Ho Chi Minh City to Use Land for Flood Prevention Project Payment

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has decided to use two plots of land in the city center as payment for a flood prevention project contract. This project, with an expected investment of 10 trillion VND, began in 2016 but has faced delays. The land used for payment is located on Tran Hung Dao Street and Le Thuan Kiet Street, covering a total area of 3.2 hectares. The project aims to protect 6.5 million residents from flooding, considering the impacts of climate change.
Business impactThis decision indicates investment opportunities in public works for Japanese companies. In particular, construction and infrastructure-related firms should pay attention to upcoming contracts and projects.

Key pointsThe Vietnam Airports Corporation (ACV) announced a plan to invest approximately 10 trillion VND (about 500 million USD) to renovate and expand Terminal T1 of Da Nang International Airport. This project aims to handle 14 million passengers annually, addressing both domestic and international demand. Additionally, the expansion of the parking area will enhance aircraft accommodation capacity.
Business impactThis project may provide new business opportunities for Japanese companies, contributing to the tourism industry and economic growth in the Da Nang region. Tourism-related businesses should pay particular attention.

Key pointsOn August 27, 2026, the Vietnam Airport Corporation (ACV) announced in collaboration with Da Nang City the commencement of the renovation and expansion project for the T1 passenger terminal at Da Nang International Airport, along with the expansion of aircraft parking areas. This project aims to increase the airport's capacity to 14 million passengers annually to meet the demands of tourism and trade. The total investment is 9.936 trillion VND (approximately 430 million USD), with the expanded facilities expected to be completed by January 2029. Additionally, Da Nang City has launched a newly digitized flight information service.
Business impactThis project will facilitate the expansion of air transport in Da Nang and serve as a crucial element in supporting the growth of the tourism industry. Japanese companies can anticipate new business opportunities in the tourism and logistics sectors.

Key pointsVietnam's first airline named after an island, Sun Phu Quoc Airlines, will commence commercial operations in November 2025. The airline plans to establish a network connecting major cities domestically and internationally to develop Phu Quoc as an international tourist destination, with plans to expand international routes by 2026. It aims to have 100 aircraft by 2030 and 200 by 2035, including an order for 40 Boeing 787-9s targeting direct flights to Europe and Australia.
Business impactThe emergence of this new airline presents new business opportunities for Japanese companies in tourism and logistics. In particular, businesses based in Phu Quoc can expect to expand their customer base due to improved international access.

Key pointsBamboo Airways announced a reduction in its fleet from eight aircraft at the beginning of the year to just one. The only aircraft currently in operation is a 13.5-year-old Airbus A321-200. The airline previously owned 44 aircraft, but legal issues faced by the founder and failed restructuring efforts have led to this decline. Recent data shows that in June, the airline operated 725 flights, with 241 of them delayed, indicating a decrease in operational reliability. Bamboo Airways has sent apology letters to customers, indicating potential delays in refund processing.
Business impactThis situation may impact Japanese companies dealing with Bamboo Airways, as the decline in operational reliability and delays in customer service could affect their operations. Particularly in logistics and travel-related businesses, there may be a need to consider alternative options.

Key pointsNutiFood Group announced plans to purchase additional shares in QNS, a leader in Vietnam's soy milk market. NutiFood intends to acquire 650,000 shares, while NutiFood Binh Phuoc plans to buy 350,000 shares, raising NutiFood's ownership to approximately 3.82% and NutiFood Binh Phuoc's to about 4.58%. This move enhances NutiFood Group's influence over QNS.
Business impactNutiFood's stock purchase is a strategic move driven by the growth of the soy milk market, prompting Japanese companies to closely monitor market trends. Particularly, businesses in the food industry should take valuable lessons from NutiFood's actions.

Key pointsVietnam's digital economy is expected to account for 14.02% of GDP by 2025, generating approximately $72.1 billion in value, making it a significant growth engine. There is a demand for value creation through data utilization and active participation of women, along with the need for institutional and resource support. These elements are essential for promoting the growth of the digital economy.
Business impactJapanese companies should focus on data utilization and promoting women's employment in line with the growth of the digital economy. In particular, the IT and HR departments should consider new strategies.

Key pointsOn July 9, 2026, an EPC contract was signed between the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (BSR) and the consortium of Chengda - BPE for the expansion project of the Dung Quat Refinery. This will facilitate the rapid progress of preparatory work for the project. The expansion of the refinery is expected to contribute to the stabilization of domestic energy supply.
Business impactThis project presents a significant opportunity for energy-related businesses, and Japanese companies should not miss related supply chain and investment opportunities.

Key pointsThe Hanoi Market Surveillance Authority has uncovered multiple facilities dealing in counterfeit LPG (liquefied petroleum gas). During inspections on August 6, 1,142.4 kg of fake LPG was discovered, along with 1,645 counterfeit prevention labels and 257 pieces of false information. These facilities were found to be systematically involved in the entire process from gas filling to distribution and sales. The distribution of fake LPG poses a direct danger to consumer safety, and legal actions are expected.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen product quality management and supply chain transparency, considering the increase in counterfeit goods. Particularly, businesses involved in LPG-related activities should reassess the reliability of their partners to mitigate legal risks.

Key pointsA new urban development project called 'Vinhomes Saigon Park' is being established in the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to accommodate around 60,000 students within a 150-hectare university campus. This project adopts an urban model centered on education, research, and innovation, covering a total area of 1,080 hectares, with plans for a 200-hectare golf course and 100 parks.
Business impactThis project presents new opportunities in the education-related business and real estate development sectors. Japanese companies may find it worthwhile to consider partnerships with educational institutions and the provision of new services.

Key pointsAsia-Pacific Sustainable Development Corporation purchased 10 million shares of KBC between July 29, 2026, and August 21, 2026.
Business impactThis move may impact KBC's stock price and market confidence, necessitating a review of investment strategies.

Key pointsOn August 21, 2026, a forum on the Global Value Chain of Vietnam and ASEAN was held in Ho Chi Minh City, discussing new opportunities in international logistics and the development of sustainable agriculture. The forum emphasized the importance of addressing challenges in ASEAN's economic growth and trade, particularly the need for data and regulatory harmonization. ASEAN's trade accounts for only 22% of the total, which is low compared to the EU's 67%.
Business impactJapanese companies need to develop strategies that consider data and regulatory consistency to enhance their competitiveness in the ASEAN market. There is a particular demand for transparency and sustainability in supply chains.