The conversion is deemed necessary to meet the required ratio of wards for such a status.

Verification by NA bodies confirmed that all criteria and conditions for the 10 administrative units have been fully met, with comprehensive and compliant documentation, and that public consultations were conducted in accordance with regulations.

On the broader plan to establish Dong Nai city, the Vice Chairman called on members to provide feedback on the dossier to be submitted to the NA, including a proposal allowing the Government to recognize the locality as a Tier-1 urban center prior to the completion of its master plan. The Ministry of Construction was tasked with finalizing the draft master plan by April 30.

Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs Phan Van Mai expressed strong support for the proposals, noting that the plan is grounded in solid political, legal, and practical foundations. He said the new status will expand development space and serve as a strong growth driver for the locality.

In terms of apparatus organization, there was broad consensus on synchronously converting the existing provincial People’s Court and People’s Procuracy into corresponding municipal-level bodies without altering their jurisdiction.

Mr. Le Tan Toi, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for National Defense, Security and External Relations, said Dong Nai holds a strategic position of special significance in terms of national defense, security, and foreign affairs. It possesses multiple development factors, including key projects and large industrial parks, while being the first nationwide to have completed the building of new-style rural areas province-wide. All indicate that Dong Nai is now eligible for becoming a centrally-run city.

The NA Standing Committee voted and approved in principle the establishment of 10 wards, Dong Nai city, and its judicial institutions. Relevant dossiers are to be finalized and submitted to the legislature by April 16, with the resolutions expected to take effect from April 30.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh also affirmed that existing documents held by citizens and businesses will remain valid until replaced. Where changes are necessary, Dong Nai authorities will cover related costs to ensure maximum convenience.

VNA-Pham Long

Vietnam Economic Times April, 13 2026

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 452 | Monday, April 13 2026

Dear readers,

The 16th National Assembly, during its inaugural session that began on April 6, elected top leaders of the State apparatus or approved the appointment of Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and other members of the new cabinet for the 2026-2031 term. Party General Secretary To Lam was elected as State President, Politburo Member and Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister, and Politburo Member and Chairman of the 15th National Assembly Tran Thanh Man as Chairman of the 16th National Assembly. The new cabinet comprises Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, six Deputy Prime Ministers, and 17 Ministers and heads of ministry-level agencies.

The completion of the new State apparatus, shortly after the 14th National Party Congress, creates new momentum for national development, right from the first year of the five-year socio-economic development plan (2026-2030) adopted by the Party Congress.

Vietnam’s economy has firmly stood its ground in the face of many external fluctuations resulting from the conflict that erupted in the Middle East on February 28, recording positive performance in the first quarter of the year.

According to the government report supplementarily assessing the results of the implementation of the socio-economic development plan for 2025 and implementing the plan for 2026, presented by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 9 at the first session of the 16th National Assembly, the macro-economy is basically stable, inflation is under control, and major economic balances have been ensured, with quarterly GDP growth estimated at 7.83 per cent; the highest level for a first quarter in 16 years, since 2011.

The government report further noted that all three economic sectors grew well - agriculture by 3.58 per cent, industry and construction by 8.92 per cent, and services by 8.18 per cent. Agricultural production remained stable. Industry continued to develop, with the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaching 51.2 points in March, marking the ninth consecutive month of expansion above 50 points, while manufacturing and processing increased 9.7 per cent.

Trade and services maintained growth momentum, while Vietnam attracted nearly 6.8 million international visitors, an increase of 12.4 per cent. The construction of socio-economic infrastructure was implemented in a synchronous manner, focusing on key projects such as highways, high-speed railways, airports, and digital infrastructure.

However, Vietnam’s economy still faced certain limitations, inadequacies, and challenges in the first quarter. The macro-economy was significantly affected by adverse external factors. Production and business activities in some sectors encountered a host of difficulties. Traditional growth drivers underperformed, domestic purchasing power was low, and exports still depended heavily on the FDI sector. New growth drivers remain in the early stages of development and could not yield immediate results. The real estate market is undergoing a slow recovery, which poses its own risks. Some administrative procedures remain cumbersome, while online public services are not yet truly convenient for citizens and businesses.

Our Cover Story in this edition therefore focuses on Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements as well as the difficulties and challenges it had to face in the opening quarter of 2026; the first year of implementing the Resolution from the 14th National Party Congress, which set a challenging GDP growth target of 10 per cent or more.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Construction ministry proposes two new airports to National Airport Master Plan

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:05:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

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

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

Vietnam plans $1.2 bln National AI Development Fund

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:11:00 GMT

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is currently drafting a Decree on the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Fund to institutionalize provisions of the Law on Artificial Intelligence.

To be established by the Government, the Fund will operate as a non-profit, extra-budgetary state financial fund under the management of MoST.

Its financial resources will be derived from the State budget as well as legal contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

The Fund’s primary activities will include investment, sponsorship, and support for AI development, spanning from research and development (RD) to application and commercialization.

According to the draft, the Fund may provide grants (sponsorship) covering up to 70% of a project's total cost and offer support of up to 50%, depending on the project's nature and scale. In exceptional cases, the Prime Minister will determine the support level.

Regarding sponsorship activities, the draft prioritizes RD tasks and the mastery of core technologies.

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools. Notably, the draft emphasizes the development of open-source solutions and shared platforms to foster a domestic AI ecosystem.

The Fund is also authorized to invest in shared AI infrastructure, including computing capacity, data, platforms, and AI models. Significantly, these investment projects will not be subject to standard public investment laws; instead, they will follow a specialized mechanism to ensure flexibility. The State will maintain a level of risk tolerance for these activities, provided that implementation complies with the established regulations.

Regarding its financial scale, the Fund is proposed to have a total state budget allocation of VND30 trillion (approximately $1.18 billion). The initial allocation will be VND1 trillion ($38 million), with subsequent funding provided in stages based on the state budget capacity and the Fund's operational requirements.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Vietnam’s offshore wind power landscape

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s offshore wind power development has picked up pace over recent years on the back of new policy and legal instruments and is set to be a key player in power generation.

Vietnam’s offshore wind power landscape has undergone a notable transformation over recent times. After a prolonged period of near policy stagnation, the industry is now showing clear signs of acceleration, aligned with the targets set out in the revised National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (PDP8), alongside National Assembly Resolution No. 253/2025/QH15 on mechanisms and policies for national energy development in the 2026-2030 period.

Specifically, under the revised PDP8, Vietnam aims to achieve a total offshore wind capacity of approximately 6,000-17,032 MW to serve domestic demand, with projects expected to come into operation between 2030 and 2035. Over the longer term, by 2050, total installed capacity is projected to rise to between 113,503 and 139,097 MW, reflecting strong ambitions to position offshore wind as a cornerstone of the national energy system.

Investment barriers

Vietnam is widely regarded as possessing highly-favorable preconditions for offshore wind development, comparable to those of Taiwan (China) 10-15 years ago in the early stages of its industry. On that foundation, the Vietnamese market is increasingly attracting strong interest from international investors, not only in project development but across the entire value chain, from equipment supply and technical services to supporting infrastructure.

However, as highlighted by speakers at the “Offshore Wind in Vietnam: Unlocking Southeast Asia’s Largest Clean Energy Opportunity” discussion session held within the framework of the EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum on March 24, policies related to survey licensing, project site allocation, and approval procedures for offshore wind projects in Vietnam remain insufficiently clear and consistent. This lack of clarity has made it difficult to establish a seamless development pathway from early-stage exploration to construction.

Therefore, the situation not only delays investment decision-making but also significantly heightens risk exposure, particularly given that offshore wind projects typically require seven to eight years to progress from early-stage preparation to full commercial operation. The long development timeline means that investors must commit capital well in advance, often without full visibility on future regulatory or market conditions.

For large-scale projects, which can reach capacities of up to 1,000 MW and require total investment of around $4-$5 billion per project, such uncertainty becomes even more critical. Any ambiguity in policies, licensing procedures, or approval processes can disrupt financial planning, complicate project financing, and ultimately undermine investor confidence. As a result, even well-prepared projects may struggle to secure funding, making policy clarity and consistency a decisive factor in attracting sustained international capital flows.

In addition, technical infrastructure and implementation capacity present further challenges to offshore wind development in Vietnam. Currently, the country’s port system, shipyards, and installation fleets remain insufficiently equipped to meet the logistical demands of large-capacity wind turbines and complex offshore structures.

According to Ms. Le Thi Phuong Nhi, Country Manager of Siemens Energy Vietnam, offshore wind development must be approached holistically across the entire value chain. Turbine manufacturing represents only one link, while other foundational elements, such as port infrastructure, logistics systems, and offshore technical services play equally critical roles in ensuring project viability. “Though Vietnam already has a relatively developed port system, it still requires upgrades to meet the specialized technical requirements of the offshore wind industry,” she emphasized.

Similarly, Mr. Alessandro Antonioli, CEO of Copenhagen Offshore Partners and Senior Representative of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners in Vietnam, pointed out that one of the major bottlenecks lies in the capacity of the power grid. Offshore wind power development is not limited to generation but also requires large-scale investment in and upgrading of transmission infrastructure. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s power grid planning and investment progress have yet to keep pace with the rapid expansion of power generation. Without timely upgrades, even well-prepared projects may face risks of curtailment or delays in grid connection, directly affecting investment efficiency.

Mr. Antonioli noted that while the policy framework is gradually improving, not all investors are ready to enter Vietnam’s offshore wind market under existing conditions. Unless these issues are addressed systematically through policy reforms, infrastructure investment, and targeted capacity building, the pace of offshore wind development may fall short of the ambitious targets set out in the revised PDP8.

Ensuring clarity

In order to attract foreign investment, Vietnam needs to establish a policy and market ecosystem that is transparent, stable, and highly predictable, thereby fostering long-term investor confidence. In addition to refining the legal framework and upgrading infrastructure, investors particularly emphasize the importance of “strategic partnerships” between domestic and international enterprises in offshore wind development.

For foreign investors, this is not merely a process of technology transfer followed by disengagement. Rather, it should be structured as a long-term collaborative relationship in which all parties participate and share value throughout the entire project lifecycle. “Such cooperation can begin with planning and plant design, extend to supply and manufacturing, followed by transportation and logistics solutions, and continue through pre-assembly, installation, commissioning, and ultimately operations and maintenance,” Ms. Nhi explained.

Adding a practical perspective, Mr. Antonioli suggested that several core conditions must be ensured from the outset for offshore wind projects in Vietnam to be implemented successfully.

In particular, offshore wind power projects must be designed to be sufficiently “bankable,” meaning they meet the necessary criteria to attract financial institutions. This requires clear allocation of roles and responsibilities among stakeholders, particularly the power purchaser, along with appropriate financial guarantee mechanisms, which may involve domestic banks or State-backed institutions. At the same time, a transparent and stable pricing mechanism is also essential to build investor confidence.

Moreover, offshore wind development in Vietnam demands a fundamentally different and more structured, long-term, industry-building approach. This includes synchronized investment in infrastructure, especially port systems (notably in northern Vietnam), as well as the development of a capable domestic supply chain to support sustainable industry growth. “If the Ministry of Industry and Trade, along with State-owned enterprises and private developers, can come together under such a clear strategic direction, it will be entirely possible to establish appropriate contractual frameworks, not only for pioneering projects but also to lay the foundation for a fully-fledged offshore wind industry,” Mr. Antonioli emphasized.

In addition, Mr. Antoine Croize, Country Manager of Vestas Vietnam, underscored that a stable and predictable policy framework is a prerequisite for foreign investors to formulate long-term plans and operate effectively. Vietnam must continue to enhance market transparency and predictability, particularly by clarifying what can be realistically implemented. “Many countries have set highly-ambitious targets for offshore wind power but failed to realize them,” he said. “Therefore, establishing a clear and feasible development roadmap, accompanied by a concrete legal framework, will be the decisive factor in turning Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions into reality.”

Offshore wind development must be approached holistically across the entire value chain. Turbine manufacturing represents only one link, while other foundational elements, such as port infrastructure, logistics systems, and offshore technical services, play equally critical roles in ensuring project viability.

Ms. Le Thi Phuong Nhi, Country Manager at Siemens Energy Vietnam

VET-Phuong Nhi

Four pillars define the gap between AI experimentation and real business impact

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

The difference between experimentation and success lies not in choosing which AI model, but in the overall approach…

Generative AI stands apart from previous technological shifts: it’s fundamentally reinventing how businesses operate at breathtaking speed, according to AWS's research.

In Vietnam, for example, decades of digital transformation and industrial automation have helped manufacturing output grow at close to 10 per cent annually. AI is accomplishing similar changes in months. Already, sixty‑one percent of Vietnamese businesses that have adopted AI report revenue growth, averaging 16 per cent, while 58 per cent expect cost savings of around 20 per cent.

Yet despite billions of USD in investment, most organizations still struggle to move from pilot to production to adoption. In fact, according to Gartner research, in 2024, 60 per cent of GenAI POCs were abandoned upon completion.

The difference between AI experimentation and success isn’t about choosing the right large language model; it’s about much more.

“Through our work with partners and customers at various stages of their AI journey, we’ve observed consistent patterns that separate successful implementations from those that stall,” said Ms. Kirsten Gilbertson, APJ Head of SAP GTM ASEAN Partner Organization Leader, AWS.

Accordingly, Ms. Gilbertson pointed out that organizations that successfully move from pilot to production focus on four interconnected pillars and critically, they recognize that technology is only one of them.

The first is to build data foundation strategically. Simply having data isn’t enough – how organize, govern, and activate it makes all the difference. Leading organizations implement three specific practices: connect all data together, label and organize it so it’s easy to find, and set controls to ensure only the right people (or agents) have access to sensitive data sets.

Heavily regulated industries like financial services and healthcare often have an advantage here their existing governance frameworks can accelerate AI initiatives. “However, for organizations starting from scratch, rather than attempting to unify your entire data warehouse, start by working backwards from a specific use case,” Ms. Gilbertson said.

For instance, a telco operator might begin by connecting network performance data with customer service tickets and billing records for a single purpose: predicting service degradation before customers experience issues. Once that use case delivers value, it’s possible to determine which additional data connections matter most and scale from there.

The second is to build trust through security and verification. “In enterprise AI, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s the foundation that determines whether investment moves from pilot to production,” said Ms. Gilbertson. “Organizations face a dual challenge: they need AI systems secure enough to protect sensitive data, yet accurate enough to make consequential decisions.”

For example, consider one healthcare provider with over 700,000 members. Their customers call at their most vulnerable moments, needing either medical advice or information about their coverage. The opportunity AI could provide was enormous - supporting customers faster, 24/7, in any language. But a single hallucination in this context could cause real harm, eroding trust that takes years to build.

Leading organizations are moving beyond “trust but verify” to “verify, then trust.” They’re implementing multiple layers of validation: checking inputs for malicious content, verifying outputs against known facts and policies, and continuously monitoring for drift or unexpected behavior. Emerging techniques like automated reasoning—a mathematical approach used for decades in chip design and security verification can now check AI outputs against defined rules, in some cases reducing hallucinations by 99 per cent. This verification-first approach accelerates innovation rather than slowing it down, empowering teams to experiment more boldly when they know guardrails will catch errors before they reach customers.

The third is to transform culture, not just technology. The biggest inhibitor to AI adoption isn’t the technology - it’s change management. Organizations are structured around complex processes, with employees who manage those processes. Getting individuals to step back and reimagine those processes to be end-to-end automated or handled by agents requires intentional cultural transformation.

Success requires both top-down commitment and bottom-up enablement. Leaders must demonstrate visible commitment beyond words, while employees need the space and support to reimagine their own workflows.

Vietnam Technological and Commercial Joint-Stock Bank (Techcombank) is an example of this approach. Instead of simply rolling out generative AI tools, the bank built a full enablement strategy around them. It began with a pilot of 50 developers using Amazon Q Developer, achieving 80 per cent team satisfaction, before rapidly scaling to 600 IT developers with 100 per cent active engagement. This expansion drove a 40 per cent quarter‑over‑quarter increase in team output.

By using this GenAI-powered assistant, the bank also accelerated development of Techcombank Mobile, its flagship digital banking application, and significantly reduced development time. More than 70 per cent of their developers report saving 5–10 hours each week. These efficiency gains are helping Techcombank deliver enhanced digital banking experiences to its 16.5 million customers across Vietnam.

“AI will automate many tasks while simultaneously creating new opportunities and elevating human potential in others,” Ms. Gilbertson noted. “The most successful organizations are transparent about this transformation and invest in reskilling their workforce to thrive in an AI-augmented environment.”

The final is to work with the right experts. “While some organizations have the resources and expertise to build generative AI capabilities entirely in-house, most find that strategic partnerships accelerate their journey from pilot to production,” said Ms. Gilbertson. “The question isn’t whether you can go it alone - it’s whether that’s the fastest path to realizing value.”

The right partners bring three critical advantages: technical expertise to navigate the rapidly evolving AI landscape, domain knowledge to apply AI to specific industry and regulatory environments, and change management experience to drive adoption at scale.

The data bears this out: organizations working with partners possessing deep AI expertise and proven customer success moved their AI projects into production on average 25 per centfaster than those working without specialized partners. In a landscape where speed to value often determines competitive advantage, that acceleration can be decisive.

In Vietnam, AWS Partners offer ready-made solutions that can help accelerate your business in adopting GenAI in areas such as intelligent operations automation (AIOps), document processing and analytics, and AI-powered customer engagement.

“In general, successful organizations approach generative AI as a business transformation, not just a technology deployment,” Ms. Gilbertson affirmed. “The organizations that will thrive aren’t those with the most advanced models, but those that recognize AI success requires equal investment in technology, people, and processes.”

vneconomy-Ngoc Lan

Some 11 applications for gold bar production submitted to central bank

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:40:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Kỳ Phong

Developing ties with China a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy: Top leader

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:35:00 GMT

Delivering a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam underlined that this consistent approach stems from the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and aligns with the aspirations of their peoples, while significantly contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has emphasised that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always regard the development of relations with China as an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations.

Delivering a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14 as part of his ongoing state visit to China, the top Vietnamese leader underlined that this consistent approach stems from the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and aligns with the aspirations of their peoples, while significantly contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He highlighted that Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries sharing many cultural similarities and a long history of exchanges.

Geography has linked the two nations through mountains and rivers while history has bound them through thousands of years of interaction. The peoples of both countries have nurtured this relationship with sincerity and a shared aspiration for peace, stability and development, he said during the Vietnam – China Forum on Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Education and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

General Secretary and President Lam expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in cooperation between Vietnamese universities and research institutions and Tsinghua University. Leaders of both sides have identified priority areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, science – technology, and the training of high-quality human resources – directions he described as appropriate and necessary to be further expanded.

He noted that currently, there are around 25,000 Vietnamese students in China, demonstrating the growing depth of educational exchanges between the two countries.

The leader noted that Vietnamese students in China, including those at Tsinghua University, act as bridges of friendship and cultural ambassadors who reflect the fondness for learning, openness, and ambition of Vietnamese youth. He added that Chinese students in Vietnam also help foster mutual understanding.

Looking ahead, he stressed the need to further strengthen the political and social foundations of Vietnam – China relations. For bilateral ties to develop in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner, they must be first built on political trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding between the two peoples, and the shared determination of successive generations of leaders of the two Parties and countries.

Alongside high-level mutual visits and cooperation between ministries, sectors and localities, greater attention should be paid to people-to-people exchanges, particularly youth, academic, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges, so that each people is aware of their responsibility for maintaining and enriching the bilateral friendship.

The top Vietnamese leader called for stronger progress in substantive cooperation, with strategic connectivity as the focus, results as the yardstick, and the interests of the two peoples as the ultimate goal. Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation should become a new highlight and a new pillar of Vietnam – China relations in the new period.

General Secretary and President Lam noted that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are the key driver for achieving its strategic goals for 2030 and 2045. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches special importance to cooperation with China in areas where the two sides can complement each other and develop together, particularly artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, semiconductors, automation, robotics, green technology, biotechnology, new materials, clean energy and other strategic technology sectors.

Given this, he voiced his hope that bilateral ties will become stronger in terms of not only trade or investment but also knowledge, technology, innovation, and the capacity of shaping the future.

In that orientation, education and training, together with the development of high-quality human resources, must be a priority among priorities, he said, noting that Vietnam hopes that more Vietnamese students, postgraduates and young scientists will have opportunities to study and conduct research at leading Chinese institutions, including Tsinghua University.

He also said he hopes that Tsinghua University will further expand cooperation with Vietnamese universities and research institutes through student and scholar exchanges, joint training programmes, collaborative research initiatives, co-supervised programmes and the establishment of joint research groups and laboratories in key areas.

The Party and State leader of Vietnam stressed the importance of further strengthening youth connectivity so that younger generations become both inheritors of bilateral friendship and pioneers in shaping the future. He encouraged young people of the two countries to learn from each other, innovate together and jointly address major development challenges in areas such as education, health care, the environment, energy, smart city building, green agriculture and the digital economy.

At the same time, he emphasised the need for both sides to maintain a peaceful and stable environment, enhance strategic coordination and properly handle differences.

