Vietnam and Netherlands: The Future of Aquaculture is Not Production Volume

Key pointsVietnamese aquaculture operators met with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality in The Hague. Both countries share the understanding that the future of the aquaculture industry should be measured not by production volume but by responsible production methods. Vietnam aims for approximately 7 million tons of production by 2030, emphasizing environmental protection and efficient resource use. The Dutch side highlighted that sustainable production and technological innovation are key.
Business impactJapanese companies need to pay attention to Vietnam's sustainability efforts in the aquaculture sector and consider business strategies that align with environmental standards and technological innovations. In particular, production methods that prioritize efficient resource use and environmental protection are required.

Key pointsIn Vung Tau, approximately 119,000 tourists enjoyed the beach during a three-day holiday. Notably, around 16,000 visited on the 29th, 55,000 on the 30th, and 48,000 on the 31st. Due to favorable weather and traffic conditions, an increase in tourist numbers is anticipated.
Business impactJapanese companies in the tourism sector need to adjust their services and offerings to meet the changing demand associated with the rising number of tourists. Particularly, with higher occupancy rates in accommodations, effective inventory management is essential.

Key pointsAccording to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, the 'Vietnam International Sourcing' event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City from September 3 to 5, 2026, featuring over 500 international companies participating in B2B matching with Vietnamese exporters. The event will focus on sectors such as food, household goods, and health products, selecting companies that meet sustainable product standards. This presents an opportunity for Vietnamese manufacturers to enhance their competitiveness in the international market.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, this is an excellent opportunity to increase connections with international partners. Given the need for supply chain diversification and adaptation to sustainability standards, it is worth considering participation. Engaging in this event will be crucial for understanding the latest market trends and needs.

Key pointsOn the September 2 holiday, many families visited commercial facilities in Ho Chi Minh City, with children's play areas particularly bustling. For instance, at BigFun in Van Hanh Mall, the entrance fee increased from 150,000 VND to 180,000 VND, and around 300 children were reported to visit during the holiday. Additionally, many parents and children enjoyed activities at Gigamall. The demand for dining and shopping also surged, especially with restaurants being crowded during lunch hours.
Business impactThis holiday bustle presents a significant revenue opportunity for commercial facilities. Japanese companies, particularly in retail and food service, may find it worthwhile to reassess their promotional strategies for holidays.

Key pointsThe customs authority in Hai Phong's high-tech zone requested the immigration department to cancel the exit ban on foreign executive Rom Christian, as he is no longer the legal representative. He has not been the legal representative of ITEQ Vietnam since January 25, 2019, and customs determined that the initial notification was inappropriate. Exit bans are generally used as a measure against companies with unpaid taxes, but it is stated that this does not affect ITEQ Vietnam's tax obligations. If the current legal representative is subject to an exit ban, appropriate procedures will be followed.
Business impactThis incident serves as a reminder for Japanese companies about the importance of changes in legal representation and tax management. In particular, neglecting tax-related procedures and information updates could lead to severe measures such as exit bans, necessitating caution.

Key pointsThe U.S. Treasury Secretary's denial of further intervention in the yen's depreciation may lead to a continued decline in the yen, impacting Asian currencies. The Vietnamese dong is currently at a historic low against the dollar, drawing attention from export companies and foreign investors.
Business impactAs the yen depreciates, remittance costs from Japanese headquarters to their subsidiaries in Vietnam may rise, affecting local investment decisions. While this trend may benefit export-related companies, it will increase cost pressures on industries with high import dependence.

Key pointsThe expected PER (Price Earnings Ratio) of the Vietnamese stock market, excluding Vingroup, has fallen to 9.1 times, reaching the lowest level in the past five years. This indicates that stock prices are relatively undervalued compared to overall growth expectations for the Vietnamese economy. Investors are closely watching future trends ahead of a potential FTSE upgrade.
Business impactThe decline in PER enhances the overall valuation appeal of the Vietnamese stock market, but attention must be paid to sector-specific differences, particularly in banking and real estate stocks.