VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Government's new action plan for combatting money laundering and terrorism financing adopted

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The plan aims to remove Viet Nam from the list of countries subject to increased monitoring issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.1139/QD-TTg, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang on June 26, the Government's new action plan for combatting money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) has been adopted.

The plan constitutes part of Vietnam's efforts to implement its international commitments to prevent and combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing, the Government News remarked

The plan aims to remove Vietnam from the list of countries subject to increased monitoring issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) – a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog.

Under the plan, the Government required ministries and central agencies to develop, issue, and effecively carry out their action plans to reduce risks of money laundering for 2023-2028 period.

Ministries and central agencies are requested to develop and implement supervision mechanisms for the deployment of their action plans; enhance cooperation with foreign partners.

Since June 2023, when Vietnam made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and APG to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime, the country has taken some steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime.

FATF suggested Vietnam should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies, including increasing risk understanding; enhancing international co-operation; implementing effective risk-based supervision for FIs and DNFBPs, taking action to regulate virtual assets and virtual asset service providers.

Vietnam should conduct outreach activities with the private sector, establish a regime that provides competent authorities with adequate, accurate and up-to-date information on beneficial ownership.

VGP-Khanh Van

For a more balanced and sustainable rental housing market

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), and Director of the Vietnam Institute for Real Estate Research (VARS IRE), tells Huyen Ngan about the need to build a more balanced and sustainable rental housing market.

Many observers argue that Vietnam’s real estate market has grown rapidly but lacks stability. How do you view this assessment?

The rapid growth of Vietnam’s real estate market over the past several years has contributed significantly to economic expansion, infrastructure investment, urban development, and the growth of related industries. However, behind this strong performance lies a major structural imbalance: supply is heavily concentrated in the high-end segment, while housing that is affordable for the majority of the population remains scarce.

Vietnam has developed a robust market for homes for sale but has yet to establish a professional, long-term rental housing system with clear State guidance. Today’s rental market remains largely fragmented, small-scale, and unplanned, often failing to provide stable and quality living conditions.

Traditionally, Vietnamese people have preferred homeownership over renting. Do you believe rental demand is strong enough to support a professional rental housing market?

According to the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor, around 4.5-5 million workers are employed at industrial parks, most of whom rent accommodation, often with inadequate living conditions. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the number of renting households continues to rise, particularly among young people, migrant workers, and those at the beginning of their careers. Yet quality rental housing remains in short supply.

Hanoi is a clear example. As northern Vietnam’s largest education and employment hub, the capital attracts hundreds of thousands of students and young workers each year. Demand for rental housing rises sharply between June and September as students prepare for the new academic year.

At the same time, urban renewal and infrastructure projects are creating new waves of population displacement. According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, local authorities are currently carrying out land clearance for about 1,428 projects, including major developments such as the Hoang Cau - Voi Phuc section of Ring Road 1, Tu Lien Bridge, and Tran Hung Dao Bridge, directly affecting thousands of households.

Between 2026 and 2030, Hanoi plans to recover nearly 24,824 ha of land for more than 3,100 socio-economic development projects. This will continue to drive demand for temporary and rental housing during the resettlement process.

Current resettlement housing supply cannot immediately meet demand. Many affected households choose to rent homes near their former residences to maintain jobs, schooling, and social ties, placing additional pressure on the rental market.

Rental demand extends beyond students and displaced households. For many young professionals, workers, and young families, homeownership requires years of savings. Long-term renting therefore becomes the most practical option before they are financially ready to buy a home. This demand creates a strong foundation for developing a professional rental housing sector that supports social welfare, labor mobility, and sustainable urban growth.

Some argue that privately-built boarding houses can meet housing demand without large-scale participation from developers. What is your view?

Most workers still live in informal rental housing developed by individuals around industrial parks and suburban areas. These properties are often small, overcrowded, poorly equipped, and vulnerable to fire safety risks. Following several serious boarding-house fires in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in recent years, concerns over rental housing quality have become increasingly urgent.

In this context, rental housing with clear legal status, reliable quality, convenient connectivity, and reasonable pricing will become increasingly important. Such developments are not only an alternative for those unable to buy homes but also a way to create a healthier balance between housing demand and investment demand.

The recent surge in boarding house demand reflects a deeper issue: the growing shortage of entry-level housing. In the past, young people had access to affordable options such as small apartments, renovated collective housing, and reasonably-priced suburban developments. These products served as the first step toward homeownership.

Today, rising land prices and construction costs have made affordable housing increasingly difficult to develop. As a result, the market has become more polarized, with demand continuing to outpace supply.

The challenge is not simply a lack of social housing or affordable housing. Vietnam needs a broader “starter housing ecosystem” that allows young people to access suitable housing early in their careers before gradually progressing toward homeownership. Within that ecosystem, professional rental housing should be regarded as a key component alongside social housing and affordable commercial housing.

Ultimately, the goal is to ensure access to quality housing at reasonable costs. This is why many developed countries view rental housing as a pillar of social welfare and urban stability.

How have other countries successfully developed rental housing, and what lessons can Vietnam learn?

Germany has a homeownership rate of only about 46 per cent - the lowest in Europe - yet it consistently ranks among the world’s best places to live. Its success stems from strong tenant protections, including the Mietspiegel system, a reference rent index published by local authorities to regulate rent increases. This allows residents to view rental housing as a stable long-term option.

Singapore has taken a different approach, with the State playing a central role in housing development. More than 80 per cent of the population lives in housing developed by the Housing and Development Board (HDB). Alongside its ownership model, Singapore maintains a heavily subsidized public rental housing system for low-income households. These developments are integrated with schools, healthcare, transportation and public amenities, creating high-quality communities.

South Korea has expanded long-term rental housing through the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH). The government directly develops or acquires apartments and leases them for 20-30 years to students, newly-married couples, and low-income households. Long-term financing from the National Housing and Urban Fund helps support the model.

International experience shows that the State’s role is decisive. Unlike homes for sale, rental housing projects often require 15-25 years to recover investment costs while generating relatively modest returns. Under normal market conditions, private developers have limited incentives to participate at scale.

If rental housing projects require such long payback periods, how can more developers be encouraged to participate?

The State must play a leading role in creating supportive policies and coordinating resources, particularly in planning, land allocation, financing, rent management and ensuring benefits reach the intended groups.

Authorities could allow developers to defer land-use fee payments, reduce financial obligations during the early years of operation, or link payments to project performance. This would ease initial capital pressure while preserving government revenues.

Vietnam could also explore flexible mechanisms allowing projects to shift between rental and for-sale models. Units converted for sale would fulfill all land-related obligations, while long-term rental units could continue benefiting from phased payment arrangements.

In addition, long-term financing tools such as housing savings funds, low-interest credit programs and tax incentives should be developed. Without a specially-designed institutional framework, it will be difficult to attract large-scale private investment.

International experience shows that success depends less on capping profits and more on providing access to long-term, low-cost capital. Returns should be determined through market-based mechanisms that reflect financing costs and project risks. This approach balances the interests of government, developers, and tenants while supporting a sustainable rental housing market.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dinh Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), and Director of the Vietnam Institute for Real Estate Research (VARS IRE)

Vietnam also needs a dedicated legal framework for rental housing to better protect tenants’ rights.

If the rental market expands significantly, could it reduce people’s desire to own property?

For many years, real estate has been viewed as a safe and important store of wealth in Vietnam. While this has supported market growth, investment demand has at times overshadowed genuine housing needs.

Global experience suggests that a sustainable housing market is one that offers a wide range of options suited to different income levels and needs. Those with sufficient resources can pursue homeownership, while lower-income groups should have access to quality rental housing at affordable costs.

This is the foundation for a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable real estate market in Vietnam. It is also consistent with the housing policy direction outlined by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam.

Expanding rental housing does not mean limiting legitimate ownership or investment aspirations. Rather, it helps create a more balanced market structure that better accommodates housing, ownership, investment and rental needs.

VET-Huyen Ngan

Vietnam’s first carbon trading exchange is to launh soon

Sun, 28 Jun 2026 01:05:00 GMT

The domestic carbon trading exchange is organized and operated as regulated by the Government’s Decree 29/2026/ND-CP.

Vietnam’s first carbon trading exchange is scheduled for launching on June 29.

This will mark a significant milestone in the development of the country's carbon market, thus making contributions to fulfilling its international commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting green transition, fostering the development of a low-carbon economy, and providing businesses with an additional market-based instrument to support the achievement of their sustainable development goals.

Vietnam is actively developing a centrally managed domestic carbon market, with a pilot phase from late 2026 to 2028 and full implementation scheduled for 2029.

This development aims to achieve the country’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets by 2030 and ultimately reach an ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

Earlier, the Vietnamese Government had approved pilot greenhouse gas emission quotas for key industrial sector in 2025 and 2026.

Under this pilot policy, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment had allocated greenhouse gas emission quotas to 110 facilities.

The ministry has also issued a circular regulating the management and operation of the national registry system for greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits, providing the foundation for managing and trading commodities on the carbon exchange.

In January this year, the Government promulgated Decree 29/2026/ND-CP, paving the way for setting up domestic carbon exchange. The Decree stipulates that the domestic carbon exchange is a comprehensive legal framework for the organization and operation of the carbon market in Vietnam.

VGP-Pham Long

Construction ministry urges provinces to launch rental housing projects

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 07:12:00 GMT

Localities are required to break ground on at least one rental housing project.

The Minister of Construction has instructed all provinces and cities to break ground on at least one rental housing project by the end of June and begin implementing larger-scale rental housing developments over the following two quarters.

The directive, issued on June 23, calls on local authorities to accelerate rental housing development during 2026 and the 2026-2030 period, in line with the Government's long-term housing strategy.

The directive outlines nine priority tasks for local governments.

First, provinces are required to assess rental housing demand and finalize development plans by the end of June 2026. Second, they must promptly begin publicly funded rental housing projects, with implementation targeted for completion in the third quarter of this year. The ministry also called for accelerated development of worker accommodation to support industrial zones.

Local authorities have been instructed to reserve well-connected, infrastructure-ready land for rental housing and social housing projects while ensuring social housing construction targets are met. The ministry also encouraged policies that support individuals and households in developing rental properties.

In addition, cities and bprovinces are required to improve the management and utilization of publicly owned housing assets by July 2026 and undertake comprehensive administrative reforms to simplify investment procedures for rental and social housing projects.

The minister stressed that reducing administrative barriers and ensuring effective coordination among local agencies will be essential to accelerating project implementation and expanding the supply of affordable rental housing.

VnEconomy-Phan Nam

In need of a well-designed rental housing ecosystem

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMT

A well-designed rental housing ecosystem in Vietnam would ease pressure on home prices, unlock long-term capital, and support broader economic restructuring.

The recent directive from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to prioritize the development of rental housing is opening a new pathway for Vietnam’s real estate market. At a time when housing prices are rising far faster than incomes, the issue extends beyond social welfare and touches directly upon urban competitiveness, the structure of the financial system, and the long-term sustainability of the property market.

Breaking away from the old model

For many years, Vietnam’s real estate market has largely operated under a build-to-sell model. Developers have focused on maximizing sales and accelerating capital recovery, while the rental segment has remained fragmented, undersupplied, and largely unsupported by dedicated financing mechanisms.

As housing prices move increasingly beyond the reach of young people and middle-income households, the limitations of this model are becoming more apparent. Home prices in many areas exceed 20-times annual household income, while affordable housing supply has nearly disappeared due to rising development costs, lengthy approval procedures, and the heavy reliance on short-term bank loans and corporate bonds to finance long-term property projects. This maturity mismatch creates risks not only for developers but also for lenders and, ultimately, the broader financial system.

Against this backdrop, expanding rental housing offers a practical solution already proven in many countries. A stronger rental sector can reduce pressure on homeownership, support labor mobility, and create a more resilient urban and financial structure.

International experience suggests that large-scale rental housing markets rarely emerge through market forces alone. In Singapore, the State plays a central role in land planning and housing provision through the Housing and Development Board (HDB). In countries such as Germany and Austria, meanwhile, governments support rental housing through public land allocations, tax incentives, and access to long-term capital.

For Vietnam, a “State-led, market-driven” model deserves consideration. Under this approach, the government would focus on planning, long-term financing mechanisms, and legal frameworks, while private enterprises would undertake construction, operations, and property management under transparent market principles.

At the center of this model would be a national housing corporation operating as a State-controlled institution with modern corporate governance. Rather than directly developing projects, it would function as a coordinating platform for the rental housing ecosystem. Its responsibilities could include managing public land reserves and recovered land from delayed projects, organizing competitive bidding for construction, and serving as a bridge between rental housing projects and long-term sources of capital.

Unlocking long-term capital

Rental housing projects typically require 15-25 years to recover investment costs. Yet most Vietnamese developers rely on short and medium-term financing from banks, corporate bonds, and homebuyer prepayments. This financing structure is poorly suited to rental housing.

In countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Australia, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) play a critical role. Once rental projects generate stable cash flow, developers can transfer these assets into REITs, recover capital, and reinvest in new projects. The REITs then attract long-term institutional investors through capital markets, transforming rental housing into a stable income-generating asset class.

Vietnam’s rental housing ecosystem should likewise be connected to long-term institutional capital sources with significantly lower funding costs than commercial bank loans. One proposal is to establish a national housing corporation as a State-owned enterprise or a joint stock company with majority State ownership. Initial capital could come from proceeds of State divestments and public land resources. Operating under market principles, the corporation would serve as a platform for infrastructure and financing while outsourcing construction and operations to private sector specialists.

A second pillar would be the issuance of long-term national housing bonds with maturities of 20-30 years and government-backed payment guarantees. Debt repayment would be supported by rental income and other project-related revenues. To reduce financial pressure during construction, interest payments could be deferred and capitalized during the first three years, while liquidity reserves could be established using proceeds from State asset divestments.

Over time, rental income from hundreds of thousands of households, combined with revenues from commercial services integrated into rental communities, could provide sufficient cash flow to service debt and support operations.

Third, regulatory reforms could allow institutions such as Vietnam Social Security, life insurers, and pension funds to allocate part of their portfolios to national housing bonds. Given their long-term liabilities, these institutions are natural investors in long-duration, government-backed instruments.

In the medium term, Vietnam could also explore pilot programs for tokenized long-term rental rights under a regulatory sandbox framework. Such instruments could broaden retail investor participation, encourage younger generations to accumulate housing access rights and create a new transparent, liquid financial product.

Creating the conditions for scale

A dedicated policy framework should therefore include streamlined administrative procedures and preferential land policies. Projects committed to long-term rental operations and regulated rental rates could receive exemptions or significant reductions in land-use fees for a fixed period, while a fast-track approval process would help reduce financing costs associated with delays.

Reducing project development costs is essential for rental housing to remain affordable. If developers continue to face commercial land-use fees and lengthy approval processes, rental prices will inevitably rise.

Technology should also play a role. Wider adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) throughout design, construction, and operations could reduce material waste, shorten construction timelines, and lower long-term maintenance costs.

For the rental housing ecosystem to scale successfully, policies must encourage voluntary participation by major domestic developers. Rather than relying on administrative mandates, authorities could create incentive-based arrangements. For example, developers could be allowed to substitute their obligations to allocate 20 per cent of project land for social housing by contributing resources to large-scale rental housing developments coordinated by the national housing corporation.

The government could also adopt a “State creates, private sector builds” model, under which qualified developers construct projects that are later acquired by the national housing corporation using long-term capital, ensuring reasonable and predictable returns.

To improve commercial appeal, the corporation could auction rights to manage properties and operate commercial services within rental communities. Revenues from these activities would help private operators offset the relatively modest returns typically associated with affordable rental housing.

Ultimately, developing a professional rental housing ecosystem is not merely a short-term measure to stabilize the property market. It is a strategic component of broader economic restructuring.

A stable rental housing sector can help moderate housing prices, reduce the financial system’s dependence on mortgage lending, and improve labor mobility by enabling workers to move more easily to industrial and high-tech production centers.

If supported by coherent institutional reforms, long-term capital mechanisms, and modern infrastructure planning, rental housing can become a key driver in creating a more transparent, resilient and demand-driven real estate market for Vietnam’s next stage of development.

VET-Hong Ha

Hanoi unveils 100-year master plan through digital exhibition

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:10:00 GMT

Scheduled for June 29, the event is expected to attract between 1,000 and 1,200 delegates, including 580 to 780 domestic and international investors.

To bring the 100-year vision of the Capital Master Plan closer to its citizens, Hanoi will launch a large-scale exhibition at the Hanoi Museum, featuring advanced digital technology to illustrate the city's future growth.

According to a press conference held on June 25 regarding the conference to announce the Hanoi Capital Master Plan with a 100-Year Vision and Investment Promotion 2026, the exhibition will be spread across multiple floors of the museum. On the first floor, a circular scale model with a 7-meter diameter will be displayed, providing fully updated information on the latest planning boundaries.

The fourth floor, spanning 1,200 sq.m, has been designed as a "special experience space." In addition to large-scale panels detailing Hanoi’s development throughout history, visitors can witness a 3D Mapping model that visually demonstrates the city’s technical infrastructure and spatial orientation. Guests will also have the opportunity to view 3D documentaries and trial-test an urban planning information lookup system.

The Master Plan covers a natural area of over 3,359 sq.km. It establishes a development structure based on a "multi-tier, multi-layer, multi-polar, and multi-center" model, utilizing the Red River as the primary ecological and cultural landscape axis.

By 2045, Hanoi aims to reach a GRDP of approximately $640 billion, transforming into a global city with a high quality of life. To realize this vision, the city has identified 11 breakthrough solution groups, notably an urban railway system integrated with Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and a commitment to "Net Zero" emissions.

Scheduled for June 29, the event is expected to attract between 1,000 and 1,200 delegates, including 580 to 780 domestic and international investors.

On this occasion, the city will officially debut a 360-degree digitized data management system for investment projects. This system, along with the digital experience zone, promises to provide a comprehensive overview of investment potential and local products.

As part of the program, Hanoi is expected to grant investment policy decisions and investment registration certificates to key projects, while signing several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with major global corporations.

Vneconomy-Thanh Xuân

Rental housing as a strategic pillar of Vietnam’s housing policy

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The government is positioning rental housing as a strategic pillar of Vietnam’s housing policy, aiming to boost supply, improve affordability, and support sustainable real estate market development.

At a recent real estate forum organized by the Vietnam National Real Estate Association, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said the development of rental housing has been identified by the government and the Prime Minister as a key priority to address the housing needs of citizens and workers. Under this approach, the State will play a leading role in shaping the market and mobilizing social resources to expand the rental housing segment.

He also emphasized the real estate market’s strategic role in the economy, noting its contribution to infrastructure development, housing provision, social welfare, urbanization, tourism, and economic growth. According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam’s legal framework already provides for a range of rental housing models, including social housing, worker accommodation, official residences, commercial rental housing, and privately-developed rental properties, creating an important foundation for expanding rental housing supply in the years to come.

Market recovery gains momentum

As Vietnam pursues ambitious economic growth targets while maintaining macro-economic stability, the Party, National Assembly, government, and Prime Minister have introduced a series of policies aimed at fostering a stable, transparent, and sustainable real estate market.

Authorities have revised key laws governing investment, land use, planning, construction, housing, and real estate business activities, while also accelerating project approvals to increase housing supply. These reforms have improved consistency across the legal framework, streamlined administrative procedures, and helped remove longstanding obstacles facing investors and developers.

The government has continued to advance its program to build at least 1 million social housing units by 2030. To date, 781 projects totaling 720,055 units are under development, equivalent to 72 per cent of the target. Of these, 231 projects comprising 180,850 units have been completed, while 234 projects with 233,962 units are under construction and 316 projects with 305,243 units have received investment approval.

In 2025 alone, 102,633 social housing units were completed, exceeding the annual target of 100,275 units. During the first five months of 2026, construction began on an additional 34 projects comprising nearly 30,000 units.

The government has also stepped up efforts to resolve bottlenecks affecting real estate projects, particularly legal and administrative issues. According to the Ministry of Construction (MoC), obstacles have been removed at 3,289 land-related projects covering more than 70,000 ha, allowing them to resume development and move toward completion.

“With the decisive and coordinated implementation of these measures, the real estate market has shown encouraging signs,” Mr. Sinh said. “Major projects have broken ground, stalled developments have resumed, and both supply and liquidity have improved.” However, he also stressed that several structural challenges continue to constrain the market.

One of the most significant is the mismatch between supply and demand. While the high-end segment continues to attract investment, affordable housing remains in short supply, particularly in major urban centers.

The market also remains heavily focused on homes for sale, while the long-term rental housing segment has yet to develop at a scale capable of meeting actual housing needs.

Housing prices have risen much faster than incomes in recent years, making homeownership increasingly difficult for low and middle-income households. At the same time, existing policies have not been sufficiently attractive to encourage large-scale private sector investment in rental housing.

Another challenge is the incomplete integration of housing information systems and databases between central and local authorities, limiting transparency and complicating market oversight. “These are issues that have accumulated over time and cannot be resolved overnight, but they require immediate and coordinated action,” Mr. Sinh said.

Strategic focus

Against this backdrop, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Le Minh Hung have outlined a new direction for housing and real estate development. At the heart of the strategy is a shift from a model focused primarily on commercial housing toward a more balanced approach that promotes commercial housing, social housing, and rental housing simultaneously.

Under this vision, rental housing is no longer viewed as a supplementary segment but as a strategic, long-term component of the national housing system. It is expected to serve workers, laborers, students, civil servants, public employees, and members of the armed forces.

The government also aims to develop housing through a market-oriented approach supported by effective State management. The State will act as a facilitator through planning, policy, and financial tools designed to ensure market transparency and sustainability while maintaining affordability for residents.

Housing development will also be more closely integrated with urban planning, land-use planning, industrial development, public transportation systems, labor market strategies, and population management policies. Priority will be given to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) projects, urban renewal programs, industrial parks, economic zones, and major economic corridors.

Another key objective is to diversify funding sources. Rather than relying heavily on State budgets, authorities plan to mobilize greater private sector participation and attract long-term investment from financial institutions and investment funds. Public resources will be used strategically to guide market development and catalyze private investment.

The government also plans to address underutilized public housing assets, strengthen anti-waste measures, improve accountability among local authorities, and enhance transparency in housing support programs to prevent abuse and speculation.

Expanding rental housing supply

Based on these policy directions, the MoC has outlined a number of priorities for the time ahead. These include reviewing the implementation of Directive No. 34-CT/TW, issued by the Secretariat in May 2024, and drafting a new directive aimed at strengthening Party leadership over housing and real estate development. The Ministry is also preparing amendments to the Law on Housing, the Law on Real Estate Business, the Land Law, and related legislation for submission to the National Assembly this October.

At the same time, authorities will seek to better balance housing supply by prioritizing social housing, reasonably-priced commercial housing, worker housing, housing for low-income groups, and rental housing projects that meet genuine market demand.

The State will take the lead in guiding the market, while local authorities must proactively accelerate rental housing projects to meet the rapidly-growing housing needs of citizens and worker.

Mr. Nguyen Van Sinh, Deputy Minister of Construction

Speaking specifically about rental housing, Mr. Sinh said the MoC is working with ministries, agencies, and local governments to amend the Law on Housing and the Law on Real Estate Business to create more favorable conditions for rental housing development.

The Ministry has urged local authorities to conduct detailed assessments of rental housing demand among different groups, including workers, students, public servants, and armed forces personnel, which will serve as the basis for investment planning and capital allocation.

City and provincial governments have also been asked to review local planning frameworks, allocate suitable land resources, and ensure adequate infrastructure for rental housing developments, particularly at industrial parks and in densely-populated urban areas.

In addition, local governments are being encouraged to invest directly in rental housing through local budget resources and to strengthen the role of local housing funds. Authorities have been instructed to reserve land for social rental housing projects and expand rental housing stock through the conversion of public assets and the acquisition of suitable housing from developers.

“The State will take the lead in guiding the market, while local authorities must proactively accelerate rental housing projects to meet the rapidly-growing housing needs of citizens and workers,” Mr. Sinh said.

He also called on city and provincial governments to accelerate social housing development, fast-track administrative procedures, remove obstacles facing delayed projects, improve market transparency, and speed up the development of housing and real estate databases.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that, with strong leadership from the Party and the State, close coordination between ministries and local governments, and active participation from businesses and industry stakeholders, Vietnam’s real estate market will continue to develop in a transparent, healthy, and sustainable manner.

He believes the sector will remain an important driver of economic growth, urban modernization, national competitiveness, and improved living standards while supporting the country’s broader long-term development goals.

VET- PHAN NAM

A fundamental shift in housing strategy

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Vietnam is accelerating the development of a rental-led housing model, with new policies and projects aimed at expanding access to affordable housing.

At a working session with the government Party Committee and relevant ministries and agencies on the implementation of Directive No. 34-CT/TW, issued by the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat on strengthening the Party’s leadership in social housing development under the new circumstances, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that housing policies in the new era must be designed with a new mindset and vision to ensure that everyone has access to housing. Housing, he added, should serve as a place to live rather than a vehicle for business or wealth accumulation.

“Vietnam’s housing development model in the new period is neither a subsidized housing model nor one that leaves everything to the market,” he continued. “The State will create land banks, develop planning frameworks, provide financial support, establish standards and regulations, and simplify administrative procedures. The market will participate in construction and operation while earning reasonable returns. Citizens will have access to stable, safe, and affordable housing suited to their needs. From now until 2030, housing for sale will remain necessary, but rental housing must be established as a strategic pillar, particularly in major cities, industrial parks, labor migration hubs, and areas where housing prices far exceed household incomes.”

Strategic pillar

Notice No. 64-TB/VPTW, issued by the Party Central Committee’s Office summarizing the conclusions of the Party General Secretary and State President, reaffirmed that future housing development, particularly social housing, should focus on several key priorities.

First, authorities must recognize that access to lawful housing is a fundamental right of citizens. Access to safe and affordable housing should be viewed as a measure of social progress, providing a foundation for stable and sustainable development while strengthening public confidence. Housing development should be integrated into urban and rural development strategies, contributing to social welfare, security, higher labor productivity, and the healthy development of the real estate market. The State should pursue housing policies aimed at ensuring that everyone has a place to live.

Second, housing development should follow a market-oriented model under effective State guidance and management. The State will not subsidize housing, but neither will it leave the market entirely to regulate itself. Instead, it will play a facilitating role through institutions, policies, and planning to promote a transparent and healthy market, allowing businesses to participate with reasonable profit expectations while ensuring citizens can access stable, safe, and affordable housing.

Third, alongside housing for sale, priority should be given to rental housing development, particularly apartment rental projects in major urban centers, industrial parks, economic zones, growth regions, and key economic corridors. Housing development should be aligned with urban planning, land-use planning, industrial park development, public transportation systems, labor markets, and population management.

The Notice also calls for a review of the current housing classification system and the development of a new framework consisting of four categories: commercial housing, rental housing, official residences, and policy-supported housing. This would allow the government to develop tailored policies for each segment, including State-supported pricing schemes and free housing provision for certain eligible groups.

Fourth, the government Party Committee has been tasked with developing appropriate land and credit policies to accelerate the affordable rental housing market and encourage greater private sector participation. Authorities are also required to establish standards for each housing category and streamline development procedures through a one-stop administrative mechanism.

Procedures related to investment, planning, land allocation, construction permits, and access to preferential financing should be shortened and made more transparent, with clearly-defined timelines and accountability.

Local authorities are instructed to review land resources and update planning frameworks. Housing development across all segments must be integrated with technical infrastructure, essential social services, cultural facilities, healthcare, and education, particularly in urban areas, economic zones, industrial parks, high-tech parks, and rapidly-urbanizing regions. They are also expected to proactively clear land and prepare serviced sites for rental housing projects while strengthening oversight to prevent abuse of housing support policies and speculative activity in the housing market. At the same time, greater use of digital technologies and data-driven management tools is encouraged in housing development and real estate operations.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam chairs the working session with the government Party Committee and relevant ministries and agencies on the implementation of Directive No. 34-CT/TW.

