The proposed routes are aligned with a Government resolution which introduces visa exemptions under the 2025 tourism development stimulus program for citizens of these three European countries.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has urged domestic airlines to explore the possibility of opening direct routes to Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

This initiative aims to promote tourism, strengthen international connectivity, and implement the 2025 stimulus policy.

In a document sent to Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and Vietstar Airlines, the CAAV requested a feasibility study for launching direct flights to these destinations.

The proposed routes are aligned with Government Resolution No 11/NQ-CP, issued on January 15, 2025, which introduced visa exemptions under the 2025 tourism development stimulus program for citizens of these three European countries.

The CAAV has encouraged airlines to collaborate with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, engage in tourism promotion programs, and design package tours aimed at attracting tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

These efforts are intended to boost the competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism industry in the global market by leveraging preferential policies, simplifying entry procedures, and enhancing visitor experiences.

The leadership of the CAAV emphasized that the launch of these air routes will contribute to the fulfillment of the Government’s economic growth targets for 2025. By facilitating international travel and tourism, Vietnam aims to achieve a national GDP growth rate of 8% or higher and attract 22-23 million international tourist arrivals by year-end.

-Minh Kiệt

The development of technical infrastructure for the three industrial clusters prioritizes green and clean industries, with a focus on energy efficiency.

The Hanoi People's Committee has approved the establishment of three new craft village industrial clusters, namely  the Hien Giang Craft Village Industrial Cluster (Phase 1), the Huong Ngai Craft Village Industrial Cluster (Phase 1), and the Hoa Binh Craft Village Industrial Cluster (Phase 1).

The total investment capital for the three projects is estimated at nearly VND700 billion ($27.5 million).

Located in Hien Giang commune, Thuong Tin district, the Hien Giang Craft Village Industrial Cluster spans an area of 9.62 ha and focuses on industries such as woodworking, wood carving, and stone carving. The estimated total investment capital for this cluster is approximately VND240.85 billion ($9.45 million).

Situated in Hoa Binh commune, Thuong Tin district, the Hoa Binh Craft Village Industrial Cluster covers 7.04 ha. Its primary industries include horn comb production, bone and horn product manufacturing, civil carpentry, mechanics, textiles, and building materials. The project has an estimated investment of over VND206.13 billion ($8 million).

Located in Huong Ngai commune, Thach That district, Huong Ngai Craft Village Industrial Cluster spans 10 ha with an estimated investment capital of VND249.84 billion ($9.8 million). Key industries in this cluster include forestry product processing, production and trading of wood products, high-end handicrafts, and other sectors aligned with legal requirements.

The development of technical infrastructure for the three industrial clusters prioritizes green and clean industries, with a focus on energy efficiency, minimizing environmental pollution (including air and noise), and the application of high technology.

-Hoàng Bách

The bank emphasizing that Vietnam’s GDP growth goal of at least 8 per cent is feasible.

The Government News has quoted a newly-released economic report from Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB) as reporting that UOB experts maintain their forecast for Vietnam's GDP growth at 7 per cent this year, emphasizing that the country’s GDP growth goal of at least 8 per cent is feasible.

The UOB report stated that Vietnam's trade surplus in 2024 was estimated to hit $23.9 billion, the second-highest level in history, only behind the record of $28.4 billion in 2023.

This also marks the ninth consecutive year that Vietnam has maintained a trade surplus, playing a crucial role in stabilizing the Dong (VND) exchange rate, according to UOB.

With a high level of openness, Vietnam's economy continues to strengthen its position in the region, with export value in 2024 accounting for approximately 90 per cent of GDP—the second highest in ASEAN, only behind Singapore (174 per cent) and surpassing Malaysia (69 per cent). This highlights the crucial role of trade as a key driver of growth of Vietnam's economy, the bank noted.

However, this high level of openness also makes Vietnam more vulnerable to fluctuations and conflicts in global trade, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies measures to reduce the trade deficit, it remarked.

