Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 24.10- 31.10.2026
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Summary of Vietnam Economic News: 24.10- 31.10.2026 ---
VIETNAM ESTIMATES OCTOBER TRADE SURPLUS AT $6.8 BILLION
Reuters News – 30 October 2026
Vietnam is expected to record a trade surplus of $6.8 billion in October, narrowing its trade deficit for the first 10 months of 2026 to $12.7 billion, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Exports during January–October are projected to rise 27.4% year-on-year to $499 billion, with the industrial and manufacturing sector accounting for 87.4% of total shipments. Vietnam is on track to exceed its annual export growth target of 15%–16% and has set the same growth target for the 2026–2030 period. The country forecasts that annual exports will reach between $765 billion and $1 trillion by 2030.
VIETNAM'S VINACOMIN TO KEEP COAL OUTPUT AT 40 MILLION TONS A YEAR UP TO 2030
Reuters News – 29 October 2026
Vietnam’s top coal miner, Vinacomin, plans to maintain annual coal production at 40 million metric tonnes through 2030 to meet domestic demand, primarily for power generation, according to state media. The company will develop 18 mining projects in Quang Ninh province to sustain output and import an additional 10 million to 20 million tonnes of coal annually to meet demand. Coal remains a critical fuel source for Vietnam’s thermal power plants and a key component of its national energy security strategy, with Vinacomin emphasising the importance of ensuring sufficient coal supplies to maintain the stability of the power system. The company is among Vietnam’s strategic enterprises in which the state plans to retain 100% ownership through at least 2030.
VIETNAM FINANCIAL CENTRE SAYS ITS FIRST 10 MEMBERS TO MOBILISE $2.7 BILLION
Reuters News – 28 October 2026
Vietnam’s International Financial Center announced that its first 10 members are expected to mobilise and invest approximately $2.7 billion in Ho Chi Minh City through 2027, with disclosed commitments to raise more than $2 billion for infrastructure, energy, data centres, education and renewable energy projects. Initial members include holding companies linked to Keppel Asset Management, AG&P LNG and VinaCapital International Partners, while Keppel is exploring co-investment platforms with global partners that could mobilise an additional $1 billion. The initiative forms part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment, deepen capital markets and strengthen its position in regional finance, alongside plans to develop international financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang. Under legislation approved in 2025, centre members can access international financing and conduct foreign-currency transactions, while operations will follow international accounting and financial standards, including capital adequacy and liquidity requirements applicable to domestic and foreign-owned banks.
PETRONAS SAYS VIETNAM-MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY INITIATIVE GETS CONDITIONAL APPROVAL
Reuters News – 26 October 2026
Singapore’s Energy Market Authority has granted conditional approval for a regional renewable electricity project to import up to 1.3 gigawatts (GW) of electricity from Vietnam through Malaysia, according to Malaysia’s state-owned energy company PETRONAS on 26 October 2026. The Vietnam-Malaysia-Singapore initiative will combine offshore wind power generated in Vietnam with solar energy and battery storage infrastructure in Malaysia, with electricity imports expected to commence in 2035. The project is being developed by a consortium involving PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation, Singapore’s Sembcorp Utilities, Malaysia’s Tenaga Nasional Berhad and PETRONAS. The approval allows the participating companies to advance project development, subject to further regulatory approvals, power purchase agreements and financing arrangements. The initiative aims to strengthen cross-border energy connectivity, expand access to renewable electricity and support the development of the ASEAN Power Grid.