Ho Chi Minh City is exploring outlet centres not simply as places offering discounted goods, but as part of an integrated retail, service and tourism ecosystem. The model could expand consumer space, attract visitors and boost retail growth.
If effectively implemented, the proposed outlet and duty-free models could generate an estimated 579 trillion VND (nearly 22 billion USD) in direct revenue, equivalent to around 10% of Vietnam’s retail market growth.
As Ho Chi Minh City targets double-digit gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth, the trade and services sector is expected to remain its key growth engine, supported by recovering consumer demand and the approaching year-end shopping season.
Central Retail Vietnam will continue investing in its supermarket network while increasing the share of Vietnamese products in its distribution system. The group will also deepen support for farmers, cooperatives and producers across the supply chain, from cultivation and harvesting to packaging and product standardisation.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam on August 29 inspected the Hoang Cau–Voi Phuc section of Ring Road No. 1 and the Hoang Quan Chi High School project in Hanoi, urging authorities to ensure timely completion and quality facilities for the new school year.
From visas and residency application to electronic identification and public services, more procedures for foreign nationals in Vietnam are moving online, making them faster and more convenient. Building on these individual services, Vietnam is working towards a more connected, secure and user-friendly digital ecosystem for foreigners.
As part of his working visit to the United States, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang held meetings with US senior officials on August 27-28. The meetings aimed to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US and promote cooperation in economics, trade, finance and technology.
As part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2026, the “Xom Doai” cultural and arts space has opened in Yen Xuan commune in Hanoi. Built with collected and restored traditional architectural elements, the space offers a new way to bring heritage back into contemporary life through architecture, art and community creativity.
Nearly 40 years after opening its economy to tap international resources for national development, Vietnam is shifting its focus from simply attracting more foreign investment to using it more effectively to strengthen domestic capacity, enhance competitiveness and bolster economic self-reliance, the central message of the Politburo’s Resolution No. 10-NQ/TW.
Amid the fast pace of modern life, mountainous markets in Dien Bien province continue to attract visitors while preserving the distinctive culture of local ethnic communities. More than places to buy and sell everyday goods, these markets are also spaces for cultural activities, social gatherings and community interaction. They help preserve traditional identities while creating new opportunities for community-based tourism.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam and his spouse chaired a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Vietnam's National Day in Hanoi on August 28.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on August 28 held phone talks with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, during which they discussed major directions to further strengthen political trust and maintain the positive momentum in bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung affirmed Vietnam’s highest priority is to consolidate its special solidarity with Laos, pledging closer coordination with the neighbouring country to remove obstacles and facilitate bilateral investment and business cooperation.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam attended a ceremony on August 28 to announce the National Assembly’s resolution on the establishment of Quang Ninh as a centrally governed city, during which the leader presented the first-class Labour Order to the Party organisation, authorities and people of the northern locality.
A concert may last only a few hours, but the emotions it inspires can stay with audiences much longer. The 2026 national concert “The Fatherland in Our Hearts” shows how history, national identity and national pride can be brought closer to the public through contemporary art.
Vietnam National Railway Corporation, in collaboration with the Quang Tri provincial People’s Committee and Hue city People’s Committee, has officially launched the tourist train linking heritage sites across central Vietnam.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on August 27 urged Samsung to remain a critical bridge and partner in enhancing Vietnam’s technological capability, developing industries and integrating deeper into global value chains.
Vietnam welcomes and will continue to make it easier for leading global technology corporations, including those from the US, to invest and build long-term partnerships in the country, said General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on August 27 called for substantive breakthroughs in education and training in the 2026-2027 academic year, with reforms measured by tangible improvements for learners, teachers, schools and the country’s human resources.
Politburo Member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu’s official visit to Singapore and co-charing of the first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue from August 24-25 was a great success, achieving the set targets with concrete outcomes, according to Politburo Member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam called for closer cooperation with FIFA in developing football infrastructure, human resources and international competitions during a reception for FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Hanoi on August 26.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted the first Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam Tourism Ministers’ Conference in Ho Chi Minh City on August 26, establishing a ministerial-level tourism cooperation mechanism among the three countries.
On August 25, in Buenos Aires, the Argentina-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, in coordination with the Argentina-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, held a seminar entitled “Strengthening trade and investment”. The event brought together a large number of parliamentarians and businesses from both countries to discuss opportunities and solutions for expanding bilateral economic ties.
Speaking to Vietnam News Agency reporters in Singapore, Professor Vu Minh Khuong of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy described the recent visit by Politburo Member and Standing Member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu as a historic event.
