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
MSCI market review
The Investor is reporting that foreign ownership limits, market accessibility, disclosure standards and settlement infrastructure remain barriers to a market status MSCI upgrade, according to the firm’s latest Global Market Accessibility Review. View source→
Russia’s Gazprom abandons LNG plant project
The Investor is reporting that Russia’s Gazprom has withdrawn from the US$297 million Quang Tri gas-fired power project after more than five years of inactivity.
The 340 MW build-operate-transfer project was assigned to Gazprom International in 2020 and was expected to use gas from the Bao Vang field, with commercial operations targeted for 2026-2030. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Article doesn’t say why Russia pulled out other than that work on the project was “no longer appropriate under current conditions”.
Horror movie making warning
Dan Tri is reporting that Vietnam’s Cinema Department has warned film producers and distributors that a growing number of horror films rely heavily on violence, gore, superstition and shock value rather than artistic quality.
The agency urged filmmakers to demonstrate greater social responsibility, promote works with stronger artistic merit and encourage films highlighting Vietnam’s history, culture and people.
Horror films have become the dominant genre at Vietnam’s box office this year, with Phi phong and Heo nam mong each earning more than VND 100 billion (US$3.8 million) and Ma xo grossing VND 135 billion (US$5.1 million), the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: The market is telling film producers it wants horror movies, but the Cinema Department is saying the government does not.
Banking risk analysis
The Business Times is carrying analysis of the State Bank of Vietnam’s recent deregulation efforts, pegged to the recent proposal to raise the cap on short-term funding for long-term loans to 40 percent from 30 percent.
The central bank has also relaxed loan-to-deposit rules, exempted some projects from lending limits and proposed higher exposure caps for major projects in Hanoi. View source→
Denmark-VN ethanol cooperation
Ethanol Producer is reporting that Vietnam’s leading biofuel producer Nha Xanh Vietnam and Denmark’s Novonesis signed an agreement to improve Vietnam’s domestic biofuel production. View source→
Work permit processing in Hanoi reverts to city
Newland Chase is reporting that foreign work permit processing will revert from ward level to Hanoi’s Department of Home Affairs from June 20, until December 2028.
Ward offices will continue handling renewals, reissuances and cancellations of work permits and exemption certificates they originally issued. View source→
Ed.’s notes: These powers were transferred to local wards earlier this year. This quote from Fragomen back in January might shed some light on why this change has been rolled back:
“As a result of this transfer of authority, applicants and their employees can expect more variation in interpretation of legal rules, the need for more follow-ups with local authorities (especially during the implementation period when practices are still being standardised) and potential processing delays during the transition period. The online application system will need to be adjusted to reflect the transfer in authority, which may potentially cause temporary disruptions.”
Amazon “local zone” in Hanoi
Data Centre Dynamics is reporting that Amazon Web Services has launched a Local Zone cloud location in Hanoi, bringing computing and storage infrastructure closer to users in Vietnam.
Local Zones provide low-latency computing, storage and database services near population centres and are managed through a parent region, with Hanoi linked to Singapore, the article says. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Lower-risk market entry data centre space?
Counterfeit foreign currency warning
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam’s Regional Branch 1 has warned that counterfeit foreign currency is becoming more sophisticated and urged people to buy and sell cash foreign currency only at licensed institutions.
The regulator said suspected counterfeit foreign currency should not be used, circulated or transferred, and should instead be reported to police or the nearest credit institution. View source→
Ed.’s notes: This adds to risk premium trading foreign currency outside official channels = higher price?
Press festival concludes
Nhan Dan is reporting that the National Press Festival 2026 concluded in Hai Phong on June 21, with Viet Nam Journalists’ Association Permanent Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Loi praising its role in showcasing revolutionary journalism.
The three-day event featured 87 exhibition booths and a National Press Forum with 11 sessions covering media restructuring, journalism economics and policy communication. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Vietnam is ranked 174/180 on the World Press Freedom Index.
There are currently 16 journalists imprisoned in Vietnam, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Vietnam FTA friction Thailand
The Nation Thailand is reporting that Thailand’s Office of Commercial Affairs in Ho Chi Minh City said Vietnam’s expanding network of free trade agreements could increase competitive pressure on Thai exporters in the Middle East and South Asia. View source→
Electricity production May
Vietnam produced 30.17 billion kWh of electricity in May, up 6.16 percent from 28.42 billion kWh in April 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Cement production May
Vietnam produced 10.78 million tonnes of cement in May, up 2.79 percent from 10.49 million tonnes in April 2026, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
The VN-Index closed at 1,824.53, down 5.94 points or 0.32 percent, with a total trading value of VND 18,803.57 billion or US$713.61 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$61.82 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 19, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,520, and the sell rate was VND 26,540, a change of 20 and 20, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,530 (up 0.08 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Vietnam news roundup Friday
In today’s Vietnam news: Thailand vs Vietnam tourism, India missile purchase final stages, Airport rail connections Long Thanh, BESS development Northern Vietnam, New US ambassador sworn in, Ride-hailing informal worker organisations, Press to promote information sovereignty: TL, Cost of living pressures, Government influencer ranking system, PM meets Putin, Fuel prices drop, Exchange rates Thursday, Stock market Thursday, and more. Read the full article →