Focus: Redefining Fairness For PIT: In the latest proposed revision of Vietnam’s personal income tax (PIT) policy, the Ministry of Finance suggests increasing personal and dependent deductions, reducing the number of tax brackets, and widening the income range between brackets. But will these changes address the core issue of tax fairness, especially as the structure of worker incomes and expenses has significantly evolved over the years?
Inside Vietnam
What Comes Next For Sustainable Finance? The Government’s Decision 21 on green taxonomy has ushered in a new era for the green capital market, encompassing both bank credit and green bonds. However, for green capital flows to truly thrive, the completion of the legal framework and the synchronization of incentive policies remain key challenges to address.
Emissions Reduction: No Time To Waste: Vietnam’s textile and garment industry has set an ambitious goal: to reduce electricity consumption by 15% and water usage by 20% by 2030. Mounting pressure from international consumers and buyers has accelerated the urgency, compelling small and medium-sized enterprises in the sector to take swift and decisive action. Achieving this target demands an unwavering commitment and a clearly defined, step-by-step implementation strategy.
Discarded EV Batteries Also A Resource: As Vietnam’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution accelerates, the battery challenge is no longer purely a technical matter—it has become a multidimensional issue encompassing environmental concerns, policy frameworks, and strategic technological competition among manufacturers. Le Thanh Hai, director of the Center for Applied Economic Consulting at the HCMC Institute for Development Studies, shared his insights into the EV battery ecosystem—from production and usage to advanced recycling capabilities, flexible financial mechanisms, and policy thinking that promotes innovation rather than rigid control.
Business
Waiting For The Upgrade: The recent surge in Vietnam’s stock market is largely driven by growing expectations that it will be upgraded to emerging market status by FTSE this September – a development supported by the ongoing modernization of market infrastructure.
Credit Quotas Out, Capital Buffers In: Circular 14/2025/TT-NHNN, recently issued by the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), marks a significant step toward Basel III standards. It offers banks more autonomy but also demands tighter supervision to prevent credit bubbles that triggered financial instability in the past.
Living
A New Recipe For Life: Seventeen years ago, Nathan Milner, co-founder of Cheesecake Ngon & Bagel Brothers, arrived in Vietnam with little idea of what was ahead. What started as a leap into the unknown has since developed into a story as rich and layered as the cheesecakes he is known for—filled with unexpected turns, challenges, and rewards, much like the city he now calls home—Ho Chi Minh City. In an interview with The Saigon Times, the Aussie baker reflects on his journey from wide-eyed newcomer to successful entrepreneur in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities.
Flea Markets In HCMC: HCMC is known for its towering commercial centers and sprawling industrial zones. But away from the city’s glittering façade lies a quiet, informal economy—one that thrives in alleyways, sidewalks, and bustling secondhand markets.
Travel
Hon Rua: A Pristine Island In Central Coast: Hon Rua, a small islet off the coast of Lam Dong Province, is emerging as a quiet retreat for travelers seeking unspoiled natural beauty. Located more than 100 meters from the mainland, Hon Rua (Turtle Islet) is named for its turtle shell-like shape.
Tasting The Cake Of Love In Hue City: Visitors to A Luoi Commune in the central city of Hue can experience the cultural heritage of the Ta Oi ethnic community through its signature dish, a quat cake, often called the “love cake.”
