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 9.30am
Utilising public gold
VnExpress is reporting that experts view gold digitalisation as a way to mobilise household capital but stress transparency and caution to maintain macroeconomic stability → source.
Le Anh Tuan of Dragon Capital told a forum Tuesday that said converting gold into financial assets between 2026 and 2030 is “interesting but difficult,” requiring solid legal, custodial, and trading systems.
He cited models in the US, India, and China, noting Vietnam must move carefully to avoid financial risk.
It is also reporting that independent expert Tran Dinh Tu said success depends on trust and voluntary participation, recommending digital gold bonds and certificates redeemable for physical gold.
The article says experts agreed Vietnam must proceed step by step with legal, financial, and communication safeguards to build public confidence.
Ed.’s notes: This is a recurring theme. On Friday, a member of National Assembly floated the idea. Note that his has been tried in the past and created a number of problems. For more information see → The Gold Price in Vietnam: Explained.
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Private sector development (Res 68)
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Dang Van Thanh of TTC Group has said Vietnam’s economy faces post-pandemic shocks, limited demand, and overreliance on short-term public investment which could make implementing Resolution 68 on prioritising private sector development challenging → source
Thanh said firms need to improve governance and financial discipline to compete and eventually inherit FDI capabilities.
The article also says Le Duy Binh of Economica Vietnam cautioned that excessive public investment could crowd out private capital and raise fiscal burdens.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for counter perspective to official, overly optimistic narratives.
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Vinfast defamation lawsuit Germany
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vingroup’s emergency lawsuit in Germany has moved ahead with the company asking the court to order journalist Le Trung Khoa to cease making what it calls defamatory claims→ source.
The plaintiffs — Vingroup, VinFast, and chairman Pham Nhat Vuong — allege Khoa made unfounded statements calling Vingroup a “mafia corporation,” accusing it of terrorism and bombing thoibao.de’s office, and claiming VinFast had tried to bribe him, the article says.
Ed.’s notes: The courts made a finding in this case last night. It’s a little challenging to find objective information on what was found.
What seems to be agreed between Vietnam reporting and an article posted on Thoi Bao (neither of which are even remotely objective) is that there were a number of claims made by Vinfast of which just one was accepted that relates to the journalist being offered bribes.
Thoi Bao has published the judgement, however, in the context of the article in which it sits, a copy of the original from an independent source wouldn’t go astray.
For bigger picture see: Vietnam’s Vingroup’s 68 Lawsuits: Unpacked
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Legitimising street trade
Tuoi Tre is carrying an article in which economist Tran Thi Mai Thanh proposes a “Sidewalk Law” to replace punitive campaigns with a transparent framework turning street vending into a managed public asset → source.
She said outdated administrative rules ignore livelihoods and commerce, creating recurring conflicts and wasted resources.
Economist Nguyen Van Phuong adds that fragmented regulations cause economic loss and erode public trust, as valuable urban space yields no revenue.
He calls for fee-based, digital management with funds reinvested locally.
Both experts said the law should balance order and livelihood, redefining authorities as facilitators of sustainable urban economic space.
Ed.’s notes: Who benefits from the status quo? And how do they benefit? Where do they fit in any reform plans?
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Nurse shortages
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam faces a severe shortage of nurses, with only 14–15 per 10,000 people compared to 20–25 in Thailand and over 70 in Singapore → source.
Vuong Anh Duong of the Health Ministry told the publication the deficit spans quantity, skills, and structure, leading to high workloads—one nurse often caring for 3–4 patients, versus 1–2 in developed countries.
He said only 38–40 percent of nurses hold university degrees and less than 2 percent postgraduate qualifications.
He urged coordinated reforms in recruitment, training, and pay, highlighting the need to standardise education, improve leadership, and enhance working conditions to retain staff.
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Power plant sale
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Japan’s Sumitomo Group sold 50 percent of its stake in Van Phong Power Company, owner of the Van Phong 1 thermal power plant, to Thailand’s EGAT International and the Philippines’ AboitizPower, each acquiring 25 percent → source.
AboitizPower said it will invest about US$220 million after regulatory approvals, marking its first overseas acquisition.
Sumitomo will retain 50 percent and continue joint operations to ensure stable power supply and pursue energy transition goals.
Van Phong 1, inaugurated in March 2024, cost US$2.58 billion and supplies 8.5 billion kWh annually under a 25-year contract with EVN.
Excusing corruption on development grounds
VnExpress is carrying an op-ed from lawyer Hoang Ha it which he criticises a draft Supreme Court resolution proposing to exempt officials from criminal liability if offences were committed “for socio-economic development” → source
He argues the phrase is vague and risks excusing corruption under the guise of public benefit.
Ed.’s notes: Highlights this tricky situation whereby corruption is looked down on but also is often what keeps the wheels turning.
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Trump developer data centre project
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Kinh Bac City Development (KBC) has signed an MoU with Accelerated Infrastructure Capital (AIC) and VietinBank to develop a nearly US$2 billion data centre complex in Ho Chi Minh City → source.
The project, located on 10 hectares in Tan Phu Trung Industrial Park, will have a 200 MW IT load and capacity for 100,000 GPUs, positioning it as one of Vietnam’s largest AI-oriented facilities.
AIC, based in London and Hong Kong, will provide expertise in hyperscale and neocloud data infrastructure, while VietinBank will serve as the financial partner.
KBC Chairman Dang Thanh Tam said the project supports Vietnam’s shift toward high-tech, sustainable industrial development.
Ed.’s notes: This is the same company that is developing the Trump golf course in northern Vietnam.
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Cruise tourism Khanh Hoa
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that cruise tourism in Khanh Hoa is rebounding strongly, with 19 international ships bringing over 22,000 visitors so far this year and seven more expected by December, totalling 26 voyages — the highest since the pandemic → source.
Officials said the sector attracts high-spending tourists, but experts urged more port investment, marketing, and cultural experiences to sustain growth.
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Perspective on securities company regulations
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Saigon – Hanoi Securities (SHS) is saying Circular 102 issued by the Ministry of Finance on 29 October 2025 does not tighten margin lending as rumoured but refines financial safety ratios for securities companies → source.
It says the regulation aims to help firms focus on core operations, with margin lending considered a safe and prioritised activity.
SHS notes the new rules introduce stricter risk management, especially for property investments and unrated corporate bonds.
The article says most leading brokerages maintain capital adequacy ratios above 180 percent, showing stable financial capacity.
It adds the 200 percent cap on margin lending to equity remains unchanged.
Ed.’s notes: Margin lending has reached record highs in recent months.
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Fruit and veg imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s imports of pepper reached US$231.06 million in September 2025, rising 1.26 percent from August, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs→ source.
Total imports in the first nine months of the year stood at US$1.91 billion, reflecting stable demand from major suppliers.
Steel firm on ropes
Vietstock is reporting that steelmaker Pomina reported a net loss of VND 512 billion or about US$19.4 million in the first nine months of 2025, leaving its equity negative by VND 187 billion or about US$7.1 million → source.
It says third-quarter revenue fell 58 percent year-on-year to VND 200 billion or about US$7.6 million, with interest costs of VND 160 billion or about US$6.1 million pushing the company to a VND 180 billion or about US$6.8 million loss.
Chairman Do Duy Thai says delays at the Pomina 3 blast furnace project during COVID-19 inflated costs, creating heavy debt that continues to weigh on operations.
Ed.’s notes: Useful for looking at how Vietnam’s steel industry is changing.
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