Total FDI outflow reaching nearly $239 million in the period, including $233.6 million registered for 30 new projects.

Vietnam's overseas investment in the first two months of 2025 totaled nearly $239 million, 9.5 times higher than the same period last year, according to a report from the Government News.

The news quoted data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) as reporting that during January-February period, Vietnamese investors invested $233.6 million in 30 new projects abroad, 9.4 times higher than the same period last year, while increasing investment capital in five existing projects by $5.4 million.

Regarding investment sectors, electricity production and distribution topped the list with $111.2 million, making up 46.5 per cent of the total outbound investment capital in the two-month period.

Processing and manufacturing industry came second with $65.6 million (27.4%), while mining sector ranked third with $41 million (17.1%).

Vietnamese investors poured investment capital in 22 countries and territories in the period, of which Laos was the top destination, with $139.7 million, accounting for 58.4%.

It was followed by the Philippines with $34.2 million, Indonesia $31.1 million, the British Virgin Islands $21 million and Cuba $4 million.

By the end of 2024, Vietnam had 1,825 active overseas investment projects with total registered capital exceeding $22.59 billion. Laos remained the top recipient of Vietnam's overseas investment with nearly $5.7 billion, followed by Cambodia (about $2.94 billion) and Venezuela ($1.83 billion).

-Phạm Long

Key export products including electronic equipment and devices, garments and textiles, footwear and wood pellet.

Central Nghe An province recorded remarkable growth in export revenue in the first two months of the year, with $273.6 million, rising 56.43% compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial People’s Committee.

Key export products include electronic equipment and devices, garments and textiles, footwear and wood pellet.

In terms of investment attraction, the provincial authorities granted investment certificates for five new projects and allowed capital increase for 7 existing projects, totaling over VND3.87 trillion ($150 million).

The province’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in the two-month period surged 9.73% year-on-year. Of which, the manufacturing and processing rose 11.36%.

Total retail sales of consumer goods and services reached over VND29.2 trillion ($1.13 billion), soaring 52.23% year-on-year.

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The park prioritizes industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, supporting industries, clean energy, renewable energy, smart energy, among others.

Construction of the Song Cong II Industrial Park - Phase 2 in northern Thai Nguyen province officially commenced on March 10.

Covering an area of over 296 ha and requiring a total investment of nearly VND4 trillion (over $156.4 million), the project is being developed by Viglacera Thai Nguyen Joint Stock Company. The park is located in Ba Xuyen and Tan Quang communes, Song Cong city.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event, Mr. Nguyen Tran Tuan Nghia, Chairman of Viglacera Thai Nguyen, emphasized the park's vision of becoming a multi-sector concentrated industrial zone that aligns with principles of green growth, sustainability, and environmental friendliness.

The park prioritizes industries such as electronics, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, supporting industries, new materials, clean energy, renewable energy, smart energy, and processing and manufacturing industries.

The project also offers attractive tax incentives for businesses investing in the park. These include a complete tax exemption for the first two years, followed by a 10% tax rate for the subsequent four years, and a 20% annual tax rate thereafter.

Additionally, businesses are exempt from taxes on: goods imported for the production of export goods; goods imported for scientific research and technological development; goods imported for environmental protection; goods imported to create fixed assets for investment incentive recipients; raw materials, supplies, and components directly used in producing IT products, digital content, and software.

-Phan Nam

Vietnam targetting to complete 3,000 km of expressways by 2025

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested for more efforts to accelerate the implementation of key infrastructure projects, contributing to completing the infrastructure system and boosting socio-economic development.

Chairing the 16th session of the State steering committee for national key transport projects on March 9, PM Chinh outlined some key tasks and solutions, including setting deadlines for the completion of investment procedures for some expressway projects, requiring localities to be responsible for speeding up site clearance, and allocating enough capital for projects.

The PM urged relevant ministries, agencies and localities to take drastic measures to deal with the shortage of construction materials, and promoting the 500-day emulation campaign to complete 3,000 km of expressways by 2025.

On the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project, PM Chinh instructed the Ministry of Construction and relevant localities to expedite land clearance, route determination, and related processes such as financing, contractor selection, material supply, equipment procurement, workforce training, and technology transfer.

Regarding Long Thanh International Airport and its infrastructure connections, he instructed ministries and localities to urgently implement assigned tasks. He allowed businesses to study a metro line linking HCM City to the airport.

 

-Minh Kiệt

At the high-level business dialogue themed “A Partnership for Progress and Prosperity" in Jakarta on March 10, the Party leader hopes that Indonesian businesses will continue to grow and stay among the largest investors in Vietnam.

Party General Secretary To Lam attended a high-level business dialogue themed “A Partnership for Progress and Prosperity" in Jakarta on March 10 as part of his state visit to Indonesia and official visit to the ASEAN Secretariat there, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Jointly organized by the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance, the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia, the Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association, and Ciputra Group, the event saw the participation of senior officials and representatives of businesses and relevant agencies from both nations.

Participants highlighted the significance of the event as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic ties (1955–2025) and takes place in the context that the two sides look towards the elevation of their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The event highlighted the economic cooperation achievements, investment opportunities, and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital economy, green energy, electric vehicles, and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Delegates also explored cooperation in food security, the Halal industry, education, and maritime collaboration, reflecting the deepening ties between the two countries. They reaffirmed both nations' commitment to promoting sustainable growth, innovation, and regional cooperation, laying a foundation for a stronger future.

In his remarks, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized that after nearly four decades of reform, opening, and integration, under the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), Vietnam has transformed itself from an underdeveloped nation into a symbol of stability and growth.

Vietnam has earned the trust of many world leaders as a reliable partner for peace and prosperity, and remained a favored destination for investors and international tourists, he stated.

Mr. Lam affirmed that Vietnam’s achievements are rooted in patriotism, great national solidarity, self-reliance, and strong aspiration for independence, freedom, and happiness of the people.

These successes were made possible under the visionary leadership of the CPV, the decisive efforts of the entire political system, the active participation and support of the people and business community, as well as the assistance of international friends—including important contributions of the Indonesian government and businesses, he said.

There remains huge room for stronger cooperation between the two countries, driven by their intrinsic strengths and the momentum of their strategic partnership, he noted, stressing that this will enhance mutual consensus and facilitate the mobilization of resources for important collaborative programs and initiatives that benefit both sides.

Mr. Lam expressed his hope that Indonesian businesses will continue to grow and stay among the largest investors in Vietnam. He encouraged them to leverage their strengths and seize opportunities based on equality, mutual respect, and shared benefits, in alignment with the strategic relations between the two countries.

To achieve those goals, he urged the two countries’ ministries, sectors, and agencies to continue specifying major policies and directions of the bilateral relationship, promptly support and address difficulties and obstacles facing investors, while implementing solutions to improve business and investment environment towards transparency and openness.

He called on the Indonesian government to encourage Indonesian businesses to increase their investments in Vietnam while creating conditions and continuing to support Vietnamese investors in expanding their investment and business activities, especially in projects relating to science, technology, and innovation.

Both countries' business organizations and associations are expected to continue to serve as important bridges connecting business communities with the relevant authorities of both sides.

Investors from both countries will explore and expand investment in such sectors as science, technology, innovation, research and development; chip and semiconductor, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT) industries, new energy, like hydrogen, and renewable energy, fintech, financial centers, biotechnology, and healthcare, he said, adding that these are sectors that Vietnam and Indonesia have potential for development and need investment attraction.

The Party chief affirmed that Vietnam is committed to creating favorable conditions for effective investment and business activities, towards sustainable development goals of both sides.

The Party and State of Vietnam have always regarded the foreign investment sector as an important component of the national economy, contributing to the fundamental transformation of the economy, positively impacting the economic institution reform, improving investment and business environment, and enhancing Vietnam's reputation and position in international arena.

Accordingly, Vietnam always pays special attention and creates best possible conditions for the business community, including foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam.

Under its foreign investment cooperation strategy, Vietnam has oriented towards a phase of selective cooperation, attracting foreign investment with focus on quality, efficiency, technology, and environmental protection as the main evaluation criteria.

The Party, State, and people of Vietnam are committed to always accompanying, listening to, and hoping to continue receiving support and close cooperation from international partners, investors, especially Indonesian ones, Mr. Lam said.

On this occasion, Mr. Lam and the delegates witnessed the signing and exchange of business cooperation documents between the two countries’ agencies and businesses in areas, including education and training, green transition, green financing, real estate, smart urban areas, industrial zones, logistics, digital transformation, and cybersecurity services, and hi-tech agriculture.

Vietnam and Indonesia have witnessed the fruitful development of the bilateral relations over the last seven decades, with economic cooperation as a core pillar. The two-way trade hit $16 billion  in 2024, up 16% compared to the previous year, putting the two countries on track to achieve the target of $18 billion in bilateral trade ahead of the projected 2028 deadline.

 

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The Government leader issuing a dispatch on key tasks and solutions to cut down administrative procedures, improve the business environment, and promote socio-economic development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked for more efforts to cut administrative procedure processing time and business costs (compliance costs) by at least 30%, while also abolishing 30% of unnecessary business conditions.

The Prime Minister was quoted as identifying in his March 9 official dispatch some key tasks and solutions to cut down administrative procedures, improve the business environment, and promote socio-economic development.

PM Chinh also requested the timely and substantive settlement of difficulties, obstacles, and recommendations from citizens and businesses.

In the dispatch, the PM urged the implementation of concerted, drastic, and breakthrough solutions to develop science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources.

The Government leader also requested the continued extension and reduction of taxes to facilitate business operations, promote the development of the private sector, and mobilize resources for investment and development.

The PM suggested continuing to implement a decisive credit policy aimed at reducing the lending interest rate level; encouraging foreign banks to participate in the process of solving bad debts and restructuring poor-performing credit institutions, and boosting investment in Vietnam.

 

-Vân Nguyễn

The launching ceremony was held during Party General Secretary To Lam’s State visit to Indonesia between March 9-11.

Party General Secretary To Lam attended an official launching ceremony for Vietnam Airlines' direct route linking Ho Chi Minh City and Indonesia’s Bali resort island on March 9 as part of his State visit to Indonesia between March 9-11.

On this air route, Vietnam Airlines will initially operate four round trips weekly from June 1, with service on Wednesdays, Thursday, Saturdays, and Sundays. It will increase the frequency to daily flights from July.

According to a report from the Government News, the event marked the national flag carrier's second direct route between Vietnam and Indonesia, bringing its total number of weekly flights between the two countries to 14.

Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi highlighted the significance of enhanced connectivity between the two countries.

The ambassador was quoted by the Government News as highlighting Vietnam Airlines' initiative to operate direct flights between the two localities, noting that this development would boost two-way tourist traffic and open numerous opportunities for bilateral cooperation across various sectors.

-Vân Nguyễn

Under a new government resolution, citizens from 12 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland will be waived from visa requirements from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028.

Under the Government’s Resolution No. 44/NQ-CP dated March 7, 2025, citizens from 12 countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland will be waived from a visa requirement from March 15, 2025 to March 14, 2028.

The resolution stated that citizens of these countries will be exempted from visas for a temporary stay period of 45 days from the date of entry, regardless of passport type and purpose of entry, on the basis of fully meeting the entry conditions as prescribed by Vietnam's laws.

According to the newly-released resolution, the visa exemption policy will be considered for extension under the provisions of Vietnam's laws.

This decision has been made on a unilateral basis.

Earlier, under the Government’s Resolutions No. 32/NQ-CP and 128/NQ-CP, dated March 15, 2022 and August 14, 2023, respectively, citizens from 13 countries, including the 12 above-mentioned countries, could travel to Vietnam without a visa.

Under its resolution No. 11/NQ-CP, dated January 15, 2025, the Vietnamese Government also decided to apply a visa waiver policy to tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland from March 1-December 31, 2025.

Vietnam’s facilitating visa policies and stronger tourism promotion programs along with increasingly high prestige have all contributed to drawing more foreign visitors to the country. Around 17.5 million foreign tourists visited Vietnam in 2024.

In the first two months of 2025, nearly 4 million international tourists traveled to Vietnam, a year-on-year increase of 30.2 per cent. China was Vietnam's largest source of tourists, with 956,00 visitors, making up 27.7 per cent. South Korea came second with 885,000, followed by Taiwan, the U.S., Japan, Cambodia, Malaysia, India, and Russia.

Vietnam targets to attract 22-23 million international tourists this year, surpassing the pre-pandemic levels.

 

 

 

-Vân Nguyễn

The northern port city is embracing the green economy and circular economy as both a developmental necessity and a global trend.

In face of increasingly complex climate change and the gradual depletion of natural resources, green transformation has become an urgent necessity rather than a choice, said Mr. Do Manh Hien, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Hai Phong City Party Committee.

He made the statement at a workshop theming "Green transformation in industrial parks for sustainable development", held last week by the northern city's Economic Zone Management Board. 

"Hai Phong firmly upholds a principle that it never trades the environment for mere economic growth. The city sets a clear goal—economic development must go hand in hand with environmental protection, ensuring harmony between economic and social benefits for the sustainable future of the city," Mr. Hien emphasized.

Mr. Le Trung Kien, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board, highlighted that the city's industrial parks and economic zones have attracted more than 840 projects, with a total investment nearing $48 billion, which have an annual electricity demand of up to 2.76 billion kWh, and the demand is expected to grow by 15% annually, in addition to wastewater discharge of 8 million cubic meters per year, and waste of 1.5 million tons generated per year, not including issues such as dust pollution, noise, and other environmental concerns persist.

Recognizing these challenges, Hai Phong is embracing the green economy and circular economy as both a developmental necessity and a global trend. Leading this transformation are DEEP C and Nam Cau Kien industrial parks, two of the five industrial parks nationwide pioneering green transformation under the ecological model.

