Projects and components must be completed in a synchronized manner, ensuring quality and safety to serve the travel needs of citizens during New Year 2026 and Tet (the Lunar New Year).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for faster progress to achieve the target of putting more than 3,000 km of expressways and about 1,700 km of coastal roads into operation in 2025, along with other key national infrastructure projects.

The Government Office issued Notice No. 627/TB-VPCP on November 18, announcing the Prime Minister's conclusion at the 21st meeting of the State Steering Committee for important national projects and key transport sector projects.

Accordingly, the Prime Minister requested ministries, sectors, localities, and members of the Steering Committee to heighten determination and take more decisive action to fulfill this critically important political task, stressing that complacency or negligence must be avoided.

Projects and components must be completed in a synchronized manner, ensuring quality and safety to serve the travel needs of citizens during New Year 2026 and Tet (the Lunar New Year).

The Minister of Construction was assigned to directly oversee inspections, reviews, and the resolution of obstacles at major transport projects—particularly those with large workloads such as Dong Dang–Tra Linh and Huu Nghi–Chi Lang expressway projects to ensure technical traffic opening in 2025, contributing to the overall goal of 3,000 km of expressways.

The Ministry of National Defense was tasked with directing military regions to provide machinery, equipment, and manpower upon request from investors, contributing to the completion of the 3,000 km expressway target.

The People’s Committees of Ho Chi Minh City, and the provinces of Tuyen Quang, Dong Nai, and Dong Thap must firmly direct investors and contractors to speed up construction of projects including Ho Chi Minh City's Ring Road 3, and Tuyen Quang–Ha Giang,  Bien Hoa–Vung Tau, and Cao Lanh–An Huu expressways, ensuring progress as committed.

The Ministry of Construction will continue to lead, monitor, and urge localities to implement the coastal road system, and report to the Prime Minister on issues beyond its authority, ensuring that by the end of 2025 the country will have about 1,700 km of coastal roads.

Vneconomy-Phương Nhi

ATAD Steel Structure Corporation receives the Vietnam Excellence Award – Steel, recognizing its global competitiveness and leadership in advanced, sustainable steel structure engineering. Mr. Nguyen Le Anh Tuan, CEO of ATAD Steel Structure Corporation, representing the company on stage to receive the award.

At a ceremony held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, ATAD Steel Structure Corporation was named the winner of the Vietnam Excellence Award – Steel at the Manufacturing Asia Awards 2025. The recognition highlights the company’s leadership in delivering end-to-end Design Build solutions for steel structure projects in Vietnam and international markets.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Le Anh Tuan, CEO of ATAD, said: “This award reflects ATAD’s credibility and technical capability in the global market. It marks more than 20 years of continuous innovation, people development, and commitment to sustainable growth. We will continue investing in technology, advancing green and modern manufacturing, and delivering world-class projects, affirming the pioneering role of Vietnamese enterprises in the steel structure industry across Asia and globally.”

With an annual capacity of 216,000 tons of steel structures, ATAD delivers a comprehensive portfolio of services, including design, fabrication, logistics, installation, and maintenance. The company operates 13 offices worldwide and has completed projects in more than 60 countries, serving major clients such as Samsung, Heineken, Hyundai, Toyota, PG, Sanofi, VinFast, and Hoa Phat.

ATAD is also an early adopter of the Zero Accident safety policy and LEED standards aimed at reducing carbon emissions, while maintaining long-term CSR initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. These efforts are part of a broader ESG framework designed to enhance operational efficiency, mitigate risks, and support sustainable growth. Beyond delivering steel structure works, the company contributes to elevating Vietnamese engineering capabilities on major international projects.

To uphold quality, safety, and sustainability standards, ATAD operates a Smart Factory model and integrates digital platforms such as 3D BIM, Tekla Structures, and Lean Manufacturing. These technologies optimize design, scheduling, and accuracy throughout production. In parallel, the company implements industrial energy-management measures and environmentally responsible practices to cut emissions and improve resource efficiency across the fabrication–installation process.

ATAD also owns Vietnam’s first LEED Gold–certified steel structure factory and maintains a wide range of international certifications, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IAS AC472, CE Marking, AISC, ASME, CWB, and UKCA, meeting export requirements for high-standard markets such as the United States, the EU, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan.

Its production model combines automation and robotic welding systems with digital management platforms across all stages, from design to fabrication and installation. The deployment of SAP ERP, SPM, and real-time monitoring systems has helped standardize processes, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen quality control. These digital transformation efforts have enhanced execution capabilities, reduced production lead times, and minimized errors, enabling the company to meet the demands of large-scale and complex projects.

ATAD’s engineering capacity is demonstrated most notably through its contribution to the Long Thanh International Airport project, where the company fabricated and installed more than 45,000 tons of steel structures and executed a 5,300-ton roof-lifting operation—a milestone in complex steel-structure construction. The company has also participated in major international and domestic projects, including Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1, MRT-7 Metro Line in the Philippines, the Jackson Generation Power Plant in the United States, the Kampala Flyover Project in Uganda, the Matarbari Power Plant in Bangladesh, the H2 Green Steel Plant in Sweden, the Vietnam Exhibition Center (VEC), the Hoa Phat Dung Quat Steel Complex, and airport developments such as Tan Son Nhat Terminal T3, Cam Ranh International Airport, Da Nang International Airport, and Wattay International Airport in Laos.

The Manufacturing Asia Awards is a distinguished program recognizing enterprises that demonstrate excellence in innovation, operational performance, and sustainable industrial development across the region. ATAD’s recognition reinforces the role of a Vietnamese enterprise capable of competing on a global scale and contributing to the advancement of the steel structure industry in Asia and beyond.

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The project is planned to provide a total of 7,661 diverse housing products to the market.

The People's Committee of Ninh Binh province has officially approved the selection of a consortium of investors for the Eco-Urban Area project in the eastern part of Hoa Lu City, including Ecopark Hai Duong Investment JSC, Hong Phong Investment and Development Company One Member Limited, and Minh Anh Service Trading One Member Company Limited.

Cover an area of approximately 163 ha, the project boasts a total investment of over VND16.4 trillion (nearly $622 million). 

According to the plan, the project will provide a total of 7,661 diverse housing products to the market. 

Additionally, a 15-story commercial apartment building with 1,573 units and a social housing block with a maximum of 15 stories comprising approximately 3,884 units will also be constructed. Besides, the project also emphasizes the development of a comprehensive social infrastructure and services system.

This project's preparation and implementation will span span years, from 2025 to 2032.

This is considered a key project, one of the largest in the area, contributing to the expansion of urban space, reshaping the face of Hoa Lu City towards sustainable, civilized, and environmentally friendly development.

Vneconomy-Thiên Anh

Additionally, the National Housing Fund is expected to contribute to balancing supply and demand and adjusting the structure of real estate products.

The Government has promulgated Decree No. 302/2025/NĐ-CP, providing detailed regulations on the National Housing Fund and measures to implement the National Assembly's Resolution No. 201/2025/QH15 regarding pilot mechanisms for social housing development.

According to Decree 302, the National Housing Fund serves five primary functions and objectives, with a strong emphasis on rental housing:

First, investing in the construction of social housing projects, including synchronized technical and social infrastructure systems, specifically for rental purposes.

Second, creating social housing by receiving and repurposing public housing assets for rent, in accordance with housing laws.

Third, creating housing stock by purchasing from developers; ordering or receiving transfers from 100% state-owned enterprises; receiving resettlement or temporary housing; and accepting voluntary housing contributions from organizations or individuals for rental use.

Fourth, purchasing commercial housing to rent out to civil servants, public employees, and workers.

Fifth, organizing the management and operation of the housing invested in or created by the Fund.

Regarding the organizational structure, the Decree stipulates that the Government will establish a Central Housing Fund under the Ministry of Construction. At the local level, Provincial People's Committees are responsible for establishing and managing local housing funds.

According to the Ministry of Construction, the Decree aims to boost social housing development and provide low-income earners with access to suitable homes. This initiative is closely aligned with the targets of the project on "Investment and construction of at least one million social housing apartments for low-income earners and industrial park workers in the 2021–2030 period."

Additionally, the National Housing Fund is expected to contribute to balancing supply and demand and adjusting the structure of real estate products. Consequently, this will help lower prices in the commercial housing segment, fostering a more stable and healthy real estate market while creating long-term, sustainable resources for housing development.

Vneconomy-Phan Dương

The new land price framework is intended to serve as a basis for administrative procedures related to land, compensation, land use fees, land rental, and various other activities as stipulated by law.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nghe An has recently unveiled a draft resolution outlining a new land price framework, adhering to the methods and principles of Article 158 of the Land Law 2024. 

The new land price framework is intended to serve as a basis for administrative procedures related to land, compensation, land use fees, land rental, and various other activities as stipulated by law.

Compared to previous periods, this price table is more detailed, clearly categorizing different land groups and positions, thereby enhancing transparency and consistency in management.

The draft specifies that the land price table applies to all types of land within the province.

For non-agricultural business land (excluding commercial and service land), the price is set at 20 per cent of the adjacent residential land price or equivalent position.

Commercial and service land is set at 25 per cent, while land for mineral exploitation is set at 40 per cent of the residential land price on the corresponding road.

Public land groups with business or non-agricultural purposes are calculated based on the non-agricultural production land price; conversely, non-business public land, religious land, and cemetery land are calculated at the residential land price in the same area.

