A proposal for pilot program for fintech activities, including digital asset and cryptocurrency trading at financial centers will be submitted to the Prime Minister in March.

The Government News has quoted Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi as reporting that a pilot program for fintech activities, including digital asset and cryptocurrency trading at financial centers will be submitted to the Prime Minister in  this month.

According to the Deputy Minister,  the Ministry of Finance was tasked to report the Government about a draft resolution on pilot digital asset and cryptocurrency trading in March.

Vietnam currently lacks a clear definition of virtual currencies and digital assets. Existing regulations only address the concept of electronic money tied to fiat currencies, such as prepaid bank cards and e-wallets.

Data from CoinGecko indicates that the global cryptocurrency market value peaked at nearly $3.3 trillion on November 14, 2024.

The flows of digital assets into Vietnam in 2023 reached $120 billion, as reported by market analysis organization Chainalysis.

Vietnam ranks among the top three countries globally in cryptocurrency ownership with 21 per cent of its population, only after the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. 

Cryptocurrencies are not banned in Vietnam, but are not yet recognized as assets. The lack of a legal framework for these assets has led many businesses to register in Singapore or the U.S. before operating in Vietnam, which reduces the country's competitive advantage and results in tax revenue losses.

From a user perspective, the lack of transparency in this area increases transaction risks.

-Phạm Long

Some 37% of businesses in the southern city stated that they are experiencing difficulties in finding new orders.

One of the biggest problems facing businesses in Ho Chi Minh City is the lack of new orders, according to the latest report by the Ho Chi Minh City Business Association.

Specifically, 37% of businesses in the southern city stated that they are experiencing difficulties in finding new orders. Additionally, 38% of businesses reported an increase in input material prices, forcing them to contend with increasingly high production costs. This challenge is further compounded by 50% of businesses believing that consumer demand is sharply declining, directly affecting their revenue and profits.

Furthermore, 39% of businesses indicated that they are lacking working capital, while 20.7% are experiencing difficulties in recruiting labor. These factors are making the business situation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), more challenging than ever.

Despite these difficulties, 69.5% of businesses reported an increase in sales revenue, though a significant 30.4% reported a decrease. High input costs (raw materials, labor, etc.) have caused 39% of businesses to face declining profits, affecting entrepreneurs' confidence in business prospects.

Nevertheless, the survey also recorded some positive signs. Some businesses are still maintaining and increasing investment, with 33.7% of surveyed businesses stating that they will increase recruitment in the near future, a positive sign for the economy.

In terms of confidence, 63% of the businesses rate the current business environment as positive, and 85.7% believe that the business situation will improve in the future.

-Thi Nguyễn

The Hanoi Stock Exchange successfully organised 16 bond auctions last month.

The Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) successfully organised 16 Government bond auctions in February, raising VND29.129 trillion ($1.13 billion) for the State Treasury.

The figure brings the total value of Government bond issuances through HNX auctions in the first two months of the year to VND45.11 trillion ($1.75 billion), fulfilling 41% of the first-quarter target and 9% of the annual plan for 2025.

In February, the auctions offered 10-year, 15-year, and 30-year terms. The 10-year bonds saw the highest share of the total issuance at 96%, or approximately over VND27.96 trillion ($1.08 billion).

The interest rates for Government bonds at the end of February were 2.97%, 3.00%, and 3.28% for the 10-year, 15-year, and 30-year bonds, respectively, showing a slight increase of 0.03-0.14% per annum compared to the end of January.

 

-Hà Anh

Some of the banks reducing the rate by up to 0.7 percentage point.

More than 12 banks have cut deposit interest rates in response to the Prime Minister’s direction to lower rates to help achieve the Government’s 8% growth target in 2025, according to State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Deputy Governor Dao Minh Tu.

Some of the banks have reduced the rate by up to 0.7 percentage point, he said at the regular Government meeting held in Hanoi on February 5.

Earlier, on February 24, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a Dispatch, requiring the SBV to enhance measures to reduce interest rates.

Mr. Tu said the central bank will continue tighten supervision over interest rate to ensure the proactiveness of commercial banks and support businesses.

Last year, the average loan interest rate dropped 1.1% compared to the end of 2023.

The SBV has recently asked credit institutions to strictly observe directions of the Government, the Prime Minister and the central bank to take measures to stabilize the deposit interest rate, contributing to stabilizing the financial market, he said.

 

-Tùng Thư

China, Japan and the US remaining the largest importers of Vietnamese seafood.

Vietnam’s seafood export revenue in the first two months of the year reached over $1.42 billion, marking a year-on-year increase of 18.2%, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

Shrimp exports contributed the largest value with more than $542.3 million, up 30.8% year-on-year.

Exports of tra fish earned over $253.2 million in the two-month period, down 0.8% year-on-year. However, export revenue in February reached $120 million, skyrocketing 32.8% compared to the same period last year, signaling a short-term recovery.

Meanwhile, tuna export value in February is estimated at nearly $60 million, soaring 15.9% year-on-year, bringing the total export turnover in the first two months to more than $126.4 million.

China, Japan and the US remain the largest importers of Vietnamese aquatic products during the two-month period, accounting for 23.3%, 15.5% and 13.8% of the total..

 

 

-Chương Phượng

Vietnam recording positive socio-economic growth in the first two months.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested for measures to achieve the 2025 growth target of 8% or higher, while chairing the regular Government meeting held in Hanoi on March 5.

The meeting focused on evaluating socio-economic performance in February and the first two months of this year, and discussing national target programs, public investment disbursement, the implementation of Government’s Resolution No. 25 on growth targets for sectors, fields and localities to ensure the national growth target of 8% or higher in 2025; and other matters, including  rice production and export. 

PM Chinh emphasized the need to take into consideration some key issues in direction and management tasks, including rice market, monetary policy, fiscal policy, interest rate management, and taxes and fees to support businesses.

The Ministry of Finance reported that the country has gained positive socio-economic growth in the first two months of the year. The consumer price index (CPI) increased 3.27% compared to the same period last year. The export-import turnover surged 12%, with a trade surplus of $1.47 billion. Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow reached over $6.9 billion, up 35.5% year-on-year, while FDI disbursement hit nearly $3 billion USD, rising 5.4%. Industrial production has seen strong growth, with the index of industrial production (IIP) jumped 16.7% in February and 7% in the two-month period.

-Tiến Dũng

This event marks the return of Vietnam’s largest and longest-running maritime exhibition.

The 10th international exhibition on shipbuilding and offshore technology - VietShip 2025 officially opened  in Hanoi on March 5.

Organized by the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC) in collaboration with the Vietnam Shipbuilding Engineering Joint Stock Company (VISEC), the event runs from March 5 to 8, bringing together key players from the shipbuilding and offshore industries.

This year’s exhibition welcomes over 100 exhibitors with nearly 200 booths, covering a broad range of sectors, including maritime transportation, logistics, and maritime media. Key industry segments such as shipbuilding and repair equipment, materials and technology, offshore oil and gas exploration, and offshore wind power are prominently featured.

Notably, VietShip 2025 is expected to witness the signing of several important cooperation agreements and contracts, with a total estimated value of approximately $60 million. This reflects not only the vibrancy of the market but also the strong confidence investors have in Vietnam’s shipbuilding sector as it enters a new era of development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Xuan Sang emphasized that VietShip 2025 represents a significant milestone, reaffirming the exhibition’s prestige in the maritime and shipbuilding industries.

He highlighted that the National Assembly’s GDP growth target of 8 per cent for 2025 requires contributions from all economic sectors, including shipbuilding. Moreover, as Vietnam advances its commitments under COP26, the exhibition serves as a vital platform for accelerating industry growth while promoting sustainability.

One of the significant highlight of VietShip 2025 is the opening of Norwegian Pavilion, showcasing cutting-edge innovations and sustainable maritime solutions from Norway’s leading companies. Seven top Norwegian firms are presenting their latest advancements in green maritime technology, opening new avenues for collaboration between Norway and Vietnam in this critical sector.

At the opening ceremony of Norwegian Pavilion in VietShip2025, Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken emphasized that as ocean nations, oceans indeed connect Norway and Vietnam, and also bilateral trades between the two countries. Vietnam and Norway are both members of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and green maritime will soon open up opportunities for both countries and companies to work together and thus create jobs for local communities along our coasts.

Norwegian Ambassador to Vietnam Hilde Solbakken (5th from left) and Mrs. Karin Greve-Isdahl (4th from right), Norwegian Commercial Counsellor and Country Manager for Innovation Norway in Vietnam at the Norwegian Pavilion.

“Navigating a green voyage is our mutual interest and we look forward to new partnerships established between Norwegian and Vietnamese companies,” the Ambassordor added.

Along with that, Mrs. Karin Greve-Isdahl, Norwegian Commercial Counsellor and Country Manager for Innovation Norway in Vietnam, also highlighted that the Norwegian maritime cluster is among the most comprehensive in the world, encompassing shipowners, brokers, insurance and financial services, shipyards, maritime education, and research. Therefore, cooperation with Vietnam in this sector holds great potential.

“Together, the Norwegian companies at VietShip 2025 will tell a story of how each of them contributes to the industry’s success by leveraging its maritime expertise, setting ambitious emission reduction targets, leading the zero and low-emission vessel construction, fostering a comprehensive green maritime ecosystem, and engaging in international collaboration,” Mrs. Karin added.

Sharing with VET about the cooperation potential to explore in this sector in Vietnam, Mr. Asle Lohne, Senior Sales Manager at Bergen Engines Norway, expressed his optimism about the potential of the Vietnamese market, especially at a time when numerous resolutions on green energy and environmental protection are being actively discussed.

 “We already have engines installed in several vessels operating in Vietnamese waters, currently running on diesel. If new regulations emerge, these engines can be upgraded to use alternative fuels like methanol or biodiesel, significantly reducing emissions,” Mr. Lohne shared.

While this presents an opportunity, it also poses a challenge for Mr. Asle Lohne’s company, as the transition would depend on the specific operational requirements. In which, he noted that the current regulations in Vietnam are not as strict as those in Europe. As a result, the company is focusing its development efforts on meeting the European standards first.

“Once the same level of regulations is implemented in Vietnam, we will already have the necessary solutions available, having conducted extensive testing and gained substantial experience. This approach will likely result in cost savings for ship owners in Vietnam in the coming years.” he added.

-Minh Anh

The project to provide 1,104 social housing units.

Construction of an apartment complex, which includes 1,104 social housing units, kicked off in Hanoi’s Dong Anh district on March 3.

It is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2026, and will meet the housing requirements for over 3,900 people.

The CT3 complex is part of the Thang Long Green City social housing project at Kim Chung Urban Area.

The project spans nearly 3.7 ha, comprising three high-rise buildings in the CT3 complex and an additional building in CT4, totaling 1,588 units. Total investment capital is estimated at VND1.6 trillion ($62.2 million).

The project is invested by the Hanoi Housing Development and Investment Corporation (Handico) and Viglacera Corporation.

-Phan Dương

FDI attraction has become a key focus around Vietnam, not just in strong investment destinations but also in other localities seeking to grow their share.

The year 2025 is pivotal for Vietnam as it enters into the final year of its socio-economic development plan for 2021-2025. More than just a milestone, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for FDI, setting the stage for a new wave of capital inflows.

Right from the outset of the year, Vietnam’s investment landscape delivered a striking performance. Total registered FDI surged to $4.33 billion in January, increasing 48.6 per cent year-on-year. This remarkable growth not only signals a robust start to 2025 but also reaffirms Vietnam’s standing as an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.

Beyond the numbers, a deeper shift is underway. The government is driving FDI attraction towards sustainability and high-value investments, while cities and provinces nationwide have bold ambitions to ride the wave of production shifts. The focus is clear: high-tech industries, green growth, and long-term sustainable development. With such strong momentum from the opening months, 2025 is not just a year of progress - it is a launch-pad for Vietnam’s next great leap forward on the global investment stage.

Ambitious targets

As one of Vietnam’s leading industrial hubs and home to major investors such as LEGO, Pandora, and Polytex Far Eastern, southern Binh Duong province has set an ambitious goal of attracting over $3 billion in FDI this year, with a disbursement rate exceeding 70 per cent, or approximately $2.1 billion. The province is prioritizing high-quality FDI projects with advanced technology. Compared to the $1.9 billion in FDI it secured in 2024, Binh Duong’s 2025 target represents a 57.9 per cent increase, underscoring its major ambition to make a breakthrough in investment attraction.

This $3 billion FDI target is seen as achievable, as by early February the Binh Duong Provincial People’s Committee had already granted investment approval and issued investment licenses to seven FDI projects with a total value of nearly $1 billion. This solid start lays the groundwork for the province to realize its full-year ambitions. Moreover, Binh Duong has consistently ranked among Vietnam’s leading provinces in FDI attraction. As of the end of January 2025, it ranked third nationwide, with total registered FDI of $42.56 billion in 4,427 valid projects, accounting for 10.47 per cent of projects in Vietnam and 8.4 per cent of total registered FDI.

Similarly, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Planning and Investment has estimated that the southern metropolis needs to attract approximately $1.76 billion this year to achieve its goal of 10 per cent GDP growth. It remains Vietnam’s top FDI destination, with total registered capital reaching $58.96 billion in 13,727 valid projects. This achievement not only reaffirms the city’s appeal among international investors but also signals strong momentum for continued FDI inflows in 2025, supporting its ambitious growth targets.

Following the lead of Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi has also set bold FDI targets for 2025. With a vision of sustainable economic growth, the capital aims to attract around $2.7 billion in FDI, up from $2.16 billion in 2024. To date, its total registered FDI has surpassed $43.07 billion in 7,589 active projects, representing 17.9 per cent of all projects and 8.5 per cent of all registered FDI nationwide. This positions Hanoi as Vietnam’s second-largest recipient of foreign investment.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh, a key economic hub in northern Vietnam, has not set an annual FDI target, like elsewhere, but has instead outlined a remarkable goal: attracting $2.5 billion in FDI within the first quarter of 2025. This ambitious short-term target reflects its determination to maintain its status as a prime destination for foreign investment.

Beyond these major cities and provinces, several other localities are also setting clear FDI goals, focusing not only on urban centers but also on industrial parks. For instance, the Hai Duong Industrial Zones Management Board in the northern region has targeted at least $1 billion in FDI this year. These proactive investment strategies not only drive local economic growth but also paint a dynamic picture of Vietnam’s FDI landscape in 2025, highlighting the country’s strong appeal on the global investment map.

Enhancing the investment environment

The government issued Resolution No. 25/NQ-CP on February 5, aiming for 18 of Vietnam’s 63 cities and provinces to achieve double-digit gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth in 2025. To reach this goal, FDI inflows will play a pivotal role, not only driving economic expansion but also enhancing competitiveness, accelerating economic transformation, and laying the foundation for sustainable development in localities.

To achieve the best possible growth outcome, most cities and provinces are prioritizing the attraction of large-scale manufacturing and processing projects, high-tech applications, smart production, and green energy. In particular, with high added value and deep integration into global supply chains, the semiconductor industry is emerging as a top priority.

At the same time, localities have proactively introduced comprehensive solutions to meet the demands of foreign investors. Key strategies include strengthening transport infrastructure investment, prioritizing high-tech industries and clean, renewable energy, and continuously reforming administrative procedures to create a more favorable business environment and offer support to enterprises.

According to Mr. Vo Van Minh, Deputy Secretary of the Binh Duong Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, the province is implementing a series of regional transport infrastructure projects, modernizing industrial parks, and designing strategic development spaces to attract high-quality investments. In parallel, it is also accelerating digital transformation, promoting the green economy and the circular economy, and striving for sustainable development.

Hanoi is also making ongoing efforts to improve the investment environment while also focusing on training a highly-skilled workforce to meet the technological requirements of FDI enterprises. As one of the country’s key economic hubs, FDI inflows continue to play a crucial role in the capital’s sustainable development.

To strengthen its competitiveness amid shifting FDI flows into Southeast Asia, Hanoi is prioritizing bold reforms and enhancing the quality of its investment and business environment. The city is also expediting the planning and development of new industrial clusters and upgrading modern infrastructure to meet investors’ practical needs.

Meanwhile, Mr. Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, has said the city is actively implementing its “Project to Improve FDI Attraction Efficiency for 2023-2025”, with a focus on high-tech industries, support industries, and the development of an international financial center. “Notably, the construction of the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Center is regarded as a top priority, not only expanding capital mobilization channels but also attracting substantial investment flows to support economic growth,” Mr. Mai emphasized.

-Phương Hoa

The initiative aims to align with Hanoi's broader socio-economic growth objectives, ensuring the high-tech park meets both regional and national priorities.

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the outline of a transformative project to develop the Hoa Lac High-Tech Park by 2030, with a vision to 2045.  The plan positions the high-tech park as a hub for high-tech research and innovation, ultimately shaping it into a Science and Technology City.

The People’s Committee emphasized that the project outline serves as a foundational scientific framework for the Hanoi Party Committee in establishing strategic policies and directions for the park's sustainable development. This initiative aims to align with Hanoi's broader socio-economic growth objectives, ensuring the high-tech park meets both regional and national priorities.

Based on an assessment of the potential, current status, and development trends of the high-tech park, the project will propose specific directions and solutions to develop the park into a high-tech research and application center, a Science and Technology City.

The Hoa Lac High-Tech Park includes the following functional areas: a software area (55.93 ha); a research and development (RD) area (263.15 ha); an education and training area (123.53 ha); a high-tech industrial area (391.01 ha); and transportation and technical infrastructure hub projects (220.55 ha); among others.

-Hoàng Bách

The conversation delved into the development model for Da Nang's Regional Financial Center, emphasizing its strategic advantages, key focus areas, and supportive policies

Central Da Nang city hosted the Da Nang Investment Forum 2025 in Singapore on March 3 to highlight its potential and investment opportunities in transformative projects, including the Regional Financial Center, the Free Trade Zone, and the Lien Chieu International Seaport, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The event also served as a platform for gathering insights and recommendations from investors and businesses to ensure the successful realization of these ambitious initiatives.

In his address, Mr. Nguyen Van Quang, Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee, told attendees that by 2030, with a vision towards 2045, Da Nang will become a green, smart city—a hub for science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation, not only for Vietnam but for the Asian region.

The proposed development models, such as the Regional Financial Center, the Free Trade Zone, and the Lien Chieu Seaport, are envisioned as key drivers of growth. These initiatives aim to position Vietnam's central city as a major center for international trade, services, and technology, fostering socio-economic development across the Central Highlands region and Vietnam as a whole. Furthermore, Da Nang aspires to become a vital link connecting the East-West Economic Corridor, the Asia-Pacific region, and the global economy.

During the forum's discussion session, Dr. Chua Hak Bin, an economist and Macro Research Regional Co-Head at Maybank, joined Mr. Quang in an engaging dialogue with businesses and investors.

The conversation delved into the development model for Da Nang's Regional Financial Center, emphasizing its strategic advantages, key focus areas, and supportive policies. Topics included capital control and exchange rate mechanisms, dispute resolution frameworks, tax incentives, and more.