The bank suggested that Vietnam should boost capital investment, especially from the public sector, not only to drive growth but also to mitigate risks when trade faces challenges.

Vietnam still has room to strengthen public investment, especially as the government aims for double-digit growth in the future, the bank highlighted.

With these factors, UOB maintains an optimistic yet cautious outlook on Vietnam's economic prospects. The GDP growth forecast for 2025 remains at 7 per cent, assuming first-quarter GDP reaches 7.1 per cent.

In 2026, the growth rate could rise to 7.4 per cent, supported by the government's measures to improve efficiency, said the UOB report.

-Phạm Long

The event took place during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Singapore.

At the Vietnam - Singapore business roundtable held in the city-state on March 13,  Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that Vietnam-Singapore relations have become a model of dynamic and effective cooperation within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), serving as a benchmark for advancing intra-bloc and regional collaboration mechanisms, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The Party leader stated that Vietnam and Singapore have freshly upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which not only signifies broad-based cooperation across multiple sectors but also requires a higher quality of collaboration.

He also expressed Vietnam’s aspiration to integrate new technologies, digital advancements, clean energy, and green energy solutions into the local Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIP).

The leader said the two countries must elevate economic connectivity through structured programs and action plans, ensuring cooperation extends beyond their existing strengths to a more comprehensive approach.

Singapore has advantages in financial sources, scientific technology, innovation centers, and logistics systems, while Vietnam offers a large, hardworking, and highly skilled workforce, a vast market, abundant land and natural resources, and rare earth reserves, according to the Vietnamese leader.

He stressed that by leveraging these complementary strengths, both countries can drive innovation, address challenges, and unlock major development opportunities.

Furthermore, he said that this partnership goes beyond bilateral ties, serving as a catalyst for ASEAN connectivity, thereby contributing to regional peace and sustainable growth. Vietnam's goal is to become a high-income country by 2045, which means that from now on, decisive and relentless efforts are essential, Mr. Lam said, revealing that Vietnam has focused on refining its institutional framework, legal policies, and clear and transparent regulations, to create stability and favorable conditions for people and investors.

More efforts have been exerted to overcome challenges for development, foster innovation, streamline the administrative apparatus, and put people and businesses at the centre, he said.

For the first time, Vietnam has planed to build regional and international financial centers, so it must concentrate on promoting science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, the Party leader stated.

According to the Party General Secretary, Vietnam and Singapore already signed the Green - Digital Economic Partnership. Following the upgrade of the bilateral relations, the two sides are determined to expedite the implementation of this partnership. Many leading technology companies have offered advice, proposals, and recommendations, emphasizing the importance of human resources training and the development of artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technology, and data in Vietnam. These are also key areas of interest for Vietnam, which it has been actively researching to drive development.

Vietnam has taken on board many suggestions for developing financial centers as well as for investment encouragement and enterprise development, and promoting indirect investment, he stressed, noting that the development of indirect investment funds benefits businesses and is essential for establishing the regional and international financial centers.

Additionally, Vietnam is also interested in the cryptocurrency and digital currency market. The country's policy is to continue developing the private economic sector as a driving force for comprehensive development, encouraging innovation, dynamism, and efficiency, while fostering trust, collaboration, mutual understanding, and shared benefits, the Vietnamese leader stated.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang highlighted Vietnam’s ambition to develop an international financial centre to enhance the country's financial system and its position within regional and global markets. He expressed Vietnam’s desire to be accompanied, supported and shared experiences by Singapore, given the latter’s status as an exemplary model of international financial development and innovation.

Participating Singaporean experts and business leaders shared their experiences in developing the financial market and building the international financial centre, and promoting innovation, high-tech industries, and investment, while making relevant recommendations for Vietnam.

 

 

 

 

 

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Asia Clean Capital Vietnam earns recognition at Green Finance Week 2025, reinforcing its commitment to clean energy and sustainability goals.

Two executives from Asia Clean Capital Vietnam (ACCV) have been recognized for their contributions to renewable energy at Green Finance Week 2025 – Asia Edition, held on March 5 in Singapore. The awards highlight ACCV’s role in advancing sustainable finance and clean energy solutions in Vietnam as the company looks to expand its impact across Southeast Asia.

Mr. Leong Wei Lik, Chief Executive Officer of ACCV, received the Team Leadership Excellence Award, earning the title of Leader of the Year in Renewable Energy Finance. The recognition highlights his leadership and contributions to the sector. Meanwhile, Ms. Khanh Le, Chief Operations Officer, was named a recipient of the Top CFO Award for her role in advancing renewable energy investments and green infrastructure development in Vietnam.

"We are incredibly proud of Khanh and Leong for their outstanding contributions and leadership," said Mr. Bruce Hicks, Chairman of Asia Clean Capital Vietnam. "These awards are a testament to their dedication and the collective efforts of our entire team. We are thrilled to receive this recognition and are dedicated to furthering our contributions to Vietnam's renewable energy sector. Our commitment to ESG principles remains steadfast, and we are focused on driving growth and positive impact within the community and the nation."

Future strategy and expansion plans

ACCV is currently prioritizing industrial park projects and leveraging Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPA) to supply large-scale customers. At the same time, the company continues to develop smaller-scale projects to meet the energy demands of a broader range of businesses.

With a focus on high-quality delivery, digital transformation, and customer-centric services, ACCV aims to support businesses in transitioning to cleaner energy sources while helping them achieve their sustainability targets. The company has set a long-term objective to become a leading clean energy solution provider in Southeast Asia and contribute to the region’s sustainable growth.

Mr. Leong Wei Lik receives the Team Leadership Excellence Award

About Asia Clean Capital Vietnam

Asia Clean Capital Vietnam (ACCV) is a subsidiary of Asia Clean Capital, a company focused on expanding renewable energy solutions across Asia. ACCV finances, develops, and operates solar and wind energy projects in Vietnam, serving multinational corporations and industrial clients such as Universal Alloy Corporation Vietnam, Schindler, Mapletree, Motul, and Freetrend.

The company provides end-to-end renewable energy solutions, covering carbon reduction, energy efficiency, and long-term project operations. It manages all aspects of project development, including design, engineering, equipment procurement, government approvals, installation, and maintenance of solar and wind energy systems, as well as energy storage and data management solutions.

For more information, visit ACCV's website: www.asiacleancapital.vn.

-Diep Linh

This brings total number of VSIPs to 18 nationwide

A groundbreaking ceremony for the second Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP) in the central province of Quang Ngai was held on March 12, according to a report from the Government News.

This brings the total number of VSIPs in Vietnam to 18.

The event took place on the occasion of Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Singapore from March 11-13, serving as a vivid testament to the substantive and effective cooperation between the two nations which have just elevated their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The second VSIP Quang Ngai covers an area of 497.7 hectares, with a registered investment capital of about $161 million.

The park is designed with a focus on sustainability and smart technology, aiming to foster green, modern and environmentally responsible development. When fully operational, it will provide an attractive investment location for leading international companies and corporations.

Earlier, in September 2013, under the witness of former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, the first VSIP Quang Ngai was built. The project has marked a significant milestone in the socio-economic development of the province.

So far, the first VSIP Quang Ngai has attracted 44 projects with a total registered FDI capital of approximately $1.3 billion, creating 40,000 jobs.

-Phạm Long

The newly approved projects consist of solar power facilities that have already achieved commercial operation by January 13.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has approved an updated Implementation Plan for the National Power Development Master Plan (Power Plan VIII) for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

As a result, 142 solar projects, which had previously experienced scrutiny, have been added to the updated implementation plan.

