Conditions for Working in Da Nang Free Trade Zone

Key pointsThe Da Nang High-Tech Zone Management Authority has announced a draft outlining the conditions for professionals, scientists, managers, and highly skilled workers to work in the free trade zone. Professionals must have at least a university degree and two years of relevant work experience. Scientists are required to hold a PhD and have educational or research experience in OECD countries. Individuals who have received certain international awards are also eligible. Those who meet these conditions can obtain tax incentives and long-term visas.
Business impactJapanese companies need to consider these new conditions in their recruitment strategies to secure talent in Da Nang's free trade zone. Particularly, securing skilled professionals is directly linked to competitiveness, necessitating prompt action.

Key pointsMore than 1,000 Japanese companies are active in Ho Chi Minh City and the southern region, contributing to economic development. Cooperation is particularly advancing in areas such as agriculture, food processing, logistics infrastructure, and smart city development.
Business impactJapanese companies can leverage the local investment environment to pursue further business expansion. It is essential not to miss investment opportunities in regions like Can Tho City.

Key pointsVietnam's Minister of Finance, Nguyen Van Thuan, has requested France to provide preferential funding for infrastructure projects. Economic cooperation between the two countries is progressing, with trade exceeding $5 billion in the first eight months of 2026. France has 749 projects in Vietnam, with a total investment of approximately $4 billion.
Business impactFunding from France is a crucial element for Vietnam's infrastructure development, and Japanese companies can leverage this opportunity to enter new projects.

Key pointsAEON MALL has announced plans to open two new shopping malls in Vietnam in October and November 2026, bringing the total number of malls operated by the company in Vietnam to ten. The new malls will cover over 200,000 square meters and will include five pickleball courts.
Business impactThe expansion of AEON MALL presents new business opportunities for Japanese companies. In particular, as competition intensifies in the retail sector, strategic approaches to meet consumer needs will be essential.

Key pointsYoung entrepreneurs in Son La Province aim to deepen the agricultural value chain by utilizing regional resources such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and border trade. Dialogues have been held to strengthen collaboration with local businesses and promote economic growth.
Business impactThis initiative may contribute to revitalizing the local economy and provide new business opportunities for Japanese companies, particularly in the agriculture and tourism sectors.

Key pointsIn Vietnam's tile industry, VTHM has initiated an anti-dumping investigation against tile products from India, aiming to establish a fair competitive environment. VTHM is collaborating with other companies in the industry to provide data for the investigation. Recent findings confirmed dumping practices for Indian products, leading to the imposition of tariffs ranging from 5.55% to 45.30%. This is expected to protect the competitiveness of domestic producers.
Business impactThis development is significant for Japanese companies, particularly those dealing in tiles and building materials, as it may impact future price competition and supply chains, necessitating close attention to industry trends.

Key pointsHanoi's tax authorities have launched a mobile messaging service called 'THUE_HANOI' aimed at disseminating tax law information. This service allows taxpayers to quickly receive information and guidance on tax laws and procedures.
Business impactThis initiative is expected to promote tax compliance among taxpayers and may enhance tax management efficiency for Japanese companies. In particular, tax departments should leverage this new information delivery method.

Key pointsAn exchange event with Japanese investors was held in Can Tho City, focusing on improving the investment environment. Japanese companies expect Can Tho to enhance infrastructure and business conditions, particularly through simplifying administrative procedures and increasing legal transparency. This is anticipated to promote investment in the southern region.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor changes in Can Tho's investment environment and reassess their strategies for future business development, especially by strengthening collaboration with local governments.

Key pointsOn September 11, 2026, the VN-Index at the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange closed below 1,800 points at 1,795.21. Selling pressure, particularly on VN30 constituents, intensified, with afternoon trading volume increasing by 63% compared to the morning. A sense of caution spread across the market, particularly affecting large-cap stocks. The strength of the selling pressure suggests trends among institutional investors.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, short-term fluctuations in the stock market have minimal direct impact, but they may indirectly affect fundraising costs and the stock prices of local partner companies. When considering investments, it is essential to take into account not only short-term index movements but also changes in corporate performance and industry structure.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City's An Phu Intersection will be raised by 1 meter in response to flooding issues caused by heavy rain on September 10. Authorities have decided to implement both short-term and long-term measures, with the project expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2027.
Business impactImprovements in transportation infrastructure will directly impact logistics and business operations, prompting Japanese companies to monitor the project's progress and prepare for potential business impacts.

Key pointsVietnam's Vietjet and CFM International signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a visit to France to assess and develop maintenance capabilities for CFM LEAP engines. This collaboration aims to evaluate Vietjet's maintenance needs, technical capabilities, infrastructure, equipment, and personnel, contributing to future maintenance solutions. Vietjet is expanding its fleet of next-generation aircraft, which is expected to enhance Vietnam's aviation industry status. CFM's President Gaël Méheust emphasized Vietnam's growth in the aviation market.
Business impactThis MoU directly enhances Vietjet's aircraft maintenance capabilities, aiming for greater efficiency in future aircraft operations. Japanese companies should focus on aviation-related technologies and talent development to explore business opportunities in the Vietnamese market.

Key pointsVietnam is expected to be upgraded to the FTSE Secondary Emerging Market between September 2026 and September 2027. This upgrade is anticipated to attract passive capital inflows, but companies need to gain preference from actively managed emerging market funds to secure long-term funding. Market participants emphasize the importance of corporate governance and the quality of information disclosure.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the FTSE upgrade signifies an improved fundraising environment, potentially increasing investment momentum around industrial parks in the northern region. Companies need to focus on enhancing information disclosure and governance.