Vietnam News
Vietnam, Malaysia target $20bln in bilateral trade by 2030
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Malaysian counterpart Anwar Ibrahim agreed to continue effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and strive to raise bilateral trade turnover to $20 billion by 2030 in a balanced manner during their talks held in Kuala Lumpur on May 25.
They also committed to minimizing trade barriers, facilitating import and export of key potential and strong sectors such as agricultural and aquatic products, food, electronic components, and construction materials, while expanding cooperation in digital economy, circular economy, and green economy.
The leaders concurred to enhance cooperation in various other fields. They said they will consider expediting the signing of new air transport and tourism cooperation agreements, increasing flight frequency, and strengthening partnerships in education, training, labor, agriculture, culture, and sports.
PM Chinh affirmed that Vietnam is ready to supply Malaysia with a stable and long-term rice source and suggested Malaysia help Vietnam in the Halal industry, urging an early signing of a cooperation document in this field.
The bilateral trade reached $14.2 billion in 2024. Malaysia remains among the top 10 foreign investors in Vietnam, with total registered capital exceeding $13 billion.
-Tiến Dũng
Vietnam, Singapore partner to boost Halal market
Vietnam-Singapore trade turnover reached a record SGD31.67 billion (over $24.6 billion) in 2024, marking a 9.49% increase compared to 2023, with Halal products playing a significant role, the Vietnam News Agency quoted Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh as saying.
Speaking at the Vietnam-Singapore Halal Trade Seminar, held in a hybrid format on May 24, the ambassador emphasized the Vietnamese government’s commitment to the Halal market, citing the Prime Minister’s 2023 decision to approve the Project on Strengthening International Cooperation to Build and Develop Vietnam’s Halal Industry to 2030.
Ambassador Anh highlighted Singapore’s extensive expertise in trade development, particularly Halal product exports, supported by its well-established certification system—widely recognized by Muslim-majority markets such as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Australia, Europe, and the USA.
“Singapore’s strategic position and advanced logistics and financial infrastructure make it an ideal gateway for Halal products to enter global Muslim markets,” he noted.
The seminar aimed to showcase Vietnam’s potential in Halal product manufacturing, attracting foreign investment in Halal-certified industries such as joint ventures, certification recognition, freight, logistics, and import-export operations.
Mr. Cao Xuan Thang, Commercial Counselor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, discussed Singapore’s demand for Halal products and Vietnam’s key export items, affirming that businesses in both countries can leverage Vietnam’s production strengths and Singapore’s role as a commercial hub. He emphasized the advantage of new-generation free trade agreements (FTAs), which both Vietnam and Singapore are part of, to help penetrate Muslim markets.
Mr. Muhammad Faizal bin Othman, Director of MUIS, Singapore’s government agency overseeing Islamic affairs, noted strong collaboration potential between Singapore and Vietnam, given Vietnam’s abundant aquaculture and agricultural products, which can be exported to Singapore and beyond. Singapore is also looking to expand cooperation with Vietnam’s national Halal certification center, HALCERT.
Affirming the trillion-dollar potential of the Halal industry, Ms. Dewi Hartaty Suratty, Founder and CEO of Down Horizon, highlighted that Singapore imports 90% of its food, creating significant opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural exports to enhance Singapore’s food security.
She also underscored Singapore’s global Halal trade connections, spanning the Middle East and Southeast Asia, presenting an opportunity for businesses in both countries to collaborate and expand market access.
-Phạm Long
PM meets major Malaysian groups and business associations
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held working sessions with major Malaysian corporations and business associations in Kuala Lumpur on May 25, as part of his ongoing official visit to Malaysia, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
The PM received senior executives of Gamuda Land, the property development arm of Malaysia’s engineering and construction giant Gamuda Berhad; Capital A, a multi-sector conglomerate best known for operating the low-cost airline AirAsia; Grab; the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM); the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KLSICCI; and the Selangor Royal Family.
During the working sessions, PM Chinh stressed that the Vietnamese Government is committed to accompanying and creating favorable conditions for foreign investors, including Malaysian enterprises, to operate efficiently and sustainably in Vietnam to bring about prosperity for both sides in the coming time.
Representatives from the corporations and businesses expressed their desire for continued support from the Vietnamese Government to expand its business operations in Vietnam.
-Vân Nguyễn
Vietnam-Malaysia Business Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur
Addressing a meeting with business leaders from Vietnam and Malaysia, held in Kuala Lumpur on May 25 as part of his ongoing official visit to Malaysia, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Malaysian businesses to further expand investment in Vietnam, according to a report from the Government News.
Malaysia is currently Vietnam's third largest investor in ASEAN, after Singapore and Thailand, and its 10th largest investor in the world, with total registered capital of $13.6 billion.
The Government of Vietnam pledges to protect the rights to property, freedom of business and equal access to resources as well as legitimate rights and and interests of investors, Prime Minister Chinh said.
The Government remains steadfast to its goal of accelerating GDP growth of at least 8 per cent in 2025 and achieving double-digit growth in the following years, according to the PM.
From that perspective, Vietnam is focusing on removing bottlenecks in terms of institutions, infrastructure and human resource to formulate open and smooth business environment, he said.
He stressed that Vietnam is streamlining the political system, promoting administration reform, and advancing the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.
Regarding administration reform, the Government targets to reduce at least 30 per cent of administrative procedures, compliance costs and time required to process administrative procedures by the end of this year.
