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.
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.
Tourism: Industry voices call for hands-on reform to fix Vietnam’s workforce gap
Vietnam’s tourism workforce suffers not only from a shortage in numbers but also from weak quality and limited real-world exposure, Professor Dao Manh Hung (VITEA) has warned in an article published by VietnamNet.
Education: Vietnam parents blindsided as HCMC English centre shuts after collecting US$250,000
Over VND 6.58 billion or US$253,840 in tuition was collected before the sudden closure of Australia International English School (AIES), in Ho Chi Minh City, VN Express has reported. More than 200 parents across Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Dong Nai were affected.
Vietnam Retail Sales Tracker: April Update [data set]
This retail sales in Vietnam tracker from the-shiv collects and organises key retail sales data from Vietnam. It is updated monthly as new information becomes available.
Vietnam Residential Real Estate 2025: Prices, Trends & Key Players
Vietnam’s residential real estate market is shaped by urbanisation, economic growth, and rising demand for diverse housing options. Major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi dominate the sector, with developments ranging from affordable apartments to luxury villas. That said, there are challenges in the sector such as affordability issues and rising land prices. Regardless, the residential market remains a vital component of Vietnam’s real estate landscape.
Digital assets: Vietnam proposes heavy fines for unlicensed crypto activities
Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has released a draft amendment introducing administrative sanctions for violations in the crypto asset sector, including fines for both investors and service providers, Tuoi Tre has reported.
Gaming: Vietnam gaming market forecast to reach US$2.5 billion by 2033
Vietnam’s gaming market reached US$1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$2.5 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.5 percent, according to a report from IMARC Group.
Tourism & hospitality: Hilton to have 14 hotels across Vietnam by end-2025
Hilton will debut its Tru by Hilton brand in Asia Pacific with 14 hotels in Vietnam by late 2025, in partnership with ROX Group (formerly TNG Holdings Vietnam), the company has said in a press release. The first four hotels will open in Hanoi, Ha Long, Lang Son, and Nam Dinh, with future sites planned in Da Nang, Can Tho, Thai Binh, Bac Giang, Hoa Binh, Lao Cai, Dak Lak, Hau Giang, Tam Ky, and Viet Tri.
In today’s Vietnam news: Facebook account theft ring shut down, Minimum wage to rise from Jan 1, Nuclear power project reorganisation proposed, No jail
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
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