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
HCMC facing construction materials shortages
Thanh Nien is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City officials have warned that the city could face construction material shortages in the final months of 2026, with major stone quarries expected to reach licensed mining limits by September.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment said contractors are concentrating demand on large, high-quality quarries, while new mines and capacity expansions remain delayed by lengthy regulatory procedures. View source→
Foreign trader net sales jump
Tin Nhanh Chung Khoan is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s stock market saw foreign investors record net sales of VND 275 billion (US$10.4 million) on August 10, more than triple the previous session’s VND 90.35 billion (US$3.4 million). View source→
Small business tax cut proposed
Vietnamnet is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed cutting personal and corporate income tax liabilities by 30 percent in 2026 and 2027 for small businesses and companies with annual revenue of up to VND10 billion (US$379,500).
Keytas Accounting Tax Co. director Le Van Tuan is cited in the article as saying the proposal should improve cash flow and investment capacity, but that the revenue threshold should be raised to VND50 billion (US$1.90 million). View source→
Credit support major projects
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam’s central bank has said Vingroup, Masterise and Thaco are looking for credit support for 17 projects requiring an estimated VND955 trillion (US$36.2 billion) in loans during July.
The bank has said it has instructed the developers to work with commercial banks, saying it would consider additional credit growth quotas based on each project’s funding needs and disbursement plans.
The central bank, however, warned bank liquidity remains under pressure, and urged greater use of government bonds, foreign borrowing, official development assistance and foreign direct investment to finance major projects. View source→
Refinery expansion financing
Hydro Carbon Processing is reporting that Petrovietnam Refining and Petrochemical Corporation (BSR) is seeking about US$600 million in financing for the US$1.49 billion expansion of its Dung Quat refinery.
The expansion will increase Dung Quat’s crude processing capacity to 171,000 barrels per day from 148,000. View source→
IFC incentives
The Investor is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City has unveiled tax, foreign exchange and regulatory incentives for its international financial centre, aiming to attract global financial institutions and high-quality European investment.
New priority projects will qualify for a 10 percent corporate income tax rate for up to 30 years, exemptions of up to four years, reduced tax for nine more years, personal income tax exemptions for skilled workers until 2030, freer foreign exchange rules and permission for wholly foreign-owned banks. View source→
Trademark appeal procedure changes
World Trademark Review is carrying analysis of changes to trademark opposition and appeal procedures, arguing they give third parties stronger rights to formally oppose applications while providing applicants with clearer administrative appeal mechanisms. View source→
Electronics manufacturing working conditions documentary
Dw is carrying a documentary that examines working conditions for women at an electronics factory in Vietnam, where almost 80,000 people are employed. View source→
Education reform analysis
The Pie News is carrying analysis of Resolution 71 that argues it is reshaping Vietnam’s public education system, increasing competition for private and bilingual schools.
The article argues these reforms will erode traditional advantages of fee-paying schools by improving public school facilities, English instruction, STEM education and school autonomy, though premium international schools remain relatively insulated. View source→
Drug procurement structural flaws
Tech Times is reporting that Vietnam’s near-elimination of malaria has left some hospitals without stocks of important treatment medications.
The article argues the shortage stems from a structural flaw in Vietnam’s demand-based drug procurement system, which no longer stocks rare but essential medicines in regions where malaria has been eliminated.
The author argues Vietnam should establish a strategic national reserve of rare essential medicines. View source→
Stock market Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,776.77, up 8.71 points or 0.49 percent, with a total trading value of VND 17,769.34 billion or US$674.36 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$10.63 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
On August 11, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,680, and the sell rate was VND 25,710, a change of 390 and 390, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,695 (down 1.50 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Labour shortages and migrant workers, Carbon market challenges, Vingroup shopping mall Ben Thanh proposal, Prosecution pirate anime website, EU antidumping duties VN steel, Japan’s Misumi expansion, German cable maker market entry, Malaysia antidumping investigation VN steel, China’s Shein scales back manufacturing in VN, Gold price investigation outcomes, Stock market Friday, Exchange rates Friday, Friday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →