Manufacturing & Industry
This category focuses on industrial production, from electronics and textiles to automotive and heavy industry. It covers FDI trends, supply chain developments, factory expansions, and government regulations shaping the industrial landscape. As a key driver of economic growth, manufacturing plays a crucial role in global supply chains, technological advancements, and industrial competitiveness.
Vietnam’s low labor costs, economic resilience most important for foreign firms?
VN Express is carrying the outcomes of a HSBC survey that found low labor costs and economic resilience the two main reasons businesses considered Vietanm in their expansion plans. There is, however, no mention of tax incentives in either the article or HSBC’s original press release. Note: Tax incentives can
Power shortages in northern Vietnam next dry season likely
Northern Vietnam’s power supply next dry season may fall short by up to 10 percent in a worst case scenario according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and reported by The Saigon Times. The publication goes on to dub the power supply a ‘significant challenge’ though this may be
What the ECB’s interest rate rise might mean for Vietnam
VN Express is reporting on the European Central Bank’s interest rate rise and what it means for the EU. There are, however, a couple of key points missing with respect to what it might mean for Vietnam. Firstly rising interest rates in the EU is likely to impact demand for
Savings interest rates are headed toward record lows
Savings rates at Vietcombank and Agribank have been reduced to 5.5 percent, which is the same as the record-low they hit during COVID-19, according to VN Express. Why it matters: The banking sector has been on a wild ride over the last year as the pulleys and levers designed to
Some renewable energy firms are struggling to make money in Vietnam
High-interest payments on corporate bonds issued to fund a number of renewable energy projects in Vietnam are making it difficult for a number of renewable energy generators to turn a profit, Vietnam News is reporting. Up until the last year or so bonds were a popular way to raise capital
Japanese expert leaves BOD of Bamboo Airways
Japan’s Oshima Hideki, formerly the Deputy General Director of Japan Airlines took on the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors at Vietnam’s Bamboo Airways in June. He has since resigned, and is now likely to be removed from the BOD tomorrow, according to VN Express. Why it matters:
ManPower Group exec on Vietnam’s HR landscape
The Investor is carrying an interview with Simon Matthews, regional manager of workforce solutions company ManpowerGroup Vietnam (MPGV), Thailand, and the Middle East. He says: Vietnam needs to improve its English language proficiency; That 30 percent (120) of the 400 roles MPGV filed in the first six months of this
Vietnam pushes US to remove non-market economy designation
During the US President’s visit to Hanoi, the Chairman of the National Assembly, Vuong Dinh Hue, requested the US revisit its designation of Vietnam as a non-market economy, VN Economy is reporting. For context: When assessing anti-dumping disputes with non-market economies, the US Commerce Department, per WTO rules, often uses
Why booming Vietnamese rice exports matter to foreign firms
Vietnam’s rice exports from January to August of this year were 20 percent higher than they were over the same period in 2022, according to The Investor. Why it matters: Whereas foreign investment in rice production is relatively small, rice prices are a key contributor to Vietnam’s consumer price index
Vietnam 5th cheapest country to charge an EV but…
Vietnam is the fifth cheapest place to charge an EV according to Compare the Market as reported in Doanh Nhan Saigon. However, this flex should come with one big caveat–Electricity prices are regulated by the government in Vietnam which has led to supply issues per this analysis from the-shiv. Ergo,
Vietnam competitive electricity market a ‘dream’ on retail price controls
VN Express is carrying this analysis of Vietnam’s electricity sector focused on the development of a competitive electricity market. It has a quote from Bui Xuan Hoi, principal of the Northern Electricity College, who says a competitive electricity market is nothing more than a ‘dream’ in the context of government
Semiconductor supply chain challenges for VN re: decoupling from China
Vietnam’s overreliance on imports from China in its supply chains may hinder its ambition to become a pivotal part of global semiconductor supply chains, according to Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington who specialises in Southeast Asian politics and security issues, quoted in this article
Vietjet also buys a bunch of Boeing aircraft
It was reported yesterday that Vietnam Airlines had signed a US$10 billion to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft, The Investor is also reporting today that Vietjet also signed a deal with Boeing for 200 aircraft worth over US$25 billion over five years. A total of US$550 million for the purchase will
Vietnamese dong exchange rate quietly creeping up
The State Bank of Vietnam’s has set the exchange rate of the Vietnamese dong at 24,005 to the US dollar, which is an all-time high according to The Investor. Note that this rate is a peg and local traders are only permitted to trade VND in a band five percent
FDI enterprises in Vietnam average monthly salary based on compulsory social insurance US$258
Doanh Nhan Saigon is covering late payments of compulsory social insurance in Vietnam. Of note, however, is a finding that the average salary of a worker in a foreign organisation or foreign invested enterprise is VND 6.23 million per month (US$258). This represents an increase of 1.48 percent over 2021.
What Vientamese workers want in 2023: Decision Lab, The Sentry
Co-working space, The Sentry, and market research firm, Decision Lab, have released a report on what Vietnamese employees are looking for in their employers. For Gen X its learning opportunities for Gen Y is money which fits with broader observations of younger people have greater flexibility and older people have
Context: FDI vs. Domestic in 500 most profitable enterprises report, 2023
FDI firms are leading domestic firms in VIentam on return on assets by 2.5 percentage points and return on equity by 4.9 percent, according to the PROFIT500 rankings released earlier this week. Whereas these differences are marginal, it’s worth noting that the key local companies making the top of the
US sees Vietnam at bottom end of semiconductor supply chain?
The US will support Vietnam to attract investment in semiconductor production and developing technical skills necessary to participate in semiconductor production, according to a US Department of State press release. Of note in the state departments release is a reference to ‘building on Vietnam’s existing strengths in assembly, testing, and
Intellectual property, skilled human resources key challenges to US investment in Vietnam
Despite US FDI into Vietnam topping US$11.4 billion there is still room for more investment with key obstacles yet to be resolved, Tuoi Tre is reporting. The article specifically mentions human resources and intellectual property protections as being inadequate–see comments below. Mai Nguyen, president of the Association of Foreign Investment
Vietnamese English education app gets US$20 million from Singapore investment firm
UOB Venture Management has invested US$20 million in ELSA, an English education app, made in Vietnam, Deal Street Asia is reporting. The apps primary focus is improving English pronunciation through what it claims is AI. Why it matters: There is a huge appetite for learning foreign languages in Vietnam, particularly
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