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
Crypto transfers to VN not necessary
Tuoi Tre is reporting that the State Securities Commission has said that Vietnamese crypto holders with assets overseas do not have to transfer them to Vietnam as long as they are not traded.
However, any transactions must be conducted through licensed Vietnamese virtual asset service providers. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Weakens project – not clear how trades outside of Vietnam exchanges will be monitored.
Novaland bond changes
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Novaland has said that international convertible bond holders, representing US$262.16 million, or 85.66 percent of its outstanding US$300 million, have approved proposed amendments and waivers related to missed and future payment obligations.
The approval exceeded the threshold required under the bond terms, allowing Novaland and the trustee to proceed with amendments that will bind all bondholders, including those who opposed or did not vote. View source→
Ed.’s notes: The issues that hit the real estate sector in 2022 have still not been resolved.
Perspectives on garment industry
VN Economy is carrying analysis from Dr Le Tien Truong, in which he says annual sector export growth above 10 percent is increasingly unrealistic, due to weaker demand and increasing competition.
He goes on to call for incentives for raw material production, logistics investment, new materials research, and continued State capital divestment from State-owned enterprises. View source→
Working hours cut proposed
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam’s General Confederation of Labour has proposed reducing normal working hours from 48 hours to 40-44 hours per week.
Former Vietnam General Confederation of Labour official Le Dinh Quang said the proposal aligns with international trends and suggested reducing working hours to 44 hours per week by 2030, 40 hours after 2030 and potentially 35 hours by 2045. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This comes up every couple of years, but nothing has come of it yet.
Adding political component to lawyer requirements
Thanh Nien is reporting that the Ministry of Justice has proposed new requirements for lawyers, including having “firm political conviction”, courage, integrity and a commitment to protecting justice, under a draft revised Law on Lawyers.
The draft would also require lawyers to participate in mandatory annual political awareness training and would streamline qualification procedures from four steps to two. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Raises questions about the independence of the legal profession and, by extension, the strength of Vietnam’s rule of law.
Hiring teachers corruption
Cong An is reporting that the police in Quang Tri province have arrested and charged a primary school principal with accepting bribes.
Investigators alleged he coerced contract teachers to pay money in exchange for teaching positions and employment at the school. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Corruption is everywhere. What does this say about education as a development driver?
Former Google exec in Vietnam
The Investor is reporting that former Google Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt, at a National Innovation Centre event, has said he is willing to support initiatives including a private artificial intelligence investment fund, global networking opportunities for Vietnamese businesses and talent, and student scholarships.
Schmidt said Vietnam’s strong performance in international mathematics competitions demonstrates its human capital advantage and positions the country to become a future leader in artificial intelligence, according to local reporting. View source→
Ban on ships for recycling imports proposed
VN Economy is reporting that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has proposed banning the import of used ships for dismantling and recycling.
A draft revision of the Law on Environmental Protection would classify the import of used vessels for scrapping, along with imported machinery and equipment intended for dismantling, as prohibited activities under environmental protection regulations.
The ministry said dismantling imported ships poses environmental risks because vessels may contain hazardous substances. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Economic benefits versus environmental costs.
Crude oil production May
Vietnam produced 786.69 thousand tonnes of crude oil in May, up 3.50 percent from 760.06 thousand tonnes in April 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Tourist arrivals May
In May, Vietnam’s total tourist arrivals reached 1,784,683, down 12.15 percent from April, according to the latest data from Vietnam’s General Department of Tourism. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,838.90, up 7.35 points or 0.40 percent, with a total trading value of VND 13,824.91 billion or US$524.66 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$11.61 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 June 5, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,360, and the sell rate was VND 26,390, a change of 20 and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,375 (down 0.08 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Exports to France April
In April, Vietnam exported US$366 million worth of goods to France, down 0.41 percent over March, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
In Friday’s Vietnam news: Fuel prices cut, Double-digit growth target reinforced, New airport services delay approval requested, TikTok VN investment, Bybit in Vietnam, LG plant expansion, Central counterparty clearing house coming 2027, Petrolimex share sale to meet minimum free-float requirements, Amway fined consumer protections, Stock market Thursday, Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: June 4, Update, Exchange rates Thursday, Vietnam-US Trade: USTR Proposes Forced Labour-Linked Tariffs, and more. Read the full article →