The Regional Financial Center is set to prioritize international finance, including trade and green finance, alongside innovation in financial technology. Plans also include establishing a commodity exchange for agricultural products, minerals, and metals, as well as providing investment support services and fostering enterprise development.

-Phạm Long

Priority will be given to attracting investment in areas such as the design, packaging, and testing of semiconductor products; sensors; IoT devices with MEMS technology.

The People's Committee of southern Dong Nai Province has issued a plan for development of its semiconductor industry under a strategy until 2030, with a vision to 2050.

The plan sets the overall goal of developing the semiconductor industry in Dong Nai, with the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park as the core.

The park will be capable of participating in high value-added stages in the value chain of Vietnam's microchip semiconductor industry.

The vision to 2050 is for Dong Nai to have a self-sufficient semiconductor industry ecosystem, with the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park becoming a center for training, research, and development of the province's semiconductor industry.

To achieve this, the locality has determined to selectively attract investment into the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park, high-tech zone, innovation zone, and other industrial parks in the area for the semiconductor industry. Priority will be given to attracting investment in areas such as the design, packaging, and testing of semiconductor products; sensors; IoT devices with MEMS technology; and especially businesses in the field of fabless semiconductor design, MEMS specialized chip production, and IoT chips.

The plan outlines five groups of tasks and solutions to develop the semiconductor industry in the province. These include completing mechanisms and policies, attracting investment, developing infrastructure and the semiconductor industry ecosystem, and fostering human resource development.

According to the provincial plan for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, Dong Nai Province will have 48 industrial parks, one high-tech zone, one information technology park, and one innovation zone.

-Xuân Nghi

The report is based on a survey of over 3,400 candidates and 500 businesses from the US, China, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Most businesses have planned to ramp up recruitment from the beginning of 2025. This positive trend in the labor market demonstrates the determination to achieve the minimum economic growth target of 8%.

According to the "Salary and Labor Market 2025" report recently released by Navigos Group, a comprehensive picture of job trends and labor recruitment has been clearly outlined. The report is based on a survey of over 3,400 candidates and 500 businesses from the US, China, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Among the surveyed businesses, Vietnamese enterprises accounted for the largest proportion at 67.09%, followed by Japanese enterprises (9.95%), South Korean (5.06%), and European countries (4.88%).

In Vietnam, the majority of surveyed businesses operate in the two major economic centers, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as in localities with relatively high growth momentum.

Businesses with fewer than 100 employees accounted for the largest proportion of the surveyed sample at 43.48%, while businesses with 100 to 500 employees made up 35.69%. The remaining 20.83% were businesses with 500 – 3,000 employees.

"This demonstrates the stability of the business structure in Vietnam, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continuing to play a key role in the economy. At the same time, it shows that the Vietnamese economy is very diverse with the presence of both large enterprises alongside SMEs, reflecting a rich business ecosystem," the report noted.

Survey results from businesses and workers across various key industries show that most businesses plan to recruit more employees in 2025. Specifically, 81.21% of businesses plan to increase personnel, with 37.36% recruiting less than 10%, 29.81% recruiting an additional 10%-20%, 10.75% recruiting an additional 20%-40%, and 3.4% recruiting more than 40%.

These figures reflect a positive trend in the business sector, with the majority of businesses planning to expand their operations in 2025. Increased employment leads to higher incomes, which boosts consumer spending and stimulates domestic demand, thereby contributing to economic growth.

-Dũng Hiếu

US, China, Japan and South Korea remaining major importers.

Businesses in southern Dong Nai province earned $4.14 billion from exports in the first two months of the year, increasing 19.5% year-on-year, according to the provincial Statistics Office.

In February alone, their export revenue reached over $2.1 billion, a 1.5-fold rise compared to the same period last year.

Key export products include footwear, wood products, garments and textiles, computers and electronic products, coffee, steel products, rubber and pepper.

