🇻🇳 Vietnam Economic Highlights (Early February)
- Feb 16
- 4 min read
This article highlights key topics from Vietnam-related economic news released in Early February 2026 that Japanese and international small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as investors who are considering or closely monitoring the Vietnamese market, should be aware of.
Note: The comments at the end of each topic are summaries and observations prepared by the KBC-LINK editorial team based on publicly available information.
Vietnam Industry Watch: Key Sectors to Watch
Vietnam Economy (General)
Number of Newly Established Enterprises More Than Doubles Year-on-Year, Led by Services Sector
According to statistics released by the General Statistics Office of Vietnam (GSO) for January 2026, Vietnam’s business environment has started the year on a strong note. The number of newly established enterprises in January reached approximately 24,200, marking a significant increase of 126.8% compared to the same month last year. Including businesses that resumed operations, a total of around 48,700 enterprises entered the market, representing a 45.6% year-on-year increase.
New entries were particularly prominent in the services sector, reflecting strong market expectations driven by the recovery of domestic consumption and the normalization of economic activities. Meanwhile, the average registered capital per enterprise declined by approximately 15.2%, suggesting that the overall surge in numbers was largely driven by the formalization of small-scale businesses.
Source: Vietnam.vn (citing Hà Nội Mới) / February 6, 2026
The sharp rise in small newly established enterprises indicates an expanding demand base for B2B services and digital tools within Vietnam. In areas such as accounting software, business management systems, and payment services, segments that were previously difficult to approach may now emerge as structured “corporate” entities, creating new potential client opportunities.
Construction and Infrastructure
Rising Construction Material Prices and Acceleration of Public Investment
Since the beginning of 2026, prices of construction materials such as steel and cement in Vietnam have been trending upward. This is primarily due to higher raw material costs and the acceleration of public investment disbursement by the government. Major cities including Hanoi and Da Nang are seeing progress in highway development and urban redevelopment projects.
At the same time, some projects have experienced delays due to land acquisition issues and prolonged negotiations with residents, resulting in construction schedules being pushed back. The government continues to position infrastructure development as a pillar of economic growth and is prioritizing the execution of budgets for large-scale projects.
Source: The Hanoi Times / February 1, 2026
While the advancement of public infrastructure enhances logistics efficiency and overall connectivity, fluctuations in material prices and potential project delays remain key risk factors. Companies planning facility construction or local base establishment in Vietnam should incorporate sufficient buffers in procurement and scheduling strategies.
Manufacturing
Strategic Shift Toward “High-Quality FDI”
The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) has identified 2026 as a critical year for upgrading the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI). The policy direction aims to shift from traditional labor-intensive manufacturing toward higher value-added industries such as high-tech manufacturing, green industries, and the digital economy.
Priority areas include renewable energy-related industries and the development of industrial parks that adopt sustainable models aligned with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Policies to enhance linkages between foreign-invested enterprises and local suppliers are also under discussion, with the goal of increasing local content ratios within Vietnam.
Source: VCCI – Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry / February 13, 2026
For future market entry, simply relocating production bases may no longer be sufficient. Environmental considerations, collaboration with local enterprises, and technology transfer are increasingly important in obtaining investment approvals and accessing incentives. Incorporating ESG compliance and local supplier integration from the early planning stage will likely be a decisive factor.
Agriculture
Temporary Suspension of New Food Safety Inspection Rules
The Vietnamese government has decided to temporarily suspend the implementation of a new food safety inspection regulation (Decree 46/2026/ND-CP), which had taken effect in late January 2026, until April 15.
The regulation required strict document checks and laboratory testing for imported agricultural products prior to customs clearance. However, insufficient inspection capacity led to significant cargo congestion at ports. During the Tet (Lunar New Year) peak demand period, disruptions in the distribution of fresh produce and rice prompted the government to prioritize smooth circulation by temporarily reverting to the previous regulation (Decree 15).
Source: Agroberichten Buitenland / February 5, 2026
In Vietnam, regulatory changes in the food sector may be implemented before sufficient operational readiness is ensured, potentially causing disruptions at the field level. Companies engaged in food and agricultural trade should monitor not only newly issued decrees but also their practical enforcement status and any temporary grace measures. Close coordination with customs brokers and local partners is essential.
IT and Digital Sector
Data Center Achieves International Security Certification
FPT Corporation announced that its data center has renewed the “HITRUST r2” certification, a stringent international standard for information security, particularly in sectors such as healthcare. The renewal includes certification related to AI security, aimed at protecting systems from threats such as data poisoning attacks.
Vietnam is actively promoting digital transformation (DX) as a national strategy. Infrastructure development for next-generation connectivity (from 5G toward 6G) is underway, alongside legal frameworks for AI utilization, including an AI law scheduled for enforcement in March 2026. By elevating IT infrastructure reliability to international standards, FPT aims to strengthen its global data processing service capabilities.
Source: FPT Software / February 10, 2026
Security standards among leading Vietnamese IT vendors are reaching international levels. When considering offshore development or data management outsourcing, factors such as HITRUST and ISO 27001 certification status should be evaluated alongside cost. For highly regulated industries such as healthcare and finance, selecting certified vendors is critical for risk management.
Unique Business (Environment & Startups)
Vietnamese Bio-Detergent Startup Expands Toward Global Markets
At “Biofach 2026,” one of the world’s largest organic trade fairs held in Germany, a Vietnamese startup showcased a bio-detergent brand made from locally sourced plant-based ingredients, attracting international attention.
The product has obtained France’s international “Eco Detergent” certification and combines Vietnam’s indigenous raw materials with environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. As a country with strong agricultural roots, Vietnam is leveraging its natural resources to create industrial products that meet modern sustainability demands, positioning itself for entry into the European market.
Source: VOV.VN / February 13, 2026
Business models that utilize Vietnam’s unique natural materials and enhance value through international eco-certifications are emerging. Collaboration opportunities may exist by combining local raw materials with Japanese strengths in manufacturing process optimization, quality control, and design. Joint development targeting sustainability-driven European and North American markets could offer significant potential.
Edited & Summarized by:
KBC-LINK Editorial Team (compiled with independent perspectives and on-the-ground insights).
