Vietnam and South Africa Aim to Expand Economic Cooperation

Key pointsA forum on economy, trade, and investment between Vietnam and South Africa was held in Cape Town, providing opportunities to strengthen collaboration between companies from both countries and expand market access. Under their strategic partnership, specific cooperation possibilities are being explored.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, entering the South African market presents new business opportunities. There is a need to reassess strategies aimed at expanding trade and investment.

Key pointsOn October 2, 2026, Phát Đạt Real Estate Development Company officially announced its new project 'Q'Terra' in the Hanoi market. This project features a 39-story symbol tower located in Quy Nhon Central Square, offering 864 tourist apartments. The design reflects local culture and history, aiming to provide tourists with an experience of the region's spirit. The tower is centrally located in Quy Nhon with good access to major transportation routes.
Business impactThis project will contribute to the development of the tourism industry and offers new investment opportunities for Japanese companies. In particular, businesses interested in tourism-related ventures and real estate development should pay attention to projects that incorporate local culture.

Key pointsBy the end of Q3 2026, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached $50.36 billion, marking a 76.4% increase year-on-year. This growth is attributed to improvements in the quality of FDI and enhanced transparency, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is attracting a new generation of manufacturing FDI, with expectations for future growth.
Business impactThe increase in FDI presents new business opportunities for Japanese companies. It is crucial to leverage the improved investment environment, particularly in manufacturing and services, to accelerate business development locally.

Key pointsThe Deputy Mayor of Hanoi, Thuan Viet Dung, clarified the methods for implementing policies addressing specific challenges faced by innovation companies. These companies encounter numerous barriers in funding and market access, necessitating efforts to ensure policies effectively reach them.
Business impactJapanese companies need to understand the details of these new policies and follow appropriate procedures to maximize government support. Collaboration with the government is particularly important in funding and market development.

Key pointsA corporate collaboration event held in Can Tho, Vietnam, discussed the lack of ESG data and the implementation of EPR at the World Circular Economy Forum in Finland. Although these events may seem unrelated, the recently released 'Planetary Health Check 2026' report by the Potsdam Institute confirmed that seven out of nine planetary boundaries are in critical condition, raising new challenges for sustainable development.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen compliance with ESG standards in preparation for stricter environmental regulations. In particular, the manufacturing sector will likely require investment strategies that consider sustainability.

Key pointsThe Son Tra Innovation Festival 2026, hosted by the People's Committee of Son Tra District in Da Nang City, opened on October 3, 2026. The theme is 'Integration of Global Technology and Local Lifestyle,' aimed at promoting collaboration among technology, businesses, and communities. This festival is expected to be a significant event for promoting innovation and investment in Da Nang Port.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this development and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsVietnam's consumer finance market is entering a recovery phase after rapid growth and facing default risks. Financial institutions are shifting their strategy from pursuing scale to emphasizing proper lending. The importance of lending based on legitimate needs was highlighted at the 'Transparent and Responsible Consumer Finance' seminar held on October 2, 2026. Consumer finance plays a role in supporting sudden expenses such as living and education costs, enhancing overall economic liquidity.
Business impactThis change indicates that financial institutions need to reassess lending standards and strengthen risk management. In particular, the lending sector is required to analyze customer needs based on the new strategy and provide appropriate products.

Key pointsAs of the end of Q3 2026, foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam reached $50.36 billion, marking a 76.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This is the highest execution amount in the past five years. The increase in investment is a crucial factor supporting Vietnam's economic growth.
Business impactThe rise in FDI signifies new business opportunities for Japanese companies. It is particularly important to seize investment opportunities in the manufacturing and service sectors.

Key pointsOn October 3, 2026, Quang Ngai Province announced a program aimed at promoting investment, trade, and tourism from 2026 to 2030, utilizing digital technology to support businesses. Notably, investment promotion using AI is being advanced in cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City.
Business impactThe introduction of digital technology is a crucial means to enhance corporate competitiveness. Japanese companies are expected to leverage this to discover new business opportunities.

Key pointsThe GDP growth rate is expected to reach 9.01% by September 2026, with a particularly high growth rate of 9.95% recorded in the third quarter compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to improvements in energy efficiency and the development of a low-space economy, contributing an expected 1.5% to GDP. The effectiveness of government economic policies is evident.
Business impactThis growth signifies market expansion for Japanese companies, particularly creating new business opportunities in the energy sector and manufacturing. Companies need to consider strategies that align with this growth.

Key pointsOn October 2, 2026, the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) presented a mid-term report on party activities, business operations, and labor union activities, announcing its strategy for the remaining three months of 2026. VRG is focusing on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and exploring new markets.
Business impactJapanese companies should pay attention to VRG's growth strategy and consider sourcing rubber products or establishing new business partnerships. Collaborating with VRG may be beneficial, especially as demand for sustainable products increases.

Key pointsVietnam is focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, but offshore wind power faces many barriers in terms of policy, funding, human resources, and technology. Currently, offshore wind power is still in the research phase, and the permitting process has not progressed, making it difficult to assess its potential. The government needs to urgently establish specific policies and legal frameworks for offshore wind power.
Business impactJapanese companies considering investment in Vietnam's renewable energy market should take into account the lack of clarity in policies and the complexity of procedures, and it is important to collaborate with local partners familiar with regulations. In particular, they need to closely monitor the latest policy trends regarding offshore wind power.