G20 Meeting Reveals Tensions, Potential Impact on Vietnam's Economy

Key pointsDuring the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting, tensions arose between the U.S. and China over 'cheap exports,' with China expressing dissent over the joint statement draft. This conflict could impact Vietnam's economy, which is highly export-dependent, especially if trade frictions with the U.S. and Europe escalate, potentially harming Vietnam's export environment.
Business impactJapanese companies may need to review their supply chains and manage risks for export-oriented businesses if U.S.-China trade tensions persist. Attention is particularly needed in export-related sectors such as textiles and electronic components.

Key pointsMajor construction projects are underway across Vietnam in preparation for National Day. Many engineers and workers are working through holidays to ensure project progress, particularly in the urgent development of power infrastructure for the 2027 APEC summit.
Business impactThis situation presents significant opportunities for the construction industry and related supply chains. Japanese companies are encouraged to pay attention to project progress and build collaborative relationships.

Key pointsIn An Giang Province, approximately 15,500 technicians and workers are continuing their work during the holiday period in preparation for APEC 2027. Provincial leaders have checked the project's progress and encouraged the workers, advancing preparations for the APEC event.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this situation and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsLong Thanh International Airport is scheduled to begin trial operations and commercial flights by the end of 2026. Infrastructure development from Ho Chi Minh City is progressing rapidly, particularly the construction of the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh route connecting the city to the airport. This is expected to maximize the capacity of the country's largest international airport.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this situation and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsHa Tinh Province held an investment promotion conference in Moscow on September 1, 2026, emphasizing the expansion of cooperation in economic, trade, and investment sectors based on the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia. The province is particularly calling for investments in high-tech industries, logistics, and tourism, with Russian participants showing interest in Vietnam's economic development.
Business impactJapanese companies can strengthen their access to the Russian market by leveraging investment opportunities in Ha Tinh Province. Strategic investments in high-tech and logistics sectors are essential for enhancing competitiveness.

Key pointsVietnam has set ambitious growth targets based on the achievements of 40 years of reform, aiming to enhance economic independence, strengthen corporate power, and improve citizens' living standards. A transformation of the economic model is required, emphasizing growth based on science, technology, and innovation, with plans to become a modern industrial nation by 2030 and a developed country by 2045. This is expected to lead to sustainable growth and improved international competitiveness.
Business impactJapanese companies need to reassess their investment strategies in line with Vietnam's economic growth. Capturing business opportunities in science, technology, and innovation sectors is crucial, along with focusing on improving workforce quality and productivity as the economic model transforms.

Key pointsROX Group reflects on its 30 years of growth in Vietnam and is currently participating in large-scale projects in Central Asia. Through its experiences since inception, the company has built trust and achieved operations in line with international standards. Currently, ROX is developing 14 industrial parks, creating over 82,000 jobs, and attracting more than 600 investors.
Business impactROX's growth serves as an important reference for Japanese companies. In particular, building long-term trust and adapting to international standards are key factors for enhancing competitiveness. Companies need to focus on talent development and organizational culture transformation, similar to ROX.

Key pointsProjects for APEC 2027 are ongoing across Vietnam even during national holidays. Notably, on Phu Quoc Island, approximately 15,500 workers are continuing construction, with significant building activities taking place. In Hanoi, work on the Tran Hung Dao Bridge is progressing, with the first steel installation completed. These constructions are part of essential infrastructure development for the APEC event.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the progress of these constructions may impact investment plans and project schedules. Companies involved in the construction sector need to focus on securing labor and adhering to deadlines.

Key pointsVietnam's first $3 trillion oil refinery, the Dung Quoc Refinery, received 1.25 million barrels of crude oil during the National Day celebrations. This refinery accounts for about 30% of the country's oil demand and has ensured stable supply through this crude oil intake.
Business impactThe stable operation of this refinery indicates energy supply reliability for Japanese companies, making it a crucial factor for future business developments.

Key pointsLeaders of Bac Thang Province expect Bayer, a German company, to explore cooperation opportunities in modern agriculture and healthcare in Vietnam, particularly in Bac Thang Province. The establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Germany and the proposal to make labor cooperation a key pillar of the strategic partnership have also been suggested. Bayer is expanding its activities in Vietnam in agricultural technology and health management.
Business impactJapanese companies may leverage collaboration with Bayer to capitalize on opportunities for technological innovation and talent development in agriculture and healthcare. Particularly in agricultural projects, utilizing Bayer's expertise is expected to enhance competitiveness.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has digitized four administrative procedures, including birth registration, permanent residence registration, issuance of health insurance cards, and identity cards for children under six years old. This allows for online processing, which is expected to expedite the procedures.
Business impactJapanese companies can utilize the digitized procedures to enhance the efficiency of administrative tasks, leading to faster business operations.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has reviewed the conditions for land division and announced a new minimum division area of 36 square meters. This new land policy, effective from January 1, 2026, aims to meet the actual needs of social security, including significant changes related to land recovery, resettlement, and urban development. Improved efficiency in land use is expected as a result.
Business impactJapanese companies need to understand the new regulations regarding land use and consider appropriate responses, especially in real estate development and investment planning. It is crucial to reassess strategies for land acquisition and use before the new policies take effect.