AGP Executive Report

Vietnam–Canada Diplomacy: President To Lam arrives in Ottawa for a state visit aimed at deepening trade and ties as Canada seeks closer links with a key Southeast Asian partner. Aviation & Digital Deals: Vietnam Airlines signs MoUs with Visa and AWS to push payments, travel tech and AI-driven services. Business & Energy: U.S. tungsten supplier Elmet will buy a 4.99% stake in Masan High-Tech Materials for about $125 million to secure critical-metal supply. Transport & Connectivity: Vietjet signs a deal with Starlink for free in-flight WiFi. Security Crackdown Abroad: Scotland’s Police Scotland raids linked to a Vietnamese crime group net 36 arrests and 14 cannabis cultivations. Economy Watch: The ADB lifts Vietnam’s 2026 growth forecast to 7.8% on stronger first-half performance. Tech & Industry: Finland visit by Vietnam’s NA Vice President Nguyen Doan Anh focuses on Nokia/ICEYE cooperation in AI, digital transformation and smart cities.

UNGA Diplomacy: Vietnam’s General Secretary and President Tô Lâm met UN chief Antonio Guterres in New York, with both sides highlighting Vietnam’s role in multilateralism and peacekeeping, and Guterres urging continued progress on climate and emerging tech including AI. Digital Identity & Borders: Vietnam will pilot linking its VNeID with Singapore’s Singpass and Laos’ LAeID, starting at Hanoi’s Noi Bai and HCMC’s Tan Son Nhat airports to streamline immigration and cut repeated declarations. Data Security Lawmaking: The National Assembly Standing Committee reviewed draft data security and electronic identification laws, including risk levels and a roadmap for post-quantum cryptography for sensitive state data. Energy & Industry: PV GAS and ENEOS Xplora seek to expand cooperation across the gas and LNG value chain. Economy Outlook: The ADB raised Vietnam’s growth forecasts to 7.8% for 2026 and 7.6% for 2027, citing stronger demand and investment. Tourism Pressure in Hanoi: Hanoi hotels are looking for new demand sources as supply—especially high-end—rises, pushing operators to win more business and longer stays. Food & Culture: Hanoi’s Mid-Autumn atmosphere continues to build as cultural events and heritage activities ramp up.

UN Diplomacy: President To Lam urged the US at UNGA 81 to end its embargo and sanctions on Cuba and remove Cuba from the terrorism list. Regional Finance: Vietnam will host ASF AGM 31 in Hanoi (Sept 30–Oct 3), with a dedicated session on Vietnam’s market and talks on capital flows, green finance, ESG and AI. Public Debt & Markets: Vietnam’s State Treasury raised 26.55 trillion VND in a weekly bond auction, the highest this year so far, with strong sales of 5- and 10-year bonds. Tourism & Trade: Cambodia’s international arrivals fell 44.4% in the first eight months of 2026, with Vietnam and China among the biggest inbound markets. Aviation & Infrastructure: Sun PhuQuoc Airways took delivery of its first wide-body A330 as Phu Quoc ramps up for APEC 2027. Sports: Vietnam won another ASIAD 2026 highlight as wushu’s Thuy Vi claimed bronze and swimmer Vo Thi My Tien booked a 400m IM final spot. Safety: A multi-vehicle crash in Gia Lai killed two and injured four.

Tech & Finance: Techcombank held its Investment Summit 2026 in Hanoi and launched Techcom Wealth, pitching Vietnam’s next growth phase and new wealth-management model for private banking clients. Digital Identity: Vietnam plans to connect its VNeID e-ID app with Singapore and Laos systems first, starting pilots in 2026 at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City airports, then expand across ASEAN. Transport Delivery: PM Le Minh Hung ordered ministries and localities to keep key transport projects on schedule, pushing for 100% disbursement and warning against delays without solid reasons. Hanoi-US Defence Ties: Vietnam’s defence leadership met Acting US Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao in New York, stressing stable, substantive cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Regional Trade: ASEAN and RoK agreed to deepen a closer, more practical economic partnership and start talks to upgrade AKFTA. Business & Industry: Golden Gate opened a major food-processing and distribution complex in Phu Tho to centralize production for its restaurant network. People-to-People Diplomacy: Vietnam-China friendship activities in Ho Chi Minh City highlighted local exchanges as a key pillar of bilateral ties.

