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
Hanoi low-emissions zone begins
VnExpress is reporting that Hanoi will begin a pilot low-emission zone from today.
The first phase of the pilot applies until 31 December in parts of Hoan Kiem Ward, restricting some vehicle types by area and time while encouraging older motorcycles and petrol-powered ride-hailing motorcycles to reduce operations. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This is very different from the original plan to ban fossil fuel-powered vehicles in central Hanoi altogether.
Tougher penalties for social media
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that from today, tougher penalties, under Decree 174, will apply for social media groups and content channels that publish false information, unauthorised copyrighted material or other prohibited content.
The decree allows authorities to fine operators and suspend or permanently block violating social media pages, groups, accounts or content channels. View source→
Regulatory delays hamper protein company acquisition
The Economic Times is reporting that Mukka Proteins has delayed the completion of its planned acquisition of a 70 percent stake in Mukka Proteins Vietnam because it has not yet received regulatory approval in Vietnam.
The Indian company had expected to complete the transaction by 30 June 2026 but has extended the deadline to 31 December 2026, according to a stock exchange filing. View source→
VietJet Australia?
Air Cargo Week is reporting that VietJet is considering operating a domestic airline in Australia, with services reportedly targeted to begin during the northern winter schedule from November using Boeing 737 aircraft.
The proposed airline is expected to initially serve the Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane routes with up to five aircraft. View source→
Ed.’s notes: The company VietJet was in court with over planes it refused to return was run by an Australian and partially supported by Australian pension funds. Just FYI.
Gold bar tax delayed
Vietnam News is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has said that personal income tax will not be collected on gold bar transfers from 1 July because implementing regulations have not yet been issued.
The ministry said the 2025 Law on Personal Income Tax classifies income from gold bar transfers as taxable but leaves the Government to decide when the tax will begin. View source→
Starlink Vietnam progress
Dan Tri is reporting that Starlink Services Vietnam is deploying infrastructure in Vietnam, but a commercial launch date has not yet been announced.
The article says Starlink ground gateway stations are under construction in Phu Tho, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City after the company received the necessary radio frequency licence. View source→
Ed.’s notes: It was reported back in April that a boat operator in Hai Phong had been fined for connecting to Starlink with unlicensed equipment??
FLC tax debt Quanh Ninh
Vietstock is reporting that FLC Group owed nearly VND377 billion (US$14.31 million) in taxes and other state budget payments at the end of May, according to a list published by Quang Ninh’s tax authority.
The debt places FLC among Quang Ninh’s largest tax debtors, following an April review of the company’s financial obligations and progress on four projects in the province. View source→
Ed.’s notes: FLC announced it had signed an MoU for two new developments in Thanh Hoa worth about US$1 billion.
Trump resort developer expands into renewable energy
Vietstock is reporting that Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation said its indirect subsidiary Sustainable Renewable Energy Co., Ltd. has become part of the group with charter capital of more than VND2.935 trillion (US$111.39 million).
The company, established in June through subsidiary Sai Gon – Bac Giang Industrial Park Corporation, will focus on renewable electricity generation and is 96.46 percent owned by the Kinh Bac group. View source→
Ed.’s notes: There were questions about KBC financial capacity to complete the Trump golf course when it was first announced.
Vingroup US$760m solar project
VnExpress is reporting that Vingroup has signed a memorandum of understanding to invest VND 20 trillion (US$758.9 million) in floating solar power projects on existing hydropower reservoirs in Lai Chau.
Vingroup subsidiary VinEnergo has also received investment approval for the Ban Chat 1 and Ban Chat 2 solar power projects, including battery energy storage systems, with a total investment of VND 13 trillion (US$493.4 million), the article notes. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Where is it finding the money to invest in these projects?
Fuel tax reductions extended
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the government has extended reduced import tax, environmental protection tax and value-added tax on petrol, oil, fuel production inputs and aviation fuel until 30 September, effective from today.
The Ministry of Finance estimates the extension will reduce state revenue by about VND 15,400 billion (US$584.4 million) between 1 July and 30 September. View source→
Petrol price increase
Tuoi Tre is reporting that petrol prices will increase from today, while diesel and fuel oil prices will remain unchanged.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has set the retail price of E5 RON92 petrol at VND20,785 (US$0.79) per litre and E10 RON95-III at VND21,203 (US$0.80) per litre, while diesel remains at VND21,866 (US$0.83) per litre. View source→
Exchange rates Tuesday
On June 30, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,312, and the sell rate was VND 26,720, a change of 389 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,516 (down 0.73 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,860.01, up 5.04 points or 0.27 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,383.27 billion or US$735.61 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$45.24 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Dragon Capital Europe ETF, Carbon market opens, New regulations communicating with press, Copyright commercial-use fee confusion, Vingroup reduces holdings VinHomes, GSM increases charter capital, VinFast cars on Chinese dock, Corruption at nuclear power project, Increase to Treasury deposits at banks proposed, YouTube ads exceed length maximums, Project88 political arrests tally, Vietnam’s VN-Index down 16.94 points, foreign traders net-sell US$30.21 million, Monday, Vietnam soy bean imports jump in May over April, and more. Read the full article →