Fifth, the government Party Committee has been assigned to develop a new housing policy framework aligned with the Constitution, Party policies, and public demand. It will also review the implementation of Directive No. 34 and propose a new directive from either the Secretariat or the Politburo, providing the basis for amendments to the Law on Housing and the Law on Real Estate Business, which are expected to be submitted to the National Assembly (NA) this year.

Turning plans into action

To accelerate the implementation of the Party General Secretary and State President’s directives, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung emphasized during meetings with local authorities that the development of affordable commercial housing and rental housing is a major policy priority of the Party and the State, reaffirmed through Directive No. 34 and Notice No. 64. “These are not issues that can be resolved overnight, but they require immediate and decisive action and cannot be delayed,” he said.

For Hanoi, the Prime Minister called for a pioneering approach, including assessments of housing demand, target groups, and investment mechanisms to develop large-scale rental housing projects for people living and working in the capital, including officials and civil servants from central government agencies.

Hanoi is expected to begin construction on several rental housing projects during June and make flexible use of social housing financial contributions, with the State investing and professional operators managing the projects.

The capital has also been tasked with preparing an investment, construction, and operational plan for rental housing projects and reporting the results to the Prime Minister in July. In addition, Hanoi should propose mechanisms to mobilize social resources and support investment in and the operation of rental housing projects through appropriate land allocation and land lease policies.

The Prime Minister issued similar instructions to the northern port city of Hai Phong and nearby Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, and Hung Yen provinces, requiring that each begin construction of at least one rental housing project this month and accelerate larger developments in the third and fourth quarters.

“The policy direction is already clear,” he continued. “Local authorities must take the initiative and not wait passively for central guidance. Any obstacles should be clearly identified so that institutions, mechanisms, and policies can be updated and improved accordingly.”

He stressed that the issue is urgent and requires the State to take the lead, using public resources as leverage to attract private investment. National and local housing funds should be used effectively to stimulate the market, while diverse funding sources, particularly private capital and long-term investment, should be mobilized rather than relying solely on the State budget.

Regarding planning, the Prime Minister instructed local authorities to review and adjust planning frameworks based on approved master plans and provincial plans, identifying specific locations and scales for rental housing development linked to key industrial parks and strategic growth areas. This work must be completed by the end of June.

Local governments are also required to assess rental housing demand and prepare rental housing development plans through 2030, including annual targets, priority project lists, anticipated funding sources, and implementation roadmaps. These plans must also be submitted to the Ministry of Construction (MoC) by the end of June.

The Prime Minister also assigned specific responsibilities to ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the State Bank of Vietnam have been tasked with proposing financial, tax, and credit incentives for long-term rental housing projects, to attract private investors and long-term investment funds.

Meanwhile, the MoC has been instructed to continue implementing tasks outlined in Notice No. 262/TB-VPCP, review the implementation of Directive No. 34, and propose a new directive to replace the current one. The Ministry is also responsible for finalizing draft legal amendments for submission to the NA, issuing national technical standards for small and medium-scale rental housing projects, including mini apartment buildings and family-operated rental housing, and ensuring compliance with safety and fire prevention requirements.

In addition, the Ministry will consolidate policy proposals from local authorities and coordinate with the MoF to review mechanisms allowing businesses and cooperatives to acquire commercial and social housing solely for rental purposes.

Moving into action

To implement the new housing development strategy, the MoC is now reviewing and amending relevant policies, with rental housing identified as a strategic segment of the housing market. The approach aims to develop housing under a market-based framework with effective State oversight, while mobilizing diverse investment sources, reducing reliance on the State budget, and unlocking private capital for housing development.

At its May review meeting and June task deployment conference, the Ministry said the new housing development orientations have been incorporated into policy dossiers for amendments to the Law on Housing and the Law on Real Estate Business. Draft legislation is expected to be submitted to the NA for approval this October.

Under the proposed framework, housing policies will be organized into four categories: commercial housing, rental housing, official residences, and policy-supported housing. Long-term rental housing with affordable rates will be prioritized through incentives related to land, finance, taxation, and credit.

The Ministry is also developing separate standards and regulations for different housing types, particularly rental housing, worker accommodation, student housing, and housing for the elderly. The standards aim to ensure quality of life and building safety while promoting the professional management and operation of long-term rental housing projects.

To ensure rental housing development aligns with actual demand, the MoC has conducted nationwide assessments covering different population groups, localities, and development stages. It is also reviewing land availability in urban areas, industrial parks, economic zones, high-tech parks, and rapidly-urbanizing regions to create a pipeline of serviced land for future rental housing projects.

In addition, the Ministry has requested local authorities to assess rental housing demand and propose targets for rental housing stock funded by local housing funds in 2026 and the 2027-2030 period.

“Alongside accelerating social housing development, local authorities are actively implementing rental housing programs and projects, while many businesses have registered to participate as investors,” Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh told the 14th Congress of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor for the 2026-2031 term. “Through State support policies, particularly in credit and interest rates, social housing and rental housing are expected to better meet the accommodation needs of low-income workers.”

Following directives from the Party and the government, local authorities have also moved quickly to implement the policy. Chairing a meeting on rental housing projects in Hanoi on May 27, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Vu Dai Thang said the capital would promptly study and implement new models in line with guidance from the central government. Hanoi aims to establish several pilot rental housing projects that can be rapidly developed and later replicated on a wider scale.

Authorities in the capital have instructed departments and agencies to develop attractive policies to encourage private sector participation and to urgently review urban planning, housing development plans, and land resources to allocate land for rental housing projects. Hanoi has also pledged to streamline administrative procedures and prioritize fast-track approvals.

In Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, the Department of Construction and the southern city’s Construction Science and Technology Association held a conference on June 9 to promote investment in rental housing development.

Officials said the city, with a population of around 14 million, faces significant housing demand from professionals, workers, students, and other residents. However, the rental housing market still lacks long-term mechanisms and incentives strong enough to attract investors.

The city aims to develop more than 181,000 social housing units between 2026 and 2030, including approximately 50,000 rental social housing units. It is also considering converting part of its unused resettlement housing stock and surplus State-owned housing into rental housing to improve the use of public assets.

At the conference, 13 companies - four State-owned enterprises and nine private companies - signed commitments to develop approximately 97,900 rental housing units.

“Ho Chi Minh City will provide maximum support and establish a green lane for social housing and rental housing projects,” Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc said. “We are reviewing rental housing demand and allocating land accordingly within the city’s housing master plan. With more than 97,000 rental housing units committed at this conference alone, I believe we have a solid foundation to successfully implement the city’s rental housing development strategy.”

In Quang Ninh, provincial leaders have also moved to accelerate implementation. At a meeting on June 11, Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Bui Van Khang described rental housing development as an important political task that would contribute to social welfare, improve living standards, attract and retain talent, and support the province’s sustainable growth objectives.

He called on authorities at all levels to fully implement the conclusions of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Prime Minister Hung, treating rental housing development as a key priority requiring decisive action and measurable outcomes.

The province plans to establish a steering committee for rental housing development, led by the provincial Chairman, along with an implementation task force headed by the director of the Department of Construction. Local authorities will be required to submit weekly or bi-weekly progress reports and will be held accountable for delays or failure to deliver results.

Provincial agencies have also been tasked with studying the creation of a major projects management board to oversee housing projects and reviewing planning documents to incorporate rental housing developments into provincial and urban plans for 2026-2030.

Quang Ninh has been instructed to ensure rental housing projects are located in convenient areas with adequate infrastructure and aligned with the needs of target groups. At least one State-funded housing project is expected to break ground in June, while privately-funded developments are scheduled to accelerate in the third and fourth quarters.

According to Prime Minister Hung, the government has directed ministries, agencies, and local authorities to develop and refine policies supporting the housing market. By the end of the year, the legal framework for rental housing development must be completed.

“If we can meet this demand, it will improve living standards, strengthen social welfare and public order, and provide a solid foundation for maintaining the workforce, attracting investment, and supporting rapid and sustainable economic growth,” he said. “If local authorities actively engage, they can not only meet housing demand but also reduce pressure on home ownership and help address many broader economic challenges.”

VET-Nam Huyen

Foreign female Consuls General in HCMC share career insights with students

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Eight foreign female Consuls General serving in Ho Chi Minh City shared personal experiences with students, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain for women pursuing careers in diplomacy.

To mark the International Day of Women in Diplomacy on June 24, eight foreign female Consuls General serving in Ho Chi Minh City met with around 40 female students from the Faculty of History and International Relations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the growing role of women in diplomacy.

The event brought together Consuls General from Australia, Canada, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, the Netherlands, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Instead of traditional speeches, the program was organized as a series of roundtable discussions, allowing students to engage directly with each Consul General in 10-minute conversations.

Topics ranged from leadership, gender equality, and career development to work-life balance, personal identity, and the future of women in diplomacy.

Building confidence, networks and leadership skills

H.E. Ms. Kate Wallace, Australian Consul-General in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasised the importance of professional networks and mentorship in helping women advance their careers. “All around us are people who will go on to achieve remarkable things in different fields. It is important to value and nurture those relationships from today,” she said.

According to Ms. Wallace, although women are increasingly represented in leadership and diplomatic positions, gender stereotypes and structural barriers continue to exist. She encouraged young women to have confidence in their abilities, actively seek opportunities, and build supportive networks that can help sustain long-term career growth.

H.E. Ms. Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that gender balance has largely been achieved at the entry level of the UK diplomatic service, with women and men joining the profession in nearly equal numbers.

However, she noted that gender gaps tend to emerge later in careers, particularly at senior leadership levels. According to Ms. Smith, many women face additional responsibilities related to family care, which can affect career progression, while less visible barriers, such as informal professional networks, may also limit opportunities.

According to Ms. Smith, rather than introducing special recruitment policies for women, the UK focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion across the public sector. This includes internship programmes for people from diverse backgrounds, regular workforce surveys, and data-driven human resources policies aimed at ensuring public institutions reflect the diversity of British society.

She also highlighted the UK's "blind recruitment" approach, under which information such as an applicant's name, gender, and educational background is removed during the initial screening process to reduce unconscious bias and ensure candidates are assessed primarily on their skills and capabilities.

Ms. Smith encouraged students to seek mentors throughout their careers, noting that trusted advisers can provide valuable guidance, fresh perspectives, and support during key professional milestones.

Progress made but barriers remain

Sharing her perspective on women in diplomacy, H.E. Ms. Wiraka Moodhitaporn, Consul General of Thailand in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that while opportunities for women have improved significantly, a number of barriers remain. In many Asian societies, traditional perceptions of leadership are still often associated with men, while the demands of diplomatic careers, including frequent relocation and extensive travel can create additional challenges for women balancing professional and family responsibilities.

However, she observed that female representation in diplomacy is steadily increasing. In Thailand, women now account for a growing share of diplomats, ambassadors, and senior officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to Ms. Wiraka, today’s generation of women is more confident in speaking up, pursuing leadership roles, and balancing career aspirations with personal life.

She also emphasized that many of the challenges faced by women in diplomacy are universal rather than regional. Regardless of whether they work in Asia or Europe, women often encounter similar decisions regarding career progression, family commitments, and leadership opportunities. "There are more opportunities today, and we are seeing more women in leadership positions. The key is to continue creating an environment where women can contribute and advance on equal footing," she said.

Speaking with Vietnam Economic Times/VnEconomy, H.E. Ms. Raïssa Marteaux, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, noted that the Netherlands pursues a feminist foreign policy that promotes equal representation of women in leadership positions, peace processes, and diplomatic affairs. However, she acknowledged that gender parity has not yet been fully achieved, even within the Dutch diplomatic service. Ms. Marteaux herself is the first woman appointed by the Netherlands as Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the Dutch diplomat, women are playing increasingly important leadership roles not only in the public sector but also in business. Nevertheless, many barriers remain, and continued dialogue is needed to identify and address them.

Reflecting on the event, Ms. Marteaux said she was particularly impressed by the students’ curiosity, initiative, and willingness to learn. Diplomacy, she noted, is fundamentally about communication, listening, and continuous learning, all qualities that the participants demonstrated throughout the discussions.

Sharing her advice with the students, the Consul General emphasized two key messages: find your voice and be yourself. Every individual has a unique perspective that deserves to be heard, regardless of age, experience, or gender. Greater diversity of perspectives, she said, ultimately leads to better decision-making in both diplomacy and society. “As long as we have not achieved genuine equality, we cannot say that our efforts to advance women in diplomacy are enough,” Ms. Marteaux stressed.

Vneconomy -Nhu Quynh

Hanoi to host 2026 job fair for the elderly

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:20:00 GMT

The fair aims to create job connections, provide career counseling, offer vocational training, and support livelihoods for about 300 elderly participants (attending both directly and virtually).

The Hanoi Department of Home Affairs is set to organize the "2026 Career Counseling and Job Fair for the Elderly" on June 27. The initiative aims to proactively adapt to the aging population trend while leveraging the vast experience and wisdom of senior citizens.

The event serves as a practical bridge, helping the elderly access employment opportunities tailored to their health and qualifications. It also seeks to foster an inclusive and humane labor market.

According to the department, the program is expected to attract approximately 30 enterprises, cooperatives, and business establishments for both in-person and online recruitment. The fair aims to create job connections, provide career counseling, offer vocational training, and support livelihoods for about 300 elderly participants (attending both directly and virtually).

Additionally, the program will mobilize 5 to 10 vocational education institutions to provide counseling and introduce programs for vocational training, retraining, and upskilling for seniors. The goal is to provide vocational advice to at least 100 individuals and award 20 job-creation loan contracts to elderly workers.

The event is designed as an integrated model featuring diverse support services. Regarding job matching, businesses will conduct interviews and recruitment both on-site and online via the Hanoi Job Exchange.

The fair will also include vocational counseling, retraining sessions, and guidance on basic digital skills to help seniors adapt to modern working environments. Furthermore, to ensure stable livelihoods, the program will offer guidance on administrative procedures and facilitate access to preferential loans for household economic development.

Vneconomy-Nhật Dương

Dien Bien launches Vietnam’s first UAV low-altitude economy sandbox

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 07:10:00 GMT

The trial covering four key sectors: agriculture, logistics, healthcare and digital mapping.

The People’s Committee of northern mountainous Dien Bien Province has approved a controlled pilot program, or regulatory sandbox, for digital services and products supporting the development of the low-altitude economy with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) engaged.

The initiative is the first local sandbox model in Vietnam focused on UAV-powered low-altitude economic activities. The pilot is expected to provide practical insights and support the development of policies and regulations governing low-altitude airspace and drone-based services.

State-owned postal operator Vietnam Post will lead the implementation and operation of the pilot program. FPT Corporation and other UAV manufacturers will provide technical support, drone equipment, software platforms and flight-control solutions.

The trial will run from the date the decision takes effect until May 31, 2027, covering four key sectors: agriculture, logistics, healthcare and digital mapping.

Planned activities include the transportation of agricultural products, farming supplies, medicines, medical equipment, laboratory samples and essential goods. In agriculture, UAVs will be used for seeding, crop spraying, fertilizer application, crop monitoring and pest detection. The program will also support topographic surveys, digital mapping and the creation of digital elevation models (DEM).

Dien Bien aims to conduct approximately 6,000 UAV flights during the pilot period while maintaining a flight safety rate of more than 99%.

Local authorities expect the initiative to help evaluate the effectiveness of UAV technology in remote and mountainous areas while laying the groundwork for broader development of Vietnam’s emerging low-altitude economy.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

Societal shift and economic development

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Vietnam’s social structure is becoming increasingly differentiated as its economy expands and modernizes, presenting both opportunities and challenges for inclusive development.

Vietnam’s economy continues to post strong growth despite a volatile global environment. GDP expanded by an estimated 8.02 per cent in 2025, taking the economy to approximately $514 billion and lifting GDP per capita to around $5,026. Momentum carried into 2026, with first-quarter GDP rising 7.83 per cent year-on-year.

This rapid economic expansion, coupled with urbanization and digital transformation, is reshaping Vietnam’s social landscape. While poverty has declined and the middle class has grown, inequalities in income, assets, skills, geography, and social protection are becoming more visible, creating new policy and governance challenges.

Stratified social structure

According to the Vietnam Household Living Standards Survey 2024, conducted by the National Statistics Office at the Ministry of Finance, average monthly income per capita reached VND5.4 million ($208), up 9.1 per cent from 2023. Significant geographic disparities remain. Urban residents earned an average of VND6.9 million ($265) a month, or more than 1.5-times the VND4.5 million ($173) recorded in rural areas. Regionally, the Southeast ranked highest, at nearly VND7.1 million ($273) per person per month, while the Northern Midlands and Mountainous Region recorded the lowest average income at around VND3.8 million ($146).

The poverty rate continued to decline, falling to 2.3 per cent nationwide in 2024, down 1.1 percentage points from a year earlier. While this marks a significant achievement in poverty reduction, poverty is no longer the only concern. Within the multidimensional poverty framework, employment deprivation accounted for 40.3 per cent of total deprivation, followed by deficiencies in adult education attainment at 30.7 per cent and nutrition at 21.4 per cent.

Vietnam’s labor market has also improved, though structural challenges persist. In 2025, the workforce aged 15 and above reached approximately 53.5 million people, with 52.4 million employed. The average monthly income rose 8.9 per cent year-on-year to VND8.4 million ($323), before increasing further to VND9 million ($346) in the first quarter of 2026. The proportion of workers holding formal qualifications or certifications reached 29.6 per cent during the same period.

However, youth unemployment remains a concern. The unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 24 stood at 8.86 per cent; significantly higher than the overall working-age unemployment rate of 2.21 per cent. More fundamentally, decent work remains a major challenge. According to the International Labour Organization’s 2026 framework, informal employment accounted for 62.2 per cent of total employment in the first quarter of 2026, including 71.1 per cent in rural areas and 48.4 per cent in urban areas. A large share of Vietnamese workers therefore continue to lack stable contracts, social insurance coverage, and protection against economic shocks.

Against this backdrop, social stratification in Vietnam is not evolving into a broad-based divide between the very rich and the very poor. Rather, it is increasingly defined by five interrelated dimensions.

The first is income inequality. Though Vietnam’s income Gini coefficient stood at 0.372 in 2024, indicating a moderate level of inequality, the wealthiest 20 per cent of the population earned an average of VND11.8 million ($454) per person per month, or 7.4-times higher than the VND1.6 million ($62) earned by the poorest 20 per cent. Such disparities directly influence access to education, healthcare, housing, and skills development, increasing the risk of inequality being passed from one generation to the next.

The second dimension is asset inequality. The growing importance of real estate, land ownership, equity holdings, and business assets is widening social divides. Those with substantial assets enjoy advantages that differ markedly from younger generations who rely primarily on wage income. If property prices continue to rise faster than earnings, opportunities for upward mobility among young people and migrant workers could become increasingly constrained.

The third dimension is geographic inequality. Differences between urban and rural areas, as well as between regions, reflect unequal access to infrastructure, employment opportunities, and public services. Without stronger regional development policies, these disparities risk persisting across generations.

The fourth dimension is inequality in skills and job quality. While the share of trained workers has risen to 29.6 per cent, most employment remains informal. As Vietnam moves toward a higher-value-added economy, highly-skilled workers are likely to benefit from expanding opportunities, while lower-skilled workers face growing pressure from automation and technological change.

The fifth dimension concerns access to social protection. Though health insurance coverage reached 95.16 per cent in 2025 and social insurance coverage expanded to 45.1 per cent of the workforce, equivalent to 21.53 million people, significant gaps remain. As Vietnam continues its transition toward an aging society and could become an aged society by 2035, according to the World Bank, disparities between those with pensions and those without adequate social protection are expected to become increasingly pronounced.

Five social groups

Based on these patterns of differentiation, Vietnam’s social structure can be broadly grouped into five major strata.

The first comprises the wealthy and ultra-wealthy, whose status is largely derived from asset ownership. This group includes major business owners, investors, and individuals with substantial holdings in real estate, land, equities, financial assets, and businesses. They have been among the biggest beneficiaries of economic growth, urbanization, infrastructure development, financial market expansion, and the rise of the private sector. Their wealth is generated primarily through assets and investment rather than labor income.

The second group is the upper middle class, including professionals, managers, senior officials, entrepreneurs, and highly-skilled workers in sectors such as finance, technology, logistics, healthcare, education, professional services, and foreign-invested enterprises. While they generally enjoy comfortable incomes and the ability to invest in education, healthcare, and housing, they also face growing pressure from rising living costs, intense professional competition, and the need for continuous reskilling.

The third group consists of the mainstream middle class and lower middle class. It includes civil servants, office workers, skilled workers, small business owners, and households with stable incomes but relatively limited accumulated wealth. As one of the country’s largest social groups, it plays a vital role in domestic consumption and social stability. However, it remains vulnerable to employment disruptions, illness, education costs, mortgage obligations, and income shocks.

The fourth group comprises industrial, service-sector, and informal workers. This includes factory workers, construction workers, transport workers, delivery drivers, retail and hospitality employees, seasonal workers, freelancers, and those employed in household businesses. Though they contribute significantly to economic growth and urban economic activity, they typically face lower incomes, less stable employment, and limited social protection. As a result, they are particularly exposed to fluctuations in demand, automation, inflation, and economic downturns.

The fifth group includes the poor, near-poor, and other vulnerable populations. It encompasses ethnic minority communities, residents of remote areas, small-scale farmers, elderly people without pensions, people with disabilities, and households affected by natural disasters, climate change, or unstable livelihoods. Despite substantial progress in poverty reduction, many continue to experience multidimensional deprivation in employment, education, nutrition, healthcare, and market access.

Five transformative trends

Driven by sustained growth, urbanization, digital transformation, and international integration, Vietnam’s social structure is expected to undergo five transformative shifts.

First, the middle class will continue to expand as the service sector, digital economy, and private sector grow. However, rising healthcare, education, and housing costs may place increasing pressure on this group, potentially creating a segment of the “vulnerable middle class.”

Second, wealth inequality may emerge as the most significant axis of social stratification. Those who own property and equity assets are likely to strengthen their position, while younger generations and migrant workers dependent on wage income could find upward social mobility increasingly difficult if housing prices continue to rise rapidly.

Third, skills-based differentiation will accelerate under the influence of AI, automation, and the green economy. Society will become divided not only by wealth, but also by the ability to reskill, adapt to technological change, and remain competitive in evolving labor markets.

Fourth, population aging is creating a new form of social division between older people with pensions and accumulated assets and those who spent their working lives in informal employment and face the risk of relative poverty in retirement.

Fifth, climate change threatens to deepen regional disparities. According to World Bank estimates, climate-related losses could reach between 12 and 14.5 per cent of GDP annually by 2050 and push as many as 1 million people into extreme poverty by 2030. Farmers, fishermen, and informal workers are expected to bear the greatest risks.

Challenges for social stability

Changes in social structure are a natural consequence of economic development and can generate positive outcomes, including stronger consumption, greater innovation, and improved accountability in governance. However, if not managed effectively, these changes risk transforming natural differences into unequal opportunities, entrenching social stratification, and creating major challenges for governance and social stability.

Among the most significant challenges are growing pressure on social equity and public trust; increasing demands for interest representation and conflict management; the risk of vested interests distorting resource allocation in the absence of transparency and effective oversight; mounting pressure on urban management, migration, and public services; greater risks of localized social tensions arising from insecure employment and incomplete social protection coverage; widening digital divides; increasing fiscal pressure on the State; and the potential erosion of social cohesion if unequal opportunities persist across generations.

To manage social differentiation while ensuring inclusive development, policymakers must move beyond traditional poverty alleviation toward a broader framework focused on expanding opportunities. The objective should not simply be to reduce poverty, but to ensure that all citizens have access to quality education, employment, housing, social protection, and public services.

First, reducing inequality of opportunity must become the central focus of social policy. Second, wealth disparities should be addressed through transparent housing and land management policies.

Third, improving skills and job quality remains the most fundamental long-term solution to social stratification. Fourth, social insurance and social protection coverage should be expanded for informal workers.

Fifth, social governance should become more transparent, responsive, and data-driven.

And sixth, regional development and climate adaptation strategies should be pursued through a framework of climate justice and equitable transition.

(*) Associate Professor Phung The Dong is from the Ministry of Finance.

VET-Associate Professor Phung The Dong(*)

Politburo greenlights plan to establish Bac Ninh as centrally-run city

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The city aims to develop a modern high-tech industrial sector that integrates deeply into global supply chains, establishing itself as a leading national and regional hub for electronics, with a focus on semiconductors, microchips, and artificial intelligence (AI).

On behalf of the Politburo, Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat, Mr. Tran Cam Tu, has signed Conclusion No. 52-KL/TW of the Politburo regarding the master plan to establish Bac Ninh as a centrally-run city. The new administrative entity will be formed based on the current boundaries of Bac Ninh province, northern Vietnam.

The conclusion sets out a vision to develop Bac Ninh into a model green, smart, modern, and civilized city that deeply preserves the cultural identity of the Kinh Bac region. Economic growth is to be harmonized with environmental protection, driven primarily by science, technology, and innovation.

The city aims to develop a modern high-tech industrial sector that integrates deeply into global supply chains, establishing itself as a leading national and regional hub for electronics, with a focus on semiconductors, microchips, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Furthermore, Bac Ninh will focus on completing a synchronous infrastructure network—encompassing road, waterway, railway, and airway transport—alongside smart urban development. This includes connecting major urban centers with multi-modal logistics infrastructure and ensuring balanced development across all local areas within the city.

Following the merger between Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces in July 2025, the new administrative unit will span a natural area of more than 4,718 sq.km with a population of approximately 3.6 million. This will make it one of the most densely populated regions in the country, characterized by a young demographic structure.

Vneconomy-Thanh Xuân

Vietnam leads ASEAN in AI readiness: Microsoft study

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Vietnam currently ranks first in ASEAN in the proportion of AI pioneers, with 39% of workers classified as advanced AI users—more than double the global average of 16%, according to Microsoft Vietnam’s Work Trend Index 2026 report.

Vietnam’s workforce is among the most prepared in Southeast Asia to embrace artificial intelligence, but businesses must redesign their operating models to fully translate that advantage into higher productivity and competitiveness, according to Microsoft Vietnam’s Work Trend Index 2026 report released on June 24.

The report, based on analysis of trillions of anonymized productivity signals from Microsoft 365 and a survey of 2,000 knowledge workers in Vietnam, suggests the country is rapidly entering the AI era.

Vietnam currently ranks first in ASEAN in the proportion of AI pioneers, with 39% of workers classified as advanced AI users—more than double the global average of 16%.

According to the report, AI pioneers are employees who have integrated AI deeply into their daily work. Rather than using the technology solely for routine tasks, they apply it to higher-value activities such as information analysis, complex problem-solving, evaluating options and generating innovative ideas.

The findings also indicate that Vietnamese workers largely view AI as a tool to enhance human thinking rather than replace it. As many as 89% of AI users in Vietnam said they treat AI-generated outputs as a starting point for deeper analysis rather than as final answers.

This suggests that AI is increasingly being used to support decision-making, while critical judgment, evaluation and accountability remain firmly in human hands.

The impact on workplace performance is already becoming evident. The report found that 76% of Vietnamese AI users are now producing work outcomes that would have been impossible for them to achieve a year ago. Among AI pioneers, the figure rises to 83%.

While these results highlight Vietnam’s growing strength in AI-enabled talent, Microsoft noted that workforce capability alone is not enough. To turn this advantage into sustainable competitive gains, businesses will need to adopt new organizational structures, operating processes and governance models that fully leverage AI-driven transformation.

VnEconomy-Dũng Hiếu

Vietnamese Trade Union proposes 9.8% increase in regional minimum wage for 2027

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The proposed adjustments are intended to better ensure a basic standard of living for workers.

Vietnam’s National Wage Council held its first meeting on June 23 to discuss regional minimum wage adjustments for 2027, with the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour proposing two options that would raise wages by up to 9.8%.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the meeting, Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Labour Relations Department at the confederation, said the organization had submitted two proposals for consideration.

Under the first option, regional minimum wages would increase by between VND360,000 ($13.6) and VND520,000 per month, representing an average rise of 9.8% compared with 2026 levels.

The second option proposes increases ranging from VND315,000 to VND450,000 per month, equivalent to an average increase of 8.5%.

According to Ms. Ha, the proposed adjustments are intended to better ensure a basic standard of living for workers. The recommendations were formulated based on key economic indicators, including GDP growth, consumer price inflation (CPI), labor productivity and factors affecting business operations.

She added that, considering Vietnam’s economic growth performance in 2025 and other influencing factors, the 7.2% increase in regional minimum wages that took effect on January 1, 2026 was relatively modest compared with actual living cost pressures.

The most recent wage adjustment raised regional minimum wages by an average of 7.2%, a move that was widely viewed as balancing the interests of both employers and employees while helping to maintain minimum living standards.

Vietnam’s minimum wage serves as the lowest legal salary for workers performing the simplest jobs under normal working conditions. It is designed to ensure a minimum living standard for employees and their families while reflecting the country’s socio-economic development conditions.

VnEconomy-Thu Hằng

Vietnam hosts international workshop on UN peacekeeping

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

This annual event will bring together more than 50 senior government officials, UN representatives, policymakers, experts, and peacekeepers.

The Government of Vietnam, in coordination with the governments of Australia and Japan and the United Nations, hosts the 2026 Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP) Stakeholder Workshop in Hanoi from June 24 to 26, according to the United Nations Department of Operational Support (DOS).

Launched by the UN in 2015, the TPP is considered a flagship cooperation initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity of troop- and police-contributing countries (T/PCCs) for peacekeeping missions.

This annual event will bring together more than 50 senior government officials, UN representatives, policymakers, experts, and peacekeepers. It serves to exchange solutions for strengthening international cooperation, improving deployment readiness, and fostering innovation in global peacekeeping operations.

The workshop comes at a time when traditional and non-traditional security challenges are becoming increasingly complex. This reality places higher demands on the capabilities, coordination, and readiness of peacekeeping forces stationed in conflict zones worldwide.

Through a collaborative mechanism between the UN, supporting member states, and contributing countries, the program focuses on key areas such as engineering, military medicine, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR), and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) capabilities.

In addition to in-person training, the program promotes the application of telemedicine to support healthcare services, ensure safety, and improve working conditions for peacekeepers serving at UN missions.

According to the United Nations, enhancing training quality and interoperability among peacekeeping nations not only boosts field efficiency but also minimizes risks for personnel operating in complex security environments.

A notable highlight of this year’s workshop is a field visit program designed to showcase Vietnam’s contributions to UN peacekeeping training and capacity building.

Vneconomy-Nguyệt Hà

HCMC develops megacity-scale flood control strategy through 2060

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 23:50:00 GMT

A notable highlight of the project is the development of growth scenarios that account for population increases, rapid urbanization, climate change, sea-level rise, and land subsidence.

Ho Chi Minh City is drafting a comprehensive master plan for flood control and wastewater treatment for the 2026–2060 period, alongside a detailed implementation plan for 2026–2036. For the first time, urban water management will be studied based on river basins rather than restricted by administrative boundaries.

According to the city Department of Construction, this basin-based approach allows for a more accurate identification of water flows, the relationship between upstream, downstream, and estuaries, hydraulic bottlenecks, and areas affected by the ripple effects of flooding. Furthermore, the project sets out an integrated approach combining flood control, drainage, wastewater treatment, urban water management, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation.

As an initial step, the project will review the entire legal framework, existing urban planning, and previous programs related to drainage and wastewater. This includes evaluating the continuity of past initiatives, such as "Project 299," which has already been implemented in the city.

In parallel, the city will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of flooding, drainage systems, tidal control, and wastewater collection across all districts post-merger. This effort will include the creation of a digital GIS (Geographic Information System) database mapping flood points, drainage works, tidal control structures, and wastewater treatment systems.

A notable highlight of the project is the development of growth scenarios that account for population increases, rapid urbanization, climate change, sea-level rise, and land subsidence. Based on these scenarios, technical analyses and flood-risk modeling will be conducted to identify priority basins for intervention and create a flood-risk zoning map for the entire city.

The draft outline also specifies that the city will establish a set of quantitative indicators for various sectors, including flood reduction, drainage capacity, wastewater collection and treatment rates, operational efficiency, resilience, and water reuse.

Beyond traditional "gray infrastructure"—such as sewers, dikes, pumping stations, tidal control gates, and treatment plants—the plan places heavy emphasis on integrating "green" and "blue" infrastructure alongside nature-based solutions.

Detention basins, water storage spaces, permeable surfaces, canal systems, ecological wetlands, and aquatic landscapes are viewed as vital components to enhance water regulation and reduce pressure on the city's technical infrastructure.

Vneconomy-Thiên Ân

Evolution of visual journalism

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The use of data journalism makes information more engaging and understandable for readers via charts, graphs, and other visualization tools.

Data journalism is emerging as an inexorable trend amid the rapid advancement of digital technologies, reshaping how information is produced and consumed. In Vietnam, this transformation is not only a challenge but also an opportunity for the media industry. By enabling journalists to analyze and visualize complex information, data journalism is gradually becoming essential to enhancing the quality and reliability of news coverage.

The term data journalism refers to a form of reporting that uses data to tell stories. Rather than relying solely on text and images, it combines charts, graphs, maps, and other visual tools to present information in a more engaging and understandable manner. This approach helps readers better grasp complex issues while also strengthening transparency and trust in the information being presented.

Growing influence

Major news organizations in Vietnam have begun paying greater attention to and investing in data journalism. Publications such as VnEconomy, Tuoi Tre, Thanh Nien, and VnExpress have increasingly incorporated data-driven reporting into their coverage, particularly in areas such as economics, politics, and social affairs. The use of data not only makes stories more compelling but also provides readers with deeper and more comprehensive insights into current events.

One of the greatest advantages of data journalism is its ability to transform complex information into clear visual narratives. Instead of presenting readers with raw figures and statistics, journalists can use charts, graphs, and other visualization tools to make information more engaging and easier to understand. This not only improves accessibility but also enhances transparency and public confidence in the reporting.

However, achieving this requires journalists to possess strong data analysis skills and proficiency in data visualization tools. This remains a significant challenge for many traditional journalists who may not yet be familiar with technology-driven reporting methods. To address this gap, many newsrooms have introduced training programs focused on data journalism, equipping reporters with the skills and knowledge needed to work effectively with data.

Legal and data access challenges

Data journalism, however, also presents a range of ethical and legal challenges. The use of data requires journalists to comply with privacy and data protection regulations while ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the information they publish. As a result, news organizations must establish rigorous processes for data verification and validation to ensure that published information is both accurate and trustworthy.

One of the most significant obstacles facing data journalism in Vietnam is access to reliable data sources. The collection and retrieval of data remain difficult due to the limited availability of open and transparent public datasets. This requires journalists to develop strong skills in sourcing information from multiple channels, as well as the ability to assess the reliability and accuracy of the data they obtain.

Despite these challenges, data journalism continues to gain momentum in Vietnam. Many news organizations are investing in both technology and human resources to strengthen their data journalism capabilities, with the goal of improving the quality and credibility of their reporting. These investments not only help attract larger audiences but also contribute to enhancing the reputation and standing of Vietnamese journalism on the international stage.

Looking ahead, data journalism is expected to continue expanding and become an integral part of the news industry. As technology advances and the volume of available data increases, data-driven reporting will become more widespread and play an increasingly important role in delivering accurate and reliable information to the public.

According to experts, data journalism is not merely a trend but a major opportunity for Vietnam’s media sector. By harnessing the power of data and technology, news organizations can improve the quality and credibility of their reporting while reaching a broader audience. To realize this potential, however, journalists must continually enhance their skills and remain committed to ethical and legal standards in the use of data. Only then can data journalism fully demonstrate its value and contribute meaningfully to the development of Vietnam’s news industry.

Mr. Le Quoc Minh, Member of the Party Central Committee, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan newspaper, and Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Communication and Mass Mobilization.

The adoption of AI in Vietnam is accelerating rapidly. AI is now being applied across a wide range of sectors, including education, healthcare, climate change, and journalism, significantly reducing the amount of human labor required. In reality, journalism today is already operating in fundamentally different ways.

However, the rapid adoption of AI and the extensive use of data also bring significant challenges. Around the world, AI-powered websites have emerged that can produce far more content than major news organizations such as the New York Times or the Washington Post. At the same time, AI has heightened the risks of misinformation, propaganda, and information manipulation. As a result, the ability to verify information increasingly depends on the knowledge and critical thinking skills of audiences.

Copyright is another growing concern. In the past, copyright infringement largely involved copying or repurposing journalistic content. Today, AI systems routinely scrape news content to train their models without providing any compensation to the organizations that produce the original material.

Beyond these issues, AI also poses broader social risks. Training data often contains inherent biases and lacks consistent ethical standards. Without proper safeguards, AI systems can reinforce “echo chambers” that amplify existing prejudices, including gender bias, discrimination, and other forms of social bias. If left unchecked, these effects could become increasingly difficult to control.

Mr. Bui Binh Minh, Head of the Multimedia Division, VietNamNet

Data journalism is not a new concept, and many news organizations in Vietnam have already embraced it. However, implementing it effectively remains a challenge.

One of the biggest hurdles facing news organizations today is the initial investment required, along with identifying data-driven content that aligns with audience interests. At its core, data journalism is about transforming data into valuable information. Broadly speaking, there are two approaches: broad scanning, which involves collecting data from a wide range of sources, and deep analysis, which focuses on mining, aggregating, and interpreting data to uncover meaningful insights.

Currently, many Vietnamese news organizations favor the broad-scanning approach, gathering and organizing information around a particular topic before presenting it to readers. While this method is relatively easy to implement, it can also overwhelm audiences with excessive amounts of content. Readers may not have the patience to work through large-scale formats such as mega stories or e-magazines packed with datasets, charts, and visualizations.

News organizations therefore need to place greater emphasis on deep analysis. Interactive maps could, for example, provide concise yet detailed statistics on cities and provinces following the transition to a two-tier local government model. Another practical application would be analyzing high school and university entrance examination score distributions, helping students assess their admission prospects and make better-informed choices about where to apply.

Technology experts often describe data as the world’s new oil. It has indeed become a critical resource, with perhaps the most visible example being its role in training increasingly sophisticated AI models. Journalism is no exception. By analyzing and uncovering insights from data, news organizations can generate information of significant value, helping readers make faster, more informed, and more effective decisions.

VET-HONG VINH

Home affairs ministry to develop 'silver economy' scheme

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The initiative seeks to harness the potential of Vietnam's aging demographic, converting societal shifts into sustainable economic opportunities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) has identified the 'silver economy' as a strategic priority for the third quarter of this year, aiming to harness the potential of Vietnam's aging demographic, converting societal shifts into sustainable economic opportunities.

This project focuses on a fundamental shift in mindset: moving from viewing the elderly as a "welfare burden" to recognizing them as a "development opportunity" and a valuable resource that should be both empowered and cared for.

This move follows Government Resolution No. 109/NQ-CP, issued on April 16, 2026, which tasked the MoHA with leading and coordinating with relevant ministries and agencies to "review, adjust, supplement, and develop new mechanisms, policies, schemes, and plans for the development of the silver economy."

To implement this mandate, the MoHA has requested that relevant agencies focus on two major areas: Evaluating existing mechanisms, policies, and projects related to the silver economy; and suggesting solutions, tasks, and development schemes for the silver economy through 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

The assessment of the current silver economy will be comprehensive, covering various dimensions: public awareness; the scale, quality, and structure of the aging population; the employment needs and labor market participation of the elderly; healthcare and medical services; financial and insurance services; social security; and access to culture, entertainment, tourism, sports, information technology, and infrastructure.

Based on these findings, the MoHA will propose new or adjusted policy frameworks. General solutions will focus on raising awareness, refining institutional frameworks, enhancing communication, and promoting international cooperation.

Specific solutions will be targeted across multiple sectors, including finance, investment, and budgeting; business development; labor and employment; healthcare; education and training; culture and sports; and IT and infrastructure development.

Vneconomy-Nhật Dương

No more approval of fire safety compliance from police required for construction projects

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:25:00 GMT

The new policy takes effects from June 20, as regulated by the Government's Resolution No. 66.18/2026/NQ-CP.

Under the Government's Resolution No. 66.18/2026/NQ-CP, since June 20, 2026, construction projects shall no longer be required to apply for police authorities' approval of fire safety compliance, according to a report from the Government News.

According to the new policy, investors of such projects shall be permitted to self-inspect and approve fire safety compliance before putting construction projects and transport vehicles into operation, rather than waiting for police inspections as previously required.

This is part of the Government's efforts to further streamline administrative procedures and business conditions in the field of fire prevention, fighting, and rescue.

Police authorities have ceased accepting applications for this procedures starting June 20. Applications received before this date will continue to be processed with results returned by June 30.

With the abolition of this procedure, police authorities shall only handle the following procedures in the field of fire prevention, fighting, and rescue:

(i) Fire safety design appraisal;

(ii) Fire safety design approval for cases involving design adjustments during the construction of projects that have already been granted an approval certificate; and

(iii) Issuance of traffic/circulation permits.

VGP-Pham Long

Accurate, timely, insightful information

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Leading executives from various industries share their thoughts on Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s contribution to Vietnam’s business community and the future of economic journalism in the age of AI.

Mr. Phung Viet Thang, Country Manager of Intel Vietnam

For more than three decades, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has established itself as one of Vietnam’s leading sources of authoritative, in-depth, and influential economic journalism.

What I value most is that the organization not only reports on economic developments, market trends, and policy changes, but also fosters a high-quality platform for dialogue between policymakers, the business community, experts, and readers. Especially in today’s digital economy, its ability to harness and deliver reliable, data-driven, and insightful information has created exceptional value in a world saturated with information.

We greatly appreciate the organization’s continued engagement with and understanding of the technology community, its efforts to highlight digital transformation stories, and its analysis of technology’s impact across sectors of the economy. In doing so, it has made a direct contribution to Vietnam’s ongoing national digital transformation.

The greatest opportunity and challenge for economic journalism in this era lies in data and AI. As technology advances, the volume of available and newly-generated data continues to grow exponentially. This places significantly greater demands on publications and journalists to identify trustworthy sources, apply effective methods of aggregation and analysis, and, most importantly, combine multiple datasets to generate meaningful insights.

From this perspective, I believe investing in AI is essential for journalism to strengthen its capabilities and meet evolving demands. AI should be deployed comprehensively - from centralized data infrastructure to individual devices, from large-scale data applications at the publication level to intelligent reporting tools for journalists - built on a unified, open, and secure platform. In that context, AI should serve as a capability-enhancing tool, not a replacement for journalists, enabling news organizations to better fulfill journalism’s core responsibilities of editing, verification, analysis, and critical thinking, guided by human judgment and professional ethics.

I see three strategic priorities specifically for the organization. First, invest heavily in high-quality, multi-format data capabilities to enhance the user experience. Second, leverage AI to support data aggregation, in-depth analysis, and more efficient content production. Third, establish clear governance mechanisms for AI-assisted content to ensure transparency, credibility, and information security.

What I find most remarkable about the organization’s 35-year journey is the enduring value that a trusted economic news organization can create for the community. In an environment where business conditions and technology are changing rapidly, what companies and society need are information channels that are credible, analytically rigorous, and capable of connecting major global trends with Vietnam’s development realities.

In my view, that is precisely the newsroom’s meaningful contribution over the years: not only documenting economic developments, but also fostering dialogue, promoting innovation, and strengthening confidence within the business community on its growth journey.

Looking ahead, I hope Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will continue to build on its strengths as a trusted and specialized economic organization, constantly innovating in both operations and technology adoption, remaining a true companion to businesses, and contributing actively to Vietnam’s digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Mr. Tran Dinh Tai, Deputy General Director of Hoa Sen Group

For the past 35 years, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has established itself as one of Vietnam’s most respected economic media organizations, accompanying the country through its economic transformation. Its value lies not only in providing information but also in its ability to analyze, offer constructive critique, and connect stakeholders across the economy.

For the business community, the organization acts as an important bridge between enterprises and policymakers, while also providing a trusted platform for sharing perspectives, initiatives, and sustainable development values.

I believe that, building upon its 35-year foundation, it will continue to be a trusted partner of the business community as Vietnam advances its integration and development journey.

In the digital era, the greatest competitive advantage for economic journalism is no longer the speed of reporting but the quality of analysis, the ability to verify information, and the value that information delivers to readers.

In my view, economic media organizations should continue strengthening their expertise in in-depth reporting while embracing technology, data, and AI to enhance analytical capabilities, forecasting, and personalized user experiences. At the same time, they should continue serving as platforms that connect businesses, experts, and policymakers, helping foster dialogue, improve policy frameworks, and strengthen the business environment.

In a world saturated with information, what creates value and earns readers’ trust is not publishing more news but helping readers understand issues more clearly. This represents both a strength and an opportunity for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy to further reinforce its position as a leading and influential economic publication.

Over the past 35 years, as Vietnam and its economy have undergone significant transformations, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has done more than report on market developments; it has consistently examined economic and social issues through a lens of depth, objectivity, and responsibility. Through insightful analysis, high-quality forums, and trusted information, the publication has helped provide accurate and multidimensional perspectives for businesses, investors, and readers alike.

Mr. Dang Tung Son, CEO of CMC Corporation

Like many business leaders and executives, I have always regarded Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy as one of Vietnam’s most trusted publications covering economics, finance, investment, and corporate governance. Over the years, it has not only delivered accurate, timely, and insightful reporting on the economy but has also served as an important platform connecting government, experts, businesses, and the market.

What I particularly value is the organization’s ability to accompany businesses not only by highlighting achievements and success stories but also by closely following the major forces reshaping the economy, especially information technology, telecommunications, digital transformation, and, more recently, AI transformation. These are also the areas that CMC has consistently pursued as a pioneering Vietnamese technology company.

As Vietnam enters a new phase of development, marked by ambitions in innovation, technological self-reliance, digital transformation, green growth, and global integration, economic journalism has an increasingly important mission. Journalism does more than reflect reality; it helps build confidence, promote a positive business culture, and inspire the aspirations needed to drive growth and development.

I believe that, with its 35-year legacy and strong spirit of innovation, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will continue to be a responsible, insightful, and trusted voice of Vietnam’s economy while supporting the country’s technology and digital enterprises as they expand into regional and global markets.

In recent years, we have witnessed the rapid rise of AI, particularly generative AI, across nearly every aspect of society, from business and manufacturing to healthcare, education, culture, media, and journalism. This is no longer a future trend; it is a reality transforming organizations at remarkable speed.

For CMC, a technology and telecommunications company with 33 years of development, AI represents not a challenge to fear but an opportunity to accelerate. Businesses, organizations, and media institutions all need to embrace AI transformation to meet Vietnam’s development ambitions, especially as the country pursues high-growth objectives and seeks to strengthen its global competitiveness.

Journalism is no exception. For economic media, AI transformation is not simply about applying technology to publishing workflows. It is a comprehensive shift in operating models, content production, data analysis, audience engagement, and the creation of new value for readers and the business community.

I highly appreciate Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s early leadership in developing the Marcom AI Platform ecosystem, including its editorial CMS platform and Askonomy Platform, which supports research, summarization, and translation through AI. This reflects both innovation and adaptability. CMC is currently working with the organization to support the commercialization of these solutions.

However, AI should not be viewed merely as a content-production tool. It should become an integral part of a newsroom’s long-term strategy. Economic journalism needs to evolve from a “digital newsroom” into an “AI-native newsroom” - one designed and operated around data, AI, and intelligent automation.

AI can help journalists aggregate information, identify trends, analyze policies, monitor market developments, personalize content, and expand multilingual and multi-platform capabilities. Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy can become more than a publication reporting on economic developments; it can evolve into a digital knowledge platform that provides information, analysis, forecasts, and policy insights for businesses, investors, policymakers, and society.

At the same time, technology should be seen as an enabler rather than a replacement. The core values of journalism remain unchanged: truth, social responsibility, professional integrity, and readers’ trust. AI transformation must therefore extend beyond technology to encompass people, processes, governance, and organizational culture.

With its 35-year reputation and its commitment to innovation, I believe Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy is well positioned to become one of Vietnam’s leading economic media organizations in AI transformation. It can play a significant role not only in documenting the country’s digital economy but also in accelerating AI adoption across Vietnam’s media sector. CMC stands ready to support the organization and the broader journalism community on that journey.

If I were to choose descriptions for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy after 35 years, they would be hardworking, disciplined, innovative, and constantly creating value for the community. To me, this reflects both its achievements over the past three and a half decades and its future potential as a trusted “hive of knowledge” where information, expertise, and inspiration come together to support Vietnam’s business community.

Mr. Thieu Phuong Nam, General Director of Qualcomm for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos

Over more than two decades of operating in Vietnam, we have witnessed the country’s remarkable transformation in both economic development and technological advancement. As technology plays an increasingly critical role in economic competitiveness, credible media organizations specializing in business and technology have a particularly important role in helping businesses, policymakers, and the public better understand both the opportunities and implications brought about by emerging technologies.

Innovation can only realize its full potential when stakeholders understand not only what technology can do but also how it can be applied responsibly to create meaningful value for the economy and society.

Looking ahead, Vietnam has the opportunity not only to adopt and apply technology but also to become a contributor to the global innovation ecosystem through RD and a highly-skilled workforce. Achieving this goal will require stronger public-private collaboration and a greater role for trusted institutions in fostering dialogue, raising awareness, and supporting informed decision-making. We believe that media organizations such as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will continue to play an important role in facilitating these conversations as Vietnam moves closer to becoming an innovation-driven economy.

For its part, Qualcomm remains committed to supporting this journey through long-term investments in innovation, talent development, and collaboration with partners across Vietnam’s technology ecosystem.

I do not believe that the rise of AI diminishes the role of mainstream journalism. As information becomes increasingly abundant and easier to generate, qualities such as credibility, context, and authenticity become even more valuable. For media organizations, the opportunity lies not only in adopting AI but also in leveraging it to enhance both operational efficiency and content quality.

AI can significantly support activities such as research, content discovery, translation, and audience engagement. However, technology is a tool, not a substitute for editorial judgment. While AI can generate content at scale, it cannot replace domain expertise, critical thinking, or the ability to analyze complex issues. The organizations that succeed will be those that effectively combine the speed and efficiency of AI with the standards and professionalism of journalism.

Beyond applying AI in their own operations, media organizations also have an important role to play in helping society adapt to technological change. As AI becomes increasingly embedded across industries, society needs clear, balanced, and practical perspectives on how these technologies can improve productivity, strengthen competitiveness, and drive long-term economic growth.

Media organizations capable of translating complex technological developments into accessible, meaningful analysis for businesses and society will continue to stand out. At the same time, the media can serve as a bridge that promotes dialogue and collaboration between policymakers, businesses, academia, startups, and investors.

At Qualcomm, we view AI as one of the most transformative technologies of our time, with the potential to boost productivity, enable new business models, and drive economic growth across sectors. This belief underpins Qualcomm’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, including the establishment of the Qualcomm RD Center in Hanoi and the implementation of initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic AI capabilities and innovation, such as Qualcomm Academy and the Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge.

We believe these long-term investments will help support Vietnam’s ambition to become a leading innovation-driven economy in the AI era.

Mr. Kulachet Dharachandra, Country Director of SCG in Vietnam and General Director of Long Son Petrochemicals

I would like to congratulate Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy on its 35th anniversary. What impresses me most about the organization is its ability to continuously reinvent itself, from a traditional newspaper into a trusted multi-platform media ecosystem. In many ways, this mirrors SCG’s own transformation in Vietnam over the past three decades, from an importer to a manufacturer and strategic industrial partner.

Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s contribution extends well beyond journalism. It has effectively connected policy with business realities and fostered meaningful dialogue between government, businesses, and society. Through flagship initiatives, the publication has created valuable platforms where ideas can be transformed into action. In an age of information overload, its ability to shape serious, constructive conversations about Vietnam’s development is what has earned the trust of readers for 35 years.

Today, economic developments can no longer be viewed in isolation. They are increasingly shaped by geopolitics, technology, and sustainability. Amid an abundance of information, what readers need most from credible media organizations is context, insight, and trust.

Journalism must stay one step ahead, helping businesses understand the forces driving change. Topics such as AI, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, the circular economy, and net-zero commitments are no longer emerging trends; they have become long-term drivers of competitiveness. By sharing practical lessons and real-world success stories, the media can help accelerate the green transition across both the public and private sectors.

No matter how rapidly technology evolves, credibility remains timeless. The most valuable media organization is not the one that delivers news the fastest, but the one that earns a unique and enduring level of trust from its audience.

If I were to choose a metaphor to describe the organization after 35 years of innovation and development, it would be a “fiber-optic cable of trust.” A bridge connects people physically; a fiber-optic cable connects them instantly, across unlimited distances and on a global scale.

For 35 years, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has served as that connection, linking policy with practice, businesses with opportunities, and sustainability ambitions with concrete action. As Vietnam enters a new stage of development, trusted organizations such as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will become even more important. SCG is proud to have accompanied this journey and wishes it continued success as one of Vietnam’s leading economic media organizations.

Mr. Le Quoc Vinh, Chairman of the Le Group of Companies, and Chairman of the Vietnam Chief Sales Marketing Officers Club (CSMO)

Looking back, what moves me most is not that Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has endured for 35 years. What moves me is that it has accompanied almost the entire journey of Vietnam’s market economy, from its emergence to its maturation.

From an A4-sized economic bulletin first published in 1991 to the influential economic media ecosystem it is today, the publication has done more than witness Vietnam’s economic history. In some ways, it has helped shape that history.

I have always believed that journalism’s greatest role is not to record events, but to help society understand their meaning. For decades, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has fulfilled that role in relation to the country’s economic life.

From the early years of opening up to foreign investment, through the rise of the private sector, waves of equitization, WTO accession, the development of the stock market, and global economic crises, the publication has helped explain complex developments to businesses and the broader public.

Thirty-five years ago, businesses needed information. Today, they are no longer short of information; they are surrounded by it. What has become scarce is not data, but the ability to interpret it correctly. Not news, but knowledge. Not speed, but trust.

AI can give us access to unlimited amounts of information. But AI cannot create social trust on its own. Trust must still be built by credible institutions.

That is why I believe the greatest mission of economic journalism in the years ahead is not to become the fastest source of news, but to become part of the economy’s trust infrastructure. A modern economy requires more than roads, ports, and data centers. It also needs institutions capable of verifying information, promoting transparency, connecting market participants, and facilitating meaningful policy dialogue.

Thirty-five years ago, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy was founded as Vietnam began opening up to the world. Today, the country is entering a new stage of development, one defined by greater ambitions, greater opportunities, and greater challenges.

While the first chapter was about accompanying the formation of Vietnam’s market economy, the next may well be about accompanying the maturation of Vietnamese businesses in a knowledge-based and trust-based economy. It is a more difficult journey, but is one worth beginning.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Anh, CEO of Coc Coc

In developed markets, many leading economic media organizations have evolved far beyond the role of news providers. They have become platforms that integrate data, analysis, research, and expert insights to help businesses make better decisions. Today, the most influential economic publications do not simply tell readers what is happening; they help them understand why it matters and what actions they should consider. I see Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy playing a similar role in Vietnam.

