The inaugural flight to the new airport is scheduled for December 19.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made a trip to inspect the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport in southern Dong Nai province on December 14.

This is the 9th inspection trip made by the PM to the construction site.

The PM was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as calling on teams to accelerate the construction of the new airport to make it ready for the first flight on December 19 and commercial operations in the first half of 2026.

PM Chinh commended units, contractors, and especially 15,000 experts, engineers, and workers, for speeding up the project’s construction to meet the schedule.

He expressed satisfaction that the first sub-project is nearing completion and entering its final phase, expected to be ready by December 19, while the second is also in the finishing stage, with equipment being installed to serve the first flight in line with the overall project schedule.

Highlighting the critical importance of the third sub-project, which covers essential airport facilities, the PM noted that only three of 15 packages have been completed while 12 remain under construction. He urged accelerating the completion of key components - particularly runways, connecting roads, passenger terminals, and taxiways - to ensure construction is basically completed for the inaugural flight on December 19.

The leader also inspected the fourth sub-project, which covers ground service facilities. He showed satisfaction with investors’ active efforts to prepare for the first phase’s operations.

After inspecting the construction site, PM Chinh had a working session with representatives of ministries, sectors, and units to review tasks for the project following Party General Secretary To Lam’s directions a month ago.

The PM praised the units’ dedication and urged round-the-clock work, including nights and weekends, to speed up progress while ensuring quality, safety, and environmental standards for the project.

He called on the military, particularly Military Region 7 and local units, to provide support, and urged the police to strengthen security and order in the construction site.

He requested strictly implementing the guidance of the Party chief and the Government directions to advance the airport progress and develop an aviation economic hub in Dong Nai. He assigned specific responsibilities to ministries, agencies, localities, and enterprises, expressing his belief that with continued determination and efforts, the airport and its supporting infrastructure will meet international standards.

The same day afternoon, the Government leader inspected the progress of roads leading to the Long Thanh International Airport.

Covering more than 5,000 ha in Long Thanh commune, the airport has a total investment of over $16 billion, divided into three phases. Construction of the first phase, estimated to cost $5.4 billion, began in 2020. Once operational, it is expected to handle 25 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of cargo each year (first phase).

VNS-Pham Long

Total investment capital estimated at VND3 trillion ($114 million).

The People’s Committee of Hue City in central Vietnam has approved the investment policy for the construction and operation of infrastructure at Zone 01 of La Son Industrial Park.

The project carries a total estimated investment of more than VND3 trillion ($114 million) and covers 467.2 hectares across Hung Loc and Loc An communes.

It aims to develop modern, synchronised industrial park infrastructure, contributing to Hue City’s industrial ecosystem and aligning with the development orientation of the country's North Central region and  central coastal area.

Under the approved plan, the investor must complete basic construction and put the project into operation within five years, starting from the date of receiving the land lease.

VnEconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

At the event on December 19, Vingroup has registered to hold a launch ceremony for four key projects at the Vinhomes Vung Ang Industrial Park, with total investment reaching hundreds of trillions of Vietnamese dong.

Ha Tinh province in central Vietnam is set to break ground on and kick off six major projects with a total capital investment of over VND128.55 trillion (nearly $4.9 billion) on December 19, simultaneously with nearly 200 projects nationwide.

These 6 projects in Ha Tinh span a wide range of sectors, from industry and energy to urban development and culture.

The province's  Vung Ang Economic Zone continues to affirm its role as the "locomotive" for investment attraction, particularly for large-scale projects with high spillover effects. At the event scheduled for December 19, Vingroup has registered to hold a launch ceremony for four key projects at the Vinhomes Vung Ang Industrial Park, with total investment reaching hundreds of trillions of Vietnamese dong  (VND).

The most prominent project is the Vinmetal Ha Tinh Steel Manufacturing Plant, with a total investment of nearly VND80 trillion (over $3 billion) and covering an area of over 461 ha. This heavy industry project is considered pivotal, contributing to the formation of a large-scale steel production chain while creating numerous jobs and generating sustainable revenue for the local budget.

Alongside this is the Ky Trinh New Urban Area project in Song Tri Ward, with a total investment of VND8 trillion (over $304 million) and a land use area of over 84 ha. 

In the renewable energy sector, two wind power projects demonstrate Ha Tinh’s commitment to green and sustainable development: the Ky Anh Wind Power Plant and the Eco Wind Ky Anh Wind Power Plant.

With a capacity of 400 MW and a total investment of over VND17 trillion (more than $646 million), the Ky Anh Wind Power Plant is expected to supply approximately 1,053.3 GWh annually.

With a total investment of over VND22.64 trillion (nearly $860.5 million) and a capacity of nearly 500 MW, the latter is expected to produce over 1,322 GWh per year.

On this occasion, Ha Tinh also has two other projects registered for groundbreaking: the Ha Tinh Museum Construction Project and the Xuan Thanh New Urban Area (Phase 1).

As a key cultural work for the province in the 2025–2030 period, with a total investment of VND305 billion (nearly $11.6 million), funded by the provincial budget. the Ha Tinh Museum Construction Project is planned on an area of approximately 2.28 ha.

Located in Tien Dien Commune, the Xuan Thanh New Urban Area (Phase 1) has a total investment of nearly VND550 billion (nearly $21 million) and covers a land area of 45.54 ha.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Vietnam’s aviation sector will soon work under an amended Law on Civil Aviation that remodels almost all operations.

Vietnam’s aviation industry is gradually evolving into an integrated economic sector that drives investment, tourism, logistics, and national competitiveness. With the Law on Civil Aviation in place for nearly two decades, the industry’s legal framework has become outdated and no longer aligns with current realities. The draft Law on Civil Aviation (amended) is therefore considered a crucial step in modernizing the legal framework for a new phase of aviation development.

With eleven chapters and 109 articles, the draft not only revises but fully replaces the existing Law on Civil Aviation, covering State management mechanisms, institutional authority, transport operations, infrastructure investment, and the protection of passenger rights. The amendment is considered a strategic move, not only to strengthen compliance with international aviation safety standards but also to foster a transparent, competitive environment that encourages greater participation from both domestic and foreign investors.

Holistic approach

A key focus of the draft is clarifying the responsibilities of State management in civil aviation. Prepared by the Ministry of Construction (MoC), the draft clearly delineates the roles of relevant agencies to separate oversight of safety, security, and infrastructure - addressing overlapping mandates while aligning with recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on defining the functions of each authority within the civil aviation management system.

The draft also modernizes regulatory methods, shifting from a pre-approval and administrative control mechanism to a risk-based and post-audit management approach. According to the MoC, more than 30 per cent of administrative procedures in the aviation sector will be reduced or consolidated, with many processes shifted to a “one-stop shop” model. Project appraisal, operations licensing, capacity certification, and investment approval procedures are being streamlined to eliminate overlaps and shorten processing times.

Most importantly, while the old legal framework mainly governed flight, transport, and operational activities, the draft seeks to rebuild the entire aviation ecosystem, from planning, investment, risk management, safety, and security to the application of new technologies.

For the first time, Vietnam’s civil aviation law is being developed under a holistic approach, where safety is embedded in development and development is secured through robust institutions.

