Hanoi Restaurant Owner Reveals App Sales Challenges

Key pointsA pho restaurant owner in Hanoi disclosed that when selling meals for 100,000 VND through an app, only 20,500 VND remains after costs. Platform fees, taxes, raw material costs, advertising, and promotions significantly reduce profits, with platform fees reaching 25% and taxes at 4.5%.
Business impactThis situation suggests that Japanese companies need to reassess their online sales strategies in Vietnam, particularly considering the unique challenges of cost management and pricing in app sales.

Key pointsVingroup ranked first among the top 200 taxpayers in Vietnam for 2025, contributing approximately 150 trillion VND in taxes. This reflects the company's growth and influence, serving as a significant indicator for other businesses. Vingroup operates across various sectors, and its success contributes to the overall Vietnamese economy.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, Vingroup's success is crucial for understanding the competitive landscape. It is essential to monitor the company's developments and reassess strategic partnerships and competitive strategies.

Key pointsVietnamese securities firm Yuanta predicts that interest rates in the market will remain high over the next few months. This is due to the promotion of credit growth while the balance of banks' medium to long-term funding remains a challenge. This interest rate trend could significantly impact the cost of capital in the Vietnamese economy, particularly affecting bank stocks and the real estate sector.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the situation of elevated funding costs may impact capital investment and working capital plans. Manufacturing firms, in particular, should be cautious as borrowing costs in local currency are likely to be reflected in their revenue plans.

Key pointsStarting from September 7, 2026, Hanoi is soliciting opinions from citizens and experts regarding adjustments to the Red River Urban Area Plan. This plan focuses on the section from the Red River floodplain to the Me So Bridge and will be adjusted at a scale of 1/5,000. The consultation will last for 20 days, with online meetings also scheduled. Citizens can submit their opinions electronically, and efforts are being made to help residents understand the plan across 16 districts.
Business impactThis plan may provide real estate development and investment opportunities for Japanese companies. It is particularly important for companies involved in urban planning projects to understand local needs and develop appropriate strategies.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City proposes to implement compensation, support, and resettlement projects as independent initiatives. This policy is expected to shorten project timelines by 5 to 7 months. Currently, public feedback is being solicited, and it is considered an important legal measure to accelerate progress, especially for complex projects.
Business impactJapanese companies should closely monitor this development and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has announced 2,893 companies and individuals with unpaid taxes as of July 2026, with the total unpaid amount exceeding 11.257 trillion VND.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen tax compliance and mitigate the risk of unpaid taxes.

Key pointsVietnamese startups commonly establish corporations in Singapore due to the unattractiveness of Vietnamese laws for international investors, particularly concerning preferred shares and asset valuation. Many companies are unable to secure loans using assets as collateral, hindering fundraising efforts. Additionally, regulations in Vietnam are seen as obstructive to the experimentation of new technologies. It is suggested that the government needs to create special systems for startups.
Business impactJapanese companies should pay attention to changes in the Vietnamese startup environment, particularly trends related to fundraising and legal framework improvements. To avoid missing new business opportunities, they should remain sensitive to changes in local legal systems and investment climates.

Key pointsNghiêm Thị Thà, Vice President of the Vietnam Financial Consulting Association, stated that green real estate based on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards is becoming an inevitable trend in the market. Companies are initiating programs to evaluate ESG practices and aim for sustainable development.
Business impactJapanese companies need to strengthen their response to ESG standards to secure competitive advantages and enhance their international reputation.