Vietnam

Thúc đẩy phát triển công nghệ chiến lược của Việt Nam

Bao Dien Tu | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

On December 10, Vietnam's National Assembly passed the amended High Technology Law with overwhelming support, 437 out of 441 delegates voting in favor. The Law, which consists of 6 chapters and 27 articles, regulates high-technology activities and policies aimed at promoting and developing strategic technologies. It positions high technology and strategic technology as key drivers for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development, defense, security, and technological autonomy.

The Law introduces the highest levels of incentives related to investment, taxation, land, and other areas to support high-technology and strategic-technology activities. It mandates prioritized state budget allocations for research, development, testing, application, and commercialization of these technologies, as well as investments in technical, digital, and technology infrastructure to support digital and green transformations. The Law also promotes stronger collaborations between research institutes, universities, and enterprises, and encourages the development of specialized enterprises and startups in these sectors.

Additionally, the Law provides preferential policies and special mechanisms to attract and develop high-technology human resources, including Vietnamese citizens, overseas Vietnamese, and foreigners with relevant expertise. It ensures favorable living and working conditions for these individuals. The State is committed to issuing timely and transparent policies to foster public-private cooperation, innovation, and ecosystem development. The Law also establishes prohibitions on exploiting high-technology activities for illegal purposes, intellectual property infringements, and unauthorized disclosure or interference with strategic technology.

The Law will come into effect on July 1, 2026, aligning with efforts to further shape Vietnam's advancement in AI, digital transformation, and high technology markets.

Hà Nội yêu cầu trong 2 tháng tới phải giành lại toàn bộ vỉa hè, lòng đường

Dantri | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Regulation

On December 10, Mr. Dương Đức Tuấn, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, signed a plan to address urban order issues and establish wards and communes that ensure order, discipline, and urban civility throughout Hanoi. The plan emphasizes a solutions-focused approach and assigns clear roles and responsibilities to units involved, ensuring continuous implementation without interruption.

Key criteria include maintaining flat, clean, and aesthetically pleasing sidewalks; ensuring complete roadway signage systems; prohibiting street vending spots and temporary markets; and regulating the neat arrangement of vehicles on sidewalks and in designated parking areas. Signboards and advertising must adhere to size and positioning standards, drainage systems must be kept clear, and streets must be free of waste, which should be collected properly.

The plan’s immediate term from now until the end of Q1 2026 is divided into three phases. Phase 1, to be completed by December 31, 2025, involves conducting surveys, repainting road markings, setting up garbage collection points, renovating urban features, and publicizing compliance efforts. Phase 2 requires a full inspection and removal of violations by January 30, 2026. Phase 3 mandates ongoing maintenance, prevention, and enforcement to avoid recurrence of violations on a regular and continuous basis.

Long-term measures include following municipal directives and coordinated implementation of solutions to tackle broader challenges like flooding, traffic congestion, pollution, and food safety. The plan requires all units of the same type to begin restoring urban order simultaneously at 7:00 a.m. on December 13, 2025.

Nhiều ngân hàng nâng lãi suất kỳ hạn ngắn lên kịch trần

VN Express | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | UndeterminedFinancial System Problems

In early December 2025, multiple banks raised their short-term savings interest rates to the maximum ceiling of 4.75% per year, as set by the State Bank, to attract deposits. Phuong Dong Bank (OCB) adjusted rates by 0.4% to 0.9%, offering 4.75% for deposits between 2 to 5 months with amounts of 500 million dong or more, and higher rates for longer terms. Sacombank increased rates by 0.3% to 0.5%, with 3 to under 6-month deposits reaching the 4.75% ceiling and 12-month deposits at 5.8%. Other banks such as Viet Capital Bank, National Citizen Bank (NCB), VIB, NamABank, MBV, and CIMB also implemented similar rate hikes for short-term deposits.

Year-end promotional campaigns offering additional interest, cash bonuses, and gifts have intensified competition among banks to attract deposits amid a peak lending season and rapid credit growth. According to Vietnam Prosperity Bank (VPBank), credit expansion is outpacing deposit growth, creating pressure on liquidity and interest rates. By November 2025, credit growth exceeded the 16% target, with nearly 70% directed to the services sector. VIS Rating identified heightened liquidity risk for smaller banks reliant on short-term market funds, as the sector’s loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR) reached a five-year high of 111%, indicating ongoing liquidity pressures.

As saving interest rates rise, lending rates have also gradually increased by 0.5% to 1% compared to the previous month. Large banks have ceased subsidized low-cost housing loans, and some private banks are experiencing upward movement in floating loan interest rates. This reflects the broader tightening of credit conditions in response to the accelerated credit growth and liquidity challenges in the banking sector.