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 →
Last updated 5.25pm
Green loans
Nha Dau Tu is carrying an op-ed from Pham Thi Thanh Tung of the State Bank of Vietnam, in which she says green credit in Vietnam reached over VND 736 trillion (about US$ 27.9 billion) as of June 2025, up 8.35 percent from 2024, accounting for 4.3 percent of total loans, largely in renewable energy and green agriculture → source
Pham also notes, however, that green energy projects face regulatory delays, land issues, transmission bottlenecks, and long payback periods.
The central bank plans a 2 percent interest-rate support policy for green projects and urges ministries to develop a stable legal framework and domestic green-bond and carbon markets to mobilise private and foreign capital for Vietnam’s energy transition.
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Imports from Taiwan
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s imports from Taiwan fell 1.84 percent in September 2025 to US$3.01 billion, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date imports reached US$24.12 billion, reflecting Taiwan’s role as one of Vietnam’s largest suppliers of electronics and industrial inputs.
Sustainable growth essay
Nha Dau Tu is carrying an essay penned by Phung Xuan Minh, the Chairman of Saigon Ratings, in which he pushes for sustainable growth → source.
He says:
- Resolution 70 of the Politburo marks a turning point by opening competitive electricity markets and prioritising private investment in renewables;
- That international experts from OECD, IFC and World Bank called for blended finance, long-term tax incentives, and carbon pricing; and
- That Vietnam’s legal framework and taxonomy are improving but remain fragmented, limiting private capital for green energy investment.
FDI forum HCMC
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that at a Ho Chi Minh City meeting with foreign-invested enterprises, AmCham executive director Travis Mitchell noted new tariffs are putting pressure on Vietnam’s key exports → source.
He urged Vietnam to maintain a predictable, transparent investment environment and simplify business licensing, tax, and customs procedures.
AmCham expressed optimism about Vietnam’s FTSE Russell upgrade.
HCMC chairman Nguyen Van Duoc acknowledged challenges such as congestion and red tape but said feedback from investors will guide reforms toward a greener, high-value economy.
Singapore-Vietnam rice MoU
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam and Singapore signed a memorandum of cooperation on rice trade on 30 October 2025 on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea → source.
The deal, signed by Singapore’s Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu and Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, aims to stabilise bilateral rice trade and ensure food security by avoiding unnecessary trade restrictions.
Ed.’s notes: No significant details, but rice is in trouble re: Philippines import restrictions so a noteworthy development.
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Vingroup subsidiary ownership
Dan Tri is reporting that Miss Vietnam runner-up Phuong Nhi, daughter-in-law of billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, holds a 1 percent stake in Vin New Horizon, a newly established Vingroup subsidiary developing luxury retirement complexes in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City → source
Vin New Horizon has charter capital of VND 1 trillion or about US$38 million, with Vingroup owning 65 percent and Vuong’s wife Pham Thu Huong holding 32 percent as chairwoman.
The remaining shares belong to Vuong’s daughters-in-law Phuong Nhi and Bui Lan Anh, and his daughter Pham Nhat Minh Anh.
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Gold council Q3 report
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that in Vietnam, investment demand for gold bars and coins fell 3 percent year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, according to World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends Report Q3 2025.
Jewellery demand in Vietnam dropped 9 percent from the previous quarter and 15 percent year-on-year due to record-high prices. → source
Ed.’s notes: Link to the report → Gold Demand Trends: Q3 2025.
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Bank transfer reporting
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that from 1 November 2025, all domestic electronic transfers worth VND 500 million or about US$19,000 and all international transfers from US$1,000 must be reported to the State Bank of Vietnam → source.
Commercial banks and intermediary payment institutions, not individual customers, are responsible for reporting.
The regulation aims to detect money laundering, illegal fund use, and ensure Vietnam complies with international anti-money-laundering standards, the article says.
Power supply financing
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam Electricity (EVN)’s leadership is concerned that it cannot cover the US$3–4 billion annual cost of expanding and upgrading the national power grid → source.
EVN’s deputy general director Nguyen Tai Anh says the utility is pursuing clean energy sources, grid modernisation, and digital management but needs outside investment, including green finance and foreign capital.
Experts add that Vietnam’s energy mix remains heavily dependent on fossil fuels, making large private and foreign investment crucial to achieve energy security, decarbonisation, and Net Zero 2050 goals under the Politburo’s Resolution 70.
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Deputy PM on gold market
VnExpress is reporting on Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long’s statement to the National Assembly that a national gold trading exchange will make buying and selling more transparent and help the government control the market → source.
He said gold price volatility stems from global instability and domestic sentiment.
The new exchange, expected to start in 2026, will first trade physical gold before expanding to bullion and derivatives.
Lawmakers supported the plan, citing risks from the gold price gap and urging stronger housing and land reforms to stabilise real estate.
Ed.’s notes: The issues seems to be on the supply side due to limits on imports. It’s never really been made clear how an exchange might solve that problem.
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Stock market performance Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s stock market fell on October 30, 2025, with the VN-Index dropping 16.26 points to 1,669.57 on a total trading value of VND 23.83 trillion or US$904.42 million → source.
Foreign investors net-sold US$44.71 million, led by strong outflows from VIX, MBB, and CII.
The VN30 declined 1.26 percent as large caps weakened, while information technology and healthcare were the only sectors to gain.
SHB was the most traded stock, rising 0.60 percent to VND 16,900 on VND 1.20 trillion or US$46.25 million in value.
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9am update
HCMC stimulus plans
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City plans to accelerate economic growth by boosting domestic consumption and tourism → source.
Officials and experts emphasise easing administrative barriers, using tourism as a growth engine, and leveraging remittances.
Businesses highlight rising costs, unstable supply chains, and currency pressures as key challenges.
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Green transition HCMC
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that On expert opinions at the 2025 Green Building and Green Transport Week in Ho Chi Minh City → source.
Deputy Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong noted heavy pressure on Ho Chi Minh City’s infrastructure and environment due to over 10 million motorbikes and 1 million cars.
It also says high costs and limited access to credit hinder businesses adopting clean energy or green materials, were cited as challenges.
Logistics firms warned that electric vehicles are expensive and called for state-backed financing.
Authorities floated the idea of loan support, interest incentives, and policies promoting electric buses, renewable transport, and energy-efficient construction to accelerate nationwide transition.
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Securities firms’ profits
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s securities firms enjoyed record profits in the third quarter of 2025 as market activity surged → source.
VIX led with VND 2.45 trillion or about US$93 million in after-tax profit, followed by VPBankS, Techcom Securities, SSI, and VPS.
Brokerages cited a 21 percent VN-Index rally and daily trading value reaching VND 44.1 trillion or about US$1.67 billion as key drivers.
Smaller firms like OCBS saw four-digit growth, with profit rising 72 times year-on-year.
SSI Research said profits will stay high thanks to large trading volumes, margin lending, and IPO activity supported by the new KRX system and easing foreign ownership rules, the publications says.
Ed.’s notes: Margin lending is a big contributor, trading volumes and the VN-Index are indicators not drivers except for the hype that the index might generate.
It’s rise has also largely been driven by Vingroup and related stocks.
Note that VinaCapital reportedly said earlier this week is was factoring in an interest rate hike in the near future.
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Japan perceptions of gold vs Vietnam
Vietnamnet is reporting that Japanese citizens remain indifferent to gold despite global price surges and near-zero interest rates → source.
Analysts note that only about 5 percent of household assets are in gold, while over half are in bank deposits.
Financial experts attribute this to deep trust in the yen and government stability, unlike other Asian nations (READ: Vietnam) where gold is a hedge.
Observers point out that Japan’s calm social environment and steady policies make gold unnecessary as protection.
Ed.’s notes: Last four paragraphs.
In particular the author says “The Japanese case offers a sobering insight: when social trust and economic policy are strong enough, gold is no longer a symbol of security.”
Speaks to trying to balance realities in reporting with official narratives in Vietnam.
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Green growth
Dan Tri is reporting that Experts say Vietnam’s draft political report for the 14th Party Congress shows new development thinking based on three pillars: green growth, circular economy, and digital transformation→ source.
Economist Le Dang Doanh said the 10 percent GDP growth target reflects strong ambition but stressed the need to fix institutional bottlenecks and streamline laws on land, planning, and taxation.
Bui Thanh Minh of the Private Economic Development Research Board urged a unified policy framework.
Business leader Tran Thi Thu Trang called for green finance, policy “sandboxes,” and incentives to support small firms adopting sustainable technologies.
Ed.’s notes: This article has three authors and is 2200 words long. It’s very difficult to follow, but does contain some perspectives useful in the context of analysing Vietnam’s green economy transition.
FDI inflows amid tariff changes
VnExpress is reporting that at a forum yesterday experts said fears that US tariff measures would disrupt Vietnam’s FDI flows have eased, with investment remaining strong→ source.
SLP Vietnam’s Dinh Hoai Nam noted foreign clients briefly paused but quickly resumed expansion once Vietnam reassured partners, with the firm filling over 90 percent of its projects by Q3.
EuroCham’s Bruno Jaspaert said 76 percent of European firms still recommend Vietnam.
Officials credited stable politics, “bamboo diplomacy,” and reforms for continued inflows, while JLL’s Trang Le observed a shift from labour- to capital-intensive industries.
However, experts warned that rising logistics costs, skills shortages, and clean-energy constraints could erode competitiveness.
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Weekend trade agreement
the-shiv is carrying analysis of the Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair, and Balanced Trade between Vietnam and the United States announced over the weekend→ source
Gold discussion at NA
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that National Assembly delegates voiced frustration that Vietnam’s gold market remains unstable after being debated for two or three parliamentary terms → source.
Delegate Ha Sy Dong said the State Bank’s interventions have moved further from effective control, and the issue may stem from institutional flaws.
Le Thi Thanh Lam urged licensing reform and a national gold exchange to improve transparency.
Pham Van Hoa warned that domestic gold prices stay far above global levels and that “ring gold” now costs more than bullion, pushing citizens to hoard gold instead of bank savings.
Delegates called for stronger regulation to protect financial stability.
Ed.’s notes: Beyond that they are delegates to the National Assembly, this article doesn’t establish the authority of the speakers with respect to commenting on gold market reform.
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Exports to the Philippines
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s exports to the Philippines dropped sharply to US$346.89 million in September 2025, down 38.76 percent month-on-month, according to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Vingroup HCMC underground development
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vingroup’s proposal to build a 12.5-hectare underground complex at Ben Thanh is gaining strong support from lawmakers and experts → source.
National Assembly member Tran Hoang Ngan said the model combining metro, parking, and retail is an urgent “park and ride” solution to ease congestion and promote transit-oriented development.
Economist Dinh The Hien noted it could solve the city’s long-standing parking shortage and act as a “super hub” linking metro lines, express buses, and future high-speed rail to new economic zones like Can Gio.
City officials said the plan aligns with major connectivity projects and will drive sustainable urban growth.
Ed.’s notes: Tracking on account of Vingroup’s financial situation, its many proposed projects all over the country, and the myriad of companies the firm has established just in the last year.
Unlicensed crypto exchanges
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Kaspersky Vietnam’s Ngo Tan Vu Khanh has warned that many unlicensed crypto exchanges still operate in Vietnam, posing cybersecurity and fraud risks→ source.
He urged clear regulations and stronger oversight to protect investors and remove unsafe platforms.
Following the government’s pilot policy on digital assets, several Vietnamese securities firms have launched licensed crypto trading ventures with substantial registered capital.
Ed.’s notes: Reads like Kaspersky marketing copy.
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Black market dong clampdown
VnExpress is reporting that The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has ordered its regional branches in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai to intensify inspections of foreign currency trading→ source.
The directive, issued on October 29, aims to prevent illegal Forex transactions and stabilise exchange rates, the article says.
The SBV also instructed branches to coordinate with local governments and police to crack down on unlicensed exchange points.
The move follows widening gaps between official and unofficial USD/VND rates.
Ed.’s notes: This follows on from a request Sunday made to the Ministry of Public Security to investigate illegal foreign currency trading.
Counter intuitive – reducing supply on black market will push up price discouraging US dollar holders from selling to official channels further.
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Masan subsidiary IPO
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Masan Group plans to list its consumer goods subsidiary, Masan Consumer (MCH), on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange (HoSE) → source.
Deputy CEO Michael Hung Nguyen said the firm has completed listing documents and expects MCH’s market capitalisation to qualify it for the VN30 index once listed.
Nguyen goes on to say that the company will wait for its Q4 2025 and Q1 2026 performance before making a decision on an exact listing timeline.
Iphone sales bump, FPT
Tuoi Tre is reporting that FPT Retail’s strong third-quarter results were boosted by surging demand for Apple’s new iPhone 17 Pro Max → source.
The high-end model accounted for 80 percent of pre-orders, helping lift total FPT Shop revenue.
Despite prices ranging from VND 38–64 million or roughly US$1,440–US$2,430, Vietnamese consumers flocked to buy the device, the article says.
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Land database
VnExpress is reporting that Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang said Vietnam’s national land database will be largely completed by the end of 2025 and fully operational in 2026 → source.
He told the National Assembly that thirty-four provinces have finished over 70 percent of local cadastral data, but updating and system integration continue.
Lawmakers Ha Sy Dong and Pham Van Hoa supported the data-cleaning campaign but warned against burdensome document collection from citizens, urging simpler procedures and better communication to protect personal information, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: The Ministry of Construction reportedly floated establishing a similar database itself earlier this week. At the time it was noted that it might overlap with other similar projects like this one.
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Vietnam trade counsellor on US trade agreement
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s trade counsellor in the US, Do Ngoc Hung, said maintaining a 20 percent reciprocal tariff and the potential to reduce duties on some product groups to zero will expand bilateral trade and investment opportunities → source.
He told a trade promotion conference on October 29 that the new Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade marks a shift toward long-term, rules-based cooperation.
Hung noted that Vietnamese exports to the US complement domestic supply, while US exports of high-tech goods and materials still have growth potential.
He added that easing restrictions on US technology exports would help balance bilateral trade.
Ed.’s notes: Noteworthy as a high profile trade representative, but perspective typical of a high level official – overall positive assessment.
Pharmaceutical imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s pharmaceutical imports rose 34.34 percent month-on-month to US$414.51 million in September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs → source.
Year-to-date imports reached US$3.21 billion, led by strong growth from the United States, France, and Germany.
Electricity infrastructure
Vietnamnet is reporting that The 220kV–250MVA transformer AT2 at Bac Quang substation in Tuyen Quang province was successfully energised on October 27, 2025 → source.
The project, led by the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) and managed by the Power Transmission Project Management Board, aims to strengthen electricity supply for northern Vietnam.
The new transformer will help release power from Tuyen Quang’s hydropower plants to the national grid, reduce transmission losses, improve system reliability, and support energy security across northern provinces during the rainy season, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Noteworthy in the context of power shortages in recent years.
HCMC tax debtors list
Dan Tri is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s Tax Department has published a list of 31,655 companies and individuals owing a total of more than VND 25.36 trillion or about US$962 million in taxes as of September 2025 → source.
Top debtors include Xuyen Viet Oil with VND 1.83 trillion or about US$69 million, Golden Hill with VND 1.57 trillion or about US$60 million, and Song Tien Real Estate with VND 1.16 trillion or about US$44 million.
Real estate firm HDTC, linked to businessman Dinh Truong Chinh, owes VND 840 billion or about US$32 million.
The state-owned Ho Chi Minh City Green Park Company also owes VND 343 billion or about US$13 million.
Ed.’s notes: Note the state-owned enterprise. Worth watching to see if the state will bail it out, would be relevant in the context of the shift from a state-led economy to a private sector led economy.
Technology transfer incentives
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that National Assembly delegates urged the government to adopt conditional incentives for FDI firms that transfer technology and increase localisation → source.
Nguyen Dai Thang called for shifting Vietnam’s growth model toward innovation and productivity, with higher R&D investment and a national innovation fund.
La Thanh Tan proposed linking FDI and domestic firms through supply chain and training programmes.
Nguyen Duy Minh suggested a unified Law on Supporting Industries and a fund offering concessional loans and training support.
Delegates agreed FDI projects meeting localisation targets of at least 30 percent within five years should receive tax and land incentives, while non-compliant firms lose benefits.
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