VIR’s lasting effect on foreign business info-gathering

In April, Kobayashi Yosuke began his posting in Vietnam as chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) Vietnam Office.

This is the second time he has worked in Vietnam. His first term was from 2005 to 2009, before he returned to JICA’s headquarters in Tokyo, where he continued to be involved in Vietnam-related projects supported by Japanese official development assistance in areas such as seaports, climate change, and legislation. During his time in Vietnam, Yosuke has found the media, including Vietnam Investment Review, to be one of his main sources of reliable information.

“I’d like to commend VIR for its consistent efforts in delivering high-quality, insightful reporting on Vietnam’s economic landscape and development partnerships,” Yosuke said. “Your publication has played an instrumental role in informing the public and international community about key initiatives, including those carried out through Japan–Vietnam cooperation.”

He said the media plays a vital role in development – not only as a channel for transparency and accountability but also as a bridge that connects people, ideas, and nations. Through responsible and professional journalism, the press helps foster mutual understanding, trust, and informed civic engagement – pillars that are essential for sustainable development.

“Over the years, JICA has valued its close collaboration with Vietnamese media outlets, including VIR, in our mission to support Vietnam’s socioeconomic growth. From infrastructure and healthcare to education and climate resilience, your accurate and timely coverage has amplified the impact of development efforts and brought them closer to the people,” Yosuke added.

It is not only Yosuke who values the agency for its role. Iain Frew, who took up his posting as British Ambassador to Vietnam in the summer of 2022, also enjoys reading newspapers to gain a better understanding of the country.

“During my three years in Vietnam, I have had the privilege of engaging with many journalists whose thoughtful and committed work continues to impress me,” he said. “Their role in capturing Vietnam’s dynamic transformation and fostering mutual understanding is invaluable. Beyond reporting, the media plays a vital role in showcasing the growing economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between Vietnam and the UK.”

Major leverage

As a frequent reader and contributor to VIR, Juhern Kim, country representative in Vietnam of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), values the way the media brings green growth out of technical silos and into public dialogue.

“There’s a South Korean saying that what is recorded shapes what is remembered. Journalism doesn’t just inform – it archives progress, anchors public memory, and builds momentum,” Kim said.

According to Kim, in Vietnam’s net-zero transition, outlets like VIR have acted as both mirror and catalyst – reflecting government ambition while giving voice to business leaders, experts, communities, and innovators. When stories of action and forward-looking policy come alive in writing, they inspire others to act.

“Over the past two years, I have personally contributed to VIR to help elevate the national conversation around climate tech innovation, startup ecosystems, green finance, and carbon markets,” Kim said. “These topics – once seen as abstract – are now central to public discourse. I strongly believe that their visibility in the media is essential for policy credibility and investment readiness.”

The GGGI’s work focuses on turning Vietnam’s climate commitments into practical solutions, and it sees VIR as a trusted platform that connects these efforts with both public- and private-sector audiences.

“As Vietnam accelerates its net-zero transition, strong and responsible journalism will continue to play a vital role in shaping an inclusive, forward-looking narrative,” Kim added.

Over the years, the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has annually released its Whitebook, a publication hundreds of pages long featuring the chamber’s policy proposals to the Vietnamese government, ministries, and central agencies. The Whitebook is aimed at helping Vietnam improve its business climate while protecting the interests of investors and enterprises.

To develop such proposals, EuroCham gathers information not only from its hundreds of member companies but also from other sources, such as reports from relevant authorities. However, one of the most important sources is the media.

In its Whitebook 2025 released in June, EuroCham cited VIR’s reporting that the Ministry of Finance had proposed a decree offering significant registration fee incentives for electric vehicles, including a three-year exemption followed by a 50 per cent reduction for the next two years.

The Whitebook also quoted VIR reporting that although green credit balances at commercial banks are rising, Vietnam’s legal framework on the issue remains incomplete, creating challenges for implementation.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham) likewise uses the media as a channel to communicate its comments and proposals to the public, policymakers, and authorised agencies.

AmCham in Hanoi frequently shares with VIR its views on cooperation between Vietnam and the United States in trade and investment.

“Our members in Vietnam account for billions of US dollars in foreign investment, tens of thousands of direct employees, hundreds of thousands of indirect employees, and a significant share of Vietnam’s exports and tax revenues,” said Adam Sitkoff, executive director of AmCham in Hanoi.

Members have played a transformative role in Vietnam’s development, with the United States among the country’s top foreign investors. “This investment has integrated Vietnam into the global supply chain, created quality jobs, and helped the country become more productive, efficient, safe, and cleaner,” Sitkoff added. “Importantly, the US is Vietnam’s largest export market, driving investment and growth throughout the country.”

Catching up with new trends

VIR reporters are recognised by international organisations and embassies, giving the newspaper strong access to first-hand information about Vietnam’s relations with other countries.

Staff have been enriching content across all products and promoting VIR’s image through seminars, conferences, and talk shows, as well as distributing newspapers and special publications at events inside and outside Vietnam, in addition to partnerships with groups such as Dow Jones and PressReader. VIR has also expanded its e-paper to reach more readers.

“We highly appreciate the way VIR organises its events, which have helped mobilise and connect many businesses to discuss shared issues,” said a media representative from the United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam. “VIR has created a forum with diverse topics and approaches. In particular, when the events are held, they are also broadcast live on online platforms, which increases interaction between speakers and listeners, creating a very strong communication effect.”

VIR has long been highly regarded by its management body – its former overseer, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, which has since merged with the Ministry of Finance – and by other ministries and agencies for its efforts in selecting, analysing, and objectively presenting information and policies.

Le Minh Sang, a health specialist at World Bank Vietnam, said VIR is a professional organiser of events after attending its annual health conferences, which often attract leaders from ministries, international organisations, and domestic and international medical and pharma firms.

“I have been impressed by VIR’s activities. Not only is it a prestigious news agency, it has also been very effective at organising events such as talk shows and conferences,” Sang said.

Nguyen Chi Trung, CEO and managing partner of Grant Thornton Vietnam

As we celebrate the 34-year journey of VIR, it is evident that the publication has become a vital source of financial and economic news in Vietnam. VIR has significantly contributed to enhancing the understanding of market dynamics and investment opportunities, playing a crucial role in Vietnam's economic discourse.

The high quality of articles produced by VIR's talented journalists and esteemed guest writers stands out. Their in-depth analyses and well-researched content provide valuable insights across sectors such as finance and banking, real estate, and technology, etc. This commitment to excellence has established VIR as a trusted source of information in an ever-evolving market.

Moreover, VIR serves as a vital link between auditing and consulting firms and the broader market. By featuring expert opinions and sector-specific insights, VIR helps these firms navigate regulatory changes and identify emerging opportunities, fostering informed decision-making.

Looking ahead, VIR could continue embracing digital transformation to enhance user experience and engagement. By leveraging innovative technologies and fostering a community around Dau Tu's publications, the journal can strengthen their connection with readers. Additionally, exploring emerging topics such as sustainability and innovation will align VIR with global trends and resonate with a broader audience.

VIR's impressive journey positions it well for continued leadership in the media landscape, further connecting the business community in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.