Focus: Challenges Behind Free Bus Rides: Free bus fares are seen as a way to encourage people in HCMC to shift to public transport. However, the real question now is how the policy is implemented to deliver meaningful change.
Inside Vietnam
What’s Driving Q1 Growth? Vietnam recorded economic growth of 7.83% in the first quarter of 2026, higher than the 7.07% achieved in the same period of 2025. This outcome is somewhat surprising given that the domestic economy has been significantly affected by global instability, ranging from the conflict in the Middle East to supply chain disruptions and energy price shocks.
Grappling With Rising Costs: Rising input and borrowing costs are putting manufacturing companies under “double pressure.” As margins narrow and cash flow tightens, many are cutting back on investment and restructuring to stay afloat.
Proposals For Draft Special Urban Law: The drafting of the Special Urban Law aims to institutionalize the directives set out in Resolution 31-NQ/ TW dated December 30, 2022 of the Politburo regarding the directions and tasks for the development of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) through 2030, with a vision to 2045. This represents an opportunity to transform political commitments into stable legal authority that cannot be revoked by sub-law documents. However, in order to truly “go beyond the framework of special mechanisms,” this draft law must address three fundamental legal issues.
Business
Banks Prep For International Financial Services: Vietcombank has just announced plans to seek shareholder approval to establish a subsidiary operating within the Vietnam International Financial Center, followed by a series of similar moves from other banks. This development signals that Vietnamese banks are beginning to prepare for participation in the international financial services arena, including investment and asset management at a higher level.
Magnets For Investors In Q2: Vietnam’s stock market remains volatile and under corrective pressure as it grapples with multiple challenges. While the majority of sectors are weighed down by overall market conditions, certain industries are finding unexpected advantages amid supply chain disruptions. Which groups of stocks could emerge as attractive magnets for investors in the second quarter of 2026?
Living
Living With The Wind On Phu Quy: Adrift in open waters, far from the mainland, Phu Quy Island is being reshaped by more than waves.
Rowing Through Wartime Legacy: Nestled in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap, the Xeo Quit historical relic site is not only a significant site that preserves the nation’s wartime legacy but also a tranquil eco-tourism destination.
Travel
Butterfly Season In Cuc Phuong National Park: An earlier-than-usual butterfly season at Cuc Phuong National Park is drawing visitors and offering encouraging signs of the resilience of its forest ecosystem.
Tasting Fermented Goat Meat In Ninh Binh: Alongside scorched rice and lemon-cured goat meat, fermented goat meat is a signature dish that reflects the culinary identity of Ninh Binh Province.
