This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media.
It compiles coverage from official outlets such as Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre, and VN Express, highlighting the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
See yesterday’s news headlines →
3pm update I Jump to 9am update
Masan Q3 results
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Masan Group’s after-tax profit reached VND 1,866 billion or US$70.8 million in Q3, supported by strong performance in its WinCommerce retail arm.→ source
The company opened 464 new WinMart+ stores this year, with about 75 percent located in rural areas—targeting under-served consumers and expanding modern retail access, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Small stores in under-served regions, noteworthy if you’re in the retail industry.
Fake coffee bust
Tuoi Tre is reporting that police in Gia Lai have uncovered a large-scale fake coffee operation, with products containing just 0.3 percent caffeine, far below the national standard of at least 1 percent → source.
Authorities said the coffee, sold under the T.K. brand, was legally classified as fake.
The investigation led to the arrest of the company director and one employee.
Officers seized more than 300 kilograms of finished coffee, nearly five tonnes of raw materials, and several mixing and packaging machines.
National real estate database
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction (MoC) has proposed requiring homeowners to register their home ownership from 2026, including property type, address, size, ownership form, and legal status for integration into a national database → source.
Officials said the data would help balance housing supply and demand, reduce speculation, and prevent price bubbles.
FPT-Chelsea FC sponsorhip
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Vietnamese tech group FPT may have paid as much as £17–18 million or about VND 600 billion to feature its logo on Chelsea’s sleeve for the 2025–2026 season → source
Analyst T.N. (his name was withheld by Nha Dau Tu for reasons unknown), is quoted in the article as saying such sponsorships are highly expensive, noting a front-of-shirt deal could exceed VND 1.65 trillion (US$62.5 millions) annually, which suggests FPT’s move was a calculated investment rather than a publicity stunt.
The publication also suggested the sponsorship could also be a tribute to late FPT leader Hoang Nam Tien, a lifelong Chelsea fan.
Ed.’s notes: A very expensive tribute.
Black market currency spread analysis
Tien Phong is reporting that the unofficial USD rate has risen sharply, but that economists say the impact on Vietnam’s economy remains limited → source.
The paper quotes Nguyen Duc Do of the Academy of Finance as saying the unofficial market is small and largely psychological, with little effect on trade since most foreign currency transactions go through banks.
He adds that the central bank’s timely USD sales have stabilised official rates and that exchange-rate pressures have eased, with volatility expected to remain contained through year-end.
Ed.’s notes: These assertions are a little questionable.
The black market and official market compete with each other for US dollars. At the time of writing the black market buy rate was 27,720 and the unofficial sell rate was 26,352 or about a five percent difference.
That is to say, for sellers of US dollars the black market offers a much better rate, which will likely impact US dollar flows into banks and by extension trade.
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Risk averse chemicals company
Dan Tri is reporting that Duc Giang Chemicals is holding over VND 13.1 trillion or about US$497 million in bank deposits, equal to 67 percent of its total assets as of 30 September 2025 → source.
Chairman Dao Huu Huyen said the firm deliberately avoids investing in real estate, securities, or digital assets, preferring liquidity and safety while waiting for major investment opportunities in the chemical sector.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting in that it’s not all that common for Vietnamese business to stay in there lane.
Real estate firms investing in securities
Doanh Nhan Vietnam is reporting that real estate developer Lideco (NTL) posted third-quarter profit of nearly VND 13 billion or about US$0.5 million, tripling year-on-year despite core revenue collapsing → source.
It managed this by allocating VND 474 billion or about US$18 million to equities, whose fair value rose to VND 592 billion.
Ed.’s notes: See point above. Speaks to companies investing outside their core business.
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9am update
US-Vietnam trade framework agreement
the-shiv is reporting that The United States and Vietnam have agreed on a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade to deepen their bilateral economic relationship, the two countries have said in a statement → source.
The agreement will see Vietnam grant preferential access for nearly all US industrial and agricultural exports, while the US will maintain a 20 percent tariff rate on Vietnamese goods and apply zero tariffs to selected products.
Ed.’s notes: All of this was mostly on the table already. Slightly more formalised maybe, although the statement itself looks to be the win, not so much what’s in it.
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Delayed technology spending
VnExpress is reporting that, as cited by Vietcap Securities, FPT’s management has revised down its 2025 revenue target because tariffs have delayed technology spending among its clients → source.
It notes that utilisation rates at its AI factories in Vietnam and Japan remain low, reflecting weaker near-term demand.
However, the group expects conditions to improve by 2026 as investment in artificial intelligence and digital transformation resumes.
Ed.’s notes: Linked article is about FPT cash at the bank, lede mentioned here is buried in the last two paragraphs.
F&B market research
Vietnamnet is reporting that a Vietnamese entrepreneur invested over VND 2 billion or about US$76,000 to open a Chinese hotpot restaurant in Hanoi but almost lost everything because he used a buffet model that required long dining times unsuitable for lunch breaks for office workers → source.
He later adapted by introducing quick-set lunch menus and delivery combos with the article concluding that Vietnam F&B ventures often fail not from poor quality but from insufficient market research.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnamnet notes that it changed the names in this story, which says something about how people perceive press coverage — that reported success might draw unwanted attention from the authorities, like the tax department, or encourage competitors into the market, as opposed to free exposure.
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Durian phytosanitary check delays
VnExpress is reporting that farmers in Dak Lak are suffering heavy losses after durian testing was suspended, halting exports and causing ripe fruit to rot in orchards→ source.
