Focus: Economists often explain a country’s prosperity by comparing electricity consumption with income per capita: the faster GDP grows, the greater the demand for electricity. Accordingly, to meet growth targets of 10% or higher in 2026 and thereafter, Vietnam’s power sector will face significant pressure—especially as the country must also honor its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Inside Vietnam
What Does Vietnam Need To Adapt? The World Urbanization Prospects 2025 report is the latest publication by the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA). It compiles data on populations living in urban, town, and rural areas worldwide from 1950 to 2025, with projections through 2050, covering 237 countries and territories. A key highlight of the report is that it does not rely solely on national definitions of “urbanization,” but also applies the Degree of Urbanization—a globally standardized urban classification system—to enable consistent cross-country comparisons of urbanization levels and to classify settlements based on population density.
Digital Transformation Goes Beyond Digitizing Paperwork: The final session of Vietnam’s 15th National Assembly concluded with a record number of laws on digital systems being passed. Observers have called it the “session of the digital era.” Among them, the Law on Digital Transformation is regarded as a foundational statute governing core issues such as the legal validity of digital data, digital assets, and regulatory sandboxes for technology policy experimentation. Right after the law was passed, The Saigon Times spoke with Mr. Tran Duy Ninh, director general of the National Digital Transformation Department (Ministry of Science and Technology), at a time when it is crucial for citizens and businesses to grasp the true spirit of digital transformation.
Opportunities For SOEs: The Politburo’s Resolution 79 on the development of the state business sector has set a goal of having one to three state-owned enterprises (SOEs) among the world’s top 500 corporations by 2030
Business
Will Foreign Investors Come Back? Foreign investors’ net selling in Vietnam’s stock market reached a record high in 2025. Will this trend reverse in 2026? What factors could entice them to return in the near future?
Good Achievements In A Tough Year: It was not surprising when the National Statistics Office announced that GDP in 2025 was estimated to grow by 8.02%. This figure had already been projected and widely anticipated by the administration. Notably, with core inflation for the year contained at 3.21%, the economy successfully achieved its twin targets in what was by no means an easy year.
Living
Hoi An In Quiet Transformation: As 2026 approaches, the Hoai River – winding through the heart of the renowned ancient town of Hoi An – maintains its signature tranquility. However, beneath this peaceful surface, a quiet transformation is occurring following the administrative restructuring that took effect on July 1 last year.
A Day Touching Heritage: Hanoi is more than just a destination; it is a living history. Over thousands of years, the capital has preserved layers of heroic stories and cultural elegance, making it a natural starting point for those wanting to understand the Vietnamese spirit. In a single day, the city shows why it remains one of the country’s most captivating places. Wandering through narrow, moss-lined streets, visitors experience a rhythm of life that is both understated and graceful—from sidewalk cafes filled with local charm to the gentle glow of lanterns across the Old Quarter at dusk. Traveling in Hanoi encour – ages slowing down, listening, and forming a deeper connection to this land of the Rising Dragon.
Travel
Chasing Clouds On Nhiu Co San: Standing at an altitude of 2,965 meters above sea level in Den Sang Commune, Lao Cai Province, Nhiu Co San is a premier destination for nature lovers and trekking enthusiasts, offering a raw, ethereal beauty that changes with every season.
Lau Cu Lao: The Soul Of Mekong Delta Feasts: More than just a dish, Lau Cu Lao (literally means hotpot of the islet) is a nostalgic symbol and a culinary “soul” that defines the grand celebrations and wedding feasts of the Mekong Delta’s river communities.
