INVESTMENT FUNDS REGAIN POSITIVE RETURNS ON MARKET RECOVERY
Vietnamese equity mutual funds have swung into positive territory amid the VN-Index’s recent recovery. After bottoming out in early April, the benchmark index reclaimed all losses incurred during the tariff-triggered volatility by the end of May. The rebound has buoyed equity funds, restoring previously negative returns to solid profits.
EU INCREASES PURCHASES OF FRUIT FROM VIỆT NAM
The European Union is increasing imports of fruit from Việt Nam, with the export of mangoes, pineapples, coconuts and pistachios registering growth of 41-200 per cent in the first four months of this year. Data from the General Department of Customs showed that Việt Nam’s fruit and vegetable exports to the EU totalled US$132 million from January to April, up 33 per cent year-on-year.
VIETNAM SETS UP FIRST FREE TRADE ZONE
The Government has decided to establish a free trade zone (FTZ) in the central city of Da Nang, the first of its kind in Viet Nam. Covering an area of around 1,881ha, the FTZ features functional areas covering production-logistics, trade-services, digital technology industries, innovation. The FTZ is designed to bolster the development of high-tech industries, innovation and digital transformation in the central city.
VIETNAM BOASTS OPPORTUNITIES TO ATTRACT GLOBAL HIGH-NET-WORTH INVESTMENT
Against a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic backdrop, global wealth flows continue to evolve as high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and businesses take a more holistic approach to location. Vietnam is emerging as a promising destination, but it must seize the moment with improved policy framework, infrastructure, and living standards.
AI PLAYS KEY ROLE FOR NEW START-UP BUSINESSES
The combination of e-commerce and artificial intelligence (AI) will be an important tool to help start-ups optimise sales processes and improve the customer experience. AI is not just a support tool, but also a key driver in optimising marketing strategies, analysing data and crafting effective advertising campaigns, said Vũ Minh Ngọc, a representative of the Centre for E-commerce and Digital Technology (eComDX), at a recent seminar on e-commerce applications for young entrepreneurs.
NEW AND RETURNING FIRMS UP 11.3% IN JAN-MAY
Business activity showed signs of recovery in the first five months of this year, with the number of newly established and returning businesses rising by 11.3% year-on-year. According to the General Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, nearly 111,800 enterprises were newly established or resumed operations nationwide between January and May, up 11.3% compared to the same period in 2024.
REAL ESTATE BOND MARKET REBOUNDS IN MAY
The Việt Nam Bond Market Association (VBMA) reported that real estate firms issued seven separate bond lots in May with a combined value of more than VNĐ10.5 trillion (US$403.5 million). Of which, Vingroup led the pack, issuing three batches totaling VNĐ6 trillion, according to the association. Other notable issuers in May included Viet Minh Hoang Construction and Real Estate Investment JSC (about VNĐ3.47 billion), AAC Vietnam JSC (VNĐ500 billion), Song Phuong Industry - Real Estate and Construction LLC (VNĐ388.5 billion), and Van Phu Real Estate Development JSC (VNĐ150 billion).
VIỆT NAM POSTS TRADE SURPLUS OF $4.67 BILLION IN FIRST FIVE MONTHS
Việt Nam’s total import-export turnover from May 16 to 31 reached nearly US$42.5 billion, marking a 17.6 per cent increase compared to the first half of the month. Thanks to a strong surge in exports, the trade balance for this period posted a surplus of $2.94 billion, raising the total trade surplus for the first five months of this year to $4.7 billion.
