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.
Logistics: Vietnam, France firms team up on US$492 million Hai Phong port expansion
Saigon Newport Corporation (SNP), under the Ministry of National Defense, will partner with France’s CMA CGM to build berths 7 and 8 at Lach Huyen, Hai Phong, with operation targeted for 2028, Cafe F has reported. The deep-water project is valued at VND 12.79 trillion or US$492 million, including VND 1.92 trillion or US$73.8 million in equity from SNP and VND 10.87 trillion or US$418.2 million in mobilised capital.
VN-Index edges higher, foreign investors remain net sellers
The VN-Index rose 7.30 points to close at 1,339.81 on May 27, up 0.55 percent from the previous session. Market sentiment remained steady throughout the day, with trading value reaching VND 25.03 trillion or around US$963 million, reflecting moderate investor participation.
Trade & investment: US$10 billion in deals signed during Macron visit to Vietnam
Vietnam and France have signed 14 agreements covering aviation, defence, space, healthcare, transport, and energy, during the first official trip by a French president to Vietnam in nearly a decade, Reuters is reporting.
Vietnam Market Wrap: VN-Index gains 1.37 percent as foreign investors slightly net sell
The VN-Index closed higher on Monday, rising 18.05 points, or 1.37 percent, to end at 1,332.51, supported by strong gains in blue-chip stocks. Total market trading value reached VND 23.18 trillion or approximately US$891 million.
Creative industries: Vietnam horror flick gets global release after local box office success
Vietnam’s top-grossing horror film, Detective Kien: The Headless Horror, a supernatural thriller set in the Nguyen Dynasty, is set to roll out in 12 international markets this month, Deadline has reported.
Cosmetics: Vietnam imports down 2.80 percent over March, Singapore lead supplier
Vietnam’s imports of essential oils and resinoids; perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations reached US$125.31 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a slight 2.80 percent decrease compared to the import value in March, with a year-to-date import value of US$478.05 million for this category.
Publishing: Vietnam Education Publishing House posts record profit despite textbook price cuts
Vietnam Education Publishing House reported a record pre-tax profit of VND 384 billion (US$14.77 million) in 2024, up 12 percent from 2023, despite cutting textbook prices for key series, VN Express has reported.
Technology: Vietnam moves to block Telegram messaging app
Vietnam’s telecom service providers have been told to block or limit access to messaging app Telegram, the official Government Electronic Newspaper has reported. The move follows a request from the Department of Cyber Security and High-Tech Crime Prevention, part of the Ministry of Public Security, citing widespread illegal activity on Telegram, including anti-state propaganda, fraud, drug sales, and terrorism links.
Stock market: VN-Index falls as foreign investors return to slight net buying
The VN-Index fell today by 9.21 points, or 0.70 percent, to close at 1,313.84 on a trading value of VND 26.41 trillion (US$1.02 billion). Market sentiment was mixed, with selective gains in key blue-chips. Foreign trading saw a return to mild net buying. Foreign investors bought VND 2,766 billion (US$106.38 million) worth of shares and sold VND 2,651 billion (US$101.96 million), resulting in a net buy of just VND 115 billion (US$4.42 million).
Banking & finance: Vietnam State Treasury deposits at major SOEs hit 5-year high, Q1 2025
Vietnam’s State Treasury had deposited VND 379.05 trillion (US$14.58 billion) across state-owned banks BIDV, VietinBank, and Vietcombank as of end-March 2025 — more than 4 times higher than the same period last year and the highest since 2020, Dan Tri has reported.
Banking & finance: Vietnam payday lender raises US$30 million from UK’s Lendable
Vietnam payday lender, F88, has secured a US$30 million, three-year loan from UK-based Lendable. This brings its total funding for F88 to nearly US$70 million, The Investor has reported.
Aviation: Vietnam Airlines pushes for removal of airfare caps & slot priority
Vietnam Airlines has formally proposed removing the domestic airfare ceiling and granting it priority access to airport slots, Vietnam News has reported. The suggestions were submitted as part of feedback on the draft revision of Vietnam’s Law on Civil Aviation.
Vietnam Market Wrap: VN-Index edges higher, foreign net-buying hits US$18.42 million
Vietnam’s stock market inched higher on Wednesday, with the VN-Index gaining 7.90 points to close at 1,323.05, a 0.60 percent increase. Total trading value on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) reached VND 25.24 trillion, or approximately US$970.77 million, reflecting resilient domestic sentiment.
Vietnam Market Wrap: Foreign outflows weigh, but VN-Index holds firm with 1.45% gain
Vietnam’s stock market shrugged off foreign investor selling on Tuesday, with the VN-Index climbing 18.86 points to close at 1,315.15, marking a solid 1.45 percent advance. Total trading value on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) topped VND 22.93 trillion, underscoring continued domestic buying strength.
Real estate: Vietnam’s Novaland plans debt for shares conversion
Novaland plans to issue additional shares to convert debts owed to major shareholders into equity. This follows years of shareholder-backed debt repayments, particularly by NovaGroup and Diamond Properties, The Investor has reported.
Insurance: Vietnam insurer fined for delays and underpayment amid rebranding push
VNI Insurance, now rebranded as DBV Insurance, has been fined VND 260 million (US$10,000) by the Ministry of Finance for multiple violations—including delayed compensation payments, inadequate reserve setting, and inaccurate reporting, Tuoi Tre has reported.
Real estate: Trump Organization eyes Vietnam skyscraper, amid tariff talks
The Trump Organization, in partnership with Kinhbac City, is exploring a skyscraper project in central Ho Chi Minh City, with Eric Trump expected to survey the site and meet city officials this week, Reuters has reported.
Retail: Vietnam social commerce market to hit US$5 billion in 2025, report
Vietnam’s social commerce market is projected to grow 25.4 percent in 2025, reaching US$5.00 billion, up from US$3.99 billion in 2024. Long-term, the sector is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 15.3 percent through 2030, hitting US$10.21 billion, according to a report from Research and Markets.
Vietnam Trade Barriers 2025: USTR Trade Estimates Report Key Findings
The United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report highlights persistent trade barriers and market access concerns in Vietnam. It has also been cited as a basis for the “reciprocal” tariffs announced by the Trump administration at the start of April and therefore warrants a deeper look. This article breaks down the key details.
Food & beverage: Russian Pizza chain to exit Ho Chi Minh City
Russia’s Dodo Pizza will close all of its Ho Chi Minh City outlets from May 26, due to “many objective factors and new strategic directions”, Tuoi Tre has reported.
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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