Online Scams Crackdown: Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Public Security Nguyen Van Lon leads a delegation to Cambodia for ICCOS-2026, focused on breaking the chain of online scams. Solar Rollout Pressure: Vietnam’s Industry and Trade Ministry orders provinces and ministries to speed up rooftop solar support policies after many missed the March 2027 deadline, even as rules for selling surplus power to the grid were eased. EV Battery Push: U.S. lithium recycler R3 Lithium says it wants to enter Vietnam’s battery recycling business as EV demand grows. Trade Deal Watch: President To Lam says Vietnam is “very close” to a U.S. trade agreement, aiming for reciprocal, balanced and equitable tariffs. Capital Markets: VN-Index slipped below 1,800 on the first day of FTSE Russell’s upgrade to secondary emerging market status, with investors watching what reforms and inflows will follow. Tourism Spotlight: Phu Quoc is seeing a major international surge—over 1.5 million visitors in the first seven months—helped by more direct flights. Hanoi Culture: A Mid-Autumn gala in Hanoi highlighted shared moon traditions and cultural exchange between Vietnam and China’s Yunnan. Maritime Safety: All 25 crew members were rescued after a container ship distress alert east of Vietnam.

Vietnam–India Aviation: Vietnam and India agreed to expand bilateral air service rights, doubling weekly passenger capacity to 16,800 seats and opening more routes for festival-season travel. Hanoi Tech & Education: Hanoi will host TECHFEST Vietnam 2026 (Nov 13–15) with startup demos, exhibitions and investment matchmaking, while the capital also prepares for IOAA 2026 (Sept 25–Oct 5), its first-ever astronomy and astrophysics Olympiad. Digital Transformation: Vietnam’s localities are pushing digital services into daily life, from cashless payments at markets to smart kiosks for administrative procedures. Finance & Investors: The Ministry of Finance plans a non-deal roadshow for international investors to share Vietnam’s macroeconomic outlook and discuss sovereign bond management. Diplomacy in Region: Vietnam’s top leader met Vietnamese experts in the US, and Vietnam–Laos cooperation talks focused on major projects and citizen ID systems. Culture & Sports: Hanoi’s Hoam Museum is staging a major Art Spectrum show, and Vietnam’s teams continue competing at ASIAD 2026.

Anti-Scam Crackdown: 79 journalists toured the Golden Galaxy Casino in Bavet after Cambodian raids on an online scam network, where authorities seized 600+ devices and detained ringleaders, with 275 foreign nationals later transferred for deportation. Defense & Security: Vietnam showcased a 40mm net-based counter-UAV munition concept, aimed at disrupting drone flight by deploying a net near targets. Land Law Review: Deputy PM Ho Quoc Dung ordered a careful, framework-focused review of the revised Land Law, flagging sensitive areas like decentralised land recovery, notarisation, compensation and land-price setting. Electricity Law Update: The NA Standing Committee discussed amendments to the Electricity Law, including peak/off-peak retail pricing and steps to reduce cross-subsidies. Private-Sector Push: Vietnam and China discussed policies to support private-sector growth, with Vietnam citing the private economy’s rising role in GDP and jobs. STEM Student Loans: A credit policy is easing tuition and living costs for STEM students, with hundreds of thousands enrolled for 2026–2027. Trade & Connectivity: Vietnam-India aviation capacity is set to more than double, adding more flights to major Indian cities. Hanoi Culture: Mid-Autumn traditions are being revived in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with “Moonlit Memories.” Capital Markets: Vietnam Fund Awards 2026 opens in Hanoi on Sept. 22, aiming to unlock capital flows and strengthen the fund industry ecosystem.

Vietnam–US diplomacy: President To Lam’s UNGA 81 trip is set to turn momentum into concrete plans, with Vietnam–US trade up 23.4% in the first eight months of 2026 and the US remaining a top export market. Vietnam–Canada ties: Canada’s ambassador says To Lam’s upcoming state visit will inject major political momentum into bilateral relations. Regional tech cooperation: Da Nang and the Republic of Korea are pushing deeper collaboration in AI, semiconductors, green energy and smart city building. Business & investment in Vietnam: Vietjet was named among Forbes Vietnam’s top 50 listed companies for 2026; SCG opened its first SCG Home retail destination in Hanoi, targeting home renovation demand. Culture spotlight: Vietnamese culture drew crowds at France’s Maintenon/Pierres Japan Festival as Vietnam was honoured guest. Sports (ASIAD 2026): Vietnam won a second karate bronze via Bui Ngoc Nhi, and teqball also delivered Vietnam’s first medal. Tourism & community: Northern Vietnam’s community-based tourism model is helping ethnic minority families lift incomes, with examples from Ha Giang homestays.

Vietnam–US ties: President To Lam’s UNGA 81 trip is set to add “fresh momentum” to bilateral relations, with Vietnam–US trade hitting about $137.42bn in the first eight months of 2026 (+23.4% y/y), and the US remaining a top export market for Vietnam. Diplomacy & global role: A UNDP official says Vietnam’s transformation and integration offer lessons for more effective multilateralism, while Vietnam also pledges deeper cooperation with Nigeria across agriculture, digital transformation, trade, investment and culture. People & policy: South Korea data shows foreign parental leave benefits doubled in 2025, reflecting more foreign workers settling and starting families. Travel & business: Korea will let KTX bookings open two months ahead from Oct. 1, easing planning for foreign visitors. Culture & tourism: Hanoi’s “Music and Heritage” programme highlights intangible arts as a living tradition during the Thang Long–Hanoi Festival. Sports: Vietnam clinched its first Asian Games medal with teqball mixed doubles bronze.

Vietnam–Kuwait 50th Anniversary: Vietnam and Kuwait are marking 50 years of diplomatic ties, with the relationship upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2025 and built on decades of solidarity and expanding cooperation. Trade Push: Nigeria’s foreign ministry urged Vietnam to help double bilateral trade to $2bn, pointing to long-running links in agriculture, investment, defence and diplomacy. UNGA Trip: Party General Secretary and President To Lam will attend UNGA 81, hold US bilateral activities and visit Canada, with officials stressing Vietnam’s multilateral, independent foreign policy and practical initiatives on global challenges. Mid-Autumn Message: To Lam sent a letter to Vietnamese and foreign children in Vietnam, calling for a peaceful childhood and special care for kids in remote, border and ethnic areas. Market Oversight: Vietnam’s FTSE upgrade takes effect Sept. 21, tightening requirements for governance, disclosure and easier access for foreign investors. Aviation & Tourism: Vietnam Airlines launched an autumn campaign promoting Hanoi’s heritage, food and improved Noi Bai connectivity. Culture in Hanoi: The “Music and Heritage” programme opened the Thang Long–Hanoi Festival 2026, bringing traditional performing arts closer to young people. Sports Spotlight: Vietnam’s teqball and Asian Games coverage continues as India and Vietnam pairs chase medals on Sept. 20. Safety Watch: A tractor-trailer crash in Cao Bang killed three people, with the cause under investigation.

Vietnam–China–Laos Border Trade: Vietnam is pushing digital border gates and greener logistics to strengthen northern cross-border hubs as exporters face tougher rules on traceability and emissions. Capital Markets Upgrade: FTSE Russell’s upgrade to secondary emerging market takes effect Sept 21, with Vietnam tightening rules for foreign access, streamlining securities accounts, and adding market infrastructure. Crypto Oversight: Vietnam is drafting a pilot framework to license crypto-asset service providers in 2026, with regulators stressing risk management and investor protection. Tourism Growth Poles: A Politburo resolution names Phu Quoc a new high-end MICE growth pole, aiming to turn the island into a year-round events destination. Hanoi Humane Animal Care: Hanoi expands training on humane euthanasia standards, building a public-private veterinary network across pilot wards. Real Estate Shift: Vietnam’s property market is moving from short-term price bets to long-term usability and quality of life as infrastructure improves. Public Safety: A tractor-trailer crash in Cao Bang killed three. Business & Tech: Siargo is exploring MEMS manufacturing in Can Tho, while OCTF 2026 links Vietnamese and Chinese suppliers in electronics and green tech. Citizenship & Football: Vietnam grants citizenship to Nigerian and British-born players who adopt Vietnamese names, boosting domestic registration options.

Flood Response: Heavy rain and flooding in northern Vietnam have submerged homes, blocked transport and damaged crops, with authorities reporting thousands of households affected and rivers rising to dangerous levels. Party Appointments: The Political Bureau and Secretariat announced personnel decisions, including new roles for officials in Quang Ninh, Ca Mau and Hue. Border Security: Vietnam and Cambodia’s border police forces (Tay Ninh–Svay Rieng/Prey Veng/Tboung Khmum) agreed on tighter coordination to prevent and combat cross-border crime. Overseas Vietnamese Policy: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW to unlock the strategic value of the overseas Vietnamese community as a bridge for trade, investment and knowledge. Air Connectivity: India and Vietnam agreed to boost direct flight connectivity by converting frequency into seats for designated carriers, supporting trade and tourism. Green Rice Push: Can Tho will host the second Vietnam International Rice Festival (Nov 23-26) focused on green, low-emission rice. Hanoi Tourism: Vietnam Airlines launched “Touching Hanoi Autumn 2026,” linking flights with autumn experiences and local cuisine. Archaeology: Rescue excavations at the Ru But brick tomb site uncovered two 1,500-year-old brick tombs with burial goods.

Capital Markets Upgrade: Vietnam’s FTSE Russell upgrade is already pulling foreign investors back into local stocks, with analysts flagging fresh inflows as the market reclassifies to secondary emerging status. Green Transition Rules: Experts warn Vietnam’s green and circular shift is being slowed by unclear legal rules for reuse and “when waste ends,” leaving exporters stuck on import classifications. Floods in the North: Heavy rain has flooded Hanoi streets, disrupted transport, and damaged crops across northern provinces, with schools switching to online learning and rescue teams mobilised. AI for Students: Vietnam National University Hanoi and Google launched “AI Arena: Viet Nam 2026,” a national generative AI contest for university teams to build real-world prototypes. Aviation Deal: Vietjet and Thales signed a maintenance, repair and overhaul agreement for Airbus fleets, plus cooperation on digital aviation, cybersecurity and AI. International Cooperation: Vietnam and Laos agreed to strengthen mutual legal assistance coordination to tackle cross-border crime. Ocean Governance: Hanoi hosted the 15th Ocean Dialogue on implementing the BBNJ agreement, pushing commitments into practical action.

Flood Watch in the North: Heavy rain has triggered flooding across northern and north-central Vietnam, submerging thousands of homes, blocking key roads and isolating households, with crop damage reported in Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An. Hanoi Personnel Reform: Hanoi is urged to make personnel evaluation reform a breakthrough, with leaders calling for tighter accountability and faster digitalisation in staffing and performance reviews. AI Governance Push: Vietnam is calling for stronger China–ASEAN cooperation on AI governance, safe testing and skills, stressing people-first rules, transparency and accountability. Overseas Vietnamese Strategy: A new Politburo resolution sets a fresh direction for overseas Vietnamese affairs, treating the diaspora as a strategic resource beyond remittances. Vietnam–Bangladesh Ties: Vietnam’s president asked for further easing of visa procedures for Bangladeshi visitors and businesspeople to boost people-to-people links. Travel & Business Links: Emirates expands destination partners, including a tie-up with the Vietnamese Business Council, while Vietnam’s foreign policy diplomacy continues to gain momentum ahead of major international meetings.

Hanoi Investment Push: Hanoi has rolled out a new framework to attract “strategic investors,” targeting 17 priority sectors from science and technology to major transport and infrastructure projects, with incentives effective from July. Market Upgrade Watch: Vietnam’s stock market is bracing for FTSE GEIS changes from Sept. 21, with foreign ETFs starting purchases and rebalancing as early as Sept. 18—potentially boosting flows into select stocks. Flooding Disruption: Heavy rain has submerged homes and disrupted travel across northern Vietnam, with rivers rising above warning levels and local authorities mobilising emergency response. Green Supply Chain Pressure: Vietnam’s electronics sector is being pushed toward greener production as EU, US and Japanese buyers tighten ESG and traceability requirements—raising the bar for local suppliers. Aviation & Industry Deals: Vietjet expanded partnerships with Thales and CFM to strengthen MRO, digital aviation and cybersecurity, while Molex opened an expanded Hung Yen manufacturing facility. Crypto Oversight Talks: Vietnam and Austria exchanged experience on financial market supervision, including crypto-asset regulation and investor protection. Migration Data Plan: Vietnam is drafting a decree to build a more unified migration database to reduce fragmented data and improve forecasting. Wildlife Rescue: Authorities in Quang Tri handed over a critically endangered golden tortoise to a national park rescue centre for care.

Hotel & Tourism Spotlight: Capella Hanoi has debuted at No. 81 on The World’s 100 Best Hotels 2026 list, with its opera-inspired design near the Hanoi Opera House drawing global attention. Hanoi Public Safety: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered an urgent investigation into a deadly house fire in Tay Ho ward, Hanoi, that killed five people, with authorities asked to clarify responsibility and handle violations. Party Governance: General Secretary and President To Lam said only issues “reviewed and tested” in practice should be considered for amendments to Party Statutes, stressing stability and uniform implementation ahead of major Party congress preparations. Vietnam–China Defence Ties: China’s senior military official Zhang Shengmin called for stronger practical cooperation with Vietnam as both sides look to deepen coordination on major security issues. Business & Industry: Molex opened an expanded manufacturing plant in Hung Yen, aiming to grow its workforce to 8,000 by end-2026 and boosting high-tech output for data centers. EV Finance: VinFast plans to acquire a $1.2 billion property firm from founder Pham Nhat Vuong to strengthen finances after years of losses.