For land with water surfaces such as rivers, streams, lakes, and canals, the price determination depends on the usage purpose.

A notable point in the draft is the regulation of land price stratification by depth for plots with a depth of over 30 meters from the road construction boundary. This method is applied to ensure that land prices accurately reflect usage value based on distance and infrastructure accessibility.

For agricultural land, the draft specifies position classification based on criteria such as distance to roads, irrigation works, residential areas, and product consumption locations. 

The new draft land price table is considered to be more aligned with market prices, while also being based on a strict system of principles to ensure feasibility and transparency.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Nghe An has stated that public consultation will be widely conducted before finalizing the dossier for submission to the Provincial People's Council for consideration and issuance, expected to be applied from January 1, 2026.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Boosting digital payments is opening up a layer of real-time transaction data, helping regulators track cash flows more transparently and close tax revenue gaps...

At the workshop "QR Code Payment: Transparency and Unlimited Experience," co-organized by Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam/Vietnam Economic Times/VnEconomy, the Payment Department (State bank of Vietnam), and NAPAS on November 19, Mr. Mai Son, Deputy Director of the Tax Department, Ministry of Finance (MoF), highlighted that the tax sector is synchronously implementing Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on development of private economy, and Resolution No. 198/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly on some special policies and mechanisms for development of private economy, focusing on supporting business households to switch from lump-sum tax to tax declaration.

According to Mr. Son, whether it's cash, bank transfer, or QR Payment, each method has its value, but its application must comply with legal regulations and the business conditions of each group.

From the taxpayer's perspective, economic transparency can only be achieved when business activities are conducted openly and verifiably. For small traders, cashless payment methods, especially QR Payment, significantly reduce manual recording and facilitate cash flow tracking.

Simultaneously, tax authorities are working towards building a data connection system between ministries and sectors. When data is synchronized, tax authorities can automatically suggest declarations for businesses, helping them save time, costs, and minimize errors. Combining this data with cashless payments, particularly QR Payment, is expected to lay a foundation for a modern transaction model for businesses.

In terms of management, real-time payments help tax authorities quickly identify unusual transactions. "This is a crucial factor in protecting the input of goods and consumers," Mr. Son emphasized. 

From the market and consumer protection perspective, Mr. Nguyen Duc Le, Deputy Head of the Market Management Division under the Domestic Markets Department, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), stated that in the digital environment, payment is the final step of all transactions.

The MoIT therefore proposed that during the 2026–2030 period, market management should be based on three pillars: goods must be accompanied by invoices, invoices must be linked to tax obligations, and cash flows must be monitored through the banking system or financial institutions. "When these three factors operate in sync, management activities will be more transparent, and consumers will be better protected in the digital environment," said Mr. Le.

The consensus between the tax and industry sectors shows that cashless payments are not only an inevitable trend but also a foundation for transparent cash flows, enhancing management efficiency, and strengthening consumer trust in the digital economy.

-Hoàng Sơn

Selling prices of SJC-branded gold bar reaching VND150.7 million ($5,730) per tael.

Domestic gold prices rebounded on November 19 after a sharp decline on the previous day, rising by VND1.4 million ($53.2) per tael.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

SJC-branded gold bar prices at major local retailers climbed to VND148.7 million ($5,653) per tael for buying and VND150.7 million ($5,730) per tael for selling.

Gold ring prices also recovered, reaching VND145.9 million ($5,547) per tael for buying and VND148.4 million per tael for selling, up VND600,000 ($22.8) per tael from the previous day.

On the global market, gold continued its downward trend, slipping 0.05% to $4,066 per ounce. At this level, domestic gold prices stood approximately VND20.02 million ($761) per tael higher than international prices.

VnEconomy-Lan Nhi

Helvetas Vietnam’s EU-funded circular agriculture initiative introduces biochar gasification technology that reduces waste, cuts energy costs, and improves crop quality for smallholder farmers. Biochar obtained from the gasifier is high quality and valuable for circular agriculture.

Since 2022, under the European Union–funded “Circular Economy Cocoa: From Bean to Bar” project, Helvetas Vietnam has introduced innovations aimed at reducing waste, increasing farmer income, and promoting more sustainable agricultural practices. Most recently, the organization unveiled a biochar gasification kiln equipped with an integrated heat transfer system at the Nhat Tam Agricultural Service Cooperative in Ea Kar district, Dak Lak province.

Agricultural By-Products: A Persistent Challenge in High-Rainfall Regions

Cocoa production typically leaves behind substantial by-products, with husks accounting for up to 70 per cent of each fruit’s weight. These husks are often discarded or burned in the open - practices that waste valuable biomass and generate harmful emissions. Similar challenges exist across other key crops such as coffee, macadamia, and rice, where farmers struggle to manage large volumes of post-harvest residues.

