AGP Executive Report

Overseas Work Costs: Vietnam’s average recruitment cost for overseas jobs fell 23.8% (VND164.9m in 2021 to $4,835 in 2025), while first-month earnings rose 25.4%, pushing SDG 10.7.1 down from 7.4 to 4.5. Banking Rules: The State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular 39/2026/TT-NHNN, effective Sept. 19, expanding how non-resident foreign credit institutions can use foreign-currency and VND accounts for payments and international transfers. Trade & Industry: Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports hit about $11.69bn in eight months (+5%); the US stayed the biggest market (49.9%), while China surged (+46.4%) to become Vietnam’s No.2. Policy for Culture: Lawmakers are reviewing a draft Cultural Industry Development law that could include VAT refunds for foreign film crews and other incentives ahead of an October vote. Energy & Nuclear: Petrovietnam and South Korea’s KEPCO agreed to intensify talks on Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear plant, including tech and financing options. Health: HCM City’s Military Hospital 108 and Thong Nhat Hospital completed Vietnam’s first living-donor liver transplant surgery, with the donor discharged and the recipient stable.

Vietnam–Russia diplomacy: President To Lam met Russia’s State Duma chair Vyacheslav Volodin in Moscow, with both sides stressing continued support for the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and legislative cooperation. Defense ties: Russia’s Defense Ministry said Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held talks with Vietnam’s Deputy PM and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang on military and military-technical cooperation. Education & culture exchanges: In Hanoi, Vietnam’s Deputy FM Dang Hoang Giang met US Assistant Secretary Cate Dillon, highlighting Fulbright support and urging more scholarships and US university training in Vietnam, while pushing cultural cooperation and people-to-people links. Aviation investment: AVi8 Airways announced Southern Vision Investment became a strategic investor, backing its ACMI and charter expansion across Southeast Asia. Trade & industry: Vietnam’s electronics sector posted a 262-billion-USD trade turnover in eight months, while Vietnam’s electronics and broader export push continues to draw foreign interest. Sports (regional): PVL coverage highlighted Farm Fresh’s win over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City team and Est Cola’s title run over Nxled, with Vietnam as a guest competitor.

Healthcare Reform: Politburo Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW sets up a major overhaul of Vietnam’s healthcare system, aiming for quality, equity, and faster digital transformation as the country faces aging and rising non-communicable diseases. Public Administration & Digital Services: Vietnam is pushing a shift to data-driven administrative procedures, while Ho Chi Minh City’s “Digital Citizen Station” model expands free, around-the-clock digital public services at the grassroots level. Economy & Growth: Vietnam’s economy is showing momentum, with industrial production up 11.9% in eight months, tourism nearing 16 million arrivals, and foreign investment and retail services continuing to strengthen. Trade & Investment Promotion: Vietnam is stepping up its push at the China–ASEAN Expo with a large booth presence and a new focus on AI, smart cities, and industrial park development. Finance & Markets: The Vietnam International Financial Centre proposes six product/service groups, including investment funds, asset-backed digital assets, carbon credits, and bond issuance. Transport & Safety: A sleeper bus fire in central Khanh Hoa killed one passenger; authorities are investigating the cause. Business Regulation: A new government decree clarifies rules for private placement of corporate bonds, including issuer responsibilities and dispute handling.

Vietnam-Russia Diplomacy: General Secretary and President To Lam begins a state visit to Russia (Sept. 7–9), with talks expected to cover trade, science/education and strategic technologies, as Moscow and Hanoi push deeper ties. Vietnam-Myanmar Regional Moves: Presidential Spokesperson says President U Min Aung Hlaing’s Vietnam visit delivered a two-year diplomatic roadmap and plans for connectivity corridors linking Vietnam’s Pacific access to Myanmar’s routes toward South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Korean-Vietnam Investment Talks: Vietnam’s National Assembly chair Tran Thanh Man meets South Korea’s PM Han Seong-sook in Seoul, discussing Korean participation in Vietnam’s infrastructure projects including high-speed rail and nuclear power. Education Benchmarking: Philippines Education Secretary Sonny Angara cites Vietnam’s teacher training and budget discipline as a reform model, saying the Philippines is “moving ahead” behind peers. Economy Watch: ADB says the Philippines could still hit 3.8% growth this year if government spending accelerates and household consumption recovers. Bilateral Culture & Tourism: Vietnam’s first Cultural Festival in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, draws Vietnamese and Japanese communities for people-to-people exchanges. Business/FDI Signals: Reports highlight Vietnam’s push to attract stronger capital via M&A and improved investment conditions, alongside ongoing policy updates for conferences, foreign-invested licensing, and digital exports.

Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam begins a state visit to Russia (Sept. 7) aimed at deepening the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and setting long-term cooperation directions. Regional Security: Vietnam also signals stronger defense and security ties as Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s Vietnam visit (Sept. 4–6) is framed as a push for more substantive, stable state-to-state relations. Economy & Industry: Vietnam’s industrial production rose 11.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, with manufacturing and processing leading growth, while a new decree clarifies conditions for business licences for foreign-invested firms. Infrastructure: Hanoi launches a passenger-and-freight hub programme, including a new passenger hub at Ngoc Hoi and a freight terminal at Thuong Tin, tied to planned rail upgrades. Business & Trade: Foreign investors increasingly seek footholds via M&A, with Indonesian capital deals boosting Vietnam’s inflows. Public Safety: Two people died in a hotel fire in Ho Chi Minh City; investigations are ongoing. Culture & Society: Miss World 2026 crowned Joheirry Mola in Vietnam, and the Miss World baton passed to Tanzania for the next edition.

Vietnam–Japan diplomacy: PM urges Vietnam-Japan local cooperation to turn strategic commitments into concrete action, with investment ties moving toward a co-development partnership. Vietnam–Russia ties: Russia and Vietnam reaffirm a comprehensive strategic partnership in a new development era, with officials signaling fresh momentum. Vietnam–Myanmar defense cooperation: Leaders agree to deepen defense and security cooperation as Myanmar President visits Vietnam and seeks to attract investment. Economy & trade: Vietnam pushes higher-value export growth and reports strong trade turnover and tourism arrivals, while also pitching new digital export capacity and infrastructure plans. Hanoi urban policy: Ho Chi Minh City delays its low-emission zone rollout by six months. Public safety: Two people were killed in a southern Vietnam traffic accident. Sports (PVL): Thailand’s EST Cola beats Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to reach the PVL Invitational final, while Nxled keeps finals hopes alive after beating Farm Fresh. Culture & global spotlight: Miss World 2026 crowns Joheirry Mola in Nha Trang, with continental titles announced and education-focused advocacy highlighted by Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty.

Miss World 2026: Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating 110 contestants; Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern took first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished second runner-up, while Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc reached the final stages. Vietnam–RoK Relations: National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man begins official visits to South Korea and Mongolia, with Vietnam–RoK ties described as deepening across politics and parliament. Culture & Heritage: Bat Trang pottery village in Hanoi is blending traditional craft with modern tech, from upgraded kilns to digital tools for design and sales. Agriculture & Tech: A new study explores using generative AI to help tomato disease detection when farmers and researchers lack large labeled datasets. Online Farm Sales: Vietnam is pushing farm produce into livestream and e-commerce channels, with local sellers reporting fast-moving orders and wider market access. Tourism & Health: Vietnam’s push to grow dental tourism is drawing concern from Australian dentists as more patients consider lower-cost treatment abroad. Sports (PVL): Creamline’s unbeaten run in the PVL Invitational ended with a loss to EST Cola, setting up a key Sunday matchup against defending champion PLDT.

Miss World 2026 in Vietnam: The 75th Miss World crown was won by Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, crowned in Nha Trang on Sept. 5 after a rain-interrupted finale at April 2 Square; Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes took first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty was second runner-up, while Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc reached the Top 6. Vietnam in the spotlight at Miss World: Philippine finalist Asia Rose Simpson made the Top 12 before later falling short of the Top 6, and Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc also advanced through fast-track challenges. PVL Invitational stakes: In the PVL Invitational, Nxled Chameleons kept their finals hopes alive with a win over Ho Chi Minh City, while Creamline and EST Cola both pushed toward the final round with key matches on Sunday. Vietnam–Myanmar ties: Vietnam and Myanmar agreed to deepen defense and security cooperation during high-level visits, as both sides seek a stronger new chapter in relations.

PVL Invitational (HCMC vs Nxled): Nxled kept its finals hopes alive by beating Ho Chi Minh City 3-1 (25-20, 31-33, 25-17, 25-22), with Jonah Sabete-Escamillan posting 18 points, 20 excellent receptions and 15 digs; the Chameleons improved to 2-2 and now face Farm Fresh on Sunday, while the standings remain tight. PVL Invitational (PLDT title race): PLDT also stayed in contention after a crucial win, leaving Nxled and PLDT tied at 2-2 but separated by the FIVB point tiebreak. Education reform push: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung opened the 2026–2027 school year in Lao Cai, urging “substantive reform” under Politburo Resolution 71-NQ/TW, with schools, teachers and classrooms driving visible change nationwide. Myanmar-Vietnam ties: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited Viettel and met Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi as both sides look to deepen cooperation across politics, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges. Culture at the UN: The UN General Assembly adopted a Vietnam-proposed “International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036),” with UNESCO set as the focal point.

PVL Invitational (Vietnam vs Nxled): Nxled edged Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City 25-20, 31-33, 25-17, 25-22 to stay in finals contention, after both teams traded momentum and Vietnam clawed back from a 19-10 deficit. PVL Invitational (PLDT bounce-back): PLDT recovered from early losses, beating Farm Fresh 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 as Savi Davison scored 32 points, keeping title defense alive. Miss World in Vietnam: The 75th Miss World pageant is set to culminate in Nha Trang on Sept. 5, with 111 delegates competing and the finale streamed live. Vietnam-Myanmar diplomacy: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and wife arrived in Hanoi for a three-day official visit, with talks covering defense, telecom, business and a Myanmar–Vietnam business forum. Hanoi infrastructure for APEC 2027: Hanoi is accelerating construction of seven Red River bridges to prepare for APEC 2027. Trade and investment: Vietnam’s trade turnover and FDI inflows remain strong in 2026, while Russia–ASEAN trade dialogue highlights Vietnam’s 14% growth in first-half 2026. National Day tourism push: Vietnam’s National Day celebrations drew crowds and boosted tourism across major hubs.

FDI Surge: Vietnam pulled in $40.63 billion in registered FDI in the first eight months of 2026, up 55.4% year-on-year, with 2,771 new projects worth $21.72 billion as manufacturing and processing stayed the biggest magnet. Trade & Food Security: The Philippines moved to temporarily ban FMD-susceptible animals and products from at least 23 countries, including Vietnam, after lab-confirmed outbreaks. Green Finance & Reporting Pressure: A commentary warns Vietnamese firms about the “high compliance, low value” trap—chasing overlapping standards and bank questionnaires can drain focus from real business change. Regional Integration: Australia’s ambassador says Vietnam’s deeper international engagement is helping shape the region and expand Vietnam–Australia economic ties. Sports (PVL): Ho Chi Minh City notched a breakthrough PVL Invitational win over defending champ PLDT, while EST Cola of Thailand edged Nxled in a five-set thriller. People & Policy: Vietnam’s leader To Lam is reportedly planning a September trip to Russia, France, the U.S., and Canada to strengthen partnerships amid trade uncertainty.

PVL Invitational: Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City shocked defending champion PLDT 28-26, 19-25, 25-21, 25-16, with 16-year-old Ho Thi Bich Diep scoring 18 and captain Dang Thi Kim Thanh adding 19, leveling the race at 1-2. PVL Invitational: In another match, Thailand’s EST Cola edged Nxled in five sets, 26-24, 21-25, 21-25, 30-28, 15-12, after a late comeback and a decisive final rally. Sports draw: East Bengal FC learned its AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27 group rivals, landing in Group B with Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City WFC, Hwacheon KSPO (Korea), and 4.25 SC (North Korea). Agriculture trade: Vietnam’s durian exports are estimated at $1.95 billion in Jan–Aug 2026, with China the top market, as officials target $3.85 billion this year. Justice & security: Vietnam sentenced 11 people to death and jailed 200 in a major drug trafficking case, underscoring ongoing crackdowns. Online safety: UNICEF reports 1 in 5 youths aged 12–17 face online sexual abuse or exploitation, highlighting the scale of the digital threat.

Tech & Startups: Qualcomm Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2026 named its top winners, with NAISCORP ROBOTICS taking first place and cash prizes totaling US$255,000, as Vietnam’s science ministry backs wider startup-to-research commercialization. Public Policy: Vietnam’s Party leadership held a nationwide videoconference on Sept. 3 to disseminate and implement Politburo resolutions and directives, with To Lam and other top officials addressing agencies nationwide. Tourism: Vietnam’s National Day holiday delivered strong results, led by Ho Chi Minh City’s 1.65 million domestic visitors and Quang Ninh’s 568,000 visitors and about 1.8 trillion VND revenue. Economy & Markets: The State Bank set the Sept. 3 reference rate at 25,615 VND/USD, up 5 VND from Aug. 28. Industry & Trade: VIFA ASEAN 2026 opened in HCMC, drawing nearly 200 exhibitors and linking Southeast Asian furniture supply chains through events and seminars running to Sept. 5. Agriculture & Food Security: The Philippines approved its first ASF vaccine for commercial sale, developed by AVAC Vietnam, aiming to support pork sector recovery after years of losses.

VinFast India Review: VinFast has told suppliers to “hold all activities” on three EV programmes in India—VF 3, and locally assembled VF 6 and VF 7—while it reviews costs, though it says VF 6 and VF 7 will continue via import-and-assemble. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Vietnam arrested Deputy Health Minister Tran Van Thuan over alleged bribe-taking linked to a probe into Viet My Medical Investment, accused of smuggling and inflating prices of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. Food Safety Alert: Hong Kong’s CFS ordered a recall of Vietnamese chicken eggs after fipronil levels exceeded the legal limit, with sales halted and shelves cleared. State Budget Update: Vietnam’s state budget revenue rose 16% year-on-year to an estimated 2.024 quadrillion VND in the first eight months of 2026, with domestic revenue up 16.6%. Remittance Access: Western Union partnered with JuanPay to expand remittance services across 2,000 JuanPay branches in the Philippines, starting with 1,400 locations. ASEAN Tourism Push: Quang Ninh (Vietnam) is among regions backing Cebu’s push to boost connectivity and investment through the East Asia tourism forum (EATOF).

Vietnam–Malaysia Air Links: Sun PhuQuoc Airways launched a daily Kuala Lumpur–Phu Quoc route on Sept. 1, cutting the trip to about 95 minutes and boosting leisure travel between the two countries. PVL Invitational (HCMC): Creamline stayed unbeaten, crushing Ho Chi Minh City 3-0 with Jaja Santiago-Minowa’s impact as the Cool Smashers set up a key clash vs Farm Fresh. Vietnam Savings Watch: Vietnam’s deposit rates are edging up, with some banks offering up to 9.2% for six-month terms, as savers look for steadier returns amid tougher business conditions. Nature & Conservation: A new report warns many Southeast Asian oak species face heavy human pressure, with Vietnam flagged as a biodiversity hotspot for threatened oaks. Vietnam Tech & Policy: Vietnam is pushing ahead with plans for AI infrastructure and a safer digital ecosystem, including moves toward a more regulated crypto market. Global Business/Tech: Apple’s CEO transition—Tim Cook to executive chairman, John Ternus as CEO—signals a new AI push as the company prepares for its next iPhone push.

Sports: Creamline kept its PVL Invitational momentum going, routing Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City 25-18, 25-16, 25-6, with Jaja Santiago-Minowa driving the attack as the Cool Smashers stayed unbeaten. Sports: In the same tournament, Nxled grabbed its first win by sweeping PLDT 25-19, 25-22, 25-20, as Lyann De Guzman delivered key third-set hits. Vietnam-Asia ties: Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met Vietnam’s Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on the sidelines of the SCO+ summit, stressing deeper political, economic and cultural cooperation. Business/industry: VinFast reportedly paused plans to locally manufacture three EV models in India (VF3, VF6, VF7) while reassessing costs, though VF6 and VF7 assembly for the Indian market is said to continue. Tech/security: Researchers flagged 13 malicious Composer theme packages on Packagist targeting Vietnamese movie and comic streaming sites, aiming to compromise unpatched iPhones via a WebKit-to-kernel spyware chain. Defense/region: The Royal Navy’s HMS Tamar made its first visit to Cambodia in decades, holding training with the Royal Cambodian Navy and discussing future cooperation.