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.
China warns against trade wars as Xi calls for deeper Vietnam economic ties
Chinese President Xi Jinping has warned that “trade war and tariff war will produce no winner,” while calling for stronger China–Vietnam economic cooperation and a united stand against protectionism, in a statement posted on Vietnam’s Nhan Dan news site, amid a state visit to Hanoi by the Chinese leader. Whereas the bulk of the statement was stock standard for high level talks between the two countries, there were a few timely points made on trade, including:
Vietnam News Roundup: April 4 to April 10
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers the latest: responses to US tariffs, State Bank open market operations, GDP and CPI numbers from the first quarter of 2025, the increase in the average income, and more…
ADB maintains strong growth forecast for Vietnam but flags structural risks: Report
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its 2025 GDP growth forecast for Vietnam at 6.0 percent, citing strong manufacturing, resilient domestic consumption, and increased public investment, according to its Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2024: Vietnam. Notably the report appears to have been compiled and completed prior to the tariff announcement made last week.
Vietnam’s GDP grows 6.93 percent in Q1 2025, highest first-quarter rate since 2020
Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 6.93 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing the quarterly target of 6.5–7.0 percent, according to data from the General Statistics Office. While the result fell short of the full-year 8 percent goal, it reflects strong growth amid global uncertainties.
Vietnam’s CPI up 3.22 percent year-on-year in Q1 2025
Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) rose by 3.22 percent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to the General Statistics Office. Core inflation for the quarter came in slightly lower at 3.01 percent.
Vietnam News Roundup: March 28 to April 3
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers US tariffs, electricity efficiency, shared EV charging station technology policy, Novaland’s latest audit, and more…
Trump’s 46% tariff on Vietnam imports shocks businesses, rattles markets
President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 46 percent import tariff on goods from Vietnam, citing trade imbalances and currency manipulation. Vietnam’s current average MFN tariff rate is 9.4 percent, significantly higher than the U.S. average of 3.3 percent, according to a White House press release. The U.S. also criticised Vietnam for restricting imports of remanufactured goods.
Could Vietnam Benefit From a Bit of Polish ‘Shock Therapy’?
Vietnam wants to develop fast but this will require significant economic reforms and for those reforms to be implemented quickly. But whereas there is a tendency to look regionally for economic models to emulate, it might also be worth looking to the ex-Soviet Eastern European states, like Poland, which went from a low-income to high-income economy in only a few decades. With this in mind, this article looks at what Poland did that allowed for such a rapid change in its fortunes and whether or not Vietnam can do the same.
Vietnam News Roundup: March 21 to March 27
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers a possible reduction to MFN tariffs, Starlink satellite services pilot run approval, increased foreign ownership limits for some banks, the latest State Bank open market operations, and more…
Vietnam to roll back some environment protection obligations for small business
Vietnam is refining its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy to ease compliance for small businesses. This includes removing EPR obligations from manufacturers and importers of packaging for export, temporary import and re-export, or for research and testing purposes and companies with annual packaging sales revenue under VND 30 billion (US$78 million), VN Economy is reporting.
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.
In today’s Vietnam news: Research prosecution exemption, Fuel retailer losses, Semiconductor degree requirements, Eurocham BCI, Government bond auction Wednesday, Australia tourist visa problems, Coffee
In today’s Vietnam news: Accor-Sun Group agreement, US largest ethanol supplier, Demographic dividend to end 3 years early, Maritime economy development, ACV looking to
In today’s Vietnam news: Vietnam Airlines trading restrictions removed, Insurance payouts VSS, Car sales June, 23+ years prison term recommended counterfeit supplements, Counterfeit shoes
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