Moreover, many businesses within Hai Phong’s industrial parks are proactively transitioning to green practices. These include adopting renewable energy sources, utilizing recycled raw materials, and moving toward Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. This reflects their commitment to the community and workers while significantly reducing negative environmental impacts. Beyond social responsibility, these efforts serve as a catalyst for enhancing competitive advantage and establishing sustainable brands.

-Nguyễn Hiền

The regulation specifies the allowable pollution parameter values for industrial wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies.

As from September 1, 2025, all industrial facilities discharging industrial wastewater will be required to ensure that pollution parameters remain within the permissible limits set by the newly issued national technical standard on industrial wastewater—QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT.

The new regulation has been issued under Circular No.06/2025/TT-BTNMT,  dated February 28, 2025, of the Ministry of National Resources and Environment (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment)   

The regulation specifies the allowable pollution parameter values for industrial wastewater discharged into receiving water bodies. However, it does not apply to water extracted from offshore oil and gas facilities, livestock wastewater, domestic wastewater, or urban and centralized residential wastewater.

The regulation applies to State agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the discharge of industrial wastewater into receiving water bodies. It provides a clear framework to ensure compliance and accountability in wastewater management.

Facilities already in operation, or investment projects that have obtained approval for their environmental impact assessment report, environmental permit, or environmental registration from a competent state agency prior to September 1, 2025, can continue to follow the existing national technical regulations on wastewater until December 31, 2031. This includes compliance with local regulations, such as local technical standards on wastewater, based on the specific type of production, business, or service.

Additionally, if competent State agencies issue regulations that change the functional use of a receiving water body, affected parties must comply with the updated requirements according to the roadmap set by the agency.

-Tùng Dương

The Party leader encouraged the Indonesian businesses to expand investment in Vietnam.

As part of his State visit to Indonesia, Party General Secretary To Lam held meetings with leaders of several major Indonesian businesses in Jakarta on March 9, fostering stronger economic ties between the two nations.

During his meeting with Mr. Budiarsa Sastrawinata, Managing Director of Ciputra Group, the Vietnamese Party leader commended the group’s business and investment activities in Vietnam, particularly in the real estate sector.

Mr. Lam encouraged Ciputra to continue investing in green and smart city initiatives, as well as tourism, through large-scale projects set to launch in Vietnam in the near future.

In response, Mr. Sastrawinata reaffirmed Ciputra’s commitment to real estate ventures, including housing and office building projects in Hanoi, while exploring new investment opportunities in the country.

The Party leader also engaged in discussions with Mr. Patrick Walujo, CEO of PT GoTo Gojek Tokopedia Tbk (GoTo), and Mr. Garibaldi Thohir, President Director of PT Alamtri Resources.

He welcomed their interest in expanding investments in Vietnam, reiterating the country’s dedication to creating an optimal business environment for foreign enterprises.

Emphasizing Vietnam’s priorities in renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, innovation, and international financial centre development, Mr. Lam called on GoTo to leverage its expertise to explore partnerships in digital finance, banking, and infrastructure.

For PT Alamtri Resources, Mr. Lam advocated for greater collaboration in environmentally friendly mining and the adoption of modern, safe technologies. He also encouraged the group to invest in renewable energy, green transition projects, seaport logistics, and the electric vehicle and battery sectors, alongside smart transportation infrastructure.

Both GoTo and PT Alamtri Resources expressed their intention to reengage with the Vietnamese market, hoping for continued support from Vietnam’s government in their future endeavors.

In a separate meeting with Mr. Oey Alfred, Director of Sungai Budi Group, the Vietnamese Party leader praised the group’s fruitful partnerships with Vietnamese businesses, particularly in agriculture.

He noted successes in the production of coconut and sugarcane products, while also highlighting the vast potential for further collaboration in fisheries and Halal food industries.

Mr. Alfred shared his aspiration for expanded agricultural cooperation and acknowledged the effective application of scientific advancements in hi-tech farming by Sungai Budi, particularly in collaboration with TTC AgriS Group. This partnership has yielded significant achievements in agricultural value chains, especially in the sugarcane and coconut sectors in Indonesia.

-Tiến Dũng

Vietnam’s e-commerce market continued to see impressive growth in 2024 and 2025 holds great promise given the country ranks among the fastest-growing markets globally.

Vietnam’s e-commerce market closed 2024 with many positive indicators, laying a solid foundation and providing strong momentum to enter 2025 with great expectations.

According to the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the country’s e-commerce market continued to maintain impressive annual growth last year, of 18-25 per cent. The market size surpassed $25 billion, up 20 per cent compared to 2023, accounting for approximately 9 per cent of the country’s total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue.

Strong foundation

The e-commerce market accounted for two-thirds of Vietnam’s digital economy in 2024. With a steady growth rate, the country’s e-commerce and digital economy continue to rank among the top 10 fastest-growing e-commerce markets in the world. This not only drives the development of the digital economy but also plays a key role in leading the digital transformation of businesses.

As the overall e-commerce market continued to grow, several major e-commerce platforms operating in Vietnam also posted remarkable progress. Based on a report released by Metric, the total sales of the five major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam - Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, Tiki, and Sendo - stood at VND318.9 trillion ($12.54 billion), up 37.4 per cent compared to 2023.

Building on last year’s strong momentum, Vietnam’s e-commerce market is expected to maintain a positive trajectory in 2025, driven by sustained consumer demand and digital transformation efforts across industries. Notably, Metric’s report forecast that total sales on these five major e-commerce platforms will reach VND387.5 trillion ($15.23 billion), with 4.2 million products sold, reflecting year-on-year increases of 22 per cent and 23 per cent, respectively.

This steady growth highlights the market’s resilience and potential, reinforcing Vietnam’s position as one of the fastest-growing e-commerce markets globally. Moreover, businesses have been increasingly strengthening their presence on e-commerce platforms at the beginning of the new year, further contributing to market growth.

Mr. Pham Cong Hoang, CEO of Novaon Commerce, believes that one positive trend this year will be the growing emphasis of Vietnamese businesses on cross-border commerce. “Through e-commerce platforms, many ‘Made in Vietnam’ products have successfully entered international markets, including some of the world’s most developed economies, recording impressive double-digit growth,” he said. “This underscores the vast potential and global competitiveness of Vietnamese enterprises.”

Total sales of the 5 major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam 2024

Catching up with various models

Many e-commerce platforms in Vietnam are also increasingly expanding into new business models to boost their sales revenue. Mr. Hoang said e-commerce trends and brand building on many e-commerce platforms will undergo significant shifts this year, with greater convergence between differing activities.

For instance, TikTok, which previously focused primarily on viral content and branding, has now evolved into TikTok Shop, enabling direct sales. Similarly, Shopee, which initially concentrated solely on sales, has begun expanding into content, creativity, and entertainment-related areas. “With this convergence, e-commerce platforms will not only serve as marketplaces but also as integrated spaces where users can search, explore, evaluate, and make purchases,” he explained.

To accelerate the development of the e-commerce market, businesses must enhance the efficiency of their operations through e-commerce platforms. Brand building is expected to go beyond just selling products in 2025; it will require a seamless integration of brand messaging and delivering real value to customers. For this reason, Mr. Hoang suggested that businesses adopt fast and direct implementation strategies while ensuring they provide the best possible value to customers and build a sustainable brand identity through e-commerce channels.

Additionally, across all activities on e-commerce platforms, from product research and marketing execution to sales, promotional campaigns, and product selection, Mr. Hoang emphasized that businesses should rely on data-driven decision-making to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Learning from data not only helps businesses gain deeper insights into the market and customer behavior but also provides a foundation for integrating technology into the e-commerce sales journey.

By effectively leveraging data and technology, businesses can gain a significant competitive advantage, particularly in two key areas: reducing operational costs and optimizing profit margins. Mr. Hoang sees these as crucial factors that enable businesses to sustain their growth and thrive in the highly-competitive e-commerce landscape. “At the same time, businesses must thoroughly understand the operational mechanisms of each sales channel on e-commerce platforms,” he added. “This knowledge will allow them to optimize their business processes, delivering the best possible value to both their customers and themselves.”

Total sales of the 5 major e-commerce platforms in Vietnam, 2022-2025

For a sustainable market

Along with the strong growth the e-commerce market has recorded in recent times, the development of sustainable e-commerce is also considered key. Sustainable e-commerce not only focuses on revenue growth but also aims at long-term sustainability throughout the entire supply chain, from production and transportation to consumption and waste management.

Therefore, to boost sustainable e-commerce in 2025 and beyond, Ms. Le Hoang Oanh, Director General of the Vietnam e-Commerce and Digital Economy Agency, said it will continue researching, formulating, and finalizing a specialized legal framework for the e-commerce market during 2025. This is one of the top priorities to create a stable, transparent, and favorable legal environment for businesses, thereby fostering strong and sustainable growth in the sector.

In addition to policy improvements, Vietnam is also committed to developing e-commerce in a green and sustainable manner, minimizing environmental impact. This not only enhances corporate social responsibility but also aligns with the growing consumer preference for environmentally-friendly products and services. “To achieve this goal, Vietnam will continue to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, including industry associations, businesses, and regulatory agencies,” Ms. Oanh noted.

At the same time, increased coordination between ministries, sectors, and localities will be prioritized to promote regional connectivity in e-commerce, particularly in supporting the digital transformation of traditional markets. This effort aims to help small and household businesses access and effectively utilize digital platforms.

Beyond traditional e-commerce models, the shift towards green logistics is emerging as a crucial factor in the industry’s development. This is not only an inexorable trend but also a pathway for businesses to enhance their competitiveness in the globalized market. “To successfully transition to green logistics, businesses need to adopt long-term strategies that focus on sustainable benefits while ensuring their competitiveness in international markets and meeting the increasingly stringent demands of consumers,” Ms. Oanh emphasized.

Moreover, the adoption of modern technologies, particularly AI, will play an essential role in the advancement of e-commerce. AI enhances operational efficiency, improves the customer experience, and helps businesses analyze data, predict consumer trends, and personalize services. “Vietnam will proactively promote AI applications in the management and operation of e-commerce platforms, creating a smarter, more efficient, and highly-competitive digital ecosystem,” she added.

-Phương Hoa

The event aims to celebrate the Vietnamese coffee brand and further the vision of establishing Buon Ma Thuot as the "World Coffee City".

As part of the 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival in 2025, the Coffee and OCOP Products Exhibition Fair officially opened in Dak Lak province on March 9, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The event aims to celebrate the Vietnamese coffee brand and further the vision of establishing Buon Ma Thuot as the "World Coffee City".

The fair features 435 booths from 180 domestic and international enterprises, offering a platform to showcase signature coffee and OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items.

It provides businesses with opportunities to exhibit products, explore partnerships, and connect with trade networks. Additionally, it serves as a hub for businesses and farmers to gain insights into market trends, as well as updates on new techniques and technologies in production.

According to Mr. Truong Cong Thai, Vice Chairman of the Dak Lak Provincial People's Committee, the 2025 Coffee and OCOP Products Exhibition Fair exemplifies the province's dedication to elevating Vietnamese coffee to the global stage.

"This is one of the largest fairs we have ever held, gathering all domestic businesses involved in coffee cultivation, processing, and export, along with participation from international enterprises. We are optimistic that following this Coffee Fair and the 9th Coffee Festival in 2025, we will secure numerous contracts with partners around the world," shared Mr. Thai.

-Phạm Long

The 19.7 km line including eleven elevated and three underground.

The Metro line No.1 in Ho Chi Minh City was officially inaugurated on March 9, after over two months of commercial operations.

This is the first metro line in operation not only in the southern city, but also in Vietnam.

The 19.7 km line runs from Ben Thanh Market in district 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc city, marking the first of eight planned routes for Ho Chi Minh City's mass transit system.

It has 14 stations, including eleven elevated and three underground.

This project symbolizes the robust cooperation and relationship between Vietnam and Japan.

Speaking at the ceremony,  Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, highlighted the significance of the project for the southern metropolis’s socio-economic development, saying that it is a prioritized economic cooperation project between Vietnam and Japan.

According to Japanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma, Metro Line No. 1 is Vietnam's first subway line and the largest ODA project funded by Japan in Vietnam. It is expected to help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in HCM City.

 

-Thanh Thủy

It is estimated that total retail sales of goods and service revenue in the first two months of 2025 increased by 15.9% compared to the same period in 2024.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade has announced that, based on consumer demand, purchasing power, and supply performance in 2024, the volume  of goods allocated for market stabilization in 2025 will increase by 4-6%.

This supply is expected to account for 21-32% of the market share during regular months and 24-41% of market demand during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, ensuring stable pricing and availability.

The department also reported that businesses in the city have been focusing on ramping up production during the first quarter of 2025 to fulfill existing orders and achieve new production and business goals. Early indicators suggest a strong recovery, with many promising signs of economic growth.

According to the department, the explosive growth of e-commerce, cashless transactions, and flexible sales policies—featuring attractive incentives, diverse product designs, and a wide range of goods—has significantly boosted consumer purchasing power in the first months of the year.

It is estimated that total retail sales of goods and service revenue in the first two months of 2025 in the southern city increased by 15.9% compared to the same period in 2024.

To achieve the ambitious target of growing gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by over 10%, Mr. Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, outlined a comprehensive 2025 work program. This program includes initiatives to support businesses in stabilizing operations and accelerating production and business activities, fostering economic stability and growth.

-Thi Nguyễn

Mr. Tan Wee Hsien, Chief Executive Officer, CapitaLand Development Vietnam International, tells VET about FDI in Vietnam’s real estate sector and why CapitaLand is focused on expanding its presence in the country after celebrating its 30th anniversary.

CapitaLand celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, marking a significant milestone. As you steer the company into its next chapter, what do you consider to be CapitaLand Development (CLD)’s key strengths that differentiate it in the market? How will you apply insights gained from international markets to enhance local projects in the years ahead?

Over the past three decades, we have established ourselves as a developer of choice in the real estate sector, delivering over 18,000 homes across 18 projects. Our strong brand presence is reflected in the robust sales performance of Lumi Hanoi, which sold out across three phases, The Senique Hanoi, with 96 per cent sales, and Sycamore in Binh Duong, which continues to experience high demand. These results affirm our ability to meet evolving market needs and reinforce our reputation for excellence.

As we continue to evolve, we remain grounded in the insights and practices learned from our international markets, tailoring them to local projects. By seamlessly integrating CapitaLand’s diverse ecosystem across sectors like lodging, retail, and residential, we create sustainable, integrated communities. Sustainability is central to our strategy, with a focus on reducing embodied carbon, contributing to global efforts, and future-proofing our projects in line with our 2030 Sustainability Master Plan. Our commitment to innovation drives us to harness technology and AI to enhance our products and processes, ensuring we stay competitive. Above all, safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards to protect all those involved in our projects.

With a clear focus on customers, quality, sustainability, and innovation in every market we operate in, I am confident that CLD Vietnam is poised to lead the way in shaping the future of real estate development, creating lasting value for the communities we serve.

With Vietnam’s residential market poised for growth due to strong economic fundamentals, a young population, and rapid urbanization, how does CLD plan to invest in this sub-sector? Specifically, will you be targeting the growing demand for mid-range housing?

Over the next five years, our key objective is to build scale and strengthen our residential footprint around the country, expanding our portfolio from 18,000 units to 30,000 by 2029. This ambitious growth plan underscores our commitment to becoming a leading player in Vietnam’s evolving real estate market, with a focus on meeting the growing demand in both the mid to high-end segments, where we have established deep expertise and a strong track record over the past three decades.

As part of this strategy, we are open to undertake larger residential projects. Sycamore and Lumi Hanoi serve as initial showcases, setting the stage for our future growth in this market segment. These developments not only reflect our capability to manage large-scale ventures but also reinforce our commitment to delivering high-quality, integrated communities that meet the diverse needs of the market.

Our investment plan leverages Vietnam’s impressive economic potential, with 8 per cent GDP growth projected for 2025 and urbanization reaching 45 per cent, by accelerating development in key urban centers. Geographically, we will continue to expand our presence in key growth regions, with a particular emphasis on the Greater Ho Chi Minh City area, including Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An provinces, as well as the Greater Hanoi area, with targeted developments in Hung Yen and Bac Ninh provinces as well as Hai Phong city. These strategic locations align with the dynamic growth and urbanization trends, ensuring that we remain well-positioned to serve the rising demand for both mid-range and premium residential offerings.

Vietnam’s real estate sector is receiving substantial FDI, with figures reaching $1.84 billion in 2024, for a 60 per cent increase against 2023. How do you interpret these trends, and what impact do you believe they will have on the market?

The rise in FDI reflects Vietnam’s strategic role in the global supply chain, its pro-business environment, and rapid economic growth, consolidating its position as a key manufacturing hub. This influx brings opportunities such as job creation, improved infrastructure, and a stronger business ecosystem. However, it also presents challenges, including rising land prices and increased competition for resources, particularly in the residential market, where demand for high-quality housing is growing among both expatriates and an increasingly affluent local population.

CLD sees these emerging trends as a strategic opportunity and remains committed to expanding our presence in Vietnam. Our approach will center on medium and large-scale, well-planned residential master plan developments in mid to high-end segments, helping shape Vietnam’s evolving urban landscape while meeting the needs of both local and international communities. We will also explore attractive commercial and industrial opportunities to capitalize on the macro trends taking place in Vietnam.

FDI disbursement in the real estate sector declined in opening month of 2025. While seasonal factors like the Lunar New Year, or Tet, holiday may have played a role, do you see this as an early warning sign of a potential real estate bubble, or is there another explanation?

While the real estate market has experienced fluctuations in recent months, it is important to note that the underlying fundamentals remain strong. The current market is driven by genuine demand, including a growing middle class, increasing foreign business activity, and a dynamic urban environment. The Law on Land 2024 and the Law on Housing 2024 are designed to enhance market transparency and ensure financial prudence, which will mitigate the risk of speculative behavior and help maintain long-term market stability.

We are optimistic that, despite short-term variations, the market is well-positioned for sustainable growth. With ongoing regulatory reforms, Vietnam is poised for a rebound in FDI disbursement, continuing to attract robust investment. This will support the ongoing development of high-quality, integrated, and sustainable projects, contributing to the nation’s long-term success in the real estate sector.

Looking ahead, what are your key priorities for CLD? Are there any specific projects or strategic initiatives that you’d like to highlight?

CLD is focused on expanding our presence in Vietnam, a key market in our regional strategy. Given our proven track record, we target to more than double our capital allocation in the country over the next five years to expand our business significantly.

In addition to residential projects, we are also exploring opportunities in the commercial sector. With multinational corporations expanding and the demand for premium office space rising, we see significant potential in this field. Moreover, as Vietnam continues to strengthen its role as a manufacturing hub under the “China Plus One” strategy, we are exploring opportunities in industrial and logistics sectors to support the growing trade and supply chain networks.

Beyond business growth, we remain dedicated to social impact. Recently, the CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), the philanthropic arm of the CapitaLand Group, launched the CapitaLand Community Resilience Initiative, a S$3 million ($2.23 million) regional grant aimed at empowering vulnerable children and youth in China, India, Singapore, and Vietnam. This initiative, in collaboration with social investment network builder AVPN, is a significant milestone for CHF’s 20th anniversary and reflects our ongoing commitment to building resilient communities. Non-profit organizations with sustainable projects focused on education, health, and well-being are invited to submit applications before April 25, 2025. The third edition of “Together We Step: Step For Kindness” will take place in the fourth quarter of this year, aiming to rally the community to support youth and children in need.

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The project has estimated investment capital of VND47.89 trillion ($1.86 billion).

Construction for Ho Chi Minh City's second metro line, the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong route, is scheduled to commence by the end of the year, according to the city’s Urban Railway Management Office.

The Metro Line No. 2 spans over 11 km, with 9.2 km running underground, while the remaining sections include elevated tracks and the lead-in to the Tham Luong depot in District 12. The project features nine underground stations and one elevated station.

Once completed, the metro line will connect with the Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) at Ben Thanh Station in District 1 and integrate with future transit lines, facilitating east-west mobility through the city's center.

The project has estimated total investment capital of VND47.89 trillion ($1.86 billion).

Construction is expected for completion in 5-7 years.

 

-Quỳnh Nguyễn

The rankings primarily based on the compound annual growth rate in terms of revenue, total assets, equity, pre-tax profit, and reputation.

The top 500 fastest-growing enterprises in Vietnam (FAST500) were announced last week by the Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company (Vietnam Report), according to a report from  the Vietnam News Agency.

The rankings are primarily based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in terms of revenue, total assets, equity, pre-tax profit, and reputation.

Ngan Tin Group, FPT Long Chau, South Asia Informatics Technology JSC, Stellapharm Joint Venture Company Limited, and Taseco Group JSC are among the companies featured in the FAST500 rankings.

On this occasion, Vietnam Report conducted a survey among companies to present an overall picture of Vietnamese businesses, the most important factors contributing to their growth over the past year, and their operation directions in the time ahead.

Through the survey, Vietnam Report also noted optimistic sentiment in 2025, as most companies expect Vietnam to achieve impressive economic growth.

 

-Vân Nguyễn

The move aimed at contributing to fulfilling the 2025 growth target of 8%.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh required relevant ministries, agencies and localities to boost international cooperation, particularly in economic, trade and investment, to contribute to fulfilling the growth target at least of 8% in 2025.

While chairing a Government meeting in Hanoi on March 8 to assess the regional and global economic situations, address challenges and obstacles, and set out tasks and solutions,  the  PM  stressed the need to further strengthen economic, trade, and investment cooperation with other countries, particularly major partners such as China, the US, Europe, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

It is also necessary to effectively take advantage of the free trade agreements to which Vietnam is a signatory, while promoting negotiations and signing of new ones and investment protection agreements to diversify markets and supply chains, the PM noted.

He also requested the review of tax policies for possible amendment if necessary and foster international cooperation in all areas, especially high technology, innovation, digital transformation and other emerging fronts.

The PM tasked ministries, agencies and localities to create favorable conditions for foreign investors to expand supply chain in Vietnam and help the country to further engage in the supply chain of foreign enterprises.

 

-Tiến Dũng

Tourism, industrial production and trade remaining key growth drivers.

Central Da Nang city recorded impressive economic growth in the first two months of the year, particularly in tourism, industrial production and trade, according to the city’s Statistics Office.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 10.5% compared to the same period last year.

Trade and services were robust with total retail sales of consumer products and services exceeding VND24 trillion ($934 million), surging 21.9% year-on-year.

Tourism remains a bright spot in the city’s economic picture in recent years as well as a key growth driver. The city welcomed nearly 1.6 million tourists in the first two months, up 18.3% year-on-year. Of the total, there were 835,700 international visitors, skyrocketing 48.3% year-on-year. Total revenue of accommodation and catering services is estimated at more than VND4.77 trillion ($185 million), a year-on-year increase of 19.8%.

 

-Ngô Anh Văn