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.
LNG plant contract awarded
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam Electricity Group has awarded a VND 25,202 trillion (US$960 million) contract to build the LNG Quang Trach 2 power plant to a consortium of Power Construction Corporation of China and Vietnam Machinery Installation Corporation.
The project will use combined cycle gas turbine technology supplied by General Electric Vernova and is located in Quang Tri province.
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Direct flights Hanoi – Amsterdam
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam Airlines plans to launch Vietnam’s first direct flight to the Netherlands in June, operating a Hanoi to Amsterdam route using Airbus A350 aircraft.
The airline said it will operate three flights per week from mid-June.
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Cambodia canal Vietnam response
The Khmer Times is reporting that Suos Yara, spokesman for the Cambodian People’s Party, has said Cambodia’s Funan Techo Canal project has not created hostility or suspicion with Vietnam.
He said there has been no official correspondence between Cambodia and Vietnam regarding the canal that would affect bilateral relations.
Yara said the project is intended to support flood control, water management, irrigation, and navigation, and to complement existing waterways along the Mekong River.
Ed.’s notes: Noted after an op-ed in the Khmer Times yesterday talked about Vietnam becoming the economic region leader as opposed to Thailand – Cambodia’s pivot to Vietnam?
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Gov’t steel industry development policy
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the government of Vietnam has approved a steel industry strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2050, aiming to expand capacity, improve quality, increase domestic self-supply, and deepen participation in global value chains.
The plan targets steady growth in crude and finished steel output through 2035 and toward mid-century, prioritising higher value products such as alloy, stainless, and specialised steels.
Ed.’s notes: Example of government-led development as opposed to market-led.
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FPT-UAE data centre agreement
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that FPT Group and United Arab Emirates technology group G42 agreed to invest up to US$1 billion in a hyperscale data centre, artificial intelligence and cloud computing infrastructure in Vietnam.
The framework agreement covers jointly building and operating internationally standardised data centres serving the public sector, businesses and international partners.
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Garment firm moves into restaurants
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that garment maker Garmex Sai Gon Joint Stock Company has agreed to add a restaurant at its Ho Chi Minh City site, extending its pivot away from garment manufacturing.
The company will cooperate with Phu Nhuan Trading on a 734-square-metre property.
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Cigarettes among world’s cheapest
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s Health Ministry has said cigarette prices remain among the world’s lowest and are falling relative to income, undermining smoking reduction targets despite repeated tax increases.
Cigarette tax equals about 36 percent of retail price, while Vietnam consumes about 3.85 billion packs annually, collecting roughly US$760 million in tobacco tax revenue.
Ed.’s notes: Adds to conflicting interests narrative – biggest cigarette producer Vinataba state-owned = significant revenue for state coffers (aside from taxes) vs Health Ministry dealing with cigarette-related illnesses.
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Utilising privately held gold
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Prime Minister has directed the State Bank of Vietnam to research measures to mobilise gold and foreign currency held by the public.
Experts said large volumes of privately held gold remain idle and could be channelled into production and business through gold-backed financial products.
Ed.’s notes: Gold loans were used back in the 90s/00s = increased demand on increased value – returns from asset value increase and interest payments. #monitoring
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Emissions quota thermal power approved
VnExpress is reporting that the Prime Minister has approved pilot greenhouse gas emission quotas for the 2025 to 2026 period covering thermal power, steel, and cement producers.
Total emission quotas for 2026 were set at more than 268 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, up 10.4 percent from 2025.
Ed.’s notes: Another step forward re: recently approved carbon market development plan. #tracking
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Stock market Monday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,947.75, up 4.15 points or 0.21 percent, with a total trading value of VND 10,588.30 billion or US$401.83 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$9.60 million worth of equities, Monday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Exchange rates Monday
the-shiv is reporting that on February 9, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,500, and the sell rate was VND 26,550, a change of 750 and 770, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,525 (down 2.79 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,063, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 25,913.
American tourist arrivals
the-shiv is reporting that in January, the Americas accounted for 136,671 tourist arrivals, an increase of 22.90 percent from December, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism.
Beer production January
Vietnam produced 431.50 million litres of beer in January, down 3.73 percent from 448.20 million litres in December, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Year-to-date output reached 431.50 million litres by the end of January.
Updated: Made in Vietnam 2026
Over the past two decades, generous tax incentives and an abundance of low-cost labour have made Vietnam a very attractive option for firms looking to diversify their manufacturing supply chains.
These made-in-Vietnam goods have been shipped to every corner of the planet for some of the most well-known brands in the world. Read more →
Updated: Vietnam’s Food and Beverage Industry 2026
Vietnam’s food and beverage – or F&B – industry has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, driven by a combination of factors including rapid urbanisation, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning middle class.
The country’s rich culinary heritage, coupled with increasing consumer demand for diverse and convenient food options, has created a dynamic and promising market. Read more→
Updated: Vietnam’s Beer Industry 2026
Vietnamese are among the biggest beer drinkers in Southeast Asia. In fact, by consumption, international beverage and hospitality firm, Kirin Holdings, found that Vietnam had the seventh highest beer consumption in the world after Germany in 2023, but, notably, before the United Kingdom, which was in position eight. Read more→
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: Wind farm awarded Vingroup not Germany’s PNE, Q1 inflation expectations, Vingroup lake project, Mercedes dealer land sale on poor performance, New bridge Nghe An unusable, Bridge connection Long Thanh airport, Chinese car sales in VN 2025, Op-ed: Decree 46 development process, Ride-hailing market share, Real estate interest rates at state-owned banks, IP application approvals, CPV membership fees, New VN airline fleet details, Op-ed: Vietnam as regional leader vs Thailand – Cambodia perspective, Car production increases, Tourist arrivals from Asia, Fresh milk production, and more. Read more →