Vietnam–Singapore QR payment link expands ASEAN’s digital economy infrastructure
According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the country welcomed around 10. 6 million international visitors in the first five months of 2026, up nearly 15% year on year and the highest figure recorded in many years. Singapore remained one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing source markets during the period.
Vietnam pivots from low-cost base to high-value tech hub: Int’l financial institutions02/07/2026 16:17Vietnam's robustt growth, ability to shrug off global turmoil, and policy drive to reel in high-value manufacturing, research and development, and technology investment are steadily reshaping Vietnam from a low-cost factory base into a critical link in the world's industrial value chains. Ho Chi Minh City starts work on first major component of Metro Line No. 202/07/2026 15:21The first construction activity involves lowering a reinforced steel cage for the diaphragm wall at the underground ST10 (Pham Van Bach) station, one of the line's key stations. Da Lat even closer this Autumn as Vietjet resumes 5 routes from August02/07/2026 15:02The airline will restore 5 routes connecting Da Lat with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh and Da Nang, offering people and travellers more convenient travel options to the “City of Flowers. ”World Bank upgrades Vietnam to upper-middle-income status02/07/2026 14:31According to the World Bank’s latest update released on July 1, Vietnam’s gross national income (GNI) per capita reached 4,970 USD in 2025, exceeding the institution’s 4,636 USD threshold for upper-middle-income economies. New E-Commerce Law expected to create transparent digital market02/07/2026 12:47With Vietnam’s e-commerce sustaining annual growth of around 20–25% and emerging as one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets, further improving the legal framework, strengthening consumer trust and fostering a fair competitive environment will help make e-commerce one of the key drivers of Vietnam’s digital economy in the near future. Vietnamese steelmakers find growth momentum despite export challenges02/07/2026 10:44Vietnam's crude steel output is forecast to reach 27 million tonnes in 2026, up 10% year-on-year. Finished steel production is projected at 33 million tonnes, with domestic consumption of 28 million tonnes and exports of 6 million tonnes. Steel imports are expected to decline, signaling improving domestic production capacity and the growing bite of market management and trade remedy measures. Agro-forestry-fishery exports rise 6% in first half of 202602/07/2026 10:44Of the six-month total, agricultural products generated 18. 59 billion USD, up 0. 2% year-on-year; aquatic products 5. 7 billion USD, up 11. 4%; forestry products 9. 2 billion USD, up 4. 6%; livestock products 375. 8 million USD, up 34. 6%; and salt 7. 7 million USD, up 39. 8%. 📝 OP-ED: A new mindset on FDI – Vietnam’s answer to unfounded doubts02/07/2026 10:08The resolution sends a clear and forceful signal of the Party’s consistent policy that the foreign-invested sector is an integral component of the national economy – one that is encouraged to develop over the long term, treated on an equal footing and expected to work alongside other sectors in pursuit of the country’s development goals. Vietnam moves to tackle double challenge in FDI attraction in next phase02/07/2026 09:41The challenge was seen in the Politburo's Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW on developing the foreign-invested sector, which sets ambitious targets for the 2026–2030 period. Vietnam aims to attract 200–300 billion USD in registered FDI, equivalent to 40–50 billion USD annually, while disbursed capital is expected to reach 150–200 billion USD, or 30–40 billion USD each year. New decree details support for FTA ecosystem members02/07/2026 09:29Decree No. 240/2026/ND-CP elaborates on the enforcement of mechanisms and policies to pool resources for building and running that ecosystem and a sectoral export promotion fund, following National Assembly Resolution No. 250/2025/QH15, dated December 10, 2025, that targets sharper global economic integration. Manufacturing sector ends first half of 2026 with firm growth as PMI holds above no-change mark02/07/2026 09:11S&P Global said growth was underpinned by further gains in new orders, which supported a 14th consecutive month of rising output. Reference exchange rate decreases slightly on July 202/07/2026 08:57The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 25,205 VND/USD on July 2, down 1 VND from the previous day. Hung Yen attracts 179 new investment projects in first half02/07/2026 08:33Hung Yen province is now home to 4,189 valid investment projects, comprising 3,219 domestic and 970 foreign-invested ones. Their combined registered capital totals around 49. 4 billion USD. Construction starts on 240-million-USD wind power plant in Ca Mau02/07/2026 04:23The project, invested by BCG Energy through the BCG – Khai Long 1 Wind Power JSC with a total investment of over 6. 32 trillion VND (about 240 million USD), has a designed capacity of 100 MW. Green lane sought for Vietnam's fruit, vegetable exports to China02/07/2026 00:09Insiders suggested establishing a "green lane" mechanism for exporters with strong compliance records, green production practices and robust traceability systems, allowing faster customs clearance while ensuring product quality upon arrival. Hai Phong ports record 11% rise in six-month cargo throughput01/07/2026 23:20A milestone came on June 23, when the MATZ MAERSK, a container vessel with a reduced deadweight of 213,970. 8 DWT, safely arrived at Berths No. 5 and 6 of the Lach Huyen port area, operated by Hateco Hai Phong International Container Terminal (HHIT). Domestic, international airlines wish to operate at Long Thanh airport01/07/2026 18:59Vietnam’s aviation market is expected to gain an additional 8. 6 million passengers by 2030, including about 3. 2 million additional passengers across the Tan Son Nhat–Long Thanh airport system. UOB Vietnam builds 450 mln USD headquarters within VIFC-HCMC01/07/2026 18:07Overseas Bank (UOB) Vietnam on July 1 broke ground on UOB Plaza Ho Chi Minh City, marking marks a new milestone in its long-term growth strategy for Vietnam, a market it has identified as a key ASEAN battleground. Vietnam's fruit, vegetable exports up nearly 18% in H101/07/2026 16:42According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), fruit and vegetable exports were estimated at 2. 18 billion USD in the second quarter. Hanoi hosts industrial exhibitions showcasing global manufacturing01/07/2026 16:31The events – HanoiPlas 2026, HanoiPrintPack 2026 and Intelligent Asia Hanoi 2026, are being held concurrently for the first time, creating an integrated industrial ecosystem spanning plastics and rubber, printing and packaging, automation, electronics, precision engineering and smart manufacturing.