Priority will be given to attracting investment in areas such as the design, packaging, and testing of semiconductor products; sensors; IoT devices with MEMS technology.

The People's Committee of southern Dong Nai Province has issued a plan for development of its semiconductor industry under a strategy until 2030, with a vision to 2050.

The plan sets the overall goal of developing the semiconductor industry in Dong Nai, with the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park as the core.

The park will be capable of participating in high value-added stages in the value chain of Vietnam's microchip semiconductor industry.

The vision to 2050 is for Dong Nai to have a self-sufficient semiconductor industry ecosystem, with the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park becoming a center for training, research, and development of the province's semiconductor industry.

To achieve this, the locality has determined to selectively attract investment into the Long Thanh concentrated information technology park, high-tech zone, innovation zone, and other industrial parks in the area for the semiconductor industry. Priority will be given to attracting investment in areas such as the design, packaging, and testing of semiconductor products; sensors; IoT devices with MEMS technology; and especially businesses in the field of fabless semiconductor design, MEMS specialized chip production, and IoT chips.

The plan outlines five groups of tasks and solutions to develop the semiconductor industry in the province. These include completing mechanisms and policies, attracting investment, developing infrastructure and the semiconductor industry ecosystem, and fostering human resource development.

According to the provincial plan for the period 2021 - 2030, with a vision to 2050, Dong Nai Province will have 48 industrial parks, one high-tech zone, one information technology park, and one innovation zone.

-Xuân Nghi

The report is based on a survey of over 3,400 candidates and 500 businesses from the US, China, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Most businesses have planned to ramp up recruitment from the beginning of 2025. This positive trend in the labor market demonstrates the determination to achieve the minimum economic growth target of 8%.

According to the "Salary and Labor Market 2025" report recently released by Navigos Group, a comprehensive picture of job trends and labor recruitment has been clearly outlined. The report is based on a survey of over 3,400 candidates and 500 businesses from the US, China, Europe, South Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Among the surveyed businesses, Vietnamese enterprises accounted for the largest proportion at 67.09%, followed by Japanese enterprises (9.95%), South Korean (5.06%), and European countries (4.88%).

In Vietnam, the majority of surveyed businesses operate in the two major economic centers, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, as well as in localities with relatively high growth momentum.

Businesses with fewer than 100 employees accounted for the largest proportion of the surveyed sample at 43.48%, while businesses with 100 to 500 employees made up 35.69%. The remaining 20.83% were businesses with 500 – 3,000 employees.

"This demonstrates the stability of the business structure in Vietnam, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) continuing to play a key role in the economy. At the same time, it shows that the Vietnamese economy is very diverse with the presence of both large enterprises alongside SMEs, reflecting a rich business ecosystem," the report noted.

Survey results from businesses and workers across various key industries show that most businesses plan to recruit more employees in 2025. Specifically, 81.21% of businesses plan to increase personnel, with 37.36% recruiting less than 10%, 29.81% recruiting an additional 10%-20%, 10.75% recruiting an additional 20%-40%, and 3.4% recruiting more than 40%.

These figures reflect a positive trend in the business sector, with the majority of businesses planning to expand their operations in 2025. Increased employment leads to higher incomes, which boosts consumer spending and stimulates domestic demand, thereby contributing to economic growth.

-Dũng Hiếu

US, China, Japan and South Korea remaining major importers.

Businesses in southern Dong Nai province earned $4.14 billion from exports in the first two months of the year, increasing 19.5% year-on-year, according to the provincial Statistics Office.

In February alone, their export revenue reached over $2.1 billion, a 1.5-fold rise compared to the same period last year.

Key export products include footwear, wood products, garments and textiles, computers and electronic products, coffee, steel products, rubber and pepper.

Major export markets consist of the US, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

Dong Nai is one among the top 10 localities of Vietnam in terms of export revenue.

The province was assigned by the Government to gain a growth of 10% this year.

-Xuân Nghi

For 2025, export turnover is projected to reach approximately $454 billion, while imports are forecasted at $424 billion.

