Vietnam Economic News: 24.4 - 1.5.2026
Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 24.4 - 1.5.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 24.4 - 1.5.2026 ---
JAPAN'S PM TAKAICHI IN HANOI, TO MEET VIETNAMESE LEADERS
Reuters News – 1 May 2026
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to meet Vietnam's leader To Lam in Hanoi on Saturday as the countries try to shore up ties amid a sharp slowdown in Japanese investment in Vietnam. The two sides are expected to discuss ways to deepen a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established in 2023, with a focus on cooperation in energy, technology, critical minerals and regional stability, a Japanese foreign ministry official said. Japan remains one of Vietnam's largest foreign investors, with many Japanese multinationals operating large manufacturing facilities in the country. However, new Japanese investment pledges in the first quarter fell about 75% from a year earlier to $233 million, Vietnamese government data shows. Takaichi is expected to press for improvements in Vietnam's business environment and discuss the challenges facing Japanese companies, including delayed payments for completed works and difficulties gaining access to large infrastructure projects, the official said. Japan last year announced it would withdraw from a nuclear power project in Vietnam, citing an overly restrictive construction timetable. Days before the visit, Hanoi said it was reconsidering a ban on petrol-powered motorcycles in its city centre, a policy long criticised by Honda. Despite investment concerns, bilateral trade has remained strong, rising 12.3% from a year earlier to $13.7 billion in the first quarter, according to Vietnamese customs data. Takaichi is also scheduled to meet her Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung and deliver a speech at Vietnam National University on the evolution of Japan's "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" strategy, before travelling on to Australia.
$2.5 BLN TO BE INVESTED IN METRO LINE LINKING HCMC AND LONG THANH AIRPORT
Vietnam Economic News – 1 May 2026
Vietnam’s Dong Nai province has approved a major infrastructure project to extend Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien Metro Line to Long Thanh International Airport, with an estimated cost of over VND65 trillion (about $2.5 billion). The 44.6 km extension will include two segments: a 7.4 km link from Suoi Tien Station to the provincial administrative center, and a 37.2 km stretch connecting the center to the airport, passing through multiple urban areas. Scheduled for construction between 2026 and 2030 under a public-private partnership model, the project aims to improve regional connectivity. Authorities have also proposed classifying it as an emergency project to accelerate implementation through streamlined procedures, including direct contractor selection while maintaining accountability for quality, safety, and costs.
DECREE ON IMPORT DUTY CUTS TO 0% FOR CERTAIN FUEL PRODUCTS TAKES EFFECT UNTIL JUNE 30
Vietnam Economic News – 1 May 2026
Vietnam’s government has extended a temporary policy under Resolution No. 25/2026/NQ-CP to keep preferential import tariffs at 0% on certain fuel products and production inputs until June 30, 2026. The measure prolongs Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP beyond its original April 30 deadline, maintaining tax exemptions on selected fuel-related imports to help stabilize domestic fuel prices, support energy security, and sustain economic growth. After June 30, tariff rates will revert to earlier regulations, with the temporary resolution taking precedence over conflicting rules during its validity period.
US NAMES VIETNAM AS TOP CONCERN COUNTRY IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS REPORT
Reuters News – 30 April 2026
The Office of the United States Trade Representative has designated Vietnam as a “Priority Foreign Country” in its latest intellectual property report, marking the first time in 13 years any nation has received this highest-level concern status. The label indicates serious shortcomings in Vietnam’s IP protection and enforcement, as well as a lack of meaningful progress in negotiations with the U.S., and could lead to a Section 301 trade investigation within 30 days. Meanwhile, countries like China, India, and others remain on a lower “priority watch list,” while Argentina and Mexico were downgraded due to improvements.
SWISS UMEF PARTNERS WITH IDEAS TO LAUNCH SWISS MASTER'S PROGRAMS IN VIETNAM
Dow Jones Newswires – 24 April 2026
Swiss UMEF has partnered with IDEAS to deliver internationally recognized Master’s programs in Vietnam, responding to growing demand among professionals for flexible, practical, and globally accredited postgraduate education. By combining Swiss UMEF’s hybrid learning model with IDEAS’s local academic support ecosystem, the initiative allows students to access European-standard degrees without studying abroad. The partnership offers programs including MBA, EMBA, MSc in Applied Artificial Intelligence, and a Top-up BBA, all designed to suit working professionals and aligned with international standards. It also aims to address Vietnam’s significant shortage of AI talent by training business leaders to apply AI in real-world contexts. Overall, the collaboration expands access to global education while ensuring learners can effectively apply their knowledge within Vietnam’s business environment.