Focus: Unlocking New Opportunities: The upgrade of Vietnam–Indonesia relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is set to accelerate economic and trade cooperation nationwide, with stronger collaboration expected in aquaculture, science and technology, the digital economy, and the fast-growing halal sector. In an interview with The Saigon Times, Carolina Tinangon, consul general of the Republic of Indonesia in HCMC, says the strengthened partnership will deepen supply-chain connectivity, widen investment flows, and create new opportunities for businesses in both countries as they work toward US$18 billion in bilateral trade by 2028.
Inside Vietnam
Growth Drivers For 2026: The National Assembly has approved an economic growth target of at least 10% for 2026, the highest ever. This raises an important question: where will the momentum for such an ambitious goal come from?
Strong Credit Growth And Liquidity Pressures: Capital mobilization has been rising at a slower pace than outstanding loans — a trend seen across many banks since the beginning of the year.
Maritime Space: A Global Logistics Gateway: Editor’s note: Facing new challenges, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) needs a major shift in thinking — to restructure its ground space for more efficient use while expanding its vision into five new development dimensions: the sea, the sky, the underground, the digital, and the cultural. When these spaces are planned and connected in a coordinated way, they will not only ease the burden on the ground but also open up new horizons for a more dynamic, sustainable, and creative HCMC in the new era.
Business
Strong Branding Fortifies Market Standing: A brand reflects a company’s core promise and remains one of its most valuable assets. It signals trust and often influences customer decisions. These points were emphasized by experts at the seminar “Building Brands to Enter International Markets: From Strategy to Practice,” held on November 20 by the Saigon Times Group in collaboration with the HCMC Department of Industry and Trade.
Where Is Money Heading For?: Liquidity in the stock market has dropped markedly in recent weeks. Beyond the negative market developments that have led many investors to temporarily withdraw, are cash flows from securities now being redirected into alternative investment channels?
Living
Returning Home With A Mission: After spending more than four decades living and working in Europe, especially in Switzerland, Truong Dinh Ngo and his wife, artist Camille Huyen (a descendant of Hue’s former royal family), chose to return to their homeland—the central city of Hue. This move is not just about seeking a peaceful retirement life but a dedicated journey—from founding the “Thank the Perfume River” group to clean the waterway, to developing Ben Xuan Theater as an international cultural center. In this interview with The Saigon Times, Ngo and his wife share their views on transforming Hue into a city that is green, clean, beautiful, peaceful, and elegant, where growth and the quality of life for its residents go hand in hand.
Scenic Landscapes Through The Lens: Saigon Tiep Thi, a publication of the Saigon Times Group, is continuing its “Vietnam’s Top 7 Impressions” program with five nomination categories highlighting notable travel experiences and destinations across the country.
Travel
Mat Weaving Village In Dong Thap Province: Dinh Yen Village in Dong Thap Province has preserved a traditional mat-weaving craft for over 100 years, alongside its famous rice fields and fruit orchards.
Centella Salad: A Simple Delight From The Countryside: A simple mix of centella leaves and river shrimp has long been a popular dish in rural Vietnam, providing a refreshing taste and significant health benefits.
