Vietnam Customs has urgently issued an official dispatch to local customs regarding the implementation of tax obligation confirmation under the new regulations in Circular No. 121/2025/TT-BTC of the Ministry of Finance.

From February 1, 2026, the deadline for confirming the completion of import–export tax obligations will be set at a maximum of three working days, according to an official dispatch issued recently by Vietnam Customs, regarding the implementation of tax obligation confirmation under new regulations from Circular No. 121/2025/TT-BTC (Circular 121) of the Ministry of Finance,  which took effect on the same day.

This aims to standardize the processing of dossiers and strengthen control over tax debts in the customs sector, ensuring state budget revenues.

Circular 121 amended and supplemented several provisions on customs procedures, customs inspection and supervision, export and import taxes, and tax administration for exported and imported goods. 

Specifically, according to Clause 61, Article 1 of Circular No. 121, when taxpayers or competent state management agencies require confirmation of tax obligations—including tax amounts, late payment interest, fines, and other payments—they must submit a written request to the customs authority through the electronic customs data processing system, using the prescribed form.

For cases where electronic submission is not yet possible, taxpayers or competent agencies may submit paper dossiers to the nearest regional customs sub-department or customs unit where the enterprise, organization, or individual has its headquarters, branch, or production facility, as clearly stated in the Circular.

Based on these regulations, regional customs sub-departments and relevant customs units are instructed to receive and process tax obligation confirmation dossiers within the prescribed timeframe.

One notable point in the new procedure is that, from the moment the customs authority issues a written confirmation of completed tax obligations, enterprises will temporarily not be allowed to register new customs declarations.

At the same time, Vietnam Customs stated that this confirmation document will only take effect three days after the signing date.

This “waiting period” is designed to allow customs units to continue reviewing and reconciling import–export tax accounting data, ensuring timely detection of any outstanding or newly arising tax debts that may not yet be fully updated in the system.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Sơn

The prices plunging by around VND23.4 million ($889) per tael in total over the last three trading sessions.

Gold prices in Vietnam fell sharply after reaching an all-time high last week.

On February 2, the first trading session of the week, SJC-branded gold bars dropped by VND3.4 million ($129) per tael for both buying and selling compared to the previous trading session.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams, or about 1.2 ounces.

The decline came after a cumulative drop of up to VND20 million ($760) per tael over the previous two sessions, following a record high of VND190.3 million ($7,235) per tael reached on January 29.

The buying price of SJC gold stood at VND165.6 million ($6,296) per tael, while the selling price was VND168.6 million per tael.

Gold ring prices also moved lower, falling by between VND2 million and VND3.5 million per tael, depending on the retailer.

On the global market, gold prices plunged nearly 3.7% to around $4,705.8 per ounce. Despite the decline, domestic gold prices remained approximately VND18.84 million ($716) per tael higher than international levels.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

The Politburo's Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW setting a long-term strategy for national energy security until 2030 with a vision to 2045.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has recently issued a decision to establish a Task Force responsible for monitoring, urging, and evaluating the implementation of the Politburo's Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW which sets a long-term strategy for national energy security until 2030 with a vision to 2045.

The Task Force will primarily support the Ministry's leadership in closely monitoring the progress of implementing related resolutions and documents. 

The core mission of the Task Force is to ensure that the implementation activities are of high quality, on schedule, and within the stipulated deadlines. To achieve this, the Task Force will establish a common information channel to receive and update data, facilitating timely information processing.

Additionally, members of the Task Force are responsible for carrying out specialized task groups, such as regularly urging and evaluating the task performance of each unit based on their assigned functions and authority. 

The Task Force will also support businesses by advising unit leaders to quickly and promptly address recommendations and proposals from related agencies and businesses. 

VnEconomy-Vũ Khuê

The fair has drawn around 2,500 enterprises operating 3,000 booths.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the opening ceremony of the first Glorious Spring Fair 2026, which officially opened in Hanoi on February 2.

Held under the theme “Connecting Prosperity – Welcoming a Glorious Spring,” the fair has drawn around 2,500 enterprises operating 3,000 booths across more than 100,000 square meters of indoor exhibition space and over 45,000 square meters outdoors.

As a major national trade promotion event, the fair kicks off a series of annual large-scale exhibitions aimed at stimulating consumer spending, strengthening the domestic market, promoting Vietnamese brands during the Lunar New Year season, and enhancing connections in investment, trade and cultural exchange.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Prime Minister Chinh expressed his hope that the fair would serve as a bridge linking Vietnam’s cultural industries with broader global, regional and domestic trade flows.

The event is also expected to help boost domestic consumption and support production activities, he noted.

The fair will run through February 13.

VnEconomy-Vũ Khuê

The year 2025 stands as a breakthrough year for Vietnamese tilapia, with the US emerging as the primary engine of growth.

Vietnam's tilapia export turnover reached $99 million in 2025, marking a spectacular 141% increase compared to 2024, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

In December 2025 alone, export turnover hit $14 million, a 156% surge over the same period last year, reflecting a sharp rise in import demand from multiple markets. The year 2025 stands as a breakthrough year for Vietnamese tilapia, with the US emerging as the primary engine of growth.

Tilapia exports to the US in 2025 reached $53.15 million, an impressive 173% increase over 2024, accounting for 54% of the country’s total tilapia export value. This result solidified the US as the largest market for Vietnamese tilapia. In December 2025, exports to the US stood at $3 million; while this was a slight 6% dip compared to the previous year, the U.S. maintained its position as the top destination.

This robust annual growth reflects rising demand in the American market and demonstrates the agility of Vietnamese enterprises in seizing opportunities and adapting to a volatile global competitive landscape.

The surge in the frozen fillet segment mirrors consumption trends in the US, where convenient, easy-to-prepare, and quality-stable products are increasingly favored. Meanwhile, the fresh and frozen whole tilapia segment maintained steady growth, totaling over $13 million (up 4% year-on-year), serving as a foundational component of the export structure.

The momentum of Vietnamese tilapia in the US is closely linked to shifts in global supply. China, the world’s largest tilapia producer and exporter, continues to face high tariffs of up to 55%, significantly weakening its competitiveness in the US market. Additionally, Brazil was hit with a 50% tariff starting in August 2025, forcing its exporters to recalibrate their strategies.

Capitalizing on these gaps, Vietnamese businesses have accelerated investment in tilapia farming and processing—particularly frozen fillets—to meet US market requirements. Advantages in production costs, stable supply, and the ability to meet stringent technical and quality standards have allowed Vietnamese tilapia to expand its market share.

According to VASEP, export turnover to Brazil in 2025 reached $11 million, an astronomical increase of more than 7,5% compared to 2024. December 2025 alone saw nearly $8 million in exports to this market, accounting for over 56% of total tilapia exports for that month, indicating a massive spike in demand toward the year-end.

In the Middle East region, tilapia exports in 2025 reached nearly $9 million, an increase of 339% compared to the previous year. Among them, Saudi Arabia was the key market with export value reaching $8 million, up by as much as 670%.

Meanwhile, tilapia exports to the EU reached $5 million, up 24% compared to 2024. For the CPTPP bloc, export value reached $6 million, an increase of 62%, while the ASEAN market recorded a 77% growth, reaching around $3 million.

Vneconomy-Chu Minh Khôi

Strong growth was recorded across all modern payment channels.

Non-cash payments in Vietnam rose sharply in 2025, reaching a total equivalent to 28 times the country’s GDP, according to the State Bank of Vietnam.

Vietnam's 2025 GDP size stood at $514 billion.  

The number of non-cash transactions increased 42.21%, while total transaction value climbed 22.65% year-on-year.

Strong growth was recorded across all modern payment channels. Internet-based transactions surged 53.95% in volume and 35.75% in value, while mobile phone payments rose 36.62% in volume and 20.07% in value.

QR code payments saw the most dramatic increase, jumping 50.94% in transaction volume and an impressive 124.06% in value, underscoring their rising popularity for fast and convenient transactions.

Meanwhile, the interbank electronic payment system reported a 6.07% increase in transaction volume and a 56.55% surge in value. Transactions processed through financial switching and electronic clearing systems grew 24.33% in volume and 7.71% in value.

In contrast, ATM transactions declined 17.30% in volume and 6.02% in value compared to the previous year, highlighting a clear shift away from cash withdrawals as digital payments become increasingly widespread.

VnEconomy-Phan Linh

The Secretariat will work closely with the IFC Executive Agencies in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, as well as other relevant authorities, to fulfill assigned tasks.

Under Decision No. 01/QD-HDDHTTTC of the Chairman of the Executive Council of the International financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam, signed by the  Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, who is also Chairman of the IFC Executive Council, a Secretariat (the "Assisting Body") for the IFC Executive Council has been established.

According to the Decision, this unit will provide direct support to the Chairman of the IFC Executive Council in organizing activities, coordinating general affairs, and monitoring the progress of the formation, operation, and development of the International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam.

The Secretariat will work closely with the local IFC Executive Agencies in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, where the IFC is headquartered, as well as other relevant authorities, to fulfill assigned tasks.

A core responsibility of the Secretariat is to develop work plans and action programs for submission to the IFC Executive Council Chairman, while simultaneously monitoring and urging the implementation of approved programs.

In addition, the body will participate in drafting and reviewing the system of regulations, rules, and documents under the IFC Executive Council's jurisdiction. It will also serve as the primary focal point for receiving and synthesizing recommendations from the local executive agencies to report to competent authorities for consideration and decision-making.

Furthermore, the Secretariat is tasked with ensuring a seamless flow of information between the Chairman, Vice Chairpersons, and members of the IFC Executive Council, as well as between the IFC Executive Council and the local executive agencies.

Beyond its advisory role, the Secretariat is responsible for implementing international cooperation and conducting media and communication efforts regarding the orientations, policies, and operational mechanisms of the IFC. It will also prepare periodic and ad-hoc reports and propose solutions for issues arising during the project's operation.

The unit is led by a Chief of Office, who is accountable to the IFC Executive Council Chairman, and to the law for all activities of the unit, as well as for the management of officials, civil servants, finance, and assets.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Sơn

Data governance has emerged as a key issue as AI takes hold around the world.

Data has become the “strategic fuel” in the global AI race, determining the competitive strength of each and every economy. However, as AI increasingly depends on large-scale datasets, governments now face a critical question: how should data be governed to both foster innovation and protect citizens’ privacy.

According to Mr. Ronni K. Gothard Christiansen, CEO and Founder of solutions provider AesirX, Europe is confronting this challenge more clearly than ever. Long known for having one of the world’s strictest data protection frameworks, especially the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU has realized that its existing legal barriers could cause the bloc to fall behind the US and China in AI development. As a result, the European Commission has proposed a new legal draft aimed at reshaping data governance in the AI era.

Mr. Christiansen said the newly-announced draft loosens the GDPR’s data protection rules to allow AI greater access to data. But relaxing data protection will not necessarily help Europe catch up with the US or China, In fact, it may allow the largest AI companies to accumulate even more data and widen the gap.

For Vietnam, he believes that over the next one to three years, building Vietnamese-language large language models (LLMs) could give domestic firms an advantage due to better understanding of the Vietnamese language and culture. However, at the current pace of development, global big tech AI systems may reach a deep contextual understanding of Vietnamese culture within just two to three years. Companies like OpenAI and Meta have massive financial resources, whereas Vietnam’s remain relatively limited.

Additionally, many financial experts and analysts are warning that AI may be approaching a “bubble.” Nearly all investment funds want to pour capital into the technology, but many AI companies simply build “copy-paste” products and do not own core AI models. “In my view, this is a moment when Vietnam, or any developing country, must be extremely cautious in balancing AI development and data protection,” Mr. Christiansen said. “We cannot sacrifice everything just to chase a race we have little chance of winning in the long run.”

He added that with the Law on Personal Data Protection, the Law on Data, the  Law on AI, along with the Law on Cybersecurity and others, Vietnam is generally establishing “a fairly strong legal foundation to protect personal data.”

Strategy stewardship

Speaking to Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy on the sidelines of the VinFuture Science and Technology Week 2025, Professor Toby Walsh, Scientia Professor of Artificial Intelligence at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, said that with data at the core of AI, overly tight rules risk slowing innovation while overly loose rules create new dangers. Without quality data, he said, there can be no quality AI, and data remains the industry’s greatest “commercial asset.”

However, regarding data usage, he stressed that “we need a fair and sustainable solution for feeding data to AI,” noting that his books and the works of many global authors have been used to train large AI models without consent or compensation. This, he said, is a clear violation of intellectual property rights and a worrying reality.

Associate Professor Luu Anh Tuan from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, who also serves as Executive Director of the VinUni Center for AI Research, said Vietnam benefits from being a latecomer, as it can learn from developed countries, avoid mistakes, and choose suitable measures. However, he also warned that policies should not simply copy foreign regulations, as each country has unique cultural, historical, and educational contexts.

He suggested that policymakers build a legal framework informed by global practices but adapted to Vietnam’s realities, focusing on data standardization and safe data-sharing mechanisms such as model transparency rules, personal data protection, system risk governance, and safe testing environments for domestic firms. Regulation should balance safety and innovation and be applied according to risk levels.

For businesses, Associate Professor Tuan recommended investing in high-quality data and embracing open and collaborative strategies to develop a strong domestic ecosystem. For young people, he advised using AI as a supportive tool, nurturing creativity and professional ethics, and actively learning to become technology creators rather than just users.

If these steps are taken, he believes Vietnam could become a regional AI bright spot in the coming years. “The government should set the direction, and businesses should follow, investing resources to grow,” he said. “Public-private cooperation is essential.”

AI opportunities in Vietnam

According to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy, Vietnam issued its first AI Strategy in 2021, committing to develop AI under an open philosophy: open standards, open data, and open source. “Openness enables global knowledge sharing, technological mastery, Made in Vietnam innovation, and contributions back to humanity,” he explained. “‘Open’ is also a prerequisite for safety and transparency in AI applications.”

He emphasized that for AI to thrive, the domestic market must be large enough; without applications, there is no market, and Vietnamese AI companies will not mature. Therefore, the government will accelerate AI adoption across sectors and State agencies. The National Technology Innovation Fund will allocate 30-40 per cent of its resources, including “AI vouchers” for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to ensure the Vietnamese market becomes a cradle of strong AI companies.

Importantly, he stressed that AI only truly serves humanity when it is built on ethical, transparent, verifiable, and responsible foundations. This requires both technical design and legal frameworks to protect people and strengthen social trust. “Along with opportunities, AI presents ethical, employment, and trust challenges,” he said. “Therefore, Vietnam pursues AI development that is fast, safe, and humane, where AI assists humans but humans remain the final decision-makers.”

Vietnam will soon issue a National AI Ethics Code, an updated AI Strategy, and a Law on AI grounded in the core principles of risk-based governance; transparency and accountability; human-centered development; support for domestic AI growth; AI as a driver of rapid and sustainable growth; and the protection of national digital sovereignty through data, infrastructure, and technology.

Technology is global in the digital era but data is local. Critical applications must operate on Vietnamese AI infrastructure, blending global and national platforms. This is an opportunity for developing countries, as advantages lie not only in core technology but also in local context, culture, data, and national-specific challenges. “Vietnam’s AI pathway is defined by ‘and’: global and local; cooperation and autonomy; technology and application; elite and mass adoption; open data and protected data,” Deputy Minister Duy said. “AI development must rest on four pillars: institutions, infrastructure, human resources, and AI culture, interconnected and mutually reinforcing.”

At the recent Open Innovation Conference, hosted by VinUniversity, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Universities of Oxford, Duke, and Cornell, Ms. Ramla Khalidi, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Vietnam, emphasized that “Vietnam understands very clearly the urgency of this moment,” citing the country’s rapid digital transformation and ambitious national development vision, which has placed AI at the center of discussions about its future. “AI can help Vietnam move closer to its goal of becoming a high-income country,” she believes.

VET-Huyen Thuong

A report from SP Global noted that faster production growth, coupled with a steady increase in new orders, has made companies more optimistic about production prospects for the coming year.

Vietnam's Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for January 2026 reached 52.5 points, indicating a solid start for its manufacturing sector, according to a report released by SP Global  on the morning of February 2, 2026.

The PMI for January 2026 was slightly down from 53.0 points in December 2025, but still above the 50-point threshold. This result indicates a clear monthly improvement in business conditions at the start of 2026, marking the seventh consecutive month of strengthening in the manufacturing sector's health.

The report highlighted three key points: increased production, a surge in new orders, and accelerated employment growth. Business confidence therefore reached its highest level in 22 months, while output prices rose at the fastest pace since April 2022.

The report noted that faster production growth, coupled with a steady increase in new orders, has made companies more optimistic about production prospects for the coming year. The rising demand for production has also driven employment and purchasing activities to continue growing. However, inflationary pressures remain relatively high, with selling prices increasing at the fastest rate since April 2022.

According to SP Global's report, although the overall PMI showed some growth deceleration, despite the strong increase in production in January 2026, survey participants attributed this primarily to the faster rise in new orders compared to December 2025 amid improved customer demand. The total number of new orders was supported by a rebound in export orders. This marked the third decline in four months for export orders, but the overall decrease was not significant, with survey members reporting new orders from other Asian economies such as India.

The significant increase in production in January was also supported by stable employment levels. Employment rose for the fourth consecutive month, reaching the fastest job creation rate since June 2024, although some companies reported continued temporary contract worker recruitment. Businesses also ramped up purchasing activities to meet higher production demand, extending the current growth streak to seven months.

However, input inventory levels decreased for the first time since September of the previous year, as purchased items were immediately used to support production growth. Finished goods inventory also declined at the fastest pace in four months, with survey respondents indicating that products were quickly delivered to customers. The acceleration in delivery and production helped manufacturers maintain stable workloads in January 2026, resulting in a slight reduction in backlogs for the second consecutive month.

On the supply side, supplier delivery times continued to lengthen, although to the least significant extent in eight months. Survey group members attributed delivery delays to high input demand and material shortages. These factors also led to higher input costs, which continued to rise sharply at the beginning of 2026. The inflation rate only slightly decreased from the highest level in three and a half years recorded in December. Consequently, companies continued to rapidly increase selling prices, with the rate of price increases becoming the fastest since April 2022.

SP Global's report noted that optimism about production prospects for the next 12 months continued to strengthen at the beginning of 2026, improving for the fourth consecutive month to the highest level since March 2024. Exactly 55% of survey respondents predicted that production would increase in the coming year, and companies expected new orders to continue rising amid improved market conditions.

"Vietnam's manufacturing sector has had a solid start to the year, as businesses ramp up production to meet rising new orders and as part of efforts to promptly meet customer demand. Building on the growth momentum accumulated until the end of 2025, the manufacturing sector has a positive outlook for a successful 2026," commented Mr. Andrew Harker, Economics Director for Economic Indicators Surveys at SP Global Market Intelligence.

However, a potential headwind for companies is the strengthening inflationary pressure. The ongoing material supply shortages continued to significantly drive up prices in January 2026, and companies responded by increasing selling prices more aggressively, according to Mr. Harker.

vneconomy-Manh Duc

These products are provided by partner enterprises at preferential prices, with significant discounts compared to the regular market.

The Hanoi Federation of Labor organized the "Trade Union Tet Market" for the capital's workforce on January 31 and February 1. The program aims to create a vibrant shopping space, cultural exchange, and a supportive environment for thousands of trade union members and laborers across the city.

The market features 50 booths offering hundreds of essential items, including food, household appliances, clothing, and Tet (Lunar New Year) necessities. These products are provided by partner enterprises at preferential prices, with significant discounts compared to the regular market.

The activity marks the beginning of a series of welfare activities for the Lunar New Year 2026. A highlight of the event is the distribution of 2,400 shopping vouchers and special "0-VND gifts" specifically for trade union members and workers facing financial hardships.

Under the motto "Every member and worker deserves a happy Tet holiday," trade unions at all levels in the capital city are simultaneously implementing various practical initiatives. These include a program to visit and present 83,000 gift sets to disadvantaged workers.

Furthermore, the Hanoi Federation of Labor is providing 5,500 bus tickets for workers. The organization is also arranging transportation to bring 1,200 laborers from Hanoi’s High-Tech Parks and Industrial Zones back to their hometowns, ensuring they enjoy a safe and convenient journey for the holiday.

On February 7–8, the Hanoi Federation of Labor will continue to host the "Tet of Reunion" and "Trade Union Tet Market", which are expected to serve an additional 3,600 workers, further expanding the reach of care and spreading the spirit of solidarity among the capital’s workforce.

Mr. Nguyen Van Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi Federation of Labor, emphasized that the city's trade union organization is committed to standing by workers at every construction site, workshop, and office. He stressed that the goal is to care not only for their Tet celebrations but also for their long-term employment, income, and overall quality of life.

Vneconomy-Nhật Dương

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-performance computer labs, advanced educational robotics kits, 3D printing systems, and specialized fabrication tools tailored for STEM education.

A new STEM Ecosystem has been officially launched at the National Innovation Center (NIC) within Hanoi's Hoa Lac High-Tech Park, marking a significant milestone in promoting innovative education.

The initiative marks the official operation of the STEM Classroom and the STEM Experience Zone—a dedicated space designed to shape creative STEM teaching and learning methods. It also serves as a hub for visitors to experience cutting-edge technology and a venue for prestigious STEM and Robotics competitions.

According to Mr. Vu Quoc Huy, Director of NIC, the establishment of the STEM Ecosystem at NIC Hoa Lac is more than just a space for learning and exploration.

"It is a valuable reference model that contributes to the innovation of STEM pedagogical methods," Mr. Huy stated. "It connects training, practical experience, competitions, research, and innovation. Furthermore, it is a testament to the close collaboration between the State, Schools, and Enterprises, reflecting a shared responsibility in the advancement of STEM education."

The STEM Ecosystem space is meticulously planned, consisting of a Model STEM Classroom and a STEM Experience Space. The overall design follows an open and flexible concept, integrating specialized functional areas such as learning zones, practice areas, maker spaces (fabrication), and technology experience zones.

The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-performance computer labs, advanced educational robotics kits, 3D printing systems, and specialized fabrication tools tailored for STEM education.

Leveraging this robust infrastructure, NIC will collaborate with government agencies and enterprises to implement specialized training programs for both teachers and students. Activities such as the transfer of educational materials, STEM curriculum integration, and regular experiential events will be held to maintain a complete and vibrant STEM ecosystem.

In Vietnam, the Party and the State have issued several key policies to promote STEM education. Notable examples include Resolution No. 71 on breakthroughs in education and training development, and Government Resolution No. 281, alongside various programs related to science, technology, and national digital transformation. These policies demonstrate a high level of commitment to building a modern, practical education system that aligns with the country’s developmental needs.

Vneconomy-Vy Vy

The projected double-track railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of 350 km/h.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh required relevant agencies to complete a feasibility study for the projected North-South express railway in the fourth quarter of 2026 as the latest.

The PM made the direction while chairing the sixth meeting of the Steering Committee for national key railway projects held in Hanoi on January 31.

PM Chinh asked to choose appropriate technology and consider all three investment models—state-funded, private, and public–private partnership (PPP)—for the project.

The projected double-track railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of 350 km/h and an axle load of 22.5 tons.

Participants at the meeting also reviewed other major projects, including Component Projects 1 and 2 of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai nPhong standard-gauge railway; negotiations on a cross-border rail connection agreement with China; urban railways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and other lines such as Ben Thanh–Can Gio, Hanoi–Bac Ninh, Yen Tu–Ha Long, and Lang Son–Hanoi.

They also discussed the development of a railway industrial complex, institutional and policy frameworks, workforce training, technical standards, technology selection, and investment models involving the State, enterprises, and public–private partnerships.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

Vietnam aims to have 50 State-owned enterprises among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest firms and one to three in the global top 500 by 2030.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has decided to establish a National Steering Committee for the implementation of the Politburo's Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW on State economy development.

PM Chinh will lead the Committee while Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc, and Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang will serve as Vice Chairs.

The committee will assist the PM in directing and coordinating the implementation of major inter-sectoral issues related to the development of State economy.

Resolution 79-NQ/TW, dated January 6, reaffirms the State economy’s leading role in Vietnam's economy in maintaining macroeconomic stability, safeguarding major economic balances, and ensuring national defence and security.

The Resolution stresses that the State economy is equal before the law with other economic sectors and is expected to compete and cooperate on a fair and transparent basis, with equitable access to resources, markets, and development opportunities.

By 2030, Vietnam aims to have 50 State-owned enterprises (SOEs) among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest firms and one to three in the global top 500.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), the initiative aims to strengthen green banking practices and enhance the capacity of Viet Nam's banking sector to scale up green and climate finance.

 An inception workshop marking the implementation of the  $2-million component on Green Banking capacity development under the Technical Assistance (TA): Expanding Inclusive and Climate Finance took place in Hanoi on January 30, according to a report from the Government News.

The event was jointly organized by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific (JFPR), the initiative aims to strengthen green banking practices and enhance the capacity of Viet Nam's banking sector to scale up green and climate finance.

The workshop introduced the project's implementation plan and featured sessions sharing both international experience and practical insights on Vietnam's evolving green banking landscape.

The event gathered more than 80 participants from SBV, relevant ministries and agencies, development partners, commercial banks, and business associations. Discussions covered key topics such as climate risk assessment, macroeconomic impacts of carbon pricing, the role of credit institutions in carbon market development, and green bond issuance.

Participants also exchanged perspectives on Vietnam's green taxonomy and identified next steps to help the banking sector advance sustainable and transition finance.

VGP-Van Nguyen

According to the National Road Network Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the My Thuan – Can Tho expressway is designated for a six-lane scale, with investment expected before 2030.

Deo Ca Group has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction (MOC) for studying the expansion of the My Thuan – Can Tho Expressway to six lanes. 

According to the National Road Network Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision toward 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the My Thuan – Can Tho section is designated for a six-lane scale, with investment expected before 2030.

However, the route is currently operating under "Phase 1" standards, which consist of only four restricted lanes, a 17-meter-wide roadbed, and non-continuous emergency stopping lanes. Meanwhile, the Ministry is already moving forward with investment procedures for the Can Tho 2 Bridge, which is designed for six lanes.

While most of the expressway axis from Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho has been or is being developed to full standards of six to eight lanes, the My Thuan – Can Tho section remains the "final link" operating at a restricted four-lane capacity.

According to the investor's assessment, this lack of synchronization poses a high risk of creating traffic bottlenecks, reducing overall traffic capacity, and preventing the entire route from reaching its full economic potential.

Deo Ca Group emphasized that studying the expansion is essential, especially following the Prime Minister’s recent directive, calling for an urgent review and upgrade of expressways previously invested in under "phased" (restricted) scales to ensure they meet full expressway standards as soon as possible.

Based on this, the group has proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model to expand the approximately 23-km My Thuan – Can Tho section to a complete six-lane scale in accordance with the national master plan.

The proposal also includes widening the connecting route from the Trung Luong – My Thuan Expressway (from Than Cuu Nghia intersection to National Highway 1A) to synchronize capacity across the Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta expressway axis.

This segment would be expanded to include six motor vehicle lanes and two mixed-traffic lanes.

Under the proposal, the investor consortium would take full responsibility for mobilizing 100% of the required capital to implement the project, requiring no contribution from the State budget.

