The PM's instruction is made in response to mounting global trade uncertainties.

In his official dispatch issued on May 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked for coordinated actions to maintain stability in the production, sale, and export of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products in response to mounting global trade uncertainties, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery sector has enjoyed steady growth over recent years, especially in food production. In 2024, the country achieved a record agro-forestry-fishery export value of $62.5 billion.

However, tariff policy changes in several countries signal looming global trade disruptions that could severely impact both production and exports, particularly of agricultural products. Still, the PM noted this is considered an opportunity to push for sustainable reform, product diversification, and market expansion.

To mitigate the fallout from global trade instability and protect farmers’ livelihoods, the government leader has instructed relevant ministries and local authorities to stay closely attuned to global trade trends and adopt timely, flexible measures. Ministries are to provide businesses with up-to-date information to help them adapt to import and tariff policy shifts from overseas markets.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has been tasked with bolstering domestic food supply while maintaining steady exports to safeguard national food security. It has been also asked to work with other sectors and localities to maintain the flow of agricultural goods, avoid supply chain disruptions, and ensure stable livelihoods.

Efforts are to be focused on scaling up large-scale, sustainable, and green agricultural practices, including the continued rollout of the plan to sustainably cultivate one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice in the Mekong Delta by 2030.

Authorities are also encouraged to revise production plans in coordination with business associations and local governments, ensuring product and market diversity, expanding geographical indication and brand building, and tightening traceability systems, particularly in industries prone to origin fraud.

The ministry was directed to advance research and technology in agriculture, with a focus on climate-resilient crops and livestock, smart farming, and digital transformation. More investment is needed in cold storage and deep processing, especially for high-value items like shrimp, tra fish, and fresh fruit, to increase added value and reduce reliance on raw exports.

To shield farmers from price drops during peak harvest seasons, the ministry is to coordinate with the Finance Ministry on support mechanisms for temporary stockpiling, especially for rice, coffee, and pepper.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will be in charge of ramping up trade promotion and negotiations with key FTA partners to unlock new markets and reduce dependence on a narrow group of trading partners. This includes organizing agricultural product weeks, domestic trade fairs, and overseas promotion campaigns. Suitable defensive measures will be deployed to protect domestic producers.

The Ministry of Finance is to streamline customs and VAT refund procedures, ease land rental and tax obligations, and propose tax policies tailored to the agricultural sector to improve competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam has been instructed to maintain and potentially expand concessional credit packages to support production and protect jobs and incomes for farmers.

At the same time, the PM requested leaders of provinces and centrally-run cities to ensure stable production and distribution in their areas, clamp down on fake goods and false origin claims, and strengthen post-harvest safety and quality control. Violations relating to fraudulent origin claims, price manipulation, or market destabilization are to be punished severely.

Businesses in the agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors were asked to keep a close eye on trade developments, particularly tariffs in key markets, and adjust production and export strategies accordingly. The dispatch also emphasizes the importance of forming supply chain linkages, investing in raw material zones, adopting modern tech, and expanding storage and processing capacity.

Firms should also consider buying and stockpiling produce during peak harvests to aid farmers and prepare for value-added processing, the PM advised.

The Government Office was tasked to monitor and coordinate implementation of the dispatch and promptly report to the PM and relevant Deputy PMs on emerging issues.

-Vân Nguyễn

Total investment estimated at $161.7 million.

Northern Bac Giang province has launched an International Logistics Centre at Song Khe ward of Bac Giang city, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Covering 67ha, the center has total investment of nearly VND4.2 trillion ($161.7 million).

Key components include multifunctional warehouses, bonded and non-tariff storage facilities, e-commerce and automated warehouses, and a full-suite logistics solution integrating end-to-end supply chain models. These include one-stop e-commerce hubs and specialized import-export agricultural centers.

The launch of the center is seen as a significant step in modernizing the province’s logistics infrastructure and integrating into global trade networks.

 

-Vân Nguyễn

At a working session with the Government's policy advisory council held on May 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requests no limits to private economic sector development.

At a working session with the Government's policy advisory council to gather input on the National Assembly (NA)’s draft resolution concerning specific mechanisms and policies to promote the development of the private economic sector, held in Hanoi on May 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that Innovation and private sector development should have no bounds, aiming to achieve the national goals of prosperity, strength, democracy, equity, and civilized society in this new era.

The resolution to be adopted by the NA aims to institutionalize the Politburo’s Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW, dated May 4. 2025, on private economy development (Resolution 68).

According to a report from the Vietnam News Agency. policies proposed are grouped into three categories. The first two involve mechanisms requiring immediate legal codification or amendment. The third includes longer-term, strategic orientations that are not urgent and necessitate thorough study and evaluation.

Discussions at the session focused on proposals regarding land and production site access; access to capital, training and utilization of high-quality human resources, support for science and technology application in business operations, tax, fee, and charge frameworks, and administrative reform and simplification, among other issues.

Noting the principle of a facilitating state, people as the foundation, enterprises at the center and as key actors, and institutions and policies as the driving force, the Government leader required the forthcoming NA resolution institutionalize Resolution 68 to enable the rapid, sustainable growth of the private sector, positioning it as a principal engine of the national economy.

PM Chinh called for a comprehensive review and revision of policies to encourage business freedom, foster healthy competition among enterprises, and ensure equal access to capital, land, and public assets. He also highlighted the need for market-oriented training, tailored to enterprise needs, through mechanisms allowing businesses to commission educational institutions.

In addition, he directed the development of a legal framework that recognizes and clearly defines intangible assets held by enterprises, while reaffirming the principle that civil and economic relations must not be criminalized.

The PM requested the drafting committee finalize the draft resolution, solicit input from cabinet members, provincial and municipal People’s Committee chairpersons, business associations, and the wider business community, before submitting the completed document to the NA by May 12. It is scheduled for review and adoption by the legislature before May 18.

-Vân Nguyễn

These projects, including 12 transport projects, to be invested in during the 2026-2030 period.

The People’s Committee of northern Hai Phong port city has directed relevant departments and agencies to prepare investment in 20 key projects during the 2026-2030 period.

They include 12 transport projects and 8 projects on urban upgrade, climate change adaptation and cultural relics.

Among transport projects, four projects will be invested in the form of public-private partnership (PPP) and eight others in the form of public investment, including a road connecting the National Highway No.5 with the National Highway No.10, a road connecting Cau Rao 3 with the coastal walkway, and the Lach Tray – Ho Dong road.

The municipal authorities expected that these transport projects will help to complete the city’s transport network, contributing to boosting the local socio-economic development.

 

 

-Nam Khánh

The alliance aims to foster a new generation of professionals with strong expertise, technological proficiency, and essential skills—preparing them to take active roles in executing Resolution 57-NQ/TW.

The Strategic Human Resources Alliance for Implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW was officially launched on May 7 with a signing ceremony in Hanoi involving five leading academies and universities.

Issued by the Politburo in 2024, Resolution 57-NQ/TW outlines a strategic vision, leveraging science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key drivers of the national development in the digital era. A core objective of the Resolution is the development of human resources, particularly officials, civil servants, and staff capable of organizing and implementing digital transformation on a national scale.

To support this mission, the alliance aims to foster a new generation of professionals with strong expertise, technological proficiency, and essential skills—preparing them to take active roles in executing Resolution 57-NQ/TW. The founding members include Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Academy of Cryptography Techniques, Hanoi University of Science and Technology, University of Engineering and Technology under Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and FPT University.

This collaborative initiative is expected to develop a high-quality pool of intellectuals and experts, aligning with the needs of the country's socio-economic development, national digital transformation, and global integration. Additionally, the alliance will advance training programs in public administration, leadership, and state management, tailored to modern governance demands. It will also enhance research capabilities, foster innovation, and promote AI applications in education, governance, and policymaking.

At the forum "Developing New Impulses for the Nation: Human Resources for Implementing Resolution 57-NQ/TW," held as part of the launch event, Mr. Trương Gia Binh, Chairman of FPT Corporation, emphasized a key takeaway from the Politburo's Resolution 68-NQ/TW on private economy development, signed by Party General Secretary To Lam on May 4, stating: "Entrepreneurs are soldiers on the economic front."

However, Mr. Bình noted that today’s battles are no longer fought with military weapons, but with knowledge, technology, and AI-driven human resources—reinforcing the crucial role of innovation and digital expertise in modern economic competition.

-Nam Anh

By 2030, Quang Ninh’s seaports are expected to have 27-30 wharves, comprising 54-60 berths, with a total length of 12,285 - 13,616 m.

More than VND34.5 trillion (nearly $1.33 billion) is required to upgrade Quang Ninh’s seaports, according to a detailed development plan for Quang Ninh’s port land and water areas for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, submitted by the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration to the Ministry of Construction.

The plan aims to establish a solid foundation for the province to modernize and expand its seaport system, positioning it as a major maritime gateway in the North.

By 2030, Quang Ninh’s seaports are expected to have 27-30 wharves, comprising 54-60 berths, with a total length of 12,285 - 13,616 m (excluding additional port facilities). The total land use demand for this period is approximately 1,755 ha, while water surface is estimated at 115,136 ha.

The plan sets a cargo throughput target of 137.25 million to 157.3 million tons per year, including container cargo ranging from 650,000 to 930,000 TEUs. Additionally, passenger traffic is projected to reach 260,300 - 279,600 people annually.

Under Vietnam’s Seaport Development Plan (2021-2030), with a vision to 2050, Quang Ninh ports are classified as a Type I seaport, serving as a national general deep-water port among the country's 34 seaports.

Strategically positioned at the intersection of the Ha Long - Hai Phong, Ha Long - Van Don, and Van Don - Mong Cai expressways, and in close proximity to Van Don Airport, Quang Ninh’s seaport system benefits from strong inter-regional cargo transport connectivity, facilitating transshipment to other ports and border gates in the North.

-Trương Quốc Cường

The figure marking a year-on-year increase of 20%.

Ho Chi Minh City recorded over VND444.8 trillion ($17 billion) worth of retail sales of consumer goods and services in the first four months of the year, skyrocketing 20% compared to the same period of 2024, according to the municipal People’s Committee.

In April alone, the revenue reached VND128.8 trillion ($4.9 billion), up 37.6% year-on-year. Of the total, the tourism sector contributed more than VND19.9 trillion ($762 million), surging nearly 30% year-on-year.

During the four-month period, the city’s industrial production continued to develop significantly with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) increasing 7.9% year-on-year, the highest growth in the past four years.  

In the period, the municipal authorities granted licenses for 10,375 new enterprises with total registered capital of over VND61.48 trillion ($2.35 billion).

 

-Thanh Thủy

Efforts are underway to expedite project implementation, with approval for the compensation, support, and resettlement plan targeted for June 2025.

The Ho Chi Minh City – Moc Bai Expressway project, with a total investment exceeding VND19.6 trillion (nearly $755 million), is entering an acceleration phase, aiming to complete key procedures, with the entire project site expected to be handed over by December 2025.

According to the Department of Economic - Construction Investment Management (Ministry of Construction), efforts are underway to expedite project implementation, with approval for the compensation, support, and resettlement plan targeted for June 2025.

Specifically, according to the plan, for component project 1 (expressway construction), the BOT contract is scheduled to be signed in September 2025, with groundbreaking in January 2026, and completion and operation by the end of 2027.

For component project 2 (construction of frontage roads and overpasses across the expressway), groundbreaking is expected in September 2025, with operation commencing in April 2027.

For component project 3 (compensation, support, and resettlement for the section through Ho Chi Minh City), the Ministry of Construction is coordinating with local authorities and relevant agencies to update maps of land acquisition areas.

It is expected that the approval of the compensation, support, and resettlement plan, the issuance of land acquisition decisions, and payment processing will be carried out in June. Site handover work will begin in July, and the entire project site will be handed over by December.

The project has attracted interest from four investors, including two  foreign investors.

-Thanh Thủy

The tourism sector maintained its upward trajectory in April, welcoming approximately 596,700 visitors, a 69.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

In the first four months of 2025, Hue City's economy has shown strong growth across several key sectors, including tourism, trade, processing industries, and exports. Tourist arrivals have surged, while total retail sales and export turnover have both posted double-digit growth rates.

According to the City People's Committee, the tourism sector maintained its upward trajectory in April, with the arrival of approximately 596,700 visitors, a 69.5% increase compared to the same period last year.

Tourism revenue reached over VND1 trillion (over $41 million), rising 37.4%, making April the highest-performing month in terms of visitor numbers and revenue year-to-date.

Cumulatively, in the first four months of 2025, the total number of tourists was estimated at over 2 million, marking a 62.6% increase year-on-year. Among them, international arrivals surged by 43.2%, reaching 890,000. Total tourism revenue was estimated at VND3.65 trillion (nearly $140.8 million), reflecting a 40.9% year-over-year increase.

The boom in tourism also bolstered retail sales and consumer services in the central city, with total retail sales in April hitting nearly VND5.4 trillion ($207.8 million), a 16.8% increase compared to the same period last year. Cumulatively, the first four months of 2025 saw total retail sale value estimated at VND21.1 trillion (nearly $813 million), marking a 15.8% increase year-on-year,

In the first four months of 2025, Hue City's export turnover reached $453 million, representing a 26.6% growth year-on-year, and achieving 31.7% of its annual plan.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Tourism remains a bright spot, with Ninh Binh welcoming nearly 5.6 million visitors, an increase of 13.6% from 2024.

In the first four months of 2025, northern Ninh Binh province's industrial production has shown steady recovery, while trade and services have experienced strong growth, with tourism remaining a key pillar of the province’s economy.

According to data from the Ninh Binh Provincial Statistics Office, the Industrial Production Index (IIP) of the province in April 2025 is estimated to increase by 12.02% compared to the same period last year.

The trade and services sector has recorded robust momentum, with total retail sales reaching VND32.78 trillion ($1.26 billion), reflecting a 24.2% increase compared to the same period last year.

The accommodation and food services sector has also flourished, generating VND4.1 trillion ($158 million) in revenue, marking a 33.6% increase year-on-year in the first four months of 2025.

Tourism remains a bright spot, with nearly 5.6 million visitors, an 13.6% increase against the same priod last year. Of the visitors, more than 775,000 were foreign tourists,  increasing by 51.2% year-on-year,

Total tourism revenue in the four-month perios exceeded VND6 trillion ($231 million), up 31% year-on-year.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The cooperation documents inked on the occasion of Party General Secretary To Lam's Azerbaijan visit, during which the two sides agreed to adopt a Joint Statement establishing a strategic partnership.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev witnessed the signing of important cooperation documents between Vietnam and Azerbaijan and later addressed the media following their talks in Baku on May 7 (local time), according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The documents reflected a broad and deepening partnership across multiple sectors. The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the energy sector. The two Ministries of Defense exchanged a letter of intent outlining commitments to enhance bilateral defense cooperation. The Ministries of Justice agreed on a cooperation program for the 2025–2027 period.

The Vietnam National Industry-Energy Group (Petrovietnam) and the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan exchanged an MoU focusing on collaboration in oil and gas exploration and exploitation, technical services, and training.

Additionally, Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical JSC of Vietnam and the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan exchanged an MoU on the long-term supply of crude oil to Dung Quat Refinery which is operated by Binh Son.

Another MoU was reached between the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Digital Development and Transport to enhance collaboration in their respective sectors. The Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also signed an MoU with Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture.

Speaking to the media following the signing ceremony, President Aliyev emphasized that his talks with the Vietnamese leader had addressed a number of critical issues, and that the signed documents represented a meaningful step forward in bilateral ties. He underscored that General Secretary Lam’s visit and his presence at the signing ceremony reflected the importance both sides attached to strengthening cooperation, particularly in promising fields such as education and logistics.

President Aliyev noted that the two countries had agreed to expand collaboration beyond trade, with a strong mutual interest in promoting investment. The two sides also reached consensus on the early convening of the Vietnam–Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee to accelerate the implementation of joint initiatives.

He also expressed hope for a more balanced trade structure between the two countries and underlined the need for greater exchange of information regarding specific projects to encourage stronger business engagement. He noted that while the geographical distance posed a challenge, closer cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy and defense will yield significant mutual benefits.

Azerbaijan also looked forward to deepening collaboration with Vietnam at multilateral forums, including the United Nations, he stated.

 

President Aliyev highlighted the significance of the visit, the first by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992. He said the visit reflected Vietnam’s high regard for its friendship with Azerbaijan and a strong determination to elevate bilateral ties across all fields in accordance with the countries’ longstanding relations and shared potential.

In his remarks, General Secretary Lam expressed his deep appreciation for the warm welcome extended by President Aliyev, other Azerbaijani leaders and the Azerbaijani people to the high-level Vietnamese delegation. He stated that the two sides had held very productive talks and had reached broad consensus on many strategic directions to advance bilateral relations in the future.

He recalled that the foundation of the Vietnam–Azerbaijan friendship was laid by President Ho Chi Minh’s historic visit to Azerbaijan in 1959, and has since been nurtured through continued exchanges between senior leaders and the efforts of both peoples. As a result, the relationship has seen substantive progress across various areas, including politics, diplomacy, energy, national defense and security, trade and investment, and education and training, he noted.

To further consolidate these achievements and realize the untapped potential of the partnership, the two leaders agreed to adopt a Joint Statement establishing a strategic partnership. This new framework marks a significant turning point and is expected to provide a solid foundation for strengthening and deepening Vietnam–Azerbaijan relations, enabling both countries to leverage their strengths for rapid and sustainable development in the new context.

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Minister of Industry and Trade emphasized that Vietnam has a significant, stable, and high-value demand for US-produced goods, equipment, and services.

In recent years, Vietnamese corporations have significantly increased imports from the United States, purchasing aircraft, machinery, equipment, turbines for gas-fired power plants, power transmission systems, GPU chips, and raw materials, with transactions valued in the billions of dollars.

At a working session on May 7, Minister of Industry and Trade and Head of the Government's Negotiation Delegation Nguyen Hong Dien highlighted Vietnam’s growing demand for US products and the importance of implementing trade agreements to balance bilateral trade.

The session gathered major Vietnamese corporations, and large enterprises to discuss ways to advance trade agreements with the US in line with the Prime Minister's directive.

During the meeting, representatives from Vietnamese corporations reported on the progress of purchase agreements signed in 2025, while also assessing and forecasting their import needs for equipment, goods, services, and raw materials—areas where the US holds a competitive edge.

The corporations committed to intensifying engagement with US counterparts through June 2025, aiming to accelerate the contracting process and ensure that signed agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) are fully realized.

Minister Dien emphasized that Vietnam has a significant, stable, and high-value demand for US-produced goods, equipment, and services, reinforcing that these imports align with Vietnam’s economic growth objectives.

However, he acknowledged challenges in bilateral trade, noting that the current trade relationship has yet to reach its full potential. He urged both sides to review and eliminate obstacles, ensuring favorable conditions for businesses to trade essential products and complement each other’s commodity needs.

Additionally, Mr. Dien urged businesses to take a more proactive approach in the near future to fully capitalize on this immense potential.

He emphasized that practical actions would significantly enhance economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries, fostering deeper, more effective partnerships and contributing to a harmonious and sustainable trade balance.

-Vũ Khuê

Products of the Tra Vinh FARM co., ltd have been exported to Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, the US, and Australia.

The Tra Vinh FARM co., ltd (Sokfarm) in the Mekong Delta’s Tra Vinh province has exported the first batch of 5-star OCOP-rated organic coconut sugar weighing more than 7 tons to the US, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

This initial export batch will be supplied to US partners operating in the nutritional food sector, particularly for use in energy bars and health-conscious bakery products, according to the company’s representatives.

Founded in 2019, Sokfarm currently markets six core coconut nectar and sugar products, all of which have achieved 4- or 5-star certification under Vietnam’s One Commune One Product (OCOP) program.

The company’s products have been officially exported to Japan, the Netherlands, Germany, the US, and Australia.

-Vân Nguyễn

Total investment capital of the project estimated at over $4 billion.

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has approved a proposal from Vietnam’s largest private corporation Vingroup to study a metro line project that will connect the city downtown to its outlying Can Gio district in the form of public-private partnership (PPP).

The group has 12 months to complete and submit the study result to the relevant authorities. 

Authorities from the southern city emphasized that allowing Vingroup to conduct this study does not automatically designate it as the investor of the project. After feasibility study and investment policy for the project are approved, the city will organize bids to choose investors for the project in line with regulations.

As proposed by Vingroup, the projected metro line will span 48.5km, running from District 7 to the Can Gio sea encroachment tourism – urban area in Can Gio District.

The line will be a double-track railway with a standard gauge of 1,435 mm and a maximum design speed of 250 km per hour.

Total investment capital is estimated at over VND102.3 trillion ($4.09 billion).

 

-Thiên Di

The planned area is divided into five functional zones, ensuring a harmonious blend of relaxation, sports, and nature.

The People's Council of the centrally-governed city of Hue has approved a detailed plan for a resort complex featuring a golf course and ancillary services in Phong Phu ward, Phong Dien town.

Spanning 272.4 ha, the project is envisioned as a high-end resort complex, capable of accommodating approximately 3,000 tourists, overnight guests, and service staff daily.

The planned area is divided into five functional zones, ensuring a harmonious blend of relaxation, sports, and nature. Notably, two golf course areas will cover nearly 185 ha, underscoring the ambition to develop high-end sports tourism.

Beyond sports facilities, the project will see significant investment in two resort tourism service zones, designed to be eco-friendly and high-quality, further enhancing visitor experiences.

Phong Dien is regarded as a promising area for development, owing to its abundant land resources, pristine natural environment, and strategic connectivity to key transport routes, including the Cam Lo - La Son Expressway (a part of the eastern North - South Expressway) and National Highway 1A.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

Southeast Asia-6, icluding Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, witnessed a 43% increase year-on-year in private green investments to $8 billion last year.

Vietnam’s private green investment in 2024 reached over $160 million, according to the latest Southeast Asia's Green Economy report.

The report was released recently by Bain Company, GenZero, Google, Standard Chartered and Temasek.

Southeast Asia-6 (SEA-6) - Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam - witnessed a 43% increase year-on-year in private green investments to $8 billion last year, according to the report.

The report shows that the energy sector continues to hold two-thirds share of green investments in the region with an increase in deal sizes. Within the sector, solar witnessed the biggest increase (100%) in investments, while waste management deals rose 60% year-on-year, driven by water treatment and recycling projects.

 

 

-Tùng Dương

Well-designed packaging can help prevent food loss and support sustainability goals Consumers use UHT milk in Ecolean’s lightweight packaging. Photo: Ecolean

Around one-third of all food produced globally never gets eaten. This includes 17 per cent wasted at the consumer level. Meanwhile, nearly 10 per cent of the global population does not have enough to eat, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Moreover, an estimated 8 to 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to food waste – that’s five times more than emissions from global aviation.

Packaging promotes food availability and safety

Packaging plays an essential role in feeding billions of people by preserving food freshness, extending shelf life, and protecting products during transport and storage. It helps prevent contamination and enables global distribution of perishable goods, contributing to reduced spoilage and waste. By supporting efficient, hygienic, and convenient delivery, packaging helps ensure a stable, accessible, and sustainable food supply.

Aseptic packaging, which prevents microorganisms from entering during and after filling, is especially important. It enables long-distance transport and ambient storage of products such as Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) milk without refrigeration – particularly valuable in regions lacking cold chain infrastructure.

When packaging becomes part of the problem

Despite its benefits, some packaging designs can unintentionally lead to food waste. For instance, difficult-to-empty packages can result in 3 to 11 per cent of food being left inside and discarded. Over-sized packaging formats may also cause consumers to buy more than they need, increasing the risk of spoilage and waste.

Squeezable packaging makes a difference

Some packaging alternatives can significantly reduce waste – squeezable designs are one such solution.

A provider of such lightweight packaging for liquid food is Ecolean, a Sweden-based company that offers complete filling and packaging solutions to customers around the world. With sustainability at the core of its business, the company promotes resource efficiency throughout the value chain – from lightweight food packaging that supports the efficient use of raw materials and reduced transport emissions, to renewable energy and the use of industry-leading Environmental Performance Declarations for its packaging, filling machines, and operations. And importantly for food waste – Ecolean packages are easy to fully empty.

Ecolean packages are easy to fully empty. Photo: Ecolean

Making every drop count

“Our lightweight squeezable packages make every drop count – to promote resource efficiency and minimise food waste,” said Ms. Maria Ahlström, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolean. “They do this by being easy to fully empty by flattening them out.”

Mr. Henrik Widestadh, Chief Product Services Officer at Ecolean, added: “We understand that not being able to get all the product out of a package can be frustrating for consumers, and our consumer focus groups have highlighted how much they appreciate being able to squeeze everything out of an Ecolean package. Our customers also value this flexibility and premium perception for marketing campaigns.”

Consumers can get all the product out of Ecolean packages. Photo: Ecolean

Right-sized solutions and reduced production waste

Ecolean packages come in a variety of sizes – from 125 ml for on-the-go use to 1,000 ml family packs – enabling consumers to choose the right amount for their needs, helping reduce waste at home.

The company also focuses on efficiency during production. Its filling machines are designed to optimise energy use, operate without running water, and minimise waste during setup.

“Whereas many filling machines on the market waste packaged food during testing and production setup, our machines can be set up using empty packages to avoid food waste,” explained Ms. Carin Hagsten, Manager of Food Applications at Ecolean. “This is a relatively small contribution to reducing food waste, but it exemplifies our holistic value chain approach to minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency at every stage. This approach is what makes Ecolean truly unique in the market.”

 

About Ecolean

Ecolean is a system supplier of packages, filling machines, downstream equipment, and services for the liquid food industry. The company serves both chilled and ambient products across categories such as milk, yoghurt, cream, plant-based drinks, and still beverages. Ecolean has production facilities in Sweden, China, and Pakistan, and operates commercially in more than 20 countries across five continents.

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-Diep Linh

UAVs are no longer limited to defense applications but are rapidly expanding into civilian sectors.

The northern province of Thai Nguyen has officially approved a project to attract investment for plants to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and related equipment, as well as to develop low-altitude economy—a promising sector in the era of digital transformation.

Under this decision, the Provincial People's Committee has tasked the Department of Finance with leading the implementation of the project, in collaboration with relevant departments, sectors, and localities.

The goal for Q2 2025 is to identify supply chains that support the production of UAVs and industries within the low-altitude economy model. Simultaneously, an implementation plan and investment promotion materials for this sector will be developed and published.

The low-altitude economy is an emerging economic model, built on modern technology platforms with high applicability in near-ground airspace, including drones, autonomous aircraft, and related services. This sector is gaining global traction, aligning with digital transformation efforts and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

UAVs are no longer limited to defense applications but are rapidly expanding into civilian sectors, including smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, search and rescue operations, goods transportation, entertainment, and media. UAV technology is expected to become a key driver of economic growth.

With a forward-thinking approach, the province has mapped out 11 industrial parks and one centralized information technology park, covering a total area of 4,245 ha. Of these, eight industrial parks already have investors, while five others are currently operating stably.

-Hạ Chi

The PM’s instructs that during the negotiation process, it is necessary to consider thoroughly and actively and timely respond to the proposals of the U.S. side under constructive spirit, goodwill and close cooperation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presided over a meeting on May 6 to discuss preparations for trade negotiation with the the U.S., during which he stressed the need for active preparations for trade negotiations with the U.S. to protect Vietnam's legitimate interests while meeting appropriate requirements of the U.S. side, according to a report from the Government News.

During the negotiation process, it is necessary to consider thoroughly and actively and timely respond to the proposals of the U.S. side under constructive spirit, goodwill and close cooperation, the Prime Minister said.

He asked relevant ministries to timely resolve the issues concerned by the U.S. side, and step up import of goods and equipment from the U.S. to gradually balance bilateral trade between the two countries.

He urged localities to promptly process administrative procedures related to investment projects of American investors in Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Hung Yen provinces in accordance with Vietnam's law.

Vietnam along with the United Kingdom, India, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia are the first countries that the U.S. has prioritized for negotiations, with the first round scheduled for May 7.

On April 2, the U.S. officially announced a blanket 10 per cent tariff policy on imports from all countries and set very high reciprocal tariffs, with Vietnam subject to a 46 per cent reciprocal tariff. One week later, the U.S. Administration announced a 90-day suspension of this reciprocal tariff plan.

Vietnam's exports to the U.S. in the first quarter this year reached $31.4 billion, a 22 per cent year-on-year increase, while imports rose by almost the same rate to $4.1 billion.

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The project has a capacity of 26 MW.

The People’s Committee of central Quang Tri province has approved the investment policy for SCI Huong Viet wind power project in Huong Hoa district.

The project has an estimated investment capital of over VND1 trillion ($39 million) and a capacity of 26 MW.

Construction is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the project is expected to be put into commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2026.

With huge wind potential, Quang Tri is  planned to have 31 wind power projects with a total capacity of 1,177 MW. Currently, there are 20 operational wind farms with a total capacity of over 742MW in the province.

 

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn