AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Cup 2026: Vietnam beat Cambodia 3-1 at Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium on Aug 7, with Dinh Bac scoring twice and an own goal sealing top spot in Group A and a semi-final berth. ASEAN Cup 2026 (women): Alas Pilipinas Women were swept by Thailand 3-0 in SEA V Cup Leg 2 opener in Chiang Mai, ending a brief momentum after earlier close matches. Vietnam in regional business: Singapore granted conditional approvals to import 900MW of solar power from Malaysia, underscoring Southeast Asia’s energy transition push that Vietnam is also watching. Digital and culture: Ho Chi Minh City museums are leaning into VR, simulations and digital halls to boost cultural tourism and the night-time economy. Consumer safety: A nationwide Rohto eye-drop recall in the US removes about 12 million bottles after the company said sterility “cannot be assured.” Public order: Singapore police arrested a 49-year-old woman linked to the Fun Coffee crypto-based scheme, with victims unable to withdraw funds.

ASEAN Football: Singapore edged Indonesia 1-1 at Jalan Besar Stadium to reach the ASEAN Championship semi-finals, with Ilhan Fandi equalising in the 66th minute; the Lions finished second in Group A behind Vietnam. SEA V Cup Volleyball: Thailand swept the Philippines 3-0 in Leg 2 opener in Chiang Mai, leaving Alas Pilipinas winless and set to face Vietnam on Aug. 8. Vietnam in the spotlight: A Vietnamese idol group, Uprize, is set to debut internationally with its album “Thăng” topping charts, while Vietnam’s presence also shows up in regional sports and cultural exchanges. Business & investment: Aeon plans to sell its Thai supermarket unit to Central Group as it exits that business, underscoring shifting retail strategies across Southeast Asia. Security & crime: A UNODC report links illicit tobacco trade in Mindanao to financing for armed groups, highlighting how smuggling can reshape local security risks.

ASEAN Volleyball: Alas Pilipinas Women chase redemption in SEA V Cup Leg 2 in Chiang Mai (Aug 7-9) after a winless Leg 1 in Hanoi, facing Thailand on Aug 7, Vietnam on Aug 8, and Indonesia on Aug 9. Vietnam–Philippines ties in culture: Vietnam marks 50 years of diplomatic relations with the Philippines via “Rhythms of the Land, Puppets of the Water: Vietnam Cultural Days in Manila” in Intramuros. Vietnam–U.S. health legacy: A new analysis revisits Vietnam–U.S. cooperation on Agent Orange long-term health effects, highlighting aid for cleanup and disability support while noting unresolved accountability for victims. Infrastructure focus: An op-ed argues Vietnam’s proposed north–south high-speed rail must be treated as a long-term national development strategy, not a prestige project, stressing funding realism and disciplined delivery. Public safety & crime: A Vietnamese woman in Bangkok was arrested after allegedly bribing police to free scam suspects tied to drug trafficking and virtual kidnapping schemes. Business & finance: Nam A Bank signs for Swiss-backed green capital at the Vietnam Green Finance Summit, while Sandoz appoints Vo Thi Thuy Ha as Vietnam country head from Sept 3.

ASEAN Football: Vietnam’s path to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026 semifinals looks clear as Group A leaders set up a must-not-slip final group round, with Vietnam needing only a draw vs Cambodia to advance while Singapore and Indonesia fight for the remaining spots. Vietnam–Malaysia Defence Ties: Malaysia’s defence minister met Vietnam’s counterpart in Hanoi, agreeing to deepen military training, intelligence sharing, maritime awareness, submarine rescue and AI cooperation, and pushing for a stronger high-level coordination mechanism. Trade Remedies: Malaysia has started an expiry review of anti-dumping duties on prepainted/painted steel coils from China and Vietnam, with submissions due Aug. 17 and a final decision expected within 180 days. Energy & Agriculture: Vietnam’s bioethanol blending rules are reshaping feed supply, boosting corn imports and pushing feed millers to substitute imported wheat in animal rations. Food Safety: A study flags antimicrobial residues in poultry meat from Bangladesh, India and Vietnam above safety limits, renewing pressure on farm drug use and slaughter controls. Business & Industry: POSCO Future M signed a long-term deal to supply over 190,000 tons of LFP cathode materials to a major Korean battery maker from 2027-2032.

Banking Watch: Fitch warns Vietnam’s banks may face funding pressure as the government targets double-digit growth in 2026, flagging faster loan growth than deposits and tighter liquidity. Digital Governance: Vietnam pushes ahead with digital transformation and administrative reform, aiming to speed service delivery for citizens and businesses while tightening oversight for online commerce. Smart Cities & Infrastructure: Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction and the ADB sign an MoU on sustainable urban development, housing, transport and climate resilience toward net-zero by 2050. Healthcare & Industry Moves: Canon Medical Systems Asia opens a Hanoi hub to support northern Vietnam healthcare providers. AI Expansion: FPT is named an OpenAI Select Partner, positioning the firm to help enterprises deploy AI solutions. Aging Society Planning: Vietnam looks beyond traditional elderly care as the population ages, with policy focus shifting to earlier preparation and a “silver economy.” Tourism Connectivity: Sun PhuQuoc Airways launches a new daily Kuala Lumpur–Phu Quoc route from Sept 1, boosting Malaysia–Vietnam travel links. Diplomacy: President To Lam calls Vietnam–Malaysia ties increasingly dynamic, citing rising trade and political trust.

Vietnam–Malaysia Defence Ties: Malaysia’s Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin began a two-day official visit to Vietnam, saying both sides will expand cooperation in maritime security, capability development, technology and the defence industry, building on the 2023 defence MoU. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to deepen its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Malaysia, with defence and broader cooperation highlighted. Vietnam in Global News: An Iranian lawmaker warned the US will eventually be forced out of West Asia host countries as anti-US sentiment grows. Public Safety & Health: A record heat wave across South Korea, North Korea and Japan has driven thousands to hospitals for heat-stroke symptoms and killed livestock and farmed fish. People-to-people Culture: Indonesia’s ASEAN arts scholarship program includes participants from Vietnam, aiming to strengthen youth ties through cultural exchange. Vietnam-linked Business: Nam Viet and Benchmark Genetics will collaborate on a selective Nile tilapia breeding program in Vietnam.

EV Policy Push: Vietnam’s economy and industry watchers get a fresh signal as Hanoi moves to deepen trade and tourism links with French businesses, with a direct dialogue in Paris spotlighting investment climate and tourism quality. Trade & Industry: The EU’s steel regulation consultation could hit Vietnamese exporters, with tighter product scope and a “melt and pour” traceability rule under review until Sept. 30. FDI & Business Climate: Vietnam’s finance ministry floats a four-pillar reform plan—legal predictability, faster approvals, workforce and infrastructure support—to attract higher-quality FDI as incentives shift toward cost-based help. Digital & Public Services: ASEAN civil service leaders open meetings in Siem Reap focused on “innovation for better service delivery,” underscoring digital transformation across the bloc. Manufacturing Momentum: Vietnam’s July manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9, the fastest pace in five months, as output and new orders strengthened. Agriculture Outlook: Vietnam’s agriculture leaders point to science, digital tools and green transition as new growth drivers amid climate and trade uncertainty. Sports: Vietnam extended its unbeaten run to 21 matches, beating Indonesia 3-0 in the ASEAN Championship.

Disaster Response: Northern Vietnam was hit by floods and severe weather from July 31 to Aug 2, killing three children in Lang Son and injuring one in Lao Cai; landslides blocked roads, damaged rice fields, and prompted evacuations and round-the-clock monitoring. Aviation & Industry: The U.S. FAA certified Boeing’s 737 MAX 7, a milestone after years of review tied to earlier MAX crashes. Trade Watch: The U.S. trade deficit narrowed in June to about $73.3 billion as imports fell, while Vietnam remained among the biggest goods deficit partners. Vietnam–North Korea Ties: Vietnam plans a memorial and cemetery restoration for North Korean servicemen killed in the Vietnam War, a rare public acknowledgment of Pyongyang’s role. Economy Signals: Vietnam’s manufacturing PMI improved to 52.9 in July, with output, new orders, exports and purchasing rising and supply-chain delays easing. Regional Connectivity: VietJet will add Hanoi–Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City–Cebu routes from Nov 10, expanding Philippines links.

ASEAN Cup Push: Vietnam bounced back from a goalless draw with Singapore to beat Indonesia 3-0 in Bogor, taking top spot in Group A and moving closer to the semi-finals. War Remains Identification: Thanh Hoa has started DNA sampling for 1,033 unidentified war martyrs at Ham Rong cemetery, running Aug. 3-25 to restore names through matching with relatives. Growth Drive: Vietnam’s economy kept solid momentum in the first seven months, with inflation contained and foreign investment rising, but officials warn the double-digit GDP target still looks tough. Policy for SMEs: The State Bank is finalising a preferential credit package of about 220 trillion VND (8.4 billion USD) for SMEs in priority sectors, aiming to start lending soon. Trade and Rates: The State Bank set the Aug. 4 reference exchange rate at 25,380 VND/USD, and Vietnam’s trade picture remains under pressure as deficits widen. Regional Deals: ASEAN and China are pushing to wrap up ACFTA 3.0 talks, including digital and green trade, aiming for enactment by year-end.

Business & Investment: Vietnam’s economy is seeing a sharp reshuffle: new enterprise registrations jumped 16.9% in the first seven months of 2026, while registered capital surged 63.6% to nearly VND1.52 quadrillion, even as business dissolutions also spiked. Manufacturing Pulse: The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.9 in July, with output, new orders and export orders improving and cost pressures easing. Healthcare Digital Push: Amalga opened a licensed entity in Vietnam to support hospital digital transformation, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s 2025–2030 strategy. Energy & Industry: LOF International Dairy started a 2.5MW rooftop solar phase in Binh Duong, and cement producers reported stronger first-half earnings on steady construction demand. Nuclear Readiness: EVN estimates Ninh Thuan 1 will need over 2,000 personnel, with training and workforce planning underway. Public Health Alert: Dengue in Vietnam has shifted toward year-round circulation, with adults now making up more than half of confirmed cases. Sports & Culture: Halong Bay Heritage Marathon returns in November with a World Athletics Label and Li-Ning as diamond sponsor; HCMC stages “Swan Lake” in August. Aviation Update: Bamboo Airways has suspended ticket sales as its fleet shrinks to three planes and scheduled operations dwindle.

Trade & Inflation: Vietnam’s July trade deficit widened to $3.587 billion as imports jumped 41% to $56.67 billion, while exports rose 25% to $53 billion; for Jan–Jul, the deficit hit $20.5 billion and consumer prices eased slightly to 4.45% year-on-year. Digital Government: Vietnam is pushing digital government reform and tech growth with targets to build a modern, internationally competitive digital technology industry by 2030, linking digital tools to faster, more transparent public services. Public Finance/Policy: A new push to address power “system loss” charges is drawing debate over whether costs will just return under different tariff names. Smart Cities: Bac Ninh aims to be in the world’s top 50 smart cities by 2030, planning a data-driven governance model and an integrated operations centre. Justice & Language Access: Calls are renewed to translate penal laws into local languages to improve equal access to justice. Culture & Expression: Vietnam’s writers face renewed scrutiny after a book recall and publisher suspension tied to sensitive historical portrayals. Business/Consumer Impact: Ho Chi Minh City jewellery shops are reeling after a major diamond smuggling ring was uncovered, with authorities alleging thousands of stones were re-certified and sold at inflated prices.

SEA V Cup Volleyball: Vietnam’s women missed a chance to finish on top in Leg 1 after Thailand swept the hosts in straight sets (25-18, 25-17, 25-14) to take the opening-leg title in Hanoi. HCM City Energy Plan: Ho Chi Minh City is drafting a multi-pole national energy and industrial hub, with deep-water port areas earmarked for LNG, gas-to-power and specialised energy projects as it faces rising power demand from major investors. Trade & Market Strategy: Vietnamese firms are being urged to move beyond “make and ship” exports by building market-specific strategies, stronger trade promotion and long-term overseas partnerships. Netherlands–Vietnam Business Ties: Dutch businesses say they’re upbeat on Vietnam’s growth, pointing to reforms and plans for an international financial centre, as bilateral trade tops US$6.74 billion in the first five months. Long Thanh Airport Update: Contractors at Long Thanh International Airport are pushing to complete the passenger terminal for trial operations from September, with major civil works and key baggage-handling systems nearing completion. Vietnam–Taiwan Students: Taiwan’s education ministry says Vietnamese enrolment in 2025 rose to 52,974, surpassing 50,000 for the first time, driven by tech-focused education and affordable costs. EV Market Watch: Vietnam’s EV momentum is echoed by regional reporting, with July retail EV volumes crossing 30,000 units in India for the second straight month.

SEA V Cup: Alas Pilipinas Women pushed Thailand to a rare fifth-set duel in Hanoi, forcing a decider before the Thais escaped 25-17, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10, with Vietnam next up for the return leg. Digital Policy: Vietnam’s new digital citizens resolution (effective Aug. 15, 2026) sets rights and responsibilities online and designates Oct. 15 as Vietnam’s annual Digital Citizen Day. Green Finance: Vietnam is looking to green credit and policy incentives to fund its net-zero push, with reforms aimed at accelerating business transition. Retail Expansion: Lotte Mart opened its 17th Vietnam store in Bac Giang, expanding its northern footprint beyond Hanoi. Public Health: The US FDA recalled over 11.9 million cartons of Rohto Cooling Eye Drops sold in the US due to sterility assurance concerns. Sports/Regional Football: SAFF Championship 2026 draw puts Pakistan and India together in Group B, with Vietnam also listed in the group.

SEA V Cup Volleyball: Alas Pilipinas women pushed Thailand to a fifth set in Leg 1 in Hanoi, but fell 25-17, 19-25, 25-15, 18-25, 15-10; key sparks came from Bella Belen and Eya Laure, with Mars Alba helping keep the match close before Thailand pulled away. Sports (Badminton): Vietnam’s Nguyen Thuy Linh reached the Taipei Open final after beating Unnati Hooda in the semis, setting up a title match against India’s Tanvi Sharma. Public Health (FDA recall): The US FDA recalled nearly 12 million bottles of Rohto Cooling Eye Drops due to “lack of assurance of sterility,” affecting multiple product variants sold in the US; consumers are urged to check lot numbers and stop using affected lots. Vietnam Economy/Industry: Vietnam is drafting a national strategy to build an advanced materials industry through 2030 (vision to 2045), aiming to shift from raw-resource advantage to high-value, tech-driven manufacturing. Diplomacy/Policy: Vietnam renamed its Party commission for information, education and mass mobilization, signaling continued adjustments to governance structures.

ASEAN Football: Vietnam were held 0-0 by Singapore in the ASEAN Cup 2026 Group A in Hanoi, leaving the hosts needing sharper finishing to secure knockout hopes. E-commerce Rules: Vietnam’s new E-commerce Law is already reshaping online retail, with platforms, merchants and livestream sellers tightening checks on product claims to meet stricter transparency and consumer-protection duties. Agro-exports Push: Authorities are urged to clear bottlenecks to lift agro-forestry-fishery exports toward the 2026 $74 billion target, with July exports at about $42.6 billion. Airline Update: Vietnam Airlines reported 28% revenue growth in H1, driven by international operations, despite cost pressures. Banking Results: SHB posted over VNĐ9 trillion pre-tax profit in H1 (51% of target) while HDBank grew profit 31% and crossed VNĐ1 quadrillion in assets. Health Alert: Rohto “Cooling” eye drops—made in Vietnam—were recalled nationwide in the US over sterility concerns. Digital Finance: Kredivo Vietnam and Dien May Xanh expanded their partnership to embed BNPL and cash loans across more retail channels.

SEA V Cup (Volleyball): Vietnam beat Alas Pilipinas 27-29, 17-25, 25-20, 19-25 in Leg 1 opener in Hanoi, then set up a quick rematch with Thailand on Saturday as the Filipinos’ new era under Japanese coach Taka Minowa begins. ASEAN Football: Singapore held Vietnam to a 0-0 draw in the ASEAN championship in Hanoi, keeping the Lions unbeaten and setting up Vietnam’s next group games. Digital Economy & Policy: Vietnam is pushing ahead with digital transformation, including a 2026–2030 blueprint that puts AI and data at the center, alongside moves to strengthen legal frameworks for online protection and compliance. Trade & Connectivity: Vietnam and Cambodia agreed to boost transport links, border gate development, logistics cooperation and aim to lift bilateral trade toward $20 billion. US–Vietnam Ties: The US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington made a port call in Da Nang, underscoring deeper security cooperation amid South China Sea tensions. Health & Safety: Vietnam-linked Fun Coffee collapsed in Hong Kong after a crypto scam warning, with reported losses topping HK$1 billion.