Previously, according to a conclusion in late 2023 by the Government Inspectorate, the MoIT had included 154 solar power projects, with a combined capacity of 13,837 MW, into the plan without any legal foundation or adequate justification. Among these, 123 projects were identified as key contributors to system imbalances, inefficiencies in power source structure, and waste of social resources.

To address the issue, the Government approved a policy to remove legal entanglements for  these 154 projects,  aiming to mitigate wasted social resources while preserving the confidence of both domestic and foreign investors.

According to the MoIT, the newly approved 142 projects consist of solar power facilities that have already achieved commercial operation by January 13, 2025, and been integrated into the solar power framework of Power Plan VIII.

Currently, Ninh Thuan province leads in the number of solar power projects and plants. Other solar projects are distributed across various provinces and cities, including Binh Thuan, Dak Lak, Long An, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, and Khanh Hoa, among others.

-Minh Huy

Sales of domestically produced units recovering with an increase of 21% month-on-month.

Some 21,606 vehicles from different brands were sold nationwide in February, marking an increase of 14% compared to the previous month, and 86% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (VAMA).

Of the total, 14,549 were passenger cars, up 2.5% month-on-month, and commercial vehicles grew 56% to 6,775, while specialized vehicles dropped 17% with 282 units sold.

The market witnessed a strong recovery of sales of domestically produced units with an increase of 21% against January, reaching 11,067 units. Meanwhile, imported vehicles rose 8%, equal to 10,539 units.

In 2024, locally-assembled cars suffered great pressure from imported vehicles following information relating to the reduction of registration fees for domestically produced vehicles from April last year, which resulted in low demand. Last year also saw a strong increase of vehicles imported from China.

However, from the beginning of 2025, sales of domestically produced gradually bounced back as imported vehicles showed signs of reduction.

 

-Nam Nguyễn

The acquisition expanding Airwallex’s existing licences across major Asia-Pacific markets.

Airwalles, a leading global payments and financial platform for growing businesses, has signed definitive agreements to acquire CTIN Pay, an Intermediary Payment Service (IPS) company licensed in Vietnam.

The acquisition expands Airwallex’s existing licences across major Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, including Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong (China), Malaysia, New Zealand, mainland China, and Japan.

This move deepens the global reach of Airwallex’s financial infrastructure, aiding Vietnamese merchants in their overseas expansion, and facilitating international businesses to enter the Vietnamese market, according to Airwallex’s recent press release.

Vietnam’s economy, with its strong growth and rapid digital transformation, is well positioned as a strategic growth market for Airwallex in the region, it said in the press release. By expanding its financial infrastructure across Southeast Asia, Airwallex is well-positioned to support businesses in Vietnam, enabling them to scale internationally with greater ease.

-Hạ Chi

The group focusing on energy sector, including multi-billion-dollar offshore wind projects.

Chairman of US-based Pacifico Energy (PE) Nate Franklin highlighted PE’s commitment to expanding its investment in Vietnam’s energy sector, including multi-billion-dollar offshore wind projects, during a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on March 12, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Mr. Franklin stressed that Vietnam possesses uniquely advantageous wind energy resources, with its long coastline, strong wind speeds, and a seabed topography well-suited for offshore wind farm construction.

PM Chinh welcomed PE’s plan and commitment to investing in Vietnam’s energy sector, particularly its survey for an offshore wind power project in the south central coastal province of Binh Thuan.

The Government leader encouraged PE to expand investment and collaboration with Vietnamese businesses in green transformation, clean energy, and renewable energy, particularly regarding offshore wind and solar power projects.

He also called for the company’s investment in Vietnam’s electricity grid and transmission infrastructure to bolster energy security.

-Vân Nguyễn

With 111 projects totaling $13 billion, South Korean investment accounts for over 46% of the total FDI in the northern port city’s industrial zones.

Of the 42 countries and territories investing  in Hai Phong's industrial parks and economic zones, South Korea currently leads in both the number of projects and total registered investment capital.

With 111 projects totaling $13 billion, South Korean investment accounts for over 46% of the total FDI in the northern port city’s industrial zones.

Recently, Jeil Group, a leading South Korean enterprise, held the groundbreaking ceremony for the Jeil Logistics 1 project in Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park. The project, which received its investment registration certificate at the end of 2022, has a total investment of over $44.5 million and spans nearly 80,000 square meters of land.

According to Jeil Group’s CFO Kim Eun Sook, Hai Phong’s unparalleled advantage of housing the largest deep-water seaport in Northern Vietnam and offering connectivity across five modes of transportation was a decisive factor for the company to establish a state-of-the-art logistics center powered by advanced Korean technology.

Meanwhile, leaders of South Korean enterprises in Trang Due Industrial Park, during a recent working session with a delegation from the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, shared that they are accelerating plans for new projects slated for 2025.

The Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority highlighted that South Korea not only leads in total investment capital but also contributes significantly to high-tech industries within Hai Phong. These investments focus on participation in the global supply chain, particularly in sectors such as electronics, automotive parts, and machinery manufacturing.

Mr. Le Trung Kien, Head of the Hai Phong Economic Zone Authority, emphasized that the potential for attracting FDI to Hai Phong remains immense, especially as the Southern Coastal Economic Zone undergoes infrastructure development. 

-Bạch Dương

Vietnam and EU countries hold the potential for multifaceted cooperation in areas like food safety, capacity-building in training, and the adoption of mechanization and digital transformation.

Projections for 2025 suggest that Vietnam's vegetable and fruit exports could reach $8 billion.

To achieve this ambitious goal, the industry must transition to green, clean, and circular production practices. Strengthening international cooperation will also be a key driver in promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing the value of agricultural exports.

These insights were shared by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Thanh Nam, at the opening ceremony of the Agricultural Technology Exhibition (Agritechnica Asia Vietnam 2025), held from March 12-14, 2025, in Ho Chi Minh City, theming "Green Innovation".

Mr. Nam highlighted the agricultural sector's vital role in the Vietnamese economy, which recorded a GDP growth of 3.3% in 2024 and achieved a total export value of over $62 billion.

"International events held in Vietnam provide critical opportunities to connect manufacturers, distributors, farmers, and organizations in applying mechanization to agricultural production and business. This is one of the important solutions identified to advance towards a green, modern, and sustainable agricultural sector," he stated.

The Deputy Minister also emphasized the potential for multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and EU countries, particularly in areas like food safety, capacity-building in training, and the adoption of mechanization and digital transformation.

Mr. Daniel Stork, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ho Chi Minh City, expressed similar sentiments. He praised Vietnam's cultivation sector and stressed the importance of continuous innovation to meet the rising standards of sustainability and traceability. He affirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Vietnam in this process.

Adding to the discussion, Ms. Katharina Riehn, Vice President of the German Agricultural Society (DLG), noted DLG's pioneering efforts in advancing global agriculture by fostering collaboration among farmers, scientists, policymakers, and businesses. She pledged to work with Vietnamese institutions to introduce innovative approaches in food safety, contributing to transformative changes in Vietnam’s production value chain.

-Minh Huy

The expressway connecting Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring provinces of Long An and Dong Nai.

The first 55km of the Ben Luc – Long Thanh expressway, which connects Ho Chi Minh City and the neighboring provinces of Long An and Dong Nai, is scheduled to complete by the end of this year, according to the latest report from the Ministry of Construction.

It will help to fulfill the national goal of completing 3,000km of expressways by 2025.

Construction of the 58-km project started in 2014 and was slated for completion by October 2026 as a result of implementation delay. However, obstacles facing the implementation process have been handled and some 88.23% of the project volume has been completed.

The expressway has estimated investment capital of over VND29.58 trillion ($1.15 billion).

The four-lane expressway, not including two emergency lanes, allows a maximum speed of 100 km/h in the first phase.

