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.
Boeing deals USA
CNBC is reporting that three Vietnamese airlines signed agreements to acquire nearly 100 aircraft from Boeing during a visit to Washington by Communist Party General Secretary To Lam.
Vietnam Airlines (VA) finalised a US$8 billion order for 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets, first announced in 2023.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways, backed by Sun Group, signed a US$22.5 billion agreement for 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Low-cost carrier VietJet agreed to acquire six Boeing 737 aircraft through Griffin Global Asset Management in a US$965 million financing deal, ahead of Lam’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” meeting.
Ed.’s notes: Easier to announce than to fund.
Not clear how the VA agreement differs from past announcements.
Sungroup’s new airline is only months old with a market share close to zero – this is a big commitment / optimistic.
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Gift card market report
Research and Markets has published a report that finds the Vietnam gift card market is projected to grow 13.9 percent year on year to reach US$983.6 million in 2026, according to a January 2026 databook by PayNXT360.
The sector expanded at a compound annual growth rate of 15.3 percent between 2021 and 2025, reaching US$863.4 million in 2025, the report says.
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Startup funding
The Investor is reporting that the 10 largest startup funding rounds in Vietnam accounted for US$154 million, or 72 percent of total venture capital disbursed in 2025, according to VinVentures.
Total venture funding reached an estimated US$215 million across 41 deals, down about 30 percent from its 2021 peak.
Top-funded firms included Coolmate (US$22.34 million), Manabie (US$22.26 million), Dat Bike (US$22 million), and CME Solar (US$20 million).
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Car sales 2026 forecast
Vietnamnet is reporting that Vietnam’s auto market is forecast to grow 10–15 percent in 2026 after record sales of 604,064 vehicles in 2025, according to “industry experts”.
Electrification, stable macroeconomic conditions and aggressive pricing incentives were cited as key drivers, with electric and hybrid models gaining traction amid expanding charging infrastructure and tax support.
Ed.’s notes: This is very vague when it comes to sourcing information / data.
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South Korea-led LNG project approved
Cho Sun is reporting that SK Innovation has announced it has been selected to develop the Quen Lap liquefied natural gas power project in Nghe An Province through a consortium with PV Power, a subsidiary of Petrovietnam.
The US$2.3 billion project will include a 1,500 megawatt gas-fired combined cycle plant, an LNG terminal and a dedicated port, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and finish by 2030.
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Medtech investment
VnExpress is reporting that Tam Anh General Hospital System has signed an agreement in Washington to purchase VND 2,000 billion (approximately US$75.9 million) piece of medical equipment for treating cancer from Mevion Medical Systems.
Hospital executives said the system is expected to improve precision in treating deep and complex tumours while reducing damage to healthy tissue, marking a significant upgrade in Vietnam’s oncology treatment capacity.
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Tasco chairman on car market
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that is carrying an interview with Nguyen Van Thang, chairman of Tasco Auto, in which he says Vietnam’s automobile market remains competitive but retains significant growth potential, with vehicle ownership per capita still far below Thailand and Malaysia.
Thang says that intensifying competition from new brands and the rapid expansion of hybrid and electric models are reshaping the market, ultimately benefiting consumers through greater choice.
He adds that while interest in electric vehicles is increasing, adoption depends on infrastructure and living conditions, prompting Tasco Auto to diversify across internal combustion, hybrid and electric offerings to meet varied customer needs.
Ed.’s notes: Noted for industry perspective.
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Wood exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported wood and wooden products to the tune of US$1,606 million in January, down from US$1,656 million in December, a change of -3.01 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. View source→
Powdered milk production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 13.59 thousand tons of powdered milk in January, up 1.80 percent from 13.35 thousand tons in December, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. View source→
Imports from Japan
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam imported US$2,338.25 million worth of goods from Japan, up from US$2,252.17 million in December, a change of 3.82 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. View source→
Updated: Gambling in Vietnam 2026
Gambling in Vietnam is illegal, but that doesn’t stop a sizable amount of betting from occurring.
This tends to peak around major sporting events.
Recognising that this might be a problem, or perhaps that Vietnam is missing out on millions of dollars worth of tax revenue, there have been recent moves to try to legalise the practice.
In this light, this cheat sheet runs through how gambling works in Vietnam, who can gamble, and the key regulations governing gambling that is already permitted. Read more →
Updated: Top Footwear Manufacturers in Vietnam 2026
Vietnam’s thriving shoe industry caters to a diverse range of brands and styles, from athletic sneakers to high-end luxury footwear.
But whereas footwear brands can choose to open their own factory in Vietnam, many choose not to and instead utilise Vietnamese footwear manufacturers on a contractual basis.
With this in mind, this is a list of some of the most well-known Vietnamese footwear manufacturers. Read more →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: Texas lawsuit ‘Made in Vietnam’ claims, Finnish hydropower tech, Indian software maker market entry, New airline new CEO, Regulations AI customer service banking, SOE growth driver analysis, Labour market performance, Exports to Taiwan, Car imports, Plastic products exports, Updated: Vietnam’s Mining Industry 2026, Updated: Vietnam’s Health and Fitness Industry 2026, Updated: Vietnam Clothing Manufacturers Directory (2026), and more. Read the full roundup →