On the afternoon of July 2, the Ministry of Finance held a press conference to announce the financial situation and related matters for Q2 and the first half of 2025. Key issues included the upgrade of the stock market, restructuring of public assets, and business activities.

Stock market upgrade in progress

Addressing the goal of upgrading Vietnam’s stock market from frontier to emerging status, as approved by the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 1726/QD-TTg dated December 29, 2023, Hoang Van Thu, Vice Chairman of the State Securities Commission (SSC), stated that the SSC has made significant efforts to improve the legal framework.

These efforts include the issuance of Circulars No. 68/2024/TT-BTC and No. 18/2025/TT-BTC by the Ministry of Finance, which govern securities registration, depository, clearing, and settlement activities, as well as Circular No. 96/2020/TT-BTC on market information disclosure.

Currently, the Ministry is finalizing amendments to Decree No. 155/2020/ND-CP to address legal obstacles and facilitate greater foreign investor access. This includes simplifying administrative procedures, clarifying ownership ratios, and ensuring investment security.

Simultaneously, enhancing the investment experience and evaluation process for foreign investors in Vietnam is a priority to help maintain upgraded market status in the long term.

Maintaining upgraded status and public asset management

Nguyen Duc Chi, Deputy Minister of Finance, expressed optimism that Vietnam’s stock market will achieve emerging status by September 2025. He also emphasized that the SSC will focus on foundational reforms to sustain the new ranking.

On the topic of managing public assets following administrative restructuring into a two-tier local government model, concerns were raised about unused public office spaces causing waste.

Nguyen Thi Thoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Public Asset Management, explained that some localities are in the process of reorganizing assets, and while some office buildings may currently be vacant, these will be repurposed for healthcare, education, libraries, parks, or cultural and sports centers.

The Ministry has issued detailed legal instructions and formed an inter-agency task force to coordinate with local governments. Within 90 days of the restructuring decision, the Ministry will continue supporting and guiding localities to ensure effective public asset management.

Private sector growth and policy impact

Another issue drawing public interest is the impact of Resolutions No. 68-NQ/TW and 198/2025/QH15 on private sector development.

Trinh Thi Huong, Deputy Director of the Agency for Enterprise Development, reported that in June, over 24,420 new businesses were registered - far above the previous monthly average of 15,000. In the first half of 2025, more than 91,000 businesses were established.

The number of businesses resuming operations in June surged by over 91% year-on-year. For the first time, the number of new and returning businesses exceeded the number of closures by 1.2 times.

The number of new business households in June rose by more than 118% compared to the same period last year and by over 60% compared to the previous month. Meanwhile, additional capital injected into businesses increased by more than 170% year-on-year.

Huong noted that this growth reflects rising business confidence and optimism about market opportunities and future potential. She added that recent government policies have effectively encouraged private sector participation, contributing significantly to national economic growth.

Nhan Dan