Major export markets consist of the US, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Dong Nai is one among the top 10 localities of Vietnam in terms of export revenue.

The province was assigned by the Government to gain a growth of 10% this year.

-Xuân Nghi

For 2025, export turnover is projected to reach approximately $454 billion, while imports are forecasted at $424 billion.

Achieving the goal of a 12-14% increase in total export turnover will demand concerted efforts from management agencies and the adaptability and resilience of the business community, according to an official.

Speaking at the trade promotion meeting with Vietnamese trade offices abroad on March 4, Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department, highlighted that Government Resolution No 25/NQ-CP, issued on February 5, 2025 sets a national economic growth target of 8% or higher for 2025, requiring robust contributions from industries, sectors, and localities. For 2025, the merchandise export growth target has been set at over 12%, with an anticipated merchandise trade surplus of $30 billion. Specifically, export turnover is projected to reach approximately $454 billion, while imports are forecasted at $424 billion. This translates into an average monthly export turnover of around $37.8 billion.

From a State management perspective, Mr. Son underscored the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in providing timely market information to industry associations. This will help businesses adjust their production strategies and seek new orders across diverse markets.

He emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging MoIT units to collaborate on forecasting and policy development. This includes preparing for potential global trade conflicts by creating scenario analyses and proposing timely policy responses.

Mr. Son also highlighted the importance of diversifying export markets. He encouraged the expansion into emerging markets, including the Middle East, particularly with Halal-certified products, alongside strengthening presence in key traditional markets. He advocated for the full utilization of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) while accelerating negotiations for new and upgraded ones.

Additionally, integrating international trade commitments into domestic laws must be expedited. Continued training on these commitments—particularly on rules of origin—was also deemed essential to enable businesses to better understand and leverage trade benefits.

Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, , echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of anticipating market trends, building flexible response strategies, and enhancing competitiveness. These steps are vital for businesses to navigate global economic fluctuations, expand into new markets, and improve operational efficiency.

-Vũ Khuê

Established in 1998, the trade zone is one of the eight key border economic zones in the country.

Quang Tri province will submit the adjusted plan for the Lao Bao Special Economic-Trade Zone to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal and then to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval in the first quarter of 2025, expecting to complete the plan within the year.

The adjusted plan covers an area of 15,804 ha, covering two towns and five communes in the central province's Huong Hoa district, which borders Laos. 

Established in 1998, the trade zone is one of the eight key border economic zones in the country. The Prime Minister has agreed to prioritize investment and development from the state budget for the zone during the 2021-2025 period.

This comprehensive economic model functions as an industrial park, export processing zone, border economic zone, and a "special non-tariff zone," where pilot mechanisms and policies with the highest level of incentives according to current Vietnamese law and international treaties that Vietnam has signed or acceded to will be applied. To date, the zone has attracted approximately VND3.7 trillion ($144.5 million) from businesses to invest in around 60 production and business projects.

According to provincial leaders, the adjustment of the Lao Bao Special Economic-Trade Zone plan to 2045 is a pressing task aimed at socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and aligning with the planning of the North Central and Central Coast region, as well as the province's development planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Additionally, the goal is to build this area into a dynamic and sustainable economic growth pole for the province, in line with Vietnam's border economic development strategy. This is particularly crucial in the era of international economic integration, with an aim towards forming a joint cross-border Lao Bao (Quang Tri, Vietnam) - Densavan (Savannakhet, Laos) Economic-Trade Zone.

-Nguyễn Thuấn - Thiên Anh

Party General Secretary To Lam asked for measures to tackle obstacles that hinder the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation:

Party General Secretary To Lam has requested relevant ministries and agencies to develop AI and build preferential tariff for the chip and semiconductor production as well as support research and development activities.

Chairing a meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Hanoi on March 4, the Party chief, who is also Head of the Committee, directed measures to further boost the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, focusing on building digital infrastructure and national database on business and land, developing high-tech zones, and establishing scientific and technological transaction floors.

He also asked for continuous efforts to attract more FDI projects, particularly those in the field of high technology; tackle obstacles that hinder the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; and adjust the State budget estimate for 2025 to allocate at least 3% of the State budget expenditure for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He proposed the Government to build and complete digital infrastructure and soon put the national data center into operation.

 

-Tiến Dũng

The central city has taken the lead in establishing policies to foster an innovative start-up ecosystem.

Central Da Nang city has invested around VND140 billion ($5.4 million) in more than 100 science and technology projects since 2021, according to the city’s Department of Science and Technology.

Of the total, VND107 billion ($4.15 million) came from the city's science and technology budget, VND11 billion ($427,500) from central funding and VND22 billion ($855,000) from other sources.

The city has actively built a favorable legal corridor to accelerate innovation and startup. In the 2021-2024 period, the city issued 59 policies and regulatory frameworks to promote science, technology and innovation. These include support for enterprises in technology innovation and start-up incubation, intellectual property development, incentives for creative labor and standards and measurement regulations to enhance product quality and productivity.

In recent years, Da Nang has taken the lead in establishing policies to foster an innovative start-up ecosystem.

 

-Bạch Dương

Its four weekly services from Dubai via Bangkok to the central city of Da Nang will be conducted.

The Government News on March 4 quoted Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, as announcing that it will conduct four weekly services from Dubai via Bangkok to the central city of Da Nang from June 2.

Emirates' four weekly services to Da Nang make the central city the airline's third gateway into Vietnam, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Flights to Da Nang will operate with the Emirates’ Boeing 777 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The carefully timed flight schedule of the new linked service will provide travelers with convenient, optimized connections, and streamlined access to major European cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, and Rome, as well as major U.S. cities.

Emirates flight EK370 will depart from Dubai at 9.00 (Dubai time) and arrives in Bangkok at 18.25 (local time). The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 20.10 (local time) and arrives in Da Nang at 21.50 (local time).

The return flight EK371 will depart from Da Nang at 23.30 and arrives in Bangkok at 1.10 the next day. The flight will then take off at 3.40, arriving in Dubai at 6.50. All times are local.

Lodging facilities in the central coastal city of Da Nang are set to serve 11.9 million tourists, including 4.8 million foreigners, in 2025, annual increases of 10 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively.

As a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam, Da Nang plans to maintain its signature events in 2025 such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, Da Nang Asian Film Festival, a food tour, a New Year celebration, and a beach tourism program.

The 16th fireworks festival, scheduled to run from May 31-July 12, will light up the sky in six nights and feature 10 teams for the first time.

Last year, Da Nang welcomed approximately 10.9 million visitors.

The central economic hub has a total of 90 kilometers of coastline and dozens of beaches, including stunning My Khe. Meanwhile, the city's Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain) district is renowned as a center for stone sculpture art, with Non Nuoc craft village standing at the foot of the Marble Mountain.

-Phạm Long

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holding a dialogue with businesses from ASEAN in Hanoi.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a dialogue in Hanoi on March 4 with businesses from ASEAN member countries that are operating in Vietnam.

PM Chinh proposed the businesses to expand investment, production and trade in Vietnam; promote technology transfer; and support human resources training, and improvement of governance capacity.

He highlighted Vietnam’s improved business environment and upgraded global rankings in 2024, positioning the country as a strategic production hub.

Vietnam is focusing on three breakthroughs - institutional reform, infrastructure, and human resources development, to support sustainable business operations, he said.

ASEAN businesses committed to work with Vietnam to achieve at least 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit expansion in the following years. They plan to boost investment in key sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, AI, aviation, energy, e-commerce, agriculture, finance and logistics.

Vietnam’s total trade with ASEAN countries reached $83.6 billion in 2024. ASEAN is now Vietnam’s 4th largest export market and 3rd biggest import market.

 

-Tiến Dũng