During his reception for Executive Vice President of Airbus International Wouter Van Wersch on March 14, PM Pham Minh Chinh called for expansion of Airbus's supply chain and aircraft equipment production in Vietnam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Executive Vice President of Airbus International Wouter Van Wersch in Hanoi on March 14, during which the former urged Airbus to invest in and support the development of Vietnam's aviation industry ecosystem.

The PM was quoted by the Government News as telling his guest that Vietnam's aviation market is experiencing positive growth, transporting 41.4 million passengers and one million tons of cargo in 2024.

Currently, Vietnam has four airlines operating 98 international routes to 20 countries and territories. The country has a network of 22 airports and is building and upgrading major airport projects such as Long Thanh International Airport in the southern province of Dong Nai, Gia Binh Airport in the northern province of Bac Ninh, and Chu Lai Airport in the central province of Quang Nam

The Prime Minister suggested the world's leading aircraft manufacturer help expand Vietnam's aircraft fleet and speed up the delivery of contracted aircraft orders to Vietnamese airlines.

He called for the expansion of Airbus's supply chain and aircraft equipment production in Vietnam, the establishment of an aircraft maintenance and repair center in the country, and investment in manufacturing plants for aircraft components, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s aviation industry ecosystem.

The Airbus was also encouraged to consider enhancing technology transfer to Vietnamese partners, train high-quality human resources, improve aviation standards, and provide pilot training.

Additionally, the Prime Minister proposed Airbus share management expertise with Vietnam and strengthen its comprehensive cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, agencies, and organizations—particularly in new areas such as aviation logistics, aerospace, satellites, science and technology development, and e-commerce.

Mr. Wersch, for his part, as quoted by the Government News, said Airbus has been a long-term partner of Vietnamese agencies and businesses, with approximately 200 aircrafts currently operated by Vietnamese airlines, accounting for 65 per cent of Vietnam’s aircraft market.

Airbus is working with a Japanese partner to build an Over-wing Door aircraft component manufacturing plant in Vietnam, he added.

Mr. Wersch hailed the potential of Vietnam's aviation market as a regional aviation hub, adding that beyond supplying aircraft, Airbus could support the development of Viet Nam's aviation industry by expanding the aircraft manufacturing supply chain, enhancing digital transformation in aviation, and training aviation personnel.

In addition to cooperation in civil aviation, Airbus can also engage in projects related to space technology and aircraft component manufacturing, he told  PM Chinh.

Mr. Wersch expressed his hope that Vietnam will continue to assist Airbus to foster collaboration with Vietnamese relevant agencies and businesses in the development of sustainable aircraft in line with the nation's future development strategy.

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The committee chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 13 signed a decision on establishing a government steering committee for the development of science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, and Project 06 (on developing application of population data, identification, and e-authentication data, as well as administrative reforms).

The committee is chaired by PM Chinh.

It is tasked with studying and proposing national strategies, policies, and solutions for developing science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Besides, it is in charge of overseeing the implementation of Project 06.

A key responsibility is to coordinate the Government's action program for implementing the Politburo’s Resolution No.57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024, which focuses on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Additionally, the committee is accountable for speeding up and inspecting the implementation of related inter-sectoral strategies, programs, mechanisms, policies, and solutions.

-Minh Anh

Imexpharm supports Da Lat’s tree-planting initiative, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

On March 14, 2025, Imexpharm Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company handed over trees to the Da Lat Youth Union, backing the city’s initiative to plant 3.8 million trees and contributing to the broader goal of 50 million trees across Lam Dong Province during the 2021-2025 period. This activity reflects Imexpharm’s commitment to working with local communities on environmental protection and sustainability.

The event took place at Lam Vien Square in Da Lat City, attended by representative of the Da Lat City Youth Union, alongside Imexpharm’s leadership and staff. During the event, representatives from Imexpharm presented 500 coniferous trees (ranging from 1.5m to 2m in height) to the Da Lat Youth Union, supporting local tree-planting efforts, environmental conservation, and climate change response. The initiative aligns with the Government of Vietnam’s ‘For a Green Vietnam’ campaign, marking Youth Month and celebrating the 94th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union and the 50th anniversary of Da Lat’s liberation.