 

 

 

-Thanh Thủy

VSIP Nam Dinh Industrial Park having total investment capital of nearly VND2.25 trillion ($88.2 million).

Secretary of the Party Committee of northern Nam Dinh province Dang Khanh Toan granted an investment certificate to the investor of Hai Long Industrial Park (VSIP Nam Dinh) project on March 12 in Singapore.

The certificate was granted to the Vietnam Singapore Industrial Park Joint Venture Co., Ltd (VSIP) on the occasion of the official visit to Singapore by Vietnamese Party General Secretary To Lam.

The project aims to construct and operate infrastructure of the industrial park on an area of approximately 180 ha, located in Giao Long and Giao Chau communes, Giao Thuy district.

The total investment capital for the project is nearly VND2.25 trillion ($88.2 million), with the investor's contributed capital accounting for VND337.4 billion (over $13.2 million).

The project is expected to commence in the third or early fourth quarter of 2025 and complete all infrastructure by the fourth quarter of 2027.

 

-Chu Khôi

Solutions including improving financial infrastructure facilities and IT application.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh asked for greater efforts to effectively implement the National Financial Inclusion Strategy to 2025 with a vision until 2030 to ensure inclusive, comprehensive, and equitable financial access for people and businesses.

Chairing the second meeting of the National Steering Committee for Financial Inclusion in Hanoi on March 12, the PM highlighted the need to further improve financial infrastructure facilities and promote connections among them to build a cohesive ecosystem for providing financial products and services across economic sectors; and take solutions to ensure safety and information security;

He also instructed to complete legal framework to ensure a transparent and fair environment; strictly manage, promote development of and control services in the digital environment; develop synchronized, comprehensive, and inclusive finance and IT infrastructures across the country; and strongly promote cashless payments.

Financial inclusion should be implemented through digital platforms and fintech, with technologies like blockchain, AI, and big data playing a crucial role in creating new financial products and services, streamlining processes, reducing costs, expanding access, and improving the service quality, PM Chinh said.

-Tiến Dũng

A Letter of Intent was signed between the two sides in Singapore on March 12.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) have agreed to collaborate on building capacity to protect the integrity and stability of, and promote connectivity between, the capital markets of the two countries.

The two agencies agreed to collaborate on capacity building in support of the development of the digital asset regulatory framework for Vietnam.

The two sides signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) in Singapore on March 12 on the occasion of  Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to the city state.

The LOI will facilitate the sharing of information on regulatory frameworks for capital markets and digital assets, sharing of experience in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing, and building of capacity as well as mutual sharing of experiences and frameworks for the regulation and supervision of capital markets and digital assets.

Mr Lim Tuang Lee, Assistant Managing Director (Capital Markets), MAS, said: “The exchange of this LOI reflects our commitment to support each other to protect the integrity and stability of our capital markets while promoting cross-border connectivity. This LOI will also allow MAS and SSC to learn from each other and foster deeper collaboration.”

Ms Vu Thi Chan Phuong, Chairperson of SSC said: “This LOI continues to affirm a new step forward, creating an important foundation for the two capital market regulators to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise and share experiences to contribute to the development of the capital market in general and the digital asset market in particular, contributing to the goal of ensuring the integrity of the financial markets of the two countries and the region.”

 

-Thu Minh

The province's industrial production value reaching VND8.1 trillion ($315 million) in the first two months.

Southern Kien Giang province registered industrial production value of over VND8.1 trillion ($315 million) in the first two months of the year, up 17.49% year-on-year, according to the provincial Statistics Office.

The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 17.20%. Of which, the manufacturing and processing sector increased 17.84%, and the mining sector surged 17.59%.

The province aims to develop the industrial sector into a spearhead industry. Local authorities have actively implemented mechanisms and policies to support and tackle difficulties for businesses to boost production and trade, and expand markets.

The province targets an increase of 13.28% in industrial production value this year, equal to over VND64.69 trillion ($2.52 billion).

