Inflation Still Lurking
In order to achieve GDP growth of 8% or higher this year, the central bank will continue to target credit expansion of around 16% and keep interest rates low enough to support the economy. However, exchange rate and inflationary pressures remain, even though the falling commodity prices and the weakening U.S. dollar are helping to somewhat ease these pressures.

Managing Deposit Rates
Stabilizing deposit rates without harming economic growth will depend on exchange rates, inflation and monetary policy

A Few Snapshots Of The Private Sector 
Vietnam has set a goal of developing the private sector into a key driver of its socialist-oriented market economy, with rapid and sustainable growth and high rates of expansion in terms of quantity, scale, quality, and its share of gross domestic product

Robust GDP Growth Momentum 
The Government issued Resolution 25/NQ-CP on February 5, 2025 on the socio-economic development goals for this year. Accordingly, the nation’s GDP growth target has been revised up from 6.5-7% to at least 8%, aiming to establish a solid springboard for achieving double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period. This goal is considered quite challenging given the current global economic uncertainties.

Trade Policy Shifts
With the risk of an escalating trade war and unpredictable tariff policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, exporters in Vietnam are anxiously racing to get prepared. Strategies range from diversifying supply chains to expanding into new markets, all aimed at mitigating potential impacts.

Vietnam Needs Quality FDI
At a press conference on January 6, 2024, the General Statistics Office (GSO) announced that total realized investments across the economy in 2024 at current prices reached an estimated VND3,692.1 trillion, a 7.5% increase versus 2023. Among this, realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam last year amounted to a record high of an estimated US$25.35 billion, up 9.4% from the previous year.

Adapting To The Global Trend
As countries and territories worldwide aim for carbon neutrality by 2050, carbon pricing policies are emerging as a crucial tool in achieving this target. By proactively adapting to this global trend, businesses can optimize costs while fulfilling environmental expectations of customers and investors.

Embracing Hybrid Models
Foreign corporations dominate Vietnam’s modern retail market, with hypermarkets and shopping malls occupying the upper tier and convenience store chains commanding the lower tier. In this competitive landscape, Vietnamese retail firms are carving out a niche in the middle segment by adopting mini supermarket chains and hybrid models blending mini supermarkets and convenience stores.

AN AMBITIOUS GROWTH TARGET
Vietnam has set an ambitious economic growth target of 8% for 2025, signaling its commitment to a robust recovery after challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic and global economic shifts. However, many experts suggest that current economic indicators do not clearly point toward achieving this goal. What potential factors have been overlooked, and what breakthrough policies are needed to meet this target?

An Ambitious Bid To Become Global Financial Powerhouse
HCMC has been positioned as the cornerstone of Vietnam’s ambition to become a global financial center, driven by its strong economic performance and strategic advantages

CPTPP Opens New Chapter For UK-Vietnam Trade
The United Kingdom’s (UK) entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) marks a new era in its trade and investment relationship with regional countries, including Vietnam. In an exclusive interview with The Saigon Times, British Consul General Alexandra Smith pointed out the potential of the deal driving growth in key sectors, while also emphasizing the continued strengthening of other pillars of the UK-Vietnam Strategic Partnership, including education, innovation, and cultural exchange.

Embracing TOD For Sustainable Urban Growth
HCMC is planning to implement the transit-oriented development (TOD) model to leverage the current and future metro lines like 1 and 2, and HCMC Beltway No. 3 to establish 11 urban hubs. Despite a delayed start, experts view this as a crucial foundation for sustainable urban development in the city.

SUNTORY PEPSICO – 30 YEARS OF GROWING FOR GOOD IN VIETNAM
Throughout 30 years, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam has grown from an early FDI company into a leader in the beverage industry in the country. On the occasion of the company’s 30th anniversary, CEO and General Director Jahanzeb Khan remarks on company evolution to lead in both business and sustainability, strengthening its commitment to growing for good and contributing meaningfully to Vietnam’s progress.

Legalizing Digital Assets
The draft Law on Digital Technology Industry, discussed during the National Assembly’s 8th sitting, contains four provisions defining digital assets, criteria for identification, principles of management, and responsibilities of state management over such assets. This marks the first time digital assets have been explicitly addressed in a legislative process.

