A different perspective on Vietnam’s economy and doing business in Vietnam. Make sure to  subscribe.

Vietnam News Roundup: March 14 to March 20

This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers the latest ADB investment in Vietnam’s private education sector, developments with respect to the Trump golf course slated for Hung Yen, the closure of RFA and VOA and the impact on Vietnam, the latest State Bank open market operations, and more…

Read More »

Can South Korea’s Chaebol Development Model Work for Vietnam?

The South Korean chaebols are constantly referenced as a model to be emulated in Vietnam. However, whereas at first glance South Korea’s economic development on the back of its chaebols looks to be a success story, that doesn’t really tell the whole story. With this in mind, this article looks at how the chaebols system worked and didn’t work and whether this is a model Vietnam should be looking to follow.

Read More »

Vietnam to raise foreign ownership cap to 49% at some banks

Foreign investors will be allowed to own up to 49 percent of the charter capital in Vietnamese commercial banks involved in mandatory transfers, starting from May 19, 2025, under Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP recently issued by the government. The change applies to banks like MB, HDBank, and VPBank, which are participating in state-mandated acquisition and restructuring of weaker banks, VietnamBiz has reported.

Read More »

Vietnam’s Economics Needs Tests for Foreign Retailers in 2025

In Vietnam, the Economic Needs Test applies to foreign-invested enterprises wishing to open retail outlets beyond their first store. The ENT process is designed to assess whether the opening of additional retail stores would meet the local economic demand. This can take time and effort, however, it is a necessary part of doing business in Vietnam for foreign retailers.

Read More »

Vietnam’s Law on Education for Foreign Firms: Overview 2025

Vietnam’s Law on Education recognizes the growing importance of private and international educational institutions in enhancing the country’s educational offerings. This is in response to increasing demand for diverse educational options, driven by economic growth, a rising middle class, and international integration. The government regulates these institutions to ensure they meet quality standards while also encouraging their growth as part of a multi-tiered education system.

Read More »

Vietnam’s F&B industry revenue jumps 16.6 percent in 2024: Report

Vietnam’s food and beverage (F&B) industry revenue reached VND 688.8 trillion or US$27.55 billion in 2024, marking a 16.6 percent increase from 2023. However, growth was uneven throughout the year, with a noticeable difference between the first and last six months, according to the iPOS F&B Industry Report 2024.

Read More »

Vietnam’s automotive market to grow 4.1 percent a year through 2030: PWC report

Vietnam’s automotive industry is expected to see steady growth, with vehicle sales projected to increase at a 4.1 percent annual rate through 2030. Strong economic expansion, rising consumer demand, and government incentives are driving growth, though infrastructure gaps and financial constraints remain challenges, according to PWC’s ASEAN-6 Automotive Market Snapshot (Feb 2025).

Read More »

ADB to invest US$150 million in Vietnam’s private education sector

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its first private sector investment in Vietnam’s education sector, leading a US$150 million sustainability-linked loan to Vinschool. The loan will reportedly support new facilities for 20,400 students in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hung Yen, The Asset is reporting.

Read More »