Vietstar Airlines Receives 20th Aircraft, Boosting Vietnam's Tourism Investment

Key pointsOn September 21, Vietstar Airlines welcomed its 20th Airbus A321LR aircraft at Noi Bai International Airport, bringing its fleet size to 20. This move reflects the growing demand for tourism in Vietnam and symbolizes the growth of the tourism sector. Phu Quoc Island is advancing as an international resort destination, and enhanced air access will support regional economic growth.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the expansion of tourism infrastructure on Phu Quoc Island presents new entry opportunities in hotel operations, food services, and duty-free businesses. The increase in tourism demand is expected to positively impact the supply chain, necessitating related sectors to monitor future developments.

Key pointsThe Audit Office of Can Tho City has recommended that the local lottery company cease overseas training programs. In 2024, the lottery company in Soc Trang Province planned to spend 1,204,000,000 VND on training in Europe, but the Audit Office determined that this expenditure would not contribute to the business. The Can Tho lottery company also conducted training in Japan and Dubai, which was deemed inappropriate. This has led to the view that future overseas training should comply with legal regulations.
Business impactJapanese companies need to reassess the cost-effectiveness of training and inspections when dealing with public projects and related enterprises in Vietnam. It is particularly important to clarify how overseas training contributes to actual business operations.

Key pointsVietnam's industrial real estate market is experiencing increased FDI inflows due to transparent policies, institutional reforms, and investment incentives. Improvements in transportation infrastructure are also enhancing operational efficiency for businesses. The supply of industrial real estate in the northern region is increasing across all segments.
Business impactJapanese companies need to leverage FDI inflows and consider investment opportunities in industrial real estate. It is particularly important to take into account the impact of infrastructure improvements on business competitiveness.

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

Key pointsハノイのTây Tựu地区では、浸水が続いた後、農家がテトの花の準備に懸念を抱いています。多くの花や野菜が被害を受け、農家は土地を整備し再び種をまく準備を進めています。地元政府は水の排出作業を継続しています。
Business impact日本企業は本件の動向を注視し、関連する取引・契約・現地実務への影響を確認しておくとよいでしょう。

Key pointsOn September 21, 2026, a large influx of Chinese vegetables into Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, has caused prices to drop to half of domestic levels. Carrots and potatoes are being sold at particularly low prices, putting pressure on domestic farmers' profits. Southern farmers are worried about price declines due to reduced domestic vegetable supply caused by weather conditions.
Business impactJapanese companies need to reassess their agricultural procurement strategies, taking into account the competitiveness of Chinese products. Strengthening collaboration with domestic farmers to ensure stable supply is also crucial.

Key pointsThe tax authority has instructed not to refuse value-added tax refunds solely based on risk warnings from sales agents. This aims to prevent unjust delays in eligible refunds. The authority emphasizes the need to verify actual transactions when reviewing refunds based on risk information.
Business impactJapanese companies need to understand that the criteria for risk assessment in tax filings and refund processes are changing, and they must prepare appropriate documentation.

Key pointsDeputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh stated that establishing a legal framework, developing specialized personnel, and advancing supporting industries are urgent for promoting Vietnam's nuclear power program. Nuclear power is considered a crucial energy source for Vietnam, which aims to become a high-income country by 2045, with the resumption of investment in the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant expected to be decided by the National Assembly by the end of 2024. This is anticipated to revitalize the regional economy and create jobs.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor trends related to legal frameworks and personnel development in nuclear power projects. In particular, there may be increased opportunities for technical support and personnel dispatch, so relevant sectors should prepare accordingly.

Key pointsOn September 21, 2026, Vietnam's stock market was officially upgraded to 'emerging market' status according to FTSE Russell's assessment, marking a significant milestone after nearly 30 years of development. This upgrade is expected to establish Vietnam as one of the most active markets in ASEAN, attracting interest from foreign investors.
Business impactJapanese companies have the opportunity to leverage the growth of the Vietnamese market and reassess their investment strategies. In particular, it is important to reevaluate risk management and fundraising strategies in light of the increased transparency in the capital market.

Key pointsAs the transition of supply chains progresses, Vietnam is welcoming new investment opportunities. However, domestic companies need to focus on R&D, technological innovation, and human resource development to move beyond being mere subcontractors. Currently, there are over 30,000 foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam, and domestic companies are required to strengthen their roles within this context.
Business impactJapanese companies need to leverage Vietnam's tax incentives and invest in R&D and technological innovation to enhance their competitiveness within the supply chain. Active efforts are particularly important as there is a demand for improved technological capabilities.

Key pointsAs the global supply chain transitions, Vietnam has the opportunity to enhance its position in the international manufacturing and trade landscape. However, as long as companies remain in low-value-added processes, this opportunity will not drive growth. By August 2026, the total trade volume is expected to reach approximately $770 billion, a 21% increase year-on-year, but the participation rate of domestic companies in the supply chain is declining. This necessitates companies to strengthen their ability to provide higher value-added offerings.
Business impactThis situation presents new business opportunities for Japanese companies as well. In particular, there is a need to reassess roles within the supply chain and develop products or services that offer higher value-added features.

Key pointsOn September 18, renowned American investor Warren Buffett stepped down as chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. This departure serves as a reminder of the importance of long-term investment, particularly in relation to the growth of the Vietnamese economy and investment strategies in emerging market equities. Buffett's investment philosophy emphasizes intrinsic value and an approach that is not swayed by short-term market fluctuations, which is influencing Vietnam's younger investor demographic.
Business impactJapanese companies should reference Buffett's long-term investment philosophy when making investment decisions in the Vietnamese market, particularly focusing on companies in finance, consumer goods, and infrastructure. Maintaining a long-term perspective will help avoid missing investment opportunities in companies with stable revenue bases.

Key pointsMajor central banks have begun to lower interest rates, changing the trend in interest rates. This shift may affect the funding environment and stock market in Vietnam. The actions of central banks, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve, are being closely watched, with a focus on the pressure on the Vietnamese dong and the behavior of foreign investors. Consequently, there are concerns about the impact on the VN-Index.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, lower interest rates mean reduced funding costs, making it a crucial factor when considering additional investments in Vietnam. Particularly, the manufacturing and service sectors need to monitor this trend and reassess their investment strategies.