2nd Floor, 29T1 Building, Hoang Dao Thuy Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Hanoi, Vietnam

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<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/10/456102_5293478001950186_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A Techcombank transaction office. The lender's shares climbed over 1 per cent on Friday, supporting the VN-Index. — Photo vietnamplus.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The VN-Index continued its impressive upward trend on Friday, closing at a new record of 1,747 points with an increase of 31.08 points.&nbsp;However, despite this positive performance, many investors expressed disappointment as the stocks in their portfolios declined.The session saw a notable gain in the index, but the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) trading board reflected a more balanced picture, with 177 stocks rising compared to 125 that fell. This disparity left many investors feeling uneasy and dissatisfied.The bourse’s liquidity stayed at a high level of nearly VNĐ34 trillion (US$1.3 billion).The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 biggest stocks on HoSE, also jumped nearly 40 points, or 2.04 per cent, to 1,980.57 points. Up to 22 ticker symbols in the VN30 basket gained points, while only five declined and three ended flat.&nbsp;The index received significant support from Vin-family stocks, particularly Vingroup (VIC), Vinhomes (VHM) and Vincom Retail (VRE), which collectively contributed 21.3 points to the VN-Index.&nbsp;VIC and VHM both hit their ceiling prices, rising 7 per cent, while VRE surged by 6.18 per cent. The strong performance of these three stocks not only propelled the index higher but also created a ripple effect of optimism throughout the market.&nbsp;Another Vin-stock, VinPearl (VPL), also saw a notable increase of 2.06 per cent, closing at VNĐ89,000 per share.The real estate sector also showed robust gains, with several stocks performing well, including Hoang Huy Investment Financial Services JSC (TCH) up 4.66 per cent, Kinh Bac City Group (KBC) rising 2.15 per cent, NLG Group (NLG) gaining 3.2 per cent, Phat Dat Real Estate Development JSC (PDR) up 1.5 per cent, DIC Croup (DIG) rising 2.88 per cent and Novaland (NVL) up 1.96 per cent.The banking sector remained a stable support for the market, with most stocks maintaining positive momentum. Of which, Techcombank (TCB) was up over 1 per cent, BIDV (BID) rose nearly 1 per cent and Vietcombank (VCB) increased 0.63 per cent.&nbsp;Meanwhile, on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index closed the week on a negative note. It fell 1.32 points, or 0.48 per cent, to 273.62 points.During the session, nearly 96.3 million shares were traded on the northern bourse, worth more than VNĐ2.2 trillion.&nbsp;However, foreign investors continued to experience a negative sentiment, remaining net sellers on both main exchanges. They net sold nearly VNĐ460 billion on HoSE and VNĐ189.2 billion on HNX. — BIZHUB/VNS

However, despite this positive performance, many investors expressed disappointment as the stocks in their portfolios declined.

VN-Index sets new record on high liquidity

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/10/456108_le-khoi-cong-1760070301417523719002.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Officials carried out the groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of the project. — Photo VGP</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HƯNG YÊN — The Thái Bình LNG Power JSC, in co-ordination with relevant stakeholders, on Friday broke ground on the Thái Bình LNG thermal power plant project — a major step in the strategic Việt Nam–Japan partnership for clean energy development.The project is backed by Thái Bình LNG Power JSC, whose three shareholders are Tokyo Gas of Japan with a 40 per cent stake, Kyuden International of Japan with 30 per cent, and TTVN Group with the remaining 30 per cent.With a total investment of about US$2.69 billion, the 1,500 MW plant will cover 269 hectares, including 57 ha onshore and 212 ha offshore. Construction is scheduled for completion by the fourth quarter of 2029.Once in operation, the plant is expected to generate between 6 and 10 billion kWh of electricity annually, create some 2,000 jobs during construction, and maintain around 300 permanent positions. It is projected to contribute roughly VNĐ3 trillion ($120 million) to the state budget each year over the next 25 years.Recognised as a strategic national energy initiative, the project will help strengthen power security for northern Việt Nam and the country as a whole.Việt Nam’s northern region, which accounts for around 40 per cent of total electricity demand, faces the risk of power shortages as consumption grows by more than 10 per cent annually.In this context, the Thái Bình LNG project is seen as a timely and sustainable solution to meet rising energy needs, ease pressure on the national grid, and advance the Politburo’s Resolution No 55-NQ/TW on developing a green, clean, safe and efficient national energy strategy. — VNS

The project is a result of the strategic Việt Nam – Japan partnership in clean energy development.

Hưng Yên starts work on $2.6 billion LNG power plant

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/9/455461_5291552964939632_gia-vang-3.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Gold for sales at a shop in Hai Bà Trưng District, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Finance has submitted a proposal to include in the draft amended Law on Personal Income Tax a provision to impose personal income tax on transactions involving gold bullion transfers, with an initial tax rate of 0.1 per cent of the transaction value.The proposal excludes raw gold, gold jewellery and fine-art gold from taxation.Nguyễn Quang Huy from the Faculty of Finance and Banking at Nguyễn Trãi University said the proposal marks a significant move reflecting the State’s effort to strengthen oversight of a market long associated with speculative risks and volatility.In practice, gold bullion is mainly used for hoarding or short-term speculation. Therefore, taxing these transactions is necessary to enhance transparency, curb speculative trading and contribute to State budget revenue.However, he noted that for most Vietnamese people, buying small amounts of gold to store is a long-standing cultural habit linked to financial security and prudence. Hence, the policy should include tax exemptions or reductions for small-scale, long-term holders. This would protect citizens’ legitimate interests and demonstrate the human-centred nature of tax administration, ensuring that the State primarily regulates large-scale speculation rather than traditional saving behaviour.Huy said the proposed rate is low enough to avoid shocking the market or the public, yet meaningful in two key respects. First, it introduces a transparent mechanism where all gold bullion transactions must go through formal systems, enabling authorities to collect accurate data. Second, it provides the Government with an initial basis to observe market behaviour and make gradual adjustments later.Meanwhile, Dr Nguyễn Ngọc Tú, a lecturer at the University of Business and Technology, argued that a 0.1 per cent tax on gold bullion transfers may be too low. This rate equals that applied to securities transactions and is lower than that imposed on real estate transfers, making it insufficient to curb speculative behaviour.He pointed out that ordinary business households selling retail goods are subject to a 0.5 per cent tax rate. Since gold is not an investment the State encourages, applying a tax rate even lower than that levied on food, medicine or dairy trading seems inconsistent.Economists have long advocated for the development of secure financial products such as gold certificates, gold-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and flexible government bonds, giving citizens more transparent and stable investment channels.They have recommended an exemption threshold for small purchases of up to one tael (around 37.5 grams) per year to protect traditional saving habits, especially in rural areas. Long-term holdings could be rewarded through tax reductions or exemptions, encouraging stability over speculation. — VNS

Economists say a reasonable tax rate help the State regulates large-scale speculation rather than traditional savings behaviour.

Ministry proposes tax on gold bullion transactions

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/3/454364_thep1.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A domestic steel manufacturer. —VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI —&nbsp;India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated two anti-dumping investigations involving goods originating from Việt Nam, specifically solar encapsulant materials and cold-rolled stainless steel of grades 300-400.According to information from the website of the Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam (TRAV) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the DGTR has announced the initiation of anti-dumping investigations on solar encapsulant materials imported from or originating in the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Việt Nam, as well as cold-rolled stainless steel of grades 300–400 from China, Indonesia, and Việt Nam.For solar encapsulant materials, the investigated products fall under the HS codes of:&nbsp;39019000, 39201019, 39201099, 39202090, 39206190, 39206290, 39209919, 39209932, 39209939, 39209992, and 39209999.The petitioner is M/s RenewSys India Pvt. Ltd., which also proposed the product classification codes.&nbsp;The DGTR has requested that all interested parties submit their comments, along with detailed explanations, on the scope of the investigated products and product classifications (if any) within 15 days from the date of the initiation notice.The anti-dumping investigation period is from April 1, 2024, to March 31 this year.The injury investigation period includes the years 2021–2022, 2022–2023, 2023–2024&nbsp;and the dumping investigation period.For cold-rolled stainless steel of grades 300–400, the investigated products fall under the HS codes of: 721990, 721911, 721912, 721913, 721914, 721921, 721922, 721923, 721924, 721931, 721932 (repeated), 721933, 721934, 721935, 722011, 722012, 722020, and 722090.The petitioner in this case is the Indian Stainless Steel Development Association (ISSDA), which alleges that domestic producers of cold-rolled stainless steel of grades 300–400 have suffered injury due to dumped imports from the three aforementioned countries.The anti-dumping investigation period for this product is also from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with the injury analysis covering 2021–2022; 2022–2023; 2023–2024, and the dumping period itself.TRAV said that Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters involved in these investigations must submit their responses to the DGTR’s questionnaire within 30 days from the date of receipt of the initiation notice.&nbsp;Failure to comply might result in the DGTR concluding that the Vietnamese parties are non-cooperative, and applying adverse facts available to calculate the dumping margins, the authority said.Enterprises may also submit a request to the DGTR for an extension of the response deadline, provided it is sent before the initial deadline expires.The authority also recommended that relevant industry associations and Vietnamese producers and exporters under investigation closely monitor their export volumes of the investigated products to India, and thoroughly review India’s anti-dumping investigation regulations.&nbsp;Associations and businesses should submit complete and truthful responses to the questionnaire. In case&nbsp;the DGTR does not select a mandatory respondent, all exporting companies must respond to the questionnaire.&nbsp;— VNS

India’s Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has initiated two anti-dumping investigations involving goods originating from Việt Nam, specifically solar encapsulant materials and cold-rolled stainless steel of grades 300-400.

Two Vietnamese products subject to India’s anti-dumping investigation

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/3/454390_tinh.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyễn Thanh Tịnh opened the seminar focusing on the development of a comprehensive legal framework for IFCs. Photos chinhphu.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Justice on&nbsp;October 3 convened a pivotal seminar on developing a comprehensive legal framework for Việt Nam’s planned International Financial Centres (IFCs), a key step in the Government’s drive to establish Đà Nẵng and HCM City as hubs for global finance and investment.The seminar brought together legal experts, economists, government officials, researchers, and representatives from the two cities designated to host the centres. Their task was to review and refine the draft decree detailing implementation of Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15, recently adopted by the National Assembly.The resolution sets out the foundation for the creation, operation and management of Việt Nam’s IFCs, signalling the country’s intention to integrate more deeply into global financial networks.Deputy Minister of Justice Nguyễn Thanh Tịnh opened the seminar, stressing that the establishment and effective operation of these financial centres constitute a major policy priority endorsed by both the Party&nbsp;and the State.While Resolution No. 222 provides the overarching legal framework, the government-issued decrees&nbsp;will be critical in translating vision into workable policies and operational guidelines. At present, the Ministry of Justice is overseeing the review and appraisal of eight draft decrees connected to the IFCs. Five have already been appraised, with two submitted by relevant ministries for government approval, while others remain under development.The seminar offered a vital platform for exchanging expertise, sharing perspectives and addressing potential challenges to ensure the decrees are practical and effective.Deputy Minister Tịnh expressed hope that expert contributions would help build a legal framework both suitable and feasible, enabling Việt Nam’s IFCs to compete with established financial hubs in Asia and beyond.He also emphasised the need for Đà Nẵng and HCM City to move quickly in drafting their own operating regulations, ensuring alignment with international best practices. Without clear rules, he warned, even the strongest decrees risk becoming difficult to implement effectively.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/3/454391_huong.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Đào Thanh Hương, Deputy Director of the Foreign Investment Agency.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>A key topic at the seminar was clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the agencies tasked with managing and supervising the IFCs.Deputy Director of the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance Đào Thanh Hương&nbsp;outlined the ministry’s responsibility in drafting two vital decrees: one establishing the Việt Nam International Financial Centre and another detailing the financial policies to be applied within it.As the IFCs will be located in Đà Nẵng and HCM City, the Ministry of Finance is working closely with local governments. The draft decree proposes that each city will have its own executive and supervisory agency.This decentralised approach is intended to give the two cities autonomy and flexibility in managing their respective IFCs, while the central government retains oversight to prevent unhealthy competition or duplication of efforts.Hương explained that having two agencies in each city would allow smoother management of continuous and complex financial activities, while specialised supervision would be handled by other central agencies with specific mandates. This structure is designed to balance local initiative with national coordination.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/3/454392_cuong.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Nguyễn Văn Cương, Director of the Institute of Strategy and Legal Science at the Ministry of Justice</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Director of the Institute for Legal Strategy and Science under the Ministry of Justice Nguyễn Văn Cương&nbsp;highlighted the critical role an IFC plays in a country’s financial ecosystem.Typically located in a city or designated special zone, an IFC is a nexus for global financial services including banking, insurance, capital markets, fund management, fintech, digital assets, and international commercial arbitration.Cương stressed that an IFC’s success depends on the presence of a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly legal framework that inspires confidence among global businesses.This framework must establish fair competition, reliable dispute resolution mechanisms and flexibility to adapt quickly to emerging technologies such as fintech, artificial intelligence, and digital currencies.Moreover, it should align with international standards and bodies such as FATF, IOSCO, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, and IAIS.To achieve this, Cương recommended that Việt Nam’s IFC legal framework incorporate some degree of operational independence from the broader national legal system.Many successful IFCs worldwide maintain a dedicated judicial body or court known for high integrity and specialised expertise in financial law.Simplifying administrative procedures and creating a one-stop management agency were also identified as best practices to reduce compliance costs and improve efficiency.Additionally, attracting international financial, technological, and legal talent will require favourable policies on taxation, immigration, and visas.Cương warned that Việt Nam must avoid any perception of becoming a 'tax haven' by linking tax incentives transparently and ensuring compliance with global standards.He emphasised the importance of building a 'legal trust brand' for Việt Nam’s IFCs, as reputation and institutional capacity often weigh more heavily than tax breaks in attracting high-calibre international players.One challenge discussed at the seminar was how to handle conflicts that are likely to arise between the laws governing the IFC and Việt Nam’s domestic regulations. Finding a balance to ensure IFC-specific laws do not contradict or undermine national policies is critical. Moreover, the IFC framework needs to integrate modern solutions such as electronic courts and streamlined administrative procedures to enhance transparency and speed.Việt Nam’s lawmakers are working towards establishing a comprehensive foundational law that will act as the legal bedrock for IFCs. This law, combined with detailed operational decrees and regulations, will form a holistic governance system designed to ensure long-term success. — VNS

The Ministry of Justice on October 3 held a pivotal seminar focusing on the development of a comprehensive legal framework for Việt Nam’s emerging International Financial Centres (IFCs).

Việt Nam builds a strong legal foundation for IFC

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/10/3/453829_5285493980494138_xk-gao.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Rice being loaded up for transport in the Mekong Delta region. VGP Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is preparing a draft decree to replace current regulations on rice export businesses, in a bid to simplify procedures, cut back on overlapping rules and help boost exports amid a challenging global market.The draft decree would replace Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP and Decree 01/2025/NĐ-CP, which amended several provisions of the former decree.Decree 107, issued in August 2018 and effective from October that year, established a clear legal framework for rice exports, helping to safeguard food security, stabilise the domestic market, promote sustainable production and enhance the global reputation of Vietnamese rice. With the introduction of Decree 01/2025 earlier this year, the regulations were further refined to reflect new developments in the sector.Over the past seven years, implementation of these decrees has yielded significant results. Responsibilities among ministries, agencies and local authorities have been clearly defined, rice exports have grown rapidly and farmers have benefitted from better market prices for their crops.The rice export sector has also made large contributions to national GDP, while simplified administrative procedures have enabled more Vietnamese traders to participate in the market. At the same time, the country has managed to maintain its traditional key markets for centralised contracts.Yet, alongside these successes, new challenges and regulatory overlaps have emerged, making it necessary to develop a replacement decree. The draft under preparation seeks to simplify procedures, reduce business conditions, cut compliance costs and shorten processing times.It also proposes stronger sanctions against violations, the introduction of enterprise credit ratings, revised rules for negotiating and implementing centralised export contracts and clearer responsibilities for ministries, agencies and provincial people’s committees.The draft consists of five chapters and 27 articles, covering general provisions, business conditions and licensing, rice export management, responsibilities of State bodies and implementation measures. Post-inspection of business conditions will be delegated to provincial people’s committees, while the reporting requirements for traders will be reduced to a single monthly report.MoIT is now finalising the draft decree and will soon submit it to the Government for approval, with the aim of providing the most favourable and transparent legal framework for the continued development of Việt Nam's rice export sector. VNS

The draft under preparation seeks to simplify procedures, reduce business conditions, cut compliance costs and shorten processing times.

MoIT prepares draft decree to boost rice exports

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/19/451236_5275314481426210_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>VNDirect's trading office in Đà Nẵng City. Shares of the securities firm plunged by nearly 2.8 per cent on Friday, weighing on the market's sentiment. — Photo vndirect.com.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The domestic stock market ended lower on Friday as profit-taking dominated following an extended period of rallies.The benchmark VN-Index fell by 6.56 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 1,658.62 points.On the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), 133 stocks rose and 189 fell. The predominance of declining stocks did not raise significant concerns, as liquidity remained strong at nearly VNĐ29.2 trillion (US$1.1 billion).Notably, the VN-Index maintained its position above the critical threshold of 1,650 points, with the VN30 hovering around 1,860 points — both key support levels.In the VN30 basket, 24 ticker symbols decreased, while four ticked up and two ended unchanged.The financial and banking sector faced the heaviest net selling pressure, with many large-cap stocks recording declines.Vietcombank (VCB) dipped 1.4 per cent, VPBank (VPB) fell 1.3 per cent, SSI Securities Corporation (SSI) dropped 1.1 per cent, Sacombank (STB) decreased 3 per cent, VIX Securities (VIX) was down 4.86 per cent, and VNDirect Securities Corporation (VND) fell 2.78 per cent.Other major players showed negative performance, with PV Gas (GAS) down 0.79 per cent, Masan Group (MSN) down 0.12 per cent, and Mobile World Investment Corporation (MWG) down 0.13 per cent.This trend suggests that the blue-chip group has temporarily lost its leading role after the strong rally at the start of the third quarter.Conversely, the real estate sector stood out, with several stocks gaining. Novaland (NVL) surged 5.63 per cent, Sai Gon Thuong Tin Real Estate JSC (SCR) rose 2 per cent, DIC Group (DIG) increased 1.45 per cent and Phat Dat Real Estate Development (PDR) by 0.21 per cent.Vingroup (VIC) maintained an upward trend, while Vinhomes (VHM) and Vincom Retail (VRE) fell 1.74 per cent and 2.48 per cent, respectively.There are signs of capital seeking opportunities in stocks that have experienced prolonged declines.According to Saigon-Hanoi Securities JSC (SHS), short-term trends for the VN-Index indicate a phase of accumulation around the support level of 1,660 points, corresponding to the 20-day average.If this support level cannot be maintained amidst increasing selling pressure, the benchmark index may face a psychological test at the 1,600-point mark, the securities firm added. The VN30 is under selling pressure at resistance levels, reflecting the peaks reached in August and early September, and is also entering an accumulation phase.On the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index declined 0.68 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 276.24 points.Foreign investors continued to net sell, withdrawing over VNĐ2.8 trillion on HoSE and VNĐ212.5 billion on HNX. — BIZHUB/VNS

Foreign investors continued to net sell as they withdrew over VNĐ2.8 trillion on HoSE and VNĐ212.5 trillion on HNX.

Market closes the week on a negative note

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/MediaUpload/Org/2025/09/19/09202519235122_trn.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on September 19. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>KUALA LUMPUR — Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà underscored the Halal industry’s pivotal role in the 21st century during the opening of the Global Halal Summit 2025, a flagship event at the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 (MIHAS 2025) in Kuala Lumpur on September 19.His activity coincided with National Assembly Chairman Trần Thanh Mẫn and his spouse’s attendance at the 46th General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter‑Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-46) and official visit to Malaysia from September 17-20.Hà praised the summit as a platform for countries, businesses and global partners to forge connections, boost trade, and drive investment in the Halal sector, while driving sustainable and inclusive development, spreading humanistic values, sustainability and quality standards of the global Halal industry.Việt Nam considers Halal development an important pathway to drive new growth momentum, he said.On the occasion, the Deputy PM held discussions with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry and head of the MIHAS 2025 organising committee Utama Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs Haji Mohd Na’im bin Haji Mokhtar, among others.During these meetings, Hà expressed Việt Nam's desire to deepen Halal cooperation with Malaysia through sharing policy experience, building and following Halal development strategies, strengthening certification bodies and enterprises, and investing in Halal production, supply chains, ecosystems and industrial zones.Recognising ample potential for Halal cooperation, PM Anwar assigned Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who oversees Halal, to work directly with Hà on specific measures.The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department for Religious Affairs, for his part, revealed his plan to visit Việt Nam next week to boost Halal collaboration.The guest leader also toured nearly 30 Vietnamese companies’ booths at MIHAS 2025 that showcase consumer goods, agricultural products, processed food, handicrafts, cosmetics, and fashion.MIHAS, held annually in Malaysia since 2004, is the world’s largest Halal industry exhibition, serving as a premier global trade platform that drives innovation and growth in the Halal economy. In 2024, the event generated transactions worth 4.3 billion RM (US$1.02 billion).Under the theme “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence,” MIHAS 2025 spotlights innovation and sustainability as linchpin of the sector’s growth, adaptability, and competitiveness. The showcase features 14 categories, including food, beverages, Halal ingredients, fashion, media, entertainment, e-commerce, finance, cosmetics, and tourism, with over 2,300 booths from 45 countries. — VNS

Việt Nam considers Halal development an important pathway to drive new growth momentum, said Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà.

Deputy PM eyes Halal industry growth at Malaysia’s global summit 2025

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/18/448700_5265835614620601_LKT03003-scaled.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Inside a factory of Faslink, a firm committed to sustainable fashion for over 15 years. Photo courtesy of the company</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Rising environmental awareness has led to increased consumer interest in eco-friendly products, but green businesses continue to struggle with high production costs, making it difficult to compete on price and scale up within the local market.Over the past few years, a growing number of companies have ventured into the green economy, producing sustainable goods ranging from biodegradable packaging to organic foods and eco-friendly fashion.Despite the positive shift, experts say that these products remain significantly more expensive than conventional alternatives, creating a price gap that many Vietnamese consumers are unable or unwilling to bridge.A typical example is the Hà Nội-based Sông Hồng agricultural cooperative which produces drinking straws made from vegetables. The product is environmentally friendly and designed to protect both consumer and farmer health.Despite meeting green standards, the cooperative exports primarily to developed markets such as Germany, the UK, Japan and South Korea. In contrast, high price sensitivity continues to limit demand in the domestic market.Each year, Việt Nam consumes an estimated 5.3 billion plastic straws, roughly 50 times the country's population. Even if just 1-2 per cent of these are improperly disposed of, the environmental consequences could be severe.Yet, despite the urgent need for alternatives, eco-friendly options remain out of reach for most consumers due to high production costs, making it difficult for green products to gain traction locally, experts said.The pricing challenge extends beyond straws. Fuwa Biotech, a company producing dishwashing liquid from biological enzymes derived from pineapple peels in Thanh Hóa Province, also struggles to compete in the domestic market.Although the product boasts environmentally friendly technology and chemical-free safety, a 3.8-litre bottle sells for around VNĐ335,000 (US$13), two to three times the price of conventional dishwashing liquids of the same volume.Võ Văn Luật of Fuwa Biotech said high prices remained the biggest barrier to expanding their consumer base.Speaking to saigontimes.vn, Luật emphasised the need for more public forums and seminars to raise awareness about green products and promote sustainable consumption so that eco-friendly businesses can develop sustainably.In the fashion industry, Faslink, a HCM City-based company committed to sustainable fashion for over 15 years, is also encountering difficulties with pricing its eco-friendly products.According to Nguyễn Bích Diền, the company's deputy general director, many consumers remain hesitant to purchase products made from recycled or eco-friendly materials, as these typically cost more than conventional fabrics like polyester or cotton.She said that the company recently introduced a new type of fabric made of pineapple leaf fibres, but high research, development and production costs made it difficult to offer more affordable prices.Phạm Minh Hương, director of Sustainability &amp; Climate Change Advisory Services at Deloitte Việt Nam, cited survey results indicating that while up to 50 per cent of consumers express interest in green products, fewer than 30 per cent are actually willing to pay more for them."This clearly highlights the significant gap between awareness and actual consumer behaviour when it comes to green consumption," Hương told saigontimes.vn.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/18/448697_5265832915138853_fuwa-su-kien-1.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Fuwa Biotech's dishwashing liquid with biological enzymes derived from pineapple peels. Photo courtesy of the company</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Challenges in investment costsIn an effort to promote the use of environmentally friendly products, businesses are urged to reduce production costs with a goal to make green goods more affordable and accessible to the average consumer.According to industry insiders, this task is far from easy. Initial investment costs for green manufacturing are often substantial, processes must meet strict environmental standards, and high-quality raw materials are essential. These factors make many companies hesitant to scale up production or commit to large investments.Echoing this opinion, Tạ Đình Thi, vice chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, said high initial costs, stringent production processes, and the need for clean raw materials remained significant obstacles for businesses, despite existing support policies.As a result, many companies were hesitant to scale up their green initiatives, limiting their efforts to small-scale experiments due to concerns over profitability and market competition, Thi said during a recent forum in Hà Nội.Meanwhile, Diền from Faslink highlighted the challenges of researching and commercialising innovative recycled materials. She pointed out that many promising ideas, such as producing fabric from banana plant stems or composting mushrooms, remained confined to laboratories or small-scale production due to a lack of suitable technology and collaboration within the green supply chain.While scientists in this field were making excellent progress, bringing these products to market and scaling up production still faced significant obstacles, Diền noted.Recycling materials, particularly plastic, continues to face significant challenges due to higher costs. Recycled plastic is approximately 20-30 per cent more expensive than virgin plastic, primarily because of collection, processing expenses and outdated technology.At Duy Tan Recycling, a company specialising in plastic waste collection and recycling, the cost of recycled plastic is about 30 per cent higher than new plastic, mainly due to high costs in collection, sorting, and processing.To help lower these costs, it would be important to raise consumer awareness about waste classification at the source, said Lê Viết Đông Hiếu, head of the company’s Sustainable Development Department.Cleaner and more uniform raw materials would reduce processing expenses, ultimately helping to decrease the final product cost, he told the online newspaper.Looking ahead, technology innovation is seen as the key to reducing the costs of green products. Experts stress that enterprises must develop affordable technologies suited to their financial capabilities and scale, while expanding access to green technologies.However, small and medium-sized enterprises face significant challenges in securing state support and resources. They call for targeted policies, from financial incentives to public awareness campaigns, that specifically assist small- and medium-sized enterprises in transitioning to environmentally friendly production. VNS

Over the past few years, a growing number of companies have ventured into the green economy, producing sustainable goods ranging from biodegradable packaging to organic foods and eco-friendly fashion.

Green businesses squeezed between costs and consumer budgets

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/12/449626_wood.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A forum titled “Ensuring Timber Legality for Sustainable Forestry Development in Việt Nam” is held on&nbsp;September 11-12 in HCM City.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>By Tố NhưHCM CITY — Việt Nam is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable forestry and the legal timber trade as it strengthens national and international frameworks to ensure the legality of its wood products.On September 11–12, the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the German Development Agency (GIZ), hosted a pivotal forum titled 'Ensuring Timber Legality for Sustainable Forestry Development in Việt Nam.'The forum brought together key stakeholders from government agencies, industry associations, businesses, local communities and international partners.It marked a significant step in Việt Nam's journey to integrate more deeply into the global timber market while promoting transparency and sustainability across its supply chains.&nbsp;<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/12/449627_bao.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Director General Trần Quang Bảo speaks at the forum.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>&nbsp;“This forum provides an important opportunity for government agencies, businesses, timber associations, social organisations, local communities and international partners to exchange views, share experiences and propose solutions to ensure the legality of timber in Việt Nam,”&nbsp;said Director General Trần Quang Bảo.“We especially appreciate the support of the German people and Government through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in implementing the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA FLEGT) – a strong example of multistakeholder cooperation and our shared commitment to building a timber industry that is legal, transparent, sustainable and responsible.”Signed in 2018, the VPA/FLEGT&nbsp;between Việt Nam and the European Union (EU) laid the foundation for the Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System (VNTLAS). This system aims to enable Việt Nam to issue FLEGT licences – effectively a 'green passport'&nbsp;for direct access to the EU market.Deputy Director Nguyễn Hữu Thiện emphasised that one of the major challenges facing the industry is the lack of robust digital tools for tracing timber origins, particularly with imported wood. Despite Việt Nam’s classification mechanisms by country and region, traceability remains an issue due to limited oversight of documentation from foreign exporters.To address this, Việt Nam aims to enhance bilateral cooperation with supplier countries and strengthen digital traceability systems across the supply chain – a move seen as essential for achieving legal timber transparency.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Jens Schmid-Kreye, German embassy first secretary,&nbsp;speaks&nbsp;at the forum.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>“As Việt Nam and Germany celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025, this forum also reflects our strong partnership in sustainable development," said German embassy&nbsp;first secretary Jens Schmid-Kreye."Germany is proud to support Việt Nam in strengthening timber legality and sustainable forestry through our joint technical cooperation to develop enabling policy frameworks, capacity development and knowledge transfer, and the development of practical digital tools."He noted that forestry is a priority in the Germany–Việt Nam bilateral cooperation portfolio, which includes nearly 100 million euros&nbsp;in joint investments focused on forest management, protection and sustainable timber value chains. A new financial cooperation project is underway to support the implementation of the VPA/FLEGT, building on the achievements of the current technical cooperation programme.First Counsellor at the EU Delegation to Việt Nam Cyril Loisel&nbsp;said the EU and Việt Nam share a strong cooperative relationship, particularly in trade, highlighted by the Free Trade Agreement that entered into force in 2020.A key part of this partnership is our joint commitment to ensuring the timber and timber products we trade are legal and sustainable. This is based on the&nbsp;VPA FLEGT entering into force one year earlier in June 2019.“Since June 2019, significant work has been done to achieve an operational Vietnam Timber Legality Assurance System," said Loisel. "This system, with all its elements, is crucial for a future FLEGT licensing scheme, which will ensure that only legal, verified products from Việt Nam enter the EU market.”Vice President and General Secretary of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA) Nguyễn Hoài Bảo&nbsp;noted that increasing global regulations offer opportunities rather than just obstacles.“Certified products – whether FSC, PEFC or FLEGT – offer a distinct competitive edge. We view compliance as both a responsibility and a business advantage,” he said.Since 2020, HAWA has signed commitments on sustainable development and responsibility, requiring members to use only legal wood. Leading enterprises such as Scansia Pacific, Woodsland and Tavico are actively partnering with forest farmers to secure certified timber supplies.“We maintain complete documentation to assure clients of our timber’s legality. It’s about more than compliance — it’s about building trust,” said Deputy General Director of Moc Phat Service-Trading&nbsp;JSC Phạm Duy Doanh.According to the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Việt Nam’s forestry production has seen an average annual growth rate of 4.7 per cent. In 2024, wood and forest product exports reached US$17.3 billion, accounting for 30 per cent of Việt Nam’s total agricultural exports and generating a trade surplus of $14.6 billion.Việt Nam’s wood industry includes 6,200 processing and exporting enterprises, 300 craft villages and 16,000 household-scale workshops.Annually, the country produces about 31 million cubic metres of wood, with planted forests contributing 23.2 million cubic metres – covering 75 per cent of domestic processing needs. Vietnamese wood products are now exported to nearly 150 countries, positioning Việt Nam as the world’s second-largest furniture exporter, behind only China.By 2030, Việt Nam aims to reach $23–25 billion in wood product export turnover, with 80 per cent of raw material demand met by domestic sources. Achieving this will require continued legal reforms, increased digitalisation and strengthened international cooperation. — VNS

Việt Nam is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable forestry and legal timber trade as it strengthens national and international frameworks to ensure the legality of its wood products. On September 11-12, the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the German Development Agency, hosted a pivotal forum titled “Ensuring Timber Legality for Sustainable Forestry Development in Việt Nam.”

Việt Nam logs progress in timber legality and sustainability

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/12/446433_HCMC.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A view of HCM City. The city’s real estate market is showing clear signs of recovery. —VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — The HCM City property market is showing clear signs of recovery, with growing interest and rising prices, according to property technology platform Batdongsan.com.vn.Searches on the platform for property for sale in pre-merger HCM City increased by 11 per cent in July from June alongside a slight increase in listings for sale.Buying interest was highest in apartments and private houses with increases of 13 per cent and 11 per cent.In the rental segment, office space and apartments saw the strongest growth, rising by 24 per cent and 22 per cent in July.Other segments like boarding houses, townhouses, warehouses, and private homes saw increases of 6–17 per cent.Batdongsan.com.vn reported that interest in property for sale and lease nationwide rose by 13 per cent and 15 per cent month-on-month in July.Interest was up in most locations.Hà Nội and former HCM City both saw an 11 per cent increase, while in new HCM City – part of the former Bình Dương and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu provinces - it was 13 per cent, signaling strong post-merger momentum.The city’s expansion through its merger with Bình Dương and Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu helps address land supply constraints and paves the way for more affordable housing.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/12/446339_bds.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Apartments and private houses attracted the most interest in pre-merger HCM City. —Source batdongsan.com.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>In other provinces, interest rose by an average of 15 per cent from June.Experts attributed the nationwide surge in July partly to developers accelerating sales campaigns to secure deals before the advent of “Ghost Month” (the seventh lunar month).Besides, many infrastructure projects were completed or started to mark the 80th National Day, boosting interest in surrounding areas.Nationwide, property prices have continued their two-year upward march in most segments, with the strongest being in land, up 44 per cent from the first quarter of 2024, and apartments, up 42 per cent.In the rental segment, nearly all property types garnered more attention in July, with the increases ranging from 9 to 21 per cent.According to the General Statistics Office and Batdongsan.com.vn data, real estate is attracting a lot of foreign capital.In the first half of the year, FDI in the sector topped US$4.8 billion, 2.4 times the amount invested in the same period in 2024.Lending for real estate by banks grew by 20–30 per cent, nearly three times the overall credit growth rate.Đinh Minh Tuấn, southern regional director of Batdongsan.com.vn, said the market recovery reflects the combined effects of macro and micro factors.Interest in apartments, land lots and townhouses rose 10–15 per cent, indicating a resumption of capital flows and more positive investor sentiment.The high-end segment saw strong liquidity, accounting for a large share of transactions.New supply has improved considerably after a prolonged shortage.Tuấn added that infrastructure and policy drivers are laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.Accelerated public investment and the implementation of key projects such as Ring Road 3 and the high-speed railway, and rising FDI inflows are boosting confidence among both domestic and foreign investors, he said.“The market is entering a phase of selective recovery, where areas with good infrastructure connectivity and projects with clear legal standing will be the focal points for attracting capital.“This is the foundation for the city to not only achieve short-term growth but also prepare for a more sustainable development cycle in the coming years.” — VNS

The HCM City property market is showing clear signs of recovery, with growing interest and rising prices, according to property technology platform Batdongsan.com.vn.

Apartments, private houses lead HCM City real estate market on to recovery path

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/12/449590_coconut.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Coconuts processed for exports at Vina T&amp;T in Vĩnh Long Province. Việt Nam is importing coconuts from Indonesia and exploring supply from Papua New Guinea. — VNA/VNS Photo Công Trí</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — A dip in the amount of home-grown coconuts has forced domestic suppliers to look elsewhere for the fruit, causing a huge surge in imports in the first seven months of the year.According to the Việt Nam Fruit and Vegetable Association, coconuts imports totalled US$31.2 million from January to July, representing up 1,873 per cent from a year earlier. In comparison, overall fruit and vegetable imports rose just 18 per cent to $1.45 billion.The association’s General Secretary Đặng Phúc Nguyên said that the surge in imports comes as exports of coconuts are growing rapidly, driven by demand from China, the US and the Middle East but local output is limited, and prices are high, forcing companies to import coconuts for production.Việt Nam is importing coconuts from Indonesia and exploring supply from Papua New Guinea.The US has opened door for Vietnamese coconuts since 2023, and China followed in August 2024.Việt Nam’s fresh coconut exports increase by 14.9 per cent to $102.8 million while processed coconuts by 56.8 per cent to $203.4 million.According to Vietnam Coconut Association, domestic coconut prices hit record highs in the first half of this year, ranging around VNĐ19,000 per fruit on limited supply caused by drought in the Mekong Delta and disease in central regions.However, the expansion of coconut plantations must follow a plan, the association said.The association forecast fresh coconut exports this year could exceed last year’s value of $390 million.There are more than 200,000ha of coconut in Việt Nam with an output of around two million tonnes per year. The number of coconut processing plants also rises rapidly from just eight in 2015 to 45 in 2024. — VNS

Việt Nam’s fresh coconut exports increase by 14.9 per cent to $102.8 million while processed coconuts by 56.8 per cent to $203.4 million.

Coconut imports surge 20 fold

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/5/448204_CH1.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Experts share insights on market trends at the seminar “Market diversification strategy: From risks to opportunities” in HCM City on September 5. VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY – In the midst of global economic turbulence, the challenge of expanding export markets for Việt Nam has become more pressing than ever.Yet alongside the challenges lie even greater opportunities, provided that enterprises are proactive in building the right strategies.This was the central theme discussed at the seminar “Market diversification strategy: From risks to opportunities” organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City on September 5.According to Tạ Hoàng Linh, Director General of the Department of Foreign Market Development, over-reliance on a handful of traditional destinations poses considerable risks.By contrast, diversifying markets, products and supply chains has proven&nbsp;sound, particularly during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical upheavals and trade wars.“Việt Nam’s advantage is its highly open economy, with 17 free trade agreements offering tariff preferences and access to promising regions such as Latin America, the Middle East and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU),” Linh said.Veronica Alcaraz Silva, chief representative of Coppel Việt Nam, highlighted the Latin American region of more than 600 million people with a rapidly growing middle class.The CPTPP allows Việt Nam’s products to enter Mexico and Chile more easily, while Brazil is emerging as a potential market.Consumers value affordable goods that still meet safety standards, giving Vietnamese textiles, footwear and electronics strong advantages.Coppel, with 1,800 stores in Mexico, sees Việt Nam as a trusted supplier, but enterprises must improve self-sufficiency of raw materials to break through.For the Middle East, Mirash Basheer of May Exports Việt Nam under Lulu Group called the region a “golden gateway” linking Asia, Europe and Africa.With 400 million high-income consumers and rising demand for Halal goods, the market is attractive despite conflicts and logistics challenges.The Vietnam–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) eases tariffs and opens trade corridors. Developing Halal-certified products not only boosts exports but also raises quality standards and enhances Việt Nam’s brand abroad.From a sustainability perspective, IKEA’s Per Ljungblad pointed to Northern Europe as ideal for Việt Nam’s wooden furniture and interior products, though requirements are strict.Sustainability extends from raw materials to carbon reduction commitments. Việt Nam’s abundant bamboo and rattan offer a unique “green” advantage.However, small firms must ensure consistency in quality and volume, while taking responsibility for sustainable production.Huỳnh Lê Đại Thắng, Director of Nghĩa Sơn Furniture Co., Ltd, warned that the EU’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), effective from late 2025, will be a tough barrier.Many firms are unprepared, while buyers demand strict compliance. To deepen access to markets like the EU or US, companies must invest in technology, research and design innovation, as each market has distinct standards.According to Michel Verdy, Chairman of the Quebec–Vietnam Association, Canada&nbsp;remains underexplored, with two-way trade of only US$5 billion in 2024.Beyond agriculture, textiles and coffee, Canada looks to Việt Nam for cooperation in high technology, artificial intelligence and e-commerce.With its young, skilled workforce, Việt Nam could become a strategic partner in the digital era.Diversification, he noted, should cover not only geography but also sectors of collaboration.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/5/448205_CH2.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Michel Verdy, Chairman of the Quebec–Vietnam Association, speaks about trade cooperation opportunities between Việt Nam and Canada at the seminar. VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Nguyễn Thảo Hiền, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Foreign Market Development, emphasised refreshing approaches to existing markets.The EAEU free trade agreement, effective since 2016, eliminated tariffs on more than 80 per cent of product lines and initially drove exports by 20–30 per cent annually.Growth has slowed due to geopolitical shifts, yet Vietnamese exporters still benefit, with more than 70 per cent of trade enjoying tariff preferences.In 2024, exports to the bloc reached VND75 trillion ($3 billion). Textiles, farm produce and seafood remain in demand, while local currency payments are feasible despite dollar restrictions.Experts agreed that Việt Nam’s market diversification strategy is no longer a choice but a necessity.Each region brings its own challenges, from geographical distance to sustainability criteria, but also fresh opportunities for those who can seize them. Enterprises cannot succeed alone.Beyond their own efforts to upgrade, they need the support of authorities in market intelligence, partner connections and the effective use of FTA advantages.In the long run, diversification is not merely a way to spread risk but a foundation for Việt Nam to build its image as a trustworthy, responsible and sustainable trading partner in the global economy. – VNS

In the midst of global economic turbulence, the challenge of expanding export markets for Việt Nam has become more pressing than ever.

Vietnamese exporters seek to expand markets

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/5/448275_5263396987540224_6304338.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Việt Nam recorded US$597.93 billion in import-export turnover during the first eight months of 2025, up 16.3 per cent&nbsp;from the same period last year. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI —&nbsp;Việt Nam collected VND298.3 trillion (almost US$11.3 billion) in state budget revenue from import and export activities in the first eight months of 2025, equivalent to 72.6 per cent&nbsp;of the annual target and up 8.4 per cent&nbsp;year-on-year, according to the Department of Customs.The country’s total import-export turnover during the period stood at $597.93 billion, a 16.3 per cent&nbsp;rise compared with the same period last year.Of this, exports reached $305.96 billion while imports were valued at $291.97 billion, up 14.8 per cent&nbsp;and 17.9 per cent, respectively. As a result, trade surplus was recorded at $13.99 billion, down 25.7 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier.Smuggling and trade fraud remained complex, the department said. The majority of violations occurred on maritime routes, with 823 out of 1,561 detected cases or 52.7 per cent, mainly through major seaports such as Vạn Giã, Đình Vũ, Nam Hải, Đình Vũ, Tân Vũ, VIP Green, Cát Lái, ICD Phước Long, Hiệp Phước, VICT and Cái Mép.Between December 15, 2024, and August 14, 2025, customs authorities uncovered and handled 11,912 cases of violations involving goods worth an estimated VND16.15 trillion, recovering about VND569.1 billion for the state budget, statistics show. — VNA/VNS

The country’s total import-export turnover during the period stood at $597.93 billion, a 16.3 per cent rise compared with the same period last year.

State budget revenue from foreign trade hits 72.6 per cent of annual target

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/5/448103_TT%20Thang.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thị Thắng speaks at the 2025 Export Forum in HCM City on September 4. — Photo courtesy of ITPC</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — Việt Nam is increasingly seen as a leading manufacturing hub in the region, capable of supplying a wide range of competitively priced, high-quality products, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thị Thắng said at the 2025 Export Forum in HCM City on September 4.“In the aftermath of the pandemic and amid global economic uncertainties, many corporations, distributors and e-commerce platforms are accelerating diversification strategies to secure sustainable supply. Việt Nam has emerged as a strategic location within global supply chains,” she said.Thắng said her ministry is implementing a project to promote Vietnamese enterprises’ direct participation in foreign distribution networks by 2030.As part of this effort, a series of events, including the Export Forum, seminars, networking sessions and the Vietnam International Sourcing Expo 2025, have been organised to connect local enterprises with international distributors and foster deeper global integration.Việt Nam’s trade reached US$786 billion last year, with exports up 14.3 per cent to $405 billion. In the first seven months of 2025, trade climbed to $515 billion, a 16.3 per cent year-on-year increase, putting the Government’s 12 per cent annual growth target well within reach.She highlighted the role of free trade agreements (FTAs) in driving growth, noting that exports to FTA markets have shown strong recovery. Next-generation agreements such as CPTPP, EVFTA and UKVFTA, along with a wide network of bilateral and multilateral FTAs, have created vast market opportunities and boosted business confidence.“These numbers reflect an important transition from subcontracting to becoming product development partners and co-creators with global brands,” Thắng said.She expressed hope that open exchanges at the forum would help Vietnamese firms seize new opportunities while enabling global partners to better understand Việt Nam’s policies, potential and strengths.Trần Phú Lữ, director of the Investment and Trade Promotion Centre of HCM City, said the city was entering a new development phase following its administrative consolidation.The city is prioritising institutional reform, modern infrastructure development and the promotion of green industry models, logistics, international seaports and a regional financial centre.Organised by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the HCM City People’s Committee, the Export Forum serves as a platform for dialogue between government agencies and businesses, helping firms meet international standards and connect with global buyers, he said.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/9/5/448104_toa%20dam.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Panelists discuss market diversification through exporting Vietnamese goods to global distribution chains at the forum. — Photo courtesy of ITPC</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>International participants also underlined new export opportunities.Victor Key, president of the Brazil–Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the vast potential of Latin America, especially Brazil. With a population of more than 650 million and a growing middle class, the region is increasingly open to trade.“For Việt Nam, it is not just another region - it is a land of opportunities. Many Latin American countries are actively seeking new suppliers, and Việt Nam offers exactly what they need: quality, competitive prices, and innovation,” Key said.He pointed to strong demand for Vietnamese rice, fruits, seafood, processed foods, textiles, household goods, machinery and electronics.Success in Brazil requires adapting products to local preferences, respecting cultural differences and building long-term partnerships, he noted.From the retail sector, Avaneesh Gupta, senior vice president of General Merchandising and Apparel Sourcing at Walmart, underlined the company’s vast reach, with more than 10,500 stores in 19 countries and 255 million weekly customers. In the US, 90 per cent of the population lives within 10 miles of a Walmart store.Gupta said Walmart is now placing strong emphasis on its e-commerce marketplace, which has no space limitations.“This provides a tremendous opportunity for Vietnamese sellers to bring their unique products directly to our marketplace and leverage its strengths,” he said.He called on Vietnamese suppliers to join Walmart’s fast-growing e-commerce journey while also exploring opportunities in physical retail.The forum featured other speakers. Paul Le, vice president of Central Retail Vietnam, discussed efforts to promote Vietnamese goods in foreign markets, whe Fukui Tomoaki, senior general manager of AEON TOPVALU’s Trading Department, presented sustainable and effective export channels for Vietnamese enterprises. — VNS

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thị Thắng said her ministry is implementing a project to promote Vietnamese enterprises’ direct participation in foreign distribution networks by 2030.

Export Forum highlights Việt Nam’s rising role in global supply chains

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/22/445386_5251287561844540_112.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An investor monitors the stock market. — Photo&nbsp;vndirect.com.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — After a record surge in the previous session, the stock market tumbled on Friday, August 22, with widespread selling pressure dragging the VN-Index down more than 42 points.Analysts noted that while the broader uptrend from earlier in the week has not been erased, the current correction could extend for one or two more sessions before the market finds equilibrium.According to Viet Dragon Securities, the sharp decline provides an opportunity for investors to take profits, narrow portfolios and reduce equity exposure, while waiting for stabilisation around support levels. VPS Securities also forecast that the VN-Index may test lower points in the coming sessions before regaining balance.At the close, the VN-Index on the Ho&nbsp;Chi&nbsp;Minh Stock Exchange fell 42.5 points to 1,645.47 points. Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative with 275 losers, including 24 stocks hitting their floor prices, against only 76 gainers. Liquidity remained high, reaching nearly VNĐ62.14 trillion, well above the previous session.The VN30-Index, tracking the 30 largest stocks by market capitalisation and liquidity, shed almost 61 points. A series of large-cap stocks were locked at the floor, including Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPB) and&nbsp;Vietnam Rubber Group – Joint Stock Company (GVR).Others such as Techcombank (TCB), Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB), Military Bank (MBB) and Sacombank (STB) dropped between 4 and 6 per cent. VPB and TCB were the biggest drags on the VN-Index.Trading volume spiked in banking and steel shares, with SHB and Hoa Phat Group Joint Stock Company (HPG) leading with more than 166 million and 132 million units traded, respectively, though both closed sharply lower. Foreign investors extended their net selling streak with more than VNĐ1.3 trillion sold, including nearly VNĐ1&nbsp;trillion in HPG alone, while VPB, PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (OIL) and STB also saw heavy outflows.A few large-cap stocks provided rare bright spots, cushioning the index from a deeper fall below 1,630 points. The Bank for Investment and Development of Việt Nam (BID) rose 2.84 per cent, Vietcombank (VCB) gained 1.87 per cent, while Vietnam International Bank (VIB) and Duc Giang Chemicals Group JSC (DGC) also advanced. VDS Securities JSC (VDS) even hit its ceiling price, defying the market downturn.The sell-off also triggered sharp swings in the net worth of Việt Nam’s stock market billionaires. According to Forbes, Hòa Phát Chairman Trần Đình Long saw his fortune drop by US$143 million to $2.6 billion, while Techcombank Chairman Hồ Hùng Anh lost $106 million, also to $2.6 billion.Vingroup Chairman Phạm Nhật Vượng and Vietjet CEO Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo both saw slight declines, with their fortunes now estimated at $12.7 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively.Despite Friday’s plunge, the VN-Index still closed the week up more than 15 points overall, thanks to earlier gains. Market experts expect the coming sessions to remain volatile as investors consolidate positions, with resistance around 1,660 points and a key support zone near 1,625 points. — VNS

According to Viet Dragon Securities, the sharp decline provides an opportunity for investors to take profits, narrow portfolios and reduce equity exposure, while waiting for stabilisation around support levels.

VN-Index plunges over 42 points

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/21/444993_Le%20Tuan%20Anh%20-%20Business%20Director%209Pay.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam is revving up its ambition to become a regional financial hub, with momentum driven by digital infrastructure and modern, internationally competitive services.The Government has instructed the rapid development of the country’s first two international financial centres (IFCs) in Ho Chi Minh City and Đà Nẵng. Ho Chi Minh City alone is expected to attract US$7 billion in investment. Yet capital must be complemented by an open regulatory framework, robust technology and global‑scale enterprises to make these centres viable.A member of the National Assembly’s Finance and Budget Committee, Professor Dr Hoàng Văn Cường, told VTV’s Made in Vietnam programme that selecting Ho Chi Minh City and Đà Nẵng as IFC locations affords clear advantages.He noted that global finance is shifting from traditional transactions to digital assets — a trend that Việt Nam is well‑positioned to harness, thanks to its strategic maritime crossroads location, strong telecom infrastructure, rapidly advancing technology and adaptable young workforce.This moment offers unique opportunities for FDI firms, e‑commerce platforms and cross‑border service providers entering Việt Nam. Yet regulatory hurdles persist.Under Circular 40/2024/TT‑NHNN, all domestic payment intermediaries conducting international transactions must partner with banks to convert and execute payment orders.Foreign businesses often confront complex questions around licensing, tax compliance and regulation. They may spend considerable time choosing between costly Big Four consultancies and smaller local advisers lacking cross‑border expertise — leading to delays and added costs, especially when scaling operations.In response, multinational corporations increasingly seek licensed payment intermediaries to facilitate cash flow, as local banks are not yet offering tailored, direct payment solutions. To fill this gap, 9Pay — a fintech licensed by the State Bank of Việt Nam — has introduced an integrated payments platform that meets international standards while addressing local regulatory needs.“We do not simply provide a single payment solution, but act as a financial and legal partner that understands the Vietnamese market, accompanying foreign enterprises from payment integration to cash flow optimisation and compliance with regulations, suitable for the business characteristics of each enterprise and financial institution,” said 9Pay’s Sales Director, Lê Tuấn Anh.This philosophy is embodied in the company's cross‑border remittance service, 9Remit. Using 9Pay accounts as domestic bank accounts allows foreign businesses to operate in Việt Nam without needing to establish a legal entity or obtain a separate licence.These accounts enable real‑time collections and payments, full tax and legal compliance, and legitimate international transfers.9Pay’s strengths lie in its speed, flexibility and dual expertise: understanding both global partners' needs and Việt Nam’s complex regulatory framework.The platform integrates fully with all domestic banks, major international card networks — Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express — and global payment providers like Ria Money Transfer and WireBarley.Technologically, 9Pay processes between 400 and 500 transactions per second, with a peak capacity of 1,000, while maintaining stability. What once took up to 10 business days for international remittance is now T+0 settlement — funds arrive the same day, often within two hours.Security and compliance are central. 9Pay holds the highest level of PCI DSS certification, employs encryption and biometric authentication and uses AI‑driven fraud detection in real time. These measures have built trust with regulators and partners, an essential foundation for cross‑border operations 9Pay+1.9Pay has ambitious plans: it aims to double the number of foreign companies it serves within three years and expects at least 30 per cent annual revenue growth from its FDI clients in 2025. It is expanding into advanced cash‑management tools and AI‑powered payment analytics.As Đà Nẵng emerges as an IFC hub, especially for green finance and fintech, 9Pay has opened a new office there. This underscores its commitment to delivering Vietnamese fintech solutions that support the nation’s broader digital finance strategy.By leveraging its payment technology and enterprise experience, 9Pay aims to build a modern financial ecosystem — facilitating global capital flows and digital payment services for businesses and communities across central Việt Nam.Thus, firms like 9Pay are not merely successful startups — they are pivotal to Việt Nam’s aspiration to join Asia’s financial‑centre ranks. While challenges remain, fintech advances allow Việt Nam to leapfrog traditional development stages and integrate directly into the global digital economy.“Việt Nam has both the demand and the determination. With the right partnerships and infrastructure, fintech will help position our country as a trusted player in the international financial landscape,” said Tuấn Anh.As the nation charts its long‑term course, 9Pay’s ascent demonstrates that Vietnamese innovation is no longer confined domestically — it is reaching outward, connecting investors, businesses and consumers and helping to shape the foundations of Việt Nam’s financial future. — VNS

Việt Nam is pressing ahead with its ambition to become a regional financial hub, a goal that hinges on building strong digital infrastructure and internationally competitive services.

9Pay: Vietnamese fintech set to go global in Việt Nam’s financial hub ambition

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/21/441997_highrise.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>High-end apartment buildings in downtown HCM City, where rising living costs and outdated tax brackets are putting pressure on the middle class. VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Bồ Xuân HiệpPhạm Minh Quang, a 35-year-old software engineer in HCM City, had waited months for a raise. When it finally came, a modest VNĐ5 million (nearly US$200), he hoped it would help cover school fees, rent, and rising food prices.But most of it never reached his bank account.“As much as 35 per cent of it disappeared in taxes,” he said. “It’s hard to stay motivated when a third of your hard work vanishes before you can use it.”Quang’s monthly income places him in Việt Nam’s highest personal income tax (PIT) bracket, which is 35 per cent for earners above VNĐ80 million ($3,150) per month.But like many in Việt Nam’s growing middle class, he doesn’t feel wealthy. He feels stuck working harder, paying more, and getting little in return.“I want to contribute to society,” he said, “but the system doesn’t seem fair.”His situation reflects a growing frustration among professionals in major cities such as HCM City and Hà Nội, where a 16-year-old PIT regime, which has been unchanged since 2009, is increasingly out of step with modern life.Over that time, Việt Nam’s per capita GDP has more than doubled, while urban living costs such as housing, healthcare and education have soared.“It’s like we’re living in 2025 with a tax system from 2009,” said economist Nguyễn Đức Thành, former director of the Institute for Economic and Policy Research.“The brackets no longer reflect reality. What once applied to the ‘top 1 per cent’ now includes ordinary professionals.”The result, he said, is a system that punishes effort and discourages productivity.Scaling back to avoid taxes<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/21/441996_employed%20professionals.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Freelance professionals work from a café in HCM City. Some high-income earners are shifting away from full-time employment to avoid higher tax brackets. VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Lê Mai Anh, a 40-year-old marketing executive in Hà Nội, said she deliberately limits her income to avoid entering higher tax bands.“I used to work nonstop during weekends, late nights, everything,” she said. “But when I started doing the math, I realised I was keeping only 65 per cent of what I earned. Now, I just take on a few projects a month.”She’s not alone. Others are scaling back hours, declining promotions, or shifting to freelance work, not because they lack ambition, but because ambition comes with a tax penalty.And with little social safety net (no free healthcare, public pensions, or housing support) many are questioning what their taxes are actually buying.“In developed countries, yes, tax rates are high,” said one senior executive, who declined to be named, at a Hong Kong-based multinational sourcing company.“But you get something back such as free education, hospitals, retirement benefits. Here, we pay 35 per cent and still pay for almost everything ourselves,” he told Việt Nam News.A recent study found that middle-income earners in HCM City now face a harder path to home ownership than their counterparts in Singapore, where the top PIT rate is just 22 per cent.“We’re taxing like a rich country,” he said, “but offering the services of a poor one.”In 2024, PIT contributed over VNĐ189 trillion ($7.4 billion) to the national budget — more than 9 per cent of total revenue.But Việt Nam’s estimated 5.2 million household businesses, many of them informal, paid just VNĐ26 trillion.“Formal workers can’t hide income as it’s taxed at the source,” said a tax lawyer in HCM City. “But high-net-worth individuals and small business owners often find ways around it.”Meanwhile, corporate tax rates have dropped from 32 per cent in 2000 to just 20 per cent today, with further cuts expected in 2025 for small businesses.“The message to companies is: grow and we’ll reward you,” the lawyer said. “To individuals: earn more and we’ll tax you harder.”A chance for reform<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/21/442269_shopping.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A woman hesitates while checking the price of apples at a supermarket in HCM City. Rising costs and stagnant tax brackets are forcing many middle-income earners to scale back daily spending. VNS Photo Bồ Xuân Hiệp</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Việt Nam’s current PIT framework includes seven brackets, ranging from 5 per cent to 35 per cent. However critics say the lower brackets are too close together, pushing middle-income earners into higher tax bands after even modest salary bumps.A new draft PIT bill proposes reducing the number of brackets from seven to five. Both proposed options retain the lowest rate of 5 per cent (for monthly taxable income of over VNĐ10 million) and the highest at 35 per cent, but Option 2 raises the threshold for the top rate to VNĐ100 million from VNĐ80 million.Experts broadly support simplifying the system but warn that sharp increases between brackets, especially from 5 per cent to 15 per cent, could burden middle-income earners.“Taxpayers earning around VNĐ30-32 million a month could see their tax rate jump to 25 per cent, 5 per cent higher than today,” said Âu Thị Nguyệt Liên of Nguyễn Tất Thành University.Others, like economist Trần Văn Tùng, have urged policymakers to reinstate the 10 per cent tax bracket for monthly incomes between VNĐ15 million and 30 million, and to cap the top rate at 30 per cent.“Việt Nam should not maintain a 35 per cent top rate when average incomes remain low,” he said. “A cap of 25-30 per cent would align better with corporate tax and regional peers.”Nguyễn Thùy Dương, director in the Global Mobility Services division at KPMG Vietnam, said Option 2 shows progress by shifting the top tax threshold to VNĐ100 million, but the 35 per cent rate still stands out as uncompetitive.She recommended adjusting the top rate to 30 per cent in line with Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, whose top PIT rates range from 24 to 30 per cent.Across Asia, PIT systems vary widely, from two brackets in Albania to 13 in Singapore. Some countries apply top rates as high as 45 per cent, such as Japan and South Korea, but typically at much higher income levels and with more generous public benefits.“We need a system that balances fairness, competitiveness, and incentive,” said Lê Khánh Lâm, PhD, vice general director of RSM Vietnam. “It should reward work, encourage saving, and reflect today’s economy, not the one we had in 2009.”Back in HCM City, Quang said he hadn’t lost hope, but he was watching closely.“I’m willing to pay taxes. That’s part of being a good citizen,” he said. “But it has to feel fair. And right now, it doesn’t.”His dream is simple: to work hard, get ahead, and provide a better life for his family.“But if the system doesn’t change,” he said, “more people will start asking: what’s the point?” VNS

As Việt Nam’s economy grows, so do the ambitions of its middle class, yet a frozen personal income tax system is holding them back. Professionals say the system punishes effort, curbs motivation, and fails to reflect the rising costs of modern life. Bồ Xuân Hiệp reports.

'It feels like a penalty': Việt Nam’s middle class struggles under 16-year-old tax code

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/7/441401_5235776796809154_vna_potal_da_nang_dau_tu_ha_tang_va_nguon_nhan_luc_cho_nganh_cong_nghiep_ban_dan__8186124.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Start-ups in the semiconductor and AI sectors are provided with workspace at the Centralised Information Technology Zone in Đà Nẵng Software Park 2. VNA/VNS Photos</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>As the global semiconductor industry gains rapid growth, Việt Nam is stepping up efforts to deepen its integration into the global value chain, with the ambition of becoming a key player in the sector, according to a recent conference in Hà Nội of the National Steering Committee for Semiconductor Industry Development.Citing data from the US Semiconductor Industry Association, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyễn Đức Tâm said at the conference the industry was expected to grow by around 20 per cent in 2024 and a further 12 per cent in 2025, bringing its total market value to an estimated US$700 billion.The surge was being fuelled by rising demand in key areas such as artificial intelligence, data centres, electric vehicles, and 5G technology.Recognising the strategic importance of semiconductors, the Vietnamese Government has introduced a range of policies to accelerate domestic industry development, according to Tâm. These include resolutions and the newly enacted Digital Technology Industry Law and the Science, Technology and Innovation Law. The semiconductor sector is also listed among 11 strategic technology areas under national development plans.Việt Nam currently hosts more than 50 chip design companies employing an estimated 7,000 engineers, according to Tâm. Around 15 firms are involved in chip packaging, testing and equipment manufacturing, with a workforce of approximately 6,600 engineers and over 10,000 technicians. The country is also beginning to participate in higher value-added stages, such as component manufacturing and chip testing.A key milestone is the upcoming launch of Việt Nam’s first chip production facility by Viettel. The country has also been chosen as a host for one of the world’s leading semiconductor exhibitions, further cementing its status as a rising destination for global semiconductor investment, heard the conference.Particularly notable is the presence of major technology corporations Nvidia and Qualcomm, which have selected Việt Nam as a strategic hub for AI and chip R&amp;D. Their investment is seen as a pivotal achievement, helping to attract high-value supply chain shifts and positioning Việt Nam more prominently on the global technology map.Human capital developmentA vital component of Việt Nam’s semiconductor strategy is Programme 1017, which aims to develop the workforce for the industry through 2030. The programme has completed nine of its 34 tasks, with another 25 currently underway, according to Tâm.Việt Nam’s semiconductor workforce includes about 7,000 engineers in chip design, 6,000 in packaging and testing, and 10,000 technicians in equipment and material manufacturing. A network of more than 100 Vietnamese experts around the world has also been established.In training, over 320 university lecturers have received specialised instruction and about 6,300 undergraduates are currently studying semiconductors.More than 12,000 students in related fields are expected to transition into the sector through supplementary training. Some 600 master's students and 120 PhD candidates are in training, alongside over 1,600 graduates of short-term technical programmes.Việt Nam now has 166 higher education institutions offering semiconductor-related courses, and ten small-scale semiconductor labs have been built for hands-on training. The Ministry of Finance has also launched the country’s first Semiconductor Incubation and Development Centre.To support these efforts, the ministry has secured access to 1,000 chip design and semiconductor technology licences, valued in the tens of millions of US dollars, from global firms including Cadence, Siemens, ARM and Lam Research. These resources will support training at more than 30 universities. International partners such as Japan, Chinese Taipei and the EU have committed to providing around 1,000 scholarships annually.Cooperation between government, academia and businesses has been growing. Companies such as Coherent, Marvell, Viettel, FPT and Phenikaa are actively involved in training and research at the university level. The National Innovation Centre and various ministries have also played a key role in ensuring Programme 1017 remains on track.As part of its development strategy, the Ministry of Finance has proposed attracting selective foreign direct investment (FDI), with a goal of establishing 100 chip design companies, one small-scale chip fabrication facility and 10 chip packaging and testing plants. It also plans to train 1,300 lecturers and establish four national-level shared laboratories to support semiconductor R&amp;D and training.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/7/441402_5235782416169055_vna_potal_dien_dan_chinh_sach_%E2%80%9Cviet_nam_chu_dong_phat_trien_nganh_cong_nghiep_ban_dan_va_tri_tue_nhan_tao_trong_ky_nguyen_moi%E2%80%9D_7912704.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Participants examine innovation spaces by tech firms at the semiconductor and AI policy forum on March 14 in Hà Nội. &nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Deputy Minister of Education and Training Phạm Ngọc Thưởng said the ministry had moved swiftly to implement the Prime Minister’s directives by issuing detailed guidelines for universities and colleges.Nine higher education institutions had submitted proposals to establish semiconductor laboratories. These had been reviewed and forwarded to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance), where an appraisal council was conducting detailed assessments.In May, the Education and Training Ministry issued standardised training guidelines for semiconductor design, marking an important step in aligning curricula nationwide. Institutions were now revising their training programmes to comply with these new standards under Programme 1017.University admissions also reflect growing interest in semiconductors and related fields, according to Thưởng.In 2025, 222,454 students registered STEM majors as their first choice, an increase of nearly 42,000 compared to 2024. Computer science and IT drew more than 54,000 applicants, and AI saw a major surge with 2,754 first-choice applications, far exceeding the previous year’s total.The ministry is also working with universities and enterprises, both domestic and international, to organise workshops and forums to promote knowledge sharing in chip design and workforce training.Addressing challengesDespite strong progress, the Ministry of Education and Training acknowledges uneven capacity among universities, with many still lacking experience and infrastructure in semiconductor education. Gaps remain in academic ecosystems, technology readiness and international cooperation.To address this, the ministry proposes expanding partnerships with foreign institutions to exchange faculty and students and improve curriculum design. It also advocates greater coordination among domestic universities to avoid duplication of effort and to form a cohesive national training ecosystem.The ministry has also called on the Ministry of Finance to expedite approval for nine laboratory projects submitted in late 2024. These facilities are considered critical for enhancing research, practical training and enabling students and lecturers to access the latest technologies directly within academic environments.Speaking at the conference on August 4, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, who is also the head of the National Steering Committee for Semiconductor Industry Development, said that semiconductors would be a key pillar of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly in artificial intelligence. He added that Việt Nam must not be left behind if it aims to build an independent, self-reliant and globally integrated economy.Chính outlined eight key directions in the sector, namely stronger awareness, renewed thinking, more decisive action, improved institutions, progress in training and infrastructure, expanded international cooperation, growing interest from major partners and active engagement from universities and localities.However, he also pointed out persistent challenges, including limited funding, institutional hurdles, slow progress, weak technology transfer and loose collaboration between government, academia and industry.The PM set a clear goal that by 2027, Việt Nam must be able to design, manufacture and test key semiconductor chips. VNS

The semiconductor sector is listed among 11 strategic technology areas under national development plans.

Việt Nam charts path to deeper integration in global semiconductor supply chain

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/8/7/441924_5237813381428154_anh%20chu%20nhat.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>As Việt Nam continues to draw in foreign investment and position itself as a manufacturing and digital services hub in Southeast Asia, the demand for reliable, compliant and locally integrated payment systems has never been higher.In response to this growing need, Vietnamese fintech company 9Pay is scaling its suite of payment and international money transfer solutions to serve foreign businesses navigating the complexities of the local financial ecosystem.Founded in 2018 and licensed by the State Bank of Vietnam in 2020, 9Pay has become a prominent provider of electronic payment solutions for both local and foreign businesses. The firm offers a consolidated platform that includes: a full-featured payment gateway for domestic collections, a legal-compliant collection and disbursement service for enterprises without local entities and, most recently, 9Remit – a cross-border remittance solution enabling fast and transparent global transactions.9Pay’s payment gateway allows foreign merchants to accept payments through channels most commonly used in Việt Nam, such as bank transfers, QR codes, e-wallets and domestic debit cards. The integration is streamlined via a single API, enabling merchants to go live quickly and reduce engineering overhead.The company currently connects with over 50 local financial institutions and supports popular card networks including Visa, MasterCard, JCB, and UnionPay.“For international businesses entering Việt Nam, the real challenge is not just accepting payments but navigating fragmented systems and ensuring full compliance with local laws,” said Nguyễn Quang Thịnh, CEO of 9Pay.“Over the past seven years, we have become one of the most trusted fintech partners for international companies operating in Việt Nam. Beyond being a payment intermediary, our goal is to evolve into a strategic advisor, delivering end-to-end financial solutions that empower global enterprises to enter and grow in the Vietnamese market.”One of the firm’s standout services is its collection and disbursement (C&amp;D) solution, designed specifically for foreign businesses that do not yet have a registered legal entity in Việt Nam. These companies can authorise 9Pay to collect customer payments, process refunds, disburse commissions or pay local vendors – all while maintaining full regulatory compliance.“Our clients don’t always have an office in Việt Nam or the time to set up a legal presence, but they still want to operate or test the market,” Thịnh said. “Through 9Pay, they can manage in-country financial flows legally and transparently, while focusing on scaling their business.”The C&amp;D solution is particularly popular among e-commerce platforms, gaming companies, edtech firms and digital marketing service providers. By working with 9Pay, they avoid the need for setting up a Vietnamese subsidiary during the early phase of market entry.Transactions made seamlessIn response to growing demand for fast, legal, and affordable global payments, the company launched 9Remit, a remittance platform dedicated to helping businesses simplify international money transfer, making it easier to send and receive funds across borders while ensuring full compliance with Vietnamese and global financial regulations.Designed for corporate users, 9Remit enables same-day settlement money transfers, competitive exchange rates and full transparency throughout the transaction process.“Transactions are completed quickly within the day, with no limits on the transaction volume and frequency,” Thịnh said. “This gives businesses maximum flexibility, especially those that need to pay suppliers, repatriate profits, or receive service fees from overseas.”9Remit complies fully with anti-money laundering regulations and Know Your Customer standards and operates in close coordination with Vietnamese banks to ensure legal adherence. The platform has also proven attractive for Vietnamese businesses engaged in cross-border exports and services.To expand its global capabilities, 9Pay has partnered with remittance provider Ria Money Transfer. Under the agreement, 9Pay became Ria’s official payout partner in Việt Nam, further strengthening its role in handling international remittance flows into the country.“Our partnership with Ria marks an important step in enhancing access to transparent, swift and safe remittance inflows to Việt Nam and helps promote international trade operations by utilising modern digital payment infrastructure,” said Thịnh. “At the same time, it demonstrates our technological readiness and operational integrity on the global stage.”9Pay’s infrastructure is certified to PCI DSS Level 1, the highest global security standard for payment systems. In addition to 24/7 customer support, the company offers dashboard tools for real-time transaction tracking, reporting, and reconciliation – key requirements for enterprise clients.As of mid-2025, 9Pay served over 1,000 international clients, primarily from South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, mainland China and the European Union. The company forecasts double-digit growth in foreign business clients over the next 12–18 months, driven by the continued rise of cross-border e-commerce, education, entertainment and financial services in Việt Nam.“Việt Nam is now a digital-first market, but payments must evolve to match the pace of innovation,” Thịnh said. “Our goal is to remove financial bottlenecks for foreign businesses, while making sure every transaction complies with Vietnamese regulations.”In 2023, 9Pay was named one of Việt Nam’s Top 10 Outstanding Brands and received regional recognition in the ASEAN Digital Awards for its fintech innovation. VNS

Vietnamese fintech company 9Pay is scaling its suite of payment and international money transfer solutions to serve foreign businesses navigating the complexities of the local financial ecosystem.

9Pay enhances infrastructure in Việt Nam

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Datashare provides information, insights and technology that drive innovation and performance in many fields. We always put the prestige at top. When your actions are in line with your values, you build trust. Our promises to our clients, staff, and community are the backbone of who we are. Our heritage of integrity enables our customers to make critical decisions with confidence while our best-in-class data and cutting-edge technologies enable greater opportunity.&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.datashare.vn/images/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b(6)_20241125012924.jpg"></figure> Overview Datashare provides information, insights and technology that drive innovation and performance in many fields. We always put the prestige at top. When your actions are in line with your values, you build trust. Our promises to our clients, staff, and community are the backbone of who we are. Our heritage of integrity enables our customers to make critical decisions with confidence while our best-in-class data and cutting-edge technologies enable greater opportunity.&nbsp; People People are the reason for everything we do; technology exists to serve people and improve how we live, work and interact. We push our teams to think big, and collaborate in new ways, in order to create innovative products that revolutionize how business is done.&nbsp; Quality From user-experience to architecture to deployment, quality is the foundation on which success is built. Datashare is committed to bringing veritable values of the service, satisfying the the needs of our customers by: lowest cost; the most professional support tools; always enthusiastic and dedicated to caring and answering all customers' questions; Constantly improve the quality of services to ensure the highest demand from customers. Social Responsibility We have a responsibility to raise up the community and the world that we belong to. Our partners Whether you’re an established business or an ambitious start-up, we’ll open up access to a choice of data, technology, and expertise to help you grow. As a partner, you’ll be able to innovate at speed, co-creating ideas to tackle your customers’ most pressing challenges. You’ll gain access to our global customer base, plus a suite of tools to grow your business with. You’ll be able to capitalize on our global reach. Our partners cover sectors including communication, investment management, trading, banking, corporate treasury, market data and technology. Partnering gives customers more choice of content, more innovative technology, and even greater value. <a href="https://api.datashare.vn/document/DATASHARE%20DA%20FIX_20250310035817.pdf">Corporate capability statement</a>

Datashare provides information, insights and technology that drive innovation and performance in many fields. We always put the prestige at top. When your actions are in line with your values, you build trust. Our promises to our clients, staff, and community are the backbone of who we are. Our heritage of integrity enables our customers to make critical decisions with confidence while our best-in-class data and cutting-edge technologies enable greater opportunity.&nbsp;

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<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.datashare.vn/images/a903282e86f1f935e0fa2893dd013611_20241031072154.jpg"></figure>Datashare approach your corporate data as the raw material from which we generate a structured picture of your business to clearly see its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.With years of experience and professionals,&nbsp;we have been providing a full range of big data services: consulting, implementation, support and managed analytics, to allow companies to get valuable insights out of their big data, analyze interconnected problems and find their root causes, as well as build reliable predictions.

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<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.datashare.vn/images/5a29d92ee93a35cacf2fdd740d25863c_20241031072605.jpg"></figure>Everyone of our customers has specific needs. We offer different approaches to data analysis services delivery – consulting, implementation, maintenance and support, as well as outsourced data analysis.Datashare’s team is always ready to deliver an analytical solution that suits your needs, as well as answers any analytical question:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Operational data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Sales data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Marketing data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Financial data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">HR data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Performance data analysis</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Customer data analysis</li></ul>

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<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.datashare.vn/images/3f9ddefd9cab7376acc4a9a797ab5c4d_20241031072750.jpg"></figure>There are technological inventions that change the world; nonetheless, their ultimate purpose is to serve humans and their societies. Our utmost wish is to train you to become experts in IT with great background knowledge to bring the true values of technology to community, exploring the unfathomable horizons of the technological world.Our dynamic IT management team has the necessary skills and automated tools to help manage your IT system effectively. This team will help you minimize incidents, improve the reliability, performance and resilience of important IT systems in the enterprise. We also provide multi-layer security solutions to protect your data from security threats reducing the risk of loss or disclosure of sensitive information.

Information Technology

&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.datashare.vn/images/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b_20241031072855.png"></figure>Website management entails a number of different services that are combined together so you don't have to worry about running your brand's website.&nbsp;Essentially, when you contract out to Datashare to manage your website, we do all of the website related work. All you need to do is tell us what you need.&nbsp;We will keep your website updated and well-maintained. You’ll get regular backups and reports. Content development and design updates ensure that your site stays fresh and focused while online marketing strategies ensure that customers discover your business online.Here’s a look at some of the tasks that can be performed as part of your website management services:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Site maintenance: Keep your website secure and running smoothly (Backups; Software updates; Website performance reports; Monitor domain registration and hosting; Troubleshooting).</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Design and build: Stay relevant with a fresh, flexible website design (Website design and development; Wordpress theme customization; Features and functionality that cater to your clientele; Website reviews).</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Content and marketing: Bring customers to your business and keep them there (Content development and procurement; Online marketing: seo, social media, newsletters, and more; Set up and manage revenue streams).</li></ul>