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<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/18/418444_5142391733247274_ds.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An investor monitors the stock market. — Photo baotintuc.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Despite a surprise plunge in Vingroup (VIC) shares during the final minutes of trading on April 18, Việt Nam’s stock market managed to close in positive territory, buoyed by strong performances in the banking sector.On the Hồ Chí Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index edged up 1.87 points to close at 1,219.12 points. Meanwhile, the HNX-Index and UPCOM-Index on the Hà Nội Stock Exchange advanced by 3.52 points and 0.77 points respectively.Total market liquidity reached nearly VNĐ24 trillion (US$941 million), with the HoSE alone recording over 1.06 billion shares traded, equivalent to a transaction value of VNĐ21.57 trillion.The session's spotlight was undoubtedly SHB, which surged to its ceiling price of VNĐ12,850 per share — its highest since August last year. More than 156 million shares changed hands, generating a total trading value close to VNĐ2 trillion and accounting for over 9 per cent of total HoSE liquidity.The surge followed the bank’s announcement of an ambitious business plan for 2025, targeting a 16 per cent credit growth rate, pre-tax profit of VNĐ14.5 trillion — up 25 per cent year-on-year — and a capital increase to nearly VNĐ46 trillion.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/18/418445_5142392021360631_shb.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An SHB transaction office. SHB shares hit the daily limit up on Friday. — Photo courtesy of SHB</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Beyond SHB, the broader banking group posted notable gains. An Bình Bank (ABB) and Eximbank (EIB) rose over 4 per cent, while Việt Á Bank (VAB), Kiên Long Bank (KLB) and Vietnam Propserity Bank (VPB) advanced by more than 2 per cent, helping offset the drag caused by heavy losses in several large-cap stocks.On the downside, VIC hit its floor price at VNĐ66,100 per share following a block deal involving more than 64.8 million shares by foreign investors the previous day. This sharp decline, along with a 3.17 per cent drop in Vinhomes (VHM), a 1.7 per cent fall in Vietjet (VJC), and a 5.49 per cent slide in Vietnam Airlines (HVN), weighed heavily on the index and capped market gains.VIC’s plunge also impacted the personal wealth of its chairman, Phạm Nhật Vượng, with Forbes estimating a drop of around $106 million in his net worth, now at $8.2 billion.Investor sentiment remained cautious ahead of first-quarter earnings reports.“The market continues to exhibit alternating gains and losses, with significant divergence among sectors. Export-related groups such as industrial parks and seaports — already down 30–40 per cent — are particularly sensitive to trade-related macro developments,” FinSuccess analysts observed.Conversely, sectors less exposed to tariff pressures, such as banking, retail and public investment, showed notable recovery.“Several banking stocks are now only 5–7 per cent below their peaks, while retail and steel are also rebounding. However, investors should carefully assess business fundamentals and valuations, rather than follow market sentiment blindly,” they advised.Foreign investors returned as net buyers, purchasing over VNĐ19 billion worth of shares on HoSE, while on the HNX, net foreign inflows exceeded VNĐ32 billion. Despite this, the overall scale of net buying remained modest compared to recent sessions, reflecting market indecision in the absence of a clear trend. — BIZHUB/VNS

Although Vingroup (VIC) shares unexpectedly tumbled in the final minutes, Việt Nam’s stock market still ended in positive territory, supported by robust gains in banking stocks.

Vietnamese stock market holds firm despite VIC plunge

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/18/418441_5142360484360429_VTN_1170%20(1).jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>The system connects to three major data hubs of Asia, namely Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Photo courtesy of Viettel</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Asia Direct Cable (ADC), a fiber-optic submarine cable with a capacity of 50 Tbps – the largest in Việt Nam, was put into operation in early April, according to the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group.The ADC's capacity is equivalent to 125 per cent of the total international connection capacity of the five existing submarine cable systems (IA, AAE-1, APG, AGG, and SMW-3). It also boasts higher speeds compared to previous systems.Viettel, the sole Vietnamese investor in the project, owns the entire submarine branch, the landing station in Quy Nhơn City in the central province of Binh Dinh, and a part of the main international route.The ADC is an undersea fiber optic cable system that spans approximately 9,800 kilometers, connecting Việt Nam, China, Hong Kong (China), Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan. Notably, it connects to three major data hubs of Asia, namely Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.With a total investment of US$290 million, the route is the result of the collaboration of nine leading telecommunications corporations: Viettel (Vietnam), Softbank (Japan), Tata (India), Singtel (Singapore), China Telecommunications Corporation, China Telecom Global, China Unicom (China), National Telecom (Thailand), and PLDT (the Philippines). — VNS

Asia Direct Cable (ADC), a fiber-optic submarine cable with a capacity of 50 Tbps – the largest in Việt Nam, was put into operation in early April, according to the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group.

Largest-capacity submarine cable system in Vietnam becomes operational

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/18/418435_5142344857518942_Kho%E1%BA%A3nh%20kh%E1%BA%AFc%20k%C3%BD%20k%E1%BA%BFt.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Representatives from Samsung Electronics Vietnam and the Tourism Information Centre signed the co-operation to launch the contest. Photo courtesy of Samsung</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Samsung Electronics Vietnam, in partnership with the Tourism Information Centre under the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism, on Friday officially launched the content creation contest “Galaxy AI Understands Vietnamese – Celebrating Vietnamese Tourism.”Running from April 18 to May 18, the contest is open to all Vietnamese citizens currently living in Việt Nam. More than just a platform for creativity, the competition is designed to spark national pride, love for the homeland, and a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture - while also promoting domestic tourism through the innovative lens of Galaxy AI.The contest offers total prizes valued at up to VNĐ300 million.Speaking at the launch event, Lê Xuân Trường, Marketing and Communications Director for Mobile Experience at Samsung Electronics Vietnam, said that Samsung integrated Vietnamese into Galaxy AI in 2024, making it one of 13 supported languages.“In 2025, we’re continuing to improve Galaxy AI’s understanding of Vietnamese, especially on the upcoming Galaxy S25 Series, to deliver even more useful and meaningful experiences to our users,” he said. “With Galaxy AI, users have powerful tools to create and share the cultural richness and natural beauty of Việt Nam with both local and global audiences.”Nguyễn Đức Xuyên, Deputy Director of the Tourism Information Centre, emphasized that this collaboration with Samsung is a step toward inspiring travellers - especially tech-savvy youth - to engage with tourism in innovative ways.“This initiative marks a new direction in partnerships between the tourism sector and leading technology companies,” he added. “It contributes to building a smart tourism ecosystem that’s both practical and effective.”Hà Văn Siêu, Deputy Director of the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism, said:“In 2024, Việt Nam's tourism recovered to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels - the highest in Southeast Asia. Q1 2025 saw over 6 million international visitors, a record high.”He credited this growth to stronger digital transformation in tourism management, promotion, and visitor experience.The partnership between Samsung Vietnam and the Tourism Information Center highlights efforts to apply modern tech in promoting Việt Nam.“I believe the ‘Galaxy AI Understands Vietnamese, Celebrates Vietnamese Tourism’ contest will inspire tech and travel lovers, sparking creative ideas to showcase Vietnam’s beauty,” he added. “These efforts will support the 2025 national tourism stimulus programme.”All contest updates, related activities, and award announcements will be available on the official websites of the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism (vietnamtourism.gov.vn) and Samsung Vietnam (samsung.com/vn), as well as their official Facebook pages: VNAT and Samsung Vietnam. — VNS

Samsung Electronics Vietnam, in partnership with the Tourism Information Centre under the Việt Nam National Administration of Tourism, on Friday officially launched the content creation contest “Galaxy AI Understands Vietnamese – Celebrating Vietnamese Tourism.”

