Vietnam Economic News: 22.8 - 29.8.2026
Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 22.8 - 29.8.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 22.8 - 29.8.2026 ---
VIETNAM TECH FIRM FPT STARTS CONSTRUCTION OF UAV, SEMICONDUCTORS, CYBERSECURITY TRAINING COMPLEX
Reuters News – 26 August 2026
FPT, Vietnam’s leading technology conglomerate, has begun construction of a 10.5-hectare training complex in the northern province of Dien Bien, focusing on semiconductors, cybersecurity and unmanned aerial vehicles. The facility will provide education and specialised training for students ranging from high-school age to postgraduate level, with the first phase expected to open in early 2028. FPT has not disclosed the project’s investment cost or the number of people it plans to train. The initiative comes as Vietnam seeks to strengthen its technology workforce and expand its position in the global semiconductor industry. The Vietnamese government aims to develop at least 50,000 semiconductor professionals by 2030, including 35,000 workers for areas such as semiconductor production, packaging, testing and other parts of the industry’s value chain.
VIETNAM APPROVES CUSTOM LAW CHANGES TO STRENGTHEN IP ENFORCEMENT
Reuters News – 23 August 2026
Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the customs law that strengthen authorities’ powers to intercept counterfeit and intellectual property-infringing goods, potentially addressing concerns raised by the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) over Vietnam’s IP protection and enforcement. The changes follow a U.S. Section 301 investigation launched in May after Vietnam was designated a “priority foreign country” in the USTR’s annual Special 301 review. The revised law, which takes effect in March 2027, expands customs enforcement to imported, exported and transit goods, allowing officers to proactively halt shipments showing clear signs of counterfeiting or other IP violations. Customs can also suspend clearance when rights holders provide evidence of infringement and a financial guarantee. The amendments introduce new rules for cross-border e-commerce, requiring goods traded through online platforms to undergo customs procedures and remain under customs supervision. E-commerce platforms and logistics providers will also be required to share relevant information with customs authorities. The reforms come as Vietnam experiences rapid growth in cross-border online shopping, particularly from Chinese merchants, and represent a broader effort to strengthen border controls and intellectual property enforcement.
POWER, COMFORT AND PEACE OF MIND PUT THE VINFAST VF 8 ON THE MIDDLE EAST EV MAP
Dow Jones Newswires German – 27 August 2026
The Middle East’s electric vehicle market is expanding rapidly, with regional EV sales reaching around 75,000 units in 2025, a more than 40% increase year on year. As consumers move closer to making their first EV purchase, familiar SUV design, strong performance, comfort and practical ownership support are becoming increasingly important. The VinFast VF 8 aims to address these priorities with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque, while offering a claimed range of up to 493 km and DC fast charging from 10% to 70% in 31 minutes. Inside, the VF 8 focuses on comfort and technology, featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, dual-zone climate control, air-quality systems and, in the Plus version, heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof and premium audio. Its companion app and over-the-air updates add further convenience. VinFast also emphasises long-term ownership support through a 10-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometre battery warranty, five years of free servicing, roadside assistance and mobile services. With expanding aftersales partnerships and service infrastructure, the VF 8 combines the familiar appeal of an SUV with the benefits of electric driving.