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
MB Bank expanding lending to Novaland
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that MB Bank is expanding lending to embattled real estate developer Novaland.
MB Chief Executive Officer Pham Nhu Anh said MB’s strategy is to continue supporting customers through restructuring rather than withdraw credit when risks emerge, provided risks remain controllable.
Pham said the approach helps improve borrowers’ recovery prospects while limiting the bank’s non-performing loan risk and supporting long-term customer relationships. View source→
Bond reform proposed
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that National Assembly deputy Chau Quynh Giao has urged the government to strengthen legal safeguards for bond investors.
The proposals were discussed during debate on amendments to the Law on the State Bank of Vietnam, the Law on Anti-Money Laundering and the Law on Credit Institutions. View source→
Net-zero financing needs
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam needs about US$700 billion in investment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. View source→
Fuel price changes
Tuoi Tre is reporting that fuel prices have been reduced, with E5 RON92 falling by VND660 per litre and E10 RON95-III down by VND530 per litre.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance also mandated contributions to the fuel price stabilisation fund for biofuel at VND200 per litre. View source→
Black market dong rates below official rates
Dan Tri is reporting that the unofficial US dollar exchange rate fell below commercial bank rates on August 6.
Economist Nguyen Quang Huy to the publication that stronger foreign currency inflows and reduced speculation had pushed unofficial market rates below bank rates.View source→
Vietnamese like smaller beers
Znews is reporting that beer maker Sabeco has said 250 millilitre beer cans are emerging as a new growth driver as Vietnamese consumers increasingly choose smaller, lower-cost formats over traditional 330 millilitre cans.
The brewer said the shift reflects affordability rather than premiumisation, and has expanded its 250 millilitre range after strong sales growth from recently launched products, the article notes. View source→
Fitch Ratings’ concerns bank funding pressure
Reuters is reporting that Fitch Ratings has said Vietnam’s banks are likely to face significant pressure to finance the government’s double-digit growth target as credit demand continues to outpace funding growth.
Fitch forecasts banking system loans will grow about 18 percent in 2026, above the State Bank of Vietnam’s 15 percent credit growth guidance, with liquidity tightening and net interest margins narrowing. View source→
Keppel to sell project at centre of legal dispute
The Investor is reporting that Keppel will sell its entire 40 percent stake in Ho Chi Minh City’s Empire City development for US$270 million, with the transaction expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Keppel said arbitration against its Vietnamese joint venture partners over VND6.88 trillion (US$261.10 million) in additional land-use fees will be discontinued after the share transfer is completed. View source→
Murphy Oil development update
Upstream Online is reporting that Murphy Oil has completed a two-well appraisal campaign at the Hai Su Vang oil discovery in Vietnam.
The appraisal results were below expectations but were sufficient to proceed to the development phase, the publication notes. View source→
Biofuel mandate market impacts
World-Grain is reporting that Vietnam’s nationwide bioethanol blending mandate is increasing demand for corn, prompting structural changes in feed ingredient use, citing the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Declining domestic corn production and rising ethanol demand are expected to increase corn imports to 15 million tonnes in 2026-27, the article notes. View source→
TL to visit Australia + NZ
Reuters is reporting that Vietnam Communist Party General Secretary To Lam will visit Australia and New Zealand from August 9-14.
Vietnam and Australia are expected to sign 12-16 agreements covering education, digital transformation, agriculture and healthcare during the visit, the article notes. View source→
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,764.78, down 11.68 points or 0.66 percent, with a total trading value of VND 15,136.04 billion or US$574.42 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$4.48 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Thursday
On August 6, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,080, and the sell rate was VND 26,110, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,095 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Foxconn expansion, No GMT for BOT projects proposed, Land prices falling, Cassava chip export restrictions proposed, Diamond trade as conditional business line proposed, Techcombank fundraising US$ loan, Government bond auction Wednesday, Bank bond rates up, Food prices down, AI bank transaction approval regulations, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →