Selling prices for SJC-branded gold bars hitting all-time high of VND170 million ($6,463) per tael.

Selling prices for SJC-branded gold bars in Vietnam hit a historic high of VND170 million ($6,463) per tael on January 20.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

The price rose by VND3.9 million ($148) per tale compared to the previous session, marking the highest increase since the early year.

Buying prices also climbed to a record high of VND168 million per tael.

Gold ring prices followed the upward trend, jumping VND4.1 million ($155.8) per tael to hit VND165.1 million per tael for buying and VND167.6 million per tael for selling.

On the global market, gold prices continued to edge up, rising 2% to $4,860 per ounce. At this rate, domestic prices remain approximately VND13.85million ($526) per tael higher than international levels.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

Practical operation has revealed shortcomings in several phased projects, posing potential risks to traffic safety and congestion.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Official Dispatch No. 05/CD-TTg on January 20, calling for an urgent review and accelerated investment to upgrade and complete expressways that have been built or are under construction under phased development plans.

The dispatch noted that in previous periods, in order to quickly connect expressway routes amid limited investment resources, many projects were approved and implemented in phases, with the number of lanes, roadbed width, and operating speeds falling short of full expressway standards.

The early operation of these expressways has helped improve transport connectivity and support socio-economic development. However, practical operation has revealed shortcomings in several phased projects, posing potential risks to traffic safety, congestion, and accidents, particularly as vehicle volumes increase rapidly.

In response, the Prime Minister has directed the adjustment and completion of multiple expressway projects, while assigning the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with the Ministry of Science and Technology, to develop and issue a National Technical Regulation on Expressways.

Provincial and municipal chairpersons have been instructed to urgently study and propose upgrade plans for expressways under their management and submit them to the Ministry of Construction by February 10, 2026, for consolidation. The Ministry of Finance will lead coordination with the Ministry of Construction and localities to propose funding arrangements for the early implementation of these upgrades.

For expressway projects approved before January 1, 2025, the Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Construction, in coordination with local authorities, with reviewing and proposing upgrade solutions to ensure compliance with national expressway standards, while completing all related technical infrastructure. The review results must be reported to the Prime Minister by February 15, 2026.

To date, the country has put into operation nearly 3,345 km of main expressway. 

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

The fresh tax policy is expected to support small and medium-sized enterprises, especially startups, reduce financial pressure.

Under the Government’s Decree 20/2026/ND-CP (Decree 20), dated January 15, 2026, the implementation of a number of articles of the National Assembly’s Resolution 198/2025/QH15 (Resolution 198) on special mechanisms and policies for private sector, has been detailed and guided, according to a report from the Government News.

The fresh tax policy is expected to support SMEs, especially startups, reduce financial pressure, have more resources to reinvest, expand production and business, and improve competitiveness in the early stages of operation.

Accordingly, SMEs registering for the first time will be exempt from corporate income tax for a period of three years, from the time of being granted the first Business Registration Certificate.

The tax exemption period is calculated continuously, starting from the first year the business is granted a registration certificate, regardless of whether the business generates revenue or profit in that year or not.

For cases where the Enterprise Registration Certificate is issued before Resolution 198 takes effect, but there is still a time to enjoy incentives, businesses are still entitled to continue to enjoy corporate income tax exemption for the remaining time according to new regulations.

Decree 20 also clearly states cases that are not eligible for corporate income tax exemption, in order to prevent abuse of preferential policies.

Corporate income tax exemption incentive does not apply to (1) newly established enterprises but arising from mergers, consolidations, divisions, separations, ownership conversions or business type conversions; (2) a newly established enterprise where the legal representative, member of the partnership or the person with the highest capital contribution has participated in business activities with the above-mentioned roles in another operating enterprise, or the enterprise has been dissolved but not enough 12 months, calculated from the time of dissolution to the time of establishment of the new enterprise; (3) income items that are not eligible for tax incentives, as stipulated in Clause 3, Article 18 of the 2025 Enterprise Income Tax Law.

Decree 20 also regulates personal income tax exemption and reduction for those who transfer shares, capital contributions, or related rights in innovative startup enterprises. In addition, tax incentives will be applicable to experts and scientists who work for innovative startups, RD centers, or startup support organizations. They will receive a personal income tax exemption for two years, followed by a 50 percent tax reduction for the next four years on salary and wage income.

The provisions on corporate income tax exemption and reduction and the above-mentioned provisions on personal income tax exemption and reduction take effect from May 17, 2025 (the date of Resolution 198)

As of May 2025, the private economic sector in Vietnam comprised over 940,000 registered enterprises and more than 5 million household and individual businesses. The sector contributes around 50–51 percent of GDP, over 30 percent of state budget revenue, and employs about 82 percent of the workforce.

Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private sector development identifies private sector as the key driver of the national economy, taking the lead in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The Resolution sets out targets for 2030 and a vision to 2045, aiming for rapid, strong and sustainable development of the Vietnamese private sector with active participation in global production and supply chains, high regional and international competitiveness and a goal of having at least three million enterprises operating in the economy by 2045, contributing over 60 percent of GDP.

VGP-Pham Long

The Ministry of Finance has introduced three new administrative procedures related to organizing the cryptocurrency asset trading market.

