Vietnam gives foreign investors easier access to stock market

Motorcyclists pass the Hanoi Stock Exchange in Hanoi on April 8, 2025. The easing of investment restrictions comes ahead of Vietnam's expected upgrade to emerging market status by FTSE Russell, enabling the index provider to start including Vietnamese equities by September. - AFP

HANOI: Vietnam has moved to allow foreign investors to buy shares of local companies through international brokerages, the finance ministry has announced, removing a major hurdle to accessing the fast-growing Asian market.

Vietnam's benchmark stock index surged more than 40 per cent last year, despite new 20 per cent tariffs on exports to its top trading partner the United States.