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
Interest on late wages
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that from September 10, employers will be charged interest on wages paid late.
Interest will be calculated using the highest demand-deposit rate published by state-owned commercial banks at the time the penalty is imposed. View source→
HD Bank capital raising
Cafe F is reporting that HDBank has approved plans that could lift its charter capital from VND50.05 trillion (US$1.90 billion) to VND72.07 trillion (US$2.74 billion).
This will happen through shares issued from equity capital, a private placement of up to 700 million shares in 2026-2027, and shares issued as dividends. View source→
Techcombank foreign buyers
Reuters is reporting that France’s BNP Paribas and South Korea’s KB Kookmin Bank are separately negotiating to acquire at least 15 percent of Techcombank.
The potential US$2 billion deal values the stake at about twice book value and roughly 55 percent above Techcombank’s latest closing share price. View source→
China electronics firm expanding
Technode is reporting that Chinese electronics maker TCL plans to increase its total investment in Vietnam from US$310 million to US$590 million by 2027.
TCL currently operates four manufacturing sites in Binh Duong and Quang Ninh, producing liquid crystal display panels and display modules and employing over 11,000 people, the article notes. View source→
New Japan polysilicon factory VN
PV-Magazine is reporting that Japanese chemical producer Tokuyama has inaugurated a US$22.2 million semiconductor-grade polysilicon factory in Ho Chi Minh City.
The company did not disclose capacity, although local media reported the factory can produce 4,995 tonnes of polysilicon annually, the article says. View source→
Government bond auction results
In a release, the Vietnam Bond Market Association has reported that Vietnam’s State Treasury raised VND 12.51 trillion (US$475 million) through government bond auctions on August 26.
Five-year bonds raised VND 6.71 trillion (US$255 million) at 4.25 percent, while 10-year bonds raised VND 5.7 trillion (US$216 million) at 4.41 percent.
Year-to-date government bond issuance reached VND 228.92 trillion (US$8.69 billion), equivalent to 45.8 percent of the VND 500 trillion (US$18.98 billion) planned for the year. View source→
PM pushes for better China FDI
Thanh Nien is reporting that Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has urged Chinese companies investing in Vietnam to increase investment quality, technology transfer, and links with domestic businesses. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Interesting in the context of US transshipment investigation.
Tobacco display ban proposed
Dan Tri is reporting that the Ministry of Health is proposing a complete ban on tobacco displays at points of sale.
The draft would also codify Vietnam’s existing e-cigarette and heated-tobacco ban, extending restrictions to components, electronic devices and liquids used to assemble products. View source→
HCMC high-emissions vehicles regulations
Lao Dong is reporting that Ho Chi Minh City is mulling restrictions on higher-emission vehicles in the city centre and Thu Thiem from July 1, 2027.
The low-emission zone would expand around Ring Road 2 from 2029, with progressively stricter standards for buses, taxis, cars, motorcycles and commercial vehicles. View source→
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,821.32, up 29.91 points or 1.67 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,882.52 billion or US$754.55 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$1.40 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Wednesday
On August 26, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 25,820 and the sell rate was VND 25,860, a change of 100, and 110, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 25,840 (down 0.40 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Yesterday’s news
In today’s Vietnam news: Gold below world price, Gold bar liquidity issues, Bank bond interest rates easing, SME loan access, New data storage fines, New fake news fines, Data centre cable tariff diff. China-VN, Swiss rope manufacturer expansion, Japan industrial equipment maker consolidation, Japan Sumitomo asset management JV, Stock market Tuesday, Exchange rates Tuesday, Yesterday’s news, and more. Read the full article →