Vietnam's Economy Weekly Update: E-commerce, Green Energy, FDI trends
As Vietnam's economy rapidly transforms, business owners and SMEs in Vietnam must stay informed to make smart decisions. This week’s developments offer a powerful snapshot of where the Vietnam economy is heading—from booming e-commerce initiatives and digital infrastructure upgrades to rising global integration and green energy transitions.
Whether you're scaling your SME, planning cross-border trade, or still considering investment, this summary offers actionable insights to help your business thrive in Vietnam’s fast-evolving market.
Vietnam E-Commerce & Digital Push
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is intensifying its 2025 action plan to promote digital transformation and boost e-commerce, with special focus on:
- Supporting SMEs, cooperatives, and craft villages in accessing online sales platforms.
- Promoting Vietnamese goods for domestic and cross-border trade.
- Training programs in legal compliance, digital tools, big data, and AI to empower exporters.
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Launch of EcoHub, Vietnam’s first green B2B e-commerce platform in Ho Chi Minh City.
These steps are designed to strengthen Vietnam’s competitiveness in global markets while helping SME Vietnam firms modernize operations.
Industrial Growth & Global Integration
Vietnam's industrial recovery is gaining momentum:
- HCMC’s Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 8.6% in the first half of 2025.
- Key sectors: mechanical engineering, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.
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The Department of Industry and Trade is promoting:
- Technology upgrades
- Localization of production
- Integration into global supply chains
Notably, according to JETRO’s annual survey, 56.1% of Japanese firms operating in Vietnam plan to expand within the next one to two years – the highest rate among ASEAN countries. This indicates Vietnam’s growing strategic role in global supply chains.
HCMC Public Transport Goes Electric
In alignment with national green growth strategies, Ho Chi Minh City has committed to 100% green-energy buses by 2030. Plans include:
- Financial support for transport companies to adopt electric vehicles.
- Investments in EV charging infrastructure.
- Long-term vision to green all transport: taxis, trucks, ride-hailing, and private cars.
This transition supports both climate goals and opens doors for eco-focused SMEs in tech, logistics, and energy sectors.
Data centre investment in Vietnam
Vietnam is becoming a data center hotspot in Asia-Pacific, driven by:
- Liberal investment laws allowing full foreign ownership.
- Prioritization of data centers as high-tech infrastructure.
- Development costs: approx. US$7.1 million/MW, far below regional averages.
- Ongoing capacity shortfalls highlight strong investment potential.
For digital service providers and e-commerce Vietnam platforms, this creates a scalable, cost-efficient infrastructure.
Vietnam's AI Adoption
Google and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics are preparing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support:
- AI training programs at various levels
- Science, technology, and policy collaboration
- National digital literacy and workforce development
Google has expressed readiness to support Vietnam's digital transformation journey, particularly in education and workforce training, outlining various levels of AI training from broad literacy to specialized programs.
However, SMEs in Ho Chi Minh City remain hesitant to adopt AI in their operations due to concerns over costs and uncertain efficiency.
HCMC Housing Prices Hit Record Highs
Ho Chi Minh City apartment prices have soared to historic highs in 2025. Real estate in Ho Chi Minh City hit a new ceiling:
- Luxury apartments priced at up to VND600 million/m² (US$23,500).
- One-bedroom units: VND29–31 billion (US$1.1–1.2M)
- Two-bedroom units: VND33–50 billion (US$1.3–2M)
- Average annual income: VND150–200 million (US$6,000–8,000)
Rising land and construction costs mean fewer affordable options, potentially affecting workforce retention for SMEs.
What This Means for SMEs and Business Owners in Vietnam
Here’s how SMEs and business owners in Vietnam can take advantage of this week’s developments:
1. Expand Through E-Commerce and Cross-border Trade Vietnam
- Leverage government support for digital platforms like EcoHub.
- Access training and legal guidance for online and overseas sales.
- Improve brand value and reach international markets.
2. Join Global Supply Chains
- Industrial recovery and foreign expansion plans (e.g., from Japan) offer B2B opportunities.
- Upgrade technologies to align with global integration Vietnam trends.
3. Go Green—Early
- Invest in electric vehicle fleets and green logistics.
- Adopt sustainable business practices to align with Vietnam’s carbon-neutral vision.
4. Utilize Enhanced Digital Infrastructure
- The rise of data centers means faster, more reliable tech services.
- Scale cloud-based operations and digital solutions.
5. Explore Practical AI Solutions
- Begin small with AI automation in marketing or customer service.
- Seek public or private programs that subsidize digital transformation.
Conclusion: Seize the Moment in a Transforming Vietnam Economy
This week’s updates reflect a Vietnam economy that’s innovating fast, integrating globally, and embracing sustainability. For SME Vietnam businesses and foreign investors alike, the message is clear:
✅ Digital transformation isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
✅ Green energy and sustainability are not just trends—they're future-proof investments.
✅ Global trade is shifting—Vietnam is at the center.
To stay competitive, business owners Vietnam must align with these national priorities and seize new opportunities across e-commerce, supply chains, and technology.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, laws and regulations may change. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified legal or financial advisors before making decisions related to foreign investment or share transfers in Vietnam. United Consulting is not liable for any actions taken based on this content.
The Week in Review: Vietnam Digital Growth, Green Shifts, and Global Integration