VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam’s central bank is tightening the reins on credit growth this year, but several dynamic private lenders are still setting ambitious lending targets.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced an adjustment to the schedule for the launch ceremony of a nationwide campaign in response to Earth Hour 2026, together with its accompanying run.

Ho Chi Minh City has approved 50 additional pavement locations for electric motorbike battery-swapping cabinets, bringing the total number of permitted sites to 102.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are threatening global supply chains, leaving Vietnamese import-export businesses on edge over cargo currently at sea and the risk of empty container shortages.

Shares fell sharply on Monday as heavy selling swept across banking, securities and technology stocks, dragging the market lower despite a brief afternoon rebound.

Vietnam has temporarily halted the deployment of workers to the Middle East as regional tensions escalate following recent military strikes.

Imported cherries from Chile are being sold widely across Vietnam for just over VND 100,000 (approximately USD 4) per kg, a sharp drop from their usual premium pricing.

Ho Chi Minh City has invited strategic investors for the proposed Can Gio International Transshipment Port, a VND 128 trillion (USD 4.87 billion) project.

Gia Lai has approved investment in the 368ha Cat Trinh industrial park with total capital of VND 2.554 trillion (USD 100.15 million), slated for operation by late 2029 or early 2030.

Vietnam’s benchmark index may face sharp swings this week as escalating tensions in Iran rattle global markets, though oil and energy shares are expected to benefit.

Police in the central city of Danang have uncovered seven cases of illegal drone operations following incidents that disrupted dozens of flights at the city’s international airport.

A sleeper coach carrying 44 passengers caught fire in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on Sunday evening after a front tyre burst, but all on board escaped safely.

Traffic police have fined a 38-seat passenger coach for carrying 53 people on the Quang Tri-Danang route, exceeding its permitted capacity.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports rose 67.2 per cent year on year to USD 875.33 million by February 15, driven by robust demand and a surge in pistachio shipments.

Northern and central Vietnam, as well as parts of the Central Highlandsare likely to see several spells of widespread rain in March, with near-average temperatures nationwide, forecasters said.

A 350-kilogram bomb discovered during house foundation work in central Nghe An province has been safely destroyed, the Engineering Unit under the Nghe An Provincial Military Command said on March 1.

A cold air mass is forecast to move into northern Vietnam on Monday evening, bringing rain and cooler temperatures, according to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

A Vietnamese traveller and hundreds of others were left anxious after their flight to Europe was diverted to Oman when Doha Airport suddenly closed amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Vietnam's two landmark transactions underscore the country's emergence as a major player in the regional hospitality investment market, experts said.