vietnam
The Vietnam category covers economic developments, investment trends, and policy updates specific to the country. It explores market opportunities, trade relations, industry growth, and government initiatives, providing insights into Vietnam’s role in global supply chains, emerging sectors, and foreign business expansion.
Banking & Finance: South Korea’s IBK clears key hurdle for Vietnam entry after eight-year wait
The State Bank of Vietnam has issued a confirmation letter to the Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK), signalling the official start of the review process for the Korean policy lender’s long-pending subsidiary application, The Korean Herald has reported.
Vietnam Market Wrap: VN-Index edges up as foreign investors return to net selling
The VN-Index inched up 3.70 points to close at 1,336.30 on Thursday, gaining 0.28 percent as investor sentiment remained cautiously positive. Total market trading value reached VND 20,843.81 billion, or approximately US$802 million.
Manufacturing: Vietnam PMI climbs in May but still in contraction
Vietnam’s Manufacturing PMI rose to 49.8 in May from 45.6 in April, remaining below the 50 threshold that signals contraction, according to the latest data from S&P Global.
New export orders fell sharply for the second straight month, linked to the impact of US tariffs on demand. However, output returned to growth as tariff policy appeared more stable than in April.
What The Economist Episode Says About Public Debate in Vietnam
The edition of The Economist featuring General Secretary To Lam — literally pictured with stars in his eyes — offered more than just sharp analysis of Vietnam’s economic trajectory. It also, indirectly, proffered valuable insights into how Vietnam’s public space for debate operates.
Policy: Vietnam GS calls for national culture of thrift to drive sustainable development
General Secretary To Lam has called for greater thrift and efforts at fighting waste in Vietnam, in a wide-ranging article published Sunday. This, however, comes amid a push to grow Vietnam’s economy through domestic consumption.
Automotive: Vietnam introduces separate electricity tariff for EV charging stations
Vietnam has introduced a separate electricity pricing mechanism for electric vehicle (EV) charging stations under Decision 14/2025, effective May 29, Nguoi Quan Sat has reported. This is as opposed to being charged at either the retail or business price.
Dairy: Vietnam’s Nutifood and Australia’s ViPlus launch premium milk brand
Vietnam’s Nutifood and Australia’s ViPlus Dairy signed a joint venture on May 8 in Melbourne to launch GippsNature, a premium international dairy brand, VnEconomy has reported. The brand will debut in Q3 2025, targeting Vietnam and global markets with products ranging from infant formula to functional foods.
Garments & textiles: Vietnam textile, footwear firms shift focus to emerging markets on tariff challenges
Vietnamese textile and footwear exporters are expanding into Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and India, while maintaining core markets in Japan, Europe, and the US, English language news site, Vietnam News is reporting.
Tourism: Vietnam’s Asian arrivals fall sharply in April, but YTD growth signals recovery
Vietnam recorded 1.25 million tourist arrivals from Asia in April, marking a sharp 22.5 percent drop compared to March. Despite this decline, year-to-date (YTD) figures remain positive, with 4.71 million Asian arrivals, up 3.0 percent over the same period in 2024, according to the latest data from the General Department of Tourism.
Aviation: Vietnam aviation authority defends Vietjet’s use of Chinesee Comac aircraft
Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority has formally defended Vietjet’s decision to operate Chinese-made Comac ARJ21 aircraft, responding to concerns raised by a member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front about potential safety risks, Lao Dong has reported. The concerns cited Comac’s lack of FAA and EASA certification, minimal global flight hours, and limited operational history compared to legacy aircraft such as the Airbus A320
Pharmaceutical materials: Vietnam imports down 15.34 percent in April
Vietnam’s imports of pharmaceutical materials reached US$44.55 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 15.34 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$172.91 million.
Trade: Vietnam ramps up commodity imports from Australia in April
Vietnam’s imports from Australia rose to US$688.85 million in April, up 3.24 percent from March, bringing the year-to-date total to US$2.44 billion, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. The growth was driven by surging coal shipments and strong gains across key industrial and agricultural commodities.
Insurance: Cathay Life under fire in Vietnam for marketing life insurance as ‘savings books’
Cathay Life (Vietnam) is facing scrutiny for marketing its life insurance products as “super savings” schemes or “savings books”, misleading consumers about the true nature of the product, local news outfit, Tuoi Tre has alleged.
Gold: Vietnam jeweler under investigation for possible criminal law violations
Vietnam’s State Bank Inspectorate has referred Phu Nhuan Jewelry (PNJ) to the Ministry of Public Security amid allegations it has violated multiple regulations related to gold trading, tax compliance, and anti-money laundering, VietnamNet has reported.
HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey: Key Takeaways for Businesses in Vietnam
A total of 80 percent of Vietnamese firms have already faced rising costs due to tariff and trade uncertainty, according to HSBC’s 2025 Global Trade Pulse Survey. A further 82 percent expect this to continue in the short term.
Retail: Vietnam cracks down on counterfeit goods at Saigon Square
housands of items suspected of violating intellectual property laws were seized during a surprise inspection at Saigon Square on May 29, VN Express has reported. Brands targeted included Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Hermès, Dior, and more, with counterfeit goods ranging from watches and handbags to eyewear and suitcases.
Pastry, sweets & cereal products: Vietnam imports down 13.12 percent in April
Vietnam’s imports of pastry, sweets, and cereal products reached US$47.08 million in April 2025, according to figures released by Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. This represents a decrease of 13.12 percent compared to March, with a year-to-date (YTD) import value of US$190.76 million.
Food & beverage: Vietnam bottled water market to reach US$1.41 billion by 2033: Report
The bottled water market in Vietnam was valued at US$809.23 million in 2024 and is forecast to reach US$1.41 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 6.08 percent, according to a report by IMARC Group.
Vietnam News Roundup: May 23 to May 29
This week’s Vietnam news roundup covers Telegram’s looming ban, rising foreign concerns over retroactive solar subsidy cuts, and the global rollout of hit horror film Detective Kien. Plus: a gold market shake-up, new JETP funding, the US$10B worth of deals reached during Macron’s Vietnam visit, and more…
Energy: Vietnam receives first JETP funding with €67 million French loan for grid upgrades
Vietnam has secured its first funding under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), with the French Development Agency (AfD) providing €67 million to the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) for major transmission projects, VN Express has reported.
In today’s Vietnam news: Garment and textile orders slow, China arbitration liaison office HCMC, Taiwan bike maker VN factory, Nat. immunisation system hacked, Automotive
In today’s Vietnam news: Offshore wind development, PM public holiday powers extension proposed, Cybersecurity firm identifies VN hack, HoSE liquidity lowest level since April
In today’s Vietnam news: Push for removal US D1 D3 export control lists, Coal output increase approved, Philippines-Vietnam integration challenges, Renewables development, M&A transactions
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