This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam and about Vietnam in the international press.
It endeavours to highlight the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Ed’s note: I’m always looking for new sources with unique insights. If you have anything to share, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Unused land tax proposed
Znews is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed a 0.2 percent tax on unused land.
The draft legislation has been submitted to the government and is expected to go before the National Assembly in October. View source→
Novaland rejects bankruptcy rumours
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Novaland has denied claims circulating online that the embattled property developer is bankrupt.
The company said it remains under restructuring and is gradually restoring operations while meeting commitments to customers, partners, shareholders and other stakeholders.
It does, however, continue to report delayed bond payments, including VND1.82 trillion (US$70 million) in outstanding principal and interest on one bond issue, the article says. View source→
Vietnamese trade delegation visits Iran
The Tehran Times is reporting that a Vietnamese trade delegation arrived in Tehran on October 6 for a 12-day mission aimed at expanding bilateral trade and identifying investment opportunities.
Delegation head Nguyen Dang Dinh said Vietnamese businesses were seeking increased agricultural and consumer-goods exports while exploring imports of Iranian industrial inputs and raw materials. View source→
US duties Vietnamese air compressors
VN Economy is reporting that the United States has imposed preliminary countervailing duties on Vietnamese air compressors.
The cooperating mandatory respondent received a 0.35 percent rate, while eight companies that did not participate face duties of up to 74.39 percent. View source→
EVF plans US$300 million international bond issue
The Investor is reporting that EVF General Finance has approved a plan to issue up to US$300 million in US dollar-denominated bonds internationally during the fourth quarter of 2026.
The privately placed, unsecured bonds would have maturities of at least three years and are expected to be issued and listed in Singapore. View source→
Alstom, Vingroup metro train agreement
In a press release, France’s Alstom has said it has signed an agreement with Vingroup covering up to 83 five-car Metropolis trains and technology licensing for Hanoi urban rail projects.
Alstom would manufacture the 83 trains in France, while Vingroup would assemble another 117 in Vietnam using components supplied by the French company, under the agreement. View source→
*This comes after Vingroup also signed an agreement last month with Siemens to supply trains for the Hanoi–Quang Ninh and Ben Thanh–Can Gio rail lines.
Open access mandated public EV chargers
Technode is reporting that Vietnam will require public electric vehicle charging stations to serve all compatible vehicles under national technical regulations taking effect July 1, 2027.
The rules cover public areas, car parks, rest stops and stand-alone sites, but exclude private stations, indoor garages and several specialised charging systems. View source→
German investment in Vietnam
The Investor is reporting that German companies have invested an estimated US$3.7 billion across 620 projects in Vietnam, creating at least 55,000 direct jobs.
Southern Vietnam hosts about 58 percent of German manufacturing investments and around 70 percent of the country’s overall German business presence, the article notes. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 8am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,040, and the sell rate was VND 26,140, a change of 40 and 110, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,090 (up 0.29 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,645, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,992.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 445 or 1.74 percent.
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,759.08, up 5.88 points or 0.34 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,579.14 billion or US$743.04 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$99.24 million worth of equities on Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Yesterday’s news roundup
In today’s news: Challenges to 10 percent growth target, Proposed rare earth export ban eased, Vietnam records US$122 billion in crypto activity, Norway shipbuilder HCMC office, Inflation reaches new high, Mineral auctions blamed construction material price pressures, Renewables FiTs conflict update, Banned substances pork investigation, AI engineer recruitment challenges, Exchange rates, Stock market Monday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. View source→