Behind The Export Success
As Vietnam aspires to become a high-income country, it is time to redefine its export strategy and tackle the challenges of achieving sustainable growth. The World Bank’s recent report, “Vietnam 2045: Trading Up in a Changing World,” offers critical analyses and recommendations that demand serious consideration.

Dealing With The Motorbike Traffic Problem
Lawyer Nguyen Tien Lap, a member of NHQuang & Associates law office, throws his weight behind Hanoi’s motorbike traffic restriction plan but stresses the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of its necessity and potential impacts. He argues that the “motorbike headache” partly stems from public administration issues, making public consultation essential for a fair and effective policy.

A Pathway To Sustainable Growth
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a secondary concern to a strategic priority, driving long-term business success and societal progress

Should Individual Access To Corporate Bonds Be Regulated?
The latest draft of a law that amends seven finance-related laws is more accommodative than the earlier drafts, as it allows professional individual investors to buy, trade, and transfer privately issued corporate bonds in certain cases. However, there remain opposing views on this matter.

Behind Forex Intervention 
In response to the recent appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Vietnam dong, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) announced it would sell spot foreign currency to meet market demand. Why did the central bank employ this policy at this time and is it enough to calm the market?

Will SBV Lower Interest Rates?
A source from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) recently said that the central bank had not ruled out the possibility of reviewing policy interest rates. Amid global interest rate fluctuations and geopolitical uncertainties, the central bank appears to be waiting for more clues to make appropriate policy decisions.

Coteccons’ TRANSFORMATION story:
Prepare for the big game
After four years of dedicated corporate transformation, Coteccons is now poised to capture new market opportunities and redefine its role in the construction industry. As the firm is gearing up for the next phase of its growth, it aims not only to perform better financially but also to deliver genuine value to all stakeholders.

A Burden On E-commerce Platforms
The Vietnam E-commerce Association (VECOM) has voiced concerns over a new regulation that would require e-commerce platforms to file for taxes on behalf of household and individual businesses. While this measure may reduce the number of tax filings and ease the burden on tax authorities, it would effectively transfer the responsibility to the platform operators, which are not tax agents and lack necessary expertise.

Giving Blood, Saving Lives
More than 140 local and foreign blood donors participated in a blood drive organized by the Saigon Times Group in HCMC on October 5, to mark the 33rd anniversary of The Saigon Times Weekly (October 10, 1991–2024) and the 29th anniversary of The Saigon Times (October 2, 1995–2024)

Online Advertising Value Chain
In the past 20 years, with the rapid development of digital technology, online advertising has become an important factor in shaping the digital content industry ecosystem and contributing to the growth of the digital economy

Driving Vietnam’s Green Transition
Vietnam’s high carbon emissions are presenting a significant challenge to achieving its 2050 net-zero goal. Experts highlight the need for the Government and businesses to rapidly green the economy and cut emissions by 78%.

Riding Out Yagi Consequences
Typhoon Yagi left a trail of destruction in northern Vietnam but the affected communities are showing remarkable resilience as they are working to rebuild their homes and restore their lives.

VIETNAMESE BEVERAGE BRAND GOING GLOBAL
Since its establishment more than eight years ago, Nam Viet Foods & Beverage JSC has made remarkable strides in business growth. The company has successfully entered international markets, and while promoting Vietnamese brands globally, it has also been making great contributions to the community and society.

Monetary Policy Trends
The recent appreciation of the Vietnam dong currency against the U.S. dollar will give the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) more room to adjust local-currency interest rates to fuel credit growth and stimulates the economy. However, there are still many challenges for monetary policy in the final months of 2024.

An Elephant In The Room
In August 2024, issuing organizations might not be able to timely redeem an estimated 40% of corporate bonds that fall due

Nurturing Tourism Sustainability 
The fact that some countries are adopting an “anti-overtourism” stance presents an opportunity for Vietnam to study and leverage tourism sustainability

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The Saigon Times Weekly, published a weekly newsmagazine, serves as a bridge between Vietnam and foreign investors. This is a must-read publication to get informed of what is happening in Vietnam.

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The Saigon Times Weekly Magazine - March 20, 2025

The Saigon Times Weekly Magazine - March 20, 2025

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