Business News

In the first four months of this year, the index of industrial production (IIP) was estimated to increase by 8.4 per cent year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office. This is also the second-highest growth rate recorded since 2021. The main contributor to this overall growth was the manufacturing and processing sector, which grew by 10.1 per cent, contributing 8.5 percentage points.

To date, Việt Nam has signed 16 FTAs with over 60 of the world’s major markets and three are under negotiation. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is developing a roadmap for negotiations and signings of free trade agreements (FTAs) over the rest of the year that must be reported to the Prime Minister within this month. The task is part of the Resolution No 124/NQ – CP issued after the Government’s regular April meeting.

By the end of April, Việt Nam’s total export turnover reached US$140.34 billion, an increase of 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. The export situation in the early months of 2025 has continued to show promising signs, as Vietnamese enterprises have not only maintained their market share with traditional partners but have also actively expanded into new markets.

Việt Nam’s economy continued to show resilience and dynamism in the first four months of 2025, maintaining its position among the world’s fastest-growing economies, despite heightened global uncertainties. With decisive policy actions, proactive diplomacy and strategic reform priorities, the country is now aiming for an ambitious GDP growth target of 8 per cent or more this year - a goal lawmakers and experts believe is within reach, provided key breakthroughs are implemented effectively.

Two weeks ago, Japanese retailer AEON commenced the construction of AEON Hai Duong Shopping Centre, promising to bring a modern shopping space and enhance the experience for local consumers when it comes into operation in 2026. AEON Hai Duong is the first community shopping mall developed by the company in the northern region, with investment of approximately $47 million.

HCMC’s industrial production grew 7.9% year-on-year in the first four months of 2025, the highest growth rate since 2021, official data showed. According to the HCMC Statistics Office, the four-month growth was driven by businesses accelerating production schedules by up to 90 days to mitigate risks and tariff impacts, local media reported.

The motorcycle manufacturing sector saw a significant uptick in April, with monthly production reaching its highest level so far in 2025. According to the General Statistics Office, domestic manufacturers produced an estimated 286,100 new motorcycles in April, a 21.6 per cent increase from March and a 10.4 per cent rise compared to April 2024.

In the first four months of 2025, 1,204 new projects were granted investment registration certificates, with total registered capital of $5.59 billion, up 14.1 per cent in the number of projects but down 23.8 per cent on-year in terms of capital. The adjusted capital for 540 ongoing projects hit over $6.4 billion, up almost 44.4 per cent on-year in number, and 3.9-fold in capital.