VIETNAM’S IMPORTS FROM CHINA TOP US$50 BILLION IN Q1
Vietnam’s imports from China in the first quarter of 2026 surged a staggering 31.6% year-on-year to more than US$50 billion, accounting for around 40% of the country’s total imports, customs data showed. The increase was driven largely by technology goods and industrial equipment. Imports of computers, electronics and components jumped 62.2% to US$16.77 billion, while machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts rose 25% to US$9.72 billion.
DONG THAP PROPOSES SEVEN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS TO BOOST CONNECTIVITY
Authorities in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap have proposed seven major expressway and national highway projects for 2026-2030, with total capital estimated at around VND47.9 trillion. Central government funding is expected to account for the bulk, at about VND45.8 trillion, while the province will contribute more than VND2.1 trillion in counterpart capital.
VIETNAM TARGETS OVER 30 AIRPORTS, 25 RAILWAY LINES BY 2050
Vietnam plans to expand its nationwide civil aviation network to more than 30 airports by 2050, with total capacity reaching 533 million passengers per year. Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh told the National Assembly on April 20, as the country accelerates decentralization and diversifies funding sources for transport infrastructure.
VIETNAM’S SMALL BUSINESSES TOP ASIA‑PACIFIC GROWTH RANKINGS
Vietnamese small businesses posted the strongest performance among 11 Asia Pacific markets in 2025, with 84% reporting growth, up from 82% a year earlier, according to CPA Australia’s small business survey. This momentum is forecast to continue in 2026 with 89% of small businesses expecting to grow on the back of a strong focus on technology, e-commerce, and improved business management.
FIRST-QUARTER GROWTH HITS RECORD HIGH DESPITE GLOBAL VOLATILITY
According to Dragon Capital, Vietnam’s growth momentum strengthened in March following Lunar New Year normalisation, reinforcing confidence that the expansion remained firmly intact through the first quarter of 2026. GDP grew 7.8 per cent on-year in the first quarter, with industry and construction rising 8.9 per cent and services 8.2 per cent, highlighting that growth is not solely reliant on exports and manufacturing, but is increasingly supported by services and domestic demand.
VIETNAM REMAINS TOP EU INVESTMENT DESTINATION DESPITE GLOBAL HEADWINDS
The index stands at 72.7, down 7.3 points from its recent peak of 80.0 in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a more cautious outlook amid rising geopolitical tensions. Yet, the index remains well above levels recorded over the past four years, reinforcing a consistent message emerging from the data: while global turbulence is influencing short-term sentiment, Vietnam’s long-term appeal remains firmly intact.
HO CHI MINH CITY ANNOUNCES 2026-2030 INVESTMENT PROJECTS
The list released on April 17 encourages investment in projects that align with the development direction and tasks of Ho Chi Minh City towards 2030 as outlined in Resolution No. 31-NQ/TW. The list prioritises investment in high technology, innovation, digital economy, sharing economy, green economy, circular economy; and encourages investment in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; industry; trade and services; and tourism.
FDI INFLOWS FORECAST TO REACH 38 BILLION USD ANNUALLY IN NEXT 5 YEARS
According to Mai, the wave of foreign investment continues to be strengthened by traditional giants like Samsung, LG, Sumitomo and Mitsubishi, as well as emerging high-tech corporations such as Microsoft and Nvidia, with large-scale projects worth billions of US dollars. Aside from the increase in the number and value of FDI projects, new capital flows into Vietnam are also expected to have high technological content, contributing to the transformation of the country’s growth model.
VIETNAM GAINS NEARLY US$72 MILLION FROM CARBON CREDIT
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced that Viet Nam will receive an additional US$71.96 million from carbon credit. This is the second time the country has gained significant revenue from "selling clean air" through carbon credits. Through a results-based payment mechanism, Viet Nam will be paid corresponding to independently verified reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
