The system aiming to provide timely information to businesses and industry associations to take preventive measures against and prepare appropriate responses to trade lawsuits.

An early warning system for trade defence to detect potential lawsuits from foreign countries initiating trade remedy investigations against Vietnamese exports will be built and operated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, according to a new Government Decree.

As part of Decree No. 86/2025/ND-CP, issued by the Government on April 11, the early warning system aims to provide timely information to businesses and industry associations, thus enabling them to take preventive measures against and prepare appropriate responses to such trade lawsuits.

The system is one of the key provisions outlined in the new decree, guiding the implementation of provisions under the Law on Foreign Trade Management regarding trade defence measures.

The Government has also explicitly directed the formulation of legal action plans, including the right to sue, claim compensation and impose measures when foreign countries apply trade safeguards against Vietnamese exporters.

On the basis of information collected or written requests from Vietnamese traders, associations or relevant business representative organizations, the MoIT will coordinate with other ministries and agencies to draft a lawsuit plan. It will be followed by Clause 1, Article 76 of the Law on Foreign Trade Management. The MoIT will prepare the case dossier for submission to the Prime Minister.

Within 10 days of receiving the MoIT’s request, consulted ministries, agencies, organizations and individuals must provide their written feedbacks on the dossier.

The Prime Minister will review and decide whether to approve the lawsuit plan based on the submitted dossier.

The MoIT will take the lead in initiating lawsuits against importing countries or territories which conduct trade remedy investigations against goods exported from Vietnam.

This process will follow the procedures and regulations of relevant international agreements to which Vietnam is a member.

-Vân Nguyễn

Both sides agreed to work towards signing a MOU, with a focus on pharmaceuticals and medical fields, automation, garments, biotechnology, and hospitality.

The central province of Thanh Hoa holds strategic advantages for international trade, supported by key infrastructure such as the Nghi Son Economic Zone, Nghi Son Deep-Water Port, and Tho Xuan Airport, according to Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Le Duc Giang.

Leveraging these strengths, Thanh Hoa is actively developing and enhancing human resource quality to attract foreign investment, including from India, he stated during a meeting on April 15  with the Indian Business Association in Hanoi (INCHAM), led by Chairman Navendu Kumar.

Highlighting the province's investor-focused support policies, Mr. Giang noted commitments including administrative procedure reform, legal assistance, and creating favorable conditions for sustainable business operations and production.

Thanh Hoa has already increased exports to the Indian market, with export turnover exceeding $30 million in 2024. Key exports include garments, footwear, seafood, agricultural products, and electrical wires. However, Mr. Giang emphasized that the cooperation potential between the two sides remains significant and has yet to be fully exploited.

Mr. Navendu Kumar, for his part, expressed admiration for Thanh Hoa’s rapid development, particularly in high-tech pharmaceuticals, organic food, information technology (IT), automation, and tourism.

He shared that Indian businesses, possessing extensive expertise in these sectors, are keen to expand operations in Vietnam, especially in Thanh Hoa. Indian companies are particularly interested in pharmaceutical development opportunities, citing the sector’s strong export potential to markets such as the US and Europe.

To foster greater collaboration, both sides agreed to work towards signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with a focus on pharmaceuticals and medical fields, automation, garments, biotechnology, and hospitality.

-Thiên Anh

It will be the group's third largest RD center in the world.

US chipmaker Qualcomm wishes to build a large AI technology research and development center in Vietnam, according to Mr. Jilei Hou, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.,.

He revealed the plan during a meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung in Hanoi on April 16.

It will be the third largest RD center of the group in the world, following the two others in India and Ireland.

According to Mr. Jilei Hou, Qualcomm has two representative offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, along with its first research and development center in Southeast Asia, established in Hanoi in 2020.

Notably, the group launched the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge (QVIC), an annual program aimed at incubating and supporting Vietnamese tech startups with financial, technical, business, and intellectual property assistance, he said.

He also introduced the group’s plan to acquire Movian AI of Vingroup, highlighting Qualcomm’s strong commitment to nurturing talents for Vietnam, thereby contributing to the global development of AI.

For his part, Deputy PM Dung said Vietnam aspires to become a regional and global hub for AI and semiconductors, and hopes that Qualcomm will help build and join hands with Vietnam to realize this ambitious goal.

 

 

 

-Hà Giang

The Government issuing decree permitting the import of a wider range of aircraft types.

Vietnam has allowed more types of aircraft to be imported into the country following the Government’s newly-issued Decree, the Government News has reported.

Under the decree, aircraft types will be eligible for import into Vietnam if they are certificated by one of the following organizations - the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil, the Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), the Federal Agency for Air Transport of the Russian Federation (Rosaviatsiya), the UK Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and the Ministry of Construction of Vietnam.

Previously, aircraft shall only be imported into Vietnam if obtaining certificates by the FAA, the EASA, or the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (under the former Ministry of Transport, and now the Ministry of Construction).

Therefore, the new policy will allow the import of a wider range of aircraft types, including those certified by authorities in Brazil, Canada, Russia, the United Kingdom, and China.

 

-Vân Nguyễn

The move aiming to prevent trade fraud, protect the reputation of Vietnamese exports, and ensure adherence to international commitments.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has issued a Directive on enhancing State management over the verification and monitoring of product origins to prevent trade fraud, protect the reputation of Vietnamese exports, and ensure adherence to international commitments.

The move is made amid the increasingly complex global trade development.

The MoIT required relevant departments and agencies to review and amend existing legal frameworks on goods origin, establishing a more robust legal basis for issuing certificates of origin (C/O) in the new context.

They were asked to enhance management over imported raw materials used in export manufacturing, streamline administrative procedures, promote digital transformation, and intensify domestic market surveillance, particularly targeting imported materials with unclear or unverifiable origins.

 

-Nguyệt Hà

The event featuring discussions about the country’s vision, policies, and strategic orientations on innovation and private capital mobilization.

The Vietnam Innovation and Private Capital (VIPC) Summit 2025 is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on April 24, featuring discussions about the country’s vision, policies, and strategic orientations on innovation and private capital mobilization.

The event, themed “Igniting innovation, unlocking capital: Vietnam's era of national rise,” will also include in-depth roundtables with business leaders, investors, and international experts on topics such as scaling up startups, fundraising, measures for promoting IPOs and MAs, and effective divestment solutions.

Investor networking will also be part of the event.

A key highlight will be the launch of the 2025 innovation and technology investment report.

The event is expected to welcome senior government officials, ministry leaders, and representatives from international organizations, major investment funds, and global financial institutions such as CDH Investments, Partech Ventures, Temasek, Do Ventures, Golden Gate Ventures, Vina Capital, and Mekong Capital.

-Khánh Vy

The event aims to connect Southeast Asia's furniture manufacturing powerhouses with global markets and construction demand.

The Vietnam ASEAN International Furniture Home Accessories Fair (VIFA ASEAN 2025) is poised for a grand return from August 26 to 29, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), District 7. With a projected scale of 1,000 booths, this year's edition reaffirms its role as a premier trade platform, bridging the Southeast Asian furniture community with the global market.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 arrives at a pivotal moment for Vietnam, which has solidified its standing as the world's sixth-largest furniture producer and second-largest exporter, according to the March 2025 CSIL Report (Italy). As the nation’s real estate sector gains momentum, with a robust rebound driving demand across thousands of construction projects, the event positions itself as a vital sourcing and supply chain hub.

The exhibition is expected to attract international importers, buyers, investors, and construction contractors seeking reliable, export-standard furniture for projects spanning residential complexes, hotels, resorts, airports, and schools. Design professionals, architects, and property managers will also find the fair a valuable destination for discovering trend-setting, customizable solutions suited to both interior decoration and large-scale commercial development.

This year's fair will showcase a diverse range of offerings, from residential and commercial furniture to home décor, household goods, handicrafts, construction materials, and interior design solutions. A highlight of the event is the ASEAN House, a curated space spotlighting signature products from Vietnamese provinces and ASEAN member countries.

VIFA ASEAN 2025 is strategically timed to serve as the opening event in the Asia Autumn Furniture Exhibition Series. The fair offers an early gateway for global buyers planning to tour major regional showcases, including KOFURN (South Korea), MFFM (Malaysia), Maison Shanghai and CIFF Shanghai (China), Furniture China (China), and IFFINA (Indonesia).

The organizer, Lien Minh Company, aims to create a one-stop sourcing destination by bringing together hundreds of trusted exhibitors from Vietnam and across ASEAN. This format enables global buyers to meet key suppliers in a single location, optimizing time and travel budgets. For exhibitors, it provides direct access to high-potential markets ahead of the regional trade show circuit.

Beyond furniture sourcing, VIFA ASEAN 2025 is also tailored for investors, contractors, and real estate developers, providing a direct link to manufacturers who can supply products for ongoing and upcoming projects both in Vietnam and abroad. It also serves as a platform for architects and design professionals to explore the latest interior trends and innovations.

The success of VIFA ASEAN 2024, which attracted 7,128 visitors including 1,835 international buyers from 60 countries and territories, is a testament to the event’s growing stature. Strong participation from major markets such as China, Japan, Taiwan, the United States, and India underscores its importance in the global furniture trade calendar.

Registration is now open for VIFA ASEAN 2025. Businesses interested in showcasing their products and tapping into Southeast Asia’s thriving furniture ecosystem are encouraged to secure their booth early to enjoy exclusive offers from the organizer.

For more information, visit: www.vifaasean.com

Contact the Organizer:
Lien Minh Company
Hotline: +84 79 999 7657 / +84 28 7306 7887
Email: info@hawacorp.com.vn
Website: www.vifafair.com | www.vifaasean.com

-Diep Linh

Approximately 200 businesses are expected to be included during this phase.

Under a proposal, some 200 businesses from three key industries — thermal power, iron and steel, and cement — will be listed as first participants in the initial pilot phase of Vietnam's carbon market. 

Speaking at the consultation workshop "Assessing the Impact of Vietnam's Domestic Carbon Market during the Pilot Phase" on April 16, Mr. Nguyen Tuan Quang, Deputy Director of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, highlighted the importance of carbon pricing tools in achieving global climate response goals.

Among these tools, the Emissions Trading System (ETS), also known as the compliance carbon market, has been identified as an effective solution by many countries, including Vietnam.

Mr. Quang noted that Article 139 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection mandates the "organization and development of the carbon market." Based on this provision, the Government issued Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP to regulate greenhouse gas emissions reduction and ozone layer protection. An amended and supplemented version of Decree 06 is currently under consideration.

Detailed regulations for the organization and development of the carbon market have been established, outlining a specific roadmap with a pilot phase running until the end of 2028 and official operations commencing in 2029.

Mr. Quang emphasized that the stability of production activities in the participating industries — iron and steel, thermal power, and cement — is a prerequisite for the effective operation of the carbon market. Proposed ETS options must ensure the continuity of production processes in these industries.

To support the carbon market's operation, essential infrastructure and capacity are required, including a national registry system, a trading platform, and an MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) system. Mr. Quang stressed the importance of identifying urgent technical support and capacity-building needs to ensure businesses and regulatory agencies are ready to participate effectively in the pilot phase of the market.

-Nhĩ Anh

Spanning approximately 9,800 km, ADC links seven countries and territories: Vietnam, China, Hong Kong (China), Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan.

Viettel has officially put the Asia Direct Cable (ADC) submarine fiber optic cable into operation in early April 2025, with its landing station located in Quy Nhon (the south central province of Binh Dinh).

With a maximum capacity of 50Tbps, ADC is the largest submarine cable system in Vietnam, surpassing the country's total international connectivity capacity before its activation by 125%.

The Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) holds full ownership of the cable branch connecting Vietnam, the landing station in Quy Nhon, and a segment of the main international trunk.

Spanning approximately 9,800 km, ADC links seven countries and territories: Vietnam, China, Hong Kong (China), Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan.

Unlike Vietnam’s existing submarine fiber optic cables, ADC uniquely connects directly to all three major Asian internet hubs—Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and Japan—enhancing regional connectivity.

The entire ADC project represents a $290 million investment, backed by a consortium of nine leading telecommunications corporations: Viettel (Vietnam), Softbank (Japan), Tata (India), Singtel (Singapore), China Telecommunications Corporation, China Telecom Global, China Unicom (China), National Telecom (Thailand), and PLDT (the Philippines).

-Nam Anh

Organised by the GSM Association, the event focusing on creating a modern, sustainable digital ecosystem for Vietnam.

The GSMA Digital Nation Summit was held for the first time in Vietnam on April 15 with discussions focusing on creating a modern, sustainable digital ecosystem for Vietnam.

Organised by the GSM Association (GSMA) in Hanoi, the summit saw the participation of industry leaders such as Qualcomm, Nokia, Ericsson, and LG.

Participants discussed measures to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the region’s digital transformation: the growing threat of scams and erosion of consumer trust.

Vietnam is experiencing remarkable growth in mobile-led services and could soon become a leading digital nation in Asia Pacific, powered by high smartphone penetration, strong connectivity and supportive policies, according to GSMA.

Vietnam’s National Digital Transformation Program aims to position the country among the world’s top 30 digital nations by 2030, with bold goals including nationwide 5G and fibre access, the development of over 100,000 digital technology businesses and a workforce of 1.5 million people skilled in digital technologies. 

The GSMA is a global body representing over 750 mobile operators and 400 technology companies across the mobile ecosystem.

 

 

-Bạch Dương

Under the revised National Power Development Plan for 2021 - 2030 with a vision to 2050, Vietnam's power generation capacity will reach between 183,291 megawatts and 236,363.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son on April 15 signed Prime Ministerial  Decision No. 768/QD-TTg, approving revisions to Vietnam’s National Power Development Plan for 2021 - 2030 with a vision to 2050 (commonly referred to as PDP8).

Substantial capacity growth by 2030

According to the revised PDP8, total installed power generation capacity is projected to reach between 183,291 - 236,363 megawatts by 2030, a 30 - 50 per cent increase over the previously approved capacity of 150,489 megawatts.

Renewable energy remains a top priority, with significant upward adjustments in development targets.

Onshore and nearshore wind capacity is now forecast at 20,066 - 38,029 megawatts, doubling to tripling earlier projections. Offshore wind has been significantly revised upwards from 6,000 megawatts to 17,032 megawatts, with operational deployment possible between 2030 and 2035 depending on technical feasibility and costs.

Solar power also sees a strong boost, with capacity targets raised to 46,459 - 73,416 megawatts, more than double the previous 20,000 megawatts. Biomass and waste-to-energy are set to contribute 1,523 - 2,699 megawatts and 1,441 - 2,137 megawatts respectively, while geothermal and other new energy sources will remain modest at 45 megawatts.

Hydropower will be maximally utilized within technical-economic limits, with a target capacity of 33,294 - 34,667 megawatts by 2030. Notably, for the first time in years, nuclear power has been reintroduced into the planning, with targets of 4,000 - 6,400 megawatts between 2030 and 2035 and a long-term goal of 10,500 - 14,000 megawatts by 2050.

Energy storage development is also emphasized, with pumped storage hydropower plants projected at 2,400 - 6,000 megawatts by 2030, and 20,691 - 21,327 megawatts by 2050. Distributed battery storage systems, located near solar, wind, or large demand centers, are expected to reach 10,000 - 16,300 megawatts by 2030 and nearly 96,000 megawatts by 2050.

LNG to play a central role in flexible power mix

In the thermal power category, LNG remains central to the flexible generation mix, with a capacity of 22,524 megawatts projected for 2030, accounting for 9.5 - 12.3 per cent of the system.

Domestically sourced gas power is expected to maintain 10,861 - 14,930 megawatts, while many LNG plants are expected to transition toward hydrogen co-firing or incorporate carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Coal power capacity will remain at 31,055 megawatts through 2030, but no new projects will be approved after that point. Coal-fired plants will be gradually converted to biomass or ammonia by 2050, with capacity at that time projected at 25,798 megawatts.

A new feature of the revised plan is the orientation toward electricity export, with 400 megawatts expected to be exported to Cambodia by 2030. By 2035, exports to Singapore, Malaysia, and other regional partners could reach 5,000 - 10,000 megawatts, a level expected to be maintained until 2050.

Conversely, electricity imports from Laos and China could reach 9,360 - 12,100 megawatts by 2030, representing 4- 5.1 per cent of Vietnam’s total capacity. Imports from Laos may be expedited based on technical and diplomatic conditions.

Renewables to dominate power structure by 2050

By 2050, total installed capacity is projected to rise dramatically to 774,503 - 838,681 megawatts, with renewable energy forming the backbone of the system. In particular, solar power capacity will reach between 293,088 - 295,646 megawatts (35.3 - 37.8 per cent of total power generation capacity), offshore wind will reach between 113,503 - 139,079 megawatts (14.7 - 16.6 per cent), onshore wind will reach 84,696 - 91,400 megawatts (10.9 per cent),  and battery storage will account for 11.5 - 12.4 per cent of total capacity.

Nuclear energy is expected to provide a stable base load at 10,500 - 14,000 megawatts, representing 1.4 - 1.7 per cent of the total system.

The revised PDP8 also emphasizes the promotion of direct power purchase agreements (DPPA) and the production of new energy sources, aiming to contribute 30 - 60 per cent of renewable energy output, depending on market demand and infrastructure development.

The guiding principles behind the revised PDP8 are regional balance, system feasibility and safety, and alignment with sustainable economic growth, energy security, and national defense—all in the context of the global energy transition.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to review progress and report to the Prime Minister, proposing further adjustments as needed to ensure long-term energy security and system flexibility.

-Viet An

At the opening session of the event on April 16, the Party leader highlighted that Vietnam is accelerating strategic breakthroughs and making the best preparations for a development path that is rapid, green, inclusive, and sustainable.

At the opening session of the 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit opened in Hanoi on April 16 afternoon,  Party General Secretary To Lam delivered a keynote policy address, stressing that Vietnam’s commitment to a socialist society with a wealthy population, a strong nation, democracy, equity, civilization, and happiness.

The Party leader was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as outlining the goals of achieving developing country status with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and becoming a high-income, developed socialist nation by 2045.

Reflecting on four decades of Doi Moi (renewal), the leader highlighted Vietnam’s development strategy based on sustainability, inclusiveness, and harmony. He stressed that rapid growth must align with sustainability, balancing economic progress with cultural preservation, social equity, environmental protection, and climate adaptation. National development, he noted, must contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity, with people at the core of all policies as both drivers and beneficiaries.

He identified sci-tech, innovation, and digital transformation as critical drivers of progress. Describing data as “the air and light” of the new era, he underscored its role as a vital resource and production tool. Digital transformation, he said, reinvents production and business models, while innovation serves as a “magic wand” for sustainable prosperity.

Vietnam stands as an ASEAN leader in renewable energy, supplying two-thirds of the bloc’s wind and solar power capacity. The country has also emerged as a model for sustainable green agriculture, notably one-million-hectare quality, low-emission rice cultivation project drawing attention and interest from international partners and organizations, he added.

The Party chief said Vietnam is an active and responsible member of all major multilateral mechanisms and global initiatives on green growth and energy transition. The country has essentially established the necessary frameworks and mechanisms to support green growth, including national and energy master plans, sectoral development strategies, lists of key projects, and other documents to remove related obstacles.

