• Family Office Establishment and Structuring
• Wills and Succession Planning
• Trusts and Asset Protection
• Complex Estate Planning
• Cross-Border Tax and Structuring Advice, including the US and France elements
• International Family Office Coordination
• Ongoing Accounting and Reporting
• Outsourced CFO and COO Support
• Strategic Business Advisory Services Tailored to Family Offices and Private Investment Structures
• Litigation Support
• Immigration Law

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Lions Clubs International is one of the world's largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.

Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, "Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year's edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong's world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world."

Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong
The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants' understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences
As a supporting organisation of the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB has teamed up with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city's diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.
HKTB will continue to bring more influential large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city's competitiveness and appeal as world-class, top-of-mind destination for both business and leisure tourism.

https://www.mehongkong.com/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The Asian Excellence Awards is one of Asia's most prestigious accolades in the fields of corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations. Organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, the awards are recognized for their rigorous evaluation standards and stringent selection criteria.

This year, VinFast received recognition in three major categories: Best Investor Relations Company, Asia's Best CFO awarded to Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, and Best Investor Relations Professional awarded to Ms. Amandae Baey.

VinFast was the only Vietnamese company recognized at the 2026 awards. Other recipients this year were leading corporations from several key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Best Investor Relations Company category, VinFast was highly regarded for its transparency in information disclosure, its ability to maintain regular engagement with investors and analysts, and the effectiveness of its communication and outreach initiatives with financial communities.

For the Asia's Best CFO award, the organizers recognized the critical role of corporate finance leaders in maintaining strong financial foundations, developing effective capital-raising strategies, and navigating market volatility. The award honors CFOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in guiding their companies toward stable and sustainable growth across varying economic conditions.

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Chief Financial Officer of VinFast, said: "This series of recognitions at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgment of VinFast's journey in building a global enterprise founded on advanced and sustainable governance standards. VinFast will continue to strengthen governance capabilities, enhance transparency, and foster open dialogue with stakeholders to build long-term trust in international markets."

Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VinFast Auto Ltd since 2024. Having joined Vingroup in 2020, she brings extensive knowledge of the Company's operations through her leadership experience across multiple functions, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia.

Amandae Baey has served as Vice President of Investor Relations at VinFast since 2024, where she leads the Company's global investor engagement, analyst relations, and capital markets positioning. She is a CFA charterholder.

The awards highlight VinFast's increasing integration into global capital markets and reaffirm its commitment to adopting international governance standards, enhancing disclosure quality, and strengthening engagement with shareholders and investors through a professional, proactive, and sustainable approach.

Over the past year alone, VinFast has received dozens of prestigious international awards spanning investment and finance, corporate communications, electric mobility, technology, design, and sustainability. Notable recognitions include the "Outstanding Innovation in Sustainable Electric Mobility" and "Remarkable Contribution to Energy Independence" awards at the CNN Indonesia Awards; the "Best Value Car of the Year" award at the Autocar India Awards 2026; ranking 101st in TIME magazine's "Asia-Pacific's Best Companies of 2025" list; and six awards at the APAC Effie Awards.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Learn more at: https://vec.global and
https://www.coexcenter.com ;
https://www.chanchao.com.tw;
https://veas.com.vn;
https://vccorp.vn

Global Validation: AITO Leads Chinese Luxury Automotive Brands in Brand Value

Interbrand, founded in 1974, is a globally recognized brand consultancy known for its expertise in brand valuation. The Brand Momentum Ranking is a periodic ranking evaluating brand influence in the Chinese market. Since its debut on the list, AITO has consistently ranked as the top luxury NEV brand in China, reflecting the brand's sustained resonance with customers and its ability to maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive landscape.

This latest recognition follows closely on the heels of AITO's appearance in the 2026 Brand Finance Global Automobile Brand Value 100 ranking in April. AITO made its debut on the list with a brand value of USD 3.448 billion, ranking first among Chinese luxury automobile brands and becoming the only Chinese brand in the global top 10 luxury automobile brands. The continued recognition from multiple authoritative rankings further strengthens AITO's position and global credibility in the luxury automotive industry.

Intelligence Redefining Luxury: Strengthening Brand Value Through Sustained Product Excellence

As a technology-driven company focused on NEVs, SERES develops the AITO brand under the guiding philosophy of "Intelligence Redefining Luxury". This approach combines traditional craftsmanship luxury with technology-driven luxury to deliver a new standard of luxury, intelligent mobility.

This philosophy has translated into tangible market success. AITO achieved the milestone of one million vehicle roll-offs in just 46 months, setting a new industry record. In 2025, the brand delivered 420,000 vehicles, ranking top among domestic brands in China's luxury automotive market, while the flagship AITO M9 has held the sales crown in China's RMB 500,000+ luxury segment for two consecutive years.

Looking ahead, SERES will continue to drive innovation through technological advancement while staying customer-focused. The company will further deepen its presence in the luxury NEV segment and contribute to the global evolution of China's automotive sector.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

LEAP East, taking place 8-10 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is co-organised by Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Government Partner. The event marks the flagship technology conference's first edition outside Riyadh.

Elm powers the national digital infrastructure behind more than 30 million users, operates over 170 large-scale digital projects, and enables more than 2 billion digital transactions annually across the government platforms it builds and runs. The company's work has contributed to a national government digital service maturity index of 86 percent in 2025, among the highest globally.

The company's capabilities span artificial intelligence, data analytics, smart cities, digital identity and financial technology, developed through three decades of partnership with the Saudi government across security, health, transport and finance. Elm has also extended the model regionally, with active engagements including compliance and inspection platforms in Oman, national archiving and ERP systems in Jordan, judicial digital transformation in Iraq, and finance sector modernisation in Syria.

Four Elm executives will speak across LEAP East's flagship stages. Majed Al Otaibi, Chief Government Products Officer, opens on 8 July with a Main Stage fireside chat, "Ambition at Infrastructure Scale: How Saudi Turns Digital Vision into Operational Reality", running 12:00-12:20pm. Other Elm leaders will address AI in software engineering, growth in emerging digital economies, and smart and sustainable city development across the DeepFest, Ecosystem Xchange and Orbital stages.

Elm's investment and partnerships teams will participate in the event's Tech Investor Program, engaging directly with technology companies, institutional investors and startups exploring collaboration or market entry into Saudi Arabia. The company has invested more than USD60 million across 20 companies and completed strategic acquisitions exceeding USD33 million across eight deals, a track record it says underpins its appetite for further partnerships across APAC.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

1. day program (June 24-27)

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china

This announcement underscores Huawei's dedication to fostering a healthy innovation ecosystem through fair, transparent, and predictable licensing practices.

As the latest generation of Wi-Fi technologies, Wi-Fi 7 delivers dramatically higher throughput, lower latency, and greater reliability. Serving as much more than just a connectivity upgrade, it lays the groundwork for the next wave of digital transformation and opens up new possibilities for interactions between people and intelligent systems.

As a leading contributor to the IEEE 802.11 standards family, Huawei has played a pivotal role in shaping Wi‑Fi 7 (802.11be) technologies and holds one of the largest portfolios of declared essential patents for Wi‑Fi 7. The company has invested a decade of research and substantial resources into developing the core technologies that make Wi-Fi 7 truly next generation.

Huawei has thus emerged as a leader in the global Wi-Fi licensing landscape, and its patent license agreements had covered over 1.2 billion consumer electronic devices worldwide by the end of 2024.

With today's announcement, Huawei provides clear advance notice of its Wi‑Fi 7 royalty rate, which is US$0.5 per unit for consumer‑grade Wi‑Fi 7 devices. Implementers may obtain licenses either through bilateral agreements or via patent pools, on FRAND (Fair, Reasonable, and Non-Discriminatory) terms.

In July 2022, Huawei joined the Sisvel Wi‑Fi 6 patent pool as a founding member, concurrently becoming both a licensor and a licensee of the pool. The patent pool is a valuable option for the industry which in large provides a "one-stop" licensing solution under a transparent and fair framework with lower transactions costs.

Huawei also maintains a strong and proven Wi-Fi 6 patent portfolio, which has been widely recognized and licensed across the industry. This legacy of innovation across successive generations further demonstrates Huawei's long-term commitment to advancing wireless connectivity.

Building on this success, Huawei has extended its participation to the Sisvel Wi‑Fi Multimode pool as a founding member, offering licensees a single, streamlined platform for accessing essential patents across both Wi‑Fi 6 and Wi‑Fi 7 generations.

Alan Fan, Huawei's Chief Intellectual Property Officer, said: "Through these initiatives, Huawei continues to facilitate collaborative licensing models that balance the interests of innovators and implementers, further reinforcing its leadership in shaping a transparent and efficient global Wi-Fi licensing environment."

For more information on Huawei's Wi‑Fi 7 licensing program, please visit [Huawei IP licensing webpage].

https://www.huawei.com/za/

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

• Phase 1 will focus on AI foundations for common workplace tasks, such as creating AI-enabled workflows for financial statement analysis. Learners will gain essential AI knowledge, hands-on experience with a range of AI tools, and the confidence to use AI effectively in their day-to-day work.
• Phase 2 will focus on applying AI to role-specific workflows across accounting, finance, auditing, taxation and related disciplines.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

According to newly released data from the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the capital injection spans 198 projects, covering the entire ecosystem, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hybrid systems, battery manufacturing, critical components, and charging infrastructure.

The investment surge comes as global automakers diversify supply chains away from geopolitical hotspots and establish regional hubs in Southeast Asia.

Unlike regional competitors focusing solely on pure electric vehicles, Thailand's policy framework supports a transition across all major propulsion technologies, including Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and BEVs.

"The transition to electric vehicles is both a global challenge and a massive opportunity," said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) and Secretary of the National EV Policy Board, speaking at the International Electric Vehicle Technology Conference (iEVTech) in Bangkok. "We must choose to be builders, not just consumers. By supporting all technologies—hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric—we allow legacy players and new entrants to invest and grow together, elevating Thai suppliers into the global value chain."

This strategy is already paying off in the market. In 2025, electrified vehicles accounted for over 40% of all new vehicle registrations in Thailand, with HEVs leading at 21.8%, closely followed by BEVs at 19.6%.

The $4.1 billion investment pipeline is highly distributed, showing deep integration across the supply chain rather than top-level vehicle assembly alone:

• Battery EVs (BEVs): $1.18 billion (approx. 39.5 billion baht) across 18 projects, establishing an annual domestic production capacity of over 370,000 units.
• Hybrids (HEV & PHEV): Combined investments of $1.18 billion (approx. 39.3 billion baht) across 14 projects, capitalizing on Japanese automakers' legacy hybrid technologies.
• Batteries & Energy Storage Systems (ESS): $1.00 billion (approx. 33.5 billion baht) across 57 projects, securing localized battery cell and pack manufacturing.
• Critical Components: $373 million (approx. 12.5 billion baht) across 49 projects, targeting high-value parts such as drive motors, battery management systems (BMS), and power control units.
• Charging Infrastructure: $292 million (approx. 9.8 billion baht) across 42 projects, funding over 22,900 charging stations nationwide, including more than 10,000 high-speed DC fast chargers.

This regulatory framework has pushed several major global automakers to localize production in Thailand. Mercedes-Benz Manufacturing pioneered local luxury BEV production in Thailand starting in 2022, followed by a major wave of Chinese EV manufacturers—including BYD, Great Wall Motor, SAIC Motor, and Aion—which established domestic assembly lines in 2024. The momentum continued into 2025 as Changan Auto and EV Primus launched their respective manufacturing operations, culminating in the 2026 production rollouts by South Korea's Hyundai Mobility and China's Omoda & Jaecoo. These manufacturing investments have culminated in the creation of more than 16,000 local jobs.

The BOI has also facilitated joint ventures and matchmaking through 18 "Sourcing Day" events. These sessions have paired more than 800 qualified Thai parts manufacturers with multinational automakers, resulting in over 1,200 business matches. The BOI estimates these sourcing links will generate over $1.79 billion (approx. 60 billion baht) in domestic procurement value, transitioning traditional tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers into the high-tech EV supply chain.

"Ultimately, we are leveraging sixty years of automotive expertise to position Thailand at the forefront of global mobility," Narit said. "Our goal is to ensure that local industry and local workforce are the ones driving this next chapter of growth."

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

When was Stavian Industrial Park established, and what has its development path looked like since then?

Built on the capabilities, experience, and global partner network of Stavian Group – a corporation at the forefront of infrastructure with four key pillars: Industry, Technology, Energy and Trading, Stavian IP was founded in 2018 with the vision of becoming a modern, professional, and sustainable IP developer in Vietnam.

Over the past years, the park has secured a stronger footprint in the market. The company has actively researched and developed IPs/ industrial clusters in localities with advantages in infrastructure, logistics, and investment attraction, including Hung Yen, Phu Tho, Thai Nguyen, and Khanh Hoa.

With a strategy centred on developing an integrated industrial ecosystem in line with green IP standards, Stavian IP provides a quality industrial land bank along with comprehensive support services. The efforts enhance investors’ competitiveness while also contributing to the local economic development. Today, the park has gradually asserted its position as a trusted infrastructure developer and a reliable partner for both domestic and international investors amid the ongoing global supply chain realignment.

What are the benefits for secondary investors and tenants when investing in the company’s IPs?

Stavian IP aims to create more value than just a simple production site. At our IPs, investors can gain access to well-planned infrastructure, a professional investment environment, and support services throughout the project implementation process.

Besides location and infrastructure, we also focus on building long-term partnerships with our clients by assisting with investment procedures, connecting them with service providers, and supporting them throughout the production and operation process. Investors who lease land gain access to Stavian Group's industrial, logistics, trade ecosystem and global partner network.

Leveraging Stavian Group’s foundation, we can connect businesses across our ecosystem, thereby opening up partnership opportunities, expanding supply chains, and enhancing operational efficiency for our investors.

What sectors does Stavian IP prioritise for investment attraction with its integrated, modern infrastructure?

Guided by our vision of developing modern, integrated, and sustainable IPs, Stavian IP gives priority to ventures that feature advanced technologies, efficient energy use, environmentally friendly operations, and the ability to deeply participate in global supply chains. Key focus areas include supporting industries, high-tech manufacturing, new materials, logistics, renewable energy, and green industries.

In addition, the park also lures businesses that are closely connected with Stavian Group’s industrial ecosystem. These businesses should operate in the fields of chemicals, petrochemicals, industrial materials, energy, and supporting industries. By fostering industry clusters, we aim to build an integrated production ecosystem that improves business efficiency while driving sustainable economic growth in the locality and the region.

What is the company's plan to secure more land for new projects?

We are steadily expanding our presence in provinces with industrial development potential and competitive advantages in infrastructure, logistics, and investment attraction. Our flagship projects include Stavian Hung Yen Industrial Cluster (66.5 hectares) and Stavian Phu Tho Industrial Park (145 ha). Meanwhile, site clearance and infrastructure development are underway for Stavian Thai Nguyen Industrial Park (128 ha) and Stavian Khanh Hoa Industrial Park (327 ha).

Stavian Hung Yen Industrial Cluster

Instead of pursuing rapid expansion at all costs, we remain committed to a selective development strategy with a focus on ventures that create long-term value for investors, the business community, and the locality. In the period 2026–2030, the company aims to develop approximately 5,000 ha of industrial land with proposed initiatives in Ho Chi Minh City, Hung Yen, Phu Tho, and Can Tho, as well as other ventures under study in Hanoi, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh.

Our overarching goal is to build green, smart, and sustainable IPs that meet the increasingly high demands of domestic and international investors.

How do your industrial parks contribute to local socioeconomic development and attract international investment?

We believe that an industrial park is not simply a real estate infrastructure project, it is also a driving force for socioeconomic development. Therefore, during the project implementation, we work closely with local authorities and communities through social welfare programmes, vocational training, recruitment support, and sustainable job creation for local workers.

Our projects have already delivered tangible benefits to local economies. Stavian Hung Yen Industrial Cluster has wooed 20 investment ventures with a total registered capital of approximately VND3.5 trillion ($134.6 million). The project is estimated to generate around 3,800 jobs. Meanwhile, Stavian Phu Tho Industrial Park has lured 16 investors with total capital of approximately VND4.25 trillion ($163.5 million). It is expected to employ around 5,000 workers. These figures serve as a testament to the contribution of our projects, ranging from creating jobs, increasing local budget revenue, and driving economic restructuring to forming an integrated industrial, service, and logistics ecosystem.

In addition, our IPs serve as a gateway to lure both domestic and foreign investment, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of localities during the international economic integration process. With a focus on developing modern, integrated, and sustainable IPs, we provide high-quality technical infrastructure while building a transparent and favourable investment environment, better meeting the requirements of global investors.

Stavian IP aims to develop approximately 5,000 ha of industrial land by 2030

As Vietnam continues to emerge as a strategic destination for global supply chain diversification and foreign investment inflows, green, smart, and sustainable IPs will play an increasingly important role in attracting high-quality foreign investment. Many of our customers come from advanced industrial economies such as Japan, South Korea, China, and other regional markets. They bring capital while contributing to technology transfer, management capacity, supply chain linkages, and helping Vietnamese businesses participate more deeply in the global production network.

We believe that the true value of an IP lies not in the occupancy rate but in the jobs created, the businesses developed, and the new opportunities opened up for local people. Stavian IP is developing industrial parks while building a green industrial infrastructure ecosystem that connects Vietnamese businesses with global supply chains and investment flows.

Each project is not just an investment destination but also a long-term commitment to the prosperity of the community, the sustainable development of the locality, and the growth of the Vietnamese economy on its journey towards international integration.

Stavian Recycling signs MoUs with European recycling technology firms Stavian Recycling JSC has signed agreements with two global players in plastic recycling technology to advance its rPET recycling plant in Vietnam.

Stavian Chemical ranks top 15 in ICIS global distributor list With bold global moves and green innovation, Stavian Chemical cements its position among the world’s top chemical players.

Sojitz inks deal with Stavian for forestry, energy, and chemical partnerships Japan’s Sojitz Corporation and Vietnam’s Stavian Group have signed an MoU to develop strategic partnerships across many fields, including forestry, energy, and chemicals.

Taking place from July 8-10 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand, the event is expected to welcome more than 10,000 trade visitors from over 70 countries and more than 400 exhibitors across the pharmaceutical value chain.

The international trade exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contract manufacturing organisations, biotechnology firms, investors, and industry experts, creating a regional platform for business matching, technology updates, and market expansion.

Covering a wide range of segments, CPHI South East Asia 2026 will feature pharmaceutical ingredients, packaging solutions, manufacturing machinery, cold chain logistics, natural extracts, cleanroom technologies, and specialised services for the pharma industry.

The event will also include focused showcases such as the Cleanroom Showcase and Natural Extract Zone, reflecting rising demand for advanced production standards and natural-based solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

A major highlight will be the conference and technical seminar programme, with more than 60 sessions dedicated to innovation, regulatory updates, manufacturing standards, and regional market trends.

The programme will be held across three dedicated conference rooms. The Bangkok room will focus on pharmaceutical research and development, including biopharma, advanced therapy medicinal products, and the application of AI in the industry.

The Delhi room will cover manufacturing and quality control topics such as GMP, cleanroom logistics, and operational optimisation. The Shanghai room will provide updates on ASEAN regulations, market opportunities, and regional business expansion strategies.

Beyond the exhibition and conferences, the event will feature an innovation stage showcasing solutions in packaging and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The ISPE Hackathon will offer an interactive platform for industry professionals to solve practical challenges, while the sustainability booth will highlight green initiatives and environmentally responsible practices.

Business matching will remain a central part of the event, supporting companies in identifying potential partners and exploring cross-border collaboration. National pavilions from China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are also expected to strengthen regional trade links.

For Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies, the event offers an opportunity to access new technologies, meet regional and global partners, and better understand evolving standards and regulations across ASEAN. As Vietnam’s pharmaceutical sector continues to invest in production capacity and quality improvements, participation in regional platforms can support stronger integration into the regional and global supply chain.

With its comprehensive exhibition ecosystem, technical content, and business networking, the event is positioned as a strategic meeting point for companies seeking growth, innovation, and partnerships in Southeast Asia’s pharmaceutical industry.

More information and visitor registration are available via the official CPHI South East Asia website and the event’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram channels.

The event is expected to welcome more than 10,000 trade visitors from over 70 countries and more than 400 exhibitors across the pharmaceutical value chain.

The company has informed customers and suppliers that Sendo Farm will stop operating on July 10, with the announcement also published on the platform's website and mobile application. The decision is intended to optimise resources, strengthen competitiveness, and restructure its business portfolio for the next phase of development.

Before closing, Sendo Farm will continue offering promotional activities until July 9. Customers with active membership packages will receive a full refund of the package value into their Farm Wallet.

Launched at the end of 2021, Sendo Farm was introduced as an online grocery shopping platform specialising in fresh food and agricultural products. The service operated under a next-day delivery model, allowing customers to place orders through the app and collect them the following day at nearby Farm Hub pick-up points rather than receiving home delivery.

Products were consolidated at central warehouses, sorted overnight, and distributed to a network of collection points, including convenience stores, pharmacies, and household-operated locations. The model helped reduce last-mile delivery costs and minimise inventory, particularly for fresh products with relatively low profit margins.

However, the platform faced intense competition across Vietnam's online food retail market. Besides traditional supermarkets expanding their digital sales channels, including WinMart, GO!,and MM Mega Market, on-demand grocery services such as GrabMart and ShopeeFood have also built extensive delivery networks and large customer bases.

Sendo Farm also competed with convenience store chains, traditional markets, and food-selling communities on social media, making it increasingly difficult to differentiate its business model.

The closure follows Sendo's strategic shift announced in April 2025, when the company exited the multicategory e-commerce marketplace business to focus entirely on online sales of agricultural products, fresh food, and daily consumer goods through Sendo Farm.

Founded in 2012 as an e-commerce platform under FPT Corporation, Sendo spent more than a decade competing with major players. The discontinuation of Sendo Farm now represents another retreat from Vietnam's online retail sector, after the company ended its traditional marketplace operations earlier this year.

“The company’s goal is to increase the scale of funding while building a development platform capable of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects, with long-term commitments and increasingly high management requirements,” he said.

The land bank expansion features the AnMaison project covering 13.6 hectares in the central downtown area of Haiphong, developed in cooperation with Frasers Property Limited.

The site has received a sales permit, with launches guided for late this year or early next year.

In addition, Gelex expects to acquire a site covering 113ha near Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai following guidance for the second quarter.

Groundbreaking for the Dong Nai project is anticipated by the end of the year, with a focus on meeting real demand following commercial operation of the airport.

Gelex is also conducting feasibility studies for transit-oriented development projects in Ho Chi Minh City, seeking further land bank expansion having real demand.

These new residential ventures will supplement Gelex's core business pillars. The industrial park segment targets a land bank expansion of roughly 2,000ha by 2030.

Meanwhile, the building materials division is experiencing a robust recovery, particularly in building glass, which saw revenue soar following the introduction of anti-dumping tariffs on imported construction glass products by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in February.

In the utilities segment, Gelex has secured investment approval for a 129 MW near-shore wind project in Can Tho as part of its 800 MW pipeline, while seeking a partner for commercial operation by 2030. The company is also exploring equity investment options for a data centre within Long Son Industrial Park.

To finance this large-scale expansion cycle and restructure debt linked to the airport venture, shareholders approved a private placement of 100 million new shares, aiming to raise an estimated $132 million. No dividends will be paid for 2025 and the current financial year.

The company’s management targeted a net revenue of $664 million for this year, representing an increase of 16 per cent from 2025, while projected profit before tax is set at $46.3 million. This follows preliminary first-half results for 2026, which yielded revenue above $320 million and a profit before tax of $39.2 million.

GELEX Infrastructure secures $40 million SACE Push loan for facility HSBC and the Italian Export Credit Agency have agreed a loan of $40 million for GELEX Infrastructure JSC.

Frasers Property and GELEX Infrastructure propose new joint venture Frasers Property and GELEX Infrastructure are expanding their partnership to pursue new real estate development opportunities in Vietnam, reflecting continued investor interest in the country’s property sector.

HSBC arranges $200m syndicated loan for GELEX Infrastructure HSBC Vietnam has arranged a $200 million syndicated term loan for GELEX Infrastructure, marking the company's debut offshore US dollar financing.

Data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance on July 3 showed that Vietnam's merchandise trade balance swung to a deficit of $16.65 billion in the first six months of 2026, compared to a surplus of $7.95 billion in the same period last year.

The agency stressed that the widening deficit should not be viewed as a warning sign, as the surge in imports was driven mainly by raw materials, machinery, and intermediate goods serving the manufacturing and processing industries.

Total import-export turnover reached $549.7 billion in the first half of the year, up 27.1 per cent on-year. Exports rose 21 per cent to $266.52 billion, while imports climbed 33.4 per cent to almost $283.2 billion.

In June alone, total trade turnover surpassed $104.2 billion, increasing 5.2 per cent from the previous month and 36.3 per cent on-year. Exports amounted to $50.8 billion, up 8.2 per cent on-month, while imports reached $53.43 billion, up 2.5 per cent, resulting in a monthly trade deficit of $2.64 billion.

Second-quarter exports were estimated at $143.6 billion, up 22.7 per cent on-year and 16.8 per cent compared to the first quarter. Imports were estimated at $156.6 billion, rising over 39 per cent on-year and 23.7 per cent on-quarter.

According to the NSO, import growth outpacing exports reflects expanding demand for production inputs and the strong recovery of manufacturing activities, particularly in the foreign-invested sector.

Nguyen Thu Oanh, director of the Service and Price Statistics Department under the NSO, said the trade deficit should be assessed based on the composition of imports rather than the headline figure alone.

"The current import growth demonstrates the adaptability of Vietnamese enterprises despite an increasingly uncertain global environment," Oanh said.

"The key point is that imports are concentrated in production materials, raw materials, and manufacturing inputs rather than finished consumer goods. This indicates that businesses are proactively securing machinery, materials, and production inputs to expand output and meet future market demand."

According to Oanh, the import structure also reflects growing business confidence in production and export prospects for the remainder of the year.

She noted that the current trade deficit remains manageable, with the more important issue being the long-term sustainability of Vietnam's external trade through greater market diversification and reduced dependence on a limited number of trading partners.

Export performance remained resilient during the first half of the year, with 29 export items generating more than $1 billion each, accounting for 92.1 per cent of total export turnover. Five product groups exceeded $10 billion, representing 62.6 per cent of total exports.

Electronics, computers, and components remained Vietnam's largest export category at $71.16 billion, soaring 49.1 per cent on-year. Machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts ranked second with $33.24 billion, up 23.6 per cent, followed by phones and components at $31.69 billion, up 17.8 per cent.

Garment exports reached $18.86 billion, edging up 0.9 per cent, while footwear exports totalled $11.95 billion, up 0.5 per cent.

Manufactured goods continued to dominate Vietnam's export basket, generating $239.8 billion and accounting for 90 per cent of total exports. Agricultural and forestry products contributed $19.23 billion, equivalent to 7.2 per cent, followed by seafood at $5.76 billion, or 2.2 per cent. Fuel and mineral exports stood at $1.73 billion, representing 0.6 per cent.

The United States remained Vietnam's largest export market, with exports reaching $86.5 billion during the first half of the year. China continued to be Vietnam's largest import source, with imports valued at $115.2 billion.

Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $75.3 billion with the United States, up 21.3 per cent on-year, while its surplus with the EU increased 15.2 per cent to $21.9 billion. The surplus with Japan edged down 5 per cent to $1.2 billion.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's trade deficit with China widened to $77.3 billion, up 39 per cent from a year earlier. The deficit with South Korea surged 81 per cent to $26.4 billion, while the deficit with ASEAN expanded 36.1 per cent to $10.1 billion.

The NSO concluded that stronger import growth should be interpreted in the context of expanding production capacity and manufacturers' preparation for export orders in the coming quarters, rather than as a sign of weakening trade fundamentals.

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), total registered FDI in Vietnam as of the end of June, including newly registered capital, additional capital for existing projects, and foreign investors' capital contributions and share purchases, reached $34.65 billion, an increase of 61 per cent on-year.

Regarding newly registered investments, 2,013 projects were licensed with a total registered capital of $17.39 billion, up 1.3 per cent in the number of projects and 87.2 per cent in registered capital on-year.

The manufacturing and processing industry attracted the largest share of newly registered FDI, with $10.76 billion, accounting for 61.9 per cent of total newly registered capital. The electricity, gas, water supply and air conditioning sector received $3.08 billion, representing 17.7 per cent, while all other sectors accounted for $3.55 billion, or 20.4 per cent.

Among the 63 countries and territories with newly licensed investment projects in Vietnam during the first half of 2026, Singapore remained the largest investor, with $7.31 billion, accounting for 42.1 per cent of total newly registered capital. It was followed by South Korea with $5.45 billion (31.4 per cent), Japan with $1.2 billion (6.9 per cent), and China with $977 million (5.6 per cent).

Additional registered capital for existing projects also increased. During the six months, 541 previously licensed projects registered additional investment totalling $11.04 billion, up 23.5 per cent on-year.

Combining newly registered capital and additional capital for existing projects, the manufacturing and processing industry attracted $17.91 billion, accounting for 63 per cent of the total. The real estate sector received $5.1 billion (17.9 per cent), while the remaining sectors accounted for $5.42 billion (19.1 per cent).

Foreign investors also made 1,446 capital contribution and share purchase transactions, with a combined value of $6.22 billion, an increase of 89.5 per cent from a year earlier. Of these, 413 transactions worth $2.15 billion increased the charter capital of Vietnamese enterprises, while 1,033 transactions worth $4.07 billion involved the acquisition of existing domestic shares without increasing charter capital.

By sector, foreign capital contributions and share purchases were concentrated in professional, scientific and technological activities, which attracted $2.64 billion, accounting for 42.4 per cent of the total transaction value. Wholesale and retail trade, and the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, received $1.94 billion (31.1 per cent), while the remaining sectors attracted $1.65 billion (26.5 per cent).

Meanwhile, realised FDI in Vietnam during the first half of 2026 was estimated at $13.03 billion, up 11.2 per cent on-year and representing the highest first-half disbursement level in the past five years.

Of the total realised FDI, the manufacturing and processing industry accounted for $10.76 billion, or 82.6 per cent. The real estate sector attracted $965.2 million (7.4 per cent), while the electricity, gas, hot water, steam and air conditioning supply sector received $479.2 million, accounting for 3.7 per cent of the total.

Hanoi teams up with UOB to upgrade FDI quality A new agreement between UOB Vietnam and Hanoi Department of Finance aims to channel high-grade foreign investment into priority sectors, while also opening regional doors for local enterprises.

Global investors welcome Resolution 10 focus on high-quality FDI International investors welcomed Resolution No.10-NQ/TW on developing the foreign-invested economic sector, highlighting a shift to quality foreign direct investment and the importance of reforms, capital markets, and stronger domestic suppliers.

Manufacturing sector ends the first half of 2026 on a positive note Vietnam's manufacturing sector remained in growth territory in June, supported by rising demand in new orders and easing inflationary pressures.

PSA Vietnam is a subsidiary of PSA International, a leading global port operator. The investment, with an annual handling capacity of 4.5 million TEUs, reinforces PSA’s Node to Network strategy, which aims to create greater resilience, connectivity and value across its global network of ports and supply chain ecosystems.

This joint venture will develop into a major hub by establishing a strategic gateway presence in North Vietnam. PSA will strengthen connectivity to key international markets through established and emerging trade lanes across the regions and around the world. This will further reinforce Vietnam’s role as a strategic gateway into global trade flows.

The development also complements PSA’s existing projects in North Vietnam, including its inland container depot facilities in Bac Ninh. Together with the new deep-sea terminal at Lach Huyen, these facilities will form an integrated logistics ecosystem that seamlessly connects inland cargo hubs with global shipping networks. This enhanced connectivity will enable PSA to provide end-to-end multimodal logistics solutions and deliver greater value to cargo owners, logistics service providers and shipping lines.

Development of the first two berths is scheduled to start at the end of 2026 and is expected to be completed in 2028. The remaining two berths will be developed in a subsequent phase, with full completion targeted by 2035.

Nelson Quek, regional CEO Southeast Asia, PSA International, said, “Vietnam is one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly growing economies and this project reflects PSA’s long-term commitment to the market. By adding a strategic deep-sea hub at Lach Huyen to our existing network, we are strengthening our Node to Network strategy and enhancing connectivity across regional and global supply chains. Together with LHF, we look forward to building a resilient, future-ready hub that creates long-term value for our customers and stakeholders.”

Nguyen Vinh Hau, general director of LHF, said, “The development of Lach Huyen Port is an important milestone in our vision to establish Northern Vietnam as a leading logistics and industrial gateway in Asia."

"Through our partnership with PSA, we are combining global port expertise with deep local market knowledge and the advantages of Haiphong City’s Free Trade Zone to develop world-class infrastructure that will support future trade growth, attract investment, and strengthen Vietnam’s role in global supply chains. We look forward to building an efficient and sustainable gateway that serves the needs of businesses for decades to come."

Hateco and A.P. Moller - Maersk deepen logistics infrastructure cooperation in Vietnam Hateco Group and A.P. Moller - Maersk are seeking to expand cooperation in ports, logistics, and supply chain infrastructure, following a meeting between senior executives at Hateco Haiphong International Container Terminal on June 23.

SLP Vietnam partner with J&T Express on automated sorting hub SLP Vietnam has signed a partnership agreement with J&T Express Vietnam to develop an automated sorting facility supporting the expansion of the country's logistics and e-commerce infrastructure.

CGIF backs SCommerce's $22.3m bond to advance Vietnam's logistics sector An Asian Development Bank trust fund – Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility – has guaranteed SCommerce Investment Corporation’s debut bond issuance, a seven-year, VND580 billion ($22.3 million) fixed-rate amortising bond.

To make every stay even more rewarding, Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh introduces the Fullboard Package from $288++ per night for two guests, featuring accommodation in a Studio Residence Seaview, daily buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, round-trip airport transfers, access to the Rope Park, water park, Little Birds Club, fitness centre, and various recreational activities for the whole family. It is the perfect choice for those seeking a seamless, comfortable, and worry-free holiday experience.

Joining this year's summer adventure is Mio, an adorable little whale on a quest to find his way home. Through the interactive programme Mio's Journey Home, guests will embark on an exciting exploration around the resort, taking part in challenges, collecting stamps, and uncovering new stories along the way. Beyond the fun and excitement, the journey also promotes positive values of kindness, sharing, and a deeper appreciation for marine life and ocean conservation.

“Move with the Summer Groove” is a themed event series running from May to October, offering diverse experiences for guests of all ages.

May marked the first journey of creativity inspired by nature and the message of sustainable living where guests could explore artworks made from recycled materials, join hands-on craft activities, and spread environmental awareness through artistic expression.

And June brought an Ocean Odyssey, inspiring a voyage into the heart of the ocean featuring exciting water sports, vibrant pool parties, and a culinary journey through the flavours of the sea with fresh, carefully selected seafood from Cam Ranh’s coastal waters.

Mövenpick offers its signature world of chocolate, from the iconic Chocolate Hour to chocolate-making workshops and engaging family-friendly activities

During July, Mövenpick’s signature world of chocolate comes to life through a series of indulgent experiences. From the iconic Chocolate Hour to chocolate-making workshops and engaging family-friendly activities, the month is filled with sweetness, colour, and inspiration.

According to the NSO under the Ministry of Finance, nearly 111,700 enterprises were newly established nationwide in the first half of 2026, up 22.5 per cent on-year.

More notably, capital flowing into the economy recorded exceptional growth, with total newly registered capital exceeding VND1,352.6 trillion ($53 billion), an increase of 64.8 per cent on-year.

As a result, the average registered capital per newly established enterprise reached $474,000, up 34.5 per cent on-year. In June alone, this figure climbed to a record $667,000, surging 134.8 per cent over a year, indicating that newly established businesses entered the market with significantly stronger financial capacity.

Including additional capital injections into existing businesses, total capital channelled into the economy reached nearly $121.5 billion, up 11.3 per cent on-year.

Business activity also continued to recover, with more than 58,100 enterprises resuming operations during the six-month period. This brought the total number of newly established and reactivated businesses to over 169,800, equivalent to an average of 28,300 enterprises entering or re-entering the market each month.

By sector, the services industry accounted for the largest share of newly established businesses, with more than 83,100 enterprises, up 18.1 per cent on-year. The industry and construction sector followed with over 27,400 enterprises, a rise of 37.2 per cent, while agriculture, forestry and fisheries recorded 1,151 new enterprises, posting the fastest growth rate of 41.6 per cent.

Despite the strong inflow of new businesses, the economy continued to undergo significant market consolidation as business exits remained elevated.

During the first six months of the year, 85,900 enterprises temporarily suspended operations, up 6.3 per cent on-year. Nearly 41,200 enterprises ceased operations while awaiting dissolution procedures, an increase of 21 per cent, while almost 24,000 enterprises completed dissolution procedures, soaring 94.7 per cent from a year earlier.

On average, around 25,200 enterprises exited the market each month. The trend was evident across industries. The wholesale, retail and vehicle repair sector recorded the largest number of newly established enterprises at 45,821, up 19.4 per cent, but also posted the highest number of dissolutions at 9,069, nearly doubling from a year earlier.

The manufacturing and processing sector registered 14,904 new enterprises, up 25.3 per cent, while 2,582 enterprises were dissolved, an increase of 95 per cent. Similar patterns were observed in other sectors. The construction industry saw 10,805 new enterprises, up 51.6 per cent, alongside 1,749 dissolutions, up 101 per cent. In the real estate sector, 3,192 enterprises were newly established, while the number of dissolved businesses surged 120.3 per cent to 1,463.

Despite the wave of market exits, the NSO's business sentiment survey for the second quarter of 2026 indicated that confidence among manufacturers has strengthened ahead of the second half of the year.

In the second quarter, 79.7 per cent of surveyed enterprises reported that business conditions had either improved or remained stable, a marked improvement from 69.9 per cent in the previous quarter.

Looking ahead to the third quarter, business optimism strengthened, with 83.4 per cent of enterprises expecting conditions to improve or remain stable. Of these, 39.4 per cent anticipated better business conditions, while 44 per cent expected stability. Only 16.6 per cent expressed concerns about deteriorating conditions.

Foreign-invested enterprises were the most optimistic, with 85.2 per cent expecting business conditions in the third quarter to improve or remain stable. The corresponding figures were 82.8 per cent for private domestic enterprises and 80.5 per cent for state-owned enterprises.

The positive outlook was underpinned by expectations of stronger production and order volumes. Regarding production, 38.9 per cent of enterprises expected output to increase in the third quarter, up from 37.8 per cent reporting higher output in the second quarter, while 45.9 per cent anticipated stable production.

Expectations for new orders also improved. The proportion of enterprises forecasting an increase in total new orders in the third quarter rose to 37 per cent, compared with 33.9 per cent in the second quarter, while 47.6 per cent expected order volumes to remain stable.

Export demand also showed signs of strengthening. 31.2 per cent of enterprises expected new export orders to increase in the third quarter, up significantly from 26.2 per cent in the previous quarter, while 53.5 per cent anticipated export orders would remain stable.

Vietnam aims for 100,000 digital tech businesses by 2030 Vietnam is synchronising policy mechanisms and implementation to achieve the goal of having 100,000 digital technology businesses by 2030, a government official has said.

Family businesses face succession hurdles Vietnamese family-owned enterprises are entering a defining moment as their founders prepare to hand over the reins to the next-generation amid ambitious expansion plans and an evolving macroeconomic landscape.

Over 100 businesses train on GHG inventory reporting More than 100 businesses in terms of thermal power, cement and iron and steel sectors participated in the two-day training course on strengthening the capacity of the greenhouse gas inventory reporting system at the grassroots level.

However, capital flows remain highly selective. Within the property sector, analysts expect business performance and share price movements to continue diverging among companies.

Even so, the sector's overall outlook remains positive, particularly for industrial real estate developers, thanks to multiple supportive factors.

