Ho Chi Minh City Policy Push: The Politburo’s Resolution 09-NQ/TW (May 19, 2026) sets new directions for building and developing HCMC “in a new era,” aiming to speed up implementation and align central and local agencies. FDI Upgrade for Green, Tech Growth: Resolution 10-NQ/TW (June 8, 2026) signals a shift from broadly attracting foreign investment to selectively upgrading it—prioritizing science, innovation, digital transformation, and the green transition. Expressway Tolling Goes Digital: Vietnam will roll out ETC toll collection on 13 North–South expressway sections, with rates set at VND900–1,300 per km, to recover state investment and fund maintenance. Plastic’s Real Cost to Fishers: A Vietnam-focused study finds ocean plastic cuts fishing income hard—about $3,400 per boat per year, with the share rising to nearly 18% of revenue in the Mekong Delta. Wildlife Rescue in Dong Nai: Authorities transferred a rare lesser adjutant bird to a national park rescue center after residents reported it in a residential area, showing growing local biodiversity awareness. Rare Bird Saved: A similar rescue effort in Dong Nai highlights fast coordination between residents, police, and forest rangers to protect endangered species. Energy Cooperation Spotlight: Vietnam-linked clean energy projects abroad also moved forward, including the ROX Issyk-Kul solar plant phase in Kyrgyzstan, underscoring regional demand for renewables.