50 Companies Awarded Gold Brand Award in Ho Chi Minh City

Key pointsOn October 13, 2026, the 6th Gold Brand Award ceremony was held in Ho Chi Minh City, honoring 50 companies. This award aims to create new competitiveness through corporate culture, emphasizing the promotion of digitalization and greening for sustainable growth.
Business impactJapanese companies should pay attention to the trends in corporate culture and sustainable growth in Ho Chi Minh City and reflect these in their strategies. Incorporating digitalization and environmental considerations is essential for enhancing competitiveness.

Key pointsOn October 13, 2026, Vietnam's national brand specialist site will be upgraded to deliver information about companies and products to domestic and international consumers and partners. This initiative aims to enhance Vietnam's brand competitiveness through the development of a data platform and the use of the latest technologies, particularly to improve recognition in international markets.
Business impactJapanese companies need to reassess their brand strategies and strengthen marketing strategies utilizing digital platforms.

Key pointsCorporate culture is recognized as an important resource alongside capital, technology, human resources, and markets. The program for selecting 'Vietnam Business Culture Standard Companies' will begin in 2026, emphasizing that corporate culture is the foundation for sustainable growth. It plays a role in shaping corporate identity, enhancing trust, strengthening unity, and improving competitiveness.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this trend and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local practices.

Key pointsOn October 13, 2026, three international exhibitions—MTA Hanoi 2026 for precision machinery manufacturing, SemiTronics Vietnam 2026 for semiconductors and electronics, and ProPak Hanoi 2026 for packaging technology—were held simultaneously at the Vietnam Exhibition Center in Hanoi. This event is expected to showcase the latest technologies and products in the industry, expanding business opportunities.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, these exhibitions provide a good opportunity to connect with new business partners and customers. Particularly in the manufacturing and logistics sectors, gathering information on the latest technological trends is crucial for enhancing competitiveness.

Key pointsOn October 12, 2026, Vietbank (Vietnam Commercial Bank, HOSE: VBB) announced the appointment of Lê Thanh Hải as Vice President. This decision aims to strengthen the bank's management team and enhance its ability to execute business strategies. The new vice president is expected to play a crucial role in the bank's growth strategy.
Business impactThis appointment may impact dealings and lending conditions for Japanese companies with Vietbank. Companies utilizing financial services should pay attention to potential improvements in services going forward.

Key pointsOn October 11, 2026, a conference to promote Son La coffee trade was held in Son La Province, discussing the enhancement of sustainable Arabica coffee value. Son La Province aims to improve the quality of Arabica coffee for the international market and establish a regional brand. A coffee festival was also successfully held, raising awareness of Arabica coffee as a local specialty.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the growth of the coffee market in Son La Province presents new business opportunities. Efforts to improve quality will be a crucial element in export strategies.

Key pointsMr. Ho Thuy Anh, born in 1992 and previously working in the LED equipment sector for semiconductors in the US, established the startup IBAS in Vietnam utilizing microbiological technology. He provides a 2kg raw material kit that enables producers of tonkatsu to generate 250 liters of microorganisms locally, aiming to reduce transportation costs and alleviate farmers' burdens. IBAS has been selected as a finalist for the 2026 Creative Young Entrepreneur (CYE) competition.
Business impactThis business model aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency in the agricultural sector, making it worthwhile for Japanese companies to pay attention to and consider adopting such new technologies and business models. In particular, agriculture-related companies should advance product development tailored to local needs.

Key pointsVinamilk, one of the few companies in Vietnam to maintain consumer trust for 30 years, will showcase its efforts to meet consumer expectations at the 'Vietnam Quality Products' 30th Anniversary Festival in Ho Chi Minh City from October 8 to 11. The company prioritizes quality and continuously sets new standards, including a $450,000 investment in a Swiss electric canning machine to enhance quality control. By 2023, all of its powdered milk products will meet international standards, and it aims to win the 'World Dairy Innovation Award' by 2026.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this trend and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Japanese business summary. Read the original source for the source language.

Key pointsベトナムとカンボジアは、貿易額を200億ドルに引き上げることを目指しています。両国の首相は、貿易障壁を取り除き、生産の連携を強化することに合意しました。2025年には、貿易額が114億ドルに達し、前年よりも12%増加しています。
Business impact日本企業は、両国間の貿易拡大に伴い、新たなビジネスチャンスを見出すことができるため、特に製造業や物流業界において、戦略的な投資を検討する価値があります。

Key pointsOn October 9, 2026, at a seminar in Nha Trang, EVNGENCO1 expressed its commitment to implementing innovations aimed at improving productivity. The seminar showcased specific examples of data management and technological innovations utilizing AI, emphasizing the need for an environment where all employees can contribute to innovation.
Business impactThis initiative may contribute to productivity enhancement and cost reduction for Japanese companies. Investment in technological innovation and human resource development is particularly important.

Key pointsOn October 9, 2026, Vietnam Railways established an Asset Development and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) division. This new division aims to efficiently utilize assets and increase non-transport revenue. Le Dinh Ha, former president of Saigon Railway Company, has been appointed as the head. The division will promote commercial use of land and assets and advance urban development related to public transport, enhancing railway revenue and aiming for sustainable growth.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the development of Vietnam's railway infrastructure may impact logistics and transportation costs. Companies considering investments in railway-related projects should closely monitor future trends.

Key pointsOn October 8, 2026, the Vietnam Quality Products Association held the 30th Anniversary Festival of Vietnam Quality Products in Ho Chi Minh City, themed 'Pride and Heritage'. Over 580 companies were recognized as Vietnam Quality Products for 2026. After 30 years, there are expectations for Vietnamese quality products to advance to a new stage.
Business impactThis event serves as an opportunity for Japanese companies to reaffirm the importance of brand strength and quality management in the Vietnamese market. Particularly, as product quality improvement directly correlates with competitiveness, quality management departments need to closely monitor this trend.