Companies offered competitive salary packages tailored to different roles and industries.

Businesses in Hanoi provided over 4,000 job openings during an annual Job Festival on March 18, creating abundant opportunities for young workers entering the labor market.

The majority of participating companies operated in the trade and service sectors, with additional representation from other industries such as manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare.

Mr. Vu Quang Thanh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Employment Service Center, emphasized that the diverse range of industries at the event matched the job search needs of workers and students. This alignment, he noted, allows job seekers to find positions suited to their abilities, paving the way for stable, long-term career development after graduation.

Companies offered competitive salary packages tailored to different roles and industries. High-paying positions with salaries of over VND10 million ($392) per month were predominantly targeted at experienced professionals in areas like business, information technology, management, engineering, and supervisory roles. These positions often demanded specialized skills and the ability to handle high work pressures.

For stable roles such as accountants, office staff, receptionists, and skilled general laborers, monthly salaries ranged from VND7 million to VND10 million ($274-392). Meanwhile, entry-level positions—often requiring minimal skills—such as part-time jobs or roles for fresh graduates and general laborers offered salaries between VND5 million and VND7 million ($196-274).

Additionally, some companies allowed for salary negotiations during interviews, offering flexibility to meet the expectations of potential employees.

-Thu Hằng

A roundtable on foreign direct investment in Vietnam held on March 17 in London under the co-chair of Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair co-chaired a roundtable on foreign direct investment in Vietnam, held on March 17 in London, according to a report from the Government News.

The event, with the participation of top 20 British businesses, was held as part of the Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister's working visit to the UK.

It is a valuable opportunity for the Vietnamese Government to meet and listen to the opinions of FDI investors and enterprises in terms of potential, advantages, as well as opportunities and challenges for investing in Vietnam.

Speaking at the seminar, the former British Prime Minister expressed his strong impression on Vietnam’s remarkable economic growth despite global challenges and uncertainties, which have helped elevate the country's position in the global economy.

The strategy and goals for economic development set by Vietnam are scientifically grounded, highly practical, and highly feasible, noted Mr. Blair.

Given Vietnam's achievements in recent years and its new open strategy, many opportunities and prospects for cooperation will emerge for investors, especially foreign investors, he asserted, adding that Vietnam becomes increasingly attractive and appealing to foreign investors in the future.

Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, for his part, said, as an active member of ASEAN, Vietnam is contributing to regional stability and effectively leveraging the advantages of new-generation free trade agreements.

Moreover, the country remains proactive, flexible, and ready to innovate and improve its institutions and resources to seize opportunities from global capital flows, including those from the UK, the Vietnamese official said.

In the future, Vietnam focuses on attracting projects in such areas as high technology and innovation, financial technology and digital economy, as well as green economy and sustainable development.

The Vietnamese Government is committed to creating the most favorable business environment in line with international standards, constantly improving the legal framework, infrastructure, and workforce quality; and developing seamless supply chains while reducing logistics and transaction costs, and establishing a stable and transparent policy environment, the Standing Deputy Prime Minister noted.

The delegates expressed their desire and readiness to work with Vietnamese partners in green infrastructure. Several international financial institutions, such as Standard Chartered Bank, hailed the Vietnamese Government's commitment to energy transition, climate change mitigation, and pledged to support the promotion of sustainable finance in the country.

-Phạm Long

The expressway section, part of the Ninh Binh - Hai Phong expressway, has estimated investment capital of over VND4.18 trillion ($162 million).

The Management Board of Transport Project Investment and Construction of northern Ninh Binh province has issued a tender invitation for contractor selection to build an expressway section through the province.

The section is part of the projected expressway connecting Ninh Binh with northern Hai Phong port city.

The bidding package No.16 will build the whole expressway section, excluding works relating to lighting system and road traffic safety (RTS) management systems. Total investment capital is estimated at over VND4.18 trillion ($162 million).

The section is 25.3km long, including 12 bridges and three intersections.

The implementation of the package is expected to last for 20 months.

The bidding will be closed on March 28, at 3pm.

The section is part of the 109-km Ninh Binh - Hai Phong Expressway project, which was approved by the Prime Minister in September 2021. The expressway will run through Ninh Binh, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh provinces before reaching the port city of Hai Phong.

The expressway project has 17 bidding packages.

 

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

At a meeting of the Government's steering committee for the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Project 06, held on March 18, PM Pham Minh Chinh asked for allocating at least 3 per cent of the 2025 State budget for science and technology development.

Addressing the first meeting of the Government's steering committee for the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Project 06, held in Hanoi on March 18, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered speeding up administrative procedure reform with a view to fostering science and technology development in the upcoming time.

The meeting was held in in-person and virtual format, with the participation of Deputy Prime Ministers Ho Duc Phoc and Bui Thanh Son, and leaders of ministries, sectors, and all 63 provinces and centrally-run cities nationwide.

The PM was quoted by the Government News as urging the Ministry of Science and Technology and other relevant agencies to quickly remove institutional bottlenecks with a view to ensure that institutions serve as a driving force, a resource, and an inspiration for development.

The Government leader also asked for allocating at least 3 per cent of the 2025 State budget for science and technology development.

He emphasized the need to pour more investment in infrastructure while diversifying human resource training methods to meet development demands in the current context.

Earlier, on March 13, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a decision on establishing the Government's steering committee for the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Project 06.

The committee, headed by the PM, is tasked with studying and proposing the Government and the Prime Minister national strategies, policies, and solutions for developing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

The committee is in charge of overseeing the implementation of project No. 06 on developing the application of population data, identification, and e-authentication data, as well as administrative reform efforts.

It is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Government's action program to realize the Politburo's Resolution No.57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Under Resolution No. 57, by 2030, Vietnam targets to be among top three countries in Southeast Asia and top 50 countries in the world in terms of digital competitiveness and e-government development indices, among top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of artificial intelligence research and development, a development hub for several digital technology sectors and industries that Vietnam has advantages. There will be at least five digital technology enterprises on par with those of developed countries.

By 2050, the digital economy size will reach 50 per cent of the country's GDP, making Vietnam one of the top hubs for digital technology industry in the region and the world, among top 30 countries in the world in terms of innovation and digital transformation.

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While goods were once primarily sold through conventional outlets, businesses and households have embraced e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo.

The central province of Thanh Hoa has set ambitious targets for its One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program in the coming years.

The province aims to develop an additional 160 new OCOP products by 2025, including three meeting the 5-star standard, and at least 1,000 recognized OCOP products by 2027, of which 10 will meet 5-star ratings.

Since the program’s launch in 2019, Thanh Hoa has made significant progress, with 631 products officially recognized as meeting OCOP standards. These include 2 products rated 5-star, 59 rated 4-star, and 570 rated 3-star.

Beyond increasing the number of products, the province has prioritized enhancing their quality, enabling many of its agricultural products and handicrafts to carve out a stronger position in the market.

To further bolster OCOP products, local entities have shifted focus from traditional consumption channels to modern marketing methods. While goods were once primarily sold through conventional outlets, businesses and households have embraced e-commerce platforms like Shopee, Lazada, Tiki, and Sendo. They are also leveraging social networks such as Facebook and Zalo to broaden their reach.

Recognizing the transformative potential of digital tools, Thanh Hoa province has proactively organized training programs for businesses and cooperatives, equipping them with the skills to market and promote their products effectively on digital platforms.

Additionally, OCOP products are showcased at fairs and exhibitions, helping them access broader markets.

-Thiên Anh

Mr. Nils Öberg, Director General of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and High-Level Expert at the Swedish AI Commission, shares insights with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy into effective public governance practices and discusses Sweden’s successful implementation of digital transformation.

Having visited Vietnam many times over the years, what are the most significant changes you have observed in public governance and the administrative system, and how do these reflect the country’s broader development goals?

I grew up in Vietnam as a child and have returned about once every decade for the past 50 years, witnessing a tremendous transition. One of the most noticeable changes is the level of bureaucracy and how much more accessible information is today compared to the past. The country has already undergone significant digitalization, and as I understand it, its ambitions for further digital transformation are quite remarkable.

In your keynote address at the “Advancing Leadership in Public Administration: Innovation, Digitalization, and Effective Governance - Nordic Experiences and Policy Implications for Vietnam” seminar, on March 18, what key message do you hope to leave with participants about the path forward for Vietnam’s governance reforms?

Well, I’m not here to give advice but rather to share experience and insights. Having been part of Sweden’s digital transformation journey for a long time, I have seen the clear benefits that technological advancements bring. I will focus on efficiency, transparency, and the crucial role of accountability in public administration to build a society founded on trust and free from corruption. Transparency, in particular, is essential, as digitalized public administration enables better performance monitoring. This is key to fostering trust, especially between the public and private sectors, something vital for economic growth and business development. This has been a fundamental factor in Sweden’s progress.

Digital transformation is a recurring theme. In your view, how can Vietnam balance its ambitious digitalization goals with practical challenges, particularly in fostering inclusivity and trust in public services?

I believe education is key. It is crucial for Vietnam to continue investing in future generations, something the country has long prioritized. This has also been our experience in Sweden; education forms the foundation. With a strong educational system and widespread adoption of digital technology, innovation follows. Over the past 25 years, Sweden has undergone extensive digitalization, boasting the highest broadband penetration in Europe. This environment has fostered the growth of globally successful companies like Skype and Spotify. Sweden embraced digital education early on, encouraging people to adopt new technologies, which in turn drove innovation and economic growth.

From your experience working with Nordic models, what are the methods to foster a culture of innovation within public administration?

In one word: “trust”. Trust has been a fundamental pillar in all Nordic countries, characterized by the absence of widespread corruption and a strong belief from the private sector that the State operates fairly and prioritizes business interests. Much of Sweden’s success has stemmed from a close partnership between the public and private sectors. Many globally-recognized Swedish companies would not have thrived without active support from the State in areas such as investment and technological advancement.

This foundation of trust extends beyond government-business relations, it permeates society, fostering an environment where people feel secure enough to take risks. Knowing there is a reliable social safety net encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. This culture of trust, collaboration, and risk-taking has been instrumental in driving Sweden’s development.

Collaboration is at the heart of the Nordic spirit. How can the partnership between Sweden, other Nordic countries, and Vietnam be further leveraged to pioneer governance reforms and set an example for other countries?

I believe Sweden has valuable experience to share as Vietnam pursues its ambitious development goals for the next 10 to 15 years. We are more than happy to offer insights that may support Vietnam’s efforts. However, we also face significant challenges at our current stage of development, and I believe the experience Vietnam is gaining now will be highly relevant for us as we advance our own reforms.

This collaboration is very much a two-way exchange. While Sweden’s history may offer inspiration, we also have much to learn from Vietnam’s dynamic progress. Vietnam is undertaking some fascinating initiatives, and I see great potential for mutual learning and shared innovation.

Mr. Nils Öberg, Director General of the Swedish Social Insurance Agency and High-Level Expert at the Swedish AI Commission.

Compared to other countries in the region, Vietnam’s insurance participation rate remains low, at only some 2 per cent of GDP, while the Asian average is 4 per cent and the global average is 9 per cent. Consequently, protection from risks is still quite limited in the country. What policies and solutions should Vietnam adopt to enhance this protection in the new era?

It depends somewhat on the type of insurance, but overall, insurance plays a crucial role in fostering a society where people are willing to take risks. In Sweden, the public social security system, which includes pensions, healthcare, and parental benefits, is extensive. This State involvement has been instrumental in enabling individuals to focus on innovation and entrepreneurship without excessive financial insecurity.

Another key aspect is that public insurance helps free up capital. When the State takes responsibility for fundamental social protections, individuals are less likely to over-insure themselves in the private market. This, in turn, allows more capital to flow into consumption and investment, driving economic growth. A well-balanced system that combines both public and private insurance can provide individuals with security while encouraging them to take initiative, innovate, and contribute to a dynamic economy.

For Vietnam, policies that strengthen public social security while fostering a robust private insurance market could help create a more resilient and growth-oriented society. Educating the public on the benefits of insurance, offering incentives for participation, and ensuring transparency and trust in the system will also be essential in expanding coverage.

Digital transformation has brought many positive impacts on the development of various economic sectors. Vietnam’s insurance market is also actively undergoing digital transformation to make services more accessible to users. However, it still faces significant challenges related to technological infrastructure and customer habits. What have been the notable changes in Sweden’s insurance market due to digital transformation? What can Vietnam learn from that?

The insurance industry is fundamentally about risk assessment, and digital transformation has significantly changed how this process works. In Sweden, digitalization has allowed insurers to rethink their approach. Traditionally, every insurance claim was individually investigated to determine whether it met the terms of the policy before a payout was made. Today, with advanced data analytics and automation, private insurance companies rely more on customers’ historical data to streamline decision-making.

For example, if a customer reports damage to their car or home or files a lost item claim, and they have a history of making infrequent claims, perhaps once every ten years, the insurer often processes the payment without a lengthy investigation. This shift has made the system far more efficient, reducing administrative burdens and improving the customer experience. Insurers can now use digital tools to assess risks more accurately, making decisions faster and more cost-effectively.

For Vietnam, the key takeaway is that digital transformation in insurance is not just about offering online services, it’s about leveraging data to enhance efficiency, trust, and accessibility. Developing robust digital infrastructure, improving data collection and analysis, and gradually shifting customer habits toward digital interactions will be crucial steps in modernizing the insurance market. Investing in AI-driven risk assessment models and automation could help Vietnam’s insurers provide faster, more reliable services while maintaining financial sustainability.

Could you provide some insights into how Sweden’s social insurance system is managed?

Sweden’s social insurance system is managed by two main administrative bodies. I oversee approximately 50 different types of insurance and benefits, while a separate authority is responsible for managing the pension system. These two agencies handle the largest share of Sweden’s social insurance operations.

Each type of insurance follows its own management logic and is administered differently based on its specific purpose. Currently, we are undergoing a digital transformation, increasingly adopting approaches similar to those used by private insurance companies. This shift places greater emphasis on risk assessment in case management. By doing so, we achieve several benefits: improved efficiency, more accurate processing, and significantly enhanced service quality for the public. Digitalization allows cases to be handled much faster, ensuring that individuals receive the support they need without unnecessary delays.

What do you think about the potential for cooperation between Sweden and Vietnam in the insurance market in the near future?

I believe there are many opportunities for both countries to learn from each other. With a population ten times larger than Sweden’s, Vietnam has a vastly different demographic profile. These differences create valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange. Vietnam is in the process of developing a more modern insurance system, which presents an excellent foundation for collaboration and shared learning.

-Tú Anh - Phuong Hoa

For the first time, the event will feature the participation of representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

The Vietnam Mercantile Exchange (MXV) will hold a training program titled "Market Analysis Methods and Trading Idea Development" for business members and brokerage members in the commodity derivatives trading sector.

Under the program, training sessions will take place on March 19 in Hanoi and March 21 in Ho Chi Minh City.

For the first time, the event will feature the participation of representatives from the Indonesian Commodity Futures Trading Regulatory Agency, alongside three leading commodity exchanges in the ASEAN region: the Singapore Exchange (SGX), Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange, and the Asia Commodity Marketplace (ACM) of Indonesia. 

This training program holds particular significance for MXV and its members, as it coincides with Vietnam’s broader efforts to strengthen its comprehensive partnerships within the region. The initiative comes on the heels of Party General Secretary To Lam's recent visit to Indonesia, the ASEAN Secretariat, and Singapore.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Dung, Deputy General Director of MXV, said this year’s program aims to equip traders with essential tools to manage unexpected market fluctuations effectively.

"From risk management at both macro and micro levels, we hope that MXV members can identify and mitigate unfavorable fluctuations while optimizing profits," he said.

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The Directive highlights waste prevention as a critical resource for driving growth, complementing traditional economic drivers.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed Directive No. 08/CT-TTg on March 17, emphasizing the importance of waste prevention and control as a means to unlock resources and boost economic growth, according to the Government News.

The directive calls on ministries, central agencies, and localities to treat waste prevention and control as a shared responsibility across the entire political system. It requires active participation and collaboration from all ministries, sectors, and localities. Efforts must be clearly outlined in commitments and plans, with specific timelines and measurable targets, focusing on addressing the root causes of waste. These initiatives are to be implemented consistently and regularly.

The directive links the outcomes of waste prevention and control to Vietnam’s ambitious economic growth target of 8% or more in 2025 and double-digit growth during the 2026–2030 period. It highlights waste prevention as a critical resource for driving growth, complementing traditional economic drivers.

To establish a robust legal framework, the Prime Minister has tasked the Ministry of Finance with drafting the Law on Thrift and Anti-Waste. This draft law will be submitted to the National Assembly for review and approval during the 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly in October 2025. The law aims to provide a comprehensive basis for monitoring, inspecting, and addressing wasteful practices with strong deterrent measures. At the same time, it seeks to encourage innovation and accountability among officials who act in the public interest without self-serving motives.

Additionally, the directive calls for the urgent compilation of feedback from ministries and sectors to finalize the National Strategy on Waste Prevention and Control. This strategy is to be submitted to the Prime Minister for approval by March 2025.

-Phạm Long

The bridge has total investment capital of VND2.3 trillion ($89.5 million).

A closure joint has been installed into Hoang Gia bridge project in the northern port city of Hai Phong, marking an important milestone in connecting the city center with Vu Yen island.

The four-lane bridge, spanning Cam river, is 2.2km long and 21m wide.

Total investment capital is estimated at VND2.3 trillion ($89.5 million).

The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in August this year. 

Once fully operational, the bridge will help to shorten travelling time between the city center and Vu Yen island to five minutes.

 

 

-Đan Tiên

As part of the development plan through 2030, the airport’s capacity will be expanded to five million passengers annually.

The People's Committee of central Thanh Hoa province has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction to upgrade Tho Xuan Airport with a total investment of VND8.015 trillion (nearly $315 million).

The proposal outlines two component projects, with significant reliance on socialized capital (private investment) for key infrastructure development.

Component Project 1, under public-private partnership (PPP) model, involves investment capital estimated at VND4.2 trillion ($165 million). Key initiatives include constructing passenger terminal T2, expanding the aircraft apron to accommodate 16 positions, building a cargo terminal, and developing an internal transportation system and parking facilities. Additionally, a technical service and aviation commercial center will be established.

Component Project 2 will be funded by State budget, totaling VND3.815 trillion (nearly $150 million). This phase will focus on land clearance, the construction of a second runway, and the enhancement of the taxiway system.

Once implemented, the proposed upgrades are expected to shorten the operation and capital recovery period of the PPP project to around 35 years, thereby increasing its appeal to private investors.

Tho Xuan Airport, managed by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV), is a key dual-use (military and civil) airport in Vietnam’s North Central region. Since its transition to civil operation in 2013, passenger volume has grown substantially, surpassing the designed capacity of terminal T1, which accommodates 1.2 million passengers annually.

As part of the development plan through 2030, the airport’s capacity will be expanded to five million passengers annually.

-Thiên Anh

My Thuy intersection is one of important projects of the city, connecting with Cat Lai port - the biggest port in Vietnam in terms of cargo volume.

Construction of the third phase of My Thuy Intersection in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Duc city kicked off on March 14, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Board.

My Thuy intersection is one of important projects of the southern city. It is located in Thu Duc city, connecting with key routes, including Dong Van Cong, Nguyen Thi Dinh and Ring Road No.2 towards Cat Lai port – the biggest port in Vietnam in terms of cargo volume.

Total investment capital is estimated at over VND3.6 trillion ($140 million).’

The project is divided into three phases. Phases 1 and 2 were implemented from 2019 to 2021.

The third phase of the project includes the construction of an overpass on Ring Road 2 and Ky Ha Bridge 3.

The whole project is scheduled for completion in April, 2026.

 

-Thiên Ân

State budget funds will be allocated to a variety of activities designed to promote sustainable business practices.

The Ministry of Finance has issued Circular No. 09/2025/TT-BTC, providing detailed guidance on managing and utilizing State budget funds for implementing the "Program to Support Private Sector Enterprises in Sustainable Business during the 2022-2025 Period."

This program was promulgated under Decision No. 167/QD-TTg, signed by the Prime Minister on February 8, 2022. The circular, which specifies expenditure categories and funding levels for building a sustainable business support ecosystem, will take effect on April 20.

According to the circular, funds will be allocated to a variety of activities designed to promote sustainable business practices. These include the development of materials on sustainable business, such as toolkits for assessing sustainable business models, press publications, literary and artistic works, as well as television programs related to sustainability.

In addition, the program will support the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops in direct, online, or hybrid formats. These events aim to share information, experiences, and best practices on sustainable business models; provide training and guidance on related regulatory documents; and facilitate connections between sustainable businesses, credit institutions, investors, and organizations. They will also link businesses with experts and successful domestic and international models in the field.

The circular also emphasizes the importance of organizing training courses to enhance the knowledge and skills of those involved in supporting and managing sustainable business initiatives. Furthermore, the program aims to establish a network of consulting experts dedicated to assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting sustainable business practices.

-Hằng Anh

Backed by a five million Swiss Francs ($5.6 million) grant from the Swiss government, the program expected to help over 500,000 SMEs access up to $35 billion in financing.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Swiss Government have kicked off the second phase of its supply chain finance (SCF) program in Vietnam, aiming to improve access to working capital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Backed by a five million Swiss Francs ($5.6 million) grant from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland, the initiative will run until 2029. It is expected to help over 500,000 SMEs access up to $35 billion in financing.

The SCF program, launched in 2018, has helped improve regulations, enhance institutional readiness and stimulate market demand and awareness. Over the past five years, it facilitated $33 billion in financing for 500,000 SMEs in Vietnam.

In the second phase, the program will focus on strengthening regulations, improving lender capacity and increasing awareness of SCF solutions among businesses.

-Anh Nhi

Accelerating key investment projects is a vital solution to achieve the province's ambitious 8% economic growth target.

The central province of Quang Tri has proposed the Government allocate investment capital for expediting the Cam Lo - Lao Bao Expressway project and National Highway 15D.

These projects are pivotal to the locality's socio-economic development strategy.

According to the Provincial People's Committee, accelerating key investment projects is a vital solution to achieve the province's ambitious 8% economic growth target.

These key projects include Quang Tri Airport, My Thuy Port Area, the Coastal Road connecting the East-West Economic Corridor, the Eastern Bypass of Dong Ha City, and the National Highway 15D segment from My Thuy to the Western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road.

The People’s Committee emphasized that the rapid disbursement of public investment capital will create a ripple effect, encouraging private investments and fostering robust economic growth.

The Cam Lo - Lao Bao Expressway stands out as a cornerstone of this vision. Designed as a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the expressway features a scale of four lanes, a design speed of 100 km/h, and a total length of 56 km.

The estimated investment for the project is nearly VND13.94 trillion (nearly $546 million), with 68% of the funding coming from State capital, and the remaining 32% from private investors. The payback period through toll collection is projected to span nearly 21 years.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The system returning to normal operations  at 8am on March 17.

Vietnam’s electronic tax system has resumed full operations starting at 8am on March 17, after a temporary suspension for system upgrades and data restructuring, according to an announcement from the tax authority, as quoted by the Vietnam News Agency.

The suspension, which lasted from 5pm on March 12 until 8am on March 17, was necessary to enhance tax management and implement structural changes.

During this period, certain services such as electronic tax payment (eTax), eTax Mobile and tax applications for individuals were temporarily halted, while other functions remained accessible.

Foreign businesses operating in Vietnam can now fully access the e-portal for foreign suppliers, which remained operational but may have experienced minor delays in processing transactions during the upgrade.

Director of the Department of Taxation Mai Xuan Thanh instructed tax departments to ensure secure data migration and a smooth transition, allowing businesses and individuals to resume using the e-tax system without disruption.

-Phạm Long

Solutions aim to promote the digital economy, infrastructure development, and attract investment, with the expectation that businesses will collaborate and contribute to sustainable growth.

Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on implementing seven groups of solutions to boost its economy, aiming for double-digit growth in 2025.

The solutions includes promoting the digital economy, infrastructure development, and attracting investment, with the expectation that businesses will collaborate and contribute to sustainable growth.

First, decisively and synchronously implement Resolutions and Conclusions from the Party Central Committee,  the Politburo, the National Assembly, and the Government. This involves effectively utilizing  breakthrough mechanisms, policies, and regulations, which have been recently issued,  thus immediately liberating economic resources for development.

Second, continue prioritizing research to perfect institutions, mechanisms, policies, and legal regulations;  and streamline apparatus.

Third, mobilize and effectively utilize resources for development; accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital, using public investment to lead, activate, and attract all social resources; promote private investment, and attract FDI.

Fourth, form new growth drivers, attract large-scale, high-tech investment projects, invest in important infrastructure projects; and develop dynamic regions, urban areas, and growth nuclei of the locality.

Fifth, focus on rapidly developing high-value-added service industries, which are strengths of the City; expand export markets; promote consumption; and attract tourists.

Sixth, promote the development of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources.

Seventh, continue to build and perfect a digital government and streamline the state apparatus.

Under its Resolution No 25/NQ-CP, the Government assigned Ho Chi Minh City a growth target of 8.5%, but from the end of 2024, the city proactively researched and set a growth target of over 10%.

-Thanh Thủy

The 25.3-km section crossing Ninh Binh province is expected for completion in 2026, three years earlier than schedule.

Construction time of an expressway section through northern Ninh Binh province, connecting with the nearby port city of Hai Phong, will be cut by half, according to the latest plan approved by the provincial People’s Committee.

The implementation of the project is slated to last for from 2024 to 2026, three years earlier than the last schedule.

The 25.3-km section is designed to have four lanes with a maximum speed of 120 kph. Total investment capital is estimated at VND6.865 trillion ($267 million).

Construction is expected to start in April this year, according to the provincial authorities.

The section is part of the 109-km Ninh Binh - Hai Phong Expressway project, which was approved by the Prime Minister in September 2021.

The expressway will run through Ninh Binh, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh provinces before reaching the port city of Hai Phong.

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The Vietnamese agricultural technology startup raised $28 million, according to TNGlobal.

The largest funding deal in Southeast Asia in February was Techcoop, a Vietnamese agricultural technology startup from Thu Duc city in Ho Chi Minh City, raising $28 million, according to the latest report released by the TNGlobal.

It was followed by Finmo (Singapore) with $18.5 million, and fileAI (Singapore), $14 million.

The Southeast Asia (SEA) Monthly Funding Tracker for February 2025 indicates that funding activity slowed during the month. Total funding amounted to $92.9 million across 18 rounds, marking a decline of 86.56% compared with January 2025 and 69.03% from February 2024.

Regarding city-wise trends, Singapore took a strong lead, raising $55.7 million, followed by Thu Duc in Ho Chi Minh City, at $28 million.

 

 

-Hạ Chi

During the forum, overseas Vietnamese business leaders proposed actionable strategies, including the development of a unified tourism strategy for the three countries.

A trade and tourism connection forum convened in Thailand’s Udon Thani on March 15, bringing together representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

The forum attracted over 100 businesses spanning key industries such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing, food processing, technology and innovation, renewable energy, supporting industries, and electronic components. These sectors are expected to play a vital role in driving economic synergy between Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

Ms. Vu Chi Mai, Consul General of Vietnam in Fukuoka, Japan, highlighted the forum's significance: "Through this event, I see immense potential for Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese businesses to collaborate. Key areas of interest include tourism and travel services, agriculture and food processing, as well as digital transformation and e-commerce."

Adding to the dialogue, Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, Thailand, expressed optimism about regional cooperation: "I believe Fukuoka (Japan), Northeastern Thailand, and Central Vietnam can form a crucial economic triangle, fostering significant regional development."

During the forum, overseas Vietnamese business leaders proposed actionable strategies, including the development of a unified tourism strategy for the three countries. They also suggested establishing interconnected industrial zones in Udon Thani, aimed at advancing supporting industries, electronics, and food processing. Additionally, a plan to create a logistics hub was put forth to facilitate efficient regional trade.

Mr. Vu Hoang Duc, Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Cooperation Promotion Association, shared his enthusiasm: "I am committed to immediately promoting Vietnamese and Thai goods in Japan and transferring advanced food-processing technologies to enhance high-tech collaboration."

-Phạm Long

The committee is headed by the Prime Minister, with two deputy PMs and minister of construction serving as deputy heads.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 609/QD-TTg issued recently, a Steering Committee for key national railway projects, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, has been set up, according to a report from the Government News.

Deputy Prime Ministers Tran Hong Ha and Ho Duc Phoc, and Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh will serve as deputy heads of the steering committee.

The committee is in charge of supervising the following railway projects: North-South high-speed railway, Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway, Hanoi–Lang Son railway, and Mong Cai–Ha Long railways, as well as urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The committee shall advise the Prime Minister on major orientations and solutions to accelerate the progress of the aforesaid projects

The Ministry of Construction is the standing body of the committee.

-Phạm Long