Building on the legacy of friendship nurtured by previous generations, grounded in trust, driven by substantive cooperation, and propelled by breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation, with youth serving as a bridge of the future, the leader expressed confidence that Vietnam – China relations will continue to develop in a healthy, stable and sustainable manner, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

On the occasion, he signed the university’s guestbook, expressing admiration for the dedication of its faculty members and the diligence of its students in building a high-quality educational environment, as well as appreciation for the Tsinghua spirit of “Self-discipline and Social Commitment” – a noble value shared by the peoples of Vietnam and China. – (VNA)

VNA-

For effective energy transition

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:30:00 GMT

Experience from the EU shows that an effective energy transition requires a synchronized set of factors, including a stable policy framework, strong technical capacity, and the ability to mobilize financing.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 458/QD-TTg of March 23, 2026, an updated implementation plan for the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) has been approved, with a focus placed on coordinating with international partners to mobilize resources for JETP projects.

The approval of the plan not only reaffirms Vietnam’s commitment to energy transition and its net-zero emissions target by 2050, but also highlights key challenges related to mobilizing international resources, improving policy frameworks, and accelerating project implementation. These issues were also emphasized by experts, policymakers, and international partners at the “JETP Energy Transition: A Key Platform for Policy Dialogue and Joint Projects” session held within the recent EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum.

Policy as a foundation

Sharing strategic directions, Mr. Dao Duy Anh, Deputy Director General of the Department of Innovation, Green Transition and Industrial Promotion at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), noted that energy transition, green growth, and the circular economy are consistent priorities of Vietnam’s Party and government, especially in recent years as the country works toward the net-zero commitment it made at COP26. “There are many solutions, including participation in international initiatives such as the JETP,” he said.

Since joining the JETP in 2022, Vietnam approved a financial mobilization mechanism in 2023 and has actively pursued regulatory reforms to address bottlenecks. The Politburo issued Resolution No. 70 on ensuring national energy security to 2030, with a vision to 2045, outlining a transition toward renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and supporting environmental protection and economic stability. “Amid current challenges in fossil fuel supply, this direction has proven to be appropriate,” he emphasized.

To institutionalize these policies, the National Assembly and government have issued additional resolutions, while the MoIT has proposed amendments to the Law on Electricity and regulations on Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPAs), as well as mechanisms to receive JETP funding.

As a result, over the past five years, Vietnam has experienced one of the fastest renewable energy expansions globally, reaching about 23 GW of installed capacity as of the end of 2024, making it a leader within ASEAN.

However, Mr. Nguyen Phan Dinh, Vietnam Market Director at EDP Global and Head of EuroCham’s Energy Working Group, noted that coal still accounted for around 50 per cent of electricity generation in 2024, indicating significant space for transition and investment opportunities. He highlighted that the first opportunity lies in political commitments, such as the Prime Minister’s pledge to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26. “This is a clear commitment, creating momentum for building a policy framework and paving the way for investment,” he said.

The next opportunity is development planning. Specifically, the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) has set very ambitious targets for renewable energy. To realize these goals, Vietnam needs to mobilize some $130 billion in capital for the 2031-2035 period. “I hope that about 20 per cent of that will be allocated to the power grid, with the remainder for renewable energy sources, and this represents a significant opportunity,” Mr. Dinh added.

Regarding participation in the JETP, the MoIT, along with international partners, has reviewed and selected 44 projects that meet JETP criteria. However, Mr. Duy Anh said that after more than two years, only three projects have received funding from JETP, with capital exceeding $700 million, while the remaining projects are being considered for funding and implementation in the near future.

“To accelerate the implementation of the JETP in the coming period, efforts are needed not only from the Vietnamese Government but also from partners participating in the JETP and the governments of countries interested in Vietnam’s energy transition,” he added. “We are committed to continuously improving policy mechanisms to remove bottlenecks in the implementation process, and to finding and developing projects that meet JETP criteria in order to support more projects in the time to come.”

Financing and technical support

Mr. Do Duc Tuong, a JETP Energy Project Development Specialist at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, believes that one of the major bottlenecks in the implementation of the JETP in Vietnam is the lack of resources for new projects, especially those without precedent. Therefore, in addition to traditional bank credit, the establishment and effective operation of technical assistance funds play a crucial role.

Data reveals that of the total of $15.5 billion committed by the JETP’s international partners, approximately $300 million is specifically allocated to technical assistance, with allocation depending on the priorities of each partner. To date, about 80 per cent of bilateral cooperation projects have been implemented, with the remainder in the preparation and funding connection stages.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Alice Carr, Executive Director for Public Policy at the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), noted that technical assistance resources are still not being effectively utilized. She argued that many projects might be unsuitable if they retain their original models, but could become viable if restructured, for example, by adopting a DPPA or receiving support for feasibility studies in line with international standards. “Vietnamese businesses have strengths in attracting capital, but still need to improve their technological and project implementation capabilities to more effectively utilize technical assistance resources,” she added.

From an international finance perspective, Mr. Stephan Opitz, Member of the KfW Management Board for Asia and Europe, said international experience shows that providing credit lines accompanied by technical assistance is a useful tool. These facilities are typically geared toward specific sectors, with clear requirements regarding standards and technology. “However, for commercial banks, this is still a relatively new area, requiring technological assessment capabilities and a team of specialized experts,” he added. “Given the relatively low profitability of loans to small and medium-sized enterprises, banks may be hesitant, but consolidating multiple loans and providing technical support will help reduce risk and expand access to capital for the private sector.”

Systemic approach

Vietnam’s energy sector is a focus of investment. “To date, we have committed approximately €1 billion ($1.15 billion) to transmission, distribution, and power generation projects, primarily in collaboration with EVN [Vietnam Electricity],” he said. “However, the key is not just capital, but a systemic approach. We are not only financing but also promoting a systemic approach to the transition to renewable energy, something we are also doing in many other countries.”

A prime example of KfW’s investments in Vietnam is the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project, a key component of this transition. This project acts as a form of “battery storage,” balancing the volatility of renewable energy, thus playing a crucial role in the system.

Similarly, the Tri An project is not simply an expansion of a hydropower plant. It will take on the role of supplying peak-load electricity, a task previously handled primarily by coal- and gas-fired power plants. Thus, renewable energy sources such as hydropower can replace and provide this crucial power supply.

Ten years ago, KfW also financed the first wind power project in Vietnam. Another role of KfW is to introduce new technologies into a country, thereby allowing all parties to better understand the costs, risks, and necessary framework conditions to attract private investors later on.

In addition, projects are often implemented through co-financing with multiple partners such as the French Development Agency (AFD), Proparco, Italian partners, and possibly the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU, to enhance resources and investment efficiency. “We also particularly appreciate the role of the EU, as the funding provided by the EU has been very helpful in preparing and promoting these investments,” Mr. Opitz said.

Regarding actual investments, he shared insights into mobilizing international capital based on policy-based lending. He suggested that, within a systems approach to energy transition, several directions could be pursued. Firstly, continuing to finance the projects mentioned, and secondly, providing credit to domestic banks, thereby facilitating private sector participation in energy investment.

In particular, the third, and equally important, direction is policy support loans, which KfW has successfully implemented in many countries such as South Africa and Indonesia; key partners in the JETP. In South Africa, from the outset, this model has been combined with infrastructure financing to create a synergistic impact.

According to Mr. Opitz, the essence of policy-based financing is that financial institutions collaborate with the government to develop and agree upon a set of effective policy criteria to promote investment, especially to attract more private capital into the energy sector, as well as to remove bottlenecks in the system.

