The facility able to handle ships of up to 45,000 DWT and container ship of 4,000 TEUs.

The Wharf No.3 of Vung Ang port in central Ha Tinh province has been put into operation recently with the capacity of handling ships of up to 45,000 DWT and container ship of 4,000 TEUs, according to the Ministry of Construction’s Department of Maritime and Inland Waterway Administration.

The wharf, invested by the Lao-Viet International Port JSC, has a total length of 225m. It serves the import and export activities, and boost trade exchanges between Vietnam and Laos, as well as the northeastern region of Thailand.

Its construction started in 2015 with an estimated investment capital of nearly VND1 trillion ($38 million).

The project is expected to help increase total cargo volume handled by Vung Ang port to 5-7 million tons per year.

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

These efforts seek to ensure successful implementation of Vietnam's Law on Protection of Consumer Rights.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s National Competition Commission, and the British Embassy in Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 25 focused on enhancing consumer protection collaboration.

Accordingly, the United Kingdom will partner with Vietnam to conduct research aimed at identifying the most effective communication methods for disseminating information related to product recalls, defective goods, and product safety.

The research will also outline strategies for consumer protection enforcement agencies to engage effectively with manufacturers, businesses, consumers, and other relevant organizations. These efforts seek to ensure  successful implementation of Vietnam's Law on Protection of Consumer Rights.

The UK's Office for Product Safety and Standards will provide training and capacity-building initiatives, sharing best practices and valuable lessons through courses, survey programs, and practical experience exchanges. These activities aim to support Vietnam in developing robust consumer protection measures and ensuring transparency in both traditional markets and e-commerce platforms.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang highlighted the significance of the MoU, describing it as a milestone in the bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the UK.

She also underscored Vietnam's continuous efforts to enhance its legal framework, improve enforcement capabilities, and expand international collaboration to foster a safe, transparent, and sustainable consumer environment.

This partnership is part of the UK-ASEAN Economic Integration Program (EIP), which aims to promote economic reform and sustainable development across the region. The MOU will remain in effect until March 2028.

-Vũ Khuê

The project is designed to treat domestic waste in Con Dao District while recycling select materials to enhance environmental protection..

Southern Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province is inviting investors to participate in the Con Dao Waste Treatment Plant project, aimed at addressing domestic waste management, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable development in the island district.

The Con Dao Waste Treatment Plant project has received in-principle approval from the Provincial People’s Committee under Decision No. 3319/QD-UBND dated December 26, 2022, with amendments introduced under Decision No. 373/QD-UBND dated February 17, 2025.

The project is designed to treat domestic waste in Con Dao District while recycling select materials to enhance environmental protection.

It seeks to create a clean environment conducive to waste management and attract investment from domestic and international organizations and businesses.

Located in the Ben Dam area, the project site spans approximately 1.92 ha. Waste treatment capacity is planned to expand in phases: around 36 tons per day  by 2030,  and 50 tons per day by 2040, and then 66.23 tons per day by 2045.

The total investment capital for the project exceeds VND78 billion ($3 million).

-Thanh Thủy

The second key driving force identified by 62.2% of surveyed businesses is the improved legal framework.

Recent survey findings by Vietnam Report indicate that 73.3% of real estate businesses believe the primary factor shaping the development of the real estate industry in 2025 will be the recovery speed of the economy.

Following the challenging period of 2022-2023, characterized by high inflation, elevated interest rates, and tightened credit, Vietnam's economy began recovering in 2024 with a growth rate of 7.09%. Looking ahead, the Government aims to achieve 8% growth in 2025 and is targeting double-digit growth in the subsequent years.

The second key driving force identified by 62.2% of surveyed businesses is the improved legal framework. Efforts to address legal obstacles have led to amendments to three critical laws—the Law on Housing, the Law on Real Estate Business, and the Land Law.

These reforms, which were implemented ahead of schedule in August 2024, mark a significant turning point for the real estate market and are expected to create a more favorable environment for investment and development.

