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
APAX leader prosecution recommendations
VnExpress is reporting that police have recommended prosecuting Egroup, the parent company of English language centre chain APAX Leaders, chairman Nguyen Ngoc Thuy, for alleged fraud and bribery.
Investigators allege Thuy misappropriated VND 7.68 trillion (US$291 million) from more than 10,100 investors between 2015 and 2023. View source→
Construction sector labour shortages
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s construction sector is facing worsening labour shortages as infrastructure and property projects compete for skilled workers.
Industry participants expect shortages to intensify towards year-end as infrastructure projects accelerate and younger workers continue moving into less physically demanding jobs, the article says. View source→
*This adds to the narrative that all of the major projects being undertaken are pushing up costs.
Electric truck launched
Just-Auto is reporting that Kim Long Motor has launched what it claims is Vietnam’s first domestically branded battery-powered heavy truck to enter production.
The 6×4 tractor has a 38-tonne towing capacity, 350-kilometre range and a 400-kWh battery pack supplied by BYD, the article says. View source→
Lithium recycling US firm
The Investor is reporting that US-based R3 Lithium is exploring investment and partnerships in Vietnam covering battery technology, recycling and critical-mineral processing.
R3 Lithium aims to develop supply chains and a broader ecosystem for recycling and reusing batteries and critical minerals in Vietnam, the article says. View source→
Cement exports
Cemnet is reporting that Vietnam’s cement dispatches rose 12 percent year-on-year to 47.7 million tonnes in the first seven months of 2026, according to the industry association.
Vietnam Cement Corporation’s domestic sales increased 15 percent to 13.6 million tonnes, while other producers also recorded higher domestic dispatches. View source→
*Vietnam’s cement industry was cited as an example by the USTR when it announced Vietnam would be included in its 301 investigation into overproduction.
Car services startup US$500K pre-seed
Technode is reporting that Vietnamese car-services platform Bonbon Mobility has raised US$500,000 in a pre-seed funding round led by Tasco, with GenAI Fund co-investing.
Bonbon connects car owners with garages and car-care providers through a digital booking and payment platform rather than operating its own outlets. View source→
Japan electronics manufacturing investment
Ryt9 is reporting that Trois SMT (Vietnam) Technology will invest US$15 million in a new electronics components plant at Amata City Ha Long industrial park in Quang Ninh.
The plant will occupy 1.9 hectares and produce components for industrial automation, automotive manufacturing, and medical technology. View source→
VinSpeed Siemens contract
In a press release, Siemens has announced that it has signed a turnkey contract with VinSpeed worth up to €1 billion (about US$1.18 billion) for two high-speed rail projects in Vietnam.
Siemens will supply 10 Velaro Novo trains, along with communications and electrification systems, for the 121-km Hanoi–Quang Ninh and 54-km Ben Thanh–Can Gio lines. View source→
TL interview Bloomberg
Vietnamese leader To Lam has sat down for an interview with Bloomberg on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, in which he told the publication that Vietnam and the US are “very close” to a final trade agreement following months of negotiations.
It also carries a quote from the leader: “We have carefully calculated and considered our growth targets… fully confident we can achieve these goals.” View source→
*I’d suggest there is only so far a goal can stray from reality before it becomes so unrealistic that its continued pursuit is actually more concerning than reassuring. Especially when that comes from one of the few people with the power to change it.
Exchange rates
As of 7.15am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,800, and the sell rate was VND 25,850, a change of 100 and 150, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,825 (down 0.48 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,640, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,015.
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,816.93, up 17.26 points or 0.96 percent, with a total trading value of VND 12,988.16 billion or US$492.91 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$2.05 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: Trade deficit widens, Project loses on surging materials prices Quang Ngai, MoIT wants EVN, Electricity pricing proposed changes, Indian motorcycle maker to divest VN manufacturing, FTSE Russel inclusion kicks off, Fast loan market value, Japan supermarket chain VN entry, Exchange rates, Stock market Monday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. View source→