Traditional Lantern Village in HCMC Continues Efforts on September 2

Key pointsIn the traditional lantern village of HCMC, artisans are diligently crafting lanterns for the Mid-Autumn Festival despite the September 2 holiday. The market is flooded with inexpensive industrial products, but artisans continue to strive to preserve traditional culture. The prices of lanterns have decreased due to competition, leading to stagnant incomes for workers.
Business impactJapanese companies can monitor trends in Vietnam's traditional handicraft market and leverage an understanding of cultural value in their marketing strategies.

Key pointsPYN Elite analyzed the reasons behind the slowing stock price growth despite increasing profits among Vietnamese companies. It pointed out that liquidity constraints are hindering stock price increases and reported a recent recovery in NAV (Net Asset Value), although performance since the beginning of the year remains negative. Notably, the rise in DRAM prices is impacting the trade balance.
Business impactJapanese companies need to pay attention to liquidity and stock price trends in the Vietnamese market and reconsider their investment strategies, particularly as costs related to semiconductors like DRAM may have significant effects, making supply chain management crucial.

Key pointsThung Nguyen Legend is celebrating its 30th anniversary and accelerating its store expansion in the U.S. and China. By August 2026, it plans to open two new stores in Frisco and Garland, Texas, bringing its total in the U.S. to 20. Additionally, it will establish three new stores in China, reaching over 30 locations in total. This aims to promote Vietnamese coffee culture internationally, with CNN recognizing its E-Coffee as part of a strategy to spread Vietnamese coffee culture worldwide. Furthermore, in July 2026, it was selected as one of the 'Top 10 Trusted Brands in Asia' at the Vietnam-Asia Economic Cooperation Forum.
Business impactThis movement presents significant opportunities for Vietnam's coffee industry. Japanese companies should take inspiration from Thung Nguyen Legend's success and reconsider strategies for promoting Vietnamese culture and products in international markets. Emphasizing cultural elements in marketing and branding strategies will be particularly important.

Key pointsSamsung Electronics has announced plans to introduce 1,612 new production devices at its semiconductor factory currently under construction in Thai Nguyen. This is expected to foster the development of the semiconductor ecosystem in Vietnam. All new equipment will be sourced from South Korea, with a total weight anticipated to reach approximately 2,000 tons.
Business impactJapanese companies need to closely monitor Samsung's developments and explore new business opportunities within the semiconductor-related supply chain. In particular, there may be an increase in opportunities for parts supply and manufacturing collaboration.

Key pointsVietnam Medical Investment Company, a medical device distribution firm, is under investigation for corruption, with its Deputy Minister of Health, Tran Van Tuan, arrested for accepting bribes. Established in 2007, the company has secured numerous high-value contracts for medical equipment supply to hospitals over the past 20 years. Investigations suggest the company may have inflated medical device prices through illicit means.
Business impactThis incident highlights the importance of due diligence in partner selection and contract management for Japanese companies operating in Vietnam, emphasizing the need for transparency, especially in the healthcare sector.

Key pointsFrom September 3 to 5, 2026, the 'International Supply Chain Connection' event in Ho Chi Minh City will host 500 international buyers, providing a significant opportunity for export promotion. The event will feature four specialized exhibitions, allowing buyers to explore a diverse range of products at once.
Business impactThis event presents new business opportunities for Japanese companies, particularly for sales departments to consider participation and strengthen networking.

Key pointsVietnam has ranked 10th globally in mobile internet speed, surpassing the United States and China. According to the Speedtest Global Index from July 2026, Vietnam's mobile download speed is 205.58 Mbps, significantly higher than the global average of 109.73 Mbps. Additionally, it ranks 7th in fixed broadband with a speed of 255.87 Mbps. These achievements reflect the effectiveness of domestic telecom companies' 5G commercialization and gigabit fiber optic expansion strategies.
Business impactThis infrastructure improvement contributes to the digitalization and expansion of online business for Japanese companies, making it particularly important for IT and marketing departments to pay attention.

Key pointsThe tax authorities in Hanoi have released a document integrating penalty regulations related to taxes and invoices. This document clarifies penalties for tax evasion and the use of fraudulent invoices, highlighting important points for businesses and sole proprietors. The penalties include fines of up to three times the evaded tax and specific cases related to the use of illegal invoices.
Business impactJapanese companies must comply with these new regulations, particularly by strengthening tax compliance and ensuring proper invoice management.