Industrial real estate market is regarded to have enormous potential for development

Industry experts believe industrial real estate will be among the biggest direct beneficiaries of Resolution No.10-NQ/TW, issued on June 8, 2026.

The resolution sets out specific targets for developing Vietnam's foreign-invested economic sector during 2026-2030 and through 2045, positioning the country as a leading destination for high-quality FDI, particularly in high-tech industries such as electronics, semiconductor manufacturing and AI.

FDI inflows have maintained strong momentum during the first months of 2026. Total registered FDI reached $24.8 billion in the first five months, up 34.9 per cent on-year, while disbursed FDI amounted to $9.75 billion, an increase of 9.6 per cent.

Although further guiding documents are still needed to assess the full impact of investment incentives and policy measures, Resolution 10 is widely viewed as an important catalyst for both FDI and foreign indirect investment (FII), supporting Vietnam's market upgrade prospects and improving valuations of leading listed firms.

Reputable industrial real estate developers with large land banks, well-developed infrastructure connectivity, and the ability to meet ecological industrial park standards –including Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation, Becamex IDC Corporation, IDICO Corporation, and Viglacera Corporation – are expected to benefit significantly from the resolution.

Matthew Smith, head of Research at Yuanta Securities Vietnam, noted that the industrial real estate sector would also benefit from new credit policies.

In late May, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Official Letter No.4551/NHNN-CSTT to credit institutions, allowing additional outstanding loans for social housing, industrial parks and export processing zones to be excluded from the real estate credit growth ceiling throughout 2026.

The policy, effective from January 1 to December 31, 2026, does not represent a broad easing of credit for the entire real estate market.

Instead, it is intended to redirect capital towards segments that support manufacturing, FDI attraction and genuine housing demand, while maintaining tighter credit controls over commercial and speculative property.

According to Yuanta Securities Vietnam, industrial real estate developers are expected to benefit from the policy, particularly companies with relatively high leverage such as BCM, IDC, KBC and VGC.

Meanwhile, FDI data for the first five months of the year suggests growing interest from new FDI inflow. This contrasts with 2025, when FDI growth was concentrated in existing projects while new investments slowed, reflecting investor caution amid an uncertain global outlook.

Alongside supportive domestic policies, the recovery in FDI inflows is expected to continue, driven by rapidly rising global demand for semiconductors and AI technologies.

Analysts at VPBank Securities (VPBankS) said the semiconductor boom would encourage manufacturers to expand production capacity.

Vietnam is expected to remain an appealing investment destination by virtue of its strategic location, political stability, national strategies for attracting investment and developing the semiconductor and high-tech industries, as well as its compelling ecosystem of electronics and semiconductor manufacturers.

According to VPBankS data, valuations of industrial real estate stocks generally remain at relatively attractive levels.

“Despite lingering tariff-related risks, their impact on FDI in the electronics, semiconductor and high-tech sectors remains limited. With FDI into these sectors continuing its strong recovery and oil prices gradually easing, we believe investing in industrial real estate stocks capable of attracting electronics, semiconductor and high-tech manufacturers can help mitigate tariff-related risks,” VPBankS said.

Key trends shape industrial property Vietnam is expected to undergo a transformation in how it builds and operates industrial areas. Truong Gia Bao, vice chairman and secretary general of the Vietnam Industrial Real Estate Association, shared with VIR’s Bich Ngoc his insights on the key development trends shaping Vietnam’s industrial property sector.

CEO Group breaks ground on first industrial park in Haiphong Free Trade Zone Amid Vietnam’s strong shift from attracting investment by quantity to selecting and guiding capital flows based on quality, on January 15, CEO Group officially broke ground on Tien Lang Airport Industrial Park – Zone B (CEOZone Haiphong) project in Chan Hung commune, Haiphong city.

Industrial real estate enters new cycle Entering 2026, Vietnam’s industrial real estate market is increasingly feeling the impact of geopolitical uncertainties and the global supply chain restructuring trend.

The National Statistics Office in Hanoi on July 3 releases economic statistics for the first six months. Photo: Nguyen Thu

Data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance on July 3 showed that the industrial and construction sector maintained solid momentum during the first six months of the year, while the services sector continued to benefit from recovering domestic consumption, tourism, and trade.

Industrial value-added expanded by 9.86 per cent on-year during the period, contributing 40.35 per cent to Vietnam's overall economic growth.

Manufacturing remained the largest growth driver, posting growth of 10.23 per cent and accounting for 33.07 per cent of GDP growth. Electricity production and distribution rose 9.34 per cent, contributing 5.14 per cent, while mining expanded 6.67 per cent, contributing 1.60 per cent. Water supply, waste management, and wastewater treatment increased 7.72 per cent, contributing 0.54 per cent. Meanwhile, the construction sector grew 9.51 per cent, contributing 6.85 per cent.

Phi Thu Nga, director of the Industry and Construction Statistics Department under the NSO, said industrial production delivered encouraging results during the first half of the year, with manufacturing continuing to underpin economic expansion.

"Industrial production recorded positive growth in the first six months of the year, particularly manufacturing, which has continued to affirm its role as one of the economy's key growth drivers," Nga said.

According to Nga, the sector's performance has been supported by three major factors.

The first is the continued expansion of foreign direct investment (FDI) into manufacturing. She said an increasing number of foreign-led projects licensed in recent years have now entered production, adding new manufacturing capacity and creating additional growth momentum for the second half of the year.

The figures support this trend. Realised FDI reached an estimated $13.03 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 11.2 per cent on-year and the highest level recorded for the first half of any year over the past five years.

Manufacturing attracted the largest share of realised FDI at $10.76 billion, accounting for 82.6 per cent of the total. Real estate business activities followed with $965.2 million, representing 7.4 per cent, while electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply attracted $479.2 million, equivalent to 3.7 per cent.

The second growth driver has been the recovery of export orders since the second quarter.

Nga noted that electronics and computer manufacturers in Vietnam have expanded production as they enter new production cycles and launch new product lines. At the same time, garments and textiles producers, together with footwear manufacturers, have maintained stable production despite continued uncertainties in global markets.

Public investment has become the third major growth catalyst.

Accelerating disbursement of major infrastructure projects has supported construction activity directly but also generated spillover effects across industries producing construction materials, machinery, equipment, and supporting industrial products.

Business sentiment also points to improvement. According to the NSO's quarterly business tendency survey, 36.3 per cent of manufacturing enterprises reported better business conditions in the second quarter compared to the previous. Looking ahead, 39.4 per cent expect business performance to improve in the third quarter.

Beyond industry, services continued to provide an important pillar of economic growth, driven by stronger domestic demand.

Retail sales of goods and consumer services maintained healthy growth during the first half of the year, while tourism continued to recover as both international and domestic visitor numbers increased. Transport, accommodation, food services, and other consumer-related activities also posted positive growth, supporting the broader services sector.

Despite the positive outlook, Nga cautioned that manufacturers will continue to face challenges during the second half of the year.

She noted that businesses remain under pressure from narrowing profit margins as production costs rise, while the international trade environment continues to present uncertainties.

"To sustain industrial growth, it is important to maintain lending rates at appropriate levels while ensuring stable supplies of production materials, so businesses can confidently expand operations," Nga said.

The NSO believes that with manufacturing maintaining its momentum, export orders continuing to recover, foreign-invested projects expanding production, and public investment generating stronger spillover effects, industry and services will remain Vietnam's two principal growth drivers throughout the remainder of 2026.

Plastic Bag Free Day was launched at GO! Thang Long shopping centre in Hanoi on July 3. Photo: ISPAE

The campaign brings together major retailers including Central Retail Vietnam, Lotte Mart Vietnam, Aeon Vietnam, MM Mega Market Vietnam, and TH true mart, with support from Unilever Vietnam, the Hanns Seidel Foundation Vietnam, the Pacific Environment, and the Vietnam Foundation.

Speaking at the launch, Nguyen Trung Thang, deputy director of ISPAE, said that building a circular economy in the retail sector required practical changes in both business operations and consumer behaviour.

“Reducing the use of single-use plastic bags, encouraging customers to bring reusable shopping bags, improving waste sorting at source, and strengthening post-consumption packaging collection and recycling are essential steps to close the product life cycle and build a more sustainable consumption ecosystem,” Thang said.

Retailers have increasingly adopted measures to reduce plastic waste while encouraging more sustainable shopping habits.

Central Retail Vietnam announced that it has completed the conversion of 100 per cent of plastic carrier bags at checkout counters to biodegradable alternatives, while more than 90 per cent of packaging used at its deli counters has been replaced with environmentally friendly materials across its supermarket network.

Chalermchai Pornsiripiyakool, vice president of International Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility at Central Retail Vietnam, said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and supporting the government’s sustainable consumption agenda.

“We believe this year’s Plastic Bag Free Day campaign will help encourage greener lifestyles and strengthen public awareness of environmental protection,” he said.

Plastic waste remains one of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. While a typical plastic bag is used for only around 12 minutes, it can take up to 500 years to decompose. Only a small proportion of plastic waste is recycled, with most ending up in landfills or leaking into the natural environment.

ISPAE estimates that around 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced globally each year, highlighting the urgent need for stronger collaboration between governments, businesses, and consumers to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy.

Other retailers have also introduced a wide range of initiatives to reduce single-use plastics.

Since 2019, MM Mega Market Vietnam has stopped providing free plastic bags at checkout counters nationwide, while encouraging customers to bring reusable bags, reuse cardboard boxes, and participate in waste collection and recycling programmes.

Similarly, Lotte Mart Vietnam has pursued a long-term strategy to minimise plastic waste through green consumption campaigns and continuous improvements to environmentally friendly store operations.

Photo: AEON Vietnam

Meanwhile, AEON Vietnam has implemented multiple initiatives across its shopping centres and supermarkets to reduce plastic bag consumption. In addition to using 100 per cent plastic bags certified under the Vietnam Ecolabel programme, the retailer offers reusable shopping bags, operates bag rental services, introduces bag-free checkout counters, and organises monthly plastic bag-free days.

The company aims for 80 per cent of transactions by AEON member customers to be completed without plastic bags by 2030, as part of its broader sustainability commitments.

The National Statistics Office (NSO) has just released the socioeconomic report on July 3, indicating GDP is estimated to have grown 8.39 per cent in the April–June period from a year earlier. GDP growth for the first half of the year is estimated at 8.18 per cent, higher than the 7.63 per cent recorded in the same period last year.

The industry, construction and services sectors continued to account for the largest share of the economy, providing the main impetus for growth.

Within the industry and construction sector, industrial production maintained strong momentum, supported by strengthened growth drivers, a recovery in export orders and positive spillover effects from public investment. Value added in the sector rose 9.86 per cent in the first six months from a year earlier, contributing 40.35 per cent of the economy's overall increase in value added.

The services sector, including trade and transport, also posted solid growth as stronger consumer demand boosted goods circulation and travel. Value added in the sector increased 8.09 per cent on-year.

Meanwhile, agriculture maintained stable growth as export markets for agricultural products continued to expand. Value added in the sector rose 3.57 per cent from the same period last year.

In the first half of the year, Vietnam is estimated to have recorded a trade deficit of $16.65 billion, reversing a trade surplus of $7.95 billion in the same period last year. Total merchandise trade reached $549.7 billion, with both exports and imports rising by 21–37.3 per cent on-year.

The US remained Vietnam's largest export market, with export turnover reaching $86.5 billion. China was Vietnam's largest source of imports, with import turnover totalling $115.2 billion during the six months.

The NSO also reported that around 169,800 enterprises were newly established or resumed operations in the first half of the year, equivalent to an average of 28,300 businesses per month. Meanwhile, approximately 151,100 enterprises suspended operations or exited the market, averaging 25,200 businesses each month.

A business sentiment survey covering the manufacturing and processing industry showed that 36.3 per cent of enterprises were optimistic about business conditions in the second quarter. The proportion expecting conditions to improve in the third quarter is forecast to rise to 39.4 per cent.

Average consumer price inflation (CPI) in the second quarter increased by 5.25 per cent on-year. For the first six months of 2025, average CPI rose 4.38 per cent from a year earlier, while core inflation increased 4.12 per cent.

Nguyen Thi Huong, director general of the NSO, said, "Despite continued global economic and political uncertainty, escalating armed conflicts, and other external risks, Vietnam's first-half growth performance has been positive. Macroeconomic fundamentals remained stable, inflation was kept under control, supplies of essential goods were secured, and both domestic consumption and tourism recorded healthy growth."

However, she warned that the economy is likely to face significant challenges in the second half of the year because of its high degree of openness and exposure to global economic and geopolitical developments. "Achieving double-digit growth for the full year remains a major challenge given the economy's high level of openness and vulnerability to external shocks," she said.

Huong recommended that policymakers manage fuel prices flexibly and avoid adjusting multiple state-administered prices simultaneously to help contain inflationary pressures. She also called for faster administrative reforms, quicker disbursement of public investment, stronger measures to stimulate domestic consumption, and further efforts to diversify and expand export markets.

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 6.8 per cent in 2026, following an 8 per cent expansion in 2025.

OECD projects GDP growth of 6.5 per cent for Vietnam this year Vietnam's GDP is projected to grow by 6.5 per cent in 2026 and 6.2 per cent in 2027, a slowdown amid uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and US trade policy, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has said.

UOB sees resilience amid cost pressures and external strains According to a June 12 report by UOB (United Overseas Bank), recent data paint a mixed near-term picture, with higher energy costs dampening momentum.