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
GS TL on AI
Dan Tri is reporting that Communist Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on June 25 said artificial intelligence should be applied under controlled conditions and cannot replace human responsibility or decision-making. View source→
The rest of the article talks about data collection and security.
Ed.’s notes: Most US-developed AI services are built around the idea of neutrality — answers to questions about the Vietnam War, for example, generally come back much more nuanced than official narratives. Not much has been said about this, nor is there much about this in the linked article, though the mention of ‘controlled conditions’ seems noteworthy.
Saigon Economic Times last issue
The Saigon Times is reporting that it has published its final print edition, ending a publication run of more than 35 years.
The announcement did not state the reason for ending publication, though this is in line with a broader consolidation of Vietnam’s media environment. View source→
Fuel prices cut
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance cut retail fuel prices on June 25, with diesel falling by as much as VND 1,668 per litre.
The new price caps are VND 19,359 per litre for E5 petrol, VND 19,916 for E10 petrol and VND 21,866 for diesel, effective from 3pm.
The regulators allocated VND 300 per litre to the Fuel Price Stabilisation Fund for biofuel and VND 800 per litre or kilogram for diesel and fuel oil, while making no withdrawals from the fund. View source→
Vinhomes issuing more bonds
The Investor is reporting that Vinhomes plans to raise up to VND15 trillion (US$569.3 million) through a private placement of secured corporate bonds.
The company said the non-convertible bonds will have a maximum tenor of 24 months and carry a combination of fixed and floating interest rates.
The planned issuance follows Vinhomes’ VND6 trillion (US$227.7 million) bond sale on June 20 for debt restructuring, bringing its total planned bond issuance this year to VND36 trillion (US$1.37 billion) if fully completed.
Vinhomes said the bonds will be secured by assets owned by the company and/or third parties. View source→
Counterfeit Korean cosmetics store
Business Korea is reporting that South Korean fashion platform Musinsa has said it is taking legal action after discovering a Vietnamese store operating under the name “MOOSINSA” in Nha Trang.
Musinsa said it sent a cease-and-desist notice through a local representative earlier this month, after which the store changed its signboard on April 16.
The company said the store also displayed a “29M” sign resembling its affiliated fashion platform 29CM, raising concerns over trademark infringement.
Musinsa said it will strengthen overseas intellectual property protection as it expands internationally, although the store reportedly still appears as “MOOSINSA” on Google Maps. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the audacity.
Biometric authentication business transactions
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s State Bank will require biometric authentication for certain high-value online banking transactions by businesses from July 1.
The State Bank said the changes are intended to strengthen protection against account impersonation, unauthorised access and increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. View source→
VN-US customs data exchange agreement
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnam Customs Director Nguyen Van Tho and United States Customs Commissioner Rodney Scott have signed a memorandum of understanding to exchange electronic customs declaration data.
The agreement provides for the exchange of cargo declaration data to help detect trade fraud, counterfeit goods, origin fraud, tax evasion and illegal transhipment. View source→
Agoda data Vietnam tourism growth
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Agoda’s Travel Outlook 2026 report has found international accommodation searches for Vietnam rose nearly 50 percent in 2025 compared with the previous year.
Agoda attributed the growth to expanded visa exemptions, longer permitted stays, 90-day multiple-entry electronic visas, airport upgrades and new international flight connections. View source→
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,863.07, down 14.95 points or 0.80 percent, with a total trading value of VND 16,113.82 billion or US$611.53 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$40.99 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Thursday
On June 25, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,600, and the sell rate was VND 26,640, a change of 120 and 140, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,620 (up 0.49 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Fertiliser imports May
Vietnam imported fertiliser to the tune of US$128 million in May, down from US$152 million in April, a change of -15.47 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
State Bank of Vietnam to exclude some major projects from credit growth limits
This seems to be a part of a trend where lending goals running up against risk-mitigating regulations are not forcing a rethink of those goals, but rather the regulations holding them back. A trend that could have significant economic implications. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: Power supply imports, Hanoi boulevard project protests, Antidumping duties coming for boxes, Maersk container terminal project Hanoi, Vinpearl foreign investment, Regulatory changes to rules on sharing news content, New airline expansion, Government bond auction June 24, Petrol + diesel import tax cut extension proposal, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, Coal imports May, Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup, and more. Read the full article →