The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued Decision No. 2136/QD-BCT, recognising 499 products from 227 enterprises as meeting the criteria for the Viet Nam National Brand in 2026. The announcement ceremony will be held in Ha Noi on October 16, 2026, under the theme “The Flow of Vietnamese Brands”.

Prioritising innovation capacity

According to a report by Brand Finance, the value of the Viet Nam National Brand reached 462.279 billion USD in 2026, up 45.14% from 2020, ranking 32nd out of 193 countries assessed. The 2020-2026 period saw a significant breakthrough, with the proportion of enterprises whose products qualified for the National Brand and featured among Viet Nam’s 50 most valuable brands rising from 42% to 50%.

These figures affirm the strong potential and remarkable maturity of Vietnamese brands. After 23 years of implementation, the Viet Nam National Brand Programme has genuinely helped inspire aspirations to build strong brands and bring Vietnamese intellect, resilience and creativity to international markets.

On behalf of the Programme’s Secretariat, Hoang Minh Chien, Deputy Director of the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said that, in response to the changing context, the criteria for the 10th selection round of the Viet Nam National Brand Programme in 2026 had significantly raised the requirements for innovation capacity.

On a 1,000-point scale, the score allocated to this group of criteria had been increased from 180 to 300 points, accounting for 30% of the total. This strategic adjustment underscored the importance of research and development, the application of science and technology, intellectual property protection, digital transformation, the green economy and human resource development. It also ensured that the selection process linked product quality with enterprises’ capacity for innovation and their ability to maintain a sustainable competitive position.

Following a rigorous, objective and transparent selection process, 499 products from 227 enterprises were officially recognised as meeting the criteria for the Viet Nam National Brand in 2026. The recognised brands span a wide range of key sectors, including manufacturing and processing, agricultural and food products, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, finance, telecommunications technology, and logistics and services. This extensive coverage confirms the growing reach of Vietnamese brands, from manufacturing to modern services and from traditional strengths to high-tech industries.

The National Brand designation goes beyond recognition; it serves as a guarantee of the quality and reach of Vietnamese brands. Participation in the selection process provides enterprises with an opportunity to strengthen their management capabilities, foster innovation and protect intellectual property, while also demonstrating their commitment to maintaining consumer trust. At the same time, the designation is not merely an honour but also places an obligation on enterprises to continue playing a leading role and to step up strategic investment in technology, human resources and sustainable development, ensuring that every product bearing the national brand emblem is backed by substantive value.

Taking Vietnamese brands to the world

Expressing pride that five of its products had qualified for the Viet Nam National Brand for the fifth consecutive time, Nguyen Manh Thang, Northern Region Director of Khanh Hoa Salanganes Nest Company, said the company had focused on improving product quality in line with its commitment to green production, energy efficiency, environmentally friendly packaging and the complete elimination of preservatives from its products.

In parallel, the company had increased investment in science and technology for processing and quality control, accelerated digital transformation, and integrated artificial intelligence (AI) and management platforms throughout the production and distribution chain. It had also actively researched and developed new product lines to meet the diverse needs of domestic and international markets.

Commenting on the milestone of having two products recognised under the Viet Nam National Brand Programme in 2026, Le Viet, General Director of Southern Steel Company (VNSTEEL), affirmed that the National Brand was not a destination but a starting point for achieving higher standards. For Southern Steel, the designation served as a driving force for further optimising production, reducing emissions and remaining committed to green and sustainable steelmaking. “We hope that whenever customers see Southern Steel’s /V/ symbol, they will not only feel assured of the superior quality of our steel but also recognise our spirit of innovation and corporate social responsibility,” he said.

With Viet Nam aiming to become a developed, high-income country by 2045, Luong Hoang Thai, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, emphasised the strategic role of the National Brand in defining the country’s identity and strengthening the economy’s competitiveness.

In the coming period, the Viet Nam National Brand Programme will continue to promote cultural values in brand-building, expand the application of science and technology, foster innovation and strengthen links with economic diplomacy and international cooperation. In doing so, the global expansion of Vietnamese brands will help project the image of a Viet Nam that is rich in cultural identity, dynamic and innovative.

To provide a solid springboard for enterprises, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will strengthen coordination with ministries, sectors and localities to support businesses after their recognition in areas such as brand protection, green and digital transformation, and market expansion. Enterprises recognised under the Viet Nam National Brand Programme must also make full use of their leadership role and consolidate their position through superior quality, business credibility and social responsibility.