Vietnam news in English for foreign firms doing business in Vietnam

This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers the latest State Bank open market operations, car sales data, nuclear power targets, foreign trading activity on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, and more…

Building An International Financial Centre in Vietnam: Unpacked

Mark Barnes January 14, 2025

At the end of December, the Government of Vietnam passed Resolution No 259/NQ-CP approving a plan to create regional and international financial centres in Danang and Ho Chi Minh City. Whereas the plan puts the emphasis on location this article looks at the regulatory issues holding this project back.

Vietnam’s transport and warehouse sector sees FDI decline in December

the-shiv January 17, 2025

In 2024, the sector attracted a total of 115 new projects with US$487.79 million in newly registered capital.

Vietnam’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production estimated to reach 764,200 tons in 2024

the-shiv January 17, 2025

In November 2024, the country produced 70,600 tons of LPG, which shows a solid output despite a slight decline in December.

Vietnam’s concrete and cement products sector grows month-on-month despite challenges

the-shiv January 17, 2025

Year-on-year, the sector saw a significant decline of 24.6 percent in December 2024 compared to December 2023. However, cumulative production for the full year of 2024 grew by 2.3 percent compared to 2023, highlighting steady annual growth despite notable challenges.

China sees jump in foreign direct investment in Vietnam in December

the-shiv January 17, 2025

In 2024, Chinese firms invested in 955 new projects with US$4.73 billion in newly registered capital…

Vietnam’s food processing and manufacturing sees consistent growth

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Year-on-year, the industry grew by 10.0 percent in December compared to the same month in 2023. For the full year of 2024, cumulative growth stood at 7.4 percent compared to 2023, highlighting steady progress in this vital sector.

France sees decline in foreign direct investment in Vietnam in December

the-shiv January 16, 2025

In 2024, French firms invested in 29 new projects with US$52.52 million in newly registered capital…

Vietnam’s footwear exports fall 2.11 percent in December

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Vietnam’s footwear exports total US$22.87 billion for 2024, reflecting strong demand despite the month-on-month decline.

Vietnam’s toys and sports requisites exports rise by 2.66 percent in December

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Vietnam’s toys and sports requisites exports total US$3.76 billion for 2024, demonstrating strong global demand despite minor fluctuations.

Vietnam’s VN-Index up 6.18 points, foreign traders net sell US$122.4 million in stocks Thursday

the-shiv January 16, 2025

The Vietnam Stock Market Tracker provides a daily update of the latest developments in the stock market in Vietnam. This includes all of Vietnam’s most important indexes as well as the buying and selling activity of foreign traders, and the biggest gainers and losers for the day.

Vietnam C.Bank central exchange rate falls back slightly Thursday

the-shiv January 16, 2025

This Vietnamese Dong Tracker records the latest news and developments with respect to the local currency. It includes the current prices as well as State Bank of Vietnam monetary policy and open market operations including treasury bill issuances and interbank lending.

Vietnam’s LPG imports decline by 24.83 percent in December

the-shiv January 16, 2025

The “Other” category remained stable, with imports rising slightly by 0.24 percent to US$56.16 million. China recorded a significant increase, with imports rising 22.71 percent to US$19.98 million. Malaysia also posted strong growth, with imports increasing by 53.33 percent to US$14.60 million.

PM sets 5-year time frame on nuclear power plant construction in Vietnam

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Of note, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency it can take as little as five years, but also as many as 12, to build a nuclear power plant from when the first cement is poured. That said, there can also be a few years of planning that goes into the process before that.

Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland added to Vietnam 45 day visa exemption

the-shiv January 16, 2025

From the first of March this year, travellers from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland will be able to enter Vietnam for 45 days visa free. This adds to a slowly growing list of foreign firms allowed visa free entry to the country.

Vietnam’s plastic imports surge to US$1.12 billion in December 2024

the-shiv January 16, 2025

China remained the top supplier, exporting US$331.75 million in December, up 6.68 percent month-on-month. South Korea followed with US$191.84 million, a 7.59 percent rise, while Taiwan recorded a slight decline of 1.27 percent, with imports totalling US$111.41 million.

Changes to Vietnam’s key stock market index criteria set for change from March

the-shiv January 16, 2025

The Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange has announced in a Facebook post that it will revamp the VN-30 Index. The changes are detailed in Decision 747/QD-SGDHCM and will take effect from March…

Vietnam’s motorcycle manufacturing posts strong growth in December 2024

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Year-on-year, the sector achieved a growth of 26.7 percent in December 2024 compared to December 2023. For the full year of 2024, cumulative growth stood at 4.7 percent compared to 2023, reflecting moderate progress for the year with significant gains toward the year-end.

Vietnam education prices fall in December 2024

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Despite this end-of-year dip, education costs rose significantly by 5.37 percent for the whole year compared to 2023, reflecting adjustments in tuition fees, school supplies, and education-related services.

Swiss tourist arrivals to Vietnam decline by 17.01 percent in December despite strong annual growth

the-shiv January 16, 2025

Many Swiss tourists prefer immersive travel experiences, such as eco-tourism and trekking, along with culinary tours to discover Vietnam’s diverse and fresh cuisine. Longer stays are typical for Swiss visitors, as they often combine multiple regions within one trip to experience Vietnam’s varied landscapes and culture.