US and Vietnam Push for Balanced Trade in Virtual Meeting
美國與越南在視訊會議上推動貿易平衡
In a recent virtual meeting held on April 24, US Trade Representative Jamieson L. Greer and Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade relations. The meeting, announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), followed President Trump’s earlier call with General Secretary To Lam on April 4. Both parties emphasized the need for swift progress toward achieving a more reciprocal and balanced trade framework between the two nations.
As part of the ongoing efforts, the ministers directed their respective teams to initiate technical discussions aimed at expanding market access and addressing concerns related to unfair trade practices. This development is particularly relevant for non-Indian multinational companies operating in or trading with Vietnam and the US, as it signals potential regulatory changes and improved trade facilitation that could impact investment strategies, supply chain planning, and market entry considerations across the Asia-Pacific region.
https://vir.com.vn/us-calls-tariff-talks-with-vietnam-productive-127334.html
小編點評：在 4 月 24 日的虛擬會議上，美國和越南貿易官員重申將努力建立更平衡的貿易關係，以延續先前的高層會談。他們同意就擴大市場准入和解決不公平貿易行為展開技術性討論，這預示著可能影響在亞太地區運營的跨國公司的監管變化。
Vietnam Emerges as Regional Leader in 5G and Digital Transformation
越南崛起為5G與數位轉型的區域領導者
Vietnam’s strategic vision to build a robust, modern, and sustainable digital ecosystem was in sharp focus at a recent GSMA-led conference, highlighting its growing influence on Asia-Pacific’s digital future. Julian Gorman, GSMA’s head of Asia-Pacific, praised Vietnam’s commitment to advancing its digital economy, noting that Vietnam is positioning itself among global leaders in mobile technology despite not being an early 5G adopter. Viettel Group’s achievements in mastering core 5G technologies, Open RAN research, and plans to achieve nationwide 5G coverage by 2026, underscore Vietnam’s ambition to close the digital divide and make the digital economy contribute 30% to its GDP by 2030. Leaders from multinational firms like Ericsson also reinforced confidence in Vietnam’s digital direction, emphasizing 5G’s transformative role beyond just faster connectivity.
The broader context of Vietnam’s digital agenda, including goals set by the National Digital Transformation Programme—such as building a 1.5-million-strong digital workforce and fostering over 100,000 digital enterprises—marks the country as a rising digital powerhouse. For non-Indian companies, this transformation opens substantial opportunities for partnerships, technology deployment, and market expansion in a high-growth, innovation-driven environment, especially in sectors like telecom, smart manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare, where Vietnam’s 5G-driven shift will drive significant new demand.
https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-strengthens-5g-to-unlock-digital-economy-127243.html
小編點評：越南正迅速成為區域數位領導者，目標在2026年前實現全國5G覆蓋，並於2030年前讓數位經濟占GDP達30%。透過國家數位轉型計畫的推動，越南正培育龐大的數位人才庫並支持數萬家數位新創企業。這場轉型為全球企業提供了在電信、智慧製造、農業與醫療等高成長領域中合作與拓展的重大契機。
Vietnam’s Gaming Industry Levels Up with Global Reach and TikTok Integration
越南遊戲產業升級，拓展全球影響力並整合 TikTok 平台
Vietnam’s gaming sector is experiencing a major growth surge, with mobile games projected to generate $712 million in revenue by 2029, according to a 2024 Statista report. Bloomberg also ranked Vietnam among the top five countries globally for mobile game production in 2023, driven by a download growth rate 2.5 times faster than the world average. Industry leaders, including Do Viet Hung of the Asian Electronic Sports Federation, emphasized the sector’s transformation in both technology and player engagement, highlighting the strategic role of digital platforms like TikTok in expanding local publishers’ reach. TikTok’s integration of gaming into broader cultural content—ranging from music to lifestyle—has proven highly effective, with 59% of users discovering new games through the platform, according to a 2024 global survey.
This evolution positions Vietnam as a rising creative powerhouse in the Southeast Asian gaming landscape. For non-Indian companies, particularly in mobile gaming, advertising, content creation, and tech investment, Vietnam offers compelling opportunities. The country’s blend of rapid market growth, digital-savvy audiences, and a supportive innovation ecosystem makes it an attractive destination for partnerships, regional headquarters, and cross-border game launches targeting both Southeast Asia and global audiences.
https://vir.com.vn/digital-leverage-for-vietnamese-gaming-industry-127177.html
小編點評：越南的遊戲產業正迅速擴張，預計到 2029 年行動遊戲營收將達 7.12 億美元，並已躋身全球前五大製作國之列。受惠於下載量快速成長與 TikTok 的整合，此產業為全球行動遊戲、廣告及科技投資公司提供了豐富機會，越南正成為擁有數位敏銳用戶與蓬勃創新環境的創意樞紐。
Next Wave of Mobile: Ericsson Highlights 5G as Catalyst for Vietnam’s Digital Leap
行動通訊下一波浪潮：愛立信強調 5G 是推動越南數位飛躍的關鍵
As 5G emerges as the fastest-scaling mobile technology in history, Ericsson is championing a global shift toward open, programmable, and cloud-native networks to drive digital transformation. These advanced mobile networks—now essential to scaling AI, cloud computing, and immersive technologies—are expected to dominate mobile access by 2029. At the core of this evolution are network application programming interfaces (APIs), which enable developers to access and tailor network capabilities like speed, latency, and security. Through partnerships with leading global carriers and cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Ericsson is enabling game-changing applications in banking, logistics, and manufacturing. In this context, 5G is no longer just a connectivity upgrade but a foundational platform for innovation across industries.
In Vietnam, where 5G is already reshaping sectors like manufacturing and smart cities, the implications are profound. Private 5G networks are creating new business models, boosting automation, and increasing efficiency, while aligning with Vietnam’s national goal of becoming a high-income economy by 2045 and achieving 30% digital GDP by 2030. For non-Indian companies, particularly in sectors such as industrial automation, fintech, and cloud services, this evolution presents vast opportunities. Vietnam’s rapid 5G adoption, combined with government support and rising digital demand, makes it an attractive hub for tech deployment, regional R&D, and enterprise digitalisation across Southeast Asia.
https://vir.com.vn/vietnam-is-shaping-up-for-the-next-wave-of-mobile-127075.html
小編點評：愛立信將 5G 視為一個變革性平台，透過開放、可程式化的網路和 API 支援人工智慧、雲端運算和沈浸式技術，預計到 2029 年將得到廣泛應用。在越南，5G 已經在推動智慧城市和製造業的發展，支持該國的數位 GDP 和高收入經濟目標。這為自動化、金融科技和雲端服務領域的全球公司在東南亞投資、創新和擴張提供了重大機會。
VinFast VF 3 Electrifies Indonesian Market with Stylish Urban Mobility and Green Ambitions
VinFast VF 3 小型電動 SUV 以時尚都市機動力與綠色願景引爆印尼市場
Vietnamese EV manufacturer VinFast has marked a significant milestone in its Southeast Asian expansion with the mass delivery of 100 VF 3 mini electric SUVs in Indonesia during the Motomobi News Karnaval, held from April 19–20, 2025. The VF 3, already a hit in Vietnam and the Philippines, is turning heads with its bold, compact design, urban-friendly 215 km range, and customisable features. Positioned as an affordable and stylish solution for daily commuting, the VF 3 was the centerpiece of the event, where user-customised variants celebrated creativity and individuality. Backed by attractive incentives such as cashback and free charging through V-GREEN stations until 2028, the VF 3 is quickly building a strong local following. Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia, emphasized the brand’s commitment to delivering green, intelligent mobility solutions across Indonesia’s dynamic market.
With a competitive price tag of IDR 230 million and premium features such as a 10-inch touchscreen and luxury-style gear selector, the VF 3 is well positioned to democratize electric mobility. VinFast’s aggressive strategy includes expanding its dealership network, launching 500 service workshops, and installing 30,000 charging ports across the country by 2025. For non-Indian companies, particularly in the EV supply chain, renewable energy infrastructure, and smart mobility services, Indonesia’s fast-growing electric vehicle market—bolstered by players like VinFast—presents high-potential entry points for partnerships, investment, and joint development as the region accelerates toward its sustainable transportation goals.
小編點評：VinFast 已在印尼正式推出 VF 3 小型電動 SUV，首波交付 100 輛。VF 3 擁有緊湊可自訂的設計、215 公里續航力，並提供至 2028 年的免費充電優惠，定價為 2.3 億印尼盾。這是 VinFast 擴大全國電動車基礎建設與服務策略的重要一步，對於全球企業在電動車供應鏈、智慧交通與綠能領域提供了在東南亞拓展的絕佳機會。
Thaksin Shinawatra Calls for Policy Overhaul as US Tariffs Threaten Thai Exports and Investment Strategy
塔克辛呼籲政策改革，美國關稅衝擊泰國出口與投資策略
At an April 24 seminar hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM), former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra urged the government to revise its import regulations and investment promotion policies in response to steep US tariffs—some reaching 36%—that could disrupt Thailand’s export-dependent economy. Citing the electric vehicle (EV) sector as a prime example, Thaksin warned that Chinese manufacturers leveraging Thai incentives to bypass US trade rules could provoke further scrutiny. He said that Thailand ran a large trade deficit with China and a moderate surplus with the US, suggesting that there might be something wrong with that picture and emphasizing the need for tighter enforcement of local content regulations. His remarks come as Bangkok prepares for high-stakes trade negotiations with Washington.
Thaksin’s comments indicate a possible recalibration of Thailand’s economic alignment, particularly in light of its deepening ties with Chinese investors, who accounted for nearly 28% of foreign direct investment (FDI) between 2022 and 2024—more than triple that of US firms. This dynamic reflects a broader geopolitical tension, as Thailand attempts to balance between economic opportunity and political neutrality amid an intensifying US-China trade rivalry. For non-Indian companies, especially those in manufacturing, logistics, and trade compliance, this evolving policy landscape presents both risks and openings in Southeast Asia’s supply chain ecosystem, where regulatory shifts may redefine sourcing strategies and regional investment decisions.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40049241
小編點評：前泰國總理塔克辛呼籲政府進行政策改革，以應對美國高額關稅對出口導向經濟的威脅，尤其是在電動車等產業。他警告中國企業若透過泰國規避美國貿易規則，恐遭更嚴格審查，並主張加強本地成分規範。隨著泰國面對中國投資攀升與美國壓力之間的拉鋸，非印度企業在調整供應鏈與投資策略時，應留意這場區域政策重塑所帶來的風險與契機。
IMF Chief Urges Asia to Strengthen Regional Trade Amid Global Tariff Pressures
IMF總裁呼籲亞洲加強區域內貿易應對全球關稅壓力
At a press conference in Washington DC on Thursday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva acknowledged the mounting challenges faced by Asian economies as they continue to rely heavily on exports, now hindered by newly implemented global tariff measures. While recognising the region’s economic resilience—reflected in consistent growth, prudent inflation management, and sound fiscal strategies—Georgieva encouraged countries with policy flexibility to deploy monetary and fiscal tools judiciously to weather upcoming pressures. She said that Asia was in a challenging position following the implementation of new tariff policies, noting that these had substantially affected several economies across the region.
Georgieva also highlighted the importance of enhancing intra-regional trade, which currently accounts for just 21% of Asia’s total trade, as a strategic move to counteract slowing global commerce. Increased regional cooperation and economic integration, she argued, could provide a buffer against external shocks. For non-Indian companies operating or investing in Asia, this presents both a cautionary note and a potential opportunity—shifts in regional trade patterns and economic alliances may impact supply chain routes, investment flows, and market entry strategies across the continent.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/economy/40049221
小編點評：IMF總裁喬治艾娃呼籲亞洲各國加強區域內貿易，以抵銷全球關稅上升對出口導向型成長所帶來的壓力。儘管她肯定亞洲經濟的韌性，但也強調深化區域整合能有效減緩外部衝擊。對全球企業而言，在這場貿易格局重塑中既有挑戰，也存在發展新機的可能。
Thai SMBs Drive Revenue Growth with AI Adoption, Says Salesforce Report
Salesforce 報告稱，泰國中小企業透過採用人工智慧來推動營收成長
A new report from Salesforce reveals that 90% of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Thailand already using AI have experienced revenue growth, highlighting the transformative impact of AI on business performance. The findings, based on insights from 3,350 global SMB leaders and an additional 100 surveyed in Thailand, show that 70% of Thai SMBs are currently using or experimenting with AI, while 84% express optimism about the future as they adopt autonomous AI tools to remain competitive. As digital threats increase, Thai businesses are also seeking trusted partnerships to navigate the complex tech landscape.
Salesforce Thailand Country Leader Thitirat Tongtavorn emphasized that despite smaller teams, Thai SMBs are making a big economic impact, with many achieving growth comparable to larger enterprises. Solutions like Agentforce are helping these businesses scale efficiently through automation, enhanced customer personalization, and stronger digital strategies. For non-Indian companies, this highlights Southeast Asia’s fast-growing and digitally agile SMB sector, presenting opportunities for global tech firms to partner, invest, and expand in the region’s AI-driven transformation.
https://www.nationthailand.com/blogs/business/economy/40049212
小編點評：根據 Salesforce 的報告，90% 使用人工智慧的泰國中小企業都實現了收入成長，其中 70% 目前正在採用或試驗這項技術，84% 對其未來的影響持樂觀態度。儘管團隊規模較小，泰國中小企業仍透過利用 Agentforce 等工具實現自動化和數位個人化，實現了與大型企業相當的成長。這一趨勢為東南亞快速發展的人工智慧驅動型商業環境中的全球科技公司提供了強大的合作和投資機會。
Microsoft Thailand’s AI Initiative Aims to Upskill 1 Million Citizens by 2025
微軟泰國推動 AI 計畫，目標於 2025 年前培訓百萬公民
In a bid to enhance the country’s global competitiveness, Thailand is collaborating with 35 public and private sector partners through the THAI Academy programme to accelerate AI adoption and upskill its workforce. Prasert Jantararuangthong, Thailand’s Digital Economy and Society Minister, emphasized the importance of AI in driving the nation’s economic growth and its alignment with the National AI Master Plan, which focuses on broadening AI literacy across the population. As part of this effort, Microsoft Thailand has committed to helping equip over 1 million Thai citizens with AI skills by the end of 2025, aiming to address the evolving demands of the tech landscape.
Microsoft Thailand’s managing director, Dhanawat Suthumpun, praised the Thai government’s emphasis on AI upskilling, noting that such initiatives will empower the workforce to navigate the rapidly changing digital environment. For non-Indian companies, this collaboration presents valuable opportunities to partner with Thailand’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly in areas like workforce training, AI education, and technology development, marking the country as a strategic hub for AI innovation in Southeast Asia.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40049083
小編點評：微軟泰國與泰國政府和 35 個組織合作，計劃到 2025 年透過泰國人工智慧學院計畫提高 100 多萬公民的人工智慧技能，以配合國家人工智慧總體規劃。泰國將自己定位為區域人工智慧創新中心，這項措施為全球企業在勞動力培訓和技術開發方面進行合作提供了機會。
Thailand Deploys First AI Police Cyborg to Enhance Public Safety During Songkran Festival
泰國部署首款 AI 警察機器人，在宋干節期間強化公共安全
Thailand has unveiled its first AI-powered police robot, named “AI Police Cyborg 1.0,” to bolster public safety during the Songkran festival in Nakhon Pathom province. Equipped with smart 360-degree AI cameras, the Robocop-style robot integrates live footage from CCTV cameras and drone surveillance, which is processed using AI technology for real-time monitoring. The robot is linked directly to the province’s Command and Control Center, ensuring efficient management of public safety during major events. Capable of facial recognition, suspect tracking, weapon detection, and behavior monitoring, the AI Police Cyborg is a significant step forward in utilizing AI for law enforcement in public spaces.
The deployment of this cutting-edge technology is a significant milestone for Thailand’s efforts to integrate AI in enhancing public safety. For non-Indian companies, particularly those in the AI, robotics, and security technology sectors, this development presents an opportunity for collaboration and innovation in the growing field of smart city solutions and public safety technology in Southeast Asia. The AI Police Cyborg initiative demonstrates Thailand’s commitment to embracing advanced technologies to improve public services and maintain safety in high-traffic areas, making it a potential market for future partnerships.
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40048875
小編點評：泰國於宋干節期間部署首款 AI 警察機器人「AI Police Cyborg 1.0」，透過即時監控、人臉辨識與武器偵測提升公共安全。該機器人整合監視與無人機畫面，並與指揮中心連線進行高效監控。此舉彰顯泰國致力發展 AI 公共安全技術，也為全球 AI、機器人與智慧城市科技企業在東南亞安防市場創造合作機會。
Delivery Hero to Cease Foodpanda Operations in Thailand by May 23
Delivery Hero 宣布 Foodpanda 將於 5 月 23 日全面退出泰國市場
Delivery Hero announced on Wednesday that it will cease operations of its food and grocery delivery service, Foodpanda, in Thailand by May 23. This decision is part of the company’s strategy to “optimise its geostrategy” after previously withdrawing from markets such as Denmark, Ghana, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Despite the pullback, Delivery Hero will maintain its regional team in Thailand, which oversees marketing and human resources operations for the Asia-Pacific region. The company expressed gratitude to its employees, customers, partners, and riders in Thailand, promising support during the transition.
Foodpanda has struggled in Thailand’s competitive food delivery market, where it holds just under 15% market share, trailing behind Lineman Wongnai and GrabFood. The company has accumulated significant net losses over the past nine years and was unable to secure a sale of its Southeast Asia business last year. For non-Indian companies, particularly those in the food delivery, logistics, and tech sectors, this market exit signals an opportunity for new entrants to capture market share in a region still seeing intense competition. Additionally, the shift may lead to increased consolidation in the Southeast Asian food delivery market, presenting potential for strategic partnerships and acquisitions.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/general/3009501/foodpanda-delivery-service-to-exit-thailand
小編點評：Delivery Hero 將於 5 月 23 日結束 Foodpanda 在泰國的業務，雖仍保留亞太區域行銷與人資團隊。這項撤退行動不僅釋出市場空間，也可能促使東南亞外送市場加速整併，為全球企業在該領域提供策略合作與投資佈局的良機。
National Telecom to Migrate 300,000 NT Mobile Customers to “my by NT” in June
泰國國營電信公司 NT 將於 6 月遷移 30 萬行動用戶至「my by NT」品牌
National Telecom (NT), Thailand’s state telecom enterprise, has announced plans to migrate 300,000 NT Mobile customers to its “my by NT” brand by June, ahead of the expiration of its 2100MHz and 2300MHz spectrum bands on August 3. The migration will be seamless for customers, who will not need to change their existing SIM cards. The transition will involve both postpaid and prepaid customers, with users receiving a welcome SMS detailing their new service packages after the migration. The “my by NT” service, which operates on the 700MHz spectrum, had over 2.18 million users as of March, including 200,000 postpaid customers. The migration will not affect NT’s other telecom services, such as broadband internet or fixed-line telephony.
For non-Indian companies, particularly those in the telecom and technology sectors, this shift in service branding and spectrum usage presents an opportunity to engage with an evolving market in Thailand. The deal between NT and Advanced Info Service (AIS) also signals ongoing collaboration and infrastructure developments in 4G/5G networks, with AIS expanding the 4G/5G coverage on the 700MHz spectrum. Companies with a focus on telecom infrastructure, network equipment, or mobile services may find opportunities for partnerships, technology provision, or service expansions within this changing landscape.
小編點評：國家電信 (NT) 計劃在 2100MHz 和 2300MHz 頻譜帶到期之前，於 6 月之前將 300,000 名 NT Mobile 客戶遷移到其「my by NT」品牌。遷移將是無縫的，無需更換 SIM 卡，客戶將收到新的服務包。對於電信和技術領域的非印度公司來說，隨著 NT 與 AIS 合作擴大 700MHz 頻譜上的 4G/5G 覆蓋範圍，這一轉變提供了合作和基礎設施發展的機會。