Speaking at the event, a representative of the Da Lat City Youth Union highlighted that over the years, the city has carried out various practical initiatives to protect the environment, such as “Volunteer Saturdays” and “Green Sundays”, aimed at building a green, clean, civilized, and safe city while reducing plastic waste. "Imexpharm's participation in this initiative is a meaningful extension of these efforts, helping to amplify the message of raising community awareness and encouraging collective action in promoting environmental protection models in Da Lat and throughout Vietnam," the representative stated.

Mr. Nguyen An Duy (left) - Deputy General Director, CFO of Imexpharm - presents a symbolic board donating 500 green trees to Dalat City's Youth Union. Photo: Imexpharm

Mr. Nguyen An Duy, Deputy General Director – Chief Financial Officer at Imexpharm, stated: “With a mission to align business growth with social responsibility, Imexpharm has been a pioneer in environmental protection throughout its nearly 48-year journey. Today’s tree donation is a practical step toward better community health and promoting the image of a green – clean – beautiful Da Lat to both local and international visitors.”

He added that with climate change affecting both the environment and public health, pharmaceutical companies must integrate sustainability into their strategies, not just in healthcare solutions but in their broader operations. Alongside investments in EU-GMP-certified manufacturing, Imexpharm has been working to reduce its environmental footprint across its production and supply chain.

Imexpharm operates three EU-GMP-certified factory clusters with 12 EU-GMP-certified production lines and additional facilities. The company has adopted energy-saving solutions, optimized material usage, and strengthened control over emissions, wastewater, and waste discharge to move toward a more sustainable manufacturing model in line with international ESG standards. In 2025, it will take another step in this direction by installing rooftop solar systems at its factory clusters, furthering its commitment to clean energy and green production.

A section of the drug packaging production line at Imexpharm's EU-GMP factory. Photo: Imexpharm  

Following the tree handover, 470 members of Imexpharm's leadership and staff participated in a walk around Xuan Huong Lake to promote environmental awareness and community health. The activity was part of the 2025 Sales Marketing Congress, themed “Tien Phong Dan Loi” (Pioneering the Way Forward). A similar initiative took place in March 2024, when Imexpharm worked with Nha Trang City authorities to plant trees along the city’s Ring Road 2, contributing to a greener urban environment.

Beyond environmental initiatives, Imexpharm has remained engaged in corporate social responsibility efforts for nearly five decades—providing free medicine to underprivileged communities, awarding scholarships, building bridges and houses of compassion, and supporting public healthcare programs.

The company’s efforts in sustainability have earned notable recognition. On December 20, 2024, its EU-GMP-certified IMP3 and IMP4 factories were included in the Binh Duong Green Book 2024. Imexpharm was also listed among the Top 50 Corporate Sustainability Awards (CSA 2024) by Nhip Cau Dau Tu Magazine in August 2024 and was honored at the Saigon Times CSR 2024 ‘Invest in a Sustainable Future’ Awards in November 2024.

-Diep Linh

The event emphasized the importance of collaboration to build a robust network for training, research, and technology transfer in Vietnam's semiconductor sector.

A conference titled "Advanced Assembly, Testing, and Packaging Technology: Opportunities for Vietnam" was held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 13.

The event gathered experts from universities, industry leaders, and international specialists in the semiconductor field.

It emphasized the importance of collaboration to build a robust network for training, research, and technology transfer in Vietnam's semiconductor sector.

Participants discussed the development trajectory of the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Testing (OSAT) industry, shared insights from international models, and proposed solutions tailored to Vietnam's unique context. Key discussions included topics such as Smart Manufacturing in OSAT Companies and Benefits for Vietnam, RD Strategy and Process Development, and Semiconductor Research and Education Programs at International Universities and Vietnamese Student Exchange Opportunities.

Dr. Changhang Kim, Research Professor at HanYang University (South Korea), highlighted the critical need for close coordination between businesses, universities, and the Government to strengthen Vietnam's position in the semiconductor field.

He underscored the urgency for Vietnamese enterprises to enhance OSAT capabilities, invest in process development with artificial intelligence (AI), and lead the adoption of cutting-edge technologies like 3D IC and chiplet packaging.

To support this growth, universities were encouraged to develop advanced packaging curricula, conduct innovative research on new materials and packaging processes, and establish strong partnerships with businesses. Government initiatives and collaboration between academia and industry were deemed essential to addressing current challenges and unlocking future opportunities in Vietnam’s semiconductor packaging field.

During an in-depth discussion session, representatives from prominent institutions such as South Korea's Inha and HanYang Universities introduced educational cooperation programs and initiatives for training high-quality human resources in the semiconductor sector.

Industry leaders from companies like AMKOR, LAM Research, WooWon Technology, SPOT, WiV, and Aemulus shared insights and best practices on advancing domestic enterprises’ technological capabilities through research, education, and international collaboration.

-Phạm Vinh

Credit prioritizing production, trade, services and consumption.

Ho Chi Minh City recorded a year-on-year credit growth of 12.2% in the first two months of 2025, according to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)’s Ho Chi Minh City branch.

Total outstanding loans reached VND3.936 quadrillion ($153 billion).

The credit focused on the fields of production, trade, services and consumption, accounting for 75% of the total.

The SBV’s Ho Chi Minh City branch targets a credit growth of 16% for 2025, aiming to help business to have resources to develop and contributing to boost the city’s economic growth, according to deputy director of the branch Nguyen Duc Lenh. However, the goal will be adjusted, depending on the market demand.

 

 

-Hẳng Nguyễn

The city will establish one high-tech agricultural application center to support this transformation.

Hanoi has set ambitious goals for the development of high-tech agriculture by 2030, as outlined in Plan No. 73/KH-UBND, recently approved by the city People's Committee.

By 2030, at least 20% of scientific and technological tasks related to high-tech and digital technology applications in agriculture will be researched, implemented, and transferred to support Hanoi’s agricultural development.

The city also aims to annually increase the number of models, farms, cooperatives, and businesses adopting high-tech and digital technology applications in agricultural management and production by 10-20%.

Enterprises, cooperatives, and production households in concentrated agricultural zones are encouraged to align their production and business plans with high-tech agriculture practices, adopt e-farm and smart agriculture models, and participate in quality management and product consumption systems.

Hanoi plans to promote the establishment and growth of at least 10 businesses with agricultural production and business strategies centered on high-tech applications, advancing toward recognition as high-tech agricultural enterprises in accordance with regulations. Additionally, the city will establish one high-tech agricultural application center to support this transformation.

The plan further emphasizes the formation and development of high-tech agricultural zones and areas based on approved plans, including at least one officially recognized high-tech agricultural zone.

-Hạ Chi

Provided by the operator of South Korea’s bourse, the Korea Exchange (KRX), the system can handle 3-5 million orders a day and avoid overloads.

The KRX trading system is expected to be operational in this May or June, following a testing phase, the Vietnam News Agency has reported, citing the State Securities Commission (SSC).

Provided by the operator of South Korea’s bourse, the Korea Exchange (KRX), the system can handle 3-5 million orders a day and avoid overloads.

To facilitate foreign investor participation and advance Vietnam’s stock market upgrade, the SSC will continue implementing key measures in 2025. Recent efforts include legal amendments and coordination with relevant ministries to align with international market classification criteria.

Vietnam has engaged in discussions with global financial institutions, including MSCI, FTSE Russell, and the World Bank, receiving positive feedback on its reform progress. 

-Vân Nguyễn

The deals signed as part of Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien’s working trip to the US.

Vietnamese and US businesses on March 13 signed various economic and trade cooperation agreements with a total value of $4.15 billion.

The agreements were signed as part of a working trip to the US, made by the Prime Minister's Special Envoy, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

PetroVietnam Gas Joint Stock Corporation (PetroVietnam PV Gas) signed Memoranda of Understanding with ConocoPhillips, an independent exploration and production company, and Excelerate Energy regarding long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchase agreements.

Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Joint Stock Company (BSR) established a contract with Kellogg Brown Root Services, Inc. (KBR) for pre-feasibility studies on sustainable aviation fuel.

