VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam imported about USD 800 million worth of rice in the first seven months of 2026, despite being one of the world's leading rice exporters, mainly to supply food processors.

Two men have been arrested in Dien Bien Province for allegedly transporting 15 bricks of heroin weighing about 5.25kg, authorities said.

Apartment prices in central Ho Chi Minh City are rising sharply, with a luxury development near Ben Thanh Market reportedly priced at about VND 1 billion per square metre.

Police in Dong Nai City have broken up a large-scale operation that allegedly produced and sold fake dried beef made from buffalo meat, arresting four people including the company's director.

A total of 368 sets of remains believed to belong to fallen soldiers have now been recovered at Le Thi Rieng Park in Ho Chi Minh City, authorities said.

Severe erosion along the O Mon River in Can Tho City is threatening roads, homes and public facilities including a ferry terminal and a school.

Hanoi has approved bidding documents to select an investor for a 75ha urban development project near Thang Long Boulevard, with an estimated investment of VND 20.246 trillion (USD 764 million).

Police in Quang Ngai Province have caught a couple allegedly trading more than 50,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes worth about VND 2 billion (USD 76,000).

Authorities in Quy Nhon have begun marking dedicated pedestrian lanes on pavements and ordered businesses to stop encroaching on pavements.

The Ministry of Construction has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to work with German authorities to investigate a Vietnam Airlines incident and strengthen aviation safety oversight.

Hung Yen Province plans to develop a social housing project worth more than VND 2.5 trillion (USD 95 million), providing nearly 1,300 apartments as it seeks to expand affordable housing supply.

Vietnam's military has ordered round-the-clock emergency duty and readied personnel and equipment as heavy rain raises flood and landslide risks across northern and north-central regions.

Authorities in Quang Tri Province have uncovered a major drug trafficking case involving a shipment smuggled from Laos into Vietnam through the Lao Bao International Border Gate.

Prime Minister has ordered northern and north-central localities to prepare evacuations as 150-300 mm of rain, exceeding 450 mm in places, raises flash flood and landslide risks.

A crocodile weighing more than 10kg has been captured near Cay Xanh Bridge stream, easing nearly a month of concern among residents in Dak O Commune.

A tropical depression formed over the northern East Sea early on August 18, with forecasters saying it is unlikely to strengthen into a storm but warning that its path remains uncertain.

Ho Chi Minh City is seeking IFC support to mobilise international capital for its metro network, Can Gio transshipment port and other major infrastructure projects.

Cho Lach Commune has become the first locality in Vinh Long Province to launch an e-commerce commune model, bringing its seedlings, ornamental flowers and other local products to TikTok Shop.

Vietnam's peak power demand rose 8.8 per cent week on week as widespread heat across the north and north-central region drove up electricity use.