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
Vinhomes to stop expanding landbank
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vinhomes Chairman Pham Thieu Hoa has announced the company will stop expanding its land bank in Vietnam and instead focus on developing existing projects, following instructions from Vingroup Chairman Pham Nhat Vuong.
Hoa said Vinhomes had accumulated enough land to sustain development for the next five to seven years and would concentrate resources on construction, sales and increasing value per square metre. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Interesting when considering the relationship between VinHomes and Vingroup’s multi-billion dollar loss-making EV subsidiary VinFast.
38 percent of businesses paying informal charges
The Investor is reporting that the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said 38.18 percent of businesses still pay unofficial fees despite reforms that simplified more than 3,000 administrative procedures and removed over 2,300 business conditions in 2025.
It also said that in a survey, 25 percent of firms reported actual procedures differed from published processes, 33.33 percent reported delays beyond statutory deadlines, and 24.04 percent postponed or cancelled investment plans because of administrative obstacles. View source→
Ed.’s notes: That’s roughly one in three businesses has engaged in some form of corruption. After years of cracking down on corruption, that feels like not a great result.
SBV governor meets USTR delegation
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that State Bank of Vietnam Governor Pham Duc An has met with a US Treasury Department delegation, telling the group that maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation and safeguarding the banking system are the central bank’s top priorities for 2026. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This article is super positive — feels like the conversation was probably a bit more serious than it implies, given there are currently three outstanding USTR 301 investigations involving Vietnam.
Fitch affirms BB+ rating
Fitch Ratings, in a press release, has affirmed Vietnam’s long-term foreign-currency issuer default rating at BB+ with a Stable Outlook on June 16, citing strong growth prospects, low government debt and a favourable external debt profile.
Fitch forecasts Vietnam’s economy will grow 6.8 percent in 2026, supported by foreign direct investment, electronics exports, public investment and credit growth, but warned the country remains exposed to trade risks and external shocks.
The agency said banking sector liquidity is likely to remain tight as credit expands faster than deposits, while credit could reach about 155 percent of gross domestic product, far above the BB peer median. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Note comparison with BB peers — it has cost Vietnam a lot more than its peers to get to the same level — might speak to capital allocation efficiency (or lack thereof).
Motorbike sales
Motorcycles Data is reporting that Vietnam’s motorcycle market grew 20 percent year-on-year to 1.57 million units in the first five months of 2026, driven by rapid adoption of electric vehicles and reinforcing its position as the world’s fourth-largest market.
The report said sales rose 14.9 percent to 3.4 million units in 2025 and are on track to approach 4 million this year, helped by tightening environmental policies and rising fuel prices. View source→
HCMC high-tech park expansion
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam has approved an expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City High-Tech Park by nearly 195 hectares, adding space for research, high-tech manufacturing, incubation and technology commercialisation.
The expansion area will focus on digital and technology infrastructure, carbon neutrality by 2050 and regulatory sandboxes for new technologies, products and policies, the article says. View source→
Sandbox for new securities products
VnExpress is reporting that the State Securities Commission has said a regulatory sandbox for the securities sector will be a key feature of proposed amendments to the Securities Law.
State Securities Commission Chairwoman Vu Thi Chan Phuong said the framework would allow companies to test new products, services and business models on a limited basis under regulatory supervision. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Not clear why securities products would need a sandbox — the pathway to becoming a developed stock market, with a diverse product range, is fairly well worn. Feels a bit like heading toward reinventing the wheel space.
Tax payments delay proposed
VnExpress is reporting that the Finance Ministry has proposed delaying VND 125 trillion (US$4.74 billion) in tax and land rent payments in 2026 to support businesses, households and economic growth.
Under the draft decree, payment deadlines for value-added tax, corporate income tax, personal income tax and land rent would be extended by two to five months depending on the filing period. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Kicking the can down the road.
Biofuel complaints
24H is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade had received 190 public complaints related to ethanol-mixed gasoline (E10) by June 16.
Deputy Director Dao Duy Anh said E10 has accounted for nearly 500 million litres, or more than 92 percent, of the country’s roughly 540 million litres of gasoline consumed since it replaced the standard RON95 earlier this month.
The most common complaints involved reduced acceleration, higher fuel consumption, engine stalling and difficulties starting vehicles, while some motorists also expressed concerns about corrosion and warranty coverage. View source→
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,807.94, up 8.63 points or 0.48 percent, with a total trading value of VND 16,650.84 billion or US$631.91 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$14.04 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Tuesday
On June 16, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,300, and the sell rate was VND 26,320, unchanged from yesterday, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Aluminium production May
Vietnam produced 122.00 thousand tonnes of aluminium in May, up 2.52 percent from 119.01 thousand tonnes in April 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Counterfeit ice cream store, Business bank deposits falling, SBV interest rates advertised versus reality, Gold content import regulations, Foreign investors buy US$178 Vingroup, Pm on overcrowding in Hanoi, Illegal weapons manufacturing outfit shutdown, Steel maker largest number outstanding shares, Construction contract advance payment regulations, Petrols stations still running at loss, Powdered milk production May, Stock exchange Monday, Exchange rates Monday, and more. Read the full article →