Vietnam Opens Door to Global Talent with Dual Citizenship Reform
Vietnam has officially amended its nationality law to allow dual citizenship for overseas Vietnamese, removing longstanding barriers such as language, residency, and renunciation requirements. This shift is part of a broader strategy to attract global talent—particularly in tech and finance—as the country aims to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2045 and become a leader in AI and semiconductor innovation by 2030.
With over 6 million Vietnamese living abroad, mostly in developed countries, the government hopes to encourage them to return and contribute to national development. The policy reform also eliminates administrative hurdles in areas like banking, visas, and property ownership for dual nationals. Additional supportive policies are on the way, including easier access to land, better work conditions, and streamlined citizenship pathways.
While civil and military officials are still excluded from holding dual nationality, this legal update signals Vietnam’s serious commitment to building a globally competitive, talent-driven economy.
AI Hay Raises $10M To Power Vietnam’s Next Tech Leap
Vietnamese AI startup AI Hay has raised $10 million in Series A funding led by Argor Capital, with participation from Square Peg, Northstar Ventures, AppWorks, and Phoenix Holdings.
The platform, known for helping users find context-rich answers through large language models and curated local content, now boasts over 15 million downloads and 100 million questions answered monthly.
With total funding reaching $18 million, AI Hay plans to expand into web-based AI tools across education, entertainment, and virtual companions. Investors praised the team’s technical strength and cultural relevance, positioning the startup as a standout in Southeast Asia’s growing AI scene. This marks another strong signal of Vietnam’s rising role in the global tech ecosystem.
Koru Capital Bets On Vietnam’s Overlooked SMEs With New $5M Investment Arm
Koru Capital, a Vietnamese boutique advisory firm, has launched Koru Capital Investment to support small but profitable businesses often overlooked by traditional investors. Targeting deal sizes under $5 million, the new arm fills a funding gap between venture capital and private equity, focusing on SMEs with at least three years of operations and strong financials.
Led by former Masan Group executives Khoi Nguyen and Hang Nguyen, the team has already invested in businesses like Maycha (bubble tea) and Blackstones (funeral services), both of which saw 4x growth post-investment.
By avoiding overlap with Koru’s existing advisory arm, which handles larger $10M+ deals, this new venture aims to prove that well-run, smaller companies can generate outsized returns—and play a key role in strengthening Vietnam’s SME ecosystem.
U.S. Announces 20% Tariff on Vietnamese Exports
The U.S. has officially announced a 20% tariff on goods exported from Vietnam, a significant reduction from the initially proposed rate of 46%. The announcement was made by President Donald Trump just ahead of the deadline for a new round of tariff increases.
In return, Vietnam will grant duty-free access to certain American products, including large-engine vehicles. However, transshipped goods originating from third countries such as China will still face a 40% tariff to prevent origin fraud.
This deal helps Vietnam maintain its export momentum—U.S. imports from Vietnam have surged to $137 billion in 2024, while U.S. exports to Vietnam reached just $13 billion. Though not a full trade pact, the agreement reduces short-term pressure and strengthens Vietnam’s economic positioning amid U.S.-China tensions. It also opens the door for Vietnam to push for market economy status and greater access to high-tech exports—key steps in its innovation agenda.
Vietnam’s National Assembly has officially approved the establishment of the Hai Phong Free Trade Zone (FTZ), with over 93% support
Managed by the Hai Phong People’s Committee and integrated with existing economic zones like Dinh Vu – Cat Hai, the FTZ is designed to become a pilot hub for high-tech industries, R&D, exports, and skilled labor. It signals the city's ambition to become a key driver of Vietnam’s industrial upgrading and innovation.
The FTZ offers generous incentives for businesses, including a 10% corporate tax rate for up to 30 years and major tax exemptions for priority sectors like semiconductors and tourism. Foreign experts and talent will also enjoy significant benefits such as visa waivers and 10-year residency cards.
On top of that, Hai Phong will have special powers to raise funds, set new fees, and even create a dedicated startup investment fund. For young professionals following Vietnam’s economic shift, this move not only positions Hai Phong as a future tech hub but also sets a national benchmark for city-led innovation zones.
Genesia Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm operating in Japan and Southeast Asia, with a strong belief in the long-term potential of Vietnam’s digital economy. Beyond providing capital, the fund actively supports startups through strategic guidance and connections to a broader regional network.