This is an ongoing story to which this article adds/clarifies the following:
- Vietnam currently has 24 testing laboratories approved by Chinese customs, with daily capacity of about 3,200 samples;
- Many are overworked or need licence renewal;
- A northern testing centre suspended durian sample collection from 21–27 October for system maintenance, explaining the pause as necessary to ensure accuracy after continuous operation during the export peak; and
- Since July, licensing has shifted to local authorities, slowing approvals.
Ed.’s notes: Noteworthy as a challenge for local economy as opposed to FDI economy. The trickle of details coming out and the ambiguity speaks to a common challenge in trying to get clear information in times of crisis.
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Real estate losses
The Vietnam Daily is reporting that investors have grown increasingly frustrated as real estate developer Vinahud enters its tenth consecutive loss-making quarter, eroding confidence in the once-promising real estate developer → source.
Management insists on maintaining a 2025 profit target of VND 12.7 billion or about US$480,000, but analysts view this as unrealistic given the firm’s shrinking revenue base and mounting losses, the publication says.
Regulators at the Hanoi Stock Exchange have restricted VHD shares to once-weekly trading.
Executives are now banking on asset sales to improve its financial situation, though the Vietnam Daily questions whether these steps can revive investor trust.
Ed.’s notes: A reminder that lots of smaller real estate companies are still struggling that often don’t receive a lot of media attention.
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Block chain and the IFC
VnExpress is reporting that blockchain-focused fintech firms have told a seminar that they are waiting for regulatory clarity before launching new products within Ho Chi Minh City’s planned international financial centre → source.
The publication note that at the seminar:
- Viettel Digital Services proposed issuing social welfare vouchers using blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability;
- Kyber Network and Dragon Capital discussed tokenising assets and ETFs to attract foreign capital; and
- Industry leaders including Sky Mavis and Ava Labs said they see strong technical capability in Vietnam but that it needs a legal sandbox to test on-chain financial products.
Ed.’s notes: There is a lot of stock being put in this planned International Financial Centre though there are significant limitations on what can actually be achieved, most prominently capital controls. In this context, these feel like discussions for a decade from now when the economy is a bit more open.
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Vietnam exports to Indonesia
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s exports to Indonesia reached US$438.49 million in September, down 9.94 percent from August, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date exports totalled US$4.27 billion.
HCMC credit growth
VN Economy is reporting that By the end of October 2025, total outstanding credit in Ho Chi Minh City reached about VND 4.9 quadrillion or roughly US$186 billion, up 9.79 percent from end-2024 → source.
VND-denominated loans accounted for 96 percent, totalling more than VND 4.7 quadrillion or US$179 billion, while foreign currency loans were just 4 percent.
Short-term loans stood at VND 2.35 quadrillion or US$89 billion, and medium- to long-term credit rose 11.44 percent to VND 2.57 quadrillion or US$98 billion.
Lending to SMEs led with VND 2.23 quadrillion or US$85 billion, followed by agriculture, exports, supporting industries, and high-tech sectors.
Ed.’s notes: Useful as an indicator of regional exposure to banking credit risk.
Recruitment demands, careers fair
Tuoi Tre is reporting that despite ongoing layoffs, Vietnamese firms continue to court young, adaptable talent fluent in new technologies such as AI → source.
It says that at Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics’ 2025 career fair:
- Employers like Nestlé Vietnam stressed that persistence, flexibility, and digital literacy matter more than academic credentials;
- Di Dong Viet’s representatives highlighted cultural fit and versatility as essential in leaner corporate structures; and
- Educators, including UEH’s deputy director Dinh Cong Khai, said mastering AI and continuous learning are now core competencies, not optional skills.
Ed.’s notes: Insights into the direction that training development policy might be headed.
Market economy status
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that President of the United States Donald Trump responded positively to Vietnam’s proposal for recognition as a market economy and removal from the US export control lists D1 and D3, directing senior officials to review these issues promptly→ source
Ed.’s notes: Not much to it, but does serve as a reminder that these are key issues for the Government of Vietnam.
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Waterpark hamstrung land-use fee recalculation
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Phu Tho Tourist, operator of Dam Sen Park, reported a steep third-quarter loss of VND 55.4 billion or about US$2.1 million, nearly four times higher than last year, mainly due to back payments for land rent → source.
The company was required to pay an additional VND 42.8 billion or US$1.6 million for the 2016–2021 period, including recalculated land rates and accrued interest under Decree 103/2024.
Falling visitor numbers and a 27 percent drop in financial income from lower deposit rates further weakened earnings.
Ed.’s notes: Big jumps in liabilities on recalculated land prices have been a common theme this year.
This comes after the 2024 Land Law took significant steps to remove government control over land prices, allowing them to align more with their actual market value.
The size of these additional payments reflects how far removed from market value land prices were in the past.
Of note, there have recently been plans tabled to roll some of this back after a backlash from landowners.
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Vingroup CEO’s net-worth
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Forbes data shows that the net worth of Pham Nhat Vuong, the CEO of Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup (VIC), has climbed to US$20.3 billion, driven almost entirely by a surge in Vingroup’s share price → source
VIC stock has risen about 34 percent in the past month and more than 430 percent year-on-year, pushing Vingroup’s market capitalisation near VND 850 trillion or roughly US$32 billion, the publication says.
This marks the first time a Vietnamese entrepreneur has surpassed the US$20 billion threshold, placing him 118th among the world’s wealthiest individuals, it also notes.
Ed.’s notes: It will be interesting to see how high this can go before it gets international media attention.
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