Hanoi Stock Exchange Listings to Merge with HOSE by December 2026

Key pointsApproximately 300 listings on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) will be transferred to the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) effective December 28, 2026. Trading will be halted on December 24 and 25 in preparation for this transfer. This consolidation aims to unify Vietnam's securities market and is expected to lower entry barriers for foreign investors. As market transparency and efficiency improve, an upgrade in the FTSE index is also anticipated.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the centralization of trading partner information may benefit supply chain management and credit assessments. Additionally, individual investors will experience increased convenience in investing without worrying about exchange differences. It will be important to review details of the transferred listings and plan trading strategies accordingly.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has risen to 67th place in the latest GFCI ranking as an international financial center, marking a significant improvement of 17 places. This growth comes amid overall improvements in financial centers across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly due to advancements in the financial environment. Ho Chi Minh City is attracting interest from international financial institutions, with expectations for future growth, especially through the VIFC - HCMC initiative aimed at developing a financial ecosystem.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the improvement of Ho Chi Minh City's financial environment means expanded funding and investment opportunities. Companies engaged in financial-related businesses need to closely monitor market trends and strengthen collaborations with local financial institutions.

Key pointsMajor Vietnamese companies are establishing factories overseas and developing raw material regions for the production of electric vehicles, dairy products, rubber, sugar, and rice. This includes VinFast setting up electric vehicle factories in India and Indonesia, and THACO AGRI establishing agricultural complexes in Cambodia and Laos, with at least 10 companies involved. This enhances the international production capacity of Vietnamese firms.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor these trends and strengthen collaboration with Vietnamese firms, particularly in supply chain and raw material procurement. This overseas expansion is likely to enhance competitiveness, especially in agriculture and manufacturing.

Key pointsNguyen Van Tua, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam, stated that as the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) economy is still in its early stages, companies should establish experimental frameworks to utilize UAVs rather than waiting for legal regulations to be finalized. He emphasized that the use of UAVs is advancing in various fields such as agriculture and logistics, and collecting real data will aid in policy formation.
Business impactJapanese companies can enhance their competitiveness by exploring new business models utilizing UAV technology and advancing experimental implementations.

Key pointsDeputy Mayor of Ho Chi Minh City, Thuan Minh Huy Vu, expressed confidence that the growth rate will reach double digits in Q4 2026, driven by increased investment, active commercial services, and higher consumption due to year-end festivals and events. The city is implementing policies to promote economic growth in line with the enforcement of urban development laws.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen their sales strategies and marketing activities in anticipation of increased year-end consumption. It is also important to explore new business opportunities arising from the urban development laws.

Key pointsIn the first nine months of 2026, Vietnam's state-owned mining company TKV achieved over 75% of its planned targets, maintaining stable production and sales with revenue reaching 139.659 trillion dong.
Business impactTKV's stable performance may impact related supply chains and investment opportunities, prompting Japanese companies to monitor this trend closely.

Key pointsOn October 2, 2026, the Urban Railway Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City (HURC1) announced the commencement of construction on three metro lines totaling 91km. This is expected to advance the development of a 255km urban railway network by 2030, with significant impacts anticipated from the ongoing construction of Metro Line 2.
Business impactJapanese companies need to monitor relevant projects and bidding information to seize business opportunities arising from infrastructure development.

Key pointsIn August 2026, Vietnam's M&A market recorded 35 transactions with a total value of approximately $427 million. The real estate sector accounted for the largest share, with a transaction value of about $293.5 million, representing 69% of the total transaction value. As market revitalization is anticipated, attention is focused on future trends.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, M&A in the real estate sector presents new investment opportunities. In particular, sectors related to asset management and development need to closely monitor transaction trends and consider strategic approaches.

Key pointsQuang Ninh Province aims to release 100% of its public investment funds within the remaining 90 days of 2026. This will facilitate the completion of land acquisition for projects and generate momentum to maintain GRDP growth above 13%.
Business impactThe rapid release of public investment will contribute to revitalizing the local economy, prompting Japanese companies to seize new business opportunities.

Key pointsHai Phong City has announced priority investment projects from 2026 to 2030, covering various sectors including housing, industrial parks, logistics, healthcare, education, and the environment. Specifically, 37 industrial park projects are planned, with a total area of approximately 8,111 to 8,676 hectares, which is expected to boost regional economic development.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the investment opportunities in Hai Phong City present new business prospects. The development of industrial parks is particularly significant for the manufacturing sector, making it worthwhile to consider expansion.

Key pointsThe Australian market is experiencing strong trade relations with Vietnam, particularly with Ho Chi Minh City. In the first seven months of 2026, trade between Vietnam and Australia reached $9.79 billion, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Vietnamese exports rose by 30%, with industrial products and agricultural goods being particularly highlighted.
Business impactVietnamese companies need to meet quality standards and environmental requirements to expand access to the Australian market. It is crucial for the export sector to understand regulations and make appropriate preparations.

Key pointsThe State Bank of Vietnam has issued a new directive establishing regulations for the activities of commercial banks and foreign bank branches, requiring them to maintain a maximum loan-to-deposit ratio of 95%.
Business impactThis new regulation will impact banks' fund management, prompting Japanese companies to reassess their relationships with financial institutions and reconsider their funding strategies.