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
Research prosecution exemption
VnExpress is reporting that the government will propose a National Assembly resolution exempting researchers from liability for failed scientific projects where there is no personal gain or corruption.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung is cited as saying that about VND 18 trillion (US$683 million) of this year’s science and technology budget, with the slow progress partly attributed to officials’ concerns about future accountability. View source→
Fuel retailer losses
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnamese fuel retailers have reported wholesale discounts have fallen as low as zero, while diesel shortages and rising oil prices are increasing losses.
Some retailers said diesel purchase prices are VND 300-1,000 (US$0.01-0.04) per litre above regulated retail prices, making continued sales unprofitable. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Ongoing issue.
Semiconductor degree requirements
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam has introduced nationwide minimum admission standards for undergraduate semiconductor programmes, including a mathematics score of at least 7.5.
The Ministry of Education and Training said applicants must also rank within the top 25 percent nationally for their admission subject combination. View source→
Ed.’s notes: What happens if not enough people meeting the Ministry’s requirements apply? In a free market, the supply-demand balance would set the entrance scores — it would be interesting to know how the Ministry came up with these numbers.
Eurocham BCI
VnExpress is reporting that European business confidence in Vietnam rose to 79.7 points in the second quarter, approaching a seven-year high, according to EuroCham’s Business Climate Index.
The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam said 63 percent of surveyed businesses viewed current conditions positively, while 69 percent expected third-quarter improvement. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Note that BCI is not segregated by nationality of the respondent and is open to anyone to complete, so reasonably easy to manipulate — results should be taken with a grain of salt.
Government bond auction Wednesday
Vietnam’s State Treasury sold VND 3.04 trillion (US$115.4 million) of government bonds at its July 15 auction, from VND 13 trillion (US$493.4 million) offered, according to the latest release from the Vietnam Bond Market Association.
Five-year and 10-year bonds accounted for most successful bids, raising VND 1 trillion (US$38 million) and VND 1.84 trillion (US$69.6 million), respectively.
The auction also sold VND 175 billion (US$6.6 million) of 15-year bonds and VND 30 billion (US$1.1 million) of 30-year bonds.
Year-to-date issuance reached VND 188.44 trillion (US$7.15 billion), completing 37.7 percent of the State Treasury’s VND 500 trillion (US$19 billion) 2026 plan. View source→
Australia tourist visa problems
The Sydney Morning Herald is reporting that Australian travellers are reporting costly visa problems that have prevented them from boarding Vietnam-bound flights or forced them to obtain expensive emergency travel documents.
Passengers cited minor errors or missing e-visas, with some paying hundreds of dollars for urgent authorisation before departure and additional visa fees upon arrival. View source→
Coffee chain US$8m fundraising
Inside Retail is reporting that Vietnamese coffee chain Every Half, founded in 2021, has reportedly raised US$8 million in Series A funding from existing investors Openspace Capital and DSG Consumer Partners.
Every Half currently operates 36 stores, with the funding supporting expansion across Vietnam, investment in its vertically integrated supply chain and growth of its packaged coffee business, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: That’s a lot of money for a relatively small coffee chain — it’s also a very quick expansion, 0 to 36 stores in five years.
Pharma sector outlook
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam’s pharmaceutical market is expected to exceed US$10 billion in 2026, according to a report by Saigon-Hanoi Securities.
Growth is being driven by an ageing population, expanding health insurance coverage and regulatory reforms supporting advanced generic medicines and biosimilars, the article notes. View source→
Foreign stock selling analysis
The Investor is reporting that foreign investors have continued selling Vietnamese equities in 2026.
Foreign holdings have declined in FPT, Vinamilk and Vinhomes despite no clear company-specific developments driving the mass exit. View source→
Stock market Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,782.12, down 24.51 points or 1.36 percent, with a total trading value of VND 15,469.06 billion or US$587.06 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$36.77 million worth of equities, Wednesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Wednesday
On July 15, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,400, and the sell rate was VND 26,420, a change of 0 and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,410 (down 0.06 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Accor-Sun Group agreement, US largest ethanol supplier, Demographic dividend to end 3 years early, Maritime economy development, ACV looking to live test HCMC airport, Shipping costs to USA spike, Remittances from Japan, Inflation warning, Adding VN to Portugal tax haven list, Stock market Tuesday, Exchange rates Tuesday, Yesterday’s news roundup, and more. Read the full article →