Vietnam views its upgrade to emerging-market status as the starting point for a new phase of higher-quality, larger-scale and more professional development of its stock market, according to Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.
He made the remark during a reception in Hanoi on September 17 for Ms. Fiona Bassett, Chief Executive Officer of FTSE Russell, and a delegation representing global investment institutions visiting and working in Vietnam.
The delegation included executives from global investment funds, including BlackRock and Vanguard, the world’s two largest asset managers. Vanguard’s emerging-market index funds have committed to investing in and adding Vietnamese stocks to their portfolios from September 21, 2026.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Hung praised FTSE Russell for monitoring, assessing and supporting Vietnam’s stock market, helping promote greater transparency, efficiency and alignment with international standards. From September 21, Vietnam’s stock market will officially be classified as a “Secondary Emerging Market” under FTSE Russell’s classification framework.
The government will focus on maintaining the new status through transparent and regular dialogue with market participants and FTSE Russell, ensuring reforms operate smoothly and addressing any issues identified during future assessments.
Vietnam also plans to accelerate the introduction of a central counterparty (CCP) mechanism, effectively address issues raised by global securities firms and custodians, and strengthen support for companies in adopting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, greater disclosure and OECD corporate governance principles.
Prime Minister Hung said cooperation with FTSE Russell and global partners would help Vietnam’s stock market maintain its new classification and further strengthen its regional position. He also asked FTSE Russell to continue providing objective, accurate and comprehensive assessments reflecting the actual conditions of Vietnam’s economy and capital market.
