Focus: Diagnosing The Real Estate Market: Editor’s Note: A series of policy proposals—ranging from credit regulations to tax measures—have recently been introduced to recalibrate Vietnam’s real estate market. The goals are to curb speculation and price inflation, improve access to housing for low- and middle-income earners, and steer the market toward sustainable development. However, to formulate feasible and effective solutions, one must first address the root causes and take into account the specific characteristics of Vietnam’s real estate market. The Saigon Times presents insights from experts on this issue.
Inside Vietnam
Creating More Spaces For Water: Following its merger with Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau, HCMC will have greater latitude to implement flood-control solutions in a cohesive, synchronized, and effective manner. The root cause of this issue must be recognized and resolved with a comprehensive and overarching planning vision.
A Motivation For Mekong Delta: In the Mekong Delta, the private sector is increasingly becoming a key driver in the agriculture, processing, and green logistics value chain. This growing role provides a foundation for developing regional connectivity clusters, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can collaborate, share resources, and generate momentum for the local economy.
Social Housing For Lease: “Labor mobility will remain an inevitable trend over the next 10 to 20 years; therefore, stable accommodations—ranging from short- to long- term housing—must be developed for workers. Social housing should return to its fundamental purpose as a place to live, not an asset for ownership,” said Dr. Huynh Phuoc Nghia, director of the Economics, Law and Management Center of the Economics, Law and State Management School, University of Economics HCMC, in an interview with The Saigon Times.
Business
New Impetus For Stock Market: An upgrade by FTSE Russell would serve as a springboard for Vietnam’s stock market, accelerating its integration into the global financial system.
The Market Leaves Buyers Behind: As property prices in Hanoi and HCMC soar, for many residents, owning a home is becoming impossible. Experts say addressing the gap requires expanding supply in undersupplied segments, improving infrastructure, and diversifying financing options.
Living
Policies For Heritage Cities: The fifth Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the Organization of World Heritage Cities (OWHC-AP), held in Hue City from October 14-16, focused on a crucial socio-economic issue: How can heritage cities change the way people see heritage from a conservation burden to a driver of sustainable development, thereby improving residents’ quality of life?
Exploring Nipa Palm Forest By Basket Boat: Cam Thanh, located a few kilometers southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town in Danang City, is regarded as a unique ecological gem and an important hub for coastal tourism. With an extensive network of canals and nearly 100 hectares of water surface, it serves as a vital ecological convergence point, linking the Thu Bon River, Truong Giang River, and maritime routes to Cu Lao Cham Island.
Travel
Floating Bamboo Rafts On Boi River: Na Bo Hamlet, located along the section of the Boi River flowing through Hop Kim Commune in Phu Tho Province (formerly part of Sao Bay Commune, Kim Boi District, Hoa Binh Province), has become a spot where visitors can sit on bamboo rafts and enjoy views of the mountain ranges on both sides of the river.
Tasting Fermented Shrimp Paste With Minced Pork: Fermented shrimp paste cooked with minced pork, known as Mắm tép chưng thịt, is a traditional dish frequently enjoyed in everyday meals, especially in northern households during the cooler months.