PetroVietnam Power Corporation (PVPower) and GE Vernova signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the procurement of equipment and services for gas-fired power plants developed by PVPower.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) inked MoUs with three leading US ethanol associations, namely US Grains Council, Renewable Fuels Association, and Growth Energy on ethanol supply. It also secured an MoU with Marquis Energy to facilitate biofuel transactions and imports. The agreements are significant as Vietnam is pushing its timeline for biofuel use.

-Vũ Khuê

The Van Phong – Nha Trang, Chi Thanh – Van Phong, and Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot expressways expected to boost links in the south-central and Central Highlands regions.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Thanh Long has called on relevant agencies and investors to take measures to accelerate the construction of some expressways in south-central and Central Highlands regions while inspecting the construction site on March 12.

Construction of the Van Phong – Nha Trang expressway, one of the 12 component projects of the eastern North - South expressway, is expected for completion before June this year, according to the investor.

The expressway stretches 83 km in south-central Khanh Hoa province. It has total investment capital of VND11.8 trillion ($458 million).

So far, some 91% of the work volume has been done. The first 73-km section of the expressway is expected to open to traffic on April 30 this year as scheduled.

Meanwhile, the Chi Thanh – Van Phong section, also part of the eastern North-South expressway, is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of this year. The 43-km section connects south-central Phu Yen province with Khanh Hoa province. Total investment capital is estimated at nearly VND11 trillion ($427 million).

Construction of the first 20 km of the Khanh Hoa – Buon Ma Thuot expressway, which links Khanh Hoa province with the Central Highlands’ Dak Lak province, is expected to complete by the year end. The 117.5 km link is designed to have four lanes, with total investment estimated at nearly VND22 trillion ($872 million).

 

-Thiên Ân

Vietnam-US bilateral trade turnover reached nearly $150 billion in 2024.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has emphasized the complementary nature of the economies and trade structures of Vietnam and the United States, which has driven rapid and stable growth in bilateral trade turnover over the years.

Speaking during a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson L. Greer in Washington, D.C., on March 13, Mr. Dien highlighted that bilateral trade turnover reached nearly $150 billion in 2024. This milestone solidifies the US as Vietnam's second-largest trading partner and one of its most critical export markets.

“Vietnam's consistent policy is to build a harmonious, sustainable, stable, and mutually beneficial economic and trade relationship with the United States, with no intention of creating obstacles that could harm American workers or economic and national security,” Mr. Dien affirmed.

During the meeting, the Vietnamese minister outlined specific measures being implemented by the Vietnamese Government to enhance economic, trade, and investment relations with the US in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

He also urged technical teams from both nations to continue exchanging information, paving the way for the US to recognize Vietnam's market economy status. Such recognition, he noted, would reflect the current scale of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Mr. Greer acknowledged Vietnam's sincerity and proactive approach in addressing the US's concerns and collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions.

He elaborated on the US's new trade policy, stating that the new trade policy is designed purely to further promote trade and investment, protect economic security, national security, and American workers; not to harm partner countries.

However, he emphasized the need for balanced economic benefits in trade exchanges, urging Vietnam to adopt stronger measures to open its market and improve the trade balance in the future.

Both sides agreed on the importance of working closely to create a fair and sustainable business environment. This includes reviewing and eliminating trade barriers that hinder investment and business activities, as well as establishing effective mechanisms to combat trade fraud, origin fraud, and illegal transshipment.

-Nguyệt Hà

At a policy forum on March 14, PM Pham Minh Chinh laid stress on Vietnam’s commitment to rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Addressing the policy forum “Taking the Lead: Vietnam’s Proactive Strategy for Semiconductor AI Advancement in the New Era” held on March 14 within the framework of the AI-Semiconductor Conference (AISC 2025), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on international partners to help Vietnam advance its technological capabilities and transform its development trajectory, particularly in emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor.

PM Chinh was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as reiterating Vietnam’s commitment to rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

According to the Government leader, as Vietnam set a target of becoming a high-income developed country by 2045, despite having a modest economic scale and undergoing transformation with high openness and limited resilience to external shocks, the country must create resources to turn its vision to fruition. “Resources originate from thinking, motivation stems from innovation, and strengths come from the people and businesses,” the PM stated.

He went on to say that Vietnam has set a goal of achieving at least 8% growth in 2025, creating momentum for double-digit growth in subsequent years. Though challenging, the PM  expressed his confidence that with international cooperation and support, Vietnam can achieve this target.

Seeing institutional frameworks as both "bottleneck of bottlenecks" and "breakthrough of breakthroughs,” Vietnam is mapping out policies to develop the AI and semiconductor industries. The Government has pledged to slash at least 30% of cumbersome administrative procedures, step up decentralization, enhance implementation capacity, and promote self-resilience and creativity among stakeholders, he said.

The PM also outlined plans to develop strategic infrastructure supporting AI and semiconductor production, including transport infrastructure to reduce logistics costs, information technology, telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and energy systems to ensure reliable power supply even in remote areas. Human resources development remains a key priority, with plans to train 100,000 engineers in the fields in the coming years.

Vietnam is seeking international partners’ assistance in institutional perfection, streamlining of administrative procedures, shifting from management thinking to development promotion, increasing decentralization, and reduction of compliance costs for people and businesses.

PM Chinh expressed his hope for financial support through concessional loans to establish investment funds, build financial centers, upgrade the stock market, transfer technology through RD centers, and create favorable conditions for Vietnamese firms to engage in global supply and production chains.

 

He requested corporations to create conditions for Vietnamese nationals to participate in leadership and management roles, priorities accepting Vietnamese employees in leading global companies, and help Vietnam train high-quality human resources in the emerging industries like semiconductors, AI, quantum optics, cloud computing, and biomedical sciences.

The Vietnamese Government pledges to support foreign enterprises’ faster and more effective development in Vietnam, ensuring their legitimate rights through rational institutions and policies in the spirit of “harmonizing benefits and sharing risks,” he underscored.

On the occasion, PM Chinh, Deputy PM Nguyen Chi Dung and delegates witnessed the announcement of initiatives on semiconductor human resources development, semiconductor startup incubation and development, and support for Vietnamese enterprises to participate in the AI Alliance.

AISC 2025, organized from March 12-16 in Hanoi and Da Nang by the National Innovation Centre (NIC) in collaboration with Aitomatic (USA), attracted over 1,000 domestic leaders and experts alongside representatives from investment funds, banks, and international organizations. The event, themed "Creating the Future: Connecting Global AI and Semiconductor Technology," featured key workshops on the semiconductor and AI technology revolution, exhibitions, investment and business networking, and a policy forum on Vietnam’s AI and semiconductor development in the new era.

-Vân Nguyễn

The annual event aims to advance Al development in Vietnam.

The Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) (under the Ministry of Finance) in collaboration with Meta, launched the third annual Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2025 on March 14.

This initiative aims to advance Al development in Vietnam.

The Vietnam Innovation Challenge attracts more than 750 solutions from more than 20 countries and territories each year. It was featured in the Whitehouse Factsheet during U.S. President Biden's visit to Vietnam in 2023, as a flagship partnership in technology between Vietnam and the United States. 

This year’s theme focuses on the ViGen Project, an endeavor to create high-quality, open-source, Vietnamese datasets for the training and enhancement of large language models (LLMs) so Al models can better understand Vietnamese culture, context and idiom. This will enhance Vietnamese language representation in Al, while also fueling rapid and sustainable economic growth in Vietnam.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung, the Vietnam Innovation Challenge is a strategic initiative to seek global innovative solutions to address Vietnam’s national challenges, contributing to Vietnam's journey of prosperity and sustainability. 

“This initiative requires close partnership in public and private sectors among national and international stakeholders. Together, we experiment and implement innovative solutions for a prosperous Vietnam,” Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said.

To support the project, Meta is contributing a range of open source datasets from its Al and Data for Good program, ranging from insights on mobility and social connections, as well as training data from its own Al-powered population maps.

At the press conference announcing the launch of Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2025, Mr. Sarim Aziz, Director of Public Policy at Meta, stated that this is a defining year for Al in Vietnam. Meta is honored to partner with the National Innovation Center and the Al for Vietnam Foundation on ViGen Project . 

“By empowering Vietnamese researchers, developers, and businesses with open source Al models like LLMs and resources that understand their unique context, we're making it easier for them to unlock their full potential and drive meaningful innovation in Al that's uniquely suited to Vietnam's needs”, he said.

