Services & Trade
This category includes the service sector, retail, logistics, finance, e-commerce, and tourism, alongside trade policy and investment trends. It covers import/export dynamics, banking regulations, stock market movements, and infrastructure development. With increasing integration into regional and global trade, this section provides insights into consumer behavior, foreign investment, and evolving service industries.
Phone accessories: Vietnam output up 2.1 percent in first eight months of 2025
Vietnam’s phone accessories production in August 2025 was estimated at VND 53.9 trillion, up from VND 45.2 trillion in July. According to the latest data from Vietnam’s National Statistics Office, August output increased 7.3 percent year-on-year.
Vietnam pharmaceutical imports fall 15.7 percent in August, despite increase from France, USA
Vietnam imported US$308.56 million of pharmaceutical products in August, falling 15.7 percent from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$2.80 billion.
English News in Malaysia 2025: Top Sources, Censorship, and Alternatives
English-language news in Malaysia operates within a tightly regulated media environment where government licensing and ownership influence editorial direction. This article explores key English news outlets in Malaysia as well as independent news outlets, censorship, and more.
Currency: Vietnam central exchange rate reduced, Tuesday
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) set the central exchange rate at VND 25,208 per US dollar on 16 September, down 8 dong from the previous session.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index slips but foreign traders net-buy US$1.23 million, Tuesday
Vietnam’s VN-Index closed at 1,680.90 on 16 September, down 4 points or 0.24 percent, with trading value reaching VND 41.29 trillion or US$1.59 billion, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Automotive: Vietnam motor vehicle imports down 15.3 percent in August, China and Thailand top suppliers
Vietnam imported US$363.35 million of motor vehicles in August, a 15.3 percent decline from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$3.02 billion.
Banking & finance: Vietnam C.Bank increases bank buffer requirements
Vietnamese banks are now required to maintain a minimum capital adequacy ratio of 8 percent under Circular 14/2025/TT-NHNN, which took effect on September 15, Vietnam News has reported.
English News in Thailand 2025: Top Sources, Censorship, and Alternatives
English-language news in Thailand plays an important role in connecting the country with the global community. This article explores key mainstream news sites, independent news sites, censorship, and more.
Seafood: Vietnam seafood exporters seek government support after US import ruling
Vietnam’s seafood exporters’ association (VASEP) has asked ministries for support following a US decision that 12 of Vietnam’s fishing practices do not meet Marine Mammal Protection Act standards, which will restrict certain imports from 1 January 2026, Dan Tri has reported.
Food processing: Vietnam cashew nut imports dominated by Cambodia, Ivory Coast in August
Vietnam imported US$394.49 million of cashew nuts in August, down 9.68 percent from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports stood at US$3.32 billion.
Energy: Singapore, South Korea top sources of Vietnam petroleum products in August
Vietnam imported US$557.59 million of petroleum products in August, a sharp 26.45 percent decline from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports reached US$4.69 billion.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam textile material imports down 1.22 percent in August
Vietnam imported US$580.74 million of textile, leather and footwear materials in August, down 1.22 percent from July, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Year-to-date imports stood at US$4.74 billion.
Malaysia Trade in 2025: Exports, Imports & FTAs
Malaysia’s trade plays a central role in shaping its economic structure and development path. This article explores Malaysia’s imports and exports, key trade bodies, free trade agreements, and more.
Technology: Vietnam’s national credit registry hacked, exposing data of most citizens
Vietnam’s National Credit Information Center (CIC), the government agency that manages the country’s credit database, was hacked earlier this week, as reported by DataBreaches.net September 8 and confirmed by the Government Electronic Newspaper on September 11.
Securities: New Decree limits changes to foreign ownership limits in Vietnam
Vietnam has issued Decree 245/2025/ND-CP, effective 11 September 2025, to amend its securities regulations, including stricter bond issuance rules, faster IPO listings, and clearer rights for foreign shareholders, the Government Electronic Newspaper has reported.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index extends gains, foreigners net sell US$45 million
The VN-Index closed at 1,667.26 on September 12, up 9.51 points or 0.57 percent, with total trading value reaching VND 34.17 trillion (US$1.31 billion), according to the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange.
Thailand Trade 2025: Exports, Imports & FTAs
Thailand occupies a central position in Southeast Asia’s trade landscape, acting as a bridge between fast-growing regional economies and global markets. This article explores Thai trade including its free trade agreements, main imports and exports, and key trade data.
Digital assets: Vietnam launches five-year pilot to regulate crypto assets
Vietnam has just put in place its first structured rules for crypto, with a five-year pilot programme now underway. Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP, signed on 9 September by Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, sets the framework for how issuance, trading, custody and service provision will be handled, The Government Newspaper has reported
Currency: Vietnam central dong rate—black market spread narrows to 6.66 percent, Thursday
The State Bank of Vietnam kept its central exchange rate unchanged at VND 25,221 per US dollar, while the Google Finance mid-market rate edged to 26,402.50.
Stock market: Vietnam’s VN-Index gains 14.49 points but foreign traders net-sell US$42 million
Vietnam’s stock market maintained upward momentum as the VN-Index gained 14.49 points, or 0.88 percent, to finish at 1,657.75 on 11 September 2025, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
In today’s Vietnam news: MB Bank expanding lending to Novaland, MB Bank Sungroup lending, Bond reform proposed, Net-zero financing needs, Fuel price changes, Black
In today’s Vietnam news: Foxconn expansion, No GMT for BOT projects proposed, Land prices falling, Cassava chip export restrictions proposed, Diamond trade as conditional
In today’s Vietnam news: VAT cut extension proposal, FDI recorded Jan – July, Bamboo Airways adds flights, Carbon market stalls, HCMC data centre capacity,
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