Business News

The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) posted 52.4 points in July, up from 48.9 points in June and back above the 50.0 no-change mark for the first time in four months. As such, the index pointed to a strengthening in the overall health of the manufacturing sector. The solid improvement in business conditions was the most marked for almost a year.

The Government issued Decree 205/2025/ND-CP on amendments and supplements to Decree 111/2015/ND-CP on accelerating development of supporting industries. Effective from September 1, 2025, the new decree introduces a series of support policies regarding technology, human resources, environment, legal frameworks, and investment, and lays a solid foundation for enhancing the competitiveness of Vietnamese companies. 

Cathay Pacific has recently announced a significant enhancement to their flight operations between Vietnam and Hong Kong, effective 26 October 2025. In response to growing demand and our continued commitment to providing greater connectivity and convenience, they are increasing weekly flight frequency by 6 additional services, bringing the total to 30 flights per week.

The information-technology, pharmaceutical, banking, and high-tech sectors will remain the main engines of office demand in HCM City, experts said. These industries are not only seeking high-quality workspaces but also emphasising smart-building technologies and sustainable work environments, leading to a growing preference for premium offices, particularly green-certified buildings, they said.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are now permitted to invest in real estate, decide their own salary and bonus policies and manage asset transactions, as clarified by the Law on Management and Investment of State Capital in Enterprises, effective August 1. According to the 2025 law passed by the National Assembly, SOEs are allowed to conduct business activities in line with legal regulations and the State's directives as the owner, which are outlined in the company's charter and development strategy.

Five years since its entry into force, the EU-Việt Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has catalysed nearly US$300 billion in two-way trade, establishing Việt Nam as the EU’s top trading partner in ASEAN and its 16th largest globally. In an era marked by rising global tensions and trade fragmentation, the EVFTA stands as a testament to inclusive, rules-based cooperation – one rooted in shared values, sustainability and long-term strategic alignment.

Boasting a population of over 1.4 billion, which is expected figure surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, Africa is one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, marked by a rapidly expanding middle class. Statistics showed that Việt Nam shipped some US$4 billion worth of products to African countries while buying around $5.5 billion of goods from the continent. However, trade turnover remains humble.

According to a report by VIS Rating and Credit Guarantee & Investment Facility (CGIF) on July 24, with public funding falling short and bank lending constrained, Vietnam’s infrastructure ambitions hinge on mobilising private capital through the corporate bond market. Between 2025 and 2030, the country will need an estimated $245 billion for expressways, high-speed rail, and power projects, yet public funding can only cover 70 per cent.