 

 

-Minh Huy

The financial center is projected to cover 9.2ha of Function Zone 1 in Thu Thiem New Urban Area

Ho Chi Minh City has proposed to build the International Financial Center in Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Thu Duc city.

The financial center will cover 9.2ha of Function Zone 1 of Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

​​Thu Thiem New Urban Area was approved in 1996, covering 930 ha on the east bank of the Saigon River and opposite District 1. The area is expected to have a population of 200,000.

Earlier, the Politburo had agreed to establish a comprehensive international financial center in the southern largest economic hub of HCM City and a regional financial center in the central city of Da Nang.

On March 5, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s resolution on promulgating action plan to implement the Politburo’s conclusion on developing regional and international financial centers in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Finance said the establishment of regional and international financial centers in Vietnam is necessary to help Vietnam connect with the global financial market, attract foreign financial institutions, and create new investment resources.

 

 

-Thiên Di

The air route was launched during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Singapore between March 11-13.

Budget carrier Vietjet Air on March 11 launched direct air route between  Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island and Singapore on the occasion of Party General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Singapore from March 11-13, according to a report from the Government News.

This is Vietjet Air's fourth direct air routes between the two countries, joining existing routes between Singapore and three of Viet Nam's centrally-run cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Phu Quoc island is well-known for pristine beaches, mild climate, and ample accommodation options ranging from the budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious. Additionally, the island offers a diverse range of experiences, including modern amusement parks, and safari experiences.

The latest route is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Vietjet Air will operate the new route with four flights per week, bringing the total number of weekly flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78.

On the occasion, Vietjet Air and Carlyle Aviation Partners signed a $300 million financing agreement to support the purchase of aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026.

The deal will help Viejet Air to get over additional 400 new aircrafts to expand its fleet.

Vietjet Air and Satair, an Airbus Group subsidiary, penned a cooperation deal on the use of Integrated Material Services (IMS), a comprehensive material supply solution for Vietjet's entire fleet of Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.

-Phạm Long

The bilateral ties upgraded during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Singapore from March 11-13.

Vietnam and Singapore have agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

According to a report from the Government News, the agreement was reached by Party General Secretary To Lam and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during their summit meeting on March 12.

At their talks, Prime Minister Wong spoke highly the great achievements of the bilateral ties over the past more than five decades since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973.

General Secretary To Lam, for his part, said he was pleasured to visit Singapore again in his new position on the occasion of special events of the two nations, including the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day and the 60th anniversary of the Independence Day of Singapore.

The two leaders agreed to chart major directions and tasked their ministries and agencies to develop an action program to implement the newly upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Specifically, both sides agreed to focus on enhancing political trust through delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones; expanding and deepening economic, trade and investment cooperation; promoting cooperation in digital transformation, innovation, green economy, clean energy; strengthening cooperation in the fields of defense - security, culture, education, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

General Secretary To Lam suggested Singapore expand the VSIP network towards innovation, low carbon emissions, and enhance cooperation in the fields of digital transformation and emerging technologies.

In reply, PM Wong said that Singapore would continue to support Vietnam in improving the quality of human resources, especially strategic-level officials, and effectively implement the Memorandum of Understanding on the Vietnam-Singapore Innovation Talent Exchange Program, and wants to send Singaporean students to Viet Nam to study, research and promote cultural and sports exchanges to increase mutual understanding between the two nations.

After talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in the fields of wind power trade, digital transformation, prevention and combat of transnational crimes, financial innovation, forging an important foundation to promote the Vietnam - Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the coming time.

Up to now, Vietnam has established comprehensive strategic partnership with 12 countries, including China (2008), Russia (2012), India (2016), South Korea (2022), the U.S. (2023), Japan (2023), Australia (2024), France (2024), Malaysia (2024), New Zealand (2025), Indonesia (2025) and Singapore (2025).

-Vân Nguyễn