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
Foreign media regulations update
Vietnam Plus is reporting that new rules governing foreign media activities take effect from July 1, requiring content published online by foreign media outlets in Vietnam to comply with Vietnam’s press and cybersecurity laws.
Licensing requirements and procedures have also been updated. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Article 4 of Vietnam’s Press Law reads (Google translated):
“Functions and tasks and the powers of the press… Propaganda, dissemination, contributing to building and protecting the Party’s guidelines and policies, and the State’s laws and regulations… protecting and promoting the fine traditions, building and promoting democratic and democratic societies, meaning: strengthening national unity, building and protecting the Vietnamese Fatherland.”
MoMo bidders
Reuters is reporting that Blackstone, CVC Capital Partners and Japan’s MUFG are among bidders for a stake in Vietnamese fintech company MoMo, with binding bids due in September.
The size of the stake has not been finalised but could reach 50 percent, the article notes. View source→
Second nuclear power plant
Reuters is reporting that the government will select a foreign partner in the third quarter to jointly develop the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plant with state energy company Petrovietnam.
The selected partner must transfer at least 30 percent of its nuclear technology to Vietnam, provide staff training and arrange financing below 3 percent annual interest, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Japan was slated for this but pulled out because the time frame was too tight, Reuters reported back in December.
High-tech development incentives
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Decree 260 took effect on 1 July, introducing financial, tax and commercialisation support for high-tech and strategic technology research and development in Vietnam.
The article identifies Viettel, FPT, VNPT and Vingroup companies, including Vinmec and VinFast, among major businesses potentially positioned to benefit from the policies. View source→
GDP growth H1
Znews is reporting that Vietnam’s gross domestic product grew an estimated 8.18 percent in the first half of 2026, according to Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan.
Second-quarter growth reached 8.39 percent, while industry, construction and services accounted for more than 88 percent of overall economic growth. View source→
MPS colonel moves to MoF
Tien Phong is reporting that Colonel Vu Cao Son was appointed Chief of Office at Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance from 1 July after being seconded from the Ministry of Public Security.
Vu Cao Son previously served as Deputy Commander of the Mobile Police Command.
Finance Minister Ngo Van Tuan said the ministry’s office plays a central role in policy advice, coordination and supporting management and administrative operations. View source→
Hon Khoai port development
Bloomberg is reporting on a nearly US$4 billion dual-use port and transport corridor project at Hon Khoai.
It notes the project could strengthen Vietnam’s southwestern naval presence while providing the Mekong Delta with a major shipping gateway, although some experts have questioned its economic rationale. View source→
Counterfeit crackdown
The BBC is reporting on the nationwide crackdown on counterfeit goods.
Vendors and researchers in the article told the publication that persistent consumer demand, low incomes and adaptable supply chains would make Vietnam’s counterfeit market difficult to eliminate. View source→
PLA navy to visit Vietnam
China Daily Asia is reporting that A Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy fleet will visit Ho Chi Minh City in early July at the invitation of the Vietnamese navy. View source→
Tourism earnings H1
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam earned more than US$9 billion from international visitors in the first half of 2026.
It also notes that Vietnamese travellers spent US$8 billion abroad, leaving a surplus of US$950 million. View source→
Japan ODA for copyright protection
The Straits Times is reporting that Japan plans to use official development assistance to help about 10 developing countries, including Vietnam and Indonesia, combat piracy of Japanese manga, anime and games.
The program will support copyright legislation, dispatch legal experts, run awareness campaigns and provide copyright training in Japan for employees of local companies, the article says. View source→
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,862.08, down 4.27 points or 0.23 percent, with a total trading value of VND 15,656.66 billion or US$594.18 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$30.70 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Friday
On July 3, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,620, and the sell rate was VND 26,650, a change of 40 and 40, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,635 (up 0.15 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Friday’s news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Internet cafe opening hours restricted, Crypto transfers tax, Proposal courts investigative power reduced, WB upgrade VN to UMI status, Fuel prices reduced, EFTA trade negotiations conclude, Vingroup head worth more than Samsung head, Overnight interest rates hit 13 percent, Stock market Thursday, Exchange rates yesterday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →