This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today 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.
Indo fintech buys VN bank
VIR is reporting that Indonesian fintech firm Kredivo has acquired Vietnamese digital bank Timo, with final paperwork signed but undisclosed value, according to Singapore-based Tech in Asia.
Kredivo plans to invest US$15 million in Vietnam over three years, retaining the Timo brand and consolidating its local operations under the combined entity.
VN horror flick goes regional
Deadline is reporting that Vietnamese horror film Phi Phong: The Blood Demon, produced by Bluebells Studios and sold by Mockingbird Pictures, has secured distribution in more than ten territories.
The film is scheduled for release in Vietnam on April 24, followed by regional rollouts including Indonesia on May 13 and Malaysia, Brunei and Hong Kong on May 14.
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Denmark-VN pork cooperation
Scandasia is reporting that Denmark’s Agriculture and Food Council has visited Vietnam to strengthen cooperation and promote higher food safety standards in the pork sector.
The Danish delegation met government agencies, industry associations and livestock companies during a two-day visit focused on improving production and processing.
Ed.’s notes: Total two-way trade with Denmark was worth about US$720.97 million last year.
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Fertiliser prices
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vinacam chief executive Vu Duy Hai has warned, in the context of the war in the Middle East, that Vietnam’s fertiliser prices may rise from April as household inventories decline and demand increases ahead of the main production season.
Industry representatives raised concerns that farmers may reduce fertiliser use for lower value crops, while rising prices could lead to increased circulation of low-quality products, the article says.
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Loan interest rates
Vietnamnet is reporting that lending interest rates at 25 Vietnamese commercial banks rose in February 2026, with Techcombank and BVBank recording the largest increases of 1.84 percent and 1.67 percent per year.
Several banks reported smaller increases of 0.1 to 0.7 percent per year, while others, including VietinBank, TPBank and GPBank, reduced rates, with MBV posting the largest decline of 1.07 percent per year.
Ed.’s notes: State Bank often relies on banks to implement monetary policy rather than changing its own interest rate, so these interest rate hikes could signal monetary policy tightening.
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Fruit and veg price drop
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnamese fruit prices have fallen as China tightens quarantine and quality standards, while domestic testing bottlenecks delay inspections and increase risks for traders.
Markets are in transition ahead of new traceability and planting code requirements effective June 1, 2026, leading buyers to limit purchases to avoid border rejections.
Ed.’s notes: Fruit and veg exports one of biggest locally produced / owned exports (as opposed to foreign-owned electronics manufacturers). Impacts of an export downturn can be geographically broad – as in farming communities.
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Crypto exchange update
Reuters is reporting that the government plans to roll out a pilot for locally run cryptocurrency exchanges as early as March, following a February resolution to tighten oversight of crypto trading and capital flows.
Five companies passed an initial qualification round, including affiliates of Techcombank, VPBank and LPBank, as well as VIX Securities and Sun Group.
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Drone disruptions airport costs
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Illegal drone activity caused Vietnam Airlines losses of VND5.6 billion (US$212,500) in one week in late February 2026, affecting about 9,200 passengers.
Authorities reported repeated incidents of unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles near airports, including Da Nang and Cat Bi, disrupting operations and aviation safety.
Ed.’s notes: Minor in comparison to fuel price fluctuations but still noteworthy as yet another challenge facing the airline industry.
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Fibre factory repossessed
Dan Tri is reporting that Maritime Bank has seized a 40,447 square metre hemp fibre factory in Thanh Hoa, along with its machinery and production equipment, from An Phuoc over loan repayment breaches.
The factory is part of a textile raw material project, with the company engaged in producing fibres, fabrics and garment inputs since 2015.
Ed.’s notes: Adds to mixed messaging narrative around textiles sector – exports are up, but a lot of firms are struggling.
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HSBC takes possession of 49 million Vingroup shares
Dan Tri is reporting that HSBC has taken ownership of nearly 49 million Vingroup shares valued at about VND7,151 billion (US$271.40 million), effective March 16.
The transfer was announced by the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation, with shares priced at around VND146,200 each at the March 17 close.
HSBC has previously participated in major international capital raising deals linked to Vingroup, including a US$150 million bond issuance by Vinpearl in 2024.
Ed.’s notes: It’s not clear why it has taken ownership of these shares – it doesn’t say they were bought – mention of VinPearl bonds conspicuous.
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Coffee / tea chain market report
VnExpress is reporting that Vietnam’s coffee and tea chain market exceeded US$1.3 billion in 2025, ranking third in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Thailand, according to Momentum Works.
Coffee chains reached US$725 million, up 27 percent year on year, while tea chains totalled US$617 million, up 28 percent.
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LPG terminal Hai Phong approved
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that PV GAS has been approved to invest VND7,511 billion (US$285.05 million) in an LPG terminal at Hai Phong, with operations expected from the third quarter of 2028.
The project at Cai Trap Island will have a storage capacity of about 60,000 tonnes and include two jetties capable of receiving vessels up to 100,000 deadweight tonnage.
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Low emissions zone plan Hoan Kiem
Vietnamnet is reporting that Hanoi will pilot a low-emission zone in the core Hoan Kiem area from July 1, 2026.
The plan will initially cover pedestrian streets and nearby areas, with expansion to wider central districts over time.
Authorities will gradually restrict fossil fuel vehicles, enforce emission standards and promote public transport and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Ed.’s notes: Walks back PM announcement last year that petrol-powered bikes would be banned from the inner city from July 1. Useful as example of shoot first, ask questions later approach to policy making.
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PM asks Japan for oil
Tuoi Tre is reporting that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested Japan to supply crude oil from its reserves and facilitate aviation fuel sales to Vietnam amid Middle East supply disruptions.
He proposed access to part of Japan’s 80 million barrel reserve and diversification of crude inputs for the Nghi Son refinery to support energy security, the article says.
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PM asks Angola for oil / gas supply support
Tien Phong is reporting that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested Angola supply crude oil and gas to Vietnam and accelerate implementation of a memorandum on petroleum cooperation.
The proposal was made during a March 16 call with Angola’s president, amid concerns over Middle East conflict affecting global energy supply and Vietnam.
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VinFast’s 2025 Financial Performance: Key Takeaways
As a cornerstone of Vingroup’s ecosystem, which spans multiple industries across Vietnam and employs thousands, VinFast’s performance carries wide-reaching implications. Here’s what that looked like at the end of 2025. Read the full article →
Vietnam Fuel Prices and Trade Disruption Tracker: Iran Conflict 2026 *UPDATED
Vietnam’s energy sector in the context of the emerging conflict in Iran and its impact on energy resources moving through the Strait of Hormuz. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Tuesday
On March 17, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 27,340, and the sell rate was VND 27,390, a change of 190 and 200, respectively, for a mid-market rate of VND 27,365 (up 0.72 percent), according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,710.29, up 17.08 points or 1.01 percent, with a total trading value of VND 25,488.48 billion or US$967.30 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$25.35 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Gasoline / oil production February
Vietnam produced 1,496.11 thousand tons of gasoline and oil in February, up 4.26 percent from 1,434.97 thousand tons in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Office. Read the full article →
Crude oil imports February
Vietnam imported crude oil to the tune of US$481 million in February, down from US$598 million in January, a change of -19.62 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In yesterday’s Vietnam news: VinFast 2025 unaudited financials, Possible flight cuts on fuel supply challenges, Vietnam retail rents global rankings, Starlink cost raises eyebrows, Danang port project goes to VN-Netherlands consortium, Pacific Airlines’ outstanding tax debt HCMC, Construction ministry calls for transport tax breaks, Nuclear energy strategy approved, HCMC apartment size regulations distorting market, Coal imports February, Exchange rates Monday, Stock market Monday, Import from Indonesia February, Textile & footwear materials exports February, Updated: Vietnam’s Law on Securities Overview, Updated: Vietnam’s Law on Cybersecurity, Updated: Vietnam Visa Guide 2026, and more. Read the full article →