Focus: Voters, who are businesspeople and association leaders in HCMC, have voiced their expectations for the new legislature, hoping it will advance institutional reforms and introduce policies that reflect the realities of the corporate sector.
Inside Vietnam:
When Energy Security Comes Under Threat: In the structure of the global economy, the Middle East has long been likened to the “heart” of the energy market. As a result, any geopolitical upheaval or military conflict in the region immediately triggers chain reactions in global oil prices. The current conflict is not merely about gunfire; it also marks the beginning of a new cycle of fuel price volatility, directly threatening the stability of production costs and inflation indicators in many countries, including Vietnam.
A Multi-Layered Shield For Energy: Volatile fuel prices and the risk of energy supply disruptions are testing Vietnam’s ability to manage systemic risks as global geopolitical tensions grow increasingly unpredictable
Business:
Forex Market Faces New Challenges: The U.S. dollar typically strengthens in times of heightened political, geopolitical, and policy uncertainty. The depth and superior liquidity of U.S. financial markets ensure that the dollar remains a preferred safe-haven asset when global markets experience shocks. However, recent economic and geopolitical developments suggest that the outlook for the dollar may become increasingly complex.
Stocks Under Pressure: The ongoing U.S.–Israeli war effort against Iran has become a major source of turbulence in global financial markets, and Vietnam’s stock market is no exception. A wave of margin calls is accelerating the decline in share prices, triggering forced selling and fueling a domino effect that makes a near-term recovery unlikely. The key question now is: what factors will shape the market outlook in the foreseeable future?
Living:
Election Day Through The Lens: Over 76.188 million citizens, or 99.68% of eligible voters, cast their ballots in Vietnam’s elections of the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 term on March 15. In particular, the HCMC Election Committee confirmed a 99% turnout, with over 9.42 million residents casting their ballots on March 15. All 168 localities across the southern metropolis recorded participation rates of at least 95%, with 38 of them achieving a perfect 100% turnout. Based on the final election minutes, the National Election Council is scheduled to announce the official results and the list of elected members of the 16th National Assembly no later than March 25. Similarly, the election committees at the provincial and communal levels must finalize and publish the results and lists of elected representatives for their respective People’s Councils within the same 10-day timeframe following the election.
Breathing New Life Into Heritage Garment: “Áo bà ba” has been worn in Southern Vietnam for generations. Once so common that it was almost invisible, it was valued mainly for its practicality and comfort. Farmers wore it while planting rice and pushing their boats along the canals. For a long time, it was rarely regarded as fashion. That perception is now beginning to change—thanks to Mi Trang.
Travel:
Craft Villages On Journey Through Time: In the evocative return-to-origin journey, the heartfelt identity experience acts as a significant gateway into the living culture of the central coastal city of Danang.
