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
ESL provider possible sale
Bloomberg is reporting that private equity firm EQT is considering selling English-language education providers ILA Vietnam and Vietnam-USA Society English Centres, which could be worth about US$500 million combined.
EQT is working with a financial adviser on the potential transaction, although discussions remain preliminary and may not result in a sale, the article says. View source→
Waste-to-energy project breaks ground
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Amaccao subsidiary Galax has begun construction on a VND 4.06 trillion (US$154 million) waste-to-energy plant in Nghe An.
The 7.2-hectare plant will process 1,500 tonnes of waste daily and have 30 MW of electricity-generation capacity, using Germany’s Martin incineration technology. View source→
Driver shortages?
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s Traffic Police Department has rejected claims of a nationwide shortage of truck and large-bus drivers, saying valid CE and D licence holders outnumber corresponding vehicles by 2.1 times.
The department said difficulties recruiting drivers instead reflect labour-market factors, including pay and working conditions.
The Vietnam Automobile Transport Association, however, has warned shortages are worsening on the back of high traffic fines and licence-point penalties.
The association also warned the workforce is ageing, with drivers averaging 45-50 years at many companies and relatively few younger workers entering the profession. View source→
Drugs stores fined
Bao Ve Phap Luat is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City’s health department has fined 16 pharmaceutical and cosmetics businesses for violations including drug storage, management and traceability, and selling prescription medicines without prescriptions.
Marico South East Asia received the largest fine, VND110 million (US$4,175), for inaccurate cosmetics declarations and manufacturing two products that differed from their registered formulas. View source→
Bad debts rising
Viet Times is reporting that bad debts across 27 listed Vietnamese banks rose 18 percent in the first half of 2026 to more than VND310 trillion (US$11.8 billion).
Sacombank had the largest bad-debt balance at VND47.96 trillion (US$1.82 billion) and the highest ratio at 7.54 percent, followed by NCB at 6.43 percent. View source→
Securities firm fined
Lao Dong is reporting that the State Securities Commission has fined DNSE Securities VND 802.5 million (US$30,455).
DNSE was penalised for, among other things, allowing purchases without sufficient account funds, excessive margin lending, financing ineligible securities and lending to insiders or related parties. View source→
Industrial property market stable
Cushman Wakefield, in a report, has said that Southern Vietnam’s industrial property market remained stable in the second quarter, with occupancy above 90 percent for ready-built factories and warehouses.
The firm said constrained Ho Chi Minh City land is shifting demand towards Dong Nai and Tay Ninh, where land availability and infrastructure are improving. View source→
Crypto exchange and FATF
Business Times is reporting that Vietnam is accelerating plans for a regulated cryptocurrency market amid pressure to address anti-money laundering deficiencies flagged by the Financial Action Task Force.
Vietnam has remained on the FATF grey list since 2023. View source→
Land clearance reform proposal
Bloomberg is reporting that the government has proposed allowing authorities to begin land clearance for some projects before compensation and resettlement arrangements are finalised, aiming to accelerate development and infrastructure projects. View source→
AES divestment power plant
The Investor is reporting that AES has retained a US$806 million receivable linked to Vietnam’s 1,242 MW Mong Duong 2 coal-fired power plant after a planned divestment failed to close.
AES agreed in 2023 to sell its 51 percent stakes in Mong Duong 2 and Mong Duong Finance Holdings, but delays led to a US$17 million impairment charge, the article notes. View source→
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,726.69, down 5.33 points or 0.31 percent, with a total trading value of VND 14,928.84 billion or US$566.56 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$27.06 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Wednesday
On August 19, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,750, and the sell rate was VND 25,800, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,775 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In today’s Vietnam news: Oil and gas stocks rally, Business closures HCMC, New SK bank enters market, Business dissolution reform, Google Pixel China to VN shift, Vietnam Airlines tail strike Germany, Cybersecurity Law analysis, SK clothing retailer market entry, AI research firm seed funding, Stock market Tuesday, Exchange rates Tuesday, Yesterday’s news, and more. Read the full article →