HCMC Proposes 10-Year Land Rent Exemption for Strategic Investors

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has proposed a new investment incentive policy that includes a 10-year land rent exemption for strategic investors. This policy is particularly applicable to projects related to elderly healthcare and environmental initiatives. Investors are expected to submit necessary documents online for a streamlined process.
Business impactThis policy presents new investment opportunities for Japanese companies. Firms interested in environmental technology and elderly healthcare projects should actively leverage this incentive.

Key pointsVietnam Electricity (EVN) announced its financial report for the first half of 2026, revealing a post-tax profit of 863.1 billion VND and deposits of 12.1835 trillion VND in banks. This has allowed EVN to eliminate cumulative losses from the past two years.
Business impactThe increase in EVN's profits indicates stability in power supply, prompting Japanese companies to consider reviewing electricity costs and improving energy efficiency.

Key pointsOn September 10, 2026, the tax authorities of Hanoi announced the establishment of a call center for taxpayer support, with a dedicated number 1900 886 889. This system aims to centrally receive and process taxpayer requests. The call center is designed to provide information related to taxes and ensure that taxpayers receive the necessary support.
Business impactJapanese companies are expected to utilize this new system to quickly handle tax-related inquiries, improving the efficiency of tax procedures. Particularly, efforts to strengthen tax compliance are crucial.

Key pointsViettel Global has announced a dividend payment of 33% for the fiscal year 2025, amounting to approximately 10.044 trillion VND. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on October 15, 2026, with Viettel holding 99.03% of the shares.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this development and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsMexico has decided to impose a $285.5 anti-dumping duty on Hòa Phát's hot-rolled steel sheets (HRC). This duty represents about half of the global steel prices, significantly undermining Hòa Phát's competitiveness. However, the Mexican market is relatively small for Vietnam's overall steel exports, and the impact is considered limited.
Business impactJapanese companies need to pay attention to trade barriers faced by firms like Hòa Phát. In particular, there may be a need to reassess export strategies as other countries could take similar measures.

Key pointsMajor global investment funds are actively purchasing Vietnamese bonds. Many banks, including state-owned banks, are raising deposit interest rates, indicating an increase in funding costs. This trend reflects a turning point in Vietnam's financial environment and serves as important reference material for individual investors.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the rise in local funding costs will necessitate a review of working capital and capital investment plans. It is particularly important for the manufacturing sector to closely monitor interest rate trends.

Key pointsSecurities company SHS analyzed that the inflow of foreign investment, the state-owned enterprise stock divestment plan, and the corporate performance outlook for Q3 2026 are three factors that will boost the Vietnamese stock market in September. In particular, continued net buying by foreign investors due to the FTSE upgrade is expected to significantly influence market trends.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the upgrade of the capital market may affect the fundraising environment and the credit assessment of partner companies. Especially, companies involved in the supply chain need to pay attention to the strengthening of local companies' financial foundations.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has signed a cooperation agreement with eight provinces and cities in the northern and north-central regions for economic and social development from 2026 to 2030. The agreement aims to concentrate resources on economy, tourism, agriculture, science and technology, and commerce to enhance regional competitiveness. Ho Chi Minh City aims to maintain its growth and contribute to regional development.
Business impactThis agreement signifies strengthened inter-regional cooperation for Japanese companies, with expectations for expanded business opportunities. Special attention is needed to seize cooperation opportunities, particularly in tourism and agriculture-related sectors.

Key pointsAsia Commercial Bank (ACB) and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) have signed an agreement to launch the ACB - Tran Mon Hung Scholarship Program. This program is jointly promoted by ACB and the family of Tran Mon Hung, aiming to foster youth development through educational support. An initial fund of 30 billion VND (approximately 1.5 million USD) has been provided, allowing students to participate in internships and mentorship programs at ACB. Additionally, ACB and UEH plan to conduct joint research on fintech and sustainable economic development.
Business impactThis program contributes to ACB's talent development strategy and is a crucial step in securing excellent candidates for future recruitment activities. Japanese companies should also seek opportunities to cultivate talented individuals through partnerships with such educational institutions.

Key pointsSaigon Commercial Bank (SCB) announced that it will auction two commercial properties, each measuring 1,680 square meters, located in Sentosa City, Da Nang, on September 17, 2026. The starting bid is set at 2.51 trillion VND. These properties have usage rights until 2068, and SCB aims to dispose of these assets as part of its efforts to recover non-performing loans. Currently, SCB is engaged in debt recovery amounting to 89.7 trillion VND, achieving a total of 36 trillion VND in receivables.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor the progress of SCB's asset disposal. In particular, legal procedures related to the auction and trends in the real estate market may impact future investment strategies.

Key pointsOn September 10, 2026, Deputy Minister Cao Anh Tuan visited to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Vietnam's tax industry. He praised efforts to improve tax management, simplify procedures, and upgrade IT systems. The tax authorities are introducing new management methods, including live streaming to assist taxpayers.
Business impactReforms in the tax industry will directly impact tax compliance for Japanese companies. In particular, improvements in IT systems may enhance the efficiency of tax procedures and reduce the burden on businesses.

Key pointsThe US Treasury's increasing intervention in the yen exchange rate and US bond market poses risks of dong depreciation and interest rate fluctuations affecting the Vietnamese economy. Given Vietnam's high export dependency, the intervention may influence investment decisions due to the strong impact of US monetary policy. Particularly, changes in US bond yields are a significant factor for capital flows to emerging markets.
Business impactJapanese companies need to prioritize foreign exchange risk management as fluctuations in the yen-dollar exchange rate directly affect supply chain costs. Companies exporting in dollars must enhance their management of foreign exchange gains and losses. Continuous monitoring of US monetary policy trends will be essential.