In this week’s Vietnam News Roundup: the dong weakens further, Fitch warns on rising debt, and EVN seeks to pass accumulated losses to consumers. Universities announce new tuition fees, the livestock sector calls for milk support, Sun Group gains approval for a casino project, and the VN-Index rises despite continued foreign outflows.
In case you missed it…
Why Vietnam’s “Market Principles” Land Pricing Policy Reversal Push is Worth Watching
Vietnam’s new Land Law tied land prices to the market, driving sharp increases in fees and taxes. This has not been popular, and the backlash has spurred calls to return to state-set valuations. This would, however, not bode well for Vietnam’s market-oriented reform agenda.
Banking and finance news
Local currency loses 33 dong against the greenback
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) weakened the local currency against the greenback this week, with the central exchange rate ending Thursday at VND 25,273, 33 dong lower than the same time last week.
This puts the currency down 3.82 percent since the start of the year.
The SBV, however, continued to pump money into the economy.
There were US$6.62 billion worth of reverse repos outstanding as of close of business August 21. This was down from US$7.65 billion at the same time last week.
There were no new treasury bills issued; however, there were still US$65.6 million worth outstanding as of last night.
See also: How Low Can the Vietnamese Dong Go? Why It’s Sliding & What Might Happen Next
Economy news
Vietnam government growth push could lift leverage risk, says Fitch
Fitch Ratings has warned that Vietnam’s push for rapid economic growth despite higher US tariffs could worsen already high leverage, according to a statement on its website → view source.
While reforms, including Basel III-aligned capital standards by 2033, could improve transparency and policy credibility, faster credit growth risks asset quality deterioration and constrains sovereign ratings, the statement said.
It also notes that whereas private debt to GDP stood at 135 percent at the end of 2024, this was well above the median of 53 percent for Vietnam’s ‘BB’-rated peers.
See also: It’s Time to Talk About Vietnam’s Credit Growth Policy…
Education news
Vietnamese universities release 2025–2026 tuition fee plans
More than 130 universities have published their expected tuition fees for new students in the 2025–2026 academic year, ranging from VND 9.8 million (US$377) to VND 170 million (US$6,538) per year, with the average falling between VND 15–40 million (US$577–1,538), VNExpress has reported → view source.
The highest tuition fee is at Gia Dinh University’s Dentistry department (VND 170 million or US$6,538 per year), while Tan Trao University in Tuyen Quang charges the lowest (VND 9.8 million or US$377 per year).
See also: Vietnam’s Education Industry 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities
Electricity news
Electricity Vietnam asks permission to pass VND 44.79 trillion accumulated loss to consumers
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is seeking permission from the government to recoup VND 44.79 trillion or US$1.72 billion in accumulated losses by raising electricity tariffs, VietnamNet has reported → view source.
- The losses were accrued during 2022–2023 when input costs jumped significantly, but regulated electricity prices did not.
- Vietnam’s current framework under Decree 72 requires annual retail price adjustments but does not allow full recovery of past costs.
- EVN is pushing for amendments to permit uncompensated costs, audited expenses since 2022, and exchange rate losses to be rolled into electricity prices.
- The Ministry of Industry and Trade argues this will align retail tariffs with the Electricity Law, which mandates that prices reflect input costs and preserve state capital.
See also: Electricity in Vietnam 2025: Pricing, Supply & Sources
Food & beverage news
Vietnam livestock association calls for urgent support to domestic milk production
Vietnam’s livestock industry has warned that heavy reliance on imported milk is threatening the sustainability of domestic dairy farming, urging the government to adopt new policies that prioritise local raw milk production and protect household farmers, according to a post on its website → view source.
The post argues that rapid brand expansion and “massive” imports have overwhelmed domestic raw milk, causing household dairy herds in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Vi, and Moc Chau to collapse—HCMC’s herd has fallen by more than 50 percent.
It also notes that dairy cow herd growth has slowed from 15.4 percent annually (2010–2015) to just 0.4 percent (2020–2024), leaving the current herd at about 330,000 head.
Fresh milk production growth also fell from 17.7 percent per year (2010–2015) to 3.3 percent (2020–2024).
See also: Vietnam’s Dairy Market 2025: Data, Scandals, Risks, and Key Players
Gambling news
Sun Group to build US$2 billion Van Don casino complex
Quang Ninh’s People’s Committee has approved Van Don Sun, a Sun Group subsidiary, to develop a casino-tourism complex in the Van Don Economic Zone, The Investor has reported → view source.
The project will pilot access for Vietnamese gamblers under strict criteria.
Set on 244.45 hectares in Van Don Economic Zone, the development is set to have a casino, hotels, resorts, condotels, townhouses, a shopping centre, offices, conference facilities, and day-and-night entertainment.
See also: Gambling in Vietnam 2025: Laws, Casinos & Betting Landscape
Stock market news
VN-Index gains 50.81 points, foreign traders speed up exit
Over the last five trading sessions to the close of business on August 21, foreign investors net-sold US$352.52 million worth of HCMC Stock Exchange (HoSE) stocks.
This brings the total net sold by foreign traders for the year-to-date to just shy of US$2.3 billion.
Conversely, the VN-Index closed Thursday at 1,691.50 points, up 50.81 points since last Thursday.
Foreign trader activity, last five trading days
| Buy | Sell | Change | ||||
| Date | VND | US$ | VND | US$ | VND | US$ |
| 15/8 | 4,549 | $172.10 | 7,562 | $286.09 | -3,013 | -$113.99 |
| 18/8 | 3,699 | $139.94 | 5,647 | $213.64 | -1,948 | -$73.70 |
| 19/8 | 3,521 | $133.21 | 5,021 | $189.96 | -1,500 | -$56.75 |
| 20/8 | 5,953 | $225.22 | 6,388 | $241.67 | -435 | -$16.46 |
| 21/8 | 3,583 | $135.55 | 6,005 | $227.18 | -2,422 | -$91.63 |
| Total | 21,305 | $806.02 | 30,623 | $1,158.54 | -9,318 | -$352.52 |
VND = billions; US$ = millions; source: HSX
See also: Explainer: What’s Driving Vietnam’s Stock Market Rally?
The week ahead
There are a handful of events coming up this week. For more information, see: Doing Business in Vietnam: Events Directory 2025.