This is a brief rundown of what is being reported today in Vietnam 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 have anything to share, reach out: mark.barnes@the-shiv.com
ForEx regs overseas investments SOEs
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that the State Bank of Vietnam has amended foreign exchange rules for overseas investment by state-owned oil and gas companies.
The changes cover overseas projects that are exempt from obtaining an outward investment registration certificate under Vietnam’s investment laws. View source→
VinFast GSM 5m unit agreement
Dau Tu Kien Thuc is reporting that VinFast and Green and Smart Mobility (GSM) have signed a framework agreement for up to five million electric vehicles between 2026 and 2030.
The agreement covers about one million electric cars and four million electric motorcycles for GSM and participants in its Green SM Platform. View source→
US cotton shipments to VN
Fibre2Fashion is reporting that Vietnam was the largest destination for US Upland cotton shipments in the week ending August 20, receiving 47,900 bales.
Vietnam was also the largest buyer of US Upland cotton for 2026-27 during the week, purchasing 19,000 bales. View source→
Samsung semiconductor buildout VN
Business Korea is reporting that Samsung Electronics plans to install 1,612 new pieces of semiconductor equipment at its backend processing plant in Thai Nguyen, Vietnam.
Samsung Vietnam Semiconductor has registered US$4.08 billion for the project, including US$2.57 billion that would be reinvested from future profits. View source→
Tay Ninh data centre proposal
Dig Watch is reporting that a consortium of Saigon Technology and Telecommunications, World Harmony, and SAIF Eagle II Investment has proposed a US$3.5 billion artificial intelligence data centre complex in Tay Ninh, Vietnam.
The first phase would provide 100 megawatts of IT capacity, with construction targeted for late 2026 and commercial operations in 2027. View source→
Manufacturing moving back to China?
All-About-Industries is reporting that some manufacturers are moving production from Vietnam back to China as Vietnam struggles to match China’s costs, supply chains, logistics, and infrastructure.
The article cites US appliance and furniture orders being shifted back to China after production had previously moved to Vietnam. View source→
Ed.’s notes: Supporting evidence is a little bit thin. Article penned by China-based consultancy.
MY-VN cooking oil recycling project
OFI Magazine is reporting that FatHopes Energy and PetroVietnam Oil Corporation are developing Vietnam’s first nationwide used cooking oil collection network to supply sustainable aviation fuel production.
The partnership is expected to supply FatHopes Energy with more than 200,000 tonnes of feedstock annually for export and its planned Malaysian refinery. View source→
Toyota expansion
The Investor is reporting that Toyota Motor Vietnam will invest US$373 million to expand its Phu Tho manufacturing plant and add hybrid vehicle production.
About US$283.7 million will be allocated to the hybrid production line, expanding Toyota’s existing vehicle and auto-parts manufacturing operations. View source→
EU food safety warnings VN produce
Znews is reporting that European Union authorities issued multiple food safety warnings in July and August involving food products from Vietnam.
Czech authorities found unauthorised pesticides in Vietnamese lychees, while the Netherlands identified mercury in cinnamon and pesticide residues in rambutans.
Warnings also covered pangasius containing Vibrio cholerae or treated with unauthorised ionising radiation, and shrimp containing excessive polyphosphates. View source→
Yesterday’s news
In yesterday’s news: Japan-VN asset tie-up, Import tax refund guidance, Instant noodle consumption, AI plans, SSC + S&P Dow Jones execs meet in NY, Integrated PT ticketing for Hanoi, LT airport working through break, Crypto fines from September 1, Profit from VinFast factory sale, Stock market Friday, Exchange rates Friday, and Friday’s news. Read more→