This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and in the international press about Vietnam.
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
Oil and gas stocks rally
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s oil and gas stocks rallied on August 18 as Brent crude climbed above US$90 a barrel amid renewed concerns over Middle East supply disruptions.
Petrolimex hit its daily trading limit, while GAS, BSR and OIL gained at least 2 percent, with the sector adding about five points to the VN-Index, the article says. View source→
Business closures HCMC
Tuoi Tre is reporting that nearly 39,000 businesses exited or suspended operations in Ho Chi Minh City during the first seven months of 2026, against 34,096 new registrations. View source→
New SK bank enters market
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam will gain its tenth wholly foreign-owned bank when South Korea’s IBK Vietnam begins operations on September 25.
The Industrial Bank of Korea subsidiary received its licence from the State Bank of Vietnam in March and will be headquartered in Hanoi. View source→
Business dissolution reform
Tuoi Tre is reporting that tax authorities are considering relief for some companies that stopped trading years ago but that still have outstanding business fees and taxes due. View source→
Google Pixel China to VN shift
Tech Times is carrying analysis of Google plans to end production of all Pixel hardware in China from 2027, shifting manufacturing to Vietnam and India.
India is expected to form the second manufacturing hub, while Vietnam’s more developed high-end electronics supply chain is positioned to handle complex flagship production, it notes. View source→
Vietnam Airlines tail strike Germany
Simple Flying is reporting that a preliminary investigation has found a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 experienced abnormal acceleration before damaging its tail on takeoff from Munich on August 15.
The crew reported the aircraft stopped gaining speed for about two seconds midway down the runway, before accelerating and then slowing again. View source→
Cybersecurity Law analysis
Tech Policy is carrying analysis of how Vietnam’s new Cybersecurity Law is impacting online behaviour.
Its central argument is that the broader rules, heavier fines and faster takedown requirements are encouraging users and platforms to self-censor. View source→
SK clothing retailer market entry
The Korea Herald is reporting that South Korean fashion brand Matin Kim will open its first Vietnam store in October.
Its Vietnam range will focus on logo-driven, lightweight products suited to the local climate, the article says. View source→
AI research firm seed funding
Kr-Asia is reporting that Hanoi-based artificial intelligence research company N2TP has secured an undisclosed seed investment from Touchstone Partners to develop its AI infrastructure.
The company plans to use the funding to expand its patent portfolio. View source→
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,732.02, up 4.56 points or 0.26 percent, with a total trading value of VND 14,872.43 billion or US$564.42 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$29.18 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Tuesday
On August 18, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,750, and the sell rate was VND 25,800, a change of 150 and 150, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,775 (down 0.58 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In today’s Vietnam news: Vinhomes bond issues Q2, Ghost Month market performance, Lazada fined misleading information, Real estate investment, VN Nike production, Sex ratio policy, Diesel delivery from India, Data exchange foreign firm requirements, Livestock farmers squeezed, AmCham business outlook survey, Stock market Monday, Exchange rates Monday, Yesterday’s news, and more. Read the full article →