Opening for the private sector

One of the key innovations in the draft Law on Civil Aviation (amended) is the expanded participation of the private sector in aviation infrastructure. Under the existing law, only the State is permitted to invest in, own, and operate airports, while the private sector can only participate in non-aviation services such as ground operations, catering, logistics, or duty-free retail. This limitation has made many airport projects dependent on State budget funding, resulting in slow progress and restricted operational capacity.

As demand for aviation infrastructure grows rapidly, the draft allows private investors to participate in the investment, management, and operation of airports and aviation infrastructure through public-private partnerships (PPPs), concession agreements, or the temporary transfer of management rights.

Specifically, the draft introduces a separate chapter on aviation infrastructure resources, clearly stating that all economic sectors have the right to invest in the construction, expansion, or upgrade of airports; to operate and conduct business at aviation facilities under approved State mechanisms; and to ensure compliance with technical, safety, and security standards required by the regulator. Institutionalizing these models marks a major step towards “opening the institutional gates”, transitioning aviation infrastructure from a State monopoly to a model of joint investment, joint operation, and joint oversight.

According to the MoC, this not only mobilizes social capital for key infrastructure projects but also fosters healthy competition between investors, thereby improving service quality, reducing operating costs, and enhancing the efficiency of public asset utilization.

To balance public-private interests, the draft specifies mechanisms for valuing public assets, competitive bidding, and PPP contract monitoring. Every cooperation project must clearly define the rights, obligations, and revenue risk-sharing mechanisms between the State and investors. This is a significant improvement, as previous PPP models often faced difficulties due to the absence of consistent standards for reasonable returns or capital recovery.

In addition, the draft delegates greater authority to local governments in proposing provincial airport projects aligned with regional development strategies. Under the new rules, local authorities are empowered to prepare investment proposals, submit them for government approval, and take responsibility for planning, site clearance, and infrastructure connectivity. This approach links management responsibility with development benefits, shortens approval timelines, and, in particular, benefits regions with strong growth potential but limited central budget resources.

Notably, the draft expands the definition of “aviation infrastructure” to include not only physical assets but also operational technology systems, information and monitoring networks, air navigation safety facilities, and digital infrastructure for operations. This broader definition provides a legal framework for investment in “soft infrastructure” such as automated air traffic control systems, slot management software, and operational data platforms - standard components of modern international airports.

At the same time, the draft emphasizes transparency and oversight. All concession or PPP contracts must publicly disclose their terms, duration, value, and independent audit mechanisms. Investors are required to submit periodic reports on operations, revenues, and costs, and remain under continuous supervision by State authorities.

Experts believe the new provisions on private investment in the draft Law on Civil Aviation (amended) not only unlock new funding sources but also mark a breakthrough in the sector’s development model. When all economic actors are allowed equal participation in airport investment and operations, aviation infrastructure will no longer be the exclusive domain of the State and will be an open economic ecosystem, where the State plays an enabling role, enterprises manage operations, and society benefits from improved services.

At a recent National Assembly session, many deputies agreed that codifying this mechanism is essential for Vietnam’s aviation sector to keep pace with global trends, with PPPs being quite common in developed markets. The model leverages social resources while maintaining State control over areas related to the security, safety, and sovereignty of national airspace.

New flight path

Alongside regulatory reform and investment liberalization, the draft also standardizes passenger rights, mandates the transparency of flight information, and clearly defines compensation mechanisms for delays and cancellations as well as on-time performance requirements. An independent accident investigation mechanism has been introduced to ensure objectivity and compliance with international conventions.

Notably, the draft emphasizes “green aviation” regulations, encouraging the use of clean fuel, energy-efficient technologies, and emission reduction initiatives in pursuit of Vietnam’s net-zero emissions by 2050 target.

While the draft is still under discussion, new airport projects involving private enterprises are already beginning to emerge. The Xuan Truong Group, for example, has proposed building a new airport in northern Ninh Binh province, to make it a key hub for regional economic and tourism development, while the Sun Group subsidiary SunPhuQuoc Airways has recently launched flight operations, marking the growing presence of private investors in Vietnam’s aviation sector.

The rise of privately-invested airports is not only creating healthy competition but also reshaping Vietnam’s aviation landscape. This points to a future in which localities such as Ninh Binh may host modern, privately-operated airports, driving local economic growth and strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure.

VET-Minh Kiet

Under a new decree from the Government, criteria for selecting Vietnamese organizations and enterprises to be tasked with or commissioned to receive technology transfers for railway projects has been regulated

The Government on December 12 issued Decree 319/2025/ND-CP (Decree 319), specifying criteria for selecting Vietnamese organizations and enterprises to receive technology transfer for railway projects.

Accordingly, Vietnamese organizations and enterprises are only considered if they meet all the stipulated conditions. Firstly, they must be established under Vietnamese law and possess valid legal status, having clear functions and responsibilities (for organizations) or registered business lines and operating licenses (for enterprises) that are consistent with the technology field being transferred. Secondly, they must have workshops and facilities of sufficient scale to meet the requirements for receiving and installing machinery, equipment, and technological lines. Thirdly, they must have sufficient financial resources or the ability to mobilize financial resources to cover and settle the costs of technology transfer. Fourthly, they must have a team of experts, technical staff, and workers with management and research capabilities, as well as professional and technical qualifications, to ensure the reception, mastery, and operation of the transferred technology, Fifthly, they must have a plan to mobilize resources to meet the requirements for receiving technology transfer. Sixthly, they must make a commitment to ensure the completion of the acquisition, mastery, and operation of the transferred technology. Seventhly, they must have experience in international cooperation on technology transfer. Eighthly, they do not currently undergo dissolution procedures or having its business registration certificate or business license revoked; and are not subject to insolvency as defined by bankruptcy law. Ninthly, the technology transfer price to be proposed by them does not exceed the estimated cost of technology transfer in the railway project that has been approved by the competent authority.

Based on general criteria, the railway project investor is responsible for determining specific requirements for each criterion, ensuring compatibility with the type of technology being transferred, and the nature and scale of each project.

Decree 319 also details the procedure, process, and authority for selecting Vietnamese organizations and enterprises tasked with or commissioned to receive technology transfers for railway projects.

The railway project investor must send specific requirements regarding the criteria for selecting organizations and enterprises to the Ministry of Construction. For local railway projects, they must send these requirements to the respective provincial People's Committee. Based on these requirements, the Ministry of Construction or the respective provincial People's Committee will publicly announce the selection of organizations and enterprises on the electronic portal and mass media as per regulations.

Organizations and enterprises wishing to participate must submit a registration dossier for the task or order to receive technology transfer. The dossier can be submitted directly, via postal service, or electronically to the Ministry of Construction or the provincial People's Committee for local railway projects.

If the dossier does not fully meet the requirements, within three working days from receipt, the receiving agency must notify the organization or enterprise in writing to amend or supplement it. The amendment or supplementation period must not exceed seven working days from the notification receipt. If the amended dossier still does not meet the requirements, within three working days from receipt of the supplementary dossier, the Ministry of Construction or the provincial People's Committee will notify in writing that the dossier is insufficient for consideration and evaluation.

Within 30 days from receiving a complete and valid dossier, the Ministry of Construction or the provincial People's Committee will decide to establish an advisory council to evaluate the organizations and enterprises against the stipulated criteria. The advisory council must complete the evaluation of the technology transfer results within 20 days from its establishment.

Based on the advisory council's opinions, within 15 days from receiving the evaluation results, the Ministry of Construction or the provincial People's Committee will decide on the selection of Vietnamese organizations and enterprises tasked with or commissioned to receive technology transfers for railway projects.

The specific stipulation of criteria, procedures, and authority for selecting organizations and enterprises for technology transfer in Decree 319 is identified as a step to concretize the special mechanisms and policies approved by the National Assembly, creating a unified legal basis for implementing key railway projects and national important projects in the future.

vneconomy-Dan Tien

Selling prices for SJC-branded gold bars in Vietnam hitting a historic high on December 13.

Selling prices for SJC-branded gold bars in Vietnam hit a historic high of VND156.3 million ($5,942) per tael on December 13 - the final trading session of last week.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

The price rose by VND700,000 ($26.6) per tale compared to the previous session.

Buying prices also climbed to a record high of VND154.4 million per tael.

Gold ring prices followed the upward trend, jumping VND1.6 million ($60.8) per tael to hit VND151.1 million ($5,752) per tael for buying and VND153.6 million per tael for selling.

On the global market, gold prices continued to edge up, rising 0.42% to $4,298 per ounce. At this rate, domestic prices remain approximately VND18.08million ($687) per tael higher than international levels.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

The two plants was invested in by Petrovietnam Power Corporation, with a total investment of around $1.4 billion and a combined capacity of 1,624 MW.

A ceremony marking the inauguration and commercial operation of the complex of Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power thermal plants in southern Dong Nai province was held on December 14, with the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The two plants, invested in by Petrovietnam Power Corporation, with a total investment of around $1.4 billion,  have a combined capacity of 1,624 MW and are expected to supply over 9 billion kWh annually.

The Prime Minister was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency hailed the complex  as a benchmark project, exemplifying Vietnam’s determination, expertise, and national stature.

The PM stressed that firmly ensuring national energy security is an integral component of national security and a strategic foundation, as well as an urgent requirement for the country’s rapid and sustainable development in the new context.

He noted that the energy sector has seen steady growth in recent years, largely ensuring energy security and supporting socio-economic development, national defense and security, while improving living standards. The Party, State and Government have vigorously and synchronously implemented strategic solutions and orientations for national energy development, from institutional reform and planning to inspection, supervision and execution.

The Government submitted the revised Law on Petroleum and the revised Electricity Law to the National Assembly for approval; issued decrees on economical and efficient energy use; approved the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII) and its revised version, as well as the National Energy Master Plan; and intensified inspection and coordination to resolve bottlenecks facing key energy infrastructure projects, including the 500kV circuit-3 power transmission line, the 500kV Lao Cai–Vinh Yen transmission line, the O Mon power centre, and the Thai Binh 2 and Song Hau thermal power plants.

The PM attributed the results to stronger Party leadership, effective State management, the leading role of State-owned groups such as the Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (Petrovietnam), close coordination among domestic and foreign enterprises, and the support of the people.

According to the PM, the Politburo’s Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW sets a vision for national energy security to 2045, targeting continuous 10% growth in the coming time, realizing the country’s centennial goals, and pursuing the diversified, balanced development of energy sources.

He emphasized that in the time ahead, Vietnam will priorities strategic breakthroughs, including high technology, semiconductors, large data centers, green transition, high-speed and urban railways, and digital transformation.

Supplying over 9 billion kWh annually, the commissioning of Vietnam’s first LNG power complex lays the foundation for the country’s gas-fired electricity market, and marks a major step toward a modern, flexible, and clean energy system, offering a stable power source and key advantages related to cost, scale, technology, capacity, and competitive price, the PM remarked.

He highlighted that the project demonstrates Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emission by 2050 as pledged at COP26, ensuring energy security while protecting the environment and natural resources; marks a fundamental shift toward a modern, sustainable, green energy model, cutting carbon emissions by 40% compared with coal-fired power plants and 30% compared with oil-fired power plants.

It serves as a transitional solution to maintain grid stability amid rising renewable energy use, and provides strategic infrastructure supporting the development of the southern key economic region, he added.

The project, implemented by Petrovietnam, highlights the key role of State-owned enterprises in ensuring energy security and sustainable development, while demonstrating their capacity for management, coordination, and risk governance, laying the foundation for Vietnam’s LNG power development, supports the PDP VIII, and strengthens the country’s deeper integration into the global LNG supply chain, the PM said.

Calling it a model project for its progress, quality, safety, environmental standards, and resettlement, PM Chinh commended all relevant agencies, localities and contractors for completing it on schedule and to high standards, and thanked local residents for their cooperation in land clearance and relocation.

The project’s success not only inspires momentum but also provides valuable lessons for future renewable energy projects, he stressed, urging Petrovietnam to continue asserting its role as a guiding national energy group, serving as a cornerstone for national energy security and advancing digital transformation, green growth, and energy transition strategies.

The PM said the success of the project sets a benchmark and provides momentum and confidence for future national energy infrastructure projects. He affirmed that it stands as a testament to Vietnam’s efforts in enhancing competitiveness and ensuring energy security in the nation’s journey toward prosperity, civilization, happiness.

The leader affirmed the Government’s commitment to removing obstacles for all stakeholders, creating favorable conditions for them to fully realize their potential and excel in their missions. He expressed his belief that Vietnam’s oil and gas sector will continue to grow and stand alongside leading global peers.

VNA-Khanh Van

This is the first digital cold bonded warehouse approved by Vietnam Customs for application, providing quick, convenient, and cost-saving bonded services on-site.

New Era Cold Storage Joint Stock Company (NECS) on December 12  officially put into operation the New Era Cold Storage project in southern Tay Ninh province.

This is one of the largest smart bonded warehouses in Southeast Asia, with a scale of up to 110,000 pallets, operating a multi-temperature range system from -22°C to -25°C.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Huynh Van Son, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh People's Committee, stated: "The establishment of large-scale warehouse infrastructure projects like the New Era Cold Storage is a crucial step. This is not only a storage facility but also a symbol of the vision to rise in the digital era, pioneering the application of automation technology and green solutions in the spirit of Resolution 52 of the Politburo."

Simultaneously, it gradually helps Tay Ninh to achieve its goal of becoming a regional and inter-provincial goods transshipment center, opening up strong development opportunities for Vietnam's agricultural exports through the province to ASEAN region  and the world.

"The difference of NECS in the market compared to other warehouses is the cooperation with banks to implement a financial support model for businesses (Collateralized Goods Management), allowing businesses to use their goods in the warehouse as collateral. The digital management system helps to make data transparent, directly connect with banks, and reduce risks, thereby speeding up disbursement and maintaining production, in line with green finance and agricultural finance orientation," NECS Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director Nguyen Hoang Hai stated.

This is the first digital cold bonded warehouse approved by Vietnam Customs for application, providing quick, convenient, and cost-saving bonded services on-site.

Additionally, NECS's new cold storage operates fully automatically in a deep-freeze environment, applying robots and smart shelving. The processes of booking, import-export, inventory management, temperature control, and batch tracking are all digitized on an integrated IoT and AI platform.

vneconomy-Thanh Thuy

Under Decree No. 317/2025/ND-CP, that amends and supplements certain provisions of Decree No. 97/2018/ND-CP, the re-lending of ODA loans and foreign concessional loans are regulated for public scientific and technological organizations, as well as financially autonomous public universities.

The Government on December 10 issued Decree No. 317/2025/ND-CP (Decree 317), amending and supplementing certain provisions of Decree No. 97/2018/NĐ-CP regarding the re-lending of ODA loans and foreign concessional loans.

The new decree introduces specific regulations for public scientific and technological organizations, as well as financially autonomous public universities, while clarifying the mechanisms for loan guarantees.

Currently, the re-lending of foreign loans by the Government does not specifically apply to "public scientific and technological organizations, financially autonomous public universities," but rather to public service units in general. Decree 317 regulates that public service units that are public scientific and technological organizations or public universities with investment projects in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, as outlined in the Politburo's Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024, and the Law on Science, Technology, and Innovation, are allowed to re-borrow 10% of ODA loans and concessional loans for these investment projects, provided they ensure regular and investment expenditures, according to public debt management laws.

Additionally, Decree 317 also stipulates that these entities are not required to provide loan guarantees, saying that  no loan guarantee is required if a public service unit, being a public scientific and technological organization or a public university, re-borrows foreign loans from the government under the provisions of Point d, Clause 2, Article 21 of this decree, and cannot provide loan guarantees with assets as per legal regulations.

In such cases, based on the proposal of the managing agency regarding the inability to provide loan guarantees with assets as per legal regulations and the appraisal opinion of the authorized re-lending agency, the Ministry of Finance will report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision on re-lending without requiring asset guarantees as stipulated in the decree. The managing agency is fully responsible before the law for the results of reviewing the inability to provide loan guarantees with assets as per legal regulations.

vneconomy-Tuan Khang

Business households and individuals with annual revenue of VND200 million (nearly $7,600) or less (previously VND500 million) will not be subject to value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax.

The Ministry of Finance's Department of Accounting and Auditing Management and Supervision has released a draft circular guiding accounting regimes for business households and individual businesses. This draft aims to address existing inadequacies in current regulations.

One significant change is that business households and individuals with annual revenue of VND200 million (nearly $7,600) or less (previously VND500 million) will not be subject to value-added tax (VAT) and personal income tax. Consequently, they will be exempt from maintaining accounting records. Instead, revenue recording will be done through detailed sales and service revenue books (form S1a-HKD).

For those with annual revenue between VND200 million and VND3 billion (nearly $114,000), who are subject to VAT and personal income tax based on a percentage of revenue, the draft requires the use of sales invoices and detailed sales and service revenue books (form S2a-HKD). Accounting records will be based on sales invoices.

The Ministry of Finance has stated that it will incorporate feedback to refine the draft, ensuring that business households not subject to VAT and personal income tax will not need to maintain accounting records. The draft will also clarify the accounting documents that business households can use, including invoices and other necessary documents to determine revenue according to tax laws.

The Vietnam Tax Consultants Association (VTCA) has proposed not to separate the accounting book models for business households at the two revenue thresholds. Instead, they suggest using one model for those using sales invoices and another for those using VAT invoices.

VTCA also encourages business households with revenue under VND200 million to voluntarily use sales invoices, which can then be used for accounting records. They highlight that revenue for non-taxable groups can change and exceed thresholds at any time, making it unnecessary to change book models when transitioning to taxable status.

The draft circular aims to simplify procedures, save time, and reduce costs for small business households with low revenue by allowing them to declare revenue instead of maintaining accounting records.

Vneconomy-Mai Nhi

The event, running from December 12-14, is expected to attract more than 60,000 participants both in person and online, with the participation of over 20 corporations, 50 investment funds, more than 100 supporting organizations and incubators, and delegates from Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of TechFest Vietnam 2025 in Hanoi on December 13 evening, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Vietnam will become an attractive destination for technology talent and innovative startup communities from the region and around the world, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The National Innovation Startup Festival 2025 (TechFest Vietnam 2025), themed "Nationwide Innovation and Entrepreneurship - The New Growth Engine," is jointly organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Hanoi People’s Committee.

The PM acknowledged and commended ministries, sectors, and localities, especially the Ministry of Science and Technology, the capital city of Hanoi, the TechFest Organizing Committee, as well as experts, scientists, the business community, and domestic and international organizations, for their great efforts and significant contributions to the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem and the promotion of national digital transformation, thereby making an important contribution to the country’s overall achievements. He stressed that in recent years, the Party and the State have consistently paid close attention to and issued numerous guidelines, mechanisms, and policies to promote startups, innovation, and national digital transformation. The Politburo has promulgated a series of strategic resolutions across various fields, including Resolutions No. 57, 59, 66, 68, 70, 71, and 72, which identify science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key breakthroughs. The Government has issued action programs to implement these strategic resolutions, aiming to build a startup and innovation-driven nation based on advanced technologies, an open institutional framework, seamless infrastructure, and smart governance and human resources; and to develop an independent, self-reliant economy with deep, substantive, and effective international integration, he added. As a result, Vietnam’s Global Innovation Index (GII) ranking improved from 71st out of 132 countries in 2010 to 44th out of 133 countries in 2025. Digital platforms have been developing strongly, with 3G/4G coverage reaching nearly 95% of the population and 5G currently being rolled out. The United Nations ranked Vietnam 71st out of 193 countries in the E-Government Development Index in 2024, an increase of 15 places compared to 2022. However, the cabinet leader noted that despite encouraging initial results, due to a later starting point, Vietnam’s startup and innovation ecosystem still lags behind those of the region and the world and has yet to fully match the potential, intelligence, and capabilities of the Vietnamese people. With the overarching goal of improving productivity, quality, efficiency, and national competitiveness, transforming Vietnam into a startup and innovation-driven nation, PM Chinh called on ministries, sectors, and localities, particularly the Ministry of Science and Technology as the core agency, to proactively improve institutions and policies, remove barriers for new business and technology models, accept risks and challenges during the piloting and deployment of new models, and establish synchronized, open, and transparent risk management and supervision mechanisms. Resources should also be concentrated on investing in technological infrastructure, innovation centers, shared digital infrastructure, and the synchronous operation of platforms supporting enterprises in accounting, taxation, human resource management, and finance. He highlighted several breakthrough tasks, including accelerating digital transformation so that 100% of administrative procedures serving citizens and businesses are carried out in the digital environment, independent of administrative boundaries, toward a paperless administration; and developing virtual assistants for agencies and units. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for establishing credit guarantee mechanisms and specialized lending for innovative startup projects based on technology and intellectual property; developing national, local, state-owned, private, academic, and public-private partnership venture capital funds; and effectively operating a dedicated stock exchange for innovative startups. He requested the Ministry of Science and Technology to urgently finalize and submit the National Strategy on Innovative Startups within December 2025. Hanoi was asked to continue providing strong support and favorable conditions for startup and innovation development, so that the “heart of the nation” becomes a hub for nurturing new ideas, solutions, and inventions, and a solid platform for enterprises to grow and expand regionally and globally. Research institutes, universities, science and technology organizations, and enterprises should promote startup education from general education to postgraduate levels; build in-depth training systems in STEM, innovation, and technology management; and develop open laboratories, creative spaces, and centers supporting the commercialization of research outcomes, PM Chinh said. At the same time, cooperation among the State, schools, scientists, and investors should be strengthened to boost research, technology transfer, and the early application of research results in practice, he noted.