For businesses, internal data alone is rarely enough. Leaders also need to understand broader developments in the economy, public policy, technology, consumer behavior, capital flows, and market competition. High-quality economic journalism helps provide that wider perspective, enabling businesses to validate assumptions, identify opportunities, and make more informed decisions.

At Coc Coc, we have experienced this value firsthand. As a Vietnamese technology company developing digital products and platforms for local users, we appreciate not only Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s journalistic credibility but also its ability to place business stories within the larger context of digital transformation, innovation, and economic development. When technology is viewed through the lens of policy, market trends, and national development priorities, the discussion becomes far more meaningful.

Looking ahead, I believe economic journalism must continue evolving beyond its traditional role as a news outlet. The challenge today is no longer a lack of information; it is information overload. Business leaders need trusted sources that can filter information, provide context, and explain what developments mean for their organizations.

That is why I believe economic journalism should increasingly serve as an information and analytical infrastructure for businesses. Leading international media organizations have already moved in this direction, building specialized databases, market intelligence products, expert communities, and policy forums alongside their core journalism.

This is also a natural direction for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy. The publication already possesses deep economic expertise, a strong network of experts, close relationships with the business community, and extensive experience organizing respected economic forums. Combined with data, AI, and digital innovation, these strengths could help transform Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy into a comprehensive economic knowledge platform.

I particularly appreciate the publication’s early investment in initiatives such as Askonomy and other AI-powered products. These efforts demonstrate that Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy is not merely reporting on digital transformation, it is actively embracing it.

Ultimately, economic journalism must preserve its most valuable asset: public trust. Technology can help journalism move faster and create new forms of value, but trust remains the foundation. Technology may help journalism go faster, but trust is what enables it to go further.

Mr. Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of LuxGroup

For the past 35 years, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has established itself as one of Vietnam’s most respected and influential economic media organizations. For the business community, it has been more than a source of information; it has been a trusted companion throughout the country’s journey of reform, integration, and economic development.

I particularly value the newsroom’s role in connecting businesses with experts, policymakers, and investors. Its economic forums, policy dialogues, and conferences have become important platforms where ideas are shared, debated, and refined.

In tourism, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy was among the first media organizations to recognize the industry as a major economic driver rather than simply a service sector. Its in-depth reporting, policy analysis, tourism forums, and the legacy of The Guide Awards have helped improve service quality, promote professionalism, and strengthen Vietnam’s tourism brand internationally.

From my perspective, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s greatest contribution has been not only reporting on economic developments but also helping shape development thinking among businesses and society. That is a remarkable achievement over the past 35 years.

In the digital era, speed is no longer journalism’s only competitive advantage. What readers and businesses increasingly value is credibility, analytical depth, and the ability to anticipate future trends.

Economic journalism must evolve from simply delivering news to creating knowledge. Today’s business leaders want more than information about what is happening; they want to understand why it is happening and what it means for their strategies. I hope the organization continues to build on its strengths in policy analysis, economic data, trend research, digital transformation, AI, green growth, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, and innovation.

It should also continue acting as an effective bridge between businesses, experts, investors, and regulators, ensuring that practical business perspectives are better reflected in policymaking. In tourism in particular, I would like to see the organization develop a deeper content ecosystem around the economics of tourism; one of Vietnam’s most influential industries. As the country aims to become a leading destination in Asia, it needs high-quality policy forums, market research, conferences, and industry discussions that can help strengthen national competitiveness.

I believe that by combining technological innovation with the core values of professional journalism, the organization will continue to play a leading role within Vietnam’s economic media landscape.

If I were to choose a symbol for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy after 35 years of innovation and development, it would be a lighthouse guiding Vietnam’s economic journey. A lighthouse does not steer the ship, but it helps sailors navigate through changing conditions and uncertain waters.

I believe the organization will continue to serve as a lighthouse of knowledge for Vietnam’s business community, accompanying the nation as it builds a greener, more digital, more innovative, and more globally-integrated economy.

Mr. Nguyen Tu Quang, Chairman and CEO of the BKAV Group

Having had the opportunity to work with many media organizations since the early 2000s, I have always held a special regard for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy. In my view, it is a publication that truly lives up to its name, consistently maintaining professionalism, integrity, and high standards worthy of one of Vietnam’s leading economic media brands.

That professionalism is reflected not only in the stature of the publication itself but also in the working style of its journalists. I have worked with its reporters on numerous occasions and have always been impressed by the way they approach their subjects. They possess deep knowledge, ask insightful questions that go straight to the heart of the issues that matter most to business leaders, and demonstrate a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by enterprises.

The rise of social media has brought unparalleled speed in the dissemination of information, but it has also exposed weaknesses in depth, accuracy, and credibility. In that context, I believe this presents a golden opportunity for mainstream media organizations such as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy to reinforce their position. No matter how quickly information travels, modern society will always require trusted, verified sources that provide direction and in-depth analysis. Professional journalism remains the foundation, the authoritative source of information from which social media draws and amplifies content.

As Vietnam enters a new era of national development and aspiration, economic issues will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of attention for the government, businesses, and society as a whole. I therefore hope that Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will continue to stay committed to its strength in in-depth reporting and analysis, focusing on the major economic challenges facing the country. Thought-provoking and well-researched reporting from the newsroom can help society develop a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of economic realities, making a meaningful contribution to the nation’s development.

If I were to describe Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy after 35 years in a single phrase, it would be: “Authentic integrity and professionalism.” Throughout its development, amid an increasingly turbulent media landscape, it has remained one of the rare publications that has preserved the core values and identity of journalism. Rather than seeking attention through sensationalism or controversy, it has built its reputation through the quality of its content and the value of the knowledge it delivers.

Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy is truly a symbol of ethical, principled, and professional economic journalism in Vietnam.

Mr. Ngo Minh Quan, Chief of Digital Transformation at the Rikkeisoft Corporation

Looking back on Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s 35-year journey of innovation and growth, we see a publication that has evolved alongside Vietnam’s economy. For the business community, particularly the technology sector, it is far more than a media organization. It has established itself as both a trusted chronicler of economic development and a strategic communications platform.

The relationship between Rikkeisoft and Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy is a testament to that role. We have been honored to contribute to editorials, in-depth discussions, and industry dialogues alongside leading technology groups such as FPT, Viettel, and VNPT. The fact that Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has consistently provided a platform for newer-generation enterprises like Rikkeisoft reflects the newsroom’s openness, objectivity, and commitment to promoting Vietnam’s digital capabilities.

More importantly, the publication has not merely reported on corporate milestones; it has accompanied and documented them. In many ways, the organization has served as a source of knowledge and inspiration, helping Vietnamese enterprises gain the confidence to integrate internationally and compete on the global stage.

As a technology company, our current strategy focuses on applying AI to enhance productivity and increase value creation while pursuing our ambition of becoming a global enterprise and strengthening the presence of Vietnamese brands in international markets. From that perspective, I believe Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy can further amplify its impact in two important ways.

First, it can become a strategic compass for Vietnamese businesses navigating international markets. As companies expand into destinations such as the US, Japan, and the wider Asia-Pacific region, they increasingly need deeper insights into capital flows, international economic policies, regulatory developments, and emerging opportunities in areas such as AI and semiconductors. Stronger forward-looking analysis would help businesses not only seize opportunities but also manage risks more effectively.

Second, it can play an even greater role in advancing what I would call the “human capital economy.” In the digital era, high-quality talent is one of a nation’s most valuable assets. The publication is uniquely positioned to connect government, businesses, and educational institutions while promoting technology talent development and sharing best practices in productivity and workforce management. A practical knowledge ecosystem of this kind would provide a powerful foundation for the global ambitions of Vietnamese enterprises.

If I had to describe Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy at 35 years in a single image, I would call it “the fiber-optic cable of knowledge connecting Vietnam’s economy to the world.”

In the digital age, fiber-optic infrastructure forms the backbone of connectivity, transmitting information at high speed with reliability and precision. For 35 years, the publication has fulfilled a similar role, delivering economic information quickly and accurately while providing the depth of analysis and strategic perspective needed to guide decision-making.

More importantly, it has connected generations of Vietnamese businesses, linked enterprises with policymakers, and bridged domestic capabilities with global technology trends and international capital flows. That seamless flow of knowledge has provided companies like Rikkeisoft with valuable support as we pursue growth and global expansion.

VET-

Vietnam to launch agro-forestry-fishery traceability system on July 1

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:00:00 GMT

The system currently records over 18,000 products from 149 participating enterprises across 26 provinces and cities, indicating a high level of readiness ahead of the official launch.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is fast-tracking final preparations to launch the national agro-forestry-fishery traceability system, scheduled to become operational on July 1, 2026.

To date, technical infrastructure, data integration, and pilot programs have yielded positive results, creating a foundation for enhanced transparency, management efficiency, and the ability to meet both domestic and international market requirements.

Reporting at a meeting on June 22 regarding the system’s readiness, Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Director of the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), stated that the ministry has highly focused on the upcoming launch. These efforts are being implemented across three synchronized pillars: perfecting the institutional framework, building technical infrastructure, and organizing data connections and pilot operations.

According to Mr. Long, a critical component of the preparation involves data connection and integration. The ministry has directed specialized agencies, local authorities, and businesses to collaborate in sharing foundational data, such as planting area codes, packing facility information, and laboratory testing data.

As of now, most solution providers have completed connectivity within the testing environment and are expected to finish all requirements by June 30. The system currently records over 18,000 products from the 149 participating enterprises across 26 provinces and cities, indicating a high level of readiness ahead of the official launch.

Parallel to infrastructure development and data integration, the ministry has conducted pilot operations for several key commodities, most notably the export durian industry. Initial results show that the system has effectively supported the traceability of shipments, contributing to increased transparency and meeting the stringent demands of international markets.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Hoang Trung said: "The connection and sharing of data must strictly adhere to the principle of 'single declaration, multiple uses' to avoid redundant investment and maximize data utilization efficiency."

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

HCM City targets services sector to contribute up to 75% of GRDP by 2040

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 01:30:00 GMT

The target is part of the southern city's strategy to become a leading services hub in Southeast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City has set an ambitious goal of increasing the contribution of the services sector to 60–65% of its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) by 2030 and 70–75% by 2040, as part of its strategy to become a leading services hub in Southeast Asia.

The city’s People's Committee has issued a plan to implement a project aimed at transforming the southern metropolis into a major national and regional services center, focusing on high-value, modern service industries.

Under the plan, the services sector will remain the primary engine of economic growth and play a leading role in restructuring the economy toward greater efficiency, modernization and sustainability. The city targets annual service-sector growth of 12–14% during the 2025–2030 period. Between 2030 and 2040, service-sector growth is expected to remain strong at 11–13% per year.

The strategy identifies three groups of priority industries. Strategic sectors include finance, banking and insurance; information and communications; transportation, warehousing and logistics; science, technology and innovation; and tourism. Potential growth sectors include education and training, healthcare, and digital economy services, while supporting sectors comprise trade, real estate, arts, sports and entertainment.

A key feature of the plan is the implementation of a “5+1” development model, with Ho Chi Minh City - based Vietnam's International Financial Centre serving as the core and linked to five strategic service hubs: a maritime and logistics center; an information, communications, science and innovation center; a tourism center; a healthcare center; and an education and training center.

By 2030, the city aims to become Southeast Asia’s leading services center and maintain its role as Vietnam’s economic powerhouse in digital economy development, finance, science and technology, logistics, tourism, education and healthcare.

Looking further ahead, the city targets becoming one of Asia’s leading service hubs by 2035 and joining the world's top 100 fastest-growing, most modern and sustainable cities. By 2045, it aspires to achieve global service-center status and rank among the world's top 50 rapidly developing, modern and sustainable cities.

VnEconomy-Minh Huy

Da Nang launches AI-powered digital public service stations

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:30:00 GMT

The initiative applies artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced intelligent recognition technologies to streamline administrative procedures and improve public services in the central city.

The People's Committee of Da Nang, in collaboration with the Vietnam Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Agribank), on June 19 launched a pilot model of Smart Kiosks and a digital document authentication and certification system, known as Digital Public Service Stations.

The initiative, which is being piloted at 11 locations across the city, applies artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced intelligent recognition technologies to streamline administrative procedures and improve public services in the central city.

Through the self-service kiosks, residents can quickly and conveniently submit requests for certified digital copies of official documents. The system automatically scans original documents, verifies their authenticity and validity, and transfers the information to authorized officials for processing and issuance of legally recognized electronic copies.

According to city authorities, the new platform is expected to reduce administrative workloads, allowing public servants to focus on more specialized tasks while improving processing efficiency and service quality.

As the pilot program progresses, Da Nang plans to further refine and expand the system, aiming to create a more modern, efficient and citizen-centric public administration ecosystem while advancing the development of a sustainable digital society.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Vietnamese education makes its mark at APEF 2026

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:18:00 GMT

Vietnamese education gains international recognition at the Asia–Pacific Economic Forum 2026 in Beijing, China.

Van Hien University and the Institute for Research and Development of Comprehensive Education are among several Vietnamese educational institutions which received recognition at the 5th Asia–Pacific Economic Forum 2026, held in Beijing, China, from May 30 to June 2.

The recognition reflects these institutions' ongoing efforts to internationalise their curricula, expand global partnerships and contribute to the broader education community.

Beyond institutional achievements, the forum also acknowledged the leadership and strategic vision of Vietnamese educators. Individual honourees included Ms. Pham Thi Minh Nguyet, Vice Chairwoman of Van Hien University; Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Loan, Director of the Institute for Research and Development of Comprehensive Education; and Dr. Nguyen Vinh Hanh, Chairman of the School Council of Nguyen Sieu Primary School.

However, beyond the awards and recognition, a broader issue attracting increasing attention among education experts is how schools can effectively balance national curricula with international standards, particularly at the primary level. As a foundational stage for language acquisition and character development, primary education requires global programmes to be carefully balanced with the preservation of local cultural values.

Speaking to VnEconomy/Vietnam Economic Times on the sidelines of the forum, Dr. Nguyen Vinh Hanh, who was honoured in the "Outstanding Leader of the New Era" category, said that after more than a decade of implementing the Cambridge programme, Nguyen Sieu Primary School has developed an integrated model combining the curriculum of Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training with international programmes by selecting complementary content and eliminating overlaps. "The Ministry of Education and Training's curriculum remains the core foundation. Building on that, students are introduced to modern learning approaches, open-minded thinking and global competencies," Dr. Hanh said.

According to Dr. Hanh, the biggest challenge of a bilingual education model is not the simultaneous implementation of multiple programmes, but rather designing an appropriate learning pathway that avoids placing excessive pressure on students.

Rather than requiring students to learn "double the content", the integrated curriculum is designed to reduce duplication and ensure subjects complement one another. In addition to academic knowledge, students are encouraged to develop self-learning skills, independent thinking, collaboration and problem-solving abilities through project-based activities conducted in both Vietnamese and English.

One concern frequently raised about international education models is the potential erosion of local cultural identity. Dr. Hanh argued that internationalisation should not come at the expense of traditional values. "Primary education is a crucial stage for shaping children's character, values and cultural identity. Alongside global competencies, students need to develop a strong understanding of Vietnamese culture and core moral values," Dr. Hanh said.

From a governance perspective, Dr. Hanh argued that the success of an educational model should not be measured solely by awards or accolades, but by the overall development of each student. In his view, the goal of primary education extends beyond academic achievement to nurturing future citizens who embrace lifelong learning, respect diversity and are prepared to adapt to an increasingly interconnected world.

As more schools in Vietnam adopt international programmes, striking a balance between global integration and preserving cultural identity is becoming an increasingly important priority for education leaders.

vneconomy-Nhu Quynh

Nghe An launches $720 mln climate change adaptation project

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

This includes roughly $595 million in loans from the World Bank (WB) and approximately $125 million in local counterpart funding.

Nghe An is set to launch a $720 million climate change adaptation and eco-tourism infrastructure project in the province's western region. This includes roughly $595 million in loans from the World Bank (WB) and approximately $125 million from local counterpart funding.

According to the proposal, the project is divided into four components. Among them, the component on developing Vinh’s urban infrastructure to adapt to climate change is the largest, with a total estimated capital of about $415 million.

The funds will be used to upgrade urban infrastructure by integrating stormwater drainage and transportation systems at a cost of around $258 million; expand the wastewater collection and treatment system with about $65 million; and strengthen the drainage capacity of major rivers and canals with about $60 million.

Additionally, a component dedicated to strengthening solid waste management through a circular economy approach has a projected investment of $50 million. This segment focuses on improving waste management efficiency, developing material recovery facilities, and promoting circular economy models.

Another notable feature of the project is the $170 million component dedicated to upgrading infrastructure to drive tourism development in Western Nghe An. Under this plan, the province will prioritize the construction of roads connecting to tourist sites along National Highway 7A, upgrade technical infrastructure at central hubs, and support local villages in developing community-based tourism.

Furthermore, between $78 million and $85 million has been allocated for technical assistance and capacity building to ensure the effective management and implementation of all investment items.

During a working session on June 19 between the Provincial People’s Committee and the World Bank Vietnam to consult on the adjusted investment list and conduct a preliminary investment screening for the project, World Bank representatives stated that their task force had previously conducted several field surveys and held specialized meetings with local authorities and relevant agencies to assess the current situation, identify investment needs, and finalize the project proposals.

Vneconomy-Nguyễn Thuấn

Construction of five urban metro lines in Hanoi starts

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The five new urban railway projects have a total length of more than 300 kilometers and investment capital preliminarily estimated at over VND1.3 quadrillion (around $52 billion).

A groundbreaking ceremony of Hanoi's five metro lines was held on June 22 with the attendance of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, among other senior officials.

The five new urban railway projects, with a total length of more than 300 kilometers and investment capital preliminarily estimated at over VND1.3 quadrillion (around $52 billion), include:

- Metro line No.1: Thuong Tin- Tam Hung- Thuong Phuc- Dan Hoa- Ngoc Hoi – Hanoi railway Station – Yen Vien- Noi Bai International Airport, with the length of 81 kilometers;

- Metro line No. 2: Noi Bai International Airport – Tran Hung Dao – Thuong Dinh – Thuong Tin – Tam Hung – Thuong Phuc – Dan Hoa, with the length of 56.5 kilometers;

- Metro line No. 8: Hoa Lac – Son Dong - Mai Dich – Ring Road No.3 – Linh Nam – Duong Xa, with the length of 91 kilometers;

- Metro line No. 10: Dong Anh – Vo Chi Cong – Ring Road No. 3 – Ring Road No. 2.5 - Times City – Dong Anh, with the length of 43 kilometers; and

- Metro line No. 14: Thang Long Bridge – Hong Ha - Gia Lam, with the length of 27 kilometers.

The Vinhomes–VinSpeed consortium has been appointed as the EPC contractor (engineering, procurement and construction) for all five projects. The city aims to substantially complete the lines by 2030.

Under its master plan for 2021–2030, Hanoi intends to develop 18 urban rail lines with a total length of approximately 979km. The city aims to complete around 500km of urban rail by 2035, with the remainder to be invested in the 2035–2045 period.

vneconomy -Gia Huy

Vietnam among top global users of Google’s AI research tool NotebookLM

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Vietnam's strong adoption of NotebookLM reflects the country's growing interest in applying artificial intelligence to education, research and business activities.

Vietnam has emerged as one of the world's leading users of NotebookLM, Google's AI-powered research and knowledge management tool, according to data released by the technology giant.

As of 2025, Vietnam ranked among the top 10 countries globally in terms of NotebookLM users. The country also led the world in the number of views generated by publicly shared notebooks, based on Google's internal data as of July 2025.

The figures underscore the growing demand for artificial intelligence tools that help users research, organize and process information more efficiently as the volume of digital data continues to expand rapidly.

Vietnam's strong adoption of NotebookLM reflects the country's growing interest in applying artificial intelligence to education, research and business activities, as organizations and individuals increasingly seek digital solutions to improve productivity and decision-making in the AI era.

VnEconomy-Như Quỳnh

HCM City allocates $620 mln for major urban renovation projects

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:10:00 GMT

The primary goals are to improve local living conditions and gradually resolve the issues of decaying and overloaded infrastructure in these long-standing residential pockets in the center of the southern.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Council has officially approved a investment policy for projects to renovate Ma Lang and Cho Ga - Gao urban areas.

The projects will be implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model with a Build-Transfer (BT) contract, carrying a preliminary total investment of over VND16.3 trillion (approximately $620 million).

According to the proposal by the City People's Committee, the projects are scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2029. The primary goals are to improve local living conditions and gradually resolve the issues of decaying and overloaded infrastructure in these long-standing residential pockets in the city center.

Located in Cau Ong Lanh Ward, the Ma Lang area spans approximately 37,740 sq.m, bordered by Nguyen Trai, Tran Dinh Xu, and Nguyen Cu Trinh streets.

The City People's Committee describes Ma Lang as a high-density residential area that has evolved through various stages of urban development. Most housing in the area was built long ago, featuring small floor areas and cramped structures. Many buildings have significantly deteriorated and no longer meet modern standards for technical infrastructure, environmental quality, or urban safety.

Furthermore, the local systems for transportation, drainage, lighting, greenery, and social infrastructure remain severely limited. Numerous narrow alleys restrict access for fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue services, posing significant safety risks.

Preliminary reviews indicate that the Ma Lang renovation will affect approximately 1,070 land and house cases, involving 1,459 households and nearly 4,700 residents. The project will also impact several existing public facilities, including schools and community centers.

Situated in Ben Thanh Ward, the Cho Ga - Gao area covers approximately 4,350 sq.m, bounded by Nguyen Thai Hoc, Vo Van Kiet, Yersin, and Alley 3 Yersin.

As a long-established residential hub, the area is characterized by high population density and a concentration of small-scale commercial and service businesses. Rapid urbanization has exposed major inadequacies in both technical and social infrastructure. The internal traffic system is narrow, and many housing units have fallen into disrepair.

The area faces restricted access for emergency services, and current evacuation routes do not meet safety requirements, creating high-risk conditions in the event of an emergency.

Initial surveys show that the project will affect approximately 252 houses, involving 192 households and 744 residents.

Vneconomy-Thanh Thủy

Data as a foundation of economic journalism

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 03:30:00 GMT

Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times/ VnEconomy was one of the pioneers in accessing information from the National Statistics Office for analysis, forecasting, and policy evaluation.

When Vietnam’s economic reforms were still in their early stages, in 1991, and the concept of a market economy remained unfamiliar to much of the public and the business community, Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, now known as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam (with publications including Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam, Vietnam Economic Times, and VnEconomy), was established with a mission to disseminate economic knowledge, promote new ways of thinking, and accompany the country’s development journey.

From its earliest editions, the publication quickly developed a distinctive identity. Unlike the one-way reporting style common at the time, its articles did more than deliver information. They introduced readers to the principles of a market economy, explained economic developments unfolding in practice, and shared lessons from international development experiences.

Distinctive voice

As Vietnam transitioned from a centrally-planned economy to a socialist-oriented market economy, such knowledge was particularly valuable. Many readers turned to Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy not only to learn what was happening but also to understand the forces driving economic change.

That approach became the foundation of the publication’s reputation and influence. Its credibility was not built through marketing campaigns but through public demand. Society needed a high-quality economic forum, and readers eagerly embraced Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy as a trusted companion throughout the reform process.

More than simply an economic newspaper, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy was among the pioneering media organizations that helped popularize market-economy thinking during the early years of reform. At a time when Vietnam’s private sector was still in its infancy and businesses were navigating unfamiliar terrain in both commerce and international integration, the publication introduced concepts such as markets, competition, investment, corporate governance, and globalization to a broader audience. In that sense, it not only reported on reform but also helped spread the spirit of reform throughout Vietnam’s economic life.

Over the past 35 years, despite changes in name, format, and technology, the publications of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy have remained committed to a core mission: serving the nation, accompanying the government, ministries, local authorities, and business community while providing readers in Vietnam and abroad with reliable, in-depth, analytical, and practical economic information.

Responsible source

From the early years of reform, through Vietnam’s international economic integration and accession to the World Trade Organization, through global economic crises, post-pandemic recovery, and the digital transformation era, Tap chi Kinh te Vietnam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has consistently served as a responsible economic information platform, accurately reflecting economic realities, amplifying the voice of the business community, and contributing to policy dialogue.

One of the defining features of the organization has been the strategic vision of its editorial leadership in anticipating the evolution of modern journalism.

Years before data journalism became a mainstream trend, the leadership of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy had already recognized the growing importance of data in economic reporting. In 2018, for example, it approached the General Statistics Office (now the National Statistics Office) to discuss cooperation on building economic databases to support journalistic activities. It was a forward-looking vision. In economics, data is not merely an illustrative tool; it forms the foundation for stronger analysis, forecasting, and policy evaluation.

As a result, many articles in Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy incorporated charts, graphs, and modern data visualizations, transforming dry statistics into compelling and accessible narratives. The integration of journalism and data became one of the publication’s defining characteristics within Vietnam’s economic media landscape.

Working alongside the Central Commission for Policy and Strategy, research institutions, and domestic and international organizations, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has organized numerous high-profile economic forums and conferences, creating opportunities for dialogue between policymakers, local authorities, businesses, foreign investors, and experts.

Many valuable recommendations and policy proposals emerged from these forums, contributing to the development and refinement of Vietnam’s socio-economic policies. They also illustrate the growing role of modern journalism, not merely reflecting reality but connecting stakeholders and creating value for society.

The significance of these forums lies not in the number of events held but in their ability to connect participants from across the economy. Policymakers, businesses, researchers, domestic investors, and international investors have used these platforms to exchange ideas, recommendations, and reform initiatives. Through these efforts, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy gradually established itself not only as a media organization but also as a trusted and responsible forum for policy dialogue.

Another pillar of its reputation is its dedicated team of journalists and its network of highly-qualified contributors. Over the past 35 years, the publication has brought together leading economists, researchers, analysts, and experienced reporters and editors with strong professional expertise and a deep sense of responsibility.

This intellectual capital has produced in-depth reporting, insightful perspectives, and valuable analysis that have informed both policymaking and business decision-making.

Beyond journalism

As the organization enters its 35th year, it faces both significant opportunities and unprecedented challenges. The rapid rise of AI, the expansion of digital platforms, increasingly fragmented information consumption habits, and new business pressures are fundamentally reshaping the media landscape. In this environment, innovation is no longer simply a growth strategy, it is a prerequisite for maintaining relevance and leadership.

Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s future extends beyond its role as an economic publication. It must evolve into a modern media, data, and economic knowledge ecosystem - a hub connecting policymakers, regulators, businesses, experts, and investors and a trusted economic information gateway for both domestic and international business communities.

To achieve this vision, the organization must continue leading in the adoption of AI, data journalism, analytics, forecasting, and specialized information platforms, creating high-value knowledge products that technology alone cannot replicate.

In the digital era, when data has become a strategic resource and AI is transforming the production, distribution, and consumption of information, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s opportunity is not merely to become faster or more technologically advanced. At a higher level, it can aspire to become a center for economic data, analysis, and knowledge, bringing together information, forecasting trends, facilitating policy dialogue, and providing practical solutions for businesses and policymakers alike.

That is how the publication can continue fulfilling its pioneering role as Vietnam advances toward its 2045 development goals. Its 35-year journey is a source of pride, but it also marks the beginning of a new chapter.

Vietnam’s ambition to become a high-income developed nation by 2045 will require modern and inclusive institutions, stronger enterprises, and media organizations capable of shaping thinking, disseminating knowledge, and fostering solutions for development.

With its pioneering tradition, innovative spirit, and commitment to public service, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam /Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy possesses all the foundations necessary to continue accompanying the nation on this journey, remaining true to the principle that has defined its identity for decades: “Authentic Perspectives - Positive Thinking - Practical Solutions.”

More than a journalistic philosophy, it is Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s commitment to supporting the development of Vietnam’s economy today and contributing to the country’s aspiration for prosperity and strength by 2045.

(*) Dr. Nguyen Bich Lam is the former Director General of the General Statistics Office (now the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance)

VET- Dr. Nguyen Bich Lam (*)

Japan remains the top destination for Vietnamese laborers

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 01:30:00 GMT

There are about 680,000 Vietnamese citizens currently living and working in Japan. Japanese authorities have expressed expectations to further increase the number of Vietnamese laborers in the near future.

Vietnam sent 66,311 laborers to work abroad in the first six months of 2026. This figure represents 59.2% of the annual target, which aims to dispatch 112,000 workers under contract this year.

According to a report from the Department of Overseas Labor (Ministry of Home Affairs), Japan continues to be the leading destination, receiving 28,488 Vietnamese workers. It is followed closely by Taiwan (China) with 28,205 workers. South Korea ranked third with 3,373, followed by mainland China (1,946), Singapore (968), and Greece (537), among other markets.

Regarding the Japanese market, Mr. Vu Truong Giang, Deputy Director General of the Department of Overseas Labor, noted that the number of dispatched workers is still on the rise.

Current statistics show that approximately 480,000 Vietnamese laborers are working in Japan. This workforce includes around 220,000 interns, as well as specified skilled workers and technical personnel. Notably, there are over 100,000 workers under the "engineer" category who enjoy high incomes and the potential for long-term residency.

In total, there are about 680,000 Vietnamese citizens currently living and working in Japan. Japanese authorities have expressed expectations to further increase the number of Vietnamese laborers in the near future.

Despite the high number of workers sent abroad in the first half of this year, there has been an 11.22% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 (which saw 74,691 workers dispatched).

Explaining this trend at a press conference on June 19, Mr. Giang attributed the decline to several factors.

Most significantly, recruitment volumes are dictated by the receiving markets. Many traditional markets have recently scaled back their recruitment—a challenge not only for Vietnam but also for other countries in the region.

Furthermore, political instability and conflicts in various parts of the world have impacted labor reception. Some countries that typically receive large numbers of Vietnamese workers are located in affected zones, making it more difficult for businesses to send laborers abroad.

Additionally, the influx of migrants from politically unstable regions into key labor markets has led some employers to reduce their recruitment of foreign workers from other sources.

Vneconomy-Nhật Dương

Dong Nai focuses resources to complete 8,000 social housing units in 2026

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The Government has tasked Dong Nai city with completing a minimum of 65,000 social housing units during the 2025–2030 period.

Faced with the growing housing demand from workers, laborers, and low-income earners, authorities in the southern city of Dong Nai have urged developers to accelerate social housing projects, aiming to bring over 8,000 units into use by 2026.

Permanent Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai People’s Committee Nguyen Kim Long chaired a recent meeting with relevant departments, sectors, local authorities, and project developers, focusing on reviewing progress, resolving existing bottlenecks, and expediting key tasks for 2026.

According to the local Department of Construction, the central Government has tasked the city with completing a minimum of 65,000 social housing units during the 2025–2030 period. For 2026 alone, the locality is required to deliver over 8,000 apartments. This is considered a top priority in the province’s social security strategy to meet the rising demand for accommodation among workers and low-income groups.

At the meeting, developers reaffirmed their commitment to partnering with the province to achieve these housing development goals. Businesses pledged to mobilize maximum financial resources, personnel, equipment, and materials. They also vowed to strengthen coordination with functional agencies to tackle obstacles and speed up project implementation.

According to the developers, completing these social housing projects on schedule will not only help fulfill the targets set by the Government but also directly address the urgent housing needs of workers and low-income residents within the province.

"In cases of implementation delays, failure to honor commitments, or insufficient execution capacity, the City People’s Committee will consider handling measures in accordance with regulations," said Mr. Long.

"We will resolutely revoke investment approvals and select alternative investors for projects with prolonged delays that hinder the city’s social housing development goals."

Vneconomy-Thiên Di

"Correct" but “worthy” information

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

At the forum "Press - Businesses Accompanying to Create the Future," held on June 20, Mr. Dao Quang Binh, Vice Chairman of the Editorial Board, General Director, and General Managing Editor of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, emphasized that the press and businesses must stand together, with “correct” but “worthy” information provided by the press to businesses.

At the forum "Press - Businesses Accompanying to Create the Future" held on June 20 on the sidelines of the National Press Festival 2026 in Hai Phong city, speakers, including journalists and business representatives, discussed and dissected issues to ensure that the press and businesses work closely together, allowing the press to continue playing a leading role amidst the information explosion, social media, and the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

Trust is built from correct information

From a business perspective, Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi, Deputy General Director of Communications, External Relations, and Sustainable Development at Unilever Vietnam, highly appreciated the important role of the press in connecting information with social context, helping the public understand issues correctly and promoting constructive dialogues. When information is understood correctly, trust will be strengthened; when trust is strengthened, society will have more motivation to act.

"However, trust is not something that exists automatically. Trust must be built from correct information, responsible dialogue, and substantial actions that can be verified," Ms. Nhi said.

Addressing the current state of information, Ms. Nhi stated that social media can rapidly impact readers' emotions. Many unverified pieces of information can spread easily and have a wide influence. In this context, businesses need to proactively engage in dialogue, ensure transparency of information to protect their reputation, while the press needs to maintain a two-way information mechanism to help the public access the full essence of events.

From the perspective of the financial sector, Mr. Chu Hai Cong, Public Relations Director at the MB Bank, noted that Vietnam currently has 137 million mobile connections, 85.6 million internet users, and 78 million social media accounts. According to Mr. Cong, society today is not lacking information, but is facing challenges regarding trust in information. In the era of AI and the explosion of social media, the biggest challenge is no longer accessing information but identifying what is trustworthy information.

To illustrate the impact of the trust crisis, the representative from the MB Bank cited the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008 and the crisis at Silicon Valley Bank in 2023. When public trust is damaged, waves of withdrawals and stock sell-offs occur, causing financial institutions to quickly lose liquidity. "Trust is an intangible asset, but when lost, the damage is entirely tangible," Mr. Cong remarked.

In the digital economy, technology helps connect, data helps operate, but trust is the factor that enables society to accept and accompany. Trust is not created by calls for it but is formed through actions and reinforced by the truth. The MB representative also stated that customers may come to the bank for products but will stay because of trust.

Therefore, businesses must be responsible for maintaining transparency, ensuring asset safety, protecting data, and creating real value for customers. At the same time, the press and businesses need to enhance mechanisms for sharing, verifying, and interacting to build a healthy information environment together.

The press must be authentic, aiming for positive effectiveness

Leading the discussion on trust in the current context, Mr. Le Quoc Vinh, Chairman of Le Bros Media Group, raised the question of whether public trust is being shaken by the explosion of fake news and unverified content in cyberspace.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Deputy Director of Hanoi Press, Radio and Television, believes that trust is an eternal value. The press has legitimacy and must protect the truth. In an era where fake news is rampant, all information needs to be verified and confirmed from multiple sources before publication.

Ms. Vu Thi Anh Hong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the Economic - Finance Magazine, stated that public trust is only formed when the press effectively fulfills its role of conveying the truth and disseminating accurate information. Referring to the story of importing scrap materials during 2018-2019, when concerns arose about Vietnam becoming the "world's trash dump," Ms. Hong noted that the press stepped in to clarify information and urged regulatory agencies to implement appropriate solutions.

For the press and businesses to accompany each other, in addition to policy communication, the press needs to spend more time listening to the thoughts and recommendations of businesses, thereby proposing solutions to improve mechanisms and policies that align with reality. Businesses must also be bold in providing information to the press, as there has been a tendency for businesses to hesitate or not truly engage in responding to the press.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Vu, Editor-in-Chief of Culture Newspaper, likened trust to the soft infrastructure of society. The press sometimes chases views, leading to unverified and inauthentic reporting, gradually losing readers. "We can be slow, but it must be true and clean, with reasoning, guiding, and orienting public opinion. Businesses must also build trust through correct business practices and environmental protection," Mr. Vu stated.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Mr. Dao Quang Binh, Vice Chairman of the Editorial Board, General Director, and General Managing Editor of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, affirmed that trust is a particularly important spiritual foundation for the press, businesses, and society as a whole. According to Mr. Binh, the press operates in an environment where social media also reports news, and AI can also create content. Therefore, the distinguishing factor of mainstream journalism is the ability to verify, confirm, and ensure the authenticity of information. "To maintain trust, the press must prioritize authenticity and verification," Mr. Binh said.

However, press information not only needs to be correct but also useful, providing positive value to society, contributing to guiding and promoting development. Information provided by Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has always aimed for positivity. "The press must not only provide 'correct' but also 'worthy' information which must bring positive effects to society; if it causes harm, it should not be used. The ultimate criterion of the press is that information must be beneficial to society," said Mr. Binh.

In response to the question of how to create a bridge between the press and businesses, Mr. Binh stated that after 35 years of accompanying businesses, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy has now taken a further step to stand alongside businesses. Economic journalism has an advantage since businesses are already the subjects served by the press. However, the editorial office must have an organic connection with the business's communication department, understanding the business to create a bridge. "We have a division to communicate with the PR staff of businesses, with all information conveyed immediately," Mr. Binh said.

Speaking at the panel discussion, Mr. Le Quoc Minh, Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, noted that the press's revenue mainly comes from businesses, making the role of businesses extremely important to the press. Therefore, mutual support is very much needed. However, in recent times, this relationship has evolved differently, leading to a context that businesses feeling apprehensive and complaining that the press is not operating healthily. "The press and businesses must accompany each other, not think that 'you need me, but I don't need you,” Mr. Minh said.

Vneconomy-Nam Khanh

26-year journey of an online economic news platform

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

VnEconomy’s 26-year journey has been largely in parallel with the ever-changing technological evolution of online news publishing in Vietnam.

Vietnam officially connected to the internet in November 1997, at a time when online applications were mostly limited to email and a handful of websites operated by major technology companies. In journalism, only a small number of news organizations began experimenting with online publishing between 1999 and 2000. Founded in 1998, Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam’s online version VnEconomy was one of only a few digital publications to operate as a genuine online newspaper, with content updated on a daily basis.

Over the 26 years since, digital publishing technology has evolved in ways that would have been difficult to imagine back then. The advantages from being an early pioneer enabled VnEconomy to accumulate valuable experience and develop the determination to adopt the most advanced technologies available in journalism.

Initial experiments

The technological foundations of online journalism at the time were vastly different from today’s. This was not merely a reflection of Vietnam’s technological limitations, as digital publishing technology was still in its infancy from a global standpoint.

Comprehensive content management systems (CMS) and database-driven publishing platforms did not yet exist. There was no Google Analytics to measure readership, nor were there cache servers or content delivery networks (CDNs). Theories on online page design and digital graphics were largely adaptations of print newspaper layouts. Serious research into eye-tracking behavior and reader interaction patterns on digital screens would not emerge until several years later.

In the beginning, VnEconomy relied on the technologies available at the time to publish and update news. The work of online reporters and editors was highly manual. Most daily tasks involved receiving content from the print edition, converting fonts, using static HTML editing software such as FrontPage or Dreamweaver, manually inserting hyperlinks, updating homepage links, and uploading HTML files to a server.

Reusing content from other publications, primarily print newspapers, was even more labor-intensive. Articles often had to be retyped manually or, in a more “advanced” process, scanned from printed pages, converted into text using optical character recognition software, proofread, and then incorporated into the HTML publishing workflow. Original reporting followed similarly manual processes from writing through editing and publication.

HTML page design itself was a complex undertaking. One challenge stemmed from the fragmented Vietnamese font ecosystem. Northern publications typically used the TCVN3 (ABC) standard, while VNI was more common in southern Vietnam. Unicode did not become widely adopted across Vietnamese websites and online newspapers until after 2005.

Browser compatibility presented another obstacle. Internet Explorer and Netscape often rendered websites differently, particularly in their support for JavaScript, which enabled animated headlines, moving text, and image effects.

Internet connectivity in Vietnam during the early years depended largely on dial-up connections with extremely slow speeds and a limited user base. As a result, page-loading speed became the primary concern for online newsrooms, often requiring image quality to be reduced to the bare minimum. It was not until the widespread adoption of ADSL broadband technology in 2004-2005 that online newspapers gained the conditions necessary for rapid growth. During the same period, CMS technology became increasingly common, while Google Analytics emerged as a valuable tool for monitoring audience behavior and optimizing site design.

From hyperlinking to AI

As one of the earliest news organizations to develop an online edition, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam, formerly Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, has undergone multiple waves of technological transformation. The emergence and rapid adoption of AI since late 2022 triggered a giant leap forward in digital publishing technology at VnEconomy, arguably representing an even more profound shift than the earlier transition from manually-linked static HTML pages to dynamic, database-driven publishing systems.

Beginning in early 2023, the magazine invested in and partnered with technology company Actable AI to develop its own proprietary small language model. A strategic question quickly emerged: why build a proprietary model when large language models such as ChatGPT and Gemini were already delivering impressive results?

The decision to pursue the more challenging path of developing an in-house model reflected a distinct newsroom philosophy. First, the most important values in journalism are authority and accuracy, requirements that can only be fully guaranteed when a newsroom maintains control over the data used to train its AI systems. Second, a proprietary model can continuously incorporate new knowledge drawn from the publication’s extensive content archives, while becoming increasingly cost-efficient over time. Third, ownership of the model enables deep integration of AI capabilities across every stage of newsroom operations, from identifying story ideas and recommending topics to supporting research and data analysis.

From the outset, the magazine’s AI strategy was never about following trends. The goal was comprehensive integration into the content production and distribution process rather than isolated experimentation or individual use cases.

Today, AI is embedded throughout VnEconomy’s CMS, significantly transforming newsroom workflows. Reporters can confidently instruct AI to assist with article production because the data sources used by the system are fully verified, eliminating the risk of fabricated information. Journalists can instantly access relevant data and information within the CMS while working on stories. Conferences, seminars, and interviews can be automatically transcribed, and AI can even generate preliminary article drafts to support reporters.

Comprehensive AI integration has also helped reduce labor-intensive tasks while significantly improving productivity. VnEconomy’s English-language edition operates with a relatively small team yet delivers a greater volume of content with faster publication times and reliable translation quality tailored to economic and business reporting.

The daily podcast production process likewise requires only minimal staffing, as AI automates multiple stages, from selecting articles for summarization to generating audio content using proprietary voice technology.

As AI becomes more powerful and widely accessible, its use in journalism has become increasingly routine. Asking AI to summarize documents, create illustrations, or generate infographics is now as commonplace as using a camera, a pen, or a notebook once was.

Yet AI’s true value can only be measured and validated when it is tightly integrated into a newsroom’s standardized workflows. The distinction lies in moving beyond individual preference or convenience and embedding AI into formal editorial processes. Only then can news organizations effectively monitor, manage, and quantify its impact and productivity gains.

(*) Mr. Nguyen Hoang is a Deputy General Managing Editor of VnEconomy.

VET-NGUYEN HOANG (*)

HCMC to put 8 land lots in Thu Thiem up for auction

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT

The eight land lots covers a total area of more than 138,000 sq.m in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, An Khanh Ward.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has issued a plan to organize an auction of eight land lots covering a total area of more than 138,000 sq.m in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, An Khanh Ward.

The auction is expected to enhance the efficiency of public land utilization and generate additional revenue for the city budget.

To ensure strict compliance with legal procedures, protocols, and jurisdiction regarding public land-use rights auctions as stipulated by land laws, the City People's Committee has tasked relevant departments and agencies with reviewing, advising, and finalizing legal procedures. The auction process for these eight eligible plots will be conducted across a four-stage roadmap:

Stage 1: Preparation for the auction in accordance with Clause 1, Article 229 of the Land Law.

Stage 2: Implementation of the land-use rights auction in accordance with Clause 2, Article 229 of the Land Law and the Law on Property Auction.

Stage 3: Official recognition of the auction results in accordance with Clause 3, Article 229 of the Land Law.

Stage 4: Finalization of procedures after the winning bidder completes their financial obligations, in accordance with Clause 5, Article 229 of the Land Law and Clause 9, Article 55 of Decree 102/2024/ND-CP.

The municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment (DAE)has been assigned to monitor and urge progress, as well as advise on procedures and decisions related to the auction, land allocation, and the issuance of land-use right certificates to the winning bidders.

The An Khanh Ward People’s Committee is responsible for drafting the land-use rights auction plan and submitting it to the DAE for appraisal before it is presented to the City People’s Committee for approval. Meanwhile, the HCMC Land Fund Development Center is tasked with organizing the auction and selecting a qualified auctioning service provider in accordance with regulations.

Vneconomy-Thiên Di

Distinctive analytical identity of an economic magazine

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

A look back over the 30-plus years of Vietnam Economic Times’ growth and development reveals a story of continual reimagining and modernization to meet the requirements of a broad, global readership.

Vietnam Economic Times (VET), the flagship English-language publication of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam (formerly known as Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam), had humble beginnings in 1994. Today, it has grown into a trusted bridge between Vietnam’s economy and the international community, adapting through technological revolutions while preserving its core commitment to depth and quality.

Early years planting the seeds

VET launched its first issue on March 15, 1994, just a few years after Vietnam began accelerating its “Doi Moi” (Economic Renewal) reforms. Accompanied shortly afterward by The Guide - a monthly travel magazine aimed at international tourists - it filled a critical gap: providing in-depth, English-language coverage of Vietnam’s economic policies, investment climate, business activities, and socio-economic development to foreign readers, diplomats, investors, international organizations, and business communities.

In its formative years, VET benefited from a strategic partnership with Ringier AG, a leading Swiss media group. This collaboration infused the newsroom with international journalistic standards while maintaining a distinctly Vietnamese perspective. One senior editor recalled the intense “dissection sessions” during Cover Story meetings, where teams debated concepts, headlines, photography, and structure with passion. Disagreements between Vietnamese and foreign colleagues were common but always constructive, focused on elevating quality rather than personal ego.

These rigorous processes forged a distinctive “VET quality” - articles that went far beyond news summaries. A truly “VET quality” article is one that combines depth with accessibility. It must deliver high-value information based on official data and up-to-date statistics, offer forward-looking perspectives, and provide maximum reference value for readers. VET articles go beyond merely describing events; they must analyze root causes, examine multi-dimensional impacts, place issues in an international comparative context, and offer practical recommendations.

To achieve this standard, VET’s Editorial Board has established implicit criteria that every reporter’s article must meet before publication.

First is a high level of intellectual content: reporters must thoroughly research the topic to provide exclusive insights. Articles must rely on official data and interviews with leading reputable experts. Next is balance and objectivity, achieved by interviewing three to five relevant stakeholders to combine perspectives from multiple angles. The article must also deliver clear added-value, helping readers find specific solutions for their businesses. Finally, VET’s language must be standard academic English with clear, sharp economic terminology.

Thanks to these standards, before official publication an article must go through at least three rigorous rounds of editing, covering content, language, and layouts. We embrace this meticulousness as a supreme principle to protect our brand.

A cornerstone of VET’s influence has been the Golden Dragon Awards, launched in 2001. To honor the contributions of foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) in Vietnam, while also motivating the sector’s further development, VET cooperated with the Foreign Investment Agency under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (now the Ministry of Finance) to initiate the Awards program.

Over the past 25 years (2001-2026), with strong support from the FIE business community, VET has consistently maintained the annual program, delivering practical value through a wide range of meaningful activities for FIEs as well as policymakers and regulators. The program has recognized thousands of companies, strengthening VET’s reputation as a credible partner of the business community and creating lasting bridges between policymakers and investors.

Transformation in the digital age

As the digital era brought significant changes, an online publication of VET - VnEconomy - was launched in November 2014, marking the organization’s entry into online publishing.

By late 2020, the parent company Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam had transitioned into Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam. The Guide ceased publication, but VET and VnEconomy continued as key platforms.

Under the leadership of the Chairman of the Editorial Board Dr. Chu Van Lam and General Director Mr. Dao Quang Binh, the organization restructured while maintaining its mission. VET’s role expanded beyond traditional publishing to include high-profile forums, seminars, and dialogues on topics like economic scenarios, growth strategies, and sustainable development. These events, often livestreamed, became vital spaces for interaction among policymakers, experts, diplomats, and businesses.

The most dramatic recent transformation occurred in May 2024, when VET shifted from monthly to weekly publication - without additional staff. This change responded to demands for faster, more frequent analysis amid Vietnam’s deepening global integration.

This transition from a monthly to a weekly magazine was a major milestone, allowing VET to keep pace with readers’ demand for faster information updates in the new era. However, it also posed a difficult challenge for the Editorial Board: maintaining a high-level of intellectual content with analytical articles while meeting the rapid publication rhythm of a weekly newspaper.

The core solution implemented was a comprehensive, scientific, and optimized reorganization of the entire content production process. We created a clear editorial calendar that prioritizes time for in-depth analyses in the Cover Story section, while also allocating time for regular columns and data visualization features. In terms of personnel, the newsroom flexibly combines in-depth reporting from specialized desks with VET’s dedicated English-language writing team.

To suit the weekly format, we maintain intellectual depth through long-form articles while enhancing practicality and visual appeal by incorporating sidebars with expert opinions, charts, and illustrative graphs.

To balance VET’s quality - with in-depth, data-driven, balanced, and forward-looking analysis - while accelerating production weekly, articles now undergo multiple rigorous editing rounds, combining deep reporting with visual elements like charts and expert quotes. The focus remains on high-value content covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, free trade agreements, FDI flows, supply chains, and green transformation, to name just a few topics.

Thanks to this arrangement, we preserved VET’s distinctive in-depth analytical identity while publishing and distributing every Monday to best meet readers’ needs.

Central to this evolution is Askonomy, VET’s proprietary AI platform. Rather than replacing human expertise, it acts as an intelligent collaborator. It excels at context-aware translation of specialized economic content, fact-checking, data summarization, and structural suggestions. This has dramatically improved efficiency, especially for the increased weekly output.

Looking forward

The journey of more than 30 years of creativity and development at VET has merged with the joy of celebrating the 35th anniversary of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam. Looking forward, VET’s spirit will be maintained under three words: Specialized, Flexible, and Pioneering.

Specialized is the anchor of VET’s positioning. We have consistently maintained the identity of articles and research with high intellectual content, using official and reliable data as reference value for readers. Flexible is the ability to adapt quickly to all changes in the times, enabling us to transform powerfully from a monthly to a weekly publication, from print to digital, and from traditional to multi-platform. And Pioneering is the core spirit that allows VET to proudly lead the digital transformation of economic and external affairs journalism in Vietnam through PDF editions, the AI Askonomy application, and the creation of multi-layered interactive journalism products.

These three words reflect VET’s continuous journey of self-renewal. We never cease breaking through or creating, yet we have never strayed from our core values. We always uphold the mission and operating principles of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam: Authentic Perspectives - Positive Thinking - Practical Solutions.

Entering a new chapter, VET will continue to keep the flame of passion alive, carrying the mission of ceaseless innovation. VET is committed to maintaining the quality of VET’s content to serve our readers, accompany the business community, and make positive contributions to the sustainable development of the country in the new era.

Mr. John Harding, English Language Editor at VET since 2004, shared his thoughts on the magazine’s journey

You have edited thousands of articles over the course of 22 years. How has the “language of Vietnamese economics” evolved from the early days of “Doi Moi” to the current focus on digital transformation and green growth?

As Vietnam has secured greater stature on the international stage over the years, I think there has been a greater focus internally on the country’s external relations and “place in the world.” In the early days I think discussions largely centered around what was happening within Vietnam’s borders, though regional and international elements were certainly taken into account. Economics is a broad discipline that is constantly evolving, and with that comes new concepts and ideas that will naturally be reflected in the “language of Vietnamese economics” as the country keeps pace with local and global events.

I think VET also became able, on behalf of the business community, to more readily identify areas where policies and programs have perhaps not delivered what was intended. The government clearly wants to know what companies think about Vietnam’s business environment, and VET’s role in this exchange has grown over time.

You have witnessed the transition from paper printing to the era of AI and Askonomy. How do you view this technological shift?

From my very first days in Vietnam, I would hear colleagues and friends talk about the development of translation software. I would nod and comment about what a game-changer that would be, but my real opinion was “It will never happen.” No software could catch the nuance involved in translation.

But it did happen. The Asko Platform’s suite of features was unimaginable even a decade ago. Of course, I ask myself where that leaves me - an imperfect human being competing with the latest in technology. But I think that for most tasks that become automated or rely heavily on technology, there will always remain a place for the “human touch”. I can’t imagine, for example, a time when we could simply put a Vietnamese-language article through the translation software and then just accept what comes out. It will always need a person to read through it and confirm its accuracy.

I think the question of whether AI is a positive or negative will take years to answer. And “positive” or “negative” for who? But it has arrived, and now the task is to monitor its development and influence and make changes as appropriate. AI itself is also imperfect, and no doubt always will be to some extent. I don’t believe the robots will take over the world!

VET’s transition from a monthly to a weekly publication has increased the pressure of deadlines four-fold. How has the Asko Platform been your “secret weapon” in maintaining high-speed production without compromising the sophisticated English standards VET is known for?

It would not be possible to publish VET weekly without the Asko Platform. The Platform’s English translation makes it much easier for me to edit and finish an article. With 20 or more articles being published each week, and hence 80 or more a month, better English makes a huge difference in my job given the time limitations. The Platform really is the “secret weapon” that allows us to publish weekly.

THE EVOLUTION OF VET MEDIA:

Crafting a visual identity along VET’s journey

Thirty-five years ago, when the first issue of Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam - the parent organization of VET - was published, newspaper design was a painstaking craft reliant almost entirely upon human hands and limited tools. Today, the publication - now known as Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam - has transformed into a sophisticated multi-platform media ecosystem encompassing print magazines, digital publications, video content, and major national economic forums.

At the heart of this evolution stands the VET Media team, who work behind the scenes shaping every page, publication, event, and digital experience. Their role has grown from simple layout to strategic brand-building. Those designers create the distinctive visual language that defines one of Vietnam’s leading economic magazines.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Minh and Mr. Vu Van Tuan joined the newsroom in 1995, when technology was rudimentary. “We printed content on tracing paper, manually pasted layouts, then exposed them to create printing plates,” they recalled. Even simple economic charts required hours in CorelDraw. Publications featured limited color, making design both an aesthetic and technical challenge to meet tight printing deadlines.

Over three decades, they witnessed profound changes: from a weekly to a daily newspaper, and in 2021 a shift to a specialized weekly magazine. Software evolved from basic tools to Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and now AI. Yet they emphasized that the biggest shift is in mindset. “Previously, designers focused on clarity,” they agreed. “Today, we must make content more engaging, accessible, and immersive.” Technology saves time and expands creativity, but the human element remains irreplaceable.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Dung, who joined in 2008, represents the new generation. He took over designing VET in 2009. Designing for a global audience demanded higher standards of professionalism and the masterful use of white space, imagery, and information hierarchy, while preserving a Vietnamese identity. “International readers evaluate professionalism through visual details,” he said. “Design must feel modern yet authentically reflect Vietnam’s economic spirit.”

His most significant impact lies in the visual identity of major national economic forums on green growth, innovation, foreign investment, and macro-economic policy organized by VET. These events require comprehensive branding systems: invitations, websites, stage backdrops, videos, and social media assets.

The 35-year journey of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam and more than 30 years of VET reflects continuous innovation. While content is the soul of journalism, design serves as the vital bridge connecting that content to readers. VET Media now acts as the creative nucleus for the entire ecosystem - print, digital, multimedia, and events - establishing a unified yet distinctive visual standard.

-VET editorial board

Bac Ninh announces two housing projects open to foreign ownership

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:40:00 GMT

The publication of the list expected to improve transparency in the real estate market while facilitating lawful property ownership by foreign investors and residents in the province.

Authorities in northern Bac Ninh Province have announced two residential development projects where foreign organizations and individuals are permitted to own homes, aiming to enhance market transparency and provide a clear legal framework for property transactions.

The two projects have been included in the province’s official list of housing developments eligible for foreign ownership under Vietnamese regulations.

The first project is Social Housing Project No. 2, located in Zones 5 and 9 of the Southern Urban Area in Bac Giang and Tan Tien wards and developed by Thu Do Investment and Trading JSC. The project covers approximately 1.2 hectares and comprises three residential buildings. These include two 19-story social housing towers with one basement level each, and a 19-story commercial apartment building with two basement levels.

Under the approved plan, foreign individuals and organizations are allowed to purchase and own apartments in the project's commercial residential building.

The second project is a social housing development located in Zone 1 of the urban area adjacent to the Vietnam–Korea Vocational College of Technology in Bac Giang ward, also developed by Thu Do Investment and Trading JSC.

Built on a one-hectare site, the project includes a 12-story social housing building and a 15-story commercial residential tower with one basement level, together with integrated infrastructure and landscaping facilities. Foreign buyers will be eligible to own units in the commercial housing section of the project.

VnEconomy-Thanh Xuân

Over 1,230 Vietnamese hospitals adopt AI and digital technologies

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

The results laying a groundwork for the development of smart hospitals nationwide.

A total of 1,238 hospitals across Vietnam have begun applying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies in healthcare services, laying a groundwork for the development of smart hospitals nationwide.

The milestone was highlighted at the seminar titled “Digital Health Transformation and Smart Hospital Development: International Experience and Implementation in Vietnam,” organized by the Vietnam Medical Informatics Association on June 18.

Speaking at the event, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Quy Tuong, President of the Vietnam Medical Informatics Association, said digital transformation is being accelerated throughout the country’s healthcare system.

According to Mr. Tuong, 1,238 hospitals have started researching and implementing AI-powered solutions and digital technologies in medical examination and treatment, hospital management, and clinical decision support. These applications are helping healthcare providers improve operational efficiency, enhance service quality, and streamline administrative processes.

The adoption of AI and digital tools is also expected to reduce workloads for healthcare professionals while improving patient experiences through faster, more accurate, and more personalized care.

Experts at the seminar noted that the growing use of advanced technologies represents a critical step toward establishing a nationwide network of smart hospitals. Such facilities are expected to integrate digital records, intelligent diagnostics, automated workflows, and data-driven management systems to deliver more efficient and sustainable healthcare services.

VnEconomy-Thu Minh

A transformation for everyone’s benefit

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Mr. Dao Quang Binh, General Director of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, reflects on the ideas, values, and innovations that shaped the publications’ journey from economic newspaper to AI-powered knowledge platform.

Over the past 35 years, what do you believe has given Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy its distinctive identity?

From the very beginning, long before anyone in the media industry was talking about data journalism, analytical journalism, or solutions journalism, we had already built our publication on those very foundations.

The founding team consisted of just three people: Editor-in-Chief Professor Dao Nguyen Cat, Dr. Chu Van Lam, who is now Chairman of the Editorial Board, and myself. Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam, as it exists today, originated from “Thong tin Kinh te” (Economic Information Bulletin), and we were very clear from the outset that it had to be a publication grounded in economic data.

The publication was born out of the Vietnam Economic Association, with founders such as Professor Tran Phuong and Professor Cat, who were all respected economic researchers. The mission was simple yet ambitious: to provide reliable economic data for businesses and bring economic knowledge to readers. At that time, data was scarce and information difficult to obtain. Professor Cat would personally buy newspapers, cut out individual pieces of information, and build relationships with organizations that held economic data in order to gather information for publication.

What made us valuable, however, was not merely the data itself. Behind every figure and every piece of information lay economic knowledge, practical experience, and insights that were not stated explicitly but could be discerned by attentive readers. A business executive could find information useful for shaping corporate strategy. A policymaker could identify ideas relevant to public policy.

That has been our defining identity throughout our 35-year history: information must be accurate, data must be reliable, and analysis should be embedded within the data rather than imposed upon the reader.

I still remember Dr. Lam once jokingly saying: “My newspaper doesn’t teach anyone.” Of course, it was said humorously. What he meant was that the publication never tells people what to do, despite having been founded by economists and researchers.

After studying and training in France, I brought back a journalistic philosophy that I have shared with reporters throughout my career: when writing, do not lecture, do not judge, and do not rush to conclusions. Write in a way that takes readers as close as possible to the destination, then let go. They will find their own way to the conclusion. That, to me, is the mark of truly skillful journalism.

If the information and data are authentic and sufficiently rich, readers will never feel that they are being directed, yet they will arrive at their own understanding.

I pursued this approach because before joining Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy I spent more than a decade working in foreign affairs journalism. That experience exposed me to international audiences, made me accustomed to working with data, and, most importantly, shaped a clear belief: the essence of journalism lies in information, not commentary.

At the time, many journalists still approached reporting as a form of literary writing rather than journalism in the modern sense. As an editor, I often had to personally review and revise articles. Any subjective phrases such as “I think,” “I believe,” or “in my opinion” were removed. Passages driven by emotion or personal judgment were crossed out. Let the facts and data speak for themselves, and let readers draw their own conclusions.

That is why our identity, our journalistic DNA, has always been rooted in rich information, verified data, and the objectivity of its journalists.

If I had to choose a single phrase that best captures that identity, it would still be Dr. Lam’s joke: “My newspaper doesn’t teach anyone.” We do not tell people what to think. We do not pass judgment.

Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy’s guiding principle is “Authentic Perspectives - Positive Thinking - Practical Solutions”. Amid shrinking media revenues, social media competition, and the rise of click-driven content, how has the organization remained true to that mission?

The challenges are certainly real, but we have always believed in and remained committed to those principles. To explain why, I often recall an incident that resulted in our publication being fined; an experience I have never forgotten.

The publication was penalized for reporting information related to foreign exchange management. The information itself was not confidential; another financial magazine had published it about two weeks earlier. However, when we republished the story, the market reaction was immediate and severe. Many people rushed to withdraw their money, and the newsroom was forced to publish a correction in the following issue.

The incident taught us an important lesson: a publication can have a very real impact on economic activity and on businesses. Information that is completely accurate can still destroy a company or trigger highly negative economic consequences. Accuracy alone is not enough.

From that moment on, we have always asked ourselves before publishing anything: how will this information affect businesses and society? There may be media models built around attracting clicks or attacking companies, but that is not how we choose to operate.

For many years, we have adhered to a simple principle: information must be useful for businesses, useful for policymakers, and useful for readers. We do not pursue sensationalism, nor do we use information as a tool for pressure or crowd manipulation.

Whenever information is provided by a company, the first step is verification. The next is determining how it should be presented, how much information should be disclosed, and what context should accompany it. The ultimate goal is not to generate the greatest possible impact but to reflect reality as accurately as possible.

That, in my view, is what distinguishes economic journalism. A piece of information may be highly compelling, but before publishing it, journalists must ask themselves a simple question: what effect will this have on the people, businesses, and economic decisions on the other side of the page?

While many news organizations struggle with shrinking advertising income, your organization believes trust comes first and revenue follows. What underpins that approach?

I would say that our philosophy goes beyond the conventional concept of a “win-win” relationship. Our approach is “all win” - meaning that everyone benefits.

In the traditional sense, a win-win outcome involves only the two parties directly engaged in a transaction or relationship. But that is not enough. A truly sustainable model must create value for the entire ecosystem: businesses, customers, partners, regulators, and even those who are not directly involved, as well as society at large.

I believe this is also how an economic media organization should operate and grow. When a publication genuinely accompanies businesses - when companies trust that the information it provides can help them identify new opportunities, expand markets, and increase revenue, or when sensitive information is handled responsibly to avoid unnecessary negative consequences - that trust begins to take shape. And once trust is established, people choose to stay with you for the long term.

That is why the most important question for us has never been how many page views an article receives. What matters far more is who those readers are. Are they decision-makers? Do they have the ability to influence businesses, markets, or the broader economy?

If a media organization can solve the challenge of influence quality rather than simply chasing audience volume, it can create genuine value for the business community. Once that value is recognized, businesses will proactively seek partnerships and long-term collaboration.

This is also why many enterprises, government ministries, agencies, and local authorities choose to work with us when organizing forums, conferences, and policy dialogues. What they are looking for is not merely a media channel but a trusted partner with credibility, connectivity, and the ability to amplify positive impact.

At the same time, we remain firmly committed to our journalistic role. A publication can only become a useful partner for businesses if it maintains its objectivity, accuracy, and social responsibility. That is the most important boundary.

I have always believed that journalism should be a trusted companion to businesses. That partnership must be built on truth, a constructive spirit, and a commitment to creating positive value for society. Only when all stakeholders benefit can development truly be sustainable.

Let’s turn to an issue attracting enormous attention not only within journalism but across virtually every sector today: AI. In your view, how will AI affect journalism and the way reporters work?

First, it is important to acknowledge that AI is having a profound impact on journalism and the media industry. That should come as no surprise; it is no different from what is happening across other sectors and professions. However, I have always held a very clear view: AI is a journalist’s arm, not a journalist’s brain.

What gives a reporter value is not the ability to type quickly, translate efficiently, or process large amounts of data. AI is already performing those tasks faster and, in many cases, better than humans. The question, then, is why we should continue spending time on tasks that machines can perform more effectively.

Mr. Dao Quang Binh (2nd from right), General Director of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, introduces Asko Meet to former Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan (3rd from right) and other delegates attending the Vietnam - Asia DX Summit 2026. - (Photo: Vietnam Economic Times)

What AI cannot replace is human thinking. Journalists must never allow AI to become their brain. AI is a tool. Understanding an event, analyzing its underlying causes, determining what is right or wrong, identifying where responsibility lies, and exploring possible solutions - those remain fundamentally human tasks.

I believe the role of journalists is changing dramatically in the AI era. Journalists are no longer simply gatherers and transmitters of information. In economic journalism especially, reporters increasingly need to think like researchers, specialists, or even social scientists.

When a company claims its product is the best, a journalist must ask: best in what way? Compared to whom? What evidence supports that claim?

When a policy is described as groundbreaking, a journalist must continue asking questions: What will its actual impact be? Who benefits? Who may be adversely affected?

When a company asserts that it is creating value for society, journalists must have the expertise to verify whether that value genuinely exists or whether it is simply a communications message. That is critical thinking, the fundamental distinction between human beings and AI.

Many people assume that AI will make journalism easier. I believe the opposite is true. The work may become less labor-intensive, but it will become significantly more demanding.

When AI can process data, synthesize information, and support content production in a matter of seconds, the value of journalists will no longer lie in possessing information. It will lie in their ability to understand data, interpret it, and generate new insights from it.

Mr. Dao Quang Binh, General Director of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy

That requires journalists to study more, read more, and continuously expand their knowledge. The goal is not to feed data into AI, but to feed knowledge into their own minds. Ultimately, there is one principle that journalists should always remember: AI must serve people, not the other way around.

Technology may become increasingly intelligent, but the qualities that define journalism will continue to be human judgment, professional integrity, and critical thinking. Those remain the final frontier that AI cannot replace.

Based on that philosophy, how did your organization approach AI? Could you share the story behind its adoption of AI and the creation of the Askonomy ecosystem, which seeks to transform data, information, and knowledge into value for the business community?

The journey of adopting AI, and indeed the origins of the Askonomy ecosystem, grew out of what has always been our greatest concern. As I mentioned earlier, we have quietly defined itself from the very beginning as a publication built on economic data. But the question that has occupied my mind for many years has been how to make the value accumulated by our publications over decades serve the business community more effectively.

That question existed long before AI became the global topic it is today.

We possesses a vast repository of economic data, information, and knowledge accumulated over 35 years. Yet I constantly asked myself whether we were truly extracting the full value of those assets. We have millions of articles, millions of data points, thousands of policy dialogues, and decades of observations of Vietnam’s economy. But if all of that simply remains stored in archives, it is nothing more than dormant data.

My concern was how to transform that repository into living data, how to ensure that an entrepreneur, anywhere and at any time, could access the information, insights, or economic data they need in the fastest, most convenient, and most reliable way possible.

Looking back, that journey unfolded through several stages.

The first step was building the technology infrastructure. We explored numerous CMS solutions, from those offered by major technology corporations to specialized platforms designed for media organizations. Eventually, we found the right partner in Hemera, which helped us build a platform capable of managing and unlocking the value of our enormous data assets.

The next step was the transition to digital journalism, enabling information to reach readers in real time rather than according to the publishing cycle of a print newspaper.

Then AI arrived. What was particularly exciting was that it seemed to offer the solution to a challenge we had been pursuing for years: how to allow data to interact directly with users. That realization led to the creation of Askonomy.

Many people see Askonomy as an AI product. To me, it is first and foremost a knowledge platform built upon the data, content, and experience that we have accumulated over the past 35 years. AI is simply the technology that activates and unlocks that knowledge.

I still remember how quickly the decision to invest in the project was made. The moment the opportunity emerged, I immediately recognized it as the missing piece of a puzzle I had been contemplating for years. When you have wrestled with a problem long enough, you often recognize the solution the moment it appears. Askonomy was created to help people access knowledge more quickly, make better decisions, and extract greater value from everything we have built over decades.

Throughout that journey, the same philosophy has guided us: everyone should benefit.

Technology partners have the opportunity to apply and expand their capabilities. We create new value from its data and knowledge assets. Businesses gain access to a trusted tool for economic information and insights. And society benefits from an open, useful, and increasingly intelligent knowledge ecosystem. That is how we view AI - not as an end in itself but as a tool for transforming data, information, and knowledge into meaningful value for businesses and society.

It seems that behind every major turning point in the organization’s history lies a long period of reflection and preparation. If you had to identify the source of the publication’s success over the past 35 years, what would you call it?

If I had to summarize our 35-year journey in just a few words, I would say: innovation for development. Development is not a destination. It is a continuous process of innovation and creativity. The day you stop creating is the day you begin to fall behind.

I have always believed that success does not begin with opportunity. Success begins with a sense of purpose and persistent determination. It begins with being deeply concerned about a problem. It begins with pursuing questions that have yet to be answered. It begins with a desire to do something better for businesses, for society, and for the people who need the value you can create.

Many people describe opportunity as a matter of luck. I see it differently. Opportunity appears only to those who have been preparing for it for a very long time. When you think deeply enough about a challenge and remain committed to finding a solution, there comes a moment when the opportunity reveals itself, and you recognize it instantly.

Looking back, many of our most important decisions originated from exactly that kind of determination. Not because we were smarter than anyone else, but because we never stopped asking questions and never stopped searching for answers.

And after everything we have experienced, I have become even more convinced of one thing: success built solely on self-interest is rarely sustainable. If your only objective is profit, particularly at the expense of others, you will eventually reach a limit.

But when you create value for others - when businesses benefit, customers benefit, partners benefit, and society benefits - that becomes the foundation for lasting development.

I call it the philosophy of “all win”. It is also the philosophy that we have pursued throughout its 35-year journey.

At this moment, what message would you like to share with the next generation who will continue writing the publication’s story in the AI era?

If there is one message I would like to leave behind from the past 35 years and for the years ahead, it is this:

To our reporters, editors, and leadership team, always hold on to a question that matters deeply to you. The challenges that concern you most today may become the source of your greatest achievement tomorrow.

When I look back on the past 35 years, I do not think the most valuable thing is how far we have come. What matters most is that even today, we still have questions that need answers, challenges that demand solutions, and aspirations to create new value for the community.

Because as long as there is curiosity and determination, there will be innovation. And as long as there is innovation, there will be progress.

VET-

35-year journey of an economic magazine

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Dr. Chu Van Lam, Chairman of the Editorial Board at Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy , talks about its 35-year journey as a trusted bridge between policymakers, businesses, and society.

Looking back over the 35-year journey of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, what do you consider to be the key milestones that have shaped its identity and position today?

Over its 35 years of development, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam (with publications including Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam, Vietnam Economic Times, and VnEconomy), formerly Thoi bao Kinh te Viet Nam, has achieved a number of significant milestones that have helped shape the strong identity and standing it enjoys today.

Among its most notable achievements has been the launch and sustained development of influential forums and programs. One example is the Vietnam Connect Forum, an annual event initiated by Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam in 2021 in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Forum acts as a bridge between the government, local authorities, and the business community, both foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) and domestic enterprises, to discuss economic issues, promote green growth, and advance sustainable development.

Another landmark initiative is the Vietnam Excellent Brands program, organized annually by Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam since 2003. The program has recognized hundreds of Vietnamese enterprises for outstanding achievements in business performance, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and contributions to society, thereby supporting the country’s broader economic development.

Similarly, the Golden Dragon Awards, which have been held for the past 25 years, have not only honored FIEs but also created opportunities for dialogue and networking between domestic and international business communities and policymakers.

Another key milestone is the Vietnam Economic Scenario Forum (VESF), launched by the organization in 2008. Over the past 16 years, it has evolved into an official, independent, credible, and practical platform that has consistently accompanied Vietnam’s economic development. The Cool Product Awards program, initiated in 2006, has likewise represented a long-term effort to foster stronger connections between manufacturers and consumers.

In the digital era, our pioneering spirit is reflected in its bold digital transformation strategy and adoption of AI. The publication introduced a new digital interface and an AI-powered newsroom management platform, AI CMS, integrating solutions such as automated translation, article summarization, automated podcasts, and, notably, the Askonomy AI chatbot.

We are proud to be among the first Vietnamese media organizations to develop a comprehensive, customized AI ecosystem designed to better serve readers. The launch of the Marcom-AI Platform and the Data and Artificial Intelligence Alliance (D.A Alliance) further underscores our commitment to enhancing content quality and expanding our influence.

These efforts, combined with our editorial philosophy of “Authentic Perspectives - Positive Thinking - Practical Solutions” and close collaboration with research institutions such as the University of Economics and Business under the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, have enabled us to continually innovate while preserving its core values and reinforcing its position as one of Vietnam’s leading economic publications.

From its beginnings as an economic publication launched during Vietnam’s early reform period, how has the organization contributed to and accompanied the country’s economic development, particularly in its role as a bridge between the Party, the State, businesses, entrepreneurs, and the public over the past three decades?

For more than three decades, we have remained committed to its mission of reflecting and accompanying the nation’s economic development, particularly through its role as an important bridge connecting the Party, the State, businesses, entrepreneurs, and the public.

It has always recognized the vital role of journalism and communications in promoting growth and sustainable development, from the enterprise level to the broader national economy.

This bridging role has been demonstrated through a variety of initiatives. First, we have created effective dialogue platforms between the business community, both domestic enterprises and FIEs, and policymakers and regulators at both the central and local levels. The VESF stands as a vivid example. Through years of persistence and dedication, the Forum has accompanied Vietnam’s economy through periods of both challenge and achievement, becoming an official, independent, credible, and valuable source of information and policy consultation. It has contributed practical recommendations and high-quality solutions based on official, multidimensional information and innovative perspectives.

Second, the magazine has focused on producing high-quality, in-depth journalism closely aligned with the realities facing businesses. It listens to concerns and policy barriers affecting enterprise development and uses its reporting to propose recommendations and solutions aimed at addressing shortcomings in both macro-economic policymaking and day-to-day business operations. Many reports and recommendations generated through our thematic forums and discussions have been submitted to the Prime Minister and relevant ministries, helping address urgent issues across various sectors of the economy.

Finally, guided by the principle of “standing alongside businesses,” we haveffectively conveyed the concerns and aspirations of enterprises to senior leaders within the Party, State, and government. At the same time, it has provided businesses and the public with timely, accurate, and comprehensive information on Party and State policies and directions, thereby contributing to the broader mission of national economic development.

In your view, what is the greatest challenge facing economic journalism today?

In an era increasingly dominated by digital technology, social media, and AI, economic journalism faces unprecedented challenges. The greatest challenge lies in maintaining accuracy, depth, and professional integrity within a fast-moving and increasingly complex information environment.

First, the pressure to process and publish information quickly continues to intensify. Readers expect immediate updates, yet they also demand in-depth reporting that explains the meaning behind economic data and its real-world implications for markets and society. This creates a dangerous trap: if journalists become less rigorous in verifying information, even a single unsupported assessment or one-sided perspective can generate unrealistic expectations or unnecessary concerns, potentially affecting markets and public sentiment.

Second, sourcing information and pursuing the truth have become more difficult than ever. In the economics sphere, data and information available to journalists may be carefully framed to serve particular interests. Obtaining positive information from business leaders is often straightforward; uncovering and verifying negative developments is far more challenging. This reality requires journalists to possess strong professional expertise, a deep understanding of economic and market dynamics, and a healthy degree of skepticism, to avoid being drawn into subjective judgments or one-sided narratives.

Third, profound changes in audience behavior, including growing demand for diverse, personalized, and interactive content, have made digital transformation an existential challenge for media organizations. Newsrooms must continually innovate to meet these evolving expectations while ensuring that technology does not overshadow the profession’s fundamental values.

Ultimately, the greatest challenge is ensuring that economic journalism remains agile and technologically advanced in the digital age while preserving the rigor, fairness, accuracy, and analytical depth that define credible journalism. Economic reporters must navigate an increasingly chaotic flow of information without becoming trapped by the distortions and pitfalls hidden within a complex maze of data.

Dr. Chu Van Lam (front row, middle), Chairman of the Editorial Board at Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, at an event hosted by his magazine. (Photo: Vietnam Economic Times)

Based on your own experience, what enables an economic news organization to preserve its core values, credibility, and professional integrity in an increasingly competitive information environment?

I believe the most important factor is professional integrity and an unwavering commitment to the publication’s mission and principles.

Today’s information environment is characterized by the rapid spread of news and unprecedented competition from social media and digital platforms. Yet it is precisely in such circumstances that mainstream journalism must remain firmly anchored to its core principles: accuracy, objectivity, responsibility, and a commitment to serving the broader interests of the economy and society.

Economic journalism is not simply about reporting on businesses or markets. Behind every economic policy, market fluctuation, or technological trend are direct implications for society, the investment climate, and the confidence of businesses and citizens. As a result, economic journalists must possess not only professional expertise and critical thinking skills but also a high degree of care and discipline in handling information.

Another essential factor is the ability to maintain editorial independence. In today’s competitive environment, media organizations face pressure from every direction, including the race for speed, audience traffic, and financial sustainability. However, if a publication sacrifices objectivity for convenience or pursues sensationalism at the expense of credibility, trust can be lost very quickly, and is often extremely difficult to regain.

How do you view the role, social responsibility, and influence of economic journalism on the business community and the broader economy?

I strongly believe that the role, social responsibility, and influence of economic journalism on the business community and the broader economy are both significant and far-reaching. We are proud to serve not only as a media organization but also as a platform for dialogue and a trusted bridge connecting the government, businesses, and experts, helping to foster and advance national development.

First, economic journalism plays a vital role in promoting growth and sustainable development. Through the analysis and evaluation of policies, market trends, and business activities, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy provides comprehensive insights that help economic stakeholders make informed decisions. This reflects the fundamental value of journalism and communications in supporting sustainable growth at the enterprise, sectoral, and national levels.

Second, the magazine carries an important social responsibility as an official, independent, credible, and practical source of information. Forums such as the VESF have become venues for policymakers, regulators, domestic and international economists, and business leaders to exchange ideas and discuss pressing issues. We listen closely to the challenges and policy barriers faced by businesses and convey those concerns to senior leaders within the Party, the State, and the government.

Third, the influence of economic journalism is reflected in its ability to create and spread value. By developing high-quality, in-depth journalism closely connected to real-world challenges, we do more than report events, we help shape public understanding and build consensus around important economic issues. When recommendations and solutions generated through our thematic forums are received by the government and lead to action by ministries and agencies, that represents the clearest evidence of journalism’s practical impact. It demonstrates that the magazine is not merely a provider of information but also a trusted partner working alongside institutions and businesses to drive development and create new value for society.

On the occasion of the 101st Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day and the 35th anniversary of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy, what do you believe are the key factors that ensure the stable and sustainable development of a media organization?

In my view, three fundamental factors are essential to ensuring the stable and sustainable development of a media organization in the new era: people, content, and technology.

First, people - the journalists themselves. They are the organization’s most valuable asset. A team that is politically grounded, professionally capable, and ethically sound provides the foundation for overcoming any challenge. Meticulousness, emotional discipline, and the ability to build arguments based on independent data are enduring professional values that must never be lost. These principles should be continuously nurtured and strengthened in every generation of reporters and editors.

At the same time, media organizations must adapt to changing circumstances and emerging demands, particularly the need to provide information that contributes to national economic development in a new era. In my opinion, leadership plays a critical role in fostering consensus, unity, and cohesion within the organization. Only by creating an environment that inspires creativity, commitment, and collective purpose among reporters, editors, and staff can a media organization secure sustainable long-term growth.

Second, content quality and innovation. In an age of information overload, only high-quality, in-depth, and genuinely useful content can retain audiences and build lasting credibility. We strive every day to improve our products so they are more insightful, constructive, effective, and modern. Content must remain closely connected to business realities, listening to the challenges and policy obstacles faced by enterprises while offering practical recommendations and solutions. At the same time, journalism must continue to fulfill its role as a bridge, conveying the concerns and aspirations of businesses to the government while providing citizens with timely and accurate information about the Party’s and State’s policies and directions.

Third, the ability to adapt to and master technology. Digital transformation is no longer an option - it is an inexorable path forward. Media organizations must build professional digital platforms, diversify content formats, and embrace the most advanced technologies available, particularly AI. Developing a robust digital ecosystem, operating a modern digital newsroom, and distributing content across digital platforms are essential to making information more accessible to audiences. Technology serves as a powerful enabler, helping improve content quality, optimize operations, expand influence, and create new value for society.

The balanced and coordinated development of these three pillars - people, content, and technology - will be the key to ensuring that media organizations remain stable, sustainable, and capable of contributing to the country’s socio-economic development in the new era.

In the next stage of development, what goals do you envision for Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy as it seeks to maintain its position as one of Vietnam’s leading economic media organizations?

We will continue serving as an effective platform connecting the government, businesses, and experts, while sharing our technological achievements with the wider journalism and business communities to help them optimize their operations in this new era of the nation’s rise.”

Dr. Chu Van Lam, Chairman of the Editorial Board at Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy

In this new phase of development, Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy will pursue ambitious goals and aspirations aimed at strengthening its position as one of Vietnam’s foremost economic media organizations.

Our primary objective is to become Vietnam’s leading economic newsroom, not only in scale but also in quality, depth, and influence. To achieve this, we will continue accelerating comprehensive digital transformation while building and expanding a strong digital ecosystem supported by a modern digital newsroom. We aspire to be a pioneering Vietnamese media organization with a rich and highly-customized AI ecosystem that serves readers in the most effective way possible, delivering fast, reliable information on Vietnam’s economy to audiences around the world.

We also seek to contribute to the country’s broader development and the advancement of the business community. This means continuously innovating and evolving to better meet audience needs while supporting the rapid, strong, and sustainable growth of Vietnam’s economy. We will continue serving as an effective platform connecting the government, businesses, and experts, while sharing our technological achievements with the wider journalism and business communities to help them optimize their operations in this new era of the nation’s rise.

Our guiding principle - “Authentic Perspectives - Positive Thinking - Practical Solutions” - will remain the foundation of everything we do.

What message would you like to share with economic journalists?

To economic journalists, especially younger reporters and editors, I would like to share several thoughts.

First, embrace innovation while preserving traditional values. The digital era and AI offer powerful new tools, but they should never replace the core principles of journalism: meticulous reporting, emotional restraint, and evidence-based analysis grounded in independently verified data. Adopt the most modern reporting methods available, but always maintain integrity and professional rigor.

