Business

By 2025, Vietnam had trade relations with more than 230 markets and had signed 17 FTAs with 65 economies, placing it among the most active participants in bilateral and multilateral trade frameworks.

Apartment prices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City rose sharply in 2025, with prime projects recording gains of up to 30 per cent year on year, according to the Ministry of Construction.

Vietnam plans to export 7 million tonnes of rice in 2026, down from 8 million tonnes last year, with a gradual reduction to just 4 million tonnes by 2030, according to the Vietnam Food Association.

Google is preparing a major shift in its production strategy for its premium Pixel smartphone lineup, with Vietnam set to become a key manufacturing base, according to a report by Nikkei Asia.

Vietnam’s petrol prices rose on January 15 after five straight reductions, with RON 95 increasing by VND 150 per litre under the latest price adjustment.

Strong FDI inflows and record disbursement in 2025 have reinforced Vietnam’s position as a safe investment destination, with prospects for 2026 expected to remain highly positive, analysts say.

Ho Chi Minh City on January 15 formally broke ground on the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro line, a project stretching more than 11 km with a total investment of over VND 55 trillion (USD 2.12 billion).

Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Gia Lai is seeking investors for three large-scale wind power projects with a combined investment of more than VND 19 trillion (USD 720 million).

Authorities in Quang Ninh Province are considering turning Cai Lan Port into a tourism port, while the Con Ong and Hon Net ports are to be developed as multipurpose facilities.

Many Asian economies have tapped into foreign direct investment (FDI) to fuel economic growth, with Vietnam standing out as a notable success.

Standard Chartered has maintained a positive view of Vietnam’s economic outlook in 2026, although its growth forecast remains more cautious than the Government’s ambitious 10 per cent target.

Visitors to Thailand Week 2026 will be able to enjoy a variety of attractive promotional programmes, lively trade promotion activities and daily lucky draws offering numerous quality Thai products.

Business confidence among European companies operating in Vietnam rose to its highest level in seven years in the fourth quarter of 2025, the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) said.

Average per capita income rose to VND 5.9 million (USD 227) a month in 2025, up 9.3 per cent year on year, reflecting improving jobs, wages and effective social security policies, official data shows.

Vietnam’s aviation sector transported a record 83.5 million passengers in 2025, up 10.7 per cent year on year, the highest level ever recorded.

Vietnam exported more than 8.06 million tonnes of rice in 2025, earning over USD 4.1 billion, according to the latest statistics from the Department of Customs.

As global seafood markets adjust to tightening supplies and shifting demand, Vietnam’s pangasius industry is entering 2026 with optimism, buoyed by improving prospects in key export destinations.

United Overseas Bank has lifted its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Vietnam to 7.5 per cent, citing stronger-than-expected economic performance in 2025.

The Vietnam International Financial Centre (IFC) in Danang City was inaugurated on January 9, marking the official launch of Vietnam’s international financial centre model.