Prudential plc (“Prudential”) Chief Executive Officer, Anil Wadhwani, met with Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc this week and emphasised Vietnam’s strategic importance to the leading insurer in Asia and Africa and its long-term commitment to supporting the sustainable growth and development of the insurance market.
Prudential has been operating in Vietnam for more than 26 years, having been the first foreign insurer to establish a representative office in the country in 1999. Today, it serves more than 1.3 million customers through Prudential Vietnam Assurance Private Limited.
Anil Wadhwani, CEO of Prudential plc, said: “I am both excited and confident on the growth potential of Vietnam. It is one of the most vibrant and fastest growing economies in Asia. We have been serving the Vietnamese consumers for almost three decades by bringing them innovative solutions that help them build financial security and in addressing their health and protection needs. Drawing on our global experience, we are committed to working in partnership with policymakers and regulators to continue our support of the Government’s economic growth agenda, deepening of capital markets, and contribute to the successful development of Vietnam as an international financial centre.”
The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his expectation that Prudential will continue to expand its business operations in Vietnam, as well as cooperate with, support, and accompany the Government of Vietnam in the time ahead.
Prudential Vietnam, together with its asset management arm Eastspring Vietnam, stands as the country’s leading insurer and asset manager. It is actively engaged in supporting the Government’s vision to establish Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang as international financial centres, contributing technical expertise and advocating for best practices in capital markets. The company has also called for regulatory alignment with international standards, robust risk-based capital frameworks, and product innovation to attract long-term, stable investment and deepen Vietnam’s capital markets.
Over the years, Prudential has consistently reinvested insurance funds into Vietnam’s economy through government bonds, corporate bonds, and public equities, supporting the development of the long-term capital market in Vietnam. It is currently the largest foreign life insurer holding government and corporate bonds, with a portfolio valued at VND 90,652 billion.
Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc and other delegates at the reception
In its business results report for the first half of 2025, Prudential Vietnam recorded total claims expense and other insurance benefits exceeding VND 7,410 billion reflecting an 8.5% year-on-year increase. This amount accounts for over 25% or 1 in 4 of the total claims and benefits of customers in the entire country, which are estimated at approximately VND 29,000 billion. It also reported a solvency margin ratio of 206%, reflecting stable capital strength and the capacity for disciplined reinvestment in quality growth.
A popular milk tea brand in China has suspended one of its stores after a viral video showed an employee using bare hands to mix drinks and picking up fallen ingredients to put back into a customer’s cup, triggering widespread outrage over food safety.
The incident unfolded in Fujian and quickly dominated discussions on Weibo, where the phrase “Chagee staff mixing drinks with bare hands” surged to the top of trending searches on January 6.
What the video showed
The widely shared clip, first posted on Douyin, appeared to show a uniformed female employee squeezing ice, stirring milk tea with her bare hands, and collecting ingredients that had fallen onto the counter before placing them back into a drink. A sarcastic caption accompanying the video read, “Good thing I didn’t wash my hands.”
The footage spread rapidly across Chinese social media, prompting immediate backlash from viewers concerned about hygiene standards at milk tea chains, a sector that serves millions of drinks daily across China.
Company response and investigation
Following the public reaction, Chagee released an official statement confirming that the incident occurred at one of its outlets inside Baolong Plaza in Longwen District, Zhangzhou City.
After reviewing surveillance footage, the company said the employee had been attempting to imitate an online trend known as “Indian style milk tea” to attract views. The video was filmed near closing time, using ingredients that had already been discarded for the day.
Chagee stated that none of the drinks shown in the video were sold to customers. The ingredients were thrown away immediately afterward, and the store underwent cleaning and disinfection according to internal procedures.
However, the company also acknowledged that the employee initially provided false information during questioning, claiming the actions took place after closing hours in an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the incident.
Disciplinary action and store closure
Chagee said the employee involved and other staff members connected to the incident have been dismissed for violating company rules and providing inaccurate statements. The store where the video was filmed has been suspended indefinitely while internal processes and staff training are reviewed.
The brand emphasized that its standard operations rely on automated drink making systems, where orders are prepared through machine controlled processes after scanning digital codes, minimizing direct human contact with ingredients.
Despite this, Chagee admitted the incident exposed gaps in training and supervision.
“We are outraged by this behavior,” the company said in its statement. “It runs completely counter to our commitments on food safety and business integrity. We will not tolerate any action that compromises consumer health.”
A broader issue for China’s milk tea industry
The scandal has reignited scrutiny of China’s booming milk tea market, which has seen repeated controversies over hygiene, marketing ethics, and employee conduct in recent years.
For international readers, the case illustrates how quickly reputational damage can spread in Asia’s hyper connected consumer markets. A single viral video can lead to store closures, dismissals, and nationwide debate within hours.
It also highlights a growing challenge for fast expanding food and beverage chains across the region. As competition intensifies and social media drives attention seeking behavior, brands face rising pressure to enforce strict standards on the front line, before a few seconds of footage undo years of brand building.
Snow in Vietnam is rare, unpredictable, and highly localized. But during strong cold waves, several high altitude destinations in the north can see snow, ice, or heavy frost, creating scenes more often associated with Europe than Southeast Asia. Here is where travelers have the best chance.
Sa Pa and Fansipan: Vietnam’s snow capital
Sa Pa is widely regarded as Vietnam’s most reliable snow watching destination. Sitting at 1,500 to 1,650 meters above sea level, the mountain town is frequently exposed to intensified cold air in winter. Over the years, Sa Pa has recorded multiple snowfall events, sometimes heavy enough to blanket rooftops, rice terraces, and streets.
Above Sa Pa rises Fansipan, known as the Roof of Indochina at 3,143 meters. This is the place with the highest probability of snow and ice in Vietnam. During strong cold surges, temperatures at the summit can drop below 0°C, allowing snow or thick ice to form. Snow covered temples, cable car stations, and alpine vegetation have made Fansipan a magnet for winter travelers and international media.
Local authorities in Lao Cai have identified snow and ice tourism as a long term specialty product, despite its rarity.
Other northern spots that can turn icy
Snow is less common elsewhere, but ice and frost appear regularly during severe cold spells.
Mau Son At over 1,000 meters and fully exposed to northern winds, Mau Son is one of the few places outside Sa Pa that has officially recorded snowfall multiple times. Ice coated trees and white hillsides are more common than deep snow.
Y Ty Located around 2,000 meters, Y Ty typically experiences frost and freezing fog. Light sleet or snow may occur, but scenes of frozen terraces rising above clouds are the main draw.
Lao Than Near Y Ty, Lao Than has recorded thick ice and frost during recent winters, attracting trekkers seeking winter landscapes.
Ta Xua At more than 2,800 meters, Ta Xua rarely sees snow. However, extreme cold can create frost and icy grass along its famous ridge, often called the dinosaur spine.
Dong Van Karst Plateau and Meo Vac These northernmost regions mainly see frost and freezing mist. Snow is extremely rare, but limestone peaks and villages coated in ice offer a distinctive winter experience.
Safety tips for snow and ice hunting
Snow and ice events in Vietnam depend entirely on the strength and duration of cold air masses. Travelers should closely monitor weather forecasts and remain flexible with plans.
Temperatures drop sharply at night and early morning. Frost and ice make roads slippery and visibility poor, especially on mountain passes. Warm clothing, good grip footwear, and avoiding night travel are essential.
Driving to highland areas during cold spells requires caution. Road closures and travel advisories are common. Visitors should follow local guidance and be ready to change itineraries if conditions worsen.
Finally, winter is a difficult season for highland communities. Travelers are encouraged to respect local life, minimize environmental impact, and travel responsibly.
In a tropical country, snow is never guaranteed. But when it appears, these northern peaks offer one of Southeast Asia’s most unexpected winter experiences.
One of northern Vietnam’s best known street foods has been unintentionally dragged into a national food safety scandal, leaving local vendors worried about falling customer numbers and damaged reputation.
In recent days, authorities ordered the destruction of thousands of cans labeled “pâté Cột Đèn Hải Phòng” produced by Ha Long Canfoco, after investigators linked the products to pork infected with African swine fever. The announcement sparked widespread alarm, but also confusion.
The problem is the name.
Same name, very different products
“Pâté Cột Đèn” has long been a must try item on any food tour of Hai Phong. For decades, the name has referred to a traditional fresh pâté made and sold daily by small family businesses around Chua Hang Street, formerly home to the old Cột Đèn Market.
The canned product now under investigation is industrially produced and sold nationwide. Local vendors say it has no connection to their handmade pâté beyond sharing the same name.
That distinction, however, has been lost on many consumers scrolling through social media headlines.
Vendors fear lasting damage
Shop owners around Chua Hang Street say customers have begun asking whether their pâté is safe, or worse, avoiding the area altogether.
“We make pâté twice a day and sell everything the same day. Nothing is stored overnight,” said Hậu, whose family has sold pâté here for generations. On regular days, his shop uses about 50 kilograms of meat. During holidays, that amount can double.
Another vendor, Linh, explained that traditional Cột Đèn pâté is slow cooked for six to seven hours, using fresh pork, liver, and carefully selected fat. The pâté is not canned, not preserved, and typically keeps for up to seven days when refrigerated.
“These are fresh foods, cooked and sold locally. We are not related to factory canned products,” she said.
A protected culinary identity
Hải Phòng’s tourism authorities previously included pâté Cột Đèn on the city’s official food map, promoting it as part of the local culinary identity. For residents, the dish represents craft, routine, and trust built over decades.
Vendors now worry that the food safety scandal could undo that trust overnight.
“We hope consumers judge fairly,” said one long time shop owner. “Traditional food culture is built with care and responsibility over many years. It should not be harmed by something we had no part in.”
Why this matters beyond Vietnam
For international readers, the story highlights a recurring challenge in emerging food markets. When industrial brands adopt names associated with regional specialties, scandals can ripple far beyond their source, hurting small businesses and cultural heritage.
As Vietnam tightens food safety enforcement, the case also underscores the importance of traceability and clear labeling, especially when local culinary icons become commercial brands.
For Hải Phòng’s pâté makers, the message is simple. The scandal is real, but the pâté at Chua Hang Street is not the culprit.
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have recovered a large sum of stolen foreign currency and returned it to a Russian couple after a domestic helper admitted to theft at a high end apartment in the city’s southern suburbs.
The case, though small in scale, has resonated among expatriates and foreign residents, highlighting both the risks of in home theft and the speed of local police response.
What happened
According to police in Nha Be, the theft occurred at a residence in the South Saigon housing area. On January 1, a Russian national, Ulyakhin Sergey, reported that multiple currencies had gone missing from his apartment.
The stolen amount included more than US$1,500, €450, 22,000 Thai baht, and 1,800 Chinese yuan, a mix commonly held by expatriates who travel frequently in the region.
Investigation points to housekeeper
Local police quickly focused on Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thanh, a 41 year old housekeeper hired to clean the apartment. Investigators said she showed signs of nervous behavior during questioning.
When summoned for further questioning, Thanh admitted to taking the money. She told police that while cleaning the bedroom, she noticed a large amount of foreign currency belonging to the homeowner’s wife and decided to steal it.
Exchanged at gold shop
Police said Thanh kept US$1,200 in cash and took the remaining foreign currency to a local gold shop, where she exchanged it for nearly VND 50 million, roughly US$2,000, which she then spent for personal use.
Authorities recovered the stolen funds and formally returned them to the victims on January 9.
A reassuring outcome for expatriates
After receiving their money back, the Russian couple expressed relief and thanked local police for their efficiency.
For international residents, the case underscores two realities of life in Vietnam’s major cities. Domestic help is widely used and generally trusted, but safeguards remain important. At the same time, local police are often responsive in cases involving foreign victims, particularly when evidence is clear and cooperation is swift.
In a city that hosts a growing expatriate community, the incident serves as a reminder to remain cautious while also reinforcing confidence in local law enforcement when problems arise.
Residents of Ho Chi Minh City woke up to an unfamiliar sensation today. Genuine cold. In a city known globally for tropical heat, temperatures dropped to levels never recorded before.
According to the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, the temperature at Nha Be station fell to 17.8°C, breaking the previous record low of 18.9°C set in 2013 and again in 2025. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, the temperature dipped to 18°C. In nearby areas, readings were even lower, including 16.9°C at So Sao and 19.5°C in Vung Tau, also a historic low.
Because meteorological stations measure temperature under standardized conditions, the actual temperature felt by residents may have been 1 to 2°C colder, explaining the sight of locals bundled up in jackets and scarves.
Is this cold snap abnormal?
Meteorologists say no. Rare, but not abnormal.
Le Dinh Quyet, head of forecasting at the Southern Regional Hydrometeorological Center, explained that January is typically the coldest month of the year in Vietnam. Cold air from the Asian continent often reaches its strongest intensity between late December and early January, sometimes extending into February or even March during certain years.
What makes this year stand out is not the timing, but the strength and persistence of the cold.
The role of La Niña
The key factor behind the record breaking chill is La Niña.
Vietnam is currently under the influence of a La Niña phase, which strengthens continental high pressure systems over East Asia. These systems push cold air masses further south and keep them in place longer than usual.
As a result, southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, is experiencing colder and drier conditions than residents typically expect. According to meteorologists, this pattern follows known climate behavior during La Niña years.
In simple terms, the cold is unusual in recent memory, but it is still consistent with long term climate rules.
What to expect next
Forecasts suggest southern Vietnam will likely see additional cold spells through the rest of January, with nighttime temperatures potentially dropping below 18°C again.
For the next few days, weather conditions in Ho Chi Minh City and across the southern region are expected to remain stable. Skies will be mostly clear, rainfall minimal, and daytime temperatures steady, with highs between 29 and 32°C. Early mornings may bring light fog in some areas.
Meteorologists also warn that the dry air increases fire risk, particularly during midday and afternoon hours.
Why this matters
For international visitors, investors, and expatriates, the cold snap is a reminder that Vietnam’s climate is more complex than its tropical reputation suggests. Seasonal extremes, influenced by large scale climate patterns, can affect everything from daily life and energy use to agriculture and logistics.
In Ho Chi Minh City, however, the immediate impact is simpler. A historic cold morning, a rare chance to wear a jacket, and a brief glimpse of winter in a city that almost never sees it.
Police in Ho Chi Minh City have issued a nationwide wanted notice for a woman accused of leading a violent street brawl outside a karaoke bar, an incident that left multiple people injured and alarmed residents in a busy nightlife area.
Investigators say the suspect, widely known by the nickname “Na Đắc Kỷ,” fled the city after the attack and is now being sought on charges of intentional bodily harm.
What police allege happened
According to the Criminal Investigation Police Department, the suspect is Pham Thuy Trang Dai, born in 1993 and registered in Binh Hung Hoa Ward. On January 9, city police confirmed they had formally issued a wanted order after she failed to appear for questioning.
Investigators say Trang Dai was eating with friends on Ho Van Long Street when a woman identified as V.T.L, born in 2002 and from Ca Mau Province, told the group about an unresolved conflict with a former coworker at a local karaoke bar. L. claimed she had been mistreated while working as a hostess at Victory Karaoke.
The group then went together to the karaoke venue to confront the coworker.
Violence outside the karaoke bar
Police say that when Trang Dai’s group arrived at the entrance of Victory Karaoke, they spotted the woman involved in the dispute standing with friends. The confrontation quickly escalated into a physical attack.
When a man identified as Nguyen Le H. attempted to intervene to protect the woman, he was allegedly surrounded and beaten by Trang Dai and several others. The fight unfolded in front of the karaoke bar, causing panic among bystanders.
Only after residents shouted and threatened to call the police did the group disperse and flee the scene.
Injuries and investigation
The victims were initially taken to a local clinic and later transferred to 175 Military Hospital for further treatment. A forensic assessment found that Nguyen Le H. suffered a 14 percent health impairment. Other victims sustained multiple injuries.
Following the incident, Trang Dai reportedly left her place of residence and went into hiding. After completing initial evidence collection and witness statements, police moved to formally name her as a suspect and issue a wanted notice.
Police appeal
Ho Chi Minh City police are urging Pham Thuy Trang Dai to surrender voluntarily, saying cooperation could be considered a mitigating factor under Vietnamese law. Authorities have also asked anyone with information about her whereabouts to contact the police.
For international readers, the case highlights growing concern over street violence linked to nightlife venues in major Vietnamese cities and the increasingly public role of social media nicknames and notoriety in criminal investigations.
Global manufacturing is entering a new era. What started as a simple contingency plan, the “China+1 strategy”, has evolved into a full blueprint for resilience, diversification, and long-term stability. As the global economy stabilizes but geopolitical tensions, regulatory shifts, and trade frictions persist, companies are no longer asking if they should diversify their supply chains. The real question has become: how fast can they build robust, multi-hub production networks that can withstand shocks and adapt to change.
By 2026, supply-chain strategies are no longer defined by cost efficiency alone. Leading firms are prioritizing resilience, transparency, and diversification, especially across Asia’s fast-growing manufacturing hubs. In this new landscape, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most strategic locations for procurement and production, illustrating how global supply-chain models are being reconfigured.
From Single-Hub Dependence to Multi-Hub Resilience
For decades, China reigned as the world’s factory. Its unmatched infrastructure, integrated supplier base, abundant labor, and economies of scale made it the default production hub for global brands. That model delivered efficiency, but it also concentrated risk.
Over recent years, structural pressures have intensified. Rising labor costs, ongoing trade tensions, stricter environmental and compliance standards, and new export controls on critical components have all exposed the vulnerabilities of relying on a single country for core manufacturing.
As a result, global firms have accelerated away from purely cost-driven, single-hub supply chains. The original “China+1” approach, adding a backup production country to support Chinese output,has now evolved into “China+N”: a distributed network spanning multiple manufacturing hubs across Asia and beyond.
Under this model, companies blend established Chinese operations with capacity in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and even Eastern Europe or Latin America. The logic is straightforward: more nodes mean better risk spreading, greater flexibility when market conditions change, and a more resilient foundation for long-term growth.
This video offers an in-depth look at the 2026 supply chain landscape and how global companies are preparing for a rapidly evolving world. As disruptions grow, geopolitical pressures intensify, and smarter risk management becomes essential, organizations are rethinking their entire global sourcing and manufacturing strategies. The content highlights the key procurement trends shaping 2026 and explains how leading companies are redesigning their operations to remain resilient, competitive, and future-ready.
Why 2025 Became a Turning Point
Several converging trends in 2025 significantly accelerated the move toward diversified manufacturing footprints:
Tightened export regulations in China
New restrictions on critical technologies and components have disrupted value chains and prompted buyers to de-risk their sourcing strategies. This has pushed companies to explore alternative manufacturing bases more proactively.
Rising FDI into alternative hubs
Manufacturing-focused foreign direct investment has surged in countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Instead of concentrating new capacity in a single country, global firms are deliberately spreading their infrastructure across multiple locations.
Demand for turnkey and ready-built capacity
Rather than committing to capital-intensive greenfield projects, companies increasingly seek existing factories, industrial parks, and ready-built facilities. This reduces upfront investment, shortens time to market, and allows faster scaling when demand shifts.
Stronger focus on audits, QA, and compliance
As supplier networks become more geographically diverse, buyers place greater emphasis on quality assurance, ethical sourcing, and regulatory compliance. Independent audits, factory assessments, and ESG verification have become indispensable tools when entering new manufacturing ecosystems.
Together, these dynamics have transformed diversification from a cautious strategy into an active investment theme across global supply-chain stakeholders.
Vietnam’s Strategic Role in the New Manufacturing Map
Within this broader transformation, Vietnam has emerged as one of the most important alternative hubs. The country combines competitive labor costs, improving infrastructure, and participation in multiple free-trade agreements, making it highly attractive for companies seeking to diversify out of a China-only model.
By mid-2025, exports of electronics, computers, and components reached around US$82 billion, setting a new record. Overall export turnover after ten months approached US$390 billion, reflecting robust performance across multiple sectors. At the same time, realized foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first eleven months of 2025 was estimated at US$23.6 billion, up nearly 9% year-on-year, with the processing and manufacturing sector remaining a primary destination.
These figures are not just isolated statistics; they signal Vietnam’s integration into multi-node, multi-country supply-chain strategies. Rather than replacing China, Vietnam is becoming a complementary manufacturing base, especially for electronics, consumer products, textiles, and certain industrial goods. For many global buyers, the question is no longer whether Vietnam should be part of their supply chain, but how to structure that presence most effectively.
From “China+1” to “China+N”: How Manufacturing Strategies Are Being Redefined
Manufacturing strategies are being redesigned around three core principles: flexibility, diversification, and resilience.
In the past, many companies concentrated production in a handful of large facilities to maximize economies of scale. Today, the risk profile has changed. Disruptions, whether triggered by trade disputes, logistics bottlenecks, or localized crises, can quickly paralyze a concentrated network.
The new playbook looks different:
Production is distributed across multiple countries and sites.
Established hubs like China remain crucial but are complemented by emerging locations such as Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Indonesia.
Some companies add further geographic balance with capacity in Eastern Europe, Latin America, or North Africa.
This “China+N” architecture allows firms to:
Shift production volumes between countries when disruptions occur.
Serve regional markets more efficiently.
Capture different labor, regulatory, and logistics advantages across locations.
Source : MoveToAsia sourcing agency : a leading agency for sourcing in Asia
Countries like Vietnam benefit directly from this strategy. Its expanding industrial ecosystem : from electronics and consumer goods to textiles, furniture, and light machinery, gives buyers more options for redistributing production while maintaining quality and scalability.
Crucially, manufacturing is no longer viewed solely as a cost center. It is now a strategic asset, tightly linked to risk management, ESG performance, and long-term competitiveness.
Risk Management as the New Cornerstone of Supply Chains
Risk management has moved from the periphery to the center of procurement and manufacturing decisions. Recent years have highlighted how fragile purely cost-optimized, just-in-time networks can be.
Companies are responding by building risk-aware supply-chain architectures that incorporate:
Diversified sourcing strategies to avoid over-reliance on a single country, supplier, or transport route.
Greater transparency and compliance across the value chain, including traceability of inputs and stricter control over subcontracting.
Scenario planning and contingency frameworks to prepare for regulatory changes, trade disruptions, or localized crises.
Digital tools are accelerating this shift. Real-time monitoring platforms, AI-assisted supplier surveillance, and predictive analytics help companies detect emerging issues earlier, whether a potential regulatory shift, raw-material shortage, or geopolitical flare-up.
At the same time, rising expectations around sustainability and social responsibility are reshaping how suppliers are selected and evaluated. Buyers increasingly demand:
Clarity on labor conditions and worker welfare.
Visibility into material origins and environmental impact.
Alignment with ESG and compliance requirements baked into contracts and long-term agreements.
Risk management, in other words, has become inseparable from governance, reputation, and regulatory compliance.
How Companies Should Prepare for 2026
The most forward-looking organizations are not waiting for 2026 to arrive; they are already adapting their operating models. Several concrete priorities are emerging:
Make diversification non-negotiable
Instead of concentrating production in a single country, companies are designing multi-country manufacturing ecosystems that integrate both established hubs and emerging locations like Vietnam. This reduces exposure to geopolitical tensions, regulatory shocks, and localized disruptions.
Upgrade supplier evaluation criteria
Purely price-based sourcing decisions are increasingly seen as risky and outdated. Leading firms now weigh:
Compliance and audit history
Material traceability
Production capacity and scalability
ESG performance
Operational transparency
This more holistic view helps avoid hidden risks such as unauthorized subcontracting, inconsistent quality, or non-compliance with destination-market regulations.
Adopt real-time monitoring and risk tools
Digital platforms are being rolled out to:
Track supplier performance and lead times
Forecast logistics constraints and capacity bottlenecks
Monitor geopolitical and regulatory developments that may affect production
These systems transform supply chains from reactive to proactive, enabling earlier intervention and better contingency planning.
Build structural flexibility into operations
Companies are redesigning contracts, logistics workflows, and production allocations to allow:
Rapid volume shifts between plants or countries
Alternate transport routes and carriers
Faster onboarding of backup suppliers
Operational agility becomes a critical buffer when disruptions hit.
Invest in long-term supplier relationships
Rather than short-term, transactional sourcing, firms are building partnership-based relationships that support:
Continuous improvement and process optimization
Joint investments in technology, automation, or sustainability
Long-term compliance and quality stability
In a world where reliability and transparency are vital, strong relationships are themselves a strategic asset.
The single-country, single-hub model is being replaced by multi-country, multi-node supply networks.
“China+1” has matured into a “China+N” strategy, combining Chinese capabilities with emerging hubs such as Vietnam, India, Thailand, and others.
Vietnam is becoming a key manufacturing node, with strong export growth and rising FDI across sectors like electronics, consumer goods, and textiles.
Risk management, compliance, ESG, and transparency now rank alongside cost and speed in supplier selection.
Companies that invest early in diversification, real-time monitoring, and long-term supplier relationships will be best positioned by 2026.
Conclusion: A New Baseline for Global Supply-Chain Strategy
By 2026, the global supply chain will look fundamentally different from the model that dominated a decade ago. What was once optimized almost exclusively for cost and speed is being rebuilt around resilience, transparency, and strategic risk management.
Disruptions are now more frequent, and geopolitical fault lines are more visible. Companies that persist with narrow supplier networks and outdated, cost-only procurement playbooks are likely to face avoidable vulnerabilities. In contrast, those that embrace multi-country production systems, invest in real-time supply-chain intelligence, and prioritize compliance and ESG will be far better equipped for an uncertain future.
Vietnam is poised to play a central role in this new era. Its expanding industrial capacity, improving infrastructure, and integration into key trade agreements position it as a cornerstone in diversified, Asia-focused manufacturing strategies. As global brands deepen their “China+N” approaches, Vietnam’s importance is set to grow even further.
Ultimately, the future of global procurement is not about chasing the lowest bid. It is about building supply chains that can withstand uncertainty while enabling growth and innovation. As 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: resilience is no longer a competitive differentiator. It is the new baseline.
Hanoi pushes for a Russia deal by January as energy security risks grow amid surging industrial demand.
Vietnam has warned of mounting delays in its long-revived nuclear power program and is now racing to finalize negotiations with Russia after Japan officially withdrew from one of two planned nuclear projects. The development highlights the growing strain on Vietnam’s energy system—and the geopolitical and execution risks behind its long-term power strategy.
According to the government’s official news portal, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has instructed relevant ministries to complete talks with Russia within January, while urgently seeking a new partner to replace Japan for the second nuclear plant. The goal is to bring both facilities online after 2031, later than originally planned.
Vietnam restarted its nuclear power ambitions in 2024 after shelving the program in 2016, citing cost and safety concerns. The renewed plan envisioned two plants with a combined capacity of 4–6.4 gigawatts, negotiated separately with Russia and Japan. Hanoi had aimed to sign agreements with Russia by September 2025 and with Japan by year-end—but progress has fallen short.
“Negotiations have been slower than expected and remain heavily dependent on foreign partners,” the Prime Minister told officials, underscoring structural challenges in Vietnam’s energy diplomacy and project execution.
Japan’s withdrawal crystallized those risks. In December, Tokyo’s ambassador confirmed to Reuters that Japan had exited the project, citing Vietnam’s ambitious timeline to have the plant operational by 2035 as unrealistic. The exit forces Hanoi to reassess not only partners, but also timelines and financing models.
The urgency is driven by fundamentals. Vietnam—now a major manufacturing base for global giants such as Samsungand Apple—has suffered repeated power shortages and blackouts as electricity demand from factories and a growing middle class outpaces supply. Climate stress, including droughts and typhoons, has further strained hydropower and grid reliability.
While Vietnam is expanding renewables and gas-fired generation, many projects face regulatory bottlenecks, pricing uncertainty, and construction delays. Nuclear power—once abandoned—has returned to the agenda as a baseload solution to support long-term industrial growth and energy security.
For global investors and policymakers, Vietnam’s nuclear pivot raises a broader question: can the country balance speed, safety, and geopolitics to secure reliable power—without repeating the delays that have plagued its broader energy transition?
The 14th National Congress of the Communist Party will shape Vietnam’s political, economic, and foreign-policy path for the next decade.
Vietnam has formally briefed the international community on the upcoming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, framing it as a defining political milestone with long-term implications for governance, economic reform, and global engagement. The announcement signals continuity and recalibration at a moment when Vietnam’s global profile is rising across diplomacy, trade, and development.
Speaking at a January 7 press briefing in Hanoi, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said the Congress—scheduled for January 19–25—will assess 40 years of Đổi Mới (Renovation) and the outcomes of the 13th Party Congress (2021–2026), while setting comprehensive goals for Vietnam’s next development phase.
A notable innovation is the Congress’s core documentation. For the first time, the Political Report integrates three pillars—political direction, socio-economic strategy, and Party-building review—reflecting a more holistic approach to policy formulation. Officials emphasized that preparations were extensive and consultative, incorporating feedback from across the Party, the public, and the Vietnamese diaspora.
Personnel planning, a critical component of the Congress, is being conducted with what the Foreign Minister described as a “thorough, cautious, and precise” process—underscoring leadership continuity as a prerequisite for translating long-term vision into execution.
On foreign policy, the Congress documents reaffirm Vietnam’s Đổi Mới-era principles while strengthening the emphasis on national defense, security, and proactive international integration. Vietnam reiterates its stance of independence and self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification, and cooperation based on the UN Charter—positioning itself as a reliable partner and a responsible contributor to regional and global problem-solving.
International partners welcomed the clarity. The Lao Ambassador to Vietnam called the Congress a new milestone not only for Vietnam but for its neighbors and strategic partners. The Palestinian Ambassador, speaking as head of the diplomatic corps, expressed confidence that the Congress will prioritize self-reliance, independence, and peace-oriented cooperation. The United Nations Resident Coordinator highlighted Vietnam’s transition to upper-middle-income status and its people-centered development model as a source of global inspiration.
Vietnam has invited foreign diplomatic missions and international organizations to attend the Congress’s opening and closing sessions—an unusual degree of openness that reflects confidence in its reform narrative and global role.
As Vietnam enters its fifth decade of Đổi Mới, the central question for international observers is how decisively the 14th Congress will translate stability and reform into faster productivity growth, deeper integration, and a more influential voice in an increasingly fragmented world order.
In a city where diners can get almost anything on demand, one small Vietnamese sandwich shop in New York City is asking customers to wait. And they are happy to do it.
Bánh Anh Em, a Vietnamese bakery and eatery that opened less than a year ago, has become one of New York’s most talked about food destinations. Long lines form before opening time, waits often exceed an hour, and the shop has already earned a place on the Michelin Guide 2025 Bib Gourmand list, an honor reserved for restaurants offering high quality food at reasonable prices.
A line that keeps growing
Danielle, a tourist visiting New York, wrote on Google Reviews that she once gave up after seeing a line stretching more than an hour. When she returned weeks later and arrived 20 minutes before opening, she still waited over an hour to be seated.
Scenes like this have become routine. Photos of customers lining up outside the shop circulate widely on social media, turning Bánh Anh Em into a viral food stop in a city already saturated with culinary stars.
The woman behind the counter
Bánh Anh Em was founded in April by Ton Thi Hong Nhu, born in 1990 in Buon Ma Thuot in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. She arrived in the United States 13 years ago with just US$100 after graduating in hospitality management in Vietnam.
Her early years in New York were difficult. She worked every position imaginable in restaurants, from dishwasher to bartender, often alone and struggling to adapt. Cooking Vietnamese food at home became a way to cope, and eventually a calling.
After buying into a small Vietnamese restaurant in the Bronx and later opening Vietnamese Shop House on Manhattan’s Upper West Side during the pandemic, Như built a following through pop up sales that drew socially distanced lines down the block. Bánh Anh Em is the culmination of more than a decade in New York’s food scene.
Reinventing bánh mì for a global audience
Vietnamese bánh mì is widely known in the US as cheap street food. Như wanted to challenge that perception.
At Bánh Anh Em, everything is made by hand. Dough is fermented overnight. Bread is baked in small batches on site just minutes before service. Pâté, pickles, chili sauce, and fillings such as charcoal grilled beef, roast pork, and beef wrapped in betel leaves are prepared in house.
Như spent more than two years studying bread making techniques in Vietnam, France, Denmark, and Japan before finalizing her recipe. She credits New York’s hard water, prized by pizza and bagel makers, as a key factor in achieving the thin, crackling crust and airy interior that define Vietnamese bánh mì.
Michelin praised the shop’s constant lines, balanced seasoning, and standout bread, noting that Bánh Anh Em does not accept reservations and relies purely on walk in demand.
The price of craftsmanship
The shop serves around 200 sandwiches a day at an average price of US$15, nearly double the usual cost of bánh mì in the US. Như says the price reflects New York labor costs and a production process that takes more than a full day per batch.
By comparison, industrial baking could cut the process to a few hours, but she has refused to automate. For her, handmade food is both craft and culture.
A broader moment for Vietnamese cuisine
Bánh Anh Em serves 2,000 to 2,700 sandwiches a week and regularly sells out. Weekend waits can stretch to two or three hours. Delivery experiments were quickly abandoned because the kitchen could not keep up with dine in demand.
The customer base is mixed. Many are Asian Americans, Vietnamese expatriates, and international students. Since coverage in major US food media, more local New Yorkers have joined the line.
For international readers, the story of Bánh Anh Em reflects a larger shift. Vietnamese cuisine is moving beyond the street food label and entering the global fine casual conversation. In one of the world’s most competitive food cities, a carefully made Vietnamese sandwich is no longer a budget option. It is a destination.
An intense cold wave is gripping northern and central Vietnam, pushing temperatures below 10°C across 17 provinces and cities and disrupting daily life in a region better known internationally for tropical heat.
According to Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro Meteorological Forecasting, the cold snap entered its fourth day with all northern provinces, along with Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, recording sub 10°C conditions. The lowest temperature, just 3°C, was measured in Dinh Lap District of Lang Son Province.
Where it is coldest
Mountainous and high altitude areas are bearing the brunt. Temperatures of 4 to 5°C were recorded in popular destinations such as Sa Pa, along with Pha Din Pass in Dien Bien, Moc Chau in Son La, Tam Dao near Hanoi, and Mau Son in Lang Son.
Across the wider northern region, overnight lows ranged from 6 to 8°C. In Hanoi, temperatures varied by location. Ba Vi fell to 8°C, while inner city monitoring stations recorded around 10°C. Clear daytime skies brought sunshine, but the gap between day and night temperatures exceeded 10°C in many areas.
Cold spreads south
The chill extended into north central Vietnam, where temperatures dropped a further 1 to 2°C compared with the previous day. Parts of Thanh Hoa saw lows of 8°C, while areas of Nghe An fell to 9°C. Further south, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Hue recorded temperatures between 12 and 13°C.
In the Central Highlands, Da Lat dropped to 10°C. Even southern Vietnam felt a cooler than usual morning, with lows of around 20°C reported in parts of Binh Duong and 22°C in southern districts of Ho Chi Minh City.
What comes next
Forecasts from AccuWeather suggest Hanoi will gradually warm from 11 to 22°C today to around 13 to 24°C by the weekend. High altitude locations such as Sa Pa are expected to rise from 3 to 9°C to about 5 to 12°C in the coming days.
Meteorological authorities warn that the cold spell will persist and could pose health risks, particularly for the elderly and children. Frost and icy conditions in mountainous areas may damage crops, weaken livestock, and increase the risk of disease.
For international readers, the cold wave is a reminder that Vietnam’s climate can be surprisingly extreme. In winter, northern regions can feel closer to East Asia’s temperate zones than Southeast Asia’s tropical image, an important consideration for travelers, investors, and businesses operating across the country.
Vietnam’s U23 football team is no longer being framed as a surprise outsider. Across Asia, major sports outlets are now openly acknowledging that Vietnam U23 has a real chance to lift the AFC U23 Asian Cup trophy.
What began as cautious praise from the Asian Football Confederation has turned into a broader consensus. After two matchdays, regional media are revising earlier skepticism and backing Vietnam as a serious championship contender.
From polite praise to firm belief
South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo wrote that head coach Kim Sang Sik and his players had proven the AFC’s assessment was correct. Notably, the paper waited until other traditional powerhouses had played before reaching that conclusion.
The outlet highlighted that although Vietnam entered Group A as the lowest ranked team on paper, based on FIFA rankings, their performances show they can compete not just for qualification but for the title itself.
Rivals stumble as Vietnam impresses
Vietnam’s rise has been amplified by the underwhelming displays of several established teams. Qatar lost 0 to 2 against the UAE. Uzbekistan narrowly edged Lebanon 3 to 2. South Korea and Iran played out a goalless draw. Hosts Saudi Arabia, despite home advantage, needed a late effort to scrape past Kyrgyzstan.
Against that backdrop, Vietnam’s disciplined, confident showing, especially their convincing win over Jordan, stood out.
AFC backing looks increasingly accurate
Before the tournament, the AFC identified Japan as the defending champion and clear favorite, but named Vietnam as one of the few teams capable of challenging them. The federation repeated that assessment in both its team profile and tournament preview, even describing Vietnam as having an “almost perfect defense.”
At the time, some media outlets dismissed those comments as diplomatic courtesy. Chinese platforms such as QQ and Sina expressed surprise at the AFC’s optimism.
That tone has since shifted. China’s 163 portal now says Vietnam’s place in the knockout stage is effectively secured and that finishing top of the group is a realistic goal.
Strategic edge in the group race
Indonesia’s Bola newspaper has also weighed in, noting that Vietnam may hold an advantage over Saudi Arabia in the race for first place in Group A. Finishing top is crucial, as second place would likely mean an early quarterfinal clash with Japan.
For international readers, the story signals a broader shift in Asian football. Vietnam is no longer a feel good underdog. It is becoming a program that commands respect, built on tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and growing confidence on the continental stage.
As the tournament progresses, the question is no longer whether Vietnam U23 belongs among Asia’s elite, but whether this could be the year they go all the way.
One of Vietnam’s most established food processors is at the center of a major food safety investigation after police uncovered more than 120 tonnes of pork infected with African swine fever allegedly destined for canned food production.
The case has sent shockwaves through Vietnam’s consumer market and raised red flags for investors and trade partners, given the company’s long standing reputation and regional accolades.
What authorities uncovered
Police in Hai Phong have launched a criminal investigation into alleged violations of food safety regulations at Ha Long Canfoco, also known as Ha Long Canned Food Joint Stock Company.
Investigators say a network purchased pork infected with African swine fever and attempted to pass it off as safe raw material. More than 120 tonnes of diseased pork were found stored at the company’s warehouse. Around two tonnes had already been processed into canned meat products before authorities intervened.
Nine suspects have been charged as the investigation expands.
A trusted brand with a long history
Founded in 1957 as the Ha Long Fish Cannery, the company has been a pioneer in Vietnam’s processed food industry. Over nearly seven decades, it has built a nationwide distribution network and an export footprint, supplying canned meat, seafood, vegetables, sausages, and frozen foods.
Ha Long Canfoco has marketed itself as a flagship Vietnamese brand and in 2024 received a “Top 50 Strong ASEAN Brands” award, further boosting its regional profile.
At its peak, the company reported annual revenue of up to VND 864 billion, roughly US$34 million, placing it among the country’s top food processors.
Financial performance before the scandal
According to its third quarter 2025 financial statements, Ha Long Canfoco recorded revenue of VND 179.6 billion, down 11 percent year on year. However, sharp cost reductions pushed gross profit up 13 percent to VND 43.3 billion. Net profit reached VND 7.6 billion, nearly four times higher than the same period a year earlier.
For the first nine months of 2025, revenue totaled VND 486.9 billion, down nearly 10 percent. Despite the sales decline, net profit after tax reached VND 11.5 billion, a dramatic turnaround from a VND 5.8 billion loss in the same period of 2024.
Company representatives attributed the profit improvement to lower input costs and reduced management expenses.
Expansion plans now in question
Just weeks before the scandal broke, Ha Long Canfoco announced plans to raise capital through a public share offering. The company aims to raise VND 75 billion to build a new canned food factory and boost working capital. Shareholders had also approved a plan to double charter capital to VND 100 billion through a discounted rights issue scheduled for 2026.
Those plans now face uncertainty as consumer trust and regulatory scrutiny intensify.
Why this matters internationally
For international readers, the case highlights the growing risks facing food supply chains in fast expanding emerging markets. African swine fever poses no direct risk to humans, but strict controls are critical to prevent market contamination and maintain export credibility.
The investigation also underscores Vietnam’s tougher enforcement stance on food safety violations, even when they involve large, well known companies. For investors, importers, and regional trade partners, the Ha Long Canfoco case is a reminder that brand prestige and past awards offer no shield from regulatory action.
As authorities continue to unravel the case, its outcome could have lasting implications for Vietnam’s food processing sector and its reputation in regional and global markets.
For more than two decades, millions of Vietnamese families welcomed the Lunar New Year with the same ritual. Gather around the television on New Year’s Eve and watch Táo quân Gặp nhau cuối năm, the satirical comedy show that reviewed the nation’s highs and lows with humor, music, and political wit. In 2026, that tradition will come to an end.
Vietnam Television has confirmed that Táo quân will no longer air on Lunar New Year’s Eve, closing the curtain on one of the country’s most influential and recognizable television formats.
Why the show is ending
A representative from Vietnam Television said the broadcaster plans to replace Táo quân with a new New Year program aimed at a younger audience. The new show, tentatively titled Quảng trường mùa xuân, is expected to feature a more modern format while still incorporating comedy.
The decision follows weeks of speculation among fans after veteran performers revealed they had not received scripts or rehearsal schedules. Actress Vân Dung publicly shared her disappointment at the absence of Táo quân 2026, while other long time cast members confirmed they were not invited to participate this year.
A cultural staple with growing criticism
First broadcast in 2003, Táo quân became a defining feature of Tet television. Drawing on the folk legend of the Kitchen Gods reporting to the Jade Emperor, the show offered sharp satire of Vietnam’s politics, economy, education system, and social issues. Its jokes were often discussed nationwide the following day.
Yet in recent years, the program faced mixed reactions. Loyal viewers continued to see it as an essential part of New Year’s Eve. Others argued the content had grown predictable and less daring. The absence of iconic performers such as Công Lý and Xuân Bắc, once central to the show’s appeal, also left a noticeable gap that newer comedians struggled to fill.
The program had already paused once before, in 2020, when a spin off failed to capture public interest. It returned a year later and continued until 2025.
An expensive ticket to nostalgia
Táo quân was traditionally recorded over three days at Hanoi’s Friendship Cultural Palace. Tickets were never sold publicly, with revenue coming instead from television advertising. Demand was so high that unofficial tickets reportedly traded for the equivalent of several hundred US dollars per pair.
What its end signals
For international audiences, the end of Táo quân marks more than the cancellation of a TV show. It reflects a generational shift in Vietnamese media consumption and humor, as broadcasters move away from legacy formats toward content designed for younger, digitally native viewers.
As Vietnam’s society and entertainment landscape evolve, the farewell to Táo quân closes a chapter that shaped how a nation laughed, reflected, and debated on the most important night of the year.
