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.
Vietnam’s life insurance market to contract in 2025, but recovery expected in 2026
Vietnam’s life insurance market is projected to shrink by 1.3 percent in 2025, with gross written premiums (GWP) falling to VND 146.1 trillion (US$6.0 billion), according to GlobalData. This follows successive contractions of 12 percent in 2023 and an estimated 5.7 percent in 2024, driven by a collapse in consumer trust linked to bancassurance sales misconduct.
Vietnam dong weakens 0.06 percent as central bank slows repo injections
This Vietnamese Dong Tracker records the latest news and developments with respect to the local currency. It includes the current prices as well as State Bank of Vietnam monetary policy and open market operations including treasury bill issuances and interbank lending.
Vietnam’s imports from Indonesia soar 46 percent in February
Vietnam imported US$1.01 billion worth of goods from Indonesia in February 2025, a sharp increase of 46.36 percent compared to US$690.99 million in January, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought total imports from Indonesia for the first two months of the year to US$1.70 billion.
Vietnam’s imports from the USA rise 24 percent in February
Vietnam imported US$1.44 billion worth of goods from the United States in February 2024, up 24.23 percent from January’s total of US$1.16 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This brought total imports from the US in the first two months of the year to US$2.59 billion.
Bad debts to see well-known Vietnam ship-restaurant to go under the hammer
The HCM City Property Auction Service Center is set to auction the debt of Hao Huy Trading Company Limited to recover nearly VND 134 billion (US$5.24 million) owed to Vietnam’s Agribank. The debt is secured by the well-known Elisa ship restaurant anchored at the foot of Nguyen Hue Boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Tuoi Tre is reporting.
Vietnam to allow SpaceX Starlink on trial basis through 2030
Vietnam has approved a trial launch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, allowing the U.S. company to offer both fixed and mobile connectivity across the country until the end of 2030, including on flights, Reuters has reported.
Vietnam local broadcasters in crisis as staff go unpaid for months
Staff at An Giang and Can Tho Radio and Television Stations have publicly petitioned provincial authorities after going months without pay or allowances, Dan Tri is reporting. This is a rare move that underscores the financial distress facing Vietnam’s local state-run media.
Vietnam considers cuts to import tariffs on range of ag. goods, resources
The Ministry of Finance is preparing a draft decree for the government that, if approved, will adjust Vietnam’s Most Favoured Nation (MFN) import tax rates down. This is at the request of the Prime Minister in response to “complex and unpredictable developments of the world’s geopolitical and economic situation” (READ: US tariff policy), Zing News is reporting.
Vietnam’s Law on Housing in 2025
The Law on Housing 2023 represents a comprehensive update to Vietnam’s housing regulations. It aims to create a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable housing sector by introducing stringent standards for development, ownership, and management.
Vietnam to raise foreign ownership cap to 49% at some banks
Foreign investors will be allowed to own up to 49 percent of the charter capital in Vietnamese commercial banks involved in mandatory transfers, starting from May 19, 2025, under Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP recently issued by the government. The change applies to banks like MB, HDBank, and VPBank, which are participating in state-mandated acquisition and restructuring of weaker banks, VietnamBiz has reported.
Vietnam’s F&B industry revenue jumps 16.6 percent in 2024: Report
Vietnam’s food and beverage (F&B) industry revenue reached VND 688.8 trillion or US$27.55 billion in 2024, marking a 16.6 percent increase from 2023. However, growth was uneven throughout the year, with a noticeable difference between the first and last six months, according to the iPOS F&B Industry Report 2024.
ADB to invest US$150 million in Vietnam’s private education sector
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has announced its first private sector investment in Vietnam’s education sector, leading a US$150 million sustainability-linked loan to Vinschool. The loan will reportedly support new facilities for 20,400 students in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hung Yen, The Asset is reporting.
Trump Organization CEO meets with Vietnam PM
Prime Minister of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh has met with Charles Bowman, General Director of Projects for the Trump Organization in Vietnam, to discuss a proposed US$1.5 billion luxury urban, eco-tourism, and golf complex in Hung Yen province.
Direct flights from Hanoi to Moscow resume
From May 8, Vietnam Airlines will resume direct flights from Hanoi to Moscow. Vietnam Airlines flights between the two cities were suspended in March of 2022 after the outbreak of the Ukraine War.
How to Start a Business in Indonesia 2025: Ownership, Registration, Compliance & More
Indonesia’s booming economy has seen huge numbers of foreign firms enter the market. More often than not, they are looking for a low-cost manufacturing base to make their goods or a rapidly emerging consumer market in which to sell their good. Starting a business in Indonesia for foreign firms can be tricky. This article runs through the procedure and key requirements.
How to Start a Business in the Philippines 2025: Foreign Ownership, Procedures & More
Starting a business in the Philippines can be tricky. There can be a lot of red tape and requirements and working with certain authorities can be challenging. That said, firms and entrepreneurs can ease the stress and tension that comes with establishing a business in the Philippines by understanding the process and its nuances ahead of time.
Culture, entertainment, and tourism costs in Vietnam rise in February: CPI data
Culture, entertainment, and tourism costs in Vietnam increased by 0.17 percent in February, driven by higher demand for travel and leisure services, according to Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index.
New Zealand tourist arrivals in Vietnam increase in January
Vietnam welcomed 5,604 tourists from New Zealand in January, accounting for 0.3 percent of total international arrivals, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. This marks a 31.0 percent increase from December and a 7.4 percent rise year-on-year.
Swedish tourist arrivals in Vietnam increase in January
Vietnam welcomed 6,048 tourists from Sweden in January, accounting for 0.3 percent of total international arrivals, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. This marks a 5.9 percent increase from December and a 31.8 percent rise year-on-year.
Dutch tourist arrivals in Vietnam increase in January
Vietnam welcomed 7,595 tourists from the Netherlands in January, accounting for 0.4 percent of total international arrivals, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. This marks a 20.6 percent increase from December and an 8.2 percent rise year-on-year.
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