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.
Round 6 trade negotiations USA
Vietnamplus is reporting that the sixth round of negotiations for the Vietnam-United States Reciprocal Trade Agreement is expected to take place next week, according to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.
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Gold demand
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam was an outlier in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, with gold investment demand falling 15 percent year on year from 8.2 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 7 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the World Gold Council’s 2025 Gold Demand Trends Report.
Vietnam jewellery gold demand fell 29 percent year on year from 3.3 tonnes to 2.4 tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2025, the lowest level in years, despite higher consumption value.
Ed.’s notes: This seems to be a liquidity problem, not a lack of buyers.
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Vinatex bumper year
Vietstock is reporting that state-owned Vietnam National Textile and Garment Group reported a strong profit recovery in 2025, exceeding both its business plan and its previous peak performance recorded in 2021.
The company said earnings were supported by earlier deliveries to customers and cost reductions, offsetting weaker fourth-quarter revenue.
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam garment and textiles exports in 2025 US$39.6 billion, a 7 percent increase year-on-year.
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Electric car power supply
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Ministry of Industry and Trade said it is preparing for growing electricity demand as a result of the Hanoi gas-motorbike ban in July 2026.
The ministry estimates that one million electric cars by 2030 would consume three to four billion kilowatt hours annually, equal to one to 1.5 percent of total electricity output.
Officials said local grid upgrades, additional substations, and revised urban planning would be required to prevent localised overloads as electric vehicle use expands.
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Paying for 10 percent growth
VN Economy is reporting that achieving at least 10 percent gross domestic product growth in 2026 would require a total investment of about VND 4.7 trillion (US$178.4 billion), with more than VND 3.6 trillion (US$136.6 billion) from the private sector, according to FiinGroup.
The article says Vietnam lacks sufficient non-bank funding channels and that bank credit is already near its safe limits.
Ed.’s notes: Correct.
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Bank capital raising Resolution 79
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam state-controlled banks are accelerating capital raising, as asset growth requirements, as part of Resolution 79, increase pressure on capital adequacy ratios.
Specifically, the Resolution targets three banks in the top 100 in Asia by 2030.
Citing KB Research, the article notes that Asia’s top 100 banks typically hold US$150 to US$200 billion in assets, while the largest Vietnamese state lender reports about VND 3,200 trillion (US$121.5 billion).
Ed.’s notes: Banks responding to government agenda as opposed to market needs.
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VN credit-to-GDP 3X peers
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam credit to gross domestic product reached 145 percent by the end of 2025, almost triple the median 52 percent for similarly rated BB sovereigns, according to Fitch Ratings.
The agency has warned that high leverage constrains its sovereign credit profile by raising risks of misallocated lending, asset price inflation, and future corrections.
Fitch said fiscal stimulus remains an option, with general government debt expected to rise to 33.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2026, still below the BB median.
Ed.’s notes: Full report.
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Online travel revenue forecast
Webintravel is reporting that Vietnam online travel revenue is forecast to rise from US$4 billion in 2025 to US$8 billion by 2030, alongside growth in the country’s digital economy, according to Google e-Conomy SEA.
The article says established tour operators, state-owned travel groups, and international online travel agencies are expanding digital platforms to compete for bookings and distribution.
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Local messaging app lost trust
Vietcetera is reporting that “Zalo is no longer Vietnam’s favourite messaging app” following regulatory action over consumer rights and privacy practices.
Authorities fined the platform more than VND 810 million (US$30,700) after a December 2025 terms update required users to accept expanded data collection or stop using the service.
The policy change intensified existing user frustration over paid features and data handling, triggering public backlash and a temporary fall in app store rankings, the article says.
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LSEG VN equities assessment
A new report from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has said Vietnam equity markets are expanding rapidly and suggeted they could attract more foreign inflows following a planned FTSE Russell emerging market upgrade in 2026.
It cites sustained foreign direct investment inflows, trade surpluses, and a relatively low public debt burden as anchors of macroeconomic stability.
Ed.’s notes: Fairly generic / surface level. Full report.
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Mandatory retirement gender gap
The Lowy Institute is carrying commentary that examines Vietnam’s laws requiring women in the public sector to retire earlier than men, noting that this affects their careers and leadership eligibility.
The article reports that women are expected to retire earlier than men, which excludes them from leadership pipelines, training, and rotation requirements because eligibility partially depends on years remaining before retirement.
Ed.’s notes: This is a good read.
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UK consultancy VN golf development
Consultancy.asia is reporting that the Vietnam Golf Association has signed an agreement with global consultancy 54 to jointly develop a national golf strategy for Vietnam.
The association said the strategy aims to manage rapid growth in domestic golfers, golf course development, and golf tourism demand.
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Video game industry development
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam regulators have said new policies are being drafted to support the domestic game industry, in line with Politburo Resolution 80 on cultural development and the national cultural industries strategy.
Officials said Vietnam’s game industry revenue is about US$650 million, with a target of US$1 billion by 2030.
The state plans to fund one to three games annually focused on education, culture, and history, using budget capital as seed funding, the article notes.
Ed.’s notes: Interesting to see determinants of state funding – allowing the market to direct funding to demand-driven ideas vs government objectives. May add to the narrative around the private sector development drive, conflicting with broader ideological goals. #monitoring.
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Rule change importing used equipment
VN Economy is reporting that Vietnam issued new rules allowing imports of used technology equipment up to 20 years old, doubling the previous 10-year limit.
The policy applies mainly to digital technology training, research and development, and semiconductor manufacturing, packaging and testing activities.
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Stock market Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,814.98, up 12.07 points or 0.67 percent, with a total trading value of VND 25,439.15 billion or US$965.43 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$17.27 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange.
Ed.’s notes:
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Exchange rates Thursday
the-shiv is reporting that on January 29, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,200, and the sell rate was VND 26,250, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,225, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD.
Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam’s central exchange rate was set at VND 25,083, while the Google Finance mid-market rate stood at VND 26,011.
Imports from Canada
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam imported US$98.04 million worth of goods from Canada, up from US$91.47 million in November, a change of 7.18 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has imported US$1,069 million worth of goods from Canada.
Exports to Brazil
the-shiv is reporting that in December, Vietnam exported US$247 million worth of goods to Brazil, down 4.27 percent over November, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
So far this year, Vietnam has exported US$2,736 million worth of goods to Brazil.
Shoe production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 34 million pairs of leather shoes and sandals in December, down 3.75 percent from 35.32 million pairs in November, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office.
Year-to-date output reached 378.92 million pairs by the end of December.
Animal feed imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported animal fodder and animal fodder materials to the tune of US$396 million in December, up from US$321 million in November, a change of 23.25 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had imported US$4,583 million worth of animal feed and animal fodder materials by the end of December.
Yarn exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported yarn to the tune of US$411 million in December, up from US$349 million in November, a change of 17.65 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs.
Year to date, Vietnam had exported US$4,314 million worth of yarn by the end of December.
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup: VinFast Indonesia enters infrastructure sector, Taxi firm tax debt travel ban, E-cigarette trade falls on ban: MoH, Online food sales, Gold bar confiscation penalty, US microloan firm market entry, Securities cash deposits fall, EU-Vietnam diplomatic upgrade, VN banks’ credit guarantees, PM on APEC 2027 projects, Cosmetic advertising ban at schools, Economist warning bank growth targets, MoC draft construction materials prices management changes, Truong My Lan yacht auction, Food safety declarations update, Imports from Brazil, Exports to Canada, and more. Read the full roundup→