The ministry tasked with accelerating the disbursement of public investment and strategic infrastructure capital.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the Ministry of Finance to enhance collaboration with ministries, sectors and localities to unlock and effectively mobilize resources for development as part of key tasks for 2026.

He made the instruction while attending a conference held by the ministry in Hanoi on January 6 to review the financal isector’s financial, budgetary, investment and socio-economic development efforts in 2025 and outlining tasks for 2026.

The ministry was tasked with accelerating the disbursement of public investment and strategic infrastructure capital, focusing resources on mega-projects such as the North–South high-speed railway, the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway, and inter-regional expressway systems.

The Government leader urged the sector to build policy mechanisms that enable household businesses to grow into enterprises, small businesses into large ones, and large enterprises into even bigger, multinational corporations. 

He emphasised the need to lead in digital transformation and innovation, push forward with international financial integration, and move quickly on launching a digital asset exchange and a national one-stop investment portal.

VnEconomy-

The growth ranging from 5.84% to 11.89% with Quang Ninh and Hai Phong leading the country.

Gross regional domestic product (GRDP) recorded strong growth across many localities in 2025, with Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong port city in northern Vietnam leading the country, according to the National Statistics Office.

GRDP growth rates nationwide ranged from 5.84% to 11.89%, with six localities achieving growth of more than 10%. Quang Ninh topped the list with an expansion of 11.89%, followed closely by Hai Phong at 11.81%.

High-performing localities shared several common strengths, including development strategies aligned with local conditions and comparative advantages, solid industrial and service foundations, and effective institutional reforms that improved the investment and business environment and enhanced governance efficiency. Strong mobilisation of domestic resources, combined with the attraction and efficient use of investment capital—particularly foreign direct investment (FDI)—was a key driver of robust GRDP growth.

Meanwhile, Hanoi ranked 16th nationwide with GRDP growth of 8.16%, while Ho Chi Minh City placed 21st at 7.53%. Although outside the top 10, the two major cities, together with Hai Phong, Dong Nai, and Bac Ninh, continued to serve as core pillars of the national economy, making the largest contributions to overall GDP growth. As the country’s five largest local economies, these localities accounted for 55.4% of national economic growth in 2025.

VnEconomy-Anh Nhi

Through a "regulatory sandbox" mechanism, the city aims to create a safe innovation space where breakthrough technologies can be nurtured into new drivers of economic growth.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) Management Board, in collaboration with Saolatek, Real-time Robotics Vietnam, and Di Dong Viet, launched a pilot program to test the application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for delivery services on January 5.

A representative from the Department  emphasized that this trial is more than just a technical exercise; it is a strategic step toward standardizing controlled UAV flight operations. Through a "regulatory sandbox" mechanism, the city aims to create a safe innovation space where breakthrough technologies can be nurtured into new drivers of economic growth.

Mr. Nguyen Ky Phung, Head of the SHTP Management Board, noted that integrating UAVs into urban logistics presents significant challenges, particularly regarding technology and airspace safety. However, he stressed that these trials are essential for gathering real-world data, which will serve as a foundation for refining policies and expanding drone applications in the future.

The program is operating under a controlled sandbox framework established by Resolution 20/2024/NQ-HDND of the HCMC People’s Council. This framework allows the city to provide experimental space for businesses while simultaneously collecting data to support management, assess impacts, and perfect future regulations.

Vneconomy-Hồng Vinh

For the first time, the Law includes policies to encourage investment in e-commerce infrastructure that reduces emissions, utilizes eco-friendly packaging, and optimizes logistics to contribute to green growth goals.

The President's Office held a press conference on January 6 to announce the Presidential Order promulgating the Law on E-commerce and 11 other laws recently passed by the 15th National Assembly during its 10th session.

Set to take effect on July 1, 2026, the Law on E-commerce is designed with a development-enabling orientation. It aims to enhance management efficiency while protecting the legitimate interests of both businesses and consumers through eight new and prominent highlights:

First, clear legal classification of e-commerce platform models. For the first time, the Law specifically classifies four types of platforms: direct business e-commerce platforms; intermediary e-commerce platforms; social networks with e-commerce activities; and integrated e-commerce platforms.

Second, new regulations on livestream sales and affiliate marketing. Platform operators are now responsible for the electronic identity verification of streamers. They must also establish mechanisms to receive and resolve complaints during livestreams and store audio and visual data as prescribed by law.

Third, enhanced management of cross-border e-commerce. Foreign e-commerce platforms that use the Vietnamese language, possess a “.vn” domain name, or reach a specific transaction threshold in Vietnam are required to establish a legal entity or appoint an authorized representative within the country.

Fourth, strengthened consumer protection and information transparency. The Law mandates that e-commerce platforms fully disclose information regarding ownership, personal data protection policies, the rights and obligations of involved parties, as well as the key criteria of algorithms used to prioritize product displays.

Fifth, completion of the e-commerce supporting service ecosystem. The Law introduces additional provisions for e-commerce support service providers, covering technical infrastructure, payments, payment intermediaries, logistics, and e-contract certification.

Sixth, promotion of the private sector and innovation. The Law is built on a constructive spirit, placing businesses and citizens at the center while ensuring the freedom to conduct business within the legal framework.

Seventh, orientation toward green and sustainable e-commerce. For the first time, the Law includes policies to encourage investment in e-commerce infrastructure that reduces emissions, utilizes eco-friendly packaging, and optimizes logistics to contribute to green growth goals.

Eighth, specific support policies to ensure inclusivity. The State will provide support regarding infrastructure connectivity, training, platform access, and administrative procedures for household businesses, creative startups, people with disabilities, people from ethnic communities, and individuals or organizations in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. This ensures that the opportunities provided by e-commerce are accessible to all members of society.

Vneconomy-Song Hà

The figure marking a year-on-year increase of 9.2%.

Vietnam’s total retail sales of consumer goods and services is estimated at over VND7 quadrillion ($270 billion) in 2025, soaring 9.2% compared to the previous year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Retail goods continued to account for the largest share of total sales, representing 76.1%, or over VND5.3 quadrillion ($205.7 billion), up 9% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, revenue from accommodation and food services rose 14.6% year-on-year to more than VND843.1 trillion ($32 billion), accounting for 12% of the total sales.

Notably, revenue from tourism and travel services expanded 20.2% year-on-year to VND93.9 trillion ($3.57 billion). The total number of foreign tourists visiting Vietnam in 2025 reached nearly 21.2 million, up 20.4% year-on-year.

VnEconomy-Song Hà

The move is expected to mark a major shift from traditional paper-based verification to data-driven governance.

Under the Government's Decree No. 357/2025/ND-CP, dated December 31, 2025, which will take effect on March 1, 2026, Provincial-level Department of Construction will assign digital ID codes to all properties from March 1, 2026, according to a report from the Government News

The move is expected to mark a major shift from traditional paper-based verification to data-driven governance.

The introduction of electronic identification codes aims to increase market transparency; reduce information asymmetry; strengthen state oversight and fraud prevention; improve interoperability between government agencies and build the foundation for the long-term digital transformation of Viet Nam's property market

Industry observers say the policy could also accelerate new digital services, including automated verification for notaries, banks, and potential integration with proptech, fintech, and real estate trading platforms.

Each house and land plot to receive a unique digital code

Under the Decree, every house, land plot, and real estate product in a construction investment project will be assigned a separate electronic identification code, unique throughout its entire management lifecycle.

Each code will be linked to all state-managed property data, including: (i) land plot information; (ii) construction works and project details; (iii) legal status; (iv) transaction and registration history and (v) other management data as prescribed by law.

The Decree emphasizes that the electronic identification code does not replace the Certificate of Land Use Rights and House Ownership (commonly known as the "Red Book"), but functions as a digital management tool for state agencies, enabling data exploitation, interconnection, and sharing across systems.

According to Clause 5, Article 3 of the decree, the identification code is a string of letters and digits, with a maximum length of 40 characters.

For properties categorized as houses (including apartments and detached homes), the code structure is defined in Appendix I of the decree, comprising four main data field groups:

The codes will be automatically generated by the national information system. The Department of Construction will attach the codes to housing development projects simultaneously when issuing eligibility notices for off-plan or future-formed property sales.

From 2026 onward, individuals and businesses conducting real estate transactions will verify property information through official digital channels, such as: local land registration offices, notarization-based information confirmation procedures, and the Government's national housing and real estate market database system.

VGP-Van Nguyen

Vietnam’s economy in the fourth quarter and throughout 2025 recorded many positive highlights, marked by an impressive growth momentum.

-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Amid a crisis in affordability for potential homebuyers, possible options on the outskirts of major cities are also slipping through their hands as prices only head upwards.

Vietnam’s real estate market has been buzzing since the beginning of the year with new project launches and home-sale openings, particularly across suburban belts in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Yet the persistent mismatch between supply and demand shows little sign of easing. Most newly-introduced projects in the two cities now come with price tags above VND100 million ($3,845) per sq m, while apartment prices in outlying districts also continue to climb, leaving many homebuyers increasingly discouraged.

Stretched beyond reach

According to the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), more than 100,000 housing units entered the market in the first three quarters of 2025, a 22 per cent increase over all of 2024. Of these, 86,000 were newly-launched products, or 1.3-fold last year’s total, while the remainder came from inventory being re-offered. Supply has continued to diversify, expanding from urban cores to satellite towns and second-tier cities with abundant land.

Even with rising supply, the market remains dominated by major developers catering to financially-strong buyers. In Hanoi, average primary apartment prices have reached VND95 million ($3,655) per sq m, with more than 43 per cent of new launches priced above VND120 million ($4,615) per sq m. In Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, the average stands at VND91 million ($3,500) per sq m; slightly lower than in Hanoi thanks to cheaper inventory in outlying districts.

These elevated prices have pushed genuine homebuyers, especially young families, out of central districts and into the suburbs in search of affordability and better transport links. Yet prices in provinces surrounding Hanoi have also surged, stretching far beyond the reach of most workers. New projects in Bac Ninh and Hung Yen provinces are now asking VND60-70 million ($2,310-$2,690) per sq m, on par with a number of developments in the capital.

For many, the path to homeownership is slipping only further away. Mr. Hoang Anh Tu, an engineer in Hanoi, said he and his wife have saved more than VND1 billion ($38,460) after a decade in the city, hoping to buy a small home. “But we could not find a two-bedroom unit for VND2-3 billion,” he said. “Even projects far from the center are priced from VND60 million to over VND100 million ($2,305 to over $3,845) per sq m, so we are still renting.”

Elsewhere, Ms. Mai Lan from Hung Yen said she tried to sell her more than 100 sq m Ecopark apartment last year for VND5.9 billion ($226,925) but found no buyers. “Now someone is offering VND7.3 billion ($280,770),” she said, “but I will not sell because I may not be able to afford anything else.”

In southern Vietnam, Savills has reported that prolonged supply shortages in Ho Chi Minh City - of only 4,300 new units in the first nine months of this year, 60 per cent of which are in the high-end segment - pushed the absorption rate to 91 per cent. Demand remains strong but is driven mainly by investors and high-income buyers. Those seeking standard two-bedroom units increasingly must move farther out. This has accelerated the suburban shift, with neighboring provinces gaining appeal through mid-range projects priced around VND50-60 million ($1,925-$2,310) per sq m.

Experts say several forces are driving this market revival. First, the restructuring of administrative boundaries under the two-tier governance model; second, major infrastructure investment, with a wave of large projects approved early this year, third; expanding regional connectivity, as new inter-provincial roads boost mobility and open opportunities for transit-oriented development; and fourth, the growing role of the private sector, with developers being allocated large land banks in provinces near major cities, helping increase supply and transactions.

On the demand side, though end-users remain important, investment activity is rising sharply. Looser liquidity, concerns over inflation, and aggressive sales campaigns have drawn more investors back into the market. Meanwhile, rising land costs continue to push apartment prices higher. In provinces surrounding Hanoi, limited central land banks and improving transport links to the capital are prompting both investors and homebuyers to accept higher prices to secure well-located properties.

Growth with vulnerabilities

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Chairman of VARS, the market is displaying encouraging signs of growth, with clear improvements in supply, prices, and liquidity. “But behind the upbeat headlines, several bottlenecks and risks remain that could undermine stability and long-term sustainability,” he said.

Prices have risen rapidly in a short span and, in many cases, now outpace real value, Mr. Dinh noted. Some developers, together with distribution agents, are deliberately releasing units in small batches to create artificial scarcity and stir up “fear of missing out.” Most transactions now come from second-home buyers or investors betting on continued price increases, while younger buyers are losing motivation as the gap between housing costs and incomes widens.

Mr. Dinh predicted that prices in major cities will continue to climb as land banks shrink and demand stays high. With central urban prices already stretched and offering limited room for further growth, only financially-strong buyers can access these homes, pushing investors towards suburban markets. But liquidity in some outlying projects may stall due to incomplete infrastructure or weak developers unable to deliver basic amenities. In others, rising prices have simply dampened demand. “Overall demand remains high, and investment appetite is strengthening as cheaper capital circulates,” he explained. “Transactions will increase in line with supply but become more selective, focusing on legally-sound projects with strong connectivity and reputable developers. As supply in satellite-cities accelerates, infrastructure and urban amenities, including transport, hospitals, schools, and sports facilities, will be decisive in shaping investment decisions.”

At the recent 7th Standing Committee meeting of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, Ms. Hoang Thu Hang, Deputy Director of the Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management at the Ministry of Construction (MoC), said the market will continue to face both opportunities and challenges. She urged the Association and businesses to boost supply, especially affordable commercial housing and social housing, to help cool prices and stabilize the market.

She also emphasized the need for close coordination with the Ministry in policy consultation and legal reform to avoid regulatory bottlenecks and ensure efficient implementation. Transparency and professionalism, she stressed, are essential to building a healthy, sustainable real estate market.

Ms. Hang added that the MoC is working with VARS to develop a State-managed Real Estate Trading Center model, a proposal being closely followed by the Prime Minister. The latest directive tasks the Ministry with preparing a pilot resolution for submission to the National Assembly’s 10th session. Once established, the center would streamline transactions, reducing time, effort, and cost for buyers; in stark contrast to the current process, which often requires visiting multiple offices.

The center would also allow the State to vet all properties before they reach the market, ensuring buyers no longer struggle to confirm legal eligibility. “People would simply access the platform to search for and purchase homes without worrying about fraudulent or ‘ghost’ projects,” she explained.

VET-Phan Nam

FDI disbursement reached an estimated $27.62 billion, the highest level recorded over the past five years.

Vietnam attracted $38.42 billion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) capital in 2025, surging 0.5% year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Notably, FDI disbursement reached an estimated $27.62 billion, a year-on-year increase of 9% and the highest level recorded over the past five years.

Some 4,054 new FDI projects were licensed, with total registered capital of $17.32 billion, up 20.1% year-on-year in number but dropping 12.2% in value.

Among sectors, the manufacturing and processing industry attracted the largest share of new FDI, with $9.8 billion, accounting for 56.5% of the total newly registered capital. It was followed by the real estate sector with $3.67 billion, or 21.2%, while the remaining sectors together accounted for $3.85 billion, or 22.2%.

Among the 90 countries and territories with newly licensed projects in Vietnam in 2025, Singapore emerged as the largest investor, with $4.84 billion, representing 27.9% of newly registered capital. China ranked second with $3.64 billion (21%), followed by Hong Kong (China) with $1.73 billion (10%), Japan with $1.62 billion (9.4%), Sweden with $1 billion (5.8%), Taiwan (China) with $965.8 million (5.6%), and the Republic of Korea with $895.9 million (5.2%).

VnEconomy-Ngân Hà

The increase meeting the target set by the National Assembly.

Vietnam’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3.31% in 2025, as  targeted by the National Assembly, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

The December’s CPI rose 3.48% year-on-year and the average CPI for the fourth quarter of 2025 jumped 3.44% year-on-year.

Food and catering services prices gained 3.27%, adding 1.17 percentage points to the overall CPI.

Housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials jumped 6.08%, contributing 1.38 percentage points, due to higher rents and repair costs. Residential electricity prices rose 7.2%, reflecting demand growth and adjustments by EVN on October 11, 2024, and May 10, 2025. Medicine and health services surged 13.07%, adding 0.61 percentage point, after the Health Ministry's October 17, 2024 circular triggered fee hikes. Education costs moved up 2.15%, contributing 0.13 percentage point, as some universities and private schools raised tuition. Household goods rose 1.66%, adding percentage 0.09 point, while other services gained 4.78%, contributing percentage 0.17 point.

The NSO also reported that core inflation rose 0.23% monthly in December and 3.27% year-on-year. Full-year core inflation averaged 3.21%, below the headline 3.31%, as it strips out major drivers like food, electricity, healthcare and education.

VnEconomy-Vũ Khuê

The project aims to develop a hybrid model, combining physical and online platforms, to serve as a key intermediary connecting technology supply and demand, while promoting commerce and innovation.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has approved the Innovation Partnership and Technology Transfer Portal (Techport) project.

The project aims to develop a hybrid model, combining physical and online platforms, to serve as a key intermediary connecting technology supply and demand, while promoting commerce and innovation.

Accordingly, the Techport will operate as a dual-platform system consisting of a physical exchange and a digital platform.

Furthermore, the Techport will provide comprehensive support services for technology and intellectual property (IP) transactions. These services include processing requirements, buy-sell offerings, consulting, brokerage, appraisal, valuation, negotiation, contract signing, and post-transfer monitoring.

A core objective of the project is to strengthen the links between research institutes, universities, and science and technology organizations with businesses and investors. It also aims to help enterprises access appropriate technological solutions, reduce research and development (RD) costs, and enhance productivity and competitiveness. The commercialization of research results will be facilitated through the standardization of technology profiles, Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessments, IP consulting, and independent valuation.

By 2030, the Techport aims to connect technology supply and demand for at least 1,500 businesses and individuals annually. It also targets the signing of at least 50 technology transfer or equipment purchase contracts per year and aims to ensure that over 70% of listed technologies have clear IP documentation and independent valuations.

The Techport's headquarters is located at 79 Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward.

Vneconomy-Mộc Đình

Within the sector, manufacturing and processing rose by 10.5%, contributing 8.4 percentage points to the overall growth.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for the whole of 2025 is estimated to have increased by 9.2% compared to the previous year that witnessed an 8.2% increase against 2023.

This is the highest growth rate recorded since 2019, according to a report on the socio-economic situation for the fourth quarter and the full year of 2025, announced on January 5 by the National Statistics Office, under the Ministry of Finance.

In 2025, manufacturing and processing rose by 10.5%, contributing 8.4 percentage points to the overall growth, while electricity production and distribution by 6.7%, contributing 0.6 percentage points; the water supply, waste, and wastewater management and treatment sector by 7.8%; and the mining industry by 0.5%, with both sectors contributing 0.1 percentage points each.

In the fourth quarter alone, the IIP growth rate was estimated at 9.9% year-on-year. Specifically, manufacturing and processing increased by 10.8%; electricity production and distribution by 8.0%; water supply and waste management by 5.3%; and mining by 3.4%.

Notably, compared to 2024, the 2025 IIP increased across all 34 provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide. Several of them recorded significant growth driven by strong performances in the manufacturing, processing, and electricity sectors.

Some key industrial products also saw high growth rate in 2025 compared to 2024: automobiles surged by 39.1%; rolled steel by 17.6%; televisions by 17.4%; aquaculture feed and casual wear both increased by 13.8%; cement by 13.6%; leather footwear by 13.3%; processed seafood by 11.1%; and NPK compound fertilizer by 10.7%.

Another positive indicator is the industrial workforce. As of December 1, 2025, the number of employees working in industrial enterprises increased by 0.8% compared to the previous month and by 2.4% compared to the same period of 2024.

vneconomy-Mạnh Duc

Trade surplus exceeding $20 billion.

Vietnam’s total foreign trade turnover reached $930.05 billion in 2025, up 18.2% from the previous year, according to figures released by the National Statistics Office (NSO).

Export revenue amounted to $475.04 billion, marking a 17% year-on-year increase. The domestic economic sector contributed $107.95 billion, accounting for 22.7% of the total exports, while the foreign-invested sector, including crude oil, generated $367.09 billion, or 77.3%.

The NSO reported that 36 product categories each recorded export revenue of more than $1 billion, together accounting for 94% of the total exports. Of these, eight categories exceeded $10 billion each,representing 70.2%.

By sector, processed industrial products dominated exports with $421.47 billion, equivalent to 88.7% of the total export value. Agriculture and forestry earned $39.46 billion (8.3%), seafood brought in $11.29 billion (2.4%), while fuels and minerals contributed $2.83 billion (0.6%).

On the import side, total value was estimated at $455.01 billion, an increase of 19.4% year on year. Domestic enterprises imported $137.38 billion, down 2%, while foreign-invested firms imported $317.63 billion, up 31.9%.

In 2025, 47 imported items each exceeded $1 billion, accounting for 93.8% of the total imports, including nine categories above $10 billion each.

As a result, Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of $20.03 billion in 2025.

The United States remained Vietnam’s largest export market with turnover of $153.2 billion, while China continued to be the country’s largest supplier, with imports valued at $186 billion.

VnEconomy-Việt An

The GDP estimated at VND12.85 quadrillion (approximately $489.07 billion).

Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to have grown 8.02% year on year in 2025, despite the impact of severe natural disasters and a volatile global environment, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

At current prices, the country’s GDP in 2025 was estimated at VND12.85 quadrillion (approximately $489.07 billion), an increase of about $38 billion compared to 2024. GDP per capita reached roughly $5,026, up $326 year on year.

Economic recovery and growth were driven mainly by the three key sectors. Agriculture, forestry and fisheries expanded 3.78%, contributing 5.3% to overall growth. Industry and construction recorded robust growth of 8.95%, accounting for 43.62%, while the services sector rose 8.62%, making the largest contribution at 51.08%.

Labour productivity continued to improve, reaching an estimated $9,809 per worker. Meanwhile, the proportion of trained workers holding degrees or certificates increased to 29.2%, reflecting gradual improvements in the quality of the workforce.

VnEconomy-Anh Nhi

PM Pham Minh Chinh encouraged the promotion of projects involving underground and outer space exploration, including the development of metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as tourism cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 5 received founder of Russian conglomerate AFK Sistema, Mr. Vladimir Petrovich Evtushenkov, as reported by the Government News.

Established in 1993 in Moscow, AFK Sistema invests in Russia and internationally across a wide range of sectors, including telecommunications, digital services, high-tech, e-commerce, healthcare, the timber industry and wooden housing construction, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and hospitality services. 

The PM highly valued the Group’s rapid development and its proactive coordination with major Vietnamese corporations and enterprises in recent times. He suggested that the Group further increase its investments in Vietnam and urged businesses from both countries to cooperate more closely and effectively to help realize agreements reached by the two nations' high-level leaders.

PM Chinh emphasized that the Government supports enterprises from both countries in establishing direct relations and strengthening cooperation in fields where Russia has strengths and Vietnam has high demand. These include building and connecting databases, information technology, digital transformation, cybersecurity, pharmaceuticals, nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, telecommunications, and the development of a crypto-asset market in Vietnam.

He also encouraged the promotion of projects involving underground and outer space exploration, including the development of metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as tourism cooperation.

Mr. Yevtushenkov affirmed that the Group’s policy is to step up partnerships and investment in the Asia-Pacific region, within which Vietnam has always been a reliable destination and partner.

Based on the strong traditional friendship between the two countries, Mr. Yevtushenkov spoke highly of the potential for cooperation with Vietnamese enterprises and pledged to promote collaboration in the sectors highlighted by the Prime Minister.

He expressed a desire to increase the localization rate and affirmed readiness to transfer technology and provide systematic training for Vietnamese personnel to ensure long-term efficiency and mutual benefits for both sides.

Government News-

Biogas offers an alternative solution for powering Vietnam’s livestock industry while also cleaning up the environment.

On a six-hectare farm near the headwaters of the Cong River in Pho Yen ward, northern Thai Nguyen province, farmer Tran Xuan Phong has run a commercial pig operation raising 4,000 heads per cycle since 2018, with two cycles a year, equivalent to around 1,000 tons of pork annually. Prior to adopting new technology, he said, his farm had long used biogas digesters but was unable to process all the waste generated. As a result, excess pig waste was discharged into the environment, while methane gas was burned off in an attempt to control the odor.

It wasn’t until early 2024 that Mr. Phong was introduced to a definitive solution to the persistent odor and waste problems: generating electricity using biogas collected from the farm’s manure pits. In addition to greatly reducing the significant environmental damage caused by his farm, he sees that producing electricity onsite using a biogas generator has significantly reduced his operating costs, to roughly half the cost of power purchased from Vietnam Electricity (EVN).

Building trust

Mr. Phong’s success in transitioning his farm to biogas-fueled energy was matched by nearly 100 farms in 24 provinces equipped with biogas-powered generators under the “Bioenergy on commercial farms” project, part of the Australian Government’s Business Partnerships Platform (BPP) in Vietnam.

Funding from the program has supported local companies in developing biogas generators for rental to farms. In partnership with private Vietnamese firms, the project has helped pig farms nationwide convert surplus biogas into affordable renewable electricity since 2021.

Australia has invested A$9.4 million ($6.12 million) through the BPP in Vietnam since 2016, supporting 16 private-sector partners focused on climate action, sustainable carbon markets, and inclusive livelihoods, particularly for women and people with disabilities.

By the time the project concluded in December 2024, it had helped install 120 biogas generators at 98 farms, processed over 3.2 million tons of manure annually, generated more than 16,800 MWh of clean electricity, and created more than 500 jobs, including training a new generation of biogas technicians and operators.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Quynh Huong, Project Manager at the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV) - the project’s technical advisor - the key to its success has been the generator-rental model, called ESCO. Traditionally, companies sold generators directly to farms, but the ESCO approach has demonstrated both the technology’s reliability and the economic viability of biogas power.

In the past, Vietnam’s national biogas program also promoted the use of generators, but many systems malfunctioned or broke down within one or two years of operation, eroding farmers’ trust. The ESCO model addresses this by assisting partner companies like E-Green or Chinh Phat Machinery to invest in and rent out generators at farms that already have biogas storage and processing infrastructure. Before biogas-power technology was available, farms could only burn excess gas or release it directly, which is a major source of methane - a potent greenhouse gas making up about 70 per cent of biogas.

Furthermore, under the ESCO model, biogas electricity remains cheaper than EVN rates even during off-peak hours. After three years of implementation, many farms have shown a strong interest, with some choosing to purchase the generator outright after renting.

Mr. Tong Anh Chinh, CEO of Chinh Phat Machinery, one of the project’s partners, explained that, in the past, farms had no choice but to burn or release biogas. Open-air burning only reaches about 700°C, however, far below the 1,400°C required to fully combust carbon components. Inside generator combustion chambers, however, with a pressure of 10 psi, temperatures can reach 1,800-2,000°C, ensuring much cleaner combustion.

Each generator system costs about VND400-500 million ($15,165-$18,955), only some 15 per cent more than diesel generators. Farms that combine biogas and solar-power systems, thereby further reducing reliance on the grid, may have to outlay around VND600 million ($22,745).

With proper maintenance and a stable biogas supply, generators can run 18-20 hours a day. This model is effective for large-scale farms with at least 3,000 pigs, with farms of 15,000 or more with well-maintained, large-scale digesters, cutting monthly electricity costs by 90-95 per cent. Agreeing, Mr. Phong said that with a properly-maintained generator and a healthy supply of biogas, a farm of his size can recover its investment only 18 months after installation.

Looking ahead, Mr. Chinh emphasized that with continued improvements, biogas generators could also be adapted for use on dairy farms, where milking systems costing VND200-300 billion ($7.69-$11.54 million) require a highly-stable power supply - one of the main challenges in scaling up biogas power. This will open a whole new avenue of development for private companies and start-ups in Vietnam to focus on this technology. Indeed, the BPP project has encouraged Vietnamese generator suppliers to shift from diesel to biogas technology, with Chinh Phat, for example, now earning 70 per cent of its revenue from this segment, compared to almost none previously.

Though 40-50 per cent of hardware components must still be imported, by working with experts at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, Vietnamese businesses like Chinh Phat have already become self-reliant in key components such as control software and power-quality monitoring systems. While domestic generators cannot yet match US or Japanese equivalents, Mr. Chinh noted that locally-assembled biogas units have proven stable and reliable enough for potential export within Southeast Asia. In the short term, the company aims to expand into Laos and Cambodia.

Explosive expansion needed

Though the use of biogas for power generation at livestock farms in Vietnam has seen some early success, Ms. Huong noted that biogas-powered electricity is currently applied at only around 60 per cent of farms nationwide, leaving vast space for expansion, especially as the government moves to industrialize the livestock sector and gradually phase out small household-scale farming to ensure quality, scale up production, and minimize the environmental impact. In particular, the southern region, home to many large-scale farms, has yet to tap into most of its biogas power-generation potential.

According to Ms. Huong, there are two main reasons why the shift towards biogas-powered electricity has not yet taken off around the country. First, in addition to investing in generators, farms must also put money into building standard-compliant waste-treatment and storage systems to ensure a stable supply of biogas. This creates a cost barrier that makes many farmers hesitate before adopting biogas power generation. Financial support from both the government and international organizations is needed to scale up this model, reduce upfront investment costs and help farms develop a circular-economy approach.

Second, farm owners must still weigh their livestock development strategies. Major livestock corporations operating in Vietnam, such as De Heus, CP, and Hoa Phat, directly own only a handful of large farms and rely heavily on contracted farms. Yet many of these contracted farm owners still do not recognize that they should be required to install biogas generators rather than simply burning off excess gas. This stems from the fact that regulatory authorities have not yet strictly enforced emissions controls at livestock farms.

Ms. Huong expressed hope that State management agencies would introduce stricter regulations to steer the livestock sector towards a more circular model and prevent cases in which some farms continue to discharge waste directly into the environment.

VET-Viet An

Export revenue hitting $4.02 billion.

Vietnam exported 7.85 million tons of rice in 2025, generating $4.02 billion in revenue, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The volume declined by 12.7% year-on-year, while export value fell more sharply by 29.4%.

In December alone, rice shipments reached 340,000 tons, earning $189 million.

The average export price in 2025 was estimated at $555 per ton.

As traditional markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia showed signs of contraction, experts said a strategic shift toward the premium segment has become increasingly important. Key target markets for high-quality rice, specialty varieties, and processed rice products include the European Union, Japan, the United States, and China.

Vietnam’s ST25 rice has continued to be recognized as the “world’s best rice,” creating significant opportunities in premium markets in the US, Europe, and China. Meanwhile, Japonica rice has been gaining a foothold in Japan.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

National Highway 14D is a strategic transport axis connecting the coastal plains with the mountainous regions and the Nam Giang International Border Gate.

Da Nang City in central Vietnam has decided to invest more than VND4.5 trillion ($172 million) to renovate and upgrade National Highway 14D, a strategic transport axis connecting the coastal plains with the mountainous regions and the Nam Giang International Border Gate, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The comprehensive upgrade of National Highway 14D has been a long-standing wish of residents in the highland border areas, as the route has severely degraded, posing significant traffic safety risks.

The project will be implemented between 2025 and 2027. Spanning over 65 km, the route begins at the intersection with the Ho Chi Minh Highway in Ben Giang Commune and terminates at the Nam Giang Border Gate area in La Dee Commune, Da Nang.

The city aims to break ground on the project in early 2026 as Mr. Le Ngoc Quang, Secretary of the Da Nang Municipal Party Committee, emphasized the need for a rapid execution, striving to complete the project by 2027.

"The expansion and upgrading of this route are primarily intended to ensure national defense and security. At the same time, it will effectively serve trade activities and the exchange of goods between Vietnam and our neighbor, Laos," said Mr. Quang.

"This is also a crucial factor in driving the socio-economic development of the western communes. Once completed, travel will be more convenient, and the hardship of transporting goods for local production will be significantly reduced compared to the current difficult conditions."

National Highway 14D is currently about 75 km long with a narrow road surface of only 3.5 to 5.5 meters, resulting in numerous "black spots" for accidents due to restricted visibility. Every day, the route endures a high volume of heavy trucks and tractor-trailers transporting goods from Laos to Central Vietnam’s seaports and vice versa.

VOV-Pham Long

Mr. Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director of SCG in Vietnam and General Director of Long Son Petrochemicals, tells VnEconomy / Vietnam Economic Times’ Phuong Nhi about SCG’s green development orientation, reaffirming its commitment to accompany Vietnam and make practical contributions to the country’s green growth objectives.

Vietnam is currently promoting the development of a green and sustainable economy, with a strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. How would you assess these goals, especially in the context of the accelerating global green transition?

Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is both ambitious and inspiring. It shows strong alignment with the global momentum, where sustainability and economic growth must go hand-in-hand, and signals that Vietnam is ready to compete in the new low-carbon economy.

For SCG, this is not a new response to a new target. We began our net-zero journey long before it became a global headline, grounded in the belief that environmental responsibility is fundamental to long-term business resilience. Under our Inclusive Green Growth vision, sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our operations, such as lower-carbon production processes and innovative products, energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and social inclusion.

The economic logic is clear: a green transition is not about sacrificing growth. By improving energy efficiency, reducing dependence on volatile fossil fuel inputs, and meeting international carbon standards, businesses can lower risks and secure market access. In many export markets, low-carbon products are no longer a premium choice, they are the baseline requirement for participation.

Vietnam’s clear policy direction gives companies like SCG the confidence to keep investing and expanding here. When sustainability is embedded in national strategy and sectoral action, it creates stronger productivity, better export competitiveness, and long-term economic stability. It’s a vision we share and one we are committed to advancing together with Vietnam.

As Vietnam is orienting itself towards attracting green and sustainable FDI, which investment areas does SCG plan to prioritize to align with the country’s national strategy?

With a presence of more than 30 years in Vietnam, SCG has been producing essential materials that meet domestic market needs and support national development. Vietnam’s stable and supportive policies give investors like us the confidence to commit with a long-term perspective - focusing on projects that combine quality, sustainability, and relevance to local communities.

Our guiding principle is to build green manufacturing that strengthens the industrial value chain and grows side-by-side with Vietnam’s economy.

SCG’s priority investment areas span cement and building materials, packaging, and petrochemicals, with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency. In cement and building materials, we are advancing low-carbon cement and cleaner production models by reducing clinker ratios, increasing the use of alternative fuels, and integrating circular economy solutions such as waste heat recovery.

SCG was honored as one of the Top 100 Sustainable Businesses in 2025.

In packaging, we are developing circular-economy-based solutions ranging from recyclable and recycled packaging to certified fiber sourcing and sustainable designs that help manufacturers meet rising ESG [environmental, social, and governance] standards in both domestic and export markets.

And in petrochemicals, flagship projects such as Long Son Petrochemicals are designed to enhance national self-sufficiency, apply advanced technologies to improve efficiency, and strengthen overall environmental performance.

Through these investments, SCG helps enhance Vietnam’s industrial competitiveness in global value chains. Guided by our ESG 4 Plus framework and fully aligned with Vietnam’s national priorities, our objective is clear - to drive sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and continue building long-term value for the country and its people.

SCG is expected to begin exporting its low-carbon cement products to the US market from 2026. How will this plan contribute to Vietnam’s green trade strategy, particularly as many countries are tightening their emissions standards?

Using SCG’s proprietary technology, we began producing low-carbon cement in Vietnam in 2024 and will begin exporting it to the US market from 2026. This reflects a global shift where carbon performance is no longer a differentiator, it is a fundamental market entry requirement.

Our low-carbon cement meets stringent international standards such as ASTM and BS EN, enabling access to markets with increasingly tight environmental regulations. This demonstrates that Vietnamese manufacturing can compete not only on cost but also on quality, compliance, and sustainability.

This approach supports Vietnam’s goal of moving up the value chain - transitioning from cost-based competitiveness to higher-value, standards-aligned production. In this way, green manufacturing and green trade reinforce each other, bolstering Vietnam’s role in global supply chains.

From a trade perspective, it positions Vietnam to expand higher-value, greener exports at a time when major markets are tightening emissions standards and applying carbon-related trade measures. Meeting these standards helps reduce long-term trade risks, protect market access, and build resilience.

Ultimately, our plan ensures that green investment creates value not only for SCG but across Vietnam’s broader industrial ecosystem - strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the global low-carbon economy.

SCG’s Long Son Petrochemical Complex in Vietnam officially resumed operations at the end of August. What is the significance of this project in SCG’s long-term development strategy in Vietnam, as well as in relation to the Group’s green and sustainable development goals?

The resumption of operations at Long Son Petrochemicals marks the reaffirmation of its role as a core, long-term pillar in SCG’s growth strategy in Vietnam. For us, Vietnam is not only a production base, it is a strategic market where we intend to grow responsibly and sustainably for decades.

From a business perspective, the Complex supplies essential petrochemical products that underpin Vietnam’s downstream manufacturing sectors - reducing import needs. Just as important, it allows SCG to produce these materials locally and in compliance with high efficiency and environmental standards, supporting both industrial competitiveness and sustainability.

The restart of Long Son Petrochemical Complex reaffirms SCG’s long-term investment commitment in Vietnam, linking industrial growth with the green transition.

The Complex embodies our belief that scale and social responsibility must go hand-in-hand. We have invested over $100 million to integrate advanced green manufacturing technologies. Looking ahead, our project to upgrade feedstock and utilize ethane will further reduce carbon emissions from 2027.

In partnership with strategic customers and suppliers, we are also developing a closed-loop circular economy model - collecting plastic waste, reprocessing it into recycled pallets with jointly developed formulas, delivering them to end users, and then collecting and reusing them multiple times.

Overall, the restart of the Long Son Petrochemicals Complex reflects SCG’s commitment to being a long-term partner in Vietnam’s economic journey, aligning industrial growth with environmental responsibility and supporting the country’s transition towards a green and sustainable future.

Do you have any recommendations for Vietnam to further improve its investment environment and better support FDI enterprises in promoting green development and digitalization in order to sustain long-term growth momentum?

Vietnam has made impressive progress in building an attractive investment environment, and the next phase should focus on the depth of quality, innovation, and sustainability. Green and digital investments are inherently long term, requiring significant upfront capital. What investors value most is predictability, alongside clear and consistent policies that guide investment decision with confidence.

First, establishing transparent frameworks and roadmaps for carbon reduction, energy transition, and industrial standards such as credible green labels will enable businesses to plan with certainty. Green projects often have longer payback periods, so policy stability and clarity matter even more than short-term incentives.

Second, fostering innovation through mechanisms like faster approval processes, targeted tax incentives for green and digital projects, pilot programs, and RD support can accelerate decision-making and efficiency. These measures encourage the introduction of advanced technologies and solutions into Vietnam’s economy.

Finally, continued momentum in public-private collaboration within the green and digital ecosystem will help both domestic and FDI enterprises integrate more deeply and establish competitive, sustainable models in the global marketplace.

SCG’s strategy is fully aligned with Vietnam’s national agenda - positioning ourselves as a smart, green, and responsible manufacturing role model, ready to grow with the country in this new chapter of sustainable development.

-Phuong Nhi

The restriction on phone use during recess was piloted in 16 schools starting in October 2025. The pilot program recorded significant improvements in student behavior and the overall school atmosphere.

Starting January 2026, more than 500 schools across Ho Chi Minh City, including secondary schools, high schools, and vocational education centers, will officially restrict mobile phone use by students during break times. The move aims to promote physical activity and increase face-to-face social interaction among students.

The new regulations were recently issued by the city Department of Education and Training (DOET), under which the city's education sector will officially minimize the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices by students during recess.

The DOET emphasized that the new policy focuses on guiding student behavior and fostering positive habits. It is intended as a constructive adjustment rather than an extreme or absolute ban.

Instead of relying on digital devices, students are encouraged to engage in a diverse range of physical activities.

)For academic or research purposes, schools will still allow the use of electronic devices, provided there is teacher approval. Such activities must take place in designated areas under direct supervision, ensuring discipline without being overly restrictive for students.

The DOET discourages passive and isolated device usage, such as playing solo games, scrolling through social media, or watching long videos without interaction.

The Department also requested that schools develop their own internal regulations, clearly defining the specific areas, times, and formats for phone use. Schools are expected to assign teachers and support staff to monitor students during breaks and are strictly prohibited from confiscating or handling devices in a manner that violates legal regulations.

According to a report by the DOET, the restriction on phone use during recess was piloted in 16 schools starting in October 2025. The pilot program recorded significant improvements in student behavior and the overall school atmosphere.

Vneconomy-Bảo Châu