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
VAT cut extension proposal
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that the government has proposed extending its 2 percent value-added tax reduction through December 31 as well as delaying payment deadlines for value-added, corporate income and personal income taxes. View source→
FDI recorded Jan – July
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that Vietnam recorded US$38.06 billion in registered foreign direct investment in the first seven months of 2026, up 58 percent year on year, while disbursed investment reached a five-year high of US$15.2 billion.
Singapore remained the largest source of newly registered investment, followed by South Korea and Hong Kong (China), while Thai Nguyen and Ho Chi Minh City led FDI destination rankings. View source→
Bamboo Airways adds flights
Vietstock is reporting that Bamboo Airways has reopened ticket sales for its Hanoi-Quy Nhon route from August 21.
The airline resumed sales days after suspending almost all flights and routes, with broad speculation the airline might be on its last legs. View source→
Carbon market stalled
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s carbon exchange has recorded no transactions since its opening day around a month ago.
Dang Hong Hanh, Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam Energy and Environment Consulting Company, said limited products, low participation and businesses’ unfamiliarity with trading procedures have constrained market activity. View source→
HCMC data centre capacity
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City is emerging as one of Asia-Pacific’s leading emerging data centre markets, with 14 facilities providing 33 megawatts of information technology capacity.
A further 68 megawatts of capacity is planned, including 14 megawatts under construction and 54 megawatts in the investment preparation stage, the article says, citing data from Cushman & Wakefield. View source→
PM calls for lower lending interest rates
Vietnam Finance is reporting that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the State Bank of Vietnam to work towards lower lending interest rates.
Hung also directed the central bank to maintain liquidity, stabilise the currency and foreign exchange markets, manage credit growth, control lending to high-risk sectors and accelerate bad debt resolution. View source→
VN EPR reforms analysis
Down To Earth is carrying analysis of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in Vietnam, arguing the formula used to determine a firm’s obligations undercharges companies for packaging recycling.
It argues delayed fund disbursement and lower obligations for difficult-to-recycle packaging weaken incentives to expand recycling despite Vietnam’s producer responsibility framework. View source→
Palladium hotels market entry
TTG Asia is reporting that Spanish hotel operator Palladium Hotel Group has entered Vietnam by acquiring two properties and establishing its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City.
Palladium said its Ho Chi Minh City headquarters will oversee business development, operations and future expansion across the Asia-Pacific region. View source→
TerraPay-HD Bank partnership
Developing Telecoms is reporting that TerraPay has partnered with HDBank to provide real-time outbound international payments.
TerraPay said the agreement gives HDBank’s retail and small and medium-sized enterprise customers faster cross-border payments to overseas suppliers, partners and beneficiaries. View source→
Rice export floor price proposed
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam’s Food Association has proposed minimum export and domestic paddy prices to prevent rice prices being driven lower amid weaker export markets.
Chairman Do Ha Nam said the association is proposing a minimum export price of US$500 per tonne for fragrant rice and a minimum domestic purchase price of VND7,000 (US$0.27) per kilogram for fresh paddy until the end of 2026.
Nam said rice is currently trading above the proposed floors. View source→
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,777.23, up 14.39 points or 0.82 percent, with a total trading value of VND 18,143.62 billion or US$688.56 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$33.78 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Tuesday
On August 4, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,080, and the sell rate was VND 26,110, a change of 180 and 170, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,095 (down 0.67 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s news: PMI increases, Seafood export concerns US tariffs, SBV preferential loans for SMEs program, Credit growth reaches 8.38 percent, PM pushes tax cut for SMEs, Commercial radio frequency access changes, Trade deficit widens, Government concerns fuel supply, Court ruling VN’s Wolfoo vs Peppa Pig, Exchange rates Monday, Stock market Monday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →