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 →
Higher education reforms
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh told a meeting Tuesday that only specialised universities will be allowed to train lawyers or doctors in the future (no time frame given).
He said more than 90 non-specialised universities currently have law faculties, but these schools will no longer be permitted to train law graduates.
He also said universities that do not meet new international standards on staff and training fields will have to merge or dissolve.
Ed.’s notes: Article wide ranging in terms of issues covered – not clear what problems ideas expressed are expected to solve. Generally vague – monitoring.
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Vingroup CEO rich list 100
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Forbes has valued Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong’s assets at US$22.5 billion, an increase of US$1.3 billion from the previous update.
This comes after Vietnam’s stock market fell on 25 November, but VIC shares rose 3,500 dong to 243,000 dong, their highest level ever, the article says.
His wealth is now more than three times higher than at the start of 2025.
Forbes ranked him 100th among the world’s richest people.
Aged care industry
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Savills Vietnam has said Vietnam’s elderly care real estate remains limited, with only a few pilot projects.
It notes that Savills is forecasting the market to grow from US$2.3 billion in 2024 to US$3.6 billion in 2032.
It also noted that industry representatives have called for clearer regulations, sustainable payment mechanisms and specialised workforce training.
IFC HCMC December launch
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City will launch its International Financial Centre in December 2025 and is finalising the requirements to begin operation.
It also reports that city leaders have pledged to streamline procedures, improve administrative services and strengthen cooperation with domestic and foreign investors.
VinSteel/Pomina partnership
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that under a plan announced by Vingroup, a 0 percent working-capital loan for up to two years will be provided to steel maker Pomina through its subsidiary VinMetal.
As a result of this funding, improvements in Pomina’s cash flow, supply chains and production stability are expected.
Under Vingroup’s procurement priority, steel for VinFast, Vinhomes and VinSpeed will be sourced from Pomina.
As part of the restructuring support, the return of Do Tien Si to lead Pomina will be facilitated by Vingroup (it was announced a couple of weeks ago that he had been appointed General Director of VinMetal).
Ed.’s notes: This is confusing. Not clear why VinMetal doesn’t just take a stake in Pomina or issue some sort of purchase agreement/contract Pomina can use to support a bank loan/trade finance or why a loan would be zero interest.
Follows on from an interview VinSpeed CEO reported earlier this week in which he said Vingroup would build HSR at a loss and bear that loss.
In their reported format these do not appear to be rational business decisions. Monitoring.
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Bamboo Airways restructuring plan
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that domestic and foreign aviation, aircraft leasing and financial partners are being approached by FLC to secure capital and technical support, in order to keep Bamboo Airways operational.
The firm, which founded the airline and then handed over control to a group of investors when it found itself in financial distress, took back control of the carrier earlier this year.
New external capital is considered the most feasible option because bank lending is unlikely without transparent financial disclosures, according to the article.
Ed.’s notes: Noted as an example of persisting with an unsustainable operation despite prolonged under-performance – a market exit would be the rational outcome, continued operations = market distortion.
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IP as collateral
Bao Dau Tu is reporting that the National Assembly has discussed amendments allowing intellectual property owners to list and self-value assets and use them as collateral for loans.
Delegates said self-valuation lacks proof, disclosure and standard methods, creating risks of inflated values and making bank appraisal difficult.
They also proposed adding transparent valuation criteria and stronger guidance to ensure consistency and reduce risks, the article says.
New crypto regulations uncertainty
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam’s new pilot framework for digital-asset regulation creates major uncertainty over whether previously issued cryptocurrencies or tokens are recognised, allowed to trade, or subject to penalties.
Experts note that legacy tokens were never licensed yet not explicitly banned, creating uncertainty about listing, trading or transferring them.
It also says questions remain about shifting investors from foreign exchanges to licensed domestic platforms and whether all global tokens can be traded in Vietnam.
Experts warn unclear rules leave investors unprotected.
Ed.’s notes: Examples of where local crypto enthusiasts are registering challenges with the new regulations.
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Cultural industries strategy
Vietnam Plus is reporting that the Prime Minister has approved a strategy to develop Vietnam’s cultural industries to 2030 with a vision to 2045.
It sets a target for cultural industries to contribute 9 percent of GDP by 2045, seeking to promote Vietnam’s historical and cultural values and strengthen national branding.
Ed.’s notes: Presents creative industries as a marketing tool as opposed to means of expression – not clear what is included in the 9 percent.
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New UAV factory
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam has begun construction of a UAV camera module factory with an initial investment of VND 550 billion or about US$20.9 million.
The plant is being built by Gremsy in the Saigon Hi-Tech Park and includes a production block, an R&D centre, an innovation hub and a technology showcase space.
Ed.’s notes: UAVs as the new semiconductors.
Outbound investment Angola
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnamese conglomerate Xuan Thien Group has begun construction of a US$672 million cassava starch plant in Angola.
Capacity will reach 1.6 million tonnes of cassava starch a year, with the wider complex expanding to instant noodles, fertiliser and food-grade cassava powder, the article says.
Total investment for 2025–2029 is expected to reach US$750 million.
Steel maker factory sale
An Ninh Tien Te is reporting that SMC has approved the sale of its Phu My 1 Industrial Park steel plant project with operations to be terminated from December 2025.
The article notes that SMC’s accumulated losses reached VND 318.08 billion or about US$12.1 million by 30 September 2025.
Ed.’s notes: Contrasts with earlier reports that Vingroup is expanding its presence in Vietnam’s steel sector.
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Revised mining plans
VN Economy is reporting that the government has approved adjustments to exploration, mining and processing plans for several tungsten, copper and bauxite deposits.
The decision covers the Nui Phao tungsten area in Thai Nguyen, the Ta Phoi copper mine in Lao Cai, and the Tho Son and Thong Nhat bauxite deposits in Dong Nai.
The adjustments revise project lists and boundary coordinates listed in earlier planning documents issued in 2023, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: Lacks significant detail – doesn’t say whether the adjustments expanded or reduced project areas, changed production targets, altered project rights, or modified licensing, technology, or environmental requirements. For review.
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Conditions for collecting collateral
An Ninh Tien Te is reporting that the government has issued a decree defining conditions for seizing collateral tied to bad debts.
The decree states that when the collateral is a borrower’s only residence or primary work tool, lenders must provide the borrower with a payment equal to 12 months or 6 months of minimum wages determined per conditions in the decree.
Ed.’s notes: The Decree. Presumably this will, moving forward, be factored into the value of the loan available relative to the value of the collateral – collateral value minus the 6/12 month provision = less capital at the start but financial buffer at the end.
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HAGL strategic partnership
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that agricultural products producer Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) has entered a strategic partnership with OCB and OCBS to support its next growth phase after completing a decade-long restructuring.
The article suggests the firm is on the path to recovery and quotes chairman Doan Nguyen Duc as recalling the stress of past crises, for example, being unable to pay employee salaries for up to 60 months.
Ed.’s notes: 60 months worth of salaries = 5 years. Company still operating – suggests current insolvency frameworks not working for VN workers. For context re: bankruptcy reforms currently being debated.
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Stock market performance Tuesday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,660.36, down 7.62 points or 0.46 percent, with a total trading value of VND 26,956.33 billion or US$1,023.01 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$13.81 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Tuesday
the-shiv is reporting that on November 25, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,750 and the sell rate was VND 27,850, a change of 0 and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,800 (down 0.04 percent), according to Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,146, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,372.
Aquaculture feed production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 890.27 thousand tons of aquaculture feed in October, up 3.56 percent from 859.70 thousand tons in September, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Over the first ten months of the year, output reached 8088.53 thousand tons.
Car parts and accessories imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported parts and accessories of motor vehicles to the tune of US$533 million in October, up 8.30 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$4,648 million worth of parts and accessories of motor vehicles by the end of October.
Animal feed output
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 1,308.21 thousand tons of animal feed in October, up 0.38 percent from 1,303.23 thousand tons in September, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Over the first ten months of the year, output reached 12,434.56 thousand tons.
