This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and some others.
It compiles coverage from official outlets like 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 →
Lasted updated 6pm
HCMC housing market
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s apartment market remains constrained by limited supply and rising prices → source.
The publication notes that new supply in the third quarter was concentrated in the east and west, with prices ranging from VND 80 million to VND 120 million per square metre and some luxury units reaching VND 150 million.
Affordable homes under VND 3 billion now account for just nine percent of transactions in the city.
Experts warn that the absence of mid-range projects has left middle-income buyers priced out, urging policies to boost affordable housing supply.
Ed.’s notes: Recurring theme.
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Product labelling
VN Economy is reporting that officials and experts at a 29 October conference stressed that creative, sustainable, and well-designed packaging can raise export value by 10–30 percent and determine purchasing decisions. → source.
However, they also note that many shipments are rejected for failing to comply with requirements such as FDA approval, food-grade or BPA-free materials, and sustainability certifications like FSC.
Language rules add further barriers.
Complex labelling standards on allergens and nutrition also cause costly delays and relabelling.
Firms struggle with adapting to strict green packaging mandates in the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea, while limited awareness and investment leave many unable to meet these evolving technical and regulatory demands, the article notes.
Ed.’s notes: More targeted at Vietnamese businesses, but still speaks to understanding of entering foreign markets among local producers.
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Pharmacy profits
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector continues to post strong profits, but broader policy and structural factors pose challenges to sustaining momentum → source.
While firms like Duoc Hau Giang, Imexpharm, and OPC reported higher margins and rising sales, they operate amid shifting government policies and administrative reforms that have disrupted distribution channels.
Price adjustments, new tax rules, and the rollout of the two-tier local government model have created temporary slowdowns in hospital and retail drug demand, the article notes.
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Illegal gambling trials
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that a trial of 141 people over an illegal gambling operation has begun in Hanoi → source.
Gambling den, the King Club, operated on the first floor of the Pullman Hotel in Hanoi.
The publication says the club was legally licensed to run electronic gaming for foreigners but not Vietnamese citizens.
They were, however, allowed to enter and gamble with staff printing false membership cards using foreign names.
The operation was managed by South Korean nationals and involved more than US$100 million in gambling transactions.
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Exchange rates
the-shiv is reporting that The Vietnamese dong strengthened slightly on both official and unofficial markets on 29 October, narrowing the spread between the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) rate and the black-market → source.
The central exchange rate stood at VND 25,091 per US dollar, down VND 4 or 0.02 percent from the previous day, while the mid-market rate reported by Google Finance inched up to VND 26,338 per US dollar, a 0.04 percent rise.
In the informal market, both buy and sell rates slipped by VND 20 to VND 27,700 and VND 27,750 per US dollar respectively, bringing the mid-market level to VND 27,725 per US dollar, down 0.07 percent.
Stock market
the-shiv is reporting that The VN-Index rose 5.33 points, or 0.32 percent, to close at 1,685.83, October 29, with foreign traders net-selling US$56.51 million worth of stocks, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange → source
The VN30, comprising large-cap stocks, edged up 0.48 points or 0.02 percent, signalling cautious sentiment among major financial and industrial firms.
Phat Dat Real Estate Q3
VnExpress is reporting that Phat Dat Real Estate Development (PDR) reported third-quarter revenue of VND 506 billion or US$19.2 million, a 195-fold increase from the same period last year → source.
Management attributed the surge to transferring projects in Binh Dinh and Ho Chi Minh City.
Net profit reached VND 201 billion or US$7.6 million, up 31 percent year-on-year, the article says.
Chairman Nguyen Van Dat said the company has entered a new growth cycle, driven by cleaner land banks and recovering real estate demand.
Ed.’s notes: Claims the company is entering a new growth cycle might be a bit premature given it was asset transfers that drove revenue in Q3.
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Chemical imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s chemical imports reached US$696.96 million in September 2025, up 3.44 percent month-on-month, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs→ source.
Imports from China rose 4.16 percent to US$298.25 million, maintaining the country’s dominant share in Vietnam’s chemical supply chain.
Social housing eligibility
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that a new decree, effective 10 October 2025, expands eligibility for social housing purchases → source.
Workers without labour contracts can now qualify if their verified income meets set limits.
The decree raises monthly income caps to VND 20 million (US$760) for singles, VND 30 million (US$1,140) for single parents, and VND 40 million (US$1,520) for married couples.
Loan interest is cut to 5.4 percent a year, with overdue loans charged 130 percent of that rate.
HoREA Chairman Le Hoang Chau said the reduction is positive but still higher than the preferred 4.8 percent.
He urged longer-term, affordable credit for first-time homebuyers to strengthen social housing policy.
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Digital assets
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that HVA Investment, is looking to establish a digital asset exchange in Vietnam to the tune of VND 10,000 billion or US$380 million → source.
The move follows a government resolution, providing the framework for a pilot programme for cryptocurrency trading.
HVA’s third-quarter report showed revenue surged 1,558 percent year-on-year to VND 20 billion or US$760,000, but profit fell 93 percent to just VND 80.6 million or US$3,060 due to higher costs.
Year-to-date, revenue reached VND 61 billion or US$2.3 million, with profit up 161 percent to VND 3.4 billion or US$129,000.
Ed.’s notes: Keeping tabs in light of recently announced changes to crypto regulations. Linked article is a regular column on crypto so also noteworthy in that it’s on the author’s radar.
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Selling vegetables on TikTok
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that khoai sam dat, a root crop from Vietnam’s northwest provinces such as Lao Cai and Lai Chau, has become a new regional specialty thanks to livestream sales on TikTok Shop → source.
Over 300 tonnes were sold in two months through a campaign, which featured mainly ethnic minority women as livestream hosts.
Local leaders say the campaign shows the economic potential of e-commerce for remote farming communities and women-led small producers in Vietnam’s highlands.
Ed.’s notes: There is something to be said about rising TikTok fees, limited competition in the e-commerce market, and low-income communities selling products online.
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VinaCapital stock market analysis
VnExpress is reporting that VinaCapital has said Vietnam’s stock market still offers value despite the VN-Index’s 32.9 percent year-to-date gain → source.
Deputy CEO Nguyen Hoai Thu noted that when excluding Vingroup and Gelex stocks, market growth falls to 13.4 percent, suggesting select opportunities remain.
VinaCapital expects retail, banking, and infrastructure stocks to benefit from economic recovery and public investment, the article says.
However, it warns that rising exchange rate pressure and potential interest rate hikes could limit short-term gains.
The article notes that Vincapital expects a rate hike in the near future.
International Financial Centre
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that At VinaCapital’s 2025 Investor Conference in Ho Chi Minh City, CEO Don Lam said many international investors are showing strong interest in Vietnam’s planned international financial centre in the city → source.
He noted that Vietnam’s decisive government policies and a private-sector-led growth model are positioning the country for sustained expansion.
Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc said the city is committed to providing favourable conditions for global investors seeking long-term opportunities.
Don Lam added that clear regulatory frameworks for the new financial centre will be key to unlocking large-scale capital inflows into Vietnam’s infrastructure and private-sector projects.
Ed.’s notes: Doesn’t say exactly what these investors are interested in. Doesn’t explain what “interested” means in this context. Asking what it is, is not the same as asking how do I get involved?
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Volvo distributor’s Q3
VnExpress is reporting that Tasco, Vietnam’s distributor for Volvo, Lynk&Co, and Geely, reported third-quarter net profit of VND 303 billion or US$11.5 million, up nearly 17 times year-on-year → source.
The article says growth came from auto distribution, spare parts, toll collection, and insurance, alongside a surge in financial income from asset transfers, but also notes that subsidiary Savico’s sale of its 29.8-hectare Can Gio luxury residential project for VND 619 billion or US$23.5 million.
It also notes that Tasco’s debt rose to VND 21.5 trillion or US$816 million, with financial borrowings up 33 percent.
Ed.’s notes: Assets sales driving revenue/profit growth is an ongoing theme. Points to underlying stresses.
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Livestream promotion
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Industry and Trade will host the “Hang Viet toi yeu” livestream on Shopee on 29 October to promote Vietnamese-made products.
The event, operated by KIDO Group’s E2E platform, will feature singer–actress Truong Quynh Anh and several local celebrities to attract younger audiences.
The initiative is part of Ho Chi Minh City’s push to expand digital retail channels and boost consumer demand for local goods.
→ source
Ed.’s notes: Another one about a live stream. Maybe speaks to consumer trends, or at least perceived consumer trends.
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Vincom Nguyen Chi Thanh Buyer
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the buyer of Vincom Center Nguyen Chi Thanh in Hanoi Vincom reported yesterday, Bao Quan Trading, Investment and Services Co. Ltd, is a private firm established in April 2023 and based in Ha Dong District, Hanoi → source.
Vincom Retail has sold its entire stake in the property to Bao Quan for over VND 3.63 trillion or US$139.6 million, the article notes.
It also points out that Bao Quan has charter capital of VND 150 billion or US$5.7 million.
The company is independent and has no ownership link to Vingroup or its affiliates.
Ed.’s notes: Note the registered capital versus the purchase price, the age of the company, too.
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Cashew nut industry challenges
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s cashew industry is facing structural pressure as raw nut imports from Africa become unstable and export prices remain low → source.
Processors warned at the Vinacas International Cashew Conference in Hanoi that raw nut costs now exceed export prices, forcing many factories into losses or closure.
Vietnam needs 3.5 million tonnes of raw cashews a year but produces only 300,000 tonnes domestically, relying heavily on Africa, where several countries are restricting exports to promote local processing.
The article quotes Canadian buyer Dan On as saying Vietnamese cashews sell too cheaply in the US at under US$3.50 per pound and must rise above US$4 to remain viable.
It also has calls from industry leaders for stronger global supply-chain cooperation, including investment and technology transfer in Africa, to stabilise prices and ensure Vietnam’s cashew processing sector can survive.
Ed.’s notes: There is a parallel to be drawn here between African cashew growers and Vietnam coffee growers, in that they both have high value potential but a lot of that is lost on inability to process locally.
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Dairy producer profit declines
Tuoi Tre is reporting on a broad decline in profits among Vietnam’s leading dairy producers → source.
The article points to rising input and distribution costs, slower recovery in domestic consumption, and persistent volatility in exchange rates, as behind the declines.
Changes in tax policies and stricter traceability rules have added further compliance expenses and disrupted supply chains, it also says.
Increase in US agricultural imports
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting on Vietnam’s growing imports of US agricultural and consumer goods, in the context of deepening trade ties under the new reciprocal, fair, and balanced trade framework→ source.
The publication cites a surge in demand for high-value American products, including livestock feed, wood, soybeans, and wheat, as Vietnamese businesses expand procurement agreements.
Industry sources attributed the trend to changing consumption habits, wider retail access to imported brands, and closer trade cooperation between both governments, it also says.
Ed.’s notes: Not of lot of talk about trade diversion in the context of current “trade negotiations”, but worth thinking about if Vietnam is buying more from the US then it is likely buying less from other trade partners. And then, how does this impact Vietnam’s existing trade relationships?
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Yarn exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s yarn exports fell 6.4 percent month-on-month in September 2025 to US$355.87 million, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Shipments to China, the largest buyer, dropped 2.9 percent to US$195.54 million, while exports to South Korea and the USA fell 5.8 and 15 percent respectively.
Bank profits
Dan Tri is reporting that Thirteen Vietnamese commercial banks reported strong profit growth in the third quarter of 2025 → source.
The results came amid higher credit growth, increased service revenue, and rising CASA ratios that reduced funding costs, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting to think about in the context of VinaCapital’s suspicions an interest rate hike might be on the cards mentioned earlier.
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Imports from the Philippines
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s imports from the Philippines reached US$190.92 million in September 2025, rising 3.72 percent from August, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date imports totalled US$1.81 billion.
R&D in Vietnam
VietnamNet is carrying an interview with Dr Luong Viet Quoc, CEO of Real-time Robotics, which makes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in which he discusses Vietnam’s R&D ambitions → source.
Quoc outlines a number of challenges:
- He notes a shortage of senior experts and specialised engineers, requiring long-term human-capital development through education, training, and tolerance for research failure;
- Institutional rigidity is a major obstacle, as complex licensing and testing procedures slow innovation and prevent experimentation;
- He criticises excessive reliance on domestic protectionism, arguing that only products meeting international standards can compete globally; and
- He also warns that unclear or misdirected government support for R&D risks inefficiency and wasted resources.
Ed.’s notes: This article is very long but he makes a lot of interesting points and talks very frankly about Vietnam’s drive to move toward more high-tech industry.
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Durian testing restarts
Dan Tri is reporting that testing laboratories in Dak Lak province have resumed operations after a temporary shutdown, to tackle a backlog of nearly 2,000 containers of durian awaiting chemical residue checks for export → source.
The suspension, from 11 to 23 October, halted certification processes and caused durian containers to pile up at warehouses and border points.
Exporters faced mounting costs from cold storage and delayed shipments, while farmers were unable to harvest ripe fruit, the article says.
The Dak Lak Durian Association confirmed that government ministries met to address the issue, and testing has now restarted, allowing shipments to proceed and easing farmer losses.
Ed.’s notes: The laboratories were closed for maintenance with reports equipment was broken. It’s not clear that this equipment has now been fixed or, if it was so easily fixed, why it wasn’t done sooner. That is to say, there are significant gaps in this narrative.
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Anti-circumvention investigation Chinese steel
Dan Tri is reporting that The Ministry of Industry and Trade has launched an investigation into suspected evasion of trade defence measures on hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel imported from China → source.
The investigation follows petitions from Hoa Phat Group and Formosa Ha Tinh Steel, as imports of Chinese HRC rose 33 percent in 2024 to 12.6 million tonnes, even after Vietnam began its initial anti-dumping inquiry, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Circumvention investigations generally centre around one country using a third country to get around anti-dumping measures. Given the two countries share a border, it will be interesting to see which third country, if any, is being used, or if this investigation takes on a different form.
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