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
Novaland outstanding bond debts
Nguoi Dua Tin is reporting that embattled real estate developer Novaland has not fully paid US$7.95 million of overdue interest on a US$300 million international convertible bond.
The interest was due January 16, but Novaland had paid just US$500,000 by July 15. View source→
Misleading advertising fine water purifiers
Vietnamnet is reporting that the National Competition Commission has fined Vitamia Natural Health Solutions VND200 million (US$7,590) for misleading advertising of Kangen water purifiers.
Specifically, the commission took issue with claims describing Enagic Kangen Water as the world’s and Japan’s number-one electrolyte water purifier, and the Kangen K8 as Japan’s most popular. View source→
Honda EV 2W sales jump
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Honda’s electric two-wheeler sales in Vietnam surged 1,173 percent year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026, though the article notes this was from a low base.
Overall electric two-wheeler sales nearly doubled to 513,742 units, accounting for 27.7 percent of Vietnam’s motorcycle market, according to Motorcycle Data. View source→
Entry-level jobs shrinking
VnExpress is reporting that entry-level jobs that traditionally helped young Vietnamese gain workplace experience are shrinking as artificial intelligence and automation take over routine tasks. View source→
Hanoi rooftop solar subsidies
Dan Tri is reporting that Hanoi is considering subsidies of up to VND 6 million (US$228) per household for rooftop solar and battery systems installed between 2026 and 2030.
The draft proposes VND 1 million (US$38) per kWp of solar capacity, capped at VND 3 million (US$114) per household. View source→
NA removes some APEC project red tape
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a special mechanism for APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc, effective September 1.
The key change is that certain APEC 2027 projects can be exempted from some normal project approvals, with compliance checked afterwards rather than necessarily before work proceeds. View source→
China-VN railway project funding increased
Bloomberg is reporting that Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved an additional VND 86 trillion (US$3.26 billion) for the delayed Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway.
The increase lifts total investment to VND 289.3 trillion (US$10.98 billion), reflecting higher construction, equipment and resettlement costs, the article says. View source→
Fitch affirms Vietnam ‘BB+/B’
In a release on its website, S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Vietnam’s BB+ long-term sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, citing resilient economic and trade performance.
The firm did, however, say that tighter banking liquidity, external exposure and limited policy transparency remain key risks. View source→
Fabric plant FDI
The Investor is reporting that Bangshi Co Ltd. has received approval to invest US$23.45 million in a high-end fabric plant in Khanh Hoa.
The British Virgin Islands-based investor will build the Unitex Vietnam plant in Du Long Industrial Park, producing knitted and woven fabrics for garments and exports. View source→
Penalties for foreign worker legal breaches
Tuoi Tre is reporting that new penalties will come into effect from September 10 for foreign workers and employers violating work-permit and exemption requirements.
Foreign workers without valid authorisation, or using expired documents, face fines of VND15-25 million (US$569-949). View source→
Stock market Monday
The VN-Index closed at 1,788.78, up 20.66 points or 1.17 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,378.21 billion or US$735.42 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$6.72 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
On August 24, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,920 and the sell rate was VND 25,970, a change of 50, and 50, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,945 (up 0.19 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In today’s Vietnam news: AstraZeneca VN business change, Stock market upgrade inflows estimate Vietcap, Can Tho airport low passenger numbers concerns, VN stocks joining FTSE Russell index, EU packaging challenging VN exporters, M&A in July, PNJ cleared diamond smuggling investigation, German gas company US$40m investment, Samsung exports, Customs law changes, Israel infrastructure investment, SK fashion brand market entry, Stock market Friday, and more. Read the full article →