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
Fuel prices revised
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and Ministry of Finance have adjusted retail fuel prices.
E5 RON 92 gasoline rose by VND 1,164 per litre to VND 23,790 per litre, while RON 95-III increased by VND 603 per litre to VND 24,354 per litre.
Diesel prices were cut by VND 678 per litre to VND 27,494 per litre. View source→
VN-Philippines rice agreement
The Inquirer is reporting that on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister of Vietnam Le Minh Hung agreed to establish a long-term rice trade mechanism to support a stable supply and food security.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation on transnational crime, including scam operations and human trafficking, alongside increased collaboration in tourism. View source→
Accor hotel franchising VN
VIR is carrying an article covering hotel chain Accor’s plans to shift towards a roughly 50-50 split between managed and franchised hotels over the next decade in Vietnam.
Executives interviewed said Vietnam’s improving trademark protection and a growing base of experienced local hotel owners have enabled the move. View source→
Prudential profit repatriation
The Investor is reporting that Prudential Vietnam has said it remitted VND 5.1 trillion (US$194 million) in retained earnings to its parent, Prudential Corporation Holdings.
The payout, approved in February and completed on March 19, was drawn from profits accumulated between 2018 and 2020 and accounted for over 23 percent of retained earnings. View source→
Calls to remove rice export licenses
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that the Ministry of Finance has proposed removing licensing requirements for rice exports.
Supporters of the plan have said scrapping export licensing would lower barriers, increase competition, and improve farmgate prices by allowing more firms to enter the market.
The Vietnam Food Association, however, has opposed the move, warning it could weaken quality control, create uneven competition, and undermine food security. View source→
Bank deposits falling
Thanh Nien is reporting that in the first quarter of 2026, several Vietnamese banks reported a sharp decline in customer deposits, despite continued credit growth.
BIDV saw deposits fall by more than VND 82,000 billion (US$3.11 billion) to VND 2.141 quadrillion (US$81.3 billion), down 3.7 percent from end-2025, while loans rose to nearly VND 2.43 quadrillion (US$92.2 billion).
MB recorded a VND 15,000 billion (US$569 million) drop in deposits to VND 905,918 billion (US$34.4 billion), even as lending and securities investment expanded and pre-tax profit rose 15 percent.
Other banks, including ACB, Techcombank, Sacombank, TPBank, and SeABank, also reported deposit declines. View source→
State Treasury bank deposits increase
Znews is reporting that in the first quarter of 2026, deposits from the State Treasury of Vietnam at major state-owned banks rose 39 percent to VND 563,035 billion (US$21.36 billion).
The funds were concentrated at Vietcombank, BIDV, and VietinBank, each recording balances of around VND 185–189 trillion (US$7.0–7.2 billion).
The article says the inflow reflects seasonal patterns, but also notes that deposits provide low-cost funding that helps banks maintain lower interest rates while improving net interest margins. View source→
Hyundai Vietnam shipbuilding
Maeli Business is reporting that HD Hyundai is expanding its shipbuilding operations in Vietnam, targeting capacity to build 23 vessels annually by 2030.
HD Hyundai Vietnam Shipbuilding delivered 710,369 gross tonnes in 2025, accounting for around 80 percent of Vietnam’s total output. View source→
China milk tea chain VN domain name dispute
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that China’s Chagee milk tea chain is currently in a dispute over the chagee.vn domain name.
In a statement, the company said it had contacted the current holder earlier this year to request transfer or cancellation of the domain, citing its registered trademark rights in Vietnam, but the request was rejected.
The domain is held by Asset Vietnam, which argues it registered the domain legally under a first-come, first-served system and is not using it for food and beverage activities and therefore isn’t breaking any laws. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Timing with recent USTR ruling should make this interesting.
Illegal streaming app ceases operations
Znews is reporting that the Co TV app, which streamed television, films, and football without licences on Android TV devices in Vietnam, has been shut down in line with a recent crackdown on copyright violations.
The app, had been distributed through unofficial channels and pre-installed on low-cost TV boxes. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Speaks to how quickly things can change when the authorities’ proverbial back is against the wall.
LT airport delays details
Dan Tri is reporting that delays in contractor payments, incomplete critical infrastructure, such as a 21.7km technical tunnel, and labour shortages of 40–50 percent have slowed progress on Vietnam’s Long Thanh Airport project, particularly at packages led by Airports Corporation of Vietnam.
Authorities have also said unfinished outdoor works could face further disruption during the rainy season. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Earlier this week, the PM was calling for this to be completed this year.
Vietnam’s Tourism Industry Takes Fuel Crisis Hit to International Arrivals, Resort Construction
Few industries in Vietnam are feeling the impact of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz more than tourism, with higher fuel prices leading to a decline in international arrivals and delaying new resort and hotel projects due to fuel shortages and higher construction costs. Read the full article →
Latest government bond issue
Vietnam’s State Treasury raised VND 5,500 billion (US$209 million) at its May 6 auction, with demand concentrated in shorter tenors. Read the full article →
Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: May 7, Update
This article tracks developments in 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 →
Stock market Thursday
The VN-Index closed at 1,909.01, up 17.81 points or 0.94 percent, with a total trading value of VND 30,043.34 billion or US$1140.16 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$11.84 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 May 7, Vietnam’s black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,580 and the sell rate was VND 26,620, unchanged, for a mid-market rate of VND 26,600, according to Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Fake news draft decree, IP crackdown announced, Lithuanian electronics factory, Tighter price controls to tackle inflation, Rare earth exports customs inspections to increase, Indonesia’s Kredivo takes over VN digital bank, Vietnam’s newest airline starts flying HCMC to Quang Ninh, Local news MoU with stock exchange, PM pushing for LT airport operational 2026, Hung Yen stadium taking shape, Vietnam Stock Market Outlook May 2026: Energy Down, Vingroup Up, Stock market Wednesday, Exchange rates Wednesday, and more. Read the full article →