HUNG YEN PROPOSES US$18-BILLION FREE ECONOMIC ZONE
The northern province of Hung Yen has proposed developing a free economic zone (FEZ) on over 60,000 hectares at an estimated cost of US$18 billion. According to the proposal to be submmited to the central Government, the Hung Yen FEZ will be developed as a strategic hub for high-tech manufacturing, new energy, and advanced logistics based on the operational 30,583-hectare Thai Binh economic zone.
PHU THO TARGETS US$1.1 BILLION FDI IN 2026
Phu Tho Province aims to attract more than US$1.1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and about VND70 trillion in domestic capital in 2026. The northern province sees investment attraction as a key growth driver, with a shift from volume to project quality. In 2025, Phu Tho drew about US$1.51 billion in FDI and nearly US$10 billion in domestic investment. It is currently home to 735 FDI projects worth around US$13.2 billion from 27 countries and territories.
GREEN GROWTH TAKES CENTER STAGE IN VIETNAM’S 2026-2030 ODA STRATEGY
This strategic shift, focusing on high-impact infrastructure and technology transfer, is the centerpiece of a newly approved master plan for the 2026-2030 period under Decision No. 441/QD-TTg. The Government aims to move toward “New Generation ODA” models, including budget support and result-based disbursements, to fuel sustainable development goals.
VIETNAM TARGETS TOP 10 GLOBAL CINEMA MARKETS
Vietnam’s film industry is aiming to become one of the world’s top 10 cinema markets as ticket sales reached more than 70 million and box office revenue approached VND5.6 trillion in 2025, according to data released by CJ CGV Vietnam. The figures were presented at a strategic partner conference held by CJ CGV Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on March 11, which brought together producers, directors, filmmakers and cinema operators, reported the Vietnam News Agency.
TAN THANH BORDER GATE SEES SURGE IN AGRICULTURAL TRADE
Cargo traffic through the Tan Thanh – Po Chai dedicated freight route on the Vietnam – China border has experienced a significant surge, with daily truck volume doubling since late February, mainly with transportation of agro products. Over 37,000 trucks have been cleared at the border gate since the beginning of 2026, according to the Dong Dang – Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Authority.
VIETNAM ENTERS NEXT PHASE OF E-COMMERCE EXPORT GROWTH
Vietnam’s e-commerce market reached $31 billion in 2025, growing more than 25 per cent on-year and accounting for roughly 10 per cent of total retail sales. While domestic consumption continues to drive overall volume, cross-border e-commerce is becoming a more meaningful source of value for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those seeking to diversify markets.
VIETNAM RANKS AS THIRD-LARGEST COFFEE AND TEA MARKET IN SOUTHEAST ASIA
The "Coffee & Tea Chains in Southeast Asia 2026" report reveals that Vietnam's modern coffee and tea market was valued at $1.34 billion in 2025, with a number of local chains of significant size. Vietnam is the third-largest market behind Indonesia and Thailand. Vietnam's coffee chain segment reached a gross merchandise value of $725 million in 2025, an increase of 27 per cent from $572 million in 2024.
DONG NAI LOOKS TO BECOME CENTRALLY-RUN CITY BY 2030
Dong Nai Province has recently established a team to draft a master plan for transitioning the southern province into a centrally-run city by 2030. This team is tasked with conducting comprehensive research and reviewing current administrative standards, including urban classification, communal-level administrative systems, urbanization rates, and socio-technical infrastructure to ensure the province meets all legal requirements for a first-tier municipality.