Extended rainy seasons compound these difficulties. Sun-drying becomes nearly impossible, and high humidity increases the risk of mold in cocoa and coffee beans, reducing quality and market value. Traditional drying systems, meanwhile, consume large amounts of fuel and generate significant emissions.

To help address these constraints, the project installed the KANAI-800 biochar gasification kiln at Nhat Tam Cooperative. The semi-automatic system uses pneumatic valve control and runs on locally available residues including cocoa husks, coffee husks, macadamia shells, and rice husks. During gasification, these materials are converted into syngas, a clean-burning synthetic gas. When fully combusted, syngas produces stable heat with minimal emissions, transferred through an integrated heat exchanger to maintain precise drying temperatures.

The biochar gasification kiln model utilizing locally available agricultural wastes has been warmly welcomed by local farmers.

The system enables the cooperative to dry agricultural products continuously, around the clock, with a capacity of 5–15 tons per batch, entirely independent of weather conditions. The approach reduces energy costs while ensuring consistent crop quality, helping farmers secure better prices.

Biochar: The “Black Gold” of Sustainable Agriculture

A major advantage of the technology is its production of biochar, a highly effective soil amendment. Biochar enhances soil structure, boosts water retention, limits nutrient loss, and reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers. It also acts as a long-term carbon sink, storing carbon in the soil for decades or even centuries.

The biochar gasification system represents a practical model of circular agriculture: by-products are converted into valuable inputs rather than discarded. Drying operations rely on clean energy generated on site, reducing both emissions and costs. The process also yields biochar, which can be used to restore soil health or sold for additional income. The system is designed for straightforward operation and can be easily integrated into existing drying facilities, making it scalable across other commodity chains such as cashew, pepper, rice, and cassava. Altogether, the approach helps reduce expenses, improve product quality, and increase farmers’ income.

Mr. Pham Van Luong, Country Director of Helvetas Vietnam, emphasized: “This initiative reflects Helvetas’ broader efforts to promote more sustainable and circular practices in Vietnam’s agricultural sector. The model offers a practical way to make better use of local resources, improve production efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts.”

Ms. Nguyen Hong Thuong, Director of Nhat Tam Cooperative, shared: “Each year, our cooperative dries hundreds of tons of agricultural products. In the past, we consumed a lot of fuel and wasted large amounts of post-harvest residues. With the new gasifier, we can now make use of cocoa husks, coffee husks, macadamia shells, and rice husks as clean fuel - while also producing biochar to enrich our soil. Farmers are very excited because it helps us cut costs and create additional value for production.”

Mr. Duong Van Truc, Director of Saigon Clean Water and Environment Co., Ltd. (SAWAEN), the project’s technical partner, added: “Compared with drying systems powered by electricity or gas, the biochar gasification kiln can cut operational costs by up to 75 per cent, with a payback period of only about four months. Compared with firewood drying, it saves around 40 per cent in costs, with payback achieved in approximately nine months. This technology delivers tangible benefits both economically and environmentally.”

Circular agriculture is opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese cocoa farmers.

The integrated biochar gasification kiln and heat transfer system at Nhat Tam Cooperative is among the first demonstration models of circular agriculture in Vietnam. By combining modern gasification technology with abundant local residues, the model shows that circular solutions are fully achievable at the cooperative level. More than a technological upgrade, it marks a shift that empowers farmers to manage energy needs, improve product quality, and move toward more sustainable production practices.

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The event attracting over 200 domestic and foreign exhibitors.

More than 200 domestic and international enterprises are exhibiting their latest shipbuilding technologies and equipment at the third Vietnam International Marine Offshore Expo (VIMOX) 2025, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on November 19.

Participating companies include major firms from the US, Singapore, Germany, South Korea, Italy, Denmark, and Norway.

The three-day event serves as a platform for shipbuilding and maritime enterprises, along with supporting industries, to display new technological advancements and explore business opportunities. It also aims to strengthen cooperation, expand markets, and promote investment within the sector.

VIMOX 2025 will feature a series of seminars focused on maritime technology, emission-reduction solutions, modern ship design trends, and international investment collaboration.

Vneconomy-Minh Hà

The growth of this group alone contributed more than half of the total export growth, highlighting the critical role of the electronics sector in Vietnam's trade landscape.

Two key commodity groups—computers, electronic products and components; and telephones and components—have maintained positive growth momentum in the first 10 months of 2025, according to Vietnam Customs. 

In October alone, exports of computers, electronic products, and components reached $9.79 billion. Cumulatively over the first 10 months, the export turnover from this group reached $87.29 billion, a surge of 47.9% compared to the same period last year, representing an increase of $28.28 billion.

Computers, electronic products, and components recorded one of the highest export growth rates compared to the previous year. This commodity group accounted for 22.3% of the country's total export turnover over the past 10 months.

The growth of this group alone contributed more than half of the total export growth, highlighting the critical role of the electronics sector in Vietnam's trade landscape.

Notably, the US continues to be the largest consumer market, importing $34.14 billion of these products from Vietnam, a 78% year-on-year increase, equivalent to a rise of nearly $15 billion.

Beyond the US, other key markets also maintained impressive growth rates. Exports to China reached $13.98 billion (up 39.8%); Hong Kong (China)  $8.81 billion (up 29.6%); the EU $8.79 billion (up 11.5%); South Korea $7.05 billion (up 55.4%).

In contrast to the exceptional growth of the computer group, the group of telephones and components saw more modest growth. In October, telephone exports reached $5.08 billion, a slight decrease compared to the previous month. However, accumulated over the 10 months, the export turnover from this group reached $48.67 billion, an increase of 4.7% compared to the same period last year, corresponding to a rise of $5.28 billion.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Agreement on the upgrade reached during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Algeria.

Vietnam and Algeria agreed to upgrade their ties to a Strategic Partnership during talks held between Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Algerian counterpart Sifi Ghrieb in Algiers on November 19.

The two PMs affirmed that both sides will strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels in order to consolidate political trust and mutual understanding while expanding cooperation in various fields through the current cooperation mechanisms.

PM Chinh proposed both sides to foster investment cooperation, open markets for each other’s key products and boost two-way trade on the basis of balanced benefits. This includes Algeria facilitating Vietnamese enterprises’ participation in digital transformation projects and cooperation between the two countries’ businesses in telecommunications.

He suggested establishing specialised sub-committees on science-technology, digital transformation, healthcare, education and labour, and urged the two sides to support joint work between their enterprises through concrete, practical and effective projects.

PM Ghrieb affirmed that Algeria stands ready to create the most favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises and act as a gateway for expanding Vietnam’s economic engagement with Africa.

He underscored the Algerian Government’s determination to maintain and further strengthen the traditional friendship between the two countries.

VnEconomy-Việt An

Key measures including adoption of proactive and flexible monetary policies, trade promotion, and diversification of markets, products, and supply chains.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed Official Dispatch No. 221/CD-TTg calling for continued efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability and promote exports.

Accordingly, the PM instructs ministries, agencies, and localities to take measures to stabilise the macro-economy, control inflation, and ensure key economic balances. Monetary, fiscal, and other macroeconomic policies must be harmonised and implemented effectively to support sustainable growth, according to the dispatch.

The State Bank of Vietnam has been tasked with adopting proactive and flexible monetary policies and directing credit flows towards production, business activities, priority sectors, and key growth drivers.

The Prime Minister also assigned the Ministry of Industry and Trade to implement strong solutions to boost exports during the year-end and Tet (the Lunar New Year) periods, including trade promotion, market and product diversification, and restructuring supply chains. The ministry should expedite negotiations and signing of bilateral and multilateral trade agreements with potential partners and continue negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with the United States.

The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to review import and export tariffs in line with international commitments and support production and exports. It will also strengthen quality control at border gates to prevent origin fraud and substandard goods.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was directed to step up efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, work to secure the lifting of the European Commission's “yellow card”, and accelerate negotiations to expand market access for Vietnamese agricultural products.

VnEconomy-Minh Hiếu

US investment in Vietnam has grown significantly this year on the back of burgeoning relations between the two sides.

In the three decades since diplomatic relations were established in 1995, the partnership between Vietnam and the US has grown deeper, more reliable, and constructive across multiple sectors. In particular, following the official upgrade of relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, cooperation entered a new phase.

The US is now not only one of Vietnam’s largest trading partners but also a leading investor in high value-added sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, energy, and finance.

Rising confidence

US investment flows into Vietnam have seen a remarkable surge in 2025 compared to previous years. According to data from the Foreign Investment Agency at the Ministry of Finance, as of the end of September the US had 1,496 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital exceeding $12.31 billion, ranking it eleventh among countries and territories investing in the country.

Ninety-seven new projects were launched by US investors in the first nine months of the year, with total registered capital of some $629.18 million; 3.5-fold higher than the $180.09 million invested in the same period of 2024 and the highest figure for the first nine months between 2018 and 2024, underscoring growing investor confidence in Vietnam’s business environment and long-term growth prospects.

Among the key sectors attracting US investment, semiconductors have emerged as a standout pillar of cooperation, where American companies have made a distinct and strategic imprint on Vietnam’s industrial landscape. Tech giants such as Intel, Amkor Technology, Qualcomm, Synopsys, and Marvell have all established operations in the country, helping to anchor Vietnam’s position within the global semiconductor supply chain.

Intel has invested more than $1.5 billion, with an estimated 60-70 per cent of its global semiconductor products now assembled, tested, and packaged locally. Similarly, Amkor Technology made headlines with a $1.6 billion investment in northern Bac Ninh province to build its largest-ever semiconductor packaging and testing plant. The strategic project not only reflects Amkor’s confidence in Vietnam’s investment climate but also reinforces its growing role as a semiconductor manufacturing and testing hub in the Asia-Pacific region.

According to Deputy Ambassador of the US to Vietnam Courtney Beale, the two countries have long maintained a strong and enduring partnership in semiconductor production. Many US companies, she noted, have chosen Vietnam as a base for critical stages of the value chain, including assembly, testing, and packaging, forming an essential link in the global semiconductor network.

Beyond semiconductors, US companies are also expanding their footprint in other sectors with major potential, such as telecommunications, aviation, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and agriculture. Of note, SpaceX plans to invest around $1.5 billion in developing telecommunications infrastructure and providing satellite internet services in Vietnam. The company is currently finalizing legal procedures to pilot its first telecommunications projects in the country.

Vietnam’s robust economic growth has seen the country increasingly viewed as a strategic market by leading US investors. According to the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham), US businesses value Vietnam’s rising role in global supply chains, positioning the country as a destination in the region offering a competitive advantage.

At the same time, its stable political environment, skilled and abundant workforce, and focus on green energy, infrastructure, and the development of the digital economy make it an attractive destination for investment, production, and innovation. These factors, observers believe, provide a solid foundation for US companies to deepen their long-term commitment to Vietnam through expanded operations and closer collaboration across strategic sectors.

Path to sustained growth

The Vietnamese Government has continued to advance reforms in recent years, aimed at creating an even more open and efficient business environment and tackling longstanding bottlenecks in investment cooperation. Current goals include eliminating at least 30 per cent of unnecessary business conditions, reducing administrative processing time and costs by at least 30 per cent, and making it easier for foreign enterprises, including those from the US, to operate and expand in Vietnam.

But challenges remain. According to AmCham, US investors continue to face obstacles such as inconsistent policy implementation across cities and provinces, unclear legal regulations, and an occasional lack of coordination between administrative authorities. These issues, AmCham noted, can dampen the appeal of Vietnam’s investment environment and complicate the realization of long-term business strategies.

AmCham has called on Vietnam to build on its progress to date by further strengthening its competitive edge through a fair, transparent, predictable, and simplified legal framework. Such improvements, it said, would not only help attract new investment but also reinforce confidence among existing investors, encouraging them to scale up operations and deepen their commitments in Vietnam.

Vietnam is also urged to prioritize key efforts, such as easing constraints in resource mobilization and production, accelerating the development of clean and renewable energy, harnessing the potential of the digital economy, and promoting sustainable investment. Developing a healthy, well-integrated financial market would also help attract stronger participation from US investors, AmCham emphasized.

Looking ahead, American businesses hope to see continued momentum in administrative reform, including faster decision-making processes and more consistent law enforcement. Targeted incentives for projects and sectors where the US holds competitive strengths and Vietnam has development priorities could further reinforce the growing economic and trade partnership between the two countries.

VET-Bao Tram

This move is part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to comply with international regulations.

The Vietnamese government has recently intensified its efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by issuing a new Decree increasing administrative penalties for violations in the fisheries sector, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

This is part of a broader strategy to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to comply with international regulations, the ministry reported at the 22nd meeting of the national steering committee on IUU fishing prevention on November 18.

Government Decree No. 301 stipulates fines for various violations with penalties of up to VND700 million ($26,600), depending on the severity and nature of each violation.

The move aims to deter illegal activities and promote sustainable fishing practices, contributing to the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of those dependent on the fishing industry.

As of November 15, a total of 79,360 fishing vessels nationwide had been registered and updated in the national fisheries database (VNFishbase), reaching 100%. The number of licensed vessels stands at 76,811, according to the ministry. Vessels found ineligible for operation have been placed under local supervision.

The Ministry of Public Security has launched criminal proceedings in three cases involving four defendants, while five other cases with 12 defendants have been brought to court. From early 2024 to November 15, 2025, police initiated 91 criminal cases related to IUU violations, prosecuting 136 defendants, and brought 48 cases involving 101 defendants to trial.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

This new partnership will contribute to enhancing the connectivity of the logistics systems between Vietnam and Japan.

Vietnam’s Long An International Port and Japan’s Port of Kobe officially signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic  partnership on November 17.

The event took place within the framework of the investment, labor, and trade promotion program held in Japan from November 16 - 22 by Vietnam' southern Tay Ninh province where the Long An International Port is located.

According to the MoU, Long An International Port and Port of Kobe agreed to establish a strategic port partnership aimed at enhancing the efficiency of maritime transport connections, strengthening logistics capacity, and promoting green port development in the future.

Under the MoU,  the two sides will encourage the expansion of shipping capacity and scale, increasing cargo throughput through the two ports; sharing experience in port management, operation, and administration following modern models and international standards; cooperate in the development of green and smart port models, applying advanced management technologies aligned with carbon emission reduction goals; and coordinate training and exchange of high-quality logistics personnel to meet the long-term development needs of both sides.

According to Tay Ninh Province’s development plan for the 2021–2030 period, logistics has been identified as a key economic sector to promote industry, trade, and services. With plans to establish 59 industrial parks and 82 industrial clusters, an interregional logistics infrastructure connectivity has become increasingly urgent.

Therefore, the strategic partnership between Long An International Port and Port of Kobe not only opens up new development opportunities for businesses but also contributes to Tay Ninh Province’s major objectives in attracting investment, particularly in processing, manufacturing, and supporting industries; reducing logistics costs through direct connections to international transport hubs, etc.

Furthermore, the MoU helps strengthen the friendship between Vietnam and Japan while expanding opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in logistics, supporting industries, trade, and investment. This is a crucial step in enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnam’s port system, meeting the requirements for sustainable, modern, and internationally integrated maritime economic development.

Vneconomy-Phuong Hoa

Transport infrastructure is a crucial factor driving Thu Thiem's development.

Acting as the Eastern gateway, Thu Thiem is on track to become the city's new financial hub, experts stated at the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Forum themed "The Central Core," held on November 18.

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), a modern Central Business District (CBD) is an area that concentrates commercial, financial, and service activities with the highest labor density within an urban region. With its vast land bank and systematic planning, Thu Thiem possesses many characteristics approaching the model of a modern CBD.

Transport infrastructure is a crucial factor driving Thu Thiem's development. Specifically, Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) and bridge projects connecting the historic District 1 with Thu Thiem are being accelerated.

Coupled with the planned Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway, these projects create an inter-regional transport network, attracting residents, experts, and businesses to the East. This serves as the foundation for a future "dual center" dynamic between the historic District 1 and Thu Thiem.

Consequently, the central Ho Chi Minh City real estate market is witnessing robust growth, particularly in the luxury apartment segment. Data from Batdongsan.com.vn reveals that in the first 10 months of 2025, although central apartments accounted for only 28% of the supply, they attracted 45% of consumer interest.

Additionally, urban areas adjacent to Thu Thiem are also drawing significant attention from both investors and residents.

Deputy General Director of Batdongsan.com.vn Nguyen Quoc Anh noted that Thu Thiem is not merely an extension of the city center but has the potential to become a counterbalancing economic and financial hub within the next 5 to 10 years.

"With its strategic location, extensive land bank, and orientation toward becoming an International Financial Center (IFC), Thu Thiem is viewed as the fulcrum for Ho Chi Minh City's next development phase. The division of roles among localities in the Southern economic region also contributes to optimizing regional resources and promoting the balanced development of the entire urban ecosystem," Anh said.

According to real estate experts, a comparison with megacities such as Seoul, Shanghai, or Singapore shows that HCM City's development is following a similar trajectory: shifting from a mono-centric structure to a network of functional centers. Infrastructure remains one of the key driving forces behind this transition.

Vneconomy-H. Vinh

The list includes artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, quantum technology, blockchain, next-generation mobile network products and services (5G/6G), semiconductor chip products and services.

The Minister of Science and Technology has promulgated  Circular 31/2025/TT-BKHCN (Circular 31), rolling out a list of key digital technology products and services, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, quantum technology, blockchain, next-generation mobile network products and services (5G/6G), semiconductor chip products and services.

The list is built upon selectively inheriting 16 key information technology products from Circular 19/2021/TT-BTTTT that had been issued by the former Ministry of Information and Communications, and then supplemented with digital technology products and services that meet key criteria based on concretizing the Party and State's guidelines and policies on science, technology, and innovation.

Circular 31 identified 10 groups of key digital technology products and services as following:

1. Group of products and services of artificial intelligence, digital twins, virtual reality/augmented reality: Vietnamese language model; virtual assistant; specialized artificial intelligence; digital twins; Metaverse; smart devices processing AI at the edge...;

2. Group of products and services of cloud computing, quantum, big data: Equipment and software of cloud computing systems; cloud computing services; quantum computing services, quantum communication; large-scale data centers;

3. Blockchain technology products and services group: Blockchain technology application software products; traceability system; Blockchain network infrastructure;

4. Group of products and services for next-generation mobile networks (5G/6G): 5G/6G and later-generation wireless access network equipment and solutions; 5G/6G and later-generation core network equipment and solutions; high-speed IP transmission equipment and solutions...;

