Photo: the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam

Based on responses from 33 Swedish companies in Vietnam, the survey presents a business community that remains engaged, optimistic and confident about future opportunities.

“Vietnam has developed into one of the most dynamic economies in Southeast Asia, and the long-standing relationship between Sweden and Vietnam provides a strong foundation for deeper economic cooperation. Swedish companies bring not only investment but also experience in sustainable solutions and innovation that support Vietnam’s continued development,” said the Ambassador of Sweden to Vietnam Johan Ndisi.

Vietnam’s economic performance continues to support investor confidence. In 2025, GDP growth reached 8.02 per cent, outperforming earlier projections and reinforcing the country’s position among the world’s fastest-growing economies. This follows a solid growth of 7.09 per cent in 2024, already above international forecasts.

Swedish companies share this positive trajectory. In 2026, 61 per cent expect industry turnover to increase. Together with 81 per cent recorded in 2025 the last two years reflect a stable and forward-looking business sentiment.

Sweden: a long-term partner in Vietnam’s growth journey

Sweden aims to play a constructive role as a long-term partner in Vietnam’s development, contributing through trade, investment and knowledge exchange. The survey also highlights the strength of Sweden’s reputation in Vietnam, with 81 per cent of Swedish companies confirming that “Brand Sweden” supports their business, reflecting positive associations with high quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Hitachi is one of the largest Swedish businesses in Vietnam. Photo: the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam

This is reinforced by strong local partnerships and long-standing presence in key sectors aligned with Vietnam’s development priorities, such as health, infrastructure and trusted connectivity contributing to the green and digital transformation.

Vietnam’s deep integration in global value chains continue to engage both new investors and old projects expanding their operations. Nearly half of Swedish firms in the 2026 survey established their presence after 2020, underlining the market’s increasing attractiveness.

In 2026, half of Swedish companies plan to increase their investments. Although slightly down from 59 per cent in 2025, this figure indicates sustained confidence in Vietnam’s long-term growth potential and a resilient investment outlook.

“The survey confirms what we see on the ground: Swedish companies are taking a long-term, steady approach to Vietnam. There is a willingness to invest, but also a clear focus on building sustainable and locally anchored operations. Continued improvements in the regulatory environment would further strengthen Vietnam’s already strong position as an investment destination,” said Marcus Persson, Trade Commissioner of Sweden to Vietnam.

Improving business climate with remaining challenges

The survey shows a notable improvement in the overall business environment. In 2026, 67 per cent of the companies describe the business climate as good or very good, compared to 46 per cent in 2025.

Swedish companies report high satisfaction with Vietnam’s strong supplier base, reliable distribution networks, and overall sense of safety as key advantages. These factors continue to make the country an increasingly attractive place to operate.

Photo: the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam

At the same time, challenges remain. Companies point to customs procedures, licenses processes and regulatory complexity as areas requiring further improvement. These findings are consistent with the 2025 survey, where 40 per cent of companies identified customs procedures as a major obstacle, indicating that administrative simplification remains an important priority for reform.

Sustainability transition gaining momentum

Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is increasingly reflected in business activity. However, the survey indicates that sustainability is still evolving in practice. In 2026, 59 per cent of companies report that environmental factors influence customers purchasing decisions.

Swedish companies are actively supporting Vietnam’s green transition, particularly in renewable energy and sustainable industrial solutions. At the same time, they emphasize the importance of clearer regulatory frameworks and improved infrastructure to accelerate progress.

The findings confirm Vietnam’s position as a dynamic and attractive market for Swedish companies. Continued progress on regulatory transparency, administrative efficiency, and infrastructure will be important to sustain momentum and unlock further investment.

Overall, Swedish companies view Vietnam as a long-term growth market and strategic partner. With investment interest remaining strong, business sentiment improving, and opportunities expanding across sectors, Swedish firms remain committed to supporting Vietnam's economic development, innovation, and sustainable transformation.

Swedish Pavilion at GEFE 2024 The Swedish Pavilion is showcasing innovative green solutions at the ongoing Green Economy Forum and Exhibition (GEFE) 2024, aiming to boost cooperation between the two countries towards net-zero.

Leading Swedish names increase Vietnamese focus Swedish companies are stepping up large-scale investment ventures in Vietnam with an increased focus on technology and innovation.

Strengthening Swedish–Vietnamese innovation and trade ties Sweden is strengthening ties with Vietnam on sustainable development and green infrastructure through a high-level visit.

On June 10, senior leaders of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) held a meeting with Gulf Energy Group (Thailand) to discuss future power projects.

At the meeting, Chaichawin Tantiyankul, general director of Gulf Energy's Southeast Asia Energy Division, proposed developing several wind and LNG power projects in Vietnam in the coming period.

Chairman of EVN Dang Hoang An said, “In the context of continuously increasing electricity demand for socioeconomic development, Vietnam needs to mobilise diverse resources to develop new power sources. EVN supports and is ready to cooperate with Gulf Energy in the research process for these projects.”

The EVN leader also urged the Thai energy group to work closely with relevant authorities, localities, and partners to accelerate research and development of wind, LNG, and other suitable energy projects in Vietnam.

At a meeting with Thai business leaders on May 27, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam encouraged Thai firms to expand high-quality investment in strategic sectors that support Vietnam's sustainable development goals.

Sarath Ratanavadi, chief executive of Gulf Energy Development, reaffirmed the group's ambition to become a long-term strategic partner of Vietnam. He said the company aims to strengthen the country's energy security through investments in LNG and renewable energy projects.

Before pursuing LNG developments, Gulf Energy had already established a renewable energy footprint in Vietnam through subsidiaries and joint-venture partners.

In the solar sector, Gulf Energy partnered with TTC Group to develop two projects in Tay Ninh province that are now commercially operational. TTC Project No.1 has a capacity of 68.8MWp and an investment value of about $65 million, while TTC Project No.2 has a capacity of 50MWp with investment of approximately $50 million.

The group has also brought three nearshore wind power projects into operation in Vinh Long province, with a combined capacity of 128MW. According to previous announcements, Gulf Energy is planning to expand the capacity of the Binh Dai offshore wind power project in Ben Tre province to 310MW.

Innomotics secures major eLNG drive orders to accelerate LNG electrification The motor and drive manufacturer received large orders for electric liquefied natural gas drives globally, helping reduce emissions in LNG transport.

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.

PV Power shakes hands with SK Group on Quynh Lap LNG thermal power plant On May 18, the 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 with a total investment of nearly $2.2 billion.

Thailand’s B.Grimm Power and PV Power join forces to develop LNG power plant On May 28, B.Grimm Power and PV Power signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop the Vung Ang III LNG Power Plant in Ha Tinh province.

Alternative finance becomes an increasingly distinct component of Vietnam’s consumer credit landscape

For many years, alternative finance was regarded as an underserved segment of the consumer credit ecosystem, serving borrowers who had limited access to bank financing or traditional consumer finance companies.

However, according to FiinGroup, a financial data, credit rating, and analytics major, the role of the sector is changing rapidly as it becomes an increasingly distinct component of Vietnam’s consumer credit landscape.

The market is currently shaped by four main business models: pawn lending, payday loans, buy now, pay later (BNPL), and peer-to-peer lending.

Despite differences in their operating models, these segments share a common characteristic: meeting demand for small-ticket loans, rapid disbursement, and serving customer groups that remain underserved by the traditional credit system.

According to FiinGroup’s estimates, the total outstanding balance of the alternative lending market currently stands at approximately $11.3 billion.

From 2021-2025, industry-wide revenue recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 22.5 per cent, reflecting sustained demand for non-bank credit.

However, the most notable development is not the pace of growth itself, but the increasingly pronounced divergence among business models.

According to FiinGroup’s fresh report, the market is entering a consolidation phase in which competitive advantage will no longer belong to the fastest-growing players, but to those operating under more transparent frameworks, with stronger risk management expertise and clearer legal foundations.

Against this backdrop, pawn lending has emerged as the market’s leading segment.

According to the report, pawn services currently account for approximately 67.9 per cent of total revenue across Vietnam’s alternative finance industry, significantly outperforming other models.

It is also one of the few segments operating under a relatively well-defined regulatory framework, compared with payday lending and BNPL.

In the BNPL market, meanwhile, a field once dominated by specialised startups is increasingly being driven by partnerships among financial institutions, e-wallet providers, e-commerce platforms, and broader digital consumer ecosystems.

According to FiinGroup, BNPL is gradually evolving from a standalone business model into an embedded credit feature within consumer ecosystems.

This shift reflects a more mature market while highlighting growing requirements for capital, customer data, and risk management capabilities.

Notably, the report devotes significant attention to the rise of next-generation pawnshop chains.

While the number of traditional pawnshops continues to decline amid efforts to crack down on illegal lending activities and restructure the market, modern pawnshop chains are expanding rapidly.

FiinGroup estimates that the total outstanding balance of the pawn lending market increased from approximately $3.5 billion before the COVID-19 pandemic to around $10.3 billion in 2025, nearly tripling within just a few years.

These next-generation pawnshop chains are gradually replacing fragmented business models with centralised operating systems, technology-enabled appraisal processes, and more professional risk management practices.

According to FiinGroup, the emergence of leading players demonstrates that the market has been increasingly driven by brand strength, operational efficiency, and asset quality.

FiinGroup believes the growth outlook for Vietnam’s alternative finance market remains positive through 2030, although performance will depend heavily on the regulatory environment, consumer demand, and the operational capabilities of individual businesses.

Under the base-case scenario, the market could maintain a CAGR of approximately 17-20 per cent annually. However, growth is unlikely to be evenly distributed across all business models, as it was in previous years.

Business models that offer greater transparency, clearer regulatory foundations, and stronger risk management capabilities are likely to emerge as the market’s primary growth leaders in the years ahead.

Agribank and AFD sign climate finance deal to boost green growth Agribank and the French Development Agency have signed a climate finance credit facility, marking a new step in international financial cooperation to promote green growth in Vietnam.

Vietnam’s finance professionals redefine career expectations Vietnam’s finance and accountancy workforce is increasingly driven by social purpose, entrepreneurial ambition, and demands for greater career flexibility, according to new research from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Green finance challenge shifts from capital to project quality Vietnam’s green finance challenge is no longer capital availability, but building projects that can meet increasingly rigorous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and investment standards.

Specifically, the five significant advantages are the high-level political attention and determination from the city's leadership; increasingly improved institutions, with the Capital City Law and superior policies; and large financial resources capable of investing in long-term and large-scale projects.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung chaired the meeting. Photo: The MST

Furthermore, Hanoi has a high-quality workforce, with a concentration of leading universities and research institutes nationwide; it also has sufficient space, infrastructure, and land to implement activities related to sci-tech and digital transformation.

With these advantages, the minister proposed coordination between the Ministry of Science and Technology and Hanoi in implementing projects under a 40-40-20 investment model (central government, Hanoi, and enterprises). The focus would be on developing strategic technologies, supporting tech startups, and building key research, testing, and laboratory centres.

Hanoi is encouraging the formation of an innovation ecosystem, fostering a controlled testing mechanism for level-4 autonomous transportation technology, opening up space to promote technology commercialisation, and accelerating the implementation of a controlled testing mechanism for digital technology products and services.

Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan. Photo: The MST

The acceleration in implementation of a controlled testing mechanism (sandbox) for digital technology products and services aims to create a favourable environment for innovation and promote digital transformation. This is one of the solutions to concretise the central government's major policies on the development of sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation.

Simultaneously, it involves the implementation of the Law on Digital Technology Industry 2025, the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation 2025, and the government’s Decree 353/2025/ND-CP detailing some provisions and measures for organizing and guiding the implementation of the Law on Digital Technology Industry.

In the context of the rapid emergence of many new technologies and business models without a complete legal framework, the sandbox mechanism is implemented to create a safe testing space for businesses, while also providing regulatory agencies with more practical basis to refine policies.

In May, the Hanoi Department of Science and Technology established an evaluation council to allow controlled testing of the proposed 'Level 4 Autonomous Passenger Transport System', which includes mini-buses, robotaxis, and various types of cargo vehicles in controlled traffic zones, submitted by Phenikaa-X JSC.

Implementing this controlled testing mechanism will contribute to creating a practical foundation for the research, application, and development of smart transportation solutions in Hanoi in the future, gradually bringing the capital city closer to the goal of becoming a smart and modern city.

Remote monitoring of delivery robots. Photo: The MST

Furthermore, the HITCHub innovation space kicked off at Hoa Lac High-Tech Park in Hanoi in May will also contribute to boosting research, incubation, testing, and commercialisation of technology in Hanoi.

Le Thanh Son, deputy head of the Management Board of High-Tech Zones and Industrial Parks in Hanoi, said that Hoa Lac High-Tech Park aims to develop into a top high-tech, innovation, and startup centre in the country, with a development orientation towards 2030 and a vision towards 2045, adding that Hanoi has determined that to achieve breakthroughs, it must rely on sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation.

"For innovation and development to be truly effective, we need to form a sufficiently strong, open, and interconnected ecosystem between the government, schools, businesses, and investors. HITC Hub was built to achieve that goal," he noted.

Vietnam’s digital growth bet As Vietnam races towards an ambitious double-digit growth target, policymakers and tech leaders are pushing to turn digital transformation, AI and regulatory sandbox reforms from long-term strategy into immediate economic momentum.

Government urged to expand public procurement to create innovation Vietnam cannot continue relying primarily on capital expansion and labour growth if it wants to achieve double-digit economic growth, experts have said. Instead, the country needs to create stronger market demand for science, technology and innovation through concrete mechanisms.

Vietnam and Japan boost cooperation in technology transfer and innovation Vietnam and Japan will strengthen cooperation in technology transfer, and support the innovation and startup ecosystem, as well as business connections between the two countries.

Speaking at the Vietnam Investment Forum on June 11, Bui Hoang Hai, vice chairman of the State Securities Commission (SSC), said the move was expected to broaden the supply of quality stocks and further enhance the attractiveness of Vietnam’s capital market to both domestic and international investors.

The announcement comes as Vietnam accelerates efforts to modernise its capital market and introduce a range of new financial products and trading platforms.

According to Hai, the SSC and the Ministry of Finance are working closely with the Vietnam Exchange and stock exchanges to launch several new markets, including a carbon credit trading market, which could begin operating as early as this month. Authorities are also developing roadmaps for an innovation enterprise trading platform and a digital asset market.

Regarding digital assets, the securities regulator has granted initial approval to five organisations to establish operating entities and invest in technology infrastructure. Once these organisations complete their capital contributions and technological systems, Vietnam could see the launch of its first official digital asset market.

The SSC also expects to introduce a series of new market indices after September to diversify investment funds and provide additional benchmarks for fund managers tracking the Vietnamese market.

At the same time, authorities are accelerating the deployment of a central counterparty clearing mechanism, which is expected to be operational by early 2027 at the latest.

Several modern trading mechanisms are also being introduced, including omnibus accounts, the removal of pre-funding requirements, and enhanced connectivity with global brokerage firms.

According to Hai, foreign investor interest in Vietnam’s stock market has reached an unprecedented level.

“In addition to passive investment institutions such as major global index-tracking funds including Vanguard, BlackRock, State Street, UBS, and JP Morgan, we have also received strong interest from sovereign wealth funds, national investment funds, and active fund managers from various countries,” he said.

The SSC views Vietnam’s stock market as evolving beyond a conventional investment channel to become a critical source of capital for the broader economy.

Vietnam’s equity market capitalisation currently stands at around 80 per cent of GDP. Including government bonds, corporate bonds, and private placements, the size of the capital market is estimated at 110-120 per cent of GDP.

VBF members sign 2026-2030 MoU to boost public-private dialogue

Vietnam records huge increase in outbound investment in first five months

Bac Ninh plans 5,000-hectare free trade zone

Over 1,000 delegates expected at Hanoi Investment Promotion Conference

Vietnam’s capital market remains active despite lack of IPOs

SSC issues regulation for concurrent review of IPOs and stock listing applications

Investor accounts surge as stock market breaks records

“Based on reviews of shareholder meeting resolutions from listed companies, approximately $16.82 billion is expected to be raised through the stock market in the rest of 2026. A number of major businesses are preparing capital increase plans and initial public offerings accompanied by listings this year,” Phuong said.

In terms of market reclassification, FTSE Russell has confirmed the upgrade of Vietnam’s stock market to emerging market status, effective from September, with around 30 Vietnamese stocks set to be added to its benchmark indices.

According to the SSC chairwoman, international institutions have also begun opening accounts to deploy capital into the Vietnamese market. Among them, Vanguard Group, one of the world's largest investment management companies based in the US, is estimated to invest at least $1.5 billion.

Improving product quality, upgrading technological infrastructure, and increasing the supply of listed securities remain key priorities in attracting additional capital flows into the stock market.

Investors continue to await a new catalyst from market reclassification, particularly the prospect of an MSCI upgrade.

Previously, many securities company executives and market analysts projected that Vietnam would have a strong chance of being added to MSCI’s upgrade watch list as early as June this year.

Under its schedule, MSCI will publish its 2026 Global Market Accessibility Review on June 19 and its 2026 Annual Market Classification Review on June 24.

Truong Quang Binh, director of Retail Client Research at Yuanta Securities Vietnam, said that market reclassification would represent an important milestone, especially in attracting foreign investment flows into Vietnam’s capital market.

“Foreign investors are still net sellers. In addition to international market volatility, Vietnam’s stock market is entering a pre-upgrade phase, prompting some frontier-market funds to gradually withdraw capital. However, positive impacts are expected to return,” Binh noted.

Vietnam’s stock market has made significant progress in recent years, including the launch of the KRX trading system and the implementation of pre-funding exemption mechanisms for foreign investors.

In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange has encouraged listed companies to disclose information in English starting in 2026, enhancing market transparency.

The planned introduction of a Central Counterparty clearing model in 2027 is another noteworthy initiative that is expected to attract foreign capital and help satisfy MSCI requirements.

Binh forecasts that Vietnam’s goal of achieving 10 per cent GDP growth by 2030 is attainable, provided both the debt market and capital market operate efficiently.

Foreign capital remains a crucial driver of the stock market, with overseas investors currently holding 14.25 per cent of total market capitalisation.

Retaining foreign investment contributes to improving the balance of payments, stabilising exchange rates, and creating greater flexibility for monetary policy.

From a longer-term perspective, Binh explained the significance of an MSCI upgrade. Given that the number of investment funds using MSCI benchmarks substantially exceeds those tracking FTSE indices, capital inflows into Vietnam’s stock market could become considerably more abundant.

The implementation of the Central Counterparty clearing system in 2027 will serve as an important stepping stone for advancing this process.

As of May 2026, Vietnam had fulfilled 10 out of 18 MSCI criteria and was close to meeting 17 out of 18 qualitative requirements needed for watch-list inclusion. However, before any actual upgrade occurs, the market must first undergo a watch-list period lasting approximately two to three years.

Importantly, Binh stressed that Vietnam’s sovereign credit rating remains another critical factor. Further credit-rating upgrades could move the country into the 'investment-grade' category, opening the door to potentially massive capital inflows into the country’s capital markets.

Vietnam moves closer to MSCI upgrade Vietnam’s stock market is gaining momentum for a potential MSCI Watchlist inclusion as regulatory reforms, foreign ownership improvements and resilient earnings strengthen its emerging-market upgrade case.

MSCI unveils improvements in Vietnam's stock market Morgan Stanley Capital International Inc. (MSCI) noted that Vietnam's stock market has seen several developments over the past year in its Global Market Accessibility Review released on June 23.

Vietnam accelerates capital market reforms to boost foreign investor access Vietnam's State Securities Commission has highlighted a series of reforms aimed at improving market accessibility, transparency, and operational capacity at a capital market dialogue in Singapore.

During his visit from June 8 to 12, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) president Tanaka Akihiko held discussions with senior Vietnamese officials, including Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, on Japan–Vietnam cooperation towards Vietnam's goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045. JICA is the implementing agency for Japan's official development assistance (ODA).

At his meeting with PM Hung, JICA president Tanaka said, "JICA supports Vietnam's ongoing economic reforms led by the government and is willing to cooperate comprehensively and strategically, particularly in priority areas including sci-tech and digital transformation; corporate growth of domestic enterprises and expanded participation in global value chains; the investment environment; and strategic infrastructure."

In response, PM Hung expressed his deep appreciation for JICA’s longstanding partnership with Vietnam. As the Vietnamese government aims to achieve double-digit GDP growth from 2026 onward, he noted the need for a comprehensive cooperation from JICA that would contribute to its economic growth. PM Hung also conveyed his expectations for further collaboration with JICA, particularly in the four priority fields as mentioned above.

President Tanaka also conducted a site visit to the Ho Chi Minh City’s Urban Metro Line No. 1, completed in 2024 with Japan’s ODA.

After riding Vietnam’s first urban railway system featuring an underground section, he spoke highly of the metro system, saying, “The journey offered a pleasant and sophisticated experience. With its elaborately designed stations, the system gave the impression of being among the world’s most advanced metros.”

At the Japan–Vietnam Summit Meeting held in May this year, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to further expand cooperation in emerging priority areas related to economic security, including energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space.

JICA secures GCF funding for Vietnam forest conservation project A funding proposal submitted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency in collaboration with Vietnam has been approved by the Green Climate Fund.

JICA and BIDV launch $50m sustainable financing for rural MSMEs Japan International Cooperation Agency and BIDV have announced a sustainable financing facility to support rural micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam.

Vietnam and JICA discuss new direction for Japanese ODA cooperation Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong has met with a senior Japanese official to discuss future directions for Japan's official development assistance to Vietnam.

Norway's offshore wind (OSW) industry has returned to Vietnam with a delegation of six companies and organisations participating in the APAC Wind Energy Summit 2026 (on June 9-11 in Hanoi), signalling continued confidence in one of Asia's most promising OSW markets.

Norway's participation is led by Norwegian Energy Partners (NORWEP) and includes DNV AS, Fred. Olsen Windcarrier, Glamox AS, Øglænd System/Hilti, Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, and Reach Subsea. Together, the delegation represents expertise across key segments of the OSW value chain, including seabed surveys, geotechnical investigations, certification, turbine installation, subsea operations and offshore infrastructure.

Organised by the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC), the APAC Wind Energy Summit 2026 brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and energy experts to discuss pathways for accelerating wind energy deployment in Vietnam and across the Asia-Pacific region.

While some members of the delegation are visiting Vietnam for the first time, all are engaging with Vietnamese stakeholders through a series of meetings and networking activities during the summit.

"Norwegian companies bring expertise spanning the entire value chain, from seabed surveys and geotechnical investigations to certification, turbine installation, subsea operations and offshore infrastructure," said Jon Dugstad, director of Renewables at NORWEP.

"Drawing on experience from projects in the North Sea, the UK and Taiwan, we bring in competence and capacity and are keen to work with local partners including developers and engineering firms supporting the efforts of the government of Vietnam to develop a safe, sustainable and competitive industry," he added.

The focus on long-term industry development was echoed by Norway's Ambassador to Vietnam, Hilde Solbakken, who participated in the summit's high-level government dialogue.

Sharing Norway's experience in developing one of the world's most advanced OSW industries, Ambassador Solbakken highlighted the importance of regional cooperation in accelerating deployment across Asia-Pacific. She noted that collaboration on supply chains, workforce development, port infrastructure and grid integration would be critical to scaling up the sector.

"Developing offshore wind is not just about generating renewable electricity. It requires the entire ecosystem to move forward together, from grid infrastructure and market arrangements to ports, supply chains and workforce development. Ensuring that these elements are developed in parallel is one of the key challenges facing all countries seeking to build a successful industry," the ambassador said.

She also encouraged Vietnamese stakeholders to engage with Norwegian companies attending the summit and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

With its extensive coastline, strong wind resources and commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, Vietnam is widely regarded as one of the most promising OSW markets in the Asia-Pacific region. As the country continues to refine its energy transition plans, industry participants at the summit say international partnerships and knowledge sharing will play an important role in supporting future development.

Vietnam positioned to lead Southeast Asia’s wind power race Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions are creating opportunities not only for clean power generation, but also for the emergence of an entirely new industrial ecosystem spanning manufacturing, logistics and energy services, according to experts from both domestic and international companies.

Vietnam seeks global investment to build OSW industry and supply chain Vietnam is stepping up offshore wind (OSW) power development to meet rising electricity demand, driven by its goal of achieving double-digit economic growth by 2030.

Vietnam targets up to 17 GW of offshore wind capacity The 2026 APAC Wind Energy Summit has opened in Hanoi, bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss offshore wind development and energy transition in the region.

The director of Bach Mai Hospital, Dao Xuan Co, said that the hospital issued a decision to mobilise 1,288 officials and employees ready to operate the second facility. The hospital has completed all licensing procedures.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan chaired the meeting. Photo: The MoH

The hospital has implemented various measures: conducting auctions for the right to operate service and security facilities (convenience stores, canteens, and others), procurement packages for goods, assets, and services to support the overall management and operation of the hospital, and implementing bidding procedures for the purchase of transportation vehicles to facilitate convenient travelling between the two facilities for hospital staff and employees.

It has also developed plans for medical supplies, laboratory chemicals, shared consumables, infection control supplies and chemicals, laundry services for medical linens, and medical waste management for its various specialities.

However, there are still some issues and works that need to be completed before the hospital can begin operations.

The hospital director also proposed several issues related to technical classification; signing a contract with the Hanoi City Social Insurance; handing over medical equipment for operating rooms; granting operating licences; building accommodation for staff, doctors, and workers of the second facility.

Co stated that right after the opening, the second facility will organise free health check-ups for residents in the area surrounding area.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan requested those involved to continue monitoring progress, completing remaining tasks, ensuring construction quality, and preventing delays.

Photo: The MoH

The minister requested that units work on interior facilities, technical systems, air conditioning, operating rooms, air quality testing, and other specialised matters. She also highlighted fire prevention and completion of related procedures. This is a mandatory condition for hospitals to operate safely. Units need to coordinate closely with agencies to complete the appraisal and issuance of necessary documents.

“The principle is to implement activities wherever conditions permit, but to absolutely ensure professional standards, quality, and patient safety,” she said.

The second facility of Bach Mai Hospital is planned as a modern and exam and treatment facility, contributing to reducing the overload on Bach Mai Hospital and improving access to high-quality medical services for people in the southern Red River Delta region and neighbouring provinces.

"The people have waited many years for this venture to open. All parties need to work together and be determined to bring the hospital into operation, meeting the people's needs and contributing to improving the quality of people's healthcare," the minister said.

GELEX Group proud to support brand new Hanoi Children's Hospital The Hanoi Children’s Hospital, the first specialised paediatric general hospital in the capital city, was inaugurated on October 9, providing an in-depth and prestigious medical treatment facility for children.

Two national hospitals expand capacity with new facilities With more hospitals put into operation, local access to quality healthcare is expected to increase amid growing demands, contributing to the development of the healthcare sector.

Carebot enters Vietnamese healthcare market Carebot, a medtech startup from the Czech Republic, is entering the Vietnamese healthcare market through a new collaboration with Bach Mai Hospital.

Second facilities of Bach Mai and Viet Duc Friendship hospitals to open in Q2 Vietnamese authorities are working to resolve issues delaying the second facilities of Bach Mai and Viet Duc hospitals, aiming to bring them into operation in the second quarter of this year.

On the afternoon of June 10, at the government headquarters, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc received a courtesy call on Niels Holst, member of the Board of Directors of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) from Denmark, specialising in offshore wind power development and renewable energy fund management,

At the meeting, the CIP-FECON consortium outlined plans to assess the feasibility of a 1,000MW onshore wind project in Savannakhet Province, Laos, aiming to supply electricity to Vietnam during 2026-2028.

According to CIP representatives, Vietnam is one of the group's key strategic markets. CIP currently manages $40 billion in capital dedicated to green energy investments, spanning offshore wind, onshore wind, solar power and energy storage.

For Vietnam alone, CIP plans to allocate around $3 billion by 2030 to develop large-scale renewable energy projects, including initiatives involving the import of wind-generated electricity from Laos.

The consortium also sought the DPM's views on its broader renewable energy investment strategy. Beyond the proposed project in Laos, CIP and FECON are discussing the joint development of a renewable energy portfolio with a combined capacity of approximately 2.5GW by 2030.

The proposed portfolio would include onshore wind and solar projects in both Vietnam and Laos, additional wind power projects in Laos capable of exporting electricity to Vietnam, as well as supporting energy infrastructure solutions designed to enhance long-term grid reliability.

The partnership between CIP and FECON is built on complementary strengths. CIP brings extensive international experience in developing, financing and investing in large-scale green infrastructure projects, while FECON is among Vietnam's leading infrastructure contractors and investors, with expertise spanning urban, industrial and renewable energy infrastructure.

Under their cooperation framework, the CIP-FECON consortium is not only pursuing renewable power generation projects but is also exploring supporting infrastructure, including large-scale standalone battery energy storage systems. Such systems are expected to play an important role in improving grid stability, facilitating greater integration of renewable energy sources and enhancing the flexibility of Vietnam's power system.

The proposed Laos wind project comes amid growing energy cooperation between Vietnam and Laos. In recent years, the two countries have expanded collaboration in electricity trading, coal supply and cross-border energy infrastructure development. Bilateral agreements on electricity and coal trade have provided an important foundation for new energy projects, increased power exchanges and strengthened regional energy security.

Going forward, the consortium plans to continue working with authorities and partners in Vietnam and Laos to assess feasibility, complete procedures and create mechanisms to facilitate future operations.

Vietnam positioned to lead Southeast Asia’s wind power race Vietnam’s offshore wind ambitions are creating opportunities not only for clean power generation, but also for the emergence of an entirely new industrial ecosystem spanning manufacturing, logistics and energy services, according to experts from both domestic and international companies.

Vietnam seeks global investment to build OSW industry and supply chain Vietnam is stepping up offshore wind (OSW) power development to meet rising electricity demand, driven by its goal of achieving double-digit economic growth by 2030.

Vietnam targets up to 17 GW of offshore wind capacity The 2026 APAC Wind Energy Summit has opened in Hanoi, bringing together policymakers, investors, and industry leaders to discuss offshore wind development and energy transition in the region.

Dau Anh Tuan, deputy secretary general and head of the Legal Department, said, “In surveys conducted by VCCI, Customs has consistently been recognised by the business community leading sectors in administrative procedure reform and digital transformation.”

“It is on this positive foundation that the current amendment to the Customs Law has been received with high expectations by the business community. We appreciate the spirit of the draft, especially the institutionalisation of important Party resolutions such as Resolution 57, Resolution 66, and Resolution 68, with a clear message: shifting from a management to a service mindset, with businesses at the centre,” Tuan said.

Nguyen Thanh Hung, deputy director of the Customs Department, said that Customs Law No.54/2014/QH13 came into effect on January 1, 2015, and has been in effect for 12 years. During this time, it still has seen delays, waste time and money for the business community.

“To overcome this, the draft law is expected to amend, supplement, and repeal 42 articles, while adding four new articles out of 104 articles in the current law. This is a concrete step in implementing the Politburo's resolutions on encouraging the private economy, national digital transformation, and reforming the legislative process, while also aligning with the policy of streamlining the local government apparatus from three levels to two levels,” Hung said.

At the meeting, dozens of businesses concentrated on six subjects. The first was digital customs. Converting all documents to electronic form, automated document verification, and eliminating geographical boundaries will save a significant amount of time and costs.

Regarding customs management via e-commerce platforms, the draft stipulates the responsibility of e-commerce platform owners to declare customs. This is a very new issue, with rapid development and involving many stakeholders. VCCI hopes business can clarify the boundaries of responsibility between platform owners, sellers, shipping companies, and buyers, to ensure strict management while avoiding an excessive compliance burden.

Furthermore, the representatives of firms and manufacturers gave opinions on compliance management, customs clearance agents, the temporary suspension of customs procedures for transit goods showing signs of intellectual property infringement, and post-clearance inspection and decentralisation of authority.

Le Thi Xuan Hue, deputy director of BowerGroupAsia Vietnam Co., Ltd., said, “The drafting agency should also consider adding a mechanism for accountability in the process of assessing business compliance. In reality, many cases of businesses being penalised are not due to intentional violations but stem from inconsistencies or overlaps between legal regulations in various fields.”

“Being rated low in compliance has many consequences, such as increased inspection frequency, prolonged customs clearance time, and increased production and business costs. A mechanism is needed to allow for accountability in cases arising from objective reasons or force majeure before deciding on the level of compliance assessment,” she said.

Phan Manh Ha, director of External Relations at Shopee, suggested reconsidering the regulation requiring e-commerce platforms to declare and verify buyer information because platforms are only intermediaries connecting businesses; they do not own the goods or original data. Therefore, their role should only be to provide information. Ha also expressed concern that verifying the buyer for low-value goods (under $200) would increase costs and prolong customs clearance time.

Customs reform to prioritise high-tech and innovative businesses Au Anh Tuan, deputy director general of the Department of Vietnam Customs, outlines key changes to the Customs Law aimed at simplifying procedures and offering more incentives for high-tech, innovative, and semiconductor businesses, and helping to support supply chains and boost the startup ecosystem.

Customs Law amendments to strengthen digital integration Vietnam’s proposed amendments to the Customs Law would expand automated data control, strengthen inter-agency data sharing, and establish a regulatory framework for the fast-growing cross-border e-commerce sector.

At a meeting with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) on June 11, Sikander Khan, CEO of Sweden-based Peak Education, discussed opportunities to encourage green tourism and net-zero development in Vietnam, as well as plans for a high-end sustainable eco-resort project in Kon Plong commune, Quang Ngai province.

Headquartered in Stockholm, Peak Education operates in consultancy, education, research, and the development of sustainable tourism models.

According to Khan, the organisation focuses on green tourism, net-zero initiatives, carbon emission reduction, renewable energy, and advanced green technology solutions.

Drawing on its experience in sustainable tourism development, Peak Education is studying plans for a net-zero luxury eco-resort integrated with wellness and healthcare facilities. The project would be developed under a green tourism model, powered entirely by renewable energy and incorporating circular economy principles, sustainable waste management, and designs that harmonise with local culture and natural landscapes.

To ensure the venture complies with Vietnamese regulations and meets national and international sustainability standards, Khan expressed a desire to receive guidance from VNAT on regulatory requirements, accommodation standards, and procedures for obtaining 5-star classification for luxury resorts in Vietnam.

He also voiced hopes for continued support from VNAT throughout the project’s research and implementation phases, adding that the development could serve as a model for net-zero luxury eco-resorts in Vietnam while contributing to the growth of high-quality and tourism.

Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, deputy director general of VNAT, said the project’s orientation aligns with Vietnam’s efforts to encourage green tourism, ecotourism, wellness tourism, and the broader transition towards green development.

“The project reflects the growing interest of international investors and businesses in Vietnam’s sustainable tourism potential, particularly in Quang Ngai province,” Mai said.

However, she noted that Peak Education would need to develop and submit detailed project documentation and implementation plans before authorities could assess its viability.

Regarding 5-star accreditation requirements and other professional standards applicable to the venture, Mai assigned VNAT’s Tourism Accommodation Department to act as the focal point for information exchange, guidance, and support, helping the company access relevant regulations, standards, and technical requirements.

Sweden leading in green, digital goals

Swedes maintain their investment momentum

Swedish Pavilion at GEFE 2024

Leading Swedish names increase Vietnamese focus

Strengthening Swedish–Vietnamese innovation and trade ties

BHMA signs hotel management deal for five-star eco-resort in Hoi An

Sweden’s Peak Education eyes $60 million eco-resort in Quang Ngai221111111

The proposed acquisition marks one of the company's largest investment deals and forms part of its strategy to expand its project portfolio in residential and commercial real estate.

The target asset is an equity interest in Lotte Properties HCMC, the developer of a large-scale mixed-use project, including residential, commercial, and service components.

PDR's Board of Directors has also requested authorisation to oversee and execute the deal, including the right to delegate authority to the chairman and/or CEO to make decisions and carry out all procedures related to the transaction in necessary accordance with the resolution approved by shareholders.

The date for eligible shareholders entitled to participate in the written voting process was set as June 1. The consultation commenced on June 11 and will conclude on June 22.

The move is widely seen as a significant step forward in PDR's plan to mobilise capital and proceed with the acquisition of an equity stake in Lotte Properties.

The proposed acquisition comes shortly after a series of divestment moves by PDR, which could help the company strengthen its financial position and mobilise capital for new investments.

On June 10, PDR approved in principle a plan for its subsidiary, Binh Duong High-Rise Investment Real Estate JSC, to transfer its entire holding of 136.86 million shares in Hoa Phu High-Rise Investment and Development Real Estate JSC at a price of no less than $115 million.

Hoa Phu High-Rise Investment and Development Real Estate JSC is the developer of the Thuan An 2 High-Rise Mixed-Use Residential Complex, a project spanning more than 2.65 ha with a total gross floor area of ​​nearly 270,000 sq.m and an estimated investment capital of around $261 million.

Earlier, on June 4, PDR also approved the transfer of its entire stake, representing 99.34 per cent of the charter capital, in Serenity Investment JSC at a price not lower than its investment cost, subject to efficiency considerations and compliance with applicable regulations.

Serenity Investment JSC is the developer of the 7.4-ha Serenity Phuoc Hai project, which is designed to deliver more than 6,000 condotel units and over 280 hotel rooms, with a total gross floor area approaching 296,000 sq.m.

While PDR has not disclosed the transaction value of the Serenity divestment, given the scale of the venture, market observers believe the deal could be worth several trillion Vietnamese VND.

Taken together, the recent divestments suggest that PDR may be actively restructuring its investment portfolio and unlocking capital from non-core assets as it prepares for larger strategic transactions, including the proposed VND10.4 trillion acquisition of an equity stake in Lotte Properties HCMC.

The series of divestments appears to be a logical strategic move as PDR is increasingly concentrating its resources on its partnership with Lotte Properties HCMC in the development of Thu Thiem Eco Smart City.

Previously at the end of May, PDR and Lotte Properties Ho Chi Minh City had signed an MoU to advance strategic cooperation related to Thu Thiem Eco Smart City, a landmark venture located in Thu Thiem New Urban Area with a preliminary investment value estimated in 2017 at $900 million.

The venture is being developed on a land plot of nearly 7.45 ha, of which 5 ha is allocated for commercial centres, offices, hotels, serviced apartments, and freehold residential apartments, with the remainder for transport infrastructure.

When finished it will provide more than 505,000 square metres of gross floor area, with residential space, office space, and the remainder allocated to retail, hospitality, and serviced apartments.

Thu Thiem Eco Smart City will feature a 64-storey office, hotel, and serviced apartment tower standing 240m high, making it among the tallest buildings in the area.

The complex was allocated and leased land by Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee in August 2022. Construction began the same year, and ground levelling has been completed.

Mitsubishi acquires Thuan An 1 residential development from PDR Japanese investors continue to expand their presence in Vietnam's residential property sector through new project acquisitions and development partnerships.

Lotte Properties and Phat Dat develop Thu Thiem Eco Smart City LotteHo Chi Minh City and Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation on May 26 signed an MoU to advance strategic cooperation related to Thu Thiem Eco Smart City, a landmark venture located in Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

"Vietnam is entering a new stage of development characterised by stronger economic growth and an increasingly important role in global manufacturing supply chains. Germany remains a long-standing partner of Vietnam, sharing a common commitment to sustainable development and long-term growth,” Sühl said.

She reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Vietnam’s green transition through technology transfer, the sharing of industrial expertise, and the promotion of long-term business partnerships.

Alexander Ziehe, chairman of the German Business Association in Vietnam, noted that Ho Chi Minh City was well positioned to integrate circular economy principles into its next phase of industrial development.

“Building sustainable supply chains, strengthening the capabilities of domestic suppliers, and accelerating technology transfer will enable Vietnamese enterprises to participate more deeply in global value chains,” Ziehe said.

He added that German companies were ready to support Vietnam not only as investors but also as long-term partners in industrial development, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Peter Kompalla, chief representative of AHK Vietnam, noted that for German businesses operating in Vietnam, the circular economy is no longer viewed solely as a sustainability initiative but has become a key component of competitiveness and market access strategies.

“New requirements relating to supply chain transparency, traceability, and digital product passports are increasingly becoming prerequisites for accessing international markets, particularly the European Union,” Kompalla said.

According to him, companies that embrace circular economy principles will be better positioned to meet evolving regulatory standards, strengthen their resilience, and enhance their competitiveness in global value chains.

One of the key topics raised include how Vietnamese enterprises can deepen their participation in global supply chains as environmental, social, and governance standard increasingly become mandatory across international markets.

According to Nguyen Trong Luat, vice chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Supporting Industries, businesses are facing mounting pressure not only to enhance their technological capabilities but also to comply with emerging requirements related to carbon emissions, supply chain traceability, and transparency.

“In this context, the biggest gap for many Vietnamese enterprises lies in management capacity, technical human resources, and their ability to connect with overseas funding,” Luat said. “Technology transfer, skills development, and the establishment of stronger supplier linkage mechanisms will be critical to helping domestic companies upgrade their competitiveness and meet the increasingly stringent requirements of global markets.”

Meanwhile, Erick Contreras, managing director of BASF Vietnam, cited that the circular economy was emerging as a new growth driver for the manufacturing sector.

“As companies face increasing pressure related to raw materials, energy consumption, emissions, and compliance with international standards, circular business models can transform these challenges into opportunities to improve resource efficiency, foster innovation, and create new sources of value,” Contreras said.

Beyond the circular economy, digital transformation and automation are also being recognised as critical enablers of sustainable manufacturing, helping businesses enhance productivity, optimise resource use, and accelerate their transition towards more resilient and environmentally responsible operations.

The Germany-Vietnam Business Forum 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on June 11

DPM Nguyen Chi Dung meets Vietnamese experts in Germany to boost innovation ties Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has met with Vietnamese experts and intellectuals based in Germany and across Europe to discuss cooperation in key technology and economic sectors.

NIC partners with TU Berlin to boost Vietnam innovation ties The National Innovation Centre has partnered with a leading technical university in Berlin to strengthen innovation and startup linkages between Vietnam and Germany.

Smart factories or bust: decision time in 2026 In many Vietnamese factories, transformation does not begin with a robot arm or a fully automated line but starts with the simple realisation that the old model no longer scales.

The parties will enhance cooperation by leveraging each other's strengths and needs, focusing on planning research, technical standards and regulations; training and development of human resources and technology transfer; and the exchange of information related to investment activities as a basis for research and project proposals.

The signing ceremony. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Portal

Both sides will study cooperation models that are consistent with Vietnamese law and the ability of each party to mobilise resources for each project.

The parties will research and consider selecting an investment cooperation model consistent with Vietnamese law.

Ho Chi Minh City is currently focusing on implementing many key programmes to develop its technical infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, and urban infrastructure. In this process, strengthening cooperation with large corporations that have international experience, capabilities, and reputation is crucial.

At the ceremony, Yan Jiehe, founder of Pacific Construction Group, stated that the company was a reputable and capable investor and contractor, committed to ensuring the highest quality. The signing aims to establish a framework for cooperation, exchange of experience, and exploration of collaboration in the construction and urban infrastructure sector in Ho Chi Minh City.

Earlier in April, Pacific Construction Group also signed an MoU with Hue People's Committee, marking a new phase of cooperation in developing urban infrastructure.

Both sides agreed to cooperate in implementing urban and transport infrastructure development projects; urban upgrading and expansion; as well as coordinating in education, healthcare, and other sectors. The focus will be on large-scale infrastructure projects aimed at creating new growth engine.

In January, at a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, the founder of Pacific Construction Group expressed shared that the group has successfully won bids and is currently implementing three major strategic projects in Hanoi.

These include Tu Lien Bridge and its approach roads; Ngoc Hoi Bridge and its approach roads; and Hanoi Metro Line 5 (Van Cao- Hoa Lac section).

The founder plans to engage in large-scale infrastructure projects and foster a long-term, committed partnership with Vietnam in the future.

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.

Hubexo Asia Awards honour Vietnam's top architecture and construction firms The 2026 Hubexo Asia Awards have honoured Vietnam's most active architecture firms, developers, and contractors for their contributions to shaping the country's built environment.

Ho Chi Minh City to start construction on four urban railway lines Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee is accelerating the procedures to start construction on four urban railway lines from now until the end of 2026, with the goal of completion by the end of 2030.

Photo: Tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn

According to Quang, the development of a carbon market is a key instrument for helping Vietnam achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050.

“A carbon market is not only an economic tool to pull in investment into green and clean technologies, but also an important mechanism to encourage businesses to reduce emissions,” he said.

Quang noted that the global carbon credit market is expanding rapidly and is expected to reach a value of $24 billion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for countries and businesses that are prepared to participate.

He added that Vietnam’s decision to launch its domestic carbon exchange later this month, following coordination with the Ministry of Finance and other agencies, represented an important milestone in implementing the country’s international climate commitments.

“Raising awareness and strengthening capacity among the business community is essential to turning carbon market opportunities into tangible economic benefits,” Quang said, adding that government agencies would continue supporting enterprises in overcoming technical and regulatory barriers.

Nguyen Thanh Cong, deputy head of the Carbon Market Division under the Department of Climate Change, said the legal framework for operating the market has largely been completed, particularly following the issuance of Decree No.112/2024/ND-CP.

The decree establishes regulations governing the international exchange of emissions reduction outcomes and carbon credits, providing businesses with greater clarity on the legal framework, as well as their rights and obligations when participating in international carbon markets.

“The new regulations place particular emphasis on transparent data management and the application of corresponding adjustment mechanisms to prevent the double counting of emissions reductions,” Cong said.

Interest must rise for carbon exchange

MoF taps global expertise to launch carbon exchange pilot

Government targets June for forest carbon credit negotiations

10 companies honoured for efforts to expand sustainable rice farming

Greening construction material market: the time is now

HSBC launches $4 billion clean energy credit facility

UK-funded CFA Vietnam picks 13 businesses for low-carbon support

In Phu Tho province, resolving stalled projects has been identified as a key priority in combating waste and unlocking resources to propel socioeconomic development.

Following a comprehensive review, the province has identified 149 delayed projects requiring assessment and resolution.

Thousands of behind-schedule developments are now undergoing large-scale review and resolution nationwide

To accelerate progress, Phu Tho People's Committee has assigned specific responsibilities to relevant agencies to lead and coordinate reviews and propose solutions for each project.

Based on Resolution No.29/2026/QH16 and government regulations, provincial departments and agencies are focusing on classifying projects, identifying the nature of delays, assigning responsible authorities and establishing completion timelines for each case.

A similar approach is being vigorously implemented in Nghe An province. The provincial Steering Committee for handling delayed projects has identified 87 projects facing difficulties, of which 81 remain unresolved.

Recognising the urgency of unlocking development resources and improving the state management, Nghe An has developed a phased roadmap for addressing these projects.

Under the province’s plan, the 81 projects will be resolved in three phases. The first phase covers 35 projects to be completed by June 15; the second phase includes 21 projects to be finalised by July 30; and the third phase consists of 25 projects scheduled for completion by November 30, 2026.

In Danang, reviews of long-stalled projects and land plots are also being conducted on an urgent basis.

The city has instructed relevant agencies to clarify underlying causes and classify obstacles related to land issues, planning, investment, construction, financial obligations and other related matters to develop appropriate solutions.

Meanwhile, Quang Ninh province is stepping up efforts to address projects facing prolonged difficulties and legal bottlenecks.

The province has focused on reviewing and categorising projects based on specific issues, clearly assigning responsibilities to relevant agencies and requiring all cases to be resolved within 2026.

A determined effort is also underway in Khanh Hoa province, where a dedicated Steering Committee has been established to address 217 stalled projects and state-owned land and property assets, including numerous developments delayed in land utilisation or facing prolonged legal complications.

With a strong commitment to eliminating these delays, many localities have moved beyond reviews and action plans to resolve stalled projects actively, with initial results proving noteworthy.

Ho Chi Minh City stands out as one of the most successful examples. The city has reviewed all 838 stalled projects, developments and land plots, while also completing either the resolution process or establishing a clear course of action for every project under review.

These efforts have helped unlock more than $8.24 billion in investment capital and return nearly 17,000 ha of land to productive use. Beyond the impressive scale of resources released, the results highlight the efficiency of addressing impediments that had persisted for many years.

According to senior economist Nguyen Minh Phong, resolving stalled projects carries particular significance as Vietnam pursues higher economic growth targets. The issue is not merely about dealing with long-standing problems, but also about unlocking resources that have been trapped within the economy.

“Significant resources in the form of land, investment capital, assets and development space remain tied up in long-stalled projects. Once legal, planning, land-related and investment procedural obstacles are removed, these resources can be returned to production and business activities, creating additional room for growth. Therefore, resolving stalled projects should be regarded as one of the key solutions for reducing waste and improving the efficiency of national resource utilisation,” Phong said.

As the ‘stalled-projects’ long-lasting delay is gradually tackled, investment flows will move more freely and wasted resources can once again contribute to development.

This is not only a solution for overcoming difficulties at individual projects and localities, but also an important driver for enhancing the efficiency of national resource allocation and creating a foundation for rapid and sustainable growth in the next stage of development.

Hanoi to crackdown on delayed projects The Hanoi People’s Council has urged authorities of the two districts of Ba Vi and Hoai Duc in coordination with the city’s related agencies to intensify the inspection of long-delayed construction projects and revoke the credentials of those which are violating the Land Law.

City to revoke long-delayed projects HCM City authorities are planning to revoke “long-delayed or projects that are no longer feasible” that have affected thousands of home owners who have been asked to move to make way for these projects.

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.

For Saigon Technology, this year's recognition arrives at a particularly meaningful moment. Since 2012, the company has grown from a software development provider serving international clients into a global technology partner, with more than 400 engineers and over 850 successful projects delivered across North America, Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region.

The 2026 recognition is especially significant not just for the award itself, but also for the changing landscape of software development in the age of AI.

As AI rapidly reshapes the software industry, development cycles are becoming shorter, repetitive coding tasks are automated, and businesses are demanding faster delivery without compromising quality.

This transformation has created a new challenge for software companies: how to continue delivering value when AI can perform many technical tasks that once required extensive human effort.

Rather than viewing AI as a disruption, Saigon Technology has embraced it as an opportunity to evolve. The company has expanded beyond the traditional outsourcing model, positioning itself as an AI-native engineering partner that combines experienced software talent, AI-enhanced development processes, and large-scale product delivery expertise.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Nguyen Duc Minh, business development manager at Saigon Technology, said that AI is not replacing software engineers but transforming the way they work.

"We do not see AI as a threat. Instead, it enables engineers to work more effectively and focus on solving complex business challenges. Technology will continue to evolve, but our mission remains the same: helping clients build software faster, leaner, and smarter in the AI era," he said.

The market has already recognised this strategic direction. In the Top 10 ICT Vietnam 2025 rankings, Saigon Technology was named among the Top 2 Established Performers Providing AI Application Development Platforms, Top 2 Enterprises Providing Global Digital Services, and Top 6 Software Development & Application Companies.

The AI-native Custom Software Development category at Sao Khue 2026 recognises the core capability that Saigon Technology has built over the years: helping businesses design, build, and scale software solutions tailored to their unique needs.

This is not the company's first appearance at the Sao Khue Awards. Saigon Technology previously received Sao Khue Awards in both 2019 and 2020, highlighting the company's strong engineering foundation. This year's recognition reflects something broader: its ability to adapt, innovate, and continue creating value in an industry being transformed by AI.

Alongside technology achievements, Saigon Technology has also earned recognition for its workplace culture and commitment to talent development. The company received Great Place to Work Certification in 2022, 2023, and 2025, was named among the Best Workplaces in Vietnam and Best Workplaces in Asia in 2023, and was included in Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For in Southeast Asia in 2025.

"Each milestone reflects the collective effort of our people, our culture, and our commitment to continuous improvement. Sao Khue 2026 is a reminder of how far we have come, but more importantly, it inspires us to keep moving forward," Minh shared.

As Vietnam continues to strengthen position as a growing technology hub in the Asia-Pacific region, companies like Saigon Technology demonstrate how Vietnamese software firms can compete and thrive on the global stage.

The US ready to cement partnership with Vietnam and ASEAN The United States is ready to deepen its partnership with Vietnam and ASEAN across every dimension of the relationship, US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau has said.

VNG unveils new positioning for AI era At its 2026 AGM on June 6, VNG Group unveiled its new positioning as “Vietnam's digital ecosystem builder for the AI era.”

Cost increases trigger supply chain overhauls for businesses Deloitte’s 2025 Asia Pacific Tax and Tariff Complexity Survey finds that 41 per cent of businesses in Asia-Pacific, including Vietnam, would consider significant supply chain realignment even with cost increases below 20 per cent.

Atsushi Sakate, vice president of Meiko Electronics, said, “Meiko has invested in Vietnam since 2007. The group is running five factories in the country. The Meiko Yen Quang project is the group’s sixth factory, underscoring its strong confidence in Vietnam’s investment environment and development potential.”

“Meiko is committed to complying with the law and paying attention to environmental protection during the operation, thereby contributing to deepening the Vietnam–Japan relations,” Sakate said.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said, “Vietnam has set the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030 and a high-income, developed nation by 2045. To facilitate this goal, Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW identifies the development of science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation as a top priority.”

The deputy prime minister noted that Japan had always been one of Vietnam's most important partners. This is an important foundation for the two nations to foster extensive cooperation across science, technology, innovation, manufacturing, electronics, semiconductors, and a high-quality workforce.

“The $500 million Meiko Yen Quang electronic circuit manufacturing factory serves as a testament to the effective and substantive development of Vietnam–Japan comprehensive strategic partnership. It also affirms Phu Tho’s appeal to luring high-quality investment ventures,” the deputy prime minister added.

Tran Duy Dong, Chairman of Phu Tho People’s Committee, said, “The Meiko Yen Quang electronic circuit manufacturing factory holds special importance as it is in line with the province’s investment attraction strategy and industrial development orientation in the new phase.”

“Meiko’s move to invest in Phu Tho reflects the confidence of foreign investors in the locality. The initiative also highlights Phu Tho’s growing attractiveness and reputation in attracting high-quality foreign investment, especially in the high-tech and electronics industries,” he said.

Meiko Electronics prepares to expand PCB manufacturing plant Meiko Electronics, an Apple supplier, is preparing procedures for its expanded printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing facility in the northern province of Hoa Binh.

Meiko strengthens Vietnam operations with new PCB plants A major Japanese electronics supplier is stepping up its Vietnam footprint, underscoring the country’s growing role in advanced electronics manufacturing tied to global tech supply chains.

Japan's Meiko Electronics to construct a new plant in Vietnam Japanese electronics supplier Meiko Electronics will build a new plant to manufacture printed circuit board in Vietnam.

The prospect of such a partnership had been the focus of high-level discussions on the margins of the World Economic Forum of 2025. Vietnam is one of Switzerland's priority partners in Southeast Asia, in accordance with the Southeast Asia Strategy 2023–2026.

With bilateral trade growing steadily and Vietnam's international role gathering momentum, this comprehensive partnership aims to consolidate political dialogue and deepen economic relations in a sustainable and structured manner.

The partnership provides for regular political consultations and high-level exchanges to reinforce the continuity of dialogue and bilateral coordination. It also helps to bolster the framework conditions for economic relations, in particular by supporting efforts to conclude a free trade agreement between European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and Vietnam and to modernise the investment protection agreement.

Moreover, the partnership encourages closer cooperation in education, science, research, innovation and technology. It fosters the development of economic partnerships in the sectors of sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, the digital transition, sustainable finance and intellectual property. Furthermore, it provides for enhanced exchanges between the two countries' civil societies, in accordance with their wishes.

Finally, the comprehensive partnership strengthens multilateral and regional cooperation, particularly within the UN, ASEAN and the International Organisation of La Francophonie. It reflects the commitment of Switzerland and Vietnam to encouraging a rules-based international order, strengthening multilateralism and working together to tackle global challenges, particularly regarding regional security and green development.

Vietnam and Switzerland conclude SwissTrade Vietnam and Switzerland have wrapped up the SwissTrade programme, underscoring its role in strengthening trade policy reform and export competitiveness.

Vietnam-Switzerland ties gain momentum On March 16, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong received a delegation from the Swiss government’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, led by Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary for Economic Affairs of Switzerland.

Vietnam and Switzerland boost sci-tech cooperation Vietnam and Switzerland are looking to strengthen sci-tech, innovation and digital transformation cooperation, while encouraging negotiations for a free trade agreement between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Vietnam’s economic growth slowed to 7.83 per cent on-year in 1Q26 from 8.46 per cent in 4Q25, but still beat both UOB's 7 per cent forecast and Bloomberg’s 7.6 per cent consensus.

Growth was supported by manufacturing, construction and services, underpinned by strong export demand (19.1 per cent on-year) and realised foreign direct investment inflows (up 9.1 per cent on-year to $5.41 billion), as firms continued diversifying supply chains amid changing global trade rules.

Recent data, though, point to a mixed near-term outlook as higher energy costs weigh. Manufacturing improved in May, with the Purchasing Managers' Index rising to 52.8 from 50.5 in Apr and 49.8 a year earlier, while the output index surged to 55.6.

Inflation accelerated to 5.6 per cent in May, its highest level in six years. Manufacturing output growth slowed to 9 per cent on-year from 10 per cent in April, bringing average growth in the second quarter to 9.5 per cent, down from 11 per cent in the first quarter.

Export growth eased to 18 per cent on-year in May from 21 per cent in April, while import growth accelerated to 33.8 per cent from 32.5 per cent. As a result, the trade balance recorded a deficit of $12.7 billion in the first five months of the year, compared to a surplus of nearly $5 billion in the same period of 2025, marking the widest gap in almost three decades.

UOB expects pressure on the balance of payments to persist. Large-scale infrastructure and transport projects are likely to drive demand for imported machinery, while elevated oil prices will increase energy costs. According to the bank’s simulations, if crude oil averages $100 per barrel for six to 12 months, Vietnam’s energy import bill could rise by around 40 per cent, or $5.2 billion, in 2026. Under the same scenario, the current account surplus could narrow by about 20 per cent, or $6.5 billion, from an estimated $33 billion in 2025.

Despite near-term challenges, Vietnam’s medium-term ambitions remain highly ambitious. In April, the National Assembly approved a development agenda for 2026–2030 targeting average annual GDP growth of at least 10 per cent. By 2030, the government aims to achieve upper-middle-income status, build a modern industrial base, rank among the world’s 30 largest economies, and raise GDP per capita to $8,500. By contrast, the World Bank forecasts growth of 6.8 per cent in 2026 and inflation of 4.2 per cent, citing the impact of the Middle East conflict on trade, fuel prices, and business activity.

"In our view, downside risks from energy prices and possible shifts in US tariff policy remain significant, though external demand has held up so far, supported in part by the global AI build-out. On balance, we continue to expect growth to moderate to 7 per cent in 2026. The most challenging period is likely in 2Q26-3Q26, with growth averaging about 6.7 per cent," the UOB report noted.

A key concern for the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is inflation, which averaged 4.3 per cent on-year in the first five months, close to its 4.5 per cent target, and the SBV expects it could rise to 5.5 per cent this year. "As SBV monitors downside pressure on the VND, its preference is likely to keep policy rates steady," UOB reported.

Separately, the SBV has urged banks to lower lending rates to support borrowers, while fiscal measures are deployed, including extending the zero-rate tax on petrol and selected fuel products until the end of June. Even so, some local banks have raised deposit rates amid competition for liquidity as credit demand rises. Outstanding loans reached more than $76 billion as of April 28, up 18.26 per cent on-year, while total liquidity grew a slower 7.7 per cent on-year.

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.

Government urged to expand public procurement to create innovation Vietnam cannot continue relying primarily on capital expansion and labour growth if it wants to achieve double-digit economic growth, experts have said. Instead, the country needs to create stronger market demand for science, technology and innovation through concrete mechanisms.

Throughout May, the interbank rate traded within a narrow range of VND26,309-26,368 per USD, a remarkably tight band compared with previous periods of market stress.

Tran Thi Khanh Hien, head Of Research Department at MBS, noted that Vietnam’s external position has become less favourable, with the country recording a trade deficit of nearly $14 billion during the first five months of the year.

“This is a significant figure for an economy that has become accustomed to trade surpluses in recent years. At the same time, global oil prices have continued to fluctuate within the $90-100 per barrel range amid prolonged tensions in the Middle East, meaning inflationary pressures have not fully disappeared. In the US, both core personal consumption expenditures and consumer price index have reaccelerated in recent months, reinforcing market expectations that the higher-for-longer interest-rate environment will persist,” she added.

According to Hien, the combination of a widening trade deficit, elevated oil prices, and persistently high global interest rates would normally exert substantial pressure on the exchange rate. Yet that has not happened, and the explanation lies within Vietnam’s domestic money market.

“Market data show that the average 12-month deposit rate across the banking system currently stands at approximately 8.35 per cent per annum, up 257 basis points from the beginning of the year," she said.

Notably, despite repeated calls by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) for lower lending rates, deposit rates have remained elevated. Interbank rates have also stayed high. For most of May, overnight interbank rates fluctuated between 5-6 per cent before rising to around 7 per cent towards month-end. In early June, overnight rates even exceeded 10 per cent at certain points.”

Saigon-Hanoi Securities (SHS) similarly observed that the spot exchange rate remained within the VND26,310-26,360 per USD range throughout May, avoiding the sharp spikes seen during the first quarter and generating little pressure on key psychological thresholds. This stability is particularly notable given the persistence of several adverse factors.

According to SHS, the SBV conducted continuous net liquidity withdrawals through open market operations during the first three weeks of May, reducing outstanding liquidity from approximately $12.3-12.7 billion to below $11.2 billion before re-injecting funds in the final week of the month.

“In the last week of May alone, the SBV injected more than $1.18 billion on a net basis to ease liquidity pressures. More notably, unusual market developments on June 1 caused overnight interbank rates to surge above 10 per cent. This occurred despite the fact that State Treasury deposits at the four state-owned commercial banks remained exceptionally large,” SHS said in a report.

As of May 22, SHS estimated that State Treasury deposits held at state-owned banks totalled approximately $28.9 billion. Meanwhile, public investment disbursement had reached only around 18 per cent of the annual plan.

“This suggests that the current liquidity story is not simply one of excess or insufficient liquidity. A substantial amount of capital remains parked within the banking system in the form of treasury deposits, while the transmission of funds into the real economy has been slower than expected,” the report said.

“As a result, policymakers are not only tasked with injecting liquidity but also with maintaining a delicate balance between exchange-rate stability, inflation control, and economic growth. From this perspective, exchange-rate stability is no longer a natural outcome but the result of continuous policy calibration across multiple objectives,” added SHS.

If exchange-rate discussions over the past two years were largely centred on when the US Federal Reserve would begin cutting interest rates, the current landscape has become considerably more complex.

According to Hien, markets have largely abandoned expectations of Fed rate cuts this year.

“FedWatch data indicate a growing probability that the Fed will maintain current rates for an extended period, while some market participants have even begun considering the possibility of further rate hikes in 2027 should inflation remain persistent,” she said.

“This represents a significant shift from the prevailing expectations just a few quarters ago, when many investors believed that a global monetary easing cycle was imminent. More importantly, however, the pressure no longer originates solely from the US.”

Analysts at Viet Dragon Securities (VDSC) noted that policy shifts are occurring simultaneously across major global financial centres.

“In Japan, monetary policy normalisation continues. After years of ultra-low interest rates, the Bank of Japan is gradually unwinding extraordinary support measures. Japanese government bond yields have risen significantly from previous levels, reflecting expectations of a new interest-rate environment. In Europe, inflation concerns are likewise forcing the European Central Bank to adopt a more cautious stance towards rate cuts,” they said.

According to VDSC, the broader global narrative is shifting from expectations of cheap money returning towards a higher-for-longer interest-rate scenario, a development with important implications for Vietnam.

“During 2023-2024, exchange-rate pressures were driven primarily by USD strength. Today, however, pressure may increasingly stem from the global interest-rate environment itself. When yields in the US, Japan, and Europe remain elevated simultaneously, international investors have more attractive alternatives. This compels emerging markets to maintain the relative attractiveness of their local currencies if they wish to limit pressure on exchange rates and capital flows,” VDSC analysts said.

On one hand, the economy requires reasonably low interest rates to support businesses, stimulate investment, and sustain growth. On the other hand, cutting rates too aggressively could narrow the yield differential between the Vietnamese VND and the USD, thereby increasing pressure on the foreign-exchange market.

Policymakers are no longer choosing between growth and inflation control, as they were in previous periods. Instead, they must simultaneously balance growth, interest rates, and exchange-rate stability.

Exchange rate offering test for economic footing As VND weakens to a record low against the USD, Vietnam faces a critical test in balancing growth-supportive policies with currency stability in the last six months amid tightening external conditions.

Vietnam braces for financial headwinds with limited policy leeway The balance between VND mobilisation and credit in the banking system has tightened, raising concerns over macroeconomic stability in the months ahead. Despite efforts to ease borrowing costs, persistent inflationary pressures and a weakening local currency could stall further reductions in interest rates.

Fed rate cut offers Vietnam room to stabilise currency and economy The US Federal Reserve’s first rate cut of 2025 is easing borrowing costs and offering Vietnam room to stabilise its currency and economy.

The programme is built on a holistic, comprehensive, and inclusive approach, encouraging digital transformation throughout the entire economy and social life.

Photo: The MST

The programme covers most key sectors and sectors such as agriculture, industry, trade, logistics, energy, education, healthcare, finance and banking, culture, and tourism, while also expanding into emerging areas such as data economy, AI, low-space economy, and space economy.

The programme sets notable goals for 2030. Regarding the digital economy, it aims for the digital economy's added value to reach approximately 30 per cent of GDP; support at least 500,000 small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation; have at least five digital technology companies on par with advanced countries; and develop, encourage, and put into use at least five data platforms.

The value of cashless payments is 30 times GDP. The proportion of higher education training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields reaches 40 per cent.

Regarding the digital society, the goal is to achieve 100 per cent of households having access to fibre optic broadband internet with a speed of 1 Gb/s.

By 2030, the 5G mobile broadband network will deliver minimum speeds of 100Mb/s and cover 99 per cent of the population. All Vietnamese citizens aged 14 and above will possess identity cards and electronic identification accounts. At least 95 per cent of people aged 15 and above will have transaction accounts with banks or other authorised institutions, while more than 70 per cent of those aged 18 and above will hold personal digital or electronic signatures. In addition, at least 10 million working-age people will receive basic digital skills training.

Key tasks and solutions

To achieve these targets, the programme sets out 15 key priorities.

These include completing a transparent and synchronised legal framework to support innovation, digital transformation, and the development of the digital economy and society; rapidly expanding secure and sustainable digital infrastructure; and building shared national digital platforms and a Vietnamese-owned digital ecosystem to address cross-sectoral and regional challenges.

The programme also aims to develop the data economy as a new growth driver, accelerate the adoption of AI across industries while ensuring ethical standards and privacy protection, and strengthen cybersecurity to build trust in the digital environment.

Workforce development is another key focus, including expanding digital skills across society, developing digital technology specialists, promoting digital citizenship, and fostering a healthy and inclusive digital culture.

Authorities will support the growth of Vietnamese technology firms as a strategic force in mastering key digital technologies, developing "Make in Vietnam" digital products and services, and expanding into international markets. The programme also seeks to advance data-driven digital governance, improve transparency and efficiency in public administration, and accelerate the digitalisation and automation of public services.

Photo: The MST

Other priorities include developing markets that support the digital economy, such as technology, data, carbon credit, and asset-exchange markets; encouraging digital transformation across sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to energy, education, healthcare, tourism, and logistics; and strengthening cooperation among government agencies, businesses, research institutions, and training organisations.

The programme emphasises public awareness initiatives, the promotion of Vietnam's digital economy on international platforms, and the continuous study of global best practices and emerging technologies to ensure policies remain flexible and responsive to rapid technological change.

Given its cross-sectoral nature, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST) is assigned as the lead agency to coordinate the overall implementation nationwide, ensuring synchronisation among ministries, sectors, and localities in the development of digital infrastructure, digital data, digital platforms, and digital economy and society development schemes for each sector and industry.

The programme marks a significant shift from the foundation-building phase to the comprehensive development phase of the digital economy and digital society in Vietnam.

Together with the digital government development programme for 2026-2030, the initiative on development of the digital economy and digital society for 2026-2030 contributes to fully completing the three pillars of national digital transformation, namely digital government, digital economy, and digital society, creating an overall framework for ministries, sectors, and localities to synchronously implement digital transformation tasks, boosting economic growth, enhancing national competitiveness, and leading Vietnam to prosperity in the digital age.

Vietnam targets $300 billion digital technology industry by 2030 Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung approved a key decision on May 13, approving the digital technology industry development programme for 2026-2030.

Vietnam enhances cooperation in digital economy and AI with regional partners Vietnam will increase cooperation in digital economy, AI and innovation with Thailand and Singapore as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.

Postal services revenue rises 30 per cent in May Revenue from postal services was estimated to reach VND8.5 trillion ($340 million) in May, a 30 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting the continued boom in demand for transportation and e-commerce.

Digital economy tops $72 billion as Resolution 57 drives transformation push Vietnam’s digital economy expanded to more than $72 billion in 2025, underscoring the early success of Resolution 57, even as slow fund disbursement and data integration hurdles continue to test implementation.

The discussion featured Dr. Vo Hai Son, deputy general director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention under the Ministry of Health; Dr. Angela Pratt, head of World Health Organization (WHO), Vietnam Country Office; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hung, deputy director of the Vietnam Paediatric Association and Former Director of Children’s Hospital 1.

Experts provided key insights and perspectives on the dengue fever situation. Photo: the Health & Life Newspaper

Dengue fever, ranked by the WHO among the world's top 10 public health threats, saw global cases surge tenfold from 2010 to 2019.

In Vietnam, the disease has spread nationwide. Many localities in the North that previously had no cases now report dengue fever, most notably during the 2022 outbreak, which sent hundreds of patients to hospitals across the northern provinces.

"The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue fever, thrives in warmer, wetter conditions and urban environments," said Pratt. "Three factors are driving this shift: climate change creating ideal breeding conditions for this mosquito; rapid urbanisation with unsynchronised infrastructure in densely populated areas; and the increasing difficulty in forecasting the disease, which challenges the health system in preparation and proactive response."

From a management perspective, Son stated, "The outbreak cycle has a tendency to shorten. The 2022 peak recorded 371,000 cases nationwide, and in subsequent years the country has continued to record an average of roughly 150,000 cases annually."

However, according to the representative of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention, the disease no longer follows old patterns. In 2025, cases increased again but did not decrease at the end of the year as usual – November and December remained at high levels. As a result, the first five months of 2026 recorded over 50,000 cases, 2.5 times higher than the same period last year.

Dr. Vo Hai Son, deputy general director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention. Photo: the Health & Life Newspaper

Abnormal weather patterns, characterised by alternating hot, humid, and continuous rainfall since the beginning of the year, are ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed.

"More concerningly, the DENV-2 serotype is currently dominant, increasing the risk of many severe cases," Son added. "Dengue prevention efforts will become increasingly difficult without determination and the synchronous implementation of many solutions to protect and care for health."

A significant change is that dengue fever is no longer just a disease of children – now anyone, at any age, can be infected. "More than 10 years ago, 60–70 per cent of dengue cases in the south were children under 15. Now, the incidence rate between children and people over 15 is almost equal," Hung said. "In other words, anyone in the family can contract dengue."

"The biggest barrier lies in complacency itself," he added. "Most people are aware of dengue fever yet still think of it as someone else's problem. When a high fever strikes, they self-medicate, and many young people believe the disease is not serious for them."

Meanwhile, dengue fever progresses in a way that contradicts common perception. The third to fifth day – when the fever has decreased and the patient thinks they have recovered – is the stage that can be the most dangerous. This is when the disease is most prone to becoming severe, with complications such as dengue shock syndrome, severe haemorrhage, and multi-organ failure. This combination of complacency and the disease's deceptive nature has led to many cases being detected too late, increasing the risk of death.

“There are families who have lost two children at the same time in one season because they were detected too late. Even though the health sector has tried its best, there are still cases where we could not save the children,” said Hung.

The burden of dengue extends far beyond case numbers. According to Hung, even severe cases that are successfully treated can leave lasting after-effects in both adults and children – ranging from memory impairment, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, and depression to hair loss and vision disorders.

Severe cases requiring dialysis or mechanical ventilation can cost hundreds of millions of VND, sometimes up to VND500–600 million ($20,000–24,000), creating great pressure on the healthcare system. The disease also weighs heavily on patients' families, forcing relatives to take days off work for round-the-clock care while causing prolonged anxiety and stress.

Over the past half-century, the fight against dengue fever has mainly relied on vector control (killing mosquitoes, killing larvae, eliminating breeding sites) and epidemiological surveillance – this remains the foundation and the first line of defence.

Currently, several new prevention tools are emerging. According to Pratt, early warning systems are increasingly improving thanks to technology and AI, helping to forecast transmission trends more accurately. Along with that, vaccines are becoming a proactive preventive tool, helping to reduce the risk of infection and the risk of severe progression, thereby reducing the burden of treatment and mortality.

"There's a vaccine now registered in Vietnam, and a pilot will happen soon to try rolling it out in a public health drive," said Pratt. "I'm personally very excited to see the results of that pilot because this is an essential new tool in the toolbox."

Dr. Angela Pratt, Head of WHO, Vietnam Country Office. Photo: the Health & Life Newspaper

"With the support of international organisations and businesses, the health sector is researching the implementation of a pilot dengue vaccination scheme in some localities to serve as a basis for evaluation before considering inclusion in the expanded immunisation drive," Son said. "In parallel, the health sector continues to promote mosquito control, communication, improve treatment capacity, and gradually apply environmental and weather data for early epidemic warning. New tools do not replace existing measures – they supplement them in a comprehensive prevention strategy."

The WHO has set a global target to achieve zero preventable deaths from dengue fever by 2030. According to Pratt, the key is to bridge the gap between information, awareness, and action: messages need to be clear, easy to understand, and actionable, accompanied by a capable health system.

This year, for the first time, the list introduces size-based categories, giving recognition that more accurately reflects the distinct people challenges facing organizations at different scales of operation. Determined largely by confidential employee feedback, the 2026 list recognizes 30 organizations across Large, Medium and Small categories that have demonstrated exceptional workplace culture and delivered a consistently high-trust employee experience.

The Best Workplaces recognized in the Philippines IT-BPM list for 2026 significantly outperform the broader market on key indicators.

• 91% of employees at recognized organizations say they would strongly endorse their company to friends and family as a great place to work, compared to 69% at typical Philippine companies.
• 88% say people in their workplace are willing to give extra to get the job done, compared to 75.6% at typical Philippine companies.
• 90.2% say people quickly adapt to changes needed for organizational success, compared to 72.2% at typical companies.

As the tech sector in the Philippines competes more globally for service quality and talent, the workplaces that will excel are more likely to be those where employees feel genuinely valued.

"The Philippine tech industry is at a real turning point. AI is changing the nature of work and global competition is raising expectations. Nearly two million Filipinos are navigating that shift every day" said Charles Plumley, General Manager, Great Place To Work® Philippines.

"This list champions thirty organizations who chose to face that reality head-on, and who made a choice to give their people a voice in how the industry is experienced on the ground. That's something worth celebrating."

Best Workplaces™ in the Philippines IT-BPM Industry 2026 top placing organizations

Large category: Synchrony (#1), Capital One Philippines (#2), Carelon Global Solutions Philippines (#3)
Medium category: Kollab (#1), AGS Health Private Limited (#2), hammerjack Pty Ltd (#3)
Small category: Interconnected Business Process Inc. (#1), Cisco (#2), Tech One Global Phils., Inc. (#3)

DISCOVER THE FULL BEST WORKPLACES™ IN THE PHILIPPINES IT-BPM INDUSTRY 2026 LIST HERE

A Word From Our Winners

Taking the #1 position in the Small category, Interconnected Business Process, Inc. has a people-first culture, "at the heart of everything we do. Through continuous learning and development, employee recognition programs, wellness initiatives, CSR activities, and open communication, we have created a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered," said Community Relations Associate Phileo Titus Cayabyab.

At #5 for the Medium category Etrading Software's Head of Operations Jennifer Danganan said that, "One of the key drivers behind our recognition as a Best Workplace in IT-BPM was our deliberate investment in people leadership and employee development as the organization continued to grow. These initiatives helped foster a culture built on trust, development, and flexibility creating a workplace where employees feel supported both professionally and personally."

Coming in at the #13 place in the Large category, Lexmark, now part of Xerox, sees becoming a Best Workplace in IT-BPM as the result of, "a more intentional approach to aligning employee experience, capability-building, and business growth. The organization maintained consistently high trust scores averaging above 92%, achieved five consecutive years of Great Place To Work Certification, and grew its workforce by over 10% between 2024 and 2025," said the company's Public Relations and Internal Communications Specialist, Julia Toledo.

Follow Great Place To Work on LinkedIn, Facebook or visit greatplacetowork.com.ph