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
SME support proposal
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the government has outlined a proposed voucher scheme to help small and medium-sized enterprises cover some costs, including reduced land rental expenses. View source→
VinFast structure changes
Technode is reporting that VinFast has said its Vietnamese manufacturing arm will reabsorb research and development firm Tuong Lai, reversing part of a 2025 restructuring.
The merger will lift VinFast Trading and Production’s charter capital from VND50.8 trillion (US$1.9 billion) to VND214 trillion (US$8.1 billion).
Tuong Lai’s assets, debts, labour contracts and other obligations will transfer to VinFast Trading and Production, while Tuong Lai will cease operating. View source→
VA Germany takeoff incident update
Bloomberg is reporting that German investigators have said a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9’s brakes activated twice during an August takeoff from Munich Airport, though Germany’s Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation has not determined the cause.
The aircraft lost acceleration but continued takeoff after its crew determined insufficient runway remained to abort, subsequently overshooting the runway and striking approach lights. View source→
VN removed from EU tax blacklist
Bloomberg is reporting that the European Union is expected to remove Vietnam from its tax haven blacklist when finance ministers meet in Luxembourg on October 9.
Vietnam, which was added to the list in February, is expected to move instead to the European Union’s so-called grey list. View source→
Excelsior Capital Vietnam fund closed
Dealroom is reporting that Vietnam-focused private equity firm Excelsior Capital Vietnam has closed its second fund at more than US$170 million. View source→
Spain seafood firm VN acquisition
VIR is reporting that Spanish seafood manufacturer Congalsa has acquired 100 percent of Lenger Seafood Vietnam, including its processing facility in Nam Dinh. View source→
MB Bank bond issue
Bao Phap Luat is reporting that Military Commercial Joint Stock Bank has raised VND750 billion (US$28.5 million) through a private six-year bond issuance.
The bonds carry a floating interest rate of 9 percent annually and mature in September 2032. View source→
Samsung semiconductor packaging expansion
Seoul Economic Daily is reporting that Samsung Electro-Mechanics has said it will invest 2.51 trillion won (US$1.8 billion) in additional semiconductor package substrate facilities in Vietnam.
The Vietnam investment, through the company’s local production subsidiary, is scheduled for completion by the end of April 2028. View source→
Exchange rates
As of 8am this morning, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,900, and the sell rate was VND 25,950, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,925 (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 25,632, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,974. 
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s news: Green SM Netherlands expansion, VN fund manager assets, HCMC TOD plans, Egroup supplementary investigation, Draft changes PSF handling, Murphy oil investment plans, Changes SAF requirements, Sanctioned garment maker US exports through VN?, Petrovietnam ExxonMobil crude deal, Sumitomo VPBank increased stake talks, Exchange rates, Stock market Friday, Friday’s news roundup, and more. View source→