He stressed that, as a developing nation with a transitioning economy, Vietnam faces significant challenges in financial resources, technology, human capital, climate resilience, and navigating global geopolitical changes.

The country is accelerating strategic breakthroughs and making the best preparations for a development path that is rapid, green, inclusive, and sustainable, the leader noted.

He underscored that Vietnam’s development cannot be separated from global trends and human progress. The nation will continue with openness as well as proactive, comprehensive, and effective international integration.

Hosting the 4th P4G Summit reinforces the country’s role as a good friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community and the P4G initiative, he stated. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to sustainable development, energy transition, and its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. The summit serves to raise awareness of international cooperation and amplify the voice of developing countries in promoting green growth and sustainability.

The leader expressed confidence that the summit will generate fresh momentum to boost cooperation between P4G and its partners, foster collaboration between the Global North and Global South and between the public and private sectors in advancing green transition and green finance.

-

Party General Secretary To Lam attended and delivered a policy message at the opening ceremony on April 16 afternoon, which was held under the chair of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The 4th Partnership for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit with the theme of “Sustainable and People-Centered Green Transition” officially opened in Hanoi on April 16 afternoon, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam attended and delivered a policy message at the opening ceremony, which was chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The two-day summit has brought together over 1,000 representatives from over 40 countries, territories and international organizations, including Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Neth Savoeun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations Amina J. Mohammed.

The summit is the first multilateral high-level conference in the field of green growth, green transition, and sustainable development hosted by Vietnam.

PM Chinh was quoted by the news agency as  stating in his opening speech that since its inception in Copenhagen in 2018, the P4G Summit has demonstrated the far-reaching impact of a world leading forum for promoting public-private partnerships, connecting governments, businesses and social organizations to jointly come up with breakthrough solutions for green growth, contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to 2030.

He said that as the world is facing unprecedented challenges such as natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, environmental pollution, resource depletion, and an aging population, green transition and sustainable development are inevitable trends, top priorities, and strategic choices for nations and people globally.

The 4th P4G Summit reflects a shared desire for a bright, green, clean, and beautiful world, the PM said, emphasizing that the human factor is the centre, the subject, the goal, the driving force, and the resources for the greening process and sustainable development in the world.

According to the PM, facing difficulties and challenges also presents opportunities for countries to develop together, overcoming headwinds for the enduring development of nations, and for the happiness of all people worldwide.

The green transition in the world has not been easy with both successes and failures, but it has left important lessons, which are valuable guides as the world is entering a new phase of development that is greener, more inclusive, and more sustainable, PM Chinh said, adding these include ensuring an inclusive, comprehensive, global approach that leaves no one behind, especially vulnerable and disadvantaged groups during the green transition process.

"A green economy requires green businesses. A green society requires green citizens. A green world requires green nations. The participation, contribution, and enjoyment of the benefits from the green transition are both responsibility and interest of all nations and peoples, in the spirit of ‘working together, winning together, benefiting together, and developing together," the Government leader emphasized.

He said science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation also play a key role, while markets lead the way and social awareness serves as a foundation in promoting green transition, upholding the principles of equality, fairness, and responsibility in this process.

For Vietnam, PM Chinh said that together with digital transformation, Vietnam identifies green transition as an objective necessity, a key factor, and a breakthrough driving force to promote rapid growth and sustainable development. This aligns with the strategic goal of becoming a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045, while also contributing to the gradual realization of Vietnam's commitment at COP26 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The PM said as the host of the fourth P4G Summit, Vietnam has three suggestions for discussions which pave the way for further cooperation in the coming time.

First, Vietnam recommends to perfect green mindset, focusing on the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation linked to green growth. This includes recognizing that green resources stem from green thinking, green growth is driven by green transition, and green resources arises from the green awareness of people and businesses across nations and regions.

Second, it is necessary to build a responsible green community, in which, the government plays a guiding role, encouraging and ensuring a stable and favorable institutional environment for green growth; the private sector serves as a core in technology investment and the dissemination of green standards; the scientific community leads in developing green technologies and training green human resources; and citizens continuously enhance their green awareness, truly becoming beneficiaries of the outcomes of green transformation.

Third, international cooperation and robust multilateral green cooperation models need to be promoted, particularly public-private partnerships (PPP), South-South cooperation, North-South cooperation, and multilateral cooperation frameworks. This aims to eliminate institutional barriers, enhance access, and accelerate the flow of green capital, green technology, and green governance.

Developed countries should take the lead in fulfilling commitments to provide financial, technological, and institutional reform support, while developing countries need to leverage their internal strengths and effectively utilize external resources, the PM added.

-

Mr. Phan Huu Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Industrial Park’s Finance Association and former Director of the Foreign Investment Agency, previously under the Ministry of Planning and Investment and now under the Ministry of Finance, spoke with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s Khanh Vy about the necessity of a set of criteria issued recently on appraising, evaluating, and screening foreign investment to attract high-quality projects essential for Vietnam’s growth.

Vietnam has emerged as one of the key investment destinations for foreign investors in recent years, attracting numerous large-scale projects across various critical sectors. How do you assess the management, appraisal, and evaluation of foreign investment in Vietnam over recent years?

Since the enactment and enforcement of the Law on Foreign Investment in Vietnam (now the Law on Investment) in December 1987, Vietnam has seriously and effectively implemented the appraisal and evaluation process for licensing foreign investment projects. At the same time, the management and support for investment projects throughout their operational phases in Vietnam have been carried out strictly, in accordance with foreign investment laws and other relevant legal regulations. This has been done based on the principle of ensuring consistency across all levels of governance, from the central to the local level. Furthermore, Vietnam has committed to providing comprehensive guidance, support, and the most favorable conditions for foreign investors, considering their success as the country’s success, sharing both risks and achievements.

As a result, Vietnam has successfully attracted foreign investment since the early 1990s. Despite global challenges such as regional financial crises, the Covid-19 pandemic, and shifts in global supply chains amid intensifying competition between major economies, FDI inflows into Vietnam have continued to grow, with each successive phase witnessing higher investment volumes and improved project quality.

Figures indicate that during the 2015-2019 period, total registered foreign investment in Vietnam exceeded $143.62 billion, with disbursed capital reaching $87.28 billion. In the 2020-2024 period, these figures increased to $176.8 billion and $110.65 billion, respectively. This demonstrates that the appraisal and evaluation of foreign investment projects have generally ensured effectiveness.

In 2024, the international geopolitical landscape became significantly more complex compared to previous periods, which influenced global investment capital flows. Vietnam, with its open investment environment, deep economic integration, and strong competitiveness, partly due to its rigorous project appraisal process, has remained an attractive destination for many foreign investors.

However, alongside rising foreign investment, there has also been an influx of lower-quality projects that do not align with Vietnam’s new investment strategy. As Vietnam’s economy progresses, it requires projects that emphasize advanced technology, large-scale operations, environmental protection, and green investment; areas the country is prioritizing.

Considering the current quality of foreign investment projects, it is evident that project selection must be based on clear, non-arbitrary criteria that are uniformly applied at the national, regional, and sectoral levels. More importantly, all government agencies responsible for foreign investment management, as well as specialized regulatory bodies overseeing FDI activities in Vietnam, must consistently enforce these standards.

The Prime Minister issued Decision No. 315/QD-TTg on February 18, establishing a set of criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of foreign investment in Vietnam. The strict implementation of this Decision is a crucial step in cementing Resolution No. 50-NQ/TW, which emphasizes ensuring the quality of approved projects through the principles of diversification and multilateralization of investment partners while leveraging Vietnam’s market appeal.

What is the significance of Resolution No. 315 in guiding the management, appraisal, and evaluation of foreign investment projects?

In essence, the issuance of a set of criteria does not represent a major shift but rather a formalization of existing indicators, with additional updates to ensure uniform implementation nationwide. This applies across ministries, sectors, and localities before granting investment registration certificates to foreign investors, ensuring that no negative impacts from foreign investment on Vietnam’s economy, society, or environment are overlooked. In fact, there have been cases where foreign investors exploited regulatory loopholes, leading to severe environmental consequences, particularly in Vietnam’s marine ecosystem.

Resolution No. 315 includes a total of 42 indicators, with 29 economic indicators, eight social indicators, and five environmental indicators detailing the criteria for assessing the effectiveness of foreign investment based on different project impacts. Notably, these criteria are accompanied by guidelines on how to determine their specific content.

If State agencies responsible for foreign investment strictly adhere to evaluating project criteria before granting approval, the quality of foreign investment projects will undoubtedly improve. This aligns with the current priority of “quality over quantity”.

The volume of registered FDI that remains undisbursed is still substantial. As of December 31, 2024, Vietnam had 42,002 valid foreign investment projects with total registered capital of nearly $502 billion. However, only some $322 billion had been disbursed, accounting for 64.1 per cent of the total, leaving approximately $180 billion, or 35.9 per cent, yet to be disbursed. This is a significant figure, especially in the context of Vietnam’s need for capital to drive growth and development in the time ahead.

Regarding investment sectors this year and beyond, foreign investment will continue to be concentrated in the manufacturing and processing industries, particularly in electronics and semiconductors. Although the geopolitical situation remains complex and difficult to predict accurately, investment capital is expected to reach or slightly exceed the 2024 level ($38.2 billion). Vietnam remains an attractive and competitive investment environment despite ongoing challenges, such as the shortage of high-quality human resources.

Some opinions suggest that establishing a rigid regulatory framework makes implementation challenging. What is your perspective on this issue?

Any new requirements for tasks in the initial phase will inevitably bring some difficulties. However, given the current level of expertise among officials managing foreign investment, they should be able to effectively adopt and implement the evaluation of foreign investment effectiveness using the criteria set out in Resolution No. 315.

The enforcement of laws in general, and those related to foreign investment in particular, must strictly adhere to the legal provisions in place, leaving no room for flexibility. If any criteria are found to be inappropriate, they should be promptly reviewed and proposed to relevant authorities for adjustment to ensure proper resolution.

 

-Khánh Vy

Advanced, modern technology will be utilized to ensure that the collected wastewater is treated to meet required standards before being discharged into the environment.

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the investment project for the construction of the Kien Hung wastewater collection system and treatment plant in Ha Dong district.

The project aims to implement key components of Hanoi's drainage master plan and the S4 subdivision plan, targeting areas currently affected by wastewater pollution. It seeks to establish an integrated wastewater treatment system for the wards within the Phu Luong catchment area.

The scope of the project includes the construction of a network comprising main sewer lines, overflow manholes, interceptor sewers, and a centralized wastewater treatment plant. This infrastructure will form the basis for a fully separate wastewater drainage system.

Advanced, modern technology will be utilized to ensure that the collected wastewater is treated to meet required standards before being discharged into the environment.

The City People's Committee has designated the Project Management Board for Investment Projects on Construction of Technical Infrastructure and Agriculture as the project investor. The total investment is estimated at nearly VND740 billion (approximately $28.7 million), with the project slated for implementation from 2024 to 2027.

-Hằng Anh

Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

The National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS) has brought Apple Pay to its cardholders in Vietnam from April 15.

Apple Pay is an easy, secure and private way to pay in-store, in-app and online.

To pay in-store, customers simply double-click the side button, authenticate and hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near a payment terminal to make a contactless payment. Customers are not asked to enter their PIN code when making in-store purchases with Apple Pay. Every Apple Pay purchase is secure because it is authenticated with Face ID, Touch ID, or device passcode, as well as a one-time unique dynamic security code. 

Customers can also use Apple Pay on iPhone, iPad and Mac to make faster and more convenient purchases in apps or on the web without having to create accounts or repeatedly type in contact information, card details, shipping and billing information.

NAPAS has coordinated with banks to enable Apple Pay with NAPAS domestic cards starting with Vietcombank and OCB. NAPAS will also coordinate with payment service providers, such as OnePay, VNPay, and Zalo Pay to expand the acceptance of Apple Pay for NAPAS domestic cards. 

 

 

-Tùng Thư

Vietnam remains Aeon Mall's market with the highest revenue in Southeast Asia and ranks second globally among the group's overseas markets, behind China.

According to its financial report for the fiscal year 2024, Aeon Mall recorded a profit of nearly VND777 billion (over $30.1 million) in Vietnam, marking an 8.6% increase, equivalent to over VND2.1 billion (nearly $81,300) per day.

In the fiscal year 2024, which ended on February 28, 2025, Aeon Mall's revenue in Vietnam reached ¥17.3 billion (approximately $123 million), reflecting a growth of over 13% compared to the previous year.

Vietnam remains Aeon Mall's market with the highest revenue in Southeast Asia and ranks second globally among the group's overseas markets, behind China.

Despite its revenue scale in China being nearly four times higher than that in Vietnam, but the profit margin the Japanese retail giant gained in Vietnam is higher than that in China, as its profit in Vietnam is only about 10.7% lower than that in China.

As of early 2025, Aeon Mall operates eight shopping centers in Vietnam, with a total leasable floor area exceeding 462,000 sq.m. The group has invested approximately $1.5 billion in Vietnam since entering the market over a decade ago.

Aeon Mall plans to further expand its presence in Vietnam in 2025.

-Quỳnh Nguyễn

Citizens reported greater satisfaction with governance and public administration, highlighting improvements in transparency in local decision-making, control of corruption in the public sector, environmental governance, and e-governance.

The newly released 2024 Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI) reveals encouraging progress across several dimensions of local governance, according to a report from the Government News.

In 2024, citizens reported greater satisfaction with governance and public administration, highlighting improvements in transparency in local decision-making, control of corruption in the public sector, environmental governance, and e-governance.

As Vietnam undertakes historic governance reforms—transitioning to a two-tier local government system and preparing for provincial mergers—it has a critical opportunity to enhance inclusive governance and policy implementation to address the challenges identified in the 2024 PAPI Report.

This includes prioritizing digital literacy and infrastructure investment through the implementation of Resolution 57 to improve citizens' access to online public services and bridge the existing digital divide.

The implementation of the 2024 Social Insurance Law in 2025 also presents a timely chance to expand social protection and improve access for vulnerable populations, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Australia highly appreciates the efforts of the UNDP and national partners in implementing PAPI.  Ms. Renée Deschamps, Chargé d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, was quoted by the Government News as stating that this is a trusted tool that supports evidence-based policy making, a platform for citizens to engage with provincial authorities to improve their performance. PAPI has become even more relevant to support the Government of Vietnam's effective re-structuring of the provinces, she added.

The PAPI is a policy monitoring tool that assesses citizen experiences and satisfaction with government performance at the national and sub-national levels in governance, public administration and public service delivery.

Following the initial pilot in 2009 and a larger survey in 2010, the PAPI survey has been implemented nationwide each year since 2011. For the 2024 PAPI Report, 18,894 randomly selected citizens were surveyed. In total, 216,673 Vietnamese citizens nationwide have been directly interviewed for PAPI since 2009.

PAPI measures eight dimensions: Participation at Local Levels, Transparency in Local Decision-making, Vertical Accountability Towards Citizens, Control of Corruption in the Public Sector, Public Administrative Procedures, Public Service Delivery, Environmental Governance and E-Government.

PAPI is the result of collaboration between the Centre for Community Support and Development Studies (CECODES), Real-Time Analytics and the UNDP, with the support for fieldwork coordination from the Vietnam Fatherland Front's central agencies and its provincial to grassroots chapters since 2009.

-Phạm Long

The US is the top import market for Vietnamese shrimp and tuna and ranks as the second largest for pangasius (tra fish).

The United States' temporary 90-day suspension of new reciprocal tariffs has created an opportunity for Vietnam's seafood exporters to restructure their market strategies, as the future of exports to the US remains uncertain, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

In the first quarter of 2025, Vietnam's seafood export turnover reached $2.45 billion, marking a 26% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, exports to the US exceeded $500 million.

With annual seafood export value to the US estimated at around $2 billion, accounting for one-fifth of Vietnam's total seafood export value, the US is the largest market  for Vietnamese seafood export.

The US is the top import market for Vietnamese shrimp and tuna and ranks as the second largest for pangasius (tra fish).

VASEP reported that over 400 Vietnamese enterprises are currently exporting or preparing to export seafood to the US market, including large, high-value orders. At present, approximately 37,500 tons of seafood products are in transit to the US, and about 31,500 tons are slated for export in the latter half of April.

"The 90-day suspension of the new tariffs provides an opportunity to expedite the export of orders, avoiding the risk of prolonged inventory build-up. The seafood industry is hopeful about the outcomes of negotiations between Vietnam and the US, aiming for a reduction of reciprocal tariff rates or their complete elimination, bringing them down to 0%. This can be considered a 'golden time' for the seafood industry to restructure its market strategy," remarked Ms. Le Hang, a market analyst at VASEP.

"This period also presents a chance for businesses to adjust their strategies, explore alternative markets and partners, and build a resilient system capable of weathering future challenges," she added.

-Chu Khôi

During their talks in Hanoi on April 15, PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali agreed to negotiate basic agreements and deals, particularly a free trade agreement, an agreement on investment facilitation and protection, a double taxation avoidance agreement, and a cooperation deal on cybersecurity and high-tech crime combat.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali in Hanoi on April 15, expressing his belief that the latter's official visit will help tighten the friendship and usher in a new stage of substantive and effective cooperation between the two countries for the sake of their peoples, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The Ethiopian leader and his spouse are in Vietnam from April 14 to 17 for an official visit and the 4th Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals (P4G) Summit. The trip is the first-ever by a high-ranking Ethiopian leader since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1976.

PM Chinh was quoted by the State-run news agency as stating at the talks that amid global economic uncertainties and trade tensions, the two countries should promote dialogue and mutual understanding to continue diversifying markets and facilitating bilateral economic, trade, and investment collaboration.

For his part, the Ethiopian PM, as quoted by the news agency, said he is impressed with the Vietnamese people's unyieldingness, as well as the country's socio-economic attainments and growing role in the region and the world. He affirmed Ethiopia’s recognition of Vietnam as a priority partner in Asia and its wish to deepen bilateral cooperation in the areas matching the two sides’ strength and potential.

Highlighting Vietnamese enterprises' initial interest in investing in Ethiopia, the two PMs acknowledged that the current cooperation remains modest compared to the scale and potential of the two economies, which together represent a market of over 230 million people with some of the fastest growth rates in their respective regions.

To create a favorable legal corridor for economic ties, the two sides agreed to negotiate basic agreements and deals, particularly a free trade agreement, an agreement on investment facilitation and protection, a double taxation avoidance agreement, and a cooperation deal on cybersecurity and high-tech crime combat.

The two PMs also agreed to discuss and introduce investment projects in various promising sectors such as telecommunications, digital transformation, cybersecurity, mining, industrial and consumer goods production, processing industry, agricultural export, civil construction, infrastructure development, education and training, health care, and tourism.

Following the talks, the PMs witnessed the signing of several cooperation documents, including a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on trade cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, and another on educational cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training and the Ethiopian Ministry of Education.

Earlier, the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations had signed an MoU on cooperation.

On the occasion, the Vietnamese side handed over an official letter of approval that permits Ethiopian Airlines to open a direct air route connecting the two capitals — the first and only direct flight between the two countries so far. This is expected to boost trade and connectivity not only between Vietnam and Ethiopia, but also between Vietnam and Africa as a whole.

-Vân Nguyễn