“The advantage of this approach is the ability to combine experience from real-world projects with knowledge and recommendations from the business sector, thereby bringing policy dialogue into more effective engagement,” Mr. Opitz emphasized. “At the same time, financing is often implemented in the form of co-financing with many large financial partners, creating sufficiently strong resources to promote quality and ambitious policy reforms while integrating experiences from many countries. I believe this could also be an effective direction for Vietnam in the future, leveraging this tool for the energy transition process.”

VET-Ngoc Lan

HCM City approves six housing projects for foreign ownership

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Phạm Vinh

PM asks to accelerate public investment disbursement

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

Grab expands to the payment market in Vietnam in 2027

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

After withdrawing from the personal e-wallet market with Moca, Grab is repositioning its financial strategy in Vietnam by focusing on payments for businesses...

Grab officially introduced 13 new AI-powered features at the GrabX 2026 event held in Jakarta (Indonesia) recently, upgrading its superapp experience to serve as an intelligent everyday guide for millions across Southeast Asia.

In particular, many of these features have been and will soon be rolled out in Vietnam – one of Grab's key markets.

Notably, the feature of Tap to Pay will be announced in Vietnam. According to the rollout roadmap announced at GrabX 2026, Tap to Pay is already operational in the Philippines and Singapore. The feature is expected to expand to Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand by the end of this year. In Vietnam, the launch date is set for 2027.

After Moca e-wallet ceased operations on Grab in mid-2024, the feature shows a new presence in the Vietnamese payment market. However, unlike Moca e-wallet, which targeted individual consumers (B2C), Tap to Pay is a financial feature specifically for business partners (B2B).

Accordingly, Tap to Pay feature turns GrabMerchant-enabled smartphones into a contactless payment terminal — no special hardware, no complex setup, and no lengthy onboarding. Merchants can start accepting cards and QR payments in minutes, straight from the GrabMerchant app.

Mr. Philipp Kandal, Chief Product Officer of Grab shared that he integrated feature on the merchant's device uses NFC technology to turn smartphones into point-of-sale (POS) terminals. It is suitable for small businesses that typically only accept cash or QR code payments. In reality, accepting card payments requires store owners to invest in POS machines, payment processing fees, and long-term contracts. Currently, the service fee for card swiping at POS terminals is charged by banks at approximately 0.7-3.5 per transaction.

"For all features, especially in the financial sector, we consider issues on a market-by-market basis and implement them only after obtaining the necessary licenses," Mr. Kandal affirmed. "Although we have no plans to partner with any new e-wallet in Vietnam to launch financial services by 2027, e will comply with legal procedures when developing payment features in Vietnam."

According to the 10th Southeast Asia Digital Economy Report, published last November by Google, Temasek, and Bain Company, the total value of transactions through digital payment methods is projected to reach $178 billion by 2025. In Vietnam, as of March 31, 2025, there are 47 licensed organizations providing e-wallet services, with nearly 46 million activated wallets and over 30 million active wallets.

The official recognition of e-wallets as a legal means of payment from July 1, 2025, under Circular 40/2024/TT-NHNN, has created an important legal foundation, placing e-wallets on par with cash and bank cards.

Following this is Circular 41/2025/TT-NHNN, which amends and supplements existing regulations with stricter provisions on customer verification, information transparency, and increased transaction limits for essential services, along with Decree 94/2025/ND-CP on a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) for the fintech sector.

Vneconomy -An Chi

Hanoi to launch Cybersecurity Center in 2027

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:12:00 GMT

The municipal government encourages research and development to master next-generation cybersecurity technology…

Hanoi will construct and put into operation a Municipal Cybersecurity Center to ensure monitoring capabilities and readiness against cyber threats, while enabling the sharing of national cybersecurity surveillance data, with completion scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

This initiative is a core part of Plan No. 149/KH-UBND regarding the assurance of cybersecurity, information security, and data safety within Hanoi's political system, signed and issued by Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Truong Viet Dung on April 11.

According to the plan, the city aims to review and remediate 100% of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the information systems of the city's Party and State agencies, Vietnam Fatherland Front, and other socio-political organizations by 2026.

The plan also ensures that national cryptographic infrastructure operates stably to facilitate the exchange of state secrets from the city level down to 100% of wards and communes.

Furthermore, Hanoi will strengthen discipline in State management of cybersecurity, implementing governance based on risk assessment and compliance with technical standards and regulations. The city will promote the application of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data analysis, and smart monitoring for the early detection and timely handling of cyber threats. This marks a transition toward a proactive defense model utilizing modern encryption solutions to protect critical data, state secrets, and government transactions.

The municipal government encourages research and development to master next-generation cybersecurity technologies, enhancing technological autonomy and fostering a strong national cybersecurity industrial ecosystem.

By 2030, the city aims to train and build a team of high-level cybersecurity experts capable of meeting both domestic and international demands.

By 2045, Hanoi intends to develop a team of leading experts and world-class digital scientists who master core technologies, alongside the development of modern cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, innovation centers, and high-tech industrial parks.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

HCMC to accelerate mechanical engineering and automation development

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vneconomy-Minh Hà

Digital infrastructure a key element of cooperation

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ms. Rita Mokbel, CEO of Ericsson Vietnam

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mr. Alessandro Antonioli, Vietnam Country Manager at Copenhagen Offshore Partners

Vietnam is extremely competitive when it comes to the use of natural resources for renewables, because it is blessed with good wind and good solar radiation.

vneconomy-Ngoc Lan

Vietnam officially launches National Employment Exchange

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:14:00 GMT

This digital platform is designed to connect over 53 million workers with businesses, employment service organizations, and state management agencies nationwide, aiming to foster a modern, transparent, flexible, and efficient labor market.

The Ministry of Home Affairs officially inaugurated the National Employment Exchange on April 14, available at www.vieclam.gov.vn.

This digital platform is designed to connect over 53 million workers with businesses, employment service organizations, and state management agencies nationwide, aiming to foster a modern, transparent, flexible, and efficient labor market.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh emphasized that the portal serves as a critical digital infrastructure. He stated that it ensures the labor market operates smoothly and transparently in accordance with market mechanisms by effectively matching supply and demand.

The establishment of the Exchange addresses an urgent need within the labor market, where information has historically been fragmented and unsynchronized, limiting the ability of employers and seekers to find one another.

Given that Vietnam currently has a workforce of over 53.6 million people and nearly one million enterprises, alongside millions of cooperatives and business households, the creation of a centralized, unified, and interconnected nationwide platform is of paramount importance.

The National Employment Exchange is more than just a technological tool; it is an essential digital infrastructure designed to provide seamless connectivity from the central to the local levels.

For State management agencies, the Exchange serves as a tool for governance and market regulation. It enhances the quality of employment services and provides a data-driven foundation for developing and implementing labor, employment, and social security policies.

For local authorities, Departments of Home Affairs, Employment Service Centers, and relevant agencies are now linked on a single platform to update and share data, organize job transactions, and provide direct support to both workers and businesses.

For workers, the platform expands job opportunities across the country, removing the barriers of administrative boundaries. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the system suggests roles that best match an individual’s skills and experience. It also provides tools for profile creation, job searching, and participation in online job fairs.

For businesses, the Exchange helps significantly reduce recruitment costs and shortens the time required to find personnel by providing access to a vast, nationwide pool of candidates.

Vneconomy-Thu Hằng

China's Victory Giant Technology Vietnam hits $470 million revenue in Vietnam

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Revenue from the Vietnamese market has seen explosive growth over the past year. From 1.08 billion yuan in 2024, revenue tripled by 2025. Compared to 2023 (559 million yuan), the revenue scale has increased sixfold.

Victory Giant Technology, a leading Chinese technology group, specializing in the research, development, and manufacturing of printed circuit boards (PCBs), announced that its revenue in the Vietnamese market reached 3.23 billion yuan (approximately $473 million). This surge accounted for roughly 16.8% of the group's total revenue in 2025.

According to filings submitted by Victory Giant Technology to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), citing data from consultancy firm Frost Sullivan, the company ranked first globally in terms of revenue within the AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) PCB segments during the first half of 2025, capturing a 13.8% market share.

Notably, revenue from the Vietnamese market has seen explosive growth over the past year. From 1.08 billion yuan in 2024, revenue tripled by 2025. Compared to 2023 (559 million yuan), the revenue scale has increased sixfold.

The group noted that Vietnam-origin PCB products typically face US import tariffs of around 10%, which is significantly lower than the potential 35% tariff applied to similar goods from China. However, the company also cautioned that U.S. tariff policies remain subject to unpredictable fluctuations.

The Victory Giant Technology Vietnam factory project invested in by Victory Giant Technology (Guangdong) Co., Ltd. specializes in the RD, production, and sale of high-precision multi-layer PCBs, High-Density Interconnect (HDI) boards, Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC), and Rigid-Flex boards.

These products are widely utilized in artificial intelligence, big data centers, the Industrial Internet, green energy vehicles, next-generation communication technologies, aerospace, and medical equipment.

According to the company’s initial projections, once fully operational by 2030, the factory is expected to reach an annual output of 4 million square meters of products with an estimated production value of $900 million.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

To meet strong electricity demand

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Grid infrastructure has a key part to play in catering to the ever-increasing electricity demand amid Vietnam’s energy transformation and ongoing development.

Amid forecasts of continued strong growth in electricity demand in the years to come, at the same time as Vietnam’s power sector accelerates the development of power generation projects it is also stepping up investment in grid infrastructure to enhance transmission capacity, promptly distribute power output, and ensure the safe and stable operation of the system. As demand grows rapidly and the share of renewable energy increases, the role of the grid extends beyond mere “transmission” to become a decisive factor in the system’s ability to absorb and efficiently allocate power across the entire network.

Attracting the private sector

In terms of investment, under the National Power Development Plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 (PDP8), total investment in power generation and transmission grid development in Vietnam during the 2026-2030 period is estimated at approximately $136.3 billion. Of this, around $118.2 billion is allocated for power generation and $18.1 billion for power transmission grids. With more than 1,000 power transmission grid projects expected to be implemented during this period and total capital demand reaching roughly $18.1 billion, the investment pressure on national grid infrastructure is substantial.

During the thematic session entitled “National grid and regional connections: The way forward in Vietnam’s trajectory towards net-zero,” held within the framework of the recent EU-Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong from the Planning and Development Division of the Electricity Authority of Vietnam (EAV) at the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), noted that of the total $18.1 billion required, approximately $12.9 billion is expected to come from the State sector, while around $5.2 billion, equivalent to nearly 30 per cent of total investment, will need to be mobilized from non-State sources. “This clearly demonstrates the increasingly important role of the private sector and foreign investors in the development of transmission grid infrastructure,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, investment in the transmission grid is still largely undertaken by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT), which maintain an almost monopolistic role in the construction and operation of the high-voltage grid. This reality underscores the urgent need to broaden the participation of other economic actors to meet rising capital demands.

This direction is also aligned with Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, which encourages private sector participation in energy projects on the basis of fair competition. Accordingly, the MoIT is expediting the institutionalization of these policies in the draft amended Law on Electricity, focusing on improving capital mobilization mechanisms, simplifying investment procedures to shorten project timelines, and developing technical standards for emerging areas such as smart grids and energy storage systems.

Similarly, the orientation set out in Politburo Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW reaffirms the private sector as a key driver of the economy, further emphasizing the need to create more favorable conditions for deeper private sector participation in the power sector. Mr. Cuong said that with these orientations and solutions, the MoIT is making determined efforts to translate major policy directions into reality, while effectively attracting resources from financial institutions and the private sector. “This will contribute to the development of the transmission grid system, which is critical infrastructure with decisive significance for economic growth, energy transition, and sustainable development,” he went on.

From the perspective of international investors, Ms. Cristina Bergomi, Senior Vice President of GE Vernova, suggested that in order to attract private and foreign investment into Vietnam’s national grid infrastructure, the country needs a clear, phased roadmap designed to gradually expand participation from both domestic and international investors.

Specifically, in the initial phase, transmission grid projects should receive strong government support, including guarantee mechanisms or risk-sharing frameworks, to build early market confidence. This is particularly important in the transmission sector, which is characterized by large capital requirements, long payback periods, and high risk levels. Once confidence is established through pioneering projects, the market will become progressively more attractive to private investors and international developers.

Building on that foundation, in subsequent phases, Vietnam can scale up investment attraction, promote deeper participation from the private sector and foreign investors, and encourage diverse partnership models across the value chain. “In particular, the successful implementation of pilot projects will serve as a ‘proof of concept,’ helping to reduce perceived risks and create a spillover effect for future projects,” Ms. Bergomi noted.

In addition, to enhance the likelihood of success, investors should be involved from the early stages of projects, not only in financing but also in design, technical studies, and operational structuring. Early engagement allows stakeholders to optimize implementation plans, better manage risks, and ensure long-term feasibility. This is also a key factor in transforming the power grid, traditionally dominated by State-owned enterprises, into a more attractive destination for both domestic and international investment capital.

Three core pillars.

Beyond boosting investment, experts also emphasize that improving the quality and operational capacity of Vietnam’s power grid remains a critical priority. Mr. Francesco Comito, Area Manager in South Asia and Far East at CESI, highlighted that the modernization of Vietnam’s transmission system should be built on three main pillars: digitalization, enhanced flexibility, and transformation of the operational model. On this basis, the power system will gradually transition from a traditional alternating current (AC) structure to a hybrid model, in which high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology serves as the “backbone,” complementing the existing grid.

Under the digitalization pillar, Vietnam should prioritize the development of core technologies to strengthen system monitoring and dispatch capabilities. In this context, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and energy management systems (EMS) are often described as the “brain” of the grid, enabling real-time monitoring and operation, while substation automation based on International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850 standards can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of outages.

At the same time, the deployment of wide-area monitoring systems will help track the dynamics of the entire grid, laying the foundation for a shift from reactive to predictive operations. According to Mr. Comito, though notable progress has been made, digitalization efforts still need to be accelerated and implemented more synchronously to establish a truly smart grid.

In terms of flexibility, as the share of renewable energy continues to rise, enhancing the flexibility of the transmission system becomes essential. Unlike conventional power sources, wind and solar energy are inherently variable, leading to continuous fluctuations in supply and demand. Without sufficient system flexibility, localized oversupply or grid congestion may occur, resulting in curtailment and reduced investment efficiency.

Regarding the third pillar - the transformation of the transmission model - the role of HVDC systems is particularly emphasized. Given Vietnam’s elongated north-south geography, where renewable energy resources are concentrated mainly in the central and southern regions while major demand centers are located in the north, the power system faces a structural imbalance. In this context, HVDC enables long-distance power transmission with lower losses while enhancing overall system stability.

Looking ahead, the development and mastery of HVDC systems will also provide a foundation for Vietnam to participate more deeply in the ASEAN regional power grid. “Overall, current priorities should not be limited to expanding power grid infrastructure in Vietnam, but more importantly, to building a smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable power system,” Mr. Comito concluded.

VET-Phuong Hoa

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

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 07:05:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

Growing demand for a balanced international education environment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Broadening access to international education

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

Promoting traditional friendship, enhancing strategic connectivity between Vietnam and China: Top leader

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Building on the foundation of friendship carefully nurtured by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, on the high-level common perceptions that have been established, on the determination of agencies, sectors and localities, and on the support of the people of both countries, Vietnam–China relations will certainly continue to develop in a stable, healthy and long-term sustainable manner, bringing more tangible benefits to the two Parties, States and peoples, and making increasingly positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam has written an article posted on the People’s Daily of China ahead of his state visit to China from April 14-17.

The following is a translation of his article by the Vietnam News Agency:

PROMOTING THE TRADITION OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN VIETNAM AND CHINA, ELEVATING STRATEGIC CONNECTIVITY IN THE NEW DEVELOPMENT PHASE

To Lam,

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam,

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

At the invitation of Comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, I and a high-level delegation will pay a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026. This is my first state-level foreign visit after being elected by the 16th National Assembly as State President. I convey sincere sentiments, deep respect, and the highest priority of the Party and State of Vietnam, as well as the aspirations of the Vietnamese people, to join the Party, State, and people of China in continuing to inherit and promote the tradition of friendship, elevate strategic connectivity, and jointly shape new visions for the development of Vietnam–China relations in the new era.

Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries “with mountains and rivers linked as one,” sharing many cultural similarities. The relationship between the two peoples has been nurtured through long-standing historical exchanges and tested over time. In relations between neighbouring countries, what is most enduring is the ability to view ties from a strategic height with a long-term vision; to cherish the values painstakingly built by previous generations; and to place the fundamental and long-term interests of the people above all else. This is also how Vietnam views and develops its relations with China.

Over more than 100 years, the Vietnamese revolution has been closely linked with the Chinese revolution. In 1925, in Guangzhou, China, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, Nguyen Ai Quoc, founded the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, laying political, ideological, and organisational groundwork for the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The League’s headquarters on Wenming street in Guangzhou and the launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper have become a landmark and a milestone inseparable from Vietnam’s revolutionary history. In early 1941, from Guangxi, Nguyen Ai Quoc returned to Pac Bo in Cao Bang to directly lead the Vietnamese revolution, marking a decisive turning point in the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national independence.

The friendship between Vietnam and China has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries, from President Ho Chi Minh, President Mao Zedong, and Premier Zhou Enlai to successive generations of communists and people of the two nations. During the period of national liberation struggle, the two sides extended valuable support and assistance to each other. In the period of national construction, both countries have steadfastly pursued development paths suited to their respective conditions, advancing reform, opening-up, and international integration, thereby achieving accomplishments of historical significance. Vietnam always remembers and values the support extended by the Party, State, and people of China during difficult periods.

The year 2026 marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Throughout this journey, Vietnam–China relations have experienced ups and downs, yet friendship and cooperation have remained the mainstream. Historical practice shows that strong and stable relations between the two countries align with the practical interests of both peoples and contribute positively to peace and development in the region.

With that important perception, Vietnam–China relations have been consistently nurtured by both Parties and countries. Vietnam’s Party and State always regard the development of ties with China as a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification. China’s Party and State also identify Vietnam as a priority direction in its neighbourhood diplomacy and an important component of its broader foreign policy. This is not only a continuation of history, but also a choice rooted in the long-term, fundamental interests of both countries, in line with the aspirations of their peoples and the need to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for development in the new period.

On the foundation of the neighbourliness, friendship, mutual respect and equal cooperation, the top leaders of both sides have, over recent years, promptly made appropriate decisions and polices - from defining the “16-character guideline” and the spirit of the “four goods,” to establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership framework and building a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, while promoting ties along the “six major orientations.” What matters is not only the introduction of new concepts, but also the shared understanding that both sides should view and advance Vietnam–China relations from a long-term strategic perspective, recognising each other’s development as an opportunity for their own growth.

With these common perceptions, high-level exchanges between the two Parties and countries have been maintained more regularly, while cooperation mechanisms across Party, government, National Assembly/National People’s Congress, and Fatherland Front/People’s Political Consultative Conference channels have been implemented in a more coordinated manner. In March, the two countries successfully held the first “3+3” strategic dialogue at the ministerial level on diplomacy, defence and public security, marking a new step forward in strategic connectivity and underscoring the growing depth and substance of bilateral relations.

Despite a highly complex international environment, bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has continued to expand. Two-way trade in 2025 recorded impressive double-digit growth. Vietnam maintained its position as China’s largest trading partner within ASEAN and its fourth-largest globally, while China remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner and its second-largest export market. Cooperation in supply chains, logistics, infrastructure, science and technology, as well as the digital and green economies, has advanced rapidly. Both sides are committed to strengthening rail connectivity, with three standard-gauge railway projects in northern Vietnam being actively promoted by both sides and making positive breakthroughs.

People-to-people exchanges have continued to deepen, providing an increasingly solid social foundation for bilateral relations. The Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025 was implemented through a wide range of activities, with intensified exchanges among youth, scholars, localities and cultural organisations. The “Red study tour” initiative for Vietnamese youth in China, jointly launched in April 2025 by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and myself, has been actively carried out and attracted broad participation from young people. Through the initiative, the younger generations of both countries have gained a better understanding of each other, developed a deeper appreciation of the long-standing friendship, and strengthened their sense of responsibility as a successor generation tasked with carrying forward and further nurturing Vietnam–China relations.

To achieve the comprehensive and substantive results in Vietnam–China relations today, the leading important factor has been the sincerity, mutual trust and understanding between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, along with the active engagement, strong support and sustained efforts of ministries, agencies, localities, business communities and people of both nations. The Vietnamese Party, State and people highly value the friendship and dedication of Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping to the development of bilateral ties in recent years.

The world is undergoing profound, era-defining changes, creating both major opportunities and challenges. Vietnam is entering the phase of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, with two centennial strategic goals. The Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW also identifies science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as top breakthroughs and key drivers of rapid and sustainable development. On China’s side, 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th five-year plan, with a focus on high-quality growth, technological self-strengthening, green transition and higher-level opening-up

Against the backdrop of new demands of the times and each country’s new development priorities, both sides, in my view, should focus on four major tasks.

First, it is essential to further consolidate the political foundation of Vietnam–China relations. Strategic orientation from the top leaders of both Parties and countries plays a decisive role in ensuring the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties. It is therefore crucial to continue maintaining regular high-level exchanges, increasing strategic sharing, making full use of existing mechanisms, and effectively implementing cooperation across the channels of the Party, Government, National Assembly/National People's Congress, Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as ministries and sectors. Deeper strategic trust will create more favourable conditions to expand substantive cooperation and better address issues in reality.

