Ho Chi Minh City Launches 11 Urban Improvement Projects

Key pointsTo celebrate the National Day on September 2, 2026, Ho Chi Minh City held a groundbreaking ceremony for 11 projects aimed at integrated development in areas such as transportation infrastructure, urban development, social housing, environment, and education.
Business impactThese projects present new business opportunities for Japanese companies, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors, which should consider future bidding and collaboration possibilities.

Key pointsFollowing concerns about inflation expressed by U.S. Federal Reserve officials, U.S. stocks declined, and oil prices fell by 5% over the week. This impact is expected to ripple through to Vietnam's economy, with foreign investor trends being closely monitored. Concerns are raised regarding the influence on Vietnam's stock market within a context of approximately 775 billion yen. The effects of U.S. monetary policy on emerging markets cannot be overlooked.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, trends in U.S. inflation and fluctuations in oil prices may affect transportation costs and the overall cost structure of supply chains. Companies with a high proportion of dollar-denominated transactions need to pay attention to exchange rates and interest rate trends.

Key pointsThe 2026 Vietnam Private Economic Forum will be held in Cao Bang, focusing on the elimination of institutional barriers faced by businesses. Participants are seeking specific measures to transform Cao Bang's development potential into actual business opportunities. Improving the investment environment is essential for promoting regional economic growth.
Business impactThere may be increased investment opportunities for Japanese companies in Cao Bang. If institutional barriers are removed, the entry hurdles will be lowered, facilitating smoother business operations.

Key pointsOn the last trading day before the holiday, the proprietary trading division of securities companies in the Vietnam stock market sold off 712.6 billion Dong (approximately 43.18 million USD). This movement indicates a strengthening selling stance among individual investors, while domestic institutional investors supported buying, adjusting the supply-demand balance. Changes in overall market supply and demand are crucial indicators for forecasting the Vietnamese economy's outlook.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, fluctuations in the stock market's supply and demand may have limited direct impact, but they could indirectly affect liquidity and the funding environment. It is particularly important to monitor foreign investor trends, especially considering the supply-demand distortions around holiday periods.

Key pointsVietnam aims for the cultural industry to account for 7% of GDP by 2030, with the digital cultural industry exceeding 80% by 2045. In this process, intellectual property rights are recognized as part of the institutional infrastructure, necessitating the identification, protection, transaction, and influx of creative assets. The importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the digital environment is also emphasized.
Business impactJapanese companies should recognize that the strengthening of intellectual property rights protection in the Vietnamese market is creating a more secure environment for investment and business development. Companies involved in the cultural industry, in particular, need to focus on managing intellectual property rights.

Key pointsOn August 28, 2026, the Hanoi People's Court sentenced Pham Luong Hoa, Chairman of Cadisun, to 5 years in prison for serious consequences resulting from violations of accounting regulations. This ruling reaffirms the importance of corporate transparency and compliance with laws.
Business impactJapanese companies need to recognize the importance of legal compliance in Vietnam and strengthen their internal audit and compliance systems. It is particularly essential to adhere strictly to regulations concerning accounting and taxation.

Key pointsS&P DJI, a major U.S. rating agency, has highly evaluated the progress of reforms in Vietnam's securities market, with attention on movements towards FTSE upgrade. S&P DJI has requested the Vietnam State Securities Commission to continue providing data on the implementation status of these reforms, which is seen as an important collaboration to enhance market evaluation accuracy.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the improvement in securities market transparency could lead to a better fundraising environment, particularly benefiting those considering public listings or bond issuances.

Key pointsOn August 28, 2026, Hai Phong City initiated pedestrian streets and dining events in the city center to promote night economy development. This initiative aims to revitalize local culture and economic activities.
Business impactJapanese companies should seize new business opportunities arising from the development of the night economy and provide services tailored to local needs.

Key pointsFollowing comments from the Federal Reserve Chairman, gold prices fell by approximately $150 per ounce, while U.S. Treasury yields and the dollar exchange rate rose simultaneously. This may impact the Vietnamese economy, particularly affecting the dong exchange rate and capital flows. The SPDR Gold Trust, a gold ETF, experienced significant selling, with weekly sales surpassing purchases. Fluctuations in gold prices are expected to indirectly affect Vietnam's currency and stock markets as an emerging market.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the situation of a stronger dollar and weaker dong will increase the cost of importing raw materials, while also enhancing the price competitiveness of exports to Japan. It is necessary to review supply chains and diversify sourcing while considering exchange rate risks.

Key pointsGrab has made a strategic investment in EBOOST to enhance electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Vietnam. EBOOST has already deployed over 2,500 charging stations, which are integrated into the Grab Driver app, allowing drivers to easily locate charging stations, initiate charging, and make payments. Founded in 2019, EBOOST currently has over 10,000 users in the country.
Business impactThis investment may promote the adoption of electric vehicles and create related business opportunities. Japanese companies should consider offering services or products related to electric vehicles.