For businesses and investors, the PM stressed the need to fully play their role as the centre of innovation; proactively invest in new technologies and models; participate in incubating and accelerating startups; form leading enterprise ecosystems, particularly in strategic technology fields; expand cooperation with domestic and foreign investment funds; and actively contribute to the development of the national venture capital market in phases. The public, especially the younger generation, was encouraged to strongly promote the entrepreneurial spirit - daring to think, daring to act, and daring to accept risks and learn from failure as valuable lessons; foster a culture of innovation throughout society; and proactively equip themselves with technological knowledge and digital transformation skills. The Government leader requested TechFest in the coming years continue to undergo strong innovation, elevate itself to regional and international levels, and deepen connections with domestic and international ecosystems. It should become a platform to attract international resources, investment funds, experts, and technology corporations; promote negotiations and the signing of investment agreements with technologically advanced countries; and build and effectively operate startup centers, creating conditions for Vietnamese startups to participate, pilot, and expand in the global market. At the event, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Duy Ngoc presented the insignia honoring the achievements of three outstanding teams at the Data for Life Hackathon 2025. Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security and head of the competition’s Steering Committee, also gave vouchers granting access to the Innovation Centre to the teams. Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung presented the certificates of merit to 10 exemplary localities in developing innovation startup ecosystems in 2025. They are Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hung Yen, Quang Ninh, Can Tho, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Khanh Hoa, and Hue. The largest in scale to date, TechFest Vietnam 2025, held from December 12 to 14, is expected to attract more than 60,000 participants both in person and online, with the participation of over 20 corporations, 50 investment funds, more than 100 supporting organizations and incubators, and delegates from Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North America, and Europe. A notable highlight of this year’s event is the transformation from a “conference hall event” to an “open-space event,” enabling the public, startups, investors, and academic institutions to interact directly throughout the Hoan Kiem Lake Pedestrian Zone. Dialogues and seminars are held in open exchange areas, while technology experiences are enhanced through hands-on interactive points. Within the framework of TechFest Vietnam 2025, a national policy forum on international cooperation in investment for innovative startups was held, drawing more than 100 international experts discussing emerging trends in venture capital investment, technology commercialization, human resource development, and public-private partnership models. TechFest also features a series of more than 20 international conferences and specialized seminars on AI, data, fintech, green technology, sports technology, the circular economy, and open innovation, along with an exhibition space allowing the public to directly experience AI, IoT, robotics, new materials, and pioneering technological solutions.

VNA-Khanh Van

Vietnam's electronics industry must undertake a green transformation to secure its place in the global supply chain.

Amid complex global geopolitical tensions, from trade disputes between major powers to regional conflicts, the global supply chain faces serious disruption and Vietnam, as a key electronics manufacturing hub, is not immune.

To maintain their position in the global supply chain, Vietnamese electronics companies must pursue green transformation, from production models to the adoption of energy-saving technologies and the establishment of transparent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) management systems to enhance their competitiveness and achieve long-term sustainable growth.

Pressure from green shift

At the recent “Electronics transformation under geopolitical pressure: Developing green and sustainable supply chains” seminar, organized jointly by the Vietnam Electronic Industries Association (VEIA), Vinexad, and Green In, Ms. Do Thi Thuy Huong, Vice President of the Vietnam Association of Supporting Industries (VASI) and Member of the VEIA Executive Committee, underscored that major export markets, including the EU, the US, and Japan, are tightening their green standards.

She pointed to key regulations, from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to net-zero commitments made by global giants such as Apple, Samsung, and Intel. “Without undertaking a green transformation, Vietnamese electronics companies risk being excluded from the global supply chain,” she warned. “Companies must act immediately to transform their production models, from adopting energy-saving technologies to building transparent ESG management systems, to stay competitive and sustainable.”

Ms. Nguy Thi Giang, Chairwoman and CEO of Green In, also noted that companies are now confronting increasingly stringent international green standards. One example is the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) ecolabel, managed by the Global Electronics Council (GEC). Applied globally across electronics like computers, monitors, TVs, and mobile phones, EPEAT encourages manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions, design energy-efficient products, extend product lifespans, and improve recycling across the supply chain.

Electrical and electronic exports to Europe must also comply with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) standards, which prevent toxic chemicals from polluting the environment and protect workers during manufacturing and recycling. Meanwhile, the EU’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive focuses on reducing electronic waste through reuse and recycling. European standards (EN standards) also set product-specific requirements, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance with energy and eco-design benchmarks.

A major upcoming requirement is the Digital Product Passport (DPP) under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). From 2026 to 2030, many products sold in the EU, including electronics, will need a DPP attached as an NFC chip, QR code, or RFID card, linked to a cloud-based passport system for full global traceability.

Domestically, the Vietnamese Government is signaling that the green transformation represents the “new rules of the game” in global trade. Economic growth is expected to align with green development, circular economy principles, resource efficiency, emission reductions, and environmental protection, creating strong incentives for companies to invest in research and development (RD) - the backbone of sustainable transformation.

Driven by tech giants

According to Dr. Bui Thanh Minh, Deputy Director of the Office of the Research and Development Board for the Private Economic Sector (Board IV), several international models of successful green transformation can serve as references for Vietnamese electronics companies.

Samsung Electronics has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions across the entire group by 2050. Notably, its Device eXperience Division, which includes consumer electronics, aims to reach net-zero earlier, by 2030. The company is committed to a phased transition to renewable energy for its Device eXperience Division as well as overseas manufacturing sites. Samsung also targets an average reduction of 30 per cent in energy consumption for its key product lines by 2030.

To achieve these goals, Samsung has implemented programs to reduce emissions in operations and manufacturing, including controlling emissions during production. The company has focused on the circular economy and recycling initiatives, implements internationally-certified environmental management systems, and publishes annual sustainability reports with climate, energy, and material indicators. It also offers solutions to help customers reduce emissions in information technology (IT) infrastructure operations.

Sony, meanwhile, through its global “Road to Zero” plan, aims for a zero environmental footprint across the entire product lifecycle and operations by 2050. The plan breaks down goals into four environmental dimensions and six lifecycle stages, with periodic updates.

Panasonic aims to achieve a cumulative “emission reductions impact” of at least 300 million tons of CO₂ by 2050 through three layers of impact: within its own value chain, across the extended value chain, and via technologies that help society avoid emissions. By 2030, the company targets internal net-zero emissions and a 110-million-ton reduction across its value chain.

For its part, Apple plans to achieve deep emission reductions across the full product lifecycle by 2030, build a supplier network powered by tens of GW of renewable energy, and significantly increase the use of recycled materials in critical components such as rare earths, aluminum, lithium, tungsten, gold, and cobalt.

Intel has established a focused action framework called “People-Sustainability-Technology”, integrating emission reduction, sustainable water use, and improved product energy efficiency to cut value chain emissions. Its 2030 goals emphasize enhancing computing platform energy efficiency to reduce indirect emissions from customers.

Dell has set a ten-year roadmap with four pillars: driving sustainability, fostering inclusion, transforming lives, and upholding ethics and privacy. The company emphasizes measurement systems, goal setting, and regular progress reporting.

And HP has integrated sustainability into the design, packaging, and energy use of printers and computers, publishing a “Sustainable Impact Report” alongside policies on environmental management, responsible supply chains and minerals, and eco-labeling for enterprise customers.

“The use of ESG labels is gradually declining,” Mr. Minh noted. “Instead, electronics companies are shifting towards a more substantive approach through measurable actions and specific initiatives.”

Key steps

During its green transformation process, Mr. Minh emphasized that Vietnam’s electronics industry still faces significant challenges. Ninety-five per cent of the sector’s export value comes from FDI, while domestic content accounts for only 5-10 per cent. Some 2,000 companies operate in the electronics industry, representing 54.8 per cent of all businesses in the sector, but most are of small and medium-size.

For a successful green transformation, Mr. Minh outlined three key recommendations for electronics companies. First, on emissions tracking and carbon management, companies need a comprehensive system covering all three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions, set reduction targets, and implement regular monitoring.

Second, regarding green technology and renewable energy, the goal is to reduce electricity and water consumption, minimize waste and emissions, and increase renewable energy use. Achieving this requires replacing high-energy equipment with high-efficiency alternatives, optimizing processes, adopting cleaner production, electrifying operations where possible, deploying rooftop solar or purchasing renewable energy certificates, investing in waste treatment (especially e-waste), and installing real-time emissions and wastewater monitoring systems.

Third, on digital transformation for transparency and traceability, companies should digitize operations to optimize resources, enhance traceability, and meet market data requirements. This includes implementing enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) systems, building supply chain databases, deploying customer relationship management (CRM) systems linking component origins, and using industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and big data analytics to monitor electricity, water, and emissions in real time. Businesses should also prepare data infrastructure for machine-readable sustainability reporting.

Financing, however, remains the biggest hurdle. Mr. Minh stressed the need for green credit policies, tax incentives, and technical support to help companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, participate sustainably in the global supply chain.

VET-Ngoc Lan

Vietnam possesses ideal natural conditions for passion fruit, particularly in the Central Highlands, where the plant has a short growth cycle of just 4–5 months and achieves high yields.

Vietnam's passion fruit exports are experiencing a breakout, skyrocketing from $20 million in 2015 to $222.5 million in 2023, and reaching over $202 million in just the first 10 months of 2025. Full-year exports for 2025 are projected to set a record high of $240–250 million.

These impressive figures underscore the sector's vast potential while highlighting the need for sustainable, systematic development based on value chain linkages.

This information was shared at the "Sustainable Development of the Passion Fruit Industry via Value Chains" forum held on December 12 in Gia Lai province, attended by numerous management agencies, industry experts, and major enterprises.

Mr. To Van Huan, a representative from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment's Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection, stated that the Central Highlands is currently the country's largest passion fruit production hub, accounting for 86.4% of the total area and 92.5% of the output in 2024. Northern provinces account for approximately 12.5% of the farming area. Vietnam has approved the commercial circulation of 43 passion fruit varieties to serve growing production and export demands.

Vietnam possesses ideal natural conditions for passion fruit, particularly in the Central Highlands, where the plant has a short growth cycle of just 4–5 months and achieves high yields. Currently, over 80% of output is used for processing and fresh consumption, significantly helping to expand export markets.

However, the industry still faces numerous challenges, including inconsistent management of disease-free seedlings, fragmented small-scale production, non-uniform farming techniques, weak value chain linkages, and preservation and deep-processing technologies that have not yet kept pace with demand. Meanwhile, technical barriers and quarantine requirements in import markets are becoming increasingly stringent.

In light of this reality, Mr. Huan proposed that localities review their land areas to establish concentrated production zones integrated with infrastructure and processing facilities, while controlling unplanned expansion. He emphasized encouraging cooperatives to link with enterprises through contracts and ensuring origin traceability.

Simultaneously, the industry must prioritize disease-free seedlings, standardized farming techniques, pest forecasting, and staggered harvesting seasons to stabilize supply. Expanding markets, removing quarantine barriers, and enhancing the brand value of Vietnamese passion fruit are also key factors.

Mr. Doan Ngoc Co, Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the commencement of official passion fruit exports to China in July 2022 created a significant boost, clearly increasing value across the entire chain. Many enterprises have linked with cooperatives and farmers to form closed-loop production-processing-consumption chains, meeting requirements for planting area codes, packaging standards, and deep processing.

However, Gia Lai specifically, and the passion fruit industry in general, still struggle with climate change, fragmented cultivation areas, and uneven seedling quality. Major markets such as the EU, the US, Japan, and China all demand very high standards regarding food safety, plant quarantine, and production protocols. Consequently, many export orders currently cannot be fulfilled—not due to a lack of volume, but due to a lack of products meeting GlobalGAP or the specific technical standards required by import markets.

To address these issues, Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Plant Protection Institute, recommended the urgent development of a standard set for disease-free passion fruit seedlings, tighter management of commercial seedlings, and the application of a three-tier net house model in seedling production. Furthermore, large-scale raw material zones must be established with uniform varieties and technical processes, subject to regular monitoring and pest warnings by the Plant Protection Institute.

Developing farming models that achieve VietGAP and GlobalGAP certification is seen as a crucial solution to enhance quality and meet export requirements.

Mr. Ho Hai Quan, Director of Nafoods Tay Nguyen JSC, noted that global consumer trends are shifting toward natural products that undergo minimal chemical treatment, are nutrient-rich, and beneficial to health. This presents a major opportunity for Vietnamese passion fruit to expand its market share, particularly in the beverage and processing sectors.

According to Mr. Quan, sustainable supply chain linkages between farmers, cooperatives, processing enterprises, suppliers, and distributors are the deciding factor. These linkages must be based on clear offtake contracts that share both benefits and risks, while strictly adhering to technical standards and origin traceability.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

Vietnam's share of phone-related exports has seen a notable jump from almost zero in less than 15 years, according to the bank.

Vietnam has made progress in climbing up the tech value chain and elevated its importance in final electronics assembly, specializing in finished consumer electronics, the Government News quoted  HSBC  report “Vietnam at a glance,” released on December 12, as reporting.

Thanks to Samsung's consistent investment as early as 2007, the nation has been transformed into a major manufacturing centre, producing half of Samsung's smartphones, HSBC said.

Vietnam’s share of phone-related exports has seen a notable jump from almost zero in less than 15 years, though it has seen some recent moderation, it added.

Besides consumer electronics, Vietnam is also becoming increasingly important in producing processor ICs – a higher value-add segment than just electronics assembly. This is almost entirely thanks to investment from Intel, which produces 90 percent of global processor chips, according to the bank.

It noted that in 2013, 60 per cent of Vietnam's goods exports to the U.S. were in light manufacturing sectors, like textile, footwear and toy products. Back then, electronics products only accounted for a marginal 13 per cent.

However, the trend has shifted rather swiftly and electronics exports have seen an exponential surge. Since the beginning of 2025, electronics products have exceeded light manufacturing to be the top exports to the U.S. market, HSBC remarked.

According to the bank, while most regional peers have seen notable moderation in their exports to the U.S., Vietnam's export growth remains close to 30 per cent year-on-year on a 3-month-moving-average basis.

During January-November, the U.S. remained the biggest importer of Vietnamese goods with $138.6 billion, reported the National Statistics Office.

In October alone, the country's total export turnover reached $42.05 billion, up 17.5 per cent year-on-year, driven by strong growth in key sectors such as electronics and computers (up 47.9 per cent), phones (4.7 per cent), machinery (12.2 per cent), and transport equipment and parts (13.5 per cent).

By the end of October, cumulative exports in the electronics sector reached $136 billion, setting a record since the industry began exporting. With nearly 50 per cent year-on-year growth, the electronics, computers, and components industry has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of Vietnam's exports.

VGP-Khanh Van

Amid issues of varying concern, Vietnam’s real estate market still boasts potential for growth over the medium and long term.

Figures from the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance (MoF) reveal that the construction and real estate sectors have contributed an average of around 10 per cent of Vietnam’s GDP over recent years, which is only about half the regional average. Real estate assets, meanwhile, currently account for some 21 per cent of total economic assets; well below the 35 per cent typical in developed economies. The figures, according to the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), underscore the sector’s significant untapped potential for medium and long-term growth.

Overheated market

In its latest report, VARS noted that Vietnam’s real estate market is increasingly asserting its vital role in the economy, drawing growing attention from the public, investors, and policymakers alike. However, VARS also highlighted persistent weaknesses in the country’s real estate market, warning of unsustainable growth and a potential housing bubble as prices soar far beyond real incomes.

Most new supply targets high-end, investment-oriented projects, including speculative buyers. Even in suburban areas once expected to offer affordable options, prices remain far above average incomes and are only “relatively lower” than in city centers. Meanwhile, the strongest demand lies in the affordable segment. “This imbalance has driven apartment prices in major cities sharply higher, setting new benchmarks that outpace income growth and further erode home ownership opportunities,” the VARS report noted.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Chairman of VARS, illustrated the affordability challenge: “For a two-bedroom urban apartment priced at VND5 billion ($192,000), a household earning VND50 million ($1,920) a month would need eight years to buy it if they saved all of their income, or 25 years if they set aside no more than one-third on housing.” He added that surging property values mainly enrich existing asset holders, while most people feel poorer as housing costs rise faster than wages. Without timely intervention, VARS warned, this wealth gap could solidify across generations, posing risks to social welfare, urbanization, and sustainable growth.

To cool the market while supporting healthy development, VARS proposed several measures.

First, accelerate the rollout of new legal frameworks and strengthen local enforcement, giving localities more flexibility to tailor policies and efficiently address site clearance bottlenecks while safeguarding residents’ rights.

Second, diversify capital sources to reduce dependence on bank credit by restructuring the corporate bond market and developing national housing funds and real estate investment trusts (REITs).

Third, prioritize affordable and social housing in urban planning, linking development with transport infrastructure such as metro lines, ring roads, and expressways, and building a professional rental market to ease pressure on home ownership.

Fourth, establish early-warning systems and market monitoring tools to detect speculation, supply-demand imbalances, and abnormal price surges, enabling regulators to intervene proactively.

Fifth, develop a unified, transparent national database on land, housing, and real estate transactions to improve policymaking, enhance transparency, and curb speculation and manipulation.

Towards a fairer housing landscape

The Ministry of Construction (MoC) said that, in recent years, Vietnam’s real estate sector, especially in major cities and rapidly-urbanizing areas, has exhibited signs of instability, undermining housing affordability and healthy market development.

Meanwhile, regulatory tools such as taxes, credit policies, land use planning, and State land pricing remain fragmented and ineffective, falling behind market dynamics. As a result, many Vietnamese, particularly young people, workers, and public servants, are finding it increasingly difficult to buy a home.

To address these issues, the MoC is working with other agencies to propose several key actions to the government. These include reviewing and updating housing and real estate regulations to remove bottlenecks; urging localities and developers to accelerate social housing construction to meet the target of 1 million units by 2030; and revising Decree No. 94/2024/ND-CP to establish a unified national housing and real estate database.

The Ministry is also considering a pilot model for State-run “real estate and land use rights trading centers” to increase transparency, and is coordinating with the MoF to finalize the legal framework for a national housing fund.

On November 10, the MoC reported to the Prime Minister on a draft government resolution designed to control and cool property prices. The resolution would create a legal framework to gradually bring housing prices closer to real income levels, especially for low and middle-income groups, while making the market more transparent and limiting speculation and price manipulation. It would also ensure greater policy consistency across land, investment, credit, taxation, and developer selection.

A key measure will be to cap developer profit margins in the affordable segment to help lower costs, expand supply, and correct market imbalances. The goal is to make commercial housing more accessible, stabilize prices, and strengthen social welfare and macro-economic stability.

Building the foundations

Despite the existing challenges, industry insiders remain optimistic about the long-term outlook. According to Mr. Neil MacGregor, Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, the market will be shaped by three key forces over the next decade: a more transparent and stable legal framework; stronger FDI inflows driven by faster approval processes; and rapid infrastructure growth unlocking suburban markets and boosting both affordable housing and logistics development.

“Today, the key foundations for Vietnam’s real estate growth have been established,” he said. “The new Land Law, Law on Housing, and Law on Real Estate Business together create a solid legal framework for healthier, more sustainable development. This will allow regulators to accelerate project approvals, ease supply pressures, and bring more products to the market, which is a crucial step towards stable growth, controlled price increases, and long-term housing sustainability.”

He added that Vietnam’s stable economic outlook, coupled with rapid, coordinated infrastructure investment, will further drive real estate growth. “Emerging trends such as smart urban development, AI integration in property technology, and sustainable construction are reshaping the landscape,” he explained. “Affordable housing will also remain a central focus, supported by stronger public-private partnerships and more comprehensive development strategies.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Troy Griffiths, Deputy Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, believes Vietnam enjoys a rare combination of strong growth, a young population, policy reforms, and large-scale infrastructure investment. “These will form the basis for a decade of sustainable growth in which real estate continues to play a pivotal role,” he said.

He also noted that overall FDI in the third quarter maintained steady and higher-quality growth and FDI in real estate remained quite positive. Notably, Hanoi attracted $3.5 billion in foreign investment, with more than $3.1 billion directed to real estate; clear evidence of strong investor confidence. Alongside this, $49 billion in infrastructure investment is being rolled out, including the North-South Expressway, the Long Thanh International Airport, new ring roads, and LNG projects. Once completed, this network will reshape Vietnam’s urban map, connecting new growth hubs and expanding development into emerging cities. With rapid urbanization, satellite cities will become the next frontier of real estate development.

Mr. Dinh added that despite the short-term challenges, the long-term outlook remains highly promising thanks to strong real housing demand and rapid urbanization. As the economy grows, segments such as residential, industrial, office, and retail real estate are expected to maintain steady demand.

VET-Phan Duong

Experts stressed the need to establish "green, international, and digital" standards for the zone.

Three critical messages and three essential requirements for developing a free trade zone sustainably in the northern city of Hai Phong have been outlined by experts and participants at a conference on investment potential and opportunities in Hai Phong under the theme: “Hai Phong Free Trade Zone – Destination of a New Era,”  held on December 11.

The conference was jointly held in Hai Phong by the City People's Committee and the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, in coordination with the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Finance).

This is the first free trade zone model in Northern Vietnam, covering a total area of 6,292 ha, and developed based on successful international experiences combined with Hai Phong’s unique advantages and local realities.

Specifically, experts emphasized that Hai Phong must transition from "industrialization" to "commercial and logistics internationalization."

The Free Trade Zone is envisioned to become an integral part of overall institutional reform and the national commercial infrastructure. Furthermore, the zone must demonstrate its capacity to lead the entire Northern Coastal region and the Lang Son - Hanoi - Hai Phong economic corridor, according to experts.

Regarding the requirements for development, they stressed the need to establish "green, international, and digital" standards for the zone. It is essential to ensure requirements for clean energy, modern logistics, and sustainable trade are met.

Additionally, there is a strong call to strengthen cooperation to develop high-tech clusters, electronic components, and material production, fostering a seamless connection between seaports, logistics, and supporting industries.

Representing the foreign business community, Mr. Bruno Jaspaert, Chairman of EuroCham Vietnam and CEO of DEEP C Industrial Zones, stated that Hai Phong possesses core advantages that allow it to pioneer a new-generation Free Trade model.

He cited the city’s deep-water ports, highway and railway connections to Europe and China, and integration with global supply chains. He noted that current investors have already contributed $28 billion and expressed their readiness to expand operations if the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone applies standards that are harmonized with the rules and norms of the European Union.

The city has strategically calculated the layout, arranging the zone across three non-contiguous locations that are closely linked to two dynamic economic hubs: the Dinh Vu - Cat Hai Economic Zone and the Southern Hai Phong Coastal Economic Zone.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Tú

Blueberries have become the seventh Australian fruit permitted for import into Vietnam, joining grapes, oranges, mandarins, cherries, peaches, and nectarines.

Australian blueberries have officially been cleared for import into Vietnam, following the recent entry of Vietnamese pomelos into the Australian market. This development marks a significant step forward in the flow of agricultural trade between the two nations.

An event welcoming the official presence of Australian blueberries in the Vietnamese market took place in HCM City on December 10, following a similar launch ceremony previously held in Hanoi.

Organized by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) on behalf of Berries Australia, the event marked a key milestone in agricultural trade relations between the two countries, while reaffirming the strong momentum of bilateral cooperation in the agricultural sector.

At the event, leading Australian growers and exporters showcased their production standards, quality control processes, and modern technologies. A highlight was the new-generation automated sorting system, designed to ensure that every blueberry meets high standards of uniformity, safety, and premium quality.

“Vietnam continues to be one of the most dynamic and high-potential markets for Australia's premium fresh agricultural products. Vietnamese consumers are increasingly interested in high-quality and nutritious food,” said Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner to Vietnam and Cambodia, Ms. Emma McDonald.

Prior to the licensing of Australian blueberries, the Vietnamese market primarily consumed blueberries imported from the United States and New Zealand.

In October 2025, Vietnam’s agricultural authorities collaborated with the Australian Embassy in Vietnam to announce the mutual market opening for two fruit varieties: Vietnamese pomelos for export to Australia and Australian blueberries for export to Vietnam.

To date, pomelo is the sixth Vietnamese fruit approved for export to Australia, following dragon fruit, lychee, longan, mango, and passion fruit. Conversely, blueberries have become the seventh Australian fruit permitted for import into Vietnam, joining grapes, oranges, mandarins, cherries, peaches, and nectarines.

Vneconomy-Bích Hằng

With the digital platform, the civil judgment execution process now operates entirely within a digital, modern, and transparent environment.

The Ministry of Justice on December 12 officially activated the Digital Platform for Civil Judgment Execution and the Intelligent Operation and Monitoring Center (IOC) for the Civil Judgment Execution System.

With the digital platform, the civil judgment execution process now operates entirely within a digital, modern, and transparent environment.

This is considered the ministry's largest digital transformation platform to date. It has been deployed nationwide, covering the ministry's Department of Civil Judgment Execution, 34 provincial and municipal civil judgment execution departments, and 355 regional civil judgment execution offices. The system serves over 6,800 users, including civil servants ranging from leadership and enforcers to professional staff.

The platform acts as a comprehensive solution, seamlessly digitizing the entire civil judgment execution process. It integrates and interconnects all professional workflows, databases, and digital services, delivering breakthrough benefits.

The platform enables the handling of procedures independent of administrative boundaries and geographic distance. It helps reduce the burden of statistical reporting while effectively serving management and decision-making. Notable among the digital technologies utilized is AI, which assists in automating data extraction, task assignment, and progress monitoring.

Citizens can also easily interact with the system, look up case files, and receive notifications via QR codes and VNeID within digital environments.

Furthermore, the platform establishes a "correct, sufficient, clean, and live" database that is unified and shared. It seamlessly connects civil judgment execution agencies with the Courts, Police, National Population Database, banks, postal services, and various relevant ministries and sectors.

Vneconomy-Đỗ Mến

HSBC recently upgraded 2025 and 2026 growth forecast for Vietnam to 7.9 per cent and 6.7 per cent, respectively, the highest in ASEAN.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast for Vietnam to 7.4 per cent, up from 6.7 per cent, according to a report from the Government News.

The Government News quoted the latest Asian Development Outlook as reporting that  ADB upgrades growth forecast for developing economies in Asia and the Pacific by 0.3 percentage points to 5.1 per cent.

The regional upgrade comes as exports outperform expectations and trade uncertainty eases following the conclusion of several trade agreements with the U.S..

The ADB report highlights that robust exports—especially of semiconductors and other technology products—together with cooling inflation and stable financial conditions, have strengthened the region's overall growth prospects.

Developing Asia is now expected to expand 5.1 per cent in 2025, higher than the 4.8 per cent projected in September, while the 2026 outlook has been nudged up to 4.6 per cent.

"Asia and the Pacific's solid economic fundamentals are underpinning robust export performance and steady growth, despite a global trade environment clouded by historic levels of uncertainty over the past year," said ADB Chief Economist Albert Park, as quoted by the Government News.

He noted that although new trade agreements have helped ease some uncertainty, "external and other challenges could still weigh on the outlook." The chief economist called on governments across the region to continue fostering open trade and investment to sustain growth momentum.

ADB cautioned that risks to the region include renewed trade tensions, financial market volatility, geopolitical strains, and the possibility of a deeper-than-expected downturn in China's property sector.

HSBC recently upgraded 2025 and 2026 growth forecast for Vietnam to 7.9 per cent and 6.7 per cent, respectively, the highest in ASEAN. UOB raised Vietnam's growth forecast to 7.7 per cent in 2025, while Standard Chartered predicted that the Vietnamese GDP growth would accelerate to 7.5 per cent in 2025 and 7.2 per cent in 2026.

VGP-Khanh Van

The central city's total GRDP size is projected to exceed VND367 trillion ($13.9 billion).

Central Da Nang city has set a target of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth rate at least at 11% for 2026, according to local authorities.

Its total GRDP size is projected to exceed VND367 trillion ($13.9 billion), with GRDP per capita reaching between $4,900 and $5,000. By 2030, the city aims to raise the GRDP size to more than VND720 trillion and GRDP per capita to $8,500.

The targets are based on expected annual growth rate of 11.5–12.5% in the service sector and 12.5–13.5% in the industrial and construction sector, said Mr. Nguyen Duc Dung, Chairman of the municipal People’s Council.

Da Nang also plans to strongly develop the private sector, targeting an average growth rate at 11.5–12%, while increasing the contribution of total factor productivity (TFP) to more than 55% of economic growth. The digital economy is expected to account for 35–40% of the city’s GRDP.

The city posted an annual average GRDP growth rate at 5.8% in the 2021-2025 period. The current GRDP size  is estimated at over VND316 trillion.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn