Leaders of the two capitals agreed to promote connectivity in investment and trade, and expand cooperation to new fields...

During the talks between Mr. Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member and Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, and Mr. Anouphap Tounalom, Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Vientiane Party Committee and Chairman of the Vientiane People’s Council, which took place on December 2, within the framework of the state visit to Laos by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam, the former emphasized the positive outcomes of cooperation between the capitals of Hanoi and Vientiane.

The two sides reaffirmed the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos, highlighting the deep-rooted tradition of cooperation across generations. This serves as a foundation for strategic local cooperation, playing a crucial role in the overall relationship between the two countries.

Over the years, Vietnam and Laos have achieved significant results in trade and investment.

The total bilateral trade turnover from 2022 to the present has reached nearly $8 billion, averaging about $1.8 billion per year, 1.6 times higher than the previous period, surpassing the target of 10-15 per cent annual growth set by the two countries' leaders.

Vietnamese enterprises' investment in Laos remains on the rise, moving towards more sustainable directions, maintaining the third-largest investor position in Laos after China and Thailand.

Hanoi and Vientiane have also achieved positive results in implementing the Memorandum of Understanding for the 2022–2025 cooperation period. 

Mr. Anouphap Tounalom agreed with Hanoi's leadership on strongly enhancing strategic cooperation and consolidating comprehensive relations across all channels and fields.

The two capitals are determined to deepen the achievements made and proactively expand cooperation into new areas, implementing strategic linkage directions set by the two countries' senior leaders, especially in infrastructure connectivity, economic linkage, and people-to-people exchanges.

Educational and training cooperation activities, scholarships, cadre training, agriculture, health, and forums for experience sharing and investment promotion conferences have been actively organized, bringing practical benefits and clearly demonstrating the spirit of comprehensive cooperation, support, and joint development between Hanoi and Vientiane.

In the future, both sides agreed to continue strengthening strategic cooperation in Party building and political system development, expanding cadre training programs, educational cooperation, and effectively implementing economic development support projects for Vientiane.

Notably, the two sides will promote economic and trade cooperation, organize investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchange activities on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Cooperation Treaty to be celebrated in the Vietnam-Laos Solidarity and Friendship Year 2027.

VnEconomy-Phương Nhi

The mechanism is established at the first meeting of the Joint Commission between Vietnam and Cuba, held in Havana.

The first session of the Joint Committee on the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and Cuba was held in Havana, Cuba, on December 1,  in which the two sides have established a regular dialogue mechanism to review the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement.

Speaking at the session, Vietnam's Deputy Minister Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang noted that despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic crisis, and Cuba's economic difficulties, bilateral trade has remained stable at around $200 million. This stability reflects the joint efforts of both sides to promote bilateral trade relations. Cuba continues to be one of Vietnam's ten key markets in Latin America, and Vietnam is currently Cuba's second-largest partner in the Asia-Pacific region, she added.

Vietnam is the largest Asian investor and among the top foreign investors in Cuba, with seven active projects focusing on material production, consumer goods, industrial park infrastructure development, and energy. Future investments will expand into wholesale, retail, rice cultivation, instant noodle production, animal feed, fertilizers, and joint ventures in agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more, according to the Vietnamese Deputy Minister..

The Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Deborah Rivas Saavedra, for her part,  highlighted Cuba's strengths in biotechnology and its potential for joint ventures in vaccine research and development, pharmaceuticals, and high-quality biological products in Vietnam.

Regarding the implementation of the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement, both sides reviewed specific tasks, including communication, institutional development, tariff commitments, and rules of origin. The utilization rate of the agreement's origin preferences by Vietnamese businesses is increasing, indicating that companies are gradually taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the agreement.

VnEconomy-Huyền Vy

The mechanism is established at the first meeting of the Joint Commission between Vietnam and Cuba, held in Havana.

On December 1, 2025, in Havana, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment of Cuba Deborah Rivas Saavedra co-chaired

The first session of the Joint Committee on the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement between Vietnam and Cuba was held in Havana, Cuba, on December 1,  in which the two sides have established a regular dialogue mechanism to review the implementation of the bilateral trade agreement.

Speaking at the session, Vietnam's Deputy Minister Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang noted that despite challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic, global economic crisis, and Cuba's economic difficulties, bilateral trade has remained stable at around $200 million. This stability reflects the joint efforts of both sides to promote bilateral trade relations. Cuba continues to be one of Vietnam's ten key markets in Latin America, and Vietnam is currently Cuba's second-largest partner in the Asia-Pacific region, she added.

Vietnam is the largest Asian investor and among the top foreign investors in Cuba, with seven active projects focusing on material production, consumer goods, industrial park infrastructure development, and energy. Future investments will expand into wholesale, retail, rice cultivation, instant noodle production, animal feed, fertilizers, and joint ventures in agricultural biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and more, according to the Vietnamese Deputy Minister..

The Cuban Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Deborah Rivas Saavedra, for her part,  highlighted Cuba's strengths in biotechnology and its potential for joint ventures in vaccine research and development, pharmaceuticals, and high-quality biological products in Vietnam.

Regarding the implementation of the Vietnam-Cuba Trade Agreement, both sides reviewed specific tasks, including communication, institutional development, tariff commitments, and rules of origin. The utilization rate of the agreement's origin preferences by Vietnamese businesses is increasing, indicating that companies are gradually taking advantage of the opportunities provided by the agreement.

VnEconomy-Huyền Vy

As a result, the cooperation between Hai Phong and the Czech Republic in general is expected to enter a stronger and more substantial development phase...

Duringin a working session between aa delegation of Vietnam's Hai Phong port city and that of Brno City and senior executives of CTP Group of the Czech Republic, held in Brno on December 1, the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority and CTP Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU),  establishing a cooperative relationship between the two parties and concretizing CTP's direction in in investment in high-tech industrial parks with comprehensive services in Hai Phong.

On this occasion, CTP Group committed to a €1-billion ($1.16 billion) investment in Hai Phong in the coming years. Additionally, CTP seeks permission and land leases to develop high-tech industrial parks with ready-built factories (RBF) and ready-built warehouses (RBW) in the northern port city of Vietnam. 

The Hai Phong delegation, led by Mr. Le Tien Chau, Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and Secretary of the Hai Phong City Party Committee, paid a working visit to the Czech Republic from November 30 to December 3.

Speaking at the working session with Brno city, Mr. Chau emphasized that the official upgrade of Vietnam-Czech relations to a Strategic Partnership in January 2025 has created a broader and more favorable framework for cooperation between the two countries and their localities, including Hai Phong and Brno. 

This is particularly significant in promoting substantive collaboration between ministries, sectors, localities, and business communities of the two countries. In this context, Hai Phong highly values the role of Czech localities like Brno in expanding direct, effective, and practical cooperation, the Hai Phong leader noted.

He highlighted Hai Phong's advantages as the largest port city in Northern Vietnam, boasting a comprehensive transportation infrastructure with five modes of transport, inluding deep-water ports directly connected to Europe and America, and a modern industrial-logistics network. On this foundation, Hai Phong aims to become an international seaport hub, a green industrial center, and an innovation hub of Vietnam.

Currently, Brno is considered a leading center for science, technology, and innovation in the Czech Republic, sharing many similarities with Hai Phong's strategy to develop research and development (RD) centers, innovation, and high-tech industrial parks.

Therefore, the Hai Phong leader believed that the two cities can enhance comprehensive cooperation in RD, technology transfer, linkages between research institutes, universities, and businesses, as well as exchanges of experts and students. Brno's experience in urban energy management and sustainable industrial transformation will be a very practical area of cooperation between the two sides in the near future, he said.

To realize Czech business investments in Vietnam in general and in Hai Phong in particular, the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority and CTP Group have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This establishes a cooperative relationship and concretizes CTP's direction in developing high-tech industrial parks offering comprehensive services in Hai Phong.

VnEconomy-Phương Nhi

To date, since the establishment of development cooperation between the two countries, Germany has provided Vietnam with over €3 billion.

The German Embassy in Vietnam on December 3 announced that, on behalf of the Federal Government of Germany, Ms. Gisela Hammerschmidt, Deputy Director of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has pledged a total of €185.5 million ($216 million) for development projects in Vietnam over the next two years.

This commitment resulted from bilateral intergovernmental negotiations between Germany and Vietnam, which took place at the end of November 2025 in Hanoi.

Of the total amount, €25.5 million ($29.6 million) will be allocated for advisory projects within the framework of technical cooperation. Additionally, Germany will provide €160 million ($186 million) for sustainable investments in enterprises. Both countries aim to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and vocational training. A new focus of the bilateral cooperation is to enhance collaboration with the private sector.

Economically and developmentally, Germany is currently Vietnam's most important partner in Europe, and this relationship is expected to be strengthened further.

Moreover, the two sides have achieved a significant breakthrough by agreeing on the Technical Cooperation Guidelines (TC-Guidelines), which aim to significantly shorten the project appraisal and implementation process, enhance coordination, and improve project-level execution efficiency.

With these new commitments, Germany continues to expand its support for Vietnam in the year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. To date, since the establishment of development cooperation, Germany has provided Vietnam with over €3 billion.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

In the context of globalization and climate change, sustainable development has become one of the top goals of countries around the world…

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Riyadh Conference, co-hosted recently by global company in diversified chemicals SABIC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, brought fresh perspectives and valuable experience from the Middle East region, which is witnessing dramatic changes in its economic and social structure.

At a roundtable talks on “Energy Transition and Sustainable Development” within the framework of the BFA Riyadh Conference, Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO and Executive Board Member of SABIC, Board Member of BFA, emphasized the importance of energy transition in the context of sustainable development. 

e said that to achieve this goal, economy is one of the main factors of sustainable development. According to Mr. Al-Fageeh, the economy can be built on two main sources: manufacturing and services. Both of these sectors need to rely on four pillars to develop: cost competitiveness, technology and innovation, regulation and infrastructure. 

Of which, cost competitiveness is an important factor to promote growth and development. However, over the past decade, many developed regions such as Europe have witnessed a significant increase in energy prices and stocks, reducing economic competitiveness.

Mr. Al-Fageeh affirmed technology and innovation is especially important in the chemical industry. Investing in technology and innovation is not only a cost but also a strategic investment for the future. However, many companies still see this as a financial burden rather than an opportunity for growth. 

Regulation is the third pillar, with many regulations being issued that can cause uncertainty and slow down economic growth. 

Finally, infrastructure, mainly invested by governments and semi-governmental organizations, needs to be developed to support the economy.

Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO and Executive Board Member of SABIC, Board Member of BFA

The environment is the second factor that needs to be focused on in sustainable development. “A clean and healthy environment is a goal that all of us, from individuals to businesses and governments, need to strive for,” said Mr. Al-Fageeh. “Reducing, even eliminating, toxic emissions to the air, land and water is a big challenge. In particular, carbon footprint reduction and decarbonization have become important strategic goals for manufacturing and service industries. SABIC has pioneered the development of technology to capture and purify CO2 for use in the production of beverages and industrial products.”

In addition, water conservation is also an urgent issue. “Water is a gift from nature, and we need to use it more efficiently, reducing consumption in industry,” Mr. Al-Fageeh noted. “Raw material waste is also a major problem, affecting the environment. The obvious solution is recycling. SABIC has developed processes to recycle plastics into pyrolysis oil, which can be reused in production. This approach was adopted by the G20 during the Saudi Arabian presidency in 2020 and should be applied globally.”

Socially, building strong relationships through globalization, cooperation and partnership is essential. Good governance is not only essential for publicly listed companies but also for all organizations and government agencies. Viability is important, everyone deserves to live in a safe environment and have access to basic needs. “We need to ensure that every person, animal and plant on earth has the opportunity to live in a safe and healthy environment. Equity and inclusion are also essential,” Mr. Al-Fageeh added. 

Notably, understanding the future generation is an important part of society. The majority of the population is the young generation, especially in Saudi Arabia where more than 60-70 per cent of the population is under 50 years old. We need to understand how they think and work from there. “We must believe that today’s young generation are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Mr. Al-Fageeh.

In Middle East, the SABIC Plastics Application Development Center (SPADC) in Riyadh is among SABIC’s largest application development facilities. Covering an area of around 42,000 sq m, it operates as a Center of Excellence for automotive, packaging, consumer, construction, signage, and compounding, supporting innovation across key sectors, including packaging, electrical electronics, healthcare hygiene, building construction and automotive.

SPADC, which functions from a LEED Gold-certified building, brings together highly skilled scientists and technical teams, besides state-of-art fabrication and testing facilities. Through its advanced infrastructure and strong innovation capabilities, SPADC synergizes with the expanding network of SABIC’s Technology Innovation centers around the world.

In addition, SPADC provides a level of support to customers, helping them optimize their application solutions. It seeks to foster a collaborative environment for academia and SABIC to come together and provide novel solutions to the world's pressing problems, like technological and sustainability challenges.

In addition, Home of Innovation is SABIC’s growth initiatives to stimulate localization within the National Industrial Strategy and contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. By integrating marketing, innovation, and technology, it creates demand, promotes downstream industry development, and offers a platform to showcase SABIC’s global innovations while identifying new market opportunities and developing corresponding solutions.

Illustrations of products developed by SABIC

Home of Innovation, which spans 3,000 sq m, encompasses a Collaboration Center, a High-Performance Demonstration Center, and a Technology Showcase Area, featuring real-world applications of high-performance materials, products, and systems integration through an engaging visitor experience.

The Demonstration Center is the first LEED-Platinum certified residential building in the Middle East. It generates more energy than it consumes and emphasizes the use of innovative materials and technologies to enable the application of renewable energy.

To date, 44 companies from 12 different countries, falling under Saudi Arabia’s National Industrial Strategy, are participating in the program. Since its inauguration in 2016, Home of Innovation has welcomed nearly 11,000 visitors from around the world, spanning diverse industries and backgrounds.

In conclusion, lessons from the Middle East are not only valuable experiences but also strategic directions for other countries on the path to sustainable development. Applying these principles will not only improve the economy, but also protect the environment and build a fair and inclusive society. In the context of globalization and climate change, these efforts are not only necessary but also urgent to ensure a sustainable future for all.

In the context of the world accelerating the process of reducing carbon emissions, Vietnam is entering a period of strong energy transition. Resolution 55-NQ/TW of the Politburo has determined to develop energy “in a fast and sustainable manner, one step ahead”, associated with environmental protection, ensuring national defense and security, and using it economically and effectively. Science and technology are therefore considered strategic spearheads, contributing to shifting the economy from dependence on fossil fuels to a clean, smart and sustainable energy model.

The period 2021 - 2030 is considered a pivotal decade for Vietnam to improve its science and technology capacity and carry out a comprehensive energy transition.

-An Chi

Based on calculations, the route will be approximately 56 km long, including 42 km of expressway.

The People’s Committee of Phu Tho province in northern Vietnam has submitted a document to the Prime Minister, proposing for approval of the Viet Tri – Hoa Binh Expressway project, which will connect the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway with the Hoa Binh – Son La Expressway.

According to the proposal, the project will be carried out under the public–private partnership (PPP) model to attract investors. In case that no suitable investor, the project will be allowed to be implemented as a public investment project, with 100% of State budget capital. The total investment is estimated at VND15.9 trillion (nearly $603 million), with construction planned for the 2026–2030 period.

The locality has also asked the Prime Minister to consider approving a support fund of about VNĐ8 trillion from the central budget (equivalent to 50% of the total investment) to ensure feasibility, given the province’s limited financial capacity.

Earlier, the provincial People’s Committee had submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction to include the Viet Tri – Hoa Binh Expressway in the national road network plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050.

Based on calculations, the route will be approximately 56 km long, including 42 km of expressway. It will be built to four-lane expressway standards, with a design speed of 100 km/h, ensuring technical synchronization with other inter-regional expressways.

Vneconomy-Gia Huy

Flights from Hanoi to Cebu will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while return flights from Cebu to Hanoi will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Vietnam Airlines has officially inaugurated a direct flight route between Hanoi and Cebu, expanding air links between Vietnam and the Philippines.

The first flight, numbered VN643, was operated by an Airbus A321 carrying nearly 100 passengers. It departed Noi Bai International Airport at 22:50 on December 2 and landed at Cebu International Airport at 03:30 local time on December 3.

According to the airline’s schedule, flights from Hanoi to Cebu will depart every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, while return flights from Cebu to Hanoi will operate every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. With a flight time of just around three hours, travelers from Hanoi can now significantly shorten their journey to Cebu and enjoy easier access to one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tourist destinations.

The new route not only enables Vietnamese tourists to explore Cebu but also creates opportunities for passengers from the Philippines to visit Hanoi—a city rich in cultural heritage and culinary delights, as well as a gateway to renowned northern destinations such as Ha Long, Ninh Binh, and Sapa.

Deputy CEO of Vietnam Airlines, Dang Anh Tuan, stated that the Hanoi – Cebu direct service is part of the airline’s strategy to expand its international network in Southeast Asia, a region with strong tourism growth, and will contribute to boosting tourism and economic exchange between the two countries.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

The Law on Advertising (amended) is expected to take effect from January 1, 2026, which will create significant changes in advertising management in the digital environment, especially with the activities of KOLs and KOCs...

According to a survey by AsiaKOL, 77 per cent of online consumers in Vietnam have purchased products based on recommendations from KOLs/KOCs, while ResearchAndMarkets forecasts that the social commerce market could reach $5 billion by 2025.

In response to the need for tighter management, the Vietnam Advertising Association (VAA) has launched the Vietnam KOL KOC Club.

According to Ms. Ninh Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Department of Basic Culture, Family, and Library (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), the establishment of the club will help influencers access legal regulations and avoid violations due to a lack of understanding that have occurred in the past.

Aiming to standardize the activities of this force, Mr. Truong Gia Bao, Vice Chairman of VAA, announced that the club will develop a Code of Ethics for KOL/KOC professions, organize free legal training, support tools to measure campaign effectiveness, and promote transparent contracts to combat interaction fraud.

Experts at the event agreed that KOLs/KOCs are not only product communication channels but also a force that guides consumer behavior, so transparency and honesty must be prioritized. Many suggested that the government continue to improve the legal framework for advertising and digital commerce, while also increasing penalties for false advertising.

According to Ms. Pham Thi Thu Hang, CEO of 5S Media and a member of the club's executive committee, the KOL/KOC community needs to proactively enhance legal capacity, standardize work processes, and make cooperation content transparent. "In an era where information spreads without limits, influence comes with responsibility. When KOLs and KOCs are aware of this, they not only promote products but also contribute to guiding positive values," she emphasized.

Previously, at the Vietnam Digital Content Creation Day (Vietnam iContent 2025), Mr. Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Department of Broadcasting, Television, and Electronic Information (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), mentioned that many KOLs and KOCs still lack legal knowledge when operating in the digital environment. 

Conversely, the biggest pressure on KOLs and KOCs today lies in the very thin line between creativity and legal compliance. 

According to Mr. Nguyen Truong Son, Chairman of the VAA, current legal system is relatively complete, but how to apply it correctly and effectively remains a challenge for content creators. To succeed, KOLs/KOCs must meet three criteria: create a mark to attract the community, maintain a following, and most importantly, drive purchasing behavior. 

VnEconomy-Hoàng Tùng

During the visit, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, defined as “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion,”...

Party General Secretary To Lam and his spouse, along with a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation, left Vientiane, Laos, on December 2 evening,  successfully concluding their state visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic. 

During the visit, the Vietnamese Party General Secretary attended a ceremony celebrating the 50th National Day of Laos, and co-chaired a high-level meeting between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP). He held talks with General Secretary of the LPRP and President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith; met with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and National Assembly Chairman Xaysomphone Phomvihane; paid visits to former senior Party and State leaders of Laos, delivered a policy speech at the Lao National Academy of Politics and Public Administration, and joined other activities.

The two sides signed important cooperation documents, establishing a legal framework and opening up new cooperation directions that align with each country’s development requirements and the shared interests of the two countries' people, contributing to further deepening the Vietnam–Laos special relationship in the new context.

The leaders exchanged in-depth views on each country’s situation and agreed to further strengthen cooperation through existing mechanisms, as well as high-level visits and exchanges through flexible forms; closely coordinate and support the organisation of important events, especially their National Party Congresses, thus further consolidating the new heights of Vietnam–Laos political relations.

They agreed to continue enhancing and innovating the content and methods of information and education on the history and traditions of the Vietnam – Laos special solidarity for officials, Party members, people, and the youth of the two countries.

Building on the tradition of special solidarity, the two sides agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, defined as “great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion,” reflecting their shared vision, intertwined strategic interests, and long-term commitment to sustainable development, self-reliance, and common prosperity of both nations.

They also agreed to strengthen connection in trade, infrastructure, banking and finance, and tourism; accelerate the implementation of agreements supporting each other in building independent and self-reliant economies; enhance exchanges on macroeconomic management and institutional reforms; and closely coordinate to remove bottlenecks, creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises to effectively implement and expand investment projects in Laos.

The leaders pledged to strongly promote and create breakthroughs in economic, cultural, and scientific-technical cooperation; enhance connectivity in transport, electricity energy, telecommunications, and tourism; continue improving the quality of education, training, and human resource development, especially high-quality labour force; and strengthen people-to-people interactions and local-level exchanges, viewing these as a strategic pillar to deepen mutual understanding and promoting long-lasting solidarity between the two countries.

The Vietnamese Party chief’s visit demonstrated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of giving the highest priority to its special solidarity with Laos. It also provided an opportunity for the two countries to reaffirm their commitments and determination to build a new vision, elevating the Vietnam–Laos relations to a new level with ever-deepening trust, and creating strong breakthroughs in all-around cooperation.

VnEconomy-Việt An

The figure equal to nearly 60% of the Prime Minister's target.

Over VND528.8 trillion ($20.1 billion) of investment capital sourced from the State budget was disbursed in the first 11 months of 2025, equivalent to 57.9% of the target assigned by the Prime Minister, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Statistics from the ministry show that 8 ministries and central agencies, and 18 localities have reported disbursement rates exceeding the national average.

However, 25 ministries, agencies and 15 localities have recorded their disbursement rates below 50%.

Total public investment capital assigned for 2025 by the Prime Minister stands at more than VND913.2 trillion ($34.7 billion).

VnEconomy-Hoàng Sơn

The Hanoi-Moscow Business Forum held as part of the “Moscow Days in Hanoi” program.

The Hanoi-Moscow Business Forum took place on December 1 in Hanoi as part of the program “Moscow Days in Hanoi” and in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and  Russia.

The forum focused its discussions on economic and investment cooperation between Vietnam and Russia in general, and between the two capital cities in particular.

According to the latest data, Vietnam-Russia trade volume reached  $4.59 billion in 2024, up 26% from 2023. This strong rebound demonstrates the high complementarity and resilience of both economies, particularly in industrial technology and logistics.

HANOI PRIORITIZES HIGH-TECH INVESTMENT FROM RUSSIA

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, affirmed that Hanoi highly values Russian businesses and is committed to providing the most favorable conditions for their long-term operations in Vietnam's capital city. "As the nation’s political and administrative center and one of Vietnam’s two largest economic hubs, Hanoi offers a transparent business environment, synchronous infrastructure, and a dynamic young workforce," he said. 

According to Mr. Quyen, to date, Hanoi has attracted $167.5 million in FDI from Russia, mainly in manufacturing, information technology, accommodation and trade services, and construction. While the current scale remains modest compared to potential, the figure lays an important foundation for the next phase of cooperation.

The city is giving priority to high-tech industries, digital transformation, and AI-powered smart electronics, precision engineering, automation, biotechnology, cybersecurity, and digital data systems - areas in which Russia has considerable strengths.

Hanoi also proposes restoring and expanding direct flights between the two cities, simplifying trade and tourism procedures, and enhancing the movement of goods, talent, and investment between the two sides. Green investment and environmentally friendly projects with strong commitments to technology transfer and workforce development are especially encouraged. “Hanoi stands ready to act with the highest political determination to accompany Russian enterprises throughout their operations in the capital,” Vice Chairman Quyen emphasized.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, shared Hanoi’s vision for bilateral cooperation in the coming period. - (Photo: Hanoi Moi newspaper)

MOSCOW SEEKS TO EXPAND COOPERATION IN TRADE, TECHNOLOGY, AND LOGISTICS

Mr. Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, noted that Moscow has maintained stable economic growth despite global geopolitical volatility, while dramatically reducing its reliance on oil and gas - from about 40% to below 5% of the city’s economic structure. With accumulated FDI exceeding $250 billion, Moscow continues to be a leading financial and technological hub in the Eurasian region.

Trade between Moscow and Vietnam grew by nearly 30% in 2024 to approximately $2.5 billion, signaling substantial cooperation opportunities for 2025-2030.  Mr. Cheremin underscored Moscow’s economic shift toward high-tech industries, creative sectors, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, logistics, and artificial intelligence.

A highlight of his remarks was Moscow’s advanced smart-city model. The city operates one of the fastest-growing metro systems in the world, having added 120 new stations since 2011, with plans to reach 517 stations by 2030. Moscow also runs Europe’s largest electric-bus fleet, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and advancing green mobility.

The development of a full 3D digital twin of the city enables transparent, accurate monitoring and planning of urban growth. More than 100 public services currently integrate AI, covering healthcare, transportation, education, and social welfare - forming a highly efficient urban digital ecosystem.

Mr. Cheremin emphasized that cooperation between Hanoi and Moscow has deepened from traditional ties to economic and technological collaboration, becoming one of Russia’s most effective interregional partnership models. Beyond trade, Moscow is eager to expand cooperation in logistics, aviation hubs, digital transformation, and high-tech manufacturing - aligning with Hanoi’s urban-economic development priorities.

Delegates attending the Forum.

STRENGTHENING GOVERNMENT–BUSINESS LINKAGES FOR BREAKTHROUGH RESULTS IN 2025–2030

Mr. Ivan Nesterov, Minister-Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Vietnam, affirmed that Vietnam remains a priority partner in Russia’s Asia-Pacific cooperation strategy. Two-way trade rose over 20% last year, reflecting strong political trust and economic recovery on both sides.

Mr. Nesterov highlighted several key pillars for expanded cooperation: energy-particularly clean-energy transition and civil nuclear technology; science and technology with a focus on high-quality human-resource training; industrial production, including opportunities related to GAZ-brand vehicles; and new logistics corridors to reduce transportation risks and costs. Both sides are also enhancing the use of local currencies in trade, which he described as a strategic step toward greater commercial autonomy.

During thematic sessions, representatives from Moscow’s Central and Western Administrative Districts presented major achievements in urban planning, infrastructure modernization, housing redevelopment, and public-space design. The Central District shared updates on its large-scale “Renovation” program replacing outdated housing blocks with modern residential complexes, while the Western District - home to leading research institutes and universities - highlighted its potential for scientific and educational cooperation with Hanoi.

The Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection introduced the “Professions of the Future” program, forecasting high-growth occupational fields over the next 10-20 years and proposing vocational-training collaboration with Vietnam. Moscow’s healthcare sector presented its “Flagship Medical Centers,” where AI is widely used in diagnostics, emergency care, and health-record management - a model that attracted significant interest from Vietnamese delegates.

In the business-matching session, Vnukovo International Airport outlined its plan to expand logistics links with Southeast Asia and proposed new cargo routes connected to Vietnam. Pacific Land JSC introduced a high-tech biotechnology park project in Hanoi, while Antey-Sever discussed cooperation opportunities in seafood processing, cold-storage technology, and export.

MOVING TOWARD A NEW STAGE OF SUBSTANTIVE AND EFFECTIVE COOPERATION

At the conclusion of the forum, Vietnamese and Russian agencies and businesses agreed to enhance cooperation across several key pillars, including increased exchange of government and business delegations, the establishment of sector-specific working groups on high-tech, smart cities, logistics, and healthcare, the early restoration of direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow, the expansion of human-resource training and educational partnerships, and the organization of regular thematic business-matching events to facilitate market entry.

The Vietnam-Russia Business Forum 2025 in Hanoi was not only a symbolic anniversary event but also a strategic milestone that positions the two capitals - and the two nations - for deeper, more practical, and more effective cooperation in the coming years.

With 75 years of trusted partnership and a shared vision centered on technology and innovation, Hanoi–Moscow cooperation is poised to enter a new phase-more dynamic, more substantive, and more conducive to regional stability and prosperity.

Tác giả-Trọng Hoàng

Vietnam Economic Times Issue 433 | Monday, December 01, 2025

Dear readers,

The Autumn Economic Forum 2025, jointly organized by Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the World Economic Forum (WEF), took place in the southern city from November 25-27, with more than 1,500 participants, including nearly 100 international delegations, ten centers for Industry 4.0, and over 75 science, technology, and innovation centers worldwide.

This marks the first time Vietnam has cooperated with the WEF to organize such a large-scale and impactful economic forum, setting the stage for it to become an annual event in Ho Chi Minh City.

With the theme “Green Transition in the Digital Era”, the forum reflects Vietnam’s strategic vision in striving to combine two transformative trends - digital transformation and green transformation - into a dual transformation, which is an important driver of the global economy in the 21st century, holding strategic significance for the development of all countries and territories towards a smart, sustainable, and deeply-integrated economy.

To create synergistic strength in this dual transformation, maintaining its role as the primary driving force for the development of a smart and sustainable economy in a digital-green environment with extensive integration, these two transformative trends do not proceed independently or merely in parallel. Rather, they connect, interact, and complement each other in a unified manner, collectively referred to as a “dual transformation”.

Speaking at the opening and plenary sessions of the forum on the morning of November 26, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said the gathering is not only a significant international event but also a milestone that opens a new chapter in Vietnam’s journey of collaborative development for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Within the framework of the forum, during a dialogue with the Managing Director of the WEF, Mr. Stephan Mergenthaler, on “Dual Transformation from Strategy to Action - Shaping Vietnam in the Age of Transformation”, held on the afternoon of November 26, Prime Minister Chinh affirmed that digital and green transformation are objective requirements, strategic choices, and top priorities for Vietnam to develop rapidly and sustainably as two parallel aspects of one process.

The Prime Minister called for converting policy mechanisms into competitive advantages, building digital and green infrastructure, developing a skilled workforce, adopting smart governance, and, above all, pooling massive financial resources. State resources will play a guiding and activating role, he said, while new mechanisms must leverage all social resources, especially public-private partnerships and both domestic and foreign capital.

Topics discussed at the forum as well as insightful and guiding opinions from Prime Minister Chinh provide important orientations for Vietnam’s development journey in the years ahead, when “digital and green transformation are two fundamental elements constituting an inexorable and irreversible trend; the dual transformation has become an objective requirement, strategic choice, and top priority for nations to develop rapidly and sustainably,” as Prime Minister Chinh said in his closing remarks.

To provide readers with more information from both the national and international perspective on trends in digital and green transformation, our Cover Story in this edition focuses on analyzing and evaluating issues discussed at the Autumn Economic Forum 2025, with the overarching theme of dual transformation; an inexorable trend that is shaping the future of humanity.

Warmest regards

Dr. CHU VAN LAM
CHAIRMAN OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD

VET-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

The proposal aims to achieve the Net Zero target by 2050 that Vietnam has committed to,

The National Assembly (NA), during    its ongoing sitting, on December  1 focused  discussions on the draft amendment of the Geology and Mineral Law, with a highlight on emission reduction.

NA Deputy Nguyen Hoang Bao Tran from Ho Chi Minh City emphasized  reduction of mineral exploitation that pose environmental risks and proposed for accelerating  the rate of alternative materials.

While there is a consensus on the necessity to comprehensively amend the current law for better and more transparent management, the draft still leans towards improving mechanisms for continued exploitation without a dedicated section on comprehensive impact assessment, gradual reduction plans, and a roadmap for developing alternative materials to fulfill international environmental commitments, particularly the NetZero target by 2050.

Mr. Tran noted that the draft lacks a clear roadmap to reduce dependency on non-renewable mineral resources. 

The draft currently focuses on increasing exploitation efficiency without adequately addressing the need to reduce exploitation demand. In contrast, advanced countries are moving towards reducing exploitation, increasing recycling, and developing alternative materials.

Vietnam has made strong environmental commitments, but the draft does not fully reflect these commitments. At COP26, Vietnam declared its goal of achieving NetZero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, mineral resource policies must shift in three directions: reducing resource intensity in economic development, promoting circular economy through recycling and reuse, and conserving strategic resources for future generations.

However, these policy groups are not clearly represented in the draft law, and there is no major goal for sustainable exploitation towards NetZero.

Therefore, Mr. Tran proposed the inclusion of a chapter on impact mitigation, resource recovery, and alternative material development. 

For businesses, a minimum recycling rate should be mandatory in large projects.

Based on these analyses, Deputy Tran proposed five specific adjustments. Firstly, to add a principle of reducing exploitation towards NetZero, including reducing the intensity of environmentally risky mineral exploitation, prioritizing alternative materials, and gradually transitioning to a circular economy.

Secondly, to amend the licensing provision to require mandatory impact assessments, cumulative assessments, geological and hydrological risk assessments, and long-term environmental restoration commitments according to international standards.

Thirdly, to define sensitive geological areas, with a government-published list, and prohibit exploitation in any form.

Fourthly, to establish post-exploitation restoration responsibilities, requiring businesses to restore topography, reforest, and recreate landscapes, with non-compliance resulting in denial of future project licenses.

Fifthly, to add provisions for policies encouraging alternative materials, tax incentives for green material research, prioritizing recycled materials in public investment, and supporting businesses in transitioning production lines.

VnEconomy-Tùng Dương

This is a crucial activity in the roadmap for preparing the deployment of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and similar future projects.

A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is on a trip to Vietnam from December 1 to 11 to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the national nuclear power infrastructure through an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Mission.

The delegation will work with the Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST), which acts as the focal point to preside over and coordinate with relevant Vietnamese ministries and sectors.

This is a crucial activity in the roadmap for preparing the deployment of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and similar future projects.

According to the MoST, the INIR mission team consists of seven IAEA experts, three international experts invited by the IAEA from the UK, Brazil, and Bulgaria, and one observer from Egypt.

The delegation will work with representatives from the ministries of Industry and Trade, Finance, Public Security, National Defence, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture and Environment, Education and Training, Vietnam Electricity, the Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, and the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province, where the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power plants will be built.

At a working session with Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh on December 1, Mr. Eric Mathet, the IAEA team leader, stated that this mission marks an important milestone in Vietnam's journey toward establishing a safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear power program, while taking into account its safety obligations.

According to IAEA guidelines, nuclear power infrastructure encompasses 19 key issues representing all activities and preparations regarding physical facilities, equipment, sites, auxiliary structures, and legal documents, as well as the economic and human resources required to serve the nuclear power development program.

For a country initiating its first nuclear power program like Vietnam, the infrastructure development process must undergo three phases, marked by three corresponding milestones:

Phase 1: Preparing to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program, marked by Milestone 1 (Ready to make a knowledgeable commitment to the first nuclear power projects).

Phase 2: Preparing for the construction of a nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 2 (Ready to invite bids/negotiate a contract for the first project).

Phase 3: Constructing and commissioning the first nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 3 (Ready to commission and operate the first nuclear power plant).

The current mission focuses on conducting an objective and comprehensive review and assessment of all 19 nuclear power infrastructure issues against Milestone 2, in accordance with IAEA guidelines.

VNeconomy-Hà Giang

Leading sources of investment capital include the Republic of Korea, mainland China, Japan, Taiwan (China), and Singapore.

Southern Dong Nai province attracted nearly $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first 11 months of the year, reaching 132% of its annual target, according to the Dong Nai Economic and Industrial Zones Authority (DNIEZA).

During the period, DNIEZA issued investment licenses for 148 new projects with a total registered capital of more than $1 billion. Meanwhile, 172 existing projects were approved to increase capital by over $1.4 billion.

Several major projects received approval, including the Mapletree Logistics Park Tam An 1 developed by Saffron Logistics Asset Holdings PTE. LTD of Singapore with registered capital of $101.1 million; Quest Composite Technology Vietnam Co., Ltd., a bicycle parts manufacturer, with an investment of $40 million; and Midwest Pets Vietnam Ltd. with capital of $27.8 million.

With this performance, Dong Nai remains among the top localities nationwide in FDI attraction in 2025.

Leading sources of investment capital include the Republic of Korea, mainland China, Japan, Taiwan (China), and Singapore.

VnEconomy-Anh Khuê

Once fully operational in both directions, the system will establish a comprehensive cross-border QR payment ecosystem, boosting tourism, trade, and consumer spending between the two countries.

The bilateral QR-code retail payment connectivity between Vietnam and China was officially launched in Hanoi on December 2, offering a faster, safer, and more convenient payment solution while helping Vietnamese businesses better serve one of their largest visitor markets.

The launch ceremony was jointly organised by the National Payment Corporation of Vietnam (NAPAS), UnionPay International (UPI) of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and the Joint Stock Commercial Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (Vietcombank).

The new service comes after more than a year of technical coordination following the MoU signed between UPI and NAPAS in October 2024, witnessed by senior leaders of both countries.

With the system now in place, Chinese visitors to Vietnam can use their existing mobile payment apps to scan VIETQR Global codes and make direct payments at shopping, dining, and tourist destinations nationwide.

Major retailers and service providers—including Central Retail supermarkets, Highlands Coffee, and Sun World tourist sites—have already enabled QR acceptance for Chinese travellers.

Under the plan, by early 2026, the reverse payment direction will also be deployed, allowing Vietnamese travellers to use mobile banking apps from NAPAS member banks to scan QR codes for payment in China.

Once fully operational in both directions, the system will establish a comprehensive cross-border QR payment ecosystem, boosting tourism, trade, and consumer spending between the two countries.

VnEconomy-Hoàng Lan

Key export markets including China, the US and South Korea.

Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports were estimated at more than $7.8 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, an 18% year-on-year increase, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association (Vinafruit).

In November alone, export turnover reached $754 million, up 64.9% compared with the same month last year.

On the import side, Vietnam purchased over $2.44 billion worth of fruit and vegetables, up 15%, bringing the sector’s trade surplus to $5.4 billion.

China remained the largest export market, accounting for more than $4.5 billion in the first 10 months. It was followed by the United States with nearly $455 million, and the Republic of Korea with over $264 million.

Key export earners included durian, banana, mango, jackfruit, coconut, and grapefruit. Among them, durian continued to dominate, particularly in the Chinese market where demand remains strong. Durian export value in the first 11 months is estimated at $3.4 billion, surpassing total export earnings for the whole of 2024 and reaffirming its position as Vietnam’s number-one fruit export.

VnEconomy-Chu Khôi

The newly-approved Digital Government Development Program aims to boost digital transformation at all Government agencies.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision 2629/QD-TTg, dated December 1, 2025, and signed by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, the Digital Government Development Program has been approved. aiming to complete the transition to a fully digital government and establish a smart government powered by big data and AI by 2030. 

According to the program, for the 2025-2027 period, 100% of eligible administrative procedures will be fully processed online, with end-to-end services. Businesses will only be required to submit production and trade-related information once, while citizen and enterprise satisfaction with online services must reach 95%.

All national and sectoral digital platforms in service of digital government will be completed and rolled out nationwide. Administrative paperwork at all levels will be processed electronically, all reporting fully digitised, and government task assignments monitored online.

By 2027, all ministries and localities must achieve at least level 3 in data governance maturity, with all public officials trained in basic digital skills. Half of all IT and digital transformation staff must obtain basic data governance certification.

From 2028 to 2030, citizen satisfaction with online services is expected to reach 99%, with 50% of essential services delivered proactively and personalised through AI. All state agencies will publish standardised open data, fully digitise administrative records, and maximise reuse of digital information.

Ministries and local governments are required to reach data governance maturity at level 4, with 90% achieving the highest level — level 5. All information systems must connect through standardised data-sharing mechanisms, and each agency must deploy at least one AI application in daily governance.

The program also mandates that at least 25% of leadership positions be held by officials with expertise in science, technology, or digital transformation. All digital government information systems will be subject to compulsory cybersecurity approval and regular security inspections.

VnEconomy-Hạ Chi

The total value of authentic product transactions through online stores is projected to account for 55 per cent of the total e-commerce market in the region by 2030, equivalent to $150 billion...

Total value of  authenticity-driven e-commerce market in Southeast Asia will account  for 30% of the total market in 2025,  and is forecast to reach a scale of $150 billion by 2030, according to a report from  Lazada.

The report, titled "The Rise of the Authenticity Driven E-commerce in Southeast Asia," and recently announced by the e-commerce platform Lazada, noted that "over the past decade, the centre of gravity for e-commerce in Southeast Asia has shifted from low-trust marketplaces – where many consumers hesitated to buy online for fear of scams or counterfeits – to hightrust ecosystems anchored by authorized and authenticated 'Mall' environments where nearly 90% of online shoppers are now active."

According to the report, authenticity-driven e-commerce – defined as branded goods sold through Mall environments - has grown from 12% of total e-commerce in 2020 to 30% in 2025, and this expansion is projected to reach up to 55% of e-commerce by 2030.

The report drawed on findings from a regional consumer survey conducted across six Southeast Asian markets – Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam – between October and November 2025. The survey gathered responses from 6,000 active e-commerce - users aged 25–45, all of whom made at least 20% of their online purchases in the past three months from Mall stores. 

The research indicated that Southeast Asian consumers are increasingly intentional in their shopping and more brand-conscious. 

Countries like Thailand and Vietnam lead the region, with over 90 per cent of shoppers purchasing from authenticity-driven stores. In these markets, trust-building factors such as "reviews and ratings" and "authenticity commitment" have become decisive in purchasing behavior.

The report identifies three key drivers that will propel the development of e-commerce centered around authentic products.

Firstly, platforms are expanding their supply with a quality product portfolio. Secondly, consumers are integrating multi-channel approaches to enhance purchasing decisions. Thirdly, AI is becoming a crucial tool for customers to research and compare products. 

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương