Semiconductors Push: Vietnam is moving toward specialised chips for AI, edge computing, telecoms, sensors, IoT, power electronics and hardware security, with a plan to prioritise about 20 chip groups for state procurement. Fuel Distribution Reform: PM Le Minh Hung ordered deeper restructuring of Vietnam’s fuel distribution system to strengthen energy security, cut legal bottlenecks and reduce risks of local shortages. Customs IP Crackdown: New amendments to Vietnam’s Customs Law (effective March 1, 2027) expand IP enforcement to goods in transit, aiming to close gaps flagged by the US. Vietnam–France Finance & Water: Vietnam and France exchanged financing deals for a Dien Bien water management project, while finance officials discussed broader trade, investment and development cooperation. BRICS in New Delhi: Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung is among leaders attending the BRICS summit as India hosts talks on food, energy and supply-chain security amid global uncertainty. Overseas Vietnamese Policy: Resolution 23-NQ/TW (Aug 2, 2026) reframes overseas Vietnamese as a strategic resource and sets mechanisms for more substantive contributions to national development. Child Protection Drive: A 2026–2030 national programme targets safer environments and reduced illegal child labour, backed by hotline 111 and local services. Tech for Low Altitudes: Vietnam is looking to UAVs to build industrial capacity and join global value chains in AI, semiconductors, sensors and data systems. Business & Growth: Vingroup climbed nearly 500 places to rank 340th in TIME/Statista’s World’s Best Companies 2026; Vietnam also reported coffee exports of over $6bn in the first eight months.