AGP Executive Report

Storm Preparedness: Vietnam has issued urgent guidance as Typhoon Maysak approaches the northern coast, warning of heavy rain and flooding and ordering vessel safety checks and evacuations. Disaster Response: Vietnam and the US wrapped up Pacific Partnership–Pacific Friendship 2026 in Quang Tri, highlighting medical, engineering and search-and-rescue cooperation. Digital Push: PM Le Minh Hung urged faster development of national databases, strategic technologies and testing infrastructure, noting uneven progress. Legislative Updates: The National Assembly revised the 2026 agenda, adding a draft Data Security Law and a revised Land Law for October and September sessions. Economy & Jobs: Vietnam’s H1 GDP grew 8.18%, retail sales rose 12.9%, and the labour market stayed stable with employment up to 52.6 million. Tourism Momentum: International arrivals hit nearly 12.3 million in H1, up 14.9%, as visa and connectivity improvements keep demand rising. Hanoi Local: A townhouse fire in Hanoi’s Van Phu area killed two people and left one seriously injured; police are investigating the cause. Culture & Faith: A historic beatification in Vietnam’s Ca Mau drew 70,000 pilgrims, with Cardinal Tagle urging Catholics to be “messengers of truth.”

Vietnam Economy: Vietnam’s Q2 GDP growth accelerated to 8.39% year-on-year, beating forecasts as manufacturing and construction stayed resilient, though officials warned the second half needs about 11.7% growth to hit the 2026 target amid global headwinds. Prices & Trade: June CPI fell 0.39% month-on-month as cheaper fuel eased pressure, while the trade deficit widened to a record in the first half after higher imported fuel costs. Hanoi Planning: Hanoi approved a 100-year master plan aimed at phased targets through 2035, 2045, 2065 and 2085, signaling a long-term push for investment and infrastructure. Digital Push: Vietnam’s digital transformation is moving from planning to results, with 5G covering over 91% of the population and fiber reaching all communes and wards, alongside a nationwide digital identity rollout. Climate Finance: Vietnam earned an extra US$5m from forest carbon credit transfers to the World Bank, bringing total proceeds to US$56.5m. Industry & Mobility: Vietnam’s EV fleet nears 375,000 units (excluding motorbikes), and EV growth is pressuring charging and support services. International Spotlight: A Vietnamese man in Japan was arrested after accidentally discharging anti-bear spray in a post office, injuring five people.

Vietnam–Singapore Digital Payments: NAPAS, Liquid Group and VietinBank launched a cross-border QR payment link so Singapore users can pay in Vietnam via VietQRGlobal, with real-time SGD–VND conversion—aimed at boosting tourism and trade. Population Policy Push: Vietnam’s new “baby bonus” regime kicks in, extending maternity leave for second-child mothers and adding prenatal/newborn support plus cash incentives. E-commerce Shake-up: Sendo will shut its online grocery platform Sendo Farm on July 10 as it restructures, with refunds for unused memberships and wallet balances. Fuel Prices Cut: Vietnam reduced retail fuel prices from 16:00 July 2, including lower caps for E5 RON92, E10 RON95-III, diesel and mazut. International Cooperation: Vietnam shared peacekeeping experience at ADMM+ experts’ talks, highlighting Women, Peace and Security and female peacekeeper contributions. Economy Watch: The World Bank upgraded Vietnam and the Philippines to upper-middle income status, citing broad-based growth and higher income thresholds. Trade Integrity Concern: A report by the EIA says illegal timber from Cambodia and Laos continues entering Vietnam, urging tighter verification and oversight. Hanoi Reader Note: If you’re traveling, Vietnam says health declarations are not mandatory for international visitors unless activated during outbreaks.

Population Policy Shift: Vietnam’s new population law kicks in, extending maternity leave for second-child births from six to seven months and adding prenatal/newborn screening support plus one-off cash bonuses—an explicit move to counter rapid ageing. Hanoi Urban Upgrade: Hanoi is clearing major areas along key corridors near the Red River to make way for transport and infrastructure projects, aiming to ease congestion and modernize the capital’s urban fabric. FDI Quality Push: The Politburo’s Resolution 10-NQ/TW signals a new FDI phase—bigger inflows, but also higher technological value and stronger national capability building. Banking & Markets: The State Bank proposes tighter credit-rating rules for foreign investors buying bank shares, while VN-Index extends gains as investors favor bank stocks. Regulatory Update: A July 1 package reshapes Vietnam’s compliance landscape for investors, covering tax, digital business, e-commerce, cybersecurity and customs. Foreign Media Rules: Decree 262/2026/ND-CP requires foreign media activities in Vietnam to get approval and follow local press and cybersecurity rules. Business & Trade: Agro-forestry-fishery exports hit $35.88bn in H1 (+6%), and steelmakers face tariff and carbon-pressure headwinds even as manufacturing holds up. Culture & Commemoration: Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years since Saigon–Gia Dinh was renamed with 3D mapping and major public events.

Population Policy: Vietnam’s “baby bonus” package kicks in after the two-child rule was lifted, adding an extra month of maternity leave for second births plus prenatal support and one-off cash benefits as the country accelerates toward an older society. Legal & Digital Economy: Twenty-nine laws take effect July 1, including the new E-commerce Law aimed at a more transparent, safer online marketplace with clearer duties for platforms. Press & Governance: The 2025 Press Law expands operating space for press agencies in cyberspace, while a major Party conference reviews one-year progress on the organisational and three-tier administration models. Hanoi & Investment: Hanoi is set to implement a century-long development vision with hundreds of priority investment projects, alongside efforts to improve FDI quality and attract higher-quality Japanese capital. Culture & Business: Vietnam’s films captured 70.6% of domestic box office in early 2026, and the Korea-Vietnam Future Forum in Hanoi backed “co-creation” in advanced sectors like AI and semiconductors. Tourism Standards: OCOP updates add community tourism, ecotourism services and attractions as eligible categories to raise quality and consistency. Disaster Response: Vietnam’s rescue and relief teams continue operations in earthquake-hit Venezuela’s La Guaira, working through extreme heat and heavy rain.

Special PM Research Unit: Vietnam has approved a specialized research unit under the Prime Minister, set to start work on July 1 to advise on policies, mechanisms and practical solutions. Social Media Crackdown: From July 1, fines of 20–50 million VND will apply to people who spread fake or harmful content online, including distorted history and content that disrupts society. Digital Security & Scams: Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam are pushing deeper trilateral security cooperation to fight cross-border crime and online scams, with joint operations reaffirmed. Masked Face Tech: Viettel AI received a US patent for facial recognition that works even when faces are masked, aimed at access control and workforce tracking. Carbon Market Launch: Vietnam launched a pilot carbon trading exchange on June 29, with early trades recorded on the Hanoi Stock Exchange platform. Foreign Affairs for Development: Party chief To Lam urged foreign affairs and international integration to serve national development, strategic autonomy and competitiveness. Hanoi Investment Push: Hanoi is positioning itself to attract higher-quality Japanese capital under a 100-year development vision and new investment blueprint. Venezuela Relief: Vietnam’s rescue and relief team (124 personnel) arrived in La Guaira to support earthquake search-and-rescue efforts. Education Expansion: Taylor’s Education Group announced a SenTia School partnership to strengthen its K-12 portfolio in Vietnam.

Social Media Crackdown: Vietnam will fine people 20–30 million VND for sharing fake or defamatory posts, graphic violent images, pirated content, or misleading sovereignty maps, with higher 30–50 million VND penalties for content that distorts history, insults religions, or spreads falsehoods that panic the public or disrupt society. Hanoi Investment Push: Hanoi unveiled 276 priority investment projects under its 100-year development vision, shifting from chasing capital volume to improving project quality in areas like semiconductors, AI, biotech, logistics, green finance, fintech, and specialised healthcare. Disaster Risk Shift: Party chief To Lam ordered a move from reactive disaster response to proactive risk management through late 2026, embedding prevention into planning, public investment, production, and livelihood support. Aviation Update: Long Thanh International Airport is set for commercial operations in December 2026, aiming to handle 100 million passengers and 5 million tonnes of cargo annually. Energy & Industry: Solar & Storage Live Vietnam 2026 returns on July 8–9 as Vietnam accelerates its clean energy transition. Rights & Dissent: A rights group says Vietnam’s arrests of activists and dissidents hit a seven-year high in 2025.

Vietnam–Australia Aviation: Vietjet has applied for approval to launch domestic flights in Australia, aiming to challenge the long-running Qantas–Virgin duopoly on key routes like Sydney–Melbourne–Brisbane. Circular Economy & Textiles: Vietnam invited H&M and its recycling partner Syre to help shape rules for a more sustainable textile, garment and footwear sector, testing how circularity can be built into local production. Hanoi Infrastructure Finance: Hanoi signed MoUs with five major banks to support local government bond issuance, targeting about $6–7.8 billion in 2027–2030 to fund priority infrastructure, especially the urban railway network. Tech & Security: Vietnam is expanding strategic tech focus by adding cybersecurity and quantum technologies to its national priority groups, aiming to build research capacity and long-term self-reliance. Rights & Law Enforcement: Rights groups warn Vietnam is intensifying arrests under broad laws, with Article 331 increasingly used to treat criticism as a security issue. Humanitarian Return: Cambodia repatriated the remains of 19 Vietnamese volunteer soldiers to Vietnam, continuing joint efforts to locate and return fallen troops.

Hanoi–FDI Push: UOB Vietnam and the Hanoi Department of Finance signed an MoU to steer higher-quality foreign investment into priority areas like high-tech, digitalisation, green growth, semiconductors and finance, while also helping local firms plug into global supply chains and expand abroad. Restructuring Watch: Hoa Binh shareholders approved a restructuring plan covering operations, debt and human resources, with the group targeting revenue growth for 2026 and moving ahead with a debt-swap share issuance. Tourism & Culture: The Hanoi Lotus Festival 2026 drew about 300,000 visitors around West Lake, while a travelling ASEAN travelling art exhibition opened in Hanoi, adding more regional cultural momentum. Digital Services: Finland’s Hanoi embassy launched a free online appointment system for selected consular services, with specific days for different residence permit categories. Governance & Tech: Vietnam aims to push smart tourism nationwide, targeting 70% of tourism establishments using digital platforms by 2030. Rights & Security: A rights group says Vietnam is increasingly using broadly written laws to arrest activists and dissidents, with arrests rising for the third straight year.

Korean Peninsula Security: South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to denuclearise the peninsula and pursue lasting peace, agreeing to deepen defence cooperation and continue trilateral coordination with the US despite North Korea’s push to expand its nuclear arsenal. Tourism & Culture: Malaysia and Vietnam pledged closer ties in tourism, spotlighting medical and halal tourism as both sides look to boost joint promotion and industry partnerships. Housing Transparency: Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction says a national property identification system will go live on July 1, giving every property a permanent code to track legal status and transaction history and curb speculation. Cybercrime Crackdown: Police in Ninh Binh dismantled a transnational online fraud ring, arresting 12 suspects accused of swindling victims out of over 250 billion dong. Disaster Relief to Venezuela: Vietnam’s search-and-rescue and military relief teams are preparing to deploy to earthquake-hit Venezuela to support rescue, emergency medical response, and post-disaster recovery. Regional Halal Push: Vietnam and Singapore discussed building a regional halal value chain to help ASEAN expand access to global markets. Sports—Sambo & Beach Handball: Filipina Aislinn Yap won gold in women’s -80kg sambo at the Asia-Oceania Championships, while the Philippines and Vietnam face off in beach handball for Asian supremacy. Hanoi Cultural Spotlight: A new school-based approach is helping young people learn Hat Xam singing, turning the tradition into a “passport” for projecting Vietnamese identity worldwide.

Vietnam–Singapore Tech Cooperation: Vietnam and Singapore are pushing deeper tech alliances for digital economy growth, with a forum in Singapore bringing together government, research and business leaders to strengthen innovation ecosystems. Digital Health Upgrade: Vinmec has launched Vietnam’s first integrated high-tech robotic surgery network, linking multiple hospitals through a multi-connected robotic surgery ecosystem. Carbon Market Move: Vietnam is set to launch its first domestic carbon exchange on June 29, with legal, trading and settlement systems completed. Transport Delivery Pressure: The Prime Minister urged strict adherence to schedules for major national transport projects, warning deadlines shouldn’t slip without objective reasons. Hanoi Housing Focus: A policy package to promote long-term rental housing is being prepared for submission to the National Assembly in October, aiming to rebalance supply for workers. Energy Security Planning: JICA will study Vietnam’s strategic petroleum reserve system, focusing on emergency readiness and public-private roles. Local Heritage Spotlight: Hai Phong is preserving nearly 900 woodblocks at Tram Gian Pagoda, promoting heritage education and community outreach. Tourism & Culture Tie-Up: Vietnam and Singapore also feature in broader regional tourism and cultural links, including Vietnam’s heritage routes gaining international attention.

Robotic Surgery Push: Vinmec officially launched Vietnam’s nationwide network of high-tech robotic surgery centers, building the country’s first integrated, multi-connected robotic surgery ecosystem linking hubs from Hanoi’s Vinmec Times City to Da Nang, Central Park, Smart City and Can Tho. Transport Deadlines: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung urged strict adherence to schedules for key national transport projects, saying deadlines must not slip without objective reasons, as site clearance, materials and labour remain key bottlenecks. Carbon Market Ready: Việt Nam is set to launch its first domestic carbon exchange on June 29, with legal rules, trading and settlement systems, and pilot emission quotas for 110 facilities already in place. Housing Policy Shift: The Ministry of Construction is finalising a rental housing policy package for submission to the National Assembly in October, aiming to make long-term rentals a real market pillar with incentives for socialised capital. US High-Tech Investment: Deputy PM Hồ Quốc Dũng encouraged US firms to expand into high-tech and high-value sectors, highlighting Vietnam’s push for science, technology and digital transformation. VN-Index Update: The VN-Index closed the week on a positive note as foreign investors returned to net buying and large-cap Vin trio stocks helped support the market. Family Day Focus: Party leader To Lam sent a letter to Vietnamese families on the 25th anniversary of Vietnam Family Day, stressing family values as a foundation for national development.

Hanoi Urban Planning: Hanoi unveiled a 100-year investment blueprint and is set to hold an Investment Promotion Conference on June 29, alongside the release of a master plan with new mechanisms to attract investors. Transport Safety: A truck crash in Vietnam’s northern Son La province killed two people and left one critically injured after the driver lost control on a highway. Science & Policy: Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology studied Croatia’s universal postal service model to support drafting an amended Postal Law. Culture & Tourism: Hanoi hosted a lotus heritage festival running June 26-28, aiming to turn cultural heritage into a driver for tourism and local cultural industries. Business & Investment: Vietnam’s publishing sector is pushing toward a digital content industry by 2030, with state-led direction and improved public-private partnership. International Ties: Vietnam’s foreign minister met Venezuela’s acting president to review bilateral cooperation under a strategic partnership framework. Sports: Vietnam’s Novino reached the finals in the -47kg women’s youth division at the Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships, with other Vietnamese athletes winning bronze.

Hanoi Investment Push: Hanoi will hold an Investment Promotion Conference on June 29, unveiling a 100-year master plan vision and launching a digital investment project management platform with 3D maps and data to speed up procedures and boost transparency. Tourism & Hospitality Spotlight: A global customer-service review ranks Hanoi among the world’s friendliest cities, with visitors praising welcoming, attentive staff. Regional Diplomacy: Vietnam and Japan deepen parliamentary friendship cooperation, with a focus on education and training and support for the Vietnam–Japan University project. Inflation Watch: Vietnam’s Deputy PM Le Tien Chau calls for flexible price-management scenarios to keep inflation controlled while supporting growth. ASEAN Science Cooperation: Vietnam backs ASEAN science, technology and innovation plans in Laos, pushing joint research on water security, climate-resilient agriculture and green energy. Public Health Update: Vietnam’s AVAC African swine fever vaccine is expected to get commercial release certification in the third quarter of 2026, aiming to speed hog industry recovery in the Philippines.

Hanoi Infrastructure & Housing: Hanoi kicked off major urban works with five metro/rail lines and three rental housing projects, moving the city from planning to implementation. Red River Redevelopment: A US$2.5 trillion vision to reshape the Red River corridor is drawing anxiety from riverside residents facing possible relocation. Transport for Health Workers: Vietnam Railways launched a dedicated Hanoi–Ninh Binh shuttle for Bach Mai Hospital staff, easing daily commuting. Business & Trade Tech: Vietnam and the US signed an MoU to exchange customs data electronically in real time to speed trade and curb fraud. Logistics Growth: A Cushman & Wakefield report says Vietnam is emerging as a key logistics growth hub as supply chains diversify. Tourism Push to India: Khanh Hoa is seeking stronger ties with India’s travel sector to attract more Indian visitors. Education Spotlight: Vietnam’s FPT University hit 87th globally in THE Impact Rankings for Quality Education, while 17 Vietnamese universities earned spots in the 2026 sustainability ratings. Public Safety: One person died in a coffee shop fire in Ho Chi Minh City; the cause is under investigation. Digital Governance: Singapore’s AI hub strategy highlights governance and adoption support—an idea Vietnam is watching as it prepares ITA2 negotiations. Energy & Climate: VinEnergo and SunAsia Energy announced Solar-on-Stilts projects in the Philippines to boost energy security and cut emissions. Health & Security: Vietnam’s peacekeepers in Abyei ran Ebola prevention outreach as flooding raises infection risks.

Digital Governance Push: Party General Secretary and State President To Lam urged a comprehensive review and “data standardisation” across Vietnam’s political system, saying the bottleneck now is implementation and accountability, not policy direction. Martyrs’ Remains Campaign: Deputy PM Pham Thi Thanh Tra called for faster progress in the nationwide 500-day search and identification drive ahead of War Invalids and Martyrs Day 2027, citing improved legal mechanisms and DNA support. Export Drive: Deputy PM Pham Gia Tuc outlined seven solution groups to sustain export growth and hit double-digit targets for 2026–2030, warning of external headwinds and stressing better market data updates. National Youth Congress Wraps: The 13th National Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union concluded in Hanoi, setting new targets and priorities for 2026–2031. Regional Security Links: Vietnam and the Philippines upgraded defense cooperation, including information sharing and joint sea activities, as a wider regional security network takes shape. Human Stories: A Vietnamese woman in Seoul was sentenced to 10 years for abandoning and killing her newborn; Vietnam also pledged support for earthquake-hit Venezuela while monitoring citizens’ safety.