Samsung launches "Galaxy AI Understands Vietnamese – Celebrating Vietnamese Tourism" contest

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/11/416688_garment-1.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Producing silk thread for the textile industry in Bình Chánh district, HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam and India have great potential for cooperation in the garment and textile sector as the US's new reciprocal tax policy could significantly impact exports of both countries to the US market, according to Bùi Trung Thướng, Trade Counselor at the Việt Nam Trade Office in India.Việt Nam is the world's third-largest textile and garment exporter, with an export value reaching US$44 billion in 2024, while India is a leading supplier of raw materials, particularly cotton and cotton yarn.India also boasts a long-standing textile industry, with strengths based on a wide range of natural fibers such as cotton, jute, silk and wool, as well as various synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon, making it a highly potential market.The country has developed the capability to produce a variety of polyester textiles, artificial silk (rayon), acrylic, blended fibers and other mixed-material textile products. It is also one of the world’s top exporters of synthetic and blended textile products, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade.Meanwhile, Việt Nam currently relies on China for 65 per cent of its textile input materials. Therefore, increasing cotton and yarn imports from India will not only help diversify supply sources but also reduce material costs by 22-27 per cent thanks to tax incentives under the ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement (AIFTA).To promote bilateral textile and garment cooperation, Thướng proposed the two countries establish a joint investment fund worth $500 million to build spinning mills in southern India and northern Việt Nam, along with smart fabric research centres in HCM City and Bangalore (India).It is necessary to sign a bilateral preferential tax agreement to help businesses in both countries reduce import-export costs and enhance competitiveness, and set up a Việt Nam-India textile innovation fund to support joint research projects on green technologies, technical textiles and recycled materials.India currently has a high demand for premium polyester fabric, estimated at around $1.2 billion per year, while Việt Nam can import shuttleless looms from India, which are 30-40 per cent cheaper than those imported from Europe, he said, adding that making the most of technological strengths and complementary market demands will help establish efficient two-way supply chains.The new reciprocal tariff policy introduced by the US will increase export costs for textile and garment products from both Việt Nam and India. This situation requires the two countries to swiftly adapt by implementing regional cooperation strategies to mitigate risks from traditional markets and expand into FTA markets such as the EU, Japan and the Republic of Korea, Thướng said. — VNS

Việt Nam is the world's third-largest textile and garment exporter, with an export value reaching US$44 billion in 2024, while India is a leading supplier of raw materials, particularly cotton and cotton yarn.

More garment cooperation opportunities for Việt Nam, India amid global shifts: official

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/11/416715_5136257181335247_2c945516e31850460909.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Delegates at the Whitebook launch on Friday. — Photo courtesy of the organiser</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — As Việt Nam navigates through the global economic turbulence, the European Chamber of Commerce in Việt Nam (EuroCham) has released its 2025 Whitebook—an influential policy document setting out what it calls 'Must-Win Battles' essential to the country’s sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness.Launched in Hà Nội on Friday morning, with high-level representation from Government officials, the diplomatic corps and the private sector, the Whitebook 2025 provides an urgent call for action amid mounting geopolitical tensions, global trade realignments and Việt Nam's own economic aspirations.This year’s Whitebook marks a shift toward strategic alignment and cross-sectoral cooperation, in pursuit of a greener and more resilient Vietnamese economy.At the core of the Whitebook is a new cross-cutting framework that identifies five foundational reforms: entry visa policies, immigration and airport infrastructure, work permits, VAT refunds and customs procedures. These areas, long-standing bottlenecks for foreign businesses, are now framed as urgent policy priorities.By streamlining administrative processes and addressing regulatory friction, EuroCham said that Việt Nam can significantly boost investor confidence and operational efficiency.“Việt Nam’s future economic trajectory depends on decisions made today,” said EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert at the launch.The Whitebook is more than a set of recommendations, it’s a compass, he said, adding that it offers pragmatic, business-driven solutions that reflect the realities on the ground.In addition to macro-level reforms, EuroCham’s 19 Sector Committees have contributed targeted recommendations in high-impact areas such as green finance, semiconductor supply chains, EV infrastructure, pharmaceutical regulations and sustainable agriculture. Each recommendation is backed by empirical input from member companies, ranging from dynamic small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), through to multinational corporations.With Việt Nam aiming for eight per cent GDP growth in 2025, the challenge lies in executing reforms that not only maintain growth, but also ensure environmental and social sustainability.The Whitebook thus advocates for integrating global best practices in legal and environmental governance—an alignment that will be essential for Vietnam to meet both its domestic targets and international obligations under trade and climate frameworks.<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/11/416716_5136257757259998_Whitebook%20(10).jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>EU Ambassador to Việt Nam Julien Guerrier speaks at the event. — Photo courtesy of the organiser</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>Strengthening the Việt Nam - EU partnershipThe timing of the Whitebook’s release is significant. This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Việt Nam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), a landmark deal that has catalysed growth in bilateral trade and investment.Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Việt Nam Julien Guerrier emphasised the EU’s long-term commitment to open and fair trade."Free and fair trade is in Europe’s DNA and is the backbone of our prosperity and competitiveness. The EU is determined to work with partners, and with Việt Nam, in responding to the new reality for the global economy,” said Ambassador Guerrier."The EVFTA has clearly demonstrated how trade and investment flows can grow when we build on a solid framework. We must make full use of this agreement to unlock its full potential.”The 2025 Whitebook launch comes amid heightened economic anxiety due to global trade disruptions and shifting supply chains. Despite these headwinds, EuroCham’s first quarter of 2025 Business Confidence Index indicates steady investor interest.However, the findings underscore the need for responsive governance and clear legal frameworks to avoid an erosion of foreign direct investment (FDI).EuroCham experts brought forward direct insights from the business frontlines, offering practical recommendations to support Việt Nam’s sustained prosperity. One message rang loud and clear throughout the room: the time to act is now.Việt Nam possesses key advantages—a strategic location, demographic strength and it is rich natural resources. But to fully capitalise on these, it must act decisively to eliminate inefficiencies and build a transparent, resilient investment environment. — BIZHUB/VNS

This year’s Whitebook marks a shift toward strategic alignment and cross-sectoral cooperation in pursuit of a greener and more resilient Vietnamese economy.

EuroCham's 2025 Whitebook charts Việt Nam's green, sustainable economic path

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/11/416685_Mr%20Hi%E1%BA%BFu.JPG" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Dr Nguyễn Trí Hiếu, director of the Institute of Research and Development of Global Financial and Real Estate Markets, speaks at the seminar on 'Bank Restructuring: How to Achieve Maximum Efficiency?' held by Tiền Phong newspaper in HCM City on April 11. — Photo courtesy of the newspaper</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — Experts explored the root causes behind both the successes and failures of Việt Nam’s bank restructuring efforts, while proposing practical measures to enhance their effectiveness going forward at a seminar in HCM City on April 11.Speaking at the forum titled 'Bank Restructuring: How to Achieve Maximum Efficiency?' held by Tiền Phong newspaper, Phùng Công Sưởng, the Editor-in-Chief emphasised that the Vietnamese banking sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation.The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has recently executed mandatory transfers of certain weak banks and is actively seeking investors for Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB). In this context, the seminar served as a timely platform for stakeholders to evaluate the ongoing restructuring process and propose optimal strategies, he said.Việt Nam's banking history has witnessed multiple restructuring efforts with some successful, others offering sobering lessons, he said, adding that analysing past cases is essential to help policymakers and experts formulate effective solutions. The ultimate goal is not just to help weak banks overcome hardship, but to build a healthier, more transparent and resilient banking system that supports sustainable economic growth.According to Nguyễn Xuân Thành, a public policy lecturer at Fulbright University Vietnam, Việt Nam currently has 35 commercial banks, five of which are under special control due to serious financial instability. While a competitive banking environment benefits businesses and depositors, it also increases the risk of market failures and makes regulatory supervision more difficult.Since 2010, the banking sector has experienced explosive growth, with some banks expanding their scale by 10 to 15 times. While this rapid expansion has raised regulatory challenges, it also provides a solid foundation and an opportunity for comprehensive restructuring.Thành noted that Việt Nam has used several restructuring approaches since 2011, including mergers, consolidations, the entry of new investors, and most notably, mandatory transfers.He noted that one of the key drivers behind the weakness of joint-stock commercial banks is manipulation by large shareholder groups. These groups often establish cross-ownership structures to dominate decision-making, effectively bypassing regulations intended to ensure safe and sound operations.Such banks frequently issued credit to affiliated companies and projects within their own ecosystems, many of which were poorly performing. The result was a rapid accumulation of non-performing loans and, ultimately, forced restructuring, he said.Lawyer Trương Thanh Đức outlined the three main stages in handling weak banks: 'early intervention', followed by 'special control' and ultimately, 'mandatory transfer' or bankruptcy. Of these, mandatory transfer is considered the final measure before insolvency.Mandatory restructuring is necessary because troubled banks rarely agree to voluntary handovers, Thành emphasised. No one wants to give up a bank for zero compensation, even if its financials are deeply negative. If a voluntary solution fails, the State must choose between forced transfer or bankruptcy.Post-transfer strategies often include renaming the bank, retaining its licence, and eliminating brand value. Thành noted that this model closely resembles Indonesia’s approach to resolving its own banking crises.The amended 2024 Law on Credit Institutions now provides a clear legal framework for mandatory transfers, allowing both credit institutions and non-bank enterprises to participate as transferees. However, this expansion has generated controversy, particularly over the financial and operational capabilities of non-bank participants.Despite being the most feasible option in certain scenarios, mandatory transfers come with considerable risksDirector of the Institute of Research and Development of Global Financial and Real Estate Markets, Dr Nguyễn Trí Hiếu, cautioned that while mandatory transfers may be the most feasible solution in certain cases, they are not a panacea.“Việt Nam carried out such transfers ten years ago, informally known as ‘zero-đồng acquisitions,’” he said. “Now we’re doing it again, but there’s no transparency about the new entities—how they operate, their capital structure, etc. Depositors face significant risks, especially since the national deposit insurance covers only a modest amount.”According to Article 185 of the 2024 Law on Credit Institutions, transferee entities assume 100 per cent of the charter capital of the weak bank, but are not required to consolidate financial statements or include the acquisition in their capital adequacy ratios. This diverges from international accounting standards and could lead to major information gaps for shareholders, customers and regulators, he said.To ensure the success of such restructurings, Hiếu proposed several measures.The restructured bank must have a minimum charter capital of VNĐ3 trillion (US$117.6 million) and the parent bank must guarantee all customer deposits held by the restructured entity, he said.He also urged the central bank to publish detailed information on the financial health of all commercial banks on its official website. — VNS

Experts explored the root causes behind both the successes and failures of Việt Nam’s bank restructuring efforts, while proposing practical measures to enhance their effectiveness going forward, at a seminar in HCM City on April 11.

Seminar discusses how to successfully restructure banking sector

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/4/415370_5130011035768810_Bill.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bill Wintersmet with Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính. Photo courtesy of the bank</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, Bill Winters, reaffirmed the bank’s strong and long-term commitment to Việt Nam during his official visit to the country from April 2-4.On his visit, the senior executive called on Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, as well as senior leaders of Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Việt Nam. These high-level discussions focused on Việt Nam’s economic potential, business and investment opportunities, as well as other collaborative efforts to support the nation’s sustainable development. He also shared insights on the global and Vietnamese economic outlook and Standard Chartered’s strategic vision for its operations in Việt Nam with key stakeholders, meeting with leading clients to strengthen partnerships and explore further collaboration opportunities.Winters also joined the launch event of Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2025. This is the tenth country where the iconic Standard Chartered Marathon franchise is held and last year became the largest in the country in terms of registration, with 18,000 runners signed up.This year, the marathon is set to take place on 9 November, and will have a new route to enhance the experience of the increasing number of participants. With the tagline 'Together, we run further' the bank is dedicated to creating the most sustainable marathon in Việt Nam.Standard Chartered will organise recycling and environmental activities, adhering to sustainability criteria, and honouring the enduring value of heritage by blending sports with culture and art. As part of the marathon festivities, a three-day exhibition and special performances will take place from 7-9 November at Quần Ngựa Sports Palace in Hà Nội.During Winters’ visit, the bank announced two projects under Futuremakers, valued over $US$1 million to benefit thousands of young people and entrepreneurs in Việt Nam.Nearly VNĐ20 billion (US$750,000) will be put into the employability programme, in partnership with NGO Plan International to provide young people with skills and quality training, enabling support systems, networks and platforms, offering job opportunities that align with their profiles and interests.Around VNĐ12 billion ($450,000) is for the entrepreneurship programme, in partnership with Youth Business International &amp; Startup Vietnam Foundation to support young entrepreneurs, especially women and people with disabilities, to achieve business growth, and build social and green microbusinesses.“Việt Nam remains a key growth market for Standard Chartered. We are excited about strengthening our support in the community to help drive continued sustainable growth. Our investment through initiatives such as our community impact programme, Futuremakers, and the Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race 2025 (SCHM) coupled with our ongoing dialogue with senior leaders, demonstrates our commitment to supporting Việt Nam’s future,” the Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered Bank said.Nguyễn Thúy Hạnh, CEO, Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Vietnam, said: “It is our great pleasure to welcome our Group Chief Executive to Việt Nam. Bill’s visit is testament to our strong commitment to the country. Leveraging our unrivalled local knowledge and global capabilities, we are dedicated to continuing to drive commerce and prosperity in Việt Nam."Following the success of Standard Chartered Marathon Heritage Race last year, we are excited to launch the SCHM 2025 and committed to building this marathon into an iconic international event, drawing thousands of runners worldwide while continuing our legacy of sustainability and social responsibility, upheld for over 120 years in Việt Nam.” — VNS &nbsp;

On his visit, the senior executive of Standard Chartered called on Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính, as well as leaders of Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of Việt Nam

Standard Chartered Group Chief Executive’s visit underscores the bank’s long-term commitment to Việt Nam

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/4/415522_5130399873299587_lpb%20(3).png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>An LPBank transaction office in Hà Nội. The bank's LPB shares hit the daily limit up on Friday despite the market continuing to decline. — Photo laodong.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Vietnamese stock market continued its downward trajectory on Friday, with the VN-Index sliding closer to the 1,210-point threshold amid heightened selling pressure and persistent foreign outflows.At the close of trading on the Hồ Chí Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index fell by 19.17 points, or 1.56 per cent, to end at 1,210.67 points.Market breadth was overwhelmingly negative, with only 71 gainers compared to 275 losers. Market liquidity rose 6.5 per cent from the previous session, reaching approximately VNĐ42.2 trillion (US$1.58 billion).The VN30-Index, which tracks the 30 largest listed companies by market capitalisation, edged down 2.66 points, or 0.21 per cent, to 1,280.52 points. Within the VN30 basket, nine stocks advanced, 20 declined, and one remained unchanged.Leading the decline were stocks in the manufacturing and construction sectors. PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (GAS) recorded the sharpest drop, plunging 6.94 per cent and erasing more than two points from the VN-Index. Vietnam Rubber Group (GVR) also hit the floor, shedding 6.9 per cent.Several large-cap stocks helped cushion the fall. Vingroup Joint Stock Company (VIC) rose by 3.74 per cent, contributing over two points to the VN-Index. Fortune Vietnam Joint Stock Commercial Bank (LPB) hit the ceiling, jumping 6.98 per cent and adding nearly 1.8 points to the benchmark.According to analysts at Saigon – Hanoi Securities (SHS): “In our previous outlook, we expected the market to experience reduced selling pressure and greater divergence upon revisiting the 1,200-point level, a key zone corresponding to the 2018 peak and the lowest level seen so far in 2024. In reality, the VN-Index dipped sharply to around 1,160 points — the April low — before rebounding and maintaining its long-term upward trend since April 2020.”“In the short term, the market has been rattled by an unexpected shock from the newly imposed US tariffs — far exceeding general expectations. This has triggered unprecedented declines and record-high trading volume, potentially leading to further forced margin calls in the coming sessions.”“With current developments, we plan to re-evaluate fundamental and macroeconomic indicators in our April 2025 strategy report, to be released next week. We will also provide updated commentary on the tariff issue, including detailed calculations and new perspectives.”“Investors should maintain balanced portfolios and prioritise risk management in the face of ongoing volatility. Investment should be focused on fundamentally sound stocks, especially industry leaders in strategic sectors with strong long-term growth potential.”On the Hà Nội Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also fell sharply by 3.98 points, or 1.8 per cent, to close at 216.97 points.Foreign investors continued their aggressive sell-off, posting a record net sell value of more than VNĐ2.8 trillion on the HoSE alone. — VNS

At the close of trading on the Hồ Chí Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index fell by 19.17 points, or 1.56 per cent, to end at 1,210.67 points.

Market extends decline as VN-Index slips closer to 1,210 points

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/4/4/415525_5130400266015334_image.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>At Thăng Long Industrial Park II in Hưng Yên VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HƯNG YÊN — Secretary of the Hưng Yên provincial Party Committee Nguyễn Hữu Nghĩa promised full support in terms of land access, taxation, and legal procedures to US firms eager to invest in the province, at a working session with US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc E. Knapper on April 4.Nghĩa spotlighted Hưng Yên's blend of economic potential, cultural heritage, and historical depth. He pointed out its strong regional connectivity, improved technical and social infrastructure, and favourable environmental conditions, noting how its fast-paced growth and urban boom are turning heads among foreign investors.Right now, Hưng Yên is home to six hundred thirty-one foreign-backed projects, including five worth thirty-seven million US$ in total from US investors. It is teaming up with ministries and agencies to pave the way for the Trump Organization’s high-end urban, resort, eco-tourism, sport and golf complex, making sure everything aligns with the law and benefits everyone involved.He hoped that the ambassador would connect major US enterprises and investors to global supply chains, particularly in hi-tech, eco-friendly projects that could spark wider economic gains.Knapper, in turn, said US investments in Hưng Yên province showed the US Government's commitment to the comprehensive strategic partnership with Việt Nam. He praised Hưng Yên’s investment strategy, which fosters a well-structured economic ecosystem, and predicted its successes in investment attraction would bring new opportunities to the province in the future.He wished to support investors in the province, particularly the Trump Organization’s project, and suggested Hưng Yên set aside land plots for US universities to open campuses there.On the same day, the diplomat paid floral tribute at the Nguyễn Văn Linh Monument in Hưng Yên city, visited Nôm village in Đại Đông commune of Văn Lâm district, and toured the Hanesbrands Việt Nam factory in Chính Nghĩa commune of Kim Đông district. — VNS

Secretary of the Hưng Yên provincial Party Committee Nguyễn Hữu Nghĩa promised full support in terms of land access, taxation, and legal procedures to US firms eager to invest in the province, at a working session with US Ambassador to Việt Nam Marc E. Knapper on April 4.

Hưng Yên's leader commits full support to US investors

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/28/413781_384215_93281_2.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Vietnamese rice being loaded for export. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Industry and Trade has formed an inter-agency inspection team to oversee rice export business activities in the Mekong Delta region.The objective is to ensure transparency, stabilise the market and protect the interests of rice producers amid domestic and international fluctuations.The inspection team will focus on enforcing legal regulations related to rice export businesses, addressing violations while reviewing market supply and demand, as well investigating pricing conditions.The inspection period covers transactions from September 2024 to the end of February 2025, with the actual inspections taking place March 25 to 28.The inspection team, announced under Decision No. 831/QĐ-BCT issued on March 21, 2025, will work closely with key export enterprises, industry associations and local authorities, assessing the current market situation of the grain and propose measures to stabilise it.The findings from the inspection will be reported to the government before March 31.A total of 44 businesses are being inspected and they will be required to comply with legal regulations on rice export and ensure transparency in trading and exporting activities. They need to provide complete documentation and relevant materials related to their business operations, export contracts and product origin upon request.Businesses are being warned they must not engage in trade fraud, price manipulation or be using any legal loopholes in rice exports. They must strictly adhere to state regulatory measures, refrain from exploiting market conditions to destabilise the rice industry and cooperate fully with the inspection team by providing truthful and timely information.The Ministry of Industry and Trade is also expediting amendments to Decree 107/2018/NĐ-CP and Decree 01/2025/NĐ-CP on rice export business activities under a fast-tracked process, with completion expected in March.Previously, Official Dispatch No. 21/CĐ-TTg, issued by the Prime Minister on March 4, instructed ministries, sectors and local authorities to implement comprehensive measures to balance supply and demand, stabilise rice exports and control any price manipulation that could impact the market.According to the Việt Nam Food Association (VFA), rice prices in the Mekong Delta region experienced slight fluctuations on March 24. However market demand remained stable, with some raw rice categories seeing a slight decline, while fresh paddy prices held steady compared to the weekend. — BIZHUB/VNS &nbsp;

The inspection team will focus on enforcing legal regulations related to rice export business activities in the Mekong Delta region, addressing violations while reviewing market supply and demand, as well as pricing.

Inspection team in rice export oversight

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/28/413850_canada.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>President of the Việt Nam-Canada Business Association (VCBA) Eastern Chapter Chung Vinh.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam-Canada Business Association (VCBA) has extended its reach with the launch of its Eastern Chapter, which is expected to help foster community development and enhance ties between the two nations.The establishment of the chapter not only marks a significant step in VCBA's growth but also addresses the rising demand for networking and collaboration among Vietnamese and Canadian entrepreneurs in the region. The chapter aims to build a vibrant Vietnamese community in Canada while maintaining connections with the homeland.Chung Vinh, President of the VCBA Eastern Chapter, emphasised the unique business environment in Eastern Canada, which places a strong focus on education, immigration, investment and logistics alongside traditional trade.He noted that Vietnamese businesses have grown significantly in capability and expertise, enabling them to compete more effectively in the Canadian market.The chapter's timely launch is expected to provide crucial support for both Vietnamese and Canadian enterprises and Vietnamese businesses exploring opportunities in Canada.In addition to business support, it is set to establish the first Vietnamese-owned school in the region, addressing the increasing number of Vietnamese students pursuing education in Canada.The chapter has identified three core objectives: strengthening connections and supporting the Vietnamese community’s growth in Canada, promoting Vietnamese products and culture internationally, and advancing Việt Nam-Canada cooperation in trade, culture, technology and lifestyle.To achieve these goals, it plans to initiate programmes that connect Vietnamese businesses in Canada with established Canadian enterprises, creating new opportunities for collaboration and growth. The chapter hopes these efforts will empower members to thrive and secure their place in the Canadian market.Founded in Vancouver two years ago, the Việt Nam-Canada Business Association was created to meet the networking and business support needs of entrepreneurs from both countries. The establishment of the Eastern Chapter builds on this mission, reinforcing VCBA's commitment to facilitating connections and promoting trade between the two countries. — VNS

The establishment of the Eastern Chapter not only marks a significant step in the Việt Nam-Canada Business Association's growth but also addresses the rising demand for networking and collaboration among Vietnamese and Canadian entrepreneurs in the region.

Việt Nam-Canada Business Association expands operation

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/28/413852_%C4%91o%CC%82%CC%80ng-nai.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>VNS PhotoVice Chairman of the Đồng Nai provincial People's Committee Dương Minh Dũng replies to FDI enterprises' concerns at the meeting. — VNA.</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>ĐỒNG NAI — The People's Committee of Đồng Nai province on March 28 held a meeting with foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises operating in the locality to address difficulties they are facing.The event saw the participation of representatives from over 300 FDI companies, foreign business associations and industrial infrastructure firms in the province.At the event, businesses raised concerns related to value-added tax refunds, increased land rental costs, reduced LNG supply, labour shortages, the issuance of construction ownership certificates and environmental hygiene and traffic safety on roads within industrial zones.Representatives from local agencies responded to the wide swath of business concerns.Chairman of the Đồng Nai provincial People's Committee Võ Tấn Đức said that the meeting provided an opportunity for local authorities to share information and understand specific difficulties, thus better supporting businesses.He said that in the coming time, Đồng Nai will continue to speed up administrative reforms, improve workforce quality and enhance infrastructure to create a favourable investment environment.The province's strategy gives priority to attracting investments in modern technology, supporting industries, semiconductor and environmentally friendly technologies, thus promoting sustainable industrial growth and enhancing competitiveness, Đức said.Dương Minh Dũng, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, noted that the opinions raised by the businesses at the meeting help authorities identify legal bottlenecks and shortcomings.Đồng Nai is committed to green industrial development and establishing modern industrial zones, emphasising the importance of environmental hygiene and traffic safety. Specific guidance will be provided to assist businesses in obtaining construction ownership certificates, he said.Besides industrial production, Đồng Nai aims to attract investments in services and infrastructure, education, complexes, exhibitions and hotels in the urban area next to Long Thành Airport, as well as urban-service-tourism projects along the Đồng Nai River.To date, Đồng Nai has over 1,700 valid FDI projects with total registered capital of nearly US$36 billion from 46 countries and territories. — VNS

At the event, businesses raised concerns related to value-added tax refunds, increased land rental costs, reduced LNG supply, labour shortages, the issuance of construction ownership certificates and environmental hygiene and traffic safety on roads within industrial zones.

Đồng Nai holds dialogue with FDI enterprises to ease difficulties

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/14/410934_5112060739171101_Hanoi%20Consumer%20Rights%20Day.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Representatives press the button to launch the event. — VNS Photo Tố Như</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội on Friday launched a campaign to mark the Việt Nam Consumer Rights Day 2025 under the theme "Transparent Information – Responsible Consumption".The event, organised by the city's Department of Industry and Trade, aimed to promote consumer protection as a long-term, essential task for all levels of government, businesses and society.Speaking at the event, Võ Văn Chung, Vice President of the Vietnam Consumer Protection Association, emphasised that safeguarding consumer rights is a collective responsibility requiring cooperation from state agencies, enterprises and consumers.He noted that Hà Nội's efforts in recent years have strengthened awareness and compliance with consumer protection laws.Nguyễn Quỳnh Anh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Competition Commission, praised Hà Nội for its initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, legal education, inspections and consumer support services. In 2024 alone, Hà Nội’s consumer hotline received and resolved over 16,000 consumer inquiries.Enterprises also affirmed their commitment to consumer rights.Satoshi Nishikawa, Senior Director of AEON Vietnam’s Northern Region and Hà Nội office, said the company is committed to providing clear product information and encouraging responsible shopping.He said AEON Vietnam strives to provide quality products at fair prices, enhance the shopping experience, protect consumer rights, and deliver excellent customer service both online and in stores.Trịnh Thị Ngân, Head of the Advisory Board of the Hà Nội Small and Medium Enterprises Association, stressed that consumers should protect themselves by following regulations, checking products before buying, and choosing goods with clear origins.She also urged businesses to provide accurate and timely information to help consumers make safe choices, especially as online fraud increases. This responsibility applies not only to businesses but also to related organisations and individuals.Authorities outlined six key tasks to enhance consumer protection, including strengthening state management, increasing public education, organising promotional events, tightening online business regulations, encouraging wider participation in Consumer Rights Day, and fostering a responsible consumer culture.Following the launch, Hà Nội will host a series of events, such as the "Green Goods Fair for Consumers", "Consumer Appreciation Week" and legal education initiatives. Additionally, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will collaborate with Hải Phòng authorities to hold a nationwide Consumer Rights Day launch event, amplifying the campaign’s reach across the country. — VNS

The event, organised by the city's Department of Industry and Trade, aimed to promote consumer protection as a long-term, essential task for all levels of government, businesses and society.

Hà Nội launches campaign for Consumer Rights Day

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/14/410939_oil_11zon.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Tran Quoc Khanh (left) and GBRS’s General Director Hamel Derradji. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — A joint oil exploration and extraction project in Algeria, involving Việt Nam’s Petrovietnam Exploration Production Corporation (PVEP), Algeria’s state-owned Sonatrach, and Thailand’s PTTEP, has entered its second phase, building on a track record of success.The project, managed by Groupment Bir Seba (GBRS) - a company formed by the three partners under a production-sharing contract, features an ownership split of 40 per cent for PVEP, 35 per cent for PTTEP and 25 per cent for Sonatrach.From March 9-12, Vietnamese Ambassador to Algeria Trần Quốc Khánh led a delegation to the site, discussing with GBRS’s General Director, Vietnamese staff, and local officials to size up progress and plot next steps.The project stands as the most successful foreign investment by Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam) to date. In 2024, it outran production targets, pumping 15,331 barrels daily - 8 per cent above Petrovietnam’s goal - for a yearly haul of 5.61 million barrels.Since 2015, cumulative production hit nearly 57 million barrels by the end of 2024. This year, daily output has climbed to between 17,000-17,500 barrels.Much of the success stems from PVEP engineers, who completed a major overhaul of the processing plant last year. The maintenance, which included pressure testing of equipment after 10 years of operation, wrapped up 10 days ahead of schedule, boosting output by an extra 165,000 barrels and adding US$11.55 million in revenue.Looking forward, PVEP aims to deepen ties with its partners to speed up new contract packages and tap new wells in the second phase, targeting higher output. The company also plans to pursue new deals in promising Algerian blocks to expand its footprint in the North African nation.Ambassador Khánh called on Algerian authorities and partners to keep supporting Vietnamese engineers, highlighting their expertise as key to future projects. He addressed challenges in project execution and expansion, stressing the need to bolster oil and gas ties between Việt Nam and Algeria.He also urged PVEP to seek further agreements with Algerian counterparts, pledging the embassy’s full political backing to ensure Vietnamese professionals thrive there.Algeria now ranks among Africa’s top three oil producers. With reserves estimated at 5.7 billion tonnes (about 38 billion barrels) and daily output nearing 180,000 tonnes (1.2 million barrels), the country holds the 12th spot globally in oil production and ninth in exports. — VNS &nbsp;

PVEP aims to deepen ties with its partners to speed up new contract packages and tap new wells in the second phase, targeting higher output. The company also plans to pursue new deals in promising Algerian blocks to expand its footprint in the North African nation.

Việt Nam’s oil venture in Algeria advances to second phase with promising results

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/14/410943_5112237242351570_airbus.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu (right) and Airbus Executive Vice President International Wouter van Wersch. — Photo Ministry of Foreign Affairs</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ on March 14 met with Airbus Executive Vice President International Wouter van Wersch, during which the host official suggested Airbus expand its cooperation with Việt Nam, especially in high-tech industries and human resource training.Vũ noted that Wouter's visit took place amid strong cooperation between Airbus and its Vietnamese partners. He highlighted the growing ties between Việt Nam and key European strategic partners, including the UK, Germany, France, and Spain. In particular, Việt Nam and France elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in October last year.He highly valued Airbus's role and reaffirmed that economic cooperation remains a crucial pillar of relations between Vietnam and the European countries. He urged Airbus to continue promoting economic collaboration between Việt Nam and the European Union (EU) and its member states. This includes maximising the benefits of the UK-Vietnam and EU-Vietnam free trade agreements and actively supporting the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.Welcoming Airbus's over 40-year presence in Việt Nam, Vũ emphasised that its projects with Vietnamese partners have contributed significantly to economic, scientific, and technological development. This collaboration has also strengthened multifaceted relations between Việt Nam and European partners.For his part, Wouter said he was impressed by Việt Nam's rapid economic growth and advancements in science and technology, saying Việt Nam remains a top-priority partner for Airbus in the region.He highlighted Airbus’s strong desire to expand cooperation with Vietnamese partners in satellite technology, aerospace, helicopters, security and defence, rescue operations, science and technology, and education and training. He also affirmed Airbus’s commitment to supporting Việt Nam in connecting with European and global partners in key sectors such as aviation technology, digital transformation, emerging technologies, and artificial intelligence.Both sides acknowledged the vast potential for further cooperation, given Việt Nam’s dynamic market of nearly 100 million people. They also exchanged views on several potential projects that could be implemented soon. — VNS

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyễn Minh Vũ on March 14 suggested Airbus expand its cooperation with Việt Nam, especially in high-tech industries and human resource training.

Việt Nam urges Airbus to expand collaboration in high-tech industries, human resource training

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/7/409417_vna-potal-cong-ty-maxport-doanh-nghiep-tien-phong-trong-ap-dung-nang-luong-tai-tao-7434916.jpeg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Maxport Limited Company (Việt Nam ) invests over US$42 billion in rooftop solar power systems at two Maxport 8 factories in Vũ Thư District, Thái BÌnh Province. — VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>SINGAPORE – Efforts made by Việt Nam and Singapore to elevate their bilateral relationship are expected to contribute to further promoting the Green-Digital Economic Partnership initiated two years ago, according to Prof. Bilveer Singh from the National University of Singapore (NUS).In an interview granted to Singapore-based Vietnam News Agency correspondents on the threshold of General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Tô Lâm’s official visit to the city-state, Singh said that Singapore seeks to foster cooperation in developing digital economy within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly with Việt Nam.Singh highlighted Việt Nam’s rapid development, expressing his hope that the two nations will strengthen digital economic cooperation at this time, in line with commitments made by their top leaders, given the model’s great potential and promising future.For this sector to thrive, Việt Nam needs to continue improving its legal framework in areas such as e-commerce and digital services, and developing high-quality human resources, he stressed.Sharing Singh’s opinion, Prof. Vũ Minh Khương, from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the NUS, said the digital economy is characterised by rapid growth driven by science and technology, noting that with Việt Nam’s large IT workforce, further cooperation with Singapore will provide significant development momentum for both countries.In fact, Việt Nam and Singapore are actively strengthening cooperation in various fields to promote the Green-Digital Economic Partnership.Speaking at an online seminar on March 4 about the Việt Nam -Singapore Strategic Partnership, organised by the Yusof Ishak Institute (ISEAS) of Singapore, Singaporean Ambassador to Việt Nam Jaya Ratnam stated that the two countries have expanded their bilateral cooperation to new areas, particularly renewable energy, food, infrastructure, digital economy, and innovation.These areas of cooperation are being implemented under the Green-Digital Economic Partnership, which enables the two sides to support each other in addressing common challenges and playing a key role in ASEAN, he stated.Regarding green economy, Ratnam emphasised that Singapore sees Việt Nam as a key destination in ASEAN’s energy network due to its huge renewable energy potential.Both nations have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with Vietnam’s energy products playing a crucial role in this goal, he said, adding that in addition to energy exports, Việt Nam has the potential to develop energy production and service facilities.Meanwhile, Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Trần Phước Anh underlined the need to further encourage Singaporean investment in high-tech industries, renewable energy, and digital transformation in Việt Nam, while facilitating Vietnamese businesses’s investment expansion in Singapore.Established in February 2023 during Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chính's official visit to Singapore, the Green-Digital Economic Partnership particularly focuses on clean energy and innovation co-operation. VNS

Việt Nam and Singapore are actively strengthening cooperation in various fields to promote the Green-Digital Economic Partnership.

Momentum for Việt Nam-Singapore green-digital economic partnership

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/7/409421_5106144579891472_fast500.png" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A list of the top 10 fastest-growing enterprises in Việt Nam provided by Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company. — Photo bnews.vn</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The top 500 fastest-growing enterprises in Việt Nam (FAST500) was announced on Friday by the Vietnam Report Joint Stock Company (Vietnam Report), a leading company in rating and evaluation of businesses, products and services in Việt Nam.The rankings are primarily based on the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in terms of revenue, total assets, equity, pre-tax profit, reputation.Ngân Tín Group, FPT Long Châu, South Asia Informatics Technology JSC, Stellapharm Joint Venture Company Limited, and Taseco Group JSC are among the companies featured in the FAST500 rankings.Vietnam Report General Director Vũ Đăng Vinh said that as Việt Nam's economy is on a strong recovery trajectory, the FAST500 business community is expected to maintain stable development momentum, affirming their role in driving economic growth and shaping development trends when the country enters a new era.On this occasion, Vietnam Report conducted a survey among companies to present an overall picture of Vietnamese businesses, the most important factors contributing to their growth over the past year, and their operation directions in the time ahead.This year, Việt Nam's economy is viewed positively by international organisations, with GDP growth forecast to range from 6.5 to 8 per cent due to favourable production, trade, and FDI inflows.Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Government aims for growth above 8 per cent and expects to achieve double-digit growth in the upcoming period, focusing on a reasonably expansive fiscal policy, promoting public investment, and keeping inflation below 4.5 per cent.Through the survey, Vietnam Report also noted optimistic sentiment this year, as most companies expect Việt Nam to achieve impressive economic growth.Some 23.6 per cent of them said it is feasible for Việt Nam to achieve an economic growth of 7-7.5 per cent, while 21.4 per cent hoped for a growth rate of 7.5-8 per cent, and only 19.3 per cent expected a growth rate of 6.5-7 per cent.Notably, about 17.1 per cent forecast GDP growth to exceed 8 per cent.Moreover, 86.1 per cent of companies believe in their positive growth prospects in 2025, leading many businesses to be ready to shift from a state of stability to expanding scale.Vinh also noted that despite the positive outlook, Việt Nam still faces risks from global economic instability as well as increasing competitive pressure. Therefore, businesses need to have flexible strategies to take advantage of opportunities from supply chain shifts and domestic consumption to maintain sustainable growth in 2025. — VNS

The rankings are primarily based on the compound annual growth rate of companies, collected by Vietnam Report.

Top 500 fastest-growing enterprises announced

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/3/7/409399_5105977904299764_Gen%20E%20-%206.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>New research from Mastercard reveals that half (51 per cent) of women worldwide have considered running their own business. —Photo courtesy of Mastercard</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HCM CITY — Entrepreneurial spirit is high among women worldwide, as they – and particularly those from younger generations – hope to pursue their dreams, gain financial independence, improve work-life flexibility and make a difference in the world.New research from Mastercard released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 reveals that half (51 per cent) of women worldwide have considered running their own business. This figure is significantly higher among younger women, with Gen Z (71 per cent) and millennial (65 per cent) women far more likely to say this than Gen X (49 per cent) or Baby Boomers (34 per cent).The data alludes to a generational shift, with younger people embracing entrepreneurship. Nearly half (48 per cent) of Gen Z women believe their generation is more entrepreneurial than the generation before.As well as formal business ventures, 42 per cent of women globally want to start a side hustle to make money outside of their main job, a number that is once again higher for Gen Z women (61 per cent).For many women, the entrepreneurial spirit is inspired by an appetite to earn more money (59 per cent), gain financial independence (54 per cent) and improve work-life flexibility (37 per cent), but motivations differ among generations.The survey found that education and childcare are among the top sectors that Gen Z women would like to start a business in. The most popular industry is cosmetics and beauty, potentially driven by rise in beauty influencers on social media, with a 22 per cent rise in beauty content on TikTok year-over-year.Despite an evident appetite for entrepreneurship, the research shows that for many women, including those who have already started a business, there are still barriers in place.Women are less likely to say they feel confident in general business-related skills – particularly financial decision making (30 per cent vs. 41 per cent for men), public speaking (26 per cent for women vs. 34 per cent for men), networking (23 per cent vs. 34 per cent) and identifying new business opportunities (13 per cent vs. 24 per cent).Women who have already founded a business also say they struggle disproportionately with responsibilities and work-life balance, with women founders twice as likely as men to say childcare arrangements were a challenge when starting their business (12 per cent vs. six per cent).According to the survey results, women said that training on how to develop a business plan (28 per cent) and more widely available and accessible grants (24 per cent) would make them feel more confident in starting their own business.Younger women are also more likely than older generations to feel they’d benefit from a support network, with 31 per cent of Gen Z women saying having a business partner would make them more confident, and a similar proportion (29 per cent) saying access to a mentor would help. Interestingly, these factors score even higher than access to grants (25 per cent) for this generation.Winnie Wong, Mastercard's country manager for Việt Nam, Cambodia and Laos, said: “This research highlights the remarkable entrepreneurial spirit among women worldwide, particularly within younger generations. Despite the progress made by women entrepreneurs, the findings also underscore the challenges that still exist. These barriers emphasise the need for fast and meaningful change to create an environment where all entrepreneurs can thrive.”Mastercard is spearheading numerous initiatives around the world that support entrepreneurs. Since 2020, Mastercard has provided over 50 million small businesses, including 37 million women entrepreneurs, with support and solutions that can help them grow their businesses. — VNS

New research from Mastercard released ahead of International Women’s Day 2025 reveals that half (51 per cent) of women worldwide have considered running their own business.

Entrepreneurial spirit is high among young women aspiring to start their own businesses

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/2/28/408133_retail.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>A trading centre in Hà Nội. Hà Nội continues to strengthen its position as a retail hotspot, with several new shopping centres set to launch. —VNA/VNS Photo</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam's retail market with positive growth prospects will support the development of the commercial real estate market this year, according to experts at the “Việt Nam Retail 2025: Opportunities in Real Estate” event held on February 27.According to the General Statistics Office, total retail sales of goods and consumer services in the last quarter of 2024 increased by 9.3 per cent year-on-year.In 2025, the retail market is projected to reach US$350 billion, contributing 59 per cent of the total national budget.Việt Nam’s retail sector is experiencing positive growth, driven by government initiatives to stimulate domestic consumption, support business activities, and expand the local market.Key growth factors include a large and young population, an expanding middle class, rising affluent young consumers, the rapid growth of e-commerce, increasing tourism, and strong investment from global brands. These elements significantly contribute to Việt Nam’s retail and commercial leasing sectors.“Compared to Thailand, Indonesia, or Singapore, Việt Nam’s retail market is still developing. However, it has made significant strides post-COVID-19," said Matthew Powell, Director of Savills Hà Nội."Previously, many Vietnamese consumers preferred shopping abroad, especially in Bangkok, due to the strong presence of international brands.As domestic demand rises, more global brands recognise the potential for expansion in Việt Nam. With a young population and strong purchasing power, the country is becoming an attractive destination for major retail corporations.Over the period 2025–2030, we expect even stronger growth, positioning Việt Nam as a key competitor among leading markets in the region.”Savills' data indicates that the total retail space supply in major cities like Hà Nội and HCM City remained stable the fourth quarter of 2024. In HCM City, total supply increased by 1 per cent quarter on quarter and 6 per cent year on year.Meanwhile, Hà Nội’s retail supply remained stable quarterly, with a 2 per cent annual increase. Shopping malls continued to dominate the market, accounting for 63 per cent of the total supply.The market also saw the emergence and expansion of next-generation retail centres, integrating diverse amenities to enhance customer experiences.In this dynamic and competitive market, keeping up with industry developments, in-depth analyses, market outlooks, and key factors influencing brand expansion is essential.“Việt Nam Retail 2025” provides valuable insights into the growth of Việt Nam’s retail sector, equipping investors, businesses, and retailers with the knowledge needed to shape effective strategies.At this event, Nancy Wong, Senior Manager, Research &amp; Consultancy at Savills APAC, stated that retail sales are expected to maintain their growth momentum in 2025. Among APAC countries, Việt Nam’s retail sector continues to record year on year growth, ranking second only to India.Additionally, international tourist arrivals in the region are set to improve further in 2024, with many destinations forecast to fully recover by 2025. This will positively contribute to the growth of Việt Nam’s retail sector.Hà Nội continues to strengthen its position as a retail hotspot, with several new shopping centres set to launch. Following the success of Lotte Mall in 2023, 2025 will see the opening of Hanoi Centre by Keppel, which is expected to deliver similar results.The market will further heat up in 2026 with the participation of Mall and Toshin at Starlake. Investments from leading corporations such as Aeon, Lotte, and Keppel will attract more international brands and drive consumer spending, contributing to the strong growth of Hà Nội’s retail market in 2025-2026.Due to a shortage of new supply, the southern retail market has seen strong growth driven by diversification in sales channels and the influence of technology and consumer trends. Shopping malls continue to maintain high occupancy rates, according to Savills experts.However, they must remain dynamic and innovative through ongoing renovations to stay competitive in a crowded retail landscape. This is a key driver for major shopping centres and introduces appealing business models and services for consumers, experts suggested. — BIZHUB/VNS

Việt Nam's retail market with positive growth prospects will support the development of the commercial real estate market this year, according to experts at the “Việt Nam Retail 2025: Opportunities in Real Estate” event held on February 27.

Việt Nam's retail real estate has great potential for development in 2025

<figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><figure class="image"><img src="https://image.vietnamnews.vn/uploadvnnews/Article/2025/2/28/408131_5099945787287167_nguyen%20van%20than%20VINASME.jpg" alt=""></figure></td></tr><tr><td>Nguyễn Văn Thân, chair of the Việt Nam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) speaks at a regular meeting between the Government and small and medium-sized enterprises in Hà Nội on Thursday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (VINASME) has proposed that the Law on Corporate Income Tax be revised to support small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Nguyễn Văn Thân, chair of the association, made the request at a regular meeting between the Government and SMEs in Hà Nội on Thursday.“Provisions to reduce taxes for the entire SME sector should be added to the law to help sustain revenue sources,” he said.“More credit institutions should be encouraged to offer mortgage-based lending that relies on assets formed in the future. Only a few banks offer such loans at the moment, but their scale is very small,” he added.According to Thân, the 20 per cent corporate income tax rate has been in place since 2016. It is the same as the rate in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, lower than in the Philippines (30 per cent), Malaysia (24 per cent), Indonesia (22 per cent), but higher than in Singapore (17 per cent) and Brunei (18.5 per cent).“A tax reduction along with additional support for small and medium-sized enterprises is essential,” he said.The association also proposed that the Government impose administrative sanctions on entrepreneurs and businesses that have not fully fulfilled their obligations to the State. The aim is to uphold the rule of law while alleviating concerns for other entrepreneurs and businesses.The private sector plays an important role in the economy, as it contributes about 50 per cent of GDP and 56 per cent of total social investment capital, while creating more than 82 per cent of jobs, Thân said.Of this, the domestic private sector accounts for 28 per cent of GDP, higher than other economic sectors, he added."If this sector can grow sustainably at a double-digit rate, the GDP target of over 8 per cent this year and at least 10 per cent for the 2026-2030 period might be achievable," he said. — VNS

Việt Nam's corporate income tax rate of 20 per cent is higher than in Singapore (17 per cent) and Brunei (18.5 per cent).

VINASME proposes reduction of corporate income tax

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/6c98fe9ec5926c09cb71a0c38f30aeea_20241107075624.jpg"></figure>The work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.Bluewave provides computer-related support, including installation and maintenance of servers and desktop hardware and software; computer equipment standards; equipment and technical support for conferences and meetings; the infrastructure for enterprise resource planning applications and other office automation applications; internet access and file-sharing services; e-mail and groupware services; security for application and server data and protection for the computer environment from viruses, hackers and similar threats.

The work of most organizations would slow to a crawl without functioning IT systems.Bluewave provides computer-related support, including installation and maintenance of servers and desktop hardware and software; computer equipment standards; equipment and technical support for conferences and meetings; the infrastructure for enterprise resource planning applications and other office automation applications; internet access and file-sharing services; e-mail and groupware services; security for application and server data and protection for the computer environment from viruses, hackers and similar threats.

Information Technology (IT)

We’ve been helping brands develop and define their voice since 2019. The times may have changed, but our love for creativity and problem-solving hasn't. We’re driven by technology and innovation to ensure we fulfill our key mission of helping our clients find their successful future.&nbsp;Searching for a professional consultant? Do not lose any time and send Bluewave&nbsp;an email. Because we&nbsp;will provide an incredible aid for your event promotion or your logistics management activities.<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/c4ca4238a0b923820dcc509a6f75849b(2)_20241107075544.jpg"></figure>​ Bluewave partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities.&nbsp;To succeed, organizations must blend digital and human capabilities. Bluewave’s diverse, professional teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives to spark change through leading-edge management consulting as well as data science, technology and design, digital ventures, and business purpose.&nbsp;We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization to deliver results that help our clients thrive.MissionOur mission is to gather and verify the hard data, expert insights, and actionable advice that you need to build your brand and grow your business – to provide the practical business wisdom that manifests in your success.Contact us if you&nbsp;want:<ul><li>Uncover the answers to your most pressing business questions by surveying business decision-makers and consumers</li><li>Advance your business savvy by gathering the latest business insights, trends, and news</li><li>Help you find the right business services to execute on a big project</li><li>Inspire you with stories of successes and creative problem solving</li></ul>&nbsp;What we believeWhether you want to advance an idea, a capability, or the world at large, Bluewave is with you every step of the way. We excel in the business of human potential, and believe in its power to shape strategic, organizational, economic, societal change, and beyond.Get in touch so that we can kickstart your branding today. <a href="https://api.blue-wave.vn/document/BLUEWAVE%20DA%20FIX_20250310034645.pdf">Corporate capability statement</a>

We’ve been helping brands develop and define their voice since 2019. The times may have changed, but our love for creativity and problem-solving hasn't. We’re driven by technology and innovation to ensure we fulfill our key mission of helping our clients find their successful future.&nbsp;Searching for a professional consultant? Do not lose any time and send Bluewave&nbsp;an email. Because we&nbsp;will provide an incredible aid for your event promotion or your logistics management activities.

About

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/b2f5ff47436671b6e533d8dc3614845d (1)_20241107075645.jpg"></figure>Content can be informational, funny, inspiring or persuasive. But most importantly, it needs to align with your business goals and digital strategy. It connects your business with this audience and nurtures them to the sale – before finally closing the deal and retaining them for another. &nbsp;Bluewave helps you create the right content to promote your business. Our content creation services are integrated into your digital marketing strategy and focus on achieving outcomes – building a brand, converting sales or retaining customers.

Content can be informational, funny, inspiring or persuasive. But most importantly, it needs to align with your business goals and digital strategy. It connects your business with this audience and nurtures them to the sale – before finally closing the deal and retaining them for another. &nbsp;Bluewave helps you create the right content to promote your business. Our content creation services are integrated into your digital marketing strategy and focus on achieving outcomes – building a brand, converting sales or retaining customers.

Content creation

What we do

NEWS

<figure class="image image_resized" style="width:50%;"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/c81e728d9d4c2f636f067f89cc14862c(1)_20241107075658.jpg"></figure>Companies which are aiming to grow internationally and expand into global markets need to develop a business plan for their Indirect Channel to reach their potential buyers and to achieve this they must contact those Partners which best adapt to their company’s aims and strategy.At Bluewave, we can guide and assist you in developing a strategy that will help you stand out in the crowd and establish yourself as a valuable asset to both hosting partners and clients alike.&nbsp;Bluewave will grow your network of resellers while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Our distribution channel development strategies help you to connect with more resellers and to maximise the value of your existing relationships.&nbsp;Benefits of Bluewave's Channel Development:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increase sales beyond the reach of your salesforce in a variety of markets and segments.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of an efficient approach to potential markets.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Investment in partners with the greatest chance of success.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Grow your reputation throughout the territory.</li></ul>If you’re ready to focus on channel development marketing, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Companies which are aiming to grow internationally and expand into global markets need to develop a business plan for their Indirect Channel to reach their potential buyers and to achieve this they must contact those Partners which best adapt to their company’s aims and strategy.At Bluewave, we can guide and assist you in developing a strategy that will help you stand out in the crowd and establish yourself as a valuable asset to both hosting partners and clients alike.&nbsp;Bluewave will grow your network of resellers while strengthening relationships with existing ones. Our distribution channel development strategies help you to connect with more resellers and to maximise the value of your existing relationships.&nbsp;Benefits of Bluewave's Channel Development:<ul><li style="text-align:justify;">Increase sales beyond the reach of your salesforce in a variety of markets and segments.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Development of an efficient approach to potential markets.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Investment in partners with the greatest chance of success.</li><li style="text-align:justify;">Grow your reputation throughout the territory.</li></ul>If you’re ready to focus on channel development marketing, get in touch with our team today. We’ll be with you every step of the way.

Channel development

&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/8ce4b16b22b58894aa86c421e8759df3_20241107075725.jpg"></figure>We analyse data to discover how your digital assets really work. Then through testing and adjustment, we'll make them work harder for your business.Website optimisation is a central part of a digital strategy. Because in the digital world, nothing is permanent. Your business changes. The market changes. Technology changes. And customers change.Optimisation works in tandem with your other digital services. We analyse website analytics. Run user tests. And employ best-practice conversion tactics. All these combine with marketing and development to help you reach your business goals.

We analyse data to discover how your digital assets really work. Then through testing and adjustment, we'll make them work harder for your business.Website optimisation is a central part of a digital strategy. Because in the digital world, nothing is permanent. Your business changes. The market changes. Technology changes. And customers change.Optimisation works in tandem with your other digital services. We analyse website analytics. Run user tests. And employ best-practice conversion tactics. All these combine with marketing and development to help you reach your business goals.

Website optimization

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/d95679752134a2d9eb61dbd7b91c4bcc (1)_20241107075802.jpg"></figure>Our management consulting services focus on our clients' most critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, transformation, digital, advanced analytics, corporate finance, mergers &amp; acquisitions and sustainability across all industries and geographies.Bluewave brings deep, functional expertise, but are known for our holistic perspective:- We capture value across boundaries and between the silos of any organization.- We have proven a multiplier effect from optimizing the sum of the parts, not just the individual pieces.

Our management consulting services focus on our clients' most critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, transformation, digital, advanced analytics, corporate finance, mergers &amp; acquisitions and sustainability across all industries and geographies.Bluewave brings deep, functional expertise, but are known for our holistic perspective:- We capture value across boundaries and between the silos of any organization.- We have proven a multiplier effect from optimizing the sum of the parts, not just the individual pieces.

Consulting services

<figure class="image"><img src="https://api.blue-wave.vn/images/11d8c28a64490a987612f2332502467f (1)_20241107075814.jpg"></figure>In today’s business environment, strategy is more important than ever.At Bluewave, we offer creative solutions that have helped thousands of companies develop and execute winning strategies that create more value in their business. We work collaboratively with you, so you can:- Achieve sustained, profitable growth.- Develop a corporate strategy that supports end-to-end value creation, taking advantage of our broad expertise and world-class capabilities in business strategy, corporate finance, Micro-battles System, private equity transactions, organization and more.- Lead your company to its full potential, today and in the future, by making key decisions on where to play and how to win in your core business as you also build new engines of growth.- Develop digital strategies that align with your core strategy and propel you to a leadership position as digital reshapes your industry.- Leverage the power of proven tools and techniques that facilitate nimble experimentation and quick-hit problem resolution, recapturing the insurgent mindset that powered your company in its early days. Combine the talents of your commercially oriented and creative team members, the doers and the dreamers, to conceive and execute the bold new ideas that will fuel your strategy.

In today’s business environment, strategy is more important than ever.At Bluewave, we offer creative solutions that have helped thousands of companies develop and execute winning strategies that create more value in their business. We work collaboratively with you, so you can:- Achieve sustained, profitable growth.- Develop a corporate strategy that supports end-to-end value creation, taking advantage of our broad expertise and world-class capabilities in business strategy, corporate finance, Micro-battles System, private equity transactions, organization and more.- Lead your company to its full potential, today and in the future, by making key decisions on where to play and how to win in your core business as you also build new engines of growth.- Develop digital strategies that align with your core strategy and propel you to a leadership position as digital reshapes your industry.- Leverage the power of proven tools and techniques that facilitate nimble experimentation and quick-hit problem resolution, recapturing the insurgent mindset that powered your company in its early days. Combine the talents of your commercially oriented and creative team members, the doers and the dreamers, to conceive and execute the bold new ideas that will fuel your strategy.