Focus: A New Megacity Takes Shape: A new megacity has been established as a transformative step to reshape Vietnam’s economic landscape. This historic consolidation combines Ho Chi Minh City and two neighboring provinces, Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, to create a new administrative unit called Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) which is poised to become the nation’s largest urban and economic hub.
Inside Vietnam
Unlocking Credit For SMEs: New capital mobilization solutions are opening up for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as banks expand unsecured lending options in line with the spirit of Resolution 68. Businesses that move toward transparent financial management will have significantly more opportunities to access capital at much more reasonable costs than in the past.
ESG Not Out Of Reach: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues took center stage at a forum organized last week by The Saigon Times and Green Transition Consulting & Training. Attendees recognized that ESG is not confined to global frameworks but is reflected in everyday choices, from modes of transport to the use of sustainable materials.
Green From Scratch Or Step By Step? As Vietnam seeks to align with global ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards, its industrial base stands at a challenging crossroads. One path is to gradually retrofit existing zones to meet green benchmarks; the other is to incur higher upfront investment costs to position themselves as eco-industrial parks (EIPs) from the outset.
Toward Greener Industrial Parks: Amid the evolving dynamics of global supply chains and the mounting urgency of climate action, ESG Forum 2025 was held on June 25 at the Saigon Prince Hotel in downtown HCMC.
Business
Driving Forces Behind The Rise: Vietnam’s stock market has posted its strongest gain of the year, rebounding sharply after a period of volatility triggered by news of U.S. tariffs in early April. Amid ongoing uncertainties—including geopolitical tensions and restrictive U.S. trade policies—what factors are propelling this sudden market upswing?
Credit Should Not Be The Sole Pillar: Maintaining high economic growth amid mounting global uncertainties is a major challenge for the Government, especially as the country strives to move past its transitional phase and escape the middle-income trap.
Living
From A Sense Of Purpose: Ten years after moving to HCMC to teach, South African educator Cornelia Jansen van Vuuren has emerged as an unexpected force in animal rescue. Balancing life between running a cat sanctuary, feeding the vulnerable through a local soup kitchen, and carving out a home far from her roots, she has discovered a sense of purpose in the most surprising places. In a conversation with The Saigon Times, Vuuren reflects on the journey that reshaped her life—and the many others she has touched along the way.
Lowering Hypertension Without Drugs: Apart from medicines, some natural methods can be applied to lower hypertension.
Travel
Trekking To Discover Bai Bang On Con Dao: Bai Bang offers an off-the- beaten-path experience for nature lovers. This secluded destination combines forest trails, a quiet beach, freshwater streams, and natural pools, making it an ideal spot for trekking and camping.
Tasting Durian Chicken Termite Mushroom Hotpot In Ben Tre: A new culinary creation combining free-range chicken, termite mushrooms, and durian is drawing attention in Ben Tre Province that is now merged into Vinh Long Province, particularly on Con Phung Islet. As interest in Mekong Delta cuisine grows, local businesses are exploring new ways to package distinctive dishes like this for domestic and international visitors.