Second, continuously strengthen your expertise and personal resilience. Economics and finance are highly-complex fields that require deep knowledge and understanding. The journey from recording facts to becoming a journalist capable of delivering insightful analysis and critical thinking is demanding, but it is through that journey that true professional growth occurs. Learn to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, because a calm mind and clear judgment are essential conditions for producing high-quality journalism.

Finally, never lose your sense of purpose and commitment to creating value. Economic journalism is not merely a profession - it is a mission. Every article and every analysis have the potential to influence policy, shape markets, and contribute to society. Take pride in that responsibility and continue striving to become outstanding journalists who help advance the prosperity and development of the nation.

VET-

Vietnam advances social housing development, targets rental housing expansion

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:40:00 GMT

More than 720,000 social housing units currently under development nationwide, equal to 72% of the Government target of one million units by 2030.

Vietnam has made significant progress in its social housing program, with more than 720,000 units currently under development nationwide, equivalent to 72% of the government's target of one million social housing units by 2030, according to the Ministry of Construction (MoC).

Speaking at the ministry’s second-quarter press conference on June 18, officials reported that more than 180,000 social housing units have already been completed.

Despite these achievements, challenges remain in the housing market. Mr. Ha Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the ministry's Department of Housing and Real Estate Market Management, noted an oversupply of high-end housing while affordable homes remain scarce. Housing prices in major cities have risen far beyond average income levels, making homeownership increasingly difficult for workers. The market also lacks long-term rental housing, while existing incentives have not been sufficient to attract private investment in rental projects.

To address these issues, the MoC is promoting rental housing as a strategic pillar of social welfare through 2030. Local authorities have been urged to assess housing demand, particularly for rental and public-service housing, and prepare land reserves in urban areas, industrial parks, economic zones and high-tech parks.

The ministry also encourages local governments to invest in rental housing using local budget resources and to make effective use of local National Housing Fund resources to expand affordable rental housing supply.

VnEconomy-Phan Dương

National Press Festival 2026 opens in Hai Phong city

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The festival featured 87 exhibition booths from journalists’ associations, local press organizations and journalism training and research institutions nationwide, including Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy.

The National Press Festival 2026 opened in northern Hai Phong port city on June 19 with the attendance of Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, and many other high-ranking officials.

Under the theme "Vietnamese journalism – Loyalty, Creativity, Responsibility in the New Era", the event attracted around 1,000 delegates from across Vietnam.

The festival featured 87 exhibition booths from journalists’ associations, local press organizations and journalism training and research institutions nationwide, including Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times/ VnEcnomy.

Mr. Trinh Van Quyet (3rd from right), Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Chairman of its Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, and leaders of the Vietnam Journalists Association and Hai Phong city, visited the exhibition booth of Tap chi Kinh te Viet Nam / Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy at the festival. - (Source: VnEconomy)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Trinh Van Quyet highlighted the proud tradition of Vietnam’s revolutionary press, which has remained closely aligned with the Party’s cause and the nation’s struggle for national independence, protection and development over more than a century.

He was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that the country’s media sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, actively streamlining its organizational structure and accelerating digital transformation. Many press agencies have quickly stabilized operations following restructuring, adopted smarter and more efficient models and embraced modern technologies. As a result, a more professional, dynamic and modern press landscape is steadily taking shape.

According to Mr. Quyet, the festival’s theme reflects the pressing requirements of the times. Loyalty is the foundation, creativity is the path, and responsibility is the destination, he said, stressing that while digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), social media and cross-border platforms are reshaping global communications, the core mission and ideals of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalism remain unchanged.

He called on journalists nationwide to stay close to reality, uphold the Party characteristic and people-centered orientation of the press, remain absolutely loyal to the Fatherland and the revolutionary cause, and continuously innovate and master new technologies.

Press agencies, he added, must serve as strongholds in safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, countering false and hostile information, and effectively communicating the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and other strategic resolutions.

Vietnamese journalism should not only reflect social developments but also help guide them in a positive direction. Each journalistic work should inspire, educate and foster public consensus while encouraging innovation, aspiration and determination in pursuit of the nation’s development goals and vision of prosperity and happiness, he stressed.

According to Mr. Le Quoc Minh, member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of its Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilization, Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Chairman of the Vietnam Journalists Association, the festival was held as a major event marking the 101st anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2026).

The festival also hosts the National Journalism Forum with 11 in-depth discussion sessions covering media restructuring, the role of journalism in safeguarding the Party’s ideological foundation, media support for business development, and the application and governance of AI in Vietnamese newsrooms.

A wide range of accompanying activities, including a singing competition for journalists with participation from domestic and international media professionals from Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, visits to relic sites, and press awards, are expected to make the event an innovative, engaging and practical gathering for the journalism community.

VNA-Khanh Chi

Vietnam ranks second in Southeast Asia for IPv6 adoption

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Beyond merely solving the shortage of IP addresses, IPv6 provides a highly scalable connection environment that meets the growing demands of people, data, devices, and smart systems.

Vietnam’s IPv6 adoption rate has reached approximately 70%, ranking the country 7th globally and 2nd in ASEAN. This figure is 1.6 times higher than the global average, with nearly 95 million broadband subscribers currently operating on the IPv6 protocol.

At a conference held on June 18 to review the 2021-2025 IPv6 transition support program for state agencies and to launch the "IPv6-Only" roadmap for 2026-2030, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long emphasized that IPv6 is an inevitable choice for the future. He noted that it serves as the foundational pillar for expanding Vietnam’s development space in the digital environment.

Reflecting on the nearly 30 years since the Internet first arrived in Vietnam, the Deputy Minister highlighted a fundamental shift in its role. While the Internet was initially used primarily for connectivity and information exchange, it has now become the backbone of the economy and nearly every aspect of social life.

In this context, the transition from IPv4 to IPv6 is a vital requirement. Beyond merely solving the shortage of IP addresses, IPv6 provides a highly scalable connection environment that meets the growing demands of people, data, devices, and smart systems.

Mr. Long stressed that IPv6 is the platform for creating a new growth space for Vietnam. This vast connectivity will help foster new industries, business models, and economic drivers, thereby creating more room for national development.

In the coming phase, Vietnam’s Internet infrastructure must ensure safety, reliability, and scalability to meet the demands of data development, Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, and other strategic technologies.

Mr. Long pointed out that data and AI can only be effectively harnessed when connected and shared over a sufficiently robust digital infrastructure.

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương

Da Nang Mega Sale 2026 opens, boosting shopping tourism and night-time economy

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The event features 120 booths representing 300 authentic brands across a wide range of sectors.

Central Da Nang city officially launched the Da Nang Mega Sale 2026 on June 18, offering shoppers access to premium products at deep discounts while supporting the city's strategy to expand its night-time economy.

The event runs from June 18 to June 21, coinciding with the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival and the city's summer beach tourism season.

Now in its third edition, the annual event has evolved beyond a traditional retail promotion campaign, combining shopping, entertainment, and tourism experiences to create a unique lifestyle destination for both residents and visitors.

This year's Mega Sale features 120 booths representing 300 authentic brands across a wide range of sectors, including fashion, cosmetics, perfumes, accessories, sportswear, consumer goods, and local specialty products. Participating brands are offering discounts of up to 80 percent, alongside a variety of promotional programs designed to attract consumers.

The event comes as Da Nang's retail and service sectors continue to post strong growth. During the first five months of 2026, the city's total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached an estimated VND118.3 trillion ($4.5 billion), up 20.3% from the same period last year.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Agriculture and environment sector boosts administrative procedure simplification

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Administrative processing times have been reduced by nearly 53.4%.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has significantly reduced administrative procedures and business conditions in a sweeping reform effort aimed at improving the business environment and supporting long-term economic growth.

Speaking at a forum on administrative procedures and business regulations in the agriculture and environment sectors on June 18, a ministry official highlighted progress made under the government's broader institutional reform agenda, which seeks to simplify regulations, facilitate investment, and create more favorable conditions for businesses and citizens.

According to the ministry, administrative processing times have been reduced by nearly 9,000 days in total, equivalent to a 53.4% reduction. Compliance cost savings are estimated at approximately VND5.31 trillion (about $203 million), representing a 54.7% decrease for businesses and individuals.

The number of ministry-level administrative procedures has been cut from 267 to 148, accounting for just 26.7% of all procedures under the ministry's management. In addition, 108 procedures across 16 sectors have been abolished, while 88 procedures in 10 sectors have been simplified.

The reforms also extend to business regulations. Thirteen of 40 conditional business sectors have been eliminated, while the scope of three others has been narrowed, resulting in a 36.3% reduction—exceeding the government's minimum target of 30%.

The changes cover a wide range of areas, including crop production, plant protection, livestock farming, veterinary services, fisheries, forestry, land management, environmental protection, irrigation, climate change, and marine affairs.

VnEconomy-Phan Anh

Top leader highlights role of Vietnam’s revolutionary press in digital age

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 08:00:00 GMT

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has expressed hope that media outlets and each journalist will turn revolutionary traditions into a driving force for innovation.

In an article marking the 101st anniversary of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925-2026), Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said he believes Vietnam’s revolutionary press will continue to make significant contributions to the nation, serving the people in the digital era.

Following is a translation of the article, released by the Vietnam News Agency on June 18:

VIETNAM’S REVOLUTIONARY PRESS IN DIGITAL ERA

To Lam

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

After more than a century of accompanying the nation, Vietnam’s revolutionary press is entering a new stage of development, marked by profound changes across almost every aspect. The digital space has become an indispensable component of daily life. Digital technologies, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), social media, and cross-border communication platforms have fundamentally transformed the way information is created, distributed, received, and verified.

Today, people study, work, communicate, conduct business, seek entertainment, express their views, and engage in social issues through online platforms. The rapid and diverse flow of information offers tremendous opportunities for the dissemination of knowledge, the promotion of social democracy, and innovation. The Party’s major guidelines, the State’s new policies, and positive information can now reach tens of millions of people simultaneously through a wide range of formats and channels. Technology has brought the press closer to the people and enabled it to receive feedback more quickly.

However, the online environment has also made the information landscape more complex, increasingly susceptible to fleeting emotions, misinformation, algorithmic manipulation, and the deliberate dissemination of misleading content. Fake news, half-truths, ambiguous information, fabricated images and audio, AI-generated content, copyright infringement, cyberattacks, and data theft are becoming ever more sophisticated. False information can spread widely before the truth has a chance to be verified. Manipulated or selectively edited statements can damage the reputation of individuals and organisations, and may even erode public confidence in the policies of the Party and the State.

In the new communications order, the press no longer enjoys a near-monopoly over the dissemination of information. By the end of 2025, Vietnam had approximately 85.6 million Internet users, equivalent to 84.2% of the population, and around 79 million social media user identities. According to the latest statistics, Vietnamese users maintain about 110 million accounts on domestic social media platforms and approximately 203 million accounts on foreign social media networks. Such a digital environment provides the press with unprecedented opportunities to reach wider audiences, while at the same time requiring it to compete directly with the vast volume of content generated every hour and every minute by platforms and users alike. In the digital space, almost every individual can act as a source of information. Social media accounts can wield influence over specific communities.

However, these changes do not diminish the role of Vietnam’s revolutionary press. On the contrary, the more abundant information becomes, the more society needs trusted sources to distinguish what is true, what still requires verification, and what may merely reflect crowd sentiment or deliberate manipulation. This demands professionalism, a serious commitment to journalistic ethics, and resilience under all forms of pressure. Journalism must be a place where the public turns for reliable verification, not one that simply follows trends. Society needs a trusted source to understand the truth accurately. Citizens need to know what has happened, why it happened, who is affected, where responsibility lies, and what evidence-based solutions are available.

The digital space also requires journalistic works that are rich in data, diverse in content, innovative in presentation, and profound in policy analysis. Many of today’s issues – from digital transformation, green transition, and administrative reform to social welfare policies and fluctuations in the global economy – are difficult to comprehend through fragmented pieces of information alone. Therefore, the responsibility of the press is not merely to be faster, but above all to be more accurate, more insightful, and more useful.

From this requirement, digital transformation in journalism cannot be reduced to launching additional online platforms, opening social media accounts or investing in modern equipment. It requires a comprehensive overhaul of leadership thinking, newsroom models, production workflows, data management, content distribution, audience measurement, media economics and professional culture. Digital journalism is not traditional journalism operating on a new platform; it is a new way of organising journalism in a new environment.

Within newsrooms, every story should be treated as an information product with clearly defined objectives. Regardless of format or platform, all content must adhere to the same standards: accuracy, humanity, verification and accountability. Serious journalism on a publication's main platform cannot be accompanied by lower standards elsewhere. The more platforms journalism operates across, the more consistent its professional standards must be.

In the digital era, data has become a pillar of journalism. Data is more than a collection of figures; it is the foundation for verification and a tool for producing and presenting journalistic products in a more persuasive and comprehensive manner. Major and reputable news agencies and organisations around the world are investing heavily in developing data and dedicating substantial human resources to data-related work. Well-developed and effectively managed data enhances credibility and enables media organisations to identify issues at an early stage.

Another major issue is maintaining proactiveness in the face of cross-border digital platforms. Journalism must reach audiences wherever they are, across all platforms, but it cannot become dependent on external algorithms. News organisations that focus solely on clicks and recommendation systems risk losing access to audience data, control over content distribution, brand identity and resilience when algorithms change. Mastering the cyberspace means leveraging global platforms while simultaneously building proprietary channels, loyal audience communities, independent datasets and trusted brands.

Against this backdrop, greater awareness of national information sovereignty is essential. The revolutionary press must remain a leading force in safeguarding that sovereignty. Protecting information sovereignty does not mean closing off from the world. Vietnam needs a strong digital external communications press that is multilingual, multimedia and capable of conveying the country's messages to global audiences through modern storytelling while preserving a distinctly Vietnamese identity. The country's renewal achievements, cultural values and foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation and development should be communicated through engaging content supported by compelling data.

To fulfil this mission, journalism requires resources for sustainable development. A digital journalism economy is not at odds with the goals and orientations of revolutionary journalism. Without adequate resources, media organisations will struggle to invest in technology, protect copyrights, train human resources and retain skilled professionals. However, commercial activities must serve journalism's mission rather than drive it towards sensationalism, clickbait, invasions of privacy or the commodification of political and social information. New revenue streams should be developed through digital subscriptions, copyright licensing, data services and specialised content products. Without a healthy business model, journalism will find it difficult to maintain investment in high-quality reporting, investigative journalism, in-depth analysis, fact-checking and copyright protection.

Copyright protection must also be rigorously enforced in both the digital and AI environments. Journalistic content is the product of creative effort, reporting, verification, editing, financial investment and legal responsibility. Unauthorised copying, manipulation, aggregation and commercial exploitation will undermine the economic foundations of journalism. Protecting copyright means protecting legitimate labour and safeguarding the quality of information in society.

Ultimately, everything comes down to people. Every policy direction and strategy depends on humans. Journalists in the digital era must be able to work with data, digital tools, social media, open-source information and information security standards. The more tools are available, the stronger their professional mettle must be. They must avoid the tendency to publish first and verify later, or allow social media to lead editorial decisions. Journalists cannot sacrifice credibility for views. Before publishing any journalistic works, they should be able to answer three questions: Is it accurate? Is it necessary? Does it benefit society?

Leaders of press agencies must also adapt. In a digital newsroom, an editor-in-chief is no longer simply a gatekeeper of content, but a strategist responsible for products, data, audiences, technologies and human resources. Press agencies need a new working culture: they must be professional, disciplined in verification, quick-witted in response, open to innovation and willing to experiment without compromising standards. Continuous retraining should become a routine task, focusing on digital verification, data security, multi-platform journalism, AI ethics and compliance with intellectual property regulations.

As the Press Law No. 126/2025/QH15 takes effect on July 1, 2026, completing the institutional framework for digital journalism is essential. The legal framework must protect lawful journalistic activities, encourage innovation, create favourable conditions for digital newsrooms, digital media economics and data journalism, safeguard copyright and promote the responsible use of AI. At the same time, press discipline must be strictly maintained, with violations involving information, professional ethics or the misuse of journalism for personal gain addressed promptly.

Another urgent task is to build information verification capacity on a national scale. Strong coordination is needed among management agencies, leading press agencies, technology experts, training institutions, platform companies and the community to detect, verify, warn against and counter false information, fabricated statements, fake imagery of state agencies and coordinated disinformation campaigns. Such a network must operate rapidly, follow clear procedures and rely on data and evidence to earn public trust.

Throughout the process of transforming the press sector, the public must be placed at the centre. Today’s digital audiences do not simply receive information; they regularly provide feedback, ask questions, conduct their own verification, contribute data and demand greater transparency. The press must listen to the public without chasing every passing emotion, encourage constructive debate while refusing to tolerate harmful content. To better engage younger audiences, the press may innovate in language, formats and platforms, but it must never lower professional standards.

Vietnam’s revolutionary press in the digital era must therefore strike a balance between political mettle and technological capability, between revolutionary ideals and innovative mindset, between fighting spirit and humanity, between national responsibility and international integration. Mastering the digital space cannot be achieved through slogans alone. It must begin with every newsroom, every verification process, every data repository, every journalistic product, every training programme and every interaction between journalists and the public.

On the occasion of Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day, I hope that press agencies and every journalist will transform the revolutionary tradition into a driving force for innovation. Press agencies should evolve into modern digital newsrooms, centres of data and knowledge, and trusted sources of information for the people. Journalists should continue to serve as frontline defenders on the ideological, cultural and digital information front, demonstrating strong mettle, pure ethics, profound humanity and technological expertise. With this direction, I am confident that Vietnam’s revolutionary press will continue to make meaningful contributions to the cause of serving the Fatherland and the people in the digital age.

VNA-

VCCI proposes 11 recommendations to quantify support for SMEs

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:16:00 GMT

The proposal suggests extending Corporate Income Tax (CIT) incentives to medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing and supporting industries.

During a working session between the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Standing Board of the National Assembly’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs, Mr. Dau Anh Tuan, Deputy Secretary-General of VCCI, presented an in-depth analysis and a comprehensive system of solutions aimed at refining the Draft Law on Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (amended).

Mr. Tuan outlined 11 quantifiable recommendations to ensure the law provides practical and effective support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

VCCI argued that the current universal threshold of fewer than 300 employees and revenue below VND400 billion ($15 million) is restrictive for material-intensive industries like electronics (where material costs account for 85-90% of production costs). This causes businesses to lose support "before they have a chance to grow." VCCI proposed raising the revenue ceiling to VND1 trillion ($38 million) for specific sectors and allowing a three-year transition period once the threshold is exceeded.

The proposal suggests extending Corporate Income Tax (CIT) incentives to medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing and supporting industries. It also calls for additional incentives for expansion investment and technological innovation for existing units.

VCCI recommended that the Government establish a valuation framework for intangible assets, intellectual property rights, and purchase orders. Furthermore, they proposed shortening appraisal times and setting a minimum interest rate subsidy of 2% per annum to ensure parity with green projects under Article 21.

The recommendation seeks to allow direct deductions from land rent instead of reimbursements through infrastructure developers. It also proposes a 30% rent reduction for seven years for both direct lessees and existing supporting industries, ensuring synchronization with the 2024 Land Law and Resolution 198/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly.

VCCI proposed expanding the scope of deductible RD expenses and simplifying procedures for the Science and Technology Development Fund in accordance with Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo.

The proposal aims to quantify support at a minimum of 50% of costs (with a cap), explicitly naming technologies such as ERP, MES, AI, and IoT, while allowing for the accelerated depreciation of software assets.

VCCI recommended increasing the interest rate subsidy to 3% per annum and expanding eligibility to standard manufacturing blocks with green projects. They also proposed funding at least 50% of the costs for certifications and greenhouse gas inventories, providing support for CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) compliance, and allowing 150% of ESG consulting costs to be treated as deductible expenses.

VCCI suggested applying simplified accounting for small enterprises, implementing "one-time declaration" data linkage, and stipulating that support is only excluded when there is a legally effective judgment in order to respect the "presumption of innocence" principle, according to Resolution 68-NQ/TW of the Politburo on private sector development.

VCCI proposed legalizing the spirit of "guidance before penalties" as a core principle for the entire SME sector, to be included in Chapter I or Article 5.

The recommendation calls for strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure a minimum 20% of public procurement funding is allocated to SMEs, with priority given to domestic products and supporting industries.

Finally, VCCI proposed new regulations regarding support for fire safety compliance; funding for technology transfer within industrial clusters (Article 22); a dedicated chapter to directly amend specialized laws; a "Sandbox" pilot mechanism to exempt liability for objective risks during innovation; and clarifying the scope of "Support Vouchers."

Vneconomy-Song Hà

Sun PhuQuoc Airways officially launches HCM City – Van Don route

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, with plans to increase the frequency to daily flights starting in August 2026.

Sun Group has officially announced that its carrier, Sun PhuQuoc Airways, launched commercial operations on the Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don route on June 15, with an initial frequency of four round-trip flights per week.

The inaugural flight, numbered 9G1568, touched down at Van Don International Airport in northern Quang Ninh province at 5:30pm on June 15, marking the official commencement of commercial service on this route. The return leg from Van Don arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 8:30pm the same day.

According to the airline’s current schedule, flights will operate every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. To meet growing passenger demand, Sun PhuQuoc Airways plans to increase the frequency to daily flights starting in August 2026.

Following the launch of the new route, Sun Group reached another major milestone on June 16 by signing a joint venture agreement with HAECO, Japan Airlines, and Toyota Tsusho. The partnership aims to develop a $360 million Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) complex at Van Don International Airport.

This project marks a significant turning point for Van Don International Airport, making it the first private airport in Vietnam to host a large-scale, international-standard aircraft maintenance and repair facility.

The joint venture will develop the MRO complex on a site exceeding 20 hectares. The facility is expected to become fully operational by 2028.

Vneconomy-Mai Hoàng

Vietnam Airlines launches first-ever direct flight route to the Netherlands

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Airlines will operate the Hanoi–Amsterdam route with a frequency of three round-trip flights per week.

Vietnam Airlines officially inaugurated its direct flight route between Hanoi and Amsterdam on June 16, marking the first time a Vietnamese carrier has operated direct flights to the Netherlands.

The inaugural flight, VN83, departed from Noi Bai International Airport at 3:50am on June 16 with nearly 300 passengers on board.

On the return leg, flight VN82 from Amsterdam to Hanoi took off at 2pm (local time) on the same day.

Vietnam Airlines will operate the Hanoi–Amsterdam route with a frequency of three round-trip flights per week, departing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, all utilizing the Airbus A350 fleet.

The launch of this new route directly connects the capital city of Hanoi with Amsterdam, one of Europe’s most vital economic, financial, commercial, and logistics hubs. Additionally, passengers from Vietnam will now have more convenient access to a network of hundreds of global destinations through Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.

According to Vietnam Airlines, the addition of the Hanoi–Amsterdam service brings the carrier’s total number of direct routes between Vietnam and Europe to 12, serving eight major destinations: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow, and Amsterdam.

In addition to the new Amsterdam service, Vietnam Airlines announced that it will increase the frequency of its Hanoi–Moscow route from three to four round-trip flights per week starting July 1, 2026, to meet the rising demand for travel between Vietnam and the Russian Federation.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

UK launches new climate and green finance partnerships with Vietnam

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:40:00 GMT

The initiatives aim to accelerate Vietnam’s energy transition and sustainable development agenda.

The United Kingdom has unveiled two new climate cooperation initiatives with Vietnam, reinforcing bilateral efforts to accelerate the country’s energy transition and sustainable development agenda.

Announced in Hanoi on June 16, the initiatives include the UK–Vietnam Offshore Wind Accelerator Partnership and a new Green Finance Facility under the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) program.

The first initiative, the UK–Vietnam Offshore Wind Accelerator Partnership, is designed to support Vietnam during a critical stage in the development of its offshore wind industry. The program will combine technical assistance, research collaboration, and international cooperation to help build a robust offshore wind market.

Under the partnership, activities will focus on three key areas: strengthening the capabilities of government agencies and businesses, sharing international best practices drawn from the UK’s extensive offshore wind experience, and providing specialized technical support on priority policy and technology issues. The initiative also complements broader UK support for Vietnam under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and other green investment and sustainable finance programs.

Alongside the offshore wind partnership, the UK announced a Green Finance Facility under UK PACT, implemented in collaboration with KPMG. The initiative aims to strengthen Vietnam’s green finance ecosystem and support the country’s transition to a low-emissions economy.

Built upon the existing Vietnam–UK Green Investment Partnership, the facility seeks to mobilize capital from development finance institutions and UK commercial partners while supporting improvements to Vietnam’s regulatory framework through technical assistance and knowledge sharing.

The new programs are expected to enhance Vietnam’s capacity to attract sustainable investment, expand renewable energy deployment, and advance its long-term climate commitments.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

Da Nang introduces incentives to attract semiconductor and AI Talent

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The move aiming to reinforce the central city’s ambition to become a leading technology hub in Vietnam.

Da Nang city in central Vietnam has introduced a new policy framework aimed at attracting high-quality talent and accelerating the development of its semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) industries, reinforcing the city’s ambition to become a leading technology hub in the country.

Under a Resolution recently adopted by the Da Nang People’s Council, the city will offer incentives to global experts, scientists, and strategic business partners operating in the city's semiconductor and AI sectors. The policy also applies to educational institutions and agencies involved in workforce development and industry management.

The resolution establishes clear recruitment standards for specialists and researchers. Eligible candidates must demonstrate outstanding expertise and substantial experience in semiconductors or AI, while also possessing the ability to build and develop professional teams. Applicants are required to meet at least one criterion related to high income, doctoral qualifications, professional experience, or intellectual property achievements.

To attract top talent, the city will provide a one-time incentive payment of VND100 million (about $3,800) after 12 months of employment. Accommodation support of up to VND20 million per month will also be available during their period of work in Da Nang.

The policy further encourages research and development activities through financial incentives linked to scientific publications and intellectual property creation. International patent holders may receive support of up to VND50 million per patent.

For strategic partner enterprises, the city will subsidize 30% of the cost of hiring highly qualified professionals during the first five years after receiving strategic partner status. Support is capped at VND1 billion per enterprise annually and VND200 million per employee per year.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Nearly 540 additional enterprises set to face mandatory greenhouse gas inventories

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The issuance of the 2026 updated list contributes to fulfilling Vietnam's international climate commitments, specifically the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

The number of facilities required to conduct greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories under the updated list scheduled for issuance in 2026 is 2,705. This represents an increase of 539 facilities compared to the 2024 list.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has submitted a draft Decision to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal. This draft outlines the updated list of sectors and facilities emitting GHG that must perform mandatory inventories for 2026.

Under current regulations, the list is updated every two years. This particular update is based on the Prime Minister's Decision No. 13/2024/QĐ-TTg, dated August 13, 2024.

The issuance of the 2026 updated list aims to enhance the effectiveness of state management regarding GHG reduction. It also contributes to fulfilling Vietnam's international climate commitments, specifically the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

The updated list will also serve as the foundation for conducting GHG inventories, reducing emissions, and determining facility-level emission reduction targets for the 2026-2030 period. Furthermore, it supports businesses in meeting new requirements and standards of international markets regarding emissions, thereby helping maintain Vietnam’s global competitiveness.

Notably, the results of these corporate GHG inventories will serve as the basis for allocating emission quotas, enabling businesses to participate in the domestic carbon market.

The list of emitting facilities subject to mandatory reporting covers sectors including industry and trade, construction (incorporating both construction and transport sectors), and agriculture and environment.

The list has been revised to align with the State management functions of recently merged ministries (the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development merged with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment; the Ministry of Construction merged with the Ministry of Transport).

Vneconomy-Hằng Anh

ADB plans $4.6bln financing package for Vietnam through 2029

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Asian Development Bank plans to support Vietnam with a portfolio of 27 projects worth approximately $4.6 billion through 2029.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to support Vietnam with a portfolio of 27 projects worth approximately $4.6 billion through 2029, focusing on infrastructure, energy, urban development, agriculture, and public sector efficiency.

The plan was discussed during a meeting on June 15 in Hanoi between Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong and Mr. Kim Dongil, Executive Director at ADB representing a constituency that includes Vietnam and some other Asian countries.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed future cooperation priorities, including budget support lending, large-scale infrastructure projects, and initiatives aimed at expanding ASEAN power grid connectivity.

According to ADB, the proposed project pipeline aligns with Vietnam’s key development priorities and is designed to support sustainable economic growth. The two sides agreed that future cooperation should focus on large-scale, high-impact projects capable of generating broad economic benefits rather than dispersing resources across smaller initiatives.

Deputy Minister Phuong noted that Vietnam’s financing needs remain substantial as the country pursues ambitious development goals. He emphasized that investment resources will be directed toward growth-driving sectors and regions with strong capacity to absorb capital effectively.

For his part, Mr. Kim Dongil reaffirmed ADB’s commitment to expanding its operations and financial support through 2030. He said the bank stands ready to assist Vietnam in achieving its socio-economic development objectives and expressed confidence that cooperation between the two sides will continue to deepen in the years ahead.

VnEconomy-Phương Nhi

Hanoi offers financial support for needy households to switch to green vehicles

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:30:00 GMT

Eligible individuals will receive support covering 100% of the green vehicle's value, capped at a maximum of VND20 million ($760).

The 17th Hanoi People's Council on June 15 officially passed a resolution outlining policies to support the transition of road vehicles from fossil fuels to clean energy and to encourage the use of public transportation across the city.

A standout feature of the Resolution is the provision of direct cash assistance for individuals from poor households who transition to green vehicles.

Regarding the specific subsidy level, eligible individuals will receive support covering 100% of the green vehicle's value, capped at a maximum of VND20 million ($760). Each individual from poor households is entitled to this support only once, applicable to one motorbike or moped.

In terms of implementation, the city budget will provide the funds, which will be distributed by commune-level People's Committees via bank transfers to recipients. This support policy will remain in effect from the date the Resolution becomes active until December 31, 2027.

Furthermore, the Resolution details incentives to promote the use of public passenger transport, including buses and urban railways (metro). Specifically, the city will offer free bus fares (excluding tourist-specific bus routes) for passengers traveling within Ring Road 1 from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2027.

Additionally, the city will provide free fares on all bus routes (excluding tourist buses) and urban railway lines across the entire city during national holidays, the Lunar New Year (Tet), and special socio-political events of the country and the capital. This free-fare policy for special occasions will be effective until December 31, 2030.

Vneconomy-Song Hoàng

Hanoi promotes night-time economy

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:00:00 GMT

The capital city has adopted a new resolution regulating business and investment activities in the city's night-time economy.

The Hanoi People's Council has approved a new resolution regulating business and investment activities in the city's night-time economy, aiming to better harness urban potential and promote economic, cultural, and tourism development.

The resolution establishes operating hours for designated night-economy zones, routes, and venues, while allowing flexibility based on local conditions and development objectives.

Under the new framework, most night-time economic activities will be permitted from 6pm to 10pm. Extended operating hours from 10pm to 2am will be allowed in designated commercial and cultural wards and other qualified night-economy areas that receive approval from competent authorities.

A further extension from 10pm to 6am may be granted on a selective basis in specific locations with distinct functions, provided they meet strict requirements related to infrastructure, urban management, public security, and social order.

Businesses participating in the night-time economy must obtain the necessary licenses and comply with regulations governing noise control, environmental sanitation, lighting, safety, and security.

The resolution also encourages a broad range of cultural, artistic, tourism, and entertainment activities, including night tours, cultural performances, exhibitions, heritage showcases, and creative industry events. Hanoi is particularly promoting cultural and creative industries, contemporary arts, and technology-driven experiences as key drivers of its expanding night-time economy and tourism sector.

VnEconomy-Châu Anh

Accelerated transportation transition

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy gathered insights from policymakers, experts, and businesses on how AI is transforming transportation and mobility around Vietnam.

Ms. Citra H. Nasruddin, Program Director, Tech for Good Institute (TFGI)

I believe there is growing consensus that AI not only generates significant economic value but also improves quality of life in many ways, particularly in mobility and transportation. Among the clearest benefits we can already see are greater operational efficiency, time savings, and lower costs.

In Vietnam, multiple pathways are emerging to build a more sustainable transportation future, ranging from the transition to electric vehicles and expanded public transportation to AI-driven logistics optimization, smart transportation systems, and shared mobility platforms. Each pathway plays a distinct role, but in my view, AI is the “common thread” connecting every part of this ecosystem, enabling it to operate more efficiently and cohesively.

However, ambition alone is not enough. The pace and sequencing of implementation matter just as much. Developing smart transportation systems will take decades and cannot outpace the practical limits of infrastructure or workforce capacity. Investments in infrastructure, training, and workforce upskilling therefore require time and must be realistically reflected in long-term implementation plans.

Another major challenge is data fragmentation. To fully unlock AI’s potential in mobility, Vietnam will need to establish a centralized data system capable of effective integration and sharing among stakeholders. Equally important is developing a clear roadmap for AI adoption, something I believe should be prioritized at this stage.

I believe public-private partnerships and trust-based data-sharing mechanisms will play a pivotal role in driving innovation. At the same time, regulatory coordination, along with policy stability and predictability, will form an important foundation for attracting long-term investment. Institutional capacity and a transparent, clearly defined legal framework are also essential to this transition.

In particular, I believe Vietnam should adopt more flexible policy frameworks, including AI-supported policy sandbox mechanisms. Such an approach would allow new models to be tested, refined, and gradually scaled in a safe and controlled manner. More importantly, AI deployment must remain inclusive and people-centered, ensuring that all groups have access to opportunities and that no one is left behind in the course of technological transformation.

Mr. Ted Kim, CEO of GCOO Vietnam

Drawing from experience in developing smart city platforms and currently operating electric transportation infrastructure in Vietnam, I believe the country’s transportation challenge extends beyond congestion. At a deeper level, the problem lies in the fragmentation of the overall system.

Vietnam currently has multiple transportation modes operating in parallel, including motorcycles, private cars, buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, electric vehicles (EVs), and more recently, urban rail systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, these systems remain fragmented, lacking connectivity in data, planning, and operational coordination.

By contrast, in countries such as Singapore and South Korea, residents can simply open a mobile application to know exactly when a bus will arrive, which metro line is departing next, or even which platform location is most convenient to minimize travel time. This allows users to choose the most efficient mode of transport.

Based on this reality, I believe AI can help Vietnam address four key transportation challenges.

First is improving visibility into and forecasting transportation demand. Cities need to understand where people are traveling, when they are traveling, and for what purposes. AI can help predict mobility demand while identifying underserved areas.

Second is addressing pressure on urban space. In cities such as Hanoi, congestion is not limited to roads but also extends to parking facilities, sidewalks, pick-up and drop-off points, and public spaces. AI can help analyze and identify emerging “pressure hotspots.”

Third, AI can support the planning, forecasting, and deployment of environmentally-friendly transportation, particularly EVs. However, introducing EVs to the market is only the first step. More important are the operational systems behind them, including charging and battery-swapping management, vehicle maintenance, traffic coordination, safety, and maintaining a stable and convenient user experience.

Fourth is measuring sustainability. If Vietnam wants more investment in green and sustainable transportation, cities and investors will need reliable data on usage rates, emission reductions, safety, and accessibility. AI can help analyze such data, but only if eliable data infrastructure exists.

In my view, Vietnam needs a clear operational framework in which the private sector has room to invest, while the public sector plays a supporting and coordinating role, thereby fostering public-private partnerships and resource sharing. Vietnam must also establish data standards, as AI is only effective when input data is sufficiently high quality. The country needs to prioritize practical pilot programs rather than stopping at conceptual ideas, and transportation systems should be designed with people at the center.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Le Quyen, Head of the Enterprise Support Department, National Innovation Center (NIC)

In the context of AI development and innovation today, I believe public-private partnerships (PPPs) need to be broadened beyond resource sharing to encompass a shared vision between the government and the private sector to jointly build mechanisms and policies that foster the growth of the technology ecosystem.

This direction has become increasingly evident in recent years as the government has introduced a list of strategic technology sectors and strategic technology products, including AI and products such as traffic cameras. This demonstrates that the government is not only acting as a regulator but also proactively shaping the market and signaling confidence for businesses to invest more boldly in AI research, development, and application.

At the same time, the government has gradually strengthened the legal framework surrounding AI, from risk management mechanisms to policies encouraging responsible AI development and deployment. Most recently, Decree No. 182/2025 on PPP mechanisms in science, technology, and innovation was introduced.

In my view, this is a highly-open mechanism that enables organizations such as the National Innovation Center to work with businesses in developing, commercializing, and operating science- and AI-based applications. More importantly, it creates more flexible collaboration space between the public and private sectors in advancing technology.

Another particularly important area is public-private cooperation in infrastructure development and resource sharing, especially data infrastructure. In AI, data is a decisive factor. The government is currently accelerating the establishment of national data centers and the integration of databases across ministries and agencies.

I believe that once databases are integrated and shared at an appropriate level, the private sector will be better positioned to develop AI models and build more effective applications for logistics, transportation, and mobility. This will also provide an important foundation for AI to move into practical operation.

Beyond data infrastructure, today’s PPPs should also focus on building an open ecosystem. All stakeholders exist within the same ecosystem and are both affected by and beneficiaries of it. Therefore, it is essential to connect all participants, from government agencies, investors, and startups to research institutes and universities.

In recent years, the National Innovation Center has launched multiple incubation programs for AI startups, including solutions for logistics, seaports, transportation, and automation. At the same time, Vietnam is selectively attracting major technology corporations to participate in the domestic innovation ecosystem in order to foster more comprehensive AI development.

Beyond traditional PPP models, I also believe Vietnam should place greater emphasis on a “triple helix” cooperation model involving government, universities, and businesses. This is a major policy direction aimed at linking education, research, and markets to address broader economic and sectoral challenges. In this context, the role of connecting stakeholders across the ecosystem will become increasingly important to the development of AI and innovation in Vietnam.

Mr. Dinh Tuan Hung, Director of the Institute for Space and Underwater Technology, Hanoi University of Science and Technology

AI is already having a major impact on transportation monitoring. It is increasingly clear that public behavior changes significantly when it is introduced into traffic surveillance systems. Road users become more conscious of complying with traffic rules, as virtually all vehicles and participants are now within the monitoring system.

From this perspective, if Vietnam wants to accelerate the transition from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles, technology- and data-driven regulatory tools can be deployed. For example, cities could introduce congestion charges based on transportation zones, with fees increasing progressively toward central urban areas. Such measures would not need to be implemented immediately but could instead follow a gradual roadmap, allowing citizens time to adapt.

In my view, the key is to create mechanisms that encourage people to voluntarily choose more suitable transportation options. If revenues generated from such policies are reinvested into small-scale public electric vehicles systems, this could gradually help shift travel habits away from private vehicles and toward public transportation. The transition should be transparent, phased, and provide adequate adaptation time for citizens rather than being imposed abruptly.

More broadly, transportation and logistics are becoming increasingly diversified. Many cities around the world have begun deploying drone delivery systems, developing the low-altitude economy, and expanding water-based transportation models. This suggests that future mobility will no longer revolve solely around land-based transport, but rather evolve into a multilayered, multimodal ecosystem.

As a result, the concept of transportation safety will also change. Citizens will no longer focus only on road safety but will also be concerned about risks emerging from airspace and autonomous vehicles. To manage such a complex system in an integrated way, the first requirement will be unified governance infrastructure.

Future transportation will involve not only vehicles, but also data, software, cybersecurity, safety, and the management of moving objects across multiple physical environments.

For this reason, all stakeholders, from individuals to businesses, should contribute data to a national data system through appropriate mechanisms. Only with sufficiently large datasets can AI generate solutions that are both intelligent and accurate. On that basis, the government can play a regulatory role, establish differentiated governance layers, and develop tailored applications for different user groups.

For example, ordinary citizens could access applications that recommend optimal transportation options, while logistics companies could benefit from deeper layers of data and more specialized solutions for operations and freight coordination. With a shared platform of this kind, the transportation ecosystem could function more efficiently and provide fairer access across user groups.

However, centralized digital systems and data concentration also introduce new risks. One of the most significant is energy security. Power outages or natural disasters affecting infrastructure could disrupt the entire platform. As a result, contingency plans, backup systems, and risk mitigation mechanisms will be essential to ensure operational continuity.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Duong, Head of the Department for General Economic Issues and Integration Studies, Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (IPSS)

In my view, public-private partnership (PPP) mechanisms play a critical role in developing AI applications for transportation and mobility in Vietnam. This is neither solely the responsibility of government agencies nor of businesses. Rather, it requires the participation of multiple stakeholders. For PPPs to function effectively, the first step is to clearly define the principles of coordination between participating parties.

The first priority is determining which types of risks can be managed most effectively by which stakeholders. In traditional PPP models, governments typically focus on systemic risks such as legal frameworks, policymaking, and macro-level issues, while businesses address market-related challenges. However, AI introduces a new category of risks that both sides must jointly manage, namely, process- and data-related risks.

This is also the most important part of today’s challenge. Data remains a relatively new field, where everything from collection methods and usage processes to the scope of deployment requires both business-led innovation and government oversight. Without clear mechanisms for allocating responsibility and sharing data, it will be difficult to establish an effective AI foundation for transportation.

More specifically, businesses can focus on areas aligned with their strengths, such as data collection, information processing, and digital infrastructure development. For example, AI-powered traffic sensors and data platforms are areas where companies can contribute effectively. Businesses can also provide data services to government agencies, including travel demand forecasting and projections for future transportation corridor development.

In some cases, government agencies may be well suited to initial implementation, but when systems move into continuous, uninterrupted operation, businesses are often better positioned to manage them efficiently. This also creates opportunities for companies to generate revenue through data services and technology platforms supplied to the public sector.

Meanwhile, the government’s role is to establish policy mechanisms that incentivize private-sector participation while ensuring vulnerable groups, including workers, older adults, and small and medium-sized enterprises, can still access AI-enabled transportation services. Ultimately, businesses must prioritize profitability, while many disadvantaged groups may not be able to access services entirely through market mechanisms.

Another equally-important issue is establishing standards for AI in transportation. These standards should not only cover data interoperability and infrastructure specifications, but also AI ethics, data governance processes, and secure data-sharing mechanisms. Questions such as who can access data, under what procedures, and according to which sharing standards while maintaining safety and security all need to be clearly defined.

Even in developing these standards, however, PPPs remain essential. In practice, regulators may understand broad principles, but businesses often possess deeper expertise in technical standards through direct engagement with technology and markets. At the same time, without proper safeguards, proposed standards could end up serving the interests of certain businesses rather than the broader public good.

For this reason, standards development requires open dialogue between government and businesses, while also ensuring a balanced alignment of interests.

Finally, current PPP mechanisms still tend to focus primarily on relationships between the State and businesses, while the voices of citizens remain relatively muted. In the context of AI in transportation, citizens and workers are the ultimate beneficiaries. While the benefits to any one individual may appear small, collectively across society they become highly significant.

As such, stronger mechanisms are needed to directly incorporate public feedback so that AI development in transportation genuinely serves the broader public interest.

Associate Professor Dam Hoang Phuc, Director of the Automotive Engineering Program, Hanoi University of Science and Technology

When discussing AI in transportation, the most important question is where it can make an impact and which areas it is best positioned to support. In my view, AI can contribute to three key pillars of transportation: governance, infrastructure and vehicles, and end-users.

In terms of governance, I believe transportation management in Vietnam remains largely reactive. By contrast, AI’s greatest strength lies in its ability to shift the system from reactive responses to prediction and prevention. This represents one of AI’s most valuable contributions to transportation. Rather than responding only after congestion or incidents have occurred, AI can help forecast potential risks in advance, enabling authorities to proactively regulate traffic and implement appropriate solutions.

However, achieving this requires one essential condition: synchronized data and a shared data system. In my view, if every organization continues developing separate datasets in isolation, AI will struggle to reach its full potential. Therefore, AI development in transportation must go hand-in-hand with stronger data interoperability and information sharing across agencies and levels of government.

The second issue concerns infrastructure and vehicles. Smart transportation systems and AI deployment require infrastructure that is adequately prepared. We need to clearly define what additional investments are necessary, from traffic signals and cameras to operation centers and data infrastructure. At the same time, vehicles participating in the transport system must be equipped with technologies that enable connectivity and AI integration.

We are already seeing the emergence of connected transportation models, including vehicle-to-infrastructure, vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-center communication systems. In my view, Vietnam needs to establish an appropriate roadmap for these models. This will be a critical foundation if AI is to play a meaningful role in transportation operations.

The third issue concerns users. Transportation needs differ across population groups. Residents in Hanoi, for example, have different mobility patterns and demands from those in Ho Chi Minh City or other localities.

VET-

BSides Hanoi returns with theme ‘No Human’

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

BSides Hanoi 2026 has selected "No Human" to provide a fresh perspective on the profound and growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the digital security landscape.

BSides Hanoi 2026, an international-standard community cybersecurity conference, is set to officially take place on August 5, 2026, in Hanoi under the theme “No Human.”

The conference is organized by the Vietnam Cybersecurity Joint Stock Company (VSEC)—a member of G-Group Technology Corporation—in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) and the Vietnam Internet Association (VIA).

Continuing its mission to connect the cybersecurity community in Vietnam, BSides Hanoi 2026 has selected "No Human" to provide a fresh perspective on the profound and growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the digital security landscape.

As AI systems increasingly gain the ability to make autonomous decisions, execute complex tasks, and interact independently with the digital world, the traditional role of humans in cyberspace is being redefined. The industry is witnessing a shift where humans are moving away from direct execution toward roles as designers, supervisors, and strategic directors of intelligent systems operating at an unprecedented scale.

The conference will feature in-depth discussions on several key areas, including: The application of AI and automation in cyberattack strategies; Automated defense and threat detection systems; Trends in eliminating human-centric bottlenecks in security operations; and Digital trust, compliance, legal frameworks, and risk management in the AI era.

Regarding the theme, Chairman of VSEC Truong Duc Luong said "At last year’s BSides Hanoi, AI served as the common thread connecting various topics, from defense and attack to legal regulations. This year, AI remains a core element, but we are moving toward a more practical and technical approach. We want to provide expert perspectives on specialized fields such as web application attacks and malware tracking."

"The conference is designed to help the community visualize cyber threats more intuitively. While attack techniques or malware may not be entirely new, the support of AI allows them to unfold faster than ever before. The ultimate goal of this event is to answer a critical question: How must we respond?," he added.

Vneconomy-Tiến Hải

Rental housing project proposed in Hanoi's Viet Hung ward for 2026–2028

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The complex will cover approximately 2.46 ha and provide a total of 1,166 apartments.

The Hanoi People’s Committee has submitted a proposal to the City People’s Council for the approval of an investment policy for a municipal rental housing project located in Viet Hung Ward.

According to the proposal, the project will involve the construction of seven residential buildings, each standing 12 to 13 stories tall with two basement levels. The complex will cover approximately 2.46 ha and provide a total of 1,166 apartments.

Categorized as a Group B, Grade I housing project, the development will be managed by the Hanoi Project Management Board of Civil Construction Investment as the primary investor. The total estimated investment exceeds VND3.562 trillion (approx. $136 million), with implementation scheduled for the 2026–2028 period.

The Hanoi People’s Committee stated that the project aims to realize the city’s goal of simultaneously developing commercial and rental housing. Rental housing is identified as a strategic, long-term segment designed to meet the housing needs of various groups, including workers, laborers, students, civil servants, public employees, and members of the armed forces.

City authorities expect the project to provide residents with access to stable, long-term, safe, and affordable housing.

Vneconomy-Thanh Xuân

AI-Powered transportation transformation

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Transportation is already being transformed by AI to differing degrees in Vietnam and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

The emergence of ride-hailing platforms a decade ago transformed Vietnam’s mobility landscape. The new business model not only changed how people traveled and forced traditional taxi operators to adapt in order to remain competitive, but also created new employment opportunities and prompted regulators to revise policies in response.

“Today, a new technological wave, particularly AI, could trigger an even greater turning point for Vietnam’s transportation system,” Mr. Nguyen Anh Duong, Head of the Department for General Economic Issues and Integration Studies at the Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (IPSS), told the “Mobility, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Society: Strengthening the Future of Transportation in Vietnam” workshop.

Impacts on mobility

In practice, AI has already begun to feature prominently in Vietnam’s transportation and urban development policies. Intelligent traffic operation centers, AI-enabled cameras, and data analytics platforms are gradually becoming the new “digital infrastructure” of modern cities. In Hanoi alone, according to recently-published figures, the city had installed more than 1,800 AI cameras for traffic management by 2025 and plans to deploy more than 2,100 additional units this year.

AI’s role extends beyond surveillance. The technology is improving the detection and enforcement of traffic violations while reducing dependence on manual monitoring methods. Official reports show that within the first month of deploying Hanoi’s AI camera system, authorities recorded more than 6,300 traffic violations subject to administrative penalties. In Ho Chi Minh City, a similar system identified more than 3,400 violations within a single month.

Countries across Southeast Asia are increasingly leveraging AI to build cities that are more resilient to infrastructure pressures and environmental challenges. Mr. Erlanggasakti Putra, Program Analyst at the Tech for Good Institute (TFGI), said Singapore uses AI to predict congestion risks in public transportation before disruptions spread across the wider network.

In the Indonesian capital Jakarta, AI supports traffic navigation during extreme weather events or sudden flooding. The system can quickly reroute vehicles to safer roads, helping reduce public risk while ensuring smoother mobility.

At the same time, the shift toward electric mobility is elevating AI’s importance within Southeast Asia’s green transportation strategies. According to TFGI, Singapore aims for all newly-registered vehicles to run on clean energy by 2030 and plans to phase out internal combustion engine vehicles entirely by 2040. Malaysia is targeting significant electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion by 2030, with EVs expected to account for 80 per cent of transport by 2050.

Indonesia is seeking to put 13 million electric motorcycles and 2.2 million electric cars on the road before 2030 as part of its pathway toward net-zero emissions by 2060. Vietnam, meanwhile, committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26 and has introduced a transition roadmap under Decision No. 876/QD-TTg, the Action Program on Green Energy Transition and Carbon and Methane Emissions Reduction in the transportation sector.

According to experts, digital technologies and AI will play a particularly critical role in this process. “We often say AI is driving transportation development, but in reality, the growth of the transportation ecosystem is also feeding back and creating additional momentum for the AI sector,” Mr. Duong said.

Mr. Putra also argued that AI can support policymaking during the transition to electric mobility. Governments are simultaneously grappling with multiple complex challenges, including electricity grid capacity, energy supply, and the still-high upfront cost of EVs. He further emphasized that AI is not only linked to transportation technology but also directly affects labor markets. AI-based training and coordination tools could help workers in traditional transport sectors reskill and adapt to emerging jobs in the green economy.

Within the logistics sector, adopting technology at the appropriate scale can improve operational efficiency and competitiveness. According to the Vietnam Logistics Report 2025, compiled by the Agency of Foreign Trade at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, several leading companies, including the Sai Gon Newport Corporation, Viettel Post, and Vietnam Airlines, have incorporated innovation and AI into logistics operations.

Unlocking AI’s potential

The benefits of AI deployment in transportation and logistics have become increasingly evident. According to reports from Hanoi authorities, AI-driven traffic management has significantly improved traffic flow and reduced congestion. On some roads where AI systems have been introduced, travel time on one-way routes has fallen by as much as 31 per cent, while traffic volume increased by around 13 per cent.

However, experts argue that realizing AI’s full potential in mobility and transportation will require overcoming several key barriers.

According to the IPSS, the first major obstacle is fragmented data. Transportation-related information remains scattered across multiple agencies and organizations. While Vietnam has already enacted laws and government resolutions on data sharing and interoperability, connecting these systems remains a major challenge.

“This is especially important for AI,” Mr. Duong explained. “AI development depends not only on algorithms or processing power but also heavily on access to data for training and operations. Fragmented and disconnected datasets have become one of the biggest barriers to AI deployment.”

A second challenge is uneven AI capacity and infrastructure across localities. To date, most visible progress has been concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, while many smaller cities and medium-sized logistics and transport firms still face limited investment in AI and digital infrastructure. This raises the risk of widening digital divides between regions and business groups.

The third challenge is cost. Building AI infrastructure for transportation requires substantial investment, from AI camera systems and smart traffic signals to operation centers, data storage, processing infrastructure, and the energy needed to power AI systems. Beyond public investment costs, transportation and logistics businesses also face mounting expenses associated with digital transition.

Experts caution that if technologies are too expensive, overly complex, or poorly suited to business scale, widespread adoption will remain difficult, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. For individual users, AI tools may appear relatively affordable and accessible. But for businesses, especially in transportation and logistics, deployment costs represent a much more significant challenge.

On the policy front, Vietnam has developed a relatively comprehensive and rapidly-evolving AI framework. As early as 2021, the government introduced Decision No. 127/QD-TTg on AI research, development, and application. More recently, authorities have issued decisions on strategic technologies and technology products, underscoring AI’s growing role in national development priorities.

In smart transportation, Vietnam has introduced policies promoting the Internet of Things (IoT). However, experts note that an emerging concept - the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) - remains largely absent from current regulations.

The distinction lies in how data is processed. Traditional IoT systems typically collect information from devices and send it to centralized hubs for analysis. AIoT, by contrast, enables part of the data to be processed directly at the source through embedded AI, with only essential information transmitted to central control systems. This approach accelerates processing, reduces latency, and improves operational efficiency for smart transportation networks.

Based on current realities, Mr. Duong proposed several priorities for the next phase of development. Vietnam, he argued, should first build an integrated and synchronized mobility data platform to support AI deployment in transportation. The country should also help cities beyond Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City gain access to AI technologies to avoid widening digital divides.

In parallel, Vietnam should accelerate the development of AI-based logistics corridors and expand regulatory sandbox mechanisms for new AI-powered services, such as autonomous delivery and automated operating systems. Without appropriate sandbox mechanisms for both technology and policy, many new transportation models will struggle to move beyond pilot stages and scale effectively.

VET-BACH DUONG

Vietnam targets AI contribution of 6% to GDP by 2030

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The target is part of a draft National AI Strategy recently released for public consultation.

Vietnam is aiming for artificial intelligence (AI) to contribute approximately 6% of the country's GDP by 2030 under a draft National AI Strategy, recently released for public consultation by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The strategy envisions Vietnam developing strong capabilities in AI research, development, deployment, and technological mastery, while leveraging AI to drive comprehensive national transformation. AI is expected to become a core capability integrated across public administration, business operations, decision-making processes, public services, and key economic sectors.

The draft sets out five major objectives. First, Vietnam aims to rank among the top three ASEAN countries and the world's top 30 nations in the Government AI Readiness Index by 2030.

Second, the country plans to build a national AI computing platform that will provide government agencies, research institutes, universities, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises with affordable access to computing resources. At least five Vietnamese-language AI models are also targeted for development.

The strategy further calls for international AI research publications to increase by 10% annually and for universities to graduate at least 10,000 AI, data science, and related specialists each year.

By 2030, Vietnam also aims for AI adoption in at least 70% of large enterprises, 50% of medium-sized firms, and 40% of small and micro businesses, supporting the development of a robust domestic AI ecosystem.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi