Gold price expected to increase by 35% this year
Mr. Jeetendra Khadan - senior economist and Ms. Kaltrina Temaj, a researcher and analyst at the World Bank's Prospects Group, commented: "The price of precious metals has skyrocketed to a record high in the first half of 2025, after an increase of 20% in 2024.
The price increase was led by gold, as gold prices approached a historical peak in mid-June amid escalating geopolitical tensions and increased economic instability. Silver and platinum also recorded strong increases, with prices expected to remain high throughout 2025 and 2026".
Experts added that in the first six months of 2025, gold prices have increased by nearly 25%. Recent price increases have been driven largely by strong demand amid prolonged policy uncertainty and rising geopolitical tensions. The amount of capital poured into gold ETFs has recovered strongly in the first quarter of 2025, pushing investment demand to the highest level since 2022. Gold purchases by central banks continue to support prices, reflecting the foreign exchange reserve management strategy.
Notably, this large demand is expected to continue in the short term, thanks to global instability and high geopolitical risks. Gold prices are expected to increase by about 35% in 2025 (compared to the same period last year), before cooling down slightly in 2026 when part of the instability gradually eases. See more...
Establishment of Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board after merger
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has just signed Decision No. 1459/QD-TTg to establish the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board.
The Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board was established on the basis of merging the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board and the Hai Duong Province Industrial Park Management Board.
The Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Board (hereinafter referred to as the Management Board) is an agency under the Hai Phong City People's Committee, performing the function of direct state management of industrial parks and economic zones in Hai Phong City; managing and organizing the implementation of the function of providing public administrative services and other support services related to investment, production and business activities for enterprises in industrial parks and economic zones according to the provisions of law. See more...
Officially regulated that purchases over 5 million VND must be transferred to deduct VAT
From July 1, 2025, the Government's Decree detailing the implementation of a number of articles of the Law on Value Added Tax will officially take effect. Accordingly, to be deducted input value-added tax (VAT), businesses must have value-added invoices and non-cash payment documents for purchased goods and services from 5 million VND including VAT.
Cashless payment documents are forms of bank transfer, clearing payment, authorization payment or other methods specified in Decree 52/2024/ND-CP on non-cash payment. See more...
Son La farmers are busy harvesting plums at the end of the season
According to the report, Son La currently has more than 14,550 hectares of plum trees, with an estimated output of 100,000 tons in 2025. Currently, in Van Ho, Muoi Noi, Long Phieng, Yen Son, Phieng Khoai communes, many families still have 10 - 30 tons of plums, with a remaining output of about 3,000 tons.
Ms. Do Le Thuy (Co Noi commune) said that the price of plums at the end of the season is slightly higher than before.
"The weather has been raining a lot these past few days, so my family took the opportunity to harvest about 10 tons of plums from the fields to sell. After picking, I have to use a motorbike with a chain to prevent plain cake to transport. It is hard but selling plums is a happy thing" - Ms. Thuy said. See more...