Achieving the goal of a 12-14% increase in total export turnover will demand concerted efforts from management agencies and the adaptability and resilience of the business community, according to an official.

Speaking at the trade promotion meeting with Vietnamese trade offices abroad on March 4, Mr. Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department, highlighted that Government Resolution No 25/NQ-CP, issued on February 5, 2025 sets a national economic growth target of 8% or higher for 2025, requiring robust contributions from industries, sectors, and localities. For 2025, the merchandise export growth target has been set at over 12%, with an anticipated merchandise trade surplus of $30 billion. Specifically, export turnover is projected to reach approximately $454 billion, while imports are forecasted at $424 billion. This translates into an average monthly export turnover of around $37.8 billion.

From a State management perspective, Mr. Son underscored the role of the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) in providing timely market information to industry associations. This will help businesses adjust their production strategies and seek new orders across diverse markets.

He emphasized the need for proactive measures, urging MoIT units to collaborate on forecasting and policy development. This includes preparing for potential global trade conflicts by creating scenario analyses and proposing timely policy responses.

Mr. Son also highlighted the importance of diversifying export markets. He encouraged the expansion into emerging markets, including the Middle East, particularly with Halal-certified products, alongside strengthening presence in key traditional markets. He advocated for the full utilization of existing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) while accelerating negotiations for new and upgraded ones.

Additionally, integrating international trade commitments into domestic laws must be expedited. Continued training on these commitments—particularly on rules of origin—was also deemed essential to enable businesses to better understand and leverage trade benefits.

Ms. Phan Thi Thang, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, , echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of anticipating market trends, building flexible response strategies, and enhancing competitiveness. These steps are vital for businesses to navigate global economic fluctuations, expand into new markets, and improve operational efficiency.

-Vũ Khuê

Established in 1998, the trade zone is one of the eight key border economic zones in the country.

Quang Tri province will submit the adjusted plan for the Lao Bao Special Economic-Trade Zone to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal and then to the Prime Minister for consideration and approval in the first quarter of 2025, expecting to complete the plan within the year.

The adjusted plan covers an area of 15,804 ha, covering two towns and five communes in the central province's Huong Hoa district, which borders Laos. 

Established in 1998, the trade zone is one of the eight key border economic zones in the country. The Prime Minister has agreed to prioritize investment and development from the state budget for the zone during the 2021-2025 period.

This comprehensive economic model functions as an industrial park, export processing zone, border economic zone, and a "special non-tariff zone," where pilot mechanisms and policies with the highest level of incentives according to current Vietnamese law and international treaties that Vietnam has signed or acceded to will be applied. To date, the zone has attracted approximately VND3.7 trillion ($144.5 million) from businesses to invest in around 60 production and business projects.

According to provincial leaders, the adjustment of the Lao Bao Special Economic-Trade Zone plan to 2045 is a pressing task aimed at socio-economic development, ensuring national defense and security, and aligning with the planning of the North Central and Central Coast region, as well as the province's development planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

Additionally, the goal is to build this area into a dynamic and sustainable economic growth pole for the province, in line with Vietnam's border economic development strategy. This is particularly crucial in the era of international economic integration, with an aim towards forming a joint cross-border Lao Bao (Quang Tri, Vietnam) - Densavan (Savannakhet, Laos) Economic-Trade Zone.

-Nguyễn Thuấn - Thiên Anh

Party General Secretary To Lam asked for measures to tackle obstacles that hinder the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation:

Party General Secretary To Lam has requested relevant ministries and agencies to develop AI and build preferential tariff for the chip and semiconductor production as well as support research and development activities.

Chairing a meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation in Hanoi on March 4, the Party chief, who is also Head of the Committee, directed measures to further boost the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, focusing on building digital infrastructure and national database on business and land, developing high-tech zones, and establishing scientific and technological transaction floors.

He also asked for continuous efforts to attract more FDI projects, particularly those in the field of high technology; tackle obstacles that hinder the development of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation; and adjust the State budget estimate for 2025 to allocate at least 3% of the State budget expenditure for science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He proposed the Government to build and complete digital infrastructure and soon put the national data center into operation.

 

-Tiến Dũng

The central city has taken the lead in establishing policies to foster an innovative start-up ecosystem.

Central Da Nang city has invested around VND140 billion ($5.4 million) in more than 100 science and technology projects since 2021, according to the city’s Department of Science and Technology.

Of the total, VND107 billion ($4.15 million) came from the city's science and technology budget, VND11 billion ($427,500) from central funding and VND22 billion ($855,000) from other sources.

The city has actively built a favorable legal corridor to accelerate innovation and startup. In the 2021-2024 period, the city issued 59 policies and regulatory frameworks to promote science, technology and innovation. These include support for enterprises in technology innovation and start-up incubation, intellectual property development, incentives for creative labor and standards and measurement regulations to enhance product quality and productivity.

In recent years, Da Nang has taken the lead in establishing policies to foster an innovative start-up ecosystem.

 

-Bạch Dương

Its four weekly services from Dubai via Bangkok to the central city of Da Nang will be conducted.

The Government News on March 4 quoted Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, as announcing that it will conduct four weekly services from Dubai via Bangkok to the central city of Da Nang from June 2.

Emirates' four weekly services to Da Nang make the central city the airline's third gateway into Vietnam, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Flights to Da Nang will operate with the Emirates’ Boeing 777 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

The carefully timed flight schedule of the new linked service will provide travelers with convenient, optimized connections, and streamlined access to major European cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, and Rome, as well as major U.S. cities.

Emirates flight EK370 will depart from Dubai at 9.00 (Dubai time) and arrives in Bangkok at 18.25 (local time). The flight will then depart from Bangkok at 20.10 (local time) and arrives in Da Nang at 21.50 (local time).

The return flight EK371 will depart from Da Nang at 23.30 and arrives in Bangkok at 1.10 the next day. The flight will then take off at 3.40, arriving in Dubai at 6.50. All times are local.

Lodging facilities in the central coastal city of Da Nang are set to serve 11.9 million tourists, including 4.8 million foreigners, in 2025, annual increases of 10 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively.

As a popular tourist destination in central Vietnam, Da Nang plans to maintain its signature events in 2025 such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, Da Nang Asian Film Festival, a food tour, a New Year celebration, and a beach tourism program.

The 16th fireworks festival, scheduled to run from May 31-July 12, will light up the sky in six nights and feature 10 teams for the first time.

Last year, Da Nang welcomed approximately 10.9 million visitors.

The central economic hub has a total of 90 kilometers of coastline and dozens of beaches, including stunning My Khe. Meanwhile, the city's Ngu Hanh Son (Marble Mountain) district is renowned as a center for stone sculpture art, with Non Nuoc craft village standing at the foot of the Marble Mountain.

-Phạm Long

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh holding a dialogue with businesses from ASEAN in Hanoi.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a dialogue in Hanoi on March 4 with businesses from ASEAN member countries that are operating in Vietnam.

PM Chinh proposed the businesses to expand investment, production and trade in Vietnam; promote technology transfer; and support human resources training, and improvement of governance capacity.

He highlighted Vietnam’s improved business environment and upgraded global rankings in 2024, positioning the country as a strategic production hub.

Vietnam is focusing on three breakthroughs - institutional reform, infrastructure, and human resources development, to support sustainable business operations, he said.

ASEAN businesses committed to work with Vietnam to achieve at least 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit expansion in the following years. They plan to boost investment in key sectors such as high technology, semiconductors, AI, aviation, energy, e-commerce, agriculture, finance and logistics.

Vietnam’s total trade with ASEAN countries reached $83.6 billion in 2024. ASEAN is now Vietnam’s 4th largest export market and 3rd biggest import market.

 

-Tiến Dũng

DaiDung Group celebrates 30 years of growth, innovation, and global expansion in steel structures and mechanical manufacturing.

From a small mechanical workshop, DaiDung has "grown" into a giant in the field of steel structures and global mechanical manufacturing. After 30 years, the company continues to write extraordinary stories as a leading Vietnamese brand.

A humble start – a grand vision

Founded in 1995 with just 20 workers, DaiDung Group began its journey in Binh Chanh district (Ho Chi Minh City) with the establishment of the DaiDung Mechanical Workshop. Two years later, in 1997, the company expanded by opening another mechanical workshop in Le Minh Xuan Industrial Park. This marked a key turning point, as DaiDung started collaborating with major partners, notably undertaking projects for Hazama Japan, including Mabuchi Motor, Nissei Electric, and various developments in Linh Trung Export Processing Zone, Tan Thuan, VSIP Binh Duong, and Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park.

These early, steady steps not only allowed DaiDung Group to expand production but also helped establish strategic relationships with international partners. As a result, the company focused on enhancing its manufacturing capacity, adopting advanced technology, improving product quality, and developing a sustainable growth strategy. These factors have propelled DaiDung Group’s success, solidifying its position in the mechanical manufacturing and steel structure industries.

Long-term strategy and sustainable growth orientation

With a solid foundation built over three decades, DaiDung Group continues to pursue ambitious growth, setting clear strategic goals for the period 2025–2045. These objectives define the company's development roadmap while reinforcing its position in the international market.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Trinh Tien Dung, Chairman of the Board and CEO of DaiDung Group, reaffirmed the company's commitment to maintaining exceptional growth, targeting over 25 per cent annual growth from 2025 to 2030. Beyond this period, the company aims for sustained annual growth of over 15 per cent from 2030 to 2045. This ambitious vision aligns with its plan to surpass $1 billion in revenue before 2030, alongside refining its financial model to ensure a stable capital source for production and expansion.

Mr. Trinh Tien Dung, Chairman of the Board and CEO of DaiDung Group, spoke at the event

As part of its ongoing strategy, DaiDung Group is focusing on enhancing service quality and strengthening its international presence. The company aims to broaden its reach in key markets such as the Middle East and Japan while expanding into promising regions including the Americas, Europe, Australia, and ASEAN. Adapting its business model to meet international demands and fostering strategic partnerships will be crucial to ensuring long-term, sustainable growth.

"Not only focusing on growth and service goals, DaiDung Group also lays out a comprehensive strategy for excellent governance. The company will continue to refine its governance system according to international standards while implementing a digital transformation program, automating production and management processes. One important goal is to list shares (IPO) in 2026, aiming to become a valuable investment asset on the stock market, thus enhancing brand value and expanding its investment network," said Mr. Trinh Tien Dung.

To support its ambitious growth strategy, DaiDung Group is prioritizing workforce development. The company is committed to training and nurturing top talent, including engineers, architects, skilled workers, and high-level technical experts, ensuring its workforce meets international standards. Additionally, DaiDung Group will continue investing in specialized training programs to attract and retain top talent, further securing its sustainable development.

The event was organized on a large scale and meticulously staged

As part of its broader vision, DaiDung Group is expanding its production capacity through significant investments in advanced technologies and automation. The company’s factories in Vung Tau and Nghi Son are expected to become operational in 2025, with a target of producing 500,000 tons of steel structures by 2030. Concurrently, DaiDung Group is developing a multi-industry ecosystem, integrating its expertise in mechanical manufacturing and steel structures with sectors such as EPC, real estate investment, energy, construction materials, trade, and logistics to create sustainable value.

Sustainability remains at the heart of DaiDung Group’s strategy. The company continues to innovate, applying clean, recycled, and circular materials to contribute to environmental protection while fostering a progressive community. This commitment strengthens social responsibility and reinforces DaiDung Group’s long-term vision of building a sustainable future for both the company and the wider community.

-

Korean firms are encouraged to expand investment in Vietnam.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed Korean businesses to expand cooperation, investment and operations in Vietnam during a meeting with leaders of 35 Korean enterprises in Hanoi on March 4.

Particularly, Korean businesses were encouraged to boost investment in the fields of high technology, clean technology, semiconductor, AI, renewable energy, digital finance, smart production and digital economy.

PM Chinh also proposed them to promote cooperation and investment in manufacturing, real estate, infrastructure development, telecommunications and tourism.

He also suggested the Korean enterprises to consider Vietnam as their development hub and a key link in supply chains.

