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
Private capital investment rebound
The Business Times is reporting that Vietnam’s private capital market saw total private equity and venture capital investment reach about US$4.5 billion across 149 deals.
The Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Report 2026 said venture capital funding rose 28 percent year-on-year to US$509 million, despite declines in deal count and investor numbers. View source→
Seafood firm outstanding 2009 gold loan
Dan Tri is reporting that Saigon Aquatic Products Trading Corporation said a 5,833-tael SJC gold loan taken out in 2009, when gold traded at VND 17.66 million per tael, had become a major financial burden as gold prices rose to around VND 173 million per tael.
Management said the company lacked the capacity to repay overdue debts and warned production could halt, placing nearly 300 jobs at risk if restructuring solutions were not found. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Speaks to problems with gold loans. Adds to new Vinhomes gold-for-real-estate promotion concerns.
Fuel prices come down
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that fuel prices have been cut across the board, with RON95-III gasoline falling by VND 1,395 per litre to VND 24,154 (about US$0.92).
E5RON92 gasoline prices fell by VND 1,082 per litre to VND 23,258 (about US$0.88), while diesel prices dropped by VND 1,110 per litre to VND 27,651 (about US$1.05). View source→
Stock forum closing down
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Vietnamese stock market forum F319 has announced it will officially cease operations from June 11.
F319.com, operated by VCCorp, specialised in stock market discussion, financial analysis, and investment commentary, with more than 760,000 registered accounts as of September 2021.
The forum operator said F319 had become a place for investors to share views, debate markets, and build relationships over many years, describing the closure decision as difficult. View source→
HSR consultant selection
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the Ministry of Construction is expected to select a consultant by June 30 to prepare the feasibility study and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) for Vietnam’s planned US$67 billion North-South high-speed railway.
The ministry said the consultancy package, covering route surveys, technical design, and project planning, was the most important component of the investment preparation phase and would be awarded through direct contracting. View source→
E-commerce fees review
Thanh Nien is reporting that Vietnam’s National Competition Commission has asked Shopee, TikTok Shop, and other e-commerce platforms to provide expalin their fee structures and pricing policies.
The commission said it had received complaints from sellers about higher fees and new charges that could increase operating costs and potentially affect competition and consumer prices. View source→
Ed.’s notes: The inflationary pressure framing is interesting.
VinFast raises charter capital
Dan Tri is reporting that VinFast has increased its charter capital by VND 10 trillion (about US$379.5 million) to VND 90.793 trillion (about US$3.45 billion), making it the largest company by registered capital within the Vingroup group.
The increase was funded entirely by domestic investors through the issuance of one billion preferred dividend shares. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Something about a dog with a bone.
VN GS in Thailand
Bloomberg is reporting that To Lam is on his first visit to Thailand as Vietnam’s top leader.
The visit focused on trade and aviation ties, with Thailand remaining Vietnam’s largest trading partner within Southeast Asia. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Jet fuel.
VA launches direct flight HCMC-Phuket
Nguoi Lao Dong is reporting that Vietnam Airlines has announced it will start direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Phuket from July 2, operating four return services per week using Airbus A321 aircraft.
The new route will increase Vietnam Airlines’ total flights between Vietnam and Thailand to 67 per week and expand its presence in one of Southeast Asia’s largest tourism markets. View source→
Ed.’s notes: VA launched a direct flight to Sri Lanka after TL visited there, too.
Novaland bond proposal
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that Novaland is seeking bondholder approval to amend terms and waive certain payment obligations relating to its outstanding US$300 million convertible bond due in 2027.
The US$300 million bond was issued in 2021 with a 5.25 percent coupon, a five-year maturity, and an initial conversion price of VND 135,700 per NVL share. View source→
Stock exchange Wednesday
The VN-Index closed at 1,863.67, down 10.76 points or 0.57 percent, with a total trading value of VND 19,530.15 billion or US$741.18 million, and foreign traders net-selling US$22.28 million worth of equities, Thursday, according to the latest data from the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Read the full article →
Exchange rates Wednesday
On May 28, in Vietnam, the black market US dollar buy rate was VND 26,380, and the sell rate was VND 26,420, unchanged from yesterday, according to prices quoted by Ty Gia USD. Read the full article →
Vietnam Fuel Prices Tracker: May 28, 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 →
Imports from Taiwan April
In April, Vietnam imported US$3,924.03 million worth of goods from Taiwan, up from US$3,833.00 million in March, a change of 2.38 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: Vinhomes gold scheme adjusted, Only biofuel petrol mix available after June 1 confirmed, Samsung chip testing factory plans, Vietnam 11th biggest app downloads, Gold to dong compensation claim change proposed, Local perspective on development challenges, Vingroup film project, Employees responsible for employer tax obligations, Nuclear plant resettlement progress, 1.5 R&D workers per 1,000, Yesterday’s government bond auction results, Foreign traders net-sell US$31.12 million of stocks, Wednesday, Black market dong unchanged, Wednesday, and more. Read the full article →