This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam’s state-approved media and some others.
It compiles coverage from official outlets like Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre, and VN Express, highlighting the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
See yesterday’s news headlines →
Personal income tax revised
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that a new draft of the amended Personal Income Tax (PIT) Law, now before the National Assembly, raises the revenue threshold for household and individual businesses that are exempt from PIT from VND 200 million (US$7,600) to VND 500 million (US$18,960) per year, cutting their tax burden by an estimated VND 11.8 trillion (US$448 million) annually.
The tax schedule has also been simplified from seven brackets to five, including reductions in the second-tier rate from 15 percent to 10 percent and the third-tier rate from 25 percent to 20 percent, alongside higher family deduction levels.
Top healthcare companies report
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam Report has announced its top 10 reputable companies in pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and healthcare, and private hospitals for 2025, based on business performance and public reputation.
Its survey shows 60.7 percent of companies reported higher revenue in the first nine months of 2025, but only 42.9 percent saw profit growth, reflecting tougher competition in the sector.
Ed.’s notes: Source report.
Trade turnover Thai Nguyen/Bac Ninh
Vietnamnet is reporting that import-export turnover managed by Customs Region V which covers manufacturing hubs Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh, has exceeded US$200 billion for the first time, with 2025 trade estimated to reach more than US$220 billion, up 8 percent from 2024.
The publication notes that Thai Nguyen recorded US$47.18 billion in trade turnover and Bac Ninh US$182 billion.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam’s total trade turnover looking to come in around US$900 billion – on these numbers Bac Ninh alone accounts for roughly 20 percent, combined with Thai Nguyen 25.4 percent. Speaks to concentration of manufacturing (and its spoils) – note these provinces are where the bulk of Samsung’s manufacturing is.
Locally owned engine factory
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that a US$260 million engine plant has been inaugurated by Kim Long Motor Hue in Chan May – Lang Co, producing Vietnam’s first locally-made Yuchai engines.
The factory has completed 2.5 hectares in phase one, with 90 percent automation and capacity of more than 40,000 diesel engines a year, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Supply chain mobility.
Trump golf course estimated timeline
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that a US$1.5 billion (VND 39.5 trillion) Trump-branded urban, tourism and golf complex in Hung Yen may not begin operating until sometime between 2030 and 2050, citing a report from KB Securities Vietnam.
It says the project, covering about 990ha and led by local firm Kinh Bac, requires lengthy legal preparation and investment procedures due to its scale that could take a while.
Ed.’s notes: Vague. Timeline puts its completion well beyond Trump’s term in office.
OMO interest rates increased
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has raised its open-market operation interest rate to 4.5 percent, the first increase in 19 months, as inter bank borrowing costs surge to their highest levels since October 2022.
Overnight interbank VND rates reached 7.48 percent on 3 December, while one-week and two-week rates were both around 7.49 percent.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting to see what happens in new year when credit growth limits/targets reset.
Second apartment block bans EVs
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Hanoi’s CT1 Thach Ban apartment building has announced it will stop accepting additional electric motorbikes for basement parking from 20 December due to overload and fire-safety concerns.
Existing electric vehicles will be moved to the ground floor, where the building says it lacks a dedicated charging area and specialised fire-protection systems.
The move follows a similar decision at HH Linh Dam, where local authorities later ordered the building to continue accepting electric vehicles because the 2023 Housing Law requires parking areas to serve both petrol and electric vehicles.
Ed.’s notes: Adds to conflict narrative re: government policy versus public safety concerns.
Japan-Vietnam defence meeting
VOV is reporting that Vietnam and Japan have held their first Foreign and Defence Vice-Ministerial “2+2” Consultation in Tokyo, which both governments say reflects the deepening, trust-based development of bilateral ties.
Officials agreed to further implement agreements reached by senior leaders and expand cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, while coordinating more closely on regional and global security issues.
Ed.’s notes: Lots of talk about Vietnam foreign policy as it relates to big power rivalry US vs China, not so much about how it looks to its other neighbours.
French pharma distribution agreement
Thanh Nien is reporting that French pharmaceutical group Biocodex has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Vietnamese pharmacy chain Pharmacity to expand the distribution of its products.
The agreement was announced on 3 December in Ho Chi Minh City.
VinFuture awards
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that four American scientists have won the VinFuture 2025 Grand Prize, worth US$3 million (VND 79.1 billion), for the development of HPV vaccines.
Douglas R Lowy, John T Schiller, Aimee R Kreimer and Maura L Gillison were honoured in Hanoi on December 5 for research that has already saved millions of lives and is expected to reduce the global cancer burden for decades, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Remnants of VinFast global ambitions (now refocused on region), could this money be better spent on research and development at, or at least closer, to home?
Arrest warrant journalist Germany
VTC News is reporting that journalist Le Trung Khoa has been placed on a national wanted list for allegedly making, storing or disseminating information, documents or items against the State of Vietnam.
Investigators from the Ministry of Public Security have charged the 1971-born Vietnamese citizen under Article 117(2) of the Penal Code and have called on him to surrender, the publication says.
Ed.’s notes: Khoa lives in Germany – he was in court there last month after Vingroup initiated court proceedings against him with respect to claims he made on his website about the company, with the court finding mostly in Khoa’s favour.
NB: Germany and Vietnam have not been on great diplomatic terms since Vietnamese authorities kidnapped oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh from a Berlin park in 2017.
Germany is also currently providing protection for Nguyen Thi Thanh Nhan, who is wanted in Vietnam for corruption-related offences linked to alleged illicit arms deals, citing the aforementioned kidnapping as reason for her protection.
Will be interesting to see where this goes.
Stock market Friday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,741.32, up 4.08 points or 0.23 percent, with a total trading value of VND 20,053.78 billion or US$761.05 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$23.07 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Friday
the-shiv is reporting that on December 5, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,200 and the sell rate was VND 27,260, a change of 50 and 60, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,230 (up 0.20 percent), according to Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,151, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,365.
Imports from Hong Kong
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam imported US$58.43 million worth of goods from Hong Kong, up from US$52.50 million in September, a change of 11.28 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$732 million worth of goods from Hong Kong.
Exports to Brazil
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam exported US$227 million worth of goods to Brazil, up 2.23 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$2,228 million worth of goods to Brazil.
Imports from Russia
the-shiv is reporting that in October, Vietnam imported US$211.97 million worth of goods from Russia, up from US$153.73 million in September, a change of 37.89 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$2,059 million worth of goods from Russia.
Clinker & cement exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported clinker and cement to the tune of US$128 million in October, up 9.26 percent over September, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$1,113 million worth of clinker and cement by the end of October.
