🇻🇳 Vietnam — Friday, April 10, 2026
Highlights through the eyes of a long-term local resident.
Published — Apr 12, 4:13 PM (local) · Apr 12, 9:13 AM (UTC)
Editor · An entrepreneur based in Ho Chi Minh City for 8 years
Ho Chi Minh City
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UOB Maintains Steady Outlook for 2026 Monetary Policy
UOB has issued a report suggesting the State Bank of Vietnam will likely maintain a stable monetary policy throughout the remainder of 2026. While inflation risks remain a concern due to energy price volatility, the bank has slightly adjusted its growth forecasts to reflect current global economic pressures.
Editor's note
It feels like we've been walking a tightrope with inflation for months now. Keeping the policy steady is probably the safest bet to avoid any unnecessary shocks while the manufacturing sector in places like Binh Duong and Dong Nai keeps finding its footing.
VinFast Dominates Auto Sales Figures for March
VinFast continues its aggressive market push, selling nearly 28,000 electric vehicles in March 2026. This represents a 127% increase compared to the same period last year, with seven out of the top ten best-selling car models in Vietnam now coming from their lineup.
Editor's note
I see more VF models on the streets of District 7 every single day. The competition to build out charging infrastructure is heating up, and it's clearly working to pull traditional drivers over to electric.
No Extension for Upcoming National Holidays
The Ministry of Home Affairs has officially confirmed there will be no work-day swaps to create a nine-day holiday period for the upcoming Hung Kings' Commemoration and the April 30–May 1 period. The standard official holiday schedule remains in place.
Editor's note
I know a lot of people were hoping for a long break to travel, but honestly, the traffic leaving the city is already a nightmare during short holidays. Staying put might be the better play this year.
Strict Regulations on Seized Assets Proposed
The Ministry of Public Security has proposed a significant shift in how money and gold seized during detention are handled. Instead of being automatically turned over to the public treasury, the proposal suggests these assets should be properly cataloged and returned to the owners if cleared of criminal connection.
Editor's note
This is a welcome shift toward better protection of private property rights. It brings a lot more transparency to the legal process, which is something we’ve been waiting for.
Interpol Fugitives Arrested in Nha Trang
Local authorities in Nha Trang have detained three South Korean nationals who were on an Interpol Red Notice list. The arrests were made during a routine residency check for foreign nationals in the Nam Nha Trang ward.
Editor's note
Nha Trang is a beautiful place to hide, but the local police seem to be getting much better at tracking international warrants. Keep your paperwork in order if you're traveling.
Public Fireworks Displays Set for April 30
Ho Chi Minh City has confirmed plans to host fireworks displays at seven locations on the evening of April 30. Three high-altitude and four low-altitude sites have been designated across the city, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau to celebrate the unification holiday.
Editor's note
Get your dinner reservations in early if you want a view of the skyline. It’s always packed down by the river.
Massive Thermal Power Project Launched in Khanh Hoa
The Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee has signed an investment contract with a joint venture between Trung Nam Group and Sideros River for a new thermal power plant. The project, valued at 57 trillion VND, will have a capacity of 1,500 MW.
Editor's note
This is a massive infrastructure investment, but keep an eye on how it fits into the broader move toward renewables. We need the power, but it's a huge commitment.
Middle East Conflict Impacts Regional Shipping
The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have left roughly 800 oil tankers and cargo ships stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz. Airline pilots are also raising concerns about being forced to choose between flying through conflict zones or facing potential employment termination.
Editor's note
It's a scary situation for anyone with supply chains passing through that region. If you have cargo stuck there, you might want to look into alternative logistics routes now rather than waiting for it to clear.
Coach Popov Dismissed in Heated V-League Match
Tensions boiled over during the Thể Công-Viettel vs. Thanh Hóa match on April 10, resulting in Thanh Hóa coach Velizar Popov being sent off. Popov reacted to the red card and perceived poor officiating by throwing his yellow card and a water bottle on the pitch.
Editor's note
The intensity of V-League never fails to surprise me, but that was an ugly look for everyone involved. I genuinely don't know where to start with the state of officiating lately.
Purcotton Debuts in Vietnam
Lifestyle brand Purcotton has officially entered the Vietnamese market this April. The brand emphasizes health and sustainability through a range of products made from natural cotton fiber.
Editor's note
Competition in the retail space is fierce, but shoppers here are increasingly brand-conscious about natural materials, so they might find a solid niche.
Reference Media: VnExpress, Tuoi Tre