Ms. Natalie Fairlie, Managing Director of Ascending Strategies and Vice President of AusCham, tells Vietnam Economic Times that leadership is about more than commercial success; it is about empowering women and supporting Vietnam’s even greater integration into the global economy.

As a female leader in Vietnam’s business landscape, what specific ways has your company and your leadership contributed to the country’s economic growth?

Vietnam’s social and economic development is indeed an inspiring story. It is an absolute privilege for Ascending Strategies to work here, with so many impressive individuals and companies.

At Ascending Strategies, our work is centered on one thing: connection. We help organizations enter new markets and scale with confidence, while partnering with senior leaders to shape strategy and governance that support long-term growth. A key focus of our work is strengthening commercial ties between Australia and Vietnam. By supporting Australian market entry for leading Vietnamese companies and facilitating visits that connect Australian businesses with potential partners in Vietnam, we help our clients open new channels for trade, investment, and expansion.

These opportunities, which are often impossible without international collaboration, drive real outcomes: job creation, economic activity, and sustainable growth. But importantly, at the heart of this, is building people-to-people links and working to create long-term business relationships, including future generations of the workforce.

As the founder and leader of Ascending Strategies, I see firsthand how this work also elevates women’s leadership in shaping Vietnam’s global business presence. In parallel, my role as Vice-President of AusCham allows me to contribute to broader economic growth by supporting enterprises across multiple sectors in both countries.

Beyond commerce, I am deeply committed to building strong global professional communities. To lift standards and strengthen professional development across Australia and Vietnam. I have helped connect three professional membership associations in property, law, and governance - each initiated and led by women. These partnerships encourage knowledge exchange, raise the quality of practice, and foster enduring relationships among practitioners.

I have also worked closely with female leaders and champions in both countries to deepen business ties and advance women within these networks. For me, leadership is about more than commercial success. It is about empowering women and supporting Vietnam’s even greater integration into the global economy. I have seen this impact firsthand across higher education, digital transformation, AI, and sustainable building practices - where cross-border collaboration is already driving innovation, trade, and growth.

Vietnam is aiming for double-digit GDP growth in the coming years to transition towards high-income status. What key initiatives or strategies do you believe are essential for the country to achieve this target? What specific action in your company taking to support this goal?

Vietnam’s economic growth is one of the most impressive in the region and indeed the world. Double-digit growth discussions in the country are usually accompanied by the word “ambitious”. Ambition, supported by strategic plans, paves a pathway for achieving such ambitions. Multi-layered strategy to achieve and sustain growth of this kind will be a key driver for a double-digital GDP target.

Vietnam has and continues to develop these multi-layered strategies, focusing on institutional reform, infrastructure expansion, digital transformation, green growth, and the strengthening of domestic enterprises.

Ascending Strategies is connecting businesses with growth opportunities across Australia and Vietnam every day. We provide advice to top-tier corporates on governance, compliance, and market entry strategies that align with Vietnam’s growth and strategic pillars.

Specifically, cross-border partnerships that accelerate the adoption of digital transformation and innovation and enhance cyber-security and the safety of people and systems. Particularly for large Vietnamese corporates who have global ambitions. Additionally, another key pillar we are strategically aiming to contribute to is companies’ commitment to sustainable industrial practices and improving vocational training in the property and infrastructure sectors.

Vietnamese businesses have much to offer the world, and by showcasing these strengths while fostering long-term partnerships, they can play a vital role in achieving ambitious growth targets.

What challenges have you faced as a female leader in contributing to national development?

In many countries, there are certainly still echoes of a business world that was designed by and for men but thankfully practices that exclude women are becoming less frequent. They also make no business sense.

It is now more common to encounter both men and women who balance productive and busy work lives with home and caring responsibilities. Being successful at work doesn’t need to be done at the exclusion of being present and active at home. The companies we are working with at Ascending Strategies have shown this and I personally aim for this.

Vietnamese businesses often have family connections and long histories drawing organizational culture and values from family pioneers and entrepreneurs. So, when we bring a flexible and inclusive approach to the table (something which is good for women and men) we find it much easier to overcome any cultural challenges that might exist between markets and connect in a truly meaningful way.

As a result, we are so proud of the valuable client partnerships we have developed in Vietnam. We partner and collaborate with some of the best and brightest minds in technology and innovation, in design and building and sustainable and digitally-innovative productivity in building and construction, and more recently, with some of the brightest educational, research and scientists. All proudly Vietnamese companies and organizations, with a passion, commitment, and vision to expand and deepen their market strength in Australia and with Australian partners.

What policies would you recommend to further empower women entrepreneurs and leaders to accelerate Vietnam’s path towards sustained double-digit growth in the new era?

The most meaningful outcomes and empowerment for individuals and teams come when people are working together and are connected, both men and women. This means investing time to understand both personal and organizational strategies, and then methodically achieving great outcomes. Partnerships can’t just be transactional they ought to be transformational.

Even when working with large corporates that often have male-dominated leadership teams, I have found ways to encourage and nurture meaningful connections. As deals grow in scale, more staff become involved, which naturally creates opportunities for relationships that might not otherwise emerge, especially with women.

In practice, this has meant facilitating pathways for Vietnamese women to engage directly with international leaders and senior executives in Australia. What has struck me most is how, through these partnerships, consciously supporting women in middle and junior roles can open rewarding opportunities for mentorship, connection, and shared growth.

Policies that embed women in international delegations, prioritize women-led enterprises in joint ventures, and create structured leadership development programs across industries accelerate Vietnam’s path toward sustained double-digit growth. By formalizing frameworks that ensure women have equitable access to networks and global opportunities, Vietnam can continue to harness the full potential of its talent.

As someone actively building these connections, I know firsthand that when women are given the tools, access, and trust to lead, they not only transform their organizations but also contribute directly to Vietnam’s economic future. As Vietnam advances towards double-digit growth, it can accelerate its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs.

-Linh San

Eastbridge Partners, a Seoul-based investment fund is planning to invest in the aviation sector through a partnership with Bamboo Airways...

In 2026, Vietnam still remains one of Asia’s most dynamic growth markets. According to the National Office under the Ministry of Finance, disbursed foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam rose to $1.68 billion in January, marking a five-year high and an 11.3 per cent year-on-year increase. The figures underscore sustained international investor confidence in Vietnam’s long-term economic prospects.

In this context, at a working session with leaders of FLC Group and Bamboo Airways, Mr. Kevin Lim, Chairman of Eastbridge Partners noted that Eastbridge Partners is actively seeking investment opportunities across Southeast Asia, with Vietnam identified as a key priority market due to its increasingly favorable investment climate.

He affirmed that compared to other countries in the region, Vietnam continues to offer substantial growth headroom, particularly in the aviation sector.

“Vietnam has a large and fast-growing population, yet the number of operating airlines remains relatively limited, indicating significant development potential," Mr. Lim stated, adding: "Aviation is one of the sectors we are keen to explore further through partnerships with companies that possess solid foundations and clear strategic direction.” 

The working session between leaders of Eastbridge Partners and FLC Group, Bamboo Airways. 

Accordingly, Eastbridge Partners is open to considering strategic investment opportunities and accompanying FLC in its long-term development.

The fund may further facilitate partnerships between FLC Group, Bamboo Airways, and international financial and aviation leasing institutions to support long-term fleet expansion plans.

Following its restructuring, Bamboo Airways currently operates a fleet of eight aircraft and is actively implementing a phased expansion strategy. The airline aims to increase its fleet to 20 aircraft in 2026, with a longer-term target of restoring 30 aircraft and expanding its network across four continents.

Over the years, Bamboo Airways has contributed to strengthening connectivity between domestic and international destinations, particularly with South Korea. The airline previously operated direct routes from Hanoi and Da Nang to Incheon International Airport, while also maintaining charter services for South Korean travelers, supporting tourism and trade exchanges between the two markets.

Founded in 2011 in Seoul, Eastbridge Partners manages approximately $1.5 billion in assets, focusing on high-growth enterprises across Asia. The fund maintains representative offices in Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City and operates an extensive partner network, including major institutional investors in South Korea, Singapore, and the Middle East. Eastbridge has previously invested in Vietnamese companies such as POPS Worldwide and USM Healthcare, reflecting its long-term commitment to the Vietnamese market.

The working session between FLC and Eastbridge Partners marks a constructive step in strengthening ties between Vietnamese enterprises and international investors. As global capital continues to flow toward stable, high-growth markets such as Vietnam, proactive collaboration with reputable investment funds is expected to enhance financial capacity, accelerate project implementation, and build a sustainable foundation for long-term development.

Vneconomy-Hoang Tu

The southern city aims to complete six interconnected metro lines by 2030. Among these, the link between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Long Thanh International Airport has been identified as a top priority.

Ho Chi Minh City has proposed that the Central Government allocate an additional VND220 trillion ($8.4 billion) for its metro system, as current local resources cover only 40% of the total VND345-trillion (over $13 billion) requirement.

Speaking at a meeting of the Steering Committee for key national railway projects on March 3, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong stated that the city plans to allocate approximately VND345 trillion to focus on the implementation of 10 urban railway lines. This includes priority projects and transitional lines scheduled for completion between 2030 and 2035.

However, the city's current budget balancing capacity stands at only VND125 trillion (nearly $4.8 billion), meeting just 40% of the total capital demand. 

According to the official, HCMC aims to complete six interconnected metro lines by 2030. Among these, the link between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Long Thanh International Airport has been identified as a top priority.

Regarding specific progress, construction on the Tham Luong – Ben Thanh section of Metro Line 2 commenced in mid-January, including components related to the Tan Son Nhat airport connection. The city is finalizing procedures to break ground on the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem section in April 2026 and aims to begin the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh line by June 2026.

In parallel, HCMC is coordinating with the Vietnam Railway Authority to research and propose a dedicated set of standards for the city's urban railway system, aiming to gradually establish a domestic railway industry.

According to a report from the HCMC Department of Construction sent to the Ministry of Construction, several major corporations have expressed interest in investing in metro lines via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) or direct investment, including Vingroup, Becamex, Sovico, THACO, and Masterise.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

The figure marking a year-on-year increase of 30%.

Central Vietnam's Ha Tinh province recorded total import-export turnover of more than $600 million in the first two months of 2026, up 30% year-on-year, according to local Customs.

The figure reflects a strong start to the year for the province’s international trade activities.

The export structure continued to centre on key commodities, including steel and steel billets, wood chips, textiles, electronic products, ceramic tiles and rice.

Meanwhile, major import items comprised machinery and equipment, coal, iron ore, scrap metal, alloys, fuel oil, auto parts, cassava starch and several agricultural products.

VnEconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Once the land is leased and handed over by the State, the investor will have a maximum of three months to finalize investment procedures, with construction expected to break ground in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Under recent Decision No. 734/QD-UBND of the People's Committee of Hue city in central Vietnam, an investor for the project to construct and operate the infrastructure of the city's Chan May Industrial Park and Non-Tariff Zone No. 01 has been approved.

The approved investor is Chan May Infrastructure JSC, headquartered in Thuan Hoa Ward, Hue City. The project’s total investment is over VND 1.45 trillion (nearly 53.5 million). This includes over VND217.8 billion ($8.3 million) in equity from the investor (15% of total capital) and the remaining will be mobilized from legal sources (85%). 

Regarding the project schedule, site clearance, compensation, and land handover are slated to take place from the first quarter of 2026 through the fourth quarter of 2027.

Once the land is leased and handed over by the State, the investor will have a maximum of three months to finalize investment procedures, with construction expected to break ground in the fourth quarter of 2026. The project is scheduled to be completed and operational within 24 months, starting from the land lease date, with a target opening in the fourth quarter of 2028.

The project is strategically located approximately 6km from National Highway 1A and 3km from Chan May Port, providing excellent connectivity for both road and sea transport. The existing internal infrastructure in the area is already relatively well-developed, creating favorable conditions for production, logistics, and import-export activities.

-

The airport will operate domestic routes and non-scheduled (charter) international flights based on demand.

Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee, Nguyen Hong Hai, on March 4 signed a decision approving a selected investor for the civil aviation component of the Phan Thiet Airport project, according to a news reported by Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The designated investor is Phan Thiet Sun Airport Company Limited.

The Phan Thiet Airport project originally broke ground in January 2015. According to the approved master plan, the project consists of two main components: a military airfield and a civil airport. Currently, the military section, constructed by the Air Defense – Air Force Service, is already operational.

According to the Provincial People’s Committee, Phan Thiet Airport will meet the growing demand for air transport and serve as a catalyst for socio-economic development, while remaining integrated with national defense and security missions for the region and Lam Dong province.

The project’s specific objective is to serve Grade 4E civil aircraft, with a designed capacity of 2 million passengers per year by 2030. The airport will operate domestic routes and non-scheduled (charter) international flights based on demand.

VOV-

Retail rents reaching record highs in spaces within luxury hotels, reinforcing Vietnam’s rising status within Asia Pacific retail.

While Vietnam’s street‑front shops saw an overall decline in rents, the luxury retail market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth as brands expand selectively, according to the latest retail report ‘Main Streets Across the World’ released recently by Cushman Wakefield.

The report highlighted that this contrast reflects luxury retailers’ selective site choices, with retail rents reaching record highs in spaces within luxury hotels. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s luxury segments showed comparable revenue momentum, reinforcing Vietnam’s rising status within Asia Pacific retail.

Amidst limited availability of prime floor plates, Hanoi’s luxury retail landscape is becoming increasingly bifurcated. While average street rents on Trang Tien have seen a tactical adjustment of -7% year-on-year, high-spec shopping mall and luxury hotel retail podiums within the same district (Hoan Kiem) continue to command a premium and have increased 4% year-on-year. Driven by robust demand from international brands, these prime institutional-grade spaces have seen rents trend upward, reflecting a flight-to-quality among luxury occupiers.

Mrs Hoang Nguyet Minh, Country Head of Cushman Wakefield Vietnam, said Vietnam’s luxury retail sector is experiencing a period of dynamic growth, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Amid the limited supply of prime retail space in both cities, demand from luxury brands—especially major labels from France, Italy, and South Korea—continues to rise as they seek new openings in the Vietnamese market. This supply-demand imbalance has driven rental rates upward across prime locations, including both high-street shophouses and shopping malls.

Globally, the report shows that rents grew on average at 4.2% with 58% of markets experiencing rental growth. The Americas led regional rental growth at 7.9%, driven by currency effects in South America. Europe experienced steady 4% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile rents in Asia Pacific slowed to 2.1%.

VnEconomy-Thanh Xuân

These factories alone contributed 25.4% of Sam Sung's total revenue globally.

Samsung's four key factories in Vietnam reported a net profit of $3.53 billion in 2025, marking a year-on-year increase of 12%.  

The total revenue reached $59.7 billion, an 8% rise, according to the conglomerate's recently published consolidated financial report.

Among the units, Samsung Electronics Vietnam Thai Nguyen contributed the largest revenue with $24.9 billion, a 12% increase from the previous year. Following this, Samsung Electronics Vietnam achieved $16 billion, an increase of approximately 11%. Samsung Display Vietnam recorded $13.5 billion, a slight decrease of about 2%, while Samsung Electronics HCMC CE reached $5.1 billion, up 8.7%.

In terms of profit, both Samsung Electronics Vietnam Thai Nguyen and Samsung Electronics Vietnam surpassed the $1 billion mark, achieving $1.61 billion and $1.05 billion, respectively. Samsung Display Vietnam brought in $593.7 million, while Samsung Electronics HCMC CE earned $281.23 million.

Globally, Samsung achieved a profit of $31.8 billion on a total revenue of $234.6 billion in 2025. Thus, its units in Vietnam alone contributed 25.4% of the total revenue and 9.9% of the conglomerate's consolidated profit for the year.

To date, Samsung has invested a total of $23.2 billion in Vietnam, making it the largest foreign investor in the country. 

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

The European Union (EU) has recently implemented three stringent regulations affecting imports into its market, aiming to tighten environmental standards and promote sustainable development.

The European Union (EU) has recently implemented three stringent regulations affecting imports into its market, aiming to tighten environmental standards and promote sustainable development.

These regulations include the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing Yellow Card, and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

KBSV Securities has analyzed specific cases and  impacts of these regulations on  exports from Vietnam.

Regarding the EUDR,  most Vietnamese wood and rubber processing and exporting companies will face negative impacts due to the complex requirements of proving the non-deforestation origin of materials post-2020-2021. This is particularly challenging given Vietnam's wood supply chain's reliance on dispersed sourcing from smallholder forest growers. However, the export share of these products to the EU is not significant, allowing businesses time to adjust their supply chains or shift to alternative markets to compensate for EU demand when the EUDR is officially enforced. Listed wood companies such as SAV, PTB, GTA, and TTF have an estimated EU market revenue share of about 10-15%. Natural rubber companies like GVR and PHR will experience relatively minor impacts as they primarily export to China and serve the domestic market. In contrast, processed rubber companies like CSM, SRC, and DRC will face greater challenges, with EU market revenue accounting for about 5-10% of their total revenue.

Concerning the IUU Fishing Yellow Card, the European Commission issued this warning in October 2017, due to numerous Vietnamese offshore fishing vessels operating without national flags and violating foreign fishing rights. Over the years, in efforts to have the "yellow card" removed, domestic authorities have enacted significant regulations requiring all fishing vessels to fly the Vietnamese flag and connect offshore data for strict monitoring. Additionally, the Prime Minister has mandated the resolution of 100% of outstanding IUU violations and issued a stern warning that ministers, sector leaders, and coastal province officials will be held directly accountable and face disciplinary action if they falsify data, report inaccuracies about IUU fishing, or allow managed fishing vessels to continue violating foreign waters. Anti-IUU fishing efforts have been supported by the national fisheries database (VNFishbase). The registration and data update rate has reached an absolute 100%, covering all 79,360 fishing vessels nationwide. In key areas like Quang Ngai province, reports indicate that the locality has completed all 19 assigned tasks, and 100% of active fishing vessels have been issued valid fishing licenses. Most businesses focus on the "Aquaculture" model rather than "Wild Capture Fisheries," so the direct negative impact (even in the worst-case scenario) from the IUU regulation is quite limited.

Finally, regarding the CBAM, this mechanism will be officially applied to imported steel, cement, and fertilizer products into the EU market from January 1, 2026, to mitigate the impact of production activities and carbon leakage.

Accordingly, importers are required to purchase CBAM certificates after the transition period from 2023 to 2025. For the steel industry, the application of CBAM is estimated to increase import costs by 15-25% (depending on EAF/BF furnace technology), making steel imports from Vietnamese manufacturers less competitive. Opportunities will arise for producers who can quickly adapt and transition to green practices in the long term. During the 2026-2027 period, the impact of CBAM is relatively limited for Vietnamese steel manufacturers as domestic companies are shifting towards the domestic market due to increased demand driven by the growing construction activities in the Residential Real Estate and Public Investment sectors. Similarly, for the cement and fertilizer industries, consumption is primarily concentrated in the domestic market, so the risk of negative impact from CBAM is very low, according to KBSV Securities.

-

This move marking a significant step in opening up the real estate market to international investors.

Ho Chi Minh City has recently announced a list of 24 real estate projects where foreign individuals and organizations are permitted to own residential properties.

This move marks a significant step in opening up the real estate market to international investors.

The announcement was made in accordance with Decree No. 95/2024/ND-CP issued by the Government on July 24, 2024.

Among the 24 approved projects, Phu My Hung Development Corporation holds a dominant position with 19 projects, while the remaining five projects are attributed to other companies such as C Holdings and Dien Phuc Thanh. This concentration of projects in rapidly developing areas highlights the keen interest of foreign investors in Vietnam's real estate market.

According to regulations, foreigners are allowed to own a maximum of 30% of the apartments in a condominium or 250 individual houses in a ward-level area, ensuring that national security and defense are not compromised.

VnEconomy-Hồng Vinh

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 445+446| Monday, March, 02 2026

Dear readers,

Women have been playing an increasingly affirmed and elevated role in Vietnam’s economy, from policy-making and macro-economic management to specific operations at many enterprises and production and business units, making key contributions to the country’s socio-economic development, especially in efforts to create a new era of Vietnamese entrepreneurs, with many women listed in the top ranks of successful businesspeople.

Entrepreneur Le Nu Thuy Duong, Vice Chairwoman and CEO of KN Holdings, who was awarded the title of Labor Hero last December, is one of those prominent figures. Under her leadership, KN Holdings has maintained sustainable growth for nearly 30 years, with total investment capital now exceeding VND120 trillion (nearly $4.6 billion).

Along with Ms. Duong, the insights and stories of many other successful female leaders in local and international organizations and women CEOs / entrepreneurs are introduced in this edition, which is dedicated to commemorating International Women's Day on March 8.

According to a report presented at the “Women Entrepreneurs in the Era of the Nation’s Rise” forum, held in Hanoi in March 2025, the number of women-owned enterprises in Vietnam accounted for about 27 per cent of the total as of the end of 2023; higher than the global average.

Women entrepreneurs not only assert their capabilities in the marketplace but also contribute positively to socio-economic development, holding many advantages in the era of digital technology, such as their ability to grasp technology, management flexibility, and creativity in business. Many female entrepreneurs and renowned female scientists in the fields of digital technology and AI have emerged, capable of mastering advanced technologies.

However, women entrepreneurs still face many barriers that need to be removed, such as in accessing capital, expanding domestic and international markets, and enhancing digital skills.

Nevertheless, many Vietnamese female entrepreneurs have succeeded in production and business activities, becoming pioneering entrepreneurs not only renowned domestically but also in regional and international markets.

The fact that the proportion of women holding leadership positions within Vietnam’s political system as well as in the field of socio-economic development is increasingly rising shows that their role and status have been respected in modern Vietnamese society, thus contributing to the successful implementation of the national strategy on gender equality, including gender equality in business, towards sustainable development.

The national strategy on gender equality for the 2021-2030 period set a goal of the proportion of female directors / owners of enterprises and cooperatives to reach at least 27 per cent by 2025 and 30 per cent by 2030. Decree No. 80/2021/ND-CP from the government guiding the implementation of the Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises also included several priority policies to support enterprises owned by women.

On the occasion of the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day, our Cover Story in this edition looks at female entrepreneurs’ role in this new era of national development under major strategic orientations approved by the recent 14th National Party Congress, focusing on gender equality in society in general and in business in particular, with many female entrepreneurs standing out in various fields of socio-economic endeavor, whose successes, experience, and voices have contributed to helping the Party and State policy-making agencies update and adjust the guidelines for the socio-economic development of the country in general and the National Strategy on Gender Equality in particular.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

The figure equivalent to 5.6% of the yearly plan assigned by the Prime Minister.

Vietnam’s public investment disbursement in the first two months of this year reached over VND55.73 trillion ($2.12 billion), equivalent to 5.6% of the plan assigned by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Of this, central budget disbursement totalled VND10.178 trillion ($388 million), or 2.9%, while local budget disbursement is estimated at VND45.56 trillion ($1.73 billion), or 7%.

During the period, 6 ministries and central agencies, and 14 provinces and centrally-run cities recorded disbursement rates meeting or exceeding the national average.

Total public investment planned for this year is estimated at more than VND1 quadrillion ($38.52 billion) this year.

VnEconomy-Phương Nhi

Ms. Le Nu Thuy Duong, Vice Chairwoman and CEO of KN Holdings, represents a generation of Vietnamese businesswomen whose leadership has been helped shape major projects while redefining the role of women in senior corporate roles in Vietnam.

On December 6, 2025, Ms. Le Nu Thuy Duong, Vice Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of KN Holdings, was awarded the prestigious Hero of Labor title by the Party and the State. The honor recognizes nearly three decades of executive leadership and her contributions to the community and the country. Her career reflects the profile of a modern Vietnamese business leader associated with large-scale projects, a human-centered management approach, and a reserved public presence.

Some choose visibility, others work largely out of the spotlight. Ms. Duong has tended towards the latter. Even after receiving the Hero of Labor title, she continues to focus on project plans and operational details. Colleagues describe her as disciplined and exacting, viewing careful preparation as essential to long-term success. She has often compared running a business to building a house, where a solid foundation determines resilience.

She joined the leadership of KN Holdings in its early years, when the company was primarily active in garments, infrastructure construction, and real estate. Together with her parents - Hero of Labor Mr. Le Van Kiem and Hero of Labor Ms. Tran Cam Nhung - she helped expand its investment scope, turning KN Holdings into a multi-sector conglomerate. The group now concentrates on five core areas: real estate, services, renewable energy, industrial parks, and logistics.

As an executive, Ms. Duong has focused on organizational restructuring, operational efficiency, and long-term strategy. Under her leadership, KN Holdings has sustained consistent growth, with total investment capital exceeding VND120 trillion ($4.6 billion).

The group employs thousands of workers, contributes to the State budget, and participates in social welfare programs in the localities where it operates.

In real estate, building on one of the earliest private sector footholds in the field in Vietnam and a strategically-located land portfolio, Ms. Duong promoted partnerships with CapitaLand (Singapore) and Maeda (Japan) to develop a series of high-end projects in Ho Chi Minh City, including The Vista An Phu, Vista Verde, Feliz En Vista, Waterina Suites, and Define. The developments emphasize integrated amenities, construction quality, and urban planning standards, and have received recognition from domestic and international property organizations.

She also led the development of CaraWorld Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa), a coastal urban project recorded by Vietnam Records as the first in the country located adjacent to both an international airport and an international seaport. Covering nearly 800 ha, the project is planned as a multi-functional coastal city integrating housing, commerce, services, and recreation. Facilities already in operation include the 27-hole KN Golf Links designed by Greg Norman, Wyndham Grand Cam Ranh resort, CaraBeach seaside park, and completed residential zones handed over to buyers.

Positioned as a strategic project within the KN Holdings portfolio, CaraWorld Cam Ranh is intended to become a major coastal urban center in the south-central region and to strengthen Cam Ranh’s profile as a tourism destination. The project received recognition at the PropertyGuru Vietnam Property Awards, Dot Property Awards, and Asia Pacific Property Awards, among others.

In the industrial park sector, Ms. Duong responded to global supply chain shifts by investing in industrial infrastructure in southern Dong Nai province to attract multinational manufacturers to Vietnam. The Nam Long Thanh and Dong Long Thanh projects are planned as green and smart industrial parks, with master planning by Japanese firms Nippon Koei and Nikken Sekkei. The model aims to combine modern infrastructure with integrated amenities for specialists and workers while targeting high value added industries and supply chain links.

In renewable energy, KN Holdings has invested in solar power projects in Khanh Hoa since 2018. Three plants - KN Cam Lam, Cam Lam VN, and KN Van Ninh - were completed on schedule, with a combined capacity of nearly 200 MW and total investment exceeding VND4.3 trillion ($165 million). The facilities supply hundreds of millions of kWh annually to the national grid and provide stable revenue for the province. The group plans to expand solar capacity to about 2,600 MW in the years ahead, aiming to supply clean energy for certified green manufacturing and for its own industrial parks.

Alongside its investments, Ms. Duong has directed resources towards social programs, contributing more than VND200 billion ($7.7 million) to healthcare, education, environmental initiatives, gratitude programs, and disaster recovery.

Among the largest contributions were VND100 billion ($3.8 million) to the Covid-19 Vaccine Fund and VND55 billion ($2.1 million) to housing support programs in Dong Nai province. She also regularly participates in practical and timely contributions to support and assist people affected by floods and natural disasters, demonstrating a deep sense of compassion.

In addition, she was the first, and so far the only, Vietnamese citizen to donate $3 million to the Global Fund to Fight Tuberculosis, joining the Gates Foundation and the US Government in raising total support for Vietnam to $13.5 million.

She has supported the application of wastewater recycling technology in a program coordinated with the Vietnam National Union of Students, building facilities at 150 schools across 21 cities and provinces to improve sanitation conditions. She is also involved in initiatives supporting women and children.

Her work has been recognized with the Hero of Labor title, First, Second, and Third-Class Labor Orders, Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister, and other State honors. Yet associates say she rarely emphasizes awards, focusing instead on project progress, operational stability, and employee welfare.

Her career, as a result, is defined less by public visibility than by completed developments, ongoing projects, and long-term commitments. In profiles published around International Women’s Day, she is often portrayed not for prominence but for a consistent approach to business grounded in credibility, discipline, and a view that growth is must be aligned with social responsibility. 

VET-Linh Tong

De Heus Animal Nutrition has sucessfully completed its acquisition of CJ Feed Care from South Korea’s CJ, a landmark deal that significantly strengthens the Dutch company’s presence across Asia.

The acquisition strengthens De Heus’ presence in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia, key markets within its existing portfolio, while also providing entry into two new strategically important markets: Korea and the Philippines. In total, the transaction comprises 17 feed mills and numerous livestock operations across the region.

“This acquisition marks an important milestone in our long-term strategy to strengthen our footprint in Asia,” said Mr. Gabor Fluit, CEO of De Heus Animal Nutrition. “By combining CJ Feed Care’s strong technical expertise and customer relationships with our century-long experience in animal nutrition and farm management, we can accelerate growth and deliver even more value to farmers across the region. Together, we are building a future in which farmers and their communities can thrive and contribute to a sustainable, resilient animal protein sector.”

De Heus emphasizes that combining its century-long expertise in animal nutrition and farm management with CJ Feed Care’s deep local expertise will empower farmers to professionalize operations, boost performance and enhance profitability.

To further empower farmers, De Heus plays an active role in connecting partners across the animal protein value chain. In close collaboration with our strategic partners. The company plans to help their customers obtain access to the best quality genetics inputs by increasing investments in swine and poultry great-grandparent, grandparent, and parent stock farms across Asia.

By doing so, the company aims to improve productivity and efficiency levels for our customers while also increasing the overall competitiveness of the livestock industries in the markets where they are active. 

De Heus will offer new financial products that they have been able to develop in collaboration with our strategic partner banks, they will continue supporting our customers where needed. De Heus will continue to put our customers’ needs first to develop ecosystems that facilitate their sustainable growth.   

-Linh San

Routes may be flexibly adjusted when necessary to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced that its flights to and from Europe are operating as scheduled, with close monitoring and coordination with relevant authorities amid complex developments in the Middle East.

The airline currently operates 12 direct routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to major European destinations, including Paris, Frankfurt, Munich, London, Moscow, Milan, Copenhagen and Amsterdam. These services are operated using Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft, according to a report by the Vietnam News Agency.

The carrier affirmed that its flight network remains stable, while routes may be flexibly adjusted when necessary to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers and crew.

Vietnam Airlines said it has prepared flexible operational plans to maintain safe, stable and efficient flight operations.

The airline noted that any route adjustments could result in longer flight times and have knock-on effects across its wider network. However, it emphasized that such measures are essential, reaffirming that safety remains the top priority in all operational decisions.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

Vietnam targetting economic growth of 10% in 2026.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed ministries, agencies and localities to assess the current situation and develop response scenarios to recent global developments, aiming to achieve the targeted GDP growth rate of 10% this year.

He made the request at a March 4 meeting of the Government’s standing members with ministries and relevant agencies to review socio-economic performance in the first two months of 2026.

The meeting took place amid rapidly evolving global developments in February, including new US tariff policies and escalating military tensions in the Middle East. These factors have disrupted maritime and air transport, affected global supply chains, and caused fluctuations in oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices.

The Prime Minister called on participants to focus discussions on evaluating socio-economic performance in January and February, identifying priority orientations for the coming period, assessing policy responses to global developments, and proposing appropriate governance scenarios to ensure proactive and effective management.

He also urged the formulation of key tasks and solutions for March, the first quarter and the longer term, including breakthrough measures to secure double-digit growth and accelerate public investment disbursement.

According to the Government’s assessment, Vietnam’s socio-economic situation in February and the first two months of the year maintained a positive trajectory, with most sectors recording better results than in the same period last year.

Macroeconomic stability was maintained, inflation remained under control, and major economic balances were ensured. The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the first two months rose 3% year-on-year. The monetary market and exchange rates were broadly stable, while public debt, Government debt and national external debt stayed well below statutory ceilings.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows showed strong growth. Newly registered FDI reached more than $3.5 billion, up 61.5% from a year earlier, while disbursed FDI totaled $3.2 billion, marking an 8.8% increase year-on-year.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Former Ambassador of Australia to Vietnam, H.E. Andrew Goledzinowski, shares his thoughts with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s Linh Tong on Vietnam’s growing international profile.

As Vietnam enters 2026, from a foreign observer’s perspective, how would you view the country’s current stage of development?

I think Vietnam is probably the most interesting country in Asia right now, and possibly one of the most interesting in the world. It is attracting a great deal of positive attention, certainly from Australia, but also more broadly. People are looking at Vietnam through different eyes than they were even a few years ago, because the country is going through rapid change and, unlike almost everywhere else, its story is a positive one.

When we look around the world, we see negative disruption - war, injustice, and economic difficulty. Vietnam, by contrast, stands out as a positive story, and I think there is a real appetite globally for that at the moment.

The past year has been remarkable. Vietnam’s economic growth reached some 8.02 per cent, with the final quarter coming in at 8.46 per cent. FDI rose by roughly 9 per cent, and manufacturing by about 10 per cent. Even though US tariffs hit Vietnam harder than almost any other country, manufacturing investment continued to grow, and Vietnam’s trade surplus with US also expanded. That is quite extraordinary.

Reform is another key part of the story. What we are seeing now is, in many ways, a reboot of “Doi Moi” (Economic Renewal). I believe the 14th National Party Congress will be the most important in at least half a century. I do not expect Vietnam’s political system to change fundamentally in the foreseeable future, but I do think the country will continue to align itself more closely with international norms. That would be politically significant, but not radical, and I do not think it would surprise or concern overseas partners.

What is genuinely radical and interesting are the policy resolutions adopted last year. These include strengthening the role of the private sector relative to the State sector, reinforcing the importance of FDI, and positioning Vietnam as a safe haven for financial institutions, with initiatives such as the Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang financial centers. Even decisions like prioritizing English-language education at the primary school level send strong signals. All of these measures help set Vietnam up for long-term success.

I am optimistic, but execution will be the real challenge. Making these policy pronouncements is already a significant commitment by the leadership, but delivering on them is much harder. There will always be vested interests, bureaucratic inertia, and political headwinds. As Vietnam’s leadership has correctly identified, the country does not have the luxury of moving slowly. It either moves forward quickly or risks falling behind. The world will not wait.

Demographics underline this urgency. Vietnam needs to become wealthy before it becomes old. Birth rates are declining rapidly, similar to what we have seen in South Korea, and technology, competitors, and partners are not going to slow down. Moving fast inevitably means taking risks and sometimes breaking things, but that is a choice Vietnam has to make.

So the challenge now is translating policy commitments on paper into real-world implementation?

Exactly. Translating policy from paper into practice is the hard part. And one major challenge that still has not been fully addressed is trust.

In an international investment context, trust comes from a predictable and transparent legal system, and a predictable and transparent bureaucracy. The legal system, in particular, is critical. When investors are committing hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars, they expect disputes to arise. That is normal. What matters is confidence that the law will be upheld, that courts will be fair, and that cases will be handled without corruption. If one party can influence the outcome by bribing a judge, confidence in the entire system collapses.

This remains a work in progress in Vietnam. That said, there are encouraging signs. Moves to introduce foreign judges in International Financial Centers would be a major step forward and potentially a game changer. If that principle could then be extended more broadly - not necessarily through foreign judges, but through a judiciary that is fully trusted to apply the law impartially - it would significantly reduce investor concerns.

When I speak with potential investors, including two large Australian companies I am currently advising, this issue always comes up. They tell me they understand the legal systems in Singapore and Malaysia. Vietnam’s system, they say, they do not yet fully understand. There is a perception that judges can sometimes be influenced by one side or the other.

For me, this is an important priority that I hope the government continues to address. I am comfortable saying this publicly, because when foreign investors assess Vietnam, legal predictability and trust in the system are among the key factors they take into account.

How do you assess Vietnam’s diplomatic positioning in 2025, particularly its ability to maintain an independent and balanced foreign policy amid an increasingly complex global environment?

It is a tricky time for everybody, but I am an admirer of Vietnam’s foreign policy. I think it has managed the balance extremely well.

When I first became Ambassador to Vietnam, the country had only three comprehensive strategic partners: Russia, China, and India - its traditional partners. Since then, it has added eleven more. That expansion is not accidental. It is very deliberate. Vietnam is sending a clear signal that it is not abandoning its traditional partners while actively engaging new ones. This matters because Vietnam understands that if it wants to build a world-class, high-tech economy, it needs to work closely with these newer partners. That kind of economic transformation will not come from Russia or India alone.

Vietnam is also practicing very active diplomacy. Rather than waiting for other countries to come to it, Vietnam is going out into the world. The frequency of overseas visits by the top leadership is a signal of that approach. It is a form of strategic hedging - Vietnam is not putting all its eggs in one basket, but spreading them carefully. I think that is very smart.

Another important trend is Vietnam’s growing leadership role in the region. Within ASEAN, leadership has often shifted between countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. Vietnam is now clearly joining that group. As its economy grows and its confidence increases, it is natural and positive for Vietnam to play a larger role in setting agendas, leading discussions, and potentially helping to broker regional disagreements.

Another area to watch is Vietnam’s growing engagement at the multilateral level. I sense that it increasingly wants to play a role in shaping global norms, whether in peacekeeping, treaty-making, or setting the broader “rules of the road.” These were areas traditionally dominated by Western countries, but middle powers like Australia and Vietnam now have greater scope to contribute constructively.

I cannot yet prove this, but there are signs in Vietnam’s language and diplomatic messaging that point in this direction, including greater emphasis on multilateral diplomacy, multipolarity, and global rule-setting. These are areas where I expect Vietnam’s contribution to be positive.

Vietnam is also one of the world’s most exposed countries in terms of foreign trade, land borders, and maritime boundaries. It cannot afford to be aloof. It has a great deal at stake, and that reality underpins the careful, active, and balanced foreign policy we are seeing today.

Looking at Vietnam’s economy in 2025, what do you see as the most important drivers of growth, and where do the main structural challenges still lie?

The main driver of growth at the moment is the government, particularly its push to create a more enabling environment for business. That effort is real and significant, but it is not finished. There is still a lot more to do.

The government’s role remains crucial, but structural reform is essential. Around 50 per cent of Vietnam’s economy is still controlled by the State or State-owned enterprises (SOEs). In Australia, that figure is closer to 15 per cent. That gap matters. If Vietnam is to move from its current position to becoming an upper-middle-income economy by 2030, and a high-income developed economy by 2045, the share of the economy controlled by the State will need to fall.

This is not easy. Some SOEs are very large and powerful, and some sectors are politically sensitive. Mining is a good example. Vietnam has traditionally kept mining within the State sector, but SOEs rarely perform well in mining anywhere in the world. Modern mining is highly technological, capital-intensive, and sophisticated. It is not dirty or old-fashioned. It is driven by computers and robotics.

This matters because Vietnam holds the world’s second-largest reserves of rare earths. If it wants to play a serious role in critical minerals, it will need to open up these sectors, including mining and high-end processing, to more private and foreign participation. That can be done without compromising sovereignty or national interests. The government can still set the rules, while allowing others to do the work.

The same logic applies to financial services. Vietnam is moving towards bringing in more foreign banks and higher-end services such as brokerage and insurance. These institutions help create the conditions that attract broader FDI.

Technology is another major area. Vietnam is well positioned to participate in sectors such as AI, quantum computing, and semiconductors, but success again depends on trust. I recently read an insightful article about why China cannot compete with Taiwan (China) in high-end semiconductors. The key reason was trust. In the one factory, Taiwanese firms produce advanced chips for Nokia, Samsung, and Apple, which are all direct competitors, because all of them trust Taiwan (China) to protect their intellectual property. Vietnam needs to become the country that everyone trusts.

Education is another critical constraint. The biggest limiting factor across all these sectors will be the availability of well-trained people. The government understands this, and education will ultimately determine how fast Vietnam can move. I would like to see Australia do even more with Vietnam in this area.

Agricultural technology is also important and often overlooked. Around 30 per cent of Vietnam’s population is still involved in agriculture. As people move into manufacturing and technology, agriculture will need to become more productive with fewer workers. Australia’s experience with large-scale, technology-driven farming is not directly transferable to Vietnam, but there is valuable cooperation under way.

Australian agencies such as the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) are working with Vietnamese universities on remote sensing, satellite-based monitoring of water and soil conditions, and developing more resilient crop varieties, including salt-tolerant rice. These efforts will be increasingly important as climate conditions change.

Finally, infrastructure remains critical. Vietnam can still build major infrastructure relatively cost-effectively, something that is now very difficult in countries like Australia. That window will not stay open forever. Costs will rise as incomes increase and the population ages. Now is the time to move.

How would you describe the status of Vietnam-Australia relations today compared with when you served as Ambassador, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for the partnership going forward?

I think the relationship is excellent. Both countries have clearly identified each other as key partners.

From Australia’s perspective, when we look north, Vietnam stands out as one of the fastest-growing economies. Australia is home to hundreds of thousands of Vietnamese-speaking citizens, so we understand Vietnam well. Vietnam is also one of Australia’s most popular travel destinations. There is genuine warmth and affection in the relationship.

That said, I still think Australia should have visa-free access to Vietnam. It is strange that Australians can travel visa-free to almost every country in the region but still need a visa for Vietnam. Even so, Australia is now among the top inbound tourism markets for Vietnam, which is very positive.

From Vietnam’s perspective, Australia is a familiar and trusted partner. There is a steady flow of Vietnamese Government delegations to Australia, and strong two-way movement of students. Vietnam also understands Australia as a non-threatening partner. We are not a competitor, and we are not a security risk, but we do have capabilities and experience to share.

There is also a great deal of historical goodwill. Australia was one of the earliest countries to engage with Vietnam, even during periods when Vietnam was under embargo. Diplomatic relations began in 1973, before Vietnam’s reunification. Australia helped build the first bridges over the Mekong River, established the first foreign bank and university, connected the northern and southern electricity grids through the first 500 kV transmission lines, and built Vietnam’s first undersea cable and satellite links. The first satellite phone call from Vietnam to anywhere in the world was to Canberra. Australia also began offering scholarships to Vietnamese students as early as 1973.

At one stage, Australia played a particularly important role, but then other countries discovered Vietnam. Japan and South Korea came in strongly as Vietnam developed large-scale, low-cost manufacturing. That was a smart and necessary phase of Vietnam’s development, even if it was not where Australia was most competitive.

Looking ahead to the next stage, Australia can once again become highly relevant. We bring strengths in high-end technology, strong universities, financial technology, agricultural technology, pharmaceuticals, and specialized services. Australia does not need to operate at the scale of the United States or Europe. A small number of high-quality companies can still make a meaningful difference.

For that reason, I am very optimistic. I believe the Vietnam-Australia relationship will continue to deepen and become more complex and more substantive over time.

Vneconomy-Linh Tong

The European Commission (EC) inspection team is scheduled to visit Vietnam from March 9-19.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the 32nd meeting of the National Steering Committee on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing on March 3.

This crucial meeting took place just before the European Commission (EC) inspection team's visit to Vietnam,  which is scheduled from March 9-19, as the fifth inspection in nine years.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, Head of the Steering Committee; Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang, along with leaders of various ministries and sectors. The meeting was connected online from the Government Headquarters to coastal provinces and cities.

In his opening remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized: "Do not let the mistake of an individual or a group affect the collective effort of the entire country." The goal is to prepare thoroughly, report comprehensively, achieve substantial results, and convincingly explain to the EC; there is no room for complacency, negligence, or irresponsibility, he noted.

According to the report at the meeting, recent efforts to combat IUU fishing to lift the EC's "yellow card" warning and sustainably develop the fisheries sector have seen many positive changes. Tasks directed by the Party Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister's Directive No. 18/CĐ-TTg have been implemented decisively and synchronously.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang stated that the Ministry has issued inspection plans, established working groups in localities, and initially identified and rectified some "closed without penalty" cases that did not meet legal grounds, requiring review and proper handling.

Regarding fleet management, over 80,000 fishing vessels have been registered and updated on the VNFishbase system. Vessels with "three no's" (no registration, no inspection, no license) that do not meet operational conditions are controlled, with local forces managing their docking positions strictly.

By March 1, 2026, all 17 coastal localities required businesses to self-declare, review processing, and export activities, and established inter-agency teams to inspect traceability management. Notably, no additional fishing vessels violated foreign waters during recent time.

In conclusion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh praised the efforts of ministries, sectors, and localities, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The Prime Minister outlined a dual goal: to develop the fisheries sector sustainably in a long term, while to be detemined to have the  "yellow card" lifted by the EC. This involves gradually reducing offshore fishing intensity, which carries many risks, increasing aquaculture, deep processing, creating jobs, livelihoods, and improving people's lives, while fully meeting international requirements for responsible fisheries management.

The Prime Minister called for the entire political system to act with seriousness, substance, and continuity. All content related to sustainable fisheries development must be reported specifically, with clear solutions, addresses, and specific responsible individuals, the Prime Minister added.

Despite the achievements, the Prime Minister pointed out some existing issues that need immediate rectification: the application of technology and data management in fishing activities is not yet interconnected and synchronized; handling according to the EC's five recommendations needs further improvement, and the progress of occupational transition in some localities is still slow.

The emphasized principle is to resolve each issue thoroughly, ensuring data criteria are "accurate, sufficient, clean, live, consistent, and shared."

For specific tasks, the Prime Minister requested ministries, sectors, and localities to continue implementing the Government's directives decisively, especially Directive No. 18/CĐ-TTg of the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with preparing a comprehensive report on sustainable fisheries development, focusing on the roadmap to reduce fishing intensity, fleet management, production control, technology application, and improving fishermen's livelihoods. 

The Ministries of Agriculture and Environment, Foreign Affairs, Defense, Public Security, and Science and Technology must closely coordinate, unify data, avoid information conflicts, and assign specialized staff to participate directly in the work, ready to explain the contents of interest to the EC delegation, the Government leader requested.

The Ministry of Defense directs the Border Guard to strictly control fishing vessels entering and leaving ports; increase patrols in adjacent sea areas. The Ministry of Public Security accelerates the investigation and handling of serious violations; coordinates to clarify responsibilities in localities with high "closed case" rates.

Coastal provincial and city People's Committees must report specific results of occupational transition, reduce the number of fishing vessels, create livelihoods for people; commit not to let new violations arise; prepare complete traceability dossiers and working content when the EC delegation conducts field inspections. Localities that have not issued occupational transition policies must complete them  soon.

Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT) and Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group are required to review and ensure the data system meets management requirements.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers must resolutely prevent enterprises from importing IUU-violating shipments; simultaneously build a fund to support occupational transition for people.

Media agencies should strengthen communication, guiding fishermen to exploit according to Vietnamese and international legal regulations.

The Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to directly monitor, inspect, and direct the handling of arising issues, promptly report contents beyond authority.

With the spirit of "high determination, great effort, decisive action," the Prime Minister requires the entire political system to prepare the best for the EC's inspection next week; not allowing any mistakes to affect the collective effort to have the "yellow card" lifted and building a sustainable, responsible, and deeply integrated Vietnamese fisheries sector.

Vneconomy-Chu Khoi

The plant, invested in by Vinfast, has a designed capacity of up to two million vehicles per year.

The Economic Zones Management Board of central Ha Tinh province on February 28 approved an electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing project in the Vung Ang Economic Zone, with a total registered investment of more than VND13.25 trillion (around $506 million).

Covering 64 hectares, the plant will be developed by VinFast and will specialise in the production of electric scooters and electric bicycles, with a designed capacity of up to two million vehicles per year.

The project also includes the construction of workshops and auxiliary facilities to support EV manufacturing.

The development will be implemented in two phases. The first phase, slated for completion in 2026, will have an annual capacity of one million vehicles. The second phase, expected to begin in late 2026, will double total output to two million units per year.

VinFast plans to complete investment procedures and commence construction in the first quarter of 2026, with mass production targeted for the second quarter of the same year.

VnEconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Increasingly complex political and security developments, particularly in the Middle East, are affecting global energy markets and influencing fuel supply and prices.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked local authorities to strengthen inspections and supervision of petroleum trading amid escalating tensions in the Middle East that are putting pressure on global energy supplies.

In an official document issued on March 3, the ministry’s Agency for Domestic Market Surveillance and Development said increasingly complex political and security developments, particularly in the Middle East, are affecting global energy markets and influencing fuel supply and prices.

To proactively mitigate risks and safeguard consumers’ rights, localities were instructed to direct market surveillance forces to closely monitor developments in their areas, track supply-demand fluctuations and retail prices, and promptly detect irregularities such as shortages, unjustified price hikes, supply disruptions or unreasonable sales suspensions.

Inspection efforts should focus on petroleum wholesalers and retail outlets. Strict penalties will be imposed for violations including hoarding, selling above listed prices, arbitrary price increases, trading in smuggled fuel or products of unclear origin, and distributing substandard fuel.

The agency also called for enhanced communication and guidance to help traders comply with regulations, while stressing that heads of market management units will be held accountable if violations occur in their jurisdictions without timely detection and response.

VnEconomy-Song Hà