Second, a stronger shift is needed in substantive cooperation, using concrete results as a measure. In the coming phase, cooperation between the two countries needs to move strongly from "increasing scale" to "improving quality"; from expanding trade to deeper connections among development strategies, economic corridors, production chains, supply chains, and strategic infrastructure. Vietnam hopes to work with China to accelerate projects connecting railways, expressways, and border trade infrastructure (logistics, smart border gates, etc.); boost more balanced, healthy, and sustainable trade development; and create conditions for Chinese investment in Vietnam to increasingly focus on areas of Vietnam’s priority and China’s strengths.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation should become the new focus of Vietnam-China relations. Vietnam is placing this field at the centre of its national development strategy; China is also strongly propelling high-quality development, scientific and technological self-strengthening and new productive forces. Strengthening cooperation in this area is significant for both economic development and self-reliance of each nation.

Third, it is necessary to further deepen the social foundation of relations between the two countries. Bilateral relations can only be truly sustainable when they are nurtured and fostered among the people, especially among the younger generation. Therefore, it is essential to continue promoting the outcomes of the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange 2025; to create genuine breakthroughs in tourism development and cooperation for the 2026–2027 period; to further expand youth, education, tourism, culture, media and locality-to-locality exchanges; and to make better use of the “red addresses” of the two countries’ revolutionary history in order to educate about traditions and enhance mutual understanding. I hope that an increasing number of students, young scientists and young entrepreneurs from both countries will come together through programmes of study, research, start-ups and practical exchanges, as it is they who will write the next chapter of Vietnam–China relations in the 21st century.

Fourth, alongside expanding cooperation, both sides should continue to safeguard a peaceful and stable environment, effectively manage differences and properly address outstanding issues. In relations between two neighbouring countries, the value of a sound relationship is reflected not only in areas of favourable cooperation, but also in the capacity to jointly handle differences through dialogue, restraint, mutual respect and responsibility towards the overall bilateral relationship. Vietnam wishes to work with China to persist in resolving differences by peaceful means, on the basis of high-level common perceptions, international law and the legitimate interests of each side; while at the same time strengthening coordination within multilateral mechanisms, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with strong determination and great aspirations. We are fully aware that, in order to achieve rapid and sustainable development, it is essential to maintain a peaceful environment; and that, to successfully realise the goals set for 2030 and 2045, it is necessary to maximise internal strength while expanding effective international cooperation on the basis of independence and self-reliance. Within this overall orientation, relations with China are always identified by Vietnam as a strategic priority. This stems from geographical proximity, historical ties, numerous cultural similarities, increasingly intertwined development interests, and the shared responsibility of the two countries for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

I am confident that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people will continue to successfully implement the 15th five-year socio-economic development plan and achieve further significant accomplishments in the cause of national modernisation. Vietnam consistently regards China’s stable and high-quality development as an important factor for peace, cooperation and development in the region, as well as an opportunity for neighbouring countries, including Vietnam.

I am also confident that, building on the foundation of friendship carefully nurtured by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, on the high-level common perceptions that have been established, on the determination of agencies, sectors and localities, and on the support of the people of both countries, Vietnam–China relations will certainly continue to develop in a stable, healthy and long-term sustainable manner, bringing more tangible benefits to the two Parties, States and peoples, and making increasingly positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. My visit to China this time is undertaken in that spirit, with that expectation, and with a wish to join Chinese leaders to continue opening up a new space for development and to elevate strategic connectivity between the two countries in the time ahead.

VNA-

General Secretary, State President To Lam starts State visit to China

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:15:00 GMT

The visit, taking place from April 14-17, is made at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse.

General Secretary, State President To Lam and his spouse left Hanoi on April 14 morning for a four-day State visit to China.

The visit, taking place from April 14-17, is made at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse.

The delegation comprises Politburo member, Standing member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Tran Cam Tu; Politburo member, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Organization Commission Nguyen Duy Ngoc; Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang; Politburo member, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang; Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Thanh Nghi; Politburo member, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung; Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Doan Minh Huan; Politburo member, Secretary of Hanoi Municipal Party Committee Tran Duc Thang.

This is the first state visit by General Secretary and President To Lam in his capacity as the top leader of the Party and the State. It takes place one year after the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping (from April 14–15, 2025), and also marks the third bilateral visit within a short period of less than two years between the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries. (VGP)

VGP-

Vietnam's energy sector seeks qualitative growth

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:05:00 GMT

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

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

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

Clean energy surge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unlocking transmission

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

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

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

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

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

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

VET-Huyen Vy

Singapore plans to implement VSIP III project in Bac Ninh province

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vneconomy-Phuong Nhi

New initiative promotes high-impact scientific and tech research

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The program aimed at building a new generation of highly capable, independent scientists and strengthening national technological competitiveness.

The Ministry of Science and Technology has approved a major new initiative to support top doctoral researchers, marking a shift toward direct investment in high-impact scientific research.

The “Excellent Doctoral Research Support Program for 2026–2030” (VREF) will provide up to VND1 billion (around $40,000) per year for each selected PhD candidate, for a maximum of three years. Research projects may be extended by up to two additional years if necessary, though without additional state funding.

VREF represents a significant policy shift from training support to funding outstanding research, with the goal of building a new generation of highly capable, independent scientists and strengthening national technological competitiveness.

Each year, about 100 top doctoral candidates will be selected, with priority given to those working on core technologies and strategic products.

The program sets clear performance targets: at least 60% of research outputs must be published in leading international journals, at least 20% must result in intellectual property registrations, and a minimum of 15% must be commercialized or applied in practice.

Beyond individual support, VREF aims to foster networks of young scientists and strong research groups, while encouraging joint supervision with international experts.

Funded primarily by the state, with additional contributions from businesses and organizations, the program is expected to serve as a strategic lever to enhance Vietnam’s scientific capacity and global innovation standing.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

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

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To achieve this, four key elements are essential.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

vneconomy-Phuong Hoa

Public investment disbursement reaches $4.3bln as of early April

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Hoàng Sơn

Da Nang airport terminal retains 5-star Skytrax rating

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:12:00 GMT

The airport's international terminal securing the rating for the third consecutive year.

The International Terminal 2 (T2) at Da Nang International Airport has reinforced its reputation by maintaining a five-star Skytrax rating for the third consecutive year, one of the most prestigious benchmarks in the global aviation industry.

In its annual assessment in March 2026, Skytrax confirmed that the airport’s international passenger terminal continues to meet five-star standards, highlighting both operational excellence and a strong commitment to service quality by the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT).

The recognition comes as the terminal faces its highest-ever operating pressure. In 2025, T2 handled more than 6.8 million passengers—over 70% above its original design capacity of four million annually. Despite the surge, the terminal has maintained high standards across key areas, including terminal space, waiting areas, cleanliness, passenger information systems, service amenities, and digital experience.

However, Skytrax noted that rising passenger volumes, particularly during peak hours, could affect service quality if infrastructure expansion is not carried out in a timely manner. This presents a significant challenge for AHT in balancing rapid growth with service excellence.

The three-year streak of five-star recognition underscores T2’s operational capability and provides a solid foundation for further development, strengthening Da Nang’s position as a reliable and distinctive international aviation gateway while supporting the sustainable growth of Vietnam’s aviation sector.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

PM requests to further cut unnecessary administrative procedures and business conditions

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

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

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

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

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

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

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

VnEconomy-Hà Lê