AGP Executive Report

Overseas Vietnamese Policy Shift: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW on overseas Vietnamese affairs, aiming to unlock the community’s “strategic resources” beyond remittances—highlighting knowledge, technology, networks and market access. BRICS Diplomacy: As India hosts the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12-13), Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived for talks with PM Narendra Modi, with both sides stressing stabilising ties and “properly handling differences” amid wider geopolitical tensions. VinFast Leadership Change: VinFast named Pham Nhat Quan Anh—founder Pham Nhat Vuong’s eldest son—as global chief executive, signaling a restructuring push toward a more asset-light model and expansion in Southeast Asia and India. Vietnam-Linked Investment & Trade: Amata City Ha Long and Trois SMT (Vietnam) signed a land sublease for a $15 million tech plant in Quang Ninh to produce high-value electronics components, while Vietnam–Mexico cooperation talks in Veracruz focused on energy and port links. Markets: Vietnam’s VN-Index fell sharply, closing below 1,800 points as selling hit large-cap stocks.

Overseas Vietnamese Policy Shift: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW (Aug 2, 2026), moving overseas Vietnamese affairs into a new phase focused on unlocking the community’s non-financial strengths—knowledge, tech, networks and market access. BRICS Summit Watch: Ahead of the Sept. 12-13 New Delhi BRICS summit, Vietnam is being positioned as a potential future member and a practical partner, with talks expected to cover trade, finance, cross-border payments, energy and emerging tech. Vietnam–France Tech Diplomacy: Party General Secretary and President To Lam visited Thales’ R&D hub in Paris-Saclay, urging Vietnam to turn overseas Vietnamese expertise into concrete, ongoing joint projects. Grab Under Review: Vietnam’s competition watchdog is checking Grab’s pricing, fees and commissions after driver calls for a two-day app boycott over falling earnings. VinFast Philippines Push: VinFast signed MOUs with 13 dealer partners to build 27 new showrooms across the Philippines as it targets 60 dealerships in 2026. Tourism & Culture: Vietnam’s cultural and heritage ties also featured in France, including France handing over archival materials for Vietnam’s Communist Party museum collection.

Vietnam in APEC Energy Talks: Vietnam urged APEC economies to deepen cooperation on energy security, renewables and technology sharing at the 16th APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, stressing a balance between reliable, affordable power and emissions cuts. BRICS Summit Watch (with Vietnam in the mix): As India hosts the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, leaders including Russia’s Putin and Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung are set to attend, with the agenda centered on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability. Vietnam–France Aviation Deal: Vietnam Airlines signed an MoU with Airbus to buy five A350-900 jets, with deliveries slated for 2033-2034, as part of broader cooperation during President To Lam’s Paris visit. Transport & Mobility: Grab drivers in Vietnam called for a two-day app boycott over falling earnings after a July payment structure change, while Vietnam’s Kim Long Motor shipped the first batch of electric buses to Thailand. Business & Policy: Vietnam removed 62 sectors from the conditional business list, and Vietnam called for deeper APEC cooperation on energy security.

Vietnam-Russia Ties: Vietnamese President To Lam met Putin in the Kremlin, with both sides hailing “highly successful” talks and agreeing to deepen cooperation across trade, defense, science and technology, including a push to expand quantum and information-security work. BRICS Summit Watch: Vietnam is set to be a BRICS partner as leaders including Putin and Xi head to New Delhi for the Sept. 12–13 summit, with India positioning the agenda around global governance, energy and food security amid ongoing crises. Digital & Security: A regional GSMA report says nearly half of scam cases across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam remain unresolved, with messaging apps the top scam channel and AI increasingly used in fraud. Trade & Compliance: Vietnam issued guidance on e-commerce law and compliance rules, while separate coverage highlights Vietnam’s forced-labour import ban and new customs penalties. Connectivity & Investment: Singtel and Gulf Development plan a Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore submarine cable system expected to be operational by 2030, supporting data-centre and AI demand. Sports: FIFA announced the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, with Vietnam drawn in Division One.

Vietnam–Russia Deal Flow: President To Lam and Vladimir Putin in Moscow witnessed exchanges of cooperation documents spanning justice, finance, investment, transport, energy, nuclear safety, science-tech, education and minerals. Strategic Energy: Zarubezhneft and Petrovietnam signed a framework agreement on a strategic oil reserve in Vietnam, with details on size and timing not disclosed. Cyber & Telecom Crime: China-led international alliance to combat cross-border telecom and cyber fraud was launched with Vietnam among founding members, aiming for more focused, action-oriented law-enforcement cooperation. BRICS Momentum: Vietnam is listed as a BRICS partner country as India hosts the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi, with BRICS framed as an alternative platform for emerging economies. Tourism Push: Vietnam targets 45–50 million international visitors and 80–90 billion USD in tourism revenue by 2030 under Politburo Resolution 26, linking tourism with digital transformation and sustainability. ASEAN Scam Reality: A regional report says nearly half of scam cases in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam remain unresolved, with most victims recovering none of their losses. Food Inflation Watch: OCBC warns El Niño could raise ASEAN food prices and inflation risk, with Vietnam facing meaningful but concentrated exposure. Road Safety: Two 15-year-old students died in a late-night bus–motorcycle crash in Phu Tho, as authorities investigate.

Vietnam–Russia ties: General Secretary and President To Lam and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the online opening of a new infectious-disease prevention laboratory in Hanoi, with Putin calling it a milestone for the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and a boost for regional biosafety. Bilateral cooperation deals: In Moscow, the two sides exchanged multiple cooperation documents spanning justice, finance, investment, transport workforce training, ethnic affairs, and science/technology, including MoUs on digital transformation of judicial agencies and investment cooperation. Trade finance: Putin said Russia and Vietnam are increasingly settling mutual trade in national currencies and building credit/banking channels to shield commerce from global volatility. Regional security angle: A Malaysian report on cross-border crime said a drug smuggling syndicate moved across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, underscoring the push for faster information sharing and joint action. Health watch: The CDC issued a travel advisory noting higher-than-expected dengue cases among US travelers returning from Vietnam, urging bite prevention measures. Sports (Vietnam in focus): Vietnam is drawn into Group C of the men’s U23 football at Asian Games 2026, with matches scheduled against Uzbekistan and Philippines.

Overseas Work Costs: Vietnam’s average recruitment cost for overseas jobs fell 23.8% (from VND164.9m in 2021 to $4,835 in 2025) as first-month earnings rose 25.4%, pushing the SDG 10.7.1 cost ratio down to 4.5 months. Banking Rules: The State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular 39/2026/TT-NHNN, effective Sept. 19, expanding how non-resident foreign credit institutions can use foreign currency and VND accounts for payments and international transfers. Manufacturing Pulse: S&P Global data show Vietnam’s August manufacturing PMI climbed to 53.3, with new orders growing fastest since last October. Cultural Incentives: Lawmakers are considering VAT refunds for foreign film crews in Vietnam as part of a draft Law on Cultural Industry Development. Trade & Exports: Wood and wood products exports hit about $11.69bn in eight months (+5%); the US remains the top market (49.9%), while China’s share surged to 15%. Energy & Industry: Petrovietnam and KEPCO agreed to speed up talks on Vietnam’s nuclear plans, while SBV easing rules are shifting bank lending toward longer maturities. Business Moves: Mekong Capital exited majority ownership of water purifier Mutosi to Ariston; Nissha also moved to transfer USM Healthcare shares after accounting issues surfaced post-acquisition.

Vietnam–Russia Defense Ties: Russia’s Defense Ministry says Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov met Vietnam’s Deputy PM and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang in Moscow, discussing military and military-technical cooperation as To Lam’s state visit continues. Vietnam–US Education & Culture: In Hanoi, Vietnam’s Deputy FM Dang Hoang Giang met US Assistant Secretary Cate Dillon, urging expanded Fulbright and other scholarship support and more substantive cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Aviation Investment: AVi8 Airways announced Southern Vision Investment has become a strategic investor, backing its ACMI-charter buildout across Southeast Asia ahead of operations. Vietnam in Global Sports: Vietnam’s presence in the PVL Invitational is noted as Farm Fresh beat Ho Chi Minh City in straight sets, while other regional sports coverage highlights Asian Games and Miss World developments. Vietnam-Linked Security & Rights: A separate activist case spotlights international NGO calls for Cambodia’s Thy Thorn to be released after a 7-year sentence, reflecting broader regional pressure on activism and expression.

Healthcare Reform: Politburo Resolution No.72-NQ/TW sets up a major overhaul of Vietnam’s healthcare system, aiming for quality, equity and faster digital transformation as the country faces rapid aging and rising non-communicable diseases. Public Administration Upgrade: Vietnam is pushing a shift to data-driven administrative procedures, with a focus on cutting “paper” compliance and speeding up services for citizens and businesses. Digital Services at the Grassroots: Ho Chi Minh City’s “Digital Citizen Station” model is being recognized as a ministry-level initiative, offering free, centralized digital access to public services. Finance & Markets: Vietnam International Financial Centre (VIFC) proposes six groups of products and services, from investment funds and asset-backed digital assets to carbon credits and bond issuance. Economy Watch: Vietnam’s economy is gathering pace, with industrial production up 11.9% and trade hitting record levels in the first eight months. Trade Promotion: Vietnam is stepping up its presence at the China–ASEAN Expo to expand market access, including an AI and smart-city themed area. Transport Safety: A sleeper bus fire in Khanh Hoa killed one passenger; authorities are investigating the cause. Tourism Growth: Vietnam keeps strong international tourism momentum, with nearly 16 million foreign arrivals in the first eight months.

Vietnam–Russia Diplomacy: General Secretary and President To Lam begins a State visit to Russia, with talks in Moscow expected to cover trade, science/education and strategic technologies. Vietnam–Myanmar Regional Push: President U Min Aung Hlaing’s Vietnam visit is framed as a bid to deepen defense and telecom ties and broaden security cooperation, with both sides seeking a more substantive chapter. National Day Outreach: Vietnam’s National Day reception in China saw Assistant Foreign Minister Cai Wei exchange views with the Vietnamese Ambassador on building a shared-future China–Vietnam community. Economy & Policy Watch: Vietnam’s public investment disbursement is reported lagging at 46.7% of the 2026 target, while Vietnam’s bank deposits are said to have surpassed credit growth in August. Education & Skills: Vietnam is cited as a reform model in regional education debates, with emphasis on teacher training and budget discipline. Culture & People-to-People: A Vietnamese Cultural Festival in Japan’s Asahikawa highlights growing local exchanges supported by Quang Ninh and Vietnam’s embassy. Sports in Vietnam: Pickleball’s Heineken World Cup in Da Nang continues to draw regional attention, including a strong Telangana medal haul.

Vietnam-Russia diplomacy: Party General Secretary and President To Lam departs for a state visit to Russia and France, aiming to deepen the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and build fresh political momentum. Economy & industry: Vietnam’s industrial production rose 11.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, led by manufacturing and processing, while a new decree clarifies conditions for business licences for foreign-invested firms. Transport infrastructure: Hanoi is set to launch a major rail package with a new passenger hub at Ngoc Hoi and a freight terminal at Thuong Tin, plus an electrified east-city rail bypass due by December 2028. Trade & business: Foreign investors are increasingly entering Vietnam via M&A and capital contributions, with Indonesia notably boosting registered capital through deals. Public safety: Two people died in a hotel fire in Ho Chi Minh City; the cause is under investigation. Agriculture & exports: Vietnam coffee exports reached nearly 1.7 million tonnes in eight months, with value down on lower prices, while durian export targets remain in focus. Culture & society: Miss World 2026 was won in Vietnam by Joheirry Mola, with Tanzania taking the hosting baton for 2027.

Vietnam–Japan ties: PM urges turning strategic commitments into concrete action as Vietnam and Japan push deeper local cooperation and investment links. Vietnam–Russia and France partnerships: Vietnam steps up comprehensive strategic cooperation with Russia and France, with leaders marking new milestones and expanding agendas. Defense and security: Vietnam and Myanmar agree to strengthen defense and security cooperation, signaling more substantive strides in bilateral ties. Economy and trade: Vietnam highlights faster growth and higher-value export momentum, while also moving to expand digital export capacity and link more farm cooperatives with enterprises by 2030. Tech and policy: Vietnam advances an AI strategy aimed at regional hub status by 2030 and updates rules affecting commodity exchange data and reporting. Public safety: Two killed in a southern Vietnam traffic accident, underscoring ongoing road safety concerns. Culture and international spotlight: Vietnam hosts major global events including Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, with the pageant’s continental titles announced after Joheirry Mola’s win.

Miss World 2026 in Vietnam: Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, taking the blue crown after a final showdown with 110 contestants; Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern finished first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty second runner-up, while Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc reached the Top 12 and Philippines’ Asia Rose Simpson made the Top 12 before falling short of the Top 6. Vietnam–RoK ties: National Assembly Chair Tran Thanh Man begins an official visit to the Republic of Korea and Mongolia, with the trip expected to boost parliamentary exchanges and deepen the Vietnam–RoK comprehensive strategic partnership. Agriculture goes online: Vietnam is pushing farm produce sales through livestreams and social platforms, with examples from Hanoi and Thai Nguyen showing fast-moving demand and direct-to-consumer marketing. Smart farming research: A new study explores using generative AI to help tomato disease detection when labeled images are scarce, aiming to make computer-vision tools more practical for growers. Regional defense and security: Indonesia deployed its Vampire MLRS during the Super Garuda Shield 2026 exercise, underscoring ongoing military drills across Southeast Asia.

Miss World 2026 in Vietnam: The 75th Miss World crown was won by Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic, crowned in Nha Trang on Sept. 5 after a rain-interrupted finale at April 2 Square. Top 3 finishers: Elisabeth Reynes (Spain) took first runner-up and Taanusiya Chetty (Malaysia) was second runner-up, with Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc reaching the Top 6. Philippines spotlight: Asia Rose Simpson made the Top 12 but missed the Top 6, while Nikita Porwal (India) ended in the Top 40 after failing to advance to the Top 20. Sports (PVL): Creamline and EST Cola both sit at 3-1 and are chasing finals spots on Sunday, with Creamline facing PLDT and EST Cola taking on Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

PVL Invitational (Volleyball): Nxled kept its finals hopes alive by beating Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City 25-20, 31-33, 25-17, 25-22, with Jonah Sabete-Escamillan posting 18 points, 20 excellent receptions and 15 digs, tying Nxled at 2-2 with PLDT and setting up a must-win Sunday clash vs Farm Fresh. Sports Spotlight: PLDT also bounced back after criticism online, with Savi Davison scoring 32 in a 25-16, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20 win over Farm Fresh, while Thailand’s EST Cola stunned Creamline 17-25, 25-21, 25-22 to stay in the race. Myanmar-Vietnam Ties: Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing visited VinFast’s Hai Phong complex and met Vietnamese leaders in Hanoi, with both sides highlighting cooperation across politics, trade, investment, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Education Reform: Prime Minister Le Minh Hung opened the 2026–2027 school year in Lao Cai, urging “substantive reform” in teaching and management as Vietnam moves from groundwork to visible results. Culture & Sustainability: The UN General Assembly adopted a Vietnam-proposed International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development (2027–2036), with UNESCO set as the focal point.

PVL Invitational (Vietnam vs Philippines): Nxled kept its finals hopes alive by beating Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in four sets, after the Vietnamese side erased a big lead late in the match. PVL Invitational (Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City): Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City also featured in the weekend’s PVL title-race picture, with multiple results shaping who stays in contention. Miss World in Vietnam: The 75th Miss World pageant is set to culminate in Nha Trang on Sept. 5, with the final at April 2 Square and a live stream on YouTube. Vietnam–Myanmar diplomacy: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing and wife arrived in Hanoi for a three-day official visit, with talks expected to cover defense, telecom, business and digital technology. Vietnam in regional trade: Russia-ASEAN trade turnover rose nearly 10% in the first half of 2026, with Vietnam up 14% in mutual trade. Vietnam–Russia ties: Separate coverage highlights Vietnam’s push to deepen cooperation with Russia, including logistics and investment links.