The Vietnam Association of SMEs has proposed piloting a dedicated digital bank for SMEs and household businesses, considering it a new approach to addressing a fundamental portion of existing constraints in credit initiation for this sector.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) held a workshop on offshore wind development in Hamburg on September 24.

Vietnam-Malaysia trade is on track to top 18 billion USD in 2026, putting the 20-billion-USD milestone within reach as both sides seek to unlock new export opportunities, particularly in the Halal market.

The Asia Chamber of Argentina held a seminar in Buenos Aires on September 24 to share information on trade opportunities in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia.

The Can Tho Hi-Tech Park, covering 200 hectares in O Mon ward with an estimated investment of more than 5 trillion VND (192.4 million USD), will be established in Can Tho city to serve as a technology hub for the Mekong Delta.

HCM City attracted a combined 5.7 billion USD in domestic and foreign investment to its export processing and industrial zones in the first nine months of 2026, reaching 131.15% of the full-year target and up 29.13% year-on-year.

Some 58% of Vietnamese workers have taught themselves to use AI and now regularly apply it at work, while just 13% of companies have formally introduced AI programs, according to an Anphabe survey.

Hanoi is setting up an inter-agency mechanism to coordinate greenhouse gas inventories, emissions cuts and participation in the carbon market.

Local brands are drawing on traditional materials, craftsmanship and cultural stories to create fashion, furniture and consumer goods with a distinct Vietnamese identity. Their products bring cultural heritage into contemporary life.

Vietnam became the fastest-growing auto market among six major Southeast Asian economies in the first half of 2026, with sales up 31.1% as electric and hybrid vehicles gained ground.

Vietnam has established a significant position in global markets for wood, coffee and rubber.

Individual bank payment accounts held more than 1.22 quadrillion VND (46 billion USD) by the end of the second quarter of 2026, a decline of nearly 10% year-on-year, latest statistics from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) showed.

Vietnam’s shrimp exports reached 3.3 billion USD in the first eight months of 2026, up 12% year-on-year, with China continuing to be an important growth driver, while the US and EU remained under pressure.

A sharp rise in Vietnam’s fuel prices is pushing up production and transport costs, prompting calls for extended tax relief and targeted support for diesel to contain inflation.

Vietnamese pangasius is gaining traction in Japan, where competitive prices and reliable supplies have helped the fish enter professional distribution channels and a major sushi chain.

Recognising the important role of specialised chips, Vietnam has taken concrete steps to master this technology to integrate more deeply into the global supply chain.

Vietnam’s registered aircraft fleet has reached a record 258 planes, with domestic carriers continuing to add modern widebody jets as they expand international networks and prepare for future growth.

High costs, fragmented connectivity, heavy reliance on road transport and uneven business capacity remain major bottlenecks facing the logistics sector of Ho Chi Minh City.

Cheap production is losing its power as a competitive advantage for Vietnamese businesses, increasing pressure on them to invest in innovation, proprietary technology and stronger global brands.

More than 100 signature products from Vietnam and Laos will be showcased and sold directly at 93 Dinh Tien Hoang street in Hanoi from October 1-4 during the Vietnam-Laos Product Week.