ARTICLES

8 Mar 2024

Why XanhSM Might Dethrone Grab in Vietnam

Le Hong Hiep

Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing giant Grab has a new serious competitor in Vietnam. XanhSM, also known as GreenSM in international markets, has rapidly expanded by offering more secure employment and lower costs for drivers, and achieving high client satisfaction. But turning a profit will be challenging.

4 Mar 2024

Vietnam’s Labour Export: Economic Boon or Developmental Bane?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Labour export yields economic benefits and provides life-changing opportunities for many young Vietnamese. However, Vietnam must craft a long-term strategy that gradually diminishes reliance on labour export, focusing instead on cultivating a competitive domestic labour market.

Labour Market Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

14 Dec 2023

Late to the Party: Vietnam and the Belt and Road Initiative

Hoang Thi Ha

Chinese-funded investments into Laos and Cambodia have transformed the geo-economic landscape in Vietnam’s immediate neighbourhood. This has caused Hanoi to give China’s Belt and Road Initiative another look.

China-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

U.S. President Joe Biden makes a toast with Vietnam's President Vo Van Thuong (R) during a State luncheon at the Presidential Palace in Hanoi on September 11, 2023.

15 Sep 2023

Vietnam and Washington’s “De-risking” Strategy: It’s the Economy, Stupid

Nguyen Khac Giang

The historic upgrade in Vietnam-U.S. relations has more to do with the economics than defence and security.

China Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

23 May 2023

Can Vietnam Benefit from the Global Chip Rush?

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s semiconductor industry is expanding rapidly as firms caught in the ensuing U.S.-China trade war seek refuge in the country. But Hanoi needs to bolster support for domestic semiconductor firms to make the country a significant player in the global chip market.

Technology Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

4 Jan 2023

Vietnam’s High GDP Growth Rate Masks Its Economic Difficulties

Le Hong Hiep

The Vietnamese economy enjoyed solid growth in 2022. But the headline GDP growth figure belies underlying weaknesses in the economy.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

10 Oct 2022

Vietnamese Private Enterprises’ Covid-19 Donations: Not All about Altruism

Le Hong Hiep|Phan Xuan Dung

Private firms in Vietnam have played a pivotal role in helping the country recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. There are, however, other reasons to explain their corporate social responsibility.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

25 Aug 2022

Why Vietnamese Private Conglomerates Are Venturing Into Social Housing

Le Hong Hiep|Phan Xuan Dung

Private conglomerates in Vietnam have registered strong interest in Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s plan to build at least one million social housing units by the end of the decade. Attainment of the ambitious goal, however, remains doubtful.

Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

10 Aug 2022

Time for Vietnam to Apply Minimum Wage to Gig Economy Workers

Joe Buckley

On paper, gig workers appear to be paid more than their salaried worker counterparts in Vietnam. But the former have to work for longer hours and do not have access to the same benefits enjoyed by the latter. As such, the proposed raise in minimum wage should be applied to gig workers too.

Labour Market Vietnam Vietnamese Economy

15 Jul 2022

Will Vietnam’s Richest Man Be Safe?

Le Hong Hiep

Recent speculation that Vietnam’s richest man, Vingroup chairman Pham Nhat Vuong, might get in trouble with the authorities is probably overwrought. Nevertheless, Hanoi’s anti-corruption campaign means Vietnam’s business owners must tread carefully in their search for profit.

Anti-Corruption Vietnam Vietnamese Economy