Vietnam Economic News: 1.8 - 8.8.2026
Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 1.8 - 8.8.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 1.8 - 8.8.2026 ---
VIETNAM'S TOP LEADER TO LAM TO VISIT AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS
Reuters News – 7 August 2026
Vietnam’s top leader, To Lam, will visit Australia and New Zealand from August 9 to 14 as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral partnerships and expand cooperation in science and technology, the Vietnamese government said. Since becoming General Secretary in 2024, Lam has pursued an intensive diplomatic agenda, including strengthening ties with key partners. Vietnam upgraded its relationship with Australia to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, with both sides seeking greater cooperation in climate and the environment, energy, defence and security, trade and investment, and education. Vietnam’s significant untapped critical mineral reserves also make it an attractive partner for Australia, a leading producer of minerals essential to technologies such as smartphones and electric vehicles. During Lam’s visit, Vietnam and Australia are expected to sign 12 to 16 agreements covering areas including education, digital transformation, agriculture and healthcare, while five to six agreements are expected to be signed with New Zealand, focusing on food and fibre, education, tourism, technology, aviation and investment. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said the agreements would support greater exports and job creation.
VIETNAM PREPARING $8.4 BLN LENDING PACKAGE FOR SMES, PRIORITY PROJECTS TO BOOST GROWTH
Reuters News – 4 August 2026
Vietnam’s central bank is preparing a 220 trillion dong ($8.4 billion) soft-loan package for small and medium-sized enterprises and priority projects to boost lending and support economic growth, State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) Deputy Governor Pham Thanh Ha said. The package, developed with state-owned commercial banks, comes as Vietnam targets economic growth of more than 10% in 2026, while first-half growth of 8.18% was below expectations. The SBV has kept key policy rates unchanged this year to maintain access to low-cost funding and has urged banks to reduce costs, streamline lending procedures and lower borrowing rates for businesses and households. The central bank has set a credit growth target of around 16% for the year, with flexibility to adjust it according to economic conditions, while outstanding bank loans rose 8.38% in the first seven months, equivalent to annualised growth of about 16.5%. The SBV will continue to monitor inflation risks and maintain banking-system stability amid an uncertain and volatile global economic outlook.
KEPPEL HITS 2026 MONETISATION TARGET EARLY AFTER VIETNAM PROJECT SALE
Reuters News – 5 August 2026
Keppel said it has reached its 2026 monetisation target ahead of schedule after agreeing to sell its 40% stake in Empire City, a waterfront residential and mixed-use development in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Thiem New Area, for S$343 million. Under the deal, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter, Keppel will sell 20% stakes to a subsidiary of Denver Power and Golden Axis Company, after which Empire City will no longer be an associated company of Keppel. The divestment brings Keppel’s total assets monetised to S$2.1 billion, within its 2026 target of S$2 billion to S$3 billion, following a 25% year-on-year increase in first-half net profit excluding its non-core portfolio held for divestment, to S$530 million.