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.
Transport & infrastructure: Vietnam’s logistics sector March FDI tops US$156 million
The warehouse and transportation sector received US$156.66 million in foreign direct investment in March, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Of this, 11 new projects were licensed with a combined value of US$21 million.
Tourism and hospitality: Vietnam tourist arrivals from the Americas down 10 percent in March
Vietnam welcomed 104,874 tourists from the Americas in March 2025, down 10.3 percent from February, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Statistics. However, total arrivals in the first quarter reached 341,501, a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, marking a significant boost to Vietnam’s tourism industry from the Americas.
Gambling: FIFA demotes Vietnam’s Phu Tho FC over match-fixing
Vietnamese club Phu Tho FC has been demoted to the Third Division—the lowest tier in Vietnam’s football league system—after being found guilty of manipulating match results, according to a FIFA disciplinary ruling issued on May 2, and reported by VN Express.
Markets: Vietnam stocks among worst global performers in April amid tariff shock
Vietnam’s VN-Index dropped 6.2 percent in April, falling from 1,306 to 1,226 points, according to IndexQ, marking the steepest monthly decline in a year, VN Express has reported. This placed Vietnam second on the list of the world’s worst-performing stock markets, behind only Argentina, which saw a 10.8 percent drop.
Healthcare: Vietnam’s health and social assistance sector records US$92 million in March FDI
The health and social assistance sector saw US$92 million in foreign direct investment in March. No new projects were reported during the month, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Tourism and hospitality: Vietnam tourist arrivals from Europe up 19 percent in March
Vietnam received 285,526 European visitors in March, up 19.1 percent from February, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Year-to-date arrivals reached 791,872, a 19.6 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant boost to Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Real Estate: Vietnam’s March real estate sector FDI over US$915 million
Foreign direct investment into real estate projects in Vietnam totalled US$915.70 million in March, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The sector saw 12 new projects valued at US$759 million, accounting for more than 80 percent of the total inflow into real esate.
ICT: Vietnam’s information and communication sector recordsUS$103 million in March FDI
The information and communication sector attracted US$102.93 million in foreign direct investment in March. This included 22 new projects valued at just US$2 million, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Tourism and hospitality: Vietnam March tourist arrivals from Asia top 2 million
Vietnam welcomed 2.05 million tourists from Asia in March 2025, up 8 percent from February, according to data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism data. For the first quarter, tourist arrivals from Asia reached 4.71 million, marking a 34 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a significant boost for Vietnam’s tourism industry.
Tourism & Hospitality: Dusit Hotels and Resorts set to make Vietnam capital debut
Thai hospitality group Dusit Hotels and Resorts will open Dusit Le Palais Tu Hoa Hanoi on May 9, 2025, marking its firs foray into the capital with a 207-room luxury property overlooking West Lake, Hospitality Net has reported.
Consumer goods: Vietnam’s online premium cosmetics market to triple by 2033
Vietnam’s online premium cosmetics market is set to surge from US$265.15 million in 2024 to over US$643.86 million by 2033, driven by Gen Z consumers, tech innovation, and eco-conscious spending, according to a report from Astute Analytica
Telecom prices edge up slightly in March despite drop in smartphone and tablet costs
The consumer price index (CPI) for the postal and telecommunications group rose 0.02% in March 2025, as minor increases in phone equipment and repair services were mostly offset by lower prices for smart devices and accessories, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Tax: Hanoi presser hears Vietnam’s sugary drink tax plan falls short of WHO recommendations
Vietnam plans to introduce a new excise tax on sugary drinks starting at 8 percent, but health officials and WHO experts have told a press conference in Hanoi a much higher rate is needed to curb rising obesity and non-communicable diseases, as reported in by Dan Tri.
US tariffs: insights from US-based Vietnam Trade Counselor
The US will prioritize negotiations with several countries, including Vietnam, India, the UK, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia in tariff talks, Do Ngoc Hung, Trade Counselor at the Vietnam Trade Office in the US has told a conference, as reported by Cafe F. This comes as the end of a 90-day pause on a 46 percent import tariff on Vietnamese goods draws uncomfortably nearer.
Economy: World Bank cuts Philippines growth outlook for 2025
The World Bank has downgraded its growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.3 percent for 2025, down from the 6.1 percent projection made in October 2024, according to its April 2025 World Bank East Asia and the Pacific Economic Update.
Economy: World Bank cuts Vietnam’s 2025 growth forecast
Vietnam’s growth outlook for 2025 has been significantly downgraded by the World Bank, with projections falling to 5.8 percent from 6.5 percent forecast in October 2024, according to its April 2025 World Bank East Asia and the Pacific Economic Update.
Economy: World Bank trims Indonesia growth forecast for 2025
The World Bank has downgraded Indonesia’s economic growth forecast for 2025 to 4.7 percent, down from the 5.1 percent projected in October 2024, according to its April 2025 World Bank East Asia and the Pacific Economic Update.
Retail: Mobile World confident of growth in Vietnam despite tariff headwinds
Vietnamese retail giant Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) expects to continue growing even if the market stagnates or retreats, chairman Nguyen Duc Tai told shareholders at the company’s 2025 AGM on Saturday, English language news site, The Investor has reported.
Vietnam’s healthcare costs rise slightly in March amid seasonal illness and pricing updates
Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) for drugs and medical services rose by 0.13% in March 2025, contributing 0.01 percentage point to overall inflation. The increase was driven by updated public service pricing and higher demand for common medicines amid seasonal illness in the north, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
Vietnam’s housing and construction costs rise in March amid strong rental demand
The consumer price index (CPI) for housing, electricity, water, fuel, and construction materials rose by 0.5 percent in March 2025, contributing 0.09 percentage points to overall CPI growth. The increase was largely driven by higher rents and input material costs, while declines in utility and fuel prices provided some offset, according to data from the General Statistics Office.
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