This strong performance sets a positive outlook for Thanh Hoa's industrial production growth, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing and processing, mining, and energy.

Thanh Hoa province's Industrial Production Index (IIP) in the first quarter of 2025 is estimated to have increased by 15.9% compared to the same period last year.

Notable sectoral growth includes a 4.26% rise in the mining industry, 16.9% in the manufacturing and processing sector,  4.22% in the production and distribution of electricity, gas, hot water, steam, and air conditioning, and an 8.43% in water supply and waste management. Meanwhile, the number of employees in industrial enterprises grew by 4.95% year-on-year.

During Q1, 13 out of 18 major industrial products in the central province reported growth. Some products showed remarkable increases, such as athletic footwear (up 53.7%), ready-made garments (up 36.3%), crystallized sugar (up 18.6%), various types of iron and steel (up 12.8%), and building bricks (up 10.62%).

This strong performance sets a positive outlook for Thanh Hoa's industrial production growth, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing and processing, mining, and energy.

In addition, Thanh Hoa began construction on several major industrial projects during the quarter. These include Project No. 1 - Duc Giang Chemical Complex, the Billion Union Vietnam Textile Factory, the Hop Thang Industrial Cluster in Trieu Son district, and the Outdoor Gear Vietnam sports equipment manufacturing plant.

The province also inaugurated and operationalized several industrial facilities, such as the Nghi Son High-Tech Mechanical Factory, the Dai Duong High-Tech Reinforced Concrete Component Factory, and the automotive wiring harness manufacturing and assembly plant operated by BOB Thanh Hoa Co., Ltd.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The objective is to promote socio-economic development while avoiding the waste of assets and resources belonging to the State, businesses, citizens, and society.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on ministries, sectors, and localities to urgently review and report on investment projects facing prolonged difficulties, obstacles, and backlogs via the National Public Investment System.

In his Official Dispatch dated March 31, 2025,  the Prime Minister has issued numerous directives urging relevant parties to focus on these projects, identify definitive solutions, and promptly implement them. The objective is to promote socio-economic development while avoiding the waste of assets and resources belonging to the State, businesses, citizens, and society.

To address these issues, a Steering Committee for reviewing and resolving project-related difficulties has been established under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1568/QD-TTg, dated December 12, 2024. This committee is led by Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.

On March 30, 2025, PM Chinh chaired a meeting of the Steering Committee, during which he instructed the Ministry of Finance to develop a unified database system to streamline data entry and provide information on problematic investment projects. Ministries, central agencies, and localities are required to input data into this system for analysis and resolution.

Additionally, authorities were directed to continue reviewing and updating the list of projects facing difficulties, proposing solutions, and reporting to the appropriate decision-making bodies.

The review and submission of updated information, along with proposed solutions, are to be conducted on the designated database system for problematic projects via the link dautucong.mpi.gov.vn. The deadline for completion is set for April 10, 2025.

-Tiến Dũng

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meeting with visiting Belgian King Philippe in Hanoi on April 1.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed Belgium to expedite the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and to push the European Commission to remove its yellow card warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports, during a meeting with visiting Belgian King Philippe in Hanoi on April 1.

The PM suggested the two countries to promote cooperation in areas of Belgium's strength and Vietnam’s need, particularly high technology, circular economy, strategic infrastructure and human resources training.

For his part, King Philippe recognized Vietnam’s strategic significance in the region and highlighted Belgium’s interest in enhancing cooperation in education, health care, seaport development, renewable energy, science-technology, and innovation.

He also underscored Belgium’s support for businesses of both sides in bolstering investment and trade activities in respective countries.

 

-Tiến Dũng

Though now recognized as a key component of Vietnam’s economy, domestic private enterprises still have much to do on their own part to reach their full potential.

Since the launch of the “Doi Moi” (Renovation) policy in 1986, the Communist Party of Vietnam’s perspective on the private sector has undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from non-recognition to cautious acceptance and ultimately to recognizing it as a vital engine of economic growth and sustainable development.

Unleashing the power

Vietnam’s private sector has grown alongside Doi Moi, becoming a driving force in the nation’s socio-economic development. As of 2024, nearly 900,000 private enterprises were in operation, with major players like Vingroup, Masan, Sun Group, Vietjet Air, and Thaco shaping the business landscape.

With over 5 million individual business households, the private sector now accounts for approximately 50.4 per cent of GDP and around 30 per cent of State budget revenue, and provides jobs for about 85 per cent of the workforce. Beyond economic contributions, it has played a crucial role in poverty reduction and closing development gaps between regions and between urban and rural areas.

However, despite these achievements, the private sector still faces significant challenges. First, many businesses lack the motivation to scale up, with some choosing to remain small or selling to foreign investors rather than pursuing long-term growth. Second, limited internal capacity, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), continues to be a roadblock. Third, both businesses and policymakers have yet to establish a clear long-term development strategy, leading to fragmented growth and missed opportunities. Fourth, the sector still operates in silos, with weak connections between private enterprises, between the private sector and FDI enterprises, and between the private sector and State-owned enterprises (SOEs), making it difficult to integrate with national development strategies. Finally, while support mechanisms and policies exist, their effectiveness remains limited, preventing businesses from fully leveraging government initiatives.

Those challenges have resulted in low efficiency, poor competitiveness, and limited international integration. Many businesses struggle not only to expand beyond Vietnam’s borders but also to compete effectively in their home market. Innovation capacity remains underdeveloped, further limiting the sector’s potential.

With rapid global changes reshaping economies, Vietnam can no longer afford to delay addressing these issues. Now is the time to unlock the full potential of the private sector and drive the country towards its strategic development goals for 2030 and 2045. During a working session on March 7, Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized the urgent need for bold, revolutionary solutions that not only tackle immediate challenges but also lay the groundwork for long-term, sustainable, and dynamic growth. These solutions must be implemented in a comprehensive, coordinated manner to ensure the private sector becomes a true engine of Vietnam’s future prosperity.

Six key solutions

To drive breakthrough, sustainable growth in Vietnam’s private sector, six key solutions must be implemented.

First, renewing perspectives and building a strong consensus on the role and position of the private sector in Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy is essential. Creating a breakthrough in improving the business and investment environment is critical.

Only when mindsets evolve and perceptions align can effective policies and mechanisms be developed to foster private sector growth. Vietnam must reaffirm that the private sector is an indispensable component of its socialist-oriented market economy, playing a vital role in driving economic growth. Alongside SOEs and the collective economy, the private sector forms the backbone of an independent, self-reliant economy, capable of spearheading development and propelling the country past the middle-income trap towards prosperity by 2030 and 2045. The private sector should enjoy equal development opportunities alongside other economic sectors.

However, removing restrictions alone is not enough. A more significant transformation is needed, one that creates a breakthrough in improving the business and investment environment. This requires a revolution in transparency, digitization, intelligence, and automation, leveraging information technology (IT), AI, and big data to eliminate inconsistencies in legal frameworks, simplify and enhance transparency in administrative procedures, reduce business costs and compliance burdens, reform inspection mechanisms to avoid redundancy, and establish continuous consultation and dialogue mechanisms to resolve bottlenecks. These measures will inspire confidence, ambition, and decisive action within the private sector as Vietnam enters a “New era - The era of the nation’s rise”.

Second, developing and effectively implementing a comprehensive strategy for private sector growth is crucial.

Vietnam currently lacks a dedicated private sector development strategy. Creating one will ensure that the sector’s expansion aligns with the country’s overall economic strategy, supporting national targets for 2030 and 2045. A well-defined strategy will maximize the potential of different enterprise groups within the private sector, fostering connectivity between them as well as with SOEs and FDI enterprises, ultimately strengthening Vietnam’s economic foundation.

The strategy should set concrete targets, including the private sector’s contribution to GDP, job creation, tax revenue, workplace productivity, integration into global value chains, and innovation capabilities. It must also define the distinct roles of different business segments, from large enterprises leading in innovation and international market penetration to medium-sized enterprises strengthening their market positions, small businesses and household enterprises driving employment, and startups serving as incubators for new ideas, business models, and products. Additionally, the strategy must outline priority sectors for State support and detail mechanisms and policies tailored to each business group, ensuring a dynamic and resilient private sector that propels Vietnam towards its long-term economic ambitions.

Third, design effective mechanisms and policies tailored to different groups within the private sector. Segmenting beneficiaries ensures policies align with their roles and characteristics, maximizing their potential.

Fourth, establish policies linking the private sector with national development strategies, fostering connections among private enterprises, SOEs, and FDI enterprises. Strengthening these links enhances domestic business capacity, reduces import dependency, increases localization, promotes innovation and technology transfer, and boosts global value chain integration.

To achieve this, a “three-way ecosystem” between private enterprises, the State, and FDI should be developed to ensure collective growth through: (i) Building a national innovation ecosystem that connects private businesses and FDI with research and development (RD) centers, universities, research institutes, and venture capital funds to foster product development, technological innovation, and digital and green transformation; (ii) Establishing integrated industrial parks, high-tech parks, and innovation hubs, following models like “Vietnam’s Silicon Valley”, where large, medium, and small enterprises, startups, and FDI enterprises interact, bridging research, production, business, and policy-making; (iii) Implementing localization policies by mandating local content ratios in strategic sectors (for example, automotive, electronics, and high-tech), supporting domestic companies in meeting FDI supply chain standards.

To enhance collaboration between private enterprises: (i) Strengthen industry associations and business clubs, develop digital platforms for networking, information sharing, and supply chain integration; (ii) Establish industry clusters and value chains, encouraging large enterprises to lead local supply networks and support SMEs and household businesses, particularly in supporting industries, agribusiness, IT, and creative industries.

To connect the private sector with the State sector: (i) Establish direct dialogue channels between private businesses and government agencies, ensuring timely resolution of business concerns; (ii) Promote public-private partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and environmental projects; (iii) Prioritize domestic private enterprises in public investment, digital transformation, and technology innovation programs; (iv) Improve access to national development funds (for example, technology innovation funds, SME development funds, and credit guarantee funds).

To integrate private businesses with FDI: (i) Develop supply chain links, particularly in supporting industries, manufacturing, and high-tech sectors, and encourage FDI enterprises to transfer technology, train workers, and enhance local supplier capabilities; (ii) Establish centers to connect and advise local companies on global supply chain participation and industrial promotion hubs in key economic zones; (iii) Offer investment incentives to FDI enterprises committed to technology transfer and local procurement, requiring large FDI projects to include domestic supply chain development plans.

Fifth, develop modern, integrated infrastructure to support business activities. These include transport networks (high-speed rail, urban railways, and logistics hubs), international-standard ports, free trade zones, and national and open-access databases for business operations.

Sixth, strengthen the leadership of the Party, State management, and business associations in supporting, protecting, and promoting business links. The Politburo is set to issue a new resolution on private sector development, with the government working alongside the Central Policy and Strategy Committee to formulate actionable and breakthrough solutions, similar to Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

(* )Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Son is the Deputy Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Policies and Strategies

-By Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Son(*)

The survey aimed at collecting basic information to serve management and policy making and socio-economic development forecast.

The statistics sector is scheduled to begin a survey of businesses nationwide from April 1 with a view to collecting basic information to serve management and policy making and socio-economic development forecast.

The survey will cover enterprises, cooperatives and cooperative unions.

The information to be collected will serve the management and formation of policies and plans on socio-economic and enterprise development across the country, as well as calculate important criteria such as the GDP, and the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP).

It will also be used to build a national statistical criteria system, compile the White Book on Vietnamese Businesses 2025, and the White Book on Vietnamese Cooperatives 2025, update the enterprise database, and serve other purposes.

 

-Khánh Vy

Local ports will be developed to handle 23 – 29 million tons of cargo.

Central Da Nang city needs over VND23.33 trillion ($904 million) to develop its seaport system by 2030 under a development plan for local seaport land and water areas in the 2021-2031 period with a vision to 2050.

The plan has been approved by the Ministry of Construction.

According to the plan, ports in the city will be capable of handling 23 – 29 million tons of cargo and serving 532,300 – 597,000 passengers by 2030.

Regarding infrastructure development, Da Nang will have 12 – 15 new terminals with 20 – 23 berths, spanning from over 4,220m to over 5,745m in total. New terminals will be developed to meet the cargo clearance demand, expected to grow by 4.5–5.5% annually through 2050.

By the end of 2024, the total seaport cargo throughput in Da Nang was estimated at 13.88 million tons.  

 

-Thiên Ân

Many memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed to promote the partnership between Vietnam and South Korean in developing the railway sector.

During his talks with South Korean Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Park Sangwoo in Hanoi on March 31,  Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh asked relevant agencies of South Korea to continue sharing experience with Vietnam in mastering high-speed rail technology, developing the railway industry, and organizing rail freight transportation services. 

The event marks a significant milestone, reflecting the strong and growing relationship between Vietnam and South Korea in effectively implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2022.

In the field of transport infrastructure, since 1996, the South Korean government has provided funding support for Vietnam to develop its transportation infrastructure. Up to date, the two sides have successfully completed nine projects on transport infrastructure, with a total loan value estimated at over $1 billion and are currently working together on other six projects with a total loan value of nearly $600 million.

Minister Park Sangwoo shared that South Korea is eager to share its experience, transfer technology, train human resources, and support Vietnam in localizing and mastering high-speed rail technology in the coming times.

“We are ready to cooperate on a mutually beneficial basis for the common development of both countries,” Minister Park Sangwoo noted.

Currently, Vietnam is strongly focus on developing  the railway sector, therefore, Minister Tran Hong Minh hopes that South Korean agencies will continue to support Vietnam by sharing expertise in acquiring and mastering high-speed rail technology, developing the railway industry, and organizing rail freight transport services.

Additionally, Minister Tran Hong Minh urged South Korea to consider providing Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam’s railway infrastructure projects as well as promote cooperation between the two countries in training human resources, sharing expertise in railway technology, smart transportation, energy transition, and developing sustainable green infrastructure. 

In addition to cooperation in the railway sector, he also suggested that South Korean enterprises, with their extensive experience, explore the possibility of participating in the design, construction, and development of aviation infrastructure projects in Vietnam in the coming times.

On this occasion, the two Ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to elevate cooperation in the railway sector between the two countries.

On the same day,  the Ministry of Construction (MoC), in collaboration with South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport of South Korea (MOLIT), also organized the Vietnam - South Korea Railway Cooperation Forum 2025. 

Within the framework of the forum, several key MoUs were signed between the two sides to promote the partnership in the railway sector. These agreements include a partnership between the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), the Korea National Railway (KNR), and the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR), and partnership between the Korea Rail Industry Association (KORASS) and the Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors (VACC). 

-Phuong Hoa

Currently, the locality is home to 161 Japanese investment projects, with a total capital exceeding $1.2 billion.

The Mekong Delta province of Long An remains committed to creating favorable conditions for investors by improving the investment environment, streamlining administrative procedures, and expanding incentive policies to attract investment in industry, commerce, and high technology.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Van Ut made the statement at the Long An–Japan Investment and Trade Promotion Program 2025, held in Tokyo, Japan, on March 31, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Long An seeks to enhance comprehensive cooperation with Japan in areas such as smart city development, e-government, workforce training, labor market development, and securing more ODA projects funded by grants and concessional loans from the Japanese government, Mr. Ut was quoted by the news agency as saying, adding that these projects focus on key sectors, including public administration, water resource management, healthcare, education and training, transportation, and urban infrastructure.

Currently, the locality is home to 161 Japanese investment projects, with a total capital exceeding $1.2 billion.

Chairman Nguyen Van Ut emphasized that the investment promotion conference provided a valuable opportunity to share collaboration prospects and showcase Long An's potential and competitive advantages to Japanese organizations, businesses, and investors.

The province places particular importance on fostering partnerships with Japanese localities, including Hyogo, Ibaraki, Wakayama, Nakagawa Prefecture, and Okayama City.

At the event, Mr. Katsuhiko Usui, General Director of Sapporo Vietnam, shared why Sapporo chose Long An for investment.

He highlighted the province’s simplified administrative procedures, quick licensing processes, proactive support in resolving business challenges, and consistent collaboration during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Usui also praised the locality’s favorable location near seaports and its efficient transportation system, which facilitates smooth goods transport.

During the discussion session, leaders from Long An Province, and Japanese businesses and investors shared practical insights into potential collaboration opportunities, strengthening ties for future cooperation.

-Phạm Long

If e-commerce platforms were to deduct and pay taxes on behalf of sellers, tax management would be more efficient and transparent, particularly for stores where sellers remain unverified.

A large number of unidentified sellers continue to operate on major online platforms, stated the Ministry of Finance.

Specifically, over 300,000 stores across Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, Sendo, and Grab remain unverified, generating total sales estimated at over VND70 trillion (approximately $2.7 billion).

The Ministry of Finance also highlighted business activities conducted by households and individuals on foreign e-commerce platforms, including Booking, Agoda, Airbnb, Tripadvisor; subscription-based platforms like Netflix and Spotify; advertising and social media platforms such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok; and app stores such as Apple Store and CH Play.

Data from more than 400 e-commerce platforms provided to tax authorities revealed that over 300,000 individual sellers involved in e-commerce trading platforms contributed approximately VND2.5 trillion (around $98 million) in taxes in 2024.

The ministry proposed that if e-commerce platforms were to deduct and pay taxes on behalf of sellers, tax management would be more efficient and transparent, particularly for stores where sellers remain unverified.

Based on estimates,  with a tax rate of 1.5% (1% VAT and 0.5% personal income tax) to be applied, additional tax revenue to be collected from the VND70 trillion in total sales could reach over VND1 trillion ($39 million).

-Hồng Minh

The two countries plans to further expand maritime cooperation, capitalizing on the strengths of both nations to foster mutual growth.

At their working session on March 31 as part of the ongoing state visit to Vietnam by Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde,  Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang  and Flemish Minister for Brussels Affairs and Media Cieltje Van Achter,  discussed measures for  enhancing bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium.

At the session, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang affirmed that the Vietnamese government highly values and seeks to deepen and expand cooperation with Belgium in a practical and effective manner.

Over the years, Belgium has remained one of Vietnam’s leading trade partners within the European Union (EU), while Vietnam has emerged as Belgium’s largest trade partner in ASEAN, with total bilateral trade in 2024 exceeding $5 billion, according to the deputy minister.

Regarding the potential for maritime cooperation between the two countries, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang emphasized that the rapid development of Vietnam’s seaports will provide more opportunities for further collaboration between the two countries.

With a GDP growth rate target raised to at lease  8 per cent for 2025, while looking to target double-digit growth from 2026, Vietnam must continue adjusting its planning to meet development demands. In order to reach this target, Vietnam is focusing on planning and developing many port terminals across the country.

Therefore, Deputy Minister Nguyen Xuan Sang proposed that Government of the Flemish  Region continue supporting Vietnam through information and technical expertise sharing, and technology transfer in the fields of construction and maintenance of maritime and inland waterway infrastructure.

He also underscored the importance of strengthening connections between seaports in the Flemish Region and Vietnam’s deep-water ports to enhance their roles as regional transshipment hubs. At the same time, Vietnam aims to accelerate digital transformation and integrate advanced technologies to optimize energy efficiency, paving the way for green ports and sustainable maritime-waterway transport corridors.

Ms. Cieltje Van Achter, for her part, reaffirmed that seaports play a crucial role in both nations' economies, serving not only as economic connectors but also as pioneers in promoting digitization and multimodal transport development.

Belgium is currently focused on advancing sustainable transportation by implementing eco-friendly logistics solutions and adopting green energy in freight transport, aiming for a safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics system, according to the Flemish Minister.

In recent years, under the framework of cooperation between the Belgian government and Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport (now the Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction), many Belgium’s corporations have actively invested in and supported Vietnam’s infrastructure and logistics development. In the coming times, Belgium will further expand maritime cooperation, leveraging the strengths of both nations to drive mutual growth.

On this occasion, Vietnam’s Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Flanders Chancellery and Foreign Office to promote bilateral cooperation activities in the maritime sector.

This agreement not only serves as a catalyst for bilateral collaboration in maritime and inland waterways but also contributes to socio-economic development, maximizing Vietnam’s potential while capitalizing on the advantages of Belgium’s Flemish Region.

-Phuong Hoa

The flight, operated by Vietjet Air, departed Taipei at 4:40pm and landed in Dong Hoi airport at 7:40pm on March 31.

The first international flight from Taipei (Taiwan), with 38 passengers on board, arrived at the Dong Hoi Airport in the central province of Quang Binh on March 31,  according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The flight, operated by Vietjet Air, departed Taipei at 4:40pm and landed in Dong Hoi at 7:40pm.

Earlier on the same day, the budget carrier's flight VJ7172 carried 90 passengers departed Dong Hoi Airport at 12:40pm and  arrived at Taipei International Airport at 3:40pm. This marks a significant step in establishing international flights to and from Dong Hoi Airport.

Currently, Dong Hoi Airport is one of three domestic airports in Vietnam authorized to process electronic visas for foreigners entering and exiting the country.

From March 31 to October 13, 2025, the Dong Hoi–Taipei (Taiwan) international route is set to operate a total of 13 round-trip flights.

Mr. Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated that the launch of this new international flight route not only enhances air connectivity between Quang Binh and East Asia but also plays a vital role in promoting trade, boosting tourism visibility, and attracting international visitors to the region. 

-Phạm Long

Notable adjustments include a reduction in the preferential import tax rate for automobiles under HS codes 8703.23.63 and 8703.23.57, from 64% to 50%.

Starting March 31, 2025, a range of products including automobiles, wood, ethanol, frozen chicken thighs, apples, cherries, certain types of nuts, and more will be subject to revised preferential import tax rates.

The new policy has been regulated by the Government's Decree 73/2025/ND-CP, dated March 31, 2025, which amended and supplemented the preferential import tax rates for specific goods listed in the Preferential Import Tariff Schedule, as outlined in Decree 26/2023/ND-CP dated May 31, 2023.

Notable adjustments include a reduction in the preferential import tax rate for automobiles under HS (Harmonized System) codes 8703.23.63 and 8703.23.57, from 64% to 50%. The rate for automobiles under HS code 8703.24.51 is reduced from 45% to 32%.

Meanwhile, ethanol sees its preferential import tax rate lowered from 10% to 5%. For frozen chicken thighs, the rate decreases by 5%, from 20% to 15%.

Other reductions include in-shell pistachios (from 15% to 5%), almonds (from 10% to 5%), fresh apples (from 8% to 5%), sweet cherries (from 10% to 5%), and raisins (from 12% to 5%).

For certain wood products and wood-derived items, the import tax rates are reduced to a uniform 0%, down from their previous rates of 20% and 25%. Similarly, the preferential import tax rate for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is lowered from 5% to 2%.

The decree introduces HS code 2711.19.00 for ethane in Chapter 98, assigning it a preferential import tax rate of 0%.

Additionally, the preferential import tax rate for corn kernels is reduced from 2% to 0%, while the rate for soybean meal is adjusted from 1% or 2% to 0%.

-Minh Huy

The project promises to improve Ha Tinh’s transportation infrastructure.

The People's Committee of the north  central province of Ha Tinh has formally proposed that the Ministry of Construction prioritize funding or incorporate the upgrade of a 26-kilometer stretch of National Highway 1A into the medium-term public investment plan for the 2026-2030 period. The section passes through the province's Ky Anh town and the Vung Ang Economic Zone 

With an estimated investment of approximately VND1.540 trillion ($60.2 million), the project promises to much improve Ha Tinh’s transportation infrastructure.

Upgrading National Highway 1A will ensure seamless connectivity with the region's network of national highways.

The project aligns with Vietnam’s national road network development plan for 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2050, as outlined in Decision No. 1454/QD-TTg approved by the Prime Minister on September 1, 2021.

Beyond improving traffic flow and reducing congestion and accidents, the initiative will significantly boost socio-economic development in Ha Tinh province.

By strengthening links between industrial parks, seaports, and commercial hubs, the upgraded highway will serve as a catalyst for industrial growth, trade expansion, and overall prosperity in the region.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Total investment capital estimated at over VND1.299 trillion ($50 million).

The Project Management Board 85 has proposed the Ministry of Construction to expand the double tunnel through the Cu Mong Mountain Pass connecting south central Binh Dinh province and its neighbor Phu Yen

The two parallel tunnels are 2.6 km long, with each having two lanes.

Since its operation, the double tunnel has contributed to reduce traffic accidents and ensure traffic flow on the National Highway No 1. However, the amount of vehicles travelling on the highway is estimated to increase rapidly to 25,000 – 27,000 per day, which is likely to cause overload for the tunnel.

Under the proposed plan, a third parallel tunnel will be built with three lanes, allowing a maximum speed of 80 kph. Total investment capital is estimated at over VND1.299 trillion ($50 million), which will be sourced from the public investment capital.

The project’s investment policy is expected to get approval in April and construction is scheduled to start in the fourth quarter of this year. It is projected to be open to traffic from the first quarter of 2027.

 

 

-Gia Huy

The proposed project spans nearly 22 km in length, with a preliminary estimated investment of over $600 million.

To address the continuous traffic congestion on the Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, a proposal to expand the route from its current 4 lanes to 8-10 lanes has been introduced.

The proposed expansion is anticipated to meet growing regional connectivity demands, particularly with the Long Thanh International Airport which is scheduled to be put into operation early next year.

Project Management Unit 7 has recently submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction, seeking appraisal of the investment policy for the Expressway Expansion Project on the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh segment. 

According to Project Management Unit 7, traffic on the expressway has steadily grown at an average annual rate of 10.82% since its operation started in 2015 through the end of 2023. Current calculations indicate that transportation demand on the segment from the An Phu intersection to the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau Expressway intersection (Km0 - Km25+920) has exceeded the capacity of its 4-lane design.

With this stretch unable to accommodate existing traffic volume —and especially projected increases once Phase 1 of Long Thanh International Airport becomes operational—officials have deemed the expansion both necessary and urgent.

The proposed project spans nearly 22 km in length, with a preliminary estimated investment of over VND15.337 trillion ($600 million). Funding is expected to come from the Central budget.

-Thanh Thủy

The average export price skyrocketing to $5,614 per ton, up 73% year-on-year.

Vietnam exported more than 406,000 tons of coffee as of March 15 this year, earning $2.28 billion, according to the Vietnam Customs.

The figures represent a year-on-year decrease of 18% in volume but an increase of 41% in value.

The value increase was attributed to the rising export prices, hitting an average of $5,614 per ton in the first quarter of the year, skyrocketing 73% compared to the same period of 2024.

Germany was Vietnam's biggest export market with a value of $278 million, up 79% year-on-year; followed by Italy with $171 million, 31%; Japan $127 million, 56%; the US $120 million, 53%; and Spain $117 million, 29%.

The total coffee export value is expected to reach $8 billion this year, according to the Vietnam Coffee and Cacao Association (Vicofa).

 

 

-Chu Khôi

The projects focusing on semiconductor manufacturing, electrical and electronic components, mechanical engineering and textiles.

Southern Dong Nai province attracted $927 million in FDI capital  in the first three months of the year, the Vietnam News Agency has reported, quoting figures from the provincial Department of Finance.

Of the total, $407 million was invested in 29 new projects, while more than $520 million went to existing ones.

The new investments in Dong Nai were primarily directed toward industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, electrical and electronic components, mechanical engineering, textiles, and the production of cast metal products.

Notable projects included the Mapletree Logistics Park Tam An 1 in Long Thanh district, with an investment of over $100 million, and the SMC Manufacturing Vietnam Ltd. project in the Long Duc Industrial Park, where a capital increase of $330 million brought the total investment to nearly $1 billion.

-Vân Nguyễn

Major suppliers including China, South Korea, Thailand and Japan.

Vietnam imported 24,832 completely built-up (CBU) automobiles in the first two months of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51.9%, according to the Vietnam Customs.

Of the number, 19,202 were under-nine-seat cars, up 38.6% year-on-year, and 2,908 passenger cars, surging 214%.

Car import value from China was estimated at $125 million, down 15.4%; from the Republic of Korea $86 million, up 7.4%; from Thailand $65 million, surging 37.5%; and from Japan $59 million, soaring 79.1%.

Import of automobile spare parts reached $785 million, a year-on-year rise of 30.3%.

Meanwhile, in the two-month periods, members of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA) sold 40,499 vehicles, jumping 31% compared to the same period last year.

 

-Hoàng Lâm

The selling price of SJC-gold bars hitting over VND101 million ($3,923) per tael on March 31.

The selling price of SJC-gold bars in the domestic market jumped to over VND101 million ($3,923) per tael on March 31.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

The price rose by VND800,000 ($31) compared to the previous session.

This marks the increase of the gold prices in the domestic market in six consecutive days, closely following the global trend.

Meanwhile, the selling price of gold rings rose by VND300,000 ($11.6) to VND100.8 million ($3,916) per tael compared to the previous day.

Prices in the global market jumped to $3,113.4 an ounce, or nearly VND82.5 million per tael.

At this level, gold prices in Vietnam stand at around VND3.96 million ($153.8) a tael higher than the global price.

 

-Phương Linh

Direct flight routes between Vietnam and South Africa, if in service, would optimize transportation time and costs while enhancing the competitiveness of businesses from both nations.

During its recent working trip to South Africa, a delegation from the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) held discussions with representatives from the host country's airlines, including Airlink and South African Airways to seek for cooperation opportunities in air freight between Vietnam and South Africa.

According to Mr. Do Xuan Quang, Vice President of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA) and Deputy CEO of Vietjet Air, South Africa possesses a well-developed global air transport network, making it one of the region’s strategic aviation hubs. This provides a favorable foundation for both countries to deepen cooperation in air freight and leverage geographical advantages to expand supply chains by air freight.

Although air freight accounts for only about 2 per cent of Vietnam’s total import-export volume, it contributes over 25 per cent of total trade value due to its focus on high-value goods. Establishing direct flight routes between Vietnam and South Africa would optimize transportation time and costs while enhancing the competitiveness of businesses from both nations.

Mr. Quang emphasized that as the aviation sector grows, related industries such as trade, tourism, logistics, and distribution will also experience strong development. Vietnam must quickly seize this opportunity to enhance its presence in the African market through South Africa, which serves as a key gateway.

With its strategic location, Johannesburg Airport in South Africa is not only a major aviation hub for the country but also a crucial gateway for trade with the entire African continent. This presents a significant advantage that could attract Vietnamese airlines to expand their air freight routes into Africa.

Representatives of South African airlines recognized the substantial trade demand between the two nations, particularly in fresh agricultural products and technology. They also hoped that in the near future, both countries will secure important trade agreements, expand air connectivity, and unlock new investment and cooperation opportunities in air freight.

Along with that, given the advantageous geographic positions of Vietnam and South Africa, the cooperation in air freight will not only bring bilateral benefits but also enhance connectivity with other African and global markets. This marks a crucial step in strengthening Vietnam’s role in the international logistics supply chain by air.

-Phuong Hoa