Since the introduction of Doi moi policy in 1986, from a war-ravaged and impoverished country, Vietnam has emerged as one of 34 leading economies in the world, and signed 17 free trade agreements involving more than 60 economies around the world, he said.
The country's economy expanded over 7 per cent while its GDP size reached $476.3 billion in 2024, according to the PM.
-Vân Nguyễn
Carbon market to develop
How do you view Vietnam’s potential to develop a thriving carbon market?
Vietnam holds tremendous potential in developing carbon credit projects to engage in global carbon markets. Since the early 2000s, the country has been actively involved in various carbon credit standards, particularly the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), and the Gold Standard (GS). By March 2025, Vietnam will have registered 274 projects under the CDM, 43 under the VCS, and 45 under the GS. It actually ranks fourth globally in the number of CDM projects and ninth in the volume of carbon credits issued.
Additionally, Vietnam enjoys a unique advantage with a broad range of industries and sectors that can evolve into carbon credit projects, from renewable energy (hydropower, wind, and solar) to wastewater treatment, waste management, agriculture, and forestry.
What challenges do businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), face when engaging in both compliance and voluntary carbon markets?
First and foremost, businesses must distinguish between compliance and voluntary markets to chart the right path forward and understand the unique challenges of each.
The compliance market is a government-regulated platform for emissions trading, set to launch in a pilot phase from June 2025 to 2028. During this phase, only around 150 large enterprises in sectors like thermal power, steel, and cement will be required to participate. SMEs, or those in other industries, won’t be involved in the compliance market during this period.
The voluntary carbon market (VCM), meanwhile, is decentralized and driven by voluntary participation. Individuals and organizations can trade carbon credits issued by independent standards such as Verra and GS, without government oversight.
Despite the opportunities, businesses are currently grappling with several challenges when entering the carbon market. One key issue is the limited understanding of how a carbon market works. Many companies struggle to differentiate between the two market types, understand the regulations, or grasp the operational mechanics of the market. This is particularly evident in the VCM, where businesses often lack clarity on how to register and develop credit projects.
Moreover, there is a significant gap in knowledge about emission reduction technologies. Accessing and implementing advanced solutions to cut emissions remains a barrier, especially for smaller businesses.
Finally, data collection and management pose a real challenge. Setting up systems for monitoring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) emissions and reductions is still new for many businesses and requires substantial resources. Financial constraints make it even more difficult for SMEs to invest in emission reduction technologies, build MRV systems, or cover costs related to developing and registering projects. These challenges are particularly daunting for smaller businesses, which struggle with the financial burden and resource requirements.
What should the government do to overcome these challenges?
The government is a pivotal player in driving the development of the carbon market in Vietnam and addressing the barriers faced by businesses. Surveys assessing the private sector’s readiness to enter the carbon market reveal that many businesses stress the importance of having a clear and transparent legal framework, complete with specific regulations and guidelines to ensure smooth market participation.
A major challenge at the moment is financial constraints, especially when businesses are implementing emission-reduction measures. Financial institutions and banks can provide crucial support here. To make the most of available resources, the government needs to refine its green finance policies and establish clear guidelines on which types of projects or initiatives qualify for financial assistance from these institutions.
In addition, to boost awareness and encourage more businesses to join the carbon market, the government should ramp up communication efforts. This outreach should include information on existing regulations, policy updates, insights into global emission-reduction technologies, the benefits of entering the carbon market, and success stories from businesses that have registered and implemented carbon credit projects.
How can consulting firms assist businesses in overcoming the challenges of entering the carbon market?
Consulting firms can become key strategic allies for businesses, guiding them step-by-step as they navigate the carbon market. They can support businesses in setting up and implementing MRV systems for emissions and reductions, organizing capacity-building sessions on the carbon market, providing updates on cutting-edge emission-reduction technologies, and assisting in the development of credit projects while facilitating connections with potential buyers and sellers in the voluntary market.
That said, many businesses still face challenges in accessing specialized consultants for this process. Vietnam currently lacks a dedicated platform where businesses can easily access essential information on the carbon market and connect with the relevant stakeholders who can help them navigate these opportunities.
This underscores the need to build an ecosystem that supports the growth of the carbon market, one that includes a network of researchers, experts, consulting firms, and businesses. Such an ecosystem would act as a bridge for sharing market knowledge, advancing technological solutions, and connecting project owners with investors, developers, and potential buyers of carbon credits.
What key factors do you think are essential to stay competitive in the market and successfully operate a carbon exchange?
Transparency is absolutely critical in creating a carbon market that not only functions effectively but also meets international standards. When it comes to quota allocation, the government must ensure that the entire calculation process is precise, fair, and based on reliable data, while using transparent methods to ensure trust and compliance from businesses.
For carbon credits entering the exchange, transparency needs to be guaranteed through clear regulations about which credits are eligible and the MRV methodology allowed. This ensures that the credits issued are both reliable and of high quality.
Additionally, the entire process of managing and trading credits and quotas must be closely regulated and monitored by the government to ensure fairness and prevent any fraudulent activities. A consistent and transparent legal framework will not only enhance the trust of market participants but also be key in encouraging the supply of credits by motivating businesses to actively develop emission-reduction projects and participate in the exchange’s compensation mechanisms.
As part of the goal of establishing and developing a carbon market in Vietnam, the country plans to pilot a domestic carbon exchange from June 2025 to 2028, with official operations starting in 2029. Given the current context, do you believe it can achieve this target?
With the carbon market still in its early stages, only a few countries and regions, such as the EU, the US, Canada, South Korea, and China, have successfully established and operated emissions trading platforms. Even for these developed nations, building, testing, and refining their systems took years and came with significant challenges.
In Vietnam, the pilot phase for the domestic carbon exchange will run from June 2025 until the end of 2028. There’s still much to be done in this period to build a robust, transparent system that fits the domestic context.
This journey will require strong, consistent efforts from the government and crucial technical and financial support from international organizations, helping Vietnam to gradually build a resilient carbon market foundation and align with global standards.
-Vũ Khuê
Moc Chau - Tay Trang Border Gate expressway proposed for 2026-2030
The People's Committee of the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien has formally submitted a proposal to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Construction (MoC), seeking investment for the Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien – Tay Trang Border Gate expressway section.
This initiative aims to complete the Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien Expressway in accordance with the approved master plan.
The Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Son La – Dien Bien Expressway project, spanning approximately 450 km, will be implemented in phases. The Hanoi – Moc Chau (in Sơn La province) section (119 km) is currently under construction, with completion expected by 2028. However, the Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien – Tay Trang Border Gate section (305 km) has yet to receive investment funding.
According to the adjusted master plan, the Son La City – Tay Trang Border Gate section (200 km, 4 lanes wide) has been designated a priority investment project for completion before 2030.
Previously, the MoC submitted a report to the Ministry of Finance, outlining progress on the 2021-2025 medium-term public investment plan and detailing funding priorities for the 2026-2030 period. The proposal included the Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien – Tay Trang Border Gate section as a strategic infrastructure project requiring priority investment.
The Provincial People's Committee emphasized that this expressway aligns with the national master plan and is crucial for boosting socio-economic development, enhancing national defense and security, and strengthening connectivity in the Northwest region of the country, particularly in Dien Bien province.
-Gia Huy
Hai Phong unveils list of key agricultural projects for 2026-2030
The Hai Phong City People's Committee has approved a list of key investment projects in the agriculture and rural development sector for the 2026-2030 period, covering approximately 1,450 ha.
These projects focus on high-tech aquaculture, vegetable and flower cultivation, livestock farming, and slaughter operations.
The first project is a high-tech vegetable production initiative in Tien Lang and Vinh Bao districts, as well as Thuy Nguyen city, utilizing 800 ha—the largest land area among the projects. It aims to establish concentrated safe vegetable production zones, ensuring traceability linked to processing and consumer markets by 2030.
The second project focuses on high-tech aquaculture in Vinh Bao district, covering 400 ha.
Investments will modernize aquaculture production facilities, incorporating smart technology and Industry 4.0 advancements in management, breeding, and cultivation. Additionally, the project will implement science-based wastewater recycling measures to reduce environmental impact from aquaculture and seafood processing.
The third project involves high-tech flower production across Vinh Bao and An Duong districts, with a total land area of approximately 120 ha.
The fourth project centers on high-tech livestock farming and slaughter operations, employing advanced technological processes. It spans 105 ha, including 25 ha in Vinh Bao district and 80 ha in Thuy Nguyen city.
The fifth project will establish a centralized livestock and poultry slaughterhouse complex, covering 25 ha. It will be developed across An Duong district, Thuy Nguyen city, and An Lao, Tien Lang, Vinh Bao, and Kien Thuy districts.
This initiative will integrate modern technology to ensure veterinary hygiene, food safety, and environmental protection, while strictly regulating livestock and poultry slaughter operations to provide safe and high-quality meat products.
-Đỗ Hoàng
National gold market database expected to be built in June
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and relevant ministries and agencies to build a national gold market database in June as part of measures to tighten management over the gold market.
Chairing a working session in Hanoi on May 24 between permanent Government members and representatives of ministries, agencies, associations and businesses, PM Chinh asked the central bank to strive to narrow the gap between domestic and global gold prices to a slim 1-2% margin.
The Government leader also called for a crackdown on shadowy practices like market manipulation, gold smuggling, and other illicit activities.
For long-term stability, he tasked the SBV, the Ministry of Finance, and other agencies with creating a business environment so vibrant that people might choose entrepreneurship over hoarding gold. A gold exchange platform, he suggested, could formalize trading under transparent rules.
-Kỳ Phong
Vietnam classified as a “low-risk” country under EU deforestation law
Vietnam has been officially classified as a “low-risk” country under the European Union’s new Anti-Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the Government News quoted a legal act published on May 22 by the European Commission as reporting.
The classification means that only 1 per cent of Vietnamese businesses exporting to Europe are subject to strict inspections.
The EUDR is part of the EU's wider efforts to curb global deforestation by enforcing tighter controls on agricultural and forestry supply chains.
The regulation applies to seven key commodities, including wood, cocoa, coffee, soy, palm oil, rubber and beef, as well as derived products such as leather, chocolate and furniture.
A key difference between the groups is that EU countries will be required to carry out compliance checks covering 9 per cent of companies exporting from high-risk countries, 3 per cent from standard-risk countries and 1 per cent for low-risk countries.
According to Mr. Tran Van Cong, Viet Nam's Agricultural Counselor to Belgium and the EU, said Vietnam’s classification as a "low risk" country is a positive result of the cooperation efforts between the two sides in recent years, particularly within the framework of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (VPA/FLEGT), as well as joint activities on environmental protection and sustainable development.
