Knowledge & Innovation
This category covers advancements in technology, education, and research, including startups, AI, fintech, and digital transformation. It highlights government policies on innovation, investment in R&D, and digital economy trends. As economies transition to knowledge-based industries, this section explores emerging technologies, automation, AI, and blockchain, showcasing how businesses and policymakers adapt to rapid innovation.
Vietnam’s Private Sector Development Push: Unpacked
Last week, Vietnam’s relatively new General Secretary, To Lam, announced that he wanted to see Vietnam’s private sector expand to 70 percent of GDP by 2030. This is not a new concept but it has historically been somewhat of a struggle to realise. With this in mind, this article looks at Vietnam’s private sector development, why it has failed to break out, and what might be different this time around.
Vietnam Internet Regulations 2025: Data Privacy, Localisation & More
At the heart of Vietnam’s internet services regulations is Decree No. 72/2013/ND-CP on the Management, Provision, and Use of Internet Services and Online Information. This was issued by the Government of Vietnam on July 15, 2013, and took effect on September 1, 2013. This decree sets forth the legal framework for the management and use of internet services, online information, and related activities in Vietnam…
Vietnam private sector uses HUBA workshop to call for equal treatment
Private business leaders voiced frustration over long standing inequalities in state policy, especially compared to state-owned enterprises, at a workshop hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association (HUBA), Friday. The leaders highlighted a need for institutional reform, transparency, and better access to land, finance, and international markets, VNExpress is reporting.
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…
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.
Post and telecommunications costs in Vietnam fall in February: CPI data
Post and telecommunications costs in Vietnam decreased by 0.03 percent in February, with smart mobile phone and tablet accessories down by 0.75 percent, regular mobile phones falling by 0.12 percent, and landline telephones decreasing by 0.04 percent, according to Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index.
Priority Customs Treatment in Vietnam for Foreign Firms
Earlier this month, the Dong Nai Department of Customs issued a decision suspending priority customs treatment for Panasonic. The decision does not specify exactly what the well known Japanese brand failed to do, only citing Article 45 of the Customs Law. The company has been suspended for 60 days from accessing priority customs treatment.
Vietnam looking at launching government-owned crypto exchange
Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Finance has announced the Ministry will facilitate the development of a pilot cryptocurrency trading program. The details are expected to be revealed later this month.
Communication equipment manufacturing in Vietnam sees January decline
Vietnam’s communication equipment manufacturing industry increased by 75.7 percent in January compared to the 2019 baseline, according to Vietnam’s Industrial Production Index. However, this was lower than December 2024, when output stood at 96.6 percent above 2019 levels.
Vietnam Public Holidays 2026: Dates, Entitlements, and Key Facts
Vietnam has 11 public holidays a year that foreign firms should be aware of. This article covers the days and dates of these official holidays in 2026.
Information and communication sector in Vietnam records negative US$83.87 million in January FDI
In January, Vietnam’s information and communication sector recorded a total foreign direct investment (FDI) of negative US$83.87 million across ten new projects, according to data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. This represents a decline of US$117.1 million compared to December, which saw US$33.3 million in registered capital across 18 new projects.
Post and telecommunications costs in Vietnam decline in January
Post and telecommunications costs in Vietnam decreased by 0.12 percent in January, reflecting lower prices for mobile devices, according to the Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index.
Science and technology in Vietnam records US$98.82 million in January FDI
In January, Vietnam’s professional, scientific, and technological activities sector registered a total of US$98.82 million in new foreign direct investment (FDI), according to data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment. This represents a decrease of US$151.1 million compared to December, which saw US$249.9 million invested.
Vietnam’s information and communication sector see December FDI drop
In 2024, the sector attracted a total of 235 new projects with US$281.68 million in newly registered capital…
Vietnam’s professional, scientific, and technological activities FDI jumps in December
In 2024, the sector attracted a total of 364 new projects with US$1.27 billion in newly registered capital.
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What to Watch Now Google Has An Office in Vietnam
Last week, Google announced it had opened an office in HCMC. This has been a long time coming and this makes Google one of the first big tech firms to do so. That said, the operating environment Google is entering is complicated and with this in mind, this article unpacks a few of the challenges Google might face.
Vietnam post and telecommunication prices continue to decline in November
The sector has shown consistent declines throughout 2024, with September at -0.42 percent and August at -0.74 percent. Mid-year figures were even lower, with July and June reporting declines of -1.06 percent and -1.18 percent, respectively.
NVIDIA announces intentions to buy Vietnam’s VinBrain
Whereas this has been heralded as a coup for Vietnam’s tech sector–VietnamBiz has gone so far as to suggest this supports the thesis that Vietnam is is becoming a ‘promised land’ for global tech firms– it’s difficult to know exactly what this might mean on a practical level at this point in time.
Vietnam sees continued growth in information and communication FDI in November
Year-to-date (YTD), the sector has attracted a total of 217 new projects and US$248 million in newly registered capital, highlighting consistent growth in this area…
In today’s Vietnam news: GS TL on AI, Saigon Economic Times last issue, Fuel prices cut, Vinhomes issuing more bonds, Counterfeit Korean cosmetics store,
In today’s Vietnam news: Power supply imports, Hanoi boulevard project protests, Antidumping duties coming for boxes, Maersk container terminal project Hanoi, Vinpearl foreign investment,
In today’s Vietnam news: Credit limits removed for some major projects, Estonian web security company market entry, Vingroup’s Vuong becomes major shareholder LP Bank,
This is an interview with Chris Walker, a Vietnam Sourcing Expert with Vietnam Factory Tours how rising oil prices and the Middle East crisis are
This is an interview with John Gardner, CEO and Founding Partner, at Optimum Hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City. It covers fuel price impacts on:
This is an interview with Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, Associate Professor, International Tourism & Hospitality Management at Copenhagen Business College, formerly of RMIT Vietnam. It