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
SBV threats banks interest rates
Tien Phong is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has warned that commercial banks failing to reduce interest rates could face lower credit growth limits. View source→
*If banks can’t raise interest rates to attract deposits, then they won’t have any money to lend, which would make lower credit growth limits redundant.
Polish PM to visit next week
Vietnamnet is reporting that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk will make his first official visit to Vietnam from October 24–26.
Discussions will focus on bilateral relations, implementation of the strategic partnership roadmap, balancing trade and facilitating Polish business operations in Vietnam, the article says. View source→
Securities margin lending reaches record high
Nguoi Quan Sat is reporting that outstanding securities margin lending reached a record VND 457.46 trillion (US$17.4 billion) by the end of September, up 14.1 percent year-to-date.
However, quarterly growth slowed to VND 11.7 trillion (US$445 million), compared with an increase of VND 40.5 trillion (US$1.54 billion) in the second quarter. View source→
Hong Kong entity stake GSM VN Holding
Viet Times is reporting that GSM VN Holding (the Vingroup-linked taxi company) has disclosed that Hong Kong-based Smart & Green Trans Limited holds 36.1 percent of its charter capital.
Despite its minority capital stake, the entity owns 80 percent of GSM VN Holding’s ordinary shares, giving it potentially controlling voting power. View source→
Cryptocurrency exchange process delays
VIR is reporting that the government has selected five companies for its pilot cryptocurrency exchange programme, but notes none has received a licence to begin operations.
The State Securities Commission said companies have one year from receiving initial certification to satisfy the remaining requirements, including meeting minimum charter capital requirements of VND 10 trillion (US$386 million). View source→
VinFast EV factory Philippines
GMA Network is reporting that Vingroup plans to invest US$500 million in an electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the Philippines.
The proposed factory would initially produce 200,000 vehicles annually for domestic and export markets, alongside plans to introduce electric scooters, the article says. View source→
Foreign investment recycled packaging
VIR is reporting that Dubai- and Singapore-based Brookland Group has completed its first investment in Vietnamese recycled-packaging producer Miza Corporation.
The transaction forms part of a staged equity investment worth up to US$5 million. View source→
Corporate bond issuances slow
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam’s corporate bond issuance fell 26 percent quarter-on-quarter to VND 179.4 trillion (US$6.93 billion) in the third quarter of 2026.
According to S&I Ratings, average issuance yields have risen approximately 2.5 percentage points from their 2025 lows, approaching levels last seen in 2022–2023, the article says. View source→
HRW report independent trade union suppression
In a press release, Human Rights Watch has accused the Vietnamese government of systematically suppressing independent trade unions citing a 49-page report released on October 21.
The organisation said Vietnam had failed to implement promised labour reforms under international trade agreements, despite introducing legislation permitting independent worker organisations in 2021.
It goes on to call on Vietnam’s trading partners to demand compliance with labour commitments and press for the release of imprisoned labour rights activists. View source→
Carlsberg US$65 million brewery investment plan
In a press release, the Carlsberg Group has announced plans to invest approximately US$65 million in its Phu Bai Brewery in Hue between 2026 and 2031.
The proposed investment was presented during Vietnamese President To Lam’s October 19–21 state visit to Denmark, alongside plans to expand operations in Da Nang. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 8am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,000, and the sell rate was VND 26,080, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,634, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,857.
The spread between the SBV’s central exchange rate and black-market mid-market rates was VND 406 or 1.58 percent.
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,738.67, up 46.70 points or 2.76 percent, with a total trading value of VND 20,290.59 billion or US$770.04 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$7.21 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Yesterday’s news
In today’s news: Calls for telcos to block censored films, 202kg counterfeit coffee bust, Vietjet Australian airline ambitions, Maersk-Hateco rail freight terminal project, Policy limit air pollution exposure, Malaysia Petronas interest VN LNG / renewables, Anti-dumping duties polyester yarn imports extended, Hoa Phat steel sales, Analysis: Growth ambitions vs financing constraints, Analysis: Why Vietnam’s major gym chains are struggling, Exchange rates, Stock market Tuesday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. View source→