VND2.4 quadrillion ‘trapped’ in nearly 3,000 stalled real estate projects
The Vietnam Real Estate Market Forum (VREF) 2026Speaking at the Vietnam Real Estate Market Forum (VREF) 2026, organized by the Vietnam Association of Realtors on January 9, Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh said many projects remain entangled in legal issues or unfinished investments. “To date, there are 698 social housing projects nationwide under implementation, with a scale of about 657,000 units; 193 projects have been completed, and many others are continuing,” said the Deputy Minister. In 2026, the Government targets bringing 160,000 social housing units to the market, with an average price of around VND20–25 million per sqm. Although social housing supply has risen significantly, it still has failed to keep pace with the supply of commercial housing commonly priced above VND80 million per sqm. The segment structure continues to shift strongly toward luxury and ultra-luxury apartments, while affordable commercial housing is nearly absent from the market.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 16, 2026 04:10 UTC
Holders Vietnam to meet Indonesia, Singapore at ASEAN Championship
Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Group D - Iraq v Vietnam - Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar - January 24, 2024 Vietnam players pose for a team group photo before the match. Photo: ReutersThailand, who have claimed the title on a record seven occasions and lost to Vietnam in the 2024 final, will headline Group B, where they will take on 2010 winners Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Laos. Teams will play one another on a home-or-away basis until Aug. 8 with the first two finishers in each group progressing to the semi-finals. The first legs of the semi-finals will be played on Aug. 15 and 16 with the returns on Aug. 18 and 19. The final will be played over two legs on Aug. 23 and 26.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 16, 2026 01:39 UTC
Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News - January 16
The Cham Islands in the buffer zone of the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, now part of Da Nang City, central Vietnam. -- The Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association on Thursday launched the Vietnam Digital Asset Investors Community in Hanoi, aiming to promote knowledge sharing, risk management, and responsible participation in the fast-growing digital asset market. Ho Chi Minh City-- A chain-reaction crash involving four cars inside the Saigon River Tunnel caused major traffic congestion late on Thursday afternoon, disrupting travel from downtown Ho Chi Minh City toward the eastern side of the city. -- Ho Chi Minh City officially opened the Pho Museum on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street in Ben Thanh Ward on Thursday, offering visitors a cultural journey through more than 100 years of Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup. -- Authorities in Phu My Ward are investigating the deaths of two men who were found unconscious in a drainage manhole on Thursday, suspected to have suffocated from toxic gases.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 16, 2026 01:39 UTC
HCMC seeks strategic partner for Binh Quoi – Thanh Da urban revival
Ảnh: NLĐThe Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has publicly announced the investment opportunity for the Binh Quoi – Thanh Da New Urban Area project, enabling interested strategic investors to access project details, conduct research, and submit development proposals. Accordingly, if only one investor submits a proposal meeting all strategic investor criteria, they may be selected directly. The People’s Committee strongly encourages reputable and capable strategic investors to step forward and participate in the revitalization of the Binh Quoi – Thanh Da peninsula - positioning it as a modern, ecological, and resilient urban area. The Binh Quoi – Thanh Da New Urban Area project is located in Binh Quoi Ward on a 405.9-hectare peninsula embraced by the Saigon River. It is officially included in the national list of priority projects to attract strategic investment.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 16, 2026 01:39 UTC
HCMC targets double-digit growth, tackles four critical bottlenecks
The first major obstacle, according to Ha, is urban planning. She stressed the need to develop a unified master plan that aligns national, regional, provincial, and municipal planning frameworks. In tandem, the city must digitize and publicly share planning data, improve inter-agency coordination, and allocate sufficient resources to ensure effective execution. These initiatives are expected to help fill the investment gap, with public investment needs estimated at 3.2 quadrillion VND (approx. Slow disbursement of public investment: The city met only 78% of its 2025 investment goals.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 16, 2026 01:24 UTC
Thailand’s early exit puts spotlight on Vietnam’s rising U23 hopes
Thailand U23 (in blue) eliminated in the group stage. Commenter Le Trong Thang wrote, “Now I wonder how U23 Thailand managed to score two goals against Vietnam. Maybe it was just a fluke.”His sentiment struck a chord with many, as U23 Vietnam’s defensive line has been among the strongest in the tournament. I sympathize with them.”As Thailand bowed out of the group stage, many Southeast Asian fans shifted their support toward Vietnam. Against this backdrop, U23 Vietnam has emerged as Southeast Asia’s best shot at making a deep run in the tournament.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 23:08 UTC
Vietnam advises citizens to avoid Iran amid rising regional tensions
Amid increasingly complex developments in Iran's security and public order situation, the Consular Department of Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a warning, advising citizens not to travel to Iran at this time unless absolutely necessary. The department also urges Vietnamese citizens currently in Iran to stay informed, strictly comply with local regulations, and follow guidance from Vietnamese authorities, including the Consular Department, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Embassy of Vietnam in Iran. Over the past few days, multiple airlines have canceled or rerouted flights to Tehran. The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Iran, at the request of the United States. This development comes as Tehran appears to have made conciliatory statements aimed at easing tensions following a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, who pledged action to prevent violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 22:28 UTC
205 Vietnamese arrested in Cambodia-based online scam ring led by Chinese
Police in Tuyen Quang Province, northern Vietnam have arrested 205 Vietnamese working for online scam companies in Cambodia, January 2026. During the raids, authorities discovered and detained 205 Vietnamese nationals working for online fraud operations. Photo: Tuyen Quang Province’s Department of Public SecurityAccording to Tuyen Quang police, the scam companies were led by Chinese nationals and based entirely in Cambodia. Investigators question Vietnamese suspects working for online fraud operations in Cambodia. Photo: Tuyen Quang Province’s Department of Public SecurityThe syndicate employed multiple scam tactics, including impersonating police officers, electricity workers, and tax officials.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 15, 2026 15:32 UTC
Ho Chi Minh City breaks ground on $5.5bn national sports complex
Ho Chi Minh City Party secretary Tran Luu Quang (L) and Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group, attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2026. Former Vietnamese State President Truong Tan Sang (L) and Ho Chi Minh City Party secretary Tran Luu Quang (C) attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2026. Nguyen Loc Ha, permanent deputy chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2026. Officials take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2026. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi TreConstruction vehicles are seen at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, January 15, 2026.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 15, 2026 14:12 UTC
Quang Ninh gears up for landmark concert with 50,000 in attendance
Divo Tung Duong and pop icon My Tam will headline a spectacular concert expected to draw 50,000 attendees in Quang Ninh on the evening of January 25. Divo Tung Duong will perform at the grand New Year concert in Quang Ninh, alongside an all-star lineup expected to draw 50,000 people. Titled Proudly Following the Glorious Party – Quang Ninh Rising to New Heights, the 120-minute artistic program will take place at the 30/10 Square in Ha Long Ward, Quang Ninh Province. The concert will conclude with a high-altitude fireworks display, promising a night of dazzling visuals and stirring emotion. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Quang Ninh will also debut its first-ever floral boulevard and light technology showcase titled Spring of Heritage – Digital Wonder by Ha Long Bay.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 14:05 UTC
Bribery confession in Hai Phong meat scandal: officer surrenders
Halong Canned Food Joint Stock Company, Hai Phong. Photo: Hai Phong People’s ProcuracyOn January 15, the Haiphong People’s Procuracy confirmed that Tran Thi Huong, born in 1974 and a resident of An Bien Ward, Haiphong City, surrendered at the municipal police’s Criminal Investigation Office. At the investigation agency, Huong confessed to issuing false quarantine certificates for Halong Canfoco to legitimize the company's distribution of goods to other provinces. Also turning themselves in was Le Nhat Huy, born in 1990 and residing in Gia Vien Ward, Haiphong. Three additional company employees - all involved in quality control of raw materials - have also been indicted and detained on charges of violating food safety regulations.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 13:55 UTC
ASEAN ministers chart course for a responsible digital future
The sixth ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting (ADGMIN) officially opened on January 15 in Hanoi, affirming the region’s collective ambition to build a smart, deeply connected, innovative, and responsible digital community in the era of rapid technological change. A turning point in ASEAN’s digital cooperation mindsetMinister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung. “ASEAN needs a new, unified and integrative digital master plan - one that transcends fragmented approaches to create a cohesive ASEAN digital space and a unified ASEAN AI network,” he urged. Strengthening trust and collaborationASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn affirmed the bloc’s commitment to advancing inclusive digital cooperation, narrowing the digital divide, and fostering a trustworthy and secure digital space for all member nations. He described the ADGMIN mechanism as instrumental in translating ASEAN’s digital vision into tangible programs, joint initiatives, and meaningful partnerships.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 13:50 UTC
Ho Chi Minh City unveils bold plan for northern science-tech hub
The northern area of Ho Chi Minh City is set to become a major science and technology urban zone, marking a transformative step in the city’s spatial and economic development. The announcement was made on January 15, with participation from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, government agencies, and major partners including Becamex, VSIP, and global technology giants such as Qualcomm, Coherent, Warburg Pincus, and Fraunhofer ENAS. Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Minh Thanh emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating that it aligns with the city’s newly granted special policy mechanisms from the central government. He further noted that the northern science-technology urban area plays a strategically vital role in the overall spatial and economic development of both Ho Chi Minh City and the Southeast Region. Following the merger of Binh Duong into Ho Chi Minh City, the tower was handed back to Becamex to be maintained and upgraded for science and technology development purposes.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 13:45 UTC
Vietnam’s passport rises five places in global ranking
In the previous report issued in December 2025, Vietnam’s passport ranked 90th. According to the Henley Passport Index, Vietnamese citizens can now travel to 49 destinations worldwide without needing to obtain a visa in advance. The majority of destinations accessible to Vietnamese passport holders are located within Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Myanmar. Throughout the more than 20-year history of the Henley Passport Index, the highest rank Vietnam has ever achieved was 78th, during the 2006–2007 period. The Henley Passport Index ranks passports based on the number of destinations a passport holder can access without a prior visa.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 13:29 UTC
Ethnic Thai specialty becomes hot New Year gift, shipped 500km to Hanoi
Khau xen, a specialty from Muong Lay district, is a crunchy snack made by the White Thai people of Dien Bien. Beyond Muong Lay, khau xen is popular across the province, often chosen as a nostalgic and delicious souvenir by both locals and visitors. Hong Nhung, a resident of Hanoi, first tasted khau xen during a business trip to Dien Bien and was instantly captivated by its unique flavor. Khau xen is a traditional snack of the White Thai ethnic group in Dien Bien, especially popular in the old Muong Lay district. Fried khau xen puffs up like shrimp chips, with a crunchy texture and light sweetness.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 15, 2026 10:27 UTC