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 Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi flight route among busiest in the world
The local airline industry has faced a number of challenges, particularly recovering from pandemic border closures which grounded most of their aircraft. Foreign investment and expertise could be one possible solution, however, investment in airlines in Vietnam is capped at 34 percent which can make influencing key decisions challenging…
Extension proposed for casino pilot program allowing Vietnamese bettors
In general, gambling is illegal for Vietnamese in Vietnam with casinos only open to foreigners. That said, during the COVID-19 pandemic these rules were relaxed at the Corona Casino in Phu Quoc. Local residents were permitted to gamble at the establishment as part of a pilot program that was to run for three years, however, is now likely to be extended to the end of 2024.
Vietnam MPS on hunt for burned APAX investors re: fraud case against group’s leader
Trading in APAX Holdings, which was listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange, was suspended late last year and the stock was subsequently delisted for disclosure violations. Specifically, it had failed to provide sufficient financial reports. This comes after years of reports that the firm had failed to pay local and foreign staff for months at a time, with reports there may be some amounts that have now been outstanding for years. That said, the linked article does not make mention of wage theft or amounts owed to other creditors.
New Dong Nai seaport in Southern Vietnam set to be operational next month
The first phase of Phuoc An seaport, the largest seaport in Dong Nai Province, is scheduled to start operating in September 2024, according to Dantri. The project has cost an estimated US$833.33 million and has taken almost 15 years to complete. Approved for construction in 2009, the project was almost
Airlines in Vietnam down to just 160 aircraft operational
With flight demand outstripping supply and the reputations of Vietnam’s airlines among lessors low, there are a myriad of ways Vietnamese airlines could benefit from an injection of foreign capital and expertise. Foreign firms, however, should make sure they have a full grasp on how the industry is tracking before embarking on any major decisions.
Increase in Vietnam Value-Added Tax-exemption threshold under debate
The outcome of this debate is unlikely to have any direct impact on foreign invested enterprises in Vietnam, it is, however, worth bearing in mind when considering in small business investments in Vietnam.
Vietnam EV maker VinFast delays Thailand dealership launch
Of note, VinFast’s expansion outside of Vietnam has been rife with big announcements that have failed to materialise. Most recently, a factory in North Carolina announced back in 2022 was put on ice this year after the company failed to meet sales targets in the North American market. This fits with a largely rocky market entry in the US, at least partly due to the vastly different auto-market dynamics in Vietnam versus in the United States.
Vietnam Mercedes-Benz factory could close altogether on licence extension delays
This challenge looks to stem from regulations that require the Ho Chi Minh City government to reclaim the land at the end of the lease and reassess its use case. Reportedly there is no way around this with the Ho Chi Minh City government asking the national government for assistance. What is perhaps most concerning, however, is that it has been suggested that if the factory were to close it is unlikely to reopen with Mercedes-Benz to be imported instead.
Emu eggs selling in Vietnam for up to US$40 a piece
Alongside rising middle class incomes, the demand for luxury goods and exotic foods in Vietnam is also growing. Of note, New Viet Dairy, an importer and distributor of speciality dairy and deli products, was sold to Japan’s Sojitz Corporation last year. The value of the deal was not announced, however, New Viet Dairy recorded revenue in 2022 of US$320 million…
Doing Business in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam 2024
Thai Nguyen, a province strategically located in northeastern Vietnam, offers a favourable environment for foreign investors. With its well-developed infrastructure, competitive labour costs, and supportive government policies, the province presents a compelling investment opportunity.
Doing Business in Quang Ninh, Vietnam 2024
Quang Ninh, a coastal province in northeastern Vietnam, has emerged as a strategic location for businesses seeking to tap into the country’s growing economy. With its prime geographical position, well-developed infrastructure, and abundant natural resources, the province offers a favourable environment for investors from various sectors.
Doing Business in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Vietnam 2024
Ba Ria-Vung Tau, a coastal province in southern Vietnam, has emerged as a strategic location for businesses seeking to tap into the country’s burgeoning economy. With its prime geographical position and well-developed infrastructure, this province offers a favourable environment for investors from various sectors.
Vietnam News Roundup: August 16 to August 22
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers foreign trader stock market activity, car registration fee cuts, the latest manufacturing announcements, a number of new antidumping investigations, the latest iPOS food and beverage report, and a whole lot more.
Vietnam F&B outlets down 3.9 percent in six months to June: iPOS
The report suggest this was in large part the result of a spike in small food outlets opening and then closing within three months. It also notes that the market may have been over saturated with the number of new food outlets opening post-COVID outpacing revenue growth in the industry.
Slew of new US trade remedies cases announced against Vietnam exports
This comes amid an increasing number of Chinese firms relocating at least part of their production south of the border in order to circumvent antidumping and countervailing duties in other parts of the world. That’s not to say, Vietnam is not-subsidising its own industries, with the US DOC finding earlier this year that government intervention in the market is beyond what is acceptable for it to be considered a market economy.
Once leading Vietnam garment maker on last legs as lack of orders bites
Of note, it is not unusual for Vietnamese firms to hold out for as long as possible, grasping at straws to stay afloat under the belief that the ship will right itself if they can hold out just a little longer. Furthermore, it is not unusual for them to be allowed to do so, with a firm not considered insolvent until its debts are over 90 days past due, but even then they can often continue to trade for quite a while longer.
Vietnam public school system short 113,491 teachers
Of note, the lowest paid teachers across preschool, primary school, and high school, receive just VND 4.9 million or US$196.59 with the highest paid teachers only VND 15.9 million or US$637.91. For contrast, manufacturing and construction workers receive an average wage of VND 8.3 million or US$333 per month with wages over the last twelve months growing at about 5 percent.
New Estée Lauder cosmetics store headed for Vietnam’s Noi Bai airport
This is inline with strong growth in Vietnam’s cosmetics market which is projected to generate a revenue of US$546.2 million this year on an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.20 percent up to 2028, according to data collated by Statista. A good portion of these sales look to be imports too with approximately US$800 million worth of essential oils, perfumes, and cosmetics imported into Vietnam in the first seven months of this year.
What’s Going On with Vietnam’s Car Market in 2024?
Last week, it was announced that Vietnam would once again cut registration fees for locally assembled cars. This is on the back of slower sales of Vietnam-made vehicles which is the result of a much broader rejig of Vietnam’s car market. This article looks at how Vietnam’s car market is changing, what’s making it change, and what might come next.
Low electricity prices in Vietnam see industry eschew electricity conservation: EVN exec
Of note, retail electricity prices in Vietnam are regulated and price rises are not all that common and this has led to power often being sold at below cost price. This has then had a carry over effect in that investment by the state power provider into more power generation and grid infrastructure has been insufficient resulting in power shortages that were estimated to have cost Vietnam’s economy US$1.4 billion last year.
In today’s Vietnam news: Crypto transfers to VN not necessary, Novaland bond changes, Perspectives on garment industry, Working hours cut proposed, Adding political component
In today’s Vietnam news: Fuel prices cut, Double-digit growth target reinforced, New airport services delay approval requested, TikTok VN investment, Bybit in Vietnam, LG
In today’s Vietnam news: VN renews antidumping tariffs on Thai sugar, Power supply challenges continue, USTR tariffs forced labour, AMRO growth forecast downgrade, Foreign
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