Vietnam Secures Investment-Grade Rating Upgrade as World Bank Forecasts 7.4% Growth
Japanese credit rating agency Rating and Investment Information has upgraded Vietnam's foreign-currency issuer rating to investment grade, while the World Bank has raised its economic growth forecast to 7.4% for 2026. The developments reflect confidence in Vietnam's economic performance and export competitiveness.
Vietnam Shifts Foreign Investment Strategy Toward AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing
Vietnam's government has announced a new approach to attracting foreign investment, prioritising artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and advanced technology supply chains over traditional labour-intensive manufacturing. The policy aims to attract higher-value industries and strengthen the country's position in global technology markets.
Vietnam Proposes 0.2% Annual Tax on Vacant Land to Curb Property Speculation
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance is proposing an annual tax of 0.2% on vacant and unused land to discourage property speculation and encourage development. The measure is intended to address rising housing costs and reduce the amount of land held without productive use in major urban areas.
Vietnam Tightens Biometric Verification Rules to Combat AI-Driven Financial Fraud
The State Bank of Vietnam has strengthened biometric authentication requirements for electronic money transfers in response to increasingly sophisticated financial scams involving artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. The measures aim to improve transaction security as digital banking expands and retail securities accounts exceed 14 million.
Vietnam and Cambodia Target $20 Billion in Bilateral Trade Through Closer Industrial Cooperation
The prime ministers of Vietnam and Cambodia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and cross-border supply chains, with the goal of raising bilateral trade above $20 billion in the coming years. The agreement aims to strengthen economic connectivity between the neighbouring countries.
Hanoi Approves $4.9 Billion Investment Across 18 Infrastructure and Urban Development Projects
Hanoi's municipal government has authorised approximately $4.9 billion in investment across 18 major projects covering transport, urban development and industrial infrastructure. The programme is intended to improve connectivity and support economic expansion in Vietnam's capital region.
Ho Chi Minh City Advances Four Metro Extensions, Including Link to Long Thanh Airport
Transport authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are finalising feasibility studies for four major urban rail extensions, with construction targeted to begin by late 2026. The plans include a high-capacity connection to Long Thanh International Airport and aim to reduce congestion while supporting development around new transit corridors.
Vietnamese Energy Group T&T Signs $768 Million Deal for 495-Megawatt Wind Farm in Laos
Vietnam's T&T Group has signed an agreement to develop a $768 million wind power project in Laos with planned capacity of 495 megawatts. The facility is intended to supply renewable electricity to Vietnam's national grid before the end of the decade, strengthening cross-border energy cooperation.
Vietnam Expands Flood Protection Projects in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City
Authorities in Vietnam are advancing major flood-control investments, including a $336 million project in Can Tho and drainage improvements near Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The work aims to protect urban infrastructure and economic activity from increasingly severe flooding.
Ho Chi Minh City Launches Venture Capital Matching Initiative to Support AI Startups
Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to match private venture capital investment in local startups, with support from technology company VNG. Introduced at the Applied Artificial Intelligence Lab Demo Day, the initiative aims to expand funding opportunities and develop the city's domestic artificial intelligence industry.
Malaysia Recognises Five Vietnamese Halal Certification Bodies to Expand Food Exports
Malaysia has accredited five Vietnamese halal certification organisat
Vietnam Shifts Foreign Investment Strategy Toward AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing
Vietnam's government has announced a new approach to attracting foreign investment, prioritising artificial intelligence, semiconductor production and advanced technology supply chains over traditional labour-intensive manufacturing. The policy aims to attract higher-value industries and strengthen the country's position in global technology markets.
Vietnam Proposes 0.2% Annual Tax on Vacant Land to Curb Property Speculation
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance is proposing an annual tax of 0.2% on vacant and unused land to discourage property speculation and encourage development. The measure is intended to address rising housing costs and reduce the amount of land held without productive use in major urban areas.
Vietnam Tightens Biometric Verification Rules to Combat AI-Driven Financial Fraud
The State Bank of Vietnam has strengthened biometric authentication requirements for electronic money transfers in response to increasingly sophisticated financial scams involving artificial intelligence and deepfake technology. The measures aim to improve transaction security as digital banking expands and retail securities accounts exceed 14 million.
Vietnam and Cambodia Target $20 Billion in Bilateral Trade Through Closer Industrial Cooperation
The prime ministers of Vietnam and Cambodia have agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing and cross-border supply chains, with the goal of raising bilateral trade above $20 billion in the coming years. The agreement aims to strengthen economic connectivity between the neighbouring countries.
Hanoi Approves $4.9 Billion Investment Across 18 Infrastructure and Urban Development Projects
Hanoi's municipal government has authorised approximately $4.9 billion in investment across 18 major projects covering transport, urban development and industrial infrastructure. The programme is intended to improve connectivity and support economic expansion in Vietnam's capital region.
Ho Chi Minh City Advances Four Metro Extensions, Including Link to Long Thanh Airport
Transport authorities in Ho Chi Minh City are finalising feasibility studies for four major urban rail extensions, with construction targeted to begin by late 2026. The plans include a high-capacity connection to Long Thanh International Airport and aim to reduce congestion while supporting development around new transit corridors.
Vietnamese Energy Group T&T Signs $768 Million Deal for 495-Megawatt Wind Farm in Laos
Vietnam's T&T Group has signed an agreement to develop a $768 million wind power project in Laos with planned capacity of 495 megawatts. The facility is intended to supply renewable electricity to Vietnam's national grid before the end of the decade, strengthening cross-border energy cooperation.
Vietnam Expands Flood Protection Projects in Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City
Authorities in Vietnam are advancing major flood-control investments, including a $336 million project in Can Tho and drainage improvements near Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City. The work aims to protect urban infrastructure and economic activity from increasingly severe flooding.
Ho Chi Minh City Launches Venture Capital Matching Initiative to Support AI Startups
Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to match private venture capital investment in local startups, with support from technology company VNG. Introduced at the Applied Artificial Intelligence Lab Demo Day, the initiative aims to expand funding opportunities and develop the city's domestic artificial intelligence industry.
Malaysia Recognises Five Vietnamese Halal Certification Bodies to Expand Food Exports
Malaysia has accredited five Vietnamese halal certification organisat