Focus: One Center – Three Corridors For HCMC: The decision to merge Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau provinces into HCMC to form an economic supercenter for Vietnam reflects a bold and visionary move by the nation’s leaders.
Inside Vietnam
New Thinking For The IFC: The National Assembly Standing Committee recently provided feedback on a draft resolution of the National Assembly regarding the establishment of an International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam. A key new proposal is the Government’s suggestion of a “one center – two locations” model, which replaces the previous plan to establish two separate centers.
Breaking Barriers To Affordable Housing: The Government’s ambitious and humanitarian goal of constructing one million social homes for low-income individuals and workers at industrial zones between 2021 and 2030 represents a significant step towards improving living conditions for vulnerable groups. Since the plan was approved, the entire political system has mobilized all resources to help turn the dream of home ownership into a reality for low-income families and factory workers. However, the road to implementation remains fraught with challenges.
Banks Step Up Infrastructure Lending? This year’s economic growth is under threat from rising tariff barriers, which are expected to significantly hinder credit expansion within the banking sector. In light of these challenges, how should the banking industry adjust its credit development strategy to effectively achieve its objectives?
Business
Investors Hold Steady Amid Market Uncertainty: The VN-Index on the Hochiminh Stock Exchange had gained over 3.2% by the end of the first quarter in 2025, backed by macroeconomic stability and low interest rates, though the market came under net selling pressure from foreign investors. However, the market quickly entered a turbulent phase following the announcement of the new U.S. tariff policy, highlighting the stock market’s vulnerability to a range of unpredictable factors on both domestic and international fronts.
Catalyst For HCMC’s Sustainable Future: Green finance is emerging as a cornerstone in HCMC’s ambition to become an international financial center, while also enabling the city’s shift toward a sustainable economy and its goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Living
Living The Story: For Beata Ufniarz, Vietnam is more than just a career destination—it is home. What started as a spontaneous trip to Asia in 1998 eventually led to two decades in HCMC, filled with serendipitous moments, professional growth, and a deep connection to Vietnamese culture. In an interview with The Saigon Times, the finance executive-turned- writer reflects on her passion for storytelling, her humorous experiences in Vietnam, and why she continues to call this vibrant land home.
Exploring Cham Tower By The Sea: Nestled amid the pristine white sands and untouched beaches of Phu Vang District, Hue City, Phu Dien Cham Tower stands as a remarkable historical relic and an exciting destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in culture and unspoiled natural beauty.
Travel
Giant Rice Paddy Artwork In Ninh Binh: Tam Coc – Bich Dong, one of Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destinations, has unveiled a giant rice paddy artwork depicting a carp leaping over the dragon gate—a revered symbol of perseverance and success.
Crispy Stir-Fried Phở: A Delightful Twist On A Classic Dish: While traditional phở is renowned for its fragrant broth and smooth rice noodles, Hanoi’s crispy stir-fried phở, known as phở chiên phồng, presents a twist on this iconic dish by swapping the steaming soup for crispy, golden-fried rice noodles.