5. Robot and automation product and service group: Autonomous mobile robots; industrial robots; software, digital platforms for robot development, control and operation;

6. Semiconductor chip product and service group: Specialized chips, AI chips, IoT chips;

7. Group of aviation and space products and services: Low-altitude remote sensing and telecommunications satellites; ground stations and satellite control; unmanned aerial vehicles; software and digital platforms for the development, control and operation of satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles;

8. Group of network security products and services: Electronic identification and authentication platform equipment and software; network information security products: security products for terminal devices, network layer security products; application layer security products; data protection products; firewall solutions, intrusion detection and prevention; security solutions for critical infrastructure and national databases;

9. Group of products and services of national digital platforms and shared digital platforms: Digital platforms in the List and plan for implementing national digital platforms and shared digital platforms of industries, fields and regions issued under Decision No. 2618/QD-BKHCN dated September 11, 2025 of the Minister of Science and Technology and decisions supplementing and amending this Decision; and

10. Group of IoT products and services: IoT devices, software, platforms.

Circular 31 will take effect from January 1, 2026.

Vneconomy-Nam Anh

At COP30 that opens in Brazil on November 18, Vietnam proposes developed countries make stronger commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

At the High-level Segment of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) hosted by Brazil, Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Le Cong Thanh on November 18 proposed that developed countries, with their financial, scientific, and technological capabilities, make stronger commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

Mr. Thanh, who is head of the Vietnamese delegation at the COP30, also proposed that developed countries need to fully implement financial commitments to lead in mobilizing at least $300 billion annually and aim for a roadmap of $1.3 trillion per year to support developing countries in a common efforts for net zero emissions by 2050.

Additionaly, it is urgent to expand and improve the implementation of the "Early Warning for All" initiative to protect the lives and property of people from increasingly severe climate disasters, he said. 

He noted that Vietnam  consistently pursues sustainable development, harmoniously balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and climate change response. It has continuously improved its institutions and policies, gradually creating a consistent and synchronized legal framework for adaptation and greenhouse gas emission reduction, fair energy transition with new, breakthrough mechanisms to promote green transition and carbon-neutral development. 

Currently, Vietnam is developing and piloting a domestic carbon market along with allocating greenhouse gas emission quotas for major emitting facilities in the thermal power, cement, and steel sectors, according to the Deputy Minister.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Anh

Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák is on an official visit to Vietnam.

Party General Secretary To Lam welcomed Slovak Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kaliňák’s visit to Vietnam during a reception in Hanoi on November 18.

The Party chief praised the outcomes of the talks between Deputy PM Kaliňák and Politburo member, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence of Vietnam,  Gen. Phan Van Giang.

He proposed that both sides further enhance cooperation in the fields of defense industry, military training, and peacekeeping.

He emphasized the importance of utilizing existing consultation and cooperation mechanisms to promote practical, comprehensive, and sustainable bilateral relations. This includes facilitating connections between ministries, sectors, and businesses of both countries to expand cooperation, making the economy and science and technology key pillars of bilateral relations, and further promoting cultural, educational, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

Deputy Prime Minister Kaliňák expressed his admiration for Vietnam's significant development achievements, which have elevated the country's position in Asia. He affirmed that Vietnam is one of Slovakia's most important partners in the region.

The Slovak government and people are eager to deepen and enhance the effectiveness of multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, particularly in defense and other areas of mutual interest. 

VnEconomy-Lý Hà

During a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in Hanoi on November 18, Maersk CEO expressed his group's desire to explore investment opportunities in Vietnam.

Party General Secretary To Lam hosted a reception  for Chief Executive Officer of Denmark’s A.P. Moller – Maersk, Mr. Vincent Clerc, in Hanoi on November 18.

Party leader To Lam emphasized Vietnam's focus on infrastructure development, particularly in green-oriented seaports, to support sustainable growth.

He acknowledged the vision of A.P. Moller - Maersk in building green ports and transportation, welcoming the company's plans to expand its investment in Vietnam, particularly in developing smart, green seaport systems and logistics services.

He encouraged the group to invest in marine economy sectors and affirmed Vietnam's readiness to facilitate foreign investors in developing logistics projects, connecting regions, major cities, and industrial zones domestically and globally.

Mr. Vincent Clerc, for his part, expressed his group's desire to explore investment opportunities in building large, modern, and green container ports and strategic logistics projects in Vietnam.

This would support Vietnam in enhancing export-import turnover, achieving sustainable economic growth, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, adapting to climate change, and reaching the net-zero emissions target, he said.

He provided updates on Maersk’s operations and cooperation achievements with partners in Vietnam, as well as the group’s strategic transformation in the country with the vision of connecting Vietnam with major global manufacturing and logistics hubs, thereby supporting Vietnam’s deeper participation in global supply chains.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê