Vietnam Weekly $5 / month

Vietnam Weekly covers a wide range of topics, including domestic policy impacts, environmental issues, economic forecasts, infrastructure development challenges, and key industry trends within Vietnam. Authored by Michael Tatarski, it provides a deep dive into both under-reported and major news stories, including the dynamics of local and international business sectors.

Public Health and Safety Environmental Concerns Economic Development Industry Expansions and Challenges Infrastructure and Urban Management Tourism Legal and Political Issues Technological and Industrial Strategy Real Estate Market Energy Challenges

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways
491 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. A high number of drunk driving violations were recorded in 2023, more than in the previous two years combined.
  2. The ongoing campaign against drunk driving has resulted in numerous DUI violations, even among government employees.
  3. Despite public support for the campaign, there have been unintended consequences from the crackdown.
412 implied HN points 18 Jan 24
  1. Air pollution continues to be a serious health issue in cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  2. Forecasts for Vietnam's economic growth in 2024 range from 6% to 6.5%.
  3. There are ongoing concerns about poor oversight and scandals in construction management in cities like Da Lat.
353 implied HN points 10 Jan 24
  1. Vietnamese carmaker VinFast is expanding to India and other countries.
  2. The subscription price for Vietnam Weekly is increasing from $5/month to $8/month.
  3. VinFast has made significant announcements, including a leadership transition, plans for India, CES presentation, and facing challenges with bad press.
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255 implied HN points 07 Sep 23
  1. The post discusses the ongoing sand crisis and its impact on development and the environment.
  2. The author, Michael Tatarski, writes for the Vietnam Weekly and provides exclusive content for paying subscribers.
  3. Readers can upgrade to a paid subscription for more in-depth features and content.
255 implied HN points 11 Jan 24
  1. Energy worries are mounting in Vietnam due to a possible electricity shortage from May through July.
  2. Vietnam is considering importing power from Laos and coal from neighboring countries to address energy challenges.
  3. Airlines in Vietnam are facing struggles with reduced routes, low demand, high airfares, and operational issues as the Lunar New Year approaches.
235 implied HN points 25 Jan 24
  1. Northern Vietnam experienced its strongest cold front in nearly a decade, impacting communities without proper heating infrastructure.
  2. Speculation about the health of top leaders in Vietnam, like General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng, can cause uncertainty until confirmed news is provided.
  3. Infrastructure projects like airport expansions are underway in Vietnam, with notable progress but challenges in transit link development.
216 implied HN points 17 Oct 23
  1. Vạn Thịnh Phát's alleged bond fraud amounts to $1.2 billion from 42,000 investors.
  2. The investigation into Vạn Thịnh Phát Group has been ongoing for over a year.
  3. The corporation's influence and operations span extensively.
176 implied HN points 03 Oct 23
  1. Resolution 98 aims to address various issues in Ho Chi Minh City, including infrastructure, housing market, climate risks, and urban management.
  2. City leaders are looking to overcome previous failures and boost economic development with Resolution 98.
  3. Specific mechanisms like increased salaries and the BOT model for traffic projects are part of the action plan for implementing Resolution 98.
176 implied HN points 24 Jan 24
  1. Vietnam is focusing on semiconductors as a key industry for development.
  2. Prime Minister Chính pitched Vietnam's investment opportunities in semiconductors and AI during his recent trips.
  3. The government is supporting strategic breakthroughs in semiconductors through infrastructure development, human resource training, and institutional improvement.
137 implied HN points 24 Oct 23
  1. Factory workers in Vietnam are withdrawing their social insurance premiums before retirement age.
  2. The government is looking at ways to address this trend to prevent potential issues.
  3. An example of this issue's impact was seen in a recent strike in Nghệ An.
98 implied HN points 01 Feb 24
  1. Vietnam is in a debate over its market economy label by the US Commerce Department.
  2. Vietnamese labor exports are growing significantly, impacting both the economy and international relations.
  3. Tết time in Vietnam is colorful and vibrant with flower vendors all around.
39 implied HN points 30 Jan 24
  1. The revised Land Law and Law on Credit Institutions in Vietnam aim to revive the real estate market by addressing historical shortcomings.
  2. The real estate market in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces, experienced a significant decline in transactions and prices in recent years.
  3. Experts believe that the synchronized adjustment of four important real estate laws will increase transparency and resolve market issues in Vietnam.