Focus: The Next Economic Test For Vietnam: Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by a sharp 7.52% in the first half of this year against the same period last year, the highest first-half growth rate in the 2011-2025 period, according to a General Statistics Office report on Vietnam’s socio-economic performance.
Inside Vietnam
Provincial Reform As A Catalyst For Regional Synergy: Vietnam has undergone one of its most sweeping administrative reforms in decades, marked by a week of unprecedented change. The merger of 52 provinces and centrally governed cities into 23 is not only a move to streamline government operations, but also a strategic development initiative designed to fully leverage regional strengths.
Vietnam’s Gold Market Shake-Up: Boon Or Bottleneck For Business? In its draft amendments to Decree 24/2012/ND-CP on gold trading management, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has proposed ending the State’s monopoly on gold bar production and transitioning to a conditional licensing system overseen by the SBV. However, businesses have voiced concerns that the proposed licensing requirements and continued controls on gold imports could lead to the reemergence of sub-licenses that are overly restrictive or selectively issued. This would hinder gold trading activity and limit market access.
Improving Business Efficiency: Vietnamese businesses are increasingly focusing on boosting labor productivity as a means to enhance overall company performance, leveraging modern management practices and advanced software solutions.
Business
The SBV’s Policy Playbook Put To The Test: The 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs by the Trump administration expires on July 9, 2025. This is a focal point for the markets in the coming days and might be one of the key reasons the exchange rate between the Vietnam dong and the U.S. dollar has come under considerable pressure recently.
Tariffs Make Things Unpredictable: In the near term, the stock market is expected to remain volatile, as investors await official announcements on potential trade agreements between the United States and its partners. The uncertainty stems from the upcoming expiration of President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, set to end on July 9.
Living
More Than Just A Stopover: After more than a decade abroad, Joanna Mierzwa has discovered her true home in the dynamic and ever-evolving city of Ho Chi Minh. The Polish expatriate, entrepreneur, and mother to a Vietnamese- speaking daughter shares how Vietnam’s warmth, safety, and entrepreneurial energy have shaped her journey—enabling her to build a community-driven fitness business from the ground up. In a conversation with The Saigon Times, she reflects on cultural contrasts, the experience of raising a child in a deeply family-oriented society, and why, for her, Vietnam is far more than just a stopover—it is a place to flourish.
Phu Yen Through The Lens: Phu Yen, a tranquil destination on Vietnam’s south-central coast, lives up to its name which translates to “prosperity” (phú quý) and “peacefulness” (yên bình). It is a place where nature’s quiet splendor meets cultural heritage, offering a deeply calming escape from the chaos of modern life. More than just a destination, Phu Yen is a sanctuary for the soul.
Travel
Tu Nac Village Invites Adventure Seekers: Perched atop a mountain in Nam Tra My—now part of Danang City—Tu Nac Village remains a quiet haven, untouched by tourism and modern development. It offers intrepid travelers a rare window into the rhythms of Vietnam’s remote highland life, where tradition and nature remain deeply intertwined.
Hue Salt Rice: A Delicate Flavor Of Imperial Cuisine: Once reserved solely for Vietnamese royalty, Hue salt rice—known as cơm muối—is a refined culinary tradition that showcases the artistry and ingenuity of women in the ancient imperial capital.