Press conference announcing the launch of Vietnam Innovation Challenge 2025.

Similarly, Mr. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director General of the National Innovation Center (NIC), also shared that Al is transforming the world. Therefore, developing large-scale, high-quality and open-source Vietnamese datasets for Al training and evaluation has become an urgent priority. 

“Moreover, ViGen Project requires a collective effort from policy makers, think tanks, researchers, developers, experts and users alike. Together, we will transform Al into a powerful tool for every Vietnamese and make Vietnam a global Al powerhouse”, Mr. Hoai emphasized.

-Phuong Hoa

The investment capital for the projected metro line is estimated at around $2.6 billion.

At its 86th meeting on March 13, the People’s Committee of the southern Binh Duong province  approved the pre-feasibility study report for Metro Line 1, connecting the new Binh Duong city with Suoi Tien in Ho Chi Minh City.

As one of the province's key infrastructure projects, Metro Line 1 aims to enhance regional connectivity, alleviate traffic congestion, and stimulate socio-economic development. The proposed line will span a total length of 32.43 km, comprising a 29.01 km main line and a 3.42 km depot connector.

According to the Binh Duong authorities, the project is slated for investment approval with the starting point at Station S1 in the heart of the new Binh Duong city (Hoa Phu ward, Thu Dau Mot city) and the endpoint at Suoi Tien Terminal (Binh Thang ward, Di An city, Binh Duong province), which is the endpoint of Ho Chi Minh City's Metro line 1. 

Binh Duong's projected metro line will traverse four cities within the province —Thu Dau Mot, Tan Uyen, Thuan An, and Di An—and feature a total of 19 stations, with a depot to be located in Phu Chanh ward, Tan Uyen city.

The design proposes a standard gauge double-track system (1,435 mm) with a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The total investment capital for the project is estimated at VND64.37 trillion (approximately $2.6 billion). If implemented as scheduled, construction is expected to commence in 2027 and conclude by 2031, marking Binh Duong's first metro line.

The establishment of the Metro Line 1 holds significant importance for Binh Duong’s transportation infrastructure. As commuting demand between Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City continues to rise—especially given Binh Duong's status as one of Vietnam's largest industrial hubs, attracting millions of workers and experts—the metro line will offer a vital transit solution.

Additionally, the metro is anticipated to spur urban development along its corridor, paving the way for modern residential areas, commercial centers, and service hubs. This transformation will generate new employment opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and enhance the quality of life through a safer, more convenient, and eco-friendly public transportation system.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of Binh Duong People’s Committee Vo Van Minh emphasized the strategic importance of the province’s key transport projects, particularly in establishing vital connections with Ho Chi Minh City. These initiatives are expected to alleviate traffic congestion and drive socio-economic development.

He stressed the need for feasible and efficient investment and construction approaches for all major infrastructure projects. Regarding the pre-feasibility study for Metro Line 1, Mr. Minh highlighted that this is Binh Duong's inaugural metro line. Therefore, it is crucial to finalize the study and submit it to the National Assembly for investment approval by May 2025.

-Việt An

The project helping to deal with traffic congestion at the southern city’s eastern gateway.

The expansion of An Phu Intersection, one of the most congested site in Ho Chi Minh City, is scheduled for completion in December this year.

The construction started in December 2022 with an estimated investment capital of over VND3.4 trillion ($133.5 million), according to the Transportation Works Construction Investment Project Management Authority of Ho Chi Minh City (TCIP). 

The project is designed to have three layers, comprising roads, a four-lane two-way tunnel, and two two-lane overpasses.

The project has so far completed 65% of construction work.

Its tunnel is scheduled to open to traffic on April 30 this year, helping to ease traffic congestion.

 

 

-Thanh Thủy

The move aimed at boosting economic growth.

The Hanoi People’s Committee has requested the elimination of at least 30% of unnecessary business conditions and the reduction of administrative processing time by the same margin in a move to boost economic growth, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

In a document issued on March 11, the committee stressed the need to mobilize all economic sectors, businesses and citizens to engage in socio-economic development, contributing to national growth. All institutional frameworks, mechanisms, and policies must be aligned with the objective.

