Vietnam's Coal Power Plants Experiment with Wood Fuel Blending

Key pointsVinacomin Power of Vietnam and Japan's eREX are conducting experiments to blend wood chips and pellets as fuel in coal power plants. One plant has reportedly reached a blending ratio of 30%. This initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and aligns with Vietnam's power plan to eliminate coal usage by 2050. Similar efforts are planned for other power plants in the future.
Business impactThis initiative suggests new fuel supply opportunities for Japanese companies. With increasing environmental regulations, a shift towards renewable energy is expected to drive demand for wood pellets. Companies will need to reconsider their fuel procurement strategies.

Key pointsVietnam and Russia's energy cooperation is progressing towards the formation of a new energy supply chain based on the success of Vietsovpetro. Cooperation in the LNG and renewable energy sectors is particularly anticipated, with specific projects underway. By 2026, the leaders of both countries are expected to sign new contracts to establish a long-term framework for energy supply, thereby addressing Vietnam's energy demand.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, stabilizing energy supply could lead to reduced production costs. It is particularly important to consider participation in LNG projects and the introduction of renewable energy.

Key pointsOn September 7, 2026, a meeting regarding the operation of the international financial center was held in Ho Chi Minh City, reporting that Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City are collaborating on 21 projects. These projects are related to energy, infrastructure, logistics, and green transition, with 5 to 7 feasible projects prioritized for advancement. The Ministry of Finance has indicated plans to establish a foundation for the issuance of international bonds and municipal bonds.
Business impactThis move may provide new investment opportunities for Japanese companies. Companies involved in infrastructure-related projects should prioritize gathering information early and building strategic partnerships.

Key pointsVietnamese startups commonly establish corporations in Singapore due to the unattractiveness of Vietnamese laws for international investors, particularly concerning preferred shares and asset valuation. Many companies are unable to secure loans using assets as collateral, hindering fundraising efforts. Additionally, regulations in Vietnam are seen as obstructive to the experimentation of new technologies. It is suggested that the government needs to create special systems for startups.
Business impactJapanese companies should pay attention to changes in the Vietnamese startup environment, particularly trends related to fundraising and legal framework improvements. To avoid missing new business opportunities, they should remain sensitive to changes in local legal systems and investment climates.

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Key pointsユアンタ・ベトナムは、9月中に登録した最初の100名の投資家に対して、年利6.8%のマージンを提供するプログラムを開始しました。このプログラムは、ベトナムがFTSE Russellの新興市場に昇格するタイミングで実施され、多くの投資機会が期待されています。投資家は、資金調達の柔軟性を高めることができるでしょう。
Business impact日系企業は、資金調達の選択肢を広げるために、マージン取引を活用することを検討すべきです。特に、資金効率を重視する企業にとっては、重要な機会となります。

Key pointsVietnamese government bonds have shown relatively stable movements amid global selling pressure. Notably, the yields on 2-year and 10-year government bonds have decreased to 3.87% and 4.43%, respectively. This contrasts with the yields on government bonds in Japan and Western countries, which have reached their highest levels in decades. Specifically, Japan's 10-year government bond yield has hit 3%, the highest since 1996. The yields on Vietnamese government bonds remain lower than historical levels, reflecting a stable fiscal situation.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the stability of the Vietnamese government bond market is a crucial factor in financing and investment strategies. Companies considering long-term investments need to closely monitor the trends in Vietnamese government bond yields and manage risks accordingly.

Key pointsThe State Bank of Vietnam has proposed raising the loan limit that banks can offer to customers for significant large-scale projects in Hanoi to 52%, up from the current 21%. This substantial increase aims to facilitate the funding necessary for project implementation, with new regulations applying to projects meeting specific conditions and a streamlined review process in place.
Business impactThis change may expand investment opportunities for Japanese companies in large-scale projects in Hanoi. In particular, the increased flexibility in financing is expected to accelerate project execution.

Key pointsAs of August 28, 2026, Vingroup's (VIC) market capitalization reached approximately 1,830 trillion dong, marking an increase of about 525 trillion dong (around 20 billion USD) since the beginning of the year. This increase surpasses the current market capitalization of Vietcombank, positioning Vingroup as the third-largest entity if considered independently. Vingroup aims for revenues of approximately 331,800 trillion dong in 2025 and 485,000 trillion dong in 2026.
Business impactVingroup's growth is a significant indicator for related companies and investors. In particular, Japanese companies need to explore new business opportunities through transactions and partnerships with Vingroup.

Key pointsThung Nguyen Legend is celebrating its 30th anniversary and accelerating its store expansion in the U.S. and China. By August 2026, it plans to open two new stores in Frisco and Garland, Texas, bringing its total in the U.S. to 20. Additionally, it will establish three new stores in China, reaching over 30 locations in total. This aims to promote Vietnamese coffee culture internationally, with CNN recognizing its E-Coffee as part of a strategy to spread Vietnamese coffee culture worldwide. Furthermore, in July 2026, it was selected as one of the 'Top 10 Trusted Brands in Asia' at the Vietnam-Asia Economic Cooperation Forum.
Business impactThis movement presents significant opportunities for Vietnam's coffee industry. Japanese companies should take inspiration from Thung Nguyen Legend's success and reconsider strategies for promoting Vietnamese culture and products in international markets. Emphasizing cultural elements in marketing and branding strategies will be particularly important.

Key pointsSamsung's four factories in Vietnam reported a profit of $2.31 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 23.5% increase. Total sales reached approximately $35.2 billion, a 21% increase year-on-year. Notably, the Samsung Thai Nguyen factory accounted for about 46% of the total profit, driven by strong demand for new products, particularly the Galaxy Fold 8.
Business impactJapanese companies should reassess their electronics-related supply chains and partnerships in light of Samsung's growth, with a particular focus on ensuring the stability of component supplies.

Key pointsSamsung's factory in Vietnam achieved a revenue of $17.3 billion in Q2 2026, marking an increase of approximately $2.9 billion compared to the same period last year. However, profits decreased by 17%, with the profit margin at the Thai Nguyen factory dropping from 9.1% to 4.8%. This indicates that Samsung is facing challenging conditions in Vietnam.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, Samsung's profit decline may impact supply chain stability and business relationships. Companies involved in electronics should closely monitor Samsung's developments and strengthen risk management strategies.

Key pointsIn the Vietnamese stock market, individual investors sold a net 2,006.5 billion VND (approximately 12.16 million USD) before the holidays, contributing to a total net sell-off of 3,600 billion VND (approximately 21.8 million USD). This trend is seen as a position adjustment ahead of the holiday, particularly marked by significant selling from individual investors. The self-trading sector also contributed to the sell-off, increasing market pressure. The skew in capital flow among market participants is an important indicator for the outlook of the Vietnamese economy.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, while the short-term skew in capital flow may have limited direct impact, it indirectly relates to the funding environment for local subsidiaries and capital policies through the stock market. In periods of low liquidity, price movements can be amplified, necessitating caution.