The Ministry of Finance on January 20 issued Decision No. 96/QD-BTC (Decision 96), announcing new administrative procedures to pilot the cryptocurrency asset market under its management.

Under the decision, three new administrative procedures relating to issuing, adjusting and revoking a license to provide services for organizing the cryptocurrency asset trading market have been introduced. Organizations and individuals interested in these administrative procedures can apply for from January 20, and find detailed information in the appendix attached to Decision 96.

The State Securities Commission is the agency directly responsible for receiving and processing applications, while the Ministry of Finance plays the leading role in appraising and deciding on licensing, in coordination with the State Bank of Vietnam and the Ministry of Public Security on matters related to anti-money laundering and system security.

According to Government Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP on piloting the cryptocurrency asset market in Vietnam, organizations registering to provide services for organizing the cryptocurrency asset trading market must meet the following conditions:

Firstly, the registering organization must be a Vietnamese enterprise, established and operating under the provisions of the Law on Enterprises.

Secondly, the charter capital must be contributed in Vietnamese dong (VND), with a minimum amount of VND10,000 billion.

Thirdly, regarding shareholder structure, at least 65% of the charter capital must be contributed by organizations; of which, over 35% of the charter capital must be contributed by at least two organizations, including commercial banks, securities companies, fund management companies, insurance companies, or technology enterprises. Each organization or individual is only allowed to contribute capital to one organization providing cryptocurrency asset services licensed by the Ministry of Finance.

Fourthly, the registering organization must have a legal working office, ensuring full facilities, equipment, and technology systems suitable for providing services.

Fifthly, regarding personnel, the General Director (Director) must have at least 2 years of experience in finance, securities, banking, insurance, or fund management. The Chief Technology Officer or equivalent position must have at least 5 years of experience in information technology. Additionally, the organization must have at least 10 technology personnel with network security certificates and at least 10 personnel with securities practice certificates working in related business departments.

Sixthly, there must be risk management, information security processes; processes for providing a platform for issuing cryptocurrency assets; processes for custody, managing customer assets; transaction, payment processes; etc.

Seventhly, the information technology system of the organization providing cryptocurrency asset services must meet level 4 information system security standards according to legal regulations on information security before being put into operation and exploitation.

vneconomy-Bạch Duong

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 440 | Monday, January, 19 2026

Dear readers,

In the era of Industry 4.0, digital assets have been constantly created, issued, stored, accumulated, exchanged, traded, and invested in many countries globally, becoming an essential part of an economy in general and a digital economy in particular.

Under the Law on Digital Technology Industry, passed by the 15th National Assembly on June 14, 2025, and effective from January 1, 2026, “Digital assets are assets as defined by the Civil Code, represented in the form of digital data, created, issued, stored, transferred, and verified by digital technology in an electronic environment”; with digital assets including virtual assets in the electronic environment, encrypted assets, and other digital assets, but, as stipulated by the Law, excluding securities, digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and other financial assets under the Civil Code.

This is a significant legal advancement in Vietnam in defining and clarifying the concept of “digital assets” and related activities concerning this important type of asset, facilitating the process of storing, accumulating, exchanging, buying, selling, and investing in such assets, as these and encrypted assets have officially been legalized (excluding digital currencies and cryptocurrencies, which have not yet been regulated in the Law on Digital Technology Industry) and are being piloted as an important asset class, according to Resolution No. 05/2025/NQ-CP from the government on piloting the cryptocurrency asset market in Vietnam.

Thanks to the rapid development of the digital economy and legal advantages, with the Law on Digital Technology Industry coming into effect, along with Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg, dated June 12, 2025, which identifies blockchain technology as a strategic technology group, and digital assets, digital currencies, cryptocurrencies, and traceability systems as part of the strategic technology products group, Vietnam is facing many opportunities to capitalize on the growth wave of the tokenized asset market, with tokenization defined as the process of digitizing traditional assets into digital tokens on blockchain.

In recent years, the tokenization of real-world assets has emerged as a notable innovative trend in the global financial system.

The global tokenized asset market in 2025 was valued at approximately $600 billion and is projected to grow to $18.9 trillion by 2033 in an average growth scenario, accounting for over 10 per cent of global GDP, while in an optimistic growth scenario it could reach up to $23.4 trillion.

The question arises as to how Vietnam will seize the growth wave of the tokenized asset market, in the context of rapidly-developing tokenized assets globally, with the country already among those with the highest transaction volumes and ownership rates of tokenized assets in the world.

By providing forecast information and analyzing the growth trends of the tokenized asset market while identifying the policy limitations regarding the trend in the context of a rapidly-developing digital economy in the country, including issues related to the market, legal aspects, and technology concerning asset tokenization, our Cover Story in this edition focuses on the potential of Vietnam’s tokenized asset market, which is expected to open a new door for the domestic capital market.

Warmest regards.

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

This move aims to update the capital's new long-term development orientations, providing a foundation for organizing the space on both sides of the river in a synchronous, sustainable, and safe manner.

The Hanoi People's Committee has officially approved the task for a comprehensive adjustment of the Red River urban subdivision planning at a 1/5,000 scale. The project covers the section from Hong Ha Bridge to Me So Bridge.

The planning area encompasses the wards of Thuong Cat, Dong Ngac, Phu Thuong, Tay Ho, Hong Ha, Bo De, Long Bien, and Linh Nam, as well as the communes of O Dien, Me Linh, Thien Loc, Vinh Thanh, Dong Anh, Bat Trang, Thanh Tri, Nam Phu, and Hong Van.

The study area for the adjustment stretches 40 km in a Northwest-Southeast direction, passing through the city’s central urban core. The total area designated for the planning adjustment is approximately 11,000 ha.

This move aims to update the capital's new long-term development orientations, providing a foundation for organizing the space on both sides of the river in a synchronous, sustainable, and safe manner.

In accordance with the adjusted Hanoi General Master Plan to 2045, with a vision to 2065, approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1668/QD-TTg, dated December 17, 2024, the Red River urban subdivision is identified as part of the central urban area. Its primary character and function are defined as a signature spatial axis featuring greenery, water surfaces, cultural history, and the dominant landscape of the city center.

Regarding land-use structure, the planning area includes various functional categories, such as residential land, mixed-use land, urban public service land, high school land, and public greenery. It also allocates space for specialized greenery, historical and religious sites, security and defense, water surfaces, transportation, and technical infrastructure.

Based on these frameworks, the primary orientation is to transform the spaces along both sides of the Red River into a signature "green corridor" spatial axis of the capital city.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Bách

Vietnam remaining Singapore’s 10th largest trading partner.

Vietnam remained Singapore’s 10th largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of nearly SGD40 billion (about $31 billion), a 26.2% increase year on year, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency has reported.

Singapore’s exports to Vietnam totalled SGD26.8 billion, up 16.1% compared to 2024, while imports from Vietnam rose sharply to SGD13.1 billion, surging 53.2%.

Considering only goods of Singaporean and Vietnamese origin, Vietnam recorded a trade surplus of more than SGD5.8 billion, the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore said, citing data from Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority.

In December alone, Singapore’s total trade with Vietnam reached nearly SGD4 billion (over US$3.1 billion), up 30.1% year on year. Of the total, exports to Vietnam amounted to SGD2.3 billion, a rise of 1.5%, while imports from Vietnam surged to SGD1.7 billion, an increase of 113.6%.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Dreams of establishing an International Financial Center in HCMC will largely depend on Vietnam’s ability to create an appropriate institutional framework.

Analysts have noted that the goal of establishing an International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam is to attract major financial investors. Doing so, however, requires answering several fundamental questions, among them: Why should they come to Vietnam? What benefits will they gain?

In the context of increasingly fierce regional competition, the success of an IFC in Vietnam will depend heavily on the country’s ability to design and operate a flexible, efficient, and sophisticated institutional framework.

Competitive key

If Ho Chi Minh City wants to become an IFC, it must evolve into a regional capital-distribution hub, according to experts. To achieve that, Vietnam needs to meet at least one of two conditions. First, it must become a capital-surplus economy with the ability to export capital. Second, it must leverage shifts in the global financial order. As the world moves towards multi-polarity, financial centers can serve as intermediaries for global fundraising. This could be an opportunity, but the competitive equation remains unresolved.

Some observers argue that Vietnam could compete institutionally by using its late-mover advantage to design a framework suited to new asset classes and markets such as digital assets.

According to Mr. Phan Duc Hieu, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Economic and Financial Committee, the National Assembly’s resolution establishing the IFC is an important starting point. “The resolution includes 14 groups of special policies spanning foreign exchange, banking, capital markets, taxation, imports and exports, residency and travel, and specialized rules for dispute resolution and jurisdiction,” he said.

He also highlighted key differences in policy design. Under the framework, English will be the official working language inside the IFC, while Vietnamese will serve only as a supplementary language. In addition, economic and commercial transactions conducted there may apply international law, depending on the needs of the parties involved.

The IFC’s judicial mechanism will operate as a separate system. Mr. Hieu believes that involving foreign judges should be considered: “Many have asked whether foreign judges can participate; in my view, that possibility cannot be ruled out,” he said. However, he also cautioned that the path from policy approval to effective implementation is long, especially in attracting investors.

Mr. Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), said the central bank is working closely with Ho Chi Minh City to prepare for the IFC’s rollout and must draft around eight decrees to establish an appropriate regulatory framework.

One major breakthrough is the proposal to grant the IFC Executive Board in Ho Chi Minh City full autonomy in all licensing, supervisory, and management processes for institutions operating within the center. Additionally, the Executive Board will be authorized to issue guidelines on banking activities that extend beyond existing regulations, provided they align with the SBV.

On foreign exchange, Mr. Dung noted that transactions between the IFC and external entities will be almost fully liberalized. “Borrowing foreign currency is currently quite complex, but once the financial center becomes operational, the level of openness will increase significantly,” he said.

Experts emphasize that while a liberal regulatory corridor is necessary, it is not enough. Institutions must be stable, predictable, and equipped with exceptionally-strong risk-management capabilities to earn the trust of global investors.

In an environment of intensifying regional competition, the success of an IFC in Vietnam will hinge largely on institutional capacity, not only in designing laws but in operational flexibility and effective risk governance.

Notable models

At a recent workshop on attracting strategic investors to Ho Chi Minh City, organized by the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, experts agreed that developing an IFC requires a globally-competitive policy framework, centered on identifying the right “strategic investors.” This is considered essential to building a deep financial ecosystem, rather than relying on widespread, ineffective incentives.

According to expert analysis, successful financial centers worldwide begin by defining and classifying groups of strategic investors. A common principle is that not every company with large capital qualifies for preferential treatment. Local authorities select only those operating in priority sectors, capable of innovation, committed to long-term investment, contributing to RD, creating high-quality jobs, and generating technological spillovers. This is a selective approach based on capability and strategic impact, not merely capital size.

Professor Vu Minh Khuong from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, views Shanghai’s financial center model as a good example. The Chinese city developed an “Urban Strategic Partnership” mechanism allowing multinational corporations to invest under tailored arrangements. These include guarantees of property rights, free capital transfers, and access to international financial markets, designed specifically for companies classified as strategic investors.

Shanghai also created a “city-level strategic investment portfolio” comprising about 100 selected domestic and foreign enterprises chosen based on technological innovation and spillover potential. These companies benefit from land access, tax incentives, credit programs, talent development, and streamlined administrative processes. Administration also supports companies establishing regional headquarters or RD centers, through policies on visas, residency, remittances, and specialist services, aimed at keeping the right strategic investors in place.

Tokyo adopted a different approach but has maintained a strong focus on strategic investors. Instead of publishing a fixed list like Shanghai, Tokyo targets clear priority groups. It offers strong incentives, including fast-track licensing, tax benefits, and workforce assistance, to companies with strong research capabilities. Though it does not explicitly use the term “strategic investor,” Tokyo’s policies clearly prioritize a core set of target enterprises.

Singapore, meanwhile, focuses on identifying “strategic projects” rather than specific companies. Its Refundable Investment Credit (RIC) allows cash refunds of 10-50 per cent of investment costs over four years, but only for large-scale projects in international finance, RD, innovation centers, or regional headquarters. The mechanism is particularly effective under the Global Minimum Tax of 15 per cent, helping Singapore maintain its competitive edge in attracting major technology firms and international financial institutions.

Another notable model is Dubai, which has built 26 specialized free zones, each dedicated to sectors such as finance (DIFC and ADGM), commodities trading (DMCC), technology (Internet City and Silicon Oasis), and logistics (JAFZA). Each zone permits 100 per cent foreign ownership, provides tax exemptions, and ensures free capital flows, and has its own regulatory system. This allows Dubai to classify investors clearly according to sectoral strategy and functional needs.

Despite differences in design, successful IFC models share one principle: rigorous selectivity and focused policy support for strategic industries, rather than spreading resources thin. Incentives are tailored, from tax exemptions and direct financial support to talent, RD, administrative procedures, and services for international professionals.

This offers an important lesson for Vietnam as it builds an IFC in Ho Chi Minh City. Defining strategic investor groups, identifying priority sectors, and designing suitable mechanisms will determine the center’s long-term competitiveness.

VET-Tung Thu

Total investment capital estimated at VND4.57 trillion (about $174 million).

The Railway Management Board has submitted to the Ministry of Construction for approving  a plan to upgrade the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City railway (Phase 1), with total investment capital estimated at more than VND4.57 trillion (about $174 million).

The project will be implemented along the entire north–south route, passing through 15 localities, including Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, Dak Lak, Khanh Hoa, Lam Dong, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The investment policy is expected to be submitted for approval in the first quarter of 2026, with construction scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 and completion targeted for 2030.

Once upgraded, the railway’s freight transport capacity is expected to increase by 1.3–1.5 times, while passenger transport capacity is projected to rise by 1.5–1.6 times.

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

This lifted the total export value of the category for the whole of 2025 to $107.75 billion.

Vietnam’s export turnover in December 2025 reached $44.05 billion, up 12.6% from the previous month, equivalent to an increase of $4.94 billion. This marks the first time Vietnam’s monthly export value has surpassed $44 billion, setting a new record.

Among major export categories, several achieved unprecedented milestones during the month.

Notably, computers, electronic products, and components exceeded the $10 billion threshold for the first time, reaching $10.74 billion. This lifted the total export value of the category for the whole of 2025 to $107.75 billion. The figure accounts for about 23% of the country’s total export turnover and represents a sharp 48.4% increase compared to the previous year, equivalent to a rise of $35.15 billion.

With this result, computers, electronic products, and components not only maintained their position as Vietnam’s top export category by value, but also contributed more than half of the overall growth in the nation’s export turnover in 2025.

By market, exports of this category to the United States reached $42.09 billion, surging 81.4% year-on-year, equivalent to an increase of $18.88 billion. Mainland China ranked second with $16.89 billion, up 33.6% ($4.24 billion); followed by Hong Kong (China) with $10.82 billion, up 32.7% ($2.66 billion); and the European Union with $10.89 billion, up 9.9%, equivalent to an increase of $981 million.

For phones and components, export turnover in December 2025 reached $4.05 billion, up 1.6% from the previous month. For the whole year, exports of this category totaled $56.71 billion, up 5.2%, equivalent to an increase of $2.82 billion compared to 2024.

Exports of phones and components during the year were mainly concentrated in major markets such as China, the United States, the EU, ASEAN, India, and Japan.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

On average, Vietnamese consumers spent nearly VND36 trillion (over $1.37 billion) per month on online shopping, according to the latest data from Metric.

The total Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) in 2025 across the four major e-commerce platforms—Shopee, TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Tiki—reached approximately VND429.7 trillion ($16.4 billion), marking a 34.75% increase over 2024.

On average, Vietnamese consumers spent nearly VND36 trillion (over $1.37 billion) per month on online shopping, according to the latest data from Metric.

In tandem with the revenue surge, transaction volume also recorded a 15.23% increase, with 3,941.6 million products sold across these four major platforms. However, a notable development occurred in the seller landscape: the number of active storefronts dropped by 7.43%, falling from roughly 650,000 in 2024 to 601,800. This indicates that nearly 48,000 shops have exited the market.

Analysts suggested that this paradox of “rising revenue vs. dwindling shop numbers” signals that Vietnam’s e-commerce market is entering a distinct phase of restructuring and rigorous screening, driven by two primary factors:

First, mounting cost pressures, fierce competition, and increasingly high consumer expectations have made it impossible for many small-scale and amateur vendors to survive. Second, market share is gradually consolidating around a group of professional sellers who possess sophisticated operational capabilities and invest heavily in product quality, customer service, and branding.

This is viewed as an inevitable transition, bringing Vietnam’s e-commerce sector closer to a stage of professional and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the significant gap between the growth rates of revenue (34.75%) and transaction volume (15.23%) reflects a new consumer trend: buyers are willing to spend more on higher-value products rather than simply focusing on quantity. This shift compels businesses and individual sellers to pivot their strategies from merely expanding scale to enhancing quality, optimizing product portfolios, and improving the overall shopping experience and after-sales service.

The competitive landscape among e-commerce platforms in 2025 witnessed significant shifts. According to the report by Metric, Shopee maintained its market leadership with a 56.04% revenue market share, though this reflects a notable decline from its 64% share in 2024.

Meanwhile, TikTok Shop remained the market's primary standout. Its market share surged from 29% in 2024 to 41.31% in 2025, demonstrating the powerful appeal of the “shoppertainment” (shopping combined with entertainment) model.

The remaining platforms collectively accounted for only about 3% of the market share. This underscores the immense challenges smaller players face in competing at scale and maintaining consumer interest against the two dominant giants.

The report also highlighted that Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi continue to serve as the nation’s primary consumption hubs.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Tùng

A rapid escalation in pork prices has been seen nationwide since early this year.

As 2025 concluded with unpredictable fluctuations in Vietnam's pig farming industry, the beginning of 2026 has seen a rapid escalation in pork prices nationwide.

This surge not only reflects the recovery of supply and demand after a tumultuous year but also highlights the significant pressure from increased consumption demand as the Lunar New Year of the Horse approaches.

In the North, from January to July 2025, the average live pig price maintained around VND70,000 ($2.9) per kg. However, from August to October 2025, the market unexpectedly plummeted, with prices dropping to as low as VND48,000 – 50,000 per kg, causing heavy losses for many farmers, some even had to suspend operations. By the end of the year, as supply significantly decreased, live pig prices began to recover and surged back to approximately VND68,000 per kg by the end of December 2025.

Entering January 2026, the upward trend did not slow but intensified. In just the first half of January, live pig prices in many localities established a new range between VND72,000 - 74,000 per kg. Notably, on January 20, prices rose rapidly across the board, with common adjustments increasing by VND1,000 - 2,000 per kg compared to January 19. Currently, traders are purchasing live pigs at prices between VND68,000 - 76,000 per kg, depending on the region and the quality of the herd.

The Northern region continues to lead in live pig prices, with the highest levels nationwide, at VND77,000 per kg.

vneconomy-Chu Khoi

Under a new Decree from the Government, a comprehensive legal framework for the organization and operation of the carbon market in Vietnam has been established.

The Government has issued Decree No. 29/2026/ND-CP regarding the domestic carbon exchange, establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the organization and operation of the carbon market in Vietnam.

The Decree consists of 6 chapters and 35 articles regulating activities related to the domestic carbon trading platform.

Key provisions include registration, domestic coding, transfer of ownership, custody, trading, and settlement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission quotas and eligible carbon credits. It also defines the responsibilities of governing agencies and organizations in managing the exchange, as well as requirements for reporting and information disclosure.

The applicable entities include the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation (VSDC), the Vietnam Exchange (VNX), and the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX). The regulation also applies to agencies and organizations participating in the domestic carbon market under environmental protection laws, as well as all entities and individuals involved in the operation, registration, and settlement of GHG quotas and carbon credits.

The Decree specifies that GHG emission quotas and carbon credits eligible for trading must comply with Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP (dated January 7, 2022) regarding the reduction of GHG emissions and the protection of the ozone layer, as amended and supplemented by Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP.

Under the new regulations, all GHG quotas and carbon credits must be centrally registered on the national registration system of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment before they can be deposited or traded on the domestic exchange. The ministry is responsible for recording information on the registration system, including details of the quotas and credits, as well as ownership information (identification of the entity and the volume of quotas or credits held).

To ensure transparency and prevent duplication, GHG quotas and carbon credits must be registered, issued domestic codes, and deposited centrally. The coding process will be unified across the national registration system, ensuring that each quota and carbon credit carries a unique, non-duplicable identification number before entering the market.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Bách

The 42-km project requires estimated investment capital of VND84.7 trillion ($3.22 billion).

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has been designated as the competent authority to implement the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway project, which spans approximately 42 km with a total investment exceeding VND84.7 trillion ($3.22 billion).

As a strategic transport axis connecting HCMC and its neighboring Dong Nai Province, the railway will establish a seamless link between Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Long Thanh International Airport while reducing traffic pressure at HCMC’s eastern gateway.

In late December 2025, the HCMC People’s Committee submitted a proposal to the municipal People's Council to issue a resolution regarding the authority to execute the urban rail project.

The project, which passes through both localities, is proposed to be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

HCMC authorities emphasized that assigning a single locality as the lead agency is essential to ensure synchronization and efficiency, particularly for a large-scale interprovincial project with high technical requirements and an urgent schedule.

The railway will run from Thu Thiem Station to Long Thanh Station, featuring 20 stations and one technical depot.

The project scope covers An Khanh, Binh Trung, and Long Truong wards in HCMC, as well as the former districts of Nhon Trach and Long Thanh in Dong Nai, providing a direct connection to Long Thanh International Airport.

The project is expected to be implemented between 2025 and 2031.

VnEconomy-Thiên Ân

The Ho Chi Minh City-based airport offers 8,348 connection options, linking it to 94 destinations worldwide.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City ranked 45th among the world’s 50 most connected airports in 2025, according to the latest ranking by global travel data provider OAG.

The ranking was based on data from hundreds of the world’s largest airports, covering the period from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. To determine the top 50, OAG extracted data on August 1, 2025, identified as the busiest day in global aviation during the period.

After being absent from the list for two consecutive years, Tan Son Nhat Airport has re-entered the global ranking.

According to OAG, the airport offers 8,348 connection options - defined as valid combinations of connecting itineraries—linking it to 94 destinations worldwide.

Industry experts noted that a higher number of connections reflects an airport’s scale and capacity for transfer connectivity. In 2024, Tan Son Nhat International Airport ranked 54th globally.

VnEconomy-Như Quỳnh

Total newly constructed floor area reaching approximately 14.4 million sq.m.

Ho Chi Minh City recorded positive results in the construction sector in 2025, with capital disbursement reaching nearly 96% of the annual plan, newly built housing meeting almost 97% of targets, according to the municipal Department of Construction.

Total disbursement amounted to more than VND30.24 trillion (nearly $1.15 billion), equivalent to 95.6% of the yearly target.

In housing development, the total newly constructed floor area reached approximately 14.4 million sq.m, fulfilling nearly 97% of the annual plan. The city’s average housing area stood at about 26.86 sq.m per person.

Social housing development exceeded the target assigned by the Prime Minister, with nearly 12,800 units completed in 2025, helping meet the accommodation needs of low-income earners, workers, and members of the armed forces.

In the transport sector, the Department of Construction implemented a range of key national and municipal infrastructure projects, including ring roads, expressways, major bridges, and urban railway lines.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete 28,500 social housing units and raise the average housing area to 27.69 sq.m per person.

VnEconomy-Thien Di

This latest capital injection comes less than two years after NamiTech secured a $2 million Series A investment from TVS in 2023.

Vietnamese artificial intelligence startup Nami Technology (NamiTech) has successfully raised $4 million in its latest funding round.

The round saw participation from Toho Gas, a major Japanese energy group, alongside existing investor Thien Viet Securities (TVS), according to DealStreetAsia.

This latest capital injection comes less than two years after NamiTech secured a $2 million Series A investment from TVS in 2023.

Spun off from FPT Corporation in 2022, NamiTech was established to meet the surging demand for AI applications in corporate management and customer service.

Leveraging the technological expertise and foundation of FPT, the startup focuses on AI-driven CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions designed to optimize interactions between businesses and their users.

NamiTech specializes in core technologies including neural signal processing, voice technology, biometrics, and natural language processing (NLP).

The company reported that its products are currently deployed for clients across Vietnam, Japan, and the US, serving diverse sectors such as finance, banking, insurance, retail, and telecommunications. Gaining early traction in these high-standard markets is considered a pivotal step in the AI startup’s global expansion strategy.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

Vietnam is currently Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade continuing to set new records.

Two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Laos reached $2.98 billion in 2025, representing a 32.7% increase year on year.

Vietnam is currently Laos’ third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade continuing to set new records. In 2024, two-way trade surpassed the $2 billion mark for the first time, reaching a record $2.2 billion.

The strong growth in recent years has been underpinned by a series of key legal frameworks, including the Bilateral Trade Agreement (amended in 2024), the Border Trade Agreement (2015), and the Agreement on the Sale and Purchase of Coal and Electricity signed in 2025. These agreements have helped facilitate the exchange of goods and promote the development of border trade between the two countries.

Vietnam’s exports to Laos were led by chemical products, which reached $353.2 million, up 112.7% year on year, followed by machinery and equipment at $140.7 million, an increase of 132.8%. Other export items also posted strong growth, including iron and steel (up 52.8%), animal feed (up 41.4%), paper (up 79.0%), electrical wires (up 126.7%), and clinker and cement (up 264.4%).

On the import side, Vietnam mainly sourced coal from Laos, valued at $145.8 million, along with fertilisers worth $96.7 million, and vegetables and fruits, which recorded a sharp increase of 199.8%.

Vietnam and Laos have set a target of raising bilateral trade turnover to $5 billion during the 2026–2030 period.

VnEconomy-Song Hà

As many as 1,586 delegates, representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide, attend the Congress.

The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam opened in Hanoi on January 20 morning, with the attendance of 1,586 delegates, representing more than 5.6 million Party members nationwide, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

In his opening address, Politburo member and State President Luong Cuong stressed that the 14th National Party Congress shoulders an enormous historical mission: not only to set goals and directions for the 2026–2030 term, but also to make decisions on strategic issues concerning the future and destiny of the nation in many decades to come, aiming to continue to strongly inspire the aspiration for development, foster national pride and self-resilience, unlock all resources and driving forces for development, bring into play the strength of the People and the great national solidarity combined with the strength of the era, comprehensively and synchronously promote national renewal, construction, and defense, successfully achieving the goal of building a powerful nation standing shoulder to shoulder with the great powers across the five continents as envisioned by President Ho Chi Minh and the aspirations of the entire Vietnamese nation.

At the opening session, on behalf of the 13th Party Central Committee, Party General Secretary To Lam, Head of the Congress’s Document Subcommittee, presented the 13th Party Central Committee’s Report on the documents submitted to the 14th Party National Congress, emphasizing some key contents and new points of the draft documents for the Congress to consider, discuss and decide upon.

The draft documents include the draft Political Report; the draft Report reviewing a number of theoretical and practical issues related to the socialist-oriented renewal process over the past 40 years in Vietnam; and the draft Report summarizing 15 years of implementation of the Party Statutes (2011–2025), together with proposals and orientations for amending and supplementing the Party Statutes.

Notably, the draft Political Report integrates in a coordinated manner three reports - the Political Report, the Socio-economic Report, and the Report reviewing Party building work - into a unified and comprehensive whole, with clear focus and priorities, concise presentation, and content that is easy to understand, remember, and implement.

The Party General Secretary said the Congress’s slogan, “Solidarity – Democracy – Discipline – Breakthrough – Development,” is both a rallying call and a command of responsibility before history.

The overarching objective of the report is to safeguard a peaceful and stable environment; rapidly and sustainably develop the country; comprehensively improve and raise people’s living standards; enhance strategic self-reliance, self-strengthening and confidence, and strongly advance into a new era of the nation; successfully realize the goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030; and fulfill the vision of becoming a developed country with high income by 2045 and a peaceful, independent, democratic, strong, prosperous, civilized and happy socialist Vietnam.

Efforts will be made to achieve an average annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 10% or higher during the 2026 – 2030 period, with GDP per capita reaching around $8,500 by 2030.

To realize the above objectives, the report identifies 12 major orientations; six focal tasks and three strategic breakthroughs. The Action Plan has detailed tasks that can be implemented immediately. The core spirit is condensed in eight important areas, clearly demonstrating the requirement for: Choosing correctly – implementing quickly – doing it thoroughly – measuring by results.

"Inheriting the glorious tradition under the glorious flag of the Party; with the unanimity and joint efforts of the entire Party, people, and armed forces; with the will of self-reliance, self-strengthening, and aspiration for progress of the nation; with the strategic vision and groundbreaking policies identified in the Documents presented to the 14th National Party Congress; we will certainly create a strong and substantive transformation, bringing the country to groundbreaking development, fully realizing Uncle Ho's sacred wish: 'My last wish is that the entire Party and people unite and strive to build a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, and make a worthy contribution to the world’s revolutionary cause," according to the report.

Strengthening ties with foreign political parties, organizations, international friends

The 14th National Party Congress has warmly received congratulatory letters and messages from numerous foreign political parties, organizations and international friends, reflecting the close attention and goodwill extended to this major political event of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese State and people.

At the opening session, on behalf of the Congress’s Secretariat, Ms. Bui Thi Quynh Van, member of the Party Central Committee and deputy head of its Organization Commission, said that as of January 19, the congress had received a total of 559 congratulatory letters and messages. These included greetings from 109 political parties, six international and regional organizations, 16 individuals, 122 people’s organizations, and 306 associations of overseas Vietnamese.

These messages represent a great source of encouragement and motivation for the renewal cause of the Vietnamese people initiated and led by the Communist Party of Vietnam. They also vividly demonstrate the increasingly close and substantive cooperation and friendship between the Party and foreign political parties, organizations and international friends, as well as the growing attachment and affection of overseas Vietnamese communities towards their homeland, she underscored.

On behalf of the Congress’s Presidium, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh expressed sincere thanks for the friendship, cooperation, support and valuable assistance that foreign political parties, organizations and international friends extended to the Communist Party of Vietnam and Vietnamese people.

The PM stressed that the 14th National Party Congress reaffirms Vietnam’s consistent implementation of the Party’s foreign policy, which pursues independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization of external relations. Vietnam is also ready to be a good friend and a reliable partner of all countries around the world, for the goals of peace, cooperation and development, as well as for social progress and justice globally.

Taking the happiness and satisfaction of the people as the measure of success

At the Congress, Politburo member and Standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu presented a report reviewing the leadership and direction of the 13th Party Central Committee.

The report stated that during the 13th term, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat remained steadfast, resilient, united and cohesive, while upholding principles, and closely following the Party’s viewpoints and guidelines in leading the country to overcome numerous difficulties and challenges. Overall, the objectives and tasks set forth in the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress were basically fulfilled, with many achieved to an outstanding degree.

The Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat, headed by Party General Secretary To Lam, continuously renewed their mindset and leadership methods, adhered closely to the Party’s viewpoints, guidelines and working regulations, and stayed attuned to practical realities. They proactively seized opportunities and organized the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress, thereby achieving highly significant and comprehensive results across all fields.

The decisive implementation of the revolution to streamline the organizational apparatus and fundamentally complete the overall model of the political system won broad consensus and support from officials, Party members and the people.

Socio-economic development tasks were carried out with many important, groundbreaking and strategic decisions. Macro-economic stability was maintained and inflation kept under control; the economy’s potential, scale and competitiveness continued to improve; per capita income exceeded the target set by the 13th National Party Congress; and social progress, equity, welfare and social security were enhanced, with better living standards of the people.

National defense and security were consolidated and strengthened; independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, as well as social order and safety, were firmly safeguarded. External relations and international integration were expanded and elevated, contributing to further consolidating and enhancing the country’s position and reputation in the international arena.

The report also emphasized that the achievements during the term of the 13th National Party Congress stemmed from many factors, foremost of which is the high determination and tireless efforts, as well as the unity and concerted action of the entire Party, the entire people and the entire armed forces toward the shared goals. The Party Central Committee, the Politburo and the Secretariat served as the central, core leadership, remained steadfast, courageous and wise; upheld principles; maintained high unity; and acted calmly, soundly and decisively in issuing timely and appropriate policies and decisions aligned with realities, ensuring the highest interests of the country and the people.

Regarding limitations and shortcomings, the report highlights that the leadership and direction in institutionalizing, concretizing, and implementing certain the Party’s policies and resolutions remained limited; in some cases, at certain times and places, actions have been neither decisive nor strong enough to meet the requirements of development. The leadership, direction, inspection and removal of bottlenecks in certain sectors remained slow, fragmented, and ineffective. Many weaknesses and inadequacies accumulated from the past have not been addressed promptly or thoroughly, resulting in prolonged consequences. The institutional system is inconsistent and has become a “bottleneck of bottlenecks.”

Regarding orientations for fixing limitations and shortcomings, the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Secretariat will follow the country’s development orientations and policies for the upcoming period; inherit and promote lessons learned; and focus on leading and directing the Party building and rectification to ensure that the Party truly embodies morality and civility.

Attention will be paid to vigorously reforming the Party’s leadership and governance methods; improving the quality and effectiveness of political and ideological work, organizational and personnel management, and inspection and supervision; upholding principles, discipline, and unity within the Party; promoting the exemplary role and accountability of each members of the Party Central Committee, and leaders and managers at all levels; prioritizing the training and capacity-building of cadres, especially those at the grassroots level; and advancing decentralization and delegation of authority while strengthening oversight, supervision, and control of power.

The report noted that the Party will lead and direct the implementation of strategic autonomy orientations, concentrating on comprehensively and coherently completing the institutional framework for rapid and sustainable development; urgently study and reform the development model; establish a new development model, while promoting breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

The Party will also instruct the building and development of an advanced Vietnamese culture that strongly preserves national identity; promote and implement a coherent system of national values, cultural values, family values, and standards for Vietnamese people; and perfect the models, mechanisms, and policies for managing a modern and sustainable society; linking economic development with ensuring social progress and equity, while improving the living standards and well-being of the people, the report said.

The report also stressed the requirement to ensure the Party’s direct, absolute, and comprehensive leadership; resolutely and persistently safeguard the nation’s independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity; maintain national security, social order, and safety; and strengthen a peaceful and stable environment for the country’s development; lead the consistent implementation of a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralization of external relations, which also promotes peace, friendship, cooperation and development; direct the building and improvement of a socialist rule-of-law state that is of the people, by the people, and for the people, developing a modern, effective, and efficient system of national governance while addressing bottlenecks, overlaps, and inconsistencies in the legal framework.

All Party and State policies must genuinely originate from the demands, aspirations, rights, and legitimate interests of the people, using their happiness and satisfaction as the measure and standard of success, while maximizing the effectiveness of public supervision and the strength of the great national solidarity, the report said.

VNA-

The result is part of the customs sector's efforts to facilitate businesses' import and export activities.

The rate of customs declarations through green line (exempt from physical inspection of goods and document check) has increased to around 70% after six months the customs sector implementing a scheme on “Reducing Inspection Rates in Customs Procedures for Export and Import Goods”, according to Vietnam Customs.

Customs declarations are classified into three lines, namely green, yellow and red channels. Products classified for green will be exempt from physical inspection of goods and document check. Those classified into the yellow channel will be subject to document check. Meanwhile, products with legal risks will be classified into the red line for both physical inspection of goods and document check.

Meanwhile, the rate of yellow and red channel declarations declined to 30%, down five percentage points from the previous level of 35%.

The change has helped shorten customs clearance times, reduce costs for businesses, and improve the effectiveness of risk management.

The scheme has been implemented nationwide since July 2025, with the aim of building a modern and smart customs system that places enterprises at the centre of service delivery.

Its core objective is to reduce inspection rates for yellow- and red-channel declarations during customs clearance, while enhancing the effectiveness of risk management.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Sơn