Vietnam aims to become leading regional hub for digital assets
Vietnam is no longer just an emerging blockchain market, it is stepping into a leadership role, with global investors, developers, and experts recognising its growing potential to become a leading hub for digital assets in the region.
This ambition was highlighted at GM Vietnam 2025, a major blockchain and digital asset event held in Hanoi from August 1–2.
Co-hosted by SSI Digital and Kyros Ventures, and endorsed by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA), the event attracted over 20,000 participants and 200 top-tier speakers from Vietnam and abroad, including representatives from the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), and the US.
Improving legal foundation for digital assets
GM Vietnam 2025 served not only as a showcase for investment technologies, but also as a strategic forum shaping the future of digital assets and blockchain. The event offered diverse perspectives and sparked new ideas aimed at positioning Vietnam on the global blockchain map. Experts explored key issues such as regulatory frameworks, sandbox mechanisms, system security, and investment landscape insights.
According to Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam and NCA Vice President Pham Tien Dung, over the past year, Vietnam has made steady and notable progress in developing institutions and a legal framework for digital assets and blockchain technology. The country has moved beyond strategic vision to concrete legal steps to support the development of digital assets.
The National Assembly has passed a resolution on the establishment of an international financial centre, covering innovation and specialised digital asset exchanges. The Ministry of Finance has submitted a proposal to pilot a blockchain-based trading platform.
Crucially, the newly adopted Law on Digital Technology Industry, effective from January 1, 2026, defines digital assets in law for the first time, establishing ownership rights, business conditions, and information safety regulations. This breakthrough provides a transparent legal foundation for blockchain-based business and research in Vietnam, reported VNA.
 |
| At GM Vietnam 2025 (Photo: VNA) |
The national strategy on the application and development of blockchain technology until 2025 with a vision to 2030, aims to make blockchain a core digital infrastructure. Resolution No. 57, issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024, on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, has paved the way for technological application and innovation, creating the necessary legal conditions for development. The PM’s Decision No. 1131, issued in June 2025, identifies blockchain as one of 11 strategic technologies critical to the digital economy.
Competitive advantages and emerging talent
Thuat Nguyen, founder and CEO of Kyros Ventures, said the event was a key platform for Vietnamese blockchain projects to showcase their capabilities internationally. Since 2022, several Vietnamese-led platforms have earned global recognition for both technological quality and scale.
He highlighted three advantages positioning Vietnam as a competitive player: low operational costs, a young workforce, and fast adaptability. Leading universities such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology, FPT University, and RMIT Vietnam are already offering blockchain courses. Vietnamese start-ups can launch global-scale products at a fraction of the cost compared to Singapore or Hong Kong (China).
With global blockchain-related cyberattacks causing 12.8 billion USD in damage between 2020 and February 2025, security has become a critical concern.
Notably, Vietnamese-linked platforms such as Sky Mavis (Ronin) and KyberSwap have suffered major breaches, highlighting the urgency of secure development.
NCA Standing Vice President Lieutenant General Nguyen Minh Chinh stressed that building a secure blockchain ecosystem must be a shared responsibility across society.
To develop a secure and sustainable blockchain ecosystem, Chinh proposed three key strategies: designing a security ecosystem right from the start, enhancing early threat detection and rapid response through inter-sectoral coordination, and ensuring legal compliance aligned with international standards, particularly in anti-money laundering, data protection, and capital control, while supporting technology standardisation and legal reform.
Vu Ngoc Son, head of research, consulting, and technology development and international cooperation at NCA, highlighted Vietnam’s strong logic and mathematical skills, especially among engineers, as a key advantage in cybersecurity, with local developers known for their persistence in identifying vulnerabilities in open-source blockchain systems.
He outlined four pillars to establish Vietnam as a blockchain security centre, including a strong legal framework, robust technical standards, a well-trained human resource base, and international cooperation, particularly in intelligence-sharing and cross-border cybercrime prevention.
OCOP fair brings local products to global market
The 2025 Vietnam One Commune, One Product (OCOP) Export Fair (VIETNAM OCOPEX) opened in Hanoi on Friday, drawing over 200 exhibitors from 34 cities and provinces as well as international participants from Peru, Laos, and Cambodia.
Featuring 300 booths displaying thousands of certified OCOP products, the three-day fair provides a platform for local producers to connect with foreign enterprises, trade promotion agencies, and international importers. It also offers foreign representative agencies in Vietnam a unique opportunity to explore the country’s diverse OCOP portfolio.
It is part of the national trade promotion program held by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance, and related organizations.
At the opening ceremony, Deputy Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen highlighted that the fair demonstrates the determination of various sectors and authorities in elevating OCOP products onto the international stage.
OCOP goods, he said, have become a crucial foundation to bolster rural economic development while transforming thousands of traditional products. Hanoi is now home to over 3,317 OCOP-certified products, the highest number and representing 21.3 per cent of the total nationwide, with six five-star products, 22 potentially five stars, 1,571 four-star products, and 1,718 three-star ones.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan stressed that with diverse natural resources, favourable climate conditions, and distinctive culture, Vietnam has succeeded in exporting agricultural products and also boasts a wide range of specialities and traditional craft products.
He stated the OCOP program plays a key role in reinforcing the value of rural goods and positioning them in not only the domestic market but also global ones, cited VNS.
 |
| OCOP products of Hanoi on display at the 2025 Vietnam One Commune, One Product (OCOP) Export Fair (VIETNAM OCOPEX). Photo: VNS |
Tan expressed his hope that OCOP producers, with innovation determination, will continue improving their products, developing brands, and successfully conquering fastidious markets around the globe. As of July 2025, Vietnam had 17,068 OCOP products rated three stars or higher from 9,195 producers, including 126 nationally recognised five-star products. Many meet stringent international standards for quality, safety, and eco-friendly packaging.
This year’s OCOPEX marks a breakthrough in digital trade promotion with its first-ever digital exhibition on the B2B platform Arobid.com, integrating AI, big data, and interactive 3D displays. This innovative approach represents a modern, efficient, and sustainable form of commerce aligned with dual transformation trends where digitization and green practices are becoming essential standards in global supply chains.
Northern Vietnam braces for storms and extreme rains in August
Heavy rain will continue across northern Vietnam, while experts warn of 1–2 tropical storms forming in the East Sea this August. Authorities urge readiness as extreme weather patterns intensify.
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned of increasingly extreme weather events after a July marked by three tropical storms, widespread flooding, and record-breaking rainfall and heat. Typhoon Wipha (Storm No. 3) was especially destructive, making landfall and triggering severe floods and landslides, particularly in Nghe An Province.
Between July 19–27 alone, northern Vietnam experienced 23 days of rain. Total rainfall reached 150–230mm in most areas, with some localities recording extraordinary levels: 373mm in Song Ma (Son La), 290mm in Mai Chau (Phu Tho), and 422mm in Van Ly (Ninh Binh).
The central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue and coastal south-central regions also saw 17–18 rainy days during four widespread thunderstorm events. In the Central Highlands and southern Vietnam, the rainy season continues with frequent showers, including some days of heavy rainfall.
Despite this, parts of the north and central regions faced three short-lived heatwaves with highs ranging from 35–38°C. Notably, temperatures broke historical records at two meteorological stations: Son Dong (Bac Ninh) reached 39.4°C on July 30, and Cam Ranh (Khanh Hoa) hit 40.4°C on July 31, according to VNN.
 |
| Typhoon Wipha created high waves and flooding in Thanh Hoa. Photo: Le Duong |
According to the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, July alone saw 13 types of natural disasters, including typhoons, thunderstorms, lightning, high winds, floods, landslides, and earthquakes. These events resulted in 66 deaths, 50 injuries, damage to over 11,000 homes, and nearly $145 million in estimated losses.
More extreme weather expected in August
Just as August began, persistent heavy rain from July 31 to August 1 caused deadly flash floods and landslides in Dien Bien and Son La, killing or leaving at least 10 people missing. Roads were cut off and several villages isolated. Military and police forces are actively conducting rescue and relief efforts.
The weather center forecasts that August may see 1–2 tropical storms or depressions form in the East Sea, with the possibility of landfall in Vietnam (the long-term average is 2.4 storms per August, with 0.8 making landfall).
Heatwaves are likely to continue in northern regions and central coastal provinces during the first half of August but will gradually subside. While nationwide rainfall is expected to remain near the seasonal average, the south-central coast may receive 10–25% more rain than usual.
The northern region and provinces from Thanh Hoa to Hue are at risk of new large-scale rainstorms. The Central Highlands and southern regions will also face frequent thunderstorms, especially in the evenings, with some days seeing heavy rain.
Meteorological experts urge people in at-risk areas to monitor official weather updates and prepare for sudden disasters to minimize loss of life and property.
 | Vietnam News Today (Jul. 31): EVFTA Spurs Economic Growth between Vietnam and France Vietnam News Today (Jul. 31): President Luong Cuong receives Special Envoy of RoK President; Top Vietnamese, Cuban legislators pledge stronger ties at Geneva meeting; Five ... |
 | Vietnam News Today (Aug. 1): Party chief orders breakthroughs in military modernisation, PM Pham Minh Chinh updates Diplomatic Corps on local governance reform, NA Chairman ... |
