This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media 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’re operating a business or working in Vietnam and want to talk about it, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
Fake news draft decree
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Justice has published a draft decree on combating fake and misleading information for review.
The draft defines fake news as wholly untrue information and misleading information as partially untrue, while introducing categories based on impact, including “highly harmful” content affecting national security, public order, or state credibility. View source→
IP crackdown announced
Baochinhphu is reporting that Vietnam will launch a nationwide crackdown on intellectual property violations, targeting counterfeit goods and online piracy.
Authorities have been instructed to prioritise major cases, including dismantling large piracy websites and prosecuting serious infringements involving trademarks, copyright, and geographical indications. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Response to USTR Priority Foreign Country designation.
Lithuanian electronics factory
Evertiq is reporting that Lithuanian electronics manufacturing services firm TLT Manufacturing has opened its first production facility in Vietnam.
The site, operating as TLT Electronics Vietnam, spans 6,500 square metres and includes surface-mount and through-hole assembly lines, with an initial workforce of 60 expected to rise to 110 by year-end. View source→
Tighter price controls to tackle inflation
VIR is reporting that the Ministry of Finance is tightening price controls while accelerating public investment to manage inflation and support growth, officials said at a May 4 government meeting.
The government is also preparing for further pressure from planned increases in healthcare fees and tuition, alongside higher electricity demand during the summer, the article notes. View source→
Ed.’s notes: With inflation nearly a full percentage point (5.46 percent) higher than its target (4.5 percent), price controls are going to have their work cut out for them. Note that the government doesn’t generally fund price subsidies, businesses instead are expected to eat the costs.
Rare earth exports customs inspections to increase
VIR is reporting that full inspections of all rare earth export shipments from May 6 have been ordered.
Customs authorities will only clear exports that meet strict conditions on origin, licensing, and product classification, with companies required to provide detailed documentation on extraction, processing, and supply chains, the article says. View source→
Indonesia’s Kredivo takes over VN digital bank
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Indonesia’s Kredivo Group has acquired nearly 100 percent of Vietnam’s Timo Digital Bank.
The deal gives Kredivo control of the platform, while existing shareholders, including Phoenix Holdings and VinaCapital, retain significant minority stakes and board representation. View source→
Vietnam’s newest airline starts flying HCMC to Quang Ninh
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Sun PhuQuoc Airways will launch a direct Ho Chi Minh City–Van Don route from June 15, operating four flights per week.
Flights will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Ho Chi Minh City at 15:30 and arriving in Van Don at 17:30, with the return leg departing at 18:10 and landing at 20:30. View source→
Ed.’s notes: At the end of March, Vietnam Airlines announced it was suspending flights on the same route in response to rising fuel costs.
Local news MoU with stock exchange
Tuoi Tre, a local media outlet, is reporting that it and Vietnam’s State Securities Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation on stock market communications.
The partnership aims to improve the accuracy and timeliness of information, raise investor awareness, and support compliance with policies and regulations. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This is concerning – media should be holding the exchange to account (and there is a lot to be held accountable for), not working with it on what sounds like a marketing exercise.
PM pushing for LT airport operational 2026
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered the Long Thanh International Airport project to be completed and operational this year, calling it a key political priority.
Authorities have also ordered leadership restructuring at ACV and accelerated investigations into project-related violations, alongside efforts to ensure timely payments and maintain construction progress. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the contradiction, on the one hand saying work faster, but then investigating the project – the latter consuming time and resources that could be used to fulfil the former.
Hung Yen stadium taking shape
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that a 60,000-seat PVF Stadium in Hung Yen, with Vinhomes as its main contractor, is beginning to take shape after more than six months of construction.
The project, backed by the Ministry of Public Security, once completed, is expected to meet international standards and support Vietnam’s ambitions to host major global sporting events, including the World Cup, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Not clear who is expected to use these facilities, though the article speculates could be used to host a World Cup even though Vietnam has never made it beyond the World Cup qualifiers. Would be interesting to know what the business case / expected ROI on this project is – with construction material costs climbing rapidly and broad shortages reported, there is an opportunity cost discussion to be had here, too.
Vietnam Stock Market Outlook May 2026: Energy Down, Vingroup Up
April saw Vietnam’s energy stocks fall sharply even as global oil prices surged, as government fuel price caps prevented companies from passing on rising costs. Read the full article →
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,891.20, up 16.35 points or 0.87 percent, with a total trading value of VND 23,825.58 billion or US$904.20 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$41.78 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Wednesday
On May 6, Vietnam’s black market US dollar rates were quoted at VND 26,580 (buy) and VND 26,620 (sell), both up 40, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,600, down 0.15 percent, according to Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Tourist arrivals April
In April, total tourist arrivals reached 2,031,519, down 2.30 percent from March 2026, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Deputy PM calls for lower interest rates, Petrolimex statement publication inconsistencies, LNG power plant offtake capped at 75 percent, Be riding-hailing increases fares, Intel relocation Costa Rica to VN, Fines unemployment insurance payment delays, Solar power FiTs too low, Fixed contract level electricity idea rejected, Pushback automotive sector removal conditional business lines, Stock market Tuesday, Exchange rates Tuesday, Vietnam news roundup Tuesday, and more. Read the full article →