Credit Markets: Vietnam has received its first investment-grade sovereign rating, with Japan’s R&I upgrading it to BBB-. The move could widen access to funding, though broader gains may depend on other major rating agencies following suit. Digital Economy: Meta has stopped running ByteDance and TikTok ads on Facebook and Instagram in Vietnam and six other markets, escalating competition for advertisers. Data Centres: Vietnam is gaining investor attention as operators diversify beyond Malaysia’s Johor, aided by rules allowing full foreign ownership and simpler provincial licensing. FDI: A new policy direction puts Vietnamese businesses at the centre of investment strategy, calling for stronger links between foreign investors and local firms through technology transfer and co-investment. Domestic Demand: Vietnam’s wood industry is looking to local buyers to cushion export volatility; the domestic market could reach US$7–7.7 billion by 2030, according to an industry estimate. Regional Expansion: VinFast is preparing an electric-motorcycle push in India, signing letters of intent with more than 50 dealers across 15 states and 34 cities.