The EU law shall be effective for large companies from the end of 2025, and for small firms from June 2026.
-Phạm Long
Further discussions between Vietnam and US on trade ties
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien had a working session with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick in Washington D.C., on May 22 (local time).
Minister Dien was quoted by the Government News as reiterating that Vietnam has huge and stable demand for U.S. products, equipment, and services, particularly in high technology and energy sectors.
Vietnam is committed to promoting a transparent and healthy trade environment and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. in combating trade fraud, origin fraud, and illegal transshipment, asserted the Vietnamese minister.
With the goal of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045, Vietnam identifies the U.S. as one of its leading strategic partners and seeks to enhance economic and trade relations towards a balanced, sustainable, and mutually beneficial manner.
He called on the U.S. to work together with Vietnam to resolve existing issues in economic and trade relations, soon recognize Vietnam as a market economy, and remove the country from the D1 and D3 lists that restrict the export of high-tech products to bring practical benefits to both countries and improve the trade balance in a fair, harmonious, and sustainable direction, the minister said.
For his part, Secretary Lutnick hailed Vietnam's efforts and goodwill in the negotiations on a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, welcoming the two countries to foster stronger ties in high-tech sectors and areas with high added value.
Vietnam is an important and attractive market for U.S. businesses, noted the host, expressing his hope that the Southeast Asian nation would continue to facilitate U.S. investment projects to expand two-way trade, especially increasing imports of goods from the U.S.
Both sides shared the view that Vietnam and the U.S. are highly complementary economies and have great potential for further cooperation.
The two sides vowed to continue promoting technical dialogue and maintaining high-level exchanges to soon achieve substantive progress in the negotiations, aiming to build a stable and long-term economic and trade cooperation framework.
-Vân Nguyễn
Reciprocal trade negotiations with US must ensure Vietnam's core interests: PM
While presiding over a meeting of permanent Government members in Hanoi on May 24, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasizChọn ảnh đại diệned the principle of “harmonizing benefits, sharing risks” and ensuring Vietnam's core interests in the continued trade talks with the US, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
Reviewing the outcomes of the second round of negotiations on a bilateral agreement on reciprocal trade, held in Washington D.C. from May 19 - 22, PM Chinh praised the efforts of relevant ministries, sectors, agencies, and localities in preparing for and conducting the talks.
He noted that the negotiation team strictly followed directives of the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Party General Secretary, and the PM.
The negotiation rounds have shown positive signs as both sides had opportunities to exchange information and enhance mutual understanding, laying a foundation to establish positive directions for future negotiation rounds towards appropriate and balanced outcomes for both parties, the PM noted.
PM Chinh acknowledged the proactive engagement of the US side and highlighted Vietnam’s multi-tiered, flexible, and diverse efforts to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the American country in general and advancing the negotiations in particular.
Relevant ministries and agencies have promptly provided information for the negotiation team and reported to the permanent Government members for leadership and direction. Meanwhile, agencies, units, localities, and enterprises have continued negotiating and promoting the purchase of US goods for which Vietnam has demand and the US has competitive advantage such as Boeing aircraft, liquefied natural gas, and certain agricultural products, contributing to achieving trade balance between the two countries as soon as possible.
The Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and related ministries considered and quickly addressed issues related to projects of the US’s concerns, he said, adding the permanent Government members and the PM himself have kept close tabs on the negotiations and relevant developments and strictly followed the directions from the Politburo and the Party General Secretary to work out appropriate, effective, and substantive solutions for both sides based on the spirit of harmonizing benefits and sharing risks.
Looking ahead, the Government leader stressed that based on the achieved results, actual developments, and Vietnam's response capabilities, the future tasks must ensure Vietnam's core interests while helping consolidate and strengthen the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, bringing benefits to both countries and their consumers, and contributing to peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
He called for effective plans and measures to continue negotiations and strive to declare the conclusion of negotiations as soon as possible.
-Vân Nguyễn
Recycle Bottles - Grow the Future: Far Eastern Polytex and AEON MALL Promote Green Living at ECO EVENT 2025
Every used plastic bottle holds potential - not just to be discarded, but to be renewed. From May 25 to June 5, 2025, the ECO EVENT 2025, marking the continued partnership between Far Eastern Polytex Vietnam (FEPV) and AEON MALL Vietnam, aims to inspire sustainable living. This year’s event takes the recycling movement to new heights, fueled by FEPV’s cutting-edge rPET recycling facility located in Vietnam.
As a meaningful annual initiative, this event reinforces the collaboration between Far Eastern Polytex Vietnam Co., Ltd. (FEPV) and AEON MALL Vietnam, promoting the collection and recycling of used PET bottles at AEON MALL locations in Binh Tan District and Binh Duong Province. Timed to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5, the event seeks to raise public awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Recycling: A new beginning
ECO EVENT 2025 encourage the public to participate by bringing used PET bottles to designated collection points at AEON MALLs, where they can exchange bottles for meaningful gifts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with the Reverse Vending Machine - a smart and eco-friendly technology designed to promote recycling habits and responsible waste sorting.
A highlight of the event is the ECO CONTEST 2025 - a “Ring the Golden Bell” quiz competition themed “Green Generation – Act for the Environment,” aimed at middle school students. The competition will take place across three AEON MALL locations: Tan Phu, Binh Tan, and Binh Duong. The quiz tests participants’ knowledge on recycling, waste separation, and environmental stewardship, offering a fun and engaging way to promote sustainability education.
FEPV: Creating new value from PET bottles
As part of the Far Eastern New Century (FENC) group, a global pioneer in PET recycling, FEPV is committed to sustainability through over 30 years of innovation in material recycling. With a global network of RPET manufacturing facilities spanning countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States,
FEPV continues to invest in advanced recycling technologies to transform post-consumer PET bottles into high-value products. These include food and non-food packaging, textiles, household goods, and automotive components — all illustrating the potential of a circular economy
FEPV’s state-of-the-art rPET plant, which began operations in 2025, marks a significant step in localizing circular production in Vietnam. The plant uses advanced processes to produce internationally certified, food-grade rPET that meets FDA (U.S.) and EFSA (Europe) standards, contributing to both local needs and exports for food packaging.
Globally, FENC recycles over 22 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually, preventing approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste from entering marine environments. (Source: FENC Sustainability Report 2023 - https://csr.fenc.com/report.aspx?lang=en )
Children take part in hands-on bottle processing activities and try the Reverse Vending Machine at AEON MALL Binh Tan.Nurturing green habits across generations
The year 2025 marks the fourth consecutive year of Eco Event, an initiative hosted by FEPV and AEON MALL Vietnam. Last year, the event engaged over 6,000 participants and collected 23,000 used PET bottles from AEON MALL locations nationwide, reflecting a growing community commitment to environmental action.
This year, Eco Event 2025 will be hosted at:
- AEON MALL Binh Tan: May 25 – June 5
- AEON MALL Binh Duong: May 31 – June 5
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to join. For every 20 used PET bottles brought to the collection points, participants will receive a premium canvas tote bag as a token of appreciation. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Reverse Vending Machine, designed to make recycling more interactive and accessible, especially for young consumers.
The Eco Contest drew enthusiastic participation from students in 2024, with many earning outstanding results.A greener future starts with the smallest acts
The journey toward sustainability doesn’t begin with dramatic changes — it starts with simple actions, such as giving a bottle a new purpose.
With Eco Event 2025, FEPV and AEON MALL Vietnam aim to inspire long-lasting recycling habits in the community and cultivate a sense of green responsibility in the next generation. FEPV’s new rPET facility in Vietnam is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability, turning waste into valuable resources for a circular economy.
Join the movement and help grow the future - where every bottle finds a new beginning, every child builds a deeper connection with nature, and each of us takes a step closer to a truly sustainable lifestyle.
-Diep Linh
Recycle Bottles - Grow the Future: Far Eastern Polytex and AEON MALLPromote Green Living at ECO EVENT 2025
As a meaningful annual initiative, this event reinforces the collaboration between Far Eastern Polytex Vietnam Co., Ltd. (FEPV) and AEON MALL Vietnam, promoting the collection and recycling of used PET bottles at AEON MALL locations in Binh Tan District and Binh Duong Province. Timed to coincide with World Environment Day on June 5, the event seeks to raise public awareness about environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Recycling: A new beginning
ECO EVENT 2025 encourage the public to participate by bringing used PET bottles to designated collection points at AEON MALLs, where they can exchange bottles for meaningful gifts. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with the Reverse Vending Machine - a smart and eco-friendly technology designed to promote recycling habits and responsible waste sorting.
A highlight of the event is the ECO CONTEST 2025 - a “Ring the Golden Bell” quiz competition themed “Green Generation – Act for the Environment,” aimed at middle school students. The competition will take place across three AEON MALLlocations: Tan Phu, Binh Tan, and Binh Duong. The quiz tests participants’ knowledge on recycling, waste separation, and environmental stewardship, offering a fun and engaging way to promote sustainability education.
FEPV: Creating new value from PET bottles
As part of the Far Eastern New Century (FENC) group, a global pioneer in PET recycling, FEPV is committed to sustainability through over 30 years of innovation in material recycling. With a global network of RPET manufacturing facilities spanning countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, and the United States,
FEPV continues to invest in advanced recycling technologies to transform post-consumer PET bottles into high-value products. These include food and non-food packaging, textiles, household goods, and automotive components — all illustrating the potential of a circular economy
FEPV’s state-of-the-art rPET plant, which began operations in 2025, marks a significant step in localizing circular production in Vietnam. The plant uses advanced processes to produce internationally certified, food-grade rPET that meets FDA (U.S.) and EFSA (Europe) standards, contributing to both local needs and exports for food packaging.
Globally, FENC recycles over 22 billion post-consumer PET bottles annually, preventing approximately 15,000 tons of plastic waste from entering marine environments. (Source: FENC Sustainability Report 2023 -https://csr.fenc.com/report.aspx?lang=en )
Children take part in hands-on bottle processing activities and try the Reverse Vending Machine at AEON MALLBinh Tan.Nurturing green habits across generations
The year 2025 marks the fourth consecutive year of Eco Event, an initiative hosted by FEPV and AEON MALL Vietnam. Last year, the event engaged over 6,000 participants and collected 23,000 used PET bottles from AEON MALL locations nationwide, reflecting a growing community commitment to environmental action.
This year, Eco Event 2025 will be hosted at:
- AEON MALL Binh Tan: May 25 – June 5
- AEON MALL Binh Duong: May 31 – June 5
Visitors of all ages are encouraged to join. For every 20 used PET bottles brought to the collection points, participants will receive a premium canvas tote bag as a token of appreciation. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Reverse Vending Machine, designed to make recycling more interactive and accessible, especially for young consumers .
The Eco Contest drew enthusiastic participation from students in 2024, with many earning outstanding results.A greener future starts with the smallest acts
The journey toward sustainability doesn’t begin with dramatic changes — it starts with simple actions, such as giving a bottle a new purpose.
With Eco Event 2025, FEPV and AEON MALL Vietnam aim to inspire long-lasting recycling habits in the community and cultivate a sense of green responsibility in the next generation. FEPV’s new rPET facility in Vietnam is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability, turning waste into valuable resources for a circular economy.
Join the movement and help grow the future - where every bottle finds a new beginning, every child builds a deeper connection with nature, and each of us takes a step closer to a truly sustainable lifestyle.
-Linh Tong
Da Nang holds dialogue to resolve business challenges, promote development
The business community plays a pivotal role in innovation, digital transformation, green development, and international integration, according to Mr. Vu Quang Hung, Head of the Da Nang Hi-Tech Park and Industrial Zones Authority.
Speaking at the 2025 Business Dialogue Conference, themed "Dialogue to Resolve – Connection for Development", held on May 23, Mr. Hung emphasized that businesses—particularly the private sector—are central to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.
The event attracted over 200 businesses operating in the Hi-Tech Park, industrial zones, and the centralized Information Technology Park in Da Nang city.
During the conference, presentations addressed key topics of interest, including: Risks associated with US tariff policies and recommendations for businesses; Vision and regional connectivity in the development of Hoa Ninh Industrial Park; Application of science and technology in advancing green industrial parks; and A demonstration of BIM technology and smart infrastructure management platforms.
The open discussion and dialogue session provided a forum for businesses to frankly discuss critical issues, such as: Legal obstacles related to land-use and investment procedures; Regulations on land rent reduction; Technology policies and environmental sector concerns; Challenges in human resources and administrative reforms; Social housing policies for workers; Recruitment difficulties for unskilled labor; and Expanding student internship opportunities at businesses.
Representatives from relevant departments and functional agencies actively engaged in discussions, directly addressing questions, exchanging information, and committing to considering and resolving business challenges in a timely manner.
-Ngô Anh Văn
Exports of computers, electronics and components hit $29.26 bln in 4M
Vietnam’s exports of computers, electronics and components in April reached $8.15 billion, bringing the total export value from this group of products in the first four months of 2025 to $29.26 billion, figures from the Vietnam Customs showed.
The latter figure represents a significant increase of 36.2% compared to the same period last year, and accounts for 21% of the country’s total export value in the four-month period.
Key export markets include the US with turnover of $10.71 billion, up 57.6% year-on-year; China $5.06 billion, surging 27%; and the EU $3.21 billion, rising 32%.
Meanwhile, exports of telephones and accessories are estimated at $17.8 billion in the first four months, down 1.9% year-on-year. The products were mainly exported to China, the US, the EU and the Republic of Korea.
-Ngô Huyền
FDI Attraction Strategy
Despite the ongoing global economic headwinds, Vietnam stood out as a bright spot on the FDI map during 2024. As the year came to a close, the country had more than 42,000 active FDI projects with total registered capital of $502.8 billion. Disbursed capital had hit an estimated $322.5 billion, accounting for 64.1 per cent of total valid commitments and demonstrating strong investor confidence and realized potential.
According to experts, such figures reflect more than just capital inflows; they underscore Vietnam’s untapped potential and competitive edge. With ample space for further investment across strategic sectors, Vietnam remains well-positioned to channel FDI into driving its long-term development goals. To achieve its ambitious goal of over 8 per cent annual economic growth this year, it must go beyond being just a magnet for capital and must rise as a true value creator in the global supply chain.
FDI picture in 2024
According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency at the Ministry of Finance, total FDI in 2024, including newly-registered capital, additional capital, and capital contributions or share purchases, stood at $38.2 billion. Though this marked a slight 3 per cent decline year-on-year, a major highlight was the record disbursed capital, of approximately $25.3 billion, up 9.4 per cent against 2023.
Breaking down the figures, newly-registered capital made up over half of the total, at $19.7 billion, representing a 7.6 per cent decline from the previous year. Conversely, additional capital saw an impressive surge of 50.4 per cent, reaching $13.9 billion. The number of newly-licensed projects also edged up, to 3,375. Capital contributions or share purchases, meanwhile, slowed noticeably in both transaction volume and value, totaling just over $4.5 billion, for a sharp 48.1 per cent fall.
By sector, manufacturing and processing remained the top magnet for FDI, attracting $25.5 billion, or nearly 67 per cent of all registered capital. Real estate was second, with $6.3 billion, followed by electricity production and distribution, with 1.42 billion, and wholesale and retail, with $1.4 billion. The strong concentration of capital in manufacturing and processing underscores investor confidence in Vietnam’s industrial production capabilities and expectations for a mid to long-term rebound in domestic consumption.
In terms of FDI by locality, northern Bac Ninh province made a surprise leap to the top in 2024, catapulting from seventh place in 2023 after attracting over $5.1 billion, or 13.4 per cent of the total. The northern port city of Hai Phong held second place, with $4.9 billion, while Ho Chi Minh City, traditionally a frontrunner, slipped to third. This shift reflects a growing investor preference for localities with strong industrial infrastructure, flexible policies, and, importantly, the ability to accommodate high-tech capital inflows.
Singapore remained Vietnam’s largest investor in 2024, with $10.2 billion, accounting for 26.7 per cent of the total. It was followed by South Korea, with $7 billion, and China with $4.7 billion. These strategic partners already have deep-rooted production and supply networks in Vietnam.
The merger and acquisition (MA) market also experienced notable fluctuations. Despite a decline in total deal value, from $4.4 billion in 2023 to $3.2 billion in 2024, due to geopolitical uncertainty and exchange rate volatility, the number of transactions rose from 188 to 198. The trend towards smaller-scale deals suggests that investors are becoming more cautious, while still maintaining confidence in Vietnam’s long-term potential.
This optimism is echoed in several credible surveys. According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the proportion of Japanese businesses in Vietnam posting a profit in 2024 exceeded 60 per cent for the first time in five years. More than half of the Japanese companies surveyed by JETRO also expressed optimism that their business performance will continue to improve in 2025.
Meanwhile, the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) reported that the Business Confidence Index (BCI) among European businesses in Vietnam reached 61.8 points in the fourth quarter of 2024, a relatively high level compared to other regional markets amid the global economic uncertainty.
Forecasts for 2025
As a country with a highly open economy, Vietnam is inevitably influenced by shifts in the global landscape, particularly when it comes to FDI. While the global economy is expected to continue its recovery in 2025, uncertainties remain on the horizon.
Key global players such as China, the US, the EU, Japan, and South Korea are now steering their policies towards green growth, accelerating efforts to cut carbon emissions and pouring capital into strategic technologies. For instance, Australia has pledged A$7 billion ($4.6 billion) to develop its renewable hydrogen and critical minerals sector, while South Korea is allocating more than KRW 8.8 trillion ($6.38 billion) to strengthen its semiconductor industry and global competitiveness, as noted in the Annual Report 2024 on FDI in Vietnam, published recently by the Vietnam Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises (VAFIE).
Notably, Southeast Asia is emerging as a hotspot for new FDI. During the 2020-2023 period, the region attracted more than $27 billion annually into renewable energy, accounting for one-quarter of new capital. China, with an average annual FDI growth rate of 16.5 per cent into ASEAN, is also rising as one of the region’s top 3 investors, alongside the US and Japan.
Professor Nguyen Mai, Chairman of VAFIE, noted that global FDI flows are showing signs of recovery, especially in manufacturing. Looking ahead to FDI attraction in 2025, he believes that the global political, economic, trade, and investment landscapes remain complex and uncertain, putting significant pressure on economic growth and the sustainability of investment flows into Vietnam.
Nonetheless, Mr. Mai affirmed that Vietnam continues to maintain its position as an attractive investment destination thanks to its stable political environment, positive foundation for economic growth, and continuous improvements in its institutions and business climate. Foreign investors are particularly interested in semiconductors, future technologies, clean energy, and science and technology.
To improve the quality of FDI and realize the goal of the digital economy accounting for about 30 per cent of GDP by 2030, Mr. Mai emphasized that Vietnam should increase public investment in research and development (RD), promote innovation, and facilitate the establishment of RD centers and technology transfer by both domestic and foreign enterprises through effective tax incentives and financial support policies.
In addition, Vietnam should proactively attract domestic and international resources for emerging industries such as AI, information and communication technology (ICT), and high value-added sectors. At the same time, the country should heavily invest in training a generation of “digital citizens” and reform its education system to equip the future workforce with knowledge, skills, and adaptability suited for a circular and digital economy.
Mr. Mai also suggested that Vietnam should shift its growth model towards one based on advanced technology and high-quality human resources, thereby enhancing national competitiveness. In parallel, Vietnam must continue to simplify investment licensing procedures, accelerate project implementation, and strengthen support for businesses and investors during project execution, especially in cases involving legal or operational challenges.
Game plan
Many experts agree that in order for Vietnam to unlock new opportunities in today’s rapidly-evolving landscape, the country needs a bold and integrated FDI strategy, one anchored by three foundational pillars: transparent governance, world-class infrastructure, and a future-ready workforce.
First and foremost, Vietnam must shift its growth model towards digital transformation. This means embracing cutting-edge technologies and concepts like AI, blockchain, virtual reality, and the circular economy, while continuing to strengthen key foundational industries such as metallurgy, chemicals, and precision engineering. At the same time, Vietnam should nurture emerging sectors like software, high-tech innovation, and smart agriculture to keep pace with global trends.
Secondly, people must be placed at the center of every development agenda. Vietnam’s 2021-2030 development strategy emphasizes unlocking human potential, not only through progressive policies that inspire innovation and dedication, but also through investments in vocational training, language proficiency, and soft skills development, to ensure the workforce is in line with international standards.
Thirdly, Vietnam should adopt tailored policies to draw FDI into strategic and future-focused sectors, such as semiconductors, renewable energy, AI, smart logistics, and data centers. Investment incentives should be tied to technology transfer, higher localization rates, environmental protection, and the creation of meaningful, high-quality jobs for Vietnamese citizens.
Equally important, Vietnam must reimagine its public governance model. A modern, transparent, and rule-based State creates the confidence investors need to commit to long-term ventures. Policies should prioritize long-term stability and minimize abrupt regulatory changes, boosting Vietnam’s credibility and competitiveness as an investment destination.
Looking ahead to 2025, Vietnam stands at a pivotal juncture. With the right strategy and reforms, it can position itself as the FDI capital of Southeast Asia, not just as a landing point for foreign capital, but as a launch pad for advanced technology, innovation, and green growth.
As global capital flows are being radically reshaped, a forward-thinking and sustainable FDI roadmap will be Vietnam’s ticket to moving higher up the global value chain, anchoring its role not only as a destination for investment, but as a driver of transformative progress in the region.
Mr. Richard Bolwijn, Director, Investment Research Branch, at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), forecast that global FDI flows will see modest growth in 2025. Nevertheless, UNCTAD expressed concern over the potential decline in new investment projects as well as ongoing difficulties in mobilizing financing for international projects and merger and acquisition (MA) activities, due to the high sensitivity of debt to interest rates. As global interest rates show signs of stabilizing, these pressures are expected to gradually ease.
During the 2019-2023 period, following five years of implementing Politburo Resolution No. 50-NQ/TW, dated August 20, 2019, on orientations towards the improvement of regulations and policies to enhance the quality and efficiency of foreign investment by 2030, FDI flows into Vietnam showed marked improvements in both quality and socio-economic efficiency. Over the five-year span, total disbursed FDI amounted to $105.68 billion, accounting for 35.5 per cent of the cumulative disbursed FDI as of the end of 2023.
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-Vũ Khuê
Vietnam, Switzerland ink deal for urban development program
The Ministry of Construction (MOC) and Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have officially signed an agreement on the Vietnam-Switzerland Urban Development Program, aimed at supporting Vietnamese cities in strengthening climate resilience and sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Tuong Van emphasized that the program would help Vietnam shape a more efficient urban management model, linked to the two-tier local government system, ultimately enhancing urban planning and sustainable growth.
Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Thomas Gass, highlighted Switzerland’s commitment to promoting integrated urban planning, strengthening governance, and fostering innovative solutions to address urban management challenges in Vietnam.
Accordingly, the Vietnam-Switzerland Urban Development Program will assist the MOC in implementing national urban planning policies, improving the legal framework, and enhancing coordination between central and local agencies.
It will also support pilot projects in selected cities, integrating climate resilience into their urban development strategies.
Set to run from 2025 to 2030, the program reinforces Switzerland’s long-term support for Vietnam’s urban sector, while advancing shared commitments to climate action and economic cooperation.
-Hoàng Bách
Buon Ma Thuot airport proposed for expansion
The Buon Ma Thuot airport in Central Highlands’ Dak Lak province will be expanded to serve 5 million passengers per year by 2030, following a master plan submitted to the Ministry of Construction by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV).
Under the master plan, the exiting passenger terminal T1 will be upgraded to handle 2 million passengers annually while a new passenger terminal T2 will be built with a capacity of serving 3 million passengers annually.
Meanwhile, the cargo terminal will be upgraded to handle 10,000 tons of cargo each year.
By 2050, the airport is expected to serve 7 million passengers and handle 15,000 tons of cargo annually.
In the 2021-2030 period, the airport will be upgraded to class 4C in accordance with the classifications of aircraft of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). It will be capable of catering to A320 and A321 aircraft.
-Minh Kiệt
Binh Dinh Port development plan seeks $290 mln by 2030
A draft detailed plan for development of south central Binh Dinh province's seaport's land and water areas for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, recently submitted by the Maritime and Waterway Administration to the Ministry of Construction, identifies a total investment capital by 2030 of approximately VND7.59 trillion ($292.5 million).
This includes VND1.25 trillion for public maritime infrastructure investment and VND6.34 trillion for investment in commercial wharves offering cargo handling services.
According to the draft plan, the Binh Dinh seaport system comprises the Qui Nhon - Thi Nai - Dong Da wharf area; the Nhon Hoi wharf area; Phu My port; along with anchorage, transshipment, and storm shelter areas.
A report from the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration stated that in 2024, the total cargo throughput at Binh Dinh seaport reached approximately 11,930,000 tons. The average cargo growth rate for the period 2020 - 2024 reached 6% per year.
The Administration also added that recently, measures to enhance the operational efficiency of the regional port infrastructure have proven effective, enabling Binh Dinh port to increase its capacity to receive large-tonnage vessels and attract more cargo for handling.
-Hoài Niệm
A foreign investor eyes $2 bln investment project in Quang Binh
The China-based CD Group recently conducted a survey trip to the central province of Quang Binh to explore investment opportunities in the pulp and paper production sector, with a planned investment of up to $2 billion.
CD Group, one of China’s leading enterprises, was established in 1980 and operates across multiple sectors, including supply chain management, urban construction, tourism, exhibitions, healthcare, and investment in emerging industries.
During a working session with Mr. Doan Ngoc Lam, Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, representatives from CD praised the locality’s potential and advantages, particularly its strategic geographical location, abundant raw material resources, water sources, and well-developed logistics infrastructure.
Mr. Lam affirmed that the delegation’s presence reflects foreign investors' growing interest and confidence in Quang Binh’s business environment, while also opening new prospects for future cooperation between the two sides.
Following their initial survey and data collection, CD Group and its partners have expressed plans to invest in a large-scale pulp and finished paper production project.
The project, with an estimated investment of $2 billion, is planned to be implemented on a 400-ha site and divided into three development phases.
If successfully executed, this initiative is expected to become one of Quang Binh province’s largest industrial projects, contributing to socio-economic development, job creation, and the expansion of the local processing industry.
-Nguyễn Thuấn