Another major factor driving the real estate industry is increased public investment and infrastructure development in 2025.

Aligned with the Government's economic growth targets, a record public investment budget of VND878.3 trillion (nearly $34.3 billion) has been allocated for key infrastructure projects. These include the North-South Expressway, Long Thanh Airport, ring road systems, and metro lines in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Additionally, plans for transformative projects such as nuclear power plants and the North-South high-speed railway are in the pipeline, signaling robust potential for the real estate sector.

-Phan Nam

Spanning an area of over 85,000 sq.m, the total investment for the project amounts to VND236 billion ($9.2 million).

A groundbreaking ceremony for the VSICO Quang Tri Dry Port project was held at the Lao Bao International Border Gate in Huong Hoa District, Quang Tri Province, on March 25, according to a report from baochinhphu.vn . 

The project spans an area of over 85,000 sq.m, requiring the total investment capital of VND236 billion ($9.2 million).

The dry port is designed to handle a cargo capacity of 3.5 million tons annually, including a container volume of 100,000 TEUs and bulk cargo of 1,000,000 tons.

The project is expected to generate annual revenue of VND200 billion ($7,8 million) and contribute VND25 billion to the State budget (nearly $976,000).

The facility will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, including five cargo handling cranes, five bulk cargo leveling machines, and two weighing stations. With a maximum daily receiving capacity of 1,000 vehicles for export and import, the dry port is set to officially commence operations in the first quarter of 2026.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Ha Sy Dong underscored the increasing demand for goods transportation along the East-West Economic Corridor via Quang Tri seaports and other Central region ports.

He highlighted the urgent need to develop a synchronized transportation infrastructure system, including dry ports, to support economic growth and logistical efficiency.

-Phạm Long

The annual revenue of the industry in Vietnam expected to exceed $25 billion, with an annual value-added growth rate of 10-15% in the 2024-2030 period.

Vietnam and Singapore hold great potential and cooperation opportunities in the field of semiconductor, given that Singapore has rich and advanced experiences in this field, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh.

Addressing a hybrid seminar in Singapore on March 24 to introduce Vietnam's potential, advantages, and development strategies for the semiconductor industry, the ambassador said the Vietnam Government considers the semiconductor industry as a key sector in the national economic strategy. The industry's annual revenue is expected to exceed $25 billion, with an annual value-added growth rate of 10-15% in the 2024-2030 period.

The seminar, co-organized by the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore and the Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association (SSIA), attracted numerous investors and industry partners, including representatives from the International Semiconductor Industry Group, Qualcomm, and Marvell.

SSIA Executive Director Ang Wee Seng said that cross-border collaboration will be key to unlocking the next growth opportunities as Vietnam is an emerging player in the industry, with a market size exceeding $18 billion in 2024 and projected to rise to over $31 billion by 2029.

Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key destination for investments in innovation, manufacturing, and semiconductors, backed by strong government commitments, an improved business environment, and the country’s strategic positioning in the regional supply chain, he said.

 

 

-Hạ Chi

Upon approval, the VAT reduction will be extended from July 1, 2025 until the end of 2026.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is seeking public comments on a draft resolution proposing a 2% reduction in value-added tax (VAT) to stimulate consumption, support businesses and promote economic growth, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

The proposal suggests extending the 2% VAT reduction from July 1, 2025, until the end of 2026.

As VET has reported, under resolutions adopted by the National Assembly, 2% VAT reduction has been applied to goods and services originally taxed at 10% since 2022 until June 30, 2025, with exception of key sectors such as telecommunications, finance, banking, securities, insurance, real estate, metal products and mining (except coal).

Goods and services subject to special consumption tax, except gasoline, are also not subject to VAT reduction.

VNA further reported that the MoF’s draft expands the list of eligible items for VAT reduction, including washing machines, microwaves, data processing services and prefabricated metal products including barrels, tanks and boilers. Additionally, gasoline and oil are proposed to receive tax cuts due to their critical role in production, consumption and overall macroeconomic stability.

