The targets were announced at the group’s shareholders’ meeting on April 15, where it also projected before-tax profit of VND3.24 trillion ($129.6 million) – equal to the 2025 figure – and after-tax profit of VND2.58 trillion ($103.2 million), a slight decrease of 2 per cent.

Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) aims to maintain stable growth across its business lines this year, with maritime transport volume projected at close to 23.8 million tonnes (up 10.5 per cent) and port cargo volume at just over 180 million tonnes (up 11 per cent).

Nguyen Canh Tinh, chairman of VIMC. Photo: VIMC

VIMC plans to focus its 2026 investments on strategic infrastructure projects and new services, including contributing capital to the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, developing air cargo transportation services, researching investment opportunities in shipbuilding or ship repair facilities, and joining investment in Quy Nhon Port.

At the shareholders’ meeting on April 15, chairman Nguyen Canh Tinh announced that VIMC will contribute $280 million to the Can Gio Port venture. VIMC is part of a consortium – which also includes Saigon Port and Terminal Investment Limited Holding – that has been selected to invest in the project.

Terminal Investment Limited Holding, a member of Swiss shipping and logistics giant MSC, will contribute 46 per cent of the consortium’s capital, while VIMC and Saigon Port hold 36 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

Tinh said the Can Gio project is of particular importance to socioeconomic development, contributing to national competitiveness and logistics system improvements, and aligns with the corporation’s marine economy and deepwater port investment strategy.

“Because this is a large, key undertaking, depending on the ability to mobilise resources, the corporation will balance the investment capital structure, possibly considering an equity-to-loan ratio of 30/70 to ensure investment efficiency, capital preservation, and development,” Tinh said

VIMC secures Top 10 Vietnam Gold Star award via its five core values Throughout its 30-year history, shipping giant Vietnam Maritime Corporation (VIMC) has maintained its solid position in the maritime transport industry, achieving numerous significant accomplishments, particularly the honour of being among the Top 10 Vietnam Gold Star Award winners in 2024.

International port developers eye Vietnam’s potential International port operators are seeking business opportunities in Vietnam by boosting cooperation with local partners.

Delo Group, VIMC sign deal to develop Russia-Vietnam maritime transport Russia’s Delo Group and Vietnam Maritime Corporation signed an MoU on the sidelines of the Vietnam-Russia Business Forum in Moscow on March 24.

The event, organised in collaboration with National Economics University on April 18, follows the issuance of Circular No.16/2026/TT-BGDĐT on career guidance and student streaming. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is rolling out a series of ‘Future Pathways’ workshops in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to connect schools, universities, and businesses in implementing the framework.

Ren Varma, head of mainland Southeast Asia for the ACCA. Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Speaking at the event, Ren Varma, head of mainland Southeast Asia for ACCA, said career orientation is expected to start earlier in the education cycle – rather than at university or entry into the workforce – with teachers playing a central role in delivery.

“These workshops focus on linking stakeholders and developing guidance content aligned with Vietnam’s education and labour context,” Varma said. “ACCA’s mission is to expand access to professional learning and career opportunities for all, regardless of background. Career guidance should begin early at school level and be guided by teachers.”

Vu Van Ngoc, dean of the School of Advanced Education Programmes at National Economics University, said, “Universities currently account for much of the provision of skills and career orientation. Introducing these elements earlier would make the preparation process more systematic and effective.”

Nguyen Thu Ha, a representative of the Department of General Education at the Ministry of Education and Training, said, “Circular 16 provides a clearer framework for delivery. In the past, career guidance was often considered only after students completed upper secondary education, without clear provisions on implementation or coordination between schools, businesses, and higher education institutions.”

Under the new framework, the circular applies across primary, lower secondary, and upper secondary levels. It sets out coordination requirements between general education institutions, higher education providers, vocational training centres, organisations, and businesses.

The principles include a continuous, system-wide approach, stronger curriculum integration, increased practical exposure, and coordination between schools, families, and employers – while maintaining student choice.

Photo: ACCA Vietnam

Within this structure, student streaming – the practice of guiding learners towards different educational tracks based on their abilities, interests, and career goals – is positioned as helping students choose appropriate pathways. Measures include combining academic learning with vocational exposure, organising career education activities in schools, and developing continuous, flexible learning routes across education levels.

Khuat Thi Lien Huong, Education Relationships lead for ACCA Mainland Southeast Asia, said the programme has drawn engagement from education stakeholders and is expected to support coordination across the system.

“ACCA will continue working with universities, secondary schools, and businesses to expand early access to career information and pathways, particularly in finance and business,” she added.

Embedding international standards into Vietnam’s financial and banking workforce Agribank employees have attended three training courses on international financial reporting standards (IFRS), sustainable finance, and digital finance this year.

Exciting finance career opportunities at ACCA Virtual Careers Fair As demand for qualified finance professionals intensifies across Asia-Pacific, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) will host its flagship Asia-Pacific Virtual Careers Fair (APAC VCF) 2025 on July 16, offering a fully digital platform to connect talent with leading employers in the region.

New ACCA exam centre at UEH expands access to global certifications The launch of the ACCA On-Demand Computer-Based Exam Centre by the University of Economics (UEH) Ho Chi Minh City and the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants marks a strategic advancement in aligning education quality with international standards.

According to data by Vietnam Customs, Vietnam spent over $2.9 billion importing 3.4 million tonnes of petroleum products in the first three months of this year, soaring 79 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, from a year ago. In March, the country imported nearly 1.2 million tonnes of petroleum products totalling $1.46 billion, representing a 13 per cent on-month increase in volume and a surge of 94 per cent in value due to skyrocketing prices in the global market.

In the first quarter of 2026, crude oil imports saw a 15 per cent decrease against last year’s period, reaching more than 3.1 million tonnes, worth nearly $1.7 billion.

The share increase in import value is attributed to the rising global oil prices amid the escalation of the Middle East conflict. Businesses have stepped up imports and source diversification to avoid domestic fuel shortages.

In March, key businesses and import traders purchased approximately 3.2 million cubic metres of petroleum products. This, coupled with existing inventories, helps ensure the supply until the end of April.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is building plans for the upcoming months. Some measures include increasing supply, enhancing domestic production, diversifying sources, developing environmentally friendly alternative fuels such as biofuels, and enhancing commercial reserve capacity.

As reported by Business Insider on April 13, oil prices spiked past $100 per barrel after the US administration imposed a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz in response to failed peace talks between Iran and the US.

Oil prices have skyrocketed globally since the US and Israel’s war on Iran began in February. Iran retaliated by effectively closing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply and liquefied natural gas passes through the waterway off Iran’s coast.

ASEAN countries exposed by Middle East oil dependence ASEAN countries are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions due to their heavy dependence on crude oil imports from the Middle East.

Nghi Son Refinery secures alternative crude amid Middle East disruptions Nghi Son Refinery has secured alternative crude supplies to maintain operations amid disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

National Assembly approves zero tax on petrol, oil, aviation fuel The National Assembly has unanimously approved sweeping tax cuts on petrol, oil and aviation fuel, reducing key rates to zero through June 30 in a bid to cushion domestic markets against volatile global energy prices.

Phi Huong Nga, head of the Industry and Construction Statistics Department, NSO

How do you assess the business landscape in the first quarter of 2026?

Assessing the health of businesses based solely on indicators such as revenue or profit is insufficient; a more comprehensive view is needed, one that captures their resilience and adaptability to fluctuations in the business environment.

Based on statistical monitoring, several factors clearly reflect business health. Notably, in Q1 of this year, while the number of enterprises temporarily suspending operations for a fixed period rose by only 3.3 per cent, the number of businesses ceasing operations pending dissolution procedures increased by 45 per cent, and the number of dissolved enterprises surged by as much as 99 per cent.

Another point of concern is that nearly 40 per cent of firms in the wholesale and retail sector are facing difficulties. This indicates that the sector is being strongly affected by shifts in trade patterns, changing consumption trends, intensifying competition, and relatively weak domestic demand.

On the positive side, however, the number of newly established businesses and those resuming operations reached approximately 96,000, up 31.7 per cent. This reflects the dynamic movement and natural selection process of the economy, while also demonstrating the ability of businesses to adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.

Overall, the current picture of business health is a mix of challenges and opportunities. While difficulties remain predominant, the foundations for recovery are still being maintained.

How would you evaluate the current health of businesses generally?

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures changes in the volume of industrial output, rose by 9 per cent in the first quarter. This is not a low figure compared to recent quarters (which ranged from 9.3 per cent to 9.9 per cent), and is even higher than the same period in 2025, when the IIP increased by only 8.3 per cent. A 9 per cent growth rate indicates that industrial expansion in Q1 remains quite solid.

However, from another perspective, certain unfavourable factors have emerged. First, on a monthly trend basis, due to the impact of tensions in the Middle East, the IIP growth in March slowed compared to the first two months of the year.

This trend is consistent with Vietnam’s Purchasing Managers’ Index, which has hovered around the 50 threshold in recent months, suggesting that industrial production remains in expansion territory but not strongly and shows signs of slowing.

Despite some degree of optimism, it must be acknowledged that the outlook remains fraught with challenges and risks, including rising global and domestic oil prices, increasing logistics costs, a recovery in export markets that is not yet firmly established, a still-high number of businesses exiting the market, and persistent input cost pressures.

As such, industrial growth in the coming quarters may remain volatile and will depend heavily on export markets, investment flows, and domestic policies supporting production and business activities.

Manufacturing and processing is the engine of the economy and heavily dependent on exports. How are businesses in this sector performing as exports face difficulties due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz?

According to survey results on production and business trends in the manufacturing and processing sector, the biggest challenge at present remains weak market demand.

Specifically, as many as 45.6 per cent of firms reported difficulties due to low demand. This clearly reflects the reality that both domestic and international markets are recovering slowly, while purchasing power remains subdued.

In addition, competitive pressure is a major challenge. Nearly 49 per cent of businesses indicated that they are facing intense competition. With demand yet to recover strongly and the number of enterprises remaining large, competition in terms of price, quality, and market share has become increasingly fierce.

Another difficulty lies in rising input costs, particularly for energy, logistics, and raw materials. These factors are influenced by global geopolitical fluctuations, including tensions in the Middle East that have driven up transportation costs and global energy prices.

Survey data show that about 27.3 per cent of manufacturing firms are affected by shortages of raw materials and rising input costs – an increase of 7.5 percentage points compared to the previous quarter.

This is a notable rise, indicating that cost pressures have yet to ease. Export activities, inevitably, have also been negatively impacted by the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, with as many as 28.6 per cent of businesses reporting difficulties due to weak global demand.

What solutions are needed to support manufacturing and processing businesses in recovering and growing under current conditions?

Vietnam has formed a new government, and the new administration will continue to focus on directing and managing efforts to achieve a GDP growth target of 10 per cent or more going forward, while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring major economic balances with strong determination.

In the immediate term, the government’s key priority is to stabilise the macroeconomy, keep inflation under control, and maintain stable interest rates in order to ease financial cost pressures on businesses.

Domestic demand remains weak, while exports are likely to be negatively affected as consumers both at home and globally adopt more frugal spending habits.

Therefore, to achieve such high growth, it is essential to accelerate the disbursement of public investment, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects, in order to create jobs and stimulate relevant sectors such as construction materials and mechanical engineering.

In addition, it is necessary to swiftly update construction material prices to accurately reflect market fluctuations, thereby enabling businesses to adjust costs appropriately; remove obstructions in administrative procedures, land access, and site clearance to expedite project implementation and improve corporate cash flows; and continue implementing support policies such as reducing logistics costs, encouraging digital transformation, and enhancing competitiveness.

New regulatory approach to boost transparency for businesses Vietnam is shifting its focus from rule-making to rule-quality, adopting Good Regulatory Practices and impact assessment to create more transparent, predictable, and internationally aligned regulations.

Businesses develop strategies to penetrate Halal market Vietnamese businesses need to prepare across multiple fronts to enhance their competitiveness and successfully penetrate the Middle Eastern market, according to experts at a seminar on April 3.

Eco-industrial parks offer solution for foreign-led businesses amidst global volatility Against the backdrop of evolving global geopolitical shifts and stricter ESG standards, the eco-industrial park model is emerging as a pivotal solution for foreign companies to ensure self-reliance and maintain their position in the global supply chain.

The bonds, filed on April 9, are unsecured, non-convertible, and non-warrant-linked instruments denominated in US dollars, constituting a direct payment obligation of the issuer. They carry an option allowing holders to receive shares in Vinpearl JSC, which is owned by Vingroup.

The offering comprises a maximum of 1,750 bonds at a par value of $200,000 each, with an expected coupon of up to 5.75 per cent per annum and a five-year tenor from the date of issuance. The bonds are expected to be listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange in Austria and will not be offered or listed in Vietnam. Issuance is targeted for the second quarter, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals.

A hospitality complex operated by Vinpearl. Photo: Vingroup

As of the end of 2025, Vingroup carried total debt of VND338 trillion ($13.3 billion), in which dollar-denominated debt accounted for 19.1 per cent of the total.

Net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at 2.7 times in 2025, up from 2.3 times in 2024. The EBITDA-to-interest-expense coverage ratio was 3.0 times in 2025, an increase from 2.9 times.

For 2026, Vingroup plans to achieve net revenue of $17.7 billion and net profit after tax of $984.3 million, representing an increase of 35.6 per cent and 125.9 per cent respectively compared to 2025.

VinFast – an electric vehicle manufacturer and a member unit of Vingroup – has set a target of 300,000 electric vehicle deliveries and approximately 1 million electric motorcycle units. The latter represents at least 2.5 times the volume recorded in 2025, with market expansion planned in the United States and Europe.

Real estate developer Vinhomes – a member of the Vingroup ecosystem – plans to drive strong net revenue growth through ongoing large-scale developments and new project launches in Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Quang Ninh.

Meanwhile, Vinpearl – a premium hospitality and resort brand within the Vingroup ecosystem – aims to grow revenue through higher room occupancy, expanded on-site services, accelerated meetings and events offerings, and the launch of the Tuyen Quang hospitality complex.

At the group level, Vingroup stated it intends to develop three new business pillars in infrastructure, green energy, and culture, alongside its existing real estate, industrials, and social enterprise segments.

Vingroup merges GSM and Green Future On February 28, Vingroup announced the merger between Green and Smart Mobility JSC and Green Future Trading and Services JSC.

Vingroup launches customer support program amid fuel cost increases The Vietnamese conglomerate introduced financial assistance initiatives for consumers facing higher transportation and energy expenses.

ACV and Vingroup tie up to advance green transition and airport development On March 23, Airports Corporation of Vietnam and Vingroup formally signed a comprehensive MoU to boost green transformation across Vietnam’s airport system through the deployment of clean energy solutions and sustainable mobility initiatives.