MOF OUTLINES STRATEGY TO ATTRACT HIGH-QUALITY FOREIGN RESOURCES
Speaking at the 33rd Diplomatic Conference on August 4, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc called for a fundamental shift in Vietnam's approach to attracting international resources, arguing that economic diplomacy should focus on mobilising capital, technology, and strategic partnerships. Addressing a plenary session titled on diplomacy, the deputy minister presented a keynote speech on priorities for mobilising external resources to support economic growth and the roles of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Vietnam's overseas representative missions.
VIETNAM'S REGISTERED FDI JUMPS 58 PER CENT IN FIRST SEVEN MONTHS
Vietnam attracted $38.06 billion in registered foreign direct investment during the first seven months of 2026, up 58 per cent on-year, according to the National Statistics Office on August 3. The figure includes newly registered capital, additional investment for existing projects, as well as capital contributions and share acquisitions.
VIETNAM SEES RECORD CAPITAL INFLOWS ALONGSIDE SHARP RISE IN BUSINESS CLOSURES
Vietnam's business sector presented a striking tale of two contrasting trends during the first seven months of 2026. While newly registered capital surged by more than 63 per cent, the market also underwent an unprecedented wave of consolidation, with the number of dissolved businesses jumping nearly 119 per cent.
VIETNAM’S SEVEN-MONTH TRADE REACHES $659.58 BILLION AS DEFICIT WIDENS
The National Statistics Office reported on August 3 that total export-import turnover reached $659.58 billion during the period, up 28.1 per cent on-year. Exports increased by 21.7 per cent, while imports rose by a faster 34.8 per cent. The widening gap between export and import growth reflected stronger demand for raw materials, machinery, equipment, and other goods used for manufacturing and investment activities.
REGIONAL LOGISTICS ADVANCES PROCESSING INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT
As competition intensifies and supply chains become more demanding, logistics is no longer just a transportation function but a key factor in economic competitiveness. For Dak Lak, home to the largest agricultural and forestry raw material base in the Central Highlands, developing regional logistics is creating new opportunities to expand deep-processing industries, increase product value, and attract high-quality investment.
AMRO UPGRADES VIETNAM GROWTH FORECAST TO 7.5 PER CENT
AMRO released its July 2026 Quarterly Update of the ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook on July 27, projecting Vietnam to grow 7.5 per cent in 2026, up from its June forecast of 7.2 per cent. AMRO also raised its growth forecast to 7.3 per cent in 2027, up from its June forecast of 7 per cent, while revising down its inflation forecasts to 4.3 per cent in 2026 and 3.9 per cent in 2027.
GLOBAL BEAUTY BRANDS EYE OPPORTUNITIES IN VIETNAM
Vietnam’s fast-growing beauty and personal care market is attracting thousands of international brands, with a major industry exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City bringing together more than 3,000 brands from over 24 countries and territories. The Vietbeauty, Cosmobeauté Vietnam and Beautycare Plus 2026 exhibitions officially opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, bringing together 600 exhibitors from Japan, South Korea, the United States, France, Singapore and Vietnam, among others.
VIETNAM STEEL OUTPUT SURGES IN H1-2026, RETAINS GLOBAL TOP-10 RANKING
Vietnam’s crude steel production rose 26.9 percent year on year to 15.18 million metric tons in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger infrastructure spending, construction activity and a recovering property market, industry data showed. The expansion far outpaced growth of 11.4 percent in manufacturing and 9.51 percent in construction, according to the Vietnam Steel Association, or VSA.
