This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today, and what has been reported over the weekend, in Vietnam’s state-approved media and some others.
It compiles coverage from official outlets like Dan Tri, Tuoi Tre, and VN Express, highlighting the narratives currently shaping the country’s economic, financial, and business news landscape.
Exporter concerns shipping costs: Iran conflict
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnamese exporters expressed concern after the United States and Israel attacked Iran and retaliation targeted Gulf states, raising risks of market volatility and higher transport costs.
Industry representatives said shipments to Dubai pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and any prolonged conflict or blockade could disrupt agricultural exports.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Impacts outbound tourism: Iran conflict
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Vietnamese travel companies have suspended tours to conflict-affected areas in the Middle East.
Airspace restrictions and security risks disrupted transit through hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and Vietnam advised citizens not to travel to Israel and Iran.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Stock market impacts: Iran conflict
Cafe F is reporting that Nguyen Trong Dinh Tam of Thien Viet Securities has said the conflict in the Middle East may prompt short-term investor caution in Vietnam’s stock market.
Disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz could tighten the supply of crude oil, supporting oil-linked shares, while higher oil prices and potential container supply constraints could lift shipping and fertiliser stocks if freight rates and input costs increase, he has speculated.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
EFTA + VN FTA negotiations
VOV is reporting that Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) are holding their 19th round of negotiations to conclude a bilateral free trade agreement.
During a February 25 meeting with Switzerland, both sides said progress had been made on trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, sustainable development and government procurement.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Settlement delays Vietnam stock exchange
The Investor is reporting that Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation has said it is addressing delays in T+2 securities settlement linked to maintenance of the Korea Exchange trading system.
The disruption affected government and listed corporate bonds bought on February 26, as well as stocks, fund certificates and covered warrants purchased on February 25.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
HCMC labour shortage
The Investor is reporting that the Ho Chi Minh City labour market recorded 313,681 job openings in 2025, compared with 191,790 registered job seekers, reflecting demand 1.64 times higher than supply.
The former province of Ho Chi Minh City led with more than 136,000 vacancies, followed by Binh Duong with over 105,000, while Ba Ria-Vung Tau accounted for more than 23 percent of total demand.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Portugal opens Hanoi embassy
The Portugal News is reporting that Portugal inaugurated an embassy in Hanoi on February 27, marking a reciprocal move after Vietnam opened an embassy in Lisbon last year.
Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel described the step as politically and historically significant, citing Vietnam’s population of 100 million and its dynamic economy.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Vingroup foreign bond issuance
The Investor is reporting that Vingroup plans to raise up to US$350 million through a five-year international bond offering that includes an option for investors to receive shares in its hospitality unit Vinpearl.
The group will issue up to 1,750 US dollar-denominated bonds with a face value of US$200,000 each and a maximum coupon of 5.75 percent per year, with the notes listed on the Vienna MTF market.
Ed.’s notes: Foreign currency-denominated debt = currency risk.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Bank credit to real estate sector
Dan Tri is reporting that real estate loans accounted for about 24 percent of total credit in the economy last year, with 13 listed banks reporting combined exposure of VND942.87 trillion, or about US$35.79 billion, up 32.4 percent year-on-year.
Nine banks recorded real estate loan balances exceeding US$1 billion, led by VPBank with VND207.43 trillion, about US$7.87 billion, followed by Techcombank and SHB.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Japan confectionary maker new VN operations
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Japanese confectionery maker Fujiya has begun producing its Country Ma’am soft cookies at a new factory in Tay Ninh, marking the brand’s first overseas production base.
The plant, which started operations in November 2025 with an annual capacity of 3,600 tonnes or about 500 million cookies, will export to 12 markets, including Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Exchange rates impacting tourism
The Traveller is reporting that Vietnam’s tourism sector is being affected by a widening gap between official and black market United States dollar exchange rates.
The article details differences between the State Bank of Vietnam’s official rate and higher street rates in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, noting how exchange rate divergence is influencing tourist payment choices and tourism business pricing practices.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Jailbroken phone bank app halt
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that, from March 1, banks nationwide are expected to implement new security rules whereby banking apps will no longer work on jailbroken phones.
Banking applications are also expected to stop on devices enabling deep system access, such as Android Debug Bridge, virtual machines, emulators, modified apps, or installations from unofficial sources.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Another VinFast factory
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that on February 28, 2026, the Ha Tinh Economic Zone Management Board granted an investment certificate for the VinFast Ha Tinh electric motorbike plant.
The project covers more than 64 hectares in Vung Ang Economic Zone with total investment exceeding VND13,254 billion, about US$503 million.
Phase one in 2026 will produce one million vehicles annually, with mass production beginning in the second quarter after first-quarter construction.
On February 27, authorities also approved the Vinmetal Ha Tinh steel plant with nearly VND80,000 billion, about US$3.04 billion, and five million tonnes annual capacity in phase one.
Ed.’s notes: Further expansion despite mounting debts.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Foreign CEOs at SOEs proposal
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that officials have floated piloting the hiring of chief executive officers, including foreigners, for state-owned enterprises under Resolution 79.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra called for a specific pilot clause with clear scope and duration, and for substantive authority without layered approvals.
Add your thoughts: Send a letter to the editor→
Exchange rates Friday
the-shiv is reporting that on February 27, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,680, and the sell rate was VND 26,720, a change of 20 and 30, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,700 (down 0.09 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Stock market Friday
the-shiv is reporting that the VN-Index closed at 1,880.33, up 0.69 points or 0.04 percent, with a total trading value of VND 30,045.88 billion or US$1,140.26 million, and foreign traders net-buying US$7.25 million worth of equities, Friday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exports to UK
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam exported US$781 million worth of goods to the UK, up 16.65 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Crude oil industry report January
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported US$598 million worth of crude oil in January, down 17.99 percent from US$729 million in December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Coffee exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported coffee to the tune of US$1,081 million in January, up from US$948 million in December, a change of 14.06 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Imports from Singapore
the-shiv is reporting that In January, Vietnam imported US$663.42 million worth of goods from Singapore, up from US$647.64 million in December, a change of 2.44 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exports to Indonesia
the-shiv is reporting that In January, Vietnam exported US$490 million worth of goods to Indonesia, up 3.50 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Iron and steel imports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam imported iron and steel to the tune of US$1,033 million in January, down from US$1,212 million in December, a change of -14.79 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Seafood exports
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam exported fishery products to the tune of US$1,011 million in January, up from US$954 million in December, a change of 5.92 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Imports from Germany
the-shiv is reporting that in January, Vietnam imported US$358.80 million worth of goods from Germany, down from US$455.12 million in December, a change of -21.16 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Seafood production
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam produced 686.83 thousand tons of processed seafood in January, down 9.75 percent from 761.00 thousand tons in December, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Exports to France
the-shiv is reporting that In January, Vietnam exported US$414 million worth of goods to France, up 21.09 percent over December, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Rubber Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s rubber industry is a key contributor to the country’s economy, driven by its abundant natural resources and strong export demand.
As one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of natural rubber, Vietnam supplies raw materials to global markets, including China, the United States, and Europe. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Cashew Nut Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam is the world’s leading producer and exporter of cashew nuts.
The industry plays a significant role in the country’s economy, generating billions of US dollars in export revenue annually.
This article provides a brief overview of how it all works. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Footwear Manufacturing 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam footwear manufacturers count themselves as part of one of the biggest footwear manufacturing industries in the world.
Trailing only India and China, this relatively small country exported footwear to the tune of US$19.94 billion in 2023, made for some of the most well-known footwear brands. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Plastics Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s plastics industry is a rapidly growing sector, driven by increasing domestic demand, export opportunities, and industrial expansion.
The industry covers a wide range of products, including packaging, household goods, construction materials, and technical plastics, catering to sectors like food and beverage, agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Wine Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s wine industry has steadily grown, driven by an expanding middle class and a rising interest in wine culture.
While traditionally dominated by beer and spirits, wine is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in urban areas.
The domestic wine industry is centred around the Central Highlands, with Dalat being the hub of local production.
Brands like Ladora Winery and Vang Dalat are well-known, offering affordable and accessible options to Vietnamese consumers. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam Financial Sector 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s financial sector has become a dynamic part of the nation’s economy, but despite its rapid development, it remains relatively small.
That said, over the last decade, banking, insurance, bonds, and stocks have all seen significant growth. Read the full article →
Updated: Insurance in Vietnam 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s insurance industry has grown rapidly in recent years.
As incomes have risen and Vietnam’s middle class has begun to accumulate valuable assets, the need for insurance has become readily apparent.
This rapid rise of insurance products in Vietnam, is also partially attributable to several types of insurance being compulsory by law.
This includes for motor vehicle owners and businesses in the construction sector. Read the full article →
Updated: Food Safety Certification in Vietnam 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Food safety certification plays a vital role in Vietnam’s growing food industry, ensuring that businesses maintain high safety standards to protect consumers and meet regulatory requirements.
Obtaining the appropriate certifications allows businesses to operate legally, improve their reputation, and compete in both local and international markets.
Compliance with these certifications demonstrates a commitment to food safety and quality, contributing to the long-term success of the business and the overall safety of Vietnam’s food supply chain. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Glassware Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s glassware industry has been steadily growing, driven by increasing domestic demand, export opportunities, and advancements in manufacturing technology.
The sector encompasses a wide range of products, including household glassware, decorative items, glass packaging, and industrial glass. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’s Animal Feed Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Vietnam’s animal feed industry is a vital component of the country’s agricultural sector, supporting its rapidly expanding livestock and aquaculture industries.
This is driven by rising meat consumption, modern farming practices, and export opportunities in aquaculture, though challenges remain in reducing dependency on imports and enhancing domestic production capacity. Read the full article →
Updated: Vietnam’a Healthcare Industry 2026
the-shiv is reporting that Foreign investment plays a vital role in the industry’s development, with many international companies partnering with Vietnamese healthcare providers to establish advanced facilities and introduce modern medical technology.
These partnerships bring much-needed capital and expertise, supporting infrastructure growth and elevating service standards. Read the full article →
Friday’s Vietnam news roundup
the-shiv is reporting that In today’s Vietnam news: LT Airport scale cost concerns: GS, Apostille Convention implementation deadline, Meta legal action Vietnam advertiser, Boeing stock on VN deals, 16m tonne steel plant proposal, Tourism sustainability calls, Thai firm bids on local sarsaparilla factory, Updates to Law on Geology and Minerals, EU fishing regs compliance review, Belgian ambassador meets with PM, Trade remedies ceramics Philippines, Germany’s KURZ expansion, Bad debts rising, Stock market Thursday, Exchange rates Thursday, Plastic product imports, Toy / sporting goods exports, and more. Read the full article →