The city will focus on reforms that stimulate both supply and demand in accordance with the country’s economic conditions, making contributions to positioning Vietnam among the top three ASEAN countries regarding investment environment within the next two-three years.

In the meantime, the city will pen realty policies to attract investment while transforming urban areas into growth engines through high-quality and harmonious infrastructure development. Local authorities are considering the establishment of a housing fund to build affordable houses in major urban areas.

-Vân Nguyễn

Under a proposal from the Government, about one-third of the responsibilities currently handled by district-level administrations will be transferred to provincial authorities, while decentralizing the remaining two-thirds to the commune-level administrations.

At the first meeting of Steering committee for restructuring, re-organizing administrative units and developing a two-level local administration model, held on March 13,  Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, who is also Head of the Steering Committee, provided further details on the Government’s proposal, which involves transferring about one-third of the responsibilities currently handled by district-level administrations to provincial authorities, while decentralizing the remaining two-thirds to the commune-level administrations, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Justice Nguyen Hai Ninh said that amendments to the Law on Organization of Local Governments will be made soon to enable a two-level administrative system, more clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of provincial administrations and their subordinate levels, while addressing the transition of duties, powers, and organizational structures as part of the reorganization.

According to Minister Ninh, his ministry will discuss with National Assembly (NA) agencies to determine whether a resolution is necessary to resolve certain issues arising from the reorganization of administrative units.

Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy said that there is currently no official timeline for the conclusion of the district-level administration model. If this is to occur by June 30, a NA resolution will be required to address pressing issues affecting both people and businesses.

He proposed that a NA resolution be passed in May, with amendments to relevant laws expected in October.

Ms. Nguyen Phuong Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the NA’s Committee for Legal and Judicial Affairs, held that as the tasks of communal administrations will increase following the re-organization, amendments to the State Budget Law will be a priority to adjust financial allocations for local administrations.

Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra said that the steering committee is scheduled to submit a report on restructuring and re-organizing administrative units to the Party Central Committee in mid-April, which means the workload ahead is huge.

Noting that there are currently 10,035 commune-level administrative units, which will be reorganized into around 2,000, Minister Tra underlined that once the necessary legal frameworks such as the amended Constitution and the revised Law on Organization of Local Governments are in place, the committee will focus on the reorganization of provincial-level administration units before other related processes.

Concluding the meeting, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh highlighted the significance and the complication of the restructuring and re-organizing administrative units, asking for a high sense of responsibility and strong efforts from ministries, sectors and members of the steering committee in the work.

According to the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, the Politburo will decide on the names of communes and implementation timelines, with consultations scheduled for the following week with party organizations, ministries, and localities.

The Deputy PM assigned specific tasks to various ministries and agencies, encouraging them to proactively propose measures related to legal procedures and jurisdiction in the context of the restructuring process.

-Vân Nguyễn

It is the highest peak in Dong Nai province and the second tallest in the Southeast region, following Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province.

Southern Dong Nai province has announced plans to invest approximately VND18.2 trillion ($715 million) in the development of three cable car lines and four mountain railway lines connecting various areas on the summit of Chua Chan Mountain by 2030.

The People's Committee of the province recently approved adjustments to the overall plan for preserving, repairing, restoring, and enhancing the Chua Chan Mountain scenic relic site through 2030.

Chua Chan Mountain, classified as a national-level scenic relic in 2012, is located in Xuan Loc district. Standing at 837 m above sea level and situated about 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City, it is the highest peak in Dong Nai province and the second tallest in the Southeast region, following Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province.

Under the adjusted planning decision, in addition to the existing cable car line connecting the mountain's base to Buu Quang Pagoda, three new cable car lines are planned. These will link the southeastern foot of the mountain to its summit, including key locations like the former French Governor-General's rest house and late King Bao Dai's tea garden. Another cable car line will serve internal connectivity on the mountaintop.

Furthermore, four new mountain railway lines will be developed to enhance transportation between various areas on the summit.

The scope of the study for the adjusted planning covers over 1,700 ha, encompassing the communes of Xuan Tho, Xuan Truong, Xuan Hiep, Suoi Cat, and Gia Ray town in Xuan Loc district.

-Thiên Ân

A report reveals that over 90% of domestic flights is concentrated in just 10 of Vietnam’s 22 airports, leaving many local airports underutilized.

Regional aviation is emerging as a crucial complement to Vietnam’s transportation network, optimizing airport utilization and driving economic growth.

This was the key message shared at the seminar "Unlocking the Potential of Regional Air Transport in Vietnam," held on March 12 in Hanoi.

Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Jean-Daniel Kosowski, ATR Sales Director, emphasized Vietnam’s significant potential for growth in the regional air transport market.

He noted that regional aviation complements road transport by improving mobility, strengthening the connectivity of smaller cities, and ensuring that more localities benefit from Vietnam's robust economic growth. Moreover, regional aviation helps optimize the utilization of existing airports.

The report “Propelling Vietnam's Regional Aviation"  released at the event revealed that over 90% of domestic flights is concentrated in just 10 of Vietnam’s 22 airports, leaving many local airports underutilized. Additionally, 25% of domestic flights currently operate on routes under 555 km using large aircraft, which results in higher operating costs and inefficient flight frequencies.

Statistics further highlight the untapped potential of regional aviation in Vietnam. Aircraft operating regional routes account for only 2% of the total fleet in Vietnam, compared to 17% in Japan and a global average of 25%. This gap underscores the substantial room for growth in Vietnam’s regional aviation sector.

The report identified 149 routes in Vietnam that meet the criteria for regional aviation, including 87 routes with strong passenger demand. To capitalize on this potential, the addition of 25 new ATR aircraft would provide a practical solution to efficiently service these routes.

Beyond improved connectivity, the development of regional aviation offers significant socio-economic benefits. Recent studies suggest that a 10% increase in regional flights could boost local tourism by 5%, increase local GDP by 6%, and attract up to 8% more foreign direct investment (FDI).

-Huỳnh Dũng

Growth momentum expected to slow this year.

Vietnam’s GDP is forecast to grow 6.8% in 2025 and 6.5% in 2026, according to the biannual economic report "Taking Stock" released by the World Bank on March 12.

The report said the country’s economic growth in 2024 was promoted by many factors, including a rebound in exports, powered by the global demand for technology products. However, the momentum is expected to slow this year. The main uncertainties to the growth outlook stem from slower-than-expected global growth and trade disruptions, particularly among Vietnam’s major trading partners.

Export growth is expected at 12.1% this year and 5.5% in 2026. Meanwhile, import is predicted to increase 12.7% in 2025 and 6.3% next year.

To navigate growing uncertainties, the report recommended strategies to sustain growth, including ramping up public investment, addressing financial sector vulnerabilities, strengthening energy resilience, and pushing forward with structural reforms.

Regarding investment, Vietnam is forecast to attract $25 billion worth of FDI, reflecting the country’s continued appeal to global investors.

 

-Phương Hoa

There are currently 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks in the country.

 Vietnam currently tops Southeast Asia in the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks, totaling 12, according to a report from the Government News.

They are Hoang Lien National Park  (in the northern mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau), Ba Be National Park (in the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan), Vu Quang National Park (in the central province of Ha Tinh), Bai Tu Long National Park (in the northern province of Quang Ninh, which is home to Ha Long Bay), Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve (in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum), Chu Mom Ray National Park (Kon Tum), Kon Ka Kinh National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai), U Minh Thuong National Park (in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, which is home to Phu Quoc island), Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong), Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park (in the southern province of Tay Ninh), Con Dao National Park (in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau), and Bach Ma National Park (in the centrally-run city of Hue).

Vietnam targets to increase the number of ASEAN Heritage Parks to 15 by the end of this year.

ASEAN Heritage Parks are defined as "protected areas of high conservation importance, preserving in total a complete spectrum of representative ecosystems of the ASEAN region."

These areas are established to generate greater awareness, pride, appreciation, enjoyment and conservation of ASEAN's rich natural heritage, through a regional network of representative protected areas, and to generate greater collaboration among ASEAN Member States in preserving their shared natural heritage.

The ASEAN Heritage Parks play a crucial role in preserving genetic resources, ensuring the sustainable use of ecosystems, maintaining natural areas of cultural and educational value, and raising awareness about biodiversity conservation among the people of ASEAN countries.

-Phạm Long