Traditional Lantern Village in HCMC Continues Efforts on September 2

Key pointsIn the traditional lantern village of HCMC, artisans are diligently crafting lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival despite the September 2 holiday. The market is flooded with inexpensive industrial products, but artisans continue to strive to preserve traditional culture. The prices of lanterns have decreased due to competition, leading to stagnant incomes for workers.
Business impactJapanese companies can monitor trends in Vietnam's traditional handicraft market and leverage an understanding of cultural value in their marketing strategies.

Key pointsVietnam Medical Investment Company, a medical device distribution firm, is under investigation for corruption, with its Deputy Minister of Health, Tran Van Tuan, arrested for accepting bribes. Established in 2007, the company has secured numerous high-value contracts for medical equipment supply to hospitals over the past 20 years. Investigations suggest the company may have inflated medical device prices through illicit means.
Business impactThis incident highlights the importance of due diligence in partner selection and contract management for Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, emphasizing the need for transparency, especially in the healthcare sector.

Key pointsThe tax authorities in Hanoi have released a document integrating penalty regulations related to taxes and invoices. This document clarifies penalties for tax evasion and the use of fraudulent invoices, highlighting important points for businesses and sole proprietors. The penalties include fines of up to three times the evaded tax and specific cases related to the use of illegal invoices.
Business impactJapanese companies must comply with these new regulations, particularly by strengthening tax compliance and ensuring proper invoice management.

Key pointsVietnam's tourism industry is experiencing increased interest not only in natural landscapes but also in cultural experiences and new tourist destinations, indicating significant growth potential. According to Klook's Vice President CS Son, demand for travel to Vietnam on Klook is expected to rise by 72% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year. New tourist spots like Ninh Binh and Sapa are gaining attention. Additionally, with ongoing infrastructure development, Phu Quoc Island is projected to have around 50,000 accommodation units by 2027, expanding the tourism ecosystem and diversifying visitor experiences.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the growth of the tourism industry presents new business opportunities. Particularly, businesses in the hospitality and tourism services sectors need to reassess their strategies early, anticipating increased demand due to infrastructure improvements. Investing in new tourist destinations and offering region-specific experiences will enhance competitiveness.

Key pointsOn September 2, 2026, in HCMC, the fare for Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) will be free to celebrate National Day. The operating hours will be from 5 AM to 11 PM, with increased services in the evening for fireworks viewing. Users must present identification or generate a QR code via an app for entry. Normal operations will resume the following day.
Business impactThis fare exemption may promote local public transport use and attract tourists. Japanese companies should consider utilizing the metro as a transportation option for their employees.

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.