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
BIDV Securities exec on foreign stock selling
Nha Dau Tu is reporting that BIDV Securities Deputy General Director Tran Thang Long has told a local talk show that he believes foreign investors’ sustained selling of Vietnam securities reflects global defensive sentiment rather than Vietnam-specific weakness.
He said geopolitical tensions, US tariff policies, and investor preference for technology and artificial intelligence markets are pulling capital from riskier assets. View source→
Vietnam Airlines racism claims
The New Indian Express is reporting allegations of racism and discrimination directed at Vietnam Airlines after an Indian doctor was reportedly questioned by a staff member as to whether his family belonged in the business-class section.
He said the incident humiliated his family in front of his child and called on the airline to investigate and issue a formal apology.
Vietnam Airlines had not publicly responded to the allegations. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for VA’s failure to respond – speaks to how Vietnamese firms handle bad press.
Viet Ha assets
The Investor is reporting that investors are interested in buying beer maker Viet Ha for its assets rather than its beer or consumer businesses, particularly its large cash reserves, low debt, and Hanoi real estate holdings.
The article details Viet Ha’s land bank, inner-city properties, and urban development projects. View source→
Ed.’s notes: It was a similar story with a Hanoi shoe company back in December.
LG Honda battery swapping project
The Korea Times is reporting that LG Energy Solution and Honda Motor have signed an agreement with Hanoi authorities to begin testing battery-swapping infrastructure for electric motorcycles in Vietnam.
The companies plan to install about 50 battery-swapping stations across Hanoi and deploy around 500 electric motorcycles from the third quarter of 2026. View source→
“National brands” EV analysis
Korea’s Cho Sun is reporting that government-backed EV brands in Vietnam, Türkiye, and Malaysia are gaining market share as emerging economies accelerate electrification.
The article argues these countries are following China’s state-led EV development model by using government support and Chinese supply chains to build domestic automotive industries. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Useful background research for unpacking the white-label EV development idea. Fits with discussions around VinFast localisation rates.
Deputy PM pushes more government tech spending
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung has ordered ministries and local governments to urgently increase science, technology, and digital transformation spending.
The government allocated more than VND103.4 trillion (US$3.92 billion) for science, innovation, and digital transformation projects in 2026, but only 14.78 percent had been disbursed by May 12.
Officials said unresolved pricing frameworks and technical standards for technologies, including artificial intelligence, Big Data, Digital Twin, and Data Warehouse systems, were delaying project approvals and procurement. View source→
Ed.’s notes: There is a risk here of employing technology just to have it as opposed to function (increased productivity).
Pedestrian bridge Saigon financed by Export Finance Australia
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that HSBC Vietnam has arranged a five-year VND800 billion (US$30.4 million) loan for Nutifood to finance a pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River.
Nutifood Vice Chairman Tran Bao Minh said the project formed part of the company’s long-term community development strategy, while HSBC said the deal could support future infrastructure financing projects in Vietnam. View source→
Ed.’s notes: 1. Why is Export Financing Australia funding pedestrian bridges? 2. Nutifood is a dairy company. 3. It was reported earlier this week that Nutifood was expanding into the US.
8 visa violators to be exported
Vietnam News is reporting that police in Khanh Hoa have said eight foreign nationals will be deported from Vietnam for violating visa regulations.
The group included six Russians, one Ukrainian, and one Kyrgyzstani, who were found working at a store in Nha Trang despite entering Vietnam under tourist visas or visa exemptions. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Noted for the photo – not sure they understood the look remorseful and contrite brief.
Counterfeit goods still being sold after raid
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that counterfeit goods continue to be openly sold at Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market despite the markets being raided by Ho Chi Minh City authorities on May 14.
Some sellers told reporters they avoided displaying branded products openly and instead showed customers product images on phones before arranging deliveries. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Put another way, the crackdown was effective for less than four days — it’s a short-term solution when the USTR report suggests it is looking for permanent change.
Novaland still struggling to meet bond commitments
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Novaland has paid just VND6.6 billion (US$250,000) in principal on a bond lot of more than VND638 billion (US$24.2 million) due May 18, with no clear timeframe for when the remainder will be paid.
The article notes that Novaland’s total outstanding bond debt stood at about VND23.8 trillion (US$903.2 million) at the end of the first quarter, within total financial liabilities of roughly VND68.9 trillion (US$2.61 billion). View source→
Stock market Tuesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,912.93, down 15.01 points or 0.78 percent, with a total trading value of VND 32,358.73 billion or US$1228.04 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$27.59 million worth of equities, Tuesday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Pharmaceuticals imports April
Vietnam imported pharmaceuticals to the tune of US$337 million in April, down from US$376 million in March, a change of -10.27 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Tuesday
On May 19, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,480, and the sell rate was VND 26,530, unchanged from yesterday, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Seafood imports April
Vietnam imported seafood to the tune of US$279 million in April, down from US$287 million in March, a change of -2.98 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Wheat imports April
Vietnam imported wheat to the tune of US$289 million in April, up from US$288 million in March, a change of 0.15 percent, according to preliminary data from Vietnam’s General Department of Customs. Read the full article →
Yesterday’s Vietnam news roundup
In today’s Vietnam news: Power sector executive prosecution, Funding secured for floating storage, Congo oil for VN refinery, Hong Kong wood processing project approved, Vingroup stock price analysis, Securities chief on bank funding pressures, VN refinery expecting ‘stable’ operations to June, VN dairy firm secures US patent, Japan biomass MoU, Rare earths exporter arrested, Vietnam’s Airlines’ Unique Vulnerabilities Amid Rising Jet Fuel Prices, Exchange rates Monday, Stock market Monday, and more. Read the full article →