These sections include Mai Son – National Highway 45, National Highway 45 – Nghi Son, Nghi Son – Dien Chau, Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet – Dau Giay.

The Department for Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) has requested Project Management Units to begin toll collection on  expressway subprojects  that are publicly owned and directly managed by the State. 

According to the DRVN, among the 18 subprojects approved for tolling by the Ministry of Construction, five are currently in a trial phase to evaluate the operational performance of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system.

These subprojects include Mai Son – National Highway 45, National Highway 45 – Nghi Son, Nghi Son – Dien Chau, Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet – Dau Giay. All five are component projects of the North-South Expressway Phase 1 (2017–2020) and have been open to traffic since April 2024.

To meet the requirements for official tolling, the Ministry of Construction has tasked the DRVN and Project Management Units with directing contractors and relevant units to assess the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the toll plaza systems and the expressway's Back-End billing system. This evaluation is being conducted following the completion of testing and inter-line connectivity trials to ensure the system operates stably and synchronously before official launch.

However, the DRVN noted that for several sub-projects, the KPI assessment is expected to last until mid-February at the earliest. Consequently, simultaneous toll collection cannot be implemented within the first month of the year.

Furthermore, the construction of rest stops at some sub-projects has fallen behind schedule. Several stations will not be completed in 2025 as originally planned and have requested construction extensions. Under current regulations, the completion of rest stops is a prerequisite for a project to be eligible for tolling; therefore, these delays have directly impacted plans for early toll collection on these routes.

Due to these obstacles, the five sub-projects currently testing their tolling systems are expected to begin official collection after the Lunar New Year holiday. Meanwhile, several other component projects under the North-South Expressway Phase 2 (2021–2025) are slated to begin tolling this coming March.

Vneconomy-Tuấn Khang

In an article written on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Party General Secretary To Lam recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s call to action, “Forward! Total victory will be ours!” and emphasised that today the late President’s appeal still surges with momentum, “spurring us to strengthen our resolve, overcome poverty and backwardness, and build a prosperous and happy country.”

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam has highlighted the success of the 14th National Party Congress, saying it represents a powerful convergence of the will, aspirations, and determination of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, crystallising the nation’s intellect and desire to rise.

In an article written on this occasion, the Party chief recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s call to action, “Forward! Total victory will be ours!” and emphasised that today the late President’s appeal still surges with momentum, “spurring us to strengthen our resolve, overcome poverty and backwardness, and build a prosperous and happy country.”

Vietnam Economic Times respectfully introduces the full text of the article, through a translation by the Vietnam News Agency:

             FORWARD! TOTAL VICTORY WILL SURELY BE OURS!

                                                      To Lam

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of  Vietnam

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has just concluded with great success, marking a particularly momentous political event that opens a new era of development for the country. The Congress represented a powerful convergence of the will, aspirations, and determination of the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army, crystallising the nation’s intellect and desire to rise. The Congress’s guiding principle - “Solidarity–Democracy–Discipline–Breakthrough–Development” - is not merely a slogan, it is truly a call to action and a mandate of responsibility before history, affirming an unshakable belief in the path chosen by the Party, President Ho Chi Minh, and our People.

With thorough, rigorous, and scientific preparation and broad-based input from across the Party and the people, the documents adopted at the 14th Congress reflect strategic vision and the highest level of political resolve. Notably, for the first time in the history of Party congresses, the 14th Congress issued an Action Programme accompanying the Resolution - a breakthrough aimed at ensuring that the Resolution is put into practice immediately. From guidelines to planning and implementation, responsibilities are clearly defined: who does what, when it is done, what resources are required, and what the ultimate objectives are. As a result, the Resolution of the 14th Congress has truly become an action handbook for the Party and the entire political system, a “guiding torch” lighting the way forward on the country’s new development path.

The Resolution of the 14th Congress sets out exceptionally clear, bold yet feasible overarching goals for the 2026–2030 period, with a vision through 2045: maintaining a peaceful and stable environment; advancing rapid and sustainable national development; comprehensively improving the People’s living standards; and strengthening self-reliance and resilience to move confidently into the nation’s new era. More importantly, the 14th Congress’s documents translate this spirit of decisive action into concrete terms. The Action Programme accompanying the Resolution places particular emphasis on the requirement to “make the right choices - implement quickly - follow through to the end - measure performance by results” across all tasks. Every major policy decision of the Congress has been developed into a practical implementation plan, with clearly defined objectives, solutions, and evaluation criteria. The principle of “the People as the roots” runs throughout: the People are placed at the centre and as the subject of development, with all policies aimed at improving their material and spiritual well-being; while upholding respect for, listening to, and fully harnessing the People’s role as masters of the nation. As a result, the Resolution of the 14th Congress goes beyond vision and orientation, carrying the pulse of real life, inspiring a renewed aspiration for development and a powerful momentum for action, ready to be translated into practice immediately after the Congress.

From resolution to action

With the Resolution in place and the Programme clearly defined, what remains is action. The Congress requires Party Committees at all levels to swiftly disseminate, study, and translate the Resolution into programmes and plans tailored to their respective localities and units, promptly putting both the Resolution and the Action Programme into practice. The overarching imperative is a decisive shift from “talk” to “action,” from awareness to implementation. The Congress documents make clear the need to resolutely and thoroughly address the problems of “talking much but doing little,” “saying well but doing poorly,” and “saying one thing and doing another,” and to put an end to bureaucratic, formalistic working styles. Every Party Committee, every Party Organisation, and every cadre and Party member, especially those in leadership positions, must heighten their sense of responsibility and lead by example in turning decisions into reality. From now on, “words must be matched by deeds” must become a guiding principle of action; every policy and task must clearly define objectives and solutions, link responsibility to results, align breakthroughs with sustainability, and ensure that discipline in implementation is measured by the People’s satisfaction.

Entering a new phase, every sound guideline, once adopted, must be carried out with tenfold determination and a hundredfold effort in practice; political resolve must be at its highest, effort at its strongest, and action at its most decisive - an imperative arising from the nation’s will and aspiration for development. From the central to grassroots levels, from Party and State agencies to the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organisations, all must move forward in unison with a renewed sense of momentum; in this process, every cadre and Party member - above all, each member of the Party Central Committee - must lead by example, daring to think, to speak, to act, to take responsibility, and to innovate for the common good, with service to the People as the highest measure of work effectiveness

The next 5–10 years

The coming 5–10 years will be a pivotal period of decisive significance for the country’s two centenary strategic goals. Within this relatively short timeframe, we must both complete the objectives of the 2026–2030 period and lay a solid foundation for reaching higher development milestones by 2045. The goal for 2030 is to transform Vietnam into a country with modern industry and upper-middle income status. This requires the economy to sustain average annual growth of 10% or higher over many consecutive years - an unprecedented breakthrough pace, yet an entirely feasible target if all resources are fully mobilised and effectively utilised. By 2045, we must resolutely achieve the goal of building a developed, high-income Vietnam on par with leading countries worldwide.

With limited time and heavy, decisive tasks, the 14th Congress set out revolutionary and breakthrough orientations and solutions to seize every opportunity and overcome all challenges. Over the next five years, we must accelerate comprehensively across all key areas: the economy must make strong breakthroughs to achieve sustained high growth; science, technology and innovation must be vigorously promoted as a driving force for development; and institutional reform, together with improvements to the investment and business environment, must be pursued resolutely and transparently to unleash all social resources. At the same time, social sectors such as education, health care and culture must receive attention and investment commensurate with economic growth, ensuring harmonious and sustainable development. The building and rectification of the Party and the political system continues to face very high requirements, particularly in the building of a contingent of officials equal to their tasks - those who are “truly exemplary in moral qualities, intellect and mettle, and fully capable of leading the successful fulfillment of the major missions entrusted by the Party, the State and the People.”

The 14th National Party Congress term is an exceptionally important period for the entire Party and the entire people to achieve the highest accomplishments in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding (2030). From now on, the mindset of “five-year action with a twenty-year vision” must be thoroughly embedded in leadership and governance. This means that successfully fulfilling the immediate five-year objectives will at the same time lay a solid foundation for goals in the years ahead. The sound and breakthrough decisions taken today will not only deliver immediate results for the 2026–2030 period, but will also generate momentum for a leap in development in the decades to come. If we seize opportunities and overcome the challenges of this pivotal 5–10-year period, the country will undoubtedly take off strongly, turning into reality the aspiration of building a powerful Vietnam by the mid-21st century. Conversely, if opportunities are missed or delays and mistakes occur during this critical juncture, the cost will be extremely high - potentially squandering the opportunity of an entire nation and causing the country to fall further behind in a rapidly changing world. Fully aware of this, the entire Party and people are determined to act with speed and resolve from the very start of the term, allowing “not a single day to be wasted, not a single week to be delayed.”

Rising above challenges

Looking ahead, we have no option other than success. The 14th Congress has ignited the flame of invincible confidence, placing upon the entire Party and the entire people a historic responsibility that is extraordinarily heavy yet profoundly honourable. Ahead lie many difficulties and challenges, but the Party allows no room for hesitation or failure on the chosen path. Standing alongside the Party are the trust, affection and expectations of more than 100 million compatriots, and before us lies the fate of the entire nation in the 21st century. The goal of “a prosperous people, a strong country, democracy, equity and civilisation” set by the Party is not merely an aspiration, but a solemn pledge of honour to the People. Therefore, every official and Party member, especially those who “bear the main responsibilities” must constantly remind themselves to rise higher and overcome their own limitations. We cannot afford to delay reform, we cannot afford to hesitate in action, and we certainly cannot allow complacency or rest on past laurels. Lessons from previous terms show that wherever there is strong political resolve and focused, unified and hands-on leadership, work progresses positively; conversely, where there is laxity, complacency or a lack of determination, even the soundest policies are difficult to translate into success.

History has proven this: our Vietnamese nation has never bowed to any enemy or hardship. From the earliest days of nation-building and nation-defence, our forebears forged a tradition of resilience and indomitability: the greater the hardship and trial, the greater the unity and shared resolve to achieve victory. In the twentieth century, under the Party's leadership flag, our nation achieved victories that were “resounding across the five continents and shaking the globe”. In the new era, on the front of socio-economic development, we must all the more bring into full play the spirit of “never retreating, never faltering, only moving forward, advancing ceaselessly”. Our Party and our People are determined to secure victory in the cause of building and defending the socialist Fatherland, for every delayed step and every unfulfilled objective affect the future of the entire nation. “Success, certain success!” – that is the mindset, the political resolve that we engrave deeply in our hearts as we embark upon the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th Congress.

In a world context marked by constant turbulence, never before have opportunities and challenges been so intricately intertwined as they are today. The destiny of the country depends on our ability to seize opportunities and overcome challenges. Intensive and extensive international integration means that Vietnam faces mounting competitive pressures, yet it also opens doors to the acquisition of knowledge, advanced technology, and development resources from abroad. Economic globalisation provides large markets for Vietnamese goods and services, but it also requires us to continuously enhance our endogenous capacities in order to ascend to higher rungs of the global value chain. Geopolitical fluctuations worldwide may affect the environment of peace and stability – the prerequisite for development – and therefore the task of firmly safeguarding independence, sovereignty, and a peaceful environment becomes ever more vital. The new context demands new thinking and new vision: we must be strategically proactive, constantly vigilant and perceptive in analysing developments, flexible and creative in our responses, steadfast in principles yet not dogmatic or rigid.

With the mettle and intellect of the Vietnamese nation, and with the trust, unity, and consensus of the People, we can affirm that favourable conditions will outweigh challenges. The position and strength of the country, after more than half a century of reunification, have grown stronger than ever before, creating the foundation for us to rise with confidence. The steadily increasing reputation and standing of Vietnam on the international stage constitute favourable conditions for mobilising the support and cooperation of international friends. What is essential is that we maximise internal strength while harnessing external resources, transforming this combined power into a driving force for national development. Proactive adaptation and vigorous promotion of innovation are precisely the keys that will enable Vietnam to weather storms and advance steadily in an era full of volatility.

Certain Victory

At this special moment, more than ever, the words of beloved President Ho Chi Minh continue to resound: “Forward! Total victory will surely be ours!” That call to action from Uncle Ho in those earlier days became an invincible belief, inspiring our entire nation to rise up and win independence and freedom. Today, in the cause of building and defending the Fatherland, that call still surges with momentum, spurring us to strengthen our resolve, overcome poverty and backwardness, and build a prosperous and happy country, standing shoulder to shoulder with friends across the five continents.

Nearly six million Party members and more than 100 million compatriots carry within their hearts a flame of aspiration for a strong and powerful Vietnam. The 14th Congress has entrusted us with the banner of decisive victory. Now is the time for the entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army to tighten ranks, unite in common purpose, and vigorously emulate one another in labour, study, work, and combat, in order to successfully implement the Resolution of the Congress. Now is the time to turn every guideline and resolution into action and concrete results. The future and destiny of the country urge us to act – to act with even greater determination. The entire Party, the entire people, and the entire army act together in the spirit of “each person working twice as hard”, armed with new knowledge, supported by science and technology, under the guiding light of the Party; we act with indomitable will, advancing on all economic, cultural, and social fronts like “soldiers in peacetime”, and as a result, the effectiveness generated will be tenfold, a hundredfold. From our unwavering faith in the leadership of the Party and in the strength of the People, we together proclaim in unison: “Under the glorious flag of the Party, for the bright future of the nation, advance forward, victory is certain”.

Forward! Total victory will surely be ours!

VNA-

India and Vietnam mark a decade of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, highlighting reform-driven growth, foreign policy priorities and expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

We celebrate ten years of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership this year. This has been a journey that began together with our respective independence movements and the mutual expression of solidarity with each other. We have since never looked back. This is a friendship with a strong foundation of civilizational linkages, extensive people-to-people ties and mutual trust.

India in 2025: The ‘Year of Reforms’

Prime Minister Modi has called 2025 the “Year of Reforms,” which has witnessed the simplification of governance, modernized institutions and strengthened the foundations for long-term inclusive growth.

2025 has been an exceptional year for the Indian economy, with GDP growth reaching 8.2 per cent, making India the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Despite the global slowdown, foreign direct investment flows have remained resilient. India has moved from promise to laying firm foundations for Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047). The impressive growth trajectory has positioned India as the world’s fourth-largest economy.

This transformation to a “New India” is not just about economic growth. It entails good governance, service delivery, people’s participation and empowerment—particularly through the use of technology—and an inclusive and sustainable development model that brings benefits for all, not just a few, while achieving harmony between growth and the environment.

H.E. Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, Ambassador of India to Vietnam. 

The reforms undertaken by India have been revolutionary across domains. Some of the pathbreaking decisions across different sectors include:

• Boost to ease of doing business.

• Historic labor reforms.

• Diversified and expanded markets for Indian products through new trade deals.

• Maritime and blue economy reforms, with five landmark maritime legislations passed.

• Securities market reforms, with the Securities Market Code Bill introduced in Parliament.

• Boost to small and medium businesses with the expansion of the definition of “small companies” to include firms with turnovers of up to Rs. 100 crore (approximately $10.9 million).

• 100 per cent foreign direct investment permitted in Indian insurance companies.

• Goods and Services Tax reforms with a clean two-slab structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent.

• Unparalleled relief for the middle class, with individuals earning up to Rs. 12 lakh (approximately $13,100) per annum facing no income tax.

• Landmark nuclear energy reforms with the SHANTI Act 2025.\

• Education reforms initiated with the introduction of a bill in Parliament.

Foreign policy

The global landscape is undergoing profound changes in these uncertain and volatile times. India has set its journey toward deeper engagement with like-minded countries with similar views and convergences. We have sought to maximize freedom of choice and striven to maintain autonomy in decision-making.

Our priorities start with the immediate neighborhood, expressed as “Neighbourhood First,” and are buttressed by a further set of policies that focus on the Gulf, Southeast Asia, Central Asia and the Indian Ocean. India is the voice of the Global South, built on historical solidarity with developing nations and amplifying their views on the global stage.

India remains committed to multilateralism. The need of the hour is a more enlightened and responsive multilateral system, and a new inclusive and non-transactional approach to multilateralism—in short, reformed multilateralism. Reform of multilateral systems, including the United Nations and global financial institutions, is not merely desirable but imperative.

2026 will be an active year for Indian diplomacy. India will host major events such as the AI Impact Summit, the BRICS Summit, the India-Africa Forum Summit and meetings of the International Big Cat Alliance, among others. This will be in addition to numerous bilateral, multilateral and plurilateral events hosted throughout the year.

India is conscious of its growing role on the global stage and understands that the choices it makes to meet its developmental aspirations carry significant implications for the region and the world. India is guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—“the whole world is one family”—and the doctrine of MAHASAGAR, or “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions,” as it shoulders responsibilities for the global good.

India-Vietnam Journey

India was one of the first countries with which Vietnam entered into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016. Our friendship and close relations predate 1972, when diplomatic relations were established. It is only natural that two civilizations with shared Buddhist and Cham linkages, historical people-to-people ties, contemporary aspirations and strategic convergence enjoy the highest level of friendship.

Vietnam is an important partner in India’s “Act East Policy” and within the Indo-Pacific, based on shared interests in promoting peace, stability and prosperity in the region. We both support evolution rather than expansionism.

Our bilateral partnership covers a vast canvas, including political engagement, development cooperation, defense collaboration, security cooperation, trade and investment ties and extensive people-to-people linkages. We believe that our journey together remains a work in progress.

Innovation, critical and emerging technologies, renewable energy and health care, digital public infrastructure, fintech, electric vehicles, automobiles, pharmaceuticals and electronics are among the areas with significant potential. Financial innovation and digital payments are also promising domains. Creating stronger linkages between the business communities on both sides remains a priority.

Trade and commerce is a sector in which our mutual ambitions have yet to realize their full potential. We are working with Vietnam and other ASEAN countries on updating and reviewing the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement, signed in 2009, to align with contemporary realities. The review will help enhance trade resilience, mitigate market volatility in an increasingly uncertain world and strengthen supply chains. We look forward to Vietnam’s support in the ongoing AITIGA review as we work to expand bilateral trade.

India and Vietnam have articulated their respective development visions—Developed India @ 2047 (Atmanirbhar Bharat @ 2047) and Vietnam 2045. These complementary goals necessitate deeper cooperation in selected priority areas.

Our shared commitment to international law, our common aspiration for reformed multilateralism and our inclusive vision for regional architecture make India-Vietnam cooperation a stabilizing factor in the region.

India and Vietnam are two rapidly growing economies with youthful demographics and aspirational societies. We share a belief in people-centric and inclusive development. India looks at Vietnam as a steadfast partner in our journey of togetherness, mutual trust and a forward-looking partnership.

-H.E. Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, Ambassador of India to Vietnam

Vietnam’s new digital asset laws mark a turning point for the country, positioning blockchain and tokenization as credible growth drivers to attract global capital and fuel the digital economy.

The Law on the Digital Technology Industry 2025 will officially take effect on January 1, 2026, marking the first time Vietnam has legalized and provided a clear definition of digital assets and representing a major milestone in its journey towards building a digital economy. The new legal framework is also seen as an initial foundation for digital assets to move out of a legal “gray area” and become a formal capital channel for the economy.

Previously, under Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg, digital assets were identified as one of eleven national strategic technology groups. In parallel, Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on piloting the crypto-asset market created a legal corridor, opening space for business models, capital flows, and new applications centered on digital assets to be deployed in a safe and transparent manner.

At the recent Vietnam Corporate Governance Forum (VCG Forum 2025), experts agreed that digital assets are no longer merely a speculative trend but are gradually taking shape as a component of future economic infrastructure.

New growth drivers

To realize its aspiration of becoming a developed country by 2045, Mr. Nguyen Duc Thuan, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Corporate Directors (VACD), said Vietnam needs to seek new growth drivers and new markets, in which digital and crypto assets represent an important element. In his view, digital assets are no longer just “virtual bubbles” but are being shaped into a core part of the global digital economy.

Commenting on Vietnam’s advantages in this arena, Mr. Le Thanh, Co-Founder of Ninety Eight, who has worked in international markets for many years, said Vietnam’s greatest strength lies in its human resources, both in quantity and quality. Vietnam’s education system places strong emphasis on mathematics, producing many people with strong quantitative skills; an important factor enabling Vietnamese talent to keep pace with global trends.

“In my eight years in the industry, I have not seen a top global blockchain company without Vietnamese people,” Mr. Thanh said. From Binance and Coinbase to the core research teams of Ethereum, Vietnamese professionals have made significant contributions. Vietnam also benefits from its geographic position and a global Vietnamese community working in the industry, creating bridges for international experts to return and contribute once policies become more open.

According to Mr. Thanh, many Vietnamese professionals working in US technology corporations proactively reached out after learning about Resolution No. 05, asking about opportunities to return and contribute to the domestic market. “That is a very encouraging sign,” he said, recalling that when he first entered the blockchain space, few people believed it would become a future industry. Today, with a legal framework gradually taking shape, recognition of the segment has become clearer and more meaningful.

From a technological perspective, he believes Vietnam is not inferior to any country in terms of capability, as the gap between Vietnam and developed countries such as the US is actually quite small. While many industries require massive investment in technical infrastructure, blockchain - due to its decentralized nature and shared resources - significantly eases such requirements.

Unlocking digital flows

According to experts, one of the most important applications of blockchain today is asset tokenization. “Real estate, bonds, credit, and even intangible assets can all be tokenized,” Mr. Thanh explained. “This helps unlock domestic and international capital flows, create liquidity, and form new markets for asset classes that previously had no trading venue or very low liquidity. This is one of the most impactful applications of blockchain for the economy.”

Thanks to tokenization, investors from the US, China, and Singapore - who want to participate in the Vietnamese market but previously lacked appropriate tools - can now gain direct access through exchanges. At the same time, blockchain helps reduce costs, simplify procedures, and open a two-way capital access mechanism: (1) Vietnamese enterprises can more easily reach international investors; and (2) international investors gain tools to channel capital into Vietnam.

Another advantage Mr. Thanh highlighted is the ability to enable “fractional ownership”. High asset prices create significant barriers, but blockchain allows assets to be divided and commercialized in smaller units, opening opportunities for small retail investors, both domestically and internationally. “People of my generation and the younger generation all want to own a home, but current real estate prices are far too high and beyond the reach of many young people,” he said by way of example. “Tokenization addresses this problem by allowing assets to be fragmented into smaller portions. For the first time, young people can access real estate investment in small parts: they can buy 10 per cent or 20 per cent of an apartment’s value, and as their income increases, continue to buy another 20 per cent or 30 per cent. Instead of working for many years to accumulate a large sum before entering the market, they can participate early and gradually build ownership over time.”

He expressed hope that with Resolution No. 05 and new mechanisms, Vietnamese enterprises will be better positioned to attract capital, improve business efficiency, and tap into more commercial opportunities.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Trang, Product Director at SSI Digital, also believes that tokenized real-world assets (RWA) will become the most attractive asset class. Companies with real profits and real operations can issue tokens to expand access to international capital. For example, a company owning assets worth VND1 trillion ($38.46 million) could issue a corresponding volume of tokens to sell to foreign investors, thereby attracting additional capital into Vietnam.

“In the past, it was very difficult for enterprises to pursue an initial public offering (IPO) due to stringent conditions,” he said. “But today, if done well when there are cash flows and users, companies can issue tokens, effectively treating it as an early form of IPO. Enterprises that truly have assets and value, and the greatest value lies in cash flow, will have an advantage. Asset tokenization will be very high quality in the future.”

Despite the significant potential, experts agreed that Vietnamese enterprises will face multiple challenges. The first is the legal framework. According to Mr. Nguyen The Vinh, Co-Founder of Ninety Eight, while a law now exists, current regulations remain very basic and lack detailed guidance, akin to having a green light to proceed but no clearly defined road. The second challenge involves infrastructure and security risks, particularly for exchanges. and the third challenge is investment mindset. A 24/7 trading market with high volatility offers great opportunities but also significant risks, easily leading to short-term, speculative behavior aimed at quick profits rather than sustainable investment.

Nevertheless, when considering the goal of attracting foreign capital through crypto assets, Mr. Vinh said feasibility is the most important factor. From the perspective of international investors, three elements are decisive.

The first, again, is the legal framework. Foreign investors are only willing to participate when they feel that the legal environment is gradually taking shape, becoming clearer and capable of protecting their rights. Vietnam, he said, is moving in the right direction and demonstrating priority in building a legal corridor for crypto assets.

Second is the macro-economic foundation. Vietnam is on a growth trajectory and has recently been upgraded from frontier market to emerging market status; a very positive sign. This upgrade not only helps attract more foreign capital into traditional sectors, but also strengthens confidence in new channels such as blockchain and crypto assets.

And third is market attractiveness. Precisely because it is still new, Vietnam offers significant potential and many investment “stories”, from real-world asset tokenization and carbon credits to technology and industrial startups in need of financial resources. These are themes that particularly attract international investors.

Mr. Vinh noted that when all three factors converge, the goal of attracting foreign capital through crypto assets is not only feasible but also capable of creating a promising new capital channel for the Vietnamese economy.

VET-Ngo Huyen

This is viewed as a strategic move to foster entrepreneurship, encourage the expansion of production and business activities, and improve the national investment climate...

Taxpayers will no longer be required to declare or pay business license fees, starting January 1, 2026.

This abolition will be implemented uniformly nationwide, applying to all enterprises, organizations, households, and individual businesses, with the aim of creating more room to support the growth of the private economic sector.

This directive is the highlight of Urgent Official Dispatch No. 645/CT-CS, issued by the Department of Taxation under the Ministry of Finance on January 24.

Accordingly, the Department requires tax authorities in all provinces and centrally-run cities to intensify communication and dissemination efforts to ensure taxpayers are fully informed of their obligations—and the subsequent exemptions—regarding business license fees starting from 2026.

Previously, the business license fee was a direct annual fee imposed on organizations, households, and individuals engaged in the production and trade of goods and services. The fee amount was determined based on charter or investment capital (for organizations) or annual revenue (for business households and individuals).

According to tax authorities, the implementation of this new policy will significantly reduce compliance costs, particularly for small and micro-enterprises and business households—groups that are highly sensitive to fixed annual expenses.

Furthermore, the removal of the license fee will contribute to simplifying administrative procedures and reducing the workload for both corporate accounting departments and tax authorities. This shift is expected to minimize risks related to late filings or procedural errors in tax declarations.

In the long term, this is viewed as a strategic move to foster entrepreneurship, encourage the expansion of production and business activities, and improve the national investment climate by making it more transparent and favorable for growth.

Vneconomy-Mai Nhi

The upgrade is seen as an important step in reinforcing the standing and credibility of Vietnam’s debt instruments in international capital markets.

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Vietnam’s senior secured long-term debt instruments from BB+ to BBB-,  the Vietnam News Agency quoted the Ministry of Finance as reporting.

The rating for Vietnam’s secured long-term debt was raised to BBB-, equivalent to investment grade, one notch higher than the country’s long-term foreign-currency rating on unsecured debt, which remains at BB+.

The upgrade followed Fitch’s review under its revised Sovereign Rating Criteria issued in last September, according to the ministry.

The decision reflects its expectations regarding recovery prospects on unsecured sovereign bonds, combined with additional recovery benefits arising from the secured or guaranteed portions of the debt instruments.

The rating agency stressed that the move does not alter Vietnam’s sovereign credit rating, which was affirmed at BB+ with a stable outlook in June last year. Nevertheless, the upgrade is seen as an important step in reinforcing the standing and credibility of Vietnam’s debt instruments in international capital markets.

According to the ministry, it is working to establish a mechanism for regular and ongoing dialogue with international credit rating agencies, including Fitch, Moody’s and SP. This engagement goes beyond the provision of requested data, involving close coordination with ministries and agencies to proactively explain and demonstrate the country’s institutional strengths, macroeconomic stability and growth potential.

The recent upgrade by Fitch was also attributed to timely information sharing and close cooperation between the ministry and the rating agency.

The finance body said it will continue to work closely with Fitch and other credit rating agencies, as well as international organisations, to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date assessments of Vietnam’s credit profile.

Vietnam News Agency-Vân Nguyễn

In 2025, the country welcomed nearly 21.2 million international arrivals, a year-on-year increase of 20.4 percent and 19 percent higher than in 2019, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

UN Tourism has named  Vietnam  among the world’s top-growing tourism markets, as a result of the country’s double-digit tourism growth in 2025.

Last year,   Vietnam  welcomed nearly 21.2 million international tourists, a year-on-year increase of 20.4% and 19% higher than the record fiigure  recorded in  2019, the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam’s 2025 tourism growth far exceeded the global average tourism growth rate of 4% and  the overall growth of 6% in the Asia–Pacific region. This result  is attributed to multiple factors, including  open visa policies, the expansion of international flight routes, and innovations in tourism promotion and marketing.

One more factor is that the tourism industry has actively diversified its products and services, accelerated the application of technology to support travelers, and promoted tourism development in a green and sustainable direction. These efforts have contributed to enhancing Vietnam's position as an attractive destination on the international tourism map.

 UN Tourism forecast that Vietnam will maintain its role as one of the most dynamic growth destinations in the region and the world as a whole in 2026.

The country targets to welcome 25 million foreign tourists  this year, according to the National Authority of Tourism.

At the 2025 World Travel Awards (WTA) - often referred to as the "Oscars of the travel industry," Vietnam  made a stunning impact by securing 16 top-tier global honors.

Among the highlights, Vietnam was named World's Leading Heritage Destination for the sixth time. Individual locations also earned accolades: the Dong Van Karst Plateau as World's Leading Local Cultural Destination 2025; Moc Chau won World's Leading Local Nature Destination for the third time; Tam Dao claimed World's Leading Town Destination for the fourth time; and Phu Quoc retained its title as World's Leading Nature Island Destination for the fourth year running. Phu Quoc also swept several other global awards, including World's Leading Iconic Tourism Bridge for the Kiss Bridge, World's Leading Beach 2025 for Bai Kem, and World's Leading Iconic Scenic Spot for Sunset Town.

In the hospitality and resort sector, Vietnam earned multiple prestigious distinctions such as World's Leading Green Resort 2025 and World's Leading Luxury Wedding Resort 2025.

Meanwhile, at the WTA Asia-Pacific Awards in October last year, Vietnam was named Asia's Leading Destination for the seventh time and Asia's Leading Heritage Destination for the third time.

Vneconomy-Van Nguyen

This total includes the standard annual plan of 220,000 tons and a supplementary 280,000 tons aimed at regulating domestic rice prices.

Prior to 2024, the highest annual target for national food reserves typically hovered around 220,000 tons. However, for 2025, this figure has surged to a milestone of 500,000 tons, according to a  report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

This information was announced by Ms. Nguyen Thi Pho Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of State Reserves (Ministry of Finance), during a press conference on January 23.

This total includes the standard annual plan of 220,000 tons and a supplementary 280,000 tons aimed at regulating domestic rice prices. This represents a record-breaking figure, the largest ever in the history of Vietnam's state reserve industry.

"This outcome not only strengthens national reserve resources but also achieves a dual objective: supporting agricultural production and macro-economic stability while regulating supply and demand in the food market. Furthermore, it enhances rapid response capabilities for any emergency, ensuring food security and social welfare, and supporting the foreign policy missions of the Party and State," Ms. Giang said.

Currently, in implementation of the Prime Minister’s Decision approving the Master Plan for the National Reserve Warehouse System for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050, the Department is mobilizing all resources to develop a smart warehouse system. This includes integrating warehouse management with the National Reserve Monitoring and Operation Center project, which is expected to be completed in 2027. 

For 2026, the finance sector has developed a plan to warehouse a total of 420,000 tons of food reserves. Due to budget balancing considerations, the initial phase has been assigned a target of 300,000 tons, with the remaining volume to be allocated under a supplementary plan.

VOV-Pham Long

Over the past year, "layoff" became a prominent keyword among HR professionals and managers. Even organizations that had never previously considered downsizing found themselves facing this reality.

Just over 20% of businesses have chosen to recruit additional personnel for specific positions, while the remainder are either cutting staff or maintaining their workforce through strategic approaches, a survey by Anphabe revealed.

Over the past year, "layoff" became a prominent keyword among HR professionals and managers. Even organizations that had never previously considered downsizing found themselves facing this reality.

However, viewing the situation through a more positive lens, Ms. Thanh Nguyen, CEO Founder at Anphabe, analyzed this process as "leaning out" (organizational streamlining). She predicts that in 2026, the "race to lean out" will become more intense than ever across all industries in Vietnam.

Anphabe’s survey of approximately 650 CEOs and HR Directors regarding their 2025–2026 objectives revealed that 44% of businesses consider restructuring for a leaner organization to be their most important goal. Furthermore, 76% of enterprises have already implemented streamlining programs, a trend that is expected to continue throughout this year.

This streamlining process has placed human resources under the spotlight. Citing a survey conducted at the end of 2025, Ms. Thanh noted that for 2026, only about 25% of companies intend to expand their headcount for specific roles, 20% were frank about planned labor cuts, and the remaining 55% chose to "maintain strategically."

According to the Anphabe representative, "strategic maintenance" occurs when a company chooses not to replace an employee who resigns, or instead hires for entirely new competency requirements that the organization currently lacks.

Notably, Ms. Thanh observed that organizations are initiating reduction processes by leveraging data and technology for automation to drive operational efficiency. At a more advanced stage of development, Anphabe classifies this trend as "upskilling for streamlining."

Vneconomy-Anh Nguyễn

The Energy Transition Top-up Project will be extended through December 2026, continuing efforts to strengthen the strategic, legal, and technological foundations for Vietnam’s sustainable energy transition.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) on January 21 signed an implementation agreement for technical assistance under the Energy Transition Top-up Project.

Under the agreement, the project will be extended through December 2026, continuing efforts to strengthen the strategic, legal, and technological foundations for Vietnam’s sustainable energy transition.

Implemented under the mandate of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project aims to support the development of a long-term energy transition strategy and promote technology transfer toward a low-emission energy system.

With additional funding and an extended implementation timeline, the project has set specific and measurable objectives. In-depth analytical studies will focus on priority areas such as facilitating investment, electricity system and market operations, enhancing grid flexibility through energy storage, promoting digital transformation, and developing emerging low-emission energy technologies.

A key target of the project is to engage more than 150 businesses nationwide, with 70% expected to invest in energy transition solutions and express confidence in Vietnam’s legal and regulatory framework. This is seen as an indicator of improvements in the investment environment and growing private sector confidence in national energy policy.

In addition to business support, the project will identify and propose advanced technological solutions, including microgrids and distribution automation systems, to help grid operators and state regulators improve power system operations and advance smart grid connectivity.

VnEconomy-Nguyệt Hà

The selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars jumping to a new record of VND173.3 million ($6,589) per tael.

Selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars in Vietnam surged to a new record of VND173.3 million ($6,589) per tael on January 24, rebounding sharply after a steep decline the previous day.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

Buying prices also jumped to VND171.3 million per tael, marking an increase of VND4 million ($152) per tael for both buying and selling compared with the previous day.

Gold ring prices followed the same upward trend, rising by VND4.1 million per tael to VND169.3 million for buying and VND171.8 million for selling.

On the global market, gold prices also rebounded, edging up 0.5% to $4,958.4 per ounce. At this level, domestic gold prices remain about VND13.99 million ($531) per tael higher than international prices.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

The selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars jumping to a new record of VND173.3 million ($6,589) per tael.

Selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars in Vietnam surged to a new record of VND173.3 million ($6,589) per tael on January 24, rebounding sharply after a steep decline the previous day.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

Buying prices also jumped to VND171.3 million per tael, marking an increase of VND4 million ($152) per tael for both buying and selling compared with the previous day.

Gold ring prices followed the same upward trend, rising by VND4.1 million per tael to VND169.3 million for buying and VND171.8 million for selling.

On the global market, gold prices also rebounded, edging up 0.5% to $4,958.4 per ounce. At this level, domestic gold prices remain about VND13.99 million ($531) per tael higher than international prices.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

The majority of export demand for high-tech industries, including electronics, computers, and components, originated from the FDI sector rather than domestic enterprises.

Vietnam's total import-export turnover in the first half of January 2026 reached approximately $39.34 billion, an increase of 14.64% (equivalent to $5.02 billion) compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary reports from the Vietnam Customs.

On the export side, the total turnover in the period hit $18.05 billion, up 11.1% over the first half of January 2025.  This growth was mainly driven by the processing and manufacturing sector, especially high-tech industries linked to global supply chains such as electronics, telephones, and machinery.

However, the majority of export demand for high-tech industries, including electronics, computers, and components, originated from the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) sector rather than domestic enterprises.

Specifically, the total export value of the FDI sector in the first half of January 2026 reached $14.03 billion, surging by 24.36% compared to the same period in 2025.

Regarding imports, the total value for the period reached $21.29 billion, an increase of 17.81% (equivalent to $3.22 billion) year-on-year. Growth continued to be driven by demand for high-tech goods such as computers, electronic products, and components, as well as machinery, equipment, and spare parts to serve domestic production and assembly.

Similar to the export trend, the FDI sector accounted for a major proportion of the country's total import value, reaching $15.31 billion. This represents about 72% of the national total and a 34.5% increase compared to the same period last year, marking an absolute increase of nearly $4 billion. This reality indicates that FDI production activities continue to expand, leading to a high demand for imported components, machinery, equipment, and raw materials.

However, this data also reflects the current structure of Vietnam's value chain, where FDI enterprises hold a central role in technology- and capital-intensive stages, while domestic firms primarily participate in processing, assembly, and ancillary supply with low added value.

Notably, while import growth came primarily from the FDI sector, imports from the domestic economic sector actually decreased by $706.96 million in the first half of January 2026.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Sơn

The formulation of the master plan is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. This timeline does not include the period required for appraisal and official approval as mandated by regulations.

The Ministry of Construction has approved the task of formulating the Master Plan for Dien Bien Airport for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. This decision serves as a strategic framework for investment and development, ensuring the airport aligns with air transport demands and local socio-economic growth.

The planning research scope covers approximately 201 ha. The project will be implemented in accordance with the scheme approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 648/QD-TTg dated June 7, 2023. It will also consider adjacent areas to ensure harmony in spatial organization and technical infrastructure.

The primary objective of the planning task is to research and arrange spatial layouts logically, facilitating the development of Dien Bien Airport to meet aviation transport needs and provincial socio-economic requirements. Furthermore, it aims to propose a suitable investment roadmap for each development phase.

The planning process must strictly comply with national laws on planning and civil aviation, as well as national aviation standards and the recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The plan must also guarantee national defense and security, operational safety, and overall feasibility.

Key components of the planning task include: conducting surveys, investigations, and data collection; analyzing and evaluating the current status and capacity of existing infrastructure; forecasting air transport demand; proposing planning options for the airport, including the airside (runways, taxiways), landside (terminals, parking), and related facilities; and optimizing facilities to enhance operational capacity.

The formulation of the master plan is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026. This timeline does not include the period required for appraisal and official approval as mandated by regulations.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

The press conference was held under the chair of Party General Secretary To Lam, following the successful conclusion of the Congress on January 23 afternoon.

Party General Secretary To Lam on January 23 chaired an international press conference to announce the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) immediately after the closing session of the Congress the same day, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Speaking before more than 700 journalists from domestic and international media outlets, General Secretary Lam expressed his appreciation for their continuous and timely reporting, which has helped Vietnamese at home and abroad, and international friends stay informed about the Congress.

The Party chief stressed that the 14th National Congress was a resounding success, calling it a historic milestone in the Party’s 96-year journey and the country’s millennia-long history.

According to the leader, the Congress highlighted “Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development;” responsibility, dedication, intellect and science for the people; and strategic autonomy, resilience, confidence and national pride for a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, civilised and happy Vietnam advancing steadily toward socialism.

He affirmed that the Congress was truly one of unity and consensus, reflecting the will, mettle, aspirations, determination, strength and cultural identity of the Vietnamese nation and the CPV in a new development stage. He noted that the Congress documents and related information had been fully provided to the press by the Organising Committee and the Press Centre.

The General Secretary emphasised that the Congress not only reached a high level of consensus on its documents and action program,  but also demonstrated strong unity and focus in the selection of personnel for the 14th Party Central Committee.

The Congress elected a new Party Central Committee comprising 200 members - 180 official and 20 alternate members. The Party Central Committee then elected the Politburo, the Secretariat, the General Secretary, the Inspection Commission and its Chairman, and assigned tasks to members of the Politburo and the Secretariat. Members of the 14th Party Central Committee represent approximately 5.6 million Party members nationwide and meet all required standards of integrity, ethics, credibility, capacity and qualifications. They were entrusted by the Congress to serve in the Party’s leading bodies and shoulder major responsibilities before the Party and the people in a new revolutionary phase.

The Congress set orientations for building a Central Committee, Politburo and Secretariat - particularly the key Party and State leadership of the 14th term - into a clean, strong and genuinely united collective, with a high degree of unity in will and action, embodying pioneering spirit, exemplary conduct, combat spirit, discipline, and a readiness to dedicate themselves to the Party’s noble cause and to improving the well-being and happiness of the people. The Congress also reached consensus on historic policy decisions aimed at successfully realising the two centennial strategic goals identified by the 13th National Party Congress.

“We firmly believe that, drawing on the strength of our nation’s historical roots, nearly a century of leadership by the Communist Party of Vietnam, the support and unity of the entire people, and the encouragement, cooperation and solidarity of international friends and progressive peoples around the world, we will certainly materialise the Resolution of the 14th National Congress and successfully build a peaceful, independent, democratic, prosperous, civilised and happy socialist Vietnam,” General Secretary Lam emphasised.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Obligations surrounding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling have been a major catalyst for the creation of a recycling industry in Vietnam.

The implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) recycling obligations not only helps reduce waste and promote sustainability but also enables businesses to keep their products competitive and maintain export capability in international markets. Moreover, it contributes to the gradual formation of a recycling industry in Vietnam, which is viewed as highly promising and increasingly attractive to foreign enterprises.

Adopting EPR

Vietnam’s plastic recycling sector has received increased attention following the introduction of the EPR policy. Under the draft EPR decree, producers and importers are required to collect, recycle, and treat packaging starting from this year, with mandated recycling rates.

At the Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Yen, Deputy Head of the Policy and Legal Affairs Division in the Department of Environment at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, noted that Vietnam still faces significant data gaps regarding plastic waste generation, as most plastic materials are recycled within the informal sector. Only around 10-20 per cent is recycled by formal enterprises such as Duy Tan Recycling and An Phat.

According to Mr. Yen, high-value plastic waste, such as PET bottles, is often picked up by informal waste collectors even if it reaches landfill sites, because for them, this type of plastic is “money.” As a result, the plastic waste that remains uncollected is typically the kind that is difficult to recycle. However, even this category of waste is gathered by municipal environmental companies in major cities with high consumption levels, such as Hanoi, and transported to waste treatment facilities.

In practice, the responsibility for collecting and recycling packaging is already outlined in Decree No. 08/2022, which provides detailed guidance for implementing the Law on Environmental Protection 2020. Under this regulation, businesses were required to begin fulfilling their collection and recycling obligations last year or, alternatively, make financial contributions to the Environmental Protection Fund.

Many companies, Mr. Yen continued, have opted for the financial contribution route simply because it is easier to execute. As a result, the Fund has accumulated several trillion VND but there is still no clear mechanism for how the money should be used. He added that Vietnam is, in many ways, ahead of the curve in Asia when it comes to adopting EPR. “We’ve had EPR in place since 2022, but there is still no workable mechanism for using the contributions companies make,” he said. “The implementation process is also demanding and costly.”

Goals and challenges

Vietnam’s path towards a true circular economy is being shaped by collaboration between private sector leaders, informal waste collectors, non-government organizations (NGOs), and government policymakers. Today, more than 200 organizations are involved in efforts to turn plastic waste into valuable resources and strengthen the country’s recycling systems.

“We work with around a hundred informal waste collectors to help gather and recycle post-consumer plastics,” said Ms. Nhi Le, Head of Communication, Corporate Affairs, and Sustainability at Unilever Vietnam. “The high-quality recycled resin we produce goes back into manufacturing new bottles, while other recovered materials are repurposed into construction items, household baskets, and more.”

But the road towards sustainability remains challenging. According to Ms. Nhi, a key barrier is the lack of proper infrastructure for waste sorting and processing. Many informal waste collectors still have to manually separate contaminated waste, which requires large amounts of water and labor to clean. This not only drains resources but also reduces the quality of recyclable materials. As a result, producing high-quality recycled plastics ends up costing significantly more than using virgin plastic.

Policy also poses obstacles. “Current EPR policies don’t include enough incentives for companies to use recycled materials,” she explained. “When a company like Unilever needs to purchase recycled content, the price is much higher than for regular plastic. The systems for reporting and data collection are also not fully established.”

Mr. David Adasme, Director of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) at VinFast, laid out the company’s goals to 2027, with a strong emphasis on innovation in both plastics management and the automotive sector. “We have established internal workflows and KPIs [key performance indicators] that support our global growth plans,” he said, underlining VinFast’s commitment to strong governance and continuous strategic review. As part of this global approach, the company is forming partnerships to seize emerging market opportunities and apply best practices in sustainability.

As an electric vehicle (EV) brand, the potential for battery recycling is enormous. He explained that VinFast is already working closely with global partners, creating clear agreements around battery recovery and recycling; an area he believes holds significant opportunities for the industry. “We have proposed to the government the development of a nationwide EV-battery recycling program, moving towards second-life applications such as BESS energy storage systems,” he noted, referring to Battery Energy Storage Systems, which can extend the life-cycle of used EV batteries.

As VinFast expands internationally, aligning with global regulations becomes essential. “As a global company, we must build a unified strategy across markets, especially when it comes to EPR policies and regulatory requirements,” Mr. Adasme said, underscoring that EPR will play a critical role in how VinFast manages batteries sustainably throughout their full life-cycle.

Engagement with sustainability

Environmental responsibility now plays a defining role in shaping brand perception and market performance, Ms. Nhi observed. “We’re seeing that a large share of young consumers genuinely care about how responsible a brand is,” she said. “They gravitate towards products that are not only innovative but also truly sustainable.”

This shift in expectations is pushing companies to rethink their entire operating model, especially around packaging. “Thanks to the momentum created by EPR regulations, our brands are redesigning packaging to make it more recyclable and to cut down on virgin plastics,” Ms. Nhi explained. “We’re increasing the use of recycled materials so consumers can clearly see that their choices contribute to a healthier environment.”

Another priority highlighted was the rollout of a waste education campaign aimed at strengthening public awareness. As Ms. Nhi explained, “When we involve consumers and communities in educational efforts, we create a shared commitment to action that genuinely benefits the environment.” Though such initiatives may increase short-term costs, the team believes they help build stronger and more resilient relationships with consumers.

Meaningful engagement with sustainability, she added, is now a core driver of consumer loyalty. “Sustained, purpose-driven interaction, especially around shared environmental values, not only secures long-term consumer trust but also helps attract new talent who want to work for responsible, forward-thinking brands,” Ms. Nhi said.

Mr. Adasme noted that environmental responsibility is becoming a defining factor in how the next generation evaluates brands. “To attract future customers, we need to rethink the entire process of building a car, from the materials we choose to the energy sources that power production,” he said. “Our goal isn’t simply to comply with regulations, but to genuinely align with the environmental standards and expectations shaping the industry’s future.”

He added that this focus on sustainability is not just a market requirement, but a strategic advantage. “With continuous innovation and a clear commitment to responsible practices, we can strengthen our position in both domestic and global markets,” he affirmed.

VET-Minh Anh

The14th Political Bureau consists of 19 members.

Politburo member, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, on behalf of the Congress’s Presidium, reported on the results of the election of the Political Bureau at the closing session of the 14th National Party Congress on January 23 afternoon,  which consists of 19 members:

1. To Lam, General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Central Military Commission

2. Tran Thanh Man, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Secretary of the National Assembly’s Party Committee, Chairman of the 15th National Assembly

3. Tran Cam Tu, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Permanent Member of the 13th Party Central Committee’s Secretariat, Secretary of the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies

4. Le Minh Hung, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organisation Commission

5. Do Van Chien, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Standing Deputy Secretary of the National Assembly’s Party Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the National Assembly

6. Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and Central Mass Organisations, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee

7. Phan Van Giang, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Member of the Standing Board of the Government’s Party Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, General, Minister of National Defence

8. Luong Tam Quang, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Member of the Standing Board of the Government’s Party Committee, Secretary of the Central Public Security Party Committee, General, Minister of Public Security

9. Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Secretary of the Party Committee of Hanoi City

10. Nguyen Trong Nghia, Member of the 13th Political Bureau, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Board of the Central Military Commission, General, Chairman of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People's Army

11. Trinh Van Quyet, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation

12. Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Member of the Standing Board of the Government’s Party Committee, Minister of Foreign Affairs

13. Le Minh Tri, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Standing Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Internal Affairs

14. Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City

15. Pham Gia Tuc, Member of the Party Central Committee, Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Office

16. Tran Sy Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission

17. Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies

18. Doan Minh Huan, Member of the Party Central Committee, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics

19. Tran Duc Thang, Member of the Party Central Committee, Member of the Government’s Party Committee, Minister of Agriculture and Environment.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee To Lam has been re-elected as the Party chief for the 2026 – 2031 term.

General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee To Lam was re-elected as the Party chief for the 2026 – 2031 term at the first meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee on January 23, according to Vietnam News Agency.

The 14th Party Central Committee (PCC) held its first meeting at the PCC headquarters to decide on particularly important issues, marking the beginning of the new term, according to a communique released after the meeting.

General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee To Lam, convener of the meeting, delivered the opening speech and, on behalf of the meeting’s presidium, chaired the event.

Based on the strict implementation of the Party Statutes, working regulations, election regulations, and related contents, and with a high degree of unity and responsibility, and good implementation of the principle of democratic centralism, the first meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee completed the following particularly important tasks: (1) Election of the Politburo.

(2) Election of the General Secretary.

(3) Election of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat.

(4) Listening to reports on the proposed key leadership positions of the Party and State and giving opinions on personnel to assume the position of Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat.

(5) Election of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission.

(6) Election of the Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission.

The 14th Party Central Committee reached absolute consensus in electing General Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee To Lam as General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee.

VnEconomy-Lý Hà

These additional services will provide approximately 7,300 extra tickets to meet the high demand for homecoming and spring tourism.

Vietnam's railway sector has announced the addition of 22 passenger train trips on various regional routes during the peak period of the 2026 Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse).

These additional services will provide approximately 7,300 extra tickets to meet the high demand for homecoming and spring tourism.

According to the Railway Transport Joint Stock Company, from February 14 to February 22, regional passenger services will be reinforced on the Hanoi – Da Nang, Hanoi – Vinh, and Hanoi – Lao Cai routes.

The Hanoi – Vinh route will see the largest increase with 16 additional trips, followed by the Hanoi – Lao Cai route with four trips, and the Hanoi – Da Nang route with two.

Specific schedules include:

Hanoi – Da Nang: Train SE17 will depart Hanoi at 8:25pm on February 13 and train SE18 will depart Da Nang at 6:50pm on February 14.

Hanoi – Lao Cai: Train SP1 will depart Hanoi on February 17, 18, and 19; train SP2 will depart Lao Cai on February 20

Hanoi – Vinh: Multiple services will be added during peak days before and after the holiday. This includes trains NA3 and SE35 departing from Hanoi, and trains NA8, NA6, NA4, SE34, SE36, and SE38 departing from Vinh between February 14 and 22.

Tickets are now officially on sale across all railway booking channels, including e-wallets, payment gateways, banking apps, train stations, and official booking agents.

Previously, to accommodate the Lunar New Year 2026 travel needs, the railway sector also announced 11 additional regional trains in the southern region. These cover the Saigon – Nha Trang, Saigon – Tam Ky, and Saigon – Da Nang routes, offering approximately 5,500 extra tickets to passengers.

The 2026 Lunar New Year peak transport period is scheduled to run from February 3 to March 8.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

During the utilization of the marine areas, the two groups must ensure the sites are used for the correct purposes and stay within the designated boundaries, area size, depth, altitude, and timeframe.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued two decisions granting sea area usage rights for measurement, investigation, and survey activities to serve the development of offshore wind power projects.

Specifically, under Decision No. 137/QĐ-BNNMT, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment granted Vietnam Electricity (EVN) the rights to use a marine area off the coast of the Long Chau archipelago and Bach Long Vy Island (Hai Phong City). This allocation is intended for surveys related to the Northern Offshore Wind Power Projects 1.3 and 1.4.

The allocated area covers 24,000 ha, defined by 11 specific coordinate points. The grant includes usage at a depth of up to 140 m and an altitude of up to 40 m above sea level.

Under Decision No. 138/QĐ-BNNMT, the Minister granted sea area usage rights to the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (PVN) to conduct surveys for the South Central Offshore Wind Power Project 1.

This marine area, located off the coast of Lam Dong province, spans 39,811.19 ha. It features similar technical specifications regarding depth and altitude. The usage period is set for 36 months, and the group is exempt from sea area usage fees for this period.

Both decisions explicitly state that during the utilization of the marine areas, the two groups must ensure the sites are used for the correct purposes and stay within the designated boundaries, area size, depth, altitude, and timeframe. They are strictly prohibited from encroaching upon the sea or violating any planning approved by competent state authorities.

Furthermore, survey activities must not impact national defense, security, sovereignty, or national jurisdiction at sea. The projects are mandated to avoid environmental pollution, the destruction of marine ecosystems, or the obstruction of maritime traffic and other legal sea-based activities.

The decisions also emphasize that the corporations are prohibited from transferring, mortgaging, contributing as capital, or leasing the granted sea area usage rights. They must not exploit survey activities to collect information in violation of the law.

All vehicles and equipment used for the surveys must fully comply with technical standards and regulations, and be properly inspected and legally authorized for operation.

Vneconomy-Tùng Dương