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
Internet cafe opening hours restricted
An Ninh Thu Do is reporting that from July 1, a new decree will see public internet gaming venues operating after 10 pm, risking fines of up to VND15 million (US$569).
The decree also imposes fines of VND50-70 million (US$1,898-2,657) for concealing or falsifying email identities. View source→
Crypto transfers tax
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has proposed a 0.1 percent tax on every crypto asset transfer by individuals.
The Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association said a 0.1 percent transaction tax would be high by international standards and argued profits, rather than transactions, should be taxed, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Another barrier to domestic crypto market development.
Proposal courts investigative power reduced
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has proposed abolishing the Supreme People’s Procuracy’s investigation agency in a draft law revising the Law on Criminal Investigation Organisation.
The draft would retain investigation agencies under the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence while removing provisions establishing the Supreme People’s Procuracy’s investigation body. View source→
WB upgrade VN to UMI status
Znews is reporting that the World Bank on July 1 reclassified Vietnam as an upper-middle-income country after its 2025 gross national income per capita reached US$4,970, exceeding the US$4,636 threshold.
The World Bank said the upgrade reflected sustained economic growth and export performance. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Source report
Fuel prices reduced
Thanh Nien is reporting that retail fuel prices have been reduced, with E5 RON92 petrol falling VND1,055 to VND19,730 (US$0.75) per litre and E10 RON95 falling VND788 to VND20,415 (US$0.77).
Diesel prices fell VND690 to VND21,176 (US$0.80) per litre, while mazut fell VND977 to VND14,053 (US$0.53) per kilogram. View source→
EFTA trade negotiations conclude
AAWSAT is reporting that the European Free Trade Association has concluded negotiations with Vietnam on a free trade agreement after talks resumed in September 2025 following a seven-year impasse.
The agreement covers rules of origin, investment, intellectual property rights, competition, trade remedies and government procurement. View source→
Vingroup head worth more than Samsung head
Lao Dong is reporting that Forbes has ranked Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong as the world’s 63rd-richest person with an estimated net worth of US$34 billion, ahead of Samsung Chairman Lee Jae Yong, who is ranked 69th. View source→
Overnight interest rates hit 13 percent
Dan Tri is reporting that overnight interbank lending rates jumped to 13 percent on June 30 from 3.6 percent a day earlier.
The State Bank of Vietnam on June 29 launched seven-day US dollar-Vietnamese dong swap operations to provide dong liquidity, the article notes. View source→
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,866.35, down 0.86 points or 0.05 percent, with a total trading value of VND 17,237.86 billion or US$654.19 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$16.66 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates yesterday
On July 2, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,580, and the sell rate was VND 26,610, a change of 0 and 0, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,595 (down 0.00 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: MB Securities fined off-book margin lending, Borrower capacity proof limit lifted, Counterfeit shampoo and body wash, Electronics retailer IPO, Investors waiting for rate cut, Russia-VN media cooperation, VN-Russia petrol-tech MoU, Robusta coffee environment impact report, UOB office building HCMC, and more. Read the full article →