State budget funds will be allocated to a variety of activities designed to promote sustainable business practices.

The Ministry of Finance has issued Circular No. 09/2025/TT-BTC, providing detailed guidance on managing and utilizing State budget funds for implementing the "Program to Support Private Sector Enterprises in Sustainable Business during the 2022-2025 Period."

This program was promulgated under Decision No. 167/QD-TTg, signed by the Prime Minister on February 8, 2022. The circular, which specifies expenditure categories and funding levels for building a sustainable business support ecosystem, will take effect on April 20.

According to the circular, funds will be allocated to a variety of activities designed to promote sustainable business practices. These include the development of materials on sustainable business, such as toolkits for assessing sustainable business models, press publications, literary and artistic works, as well as television programs related to sustainability.

In addition, the program will support the organization of conferences, seminars, and workshops in direct, online, or hybrid formats. These events aim to share information, experiences, and best practices on sustainable business models; provide training and guidance on related regulatory documents; and facilitate connections between sustainable businesses, credit institutions, investors, and organizations. They will also link businesses with experts and successful domestic and international models in the field.

The circular also emphasizes the importance of organizing training courses to enhance the knowledge and skills of those involved in supporting and managing sustainable business initiatives. Furthermore, the program aims to establish a network of consulting experts dedicated to assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in adopting sustainable business practices.

-Hằng Anh

Backed by a five million Swiss Francs ($5.6 million) grant from the Swiss government, the program expected to help over 500,000 SMEs access up to $35 billion in financing.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Swiss Government have kicked off the second phase of its supply chain finance (SCF) program in Vietnam, aiming to improve access to working capital for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Backed by a five million Swiss Francs ($5.6 million) grant from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) of Switzerland, the initiative will run until 2029. It is expected to help over 500,000 SMEs access up to $35 billion in financing.

The SCF program, launched in 2018, has helped improve regulations, enhance institutional readiness and stimulate market demand and awareness. Over the past five years, it facilitated $33 billion in financing for 500,000 SMEs in Vietnam.

In the second phase, the program will focus on strengthening regulations, improving lender capacity and increasing awareness of SCF solutions among businesses.

-Anh Nhi

Accelerating key investment projects is a vital solution to achieve the province's ambitious 8% economic growth target.

The central province of Quang Tri has proposed the Government allocate investment capital for expediting the Cam Lo - Lao Bao Expressway project and National Highway 15D.

These projects are pivotal to the locality's socio-economic development strategy.

According to the Provincial People's Committee, accelerating key investment projects is a vital solution to achieve the province's ambitious 8% economic growth target.

These key projects include Quang Tri Airport, My Thuy Port Area, the Coastal Road connecting the East-West Economic Corridor, the Eastern Bypass of Dong Ha City, and the National Highway 15D segment from My Thuy to the Western branch of the Ho Chi Minh Road.

The People’s Committee emphasized that the rapid disbursement of public investment capital will create a ripple effect, encouraging private investments and fostering robust economic growth.

The Cam Lo - Lao Bao Expressway stands out as a cornerstone of this vision. Designed as a public-private partnership (PPP) project, the expressway features a scale of four lanes, a design speed of 100 km/h, and a total length of 56 km.

The estimated investment for the project is nearly VND13.94 trillion (nearly $546 million), with 68% of the funding coming from State capital, and the remaining 32% from private investors. The payback period through toll collection is projected to span nearly 21 years.

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The system returning to normal operations  at 8am on March 17.

Vietnam’s electronic tax system has resumed full operations starting at 8am on March 17, after a temporary suspension for system upgrades and data restructuring, according to an announcement from the tax authority, as quoted by the Vietnam News Agency.

The suspension, which lasted from 5pm on March 12 until 8am on March 17, was necessary to enhance tax management and implement structural changes.

During this period, certain services such as electronic tax payment (eTax), eTax Mobile and tax applications for individuals were temporarily halted, while other functions remained accessible.

Foreign businesses operating in Vietnam can now fully access the e-portal for foreign suppliers, which remained operational but may have experienced minor delays in processing transactions during the upgrade.

Director of the Department of Taxation Mai Xuan Thanh instructed tax departments to ensure secure data migration and a smooth transition, allowing businesses and individuals to resume using the e-tax system without disruption.

-Phạm Long

Solutions aim to promote the digital economy, infrastructure development, and attract investment, with the expectation that businesses will collaborate and contribute to sustainable growth.

Ho Chi Minh City is focusing on implementing seven groups of solutions to boost its economy, aiming for double-digit growth in 2025.

The solutions includes promoting the digital economy, infrastructure development, and attracting investment, with the expectation that businesses will collaborate and contribute to sustainable growth.

First, decisively and synchronously implement Resolutions and Conclusions from the Party Central Committee,  the Politburo, the National Assembly, and the Government. This involves effectively utilizing  breakthrough mechanisms, policies, and regulations, which have been recently issued,  thus immediately liberating economic resources for development.

Second, continue prioritizing research to perfect institutions, mechanisms, policies, and legal regulations;  and streamline apparatus.

Third, mobilize and effectively utilize resources for development; accelerate the disbursement of public investment capital, using public investment to lead, activate, and attract all social resources; promote private investment, and attract FDI.

Fourth, form new growth drivers, attract large-scale, high-tech investment projects, invest in important infrastructure projects; and develop dynamic regions, urban areas, and growth nuclei of the locality.

Fifth, focus on rapidly developing high-value-added service industries, which are strengths of the City; expand export markets; promote consumption; and attract tourists.

Sixth, promote the development of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resources.

Seventh, continue to build and perfect a digital government and streamline the state apparatus.

Under its Resolution No 25/NQ-CP, the Government assigned Ho Chi Minh City a growth target of 8.5%, but from the end of 2024, the city proactively researched and set a growth target of over 10%.

-Thanh Thủy

The 25.3-km section crossing Ninh Binh province is expected for completion in 2026, three years earlier than schedule.

Construction time of an expressway section through northern Ninh Binh province, connecting with the nearby port city of Hai Phong, will be cut by half, according to the latest plan approved by the provincial People’s Committee.

The implementation of the project is slated to last for from 2024 to 2026, three years earlier than the last schedule.

The 25.3-km section is designed to have four lanes with a maximum speed of 120 kph. Total investment capital is estimated at VND6.865 trillion ($267 million).

Construction is expected to start in April this year, according to the provincial authorities.

The section is part of the 109-km Ninh Binh - Hai Phong Expressway project, which was approved by the Prime Minister in September 2021.

The expressway will run through Ninh Binh, Thai Binh and Nam Dinh provinces before reaching the port city of Hai Phong.

 

-Nguyễn Thuấn

The Vietnamese agricultural technology startup raised $28 million, according to TNGlobal.

The largest funding deal in Southeast Asia in February was Techcoop, a Vietnamese agricultural technology startup from Thu Duc city in Ho Chi Minh City, raising $28 million, according to the latest report released by the TNGlobal.

It was followed by Finmo (Singapore) with $18.5 million, and fileAI (Singapore), $14 million.

The Southeast Asia (SEA) Monthly Funding Tracker for February 2025 indicates that funding activity slowed during the month. Total funding amounted to $92.9 million across 18 rounds, marking a decline of 86.56% compared with January 2025 and 69.03% from February 2024.

Regarding city-wise trends, Singapore took a strong lead, raising $55.7 million, followed by Thu Duc in Ho Chi Minh City, at $28 million.

 

 

-Hạ Chi

During the forum, overseas Vietnamese business leaders proposed actionable strategies, including the development of a unified tourism strategy for the three countries.

A trade and tourism connection forum convened in Thailand’s Udon Thani on March 15, bringing together representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan, according to a report from Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV).

The forum attracted over 100 businesses spanning key industries such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing, food processing, technology and innovation, renewable energy, supporting industries, and electronic components. These sectors are expected to play a vital role in driving economic synergy between Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

Ms. Vu Chi Mai, Consul General of Vietnam in Fukuoka, Japan, highlighted the forum's significance: "Through this event, I see immense potential for Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese businesses to collaborate. Key areas of interest include tourism and travel services, agriculture and food processing, as well as digital transformation and e-commerce."

Adding to the dialogue, Mr. Dinh Hoang Linh, Consul General of Vietnam in Khon Kaen, Thailand, expressed optimism about regional cooperation: "I believe Fukuoka (Japan), Northeastern Thailand, and Central Vietnam can form a crucial economic triangle, fostering significant regional development."

During the forum, overseas Vietnamese business leaders proposed actionable strategies, including the development of a unified tourism strategy for the three countries. They also suggested establishing interconnected industrial zones in Udon Thani, aimed at advancing supporting industries, electronics, and food processing. Additionally, a plan to create a logistics hub was put forth to facilitate efficient regional trade.

Mr. Vu Hoang Duc, Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Economic Cooperation Promotion Association, shared his enthusiasm: "I am committed to immediately promoting Vietnamese and Thai goods in Japan and transferring advanced food-processing technologies to enhance high-tech collaboration."

-Phạm Long

The committee is headed by the Prime Minister, with two deputy PMs and minister of construction serving as deputy heads.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 609/QD-TTg issued recently, a Steering Committee for key national railway projects, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, has been set up, according to a report from the Government News.

Deputy Prime Ministers Tran Hong Ha and Ho Duc Phoc, and Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh will serve as deputy heads of the steering committee.

The committee is in charge of supervising the following railway projects: North-South high-speed railway, Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway, Hanoi–Lang Son railway, and Mong Cai–Ha Long railways, as well as urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The committee shall advise the Prime Minister on major orientations and solutions to accelerate the progress of the aforesaid projects

The Ministry of Construction is the standing body of the committee.

-Phạm Long

The terminal designed to handle domestic flights and welcome up to 20 million passengers a year.

The domestic passenger terminal T3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is slated for inauguration on April 30 this year, the airport representative has announced.

The airport will conduct trial operations at Terminal T3 before the official inauguration, as directed by the Prime Minister.

Initially, the new terminal will only serve domestic flights of two airlines – the national carrier Vietnam Airlines and the budget carrier Vietjet Air.

Domestic flights of the other four airlines - Vasco, Bamboo Airways, Vietravel Airlines, and Pacific Airlines - will continue to operate from domestic Terminal T1.

T3 terminal is designed to handle domestic flights and welcome up to 20 million passengers a year.

The project is invested with nearly VND11 trillion ($434 million) by the Airports Corporation of Vietnam (ACV).

 

 

-Thiên Ân

Total investment capital estimated at VND7 trillion ($272 million).

Construction of the first phase of a social housing project kicked off in northern Vinh Phuc province on March 16, building 38 housing blocks with 5,300 apartments.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Covering nearly 17ha at Nam Vinh Yen new urban area, the project has an estimated investment capital of over VND7 trillion ($272 million).

The project is part of the Government program to build at least one million social housing units by 2030. Under the plan, Vinh Phuc province is assigned to build 28,300 units.

Vinh Phuc plans to start construction of six social housing projects this year, providing 2,190 units.

 

-Thiên Di

Mr. Laurent Deflandre, CEO of Aden Vietnam, shares his insights with Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy on how technology and sustainability are shaping the future of building management. With over 15 years of expertise in Vietnam, Mr. Deflandre discusses the key trends driving the industry and the role Vietnam plays in this transformation.

What key factors and major trends have shaped the transformation of building management over the past 25 years?

The Building Management industry has been shaped by three main factors: technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and changing habitat dynamics. Technology particularly has had a profound impact, especially with the adoption of  3D Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT) and automation systems. By bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds, these innovations have allowed buildings to be managed more efficiently and transparently. Smart building technologies, for example, allow real-time monitoring of HVAC, lighting, and security systems, enhancing occupant experience while reducing costs.

Sustainability concerns have also influenced the industry, as buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions and costly utility bills represent a heavy burden for building owners. With the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and waste reduction, facility managers are now tasked with implementing sustainable practices aligned with green building standards.

Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in how we work and live, focusing on creating healthier, more collaborative environments. Today, management teams often require the ability to monitor and control building systems remotely, especially during emergencies or when physical access is limited. Tenants also expect faster maintenance response times, seamless digital services, and communal spaces that enhance their lifestyles. All these changes have driven demand for outsourced and professional building management services.

“Aden continues to pioneer the industry with our RD center in Hanoi spearheading the expansion of our digitalization capabilities. The integration of AI into our Akila platform is central to our strategy for the future.” - Mr. Laurent Deflandre CEO of Aden Vietnam

How is Vietnam adapting to these challenges, especially in terms of sustainability?

Vietnam has made significant progress toward achieving its sustainability goals, including the ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2050. The Vietnamese Green Building Council (VGBC) is leading efforts with certifications that align with global standards like LEED and WELL. These standards require buildings to meet specific criteria in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials.

The government is also focused on increasing the share of renewable energy in the national grid, with a target of 15-20 per cent by 2030. Many building owners, particularly in the industrial sector, are integrating solar energy solutions, and some are exploring cutting-edge technologies like Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) to optimize energy usage and enhance sustainability.

From the operational side, building management companies step in as architects of efficiency, conducting regular energy audits and identifying areas for improvement, such as HVAC zoning, LED lighting, or water leak detection systems. Sustainability is also about offering comfortable spaces for users through cleanliness and accessibility, creating a holistic environment that supports people’s well-being. In Vietnam, there is an increased focus on Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), including acoustic comfort, air quality management, and healthy eating.

Do you foresee any fundamental transformation for the building management industry in Vietnam in the coming years?

The future of building management will be heavily influenced by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies will enable even more sophisticated automation and a shift from reactive to predictive maintenance, where systems detect anomalies and anticipate issues before they arise, reducing inefficiencies. Traditional maintenance schedules often lead to unnecessary interventions or, conversely, failures due to missed inspections. AI-powered buildings, however, leverage machine learning algorithms to monitor HVAC systems and their energy consumption patterns to predict when components are likely to break down. Similarly, AI technology can use vibration and temperature data from machinery to identify potential bearing or overheating failures. The simulation of various scenarios in virtual twins enables management teams to assess the impact of energy efficiency improvements before implementation. By enabling the collection and analysis of vast amounts of real-time and predictive data on energy usage, asset performance, and occupancy, AI enables building managers to automate routine tasks like work order management and inventory tracking, make better-informed decisions, and focus on strategic initiatives.

AI is also transforming building security and safety by allowing proactive threat detection and incident response. It can use sensor data to detect potential hazards, such as gas leaks, fires, or water leaks, and trigger automated responses. Combined with video analytics, it can identify suspicious activity or unauthorized access and alert security personnel in real time. AI-powered chatbots can handle routine inquiries and provide instant support to building occupants, improving customer service and reducing response times.

With these technologies, buildings are able to operate more efficiently and sustainably, contributing significantly to the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment and creating a more reliable and comfortable environment for building occupants.

Aden has been a key player in the building management industry for over 25 years. How has Aden adapted to the changing needs and expectations of society?

Aden’s growth from its foundation in Vietnam in 1997 to its presence in more than 25 countries reflects our adaptability and foresight in the face of market changes. Unlike traditional players, Aden has built in-house expertise across all areas of building management, offering strategic and comprehensive solutions to our clients. This approach enables us to truly understand the evolving needs of our clients and provide tailor-made services from day one.

Over ten years ago, Aden was one of the first companies to prioritize sustainable solutions and real-time data, which led to the launch of Akila, a digitalization platform for decarbonization, powered by digital twin technology. This platform helps optimize energy and environmental impact, integrate smart building technologies, and enhance overall facility management.

Aden’s partnership with innovative Vietnamese companies, like FPT Software, further strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Through our collaboration, we provide to their company facility management services while also integrating their VertZero carbon monitoring solution into our Akila platform, creating a powerful synergy that enhances both companies’ offerings.

As the leader of Aden Vietnam, how do you envision the company’s future growth and developments?

Aden continues to pioneer the industry with our RD center in Hanoi spearheading the expansion of our digitalization capabilities. The integration of AI into our Akila platform is central to our strategy for the future. Additionally, new projects like NxPark, which focuses on real estate, construction, and engineering, as well as Aden Energy, which targets renewable energy and energy efficiency, are paving the way for our continued growth in Vietnam. We are now able to help our clients’ projects be fully sustainable from the conception (sourcing land, building design) to the full completion (building construction and operations). No other company in the world has this level of project integration.

As a leader of building management, Aden Vietnam will continue to adapt and innovate, anticipating the global trends in the industry. We are eager to contribute to Vietnam’s net-zero carbon objectives and support the nation in achieving its sustainability goals.

-Vietnam Economic Times / VnEconomy

Total investment capital is estimated at over VND7.4 trillion ($287 million).

Construction of double circuit 500kV Lao Cai-Vinh Yen power transmission line kicked off on March 16 in northern Vinh Phuc province.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

The project spans 229.5 km across four provinces of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, and Vinh Phuc, consisting of 468 foundation positions for electricity poles, and connecting the 500kV Lao Cai substation to the 500kV Vinh Yen substation.

Total investment capital is estimated at over VND7.4 trillion ($287 million).

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed the investor and relevant agencies to strive to complete the project within six months.

Once completed, the transmission line will help ensure stable operation of the national power system, increase power supply for northern Vietnam and power import capacity.

The Government estimated that one percent GDP growth would require 1.5 percent growth in power generation. With the Government's GDP growth goal of at least 8 percent this year, power generation needs to grow by 12-13 percent.

The above growth scenario prompts the need to raise power generation capacity by an addition of around 2,200- 2,500MW and to further strengthen transmission capacity.

 

 

 

-Huyền Vy

Leading global high-tech corporations and companies in the field of biotechnology are expected to invest in research and development, production, and high-tech transfer to Vietnamese enterprises

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed Prime Ministerial Decision No 607/QD-TTg promulgating the Regulations of the Hanoi High-Tech Biological Park.

The regulations aim to develop a synchronous and modern system of technical infrastructure and social infrastructure in the high-tech park, providing favorable mechanisms and policies to attract investment projects, research and development activities, application, product manufacturing, education, training, incubation, and provision of high-tech services in line with the global high-tech development trends and Vietnam's high-tech development policies and orientations, with priority given to the field of biotechnology.

At the same time, the regulations also aim to attract leading global high-tech corporations and companies in the field of biotechnology to invest in research and development, production, and high-tech transfer to Vietnamese enterprises.

The Decision clearly states the goal of developing the high-tech biological park into a regional center of excellence in biotechnology, competitive with other countries in the region, and playing a role in spreading high technology in the locality and throughout the country.

According to the Prime Minister's Decision on the establishment of the Hanoi High-Tech Biological Park, the park has a scale of 199.03 ha, located in the wards of Tay Tuu, Lien Mac, Minh Khai, Thuy Phuong and Co Nhue 2, Bac Tu Liem district.

-Hằng Anh

With a length of approximately 28.8 km, the project has an estimated investment of over $225.4 million from the State budget.

The construction of the Cho Moi - Bac Kan Expressway officially commenced on March 15 with a total investment capital of more than VND5.750 trillion (over $225.4 million), funded by the State budget.

Spanning approximately 28.8 km, the expressway will connect Bac Kan province with Hanoi, meeting demands for convenient and safe transportation while creating new momentum for regional growth.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh emphasized the strategic importance of the Hanoi - Thai Nguyen - Bac Kan - Cao Bang economic corridor, which connects the provinces in the northern mountainous region to Hanoi.

He noted that the Cho Moi - Bac Kan route is a priority investment, intended to improve transportation, stimulate socio-economic development along the corridor, and contribute to the completion of Vietnam’s road network planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050.

Highlighting its broader significance, the Minister stated, "Investing in the Cho Moi - Bac Kan expressway will link Bac Kan with Hanoi and the Hai Phong international seaport through a modern, efficient road transport system. This will reduce travel time and costs, attract investments, strengthen regional connectivity, and facilitate closer links between localities."

The expressway is designed with a scale of four lanes, a roadbed width of 22 m, and a design speed of 80 km/h. It includes 18 bridges with a total length of 4.66 km. The project is expected to be implemented over 24 months, with basic completion targeted for 2026.

-Đan Tiên

The implementation period is set from 2025 to 2027.

The People's Committee of Hanoi City has issued Decision No 1420/QĐ-UBND, approving the investment policy for a significant project aimed at constructing and completing a wastewater collection system around the West Lake area in Tay Ho district.

The project’s primary objective is to establish a comprehensive wastewater collection system and relay pumping stations.

These facilities will connect to the existing West Lake wastewater collection systems in Phase 1 and Phase 2, laying the groundwork for a fully separate wastewater drainage system in the area.

Additionally, the project ensures future capacity to expand and connect the drainage system as required. Importantly, it aims to completely eliminate the discharge of pollutants into West Lake, contributing to environmental restoration and improvement.

The project is expected to require a total investment of approximately VND99.149 billion (nearly $3.9 million), funded by the Tay Ho district budget.

The implementation period is set from 2025 to 2027.

-Dũng Hiếu

The projected North-South high-speed railway running through 20 provinces and cities, including Binh Thuan.

South-central Binh Thuan province plans to build a road connecting with the projected North-South express railway with an estimated investment capital of VND6.99 trillion ($271 million).

The 11.2-km road will have 12 lanes, crossing Ham Hiep commune in Ham Thuan Bac district. It will link with Vinh Hao – Phan Thiet expressway and the projected North-South high-speed railway, as well as other important routes in the province.

In the first phase, from 2026 to 2030, the first six lanes will be built with an estimated cost of VND6.470 trillion ($251 million), including site clearance cost for the whole route. The remaining lanes will be built in the second phase, after 2030, with an estimated investment capital of VND520 billion ($20 million).

The project’s feasibility study is expected for completion in July this year.

The projected North-South expressway railway will be designed to run through 20 provinces and cities. The section crossing Binh Thuan province has a total length of 156km.

 

-Xuân Nghi

The country’s total import-export value for February reached $127.07 billion, reflecting a 12% increase compared to February 2024.

In the second half of February, exports of computers, electronic products, and components reached $3.17 billion, marking a decrease of $126 million (3.8%) compared to the first half of the month. Similarly, exports of telephones and components fell by $38.8 million (1.8%), from $2.21 billion to $2.17 billion.

Despite these short-term fluctuations, the year-over-year growth for both product groups remains robust.

In February, exports of computers, electronic products, and components totaled $6.46 billion, a significant increase of 38.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Exports of telephones and components reached $4.38 billion, an 11.1% rise from $3.94 billion in February 2024.

The country’s total import-export value for February reached $127.07 billion, reflecting a 12% increase (equivalent to $13.57 billion) compared to February 2024.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) enterprises contributed $86.1 billion, up 10.3% ($8.03 billion), while domestic enterprises recorded $40.97 billion, a notable increase of 15.6% ($5.54 billion).

-Hạ Chi

The situation resulting from raw material shortages and stringent regulations in key export markets.

Tuna industry, which has made significant contributions to Vietnam’s seafood exports, is now facing multiple challenges, from raw material shortages to stringent regulations in key export markets.

According to tuna processing and exporting enterprises, one of the major factors impacting export trends is the limited supply of raw materials, particularly those caught by domestic fishing fleets.

They were quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that a new government decree amending and supplementing certain provisions on the minimum catch sizes, particularly for skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), are not well-suited to the realities of the seafood sector. They warned that the new rules have significantly disrupted normal fishing and business operations, adding further economic burdens to the industry’s production and supply chain.

In response, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan affirmed that a review process had confirmed the necessity of regulations on minimum catch sizes, including those for skipjack tuna. These regulations provide a legal and scientific basis to protect marine resources while meeting the European Commission’s recommendations on sustainable fishing practices.

To balance the need for marine resources conservation with the economic interests of both traditional fishermen and seafood exporters, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) has proposed an expedited amendment to the decree. The revised regulation, aimed at resolving current obstacles for businesses and fishermen, is expected to be issued by April.

Meanwhile, canned oil-packed skipjack tuna imports into the US are now subject to tariffs ranging from 12.5% to 35%, unless the exporting country benefits from preferential trade agreements or tariff reductions. Data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) showed that Vietnam is currently the second-largest tuna supplier to the market, trailing only Thailand.

Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and former Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh highlighted that the trade deficit between the two countries is a natural outcome of economic interdependence. He noted that as the US seeks to reduce its reliance on other import sources, it will inevitably increase imports from alternative suppliers, with Vietnam well-positioned to capitalize on this shift.

-Phạm Long

The route resuming after three year suspension.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced to reopen the direct flight route between Hanoi and Moscow (Russia) on May 8 after a three-year suspension.

In the initial phase, the carrier will use Boeing 787 wide-body aircrafts to operate two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

It plans to increase the frequency to three flights per week from July 2026 to meet passenger demand.

Russia has always been a key tourism and trade market of Vietnam. In 2024, the total number of passengers traveling between the two countries reached over 220,000, marking a growth of more than 2.3 times compared to 2023.

 

-Tuấn Khang