The socio-economic report for the first quarter of 2026, recently released by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, reveals highly optimistic signals for the retail market and consumer services.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Directive No. 11/CT-TTg dated April 3 on enhancing the mobilisation of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in promoting and distributing Vietnamese products, and developing distribution channels abroad during 2026–2030.

The Vietnamese Businesswomen Association in Europe made its debut at a ceremony in Berlin on April 5, marking a new step in connecting Vietnamese female entrepreneurs across the continent.

Vietnam’s total social investment rose strongly in the first quarter of 2026, reflecting improving investor confidence and a sustained recovery in the business climate, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.

Vietnam’s leading steelmaker Hoa Phat Group has taken a major step in its plan to produce high-quality steel for modern rail systems by signing an agreement with TÜV SÜD Rail GmbH to provide testing, inspection and certification services for its railway rail products.

Kim Long Motor has taken a significant step in its international expansion strategy by entering the Thai market through a newly signed distribution agreement with Kijsetthi Mobility.

VOV.VN - The 22nd Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival, themed “Vibrant Summer Fest,” concluded at September 23 Park on April 5, wrapping up four days of lively activities and strong visitor engagement.

Over the past three months, although facing highly complex and challenging international pressures, the agricultural sector still recorded growth of 3.58%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) at the Government’s regular March press briefing held on April 4.

VOV.VN - Billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong, founder and chairman of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate Vingroup, has become the richest person in Southeast Asia, with an estimated net worth of over US$24.5 billion, according to the latest update from Forbes.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will maintain a flexible and supportive interest rate policy for the rest of 2026, focusing on liquidity support and borrowing cost stability to sustain economic growth amid rising global uncertainties and inflationary pressures.

Vietnam’s domestic fuel supply is sufficient to meet demand through the end of April 2026, authorities said at the Government’s regular press conference on April 4, amid rising global energy concerns linked to the escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Central Quang Tri province is looking to awaken the untapped potential of its marine tourism by developing Cua Tung, Cua Viet and Con Co special zone into a “golden triangle” of high-end destinations.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s industrial production expanded by 9.0% in the first quarter of 2026, marking its fastest growth in seven years, driven mainly by strong gains in processing and manufacturing.

VOV.VN - Among 52 countries and territories with newly licensed projects, Singapore has emerged as the largest investor in Vietnam, with total registered capital of US$5.32 billion, accounting for 52.0% of the country’s total newly registered FDI.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s economy expanded by an estimated 7.83% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year earlier, driven mainly by strong performance in industry, construction and services, according to the National Statistics Office.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s consumer price index (CPI) rose by 3.51% in the first quarter of 2026 compared to a year earlier, with transport and housing costs emerging as the main drivers of inflation, according to the National Statistics Office.

The National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), in collaboration with Ant International - a unit of China-based Ant Group, and Vietcombank, on April 3 announced the expansion of cross-border QR code payment services between Vietnam and China.

An article published on US-based Entrepreneur.com on April 1 highlighted that an increasing number of international companies are choosing Vietnam as a key destination in their global growth strategies, amid a growing trend of supply chain diversification aimed at reducing risks from trade and economic uncertainties.

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City’s economy expanded by 8.27% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, marking its fastest growth for the same period in five years, according to the municipal statistics office.

VOV.VN - Vietnamese food exporters are being urged to tap into the rapidly expanding global Halal market, seen as a trillion-dollar opportunity, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia.

VOV.VN - The fourth edition of the “Vitality of Vietnamese Goods” programme opened in Hanoi on April 3, aiming to promote safe food consumption, strengthen supply–demand connections, and expand domestic distribution channels.

Despite mounting global headwinds, particularly escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Vietnam’s exports remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026, reaching nearly US$100 billion, up more than 17% year-on-year.

VOV.VN - Ho Chi Minh City has launched its 2026–2027 market stabilisation programme, aimed at keeping prices in check, ensuring supply and stabilising living conditions as fuel, transport and input costs fluctuate.

Vietnam has introduced a new set of procedures to tighten control over foreign fishing vessels entering its ports.

Ho Chi Minh City and the US's Oregon state hold strong potential to develop logistics supply chains, helping boost bilateral trade, experts said at the 2026 Ho Chi Minh City–Oregon Economic Cooperation Forum on April 2.

Total state budget revenue in the first quarter of 2026 is estimated at VND820 trillion (US$31.1 billion), equivalent to 32.4% of the annual target and up 10.2% year-on-year, the Ministry of Finance reported.

A virtual seminar has set the stage for business-to-business (B2B) networking between Vietnamese firms and a delegation of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) ahead of the 35th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2026), which is scheduled to take place on April 8–11 in Hanoi.

VOV.VN - The People’s Committee of Dong Nai Province held a ceremony on April 2 to export bananas and promote farm produce exports in 2026, aimed at introducing fresh bananas and key agricultural products while building the province’s agricultural brand.

VOV.VN - A scientific workshop on a regulatory sandbox mechanism for the international financial centre was held in Hanoi on April 2 by the Ho Chi Minh City International Financial Centre (VIFC-HCMC), the Global On-chain Economy Alliance (GOE Alliance), the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and the Nationa

VOV.VN - The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)’s payment risk monitoring and prevention system has supported alerts to about 3.5 million customers, with more than 1.1 million of them proactively suspending or cancelling transactions after receiving warnings, thereby blocking transactions worth nearly VND4 trillion.