The system will help to simplify procedures for passengers and enhance security.

Automatic immigration gate system (Autogate) has been officially put into operation at Da Nang International Airport in central Da Nang city from March 20.

The system will help to ease the workload for immigration officers, simplify procedures for passengers and enhance security through advanced biometric recognition technology.

In 2024, the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT) collaborated with FPT Software to implement various advanced technologies, including self-check-in kiosks, automated boarding gates, an AI-powered security analytics system and multi-lingual operating screens.

AHT Deputy Director General Do Trong Hau said that the official operation of the Autogate marks a significant milestone in modernizing entry/exit management process at the airport, improving service quality, and optimizing the airport operation.

-Ngô Anh Văn

The project aims to establish a multipurpose port that will support economic activities, cater to industrial parks within the province and its surrounding areas.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Prime Ministerial Decision No 650/QD-TTg, dated March 19, 2025,  approving the investment policy for the Long Son My Xuan General Port Project, located in the southern province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau.

The project is backed by an investment capital estimated at nearly VND2.386 trillion (nearly $93.3 million), as registered by the investor - Long Son joint stock company, and spans an area of approximately 41.65 ha.

The Long Son My Xuan General Port Project is set to be developed in the Thi Vai port area, situated in My Xuan Ward, Phu My Town. Its objective is to complete the Thi Vai port area as outlined in the approved regional plan.

The project aims to establish a multipurpose port that will support economic activities, cater to industrial parks within the province and its surrounding areas, and address the growing demand for construction materials in the region.

Additionally, the project seeks to capitalize on the region's natural advantages, strategic geographical location, and existing infrastructure projects to accelerate the socio-economic growth of Ba Ria - Vung Tau and the Southern region at large.

The project involves the construction of one main 270-m wharfs, capable of accommodating general cargo vessels up to 30,000 DWT; and 4 barge wharfs with a total length of 530 m, designed for ships and barges with a capacity of up to 7,500 DWT.

-Thanh Thủy

FDI figures for the first two months of 2025 confirm Vietnam’s ongoing appeal among investors as an investment destination.

Foreign investment into Vietnam in 2025 has gotten off to a strong start, with inflows reaching nearly $6.9 billion in the first two months, for an impressive 35.5 per cent year-on-year increase. The latest report from the General Statistics Office (GSO) and the Ministry of Finance underscores Vietnam’s growing attraction as a prime destination for global investors.

Promising inflows

While newly-registered FDI fell 48.4 per cent in value to $2.19 billion in the period, the number of new projects rose 10 per cent to 516. This signals that despite a more cautious approach to project scale due to global economic uncertainties, investors are still eager to establish operations in Vietnam.

One standout trend was the six-fold increase in additional registered capital, which soared to $4.18 billion. This remarkable growth highlights the trust and long-term commitment of existing investors who are actively expanding their presence in the country.

Meanwhile, foreign capital contributions and share purchases skyrocketed by 88.8 per cent to $529.8 million, underscoring the strong interest of international investors in tapping into Vietnam’s dynamic business landscape.

Beyond the numbers, recent discussions between foreign business associations, investors, and the Vietnamese Government reinforce Vietnam’s position as an increasingly attractive investment destination.

At a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in early March, Mr. Ko Tae Yeon, Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (KoCham), emphasized the strong confidence of South Korean businesses in Vietnam’s market potential. He also praised the government’s proactive efforts in navigating the external challenges, facilitating business operations, and driving economic growth.

Some 10,000 South Korean enterprises are now operating in Vietnam, spanning key economic sectors such as high-tech industry, semiconductors, and energy. This strong presence highlights Vietnam’s crucial role in the global supply chain and reflects the deepening Vietnam-South Korea economic partnership.

Looking ahead, Mr. Yeon noted that South Korean businesses remain eager to explore new investment opportunities in high-tech fields, including semiconductors, green energy, LNG, electric vehicle (EV) batteries, biotechnology, and advanced materials. This signals the likelihood of major South Korean investments in Vietnam in the near future.

Similarly, the latest survey of Japanese enterprises on emerging markets identified Vietnam as the most promising destination. With ambitious plans for energy development and road and rail infrastructure, Vietnam is regarded by Japanese businesses as one of the most dynamic economies in the region. Notably, around 56 per cent of Japanese companies plan to expand operations in Vietnam within the next one to two years; the highest rate in ASEAN. “Businesses are optimistic about Vietnam’s economic growth, especially as the country enters the era of the nation’s rise and undertakes a revolution in organizational streamlining,” Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ito Naoki, emphasized.

Notable shifts in FDI

As highlighted by investors, the manufacturing and processing sector remains the largest recipient of FDI in Vietnam.

According to the GSO, FDI inflows into the sector reached $4.51 billion in the first two months of 2025, accounting for 70.8 per cent of total newly-registered and additional capital. This reaffirms Vietnam’s position as a key manufacturing hub in the region.

Beyond manufacturing, FDI in service sectors such as financial services and logistics has also seen growth, signaling a shift in investment patterns as more foreign investors explore diverse industries.

Vietnam’s FDI disbursement also showed positive momentum, reaching an estimated $2.95 billion in the first two months, for a 5.4 per cent increase year-on-year. This is also the highest two-month disbursement level in recent years. The steady rise in disbursed capital reflects the effective implementation of FDI projects, further driving Vietnam’s economic growth.

One of the standout trends in early 2025 is that Asian investors continue to play a pivotal role in Vietnam’s FDI landscape. South Korea leads with total investment of $1.47 billion, followed by Singapore with $1.4 billion and China with $850 million.

However, when it comes to new project registrations, Chinese investors have taken the lead, contributing $679.8 million, which accounts for 31 per cent of total newly-registered capital. This reflects the growing interest of Chinese businesses in expanding their presence in Vietnam.

Challenges remain

While FDI disbursement reached its highest level in the period for the past five years, its growth rate nonetheless remains modest compared to the increase in registered capital and is lower than in the same period of 2023, which saw a 4.9 per cent decline. This presents a challenge for achieving first-quarter economic growth targets, as the FDI sector has long been one of Vietnam’s key growth drivers. To address this, authorities must implement measures to accelerate disbursement and create favorable conditions for FDI project execution.

Additionally, Vietnam should focus on attracting FDI into high-tech, environmentally-friendly sectors that generate higher added value for the economy. FDI attraction should also be closely linked to technology transfer and sustainable development.

To sustain and build on this momentum, Vietnam must continue improving workforce quality, developing modern infrastructure, and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic enterprises. Strengthening these areas will enable local businesses to integrate more deeply and sustainably into the global value chains of foreign investors.

With ongoing efforts to improve the investment climate, Ambassador Naoki expressed confidence that Vietnam will continue attracting FDI in 2025, further driving economic growth and strengthening its position on the global stage.

-Ngân Hà

The project scale has also been expanded to meet expressway standards, including six lanes with a design speed of 100 km/h.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 653/QĐ-TTg, approving the adjusted investment policy for the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh road project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.

The project is part of the Road Network Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, aiming to gradually complete Vietnam’s expressway network.

It seeks to connect the expressway from Hanoi connecting the northern mountainous provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, and Dien Bien. Additionally, it will serve as a foundation for attracting investors in key sectors such as urban development, industry, commerce, and services.

The project is expected to drive socio-economic development in Hoa Binh province and the Northwest region, improve disaster response and climate change adaptation, and enhance national defense and security.

The approved adjustments include reducing the length of the Hoa Lac - Hoa Bình section from 25.69 km to 23.04 km. The project scale has also been expanded to meet expressway standards, including six lanes with a design speed of 100 km/h.

The estimated timeframe for project preparation, investment, and construction spans from 2014 to 2028. The initial phase of the project, implemented between 2014 and 2018, has been in operation. The adjustments to the scale are being executed from 2023 to 2028.

The preliminary total adjusted investment capital for the project is approximately VND10.475 trillion (nearly $411 million). Of this, VND2.476 trillion (over $97 million) has already been invested in the operational phase, with finalization of costs currently underway.

-Phạm Long

The project scale has also been expanded to meet expressway standards, including six lanes with a design speed of 100 km/h.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 653/QĐ-TTg, approving the adjusted investment policy for the Hoa Lac - Hoa Binh road project under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, Radio the Voice of Vietnam reported.

The project is part of the Road Network Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, aiming to gradually complete Vietnam’s expressway network.

It seeks to connect the expressway from Hanoi connecting the northern mountainous provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, and Dien Bien. Additionally, it will serve as a foundation for attracting investors in key sectors such as urban development, industry, commerce, and services.

The project is expected to drive socio-economic development in Hoa Binh province and the Northwest region, improve disaster response and climate change adaptation, and enhance national defense and security.

The approved adjustments include reducing the length of the Hoa Lac - Hoa Bình section from 25.69 km to 23.04 km. The project scale has also been expanded to meet expressway standards, including six lanes with a design speed of 100 km/h.

The estimated timeframe for project preparation, investment, and construction spans from 2014 to 2028. The initial phase of the project, implemented between 2014 and 2018, has been in operation. The adjustments to the scale are being executed from 2023 to 2028.

The preliminary total adjusted investment capital for the project is approximately VND10.475 trillion (nearly $411 million). Of this, VND2.476 trillion (over $97 million) has already been invested in the operational phase, with finalization of costs currently underway.

-Phạm Long

Vietnam remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia despite global fluctuations, according to global real estate services firm JLL.

Vietnam’s real estate market is experiencing strong growth due to improved investor sentiment, lower borrowing costs, and increased transaction activity across key segments.

According to the lastest report from renowned market research company JLL, titled 'Vietnam Property Market Outlook 2025: A New Chapter in Economic Growth,' providing an in-depth analysis of the market forces shaping 2025.

Economic foundation remains strong

Vietnam remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia despite global fluctuations. The realized capital of foreign direct investment (FDI) stood at $25.4 billion in 2024, increasing 9.4 per cent year-over-year (YoY). Major infrastructure investment projects have contributed to the development of real estate hotspots nationwide.

According to Ms. Trang Le, Country Head of JLL Vietnam, the investment environment is improving, the middle class is rising, and investors are becoming more professional. These factors are strengthening Vietnam’s position as an attractive real estate market in Southeast Asia.

Office market: Shifting towards quality investment

Over 43,000 sq m of net absorption in 2024 was recorded in Vietnam’s office leasing market, demonstrating a strong recovery in corporate demand. Green offices, which prioritize sustainability and tenant well-being, are now becoming the preferred choice for leasing.

“Businesses are seeking high-end, modern workspaces that not only enhance productivity but also meet sustainable criteria. This trend is driving demand for premium office spaces,” Mr. Will Tran, Head of Office Leasing Advisory at JLL Vietnam, shared.

This shift is particularly evident in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, where asking rents for Grade A and A+ offices have increased by 1.3 per cent YoY. This is an impressive figure, considering the record-high new supply introduced to the market within six months, reflecting the growing demand for high-quality and environmentally friendly workspaces.

Residential market: Strong rebound

After hitting a low in 2024, Vietnam’s residential supply is predicted to rebound strongly, aided by policy adjustments, enhanced transparency, and accelerated project approvals.

Developers and investors continue to focus on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, they are increasingly shifting attention to satellite areas, where demand is showing significant growth.

According to Mr. Bach Ta, Director of Capital Markets Transactions at JLL Vietnam, the market is entering a more sustainable growth cycle, driven by urbanization, an expanding middle class, and policy reforms.

“We expect transaction activity to be more vibrant in well-planned residential projects, especially in the mid-to-high-end segments,” Mr. Bach shared.

Industrial supply chain market: Elevating Vietnam’s global position

Vietnam remains a top manufacturing destination in Southeast Asia, benefiting from the “China Plus One” strategy. Moreover, the country is now capitalizing on local policy shifts, global supply chain adjustments, and ambitious infrastructure development plans, further enhancing the attractiveness of its industrial and supply chain market.

According to Ms. Van Nguyen, Head of Transactions for Northern Vietnam at JLL Vietnam, Vietnam’s industrial and supply chain market is expanding rapidly, with realized FDI reaching a record $25.4 billion in 2024.

“Manufacturing and real estate remain the largest sectors attracting FDI. Additionally, the market is expanding beyond traditional hubs, driven by infrastructure improvements and the rise of high-tech, eco-friendly industrial parks, reinforcing Vietnam’s importance in the global supply chain,” Ms. Van shared.

Get ready for a breakthrough

Vietnam’s real estate sector is entering a new chapter of economic growth, supported by rising transaction volumes, a strong economic foundation, and ongoing regulatory reforms. Consequently, JLL experts remain optimistic about the investment outlook for 2025.

Mr. Michael Glancy, Managing Director for Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines Vietnam at JLL, stated that Vietnam’s real estate market is clearly recovering, with investment activity expected to surge in 2025.

Lower borrowing costs and improved investor sentiment are key drivers of this positive trend. Moreover, Vietnam’s fundamental strengths, including a young and dynamic workforce, developing infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies, are positioning the country as an attractive destination for real estate projects across various segments.

“As market conditions further improve, we expect an increase in transactions and new developments, reinforcing Vietnam’s status as a leading real estate market in Southeast Asia,” Mr. Glancy shared.

-Linh Tong - Cap Mai

Collaboration and inter-industry support are key to fostering progress, contributing to environmental protection while delivering significant benefits to businesses and communities.

In a highly competitive market, the packaging, plastics, and rubber industries in Vietnam are undergoing a significant transformation, driven by automation, production optimization, and sustainable development initiatives.

Ms. Le Thi Nhu Hanh, Standing Vice President of the Vietnam Packaging Association (VINPAS), emphasized that growing demands for quality, environmental sustainability, and cost efficiency pose both challenges and opportunities. These demands encourage innovation and drive competitiveness in the industry.

Mr. Nguyen Van Viet, Chairman of the Vietnam Beer, Alcohol, and Beverage Association (VBA), highlighted the pivotal role of the packaging and plastics-rubber industries in protecting, transporting, and efficiently distributing goods.

He noted that, despite global economic fluctuations, these industries have demonstrated strong growth, signaling a sustainable and promising future. Collaboration and inter-industry support are key to fostering progress, contributing to environmental protection while delivering significant benefits to businesses and communities.

Mr. Tran Viet Anh, Chairman of the Vietnam Waste Recycling Association (VWRA), noted that the rubber industry plays a critical role in Vietnam's economy, with exports valued at $3.5 billion annually.

However, the rapid development of the plastics and rubber sectors has also brought pressing environmental challenges. Increased plastic consumption has led to rising levels of plastic waste and an urgent need for sustainable recycling practices. “This is the time for all parties to join hands to move towards a greener, circular, and more responsible industry,” Mr. Anh stated.

“The effective implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will help the rubber-plastics industry reduce environmental impacts while creating significant opportunities for the recycling sector to thrive,” he said.

-Minh Huy

Investment capital required for the project's first phase estimated at some $3.13 million.

The Ho Chi Minh City University of Transport has proposed a project to establish a High-Speed Railway Research and Development Center in southern Dong Nai province.

The center is planned to span approximately 55 ha within a larger 300-ha area designated for educational development in  the province's Long Khanh city.

Phase 1 of the project is estimated to require

An investment capital required for the project's first phase is estimated at VND80 billion (approximately $3.13 million), with implementation scheduled from 2025 to 2030.

The project aims to develop a national key experimental center for high-speed railways, equipped with modern technical infrastructure that meets global technological standards.

The center will facilitate practical training, experimental production, and scientific research while supporting the training of human resources for high-speed railways, aviation engineering, and integrated logistics services.

"The project will play a crucial role in researching and training high-quality human resources in the three fields of high-speed railways, aviation engineering, and logistics services," stated the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee.

To support this initiative, the People's Committee has instructed the People's Committee of Long Khanh city to focus on developing, submitting for appraisal, and approving the planning proposal for the project by May 2025.

-Thiên Di

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspecting the construction site in Dong Nai province on March 20.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged for basically completing the Long Thanh International Airport project (phase 1) in southern Dong Nai province by the end of this year, while visiting the construction site on March 20.

Long Thanh International Airport is the largest airport project in Vietnam to date, holding exceptional importance for the socio-economic development of Vietnam's Southeast region and the country as a whole.

This was the Prime Minister's seventh on-site inspection of the project.

Following the site inspection, the Prime Minister chaired a meeting with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to discuss ways to tackle obstacles facing the project.

To ensure long-term transport connectivity, the leader also asked for consideration of a metro line linking Long Thanh Airport with Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City.

On the same day, the PM also inspected construction site of some transport links with the airport, including Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway, T1 and T2 roads connecting with the airport, and Ho Chi Minh City – Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway.

 

-Huỳnh Dũng

The proposed Han River tunnel will span approximately 1.67 km, with a total investment estimated at around $269.2 million.

Da Nang city has submitted a detailed report outlining plans for the construction of two major infrastructure projects: a tunnel beneath the Han River and a tunnel under Da Nang International Airport, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The proposed Han River tunnel will span approximately 1.67 km, beginning at Dong Da Street in Hai Chau district and ending at Van Don Street in Son Tra district. The total investment capital for the project is estimated at VND6.88 trillion ($269.2 million), with construction costs amounting to VND3.9 trillion (nearly $152.5 million).

To improve East-West connectivity through Da Nang International Airport, the central city's Department of Construction has proposed a 2.9 km tunnel project. The tunnel will connect Truong Chinh Street to Duy Tan Street and from Truong Chinh Street to the Western Ring Road 2.

This project includes two open-cut sections totaling 570 m, three box tunnel sections measuring 1,450 m, and a 900 m tunnel running beneath the existing airport runway.

Two options are being considered for the airport tunnel. Option 1 incorporates a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line sharing the tunnel with roadways, with an estimated investment of VND10 trillion ($391. 3 million). Option 2 excludes the MRT line, reducing the estimated cost to VND7.5 trillion ($293.4 million).

-

The Tu Lien birdge is part of the larger project to connect the Ho Tay - Co Loa axis.

Construction of Tu Lien Bridge, one of Hanoi’s key transportation infrastructure projects , is scheduled to start in mid-May this year, according to the capital city’s People’s Committee.

Chairman of the committee Tran Sy Thanh has requested relevant departments and agencies to take all necessary measures to break ground on the bridge and its access roads on May 19.

Total investment capital is estimated at VND22 trillion ($855 million).

The bridge is part of the larger project to connect the Ho Tay - Co Loa axis and is one of  Hanoi's more bridges planned to cross the Red River. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion and promote socio-economic development on both banks of the river as well as the entire city.

According to the feasibility study report, the Tu Lien Bridge and the connecting road to the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen Expressway will cover a total length of approximately 11.5 km, starting from the Nghi Tam intersection to the Ring Road 3 intersection.

The Tu Lien Bridge itself will span 2.9 km, with the main bridge covering 1 km. The planned cross-section includes two lanes for motorized vehicles, two mixed lanes, and two lanes for pedestrians.

The bridge will feature a main span across the Red River, connecting the western bank along the Au Co - Nghi Tam route (in Yen Phu and Tu Lien wards, Tay Ho district) with the eastern bank in Dong Anh district.

 

-Phương Nhi

The two projects providing 4,420 units.

Authorities of central Nghe An province have approved investment policy for two social housing projects for workers of VSIP Nghe An Industrial Park.

The first project is part of the Luxshare ICT Nghe An 1 Plant. It covers 0.33ha and will provide 253 apartments for 1,132 workers.

The second, covering 4.43ha, will provide 3,288 apartments for 12,474 workers as part of the Luxshare ICT Nghe An 2 Plant.

The Luxshare ICT Nghe An 1 and 2 plants have estimated investment capital of VND3.549 trillion ($138 million) and VND8.652 trillion ($336 million), respectively.  

Construction of the two plants is scheduled to start this year and complete in 2026.

Earlier, Nghe An authorities gave the green light to investment policy of four social housing projects for workers at industrial parks in the Southeast Economic Zone, supplying 8,200 units.

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Direct flights connecting Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad scheduled to start in May.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines will launch new direct air routes connecting Hanoi to two major cities in India, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, from May this year.

The Hanoi - Bengaluru route will start on May 1, with four round trips per week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays).

Flights on the Hanoi - Hyderabad route will be effective on May 8, with three round trips per week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays).

Vietnam Airlines has since long exploited two direct routes connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Delhi and Mumbai of India.

In 2024, Vietnam welcomed over 500,000 Indian tourists, making India one of the country’s top 10 largest sources of international visitors.

 

-Tuấn Khang

The two countries explore AI-driven solutions for sustainable pig farming

China, home to the world's largest pig population, and Vietnam, ranked sixth globally, are leveraging technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to advance their livestock industries.

These efforts aim to boost productivity, improve quality, and mitigate disease risks in a sustainable manner.

This was the key theme of the "Vietnam - China Interactive Forum on Pig Industry Innovation" held on March 19, in Ho Chi Minh City, where leading experts from both countries convened.Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of the Vietnam Animal Husbandry Association, emphasized that "Pig farming in both Vietnam and China faces significant challenges, including diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), which remains complex and challenging for farmers. Biosecurity remains the decisive measure in controlling ASF."

He also noted that the livestock industry must meet increasingly stringent regulations related to environmental concerns and food safety. In particular, controlling environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions is creating added pressure on the sector.

During the forum, experts showcased digital technology solutions for livestock farming, including AI-driven tools to monitor the health of pig herds, big data analytics for process optimization, and enhanced disease control measures. A standout development is the use of AI to predict pig health, enabling farmers to take timely actions and minimize losses from diseases like ASF.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Phan from the Vietnam National University of Agriculture underscored the vital role of technology in disease control, particularly in combating ASF. He highlighted that rapid testing technology, intelligent surveillance systems, and innovative prevention methods have successfully reduced the spread of the disease, creating a safer environment for livestock farming.

-Chương Phượng

Three investment options for the project have been proposed, with estimated costs ranging between $1.49 billion and $2.4 billion.

Under draft adjustments to the general master plan of Ho Chi Minh City through 2040, with a vision to 2060, a coastal road in the city's southern region was proposed. 

The projected southern coastal road is envisioned as a key infrastructure that will enhance regional connectivity and boost socio-economic development.

Spanning 941 km, the road will traverse nine provinces and cities, including Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, and Kien Giang.

Within Ho Chi Minh City, the road will stretch approximately 45.5 km, including 10.5 km running through neighboring province of Dong Nai. This section is designed with a cross-section width of 50 m and will feature eight lanes, starting from National road 50 in Tien Giang, crossing Soai Rap river, then linking to Ho Chi Minh City's Can Gio district, including Can Gio international transhipment port, and then to Phuoc An port in Dong Nai, and ending at the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway (in Dong Nai).

Currently, three investment options for the project have been proposed, with estimated costs ranging between VND38 trillion (nearly $1.49 billion) and VND62 trillion (over $2.4 billion).

-Thanh Thủy

The United States is an important and the largest market for Vietnamese seafood, with seafood import turnover reaching $1.8 billion in 2024.

According to its recent preliminary ruling,  the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce,  does not recognize the similarity of Vietnam's marine mammal management and conservation measures for 12 seafood exploitation occupations, including gillnets, trawls, purse seines, longlines, and single/double trawls, among others. 

Accordingly, the affected seafood species include tuna (bigeye, bluefin, yellowfin, striped), swordfish, squid, grouper, mackerel, snapper, and crab.

At a March 19 meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy Secretary-General of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), reported that VASEP had received notification from the NOAA regarding the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

The ruling is expected to directly impact the export of several seafood species to the US in the near future, according to Mr. Nam.

NOAA's decision stems from a lack of assurance that Vietnam is implementing sufficient management and monitoring measures to limit injuries and unintentional captures of marine mammals, as required by US regulations, he remarked.

The US noted that while Vietnam has planned some monitoring activities, it has not yet enacted specific regulations to address these concerns, according to him.

Additionally, the US plans to expand the Seafood Import Monitoring Program to include more seafood species, alongside increased information requirements from importers. These changes are anticipated to raise compliance costs for exporters.

"The United States is an important and the largest market for Vietnamese seafood, with seafood import turnover reaching $1.8 billion in 2024. If this issue is not resolved promptly, it will seriously affect Vietnam's seafood exports to the US and harm the industry's reputation," Mr. Nam warned.

"NOAA requires Vietnam to urgently provide evidence and demonstrate progress in implementing a management plan for harvesting practices that align with US regulations by April 1, 2025. NOAA will release its final decision by November 30, 2025. If harvesting practices do not meet the requitements from the United States, seafood products originating from those practices will be banned from exporting to the US, starting January 1, 2026," he added.

In the first two months of this year, Vietnam’s seafood exports to the United States totaled $193 million, accounting for 13.8% of the country’s total seafood export turnover in the period.

-Chu Khôi

Total investment is estimated at $10 million - 20 million.

Gene Bio Medical (GBM), a leading Canadian biotechnology company specializing in molecular diagnostics, has decided to invest $10 million - 20 million in a large-scale plant producing high-quality diagnostic test kits in south-central Binh Dinh province, according to the company’s executives.

The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Binh Dinh Pharmaceutical - Medical Equipment Joint Stock Company (BIDIPHAR) to establish the joint venture to manufacture the test kits, using Canadian technology.

The products will mainly serve Vietnam, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America.

The information was revealed during a recent meeting between BInh DInh provincial authorities and representatives from the Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City, the British Columbia Office in Vietnam, and key executives from Gene Bio Medical and BIDIPHAR.

 

-Bạch Dương

The changes specifically addressing purchase methods, ownership limits, and investor obligations.

The Government has issued a new decree stipulating that foreign investors could only buy treasury stocks which were purchased by credit institutions before January 1, 2021, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Decree No. 69/2025/ND-CP amends several provisions of Decree No. 01/2014/ND-CP regarding foreign investment in Vietnamese financial institutions. The changes specifically address purchase methods, ownership limits, and investor obligations.

Accordingly, total foreign ownership in Vietnamese commercial banks is capped at 30%, with some exceptions, while that in non-bank credit institutions is no more than 50%.

In special cases involving weak or troubled financial institutions, the Prime Minister will decide on ownership percentage of a foreign organization or a strategic foreign investor. The new decree also allows foreign ownership in commercial banks undergoing mandatory transfers to exceed 30% but not surpass 49% of charter capital, provided the bank is not majority state-owned.

If foreign investors surpass the regulated thresholds, they must reduce their ownership percentage within six months to comply with the limits.

When the total foreign ownership in a credit institution exceeds the legal threshold, foreign investors cannot purchase additional shares until total foreign ownership falls below the prescribed limits.

The decree will take effect on May 19, 2025.

-Vân Nguyễn

Total tourism revenue estimated at VND2.555 trillion ($99.3 million).

Central Thanh Hoa province welcomed over 2.6 million tourists in the first quarter of the year, increasing 4.8% compared to the same period last year.

Of the total, there were 35,800 international visitors.

Total tourism revenue is estimated at VND2.555 trillion ($99.3 million), up 6.1% year-on-year.

The province targets to welcome 16 million tourists this year. Total tourism turnover is expected to reach VND45.5 trillion ($1.77 billion) for the whole year.

To fulfill the target, the province will give public investment priority to completing key tourism projects and important transport routes.

The province will also take measures to improve services quality, develop new tourism products and enhance tourism cooperation with localities and agencies both inside and outside the country.  

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Lebanon currently imports Vietnam's frozen and processed seafood, coffee, pepper, rice, footwear, garment accessories, as well as machinery and electrical equipment.

Lebanon is emerging as a high-potential market in the Middle East-Africa region, presenting significant opportunities for Vietnamese exporters, as highlighted during the seminar "Vietnam-Lebanon: Trade Potential and Opportunities," held recently in Lebanon, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Egypt. 

The Vietnam Trade Office quoted Lebanese Customs as reporting that total trade turnover between the two countries in 2024 reached $97 million, a 9.3% increase compared to 2023, with Vietnam dominating the figure, accounting for 99.4% of the total.

Lebanon currently imports various goods from Vietnam, including frozen and processed seafood, coffee, pepper, rice, footwear, garment accessories, as well as machinery and electrical equipment.

A survey conducted by the Vietnam Trade Office at the Hoz Mall supermarket chain in Al Koura district, Northern Lebanon, showed that Vietnamese products like frozen basa fillets, shrimp dumplings, and canned tuna are already available and Mr. Wassim El Hoz, Chairman of the supermarket expressed his willingness to expand a range of Vietnamese products offered to Lebanese consumers.

During discussions between the Vietnam Trade Office and UBSA Pharma Industries in Tripoli city of Lebanon the latter's General Director Zakaria El Sayed and CEO Omar El Sayed conveyed their interest in collaborating with Vietnamese pharmaceutical companies to import vitamins and minerals for local pharmaceutical production.

Despite the growing trade opportunities, Lebanese businesses raised concerns about challenges in working with Vietnamese exporters. Specifically, they pointed out language barriers, with some Vietnamese businesses lacking strong English proficiency, and the difficulty in finding reliable information about Vietnamese companies online. 

Additionally, Lebanese companies in the information technology and software services sectors expressed the need for more accessible information to evaluate the capabilities of Vietnamese IT firms and sought guidance on procedures for establishing companies in Vietnam.

-Vũ Khuê