Vietnam News
A $59.3 m-social housing project to be built in Thanh Hoa province
The People’s Committee of central Thanh Hoa province has approved a social housing project in Phu Son ward with an estimated investment capital of more than VND1.55 trillion ($59.3 million).
The project will cover over 16,418 sq m at a resettlement area in Phu Son ward in the province’s Thanh Hoa city.
It will build 890 apartments for some 3,000 residents. Of the total, there will be 860 social houses and 30 commercial houses.
The investor will be chosen via bidding and construction is scheduled to last for three years.
The project is aimed at meeting housing demand for workers and low-income earners in the province, as well as promote urban development.
-Thiên Anh
Hai Phong inaugurates two port terminals worth nearly $270 mln
Hai Phong marked the 70th anniversary of its Liberation Day (May 13, 1955 - May 13, 2025) with the official inauguration of International Container Terminals No. 3 and 4 at Lach Huyen - Hai Phong Port on May 13.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by State President Luong Cuong and many other high-ranking officials.
Approved by the Prime Minister in 2019, this investment project—led by Hai Phong Port Joint Stock Company—represents a key expansion of Hai Phong International Port at Lach Huyen.
As a strategic component of Vietnam’s national seaport development plan through 2030, with a vision extending to 2045, the terminals underscore the country's ambition to become “strong from the sea, rich from the sea.”
Designed to function as a state-of-the-art cargo transshipment hub, the project will facilitate direct connections to major international maritime routes.
It is expected to significantly enhance Vietnam’s import-export capacity, attract investment, and contribute to the modernization and sustainability of the nation’s logistics and supply chain sector.
According to development plans, by 2030, the Lach Huyen terminal area will feature 13 to 16 berths, capable of handling an annual cargo throughput of from 61.4 million to 90 million tons, while accommodating between 10,500 to 11,000 passenger arrivals.
-Trương Quốc Cường - Nguyễn Hiền
Vietnam Airlines to relocate all domestic flights to Tan Son Nhat airport's Terminal T3
Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City announced on May 14 that it has reached an agreement with Vietnam Airlines to move all remaining domestic flight operations to the new Terminal T3 starting from May 17, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
Starting from 4am on May 17, all remaining Vietnam Airlines domestic routes will be handled at Terminal T3. The decision follows a 20-day trial during which the national carrier operated domestic routes between HCM City and Hanoi, as well as between HCM City and Van Don, at the newly inaugurated terminal.
According to the airport, domestic flights operated by Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Vasco, Vietravel Airlines, and Bamboo Airways, along with Vietnam Airlines flights using ATR72 aircraft on routes to Con Dao (VCS), Ca Mau (CAH), and Rach Gia (VKG), will continue to operate at Terminal T1.
The relocation aims to optimize terminal operations, improve passenger convenience, and streamline procedures, including check-in and baggage collection. Passengers flying during this transition period are advised to closely monitor official updates from airlines and the airport to stay informed about check-in counters and boarding gate changes.
The Terminal T3 was freshly inaugurated on April 19.
-Vân Nguyễn
Credit outstanding loans in HCM City up 12.78% in 4M
Ho Chi Minh City saw a positive credit growth in the first four months of 2025 due to favorable factors from the socio-economic environment and policies of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV).
The city’s total credit outstanding loans reached over VND4 quadrillion ($155 billion) by the end of April, increasing 2.62% compared to the end of 2024 and 12.78% year-on-year, according to the SBV’s Region 2 branch in HCM City.
Credits mainly focus on economic growth drivers as well as businesses and production sectors.
Credit loans for nine groups of essential service sectors that contribute over 60% to the city’s GRDP stood at over VND1.4 quadrillion ($53.6 billion), or 35.4% of the total, including such sectors as trade, tourism, communications, technological science, health, education and finance.
-Hồng Minh
PM asks for more effective measures to manage gold market
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh issued an official dispatch on May 13, asking the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), ministries and agencies to implement measures to effectively manage the gold market.
The official dispatch, as quoted by the Vietnam News Agency, noted that in recent times, the Government has issued resolutions and the Prime Minister has issued official dispatches and directives with timely, drastic and effective directions on solutions to manage the gold market, requesting the SBV to closely monitor, deploy solutions to stabilize the gold market, and promptly develop and submit to competent authorities a Decree amending and supplementing Decree No. 24/2012/ND-CP dated April 3, 2012 on the management of gold trading activities.
According to the dispatch, with synchronous solutions, by early April 2025, the difference between domestic and world gold prices was controlled and maintained at a suitable range, at times only about 1 - 2%.
However, along with pending internal shortcomings, the unusual and unprecedented developments in the world geopolitical situation since the beginning of 2025 have pushed international gold prices to continuously increase, resulting in strong fluctuations in domestic gold prices, and the growing gap between domestic and world gold prices, the dispatch said.
To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of state management and the goal of developing a safe, healthy, effective and sustainable gold market, not allowing gold price fluctuations to affect the stability and safety of the financial and monetary markets, to stabilize the macro economy, control inflation, and promote economic growth and social psychology, PM Chinh requested the SBV to coordinate with relevant agencies in implementing the tasks and solutions.
Specifically, the SBV was asked to closely monitor the developments in world and domestic gold prices, promptly implement solutions according to regulations when necessary to stabilize the gold market; avoid negative impacts on exchange rates, interest rates, the money and foreign exchange markets, and national financial and monetary safety and security; and report the implementation results to the PM in May.
The central bank was also requested to issue the inspection conclusion for enterprises and credit institutions trading in gold according to the SBV’s Inspection Decision No. 324/QD-TTGSNH2 dated May 17, 2024; proactively handle and report to competent authorities to strictly handle violations, and report the implementation results to the PM in May.
The central bank shall coordinate with the Ministry of Justice and relevant ministries and sectors to urgently complete the proposal to amend and supplement Decree 24/2012/ND-CP dated April 3, 2012 on the management of gold trading activities, supplement and consolidate regulations to enhance the effectiveness of state management tools, develop a transparent, healthy, effective and sustainable market, contribute to promoting socio-economic development, and stabilize the macro-economy; and report to the Government in June.
PM Chinh asked the SBV to be more proactive in information and communication work; promptly provide official, public and transparent information on policies and strategies for managing the financial, monetary, foreign exchange and gold markets; stabilize people's psychology and create social consensus.
The PM assigned the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate with the SBV and relevant agencies in inspecting and strictly handle violations relating to the gold market and gold trading activities, especially acts of smuggling, speculation, illegal trading, or market manipulation.
The Ministries of Public Security; Industry and Trade; Science and Technology; Finance; Justice; and Culture, Sports and Tourism; relevant agencies and localities must proactively coordinate with the SBV on gold market management; promptly share and provide information, and report issues arising beyond their authority to competent authorities.
-Vân Nguyễn
Vietnam Economic Times May 05, 2025
-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy
Vietnam’s human development remains in progressive trend
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has announced its 2025 Human Development Report (HDR) titled "A matter of choice: People and possibilities in the age of AI," placing Vietnam in the high human development category, according to a report from the Government News.
The report evaluates human development progress based on the Human Development Index (HDI), tracking achievements in health, education and income.
Addressing the launching ceremony in Hanoi on May 12, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi welcomed Vietnam's forward-looking artificial intelligence (AI) policies, such as Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024 by the Politburo on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation; and the Prime Minister's Decision No. 127/QD-TTg, which sets out a national AI strategy to 2030.
These policies not only provide a legal framework for adopting emerging technologies but also enable Vietnam to develop AI capabilities in a way that reflects its own values and priorities, Ms. Ramla Khalidi commented.
She described Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's call to train 100,000 engineers as a bold move. His message - AI must be safe, ethical, and inclusive - sets the right tone, the UNDP representative noted.
Ms. Khalidi reaffirmed the UNDP's commitment to supporting Vietnam in achieving its AI goals, ensuring the technology becomes a force for equity, sustainability, and human advancement both domestically and globally.
The launching ceremony also brought together scientists, policymakers, tech experts, businesses, and delegates to explore how AI can drive human development while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and Vietnam's national digital transformation strategy.
-Phạm Long
Banking support for private economy
At the “Banking Capital Contributes to Promoting the Private Economy” seminar, held recently in Hanoi, a number of businesses proposed that the banking sector create mechanisms allowing private enterprises to secure long-term loans of up to ten years for investing in research, science, and technology. In addition, policies offering preferential interest rates would incentivize businesses to invest in factories, production, and long-term growth. Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Dao Minh Tu said that through various policy mechanisms, particularly credit provision with reasonable interest rates, banks have helped businesses expand their operations and enhance their competitiveness.
Strengthening credit access
Mr. Tu also highlighted that the Party, State, and government see the private sector as a major driving force for the economy. For many years, the SBV has steered credit in a manner that directly supports the growth of the private sector. “The private sector’s outstanding loans currently account for nearly 44 per cent of the total credit balance in the economy,” he said. “In 2024, the total lending volume reached about VND23 trillion ($920 million), with nearly VND21 trillion ($840 million) in loan repayments. The SBV also offers various preferential interest rate policies, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) being among the five groups benefiting from these low rates.” He noted that credit institutions today treat all economic sectors equally when lending, and mechanisms and policies are designed to be flexible and accessible. The key factor for businesses to access credit is their ability to repay loans.
Mr. Nguyen Van Than, President of the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME), pointed out that banks are special businesses facing significant pressure to recover capital and pay back interest to depositors, as well as to meet revenue and profit expectations among shareholders. Given the current challenges in the capital market, private enterprises, especially SMEs, are left with few options and must rely heavily on banks. Therefore, businesses must proactively improve transparency in their cash flow, strengthen management capabilities, and present feasible business plans to more easily access credit capital.
He also suggested that VINASME plans to collaborate with large enterprises to introduce SMEs into their supply chains, creating opportunities for them to become essential links in the product creation process, while leveraging the reputation of these large businesses to gain better access to bank capital.
Financing for innovation
Mr. Nguyen Kim Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Kim Nam Group, said the Politburo’s issuance of two important resolutions on the private economy in the new context has boosted the entrepreneurial spirit, production, business development, and recovery and growth after a difficult period. “For breakthrough growth, businesses are hoping that the Ministry of Finance and the SBV will introduce financial support programs and policies for innovation, he said. “Currently, even banks do not have a separate loan package for innovative enterprises. Once there are specific regulations, we hope that banks will allocate a certain amount of capital for this sector.” Mr. Hung also proposed that the SBV present to the government a loan package with the best possible preferential interest rates for businesses investing in technology innovation.
In response to Mr. Than’s comments on the value chain linkage model, Deputy SBV Governor Tu noted that, 13 years ago, the banking sector experimented with lending for 21 models, all of which failed, except for one successful export flower chain in Da Lat, which succeeded because of foreign investment in capital and technology. “A value chain must ensure that everyone benefits,” he said. “If the linkage is weak, it will be very difficult. Lending through a value chain without collateral offers many benefits to participants, businesses, the economy, and even commercial banks. However, success depends on the participants in the chain.”
Regarding the mechanism for a loan package dedicated to science, technology, and innovation, he agreed that this is an issue that needs to be addressed now to find a solution. Banks also recognize that science, technology, and innovation are competitive advantages for any business, and falling behind in this race will lead to failure. Innovation requires resources, but relying solely on banks will not be enough, and given the nature of bank capital, they cannot meet all capital needs.
Experts agreed with the view that private enterprises need support from many other sources, such as the budget, investment funds, and capital raising through bonds. Each debt instrument is suitable for the characteristics of different sectors. Therefore, it is essential to quickly unlock the capital market so that the private economy has enough resources to break through.
Regarding interest rates, Mr. Tu said the interest rate level would be relatively balanced by the end of March. Preferential interest rate packages will also continue to be applied to specific sectors.
Unlocking growth potential
Mr. Nguyen Dinh Cung, former Director of the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM), said that in order to achieve the 8 per cent economic growth target set for 2025 and double-digit growth in subsequent years, the private sector must grow by over 10 per cent annually in terms of scale, output, and sales. According to Mr. Cung, in order to achieve this growth rate, two key pillars need to be strengthened.
The first is institutional reform. It is necessary to reform institutions to remove this “bottleneck of bottlenecks” and create breakthroughs. The focus of this pillar is to eliminate overlapping, redundant, unclear, inefficient, and non-transparent legal regulations.
The legal system should shift away from a “prohibit what we cannot manage” approach, meaning “allowing businesses to operate within the scope of the government’s understanding”, to a more open legal system that fosters a truly free, creative, and equitable business environment with low compliance costs.
The second pillar is ensuring equal access to resources for private enterprises. The government needs to create an environment where businesses can access capital, land, technology, and data in a timely, sufficiently large, and coordinated manner, allowing the private sector to make a breakthrough to a new level, from micro to small, and small to large, which is an extremely challenging threshold for businesses.
According to Mr. Cung, businesses cannot remain dependent on credit capital forever and need significant long-term investment. Therefore, the government needs to open up the capital market with more diversified fundraising channels to reduce the burden on banks. It is necessary to develop the capital market with investment funds, which Vietnam is currently lacking. This has hindered many businesses from growing.
-Phương Linh
Agro-forestry-fishery export revenue hits $21.15 bln in 4M
Vietnam’s export value of agriculture, forestry, and fishery products reached $21.15 billion in the first four months of 2025, an increase of 10.7% compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
Of the total, export revenue of agricultural products contributed $11.6 billion, up 11.7% year-on-year; forestry products $5.56 billion, surging 11.2%; and fishery products $3.09 billion, soaring 13.7%.
Six commodities recorded more than $1 billion each in export value, including wood and wood products with $5.2 billion, up 5.8%; coffee $3.78 billion, rising 51.1%; rubber $862 million, increasing 18.9%; and shrimp $1.24 billion, jumping 28.4%.
The US, China, and Japan remain the three largest export markets for Vietnamese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Of these, the export value to the US increased 10.2%, accounting for 20.5% of the total, exports to China dropped 1.1%, accounting for 17.1%; and exports to Japan rose 23.3%, accounting for 7.5%.
-Chu Khôi
Agricultural land-use tax exemption proposed to last through 2030
The Ministry of Finance has proposed that agricultural land-use be continued to exempt from taxation through 2030 to promote sustainable agricultural development.
The Minister of Finance on May 13 presented a draft National Assembly (NA) resolution on the tax exemption to the legislative body during its ninth session in Hanoi.
The policy is expected to encourage more investment in agricultural and rural development, thus contributing to accelerating the restructure of the agricultural sector, improving values and competitiveness for farm produce, according to the ministry.
The exemption tax has been in place since 1993 and has received strong support from local governments for its role in encouraging land use and food production.
The exempted tax amount is estimated at VND7.5 trillion ($287 million) per year and would not create any new burden on the budget, as the policy is already in effect, according to the ministry.
-Đỗ Phong
For sustained success of Vietnam's startup ecosystem
Vietnam has been increasingly recognized in recent years as one of the most dynamic emerging countries in the fields of innovation and startups. Figures from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) show that, by the end of 2024, Vietnam’s startup ecosystem had grown to over 4,000 startups, including two unicorns and eleven endeavors valued at over $100 million.
The ecosystem also includes more than 1,400 startup support organizations, 202 co-working spaces, 208 venture capital funds, 35 business accelerators, 79 incubators, and approximately 170 universities and colleges engaged in innovative startup activities. More than 20 innovation and startup centers have also been established at both the local and national levels.
SOLID BASE FOR INNOVATION
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024 from StartupBlink, Vietnam rose two positions globally, moving from 58th in 2023 to 56th in 2024. This upwards move is widely regarded as a sign of its steady and promising progress in nurturing its innovation landscape.
It also reflects the country’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a dynamic, creative, and investor-friendly startup environment, and affirms that Vietnam’s strategy to enhance its appeal among global investors is gradually delivering tangible outcomes, helping position the country more firmly on the map of emerging innovation hubs.
Meanwhile, the National Innovation Center (NIC) has reported that, in 2024, there were 141 investment deals in Vietnam’s startup sector, with total disbursed capital estimated at some $2.3 billion. Most investments came from funds based in Singapore and Japan, together with a few domestic sources.
Building on the achievements of last year, Vietnam’s startup ecosystem kicked off 2025 with a number of positive developments. One notable deal was in February, when agri-tech startup Techcoop successfully raised $70 million in a Series A round led by TNB Aura from Singapore and Ascend Vietnam Ventures from Vietnam.
Shortly after, in early March, local AI startup Filum AI announced it had raised $1 million from leading regional investors including Nextrans, VinVentures, TheVentures, and strategic partners.
“As AI becomes an irreversible global trend, we hope this deal will unlock greater collaboration opportunities not only in funding but also in strategy and technology, helping Vietnam become a leading AI hub in the region,” Mr. Tran Van Vien, CEO Filum AI shared.
Though these deals may not be the largest in terms of capital raised, they are still widely viewed as positive and encouraging, especially in the context of the global economy witnessing many fluctuations due to the new US tariff policies.
To sustain this growth momentum, the NIC and the Vietnam Private Capital Association (VPCA) signed a series of MoUs at the Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital Investment Forum 2025 (VIPC Summit 2025) in Hanoi on April 22 with three leading Asian investment associations: the Korea Venture Capital Association (KVCA), the Singapore Venture Private Capital Association, and the Hong Kong (China) Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.
With combined assets under management (AUM) of over $5 trillion, these partnerships are expected to foster a strong regional investment bloc and accelerate the growth of Vietnam’s startup ecosystem in both breadth and depth. It also reflects the international investment community’s growing confidence in Vietnamese startups.
With a series of recent positive developments, Vietnam’s startup ecosystem has been building a solid foundation for strong growth in the time ahead. This growth is expected to not only expand in scale but also evolve comprehensively across multiple sectors within the entire innovation value chain. From research and development to technological application and product commercialization, Vietnam is on track to form a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem.
According to Ms. Ngo Thuy Ngoc Tu, Co-founder of Touchstone Partners, Vietnam is showing remarkable dynamism in the technology sector. This is reflected in the emergence of modern laboratories, a steadily growing base of intellectual property (IP), and a significant number of high-value research outcomes.
“These elements not only underscore Vietnam’s innovative potential but also indicate that the country possesses a strong foundation in infrastructure and resources to develop breakthrough technologies, contributing to the growth of a startup community truly driven by innovation,” she emphasized.
PROMOTING FAVORABLE APPROACHES
Despite these positive signs, experts caution that 2025 will continue to be a challenging year for startups, largely due to persistent global uncertainties driven by geopolitical tensions, ongoing trade disputes, and a volatile investment environment. These external factors are compounding existing structural weaknesses in many startup ecosystems, particularly in emerging markets like Vietnam.
According to Dr. Nguyen Duc Kien, former Head of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Group, one of the most critical bottlenecks hindering the growth of local startups is the lack of funding channels for their later stages of development.
While early-stage capital such as Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds remains relatively accessible through angel investors and venture capital firms, capital for growth-stage rounds from Series C onwards is exceedingly difficult to secure domestically.
These later rounds often require significant investments, of $50 million or more, which are beyond the reach of most local funds. Consequently, many promising startups are left with few options: either exit the market early through acquisition, or face stagnation and eventual failure due to capital constraints.
To address this, Dr. Kien proposed that Vietnam adopt appropriate solutions to support startups in overcoming this critical growth stage, particularly by improving access to large-scale funding sources. In addition, it is essential to enhance the legal framework, tax policies, and investor protection mechanisms to create a more favorable, transparent, and attractive environment for investment in innovative startups.
Without timely and decisive measures, Vietnam risks missing the opportunity to nurture future tech unicorns. “Several countries in the region have embraced a differentiated approach by developing specific mechanisms for tech enterprises, successfully attracting large-scale capital,” Dr. Kien said. “Vietnam cannot afford to be left out.”
From another perspective, Ms. Tu stressed that one of Vietnam’s strategic priorities should be the acceleration of technology transfer and the commercialization of IP and experimental technologies.
Many promising startup ideas and scientific research outputs in Vietnam are still stuck in laboratories or small-scale prototypes due to a lack of mechanisms to effectively connect with businesses, investors, and production or application platforms.
“If Vietnam can address this challenge, it will not only enhance the value of its innovations but also elevate the country’s role as a key link in the global technology value chain,” she emphasized.
To overcome these challenges and promote the startup ecosystem, the Vietnamese Government has identified the development of tech enterprises and innovation-driven startups as a key pillar of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Under government directives, in 2025, ministries and sectors are expected to complete legal frameworks that will enable more flexible capital mobilization for startups, while also developing long-term support programs for ecosystem growth.
Speaking at the VIPC Summit 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the legal environment, enabling experimentation, application, and commercialization of technologies, and strengthening international cooperation in this field.
To ensure continued momentum in 2025 and beyond, he called on investment funds to accelerate decision-making and capital disbursement to seize the opportunities presented by the ongoing digital transformation.
The Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the crucial role of ministries, research institutes, universities, and innovation centers in acting as bridges, creating a transparent, open, and efficient platform for businesses, organizations, and individuals to actively participate in the innovation journey in the years to come.
-Phuong Hoa
Free Trade Zone proposed for Hai Phong city
A Free Trade Zone (FTZ) is expected to be developed in northern Hai Phong port city under a draft National Assembly resolution that aimed at transforming the northern port city through pilot special mechanisms and policies.
The 15th National Assembly on May 13 heard a proposal and verification report on the draft resolution.
As proposed, the FTZ will be accompanied by several special preferential policies, including simplified administrative procedures for investment and business registration, export-import processes, immigration, temporary residence, and work permits.
Additionally, the FTZ will feature streamlined rules for land use and construction investment, optimised investment incentives such as land and water surface rent reductions, and tax breaks. It will also facilitate other investment and business activities, including permission for foreign bank branches to open transaction offices within the FTZ outside of their branch headquarters.
-Nhĩ Anh
US firms commit long-term investment in Vietnam
At a dialogue with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on May 13, US enterprises operating in Vietnam affirmed their commitment to sustainable, long-term investment in the country amid current challenges, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
The meeting gathered representatives from the US Embassy, the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), and over 50 leading US corporations, including Boeing, Molex, Excelerate Energy, Abbott, Coca-Cola, and GE Vernova.
They also expressed appreciation for the Vietnamese Government’s goodwill and for its efforts to maintain a favorable investment climate.
PM Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s ongoing efforts to address US concerns, crack down on trade fraud, and improve the domestic business climate through stepping up administrative reform, removing unnecessary business conditions, cutting procedural timelines, and lowering costs for citizens and businesses.
He called on US companies to convey Vietnam’s efforts and goodwill toward a mutually beneficial tariff agreement to the administration of President Donald Trump.
The Vietnamese Government will continue to create favorable conditions and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all investors, including US companies, to support their effective and sustainable operations in Vietnam, according to the PM.
As of the end of 2024, US foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam hit about $11.94 billion, across more than 1,400 projects.
-Vân Nguyễn
Australia supports AUD2 mln for innovation projects in Vietnam’s agriculture sector
The Aus4Innovation Program, in its continued effort to foster innovation cooperation in agriculture between Vietnam and Australia, on May 13 announced the fifth round of its Innovation Partnership Grants (Grant) with a total of up to AUD2 million ($1.28 million) in financial support.
This Grant round, themed “High Tech Innovation to Address Climate Change Challenges in the Agriculture Sector for Inclusive Development”, placed a strong emphasis on harnessing technology to combat climate change impacts within the agricultural domain. This strongly aligns to the broader Aus4Innovation program objective of supporting the inclusive and sustainable development of Vietnam’s Innovation System.
The Grant commits to providing financial assistance ranging from AUD300,000 ($192,071) to AUD700,000 ($448,167) on a competitive basis, supporting dynamic partnerships between Vietnamese and Australian organisations that are at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
In the previous four funding rounds, the Aus4Innovation Partnership Grants have supported 15 projects, of which 12 have been completed and 3 are ongoing, delivering practical results and innovative solutions for social progress in agricultural practices.
Australia’s Ambassador to Vietnam H.E. Gillian Bird shared that Australia is committed to supporting Vietnam’s economic growth, and innovation in agriculture is a vital part of this.
“Through these grants, we aim to advance Vietnam’s agricultural sector by addressing the pressing challenges of climate change, and supporting sustainable and inclusive development,” Ambassador Gillian Bird said.
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Bui The Duy, Vice Minister of Science and Technology noted that this meaningful support from the Aus4Innovation program enables Vietnamese researchers, innovators, and industry leaders to push the boundaries of technology, turning their innovative ideas into tangible solutions ready for broader application.
“This collaboration is a stride towards resilience and sustainability in our agricultural practices, tailored to grasp the opportunities that technology and innovations bring about,” Mr. Duy emphasized.
Aus4Innovation is a ten-year (2018-2028) AUD33.5 million ($21.45 million) flagship program aimed at strengthening Vietnam’s innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development. The program is funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), and delivered in a strategic partnership with Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology.
#box1747128081467{background-color:#c2e5c5}-Phuong Hoa
Over 100 Vietnamese enterprises participate in SelectUSA Investment Summit
An over-130-member delegation comprising representatives from more than 100 Vietnamese enterprises across diverse sectors are participating in the 11th SelectUSA Investment Summit, held in Maryland from May 11 to 14, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
Among the Vietnamese participants were several major and reputable enterprises with strong ambitions to boost economic and investment ties with the US, including the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group, Vietnam Maritime Corporation, Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation, Vietnam Rubber Group, and FPT Corporation, among others.
The delegation took part in two key plenary sessions of the Summit. The first facilitated direct engagement between business leaders and US state/regional economic development representatives. Discussions focused on the advantages of doing business in the US, including its favorable investment climate, skilled workforce, technological leadership, local partnerships, and incentives.
The second plenum featured state governors' remarks on the US's technological competitiveness. Participants discussed the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), investment in emerging technologies, and how technology is helping attract foreign investment, boost the global competitiveness of the US, and support national security. They agreed that the US continues to be one of the most dynamic and attractive investment markets globally.
Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan, who headed the Vietnamese delegation, told the Vietnam News Agency that the visit and a series of bilateral meetings with US partners underscore Vietnam’s strong commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with the US, a comprehensive strategic partner and the world's leading economy.
Through this summit, Vietnamese enterprises gain valuable opportunities to seek investment cooperation, especially in areas such as science and technology, digital transformation, energy industry, port and aviation infrastructure development, and various processing and manufacturing industries where the US holds significant advantages, Mr. Tuan told the news agency.
According to him, attending the summit allows Vietnamese businesses to not only seek investment opportunities but also enhance cooperation between enterprises from both countries. This helps deepen mutual understanding and practical collaboration, thereby contributing to the Vietnam – US comprehensive strategic partnership in a more substantive and result-oriented manner.
As part of the summit, organizers hosted a “Meet Greet” session with Vietnamese businesses. At the event, Mr. Ashok Pinto, Executive Director of the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2025, expressed his appreciation for the Vietnamese business community’s interest in the US as an investment destination. He encouraged firms to engage with the US Commercial Service in Vietnam for market insights and support, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and equitable trade relationship with Vietnam.
Throughout the summit, Vietnamese enterprises had numerous opportunities to connect with US state and regional economic agencies, explore new investment avenues, consider expansion plans, and demonstrate their intent to contribute to job creation in the American market.
-Vân Nguyễn
B2B forum between Vietnam and India held
The “Business Conference B2B Forum” was co-organized by the Embassy of India in Vietnam and the International Investment Promotion Alliance (Invest Global) in Hanoi on May 12.
The event saw the participation of 25 Indian companies coming to Vietnam to explore potential investment and partnership opportunities, along with numerous Vietnamese businesses and industry associations.
In his remarks at the forum, Mr. Chinpau Ngaihte, Counsellor of Economic, Commerce Development Partnership at the Indian Embassy, emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1972, the Vietnam - India relationship has grown steadily and comprehensively across multiple fields, from culture and politics to economics.
Mr. Ngaihte noted that high-level leaders of both countries have agreed to further strengthen collaboration in key potential sectors that drive growth for both sides, such as healthcare, education, innovation, startups, information technology (IT), auto parts manufacturing, mining, and renewable energy.
Two-way trade turnover of the two countries reached $15 billion in 2024. Both sides are striving to raise the figure to $20 billion in the near future.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ngaihte suggested that businesses in both countries should continue to leverage their respective strengths to expand cooperation across key sectors.
“In particular, Vietnam’s official adoption of Power Development Plan VIII will also contribute to numerous opportunities for bilateral cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, and disaster-resilient infrastructure development,” he emphasized.
Dr. Jitendra Joshi, Founder and Global President of the Global India Business Forum (GIBF) highly appreciated the cooperation opportunities between Indian and Vietnamese businesses (Photo: Phuong Hoa)Similarly, Mr. Bui Trong Thoan, Deputy General Director of Invest Global, noted that the sectors where Indian companies are active, such as healthcare, agriculture, and irrigation, are also areas where Vietnamese enterprises are actively seeking international cooperation, particularly with countries that have advanced scientific and technological foundations like India.
Meanwhile, Ms. Rekha Sharma, Founder of the Marketing Assistance and Research Support (MARS) (India), also highly valued the cooperation potential in fields such as information and communications technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), interior design, and mining, etc.
“I believe Vietnam is gradually becoming one of the most attractive investment destinations for Indian enterprises in the Asian region, especially in today’s turbulent global economic landscape,” she noted.
However, Dr. Jitendra Joshi, Founder and Global President of the Global India Business Forum (GIBF), noted that Indian businesses still face certain challenges in investment and business procedures in Vietnam. Additionally, language barriers - particularly the limited use of English in Vietnam, remain an obstacle for Indian companies in their collaboration efforts.
He therefore recommended that Vietnam place greater emphasis on English language training for its younger generation and workforce to enhance international integration and connectivity, and to create a more favorable environment for Indian enterprises to increase their investment in the country.
“Vietnam and India are not only close partners but are also gradually becoming each other’s best business allies,” Dr. Joshi affirmed.
MoU signing ceremony between Invest Global and MARS within the framework of the forum. (Photo: Phuong Hoa)As part of the forum, Invest Global and India’s Marketing and Research Support (MARS) also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at promoting trade linkages, expanding investment cooperation opportunities, and supporting enterprises from both countries in effectively tapping into their existing strengths.
This MoU is considered a significant first step toward realizing the shared vision of a more solid and practical business partnership between the two countries.
Additionally, Vietnamese and Indian enterprises attending the forum also engaged in a B2B networking session to exchange information, explore each other's needs and strengths, and identify concrete opportunities for future cooperation.
According to data from Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, in 2024, Indian investors invested into 48 projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of more than $86.69 million. As of the end of April 2025, India had invested in 441 projects in Vietnam, with a total registered capital of over $1.07 billion, ranking 25th among countries and territories investing in Vietnam.
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-Phuong Hoa
Da Nang calls for investment in $70 mln chip laboratory
The Da Nang City Department of Finance has announced a call for investment in the Laboratory for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging Technology Production project, with a total projected investment capital of VND1.8 trillion ($69.5 million).
The investor selection process will be conducted through approval of the investment policy, concurrently with investor approval, without land use right auctions or competitive bidding.
Organizations and individuals are invited to submit project registration applications from May 10, 2025, to May 24, 2025, ensuring regulatory compliance and determining the level of investor interest.
The project is planned for a land plot within Software Park No. 2, located in Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District, with a land use area of approximately 2,298 sq.m.
The laboratory will be equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, and automatic test equipment (ATE). The facility is designed to produce 10 million products per year, offering advanced semiconductor packaging and testing services.
The project's objective is to establish the Semiconductor Microchip Packaging Laboratory (Advanced Packaging) to help implement the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW and Prime Minister’s Decision 1018/QD-TTg, which outline the development of Vietnam’s semiconductor industry through 2030, with a vision toward 2050.
The project is also a strategic step within Da Nang City’s Development Plan for Semiconductor Microchips and Artificial Intelligence.
-Như Quỳnh
Vietnam Airlines and Russia's VTB Bank ink cooperation deal
Vietnam Airlines and Russia’s VTB Bank (International Trade Bank) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on May 10 to enhance cooperation during Party General Secretary To Lam’s recent official visit to Russia.
Through the MoU, Vietnam Airlines and VTB Bank expressed a shared desire to explore cooperative solutions to promote cultural exchanges, enhance tourism support, and seek additional cooperation opportunities in the future.
Mr. Le Hong Ha, CEO of Vietnam Airlines, said that the MoU marked an important milestone, opening up many practical cooperation opportunities that will enhance air connectivity and tourism between Vietnam and Russia, and better serve the travel and business needs of customers in both countries.
Meanwhile, Mr. Andrey Kostin, CEO of VTB Bank, also affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Vietnam Airlines, pledging to provide optimal services to aid the airline’s development in the Russian market.
Earlier, Vietnam Airlines officially resumed its direct Hanoi - Moscow route on May 8, with two flights per week. This route not only meets the increasing travel demand between the two countries but also increases tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Russia.
-Tuấn Khang
Business environment to be further improved
The Prime Minister’s dispatch No. 63/CD-TTg was issued on May 12, aiming at strengthening administrative discipline, promoting accountability, and addressing persistent shortcomings to foster a more favorable environment for investment and business operations, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
Under the dispatch, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and People’s Committees of centrally run provinces and cities have been instructed to study the findings of the 2024 Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) Report. Authorities are expected to develop practical proposals to address existing limitations, reinforce governance standards, respond swiftly to business feedback, and eliminate obstacles that hinder enterprise development.
The dispatch further highlighted the need for comprehensive measures to enhance governance capacity, accelerate socio-economic progress, and improve the investment and business landscape with a clear emphasis on sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
A firm stance is taken on improving public service delivery. Government bodies, civil servants, and public employees are required to adopt a more service-oriented approach when working with people and enterprises. Those violating regulations or displaying misconduct will face strict disciplinary action.
The PM also instructed relevant agencies to implement targeted measures that empower domestic businesses, enhance production capabilities, and strengthen linkages with foreign-invested firms to build durable local supply chains. Concurrently, emphasis has been placed on human resource development, especially for technical and supervisory roles, through collaboration with educational institutions, vocational training centers, and on-the-job internship programs.
The Ministry of Finance has been assigned to coordinate with the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and other relevant agencies to develop a set of specific policy recommendations to improve the business environment and bolster national competitiveness. These recommendations are to be submitted at the Government’s regular cabinet session in June.
The dispatch also called on the VCCI to remain proactive in identifying the challenges enterprises face in their daily operations. It has been encouraged to continue conducting independent, data-driven assessments of Vietnam’s investment climate and provide policy, legal, and strategic recommendations to the PM. The VCCI is expected to work closely with ministries, sectors, and local authorities to roll out initiatives that support the dynamic and sustainable growth of the private sector.
-Vân Nguyễn
Government bond issuances raise $5.85 bln in 4M
Over VND152.8 trillion ($5.85 billion) have been raised through government bonds auctions held by the State Treasury in the first four months of 2025, fulfilling 30.6% of the annual plan, according to the Vietnam Bond Market Association (VBMA),
In April alone, the State Treasury organized 20 government bond auctions on the primary market, successfully raising over $42.42 trillion (about $1.69 billion).
The April auctions focused on bonds with 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-year maturities. Ten-year bonds dominated, making up 72.2% of the issuance (VND30.6 trillion), followed by five-year bonds at 23.6% (VND10 trillion).
Yields edged up at the month’s final auction, with five-year bonds at 2.31%, 10-year at 3.05%, 15-year at 3.10%, and 30-year at 3.28%, reflecting rises of 5 to 16 basis points from March.
-Tùng Thư