Housekeeping: Please note there will be no roundup this Thursday and Friday while I take care of some personal business. Back Monday. Thanks for your understanding – Mark.
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
Gov’t considers buying unsold housing
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnamese Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc has suggested exploring government purchases of completed but unsold commercial housing.
The proposal emerged during a meeting on housing policy, where officials highlighted mismatches between housing demand, available supply and affordability. View source→
FPT and Naver Cloud expand AI infrastructure partnership
UPI is reporting that Vietnam’s FPT and South Korea’s Naver Cloud have announced a partnership to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region.
The companies signed a memorandum of understanding covering AI factories and graphics processing unit (GPU) computing services in Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. View source→
Murphy Oil begins production
Technode is reporting that US energy company Murphy Oil has announced that production has begun at its Lac Da Vang offshore oil field.
The company expects net production to reach 10,000–15,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2028 and 2029. View source→
Vinpearl to open first senior living facility
The Investor is reporting that Vingroup’s hospitality subsidiary Vinpearl plans to open its first premium senior living facility in Tuyen Quang province during the fourth quarter of 2026. View source→
Cosmetics retail network expands
Retailnews is reporting that Vietnam’s cosmetics retail sector reached 574 stores in March 2026, up 4.5 percent year-on-year, according to market research firm Q&Me.
Meanwhile, Vietnam’s online beauty and personal care sales reached VND74.4 trillion (US$2.83 billion) in 2025. View source→
South Korea’s KAMCO and VN’s bad debt market
The Korea Times is reporting that South Korea’s state-run Korea Asset Management Corporation (KAMCO) is expanding cooperation with Vietnam to develop financial infrastructure and improve nonperforming loan management.
In April, KAMCO signed a US$400,000 agreement with the Asian Development Bank to help Vietnam establish a legal framework for asset-backed securities. View source→
South Korea’s Lotte + Japan’s TOEI partner on VN films
SBS Star is reporting that South Korea’s Lotte Cultureworks has announced a partnership with Lotte Entertainment Vietnam and Japan’s TOEI to jointly develop and produce Vietnamese films.
The memorandum of understanding covers film production, investment and distribution in Vietnam and international markets, alongside potential adaptations of the companies’ intellectual property. View source→
Russia 30-day visa-free entry VN citizens
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a decree granting Vietnamese citizens visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days.
The exemption covers tourism, business visits, family visits, transit and participation in scientific, cultural, political, economic and sporting events. View source→
UOB raises 2026 GDP growth forecast
VnExpress is reporting that Singapore’s United Overseas Bank (UOB) has raised its 2026 Vietnam GDP growth forecast from 8.5 to 9.2 percent following stronger-than-expected third-quarter economic performance. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 6.30am, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,110 and the sell rate was VND 26,160, a change of 0, and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,135 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,633, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,914.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 502 or 1.96 percent.
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,719.42, down 1.56 points or 0.09 percent, with a total trading value of VND 13,162.20 billion or US$499.51 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$16.47 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Yesterday’s news roundup
In today’s news: Consumer protection fines pay TV, Car sales September, Anti-dumping petition stainless steel imports, China pig farming investment, Saigontel licensed Starlink distributor, VCP encourages members to build wealth, Irish beef enters VN market, Two stadiums to be replaced, SSI investment fund exits Vingroup, Exchange rates, Stock market Monday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. View source→