The PM encouraged the promotion of the transfer of advanced technology and scientific advances, which will help increase the rate of localization.

PM Chinh stressed that the Vietnamese government committed to ensuring that the FDI sector is an important part of the national economy, and ensuring legitimate rights and interests of investors.

 

-Tiến Dũng

The proposed line will span approximately 20 km, with investment capital estimated at over $1.17 billion.

At a meeting between the People's Committee of the southern Dong Nai province and its relevant unites, held on March 3, a pre-feasibility study revealed plans for a new railway line connecting the province to Metro Line 1 of Ho Chi Minh City.

The proposed line will span approximately 20 km, with an investment capital estimated at nearly VND30 trillion (over $1.17 billion).

The railway line will feature 12 stations and one depot, a container and goods storage area, covering approximately 23 ha. The railway is planned to be constructed along the left side of National Highway 1A, in south to north direction.

During the meeting, Dong Nai's functional departments indicated that they are evaluating potential capital sources and investment mechanisms for the project.

In recent months, Dong Nai has collaborated with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Binh Duong province to form a joint working group tasked with coordinating and addressing issues related to the construction of the railway linking the three localities.

Mr. Ho Van Ha, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Nai Province, mentioned that in July 2024, Ho Chi Minh City had sent a document to Dong Nai and Binh Duong  regarding the investment in urban railway lines connecting the two provinces with Metro Line 1 in the southern city.

-Thanh Thủy

Asia was the largest export market for Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, which were followed by the Americas and Europe.

Exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in February 2025 "exploded," far exceeding predictions, with total value estimated at $4.4 billion, a year-on-year increase of 37.2%, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. 

As a result, the total export value of this product group in the first two months of 2025 stood at $9.48 billion.

Of the total export value, the value of agricultural products accounted for $4.89 billion, up 4.5% year-on-year; livestock product $72.2 million, up 4%; seafood $1.42 billion, up 18.6%; and forestry product  $2.68 billion, up 11.9%.

By country, the U.S. was the largest importer of Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in the first two months of the year, accounting for 22% of the total; China ranked second with 17.8%; and Japan the third with 7.7%.

By region, Asia was the largest export market for Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in the first two months of the year, accounting for 42.2% of Vietnam's market share. The next two largest markets were the Americas and Europe, with market shares of 24.2% and 15.5%, respectively.

Compared to the same period last year, the estimated export value to Asia decreased by 1.6%, while exports to the Americas increased by 19.8%, to Europe by 22.3%, to Africa by 2.2 times, and to Oceania by 8.2%.

"Thanks to the high growth in February 2025, the total export value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in the first two months of this year reached $9.48 billion, an increase of 8.3% compared to the same period in 2024," said Mr. Phung Duc Tien, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment.

-Chương Phượng

The British Council’s new head office in Hanoi marks a significant step in advancing Vietnam-UK educational collaboration and innovation.

Vietnam and the United Kingdom have long shared a strong partnership in education, built on a foundation of mutual commitment to academic excellence, cultural exchange, and workforce development. Over the past few decades, this collaboration has expanded across multiple domains, including higher education, vocational training, English language learning, and research partnerships. With a growing number of joint degree programs, scholarship opportunities, and institutional linkages, the UK remains one of Vietnam’s most important education partners.

The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational and cultural relations, has played a crucial role in strengthening this relationship. According to deputy Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Vietnam, Mr. Marcus Winsley, since establishing its presence in Vietnam over 30 years ago, the British Council has facilitated knowledge transfer, provided high-quality English education, and supported educational reforms that align with Vietnam’s ambitions for global integration. This partnership has not only helped Vietnamese students gain access to world-class education but has also fostered cross-cultural understanding and innovation between the two nations.

A new chapter

Marking a new milestone in this long-standing cooperation, the British Council has officially relocated its head office in Vietnam to the Lancaster Luminaire Building at 1152 Lang Road, Dong Da District, Hanoi. This move reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to growth, sustainability, and enhancing learning experiences for students, teachers, and stakeholders.

Mr. James Shipton, Country Director of the British Council in Vietnam, emphasised the deeper significance of this relocation: “The grand opening of the Lancaster Luminaire Building is so much more than just a celebration of a new physical space. As we celebrate new beginnings, we are more assured than ever of our relevance and remain hugely positive about our partnerships and role in helping young people fulfil their aspirations. Through English and Education, Arts and Culture, we will continue to create opportunities that strengthen the bonds between our nations. The shared purpose that has inspired our work over the years has only grown stronger and fills us with optimism for the decades ahead.’

The new office features a world-class English teaching centre, the British Council’s largest centre in Hanoi, as well as a cutting-edge IELTS on Computer test centre. With upgraded facilities, the British Council is set to enhance the quality of education and assessment services, further solidifying its role as a key driver of Vietnam’s educational development.

British Deputy Ambassador Marcus Winsley highlighted the broader impact of this milestone within the Vietnam-UK relationship: “Vietnam is a nation with ambitious goals—aiming to achieve high-income status by 2045 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The newly appointed political leadership sees the country entering a new era, with bold targets for 10 per cent growth, digital transformation, and investment in high-value technology. Achieving these goals will require determination, focus, and the right partnerships. The British Council is at the heart of this new era of collaboration.”

Fostering growth and innovation

The grand opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including representatives from the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and nearly 200 guests from the education, arts, and language teaching sectors. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the British Council’s contributions: “The British Council has been a vital bridge between our two countries, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation in education, arts, and language learning. The opening of this new office is a testament to the strength and future potential of this partnership.”

The Lancaster Luminaire Building itself represents a forward-thinking vision for sustainable and innovative learning spaces. As an A-class building with LEED Gold certification, it promotes energy efficiency, water conservation, and improved air quality, aligning with the British Council’s commitment to sustainability.

To mark the occasion, the British Council organised a series of engaging activities, including roundtable discussions, workshops, networking sessions, a student award ceremony, and an interactive tour of the new test centre. These events provided an opportunity for educators, students, and industry leaders to explore new possibilities for collaboration and exchange.

With its expanded presence in Vietnam, the British Council is set to continue driving educational excellence and cultural engagement, reinforcing the strong Vietnam-UK partnership. This new milestone is not just about a physical space—it represents the next phase of a shared journey toward a more connected, innovative, and globally competitive education system.

-Linh Tong

HCMC aims to complete by 2035 the renovation and reconstruction of apartment buildings built before 1975 .

Ho Chi Minh City has approved a comprehensive project aimed at renovating and reconstructing old, deteriorated, and dilapidated apartment buildings within the city.

According to the municipal Department of Construction, 474 apartment buildings constructed before 1975 have been inspected since 2016. Of these, 16 buildings have been identified as Grade D, indicating severe damage and danger.

The affected buildings are located in the inner city, dispersed within existing residential areas, and concentrated across 15 districts, including District 1, District 3, District 4, District 5, and District 6.

For apartment renovation and reconstruction projects funded by the State through public investment capital,  specialized or regional Investment and Construction Project Management Boards will be selectedd as investors.

In cases where there is no suitable Project Management Board, the investment decision-maker will designate another agency or organization to act as a project investor, including enterprises with 100% State-owned capital engaged in real estate business.

The project emphasizes that the renovation and reconstruction efforts will be conducted based on the principles of ensuring a harmonious balance of interests, rights, and obligations among the people, the government, and investors, in accordance with the law. The primary focus will be on prioritizing the common interests of the residential community and achieving social security goals.

HCMC aims to complete by 2035 the renovation and reconstruction of apartment buildings built before 1975. Additionally, the city also plans to substantially complete the renovation and reconstruction of severely damaged, dangerous, or expired apartment buildings built between 1975 and 1994.

-Phạm Vinh

Instead of having to queue or wait on the phone, citizens can quickly look up procedures via chatbot, AI hotline, or interact directly with kiosks or robots.

The Hanoi Public Administration Service Center has recently launched a trial run of an AI 19001009 Switchboard. 

This completely free service, available 24/7, helps reduce waiting times and increases convenience for citizens. This marks an important step in the digital transformation roadmap, enhancing the quality of service for the capital city's residents.

According to the Hanoi Public Administration Service Center, the AI Switchboard 19001009 is an application within the "AI Employee" system. This solution uses artificial intelligence to assist citizens and staff at the center in looking up information, guiding administrative procedures, and answering questions.

Citizens can interact with the "AI Employee" through various channels: the Chatbot on the website dichvucong.hanoi.gov.vn and the iHanoi mobile application, the 19001009 telephone switchboard, the switchboard on the iHanoi OTT application, self-service kiosks in the center's lobby, a smart reception robot in the reception area, and the Vedax AI Platform, ZeroChat, and ZeroPhone technology platforms.

Instead of having to queue or wait on the phone, citizens can quickly look up procedures via chatbot, AI hotline, or interact directly with kiosks or robots.

-Bạch Dương

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-Vietnam Economic Times - VnEconomy

Vietnam will host APEC summit for the third time in 2027 in the island city of Phu Quoc in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang.

Vietnam will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week  for the third time in 2027, with the island city of Phu Quoc in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang chosen as the venue. 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested relevant ministries, agencies and localities to urgently prepare for the event while chairing a meeting with the Standing Board of the provincial Party Committee and relevant ministries on March 3.

PM Chinh stressed the importance of the event, which he said would help to promote the image and development of Phu Quoc and Kien Giang.

He said newly-built works should improve Phu Quoc’s urban and tourism infrastructure and avoid adjustments to the approved planning scheme just for APEC Summit 2027.

To meet the demands of such a high-profile event, Phu Quoc will upgrade critical infrastructure, including a convention center, public squares, a media hub, five-star hotels, transport links, airport expansions, and environmental improvements.

Phu Quoc is known as the “Pearl Island” of Vietnam’s southwestern sea region, comprising 22 islands, with Phu Quoc island itself covering 567 square kilometres. The city boasts a well-developed tourism ecosystem, including world-class entertainment complexes, luxury resorts, and a strong network of four- and five-star hotels, positioning it as a highly competitive destination both domestically and internationally.

 

-Tiến Dũng

The move aims to support people and businesses in improving production and business, and to create momentum for economic development.

The Ministry of Finance is seeking comments on a draft Decree stipulating a 30% reduction in land lease fees in 2025 to support people and businesses in developing production and business, as directed by the Government in Resolution 233/NQ-CP dated December 10, 2024.

The draft Decree proposes a 30% reduction in land lease fees for subjects specified in Article 4 of the Land Law who are directly leased land by the State under a land lease decision, a land lease contract, or  certificate of land use rights and ownership of assets attached to land issued by a competent State agency, effective in 2025, in the form of annual land lease payments.

This regulation is also applicable to cases where land users are not eligible for exemption or reduction of land lease fees or have exceeded the period of exemption or reduction. It also applies to land users currently receiving reductions in land lease fees under the provisions of the Land Law and other relevant laws.

Regarding the draft Decree, in Resolution No 233/NQ-CP the Government stated that the goal for 2025 is to achieve a growth rate of 8% while maintaining macroeconomic stability, controlling inflation, and ensuring the major balances of the economy.

To support people and businesses in improving production and business, and to create momentum for economic development, the Ministry of Finance needs to continue studying and proposing policies on the exemption, reduction, and extension of taxes, fees, charges, and land lease fees to competent authorities.

-Phương Linh

The project manufacturing high-precision circuit board.

The People’s Committee of northern Ha Nam province has granted investment certificate for a high-precision circuit board manufacturing plant of Red Board Technology (Vietnam) Co., Ltd.

The plant will cover 98,850 sqm in the Kim Bang I Industrial Park, with a total investment of $110 million.

The facility is expected to become operational by February 2027 with an annual capacity of over 260 million products.

The investment is in line with the province’s goal of attracting projects with modern technology and artificial intelligence (AI) products, according to the provincial authorities.

Ha Nam targets to attract $1 billion of investment capital this year. The province has lured around $500 million so far this year.

 

-Hạ Chi