According to the MoF, reducing VAT will lower the cost of goods and services, boosting production, business expansion and help job creation. The policy is also expected to benefit consumers directly by reducing the cost of essential goods and services, thereby improving living standards.

The MoF forecasts that the proposed VAT reduction will lead to a decrease in State budget revenue of more than VND121.74 trillion ($4.8 billion).

The ministry added that the VAT reduction policy, implemented since 2022 to aid post-pandemic recovery, has provided support worth VND123.8 trillion (more than $4.8 billion) over the past three years.

-Vân Nguyễn

Auction Notice for Land Use Rights – Nam Ha Industrial Cluster (April 2025)

NORTH-CENTRAL-SOUTH PARTNERSHIP AUCTION COMPANY

AUCTION NOTICE

ASSET: LAND USE RIGHTS LEASE WITH ONE-TIME PAYMENT FOR THE ENTIRE LEASE PERIOD FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICE AREA

1. Name/address of auction organization: North-Central-South Partnership Auction Company.
Address: No. 6/4 Mac Thai To Street, Yen Hoa Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi City.

2. Name/address of the person with the property to be auctioned:
Nam Ha - Duc Linh Company Limited
Address: 268 Z30A Street, Nam Ha Village, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province.

3. Auctioned assets:

3.1 Package 1: Land plot with Land Use Rights Certificate No. DN 253160
a. Land plot details:

- Land plot number: 34

- Map sheet number: 53

- Address: Nam Ha Industrial Cluster, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province

- Area: 9,390.7 m²

- Form of use: Private use

- Land use term: Until November 12, 2068

- Maximum construction density 40%, height from 1 to 7 floors

- Purpose of use: Commercial service land - Industrial cluster

- Origin of use: Received capital contribution from land leased by the State with one-time payment

b. Starting price for auction:
VND3,000,000 ($120)/m² for the entire lease term (until November 12, 2068).
Total amount: 9,390.7 m² × VND3,000,000 ($120)/m² = VND28,172,100,000 ($1,126,884).
(In words: Twenty-eight billion, one hundred seventy-two million, one hundred thousand dong)

c. The deposit to participate in the auction is: VND4,000,000,000 ($160,000).

3.2 Package 2: Land plot with Land Use Rights Certificate No. DN 253162
a. Land plot details:

- Land plot number: 40; Map sheet number: 53

- Address: Nam Ha Industrial Cluster, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province

- Area: 5,635.5 m²

- Form of use: Private use

- Land use term: Until November 12, 2068

- Maximum construction density 40%, height from 1 - 7 floors

- Purpose of use: Commercial service land - Industrial cluster

- Origin of use: Received capital contribution from land leased by the State with one-time payment

b. Starting price for auction:
VND3,000,000 ($120)/m² for the entire lease term (until November 12, 2068).
Total amount: 5,635.5 m² × VND3,000,000 ($120)/m² = VND16,906,500,000 ($676,260).
(In words: Sixteen billion, nine hundred and six million, five hundred thousand VND)

c. The deposit to participate in the auction is: VND2,500,000,000 ($100,000).

Note:

- The starting price of the above property packages does not include VAT and registration fees.

- Customers participating in the auction are responsible for carefully reviewing the auction invitation documents and the current status of the auctioned property before purchasing the documents and paying the deposit to participate in the auction and the regulations in the issued Auction Regulations.

- Auction participants can register for one or both auction plots depending on their needs.

4. Time and place for selling/receiving documents and registering to participate in the auction: Office hours from 08:00 on March 19, 2025, to 17:00 on April 11, 2025, at:

- Office of Bac Trung Nam Auction Company, Branch Office in Ho Chi Minh City - No. 6/5 Pham Van Hai, Ward 2, Tan Binh District.

- Nam Ha – Duc Linh Company Limited; 268 Road Z30A, Nam Ha Village, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province. (Phone: Dung 0909081452)

- Office of People's Committee of Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District. (Phone: Mr. Hai 0903069589)

5. Application fee: VND1,000,000 (one million VND) ($40)/package  collected in cash.

6. Time and place to view assets: Office hours on March 24, 2025, and April 11, 2025. Location: Nam Ha Industrial Cluster, Nam Ha Village, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province.

7. Time for paying deposit: From 08:00 on March 19, 2025, to 17:00 on April 11, 2025.

8. Conditions and methods of participating in the auction: Domestic and foreign organizations, individuals, and enterprises register to participate in the auction according to the provisions of Article 38 of the Law on Property Auction.

9. Auction form: One round of indirect voting, according to the ascending price method.

10. Auction time and location: 

Time: At 14:00 on April 16, 2025.
Location: At the office of Nam Ha - Duc Linh Company Limited.
Address: 268 Z30A Street, Nam Ha Village, Dong Ha Commune, Duc Linh District, Binh Thuan Province.

NORTH-CENTRAL-SOUTH JOINT STOCK AUCTION COMPANY

VICE DIRECTOR
(Signed and stamped)
Dinh Dang Dung

-

The initiative aims to finalize key mechanisms and policies that will facilitate the growth of the semiconductor chip industry.

The People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has announced its plan to implement the "Science and Technology Development Program in the High-Tech Park for the 2025-2030 period," beginning in 2025.

The initiative aims to finalize key mechanisms and policies that will facilitate growth of the semiconductor chip industry in the southern city. These efforts include the establishment of a microchip human resource training fund and a venture capital fund within the High-Tech Park.

The city also plans to develop expertise in designing and manufacturing critical environmental sensors using MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) technology. Additionally, it seeks to enhance semiconductor chip research to establish a world-class Center of Excellence (CoE) for chips, sensors, and MEMS under the High-Tech Park's Research and Development Center.

In parallel, the city is committed to transforming its High-Tech Park Training Center into an internationally standardized facility. Planned investments include upgrading laboratories, workshops, and computer rooms with advanced technologies to support specialized training.

The city will also upgrade the High-Tech Business Incubator into the High-Tech Park Innovation Center, which will serve as a hub for connecting, incubating, and fostering innovative Vietnamese intellectual products.

Lastly, the city will prioritize the completion of research and development infrastructure for semiconductor chips at the High-Tech Park Research and Development Center. Focus areas include packaging and testing facilities to strengthen its capabilities in the semiconductor field.

-Hồng Vinh

The ports serving as key logistics hubs.

Vietnam currently has 17 inland container depots (ICDs) across 12 provinces and cities,  the Vietnam News Agency quoted the Ministry of Construction as reporting 

North Hai Phong port city leads with four dry ports, namely Tan Cang Hai Phong, Dinh Vu – Quang Binh, Hoang Thanh and Nam Dinh Vu.

Bac Ninh province, also in the north, follows with the three ports of Tan Cang - Que Vo, Tien Son, and Tan Chi.

Meanwhile, the southern province of Dong Nai is home to Tan Cang Nhon Trach and Tan Cang Long Binh.

The remaining eight ICDs are distributed across the provinces of Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, Ha Nam, Ninh Binh as well as Hanoi in the northern region, and the southern provinces of Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong.

According to the Government Decree No. 38/2017/ND-CP, dated April 4, 2017, ICDs form a crucial part of the country’s transportation infrastructure network. They serve as key logistics hubs, supporting the operations of seaports, airports, inland waterway ports, railway stations, and border checkpoints, while also functioning as customs clearance sites for imports and exports.

Dry ports perform essential functions such as receiving and dispatching containerized goods, loading and unloading cargo from containers, temporarily storing goods and containers, and providing container maintenance and repair services.

-Vân Nguyễn

The proposed roadmap aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to international climate agreements and aims to implement key provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection.

In its initial phase, Vietnam plans to allocate greenhouse gas emission quotas to 150 facilities with significant emissions across the thermal power, steel production, and cement production sectors. Collectively, these facilities contribute approximately 40% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

This initiative is part of the draft Decree amending Government Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP, which governs greenhouse gas emission reduction and ozone layer protection.

The proposed roadmap aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to international climate agreements and aims to implement key provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection.

On March 24, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha presided over a meeting to review and provide feedback on the draft Decree.

The document emphasizes strengthening greenhouse gas inventories, verifying inventory results, and enhancing emission reduction efforts.

Additionally, it seeks to decentralize authority, streamline administrative processes, and lower compliance costs for businesses related to quota allocation, inventory verification, and emissions reductions.

The draft Decree details a roadmap for the allocation of greenhouse gas emission quotas in three phases: 2025-2026, 2027-2028, and 2029-2030. The initial phase will allocate quotas to facilities with significant emissions in three sectors: thermal power, steel production, and cement production.

Deputy PM Ha highlighted that the draft Decree integrates international practices and lessons learned, reflecting Vietnam’s proactive stance on climate change. He noted its widespread attention from domestic enterprises, trade partners, and international organizations.

 

-Tùng Dương

With a total investment of $163 million, the two projects are located in Phong Dien Industrial Park, Phong Dien Town.

The People's Committee of the centrally-run city of Hue initiated two significant construction material production projects at Phong Dien Industrial Park (Phong Dien Town) on March 25, with a total investment of VND4,187 billion ($163 million), according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The first project, Creanza High-Tech Quartz Sand Processing Plant, spans over 12.7 ha and involves an investment of VND2.187 trillion ($85 million).

Designed to produce 72,000 tons of cristobalite and 1.6 million sq.m of quartz stone annually, the facility aims to cater to both domestic and international markets, particularly Europe and the Americas.

Scheduled to begin operations in the first quarter of 2027, the plant is expected to boost the production of deeply processed sand products and optimize the use of natural resources.

The second project, Dat Phuong Ultra-Clear Patterned Glass Manufacturing Plant, covers an area of over 12 ha and is backed by an investment of VND2 trillion ($78 million).

With a production capacity of 400 tons per day, equivalent to 19.2 million sq.m annually, the facility will manufacture ultra-clear patterned glass with thicknesses ranging from 1.8 mm to 8 mm.

Once operational in the second quarter of 2027, the plant is set to advance technology transfer and development of high-value, deeply processed products using rare quartz sand resources.

-Phạm Long

Accordingly, the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City section will be expanded from four to six lanes, with a cost estimated at nearly $6 billion.

The Ministry of Construction has proposed the Prime Minister to initially expand the Eastern North-South Expressway section from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from four to six lanes.

The expansion will help to ensure traffic safety and support economic development, according to the ministry.

The Hanoi-HCM City section has a total length of 1,144km. Total investment capital for the expansion is estimated at over VND152.1 trillion ($5.89 billion).

The Government plans to report the proposed investment policy for the expansion to the Politburo in April this year. The investment policy is therefore expected to be approved by the National Assembly in June. Construction is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year.

As planned, the Eastern North-South Expressway runs from northern Lang Son province to the southernmost Ca Mau province with a total length of 2,055km.

So far, 1,206 km have been put into operation while the rest is expected for completion this year.

 

-Gia Huy

Vietnam is studying various measures to promote growth, including the establishment and operation of financial centers.

A roundtable on the building of financial centers in Vietnam was held in Frankfurt on March 24 as part of the working visit to Germany by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.

The event drew the participation of leaders of several Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities; representatives from the German Asian-Pacific Business Association and the German federal trade and investment organization, along with leaders of 35 banks, financial funds, investment funds, associations, and companies operating in the international financial sector in Germany.

Addressing the event, Mr. Binh proposed German businesses to support Vietnam in building the financial centers, as well as to recruit high-quality personnel from Vietnam to train on how to operate such centers.

He also called on them to join Vietnam and become the first foreign investors to establish a presence at Vietnam's international financial center.

Vietnam is studying various measures to promote growth, including the establishment and operation of financial centers, creating a favorable, transparent, attractive, and reputable environment for foreign investors, he said.

It is also taking various solutions such as significantly reducing administrative procedures, especially those related to businesses; perfecting the legal system to create a transparent, clear legal framework that meets international standards; and improving infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure, he added.

-Khánh Vy

Some 82% of small businesses reporting growth in 2024, the highest rate since 2019.

Vietnamese small businesses experienced a successful 2024, with 82 per cent reporting growth, up from 77 per cent in 2023 - the country’s highest result since 2019, according to a report from the Government News, citing a survey from CPA Australia - one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world.

This momentum is expected to accelerate in 2025, with 92 per cent of small businesses expecting to grow, the highest projection among 11 markets surveyed, according to CPA Australia.

Confidence in Vietnam's economy is equally strong, with 93 per cent of small businesses expecting the economy to grow in 2025, well above the Asia-Pacific survey average of 67 per cent, and again the highest result among all surveyed markets.

CPA Australia's CEO Chris Freeland was quoted by the news as attributing this optimism to Vietnam's young, tech-savvy and entrepreneurial small business community.

Vietnam's small business sector is driven by dynamic and youthful entrepreneurs that embrace technology and innovation. Their ability to adapt quickly and invest in digital solutions is positioning them as regional leaders, Mr. Freeland said.

For example, Vietnam's small businesses rank at or near the top across the Asia-Pacific in all indicators of tech adoption, including e-commerce, social media use, digital payment options and seeking advice from IT specialists, he added.

Easier access to funding has also fueled growth, with 80 per cent of Vietnamese small businesses seeking external finance for growth in 2024, up from 73 per cent in 2023.

Vietnam's small businesses are also becoming more internationally focused. In 2025, 28 per cent anticipate strong improvement in overseas sales, up from 15 per cent in 2024. This signals growing confidence in their ability to compete globally, despite global uncertainty.

Technology-driven investments continue to give strong and quick returns, with 88 per cent of small businesses reporting their investment in technology last year improved their profitability. Notably, AI investment among Vietnam's small businesses doubled in 2024 to 44 per cent from 2023, with nearly half using AI for business advice.

Vietnamese small businesses are increasingly willing to experiment and integrate technologies like AI into their operations, Mr. Freeland said, adding that while most other markets appear to be taking a more cautious approach, Vietnam's small businesses are leading the way in AI investment.

-Phạm Long

The $1.5-million fund aims to support Vietnam in achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.8D.

The Government of Japan has announced a grant of $1.5 million to support Vietnam in achieving Sustainable Development Goal Target 3.8D, according to a report from the Government News.

The funding, financed via the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will strengthen One Health, an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems.

Recognizing that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent, the initiative will increase capacity in the border provinces of Ha Giang, Ha Tinh, Dong Thap, and An Giang.

This will allow health threats to be addressed holistically with experts from multiple departments of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment working together.

The project will raise awareness among cross-border communities about public health risks, case reporting, and self-protection. Approximately two million residents in the four provinces will benefit from outreach events, and capacity building for health and animal health officials, led by IOM.

The health of humans, animals, and ecosystems is interconnected, posing risks for spreading infectious diseases, as highlighted by the recent H5N1 avian influenza outbreaks in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki was quoted by the Government News as saying: "I am proud to launch the holistic collaboration between experts from Japan and Vietnam, along with several UN agencies including IOM, FAO and WHO. I am confident that we have a significant opportunity to promote the health of people in Vietnam, foster multi-sectoral partnerships, and build a healthier future for all."

The project will form a One Health taskforce with representatives from health, animal, plant, border guard, and environment departments, as well as district authorities in each project province, through comprehensive and multi-sectoral assessments.

It will build capacity for 80 One Health taskforce members and 240 health professionals to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies through simulation exercises on human outbreaks of avian influenza and rabies in the four project provinces and accelerate disease detection utilizing portable diagnostic real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines.

Additionally, the project will strengthen bilateral coordination for public health preparedness and response by facilitating dialogue between Vietnam and neighboring countries, such as Cambodia and Lao PDR, with participation from multi-sectoral actors to discuss outbreak responses and contingency plans along the border.

-Phạm Long

Though rising handily year-on-year, industrial production was down month-on-month in February amid domestic and global market fluctuations.

Data released by the National Statistics Office (under the Ministry of Finance) on March 6 revealed that industrial production is estimated to have decreased by 2.2 per cent in February compared to January but increased 17.2 per cent year-on-year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in the first two months of 2025 is estimated to have grown 7.2 per cent year-on-year, compared to a 6.5 per cent increase in the same period of 2024.

Growth drivers

Manufacturing and processing expanded 9.3 per cent in February compared to 6.6 per cent in February 2024, contributing 7.9 percentage points to overall industry growth. Electricity production and distribution rose 2.3 per cent, against 13.7 per cent in 2024, adding 0.2 percentage points, and water supply, waste management, and wastewater treatment grew 8.0 per cent (1.4 per cent in 2024), contributing 0.1 percentage points. Mining, meanwhile, contracted 6.4 per cent (-1.9 per cent in February 2024), shaving 1.0 percentage point off growth.

Among cities and provinces nationwide, the IIP increased in 58 localities and declined in five during February. Strong growth was recorded in areas with robust manufacturing and electricity production, while lower increases or declines were seen where these industries, along with mining, expanded more slowly or contracted.

As of February 1, employment in industrial enterprises had risen 1 per cent month-on-month and 4.4 per cent year-on-year. Employment in State-owned enterprises (SOEs) remained stable month-on-month but increased 0.3 per cent year-on-year; in non-State enterprises grew 0.4 per cent and 3.2 per cent, respectively; and in foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) rose 1.3 per cent and 5.2 per cent.

By sector, mining employment fell 0.2 per cent month-on-month and 0.5 per cent year-on-year. Employment in manufacturing and processing rose 1.1 per cent and 4.8 per cent, respectively, and in electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply remained unchanged month-on-month and edged upwards by 0.1 per cent year-on-year. Water supply, waste management, and wastewater employment also remained stable month-on-month and increased 1.3 per cent year-on-year.

Manufacturing and processing continued to lead in FDI attraction in the opening two months of the year. As of March 1, the sector had attracted $1.45 billion in newly-registered capital, accounting for 66.1 per cent of all new capital. Including additional registered capital from existing projects, total FDI inflows into the sector stood at $4.51 billion, representing 70.8 per cent of total newly-registered and additional capital.

Looming risks

Despite impressive growth in the first two months of 2025, Vietnam’s industrial production faces significant challenges amid domestic and global market fluctuations. In a recent report on industrial production and trade, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) outlined key risks that could impact Vietnam’s industrial sector.

First, the global landscape in 2025 is expected to continue evolving rapidly and unpredictably. While cooperation and development remain dominant trends, strategic competition, protectionism, new global alliances, trade wars, supply chain fragmentation, economic sanctions, and technological competition are intensifying.

Second, global economic instability and uncertainty pose risks to Vietnam’s macro-economic stability and growth prospects, particularly for an open economy like Vietnam. De-globalization is gaining momentum, and protectionist policies are on the rise. Major economies such as the US, the EU, and China are adjusting their economic strategies to safeguard national interests, with protectionist measures expected to deepen further.

Third, the transition towards a circular economy, a green economy, and low-carbon development is reshaping global FDI trends. Additionally, the implementation of Global Minimum Tax (GMT) policies may impact FDI flows and influence Vietnam’s investment attraction strategies.

The MoIT also highlighted major structural challenges. Vietnam is accelerating industrialization through science and technology to catch up with developed countries, but its growth model remains heavily reliant on cheap labor; an advantage now being eroded by automation and machinery. Industrial exports, meanwhile, remain dependent on the FDI sector.

The latest Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, released in early March by SP Global, stood at 49.2 in February; marking the third consecutive month below the 50-point threshold. This signals ongoing challenges in manufacturing as weak customer demand continues to drive declines in new orders and output. “Following a fall in January, new orders continued to decline in February,” the report noted. “Though the decline was modest, it was the fastest since September last year.” Survey respondents cited weak demand in both domestic and international markets. Export demand remained sluggish, with new foreign orders falling for the fourth consecutive month, leading to a second straight month of declining manufacturing output in February.

To sustain industrial growth in the months ahead, the MoIT will focus on key solutions: first, strengthening government oversight, addressing bottlenecks, and resolving challenges for ministries, localities, and businesses; second, accelerating major projects and public investment disbursement to stimulate social investment, boost consumer demand, and drive domestic market growth; and third, removing obstacles in industrial and energy projects, advancing the domestic manufacturing of equipment for renewable energy (solar and offshore wind), and localizing railway manufacturing for the North-South high-speed rail and national railway projects, to expedite economic development.

The Ministry also urged other ministries and local authorities to implement projects in line with approved regional and national plans while ensuring stable raw material supplies for key industries, particularly export-driven manufacturing.

-Mạnh Đức

The proposed 120-km expressway will connect two expressways Lang Son - Tra Linh with Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan

Authorities of northern Lang Son province have proposed the Ministry of Construction to conclude the Lang Son – Thai Nguyen expressway into the national road network plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Under the proposal,  the expressway will have a total length of 120 km,  connecting the Dong Dang (Lang Son) - Tra Linh (Cao Bang province) expressway to the Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan expressway.

Total investment capital is estimated at VND29 trillion ($1.12 billion). Of the total, some VND18 trillion ($697 million) will be invested in the section running through Lang Son and VND11 trillion ($426 million) will be spent for the section through Thai Nguyen province.

The expressway will have four lanes and allow a maximum speed of 100 kph.

The project is scheduled to be implemented from 2026 to 2030.

 

-Gia Huy

Accordingly, commercial housing projects will be implemented through agreements to acquire land use rights or utilizing already possessed land use rights.

Some 303 commercial housing projects to be implemented under the pilot mechanism introduced in Resolution No.171/2024/QH15 of the National Assembly have been proposed by 256 businesses in Ho Chi Minh City this year, as of March 20.

The Resolution, promulgated on November 30, 2024, facilitates the implementation of commercial housing projects through agreements to acquire land use rights or utilizing already possessed land use rights.

The Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association (HoREA) described this development as a positive indicator of strong engagement from real estate businesses. Amidst a housing market constrained by supply shortages, the pilot mechanism is seen as a critical tool to unlock potential and accelerate the growth of commercial housing in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City.

According to HoREA Chairman Le Hoang Chau, most businesses proposing projects currently hold land use rights, often for agricultural or non-residential land. Others are negotiating to acquire adjacent land use rights to assemble sufficient land for development.

Proposals range in scale, with some businesses owning just a single plot, while larger corporations are submitting plans involving 4 to 16 plots. This diversity highlights the varying capacities and scopes of potential investors.

Under the targets set by the Ho Chi Minh City Housing Development Program for 2021-2025, the city aims to increase its total housing floor area by 50 million square meters, achieving an average housing area per capita of 23.5 square meters.

-Phạm Vinh

Japan emerged as the top destination for Vietnamese workers, welcoming nearly 19,000 individuals.

In the first quarter of 2025, More than  37,000 Vietnamese workers were sent to work abroad, achieving 28.4% of the annual target set at 130,000.

This data was reported by the Department of Overseas Labor under the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on submissions from service enterprises that facilitate overseas labor contracts.

Japan emerged as the top destination for Vietnamese workers in the period, welcoming 18,931 individuals. Taiwan (China) followed with 11,076; while 4,141 workers going to South Korea.

Other destinations included mainland China, Singapore, Romania, and Hungary, receiving a combined number of 397 workers.

Currently, around 450 enterprises have been licensed to send Vietnamese workers abroad. With the overseas labor market expanding, this number is expected to rise to 500 in the near future.

In 2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs aims to not only stabilize and maintain traditional labor markets, such as Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan (China), but also to develop and expand into high-income markets that align with the skills and qualifications of Vietnamese workers.

-Nhật Dương