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 →
Unregistered solar installation fines
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade wants new penalties for unregistered rooftop solar installations, ranging from warnings to fines of VND 20 million or US$759 for systems of 100 kW or more.
It notes smaller systems would face lower fines, from VND 500,000 or US$19 to VND 3 million or US$114 for repeat offences.
Ed.’s notes: Overarching reform driver = past over-development of solar largely stemming from lax approvals process and generous feed in tariff policy.
New approach seems like less carrot, more stick.
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Egroup investigation completed
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the police have completed their investigation into education company Egroup, finding 8,926 investors who bought unregistered shares and have not received a total of more than VND 8.39 trillion or US$318.4 million in principal owed.
It states that three investors suffered losses in the hundreds of billions of dong, including the largest case of VND 483.69 billion or US$18.35 million.
Ed.’s notes: Egroup parent company of APAX Leaders chain of English centres. Article only mentions investors not unpaid wages or social security (VND 63.4 billion or US$2.44 million delayed by 68 months in Hanoi alone). Monitoring.
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Apax Leaders leader prosecution
VOV is reporting that police have recommended prosecuting Nguyen Ngọc Thuy, known as “Shark Thuy” (he was a judge on Shark Tank Vietnam), along with 28 others, in relation to the aforementioned Egroup fraud case.
It says investigators accuse Thuy of leading a scheme between 2015 and 2023 that sold non-existent Egroup shares to defraud investors, and also of giving bribes.
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Fuel mix changes
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam will shift to nationwide use of E10 biofuel from 1 June 2026 under a new Ministry of Industry and Trade circular.
It notes the rollout will be pushed back by six months compared to an earlier proposal.
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Footwear industry body + Vietnam minister
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s industry minister met major US footwear brands in Washington, where companies including Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Michael Kors, Steve Madden and Columbia said they want to expand their long-term cooperation with Vietnam as supply chains shift globally.
They said Vietnam remains one of their most important production bases and growth markets, though high US tariffs are hurting operations and limiting expansion, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam exported footwear to the tune of US$2.03 billion in October, up 18.99 percent over September.
Black market powdered milk
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the price of premium organic milk formula Aptamil Essensis has surged from about VND 1.6–1.9 million or US$61–72 per 900g can to as high as VND 3.2–3.7 million or US$121–140, with some black-market sales nearing VND 4 million or US$152.
It says sellers and experts cite three drivers: tighter supply, sudden demand spikes and consumer hoarding.
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HCMC budget shortfall
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City faces a major 2026–2030 budget gap, with public-investment needs of more than VND 3.164 quadrillion or about US$120.1 billion far exceeding projected revenues.
It says expected local-budget resources leave a shortfall of around VND 1.857 quadrillion or about US$70.5 billion, meaning the city can meet only about 34 percent of required capital.
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Bamboo Capital auditor disagreement & replacement
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Bamboo Capital says it is replacing its 2024 audit firm after failing to reach agreement with the previously appointed AASCS, which has delayed release of the audited 2024 financial statements and created risks of penalties and trading suspension.
The company says it has now selected A&C to audit the parent company and its subsidiaries after prolonged delays linked to staff turnover in finance and accounting.
Ed.’s notes: Shooting the messenger?
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S&P Global investment
VnExpress is reporting that S&P Global Ratings has acquired a 43.4 percent stake in FiinRatings, becoming its strategic partner and securing two seats on the board.
The announcement follows approval from the Hanoi Department of Finance clearing S&P Global Asian Holdings as a major shareholder.
Ed.’s notes: Notable vote of confidence.
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Thai meat revenue fall
The Investor is reporting that Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Foods has said that Vietnam was its only declining major market in the third quarter, with revenue falling 20 percent year-on-year to THB 22.8 billion or US$703 million due to slumping hog prices.
It says nine-month revenue dropped 17 percent to THB 76.6 billion or US$2.36 billion, weighing on group results, while Thailand and China posted growth.
It notes that revenue from the livestock segment in Vietnam fell 18 percent and the food division slipped 3 percent, with average live-hog prices dropping to VND 58,812 or US$2.23 per kilogram.
Ed.’s notes: May be useful re: impact of African Swine Fever on local pork market.
Debtor auction fails
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnamese banks are repeatedly auctioning large distressed debts but cannot find buyers despite lowering prices.
It notes Agribank’s Ho Chi Minh City North branch has cut the starting price of a VND 162.37 billion or US$6.16 million fertilizer-sector debt to VND 120.78 billion or US$4.58 million after multiple failed auctions.
It adds that BIDV is facing the same issue, repeatedly offering a combined VND 173 billion or US$6.56 million logistics-sector debt package with significant real-estate and mining-right collateral but still attracting no investor interest.
Ed.’s notes: Bad debts tighten lending capacity = reduced credit availability including for distressed collateral = no buyers for debt = tighter lending capacity for banks = downward cycle.
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Thai milk factory southern Vietnam
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Thai dairy brand Betagen is moving toward building its first factory in Vietnam, signing a long-term land-lease contract for a property in Dong Nai lasting until 2062.
It says Betagen chose a 35,000-square-metre plot in An Phuoc Industrial Park.
Aeon Mall Dong Nai approved
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Dong Nai province has issued an investment certificate for Aeon Mall Bien Hoa, a Japanese-owned retail complex with total investment of more than VND 6,000 billion or about US$261 million.
It notes the mall will cover more than 10 hectares, offering shopping, dining, entertainment, office leasing and logistics services.
Real estate future value priced in
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Duong Duc Hieu of VIS Rating has told a real estate forum that Vietnam’s property market has already priced in much of its future value, making short-term “buy fast, sell fast” speculation harder than before.
He also says bank lending is constrained by Basel III requirements, leaving corporate bonds as a crucial long-term funding channel.
Fruit & veg exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported fruits and vegetables to the tune of US$927 million in October, down 29.36 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Phone imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported telephones, mobile phones and parts thereof to the tune of US$1,208 million in October, up 0.08 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$9,403 million worth of telephones, mobile phones and parts thereof by the end of October.
Tourist arrivals
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam received 1,732,942 tourist arrivals, an increase of 13.80 percent from September, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism.
Stock market performance Monday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,654.42, up 18.96 points or 1.16 percent, with a total trading value of VND 21,531.19 billion or US$817.12 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$34.54 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
the-shiv is reporting that on November 17, Vietnam’s black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,700 and the sell rate was VND 27,750, a change of 70 and 150 respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,725 (down 0.40 percent), according to Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,120, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,357.
Imports from Indonesia
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam imported US$939.25 million worth of goods from Indonesia, down 2.29 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$9,377 million worth of goods from Indonesia.
