Focus: HCMC’s Financial Hub Ambitions: “With the addition of Can Gio International Transshipment Port, the Cai Mep–Thi Vai–Can Gio port cluster could handle a larger cargo volume than Singapore. The Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC could become a magnet for businesses, investors, and financial flows from around the world,” said Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, a member of the advisory task force for the development of the Vietnam International Financial Center in HCMC, in an interview with The Saigon Times.
Inside Vietnam
Exchange Rate Under Pressure: Vietnam’s balance of payments has improved thanks to cyclical factors, but exchange rate pressure from U.S. dollar demand— particularly for debt repayments and capital outflows—remains. The exchange rate outlook for the end of 2025 will depend heavily on trade surpluses, remittances, and the global trade environment.
Focusing On Sustainable Values: Local banks have experienced a period of rapid quantitative expansion, as evidenced by the systematization, verification, and deletion of tens of millions of substandard accounts over the past year. This trend highlights the limitations of growth driven solely by account volume, which tends to inflate service costs more rapidly than the value generated per customer. Moving forward, the strategic focus should shift toward enhancing the value of the existing customer base—by increasing lifetime value, deepening engagement, and encouraging organic referrals.
Startups Awaiting New Policies: The Ministry of Science and Technology is expected to propose two new initiatives for startups this October: a state-backed US$100 million venture capital fund designed to embrace risk, and a dedicated stock exchange to facilitate initial public offerings (IPOs)
Business
What To Expect In October: Despite significant pressure from net selling by foreign investors and profit-taking by domestic investors, the VN-Index remained relatively stable in September compared to the previous month, largely supported by several large-cap stocks. Looking ahead to October, the release of third-quarter 2025 financial statements is likely to be the most anticipated event.
A Test For Reform: The 10% growth target for 2026 is undeniably ambitious—potentially surpassing international forecasts. Yet, it also serves as a catalyst, compelling Vietnam to take bold, decisive action and pursue deeper structural reforms.
Living
Carrying The Spirit Of Vietnam Inside Food: Leaving behind a consulting career at IBM, Japanese entrepreneur Yuya Arashima came to Vietnam in 2012 in search of opportunities and found a place that not only offered business potential but also a strong sense of community and culture. Over the years, his ventures have evolved from cooking classes to souvenir products, with a mission of bringing Vietnamese food and values to the world.
Where Compassion Flows Red: About 120 local and foreign donors participated in the Blood Donation Day in HCMC on October 5, organized by the Saigon Times Group in collaboration with the HCMC Blood Donation Center. Nearly 170 units of blood were collected from diplomats, corporate staff, government officials, and Saigon Times employees.
Travel
Exploring Mui Du In Khanh Hoa: Mui Du in Khanh Hoa Province is a rocky peninsula extending into Van Phong Bay. Known for its pristine landscape and geological variety, the area has become a favorite spot for hikers and nature lovers looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Grilled Minced Meat Wrapped In Leaves: A simple yet distinctive dish from the Thai community, thịt băm gói lá nướng (known locally as nhứa pho), embodies both culinary creativity and cultural significance.