The My Thuan – Can Tho section is part of the eastern North - South expressway.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

By late 2025, the nationwide total of active enterprises surpassing 1 million.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for more efforts to effectively implement the Politburo’s Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private sector development and relevant policies to promote the sector as the most important growth driver.

Chairing the fourth session of the National Steering Committee for the implementation of the Resolution in Hanoi on January 31, PM Chinh, who is also Head of the Steering Committee, asked relevant ministries, agencies and localities to foster open mechanisms and streamlined administrative procedures, deliver synchronous and seamless infrastructure, cultivate smart workforce and governance, pool all possible resources for private firms, and tackle difficulties facing them.

Private firms, in turn, were assigned to spearhead sci-tech, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and economic restructuring; workforce training, job creation, social welfare; and institutional and mechanism building.

Since May 2025, Vietnam has averaged around 18,000 new enterprise registrations per month, while more than 8,300 others resumed operations. By late 2025, the nationwide total of active enterprises surpassed 1 million.

VnEconomy-Lý Hà

Measures must be in place to smooth the flow of capital into carbon projects and grow Vietnam’s carbon market.

Attracting investment capital is becoming a key factor in developing effective carbon projects and contributing to the growth of the carbon market that Vietnam plans to officially operate in 2029. It is not only decisive for implementing green projects efficiently, but also helps Vietnam maximize the potential of carbon market mechanisms, enhance the economic value of emission reduction solutions, and accelerate the sustainable energy transition and natural resource conservation.

At the “Navigating global Vietnam’s carbon market: Post-COP30 insights and the way forward” seminar, organized on November 25 and 26, experts said that as policies continue to improve, attracting capital for carbon projects in Vietnam is not only a strategic economic priority but also an important step towards sustainable development and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

National advantages

According to data from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), the world needs enormous volumes of capital to meet emission reduction goals, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation. By 2030, global investment demand is projected at $6.3-6.7 trillion a year, including $800-900 billion from governments, $1-1.2 trillion from businesses, and $490-610 billion from international sources.

Notably, a carbon market is emerging as an effective channel for mobilizing private capital, supplementing public resources, and expanding international cooperation. Between the first and third quarters of 2024, some $14 billion was mobilized globally for new carbon credit projects, underscoring the strong potential and appeal of this market.

Vietnam currently has about 15 million ha of forest, including 10 million ha of natural forest and 5 million ha of planted forest, indicating substantial space for expanding carbon projects. This gives Vietnam the opportunity to generate high-quality carbon credits for both domestic and international demand, while also attracting private and global capital to support national emission reduction targets.

The country also boasts a long coastline and more than 200,000 ha of mangrove forest, which is considered one of the most valuable natural “blue-carbon reserves.” It also has more than 300 registered carbon credit programs and projects, around 150 of which have been issued over 40 million carbon credits, with some already traded on the global carbon market.

Beyond resource advantages, Mr. Todd Berkinshaw, CEO of NatureCo from Australia, said Vietnam stands out with its community-based forestry models, co-management mechanisms, and effective local governance. The government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has also sent a strong signal of determination in pursuing a green transition, reinforcing investor confidence. “Demand from multinational companies for high-quality carbon credits, as well as requirements for supply chain resilience across Asia, is rising sharply, creating strong momentum for Vietnam,” Mr. Berkinshaw added.

Vietnam’s private sector is becoming an increasingly important force in the carbon ecosystem. Major enterprises in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, tourism, and energy are beginning to explore carbon project models as a parallel approach to business growth and emission reduction.

Persistent capital barriers

Despite strong potential, capital mobilization for carbon projects in Vietnam still faces major obstacles, especially as the domestic carbon market remains nascent and support mechanisms incomplete. This widens the gap between soaring capital needs and limited access to finance.

Dr. Rebecca Pearse, International Partnerships Manager at Carbon Neutral, said the biggest challenge is the mismatch between risks and investment flows. Carbon projects, especially forest and mangrove initiatives, require substantial upfront funding for preparation, measurement, documentation, community capacity-building, and conservation work.

Yet revenue from carbon credits only materializes at the final stage, typically three to seven years after the project begins. Long investment horizons, high costs, and delayed returns make private investors cautious, especially when alternative investments can deliver quicker and more predictable cash flows.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tung, Director of VinaCapital’s VinaCarbon Fund, noted that one significant barrier is the restriction on foreign investment in Vietnam’s forestry sector. Projects with more than 50 per cent foreign ownership require approval from the Prime Minister, prolonging review times and reducing flexibility for international investors who are increasingly interested in nature-based carbon projects.

Additionally, Vietnam’s carbon market legal framework is still being developed, resulting in unclear regulations on ownership rights and credit allocation. This makes it difficult for foreign investors to assess risks and for domestic developers to establish the basis for long-term cooperation. “This remains a key reason why many potential investors are still cautious when approaching Vietnam’s carbon market,” Mr. Tung said.

Ensuring investment mechanisms

To overcome current challenges, experts believe Vietnam must continue perfecting its policy framework to accelerate carbon market development, including both legal regulations and technical guidelines.

The government should soon issue a unified and transparent process for carbon project development, including approval requirements, contribution rates to the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and mechanisms for allocating carbon credits among stakeholders. Greater clarity will help businesses and investors plan more effectively and reduce legal risks.

Vietnam should also develop domestic carbon standards aligned with reputable international systems such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard (GS), helping standardize and reduce the cost of measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV).

Ms. Pearse said several core elements must be ensured to attract private capital and reduce investor risk: First, timing is critical, as choosing the right moment to launch projects, issue credits, or approach investors will help optimize resources and improve the likelihood of successful fundraising. Second, risks must be managed according to each stage of the project. Third, blended-finance tools are essential. And fourth, stronger engagement from local communities and provincial governments is vital.

Ultimately, she believes, private capital will only truly flow into carbon projects when investors trust the project’s development prospects, and that trust is built through strong risk management capability. Projects must be designed rigorously, transparently, and in line with international standards. Once confidence is established, private capital will become a key driver of Vietnam’s carbon market development. “If Vietnam follows these steps, it can expand high-integrity carbon finance and build a globally-recognized nature-based economy,” Ms. Pearse affirmed.

VET-Phuong Nhi

Key objectives include enhancing water storage and drainage capacity to prevent flooding, while integrating transport infrastructure, parks, and green spaces along the route.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has officially approved Component Project 1 for the dredging, environmental remediation, and infrastructure development of Van Thanh Canal, in Thanh My Tay ward. The project has a total investment of over VND1.743 trillion ($67 million), funded entirely by the city budget, and is scheduled for implementation between 2025 and 2030.

The investment aims to renovate the urban landscape and improve the environmental quality of Van Thanh Canal. Key objectives include enhancing water storage and drainage capacity to prevent flooding, while integrating transport infrastructure, parks, and green spaces along the route. These efforts are expected to improve traffic flow, enhance the local scenery, promote socio-economic development, and raise the standard of living for residents in the project area.

According to the decision, the project scope covers the entire Van Thanh Canal, stretching from Vo Oanh Alley to the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal. The total construction length along the canal’s centerline is approximately 2,240 m. This includes a 1,965-meter main branch and a 275-meter secondary branch (Branch 1).

Embankments along both banks will be constructed using pre-stressed reinforced concrete sheet piles.

Additionally, the project will develop canal-side roads and parallel routes connecting to Dien Bien Phu Street, with road widths ranging from 11 to 20 meters. A significant highlight of the project is the construction of a new Phu An Bridge with a width of 19 m, alongside the widening and upgrading of Ngo Tat To Street (from Phu An Bridge to Phu My Street) to a width of 25 m. Furthermore, parks, greenery, lighting systems, and technical tunnels will be installed in a synchronized manner according to urban planning standards.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

Key agricultural and food products accounted for about $1.4 billion.

Hanoi’s agricultural and forestry exports were estimated to exceed $2 billion in 2025, the Vietnam News Agency quoted the city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment as reporting.

Of the total, key agricultural and food products accounted for about $1.4 billion, representing the largest share of the sector’s export turnover. 

The result reflects the effectiveness of Hanoi’s efforts to expand overseas markets, improve quality standards, strengthen traceability systems and promote international-standard production models to meet increasingly stringent import requirements.

Total production value of the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector in 2025 was estimated at nearly $70.4 trillion, with agriculture accounting for 91.02% of the total.

VNA-Vân Nguyễn

PM Pham Minh Chinh receiving Mr. Dennis Nobelius, CEO of SYRE, a subsidiary of the HM Group, in Hanoi on January 30.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed Swedish company SYRE’s proposed investment in Vietnam while receiving Swedish Ambassador Johan Ndisi to Vietnam and Mr. Dennis Nobelius, CEO of SYRE, a subsidiary of the HM Group, in Hanoi on January 30.

The Prime Minister assigned relevant ministries, sectors and local authorities to coordinate closely with the company on key matters, including technology transfer, environmental appraisal and related procedures, while working to define a suitable investment roadmap.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam will continue to accompany and create favorable conditions for foreign enterprises, including SYRE, in their investment and business operations in the country.

For their part, Ambassador Ndisi and SYRE CEO Dennis Nobelius expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s strong support for Swedish businesses and investment projects. They pledged to further promote cooperation in line with the Prime Minister’s guidance, working with ministries, sectors and localities to implement projects aligned with Vietnam’s development priorities.

VnEconomy-Dũng Hiếu