The government aims to propel Vietnam into the top 30 of the global Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by 2035.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for a fundamental shift in the development mindset, urging a move from simply "supporting logistics" to actively "developing logistics" into a key economic sector to maximize local potential.

"We must promote regional and international linkages, consider logistics a driving force and an essential service that boosts socio-economic development, and switch from a mindset of 'management' to 'enabling and serving,' in accordance with the spirit of the new Vietnam Logistics Service Development Strategy," the PM emphasized at the Vietnam Logistics Forum 2025 held on November 29 in Da Nang.

The PM made the call to action after pointing out existing shortcomings and limitations in Vietnam's logistics sector. He noted that logistics costs in Vietnam remain high compared to regional peers (Singapore is at 8%, Malaysia at 12%). Furthermore, regional linkages and infrastructure connectivity remain unsynchronized and limited, making the supply chain vulnerable to natural disasters.

Other challenges include a distinct lack of large enterprises, lack of national-level logistics centers for international cargo transshipment, a  shortage of high-quality, professional human resources suitable for an international working environment. Additionally, institutional regulations for logistics have not yet specifically covered new types of services, such as logistics for e-commerce, green logistics, and special cargo, among others.

Acknowledging Vietnam’s strategic geopolitical and geo-economic leverage, PM Chinh noted that investment in logistics remains fragmented and inadequate, leaving vast untapped potential in the sector.

To sustain an average annual growth rate exceeding 10% over the next five years, the government has established ambitious benchmarks. These include increasing the logistics sector's contribution to GDP to 5–7%, achieving an annual industry growth rate of 12–15%, and driving logistics costs down to approximately 12–15% of GDP.

He outlined a five-point strategy to achieve these numbers, focusing on institutional transparency, green and digital infrastructure, workforce upskilling, capital mobilization, and smart governance. He specifically highlighted the need to connect regulatory bodies with banking and transport sectors to foster a startup-friendly environment.

Under the motto "Open institutions – Smooth infrastructure – Smart governance," the government aims to propel Vietnam into the top 30 of the global Logistics Performance Index (LPI) by 2035.

The PM also called on industry leaders and associations to drive digital transformation and act as vital links in promoting Vietnamese logistics services globally.

According to a 2023 World Bank report, Vietnam ranked 43rd out of 139 countries in the Logistics Performance Index (LPI), placing it among the top five in ASEAN alongside Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

Logistics costs in Vietnam have decreased to approximately 16% of GDP (down from over 20% in 2014), saving billions of dollars annually for import-export businesses.

Furthermore, logistics infrastructure has received synchronized investment, particularly regarding the network of seaports, airports, expressways, and logistics centers in key economic zones such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Da Nang, and Can Tho.

The logistics business sector continues to grow stronger, now boasting over 34,000 enterprises. 

Vneconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

The move was made following an urgent advisory issued by Airbus after identifying a safety-issue impacting its A320 aircraft.

Vietnamese airlines have completed software updates for their Airbus A320 and A321 fleets, meeting Airbus and the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV)’s requirements well ahead of the global deadline at 6:59 on November 30 (Hanoi time).

The move was made following an urgent advisory issued by Airbus after identifying a safety-issue impacting its A320 aircraft.

The Airbus Alert Operations Transmission (AOT) issued at 23:00 on November 28 (16:00 UTC), accompanied by European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s Emergency Airworthiness Directive 2025-0268-E, requiring all operators of A319/A320/A321 aircraft worldwide to update or replace ELAC flight-control software governing altitude and directional control before the first flight after 23:59 UTC on November. 29 (6:59 on November 30, Hanoi time).

Representatives from Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet confirmed that they have completed software updates for their Airbus A320 and A321 fleets, allowing flights to resume normal schedules.

VnEconomy-Đan Tiên

If the new revenue threshold is applicable, about 2.3 million business households will be exempted from income tax, accounting for approximately 90% of the total business households currently paying taxes.

The Ministry of Finance has proposed to raise the annual tax-free revnue threshold for household businesses proposed to increase from  VND100 million ($3,790) to VND500 million.

Under a draft previously submitted to the National Assembly, the tax-free revenue threshold for a household business is proposed at VND200 million per year, doubling the current threshold. 

As of October 2025, over 2.54 million business households regularly pay taxes. If the newly proposed revenue threshold is applicable, it is estimated that about 2.3 million business households will be exempted from income tax, accounting for approximately 90% of the total  business households currently paying this tax. 

Accordingly, the sum (the newly proposed tax-free revenue threshold) would also be deducted before calculating taxes based on revenue, if a business household records an annual revenue higher than the proposed threshold.

The proposal was outlined in a recent report submitted by the ministry to the Government on revision to the draft amended Law on Personal Income Tax.

According to the ministry,  the VND200 million revenue threshold for tax exemption is no longer appropriate and should be reviewed to ensure fairness with salaried taxpayers.

The ministry also proposed introducing an income-based taxation mechanism for household and individual businesses with revenues from VND500 million  to VND3 billion per year, with a tax rate of 15 per cent – equivalent to the corporate income tax rate applied to enterprises with revenues below VND3 billion under the Law on Corporate Income Tax.

The ministry also proposed amending the Law on Value Added Tax to raise the annual revenue threshold for exemption from VND200 million to VND500 million to ensure consistency with the upcoming Law on Personal Income Tax.

vneconomy-Lan Nhi

Vietnam's overseas aid is provided in various forms including construction investment, technical assistance, supply of goods, cash grants, and others as decided by the Prime Minister.

The Vietnamese Government has issued Decree 305/2025/ND-CP, dated November 25, 2025, on Vietnam’s overseas aid in accordance with current laws, according to the Government News.

The decree comprises seven chapters and 82 articles, consistent with the Law on State Budget No. 83/2015/QH13, and applies to agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in the implementation of overseas aid.

Vietnam's overseas aid is provided in various forms including construction investment, technical assistance, supply of goods, cash grants, and others, as decided by the Prime Minister. Aid may be delivered through programs, projects, or non-project activities.

Especially, the Prime Minister has the authority to make decision on aid projects valued from VND500 billion ($19 million).

Grant aid forms part of Vietnam's external policy and is included in the annual state budget estimates. Its management must be unified, transparent, and well-coordinated, while ensuring the proactive role of relevant agencies and units. Aid provision must comply with Vietnam's foreign policy, Constitution, and laws; international treaties to which Vietnam in a signatory; as well as the priorities, needs, and actual conditions of both Vietnam and the recipient.

Where the provisions of an international treaty differ from those of the decree, the treaty shall prevail.

Priority will be given to Vietnam directly implementing programs, projects, and non-project activities; handing over completed results to recipients; and using Vietnamese goods, services, technologies, human resources, and contractors. Foreign supplies or contractors may only be used when domestic resources are insufficient or when necessary for political, diplomatic, defense, security, socio-economic, or human safety reasons.

Recipients are responsible for taxes, fees, and charges related to goods, services, and aid activities, as well as compensation, site clearance, and resettlement costs, unless otherwise agreed with Vietnam.

The method of transferring central budget funds to foreign recipients must be approved during the appraisal of aid proposals or specified in relevant treaties or agreements. Procedures for approving aid policies include drafting aid policy reports based on approved aid proposal lists, international agreements, minutes of joint committee meetings or high-level discussions, and actual needs.

The Ministry of Finance leads the appraisal process, collecting written opinions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies. Based on the appraisal results, the Ministry of Finance submits the completed aid policy report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

VGP-Pham Long

Total registered FDI capital in Vietnam reached nearly $31.5 billion in the first ten months of 2025, marking an increase of over 15.6% compared to the same period in 2024.

According to the Ministry of Finance, in the first ten months of 2025, the total registered FDI capital in Vietnam reached nearly  $31.5 billion, marking an increase of over 15.6% compared to the same period in 2024. Meanwhile,  the realized FDI capital  was estimated at approximately $21.3 billion, an 8.8% rise from the previous year.

Cumulatively, there have been a total of valid 44,801 FDI projects in Vietnam, with combined registered capital estimated at around 525.86 billion.

These impressive figures reflect the strong confidence of the international investment community in Vietnam's investment environment and its sustainable economic development prospects in the medium and long term.

However, FDI capital poured  into high-tech and green projects remains low.

At a forum, theming "Perfecting policies to attract the new generation  of FDI into industrial parks," hosted by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry  on November 28, Mr. Nguyen Duc Hien, Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Policy, Strategy, noted that nearly 40 years of economic reform have seen the FDI sector play a crucial role in integrating Vietnam more broadly into the global value chain. Industrial parks, in particular, have become central to attracting FDI, especially its new generation, thanks to their comprehensive infrastructure and favorable business environment.

However, Mr. Hien candidly pointed out that while FDI inflows have increased significantly, the contribution of the FDI sector to total social investment remains relatively modest and is on a declining trend, particularly since 2018, dropping from 17.9% in 2018 to 16.5% in 2024. The advantage of low costs and cheap labor is gradually losing its competitive edge.

Moreover, the quality of FDI and its spillover effects remain low. The contribution of FDI to enhancing industrial capacity is limited. The linkage between FDI enterprises and domestic companies is weak; the localization rate of FDI enterprises is low (only about 20-25%); and the contribution of the FDI sector to the domestic value-added content in exports is much lower than that in other Southeast Asian countries.

The level of technology and technology transfer is not high, as FDI enterprises, including some large technology corporations, mainly operate in labor-intensive assembly and processing sectors with limited potential for technological spillover. The number and scale of investments in high-tech, green, clean, and environmentally friendly projects fall far short of the targets set by Resolution 50-NQ/TW.

Mr. Hien also highlighted significant limitations in the institutional, policy, and infrastructure conditions needed to attract the new generation of FDI. The institutional framework, policy mechanisms, and business environment are not yet truly favorable and still pose many risks. Administrative procedures remain complex and time-consuming, especially in post-investment licensing (related to land, construction, environment, and fire prevention procedures).

From policy to implementation at local level, there are still existing issues, and the institutional capacity in some localities does not meet the needs of the governance of new generation FDI, particularly in analyzing and appraising high-tech projects.

From the perspective of businesses operating in the industrial technology and infrastructure sector, Ms. Nguyen Phuong Nga, Deputy General Director of CNCTech Group, stated that multinational corporations are seeking destinations with stable production ecosystems, reliable infrastructure, and high readiness levels. This places a significant demand for improvement of infrastructure in industrial parks to attract new FDI capital flows.

According to Ms. Nga, today's industrial park infrastructure goes beyond providing leveled land or simple factories. New generation FDI investors, especially in high-tech, electronics, and precision mechanics, require a comprehensive ecosystem that includes international standard infrastructure, modern logistics, full business support services, technology integration capabilities, and especially green standards and ESG criteria.

Promptly issuing a strategy to attract new generation FDI

To continue effectively attracting the new wave of FDI into industrial parks, Mr. Hien suggested a new, more synchronized, and decisive approach. This includes focusing on improving the institutional framework, policy mechanisms, and strongly reforming the investment environment. It is necessary to quickly build institutional policies, including experimental mechanisms and sandboxes for new fields such as AI, digital technology, and green energy.

Building a comprehensive support ecosystem, particularly in infrastructure development, is crucial. The focus should be placed on developing specialized, smart, ecological industrial parks and high-tech parks with superior environments and institutions, strategic connectivity infrastructure, renewable energy, and social infrastructure, creating the best conditions for foreign corporations to invest and produce in Vietnam.

A key and directional highlight is the need for clear regulations on costs for greenhouse gas emission reduction activities and the development of industrial symbiosis models. "This mechanism helps create a strong financial incentive, encouraging businesses to transition to clean technology, save energy, and implement environmentally friendly solutions," Mr. Hien emphasized.

According to Mr. Pham Thanh Binh, Director of the Northern Investment Promotion and Support Information Center, Foreign Investment Agency, Ministry of Finance, specific solutions and actions are needed, such as improving the investment institutional framework and policies; promoting administrative procedure reform to maximize project implementation facilitation; upgrading infrastructure, especially logistics, energy, and industrial park infrastructure towards modern, green, and smart; enhancing the training of high-quality human resources to meet modern technology requirements; and intensifying targeted investment promotion, focusing on multinational corporations in high-tech and clean energy sectors.

Believing that the new generation of FDI is related to green and high-tech investment, Mr. Phan Huu Thang, former Director of the Foreign Investment Agency (Ministry of Finance), Chairman of the Industrial Finance Association, proposed that the Government should promptly issue a strategy to attract new generation FDI for the 2025-2035 period; approve national criteria for new generation FDI suitable for each locality and region; and develop special incentive packages for high-tech and semiconductor industries.

The Ministry of Finance needs to complete the legal framework for green industrial parks and ecological industrial parks; establish a national FDI data mechanism; and determine tax incentives for RD and innovation, he proposed.

Regarding human resources, Mr. Thang suggested that the Ministry of Education and Training focus on training human resources for the new generation to have a workforce ready to participate in the chain, while delegating vocational schools to localities. 

Finally, in the new development phase, Mr. Thang believes that it is necessary to promote linkages and apply policies specific to each region instead of a uniform national policy.

To welcome the new wave of FDI into industrial parks, the Government needs to shift from a "red carpet" welcome approach to selecting investors with binding responsibilities for and substantial contributions to the development of supporting industries.

vneconomy-Vu Khue

Given its significant contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, Vietnam’s agriculture sector must adapt and play a greater role in the green economy.

Agriculture accounts for a major share of Vietnam’s total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), largely stemming from rice cultivation, livestock farming, and fertilizer use. As carbon becomes a measurable and tradable “asset”, Vietnam’s agricultural sector must move quickly to adapt. Strategic investment in emission monitoring technologies, circular farming models, and internationally-standardized MRV (Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) systems will be essential for the country to strengthen its foothold in the global green economy.

Tracking agricultural emissions

Six national GHG inventories have been conducted in Vietnam, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to emissions transparency and compliance with international climate obligations. These inventories were carried out in 1994, 2000, 2010, 2013, 2014, and 2016, to support the preparation of national climate change reports.

Vietnam has also submitted multiple communications and reports detailing these results. In the agricultural sector, inventories cover not only GHG emissions from production but also energy consumption from agricultural activities within the energy sector.

In agriculture, CO₂ emissions stem from activities such as land preparation, irrigation and drainage, burning of crop residues, the operation of agricultural machinery, land-use conversion, and the production and transport of inputs like fertilizers, chemicals, and animal feed.

Methane (CH₄), which has 28-times the global warming potential of CO₂, is mainly generated from the digestion of feed in livestock, the decomposition of manure, and the anaerobic breakdown of organic matter in flooded or waterlogged soil. In rice cultivation, CH₄ is produced through the anaerobic decomposition of soil carbon in submerged paddy fields.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), meanwhile, with a global warming potential 265-times higher than CO₂, arises from manure decomposition, nitrification and denitrification in soil, and indirect nitrogen losses through leaching, volatilization, and erosion. When excessive nitrogen or organic fertilizers are applied beyond crop needs, the surplus nitrogen converts into N₂O and is released into the atmosphere.

In the forestry sector, while GHG emissions occur, the overall balance remains negative due to high carbon absorption. Emissions arise from tree mortality, deforestation, forest fires, and slash-and-burn cultivation, whereas carbon sequestration occurs through storage in tree trunks, branches, roots, litter, and wooden products derived from harvested timber.

GHG emissions not only affect the environment but also directly impact the productivity, quality, and global competitiveness of Vietnam’s agricultural products. Major partners such as the EU, Japan, and the US have set carbon standards as technical trade barriers. Without proactive control, Vietnam’s agriculture risks losing ground in global supply chains.

To curb emissions, the Institute of Agricultural Environment (IAE) has developed and implemented practical solutions for rice farming, including alternate wetting and drying irrigation, rational organic fertilization, and using straw for compost or biochar production instead of open burning. These practices can reduce CH₄ emissions by 30-55 per cent while improving soil fertility and lowering production costs.

Another promising approach is adopting circular economy models in rice production, where post-harvest straw is recycled into mushroom substrates, organic fertilizer, or biochar. The CARICE (Circular in Rice Production) model developed by the IAE has demonstrated up to 40 per cent emission reduction compared to conventional farming methods.

Based on research results, targeted mitigation measures have been developed for each agricultural subsector. In livestock production, improving animal feed by adjusting the carbon / nitrogen ratio, managing manure and waste through biogas systems, and promoting nutrient recycling are key.

In rice cultivation, water management, straw handling, and nitrogen reduction are essential, alongside energy efficiency. For other crops, measures include optimizing fertilizer use, applying slow-release or low-emission fertilizers, managing crop residues, and saving energy. Slash-and-burn agriculture should be minimized through reduced deforestation, reuse of crop by-products, and soil-covering practices to enhance soil health.

Carbon governance backbone

In agricultural emissions management, MRV is not merely a technical requirement, it is the backbone of modern carbon governance. GHG gas emissions are currently measured using three main approaches: direct measurement, IPCC-guided calculation, and modeling.

Direct measurement is carried out in the field using gas chambers, automated devices, or sensor systems to monitor CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions. These provide the foundation for developing national emission factors, which are essential for large-scale calculations. At the same time, climate-soil-crop simulation models are used to forecast emissions under different farming practices, ecological zones, and climate conditions.

In forestry, the “Gain - Loss” method is applied to calculate carbon absorption and loss. When forests are protected, restored, or newly-planted, carbon accumulation in biomass and soil increases. Conversely, deforestation or forest fires cause significant emissions. This provides the scientific basis for developing forestry carbon credits - a new economic resource for rural areas.

2025 marks an important milestone, as the government approved the National Carbon Market Establishment Plan under Decision No. 232/QD-TTg. The 2025-2028 period will serve as a pilot phase, aiming for the official operation of a carbon trading exchange by 2029. This market will enable organizations and businesses to trade carbon credits - units equivalent to one ton of CO₂ reduced or removed.

Additionally, Decree No. 119/2025/ND-CP, recently issued to supplement and refine Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP, establishes a solid legal framework for Vietnam’s carbon market. It clearly defines the responsibilities of ministries, local authorities, and enterprises in inventorying and reporting emissions, while encouraging voluntary and innovative carbon reduction and sequestration initiatives.

With effective MRV implementation and active participation in the carbon market, Vietnam’s agriculture sector can not only contribute to achieving its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 but also unlock new revenue streams from carbon credits, creating strong incentives for farmers and businesses to invest in green production.

(*) Associate Professor Mai Van Trinh is the Director of the Institute for Agricultural Environment at the Vietnam Academy for Agricultural Sciences.

VET-Associate Professor Mai Van Trinh (*)

The Mekong Delta city's industrial zones have so far attracted 381 projects, including 46 FDI ones, with combined registered capital of $10.29 billion.

The Mekong Delta city of Can Tho City’s export processing and industrial zones continue to post strong growth in terms of production and trade, emerging as a “bright spot” for investment attraction, according to the zones’ management board.

By the end of November 2025, total revenue generated by enterprises operating in the zones reached over VND143.8 trillion ($5.46 billion), up 38% compared to the same period last year. The foreign direct investment (FDI) sector contributed more than VND42.6 trillion to the figure.

Industrial production value is estimated at VND82.343 trillion. Export turnover rose 4% year-on-year to nearly $2 billion, while import turnover jumped 30% to $748 million.

Investment attraction also recorded impressive results, with six new projects licensed and total registered capital reaching $802 million.

To date, the industrial zones have attracted 381 projects, including 46 FDI projects and one ODA-funded project, with total registered investment capital exceeding $10.29 billion.

The city has so far attracted 124 FDI projects, with total registered capital estimated at over $7.45 billion. 

Additionally, some 1,029 domestic-invested projects have been licensed, with  registered capital standing at over VND450.5 trillion ($17.12 billion).

VnEconomy-Anh Khuê

Total investment capital estimated at VND8.5 trillion ($322.3 million).

The central province of Gia Lai on November 28 handed over investment licences to Arque Degi JSC for implementation of three strategic floating urban - tourism projects, with a combined capital of about VND8.5 trillion ($322.3 million), according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The three projects are expected to create a breakthrough for Gia Lai, placing the province on the map of premium tourism destinations and turning the De Gi–An Luong coastal area into a model growth pole that attracts high-quality investment and drives smart urbanization.

The floating urban–tourism complexes, covering the Southern, Central and Northern zones with a total area of more than 500 hectares in De Gi and An Luong communes, include floating hotels and villas, hillside hotels, mountain villas, a super-yacht marina, a golf course, urban clusters, resort villages, community-based tourism areas and a “billionaire island”.

Under the approved plans, Arque Degi is the sole investor, with a 50-year operating term. The projects are expected to drive urban, service and marine eco-tourism development and expand Gia Lai’s southeastern growth corridor.

VNA-Khánh Vân

Coordinated action is needed among all stakeholders to proactively fight cybersecurity threats.

As cyberspace grows more complex and AI-driven threats become increasingly sophisticated, cybersecurity has emerged as a critical national priority, especially for Vietnam. Experts believe that building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem cannot rest on isolated efforts, and demands close, coordinated action across government agencies, businesses, universities, and society at large.

Building cyber resilience

At a sideline discussion during the Signing Ceremony and High-Level Conference of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime (known as the Hanoi Convention), Mr. Nguyen Manh Luat, CEO of CyberJutsu, said the biggest gap in Vietnam’s existing cybersecurity capacity lies in its “combat readiness”. He noted that Vietnamese people are intelligent, especially in technology, but the core issue is a lack of hands-on training programs and experienced engineers to lead such programs. Meanwhile, the rise of AI has made cyber incidents more sophisticated, both in scale and frequency.

From the perspective of a company that both develops products and provides cloud computing and AI services, Mr. Dang Hai Son, Offensive Security Lead at FPT Smart Cloud, described AI as “a double-edged sword” - AI for cybersecurity and cybersecurity for AI. In reality, hackers are often the first to harness AI for their attacks, while businesses and security experts, in defensive roles, are forced to reactively keep pace.

At the same time, cybersecurity awareness among most Vietnamese enterprises remains low. Mr. Pham Tien Manh, CEO of CyPeace, noted that over 90 per cent of Vietnamese businesses are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so their levels of investment and awareness in information security differ sharply from larger corporations. “Many of these SMEs have little to no awareness or proper investment in information security,” he said. “If 90 per cent of these businesses suffer cyber incidents, the consequences for the economy and business community would be severe.”

Beyond existing “gaps” in capability, cybersecurity faces even greater challenges within large organizations managing vast workforces and customer bases. To tackle this, experts emphasize the need to build a cybersecurity culture - transforming individual competencies into collective strength.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Hoang, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at MISA, outlined four key pillars for fostering a strong cybersecurity culture in enterprises with thousands of employees and millions of users.

The first is leadership commitment. “Many companies still view cybersecurity as a burden,” he explained. “They think ensuring security means higher costs for equipment and experts, and, sometimes, added inconvenience.” Without leadership willpower and clear, top-down communication, he continued, it will be difficult for teams to embed a culture of safety and security into their products.

The second is cybersecurity awareness training. In large enterprises, raising awareness across thousands or even tens of thousands of employees requires systematic education. Since levels of understanding differ between staff and customers, training content and methods must be tailored for each group. Though challenging, this is a crucial step towards establishing a security-first mindset.

The third is integrating security into product development - embedding protection into every phase, from design to operations. Security, Mr. Hoang stressed, must “run through every department and individual,” turning fragmented processes into a unified defense shield.

Finally, regular cybersecurity drills are essential. Experts say such exercises can close the gap in Vietnam’s “hands-on” cybersecurity experience.

Strength in cyber collaboration

Experts believe that solving cybersecurity challenges requires not only internal coordination within organizations but also strong cross-sector collaboration. No entity can fully protect itself in cyberspace. A sustainable cybersecurity ecosystem must be built on cooperation between the government, businesses, academia, and society as a whole.

According to Mr. Luat, the key obstacle to such collaboration lies in the lack of a “common language” among stakeholders. For instance, job postings from enterprises often don’t align with the knowledge and experience of graduates, creating a disconnect between education and industry needs. Meanwhile, Vietnam faces a severe shortage of cybersecurity talent, underscoring the urgency of expanding practical training and partnership models.

He noted that the US has established the NICE Framework and Europe the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF) model, both of which clearly define cybersecurity job roles, categorize them by specialization, and outline the required knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA) for each position. He suggested Vietnam develop a similar collaborative platform linking universities, training centers, businesses, and government agencies to ensure cybersecurity education aligns with real market demands.

Addressing the specific challenges of SMEs, Mr. Manh emphasized the need for government policies, such as legal frameworks, incentives, and tax or financial support - to encourage greater cybersecurity investment. Solution providers, in turn, should develop efficient and cost-effective services suited to SMEs’ financial capacity, while the SMEs themselves must raise awareness and make more informed, structured investments in cybersecurity.

Mr. Hoang added that isolated efforts make it difficult for enterprises to fend off cyberattacks. However, when they unite and share information, their defensive power multiplies - much like “herd immunity” in public health. “When one organization detects a new attack technique, it can immediately share the indicators of compromise (IOCs) with the alliance,” he explained. “Real-time threat intelligence sharing not only minimizes damage but also builds trust across the digital ecosystem,” he said.

Mr. Ngo Tuan Anh, Chairman of the ViSecurity (the Vietnam Cybersecurity Network) and CEO and Founder of Sun Cybersecurity Solution (SCS), said most cybersecurity products currently used in Vietnam are imported. Despite their technical talent, local cybersecurity firms have yet to achieve wide market adoption, largely because they have not created collective synergy. To change this, ViSecurity is working to connect Vietnamese cybersecurity enterprises and build an ecosystem of “Made in Vietnam” products.

Mr. Tuan Anh believes that while Vietnamese engineers possess exceptional technical capability, innovation must be paired with strong commercialization to turn that into world-class products. “Only when we succeed commercially can we generate the resources needed for reinvestment and continuous improvement,” he said. “Developing a domestic cybersecurity industry is both vital and necessary for national security.”

VET-Huyen Thuong

The agreement reached during the second session of the Vietnam-China Agricultural Cooperation Committee, held in China.

The second session of the Vietnam-China Agricultural Cooperation Committee was held on November 28 in Beijin, China, under the co-chair of Vietnam's Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang and China's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Jun.

At the meeting, the Vietnamese Minister stated that since the first session in 2018, the relevant agencies of the two ministries have proactively coordinated and implemented many important contents across almost all areas of cooperation. In the field of fisheries, the two sides have coordinated to implement the "Memorandum of Understanding on releasing fish fry and protecting aquatic resources in the Gulf of Tonkin." 

Minister Tran Duc Thang stated that "Trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products continues to be a highlight."

In the field of plant and animal disease management, Minister Tran Duc Thang appreciated China's issuance of a separate certificate for Vietnam, updated monthly, and authorized Vietnam for certified products. The coordination between the specialized agencies of the two countries has accelerated the negotiation process, paving the way for the completion of import-export procedures for animals.

Trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products continues to be a highlight, according to the Vietnamese minister, Vietnam's export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products to China has increased by about 75% since 2018, while imports from China have increased more than fivefold. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, the total two-way trade turnover of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products between Vietnam and China reached nearly $14 billion, indicating a great demand and potential for cooperation between the two countries.

Cooperation in training and capacity building has also made significant progress. Since 2018, Vietnam has sent eight people to China for doctoral training, seven for master's training, and over 100 officials to participate in short-term training courses and workshops.

In the field of scientific research and technology transfer, the two sides have implemented many projects with practical results. Some plant varieties, such as Ha Den grapes, new corn varieties, and new melon varieties, have been successfully researched and transferred, opening up opportunities to improve productivity and quality of agricultural production in Vietnam.

On the Chinese side, Minister Han Jun affirmed that agricultural cooperation between the two countries has a solid foundation, great development prospects, and China is always ready to support Vietnam in related fields. In cultivation, China wishes to continue cooperation in rice variety selection, pest management, and disease prevention. The country is ready to implement the contents of the memorandum on pesticide management technology, promote the registration mechanism, recognize experimental data, and expand monitoring of migratory pests.

The Chinese minister noted the space for agricultural exchange between the two countries is still very large.

Regarding a plan to establish a joint research center on rice varieties, Minister Han  stated that the necessary conditions are now relatively complete. China possesses strong capabilities in rice research and production and will coordinate early implementation with the participation of leading enterprises.

In terms of trade, according to the Chinese minister, many Chinese enterprises invest in research and production in Vietnam and have achieved positive results. China wishes to invest in cold storage, logistics, and requests Vietnam to provide relevant information to promote cooperation.

In livestock and veterinary fields, major Chinese enterprises are deeply cooperating in Vietnam. A typical example is the cooperation between  China's Muyuan Foods Co., Ltd and BAF Vietnam in building high-tech pig farms. Muyuan currently raises about 80 million pigs annually, accounting for 10% of China's total production. China is also ready to cooperate with Vietnam in animal feed production, disease prevention, and epidemiological information sharing.

In the fisheries sector, since 2018, China has released over 420 million fish fry into the Gulf of Tonkin. At the end of October, the two countries held the fifth negotiation on the Gulf of Tonkin Fisheries Cooperation Agreement and achieved many positive results.

Both sides agreed to promote cooperation in science and technology, strengthen connections between research agencies, propose and implement technical projects to enhance agricultural production capacity.

In training and capacity building, China is ready to support Vietnam's needs in gene analysis, digital transformation, and agricultural services through the embassy system, according to Minister Han.

MANY NEW PROPOSALS FROM VIETNAM

On the Vietnamese side, Minister Tran Duc Thang continued to propose specific cooperation contents. He hopes the two sides will soon realize the six issues raised by China and restart cooperation on pandas – a topic raised about 10 years ago but not yet implemented.

Regarding spiny lobsters, the Vietnamese minister stated that Vietnam mainly farms them, not catching them naturally, but must comply with CITES regulations on the origin of fry. Therefore, he requested China to send a delegation to Vietnam to verify and clarify the legal origin for farming.

In addition, the minister proposed that China support organizing a Vietnamese expert delegation to study the rural revitalization model – a program that China has successfully implemented. The minister informed that early next year, Vietnam will send a representative from the agriculture and environment sector to work at the Vietnamese Embassy in Beijing and hopes to receive support from China.

Acknowledging Vietnam's proposals, the Chinese minister expressed special interest in rural revitalization and affirmed readiness to share experiences and welcome the Vietnamese delegation to learn from exemplary localities.

vneconomy-Chu Khoi

The agreement between two subsidiaries of Vinacomin and Xekong Power Plant Limited helping to diversify supply sources...

Two subsidiaries of Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation Limited (Vinacomin) signed a coal supply contract with Laos’ Xekong Power Plant Limited, a subsidiary of the Phonesack Group, on November 27.

The agreement between the Coal and Mineral Import–Export Joint Stock Company and Vinacomin–Northern Coal Trading Joint Stock Company, and Xekong Power Plant Limited will contribute to diversifying the supply sources, helping Vinacomin to be more proactive in coal supply — a core factor serving thermal power plants, industrial production, and ensuring national energy security.

This is also the initial step of the energy cooperation after the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the coal sector in July 2023 (MOU 2023) aimed at enhancing coal trade, ensuring energy security, and exploiting mineral-energy potential between Vietnam and Laos.

The MOU 2023 sets a target of exporting around 20 million tons of coal from Laos to Vietnam each year.

VnEconomy-Nguyệt Hà

Under a credit contract, a credit facility of VND6.75 trillion ($256 million) will be provided for the project.

A  credit contract was signed on November 25 between Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) and the two banks, namely  Vietcombank and Agribank, under which a 20-year credit facility of VND6.75 trillion ($256 million) will be provided for the expansion project of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway.

The loan term will start from the first disbursement date,  with a two-year grace period for the principal.

This long-term financing structure ensures stable and sustainable disbursement throughout the project's lifecycle. The involvement of the two leading state-owned commercial banks in Vietnam not only guarantees a stable, long-term capital source for the project but also creates a ripple effect in mobilizing social resources for strategic transportation infrastructure development.

The credit facility enables the Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) to proceed with the expansion of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway, a crucial route connecting the center of Ho Chi Minh City with Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai province. 

Mr. Le Quang Vinh, General Director of Vietcombank, emphasized that the credit agreement between Vietcombank, Agribank, and VEC reaffirms the commitment and partnership of state-owned banks with key national infrastructure projects, including Long Thanh Airport and expressways connecting Ho Chi Minh City and other localities in the country's Southeast region.

The expansion project of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh expressway has a total investment of nearly VND15 trillion ($569 million), to be implemented under a public investment model with mixed funding from the central budget and VEC's mobilized capital.

The project commenced on August 19, 2025, and is expected to be substantially completed by December 2026. This strategic transportation project is crucial for expanding development space not only for Ho Chi Minh City and vthe neighboring province of Dong Nai but also for the Southeast region as a whole. It is also the first project executed under the public investment model, with a state-owned enterprise assigned as the managing agency, according to the Public Investment Law.

This financial collaboration enhances VEC's capacity to mobilize and diversify funding sources for other key projects, such as the expansion of the Noi Bai - Lao Cai expressway, the Cau Gie - Ninh Binh expressway, and the study of upgrading certain sections of the North-South expressway as directed by the government.

VnEconomy-Thiên Ân

Under the Government’s Resolution No. 8/2025/NQ-CP of November 26, 2025, eligible Vietnamese citizens will be allowed to gamble at Phu Quoc, Ho Tram and Van Don casinos.

Under Resolution No. 8/2025/NQ-CP of the Government, which took effect on November 26, 2025, Vietnamese nationals who meet the necessary criteria are permitted to gamble at the Phu Quoc casino project (Kien Giang Province), while a five-year pilot program permitting qualified Vietnamese to gamble at the Ho Tram casino project (Ho Chi Minh City), according to  a report from the Government News.

Later, qualified  Vietnamese citizens will also be able to gamble at  the Van Don casino project (Quang Ninh Province) for a five-year period from the date the facility obtains an official business licence for casino operations.

According to the resolution, the management of eligible Vietnamese gamblers as well as the operation and oversight of casino activities at approved projects must comply with Decree No. 03/2017 or any of its amendments and replacements.

At the end of the trial period, the Ho Tram and Van Don casino projects must suspend gambling activities for Vietnamese citizens until a new decision is issued by a competent authority.

Casino project investors are required to strictly manage Vietnamese participants and fully comply with all legal regulations governing casino business operations.

Earlier, in 2016, the Politburo approved a pilot scheme allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble at the Phu Quoc and Van Don casinos for a three-year period. However, only the Phu Quoc casino became operational, opening its doors in January 2019. Under Decree No. 03/2017, this pilot phase was to conclude in January 2022.

In 2022, the Ministry of Finance proposed extending the Phu Quoc pilot until the end of 2024, citing the COVID-19 pandemic's adverse impact on casino business performance and arguing that the initial trial period was insufficient to evaluate the policy's effectiveness.

In May 2024, the Politburo agreed to extend the Phu Quoc pilot through the end of 2024. For the Van Don project, the trial period will last three years from the date its casino business officially begins.

Vietnam is home to nine casinos of which the rest of six others are still open to foreigners only, with the government maintaining a tight control over gambling.

Under Decree 03/2017, Vietnamese gamblers must be at least 21 years old, possess full civil capacity and financial capability, and purchase entry tickets. Players must prove a monthly income of at least VND10 million ($379) or fall under the third personal income tax bracket or higher under the Law on Personal Income Tax.

VGP-Khanh Van

Mainland China and Hong Kong (China) remaining pivotal markets for Vietnamese lobster growth.

Vietnam's lobster exports maintained a remarkable growth trajectory in October 2025, reaching $93 million, a 75% increase compared to the same period last year, according to data from Department of Vietnam Customs.

Over the first ten months, the total export value hit $712 million, up 135% year-on-year.

Green lobster dominated, accounting for 98% of the total export value at $700 million, marking a 141% increase. 

Mainland China and Hong Kong (China) remain pivotal markets for Vietnamese lobster growth. In the first ten months, exports to these markets reached $702 million, up 135% year-on-year.  

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) forecasts that China's import demand is expected to remain high towards the end of the year and during the preparation for the coming Lunar New Year—the peak consumption period. 

VnEconomy-Chu Minh Khôi

Chairman of the City People's Committee, Nguyen Van Duoc, said that the city is entering a new phase of development, however, the two biggest bottlenecks today are institutions and capital.

The Party Central Committee's Commission for Policies and Strategies in collaboration with the Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, organized a seminar titled "Special mechanisms and policies to attract investment and strategic investors into Ho Chi Minh City in the new situation" on November 27. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Nghi, Member of the Central Party Committee and Chairman of the Commission for Policy and Strategy emphasized the special role of HCM City in Vietnam's economy, aiming to become a mega-city and a regional hub for finance, production, logistics, and innovation.

According to Mr. Nghi, Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 has brought positive changes but has not fully resolved structural bottlenecks, especially in attracting strategic investors. To elevate the city to the level of major global cities, new, stronger, and more comprehensive mechanisms and policies are needed. International experience shows that successful mega-cities have special mechanisms, superior incentives, strong decentralization, modern public finance, and smart urban governance.

Through two sessions of presentations and discussions, experts and delegates at the seminar agreed on five key points. 

First, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s economic locomotive but is under pressure to renew its growth model and mobilize substantial resources for sustainable development.

Second, strategic investors play a pivotal role and must be selected based on clear criteria, with strong long-term partnership commitments.

Third, the city needs to expand priority sectors and diversify investment channels to align with its key growth pillars.

Fourth, Ho Chi Minh City requires breakthrough, internationally competitive mechanisms and policies.

Fifth, Resolution 98 should be revised to significantly increase the city’s decentralization and decision-making authority.

Chairman of the City People's Committee, Nguyen Van Duoc, said that the city is entering a new phase of development, however, the two biggest bottlenecks today are institutions and capital.

Resolution No. 98/2023/QH15 has opened up a special mechanism for city to make a breakthrough in development. However, after more than two years of implementation, the content on strategic investors still has many shortcomings and prevented the city from attracting any strategic investors within the framework of the Resolution. 

"We hope that this revision will clarify the issue so that both the central government and Ho Chi Minh City have a unified understanding and application," Mr. Duoc said.

VnEconomy-Tùng Thư

The Government allows separating the compensation, support and resettlement items of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project into an independent project.

The Government has issued Resolution No. 66.8/2025/NQ-CP, which separates the compensation, support, and resettlement components of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project into an independent project.

The Resolution dated November 26 is effective from the date of signing until February 28, 2027, and applies to localities with nuclear power plants approved by the National Assembly, specifically in Khanh Hoa province, as well as to investors, project preparation units, and other related organizations and individuals involved in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

Accordingly, the compensation, support, and resettlement components of the project are to be treated as an independent project. The Government has assigned the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province as the managing authority for this project. The Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province is authorized to make investment decisions for the project when the competent authority has not yet decided to adjust the investment policy and approve the adjustments to the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project as per legal regulations.

While awaiting resettlement arrangements, the Provincial People's Committee is permitted to provide temporary housing or financial support for housing rental to those whose land is acquired for the project. The specific duration and level of support will be determined by the People's Committee, ensuring transparency and alignment with local conditions.

The Government has tasked the investors of Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants with updating this independent project's content into their respective pre-feasibility study reports to ensure consistency. To expedite progress, the Resolution allows for the application of a streamlined bidding process for consulting and non-consulting packages related to the project.

A notable aspect of the Resolution is the flexible land acquisition process to serve the project. 

VnEconomy-Huyền Vy

The northern region, particularly Hanoi, is expected to experience adverse weather conditions such as temperature inversions, calm winds, and fog over the next ten days.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has issued an urgent directive to address the anticipated air pollution in Hanoi and surrounding provinces at the end of November and early December.

The directive, dated November 27, calls upon various ministries and major industrial corporations, including the Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group, Vietnam Electricity, Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation, and others, to implement immediate measures to mitigate the impact of the forecasted pollution.

According to national environmental monitoring data and meteorological forecasts, the northern region, particularly Hanoi, is expected to experience adverse weather conditions such as temperature inversions, calm winds, and fog over the next ten days. These conditions are likely to hinder the dispersion of pollutants, leading to elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that could exceed the VN_AQI threshold of 150, posing direct threats to public health and socio-economic activities.

The ministry emphasizes the absolute prohibition of discharging untreated waste into the environment under any circumstances. To proactively manage and reduce pollution levels, the ministry urges relevant ministries and corporations to enforce stringent measures.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is tasked with ensuring that all power plants, steel mills, chemical, and fertilizer factories in the north operate their emission treatment systems efficiently and at high capacity during this period. Additionally, they are encouraged to consider reducing production capacity or postponing major maintenance during days when pollution levels are classified as "Very Bad".

The Ministry of Construction is advised to instruct project management boards and contractors to adhere strictly to environmental protection measures during construction activities, such as dust suppression and vehicle washing. They should also consider halting activities that generate significant dust during days when air quality is deemed "Hazardous".

The Ministry of Public Security is directed to enhance traffic management to prevent congestion and localized pollution, while also cracking down on vehicles that violate environmental regulations. The Ministry of Health is tasked with disseminating health protection guidelines, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

For industrial corporations, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment outlines three critical actions: ensuring the effective operation of emission treatment systems, adjusting production schedules to minimize emissions during unfavorable weather conditions, and closely monitoring and controlling dust emissions and air quality data.

The ministry will continue to monitor the situation using advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and drones to detect unusual emission sources. They will collaborate with local authorities to form inter-agency task forces if necessary, to ensure compliance and transparency in addressing violations.

Vneconomy-Tùng Dương

On the sidelines of the summit, the Da Nang People’s Committee and SecureFinAI Research Labs of Columbia University from the United States signed an agreement to promote high-quality AI human resource training...

The SuperEdge AI Summit 2025 opened in central Da Nang City on November 27, offering opportunities for more cooperation between the city's administration and institutes, universities, and enterprises in areas such as AI, semiconductors, data centers, and advanced technologies.

The event brought together city leaders, representatives from municipal departments and sectors, domestic and international universities and research institutes, professors and scientists from the United States' Columbia University, leaders of technology corporations, AI- and blockchain-focused investment funds, and numerous innovative startups.

The summit also served as a platform for Da Nang to receive in-depth scientific and technological advice from international experts.

During the event, participants focused discussions on decentralised AI, authentic data infrastructure and standards, AI applications in smart cities and public finance, and AI models aligned with global standards. A key focus was the potential application of AI in Da Nang’s public services to build systems grounded in transparent, secure, and verifiable data.

On the sidelines of the summit, the Da Nang People’s Committee and SecureFinAI Research Labs of Columbia University signed an agreement to promote high-quality AI human resource training, expand research cooperation, and support the development of technological infrastructure to advance the city’s digital economy.

VnEconomy-Ngô Anh Văn

Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Riyadh Conference focuses on green and sustainable development in Asia

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Riyadh Conference was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 27, theming “Transition Towards Regional Economic Diversification Sustainable Development."

With the continuous advancement of productivity and the in-depth development of economic  globalization, the world economy has entered a dynamic process of major transformation  and is currently at another important juncture. Many countries are shifting their economies  towards ones driven by innovation and domestic demand, with more focusing on green and sustainable development. The Asian region is emerging as a core engine of world economy  and a major testing ground for economic transformation. 

In such a context, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Riyadh Conference focused on the theme of economic transformation and delved into topics on how to enhance economic independence, resilience  and stability by diversifying economic structure, how to promote sustainable development  through energy transformation, and how to address global challenges through more  effective international cooperation, with a view to exploring new drivers and new space for Asia’s economic development.

In his key note speech, Mr. Zhang Jun, Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), said that the theme of the conference presents a fundamental question that carries far-reaching significance, not only for Asia but also for the world as a whole. “We meet at a time our world is undergoing profound changes, unseen in a century,” he added, adding that “Asia not only reclaims its role as the world’s primary growth center, but also emerges as a pioneer in economic transformation, making its economic growth more resilient.”

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Chairman of BFA Board, former Secretary General of the United Nations, also shared that too many surprises have taken place all along the way from geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza to hefty tariffs imposed on major trading nations and the world is becoming less predictable, more divided, and more dangerous, unfortunately. 

Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Chairman of BFA Board, formmer Secretary General of the United Nations

He affirmed that this distracted people from sustainable development and the 2030 agenda, countries are less interest and willingness to work together in response to growing global challenges. “We are facing a much different world from one year and a half ago, when we were here for the first BFA conference,” he said. “We must change this one.”

Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO and Executive Board Member of SABIC, Board Member of BFA, said that the theme of BFA Riyadh Conference is not only timely but critical to the future of the Asia region and the world.

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

“Asia’s journey toward diversification and sustainability is not merely an economic imperative; it is a global responsibility,” he added. “The sheer scale of Asia’s economy and population means that our choices today will define the quality of life for billions tomorrow. We are at a crossroads where the path we take will determine whether we build a resilient, prosperous, and sustainable future, or we succumb to the challenges of climate change and economic instability.”

As a co-host, SABIC is deeply committed to the goals of this forum, and to driving the sustainable transition that is central to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. SABIC is transforming to be a leader in the global energy transition, guided by the principles of circularity and carbon neutrality. Chemicals are the building blocks of almost every other industry, from clean energy technologies to sustainable consumer goods. 

According to Mr. SABIC’s transformation strategy is rooted in three key pillars: decarbonization; circular economy and sustainable products. The transition requires more than just company initiatives; it requires deep regional collaboration. No single country or company can solve the challenges of diversification and sustainability alone. 

“We must foster an environment of openness, shared technology, and coordinated investment,” said Mr. Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh. “Platforms like the BFA are vital in creating the trust and dialogue necessary to forge these partnerships. Let us embrace the shared responsibility for a sustainable future, leverage the power of regional cooperation, and deliver on the promise of economic diversification for the benefit of all our peoples.”

Besides, in the Session 1 with topic “Diversification: The Way to Enhance Economic Resilience,” speakeres discussed on the changes and restructuring of world economy; The shifting of economic growth model toward innovation and domestic demands-driven, with greater emphasis on green and sustainable development, fairer and more equitable distribution of benefits, and more diversified global industrial and supply chain layouts; The shifting from single-player dominance to multi stakeholder collaboration of economic governance model.

For Asia, this transformation brings both opportunities and pressure. Accordingly, speakers shared that how do we take proactive policy measures to seize the opportunities and achieve strong, sustainable economic growth is  a common challenge facing countries in the region.

In aprrticular,  economic diversification is the essential path and inevitable choice, especially for Gulf countries to reduce reliance on oil revenues, enhance economic resilience, and achieve stability and sustainable development. Besides, therse are ambitious initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030, focus on public wellbeing programs and infrastructure construction, and increase investments in new energy, AI, digital economy, high-tech sectors, and more; The non-oil sectors in many countries have grown beyond expectations.

In Session 2 with topic “Energy Transition and Sustainable Development”, speakers shared the important role of the energy sector to address the major global challenge of climate change; What encouraging progress has been made in clean energy, electrification energy conservation, carbon management, power grids, and energy storage?; What gaps and shortcomings still need to be addressed?; How should traditional energy sources cope with the challenges brought by the energy transition?; At the policy level, how to strike a balance between energy security and green transition?

The BFA Riyadh Conference attracted more than 300 delegates from the political, business, and academic sectors in over 10  countries and international organizations. 

The BFA is a high-level, non-profit platform based in Hainan, China, bringing together leaders from governments, businesses, and academia to advance regional economic integration and address Asia’s development challenges. 

Originally proposed by former leaders from the Philippines, Australia and Japan, it was formally inaugurated in 2001 as a regional counterpart to forums like Davos. Its annual meetings in the coastal city of Boao in Hainan, China, shapes dialogue on global and Asian priorities including trade, innovation, and sustainability. 

The BFA event in Riyadh, co-hosted with the Saudi petrochemicals company SABIC, marks the forum’s strategic overseas expansion, connecting Asia and the Middle East. 

This event focuses on energy transition, investment, and sustainability, helping build cross-regional partnerships and reinforcing Asia’s growing influence in global economic and policy affairs.

vneconomy-Ngoc Lan

The project was approved by the National Assembly with estimated investment capital of VND1.7 quadrillion ($67 billion).

The Vietnamese Government on November 27 held a meeting with businesses who are interested in the projected North-South high-speed railway to discuss the orientation and investment plan for the project.

The project is being considered under three investment methods: public investment, public-private partnership (PPP), and private investment. The goal is to select the most optimal method that ensures the highest efficiency and national benefit.

Chairing the meeting, Deputy PM Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasized the importance of accurately assessing the capabilities and intentions of investors.

During the meeting, businesses presented their ideas, financial plans, technology, and forms of participation in the project.

The projected double-track railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of 350 km/h and an axle load of 22.5 tons.

The project was approved by the National Assembly last November with estimated investment capital of VND1.7 quadrillion ($67 billion).

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt