Though private enterprises have gained a lot of publicity in recent times, Vietnam’s SOEs still have a major role in the country’s economy.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play an important role in Vietnam’s economy, creating a foundation for macro-economic stability, ensuring social security, and leading other economic sectors to develop together. According to the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance (MoF), SOEs have lower total assets and equity than the non-State enterprise sector, but the average budget contribution represents 34.2 per cent of total budget revenue.

Significant contributions

At the “State-owned Enterprises: Improving Competitiveness and Leading Role” forum held on November 20 in Hanoi, experts affirmed the role of SOEs in the country’s economic development. Ms. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Deputy Director of the State-owned Enterprise Development Department at the MoF, said the scale and growth rate of SOEs are quite sound, reflected in revenue growth being higher than growth in assets and equity.

SOEs, including State-owned corporations and groups, continue to play a dominant and leading role in strategic and essential sectors and fields for Vietnam’s socio-economic development. “SOEs contribute to building and developing the necessary infrastructure system for the economy; and promote economic restructuring towards modernization,” she added.

Mr. Dang Huy Dong, former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, said that in the orientations and policies from the Party and State, SOEs always carry the mission of being the locomotive leading the economy. “They are present in fundamental sectors and are an important force creating resilience when the economy faces fluctuations,” he said. “This mission has not diminished in the country’s transformation period, with the private economic sector being recognized and honored in an unprecedented way today. On the contrary, it holds a greater position and role of responsibility than ever before.”

Existing limitations

However, according to the Department of Forecasting, Statistics - Monetary and Financial Stabilization at the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), the SOE sector is still facing many difficulties. Debt levels and debt-to-equity ratios at many remain high, and capital additions in general encounter many obstacles, especially at State-owned commercial banks.

Ms. Thuy also believes that the performance of SOEs is not yet commensurate with their resources and development requirements. Some have been operating at a loss for quite some time, falling into a state of financial insecurity, while others have not optimized capital efficiency, making investment decisions when financial capacity does not meet requirements.

In addition, the role of SOEs in leading and motivating enterprises of all economic sectors to develop and promote links and form value-added chains remains limited. Most SOEs operating in key and essential industries and sectors work in a closed manner, carrying out almost all stages of the production and business process to form an internal closed production chain, without creating many conditions for other enterprises to participate in the production and consumption chain.

The initiative and competitiveness of SOEs in production and business activities are also limited. Decision-making procedures are still complicated, leading to lost investment and business opportunities. Investment activities of SOEs are still mainly individual, lacking coordination, links, and the ability to take advantage of strengths across various fields. They also have not participated deeply in international economic integration and have not proactively pioneered the forming of domestic and international value chains.

Mr. Le Quang Thuan, Head of the Department of Enterprise Development and Business Environment at MoF’s National Institute for Economics and Finance, emphasized that one of the biggest limitations of SOEs at the moment is the slow pace of corporate governance innovation. Resolution No. 12-NQ/TW from the Party Central Committee (12th tenure) on continuing to restructure, innovate, and improve the efficiency of SOEs set out the requirement of improving governance according to international practices, but according to Mr. Thuan, progress remains rather slow.

Improving competitiveness

In the context of Vietnam aiming to maintain double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period and become a developed, high-income country by 2045, experts believe that there must be reforms and measures to promote breakthrough growth for SOEs.

To improve their competitiveness, Mr. Thuan said it is necessary to ensure the autonomy, self-responsibility, and independence of the Board of Directors in performing assigned functions and tasks.

In addition, it is necessary to clarify the investment and business objectives of the State owner and the operational objectives of each SOE, and to make all operations and business results transparent. SOEs must also take the lead in implementing social responsibility, applying science and technology, and driving digital and green transformation.

According to Mr. Dong, SOEs should operate according to market mechanisms, with economic efficiency as the main evaluation criterion, be autonomous and self-responsible, and compete equally with enterprises of other economic sectors according to law. They must ensure transparency and accountability, enhance the responsibility of the head officer, and link responsibility with the effectiveness of assigned tasks.

SOEs must also focus on key and essential areas that play a leading role and create momentum for the rapid development of other industries, fields, and the economy. This includes applying high technology, developing key national infrastructure projects, and participating in important areas tied to national defense and security, as well as sectors where enterprises from other economic groups do not invest or do not cooperate in investing to commercialize goods, products, and services.

The arrangement, restructuring, and reform of SOEs according to market mechanisms must be a regular and continuous process. Researching and perfecting policies and mechanisms related to State capital investment in enterprises is also important to increase resources for SOEs to play a leading and pioneering role in fields suited to the new context.

Notably, it is necessary to boldly assign SOEs to pioneer in areas where the private sector faces difficulties or lacks investment capacity, including AI, quantum computing, green technology, and renewable energy, to name just a few. This is consistent with the government’s orientation towards eleven strategic technology groups, including the participation of large corporations such as PetroVietnam and Viettel. These giants, with their financial capacity and experience in implementing large-scale projects, are the force capable of playing a pioneering role if given sufficiently flexible mechanisms.

“With the larger scale of the economy and the strong rise of private corporations under Politburo Resolution No. 68, SOEs have no choice but to continue improving their competitiveness and grow both in financial strength and business capability to maintain and assume their role and mission as a regulatory tool, overcome shortcomings in the market economy, and lead the way in technological breakthroughs, innovation, and dual transformation, both green and digital,” Mr. Dong believes.

VET-Linh Ngoc

Vietnam is rapidly positioning itself as one of the most dynamic retail markets in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, driven by strong economic growth, rising consumer incomes, and accelerated adoption of digital technologies...

The 18th Annual Global Shopper Study, unveiled recently by Zebra Technologies Corporation (Zebra), acknowledged  that Vietnam’s retail sector is on a strong growth trajectory, with market value projected to reach approximately $163 billion by 2025 and exceed $209 billion by 2030.

This growth is driven by rising incomes, urbanization, and a shift to modern retail formats. Technology adoption is accelerating, supported by market trends and the Government's Retail Development Strategy to 2030, which prioritizes digitalization, omnichannel commerce, and sustainable supply chains.

Retailers also are expected to expand omnichannel platforms, use AI for demand forecasting and personalization, modernize payment systems, and adopt automated logistics and warehouse solutions.

This momentum also aligns closely with broader trends identified in Zebra's study, which highlighted how retailers across APAC are increasingly turning to automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and intelligent workflows to meet evolving consumer expectations. 

“Vietnamese shoppers deserve a seamless and rewarding modern store experience – beyond finding great deals and desired products, retailers should foster meaningful connections and eliminate friction,” said Ms. Tran Thi Bao Tran, Vietnam Country Manager, Zebra Technologies. “As e-commerce grows and consumers demand greater convenience, speed, and personalization, Vietnamese retailers face both opportunities and challenges."

Focus on inventory management

Across APAC, shopper satisfaction has declined for the second consecutive year, reflecting mounting pressures on retailers to deliver speed, convenience, and value. In-store satisfaction in the region fell to 75 per cent, while online satisfaction declined to 69 per cent, both lower than previous years.

Inflation continues to influence purchasing behavior, with nearly three-quarters of APAC shoppers prioritizing discounts and promotions. At the same time, operational inefficiencies - such as out-of-stock items, locked merchandise, and insufficient self-checkout options - remain key sources of frustration.

In this context, inventory management and loss prevention have emerged as top priorities. The study found that 87 per cent of retail leaders globally recognize generative AI and automation as critical tools in combating shrinkage.

Nearly half of APAC shoppers still report leaving stores without all intended purchases, largely due to inventory visibility issues. In response, 85 per cent of APAC retail decision-makers cite real-time inventory synchronization as a strategic imperative, with many planning to deploy technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), computer vision, and generative AI over the next five years.

Empowering frontline associates with advanced technology is also central to improving retail performance. In APAC, 85 per cent of store associates report difficulties in accessing timely information, which can disrupt service and reduce efficiency. However, more than 84 per cent believe that having the right tools makes their jobs easier and more satisfying, while 86 per cent say technology helps them complete tasks faster - benefits that translate directly into better customer service.

According to Mr. Christanto Suryadarma, Sales Vice President for Southeast Asia (SEA), South Korea, and Channel APJeC, Zebra Technologies, said that retailers should start by strengthening their inventory foundation through digitization. Manual stock-taking is no longer sufficient - it is time-consuming, often inaccurate, and directly leads to lost sales when customers cannot find what they need.

Mr. Christanto Suryadarma, Sales Vice President for Southeast Asia (SEA), South Korea, and Channel APJeC, Zebra Technologies

"Once inventory visibility is in place, retailers can scale more effectively by enhancing the customer journey, such as digitizing checkout, deploying mobile point-of-sale, and equipping store associates with mobile devices," Mr. Suryadarma added. "These capabilities are already available in Vietnam through Zebra and its partners, making digitalization and automation an achievable next step for retailers looking to grow efficiently."

Having the same idea, Mr. George Pepes, APAC Vertical Solutions Lead, Retail, Zebra Technologies, also said that delivering true omnichannel experiences is impossible, if retail operations still depend on manual, paper-based processes. Without real-time inventory visibility, retailers simply cannot meet today’s customer expectations.

He also noted that Digitization should begin with barcode scanning and basic inventory visibility, then progress to RFID to enable faster and more frequent stock checks. These technologies are essential for scaling omnichannel services such as online ordering and click-and-collect. Ultimately, investing in technology is about staying relevant—if retailers cannot meet customer expectations, competitors will.

Recommendation for retailers

With a potential retail market like Vietnam, Mr. Suryadarma said that readiness to adopt AI and automation in Vietnam varies by retailer and depends largely on the infrastructure already in place. Many solutions are scalable, but technology adoption should always start with a clear understanding of the business problem - whether it is improving inventory accuracy, scaling omnichannel operations, or enhancing in-store engagement.

"Smaller retailers can begin with fundamentals such as barcode scanning and digitizing point-of-sale processes, while larger retailers are increasingly ready to invest in advanced capabilities like real-time inventory visibility and RFID," he recommended. "There is no one-size-fits-all approach; the most effective strategy is to identify each retailer’s specific challenges and apply technology where it delivers the greatest impact."

On the other hand, Mr. Pepes said that Vietnam is progressing rapidly, particularly in manufacturing, and retail is beginning to follow - though there is still significant room to further digitize and automate operations. Larger retailers are already moving beyond barcodes toward RFID and AI to optimize inventory and support smarter retail operations

However, he pointed out that a key gap lies in empowering store associates with digital tools. When frontline staff rely on pen and paper, productivity and customer service are limited. In contrast, equipping associates with dedicated digital devices enables them to stay on the sales floor, access real-time information, and serve customers more effectively.

The right balance of people, process, and technology is essential. When workflows are digitized, supported by the right tools, and paired with proper training, retailers see meaningful improvements in performance and customer experience. In Vietnam, while barcode usage and POS (Point of Sale) systems are increasingly common, far fewer retailers have fully digitized the shop floor - representing a major opportunity.

"As technology becomes more affordable and accessible, success will depend on leadership ambition," Mr. Pepes said. "Retailers that aim to set the standard, rather than simply keep pace, are best positioned to benefit from intelligent operations - and Zebra is ready to support them on that journey."

-Ngoc Lan

BAT Vietnam secures a Top 11 ranking at the CSI 100 Awards 2025, highlighting sustained progress in emissions reduction, governance, and community impact. BAT Vietnam has been named among the Top 11 sustainable businesses in Vietnam at the CSI 100 Awards 2025.

BAT Vietnam has been named among the Top 11 sustainable businesses in Vietnam under the CSI 100 Awards 2025, reaffirming its sustained efforts in emissions reduction, governance enhancement, and alignment with the country’s green growth strategy.

Sustained commitment to green growth

The 2025 recognition marks the seventh year BAT Vietnam has appeared in the CSI 100 ranking, one of Vietnam’s most prominent benchmarks for corporate sustainability.

According to the organizers, enterprises honored this year demonstrated a strong ability to balance business growth with sustainable transformation, with emissions reduction, resource efficiency, and improved governance standards identified as decisive factors.

BAT Vietnam’s continued presence in the ranking reflects its wide-ranging sustainability efforts over the past year. These include progress toward emissions reduction targets, initiatives to improve farmer livelihoods, strengthened operational integrity, investments in nature restoration solutions, and expanded community programs such as interest-free loans for women in border areas. Together, these initiatives underscore the company’s focus on creating shared value while contributing to Vietnam’s broader green growth and socio-economic development agenda.

The Announcement Ceremony of Sustainable Businesses in Vietnam 2025, themed “A New Chapter of the Green Era,” also marked the 10th anniversary of the CSI Program in advancing sustainability standards within the business community.

This year, 100 enterprises across manufacturing, trade, and services were recognized. Of these, domestic companies accounted for 60 per cent of the Top 10 in each sector, while foreign-invested enterprises made up the remaining 40 per cent.

Ms. Do Hoang Anh, Head of Corporate and Regulatory Affairs at BAT Vietnam, said: “We see the CSI Awards as recognition of a journey, not just a single year. Sustainability is our way of operating, it is how BAT Vietnam creates economic value alongside positive social impact. We believe that when sustainability commitments are implemented consistently, they become a catalyst for innovation, productivity enhancement, and meaningful contributions to Vietnam’s green growth objectives.”

Transparency through sustainability reporting

Alongside its CSI 100 recognition, BAT Vietnam recently released its 2024 Sustainability Summary, providing greater transparency on its strategy and performance across four key pillars: Climate, Nature, Communities, and Governance.

Under the Climate pillar, the company reported a 61 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2020, an average annual reduction of 1,690 tonnes of CO₂ between 2015 and 2024, and the transition to 100 per cent renewable electricity across all manufacturing sites. Emissions reduction initiatives have been implemented across the value chain, focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and broader emissions management.

BAT Vietnam’s 2024 Sustainability Summary highlights actions across Climate, Nature, Communities, and Governance.

In the area of Nature, BAT Vietnam has expanded its Nature-based Solutions approach, particularly in ecosystem restoration and sustainable agriculture. Water stewardship efforts have reduced reliance on municipal water while increasing the use of recycled water in production.

In partnership with environmental organizations such as Bien Hoa Xanh and Sai Gon Xanh, the company supported the cleanup of nearly 30 canals and waterways in Dong Nai and Ho Chi Minh City in 2024. BAT Vietnam also continued its collaboration with the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, restoring an additional 40 hectares of mangrove forest in Ca Mau Cape last year. This brought the total restored area to 124 hectares over three years, with monitoring reports indicating positive ecosystem recovery.

Under the Communities pillar, BAT Vietnam continues to prioritize workforce development and sustainable livelihoods. Women currently hold 47 per cent of management positions, reflecting the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Within its supply chain, BAT Vietnam supports farmers through the provision of seedlings, fertilizers, drip irrigation systems, and electric curing barns.

The company’s “Women’s Empowerment” program also expanded in 2024, providing interest-free loans to 56 women in Long An province and bringing the total number of beneficiaries to more than 700.

Governance remains a core component of BAT Vietnam’s sustainability framework, supported by its Standards of Business Conduct, Responsible Marketing Framework, Supplier Code of Conduct, and an embedded culture of compliance.

Supporting communities during climate-related crises

As climate-related disasters become more frequent and severe, BAT Vietnam has continued to support community recovery efforts. Most recently, the company donated VND500 million ($19,231) to the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front through its Ho Chi Minh City office to assist communities in Central Vietnam affected by severe flooding.

BAT Vietnam donated VND500 million to support flood-affected communities in Central Vietnam.

Representing BAT Vietnam, Ms. Do Hoang Anh expressed the company’s hope that the contribution would help affected residents stabilize their lives and respond to the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s call for collective action.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Nam, Deputy Chief of Office in charge of Administration Division 2, acknowledged the donation and noted that recent natural disasters have caused extensive damage amid intensifying climate impacts, highlighting the growing need for business and societal engagement in recovery efforts.

Taken together, BAT Vietnam’s CSI 100 recognition, the results outlined in its 2024 Sustainability Summary, and its recent community support initiatives indicate that sustainability efforts at the company are increasingly being translated into concrete actions rather than remaining at the level of strategy.

These developments position BAT Vietnam to respond to evolving market and policy expectations while continuing to contribute to Vietnam’s green growth trajectory and deeper integration into the global economy.

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In his closing remarks, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Party Central Committee unanimously affirmed the great and historic achievements attained over nearly a century under the Party’s leadership.

The 15th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee concluded on the morning of December 23 after two days of intensive working, completing all agenda items with a high degree of consensus and quality, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

In his closing remarks, Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Party Central Committee unanimously affirmed the great and historic achievements attained over nearly a century under the Party’s leadership.

The implementation of the 1991 Party Platform and its revised and supplemented version in 2011 has reaffirmed the correctness, creativity, and appropriateness of the Party’s "Doi moi" (renewal) path, as well as the inevitability of Vietnam’s socialist-oriented development, which is in line with national realities and global trends, he said.

Forty years of the “Doi moi” cause, including notable contributions during the 13th Party Congress tenure, represent the crystallization of the long process of persistent, continuous, and resolute efforts, as well as the national spirit and will of the Party, the State, and the people, yielding valuable theoretical and practical lessons for the Vietnamese people’s revolution in the new era.

The leader noted that throughout the 13th tenure, amid rapid and unpredictable global and regional changes, compounded by pandemics, natural disasters, climate change and geopolitical and geo-economic challenges, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat have remained united, steadfast, self-reliant, and innovative, showing exceptional determination and efforts while issuing major strategic decisions and breakthrough policies, thereby enabling the country to fulfil the targets set by the 13th National Party Congress, and creating new momentum and development space for the nation.

General Secretary Lam said that the Party Central Committee identified several strategic breakthroughs for the new revolutionary stage, including strong reform of institutional frameworks for development; stronger decentralization and delegation of power; breakthrough in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation; and the development of new production capacities and business models.

Priority will also be given to restructuring and improving the quality of human resources; developing high-quality manpower; and strongly reforming the personnel work, and encouraging and protecting dynamic and creative officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility for the common good. Socio-economic infrastructure, especially in transport, technology and energy, will continue to be completed and promoted, along with efforts to implement other key tasks, he added.

The Party Central Committee unanimously adopted the report on Party personnel affairs to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress, and voted with a high level of concurrence to approve the personnel nominated to join the 14th Party Central Committee (both official and alternate members), as well as the personnel nominated for election to the Politburo, the Secretariat, and the key leadership positions of the Party and the State for the 2026–2031 tenure, to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress for consideration, decision, and election in accordance with the Party Statutes and regulations.

The Party Central Committee thoroughly discussed the contents related to preparations for, and the successful organization of the 14th National Party Congress, and assigned the Politburo to continue refining the preparations to ensure the Congress is organized successfully.

The 14th National Party Congress is an important political event of the Party and the nation, a historic milestone of the country in the Ho Chi Minh era, marking the convergence of the nation’s millennia-old civilizational traditions as it rises to enter a new era. Cadres, Party members, and the people are closely following the preparations, placing great attention and high expectations on the success of the Congress.

The Party General Secretary requested members of the Party Central Committee and all Party members nationwide to continue upholding their spirit and sense of responsibility, strictly implement and lead the effective implementation of the Resolution of the 13th Party Central Committee's 15th meeting, focus on well performing routine tasks, and urgently complete the remaining tasks to ensure that the 14th National Party Congress is a great success in line with the set program and plan.

On behalf of those entrusted with nominations to the Party Central Committee and key leadership positions for the next tenure for consideration and decision by the 14th National Party Congress, the General Secretary expressed gratitude to the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat for their trust and assignment of tasks, affirming the determination to continue working in unity and solidarity with a strong sense of responsibility and high effectiveness, worthy of the trust of the Party and the people.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Land use fee is the largest revenue sources for the northern port city's State budget.

The port city of Hai Phong in northern Vietnam has outlined a financial plan for the 2026-2028 period, aiming for a gradual increase in domestic revenue of 4.49% in 2027 and 5.34% in 2028, compared to the previous year.

However, regarding the revenue structure, land use fee, which is the largest source for the city's State budget, is expected to decline, while revenues from non-state enterprises, including FDI) ones, are anticipated to rise.

According to the plan, the city's domestic revenue for its State budget is projected to exceed VND103 trillion (nearly $4 billion) in 2026,  to surpass VND108 trillion (more than $4.1 billion) in 2027 (a year-on-year 4.49% increase), and then to reach approximately VND114 trillion (nearly $4.33 billion) in 2028 (a year-on-year 5.34% increase).

Despite the forecast annual growth in total domestic revenue, the revenue from land use fees  is expected to decrease in both absolute and percentage terms.

In 2025, land use fees accounted for  VND41 trillion (nearly $1.56 billion) or 41% out of the city's total domestic revenue estimated at  VND100 trillion (nearly $3.8 billion). In 2026, Hai Phong plans for domestic revenue of  more than VND103 trillion (nearly $4 billion), but land use fees are expected to drop to VND36.2 trillion (nearly $1.4 billion), making up only 35.09% of the total. In 2027, the respective figures are expected to stand at nearly VND108.3 trillion, VND36.2 trillion, and 33.43%. In 2028, the respective figures are expected to be more than VND114 trillion, VND36.2 trillion, and 31.74%.

Economic experts suggest that the 10% reduction in the proportion of land use fees within the city's local budget in a short period indicates positive shifts in Hai Phong's economic structure. The city's budget is gradually becoming less dependent on land revenue, shifting towards more stable and sustainable sources. The reduced reliance on land use fees also signals a decrease in costs for individuals and businesses in the real estate sector, potentially fostering a healthier real estate market.

While the proportion of land use fees in domestic revenue is declining, the share of revenue from non-state enterprises, including FDI ones.  is on the rise. In 2025, the city's revenue from FDI enterprises reached nearly VND15.5 trillion or 15.48% of its total domestic revenue, and from local non-state enterprises reached more than VND18.7 trillion or 18.71% of its total domestic revenue.

In 2026, Hai Phong aims to collect nearly VND103.2 trillion for its domestic revenue, with contribution from FDI enterprises standing at VND17.65 trillion (17.12% of the total) and from local non-state enterprises at VND22.6 trillion (approximately 21.9%). In 2027, the respective figures are expected to stand at nearly VND108.3 trillion, nearly VND19.4 trillion (17.86% of the total), and  VND24.26 trillion (22.41%). In 2028, the respective figures are expected to be more than VND114 trillion,  nearly VND20.7 trillion (18.1% of the total), nearly VND26 trillion  (22.76%).

Other significant revenue sources, such as personal income tax, environmental protection tax, fees and charges, registration fees, revenue from state-owned enterprises managed by the central government, and revenue from state-owned enterprises managed by local authorities, as well as revenue from land and water surface leases, are not expected to see major changes. Revenue from agricultural land use tax, mineral and water resource exploitation rights fees are not expected to grow.

Economic experts believe that the increasing share of revenue from FDI and local non-state enterprises reflects an improved investment environment in the city, attracting significant high-tech investment capital. Its economy is maintaining dynamic growth, deep economic integration, and shifting towards growth driven by the private sector, contributing to enhanced production and export capacity, and improving competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

According to the financial plan, in 2026, Hai Phong aims for total revenue (including domestic and import-export revenue) of nearly VND 196 trillion (nearly $7.5 billion), an increase of 4.35% from 2025.  

vneconomy-Nam Khanh

Reuse of construction waste and use of non-fired and eco-friendly materials are encouraged

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an official dispatch to the People's Committees of all the provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide, asking for further enhanced environmental protection in construction activities.

Accordingly, local authorities are requested to direct relevant departments and agencies to strictly and fully implement environmental protection regulations as stipulated in Article 64 of the Law on Environmental Protection. Particular emphasis was placed on ensuring that construction planning meets environmental protection requirements and adapts to climate change.

The ministry proposed that localities issue mechanisms and policies to encourage the reuse of construction waste, as well as the use of non-fired and eco-friendly materials in building activities.

Furthermore, local authorities are tasked with planning and implementing designated sites for construction waste disposal. They are also urged to review or issue specific regulations for the collection, transportation, and treatment of solid construction waste to suit local conditions.

The ministry also called for increased inspections and monitoring of legal compliance regarding environmental protection in construction.

Regarding waste from the renovation or demolition of residential buildings, the ministry specified that in urban areas, such waste must be collected and transferred to functional treatment facilities in accordance with provincial regulations.

In rural areas where formal collection and treatment systems are not yet available, household construction waste must be reused or disposed of according to provincial guidelines. The ministry strictly prohibited the dumping of waste on roads, or into rivers, streams, canals, and other surface water sources, which negatively impacts the landscape and the environment.

Vneconomy-Hằng Anh

Effectively utilizing preferential Certificates of Origin (C/O) has enabled Vietnamese machinery and equipment to expand markets, reduce tariff costs, and integrate more deeply into regional and global supply chains.

The export of machinery, equipment, tools, and other parts continues to be a highlight in trade activities in 2025, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Effectively utilizing preferential Certificates of Origin (C/O) has enabled Vietnamese machinery and equipment to expand markets, reduce tariff costs, and integrate more deeply into regional and global supply chains.

Specifically, within the structure of issued C/Os, the non-preferential C/O form B, primarily used to confirm Vietnamese origin, reached an export value of $1.5 million. Although the value is not large, it remains a necessary tool to meet origin requirements in markets that do not apply tariff preferences under FTAs.

In the group of preferential C/Os, the standout is C/O form D under the ATIGA (ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement) with an export value of $368.3 million. The reduction of intra-ASEAN import tariffs to 0% has facilitated deeper penetration of Vietnamese machinery and equipment into neighboring markets, serving the increasing production and infrastructure investment needs in the region.

C/Os under new-generation FTAs continue to play a crucial role. The export value using C/O form CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) reached $150.4 million, indicating that Vietnamese enterprises have gradually adapted to stringent origin rules to effectively exploit markets such as Canada, Australia, Japan, and Mexico.

Notably, the export value of machinery and equipment using C/O form EUR.1 under the EVFTA (EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement) reached $1.06 billion. This demonstrates the ability of Vietnamese industrial goods to meet increasingly high technical and origin standards when accessing the EU market—a region with strict requirements on quality, environment, and traceability.

Among regional FTAs, the AANZFTA (ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area) recorded an export value using C/O form AANZ of up to $4.38 billion, accounting for the largest share. Australia and New Zealand continue to be stable markets for machinery and equipment, especially in high-tech agriculture, mining, and processing industries.

Additionally, exports using C/O form RCEP reached $277.6 million, reflecting the trend of businesses flexibly utilizing regional commitments to optimize supply chains. Other bilateral and regional C/Os, such as form AI (AIFTA) at $441.7 million and form VK (VKFTA) at 441.4 million USD, also highlight the growing role of the Indian and Korean markets for Vietnamese machinery and equipment.

In traditional and neighboring markets, C/O form S under the Vietnam-Laos bilateral trade agreement reached $1.9 million, contributing to maintaining stable trade flows. Meanwhile, the export value using C/O form AK under AKFTA remains modest, reflecting strong competition in the Korean market for this product group.

Data from the Vietnam Customs (Ministry of Finance) also shows the steady growth of the machinery and equipment sector. In the first half of December, the export value of this product group exceeded$2.4 billion, bringing the total export value from the beginning of the year to December 15, 2026, to $55.9 billion.

Experts assess that the export of machinery and equipment is closely linked to the trend of increasing industrial content in the export structure. Utilizing preferential C/Os not only helps businesses reduce costs but also promotes investment in technology, component production, and localization, thereby enhancing Vietnam's position in the global value chain.

Vneconomy-Song Hà

The new regulations will take effect from February 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Construction has issued a circular, stipulating the authority and procedures for granting domestic maritime transport permits to foreign vessels, applying to Vietnamese and foreign organizations and individuals involved in domestic maritime transport using foreign ships, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Under the circular, which will take effect from February 1, 2026, the Minister of Construction will grant the permits for cases such as transporting oversized or overweight cargo or other types of goods using specialized vessels; clearing congested cargo, passengers, and luggage at ports when Vietnamese ships are unable to handle them; and conducting disaster relief, disease control, or emergency humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, the Director of the Maritime Administration under the Ministry of Construction will issue permits for foreign vessels transporting passengers and luggage from cruise ships to the shore using the ships’ own shuttle services.

Regarding validity, domestic maritime transport permits for foreign vessels are valid for one year when the ship serves a production facility, or is a type not yet available in the Vietnamese fleet.

For all other cases, the permit is valid for six months.

If a company requests a specific validity period for a foreign vessel’s domestic maritime transport permit, the permit will be granted according to the enterprise’s proposal, but cannot exceed one year for the specified cases and six months for all other cases.

For voyage-based permits, the validity applies to foreign vessels transporting passengers and luggage from cruise ships to the shore.

VNA -Van Nguyen

The system mandates traceability for certain product groups starting January 1, 2026.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has officially launched the Traceability System at www.verigoods.vn, fulfilling one of the six pioneering tasks assigned by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 2025 Industry and Trade Sector Conference held on December 19.

The system, operational from December 23, 2025, aims to enhance transparency in product information, serving as a bridge between businesses and consumers, thereby strengthening market trust.

By utilizing verification methods such as QR codes, consumers can easily identify genuine products, while businesses gain a tool to assert brand credibility and combat counterfeiting. The system mandates traceability for certain product groups starting January 1, 2026, as determined by the ministry based on risk assessments related to human health, environmental impact, and social safety.

The implementation follows a phased approach to ensure feasibility and minimize costs for businesses. It allows companies to declare and update information on raw material origins, production processes, and distribution according to standardized data formats. This also aids government agencies in monitoring, post-inspection, risk analysis, and violation handling.

Director of the MoIT's Domestic Market Management and Development Department, Tran Huu Linh, emphasized the importance of this shift from pre-inspection to focused post-inspection, aligning with administrative reform and digital transformation goals.

"Despite the rapid digital shift, many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, face challenges in technology infrastructure and data management. The system is expected to provide technical support, creating a common ground for traceability capabilities, thus promoting synchronized digital transformation across the industry," said Mr Linh.

As consumer interest in product quality, safety, origin, and sustainability grows, the system offers transparent, accurate information, aiding responsible consumer decisions and fostering a healthy consumption culture and sustainable market development.

"Businesses are encouraged to proactively register product information and obtain verification codes as the system becomes operational. From January 1, 2026, the ministry's circular on traceability will require businesses dealing with high-risk goods, such as chemicals and industrial precursors, to comply, while encouraging other sectors to adopt the system," said Mr. Linh.

The ministry will continue collaborating with other ministries, localities, industry associations, and the business community to refine the system, conduct training, and provide usage guidance. Additionally, the ministry will review and complete the legal framework, standards, and regulations related to traceability.

The implementation of the traceability system not only meets immediate requirements as the Product Quality Law takes effect on January 1, 2026, but also lays a long-term foundation for building a transparent business environment, protecting consumer rights, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.

Vneconomy-Vũ Khuê

Domestic gold prices on December 22 remain approximately VND15.99 million ($607) per tael higher than international prices.

The gap between domestic and global gold prices narrowed sharply on December 22, falling 27.35% from the peak recorded on November 4.

Prices of SJC-branded gold bars rose by VND900,000 ($34.2) per tael from the previous session to VND155.5 million ($5,912) per tael for buying and VND157.5 million ($5,988) per tael for selling.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

On the global market, gold prices surged more than 1.3% to $4,399.9 per ounce. At this level, domestic gold prices remain approximately VND15.99 million ($607) per tael higher than international prices, down more than VND6 million ($228), or 27.35%, compared to the November 4 peak.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

As of the end of November 2025, total trade turnover between Vietnam and the MERCOSUR bloc reached $11.46 billion, approximately equal to the same period in 2024.

At the 67th MERCOSUR Summit held in Brazil on the evening of December 20 (Vietnam time), member states of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, issued a Joint Statement officially launching negotiations for the Vietnam-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).

The information was released by the Department of Foreign Market Development under Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

The summit was attended by the Presidents of the MERCOSUR member states: President Javier Milei of Argentina, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, President Santiago Peña of Paraguay, and President Yamandú Orsi of Uruguay.

Immediately following the opening remarks by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira announced that MERCOSUR and Vietnam would officially begin PTA negotiations in the near future. He reaffirmed that Vietnam is a key economic partner for the MERCOSUR bloc.

This future agreement marks a significant milestone in promoting trade between Vietnam and MERCOSUR, contributing to the strengthening of ties between Vietnam and the South American region.

The MoIT viewed this as a successful outcome of sustained efforts from all parties to push for a trade deal. The negotiations will focus on tariff reductions to bring practical benefits to all participating members.

Previously, in September 2025, the MoIT and the negotiating delegations from MERCOSUR countries held several productive meetings to finalize the direction, approach, and roadmap for the upcoming negotiations. Currently, both sides are finalizing the Terms of Reference (ToR) to serve as the foundation for the first round of negotiations, expected to take place in early 2026.

A representative from the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that announcing the launch of the PTA negotiations during Brazil's rotating presidency reflects the South American nation's appreciation for the traditional friendship between the two countries and the joint efforts of their respective leaders.

According to statistics from  Vietnam Customs, as of the end of November 2025, total trade turnover between Vietnam and the MERCOSUR bloc reached $11.46 billion, approximately equal to the same period in 2024.

Vneconomy-Vũ Khuê

The figure surging 20% year-on-year.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable export revenue is estimated at $8.59 billion in 2025, surging nearly 20% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit).

In the first half of December, fruit and vegetable exports earned nearly $400 million, bringing the total export value to $8.2 billion as of December 15, figures from Vietnam Customs  show.

China remains the biggest buyer. In the first 11 months of the year, China imported nearly $5 billion worth of fruit and vegetable from Vietnam, up 15% year-on-year, and accounting for 64% of the sector’s total export turnover.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable imports reached $3 billion as of December 15, resulting in a trade surplus of over $5.5 billion.

VnEconomy-Chu Minh Khôi

Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung was Petrovietnam Chairman before appointed to the new position.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Decision No. 2768/QD-TTg on December 20, 2025, appointing Mr. Le Manh Hung, who was serving as the Chairman of the Board of Members of the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), as the Acting Minister of Industry and Trade.

Mr. Hung, 52, is a petrochemical process engineer and holds a PhD in petrochemical engineering and organic catalysis

Before his appointment as Acting Minister of Industry and Trade, Mr. Hung built an extensive career at the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam – now the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group). He has held several key leadership positions, including Deputy General Director, General Director, and Chairman of Petrovietnam, along with various executive roles within its subsidiaries.

On December 18, 2025, the Politburo issued Decision No. 2584-QDNS/TW, appointing Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien, former Minister of Industry and Trade, as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the National Assembly for the 2020–2025 term.

Vneconomy-Dũng Hiếu

Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy sought insights from representatives of regulators, banks, and businesses on Vietnam’s QR payment evolution and opportunities for cross-border growth.

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, Director General of the Payment Department, State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)

From the perspective of the payment regulator, expanding the network of QR code payment (QR payment) acceptance points has always been considered one of the essential prerequisites for promoting bilateral cross-border payments. In reality, however, cross-border payment activities in recent years have not met expectations, partly because the number of merchants accepting QR payments remains rather modest.

Looking back at the development of the payment market, we can clearly see a shift. More than two decades ago, cash dominated and bank cards were rarely used. Today, cards have become common, especially among young people, thanks to their convenience. QR payments not only inherit this advantage but also help merchants reduce the cost of investing in hardware. The question is how to make QR payments an essential consumer need while also supporting merchants in their technological transition.

However, the scale of QR payment development depends significantly on standardizing QR identification. Not only in Vietnam but even in Thailand, users can still encounter cases where they scan a code but cannot complete payment because it is a transfer code, not a payment code. This illustrates that establishing a unified national QR identification is essential.

Therefore, effective implementation requires cooperation across the entire financial ecosystem, with a shared goal of expanding QR payment acceptance across the market rather than competing for merchant acquisition. Moreover, participating in the QR payment project offers direct bilateral benefits for banks, as it helps promote domestic goods consumption and enables Vietnamese customers to make convenient payments abroad with far more favorable exchange rates than credit cards.

Meanwhile, card transaction fees still range from 3 to 4 per cent of total spending, creating a considerable burden for users. Thus, the long-term objective is for all merchants nationwide to use a unified QR payment identification and apply consistent policies and the same support and reconciliation processes, thereby ensuring a seamless and reasonably-priced payment experience for the public.

On that basis, the State Bank of Vietnam has issued decisions on the technical specification standard for QR codes displayed on the customer side, establishing a legal framework to unify QR standards in the market. Generally, service providers have adopted these standards, but the remaining challenge lies in interoperability between systems. This depends on policy, operational models, and the interests of each party.

With a relatively complete legal framework and an increasingly broad ecosystem, I expect that banks and payment intermediaries will continue to prioritize the shared interests of the economy and promote QR interoperability across the entire system. When that happens, the differences between QR payment codes at merchant locations will gradually disappear, delivering a more convenient, unified, and safer payment experience for individuals and businesses nationwide.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Le, Deputy Head of the Market Management Division, Department of Domestic Markets, Ministry of Industry and Trade

Cashless payments in general, and QR codes in particular, play an extremely important role in promoting e-commerce and market activities. QR codes are convenient, widely-used, and reliable tools. In terms of utility, people only need a smart device to make transactions.

For businesses, especially small establishments such as coffee shops or bakeries, the cost of accepting payments via QR codes is very low; they simply need to print a code to receive payments. This makes QR codes highly accessible, as almost everyone in Vietnam has at least one smartphone.

Moreover, cashless payments build trust in transactions. Standardized QR codes, such as VietQR and VietQRPay, help reduce scams involving incorrect transfer accounts, bringing transparency to both buyers and sellers. Consumers are more willing to spend when they feel secure, which helps businesses expand their markets and reach cross-border customers through online sales, livestreaming, and e-commerce.

In particular, cashless payments help make the economy more transparent by reducing “underground” transactions and shifting activities onto official channels. This aligns with Project 319, approved by the Prime Minister in 2023, on combating counterfeit goods and protecting consumer rights in e-commerce.

E-commerce transactions are highly anonymous, making oversight difficult, especially for cross-border transactions or those occurring on social networks. These activities can easily be exploited for money laundering, illegal money transfers, and other fraudulent behavior. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed policies to leverage electronic payments to increase transparency and prevent the misuse of e-commerce for unlawful purposes. Promoting cashless payments via banks and QR codes allows State agencies to more clearly monitor and identify payment sources, thereby helping them control illegal activities.

To effectively manage the market based on e-commerce platforms, State authorities must strictly oversee three factors that always accompany every goods transaction: Goods must be accompanied by valid invoices; invoices relate to tax administration (managed by the Tax Department); and money relates to banks and financial institutions (including e-wallets) to monitor cash flows. Managing these three elements well enhances transparency in State administration and reassures both businesses and consumers when conducting transactions.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Long, Deputy CEO, National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS)

The VietQRPay payment service, launched by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) in early 2025, is seen as a “transitional” step built on top of the 24/7 instant interbank transfer platform the organization has operated since 2009. Once the interbank transfer infrastructure had stabilized, the potential to expand into QR-based payments, which are already widespread in China, Thailand, and India, instead of relying solely on mobile banking, began to emerge.

The Covid-19 pandemic provided a major boost to the shift in consumer payment behavior. Reduced physical contact, the rise of online shopping, and the explosion of personal QR code transfers drove QR payments to become one of the most familiar payment methods.

NAPAS now handles some 15 million VietQR transfer transactions each day, with total annual transaction value standing at approximately VND40 trillion ($1.54 billion). On average, NAPAS processes about 35 million transactions daily, nearly half of which are VietQR. These figures show that QR payments have permeated every corner of life, from casual transactions to daily payment needs.

However, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) transfers only meet the needs of transferring money between individuals. If disputes arise, ordinary transfer transactions have no mechanism to protect the consumer. Meanwhile, payments between customers and merchants or business households require more complex features such as integration with point-of-sale software, electronic invoicing systems, and refund and complaint-handling mechanisms - capabilities that P2P transfers cannot support.

From this reality, in 2025 NAPAS began deploying QR payments to establish a commercial payment (Person-to-Merchant, or P2M) standard, thereby upgrading the payment experience for both buyers and sellers. While P2P QR transfers continue to meet the needs of certain user groups, QR payments are positioned as the choice for consumers who prioritize a fuller shopping experience as well as for merchants and businesses seeking to improve their service quality.

Developing QR payments require the combined efforts of NAPAS, regulators, and the entire payment ecosystem. The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) plays the role of setting policies to promote cashless payments and issuing technical standards for NAPAS, banks, and payment intermediaries, forming the foundation for domestic interoperability, and future cross-border connectivity. The broader objective is to enable Vietnamese users to scan and pay abroad using domestic apps, and vice versa.

Beyond providing infrastructure, ensuring the security and safety of QR payment services is paramount. NAPAS is now directly connected to the SBV’s SiMo system to receive abnormal transaction alerts and collaborates with the Ministry of Public Security to share blacklist data. At the same time, big data and AI technologies are deployed to quickly detect suspicious accounts and automatically send alerts to banks. NAPAS is also working with the Vietnam Banks Association to develop a handbook on fraud-handling procedures, expected to be officially issued in December.

Regarding its roadmap, NAPAS will expand QR payments both domestically and internationally. In the domestic market, NAPAS, together with banks and payment intermediaries, will promote the shift from P2P to P2M transactions in order to standardize sales data, support market statistics, and enhance regulatory oversight. E-wallets will also be integrated, enabling users to make QR payments through more channels.

Internationally, NAPAS has been interoperable with Thailand since 2022, Cambodia since 2023, and Laos since early 2025. The system is expected to launch support for payments made by Chinese visitors to Vietnam in December this year, creating significant opportunities for domestic businesses and merchants.

Moving into 2026, NAPAS plans to connect with Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and more markets. Under the guidance of the SBV, NAPAS expects Vietnam’s QR payment network not only to serve the domestic market effectively but also to expand regionally, delivering practical benefits to consumers, merchants, and small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby contributing to the digital transformation of the economy.

Ms. Doan Hong Nhung, Member of the Executive Board and Director of the Retail Division, Vietcombank

The issue of multiple QR code schemes is a major concern for banks and payment service providers in Vietnam. At present, besides VietQR, operated by NAPAS, there are also VNPAY and several other providers, creating an urgent need for a unified standard or an intermediary gateway capable of accepting multiple QR formats.

International experience shows that, in China, though users commonly rely on Alipay and WeChat Pay, an intermediary gateway - China Payment Gateway - was launched in September to integrate various QR schemes. Without this gateway, transactions from Vietnam to China would require separate integration for each individual QR format. Therefore, Vietcombank in particular and NAPAS in general must make significant technical investments to integrate multiple QR formats into a single gateway, expanding payment capabilities for both Vietnamese users in China and Chinese users in Vietnam.

In Vietnam, expanding QRPay previously faced many challenges. Domestic banks have been offering free interbank transfers via mobile banking, while entities deploying QRPay had to invest in and operate their own systems. Today, with the rollout of electronic tax declaration and rising demand for convenient payments, conditions for scaling VietQRPay, especially in the context of cross-border payments, have become more favorable than ever. However, effective implementation critically depends on regulators’ involvement.

From the perspective of a tool that enhances payment experiences for both domestic and international customers, two distinct groups need to be considered: foreign visitors to Vietnam and Vietnamese travelers going abroad.

For foreign visitors, outside of markets where cross-border QR payments are already in place, such as Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia, most still rely on cards or cash. Even in markets with existing QR connectivity, if merchants do not accept VietQRPay or VietQR Global, users still face payment difficulties, limiting the effectiveness of these solutions. Once the interoperability system is fully developed, international visitors will be able to scan QR codes at any merchant in Vietnam and pay directly using their home-country mobile banking apps.

For Vietnamese traveling abroad, cross-border QR reduces risks associated with carrying cash or cards, lowers costs, and simplifies currency conversion. Moreover, the use of VND in international transactions supports currency security and foreign-exchange management.

Therefore, the nature of transactions must be clearly distinguished, with payments for goods and services separated from personal transfers. In the future, cross-border QR and cards will coexist, but cross-border QR is expected to become a widely-used payment method, especially across Asia, given its low cost, convenience, and flexible scalability.

Ms. Phan Thi Thanh Nhan, Head of the Card and Operations Center, BIDV

QR code payments have become one of the fastest-growing trends in the global digital economy over recent years. Figures show that QR code payment volumes reached nearly $5 trillion in 2023, rose to $5.8 trillion in 2024, and are expected to surpass $6 trillion this year. If current trends continue, the market could reach $8 trillion by 2029.

The Asia-Pacific region is the most dynamic growth area in the world, with China and India achieving near-universal QR acceptance in all stores and sectors. The key drivers are significantly lower deployment costs compared with point-of-sale (POS) terminals, along with high smartphone penetration. At the same time, many countries and territories are expanding cross-border QR connectivity, allowing users to pay overseas using their domestic banking apps.

In Vietnam, growth has followed the global trend. In the first nine months of this year, QR transactions increased by 61 per cent and transaction value by more than 150 per cent. However, behind these figures is mainly the popularity of VietQR, meaning QR for money transfers. With just a bank account and a personal QR code, any shop can receive money instantly without complex infrastructure.

Yet from the standpoint of banks and regulators, transfer QR codes are not true payment acceptance points because they are fundamentally personal account transfers. This model cannot distinguish civil transactions from business transactions, cannot track revenue, and most importantly, does not create a commercial transaction history to protect buyers in case of disputes. Despite these limitations, VietQR remains widespread for a simple reason: it is completely free and extremely easy to use.

QRPay, on the other hand, is designed under official payment standards specified in Circular No. 15. Payment acceptance points operate under a contract between the providing bank, the acquiring bank, and the merchant. As a result, QRPay overcomes most of the shortcomings of transfer QR in reconciliation and cash-flow management. However, this model incurs operating costs and requires infrastructure deployment, making expansion slower than simply placing a personal QR code on a counter.

Still, with national QR standards now in place and QR scanning already a widespread habit, opportunities for QRPay development are clearer than ever. The biggest barriers are cost and convenience; if these two issues are not resolved, the transition to QRPay will be slow. As one of the first banks working with the State Bank of Vietnam and NAPAS to deploy QRPay, BIDV is developing simultaneous solutions across three areas: customers, products, and services.

In terms of products, BIDV is finalizing an online onboarding process that allows small shops to register for QRPay without visiting branches or signing documents in person. The bank is also preparing to launch a dedicated merchant app, enabling users to track transactions and manage sales directly on their phones.

In terms of services, QRPay fully resolves the reconciliation difficulties associated with transfer QR codes. BIDV commits to providing complete reconciliation, dispute-handling, and complaint-processing procedures, protecting both buyers and sellers. The system also strictly complies with anti-money laundering regulations, especially for international transactions where risks are higher.

From a regulatory perspective, Vietnam should expand cross-border QR connectivity with countries that have large tourist flows, such as Thailand, Laos, China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore, to boost demand for QR acceptance in tourism and services sectors. Second, the legal framework governing the use of personal accounts for receiving payments for goods and services should be strengthened to limit the avoidance of QRPay. Third, BIDV hopes that NAPAS and the broader financial ecosystem will share costs during the initial phase to reduce barriers for small merchants. Since QRPay cannot be “completely free,” this shared approach will help merchants transition more easily.

Mr. Tran Hoai Nam, Deputy Head of the Corporate Customer Division, VietinBank

From a banking business perspective, VietinBank has always placed customers at the center and continually developed QR payment solutions as part of its digital transformation roadmap. In addition to standard transfer transactions, the bank has also strongly implemented QR payments, allowing merchants to enjoy smooth, convenient, and unified payment experiences. As tax authorities increase requirements for invoice transparency and payment convenience, this is a crucial moment for organizations to effectively deploy this payment method.

Specifically, VietinBank has integrated QR payments into its API (Application Programming Interface) system for corporate clients, enabling merchants to conduct transactions directly and easily monitor and manage operations. As a result, the payment process becomes seamless, reducing manual steps and minimizing risks of errors in financial management.

At the same time, the bank has developed an anti-money laundering system to record complaint histories and promptly issue alerts for suspicious or potentially fraudulent transactions. This helps protect customer interests and enhances the overall safety of QR payments.

Previously, QR payments addressed only the payment step and did not provide full reconciliation information, making it difficult for merchants to track transaction status or handle arising issues. With the new solution, all transactions are recorded in detail, enabling both customers and merchants to clearly monitor the entire process, from payment initiation to reconciliation completion. This marks an important step forward, improving the customer experience while ensuring transparency and safety in QR payments at VietinBank.

Mr. Tran My Tuyen, Head of Operations and Head of Personal Banking, Agribank

Agribank is one of the four largest banks in Vietnam, focusing its operations on agriculture and rural areas. The bank has implemented QR codes since 2018 and has maintained stable growth, estimated at around 35 per cent annually. In rural regions, the development of QR codes has received special attention from branches and has seen positive results.

According to figures, Agribank recorded approximately 13.3 million QR code transactions in 2024, and this year the number is expected to increase to some 16.5 million. Though transaction volume continues to grow significantly, the total payment value is not as high as that of other banks because most transactions are small scale.

To promote QR code usage in rural areas, Agribank has adopted three main approaches, prioritizing simplicity, ease of application, and low cost. First, the bank promotes QR codes within communities and traditional markets.

Second, Agribank partners with agricultural supply stores and product collectors. QR codes are deployed at fertilizer shops, pesticide stores, and agricultural equipment providers, and are also expanded to post-harvest purchasing points, helping farmers make and receive payments more conveniently.

Third, the bank leverages the lending and deposit groups commonly found in rural communities and collaborates with grassroots organizations such as the Women’s Union, the Farmers’ Union, and the Veterans’ Association. These community groups act as key ambassadors, helping QR code adoption spread deeper into rural payment activities.

Mr. Do Tuan Anh, Deputy CEO, KiotViet Corporation

According to figures, in 2025 alone, QR code payments on the KiotViet platform increased by around 42 per cent, reflecting the rapidly-expanding demand for cashless payments as QR usage continues to rise strongly.

As a bridge connecting banks, NAPAS, and businesses and household merchants nationwide in deploying digital payment solutions, KiotViet offers three recommendations to promote the broader adoption of QRPay. First, banks and NAPAS should soon finalize a unified set of standards for technical connections, APIs, and identification (Know Your Customer, or KYC) procedures.

Another concern is payment fee structures, which significantly influence the decisions of household businesses. During coordination with local tax authorities to promote digital payment solutions, service fees are consistently the issue that users worry about most. Many workshops have been organized to address these concerns. We therefore hope that regulators will issue clear guidelines or even provide partial support in the initial phase, giving merchants time to adapt before QRPay is widely implemented.

Additionally, improving and fully digitizing administrative procedures related to the transition from transfer QR to QRPay is also essential. Currently, the conversion process remains quite complicated, especially when procedures cannot be completed entirely online. Therefore, administrative processes must be fully digitized to save time and reduce obstacles for both businesses and household merchants.

In the long term, KiotViet will continue working with tax authorities and banks on communication efforts and user guidance to help change payment habits. Transitioning to QRPay not only shortens transaction time but also enables clearer, more complete, and more consistent payment data. Moreover, greater transparency in transaction data helps reduce risks for users and facilitates tax administration in the future.

VET-

The number of digital technology enterprises reaching around 80,000 in 2025.

The digital economy has increasingly asserted itself as a key growth engine in Vietnam with estimated revenue of $198 billion in 2025, up 26% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The figure also exceeds the yearly plan of 16%.

The sector’s contribution to the country's GDP is estimated at over VND1 quadrillion ($38 billion), increasing 10% compared to last year.

The number of digital technology enterprises rose to around 80,000 in 2025, up 10% year-on-year.

Exports of digital technology products were estimated at $178 billion in 2025, soaring 35% against 2024, and fulfilling 112% of the annual target.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

The Government recently issued Decree No. 326/2025/ND-CP, detailing regulations and guidance on the implementation of land policies within the International Financial Center in Vietnam.

The Government has recently issued Decree No. 326/2025/ND-CP, which provides detailed regulations and guidance on the implementation of Articles 22 and 23 of the National Assembly's Resolution No. 222/2025/QH15 dated June 27, 2025 (Resolution 222), on land and environmental policies within the newly-established International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam.

The decree regulates the process of land allocation, leasing, and conversion of land use purposes within the IFC.

Accordingly, Chairpersons of the People's Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City, where the IFC is headquartered, to decide land allocation and leasing, land right use conversion, extension of land use duration, and adjustment of land use terms for members of the IFC who undertake investment projects in the IFC as stipulated in Clause 1, Article 22 of Resolution 222.

The land management authorities in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are responsible for issuing certificates for initial land use rights  and property ownership attached to the land to IFC members.

The Chairpersons of the People's Committees, land management authorities, tax authorities, and financial agencies in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are tasked with executing the procedures for land allocation, leasing, land use conversion permissions, land use duration extensions, and issuance of certificates for initial land use rights  and land-attached property ownership as per land law.

An investment registration certificate will serve as a basis for land leasing and land use conversion. Individuals receiving the transfer of land use rights and assets attached to the land when handling collateral assets mortgaged by economic organizations or foreign-invested enterprises at foreign credit institutions must belong to the subjects specified in Article 28 of the Land Law.

Vneconomy -Hoang Bach

The event serving as a forum connecting OCOP stakeholders with distributors, investors, experts and consumers.

The Vietnam OCOP Festival 2025 officially opened in Hanoi on December 20, serving as a major national platform to showcase achievements associated with digital transformation and green transition and provide orientations for the development of One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program.

The four-day event covers over 10,000 sq.m with 220 domestic booths introducing outstanding  OCOP products, and 16 international booths of exhibitions from 8 countries and territories.

With the theme “Vietnam – Convergence and Diffusion”, the festival also serves as a forum connecting OCOP stakeholders with distributors, investors, experts and consumers.

Launched in 2019, the OCOP program has demonstrated its strategic vision by transforming abundant resources and diligent, creative labour into sustainable competitive advantages. Over 18,200 OCOP products nationwide have been rated three stars or higher, establishing a quality standardisation system that has reinforced and affirmed Vietnam’s National Brand.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

Key activities included policy dialogues on mechanisms to promote venture capital funds, the announcement and awarding of outstanding projects in 2025, and the launch of the National Startup Program 2026.

The Startup Festival 2025 was held in Hanoi on December 20, honouring outstanding startup projects of the year.

The festival marked the largest annual event summarising a year-long startup support program. Key activities included policy dialogues on mechanisms to promote venture capital funds, the announcement and awarding of outstanding projects in 2025, and the launch of the National Startup Program 2026.

It also served as a platform to introduce and connect startups with entrepreneurs, investors, coaches, and mentors.

A series of activities were organized on the sidelines of the event, including product exhibitions by startups, networking sessions with mentors and investors, and meetings with startup promotion and support organizations.

Addressing the event, Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Bui Trung Nghia said Vietnam remained a bright spot in Southeast Asia, ranking third in the region for both deal volume and total investment value in 2025, behind only Singapore and Indonesia.

Vietnam currently has nearly 4,000 innovative startups and two new tech unicorns, reinforcing its ambition to become a nation of innovation-driven entrepreneurship.

VnEconomy-Song Hà

This is the last plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee, that focuses on final preparations for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

The 15th plenum of the Party Central Committee opened in Hanoi on December 22 morning.

This is the last plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee, that focuses on final preparations for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress which is scheduled for January 19-25, 2026.

Party General Secretary To Lam delivered his opening remarks.

The Party Chief, as quoted by the Vietnam News Agency, urged the plenum to focus on key tasks to ensure success of the upcoming 14th National Party Congress.

General Secretary Lam said that based on proposals by the Politburo, the 13th Party Central Committee had previously reached high consensus at its 13th and 14th meetings in nominating candidates for the Party Central Committee (both official and alternate members), the Politburo, and the Secretariat for the 14th tenure, ensuring structure, quantity and qualification requirements in line with the Party's regulations and personnel orientations.

He stressed that following the Resolution of the 14th meeting, the Politburo has directed continued, thorough preparations for the upcoming National Party Congress, including refining the personnel plans. At meetings of the personnel sub-committee, the Politburo members and key Party leaders placed the interests of the Party, people and nation above all, and discussed and analyzed carefully and comprehensively nominations for the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat for the 14th tenure as well as key leadership positions of the Party and the State in the 2026–2031 tenure.

At the 15th plenum, based on reports submitted by the Politburo, the Party chief urged delegates to thoroughly discuss and contribute opinions to complete the report on personnel affairs for the 14th Party Central Committee to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress and the first meeting of the 14th Party Central Committee for decision-making and election in accordance with regulations.

The General Secretary emphasized that the personnel preparation and nomination for the 14th Party Central Committee are an especially important task, requiring prudence, accuracy and strict compliance with regulations, as the next Party leadership will shoulder the mission of leading the nation’s development in the new era.

Regarding draft documents for the Congress, he noted that the document sub-committees, the Politburo and the Secretariat had completed the drafts for submission to the 15th meeting. This process reflects an innovative and groundbreaking approach in document preparation, with the widest-ever public consultation, ensuring that collective wisdom and people’s opinions are fully reflected in the 14th National Party Congress's documents.

To ensure that the Congress's documents truly serve as a “guiding light” and “action compass” for the Party and people in the new revolutionary phase, the General Secretary called on Party members and the public to continue contributing constructive opinions. He urged delegates to further refine the Political Report, and other Congress documents, particularly the Party Central Committee’s action program for implementing the 14th National Party Congress's Resolution.

He also requested careful study of the reports presented by sub-committees as well as the contents submitted by the Politburo and Secretariat to ensure the most thorough preparations for the 14th National Party Congress.

VNA-Khanh Van

A delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology has visited Intel Products Vietnam plant in Ho Chi Minh City.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui Hoang Phuong has proposed that Intel enhance its investment in semiconductor packaging and testing activities, as well as research and development of semiconductor microchip products in Vietnam, while visiting the Intel Products Vietnam plant in Ho Chi Minh City recently.

He also suggested Intel to develop an ecosystem of Intel in Vietnam with the aim of supporting startups, and connecting with microchip research and development centers) .

Vietnam aims to develop the semiconductor industry within the ecosystem of developed countries, including the United States and especially Intel, in a direction that combines and complements each other, leveraging existing potential and Vietnam's geopolitical position.

At the same time, he encouraged Intel to expand its RD center or collaborate with Vietnamese partners to invest in laboratories, simulations, and testing in the semiconductor field, focusing on developing specialized chips to serve the digital transformation sectors and expanding manufacturing activities and ATP (assembly, testing, and packaging) operations in Vietnam.

He also suggested that Intel participate in training programs for design engineers and microchip development; while also collaborating with universities and research institutes to train high-quality human resources in the semiconductor field.

Mr. Kenneth Tse, Intel Vietnam General Director,  said Intel will accompany and deeply participate in the implementation of initiatives and tasks of the Vietnam Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy; share experiences in developing ecosystems and training high-quality human resources; and develop specialized chips for application in industries and fields of digital transformation.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương