🇻🇳 Vietnam

Latest Dispatches

• Vietnam positions itself as smart-connected economy at autumn forum — Vietnam's Autumn Economic Forum 2026 aims to move beyond traditional manufacturing and investment models toward a more strategically integrated regional economy. The gathering seeks to establish new growth poles through deeper cooperation frameworks across South and Southeast Asia.
• Northern mountain villages harness tourism potential amid infrastructure challenges — Remote communities in Lai Chau and Son La provinces are leveraging their natural environments and cultural heritage to develop sustainable tourism ventures, capitalizing on growing Vietnamese demand for authentic, community-based travel experiences.
• Quang Ninh, Guangxi deepen digital economy and AI partnerships — Vietnamese and Chinese officials are moving to translate high-level agreements into concrete cooperation initiatives across artificial intelligence, digital technology, and scientific innovation. The two regions aim to establish practical frameworks for bilateral collaboration in emerging sectors.
• Vietnam's Defence Minister Strengthens Regional Ties at ADMM+ Forum — Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister participated in high-level defence meetings across Southeast Asia, holding bilateral discussions with counterparts from major regional and global powers.
• Vietnam tightens foreign employer hiring rules from mid-November — Vietnam has enacted new regulations requiring foreign organisations and individuals to formally notify authorities before hiring local workers. The requirements, effective November 15, aim to strengthen oversight of foreign employment practices in the country.
• Vietnam accelerates banking licensing at international financial centre — Vietnam's central bank is fast-tracking procedures to admit member banks to the country's international financial centre, with plans to induct the first official member bank by November 2026.
• United States to Display Advanced Defense Systems at Hanoi Expo — The United States will present cutting-edge military equipment and defense technologies at the third Vietnam International Defense Expo, underscoring deepening security cooperation between Washington and Hanoi. The exhibition runs December 10-13 in the Vietnamese capital.
• Malaysia seizes $12 million in smuggled AI chip servers at airport — Malaysian customs authorities have intercepted a shipment of advanced artificial intelligence chip servers valued at over US$12 million at the country's primary airport. The smuggling attempt was discovered during routine screening operations.
• Malaysia Detains Couple With Over $700,000 in Undeclared Cash — Malaysian authorities arrested a husband and wife at the Johor Bahru border crossing after discovering they were attempting to transport approximately US$719,300 in undeclared currency to Singapore.
• Vietnam's reference exchange rate climbs on October 29 — Vietnam's dong strengthened against the US dollar on October 29, marking the latest shift in the benchmark exchange rate. The State Bank of Vietnam maintained its trading band at ±5%, establishing new ceiling and floor rates for commercial banks.
• Vietnam lawmakers debate streamlined Land Law with simplified provisions — Vietnamese legislators are reviewing a significantly condensed draft amendment to the Land Law that reduces the total number of articles while introducing new management frameworks for cultural and sports sectors. The revised legislation also prioritizes children's rights in organ donation provisions.
• VEFTA framework deepens Vietnam-EU tech cooperation beyond tariffs — Vietnam's trade agreement with the European Union creates lasting institutional mechanisms for innovation and technology collaboration. Non-tariff commitments in the pact offer long-term economic benefits extending beyond traditional goods exports.