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Vietnam — Daily

Vietnam Daily: HCMC opens Party Congress, maps multi‑hub megacity, and gold tops $4,000

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Politics

Ho Chi Minh City Opens First Party Congress Since Provincial Merger, Sets 2030–2045 Growth Targets

Published: 2025-10-13

Ho Chi Minh City convenes its first Party Congress since merging with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, charting 2030–2045 goals to become a Southeast Asian innovation hub, global top-100 city, and high-income economy. The Congress (Oct 13–15) will approve leadership slates and vote on 30 targets across economics, society, urban environment, security, and party building. Experts urge decisive administrative and land reforms, stronger support for private sector and supporting industries, and accelerated digitalization of land data following new land laws. Cultural leaders press for a transparent creative-industry fund and modern venues; educators call for world-class universities and regional transport integration. Youth leaders seek special mechanisms for startups and talent.

"Administrative reform in land, construction, and planning must be resolved decisively" - Dr. Pham Viet Thuan, Institute head (tuoitre.vn)

"We hope for breakthrough policies for supporting industries and attractive industrial parks" - Vo Son Dien, HCMC Supporting Industries Association chair (tuoitre.vn)

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Private Sector Leaders Urge Swift Policy Execution as New Party Resolutions Recast Business Climate

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s private sector is signaling confidence following the Communist Party’s recent “four-resolution” agenda, including Resolution 68 on private economy development. Business leaders say clearer policy direction is lifting a longstanding “defensive” mindset, but stress rapid, consistent implementation across central and local levels to convert momentum into growth. Industry voices call for streamlined administration, legal certainty, and sector-based ecosystems to scale national champions, particularly in agriculture and green transition. Apparel, agriculture, consumer goods, and finance executives highlight improved access to inputs and markets, including new rules to import gold for jewelry manufacturing.

"The ‘defensive’ mindset among some firms has been erased, but execution must be unified from the center to localities." - Thai Nhu Hiep, Chairman, Vinh Hiep Co. (thanhnien.vn)

"Policies must become a driver rather than a barrier—cutting procedures and avoiding criminalization of economic violations." - Pham Van Viet, Chairman, Viet Thang Jean (thanhnien.vn)

"We have never had a launchpad as favorable as now, but it only works if businesses think big and execute for the long term." - Nguyen Duy Thanh, Chairman, Global Home (thanhnien.vn)

"In 5–10 years, more Vietnamese brands will expand regionally and globally—if policy rollout is fast, consistent and transparent." - Dang Hong Anh, Vice Chairman, TTC Group (thanhnien.vn)

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Taxman to Scrap Lump-Sum Regime in 2026, Introduce Tiered Self-Assessment for Household Businesses

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance has set 1 January 2026 to end the forfait (lump-sum) tax regime for household businesses, shifting all taxpayers with taxable revenue to self-declaration and payment based on actual turnover. The General Department of Taxation proposes three revenue tiers to define calculation and compliance requirements, alongside mandatory e-invoicing from cash registers above set thresholds. As of July 2025 data, 65.7% of stable households earn VND ≤200 million, 33.6% earn VND >200 million–3 billion, 0.6% earn VND >3–50 billion, and 0.1% exceed VND 50 billion. A separate framework is being designed for e-commerce, integrating platform order data, intermediary payment records, and e-invoices to auto-suggest filings—aimed at reducing errors and workload. Authorities will prioritize transitioning larger households first, while keeping simplified oversight for micro-entities under VND 100 million annually.

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Private Sector Elevated to Prime Growth Engine with Party Resolution 68

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam has formally designated the private sector as the economy’s foremost driver in 2025 under Politburo Resolution 68, reframing it as a pillar alongside state and collective sectors. The shift caps a decades-long trajectory from early reforms to today’s “three-legged stool” model of economic independence and deeper integration. Private firms and household businesses now contribute roughly 51% of GDP, over 30% of budget revenue, and more than 40 million jobs. Party chief To Lam positioned the resolution within a four-resolution reform package spanning science-technology, international integration, private-sector development, and legal overhaul.

"Resolution 68 affirms Vietnamese entrepreneurs as ‘soldiers on the economic front’ in the new era." - Party General Secretary To Lam (thanhnien.vn)

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged execution through a nationwide wealth-creation drive, aligning central and local government roles with business and citizens to mobilize resources for faster, sustainable growth.

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Economy

Gold Prices Surge Past 4,000 USD/oz as Vietnam Bullion Hits Record Range; ACB Leads With Highest Bid

Published: 2025-10-13

"Gold and silver have rallied impressively; now is the time to take some profits and wait for a new buying opportunity." - Michele Schneider, MarketGauge (vneconomy.vn)

Vietnam’s bullion market opened the week higher alongside a sharp global advance. Spot gold in Asia rose to about 4,054 USD/oz early Monday, extending an eight-week rally and twice breaching the 4,000 USD milestone last week. Analysts caution the 4,000 USD level could cap gains short term, yet structural drivers—rate-cut expectations, reserve diversification, rising public debt, and geopolitical risk—support further upside. In Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, SJC bars were widely quoted around 141.6–143.6 million VND/tael, while ACB posted the market’s highest bid at 142.6 million VND and the narrowest spread (1 million VND), indicating aggressive liquidity provision. ETF inflows surged by 221.7 tonnes in Q3, putting holdings within 2% of 2020’s record, a sign of strong investment demand that is feeding domestic price firmness.

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Private Sector Emerges as Central Growth Engine with Record Firm Count and Larger Role in National Projects

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s private sector is being repositioned as the primary driver of growth following policy shifts that elevate its role and remove institutional bottlenecks. Active enterprises reportedly surpassed 1 million for the first time, while private firms are stepping into major infrastructure—high-speed rail, urban transit, ports, and airports—previously dominated by state budgets. The sector contributes about 50% of GDP, over 30% of state revenue, nearly 60% of total social investment, and creates more than 40 million jobs, or 82% of employment. Local authorities are tying leadership performance to business satisfaction and deploying direct support channels to resolve obstacles. Policymakers project GDP growth above 8% in 2025 as groundwork for potential double‑digit expansion thereafter, aligning with ambitions to reach high‑income status by 2045.

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Dollar Slides as State Bank Trims Central Rate; Banks Narrow USD Spreads, Adjust CNY

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s central bank lowered the VND–USD central rate by 16 dong to 25,112 on October 13, extending a recent softening in the dollar. With the ±5% band, the ceiling stands at 26,368 and the floor at 23,856. At the State Bank’s exchange, the reference was 23,922–26,334 (buy–sell). Commercial banks followed with modest cuts: Vietcombank quoted 26,144–26,384, easing 20 dong on the buy side from late last week; BIDV trimmed 28 dong (buy) and 17 dong (sell) to 26,140–26,367. For the Chinese yuan, Vietcombank nudged quotes up 1 dong to 3,640–3,757, while BIDV reduced to 3,641–3,739. The moves suggest continued official calibration to stabilize forex conditions while allowing market rates to drift lower, with banks tightening USD spreads and fine-tuning CNY pricing to reflect cross-border trade flows and liquidity.

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Trade Momentum Points to US$900 Billion Record as Electronics and Agro-exports Surge

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s export rebound broadened across key sectors, positioning total trade to reach a record US$900 billion this year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Electronics led gains: computers and components hit US$77.4 billion (+45.9% y/y), phones and parts US$43.6 billion (+4.1%), and machinery US$42.9 billion (+13.5%). Consumer goods also strengthened, with textiles at US$29.7 billion (+8.6%) and footwear US$17.9 billion (+7.4%). Agro-forestry-fisheries exports reached US$52.3 billion (+14%), buoyed by coffee, durian, and seafood. Vinatex reported profit growth outpacing revenue and sees a potential record year.

"From now to year-end is peak seafood consumption, and we could see explosive growth; seafood exports may reach US$10 billion this year." - Le Hang, Deputy Secretary General, VASEP (thanhnien.vn)

"Coffee exports could climb to US$9 billion this year, a new record for the sector." - Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman, Vicofa (thanhnien.vn)

Authorities target 12% export growth in 2025, prioritizing FTA utilization, market diversification to the US, EU, Northeast Asia, and emerging destinations, and easing technical barriers and trade remedies.

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Market Uptrend Expected to Extend with FTSE Russell Upgrade and Strong Q3 Data

Published: 2025-10-13

HoSE’s benchmark advanced in four of five sessions last week, adding 102 points to a record 1,747, as liquidity rose about 20% to roughly VND 32 trillion per session following FTSE Russell’s confirmation of Vietnam’s market status upgrade. Brokerages project the upbeat sentiment could carry through this week—potentially to year-end—supported by Q3 GDP growth above 8% and improving earnings prospects. SHS sees room for VN-Index to test 1,750 and VN30 to approach 2,000, while TPS sets a minimum near 1,776. Yuanta Vietnam cautions for an early-week pullback tied to U.S.–China trade tensions but expects dips to be shallow. MASVN forecasts broad-based gains in banks, brokers, materials, and retail, with VN-Index eyeing 1,800–2,000 by year-end. IPO and listing activity is also accelerating on HoSE.

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Nghe An Emerges as North Central Growth Hub with Record FDI and Rapid Infrastructure Upgrades

Published: 2025-10-13

Nghe An is consolidating its role as a North Central growth pole, reporting 2024 GRDP growth of 9.01% (second in the subregion) and a record US$1.75 billion in FDI, highlighted by Foxconn’s US$200 million investment in the Southeast Economic Zone. In the first nine months of 2025, GRDP is estimated to rise 8.61%, ranking 11/34 nationwide, while state budget revenue neared VND 20 trillion, up 30% year-on-year. A surge of infrastructure projects underpins momentum: upgrades at Vinh International Airport (nearly VND 1,000 billion), completion of the Vinh–Cua Lo boulevard (12 lanes), expanded Chu Huy Man dike road, and connectivity via the Vinh–Dien Chau expressway and Cua Hoi bridge, which has reportedly cut logistics costs and lifted tourism flows by 15–20%. Strengthening transport links and urban amenities are drawing major real estate developers, with analysts seeing the province entering a faster growth cycle from 2025.

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Export Sectors Pivot Under U.S. Countervailing Pressure as Firms Fast‑Track Shipments and Rebalance Supply Chains

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s exporters moved from shock to execution after Washington floated a 46% countervailing duty, later paused for 90 days and finalized at 20%, while preliminary anti‑dumping rates on shrimp reached 35.29%. Shrimp processors accelerated shipments during the grace period, lifting U.S.-bound volumes by 30–40%, and leaned on higher value-added products to sustain orders despite an effective duty burden above 56%.

"We raced the clock on everything from sourcing to processing and shipping to fully use the 90 days." - Ho Quoc Luc, Chairman, FIMEX (thanhnien.vn)

Wood and textiles sought resilience by importing U.S. raw materials, improving bilateral trade balance and mitigating tariff exposure; U.S. wood imports hit over $320 million in Jan–Jul 2025, while cotton imports from the U.S. jumped 133% by volume. Agriculture remained a growth anchor: Jan–Aug exports topped $45 billion (+12%), with seafood surpassing $7 billion (+11.5%), and strong gains in China and Japan offsetting U.S. headwinds. Rice exports rose to 6.3 million tons despite price drops and import pauses by key buyers, and coffee reached $6.4 billion, nearly 60% higher year-on-year.

"Success today reflects entrepreneur resilience and pro-integration policies that widened Vietnam’s playing field." - Dr. Tran Huu Hiep, FPT University (thanhnien.vn)

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WTI Slides Below $60 as Trade Tensions and Easing Middle East Risk Hit Energy; Coffee Retreats on Supply Outlook

Published: 2025-10-13

Global commodities fell, with WTI crude closing at $58.9/barrel and Brent at $62.73 following a late‑week selloff. Escalating U.S.–China trade tensions—including a U.S. warning of potential 100% tariffs after China tightened rare-earth export controls—clouded demand and knocked oil about 4% on Oct. 10. Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire, endorsed by Israel and backed by the U.S., further reduced risk premia, shifting attention to potential oversupply as OPEC+ eases cuts. ANZ’s Daniel Hynes said the ceasefire focus returns the market to looming surplus concerns as OPEC+ unwinds reductions. In Vietnam, retail fuel prices were cut in line with global moves. Coffee dropped as supply expectations improved: Arabica fell 4.5% and Robusta over 1% on better Brazil weather, nascent Vietnam harvests, and hopes of U.S.–Brazil tariff relief. Vietnam’s 2025–26 output is projected to rise 8.3%, led by Robusta gains.

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Techcom Securities Lists 2.31 Billion TCX Shares on HOSE at VND46,800 Reference Price

Published: 2025-10-13

Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange approved the listing of 2,311,308,021 TCX shares of Techcom Securities (TCBS), with first trading set for October 21 and a reference price of VND46,800 per share (±20% band). The listing follows TCBS’s September IPO of over 231 million shares, raising more than VND10.8 trillion from domestic and foreign investors. As of September 30, 2025, charter capital reached VND23.113 trillion and equity VND42.478 trillion. TCBS reported record Q3 2025 pre-tax profit of VND2.024 trillion (+85% y/y); nine-month pre-tax profit rose 31% y/y to VND5.067 trillion, nearly 90% of its 2025 target. Growth was driven by margin lending (loan book VND41.713 trillion), stronger brokerage market share (HOSE 7.75%), robust bond distribution (VND51 trillion in 9M), and expanding digital platforms (iPO, Fundmart, iConnect). Total assets climbed to VND81.773 trillion.

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Infrastructure

Ho Chi Minh City Maps Multi‑Hub ‘Global Megacity’ After Merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau

Published: 2025-10-13

Ho Chi Minh City is leveraging its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau to reconfigure regional space into a multi‑center “international megacity” built on five pillars: industry‑logistics, an international financial center, tourism and cultural industries, education‑health‑science, and an innovation zone. The city now accounts for roughly a quarter of national output and a third of budget revenue, and targets top‑100 liveability by 2030 and global megacity status by 2045. Plans prioritize industrial restructuring toward AI, semiconductors and green tech; free trade zones linked to logistics and ports; completion of Thu Thiem, acceleration of Phu My Hung phase 2 and Can Gio; and major rail, ring roads, inland waterways and port connectivity. Authorities underscore digital and green transitions, sandboxes in fintech/health/edtech, and inclusive social policy across newly expanded urban‑rural demographics.

"The merger is not just administrative; it creates a historic opportunity to pool resources, align infrastructure and markets, and assert an international megacity position." - Tran Luu Quang, Ho Chi Minh City Party Secretary (baotintuc.vn)

"All policies must put people at the center, with citizen satisfaction as the measure of governance effectiveness." - Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee (baotintuc.vn)

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Urban Flooding Exposes Planning Gaps as Cities Push ‘Sponge’ Solutions and Multi‑Layer Drainage

Published: 2025-10-13

Heavy rains in late September and early October left over 100 inundation points across Hanoi, with some areas waterlogged for days. Ho Chi Minh City faces dual pressures from rainfall and tidal surges, with frequent 20–50cm flooding in Bình Thạnh and Thủ Đức. Experts link recurring urban floods to fragmented planning, loss of natural retention (Hanoi’s surface water area down over 15% in a decade), overbuilt centers with limited permeable surfaces, and aging drainage designed for 100 mm/2 hours—well below current storm intensities of 200–300 mm. Proposed remedies emphasize restoring lakes and ponds and adopting “sponge city” features—permeable pavements, green roofs, and ecological basins—integrated into a multi‑tier system from sloped road surfaces to tunnels and reservoirs, supported by long‑term national strategy and private capital.

"To control flooding effectively, cities must restore filled lakes and ponds—water surfaces are integral to modern urban planning." - Đào Ngọc Nghiêm, former Director of Hanoi’s Planning and Architecture Department (baotintuc.vn)

"Anti‑flood infrastructure should operate as a multi‑layer network—from road gradients to culverts to reservoirs—functioning as one ecosystem." - Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hồ Long Phi, former Director, Institute for Water and Climate Change, VNU-HCMC (vietnamplus.vn)

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Vingroup Adds Green Infrastructure Pillars as VinSpeed Pursues High-Speed Rail Projects

Published: 2025-10-13

Vingroup marked its 32nd anniversary by adding two new strategic pillars—Infrastructure and Green Energy—alongside Technology-Industry, Retail Services, and Philanthropy. The move follows subsidiary VinSpeed’s proposal to invest in the North–South high-speed railway and parallel plans for two initial lines: Hanoi–Quang Ninh (120.4 km) and Ho Chi Minh City–Can Gio (designed for 350 km/h). The group also launched a major LNG power plant in Hai Phong and outlined large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects through VinEnergo, including overseas BESS deployments up to 80 GW. Vingroup links its expansion to national policy priorities and aims to advance logistics with port and logistics centers in Hai Phong and Ha Tinh.

"This is a historic moment for Vietnam’s private sector to lead in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation." - VinSpeed leadership (thanhnien.vn)

"We will invest in core national infrastructure and green energy to help usher Vietnam into a prosperous era and elevate its global standing." - Nguyen Viet Quang, CEO, Vingroup (thanhnien.vn)

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Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has approved adjustments to the master plan for Gia Bình International Airport in Bắc Ninh through 2030, with a 2050 outlook. The airport is designed to handle 30 million passengers and 1.6 million tons of cargo annually by 2030, rising to 50 million passengers and 2.5 million tons by 2050. Runway configurations include two parallel runways north and south by 2030, expanding to four by 2050, alongside extensive parallel and rapid-exit taxiways. The plan earmarks about 1,960 hectares and prioritizes multimodal links: a dedicated expressway from Hanoi to the airport and Hải Phòng, plus an urban rail station at the passenger terminal connecting to national rail and Hanoi’s metro. Estimated investment totals VND 161.6 trillion to 2030 and VND 52.7 trillion beyond, with funding from state, private, and other lawful sources. Provincial and Hanoi authorities are tasked to align land, power, water, and transport planning.

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Ho Chi Minh City Weighs Costly Flood Controls as Evidence Favors Smaller, Decentralized Fixes

Published: 2025-10-13

A decade of anti-flood efforts in Ho Chi Minh City highlights gaps between large-scale plans and on-the-ground results. A proposed 10,000 m³ underground reservoir beneath Bàu Cát Park was halted after Tân Bình officials deemed the VND50 billion investment unnecessary, and the area has rarely flooded since. In Bình Tân, residents’ technical objections to the Ông Búp canal project prompted a formal re-review, forcing design changes that aligned more closely with local insights. The city’s dual framework—outer tidal defenses and inner rainwater drainage—has struggled in hotspots like Thảo Điền and around Thủ Đức Market, where a new 13,000 m³ underground tank is now proposed. With land scarcity, mixed stormwater-sewage systems, and clogged inlets undermining performance, some advocate distributed retention, even household tanks, to curb runoff.

"If I’m wrong, I’m willing to stake all my assets on it!" - Local resident challenging Ông Búp project (vnexpress.net)

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Infrastructure Push Accelerates: Expressways Near Completion, Long Thanh Test Flight Set, High-Speed Rail Gains Private Backing

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam is compressing timelines on flagship transport projects to hit 3,000 km of expressways by year-end, with officials signaling the target could be exceeded to 3,300 km. Key Mekong Delta links—Can Tho–Ca Mau and Chau Doc–Can Tho–Soc Trang—are racing to open in December, cutting travel times and integrating the region with Ho Chi Minh City. Long Thanh International Airport plans its first technical flight on December 19, positioning a new aviation hub to catalyze an “airport economy.” Policy shifts are unlocking the North–South high-speed rail, drawing private consortia pledging unprecedented delivery speeds and domestic industrial participation. Major seaports in Can Gio, Van Phong, and Lien Chieu, plus new airports in the North and Phu Quoc, are queued to follow, aiming to crowd in private capital, absorb materials and labor, and lift regional growth.

"We can be confident we will meet, even exceed, the target this year." - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (thanhnien.vn)

"Long Thanh will be a launchpad, creating an airport-centered economy and a leap forward into a new development phase." - Former ACV leader (thanhnien.vn)

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Published: 2025-10-13

Ho Chi Minh City has begun site clearance along Nguyễn Khoái Street to build the nearly 5 km Nguyễn Khoái bridge-road corridor, a strategic link between District 7 and the city center via Võ Văn Kiệt Boulevard. Construction is slated to start in November and finish by late 2027. The project will include a 2.5 km elevated bridge over Kênh Tẻ and Rạch Bến Nghé, plus 2.3 km of connecting roads and ramps, aiming to ease chronic congestion on Nguyễn Hữu Thọ–Kênh Tẻ Bridge, Dương Bá Trạc, and Nguyễn Tất Thành. Authorities are acquiring over 8,900 m2 affecting 147 cases, with compensation and resettlement estimated at VND 1,000 billion. Many households have accepted payouts and are rebuilding after setbacks to property lines of 3–7 meters.

"Demolition takes about a week; the longest part is separating steel from reinforced concrete." - Nguyễn Minh Thương, local resident (vnexpress.net)

"I received about VND 7.7 billion after moving my house back 7 meters... I hope the project starts soon to make travel more convenient." - Trần Ngọc Phi, local resident (vnexpress.net)

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EVNGENCO3–LILAMA Consortium Wins EPC Contract to Convert Ô Môn 1 to Block B Gas

Published: 2025-10-13

EVNGENCO3 and LILAMA have signed an EPC contract to convert the 660 MW Ô Môn 1 thermal power plant from diesel (DO) to natural gas sourced from the Block B gas field. The turnkey package (EPC-01) will run 21 months and is part of the national-priority Block B–Ô Môn Gas-to-Power chain, which includes upstream field development, the Block B–Ô Môn pipeline, and four gas-fired plants totaling 3,800 MW. Ô Môn 1, operated since 2008 with average output of 1.9 billion kWh/year, is owned by EVNGENCO2, with Can Tho Thermal Power managing the project. EVNGENCO3’s EPS unit will lead upgrades to improve efficiency. The plant is expected to consume about 1.2 billion m³ of gas annually once converted, supporting supply security and emissions goals.

"Fuel conversion at Ô Môn 1 reflects a strategic vision for national energy security and advances the net-zero by 2050 commitment." - Tran Phu Thai, Chairman, EVNGENCO2 (thanhnien.vn)

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Society

Volunteer Drone Pilots Deliver Aid to Northern Flood Zones

Published: 2025-10-13

Volunteer drone operators from across Vietnam converged on hard-hit northern provinces to deliver food and water to residents cut off by severe flooding, particularly in parts of Bac Ninh (formerly Bac Giang areas). Using agricultural drones repurposed for relief, teams coordinated via social media to conduct reconnaissance with smaller flycams and then air-drop supplies. Each drone carried up to about 30 kg within a 2 km radius, reaching hundreds of people in isolated areas over recent days. Local coordination helped identify priority drop points and connect donors to the teams.

"I’ve never seen a flood this big; some homes are submerged up to the roof" - Duong Thi Nham, local resident (thanhnien.vn)

"We decided to go immediately, without hesitation" - Nguyen Xuan Huy, coordinator from Gia Lai (thanhnien.vn)

Operators also provided on-site repair support and signaled readiness for post-flood sanitation tasks such as disinfectant spraying, highlighting the expanding role of civilian drone networks in emergency response.

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Crackdown Urged on Cross-Border Scam Recruitment Along Vietnam–Cambodia Frontier

Published: 2025-10-13

Authorities report a rise in Vietnamese nationals—some with criminal records or wanted notices—being expelled after illegally crossing into Cambodia to join online fraud syndicates. The shift over the past two years marks a move from casual cross-border work to organized scams impersonating postal staff, police, prosecutors, and inspectors, using spoofed calls and malware links to siphon funds. Beyond financial losses, officials highlight eroding public trust as citizens fear any unsolicited call or link, while state institutions’ reputations are exploited. The article calls for tighter exit–entry controls, dismantling of broker networks facilitating illicit crossings, and stronger public awareness campaigns about “easy job, high pay” lures. It stresses severe penalties for recruiters and organizers who traffic acquaintances and compatriots into scam operations to deter future offenses and restore fairness for victims.

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Global Travelers Spotlight Vietnam’s Allure as Peace and Liveability Rankings Rise

Published: 2025-10-13

"It may sound strange, but spending my youth in Vietnam is what I’m most proud of in my life." - Chris Wallace, writer-photographer (thanhnien.vn)

A feature on foreign visitors and residents highlights Vietnam’s growing draw for lifestyle, safety, and value. Returning after 15 years, New Yorker Chris Wallace notes Ho Chi Minh City’s transformation alongside enduring heritage, while recalling culinary staples and Hoi An’s timeless charm. Barry Peacock recounts choosing to remain on Phu Quoc during COVID-19 border closures, citing affordability and a welcoming community:

"There seems to be no divide between foreigners and locals... if you need help, everyone will try their best." - Barry Peacock (thanhnien.vn)

Academic Giannina Warren describes relocating to Ho Chi Minh City in 2024 for a university role, calling Vietnam “young, dynamic, globally connected.” Celebrity visits—from Christina Aguilera in Ha Long Bay to DJ Martin Garrix in Son Doong—amplify destination branding. Vietnam ranks 38th globally on the Global Peace Index and among the top 10 most peaceful in Asia-Pacific. Ho Chi Minh City ranks second worldwide for resident retention in Gensler’s City Pulse 2025 report.

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Environment

EU and Belgium Deepen Environmental and Green Agriculture Cooperation with Vietnam

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s Acting Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang held high-level meetings in Brussels with EU Environment, Water and Circular Economy Commissioner Jessica Raswall, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister David Clarinval, and Wallonia leaders to expand cooperation on climate and sustainable development. Talks prioritized circular economy, carbon markets, biodiversity, waste management, and sustainable water governance, with both sides exploring a dedicated environment MoU and Wallonia pursuing a parallel MoU on agriculture and environment focusing on research, training, and biotech transfer. The EU positioned Vietnam as a key Southeast Asian partner for green transition and EUDR compliance, while Belgium sought faster market access for animal-origin products. Vietnam proposed a Vietnam–Belgium agri-business forum and requested technical support on food safety and biotech to scale climate-resilient, high-tech farming.

"The EU sees Vietnam as a pivotal partner in Southeast Asia for green growth, emissions reduction, and sustainable transition." - Jessica Raswall, EU Commissioner for Environment, Water and Circular Economy (baotintuc.vn)

"Belgium views Vietnam as an important partner in Asia and asks Hanoi to soon review Belgian products and companies eligible to export, especially animal-origin goods." - David Clarinval, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Employment and Agriculture of Belgium (vietnamplus.vn)

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Heavy Rain Triggers Flood Risk in Low-Lying Areas as Northern Vietnam Faces Two Storm Systems

Published: 2025-10-13

National forecasters warn of widespread showers and thunderstorms on Oct 13, with heavier bursts in Northeast provinces and from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh (15–40 mm, locally 70–80+ mm). Central coast to the Central Highlands and the South expect scattered afternoon–evening storms (10–30 mm, locally 80+ mm). Authorities caution for flash floods on small rivers, landslides on steep slopes, and urban and industrial-zone flooding. Marine areas from the Gulf of Tonkin to the South China Sea will see squalls, 2m+ waves, and gusts force 6–7 affecting vessels. Looking ahead, the North is set for two significant rain episodes: Oct 14–16 and again Oct 19–20, with short-duration downpours up to 70 mm/3h. While major-river flooding risk remains low, localized inundation, flash floods, and landslides are possible in mountainous zones. Temperatures: Hanoi 29–31°C; HCMC 30–32°C.

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Prolonged Rains in South and Central Regions as Early Cold Wave Set to Intensify in the North

Published: 2025-10-13

Southern and central Vietnam face extended heavy rainfall following recent tropical disturbances over the East Sea, while a strengthening cold surge is forecast to bring early-season severe cold to the north from late December. Ho Chi Minh City will see intermittent sun with frequent showers and thunderstorms, 10-day rainfall of 100–140 mm, and elevated humidity exacerbating air pollution. Central and southeastern provinces recorded localized deluges exceeding 150 mm, with continued thunderstorms and risks of flash floods, landslides, and urban flooding. National forecasters expect 2–3 more tropical storms or depressions over the next month, with 1–2 potentially impacting the mainland; seasonal totals could surpass historical averages through December 2025. La Niña’s recent return is linked to stronger, earlier cold air outbreaks and more complex storms. Air quality deteriorated sharply in HCMC and Hanoi, triggering red-level alerts and global top-10 pollution rankings on multiple days.

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Hanoi Air Quality Deteriorates to ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ as AQI Hits 122; Tay Ho Station Peaks at 175

Published: 2025-10-13

At 7:30 a.m. on October 13, IQAir ranked Hanoi 10th among 126 most polluted cities globally, with an AQI of 122—orange, “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” Within the capital, Tay Ho ward recorded a red “unhealthy” AQI of 175. Ho Chi Minh City posted a “moderate” AQI of 81, ranking 20th. Air quality can fluctuate by time and local rush-hour patterns. VN Air data showed Vietnam’s most polluted location at the time was Thang Long Industrial Park (Hung Yen) with an AQI of 500—brown, “hazardous”—while Cam Pha (Quang Ninh) was “good” at AQI 5. Authorities advise limiting outdoor activities during high pollution periods, using protective masks and air purifiers, and monitoring official apps for updates; sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activity when levels worsen.

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Back-to-Back Typhoons Devastate Nghệ An’s High-Tech Aquaculture and Farms

Published: 2025-10-13

Successive storms, culminating with Typhoon No. 10, have wrecked high-tech farming hubs in Nghệ An, sweeping away shrimp stocks, tearing up sea dikes, and collapsing greenhouses. In An Châu commune, nearly 30 hectares of shrimp ponds were washed out; province-wide, authorities report 245 hectares of shrimp damaged and total losses of about VND 2,202 billion. Farmers face a costly, months-long rebuild that risks missing the prime stocking window, which could reduce yields and raise disease risk. Local officials are assessing damage for support packages. Individual losses are severe, with some farms reporting VND 3–4 billion in destroyed stock and equipment, and poultry producers losing tens of thousands of birds to flooding.

"The storm swept away billions of dong in investment; 35 ponds were destroyed—this is the worst in my 24 years of shrimp farming." - Nguyễn Cường, shrimp farmer (thanhnien.vn)

"We’re effectively back to zero after two storms in a row." - Bùi Đình Hội, cooperative director, high-tech melon grower (thanhnien.vn)

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UN Backs Vietnam’s Push to Invest in Climate Resilience as Extreme Disasters Escalate

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam is grappling with increasingly erratic and severe disasters in 2025, including atypical typhoon tracks and record river floods, prompting a national focus on resilience investment aligned with the UN’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme. Authorities report 238 dead or missing, 367 injured, about 260,000 homes damaged, and roughly 35 trillion VND in losses through October 9; post-Typhoon Matmo rains inundated northern cities, with Thái Nguyên, Cao Bằng, and Lạng Sơn suffering an estimated 7.05 trillion VND in damages. Officials urge stronger early warning, locally adaptable “four on-the-spot” response, climate-adaptive urban planning, and resilient infrastructure. The government says disasters have shaved about 0.2 percentage points off growth. UN agencies pledged support for preparedness and rapid response financing.

"This year’s disasters have already reduced Vietnam’s growth by about 0.2 percentage points." - Deputy Minister Nguyễn Hoàng Hiệp (vietnamplus.vn)

"The United Nations will stand with Vietnam to strengthen early prevention and response capacity and mobilize resources aligned with government priorities." - Pauline Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam (vietnamplus.vn)

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Innovation

New Zealand Universities Expand Direct Admissions for Vietnamese Students, Easing Pathway and Work Options

Published: 2025-10-13

"This is a significant step forward; our goal is to make the transition as simple and seamless as possible for Vietnamese students." - Ben Burrowes, Asia Regional Director, Education New Zealand (vnexpress.net)

New Zealand is broadening direct undergraduate admissions for Vietnamese students, with eight public institutes of technology and polytechnics now accepting school transcripts without foundation programs. Grade 12 students can apply before graduation and submit diplomas later, cutting time and costs compared with prior six‑month preparatory routes. Education New Zealand identifies Vietnam as a priority market, aligning with expanded scholarships: more NZSS high school awards (45) and 39 Manaaki government scholarships. From November, eligible international students may work up to 25 hours weekly during term and full-time in breaks, and graduates can obtain up to three years’ post-study work rights. Qualifying roles on the Green List can fast-track residence, including immediate residency for some professions.

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Green logistics and talent training take center stage in new KLU–HCMUT master’s program

Published: 2025-10-13

Kühne Logistics University (KLU) and HCMC University of Technology launched an English-language Master’s in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Vietnam, aligning with policy momentum on regional planning and infrastructure connectivity. The program mirrors KLU’s standards in Germany and awards German degrees, emphasizing experiential research with enterprises and integrating green supply chain principles. Facilities follow energy- and water-efficient design with air-quality standards and eco-friendly materials to model sustainable operations for students. Dr. Trinh Viet Dung, Executive Director of KLU Asia, framed Vietnam’s inflection point as it shifts from traditional growth to smart, inclusive, and green development, noting regional disparities and constraints in technology, data, and finance. He underscored education and stakeholder coordination as levers for building a regional green logistics hub.

"This is a pivotal phase to shift from traditional growth to smart, inclusive green development... Solutions must start with mindset and people." - Dr. Trinh Viet Dung, Executive Director, KLU Asia (thanhnien.vn)

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Public Security Ministry Proposes Expanding VNeID to 578 Document Types as Integration Lags

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security is seeking feedback on amendments to Decree 69/2024 to accelerate digital ID adoption, proposing integration of 188 citizen and 390 organizational document types into the VNeID app. Despite clear benefits in reducing paperwork and processing times, only 16 document types are currently integrated, reflecting slow implementation across ministries. The expanded list spans identity, residence, passports and visas, vehicle registration, education diplomas, health insurance, land-use certificates, civil status records, and more. The draft aims to strengthen the legal framework for registration, management, and use of digital IDs and authentication services to enable fully electronic administrative transactions. Public response is broadly supportive but underscores execution risks, from service-provider acceptance to data security and digital inclusion for elderly users.

"I don’t need to carry papers anymore—just my phone with VNeID level 2 and integrated IDs." - Dung Van Nguyen, reader (thanhnien.vn)

"Integrate, but also control participating entities so the system truly serves citizens." - Harry Walker, reader (thanhnien.vn)

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AI-Driven ‘Vibe Coding’ Speeds Software Development as Firms Weigh Security and Skills Risks

Published: 2025-10-13

Vietnam’s tech sector is embracing “Vibe Coding,” a workflow where developers and domain experts describe software in natural language and AI generates and iterates code. Practitioners report major time savings: HCMC engineer Hoang Long uses Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT in tandem and says tasks now take half to one-third the time. Universal Techlab integrates AI across project lifecycles, claiming 30–50% faster delivery while tightening QA to avoid data leakage and model risks. Founders of Bizino and Luna Base see Vibe Coding expanding beyond no‑code, enabling non-programmers to build apps, with AI handling technical execution. Experts warn of overreliance, degraded core skills, and security flaws; teams are urged to enforce code reviews, static/dynamic testing, and runtime monitoring. Calls are growing for updated university curricula and a legal framework on AI, IP, liability, and data rights.

"Instead of laying each brick yourself, you just direct: build me a wall here, and AI does it." - Nguyen Duc Hoai, CEO and co-founder, Bizino (vnexpress.net)

"We can’t keep teaching syntax when AI writes it better than most people. We must teach thinking, architecture, evaluation, and AI system governance." - Andrew Pham, founder and CEO, Luna Base AI (vnexpress.net)

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