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
Calls for telcos to block censored films
VnExpress is reporting that the government has proposed requiring telecommunications companies to block access to films violating national laws.
Online film distributors would also be required to remove prohibited content and adjust age classifications and warnings when directed by authorities. View source→
202kg counterfeit coffee bust
Cand is reporting that Police in Vietnam’s Gia Lai province have seized 202kg of finished coffee products they have alleged are counterfeit during an inspection of a local business.
Investigators have said the accused mixed soybeans and flavourings into coffee products sold under the TT brand. View source→
Vietjet Australian airline ambitions
Znews is reporting that Vietjet has applied for an Australian Air Operator Certificate to establish a domestic airline under the name Cherrie Air.
The proposed airline would operate up to 10 Boeing 737 aircraft, serving major cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the article says. View source→
*Australia was one of the jurisdictions specifically identified in the English High Court’s receivership judgment last month as a place where the order could potentially be recognised and enforced.
Maersk-Hateco rail freight terminal project
Reuters is reporting that Maersk’s port subsidiary APM Terminals and Vietnam’s Hateco Group have signed a non-binding agreement to study developing railway freight terminals in northern Vietnam.
The proposal includes considering a terminal in Hai Phong, including cargo-handling and storage facilities, alongside three additional rail freight locations. View source→
Policy limit air pollution exposure
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed emergency air pollution measures including issuing red alerts whereby schools would switch to online learning, eligible public employees would work remotely and dust-generating construction activities would be suspended.
Diesel trucks weighing at least three tonnes would face peak-hour restrictions in urban areas, while residents would be encouraged to limit motorbike use, under the proposal. View source→
Malaysia Petronas interest VN LNG / renewables
The Investor is reporting that Malaysia’s state-owned Petronas has proposed expanding long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply agreements and energy infrastructure investment in Vietnam.
Chief Executive Tengku Muhammad Taufik outlined the plans during an October 16 meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung in Hanoi. View source→
Anti-dumping duties polyester yarn imports extended
Chemnet is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade has extended anti-dumping duties on polyester filament yarn imports from China, India, Indonesia and Malaysia.
The measures took effect on October 16 and will remain in force until October 15, 2031. View source→
Hoa Phat steel sales
Shanghai Metals Markets is reporting that Hoa Phat sold 5.47 million tonnes of hot-rolled coil in the first nine months of 2026, up 59 percent year-on-year; however, domestic production still remains insufficient to meet demand projected to reach 17.3 million tonnes in 2026, well above an estimated output of 6.5 million tonnes.
It also notes that Chinese hot-rolled coil exports to Vietnam fell 52.5 percent year-on-year to 1.4 million tonnes during January–August. View source→
Analysis: Growth ambitions vs financing constraints
Fulcrum is carrying analysis from Le Hong Hiep in which he argues the government needs to choose between moderating its growth ambitions or accepting greater financial risks.
He also suggests that preferential financing for major infrastructure projects and high borrowing costs are squeezing smaller businesses, despite strong headline economic growth. View source→
Analysis: Why Vietnam’s major gym chains are struggling
Vietcetera is carrying analysis that attributes Vietnam’s gym closures to high operating costs, changing consumer habits and growing dissatisfaction with premium fitness chains.
Large operators face substantial rent, equipment and staffing expenses, while relying on expensive long-term memberships and upfront payments to finance operations, the article notes. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 7.30 this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,000 and the sell rate was VND 26,080, a change of 0, and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,040 (up 0.06 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,639, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,876.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 401 or 1.56 percent.
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,691.97, up 2.13 points or 0.13 percent, with a total trading value of VND 13,251.58 billion or US$502.91 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$8.39 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: Changes to lawyer qualifications, California Fitness CEO comments re: closures, Italian equipment for VinMetal, Alstom Vingroup initial order, Denmark investment VN container terminal, Banana export challenges, Professional wrestling growing interest, VEFTA impacts Latin America, VinFast Q2 results, Exchange rates, Stock market Monday, Yesterday’s news, and more. View source→