Vietnam Investment Review

Banks must build trust as AI transforms finance, forum told

The future growth of Vietnam's financial sector hinges on digital trust, especially as AI accelerates innovation, according to speakers at a Hanoi forum.

Businesses shift from expansion to efficiency

From small- and medium-sized to global franchises, companies are scaling back and restructuring operations amid intensifying competition and rising operating costs.

Ireland's daa International becomes strategic and operational partner for Gia Binh International Airport

On May 12, daa International has been appointed as strategic and operational partner for Gia Binh International Airport near Hanoi.

Hanoi breaks ground on 90m-wide mega corridor

Hanoi has broken ground on a $6.4 billion, 36.3km National Highway 1A road aimed at reshaping the capital’s southern gateway.
World Bank projects Vietnam’s growth to moderate to 6.8 per cent in 2026

While headwinds are expected to temper the pace of expansion, World Bank's latest Vietnam Economic Update, released on May 15, projects growth will moderate to a still-robust 6.8 per cent in 2026, following an 8 per cent expansion in 2025.
FDI in first four months rises over 35 per cent on-year

A report released on May 13 by the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Finance said Vietnam remains an attractive destination for foreign investors amid the ongoing relocation, restructuring, and diversification of global supply chains.

Promomed eyes big steps in Vietnam’s pharma market

US business delegation heads to Vietnam to foster cooperation

Vietnam and Switzerland boost sci-tech cooperation

Vietnam’s tourism advances sustainability in 2026

PV Power shakes hands with SK Group on Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant

On May 18, Nghe An People’s Committee and a consortium comprising PV Power, Nghe An Sugar Company (NASU), and SK Innovation held a ceremony to launch technical infrastructure works for the Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant.

Vietnam maintains stable AI outlook in 2026 survey

Vietnam's overall AI score held steady, moving from from 58.5 points in 2025 to 58.4 points in 2026, according to the 2026 WIN World AI Index, released to coincide with World Telecommunication Day on May 17.

Vietnamese businesses enter new era of AI-driven management and operations

AI is no longer viewed merely as a supporting tool, but is increasingly becoming an operational foundation that directly influences how organisations make decisions, design workflows and structure management systems, a conference has heard.

Corporate

CEO Talk Biz Link PR Newswire Media OutReach Newswire

Hai An plans $75million bond issuance to expand container fleet

Searefico broadens industrial and renewable energy footprint

Corporate May 20, 2026 | 10:14

Hai An plans $75million bond issuance to expand container fleet

Hai An Transport and Stevedoring plans to raise $75.34 million through a bond issuance to expand its container shipping fleet and logistics network.

Corporate May 20, 2026 | 09:52

Searefico broadens industrial and renewable energy footprint

Searefico, the Vietnamese mechanical and electrical engineering group, is targeting higher earnings in 2026 by expanding its presence in industrial and renewable energy projects.

CEO Talk April 28, 2026 | 15:22

FedEx bets on Viettel Post to strengthen capabilities in Vietnam

The newly announced partnership between FedEx and Viettel Post signals a shift toward more integrated logistics solutions in Vietnam. Masamichi Ujiie, president of FedEx North & South Pacific, explained to Nguyen Huong how the collaboration is designed to bridge operational gaps and unlock new growth.

Biz Link May 20, 2026 | 09:53

LG Energy Solutions and Honda partner to deeper penetrate Vietnam's electric motorcycle market

LG Energy Solutions, a South Korean battery manufacturer, has partnered with Japan’s Honda Motor to secure stronger footprint in Vietnam’s electric motorcycle market.

Investing

M&A Outbound Investment Investing in Haiphong

Vietnam strengthens FDI appeal as global supply chains shift

Investing May 20, 2026 | 10:34

Vietnam strengthens FDI appeal as global supply chains shift

Amid growing uncertainty in the global economy, Vietnam continues to maintain a strong attraction for foreign investment inflows. Le Gia Phong, deputy head of the Industry and Construction Statistics Department under National Statistics Office, shares insights into the factors behind foreign investors’ continued confidence in Vietnam.

Investing May 20, 2026 | 10:30

PV Power shakes hands with SK Group on Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant

On May 18, Nghe An People’s Committee and a consortium comprising PV Power, Nghe An Sugar Company (NASU), and SK Innovation held a ceremony to launch technical infrastructure works for the Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant.

M&A May 15, 2026 | 10:20

VinFast divests EV manufacturing operations for asset-light strategy

VinFast Auto Ltd., Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer, has announced a significant corporate restructuring that involves divesting its domestic car manufacturing operations to focus on brand management and design.

Outbound Investment May 15, 2026 | 17:39

HalalViet centre launched to help Vietnamese firms tap global market

The launch of the HalalViet Promotion and Experience Centre in Hanoi on May 15 marks a broader effort to build a long-term and systematic approach for Vietnamese businesses to penetrate the rapidly growing global Halal economy.

Your Consultant

KPMG PwC Indochine Counsel Vilasia

FDI a crucial component to double-digit growth

Practical issues to be addressed for TV and radio regulations

Your Consultant May 15, 2026 | 11:38

FDI a crucial component to double-digit growth

Foreign investment is considered a crucial component contributing to the economic prosperity, especially the realisation of double-digit growth across 2026-2030.

Your Consultant May 12, 2026 | 14:48

Practical issues to be addressed for TV and radio regulations

On the heels of Vietnam’s push to digitalise new platforms, as well as to reshape the radio and television services landscape ...

KPMG April 27, 2026 | 08:00

More disciplined growth for real estate and construction

After a turbulent early 2020s, Vietnam’s real estate and construction sectors are entering a new growth cycle – one driven by fundamentals rather than speculation.

PwC April 20, 2026 | 20:34

Vietnam second fastest growing automotive market in ASEAN‑6

Vietnam’s automotive market recorded 20.3 per cent sales growth in 2025, ranked as the second‑fastest growing market in ASEAN‑6.

Indochine Counsel February 13, 2026 | 08:00

Need-to-know aspects ahead of AI law

Managing partner Dang The Duc and senior associate Thai Gia Han of Indochine Counsel point out the key takeaways and what businesses need to know ahead of implementation.

Opinion

Chairman Pham Hong Diep

Shinec pioneers green, digital, and circular IPs in Vietnam

Vietnam SuperPort: Exploring new terrain in green logistics

Yap Kwong Weng

CEO of Vietnam SuperPort

Vietnam SuperPort: Exploring new terrain in green logistics

From pioneer to key player: Grab's 10-year milestone in Vietnam

Alejandro Osorio

Managing director of Grab Vietnam

From pioneer to key player: Grab's 10-year milestone in Vietnam

CMC Corporation: a pioneer in AI transformation

Nguyen Trung Chinh

Chairman of the Board of Directors, CMC Corporation

CMC Corporation: a pioneer in AI transformation

Topics

Digital Transformation Healthcare Platform Sustainable Energy Human Capital 4.0 Empowering Women Climate Change Response Special Administrative-Economic Zones Bank Scandals Safe and Sound Vietnam

Emagazine

December 17, 2025 | 11:43

SABECO: Driving growth alongside Vietnam

General director Lester Tan Teck Chuan talked with VIR’s Bich Ngoc on the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development through long-standing brewing tradition in Vietnam.

October 20, 2025 | 11:24

150 years of SABECO: A journey through Vietnam’s brewing heritage

To commemorate 150 years of contributing to Vietnam's brewing industry, SABECO launched its "150 Years of a Living Legacy: Ever Growing, Ever Reaching" campaign on September 10.

October 09, 2025 | 08:00

Biosimilars innovation to transform Vietnamese pharma

On his first business trip to Vietnam, Russell Miller, vice president of Global Sales and Marketing at Enzene Biosciences, shared with VIR’s Ho Ha the company’s ambition to reshape the global biosimilars landscape through innovation and advanced manufacturing.

September 03, 2025 | 13:00

SABECO highlights heritage and innovation at national exhibition

SABECO showcased its legacy and innovations at the 2025 National Achievements Exhibition, celebrating Vietnamese enterprise contributions.

March 08, 2025 | 18:00

Gearing human resources towards business success amidst evolving challenges

The changing needs of Vietnam's workforce, particularly those of the younger generation, are driving the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to attract and retain top talent.

Green Growth

Energy Efficiency Rethinking Plastics BASF

Vietnam’s power sector poised to trigger a new investment cycle

EU and AFD help North-central Vietnam strengthen resilience to climate threats

New Vietnam power technology catalogue maps renewable energy and grid expansion path

Vietnam moves to repeal inter-agency scrap import regulation

Rapid growth needed for energy ecosystem

Policy and financial blips limit rooftop solar market

Green Growth May 20, 2026 | 10:05

Vietnam’s power sector poised to trigger a new investment cycle

Vietnam’s power sector is undergoing a critical reform phase aimed at reactivating a new investment cycle in generation capacity, ensuring the dual objectives of meeting energy demand for development while fulfilling strong environmental commitments.

Green Growth May 15, 2026 | 17:42

EU and AFD help North-central Vietnam strengthen resilience to climate threats

On May 15, the "Climate Resilient Urban Infrastructure in North-central Vietnam" (CRUIV) project officially concluded its Technical Assistance phase, marking a profound shift from planning to lasting community empowerment.

Green Growth May 14, 2026 | 09:00

New Vietnam power technology catalogue maps renewable energy and grid expansion path

The Vietnam Technology Catalogue 2026 provides updated data on electricity generation, energy storage, and power transmission technologies to support the country’s green transition.

Green Growth May 12, 2026 | 16:51

Vietnam moves to repeal inter-agency scrap import regulation

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance is proposing to repeal a key inter-agency scrap import regulation as environmental rules mature, and the government pushes to simplify overlapping administrative procedures.

Green Growth May 12, 2026 | 13:59

Rapid growth needed for energy ecosystem

From workforce training to development of modular reactors, Vietnam is stepping up preparations to build the energy ecosystem needed to support its next wave of tech-driven growth.

Green Growth May 12, 2026 | 13:54

Policy and financial blips limit rooftop solar market

Low surplus electricity prices, inconsistent policy incentives, and cumbersome administrative procedures are continuing to hold back Vietnam’s rooftop solar market, despite strong growth prospects.

Most viewed

Property

Green Buildings Industrial Properties

Vietnam’s new special mechanisms for delayed projects

Property May 20, 2026 | 09:49

Shaping Vietnam's future skyline

Against the backdrop of one of Asia’s fastest urban transformations, the EuroCham Construction Sector Committee (CSC), and the Council on Vertical Urbanism on May 19 jointly held the Tall Building Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Property May 19, 2026 | 12:13

Vietnam’s new special mechanisms for delayed projects

Nishimura & Asahi’s Vietnam partner Nguyen Ngoc Phuc outlines key aspects of Vietnam’s newly introduced special mechanisms aimed at resolving long-standing legal bottlenecks affecting delayed real estate and infrastructure projects, with significant implications for developers, investors, lenders, and other stakeholders.

Green Buildings May 06, 2026 | 09:35

Last opportunity to own real estate in heart of Thao Dien

The high-end property market is becoming more selective, with value shifting from outward prestige to how well a home aligns with its owner and fosters a genuine sense of belonging.

Industrial Properties April 10, 2026 | 19:21

Ho Chi Minh City introduces special procedures for industrial zone investment projects

Ho Chi Minh City Export Processing Zones and Industrial Parks Management Authority will apply special investment procedures to special investment projects.

Money

Insurance Smart Payment Trends Stock Monitor

Rising rates squeeze bank profits, slow bond issuance

Banks strengthen provisions as bad debt risks re-emerge

Money May 20, 2026 | 10:38

Rising rates squeeze bank profits, slow bond issuance

Higher borrowing costs are squeezing bank profits and slowing bond issuance as property developers take a larger market share.

Money May 17, 2026 | 08:00

Banks strengthen provisions as bad debt risks re-emerge

Vietnamese banks are strengthening risk management and provisioning buffers as rising bad debt signals prompt the sector to focus more closely on asset quality and long-term financial resilience.

Insurance May 15, 2026 | 11:39

Life insurance market heats up despite slowing new sales

Vietnam’s life insurance market posted a double-digit decline in new business premiums in early 2026, but rising competition from emerging insurers is rapidly reshaping market share dynamics.

Insurance April 24, 2026 | 12:21

Insurance shareholders push for higher dividends in 2026

Insurers are under pressure to boost dividends this year despite rising claims and market volatility straining their payout capacity.

Smart Payment Trends May 20, 2026 | 10:06

HSBC and EFA support Nutifood with VND800bn bridge

HSBC Vietnam arranged a $31 million, five-year, 90 per cent Export Finance Australia (EFA) guaranteed facility guaranteed facility for Nutifood.

Smart Payment Trends May 13, 2026 | 18:00

Citi entering next phase of AI integration

Arc, Citi’s AI agent platform, allows developers to build and scale AI agents that will be used across the firm responsibly.

Infographics

Infographics February 13, 2026 | 09:00

[Infographic] AMATA: Industrial and Smart City Developer

Amata Vietnam's industrial real estate projects began in 1994. It has been contributing to transforming Vietnam into a global manufacturing and investment hub ever since.

Infographics January 21, 2026 | 10:05

Key highlights of 14th National Party Congress

With the theme “Under the glorious flag of the Party, joining hands and uniting wills to successfully realise the country’s development goals to 2030; ensuring strategic autonomy, fostering self-reliance and confidence, advancing firmly in the era of national rise for peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, civilisation and happiness, and steadfastly progressing towards socialism”, the 14th National Party Congress affirms its pivotal role as a landmark event of historic significance for Vietnam’s development.

Timeout

Travel Hotels & Restaurants The Insider Entertainment Lifestyle

Timeout April 30, 2026 | 12:41

Sustainable tourism to shape Vietnam’s growth path

Sustainable tourism will define Vietnam’s tourism trajectory in 2026, steering the market towards international standards, lower environmental impact, and long-term resilience.

Timeout February 19, 2026 | 08:22

A cultural development pillar for the new period

This year marks the beginning of a five-year strategic plan, implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress. Anticipating a continued complex global landscape with fierce competition, the culture, sports, and tourism sector has determined that it must continue innovating even more strongly.

Timeout February 12, 2026 | 08:57

Vietnam’s tourism advances sustainability in 2026

After a stellar year marked by a record number of international tourist arrivals, Vietnam’s tourism and hospitality sectors are poised to enter an acceleration phase, shifting its focus from recovery to quality-driven growth.

Timeout January 06, 2026 | 08:36

New Year tourism receipts top $40m in key cities

Major destinations opened 2026 on a strong note, with several cities each earning more than $40 million during the New Year holiday.

Hotels & Restaurants May 07, 2026 | 10:41

Accor goes big on Vietnam with bold franchising pivot

Marking its first major franchise rollout in Vietnam under the country’s evolving legal framework, Accor is formalising hotel franchising operations. The group’s representatives told VIR’s Hazy Tran about a structural shift towards a 50-50 split between managed and franchised hotels over the next decade, positioning Vietnam at the forefront of its Asia growth strategy.

The Insider February 12, 2026 | 08:57