Designed as a smart manufacturing facility, the plant is expected to add momentum to Vietnam’s electric motorbike industry.

YADEA Vietnam, a subsidiary of China's Yadea Technology Group Co., Ltd, plans to inaugurate a $100-million electric motorbike manufacturing plant in northern Bac Ninh province on March 1. 

The facility, located in Tan Hung Industrial Park, represents the first phase of the company’s investment and forms part of its broader expansion in Southeast Asia.

YADEA Vietnam was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that the plant is intended to strengthen its manufacturing capacity in Vietnam and support growing demand for electric two-wheelers.

Designed as a smart manufacturing facility, the plant is expected to create thousands of jobs for local workers and add momentum to Vietnam’s electric motorbike industry, which has seen steady growth in recent years amid the shift toward greener transport options.

The company has indicated that it plans to continue investing in production technology and workforce development in Vietnam as it expands its footprint in the market.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Gold prices in Vietnam jumping by between VND3.6 million and VND5.6 million ($137–$213) per tael on February 23.

Gold prices in Vietnam surged by between VND3.6 million and VND5.6 million ($137–$213) per tael on February 23, the first trading day after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, compared with the previous session, depending on the retailer.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

Selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars climbed to VND184.6 million ($7,045) per tael, while buying prices reached VND181.6 million per tael.

Gold ring prices followed a similar upward trend, rising to VND181.1 million per tael for buying and VND184.1 million per tael for selling—an increase of VND5.8 million per tael compared with the February 12 session, the last trading day before the Tet holiday.

On the global market, gold prices jumped 2.26% to $5,158 per ounce. At this level, domestic prices remain approximately VND20 million ($763) per tael higher than international prices.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

The Central Steering Committee for the 2026 Economic Census has reassigned responsibilities to ministries, sectors and local steering committees, urging close coordination nationwide to ensure results will be announced no later than June 30.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, who heads the Central Steering Committee for the 2026 Economic Census, was quoted on February 23 by the Vietnam News Agency as affirming that initial results of the census will be announced on June 30, 2026, seven months earlier than originally scheduled.

Under the revised plan, stages of information collection, data consolidation and preparation of the preliminary report will all be accelerated, Minister Thang stressed.

However, he noted that the adjustment of the plan must be implemented in a concerted and resolute manner, ensuring that faster progress goes hand in hand with the quality and credibility of the data.

Originally slated for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, the census timeline has been reviewed and recalibrated to meet the requirement for earlier data release. The Central Steering Committee has reassigned responsibilities to ministries, sectors and local steering committees, urging close coordination nationwide to ensure results are finalized and announced no later than June 30.

The National Statistics Office was tasked with revising both the overall and detailed implementation plans, finalizing survey materials and software, and providing timely guidance to ministries and localities. It will continue to monitor progress, assess data quality, and promptly report challenges to the minister and the Central Steering Committee. Inspection and supervision of field data collection will be strengthened to safeguard both schedule and accuracy.

Notably, the 2026 Economic Census introduces several new features. It expands coverage to include cooperative groups and household businesses operating online - two categories not previously surveyed. Survey content has also been updated to better capture digital transformation, the application of scientific and technological advances, and innovation in production and business activities.

Information technology will be applied throughout all stages of the census, from preparation and collection to processing and validation. Artificial intelligence will assist in industry classification, while digital mapping tools will track real-time progress. Data connectivity between the census and administrative databases, such as business registration, taxation and customs, will also be enhanced.

The census will comprehensively collect information on enterprises, household businesses, religious establishments, non-public service units, associations and licensed foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Vietnam.

The results will serve as a foundation for building a national socio-economic database aligned with new provincial and commune-level administrative boundaries, supporting governance, management and oversight in the country’s new development phase.

As of February 9, data collection for the first phase, which covers household production and business establishments, religious and belief establishments, and cooperative groups had reached 57.6% nationwide, with several provinces recording high completion rates. However, authorities acknowledged uneven progress across localities and challenges in encouraging some business owners to fully disclose financial information.

The on-site data collection period for the first phase will be shortened to 20 days, concluding on March 10. Meanwhile, in the second phase which covers enterprises, non-public service units, associations, and licensed foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Vietnam, the data collection period will be reduced by four months compared to the original plan, commencing on March 1 and concluding on April 30.

Despite the accelerated schedule, Minister Thang reiterated that the census must uphold strict standards of accuracy, while streamlining unnecessary indicators to avoid wastefulness and ensure practical value.

VNA-Van Nguyen

The Party leader made a working trip to the U.S. from February 18-20, 2026.

Below are major takeaways from Party General Secretary To Lam's trip to the U.S. to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace from February 18-20, 2026, as remarked by the Government News:

On multilateral aspect:

1. General Secretary To Lam's trip is the first multilateral diplomatic event to implement the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation and development adopted at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

With the renewed foreign policy, Vietnam commits to make active and responsible contributions to peace, cooperation and sustainable development across the globe as well as to the settlement of common issues in the region and the world.

2. The trip reflects Vietnam's goodwill and efforts to contribute to promoting peace in the Middle East and ensuring the fundamental rights for Palestinians, including the right to establish the State of Palestine in the Middle East.

3. The participation in the inaugural meeting indicates the international community's recognition and respect for Vietnam's international standing and contributions to global peace and development.

On bilateral aspect:

4. Mr. To Lam is the second General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee to travel to the U.S. after General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who visited the U.S. in July 2015, four decades after the liberation of the South of Vietnam and two decades since the normalization of the bilateral relations.

5. Mr. To Lam has first-ever face-to-face summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since he was re-elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Cetral Committee  at the 14th National Party Congress.

In addition, General Secretary To Lam also met with U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer; held phone conversation with U.S. Congressmen. Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral cooperation.

6. During the aforesaid meetings, the Vietnamese delegation briefed the U.S. side about recent developments in Vietnam, the results of 40 years of the Doi Moi (renewal) policy initiated in 1986, and development goals through 2030 and 2045. General Secretary To Lam shared Vietnam's major development orientations and how Vietnam would promote relations with foreign partners, including the United States.

7. General Secretary To Lam witnessed the signing and exchange of contracts and cooperation agreements worth $37.2 billion between Vietnam and the United States.

8. This is the third overseas trip by General Secretary To Lam following the 14th National Party Congress. In early February, General Secretary To Lam paid State visit to Laos and Cambodia. More diplomatic activities with neighboring countries will be organized soon.

VGP-Pham Long

The 12.5km route consists of an 8.5km elevated section and about 4km running underground.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked for accelerating construction progress of the Nhon – Ha Noi Station urban railway line, while inspecting the project on February 22.

The 12.5km route, that consists of an 8.5km elevated section and about 4km running underground, runs from Nhon to Hanoi railway station. It features a 1,435mm standard-gauge double track built to European standards, comprising eight elevated and four underground stations.

The project has a total investment of over VND34.8 trillion (over $1.3 billion).

The elevated section, from Nhon to Cau Giay, has been put into commercial operation since August 8, 2024, meeting safety and quality standards and receiving positive feedback from the public. Meanwhile, construction on the underground section is in full swing, reaching 76.3% of the total workload and largely remaining on track.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Nearly 245,000 new accounts were opened in January alone, reflecting growing investor participation and confidence in the market.

Vietnam’s stock market has reached a major milestone, with the number of domestic investor accounts surpassing 12 million as of January 31. 

The achievement follows the opening of nearly 245,000 new accounts in January alone, reflecting growing investor participation and confidence in the market.

The Vietnam News Agency quoted data from the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation as reporting that the total number of registered accounts climbed to nearly 12.1 million, an increase of 244,370 compared to the end of 2025.

Retail investors continued to dominate, accounting for around 12 million of the total. Domestic institutional investors held 19,301 accounts.

Foreign investor participation also rose modestly, with a total of 50,532 accounts registered. Of these, 45,757 belonged to individual foreign investors, while 4,775 were held by foreign institutional investors.

The rapid increase in account registrations highlights strong momentum in investor engagement and significantly exceeds the Government’s target of reaching 11 million investor accounts by 2030 under its securities market development strategy.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

At the February 22 meeting, the PM calls on all ministries and localities to “get to work immediately from the first day back".

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged ministries, agencies, sectors and localities to resolutely implement key tasks for 2026 to achieve the country’s annual growth target, while chairing a Government meeting on February 22 to review the Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations and outline post-holiday priorities.

He called on all ministries and localities to “get to work immediately from the first day back,” stressing the need to strengthen administrative discipline, combat waste, and accelerate public investment disbursement, with a target of achieving a 100% disbursement rate.

The PM also highlighted the importance of efforts to have the European Commission lift its “yellow card” warning against Vietnam’s seafood exports over illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

He also emphasised the full and effective implementation of social welfare policies and urged faster construction of 100 inter-level boarding schools in border areas, alongside preparations for the simultaneous groundbreaking of the remaining 148 schools later this month.

The Government leader also called for prioritising resources to ensure the quality of draft legislation and the effective implementation of the 2026–2030 state administrative reform plan.

The Ministry of Finance was instructed to pursue a focused and effective expansionary fiscal policy, cut 10% of recurrent spending at the beginning of the year, and reduce development investment spending by 5%, while strengthening oversight to prevent waste and corruption.

Meanwhile, the State Bank of Vietnam was directed to implement proactive and flexible monetary policies in coordination with other macroeconomic measures to control inflation and support growth, while closely monitoring developments in the gold market.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade was tasked with stabilising market prices, assessing the impact of the newly imposed 10% additional US import tariff, and ensuring sufficient energy supply to support economic activities.

VnEconomy-Ha Hue

Tan Son Nhat International Airport set a new historic milestone with 177,859 passengers in a single day, far exceeding the initial forecast of 165,000.

Aviation activity at Vietnam’s two largest gateways reached record-breaking levels on February 22, the final day of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Tet) holiday.

At Noi Bai International Airport, total passenger throughput reached 124,546, including 48,837 international and 75,709 domestic travelers. The airport handled a total of 702 flights, comprising 317 international and 385 domestic operations. This marks the highest volume recorded during this year’s Tet peak season.

To ensure smooth travel, the airport authorities advised passengers to proactively use online check-in services via the web, kiosks, or the VNeID application. Travelers were encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and three hours for international flights.

Additionally, passengers were urged to use public transportation to reduce pressure on parking areas. The airport maintained 24/7 staffing and increased both personnel and equipment to guarantee safety and service quality.

Meanwhile, Tan Son Nhat International Airport set a new historic milestone with 177,859 passengers in a single day, far exceeding the initial forecast of 165,000. The airport managed 1,069 flights, maintaining stable operations despite the sudden surge in traffic.

In the preceding days (the 4th and 5th of Tet), Tan Son Nhat had already consistently handled approximately 170,000 passengers per day, surpassing previous operational plans. Despite the unprecedented volume, synchronized coordination between airport units ensured that no serious congestion occurred.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

Policy bottlenecks must be untangled for investors and investment funds to play a more extensive role in Vietnam’s startup space.

Vietnam’s startup scene is entering a new phase of development, marked by noticeable improvements in project quality and more active participation from major corporations. For its ecosystem to truly break through, however, it has become increasingly urgent to remove legal bottlenecks and strengthen the operational capacity of investment funds.

At a discussion held within the recent launch of the National Startup Project Development Program, also known as Startup Festival 2025, Mr. Nguyen Tien Trung, Vice Chairman of the National Startup and Innovation Advisory Council (VSMA), said that, within the innovation ecosystem, investors and investment funds are often described as the “lifeblood” of startups - particularly during the high-risk early stages. While this role is widely acknowledged, the reality is that establishing and operating investment funds in Vietnam still faces numerous challenges.

Structural constraints

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Truc, Director of the Center for Training and Technology Market Development Support within the Department of Startup and Technology Enterprises at the Ministry of Science and Technology, the innovation ecosystem comprises multiple stakeholders, including the government, businesses, research institutes and universities, advisors, and investment funds. But for many years, Vietnam has lacked specific regulations governing venture capital funds, making it difficult for many startups to access formal sources of capital.

Administrative barriers have also posed a persistent challenge. In the past, procedures for establishing and implementing investment fund schemes were highly complex, at times involving as many as seven separate steps. Training and capacity-building stages alone consumed substantial time and resources, slowing the flow of capital into the market. This partly explains why Vietnam’s startup investment market remains relatively modest in scale compared with other countries in the region.

Dr. Dam Quang Thang, Chairman of the VSMA, noted that private funds operating under Decree No. 38/2018/ND-CP have faced significant limitations, resulting in less-than-optimal performance. A lack of appropriate investment thinking, particularly an insufficient understanding of the risks inherent in innovative startups, combined with weak fund management capacity has directly constrained the effectiveness of capital deployment.

From the perspective of a foreign investor, Mr. Davide Cali, Director of Crossfund, said Vietnam benefits from strong GDP growth and a young, enthusiastic workforce, but the biggest deterrent for foreign capital lies in an unstable legal environment as well as regulatory frameworks that are still in transition. Procedures for accessing foreign investors are sometimes insufficiently open, with unclear implementation steps. The language barrier, in particular, has caused many startups to lose competitiveness when seeking international funding.

One seemingly “technical” yet decisive issue is the corporate structure of startups. International funds are often wary of unclear or non-standard capitalization tables, or structures involving too many small shareholders. In practice, many startups have already raised capital but lack clear agreements among founders or fail to adopt structures aligned with international standards. Spending six months to a year restructuring these issues frequently leads to unfortunate outcomes, with investment deals collapsing midway.

Mr. Le Thanh, Founder of the Vietnam Future Fund, added that local founders lack an effective “bridge” to understand the stringent requirements of foreign funds. While many companies have market-ready products, their strategic vision and ability to communicate in an international business language remain limited, falling short of global market expectations.

New moves

Against this backdrop of institutional constraints, the issuance of Decree No. 264/2025/ND-CP on October 14, 2025, governing national and local venture capital funds, is widely seen as a major turning point.

Dr. Truc said this marks the first time Vietnam has introduced a relatively comprehensive legal framework for venture capital investment, creating a crucial driver for mobilizing social resources. “Decree No. 264 not only provides a legal corridor for venture capital funds to operate more transparently and effectively, but also opens up opportunities for universities and research institutes to establish their own startup investment funds,” he said. “This will significantly accelerate the commercialization of scientific research results; a valuable resource within the ecosystem.”

The Decree is expected to offer a critical “boost,” helping remove institutional bottlenecks and create more favorable conditions for the formation and growth of startup investment funds. In turn, this should support a stronger and more sustainable innovation ecosystem in Vietnam in the coming period. The combination of public and private resources to form funds with clear legal status at both the national and local levels is also expected to make capital mobilization more stable and efficient.

In parallel, Decree No. 210/2025/ND-CP, issued on July 21, 2025 and amending Decree No. 38 on investment in innovative startups among small and medium-sized enterprises, has addressed shortcomings in earlier regulations and created more favorable conditions for private funds. These changes are likewise expected to ease institutional bottlenecks and promote sustainable ecosystem development.

To fully capitalize on policy opportunities, experts said changes are needed on both sides: regulators and the startups themselves. For startups, Mr. Cali advised founders to be in a state of “maximum readiness.” This means not only having a strong product but also proactively “cleaning house” by ensuring transparent corporate structures and professional internal agreements. A concrete and realistic plan is essential to avoid missing opportunities when investors come knocking.

“Investing in startups is not just about money, it is also an investment in people and team capabilities,” Mr. Cali said, adding that the Vietnamese Government should continue to play a leading role in the ecosystem. Stronger links with innovation centers, including international hubs, are needed to bridge domestic and global capital flows.

Mr. Tran Van Le, Chairman of the Phuong Linh Group, stressed the importance of self-mastery and viable business solutions. Startups must turn ideas into “products” and tell their project stories convincingly enough for investors to be willing to “buy.” Founder capability and competence, he said, are decisive factors.

Similarly, Mr. Hoang Cong Doan, Chairman of the Song Thao Group, said capital is not the most important factor at the starting line. “If you go in the wrong direction, the more capital you have, the faster you fail,” he explained. Rather, startups need clear strategies, breakthrough ideas, and guidance from experienced mentors to avoid fundamental management mistakes.

At the ecosystem level, experts said the government should continue to play a guiding role by strengthening links between domestic and international innovation centers. Creating these capital bridges will help Vietnamese startups more easily access global standards and knowledge.

VET-Vu Khue

Currently, the Government of Vietnam is developing and implementing a National Action Plan to fulfill the recommendations of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes.

Vietnam consistently values its cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to ensure the transparency and efficiency of its tax system, thereby creating a stable investment and business environment while remaining ready for close exchange and coordination with the European Union (EU).

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang made the statement on February 22 in response to reporters' questions regarding Vietnam's reaction to the EU’s decision on February 17, 2026, to add Vietnam to its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. 

"As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam always attaches great importance to cooperation and exchange with the OECD, particularly in ensuring the transparency and efficiency of the tax system. This aims to create a stable, transparent, and favorable investment and business environment for the business community, including foreign enterprises and investors," the apokesperson stated.

Throughout the OECD's peer review process regarding tax information exchange, Vietnam has proactively integrated feedback and recently updated numerous legal documents in the fields of taxation, finance, and corporate governance. These include the Law on Tax Administration, the Law on Enterprises, and Decree No. 168/2025/NĐ-CP on enterprise management. These efforts have significantly enhanced Vietnam's compliance with international standards on tax transparency and information exchange.

Currently, the Government of Vietnam is developing and implementing a National Action Plan to fulfill the recommendations of the OECD Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. Simultaneously, the country is strengthening international tax cooperation with various partners, including the European Union.

"In the spirit of the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam is ready to exchange, share, and cooperate closely and responsibly with the European Council and EU member states regarding our achievements in perfecting the legal system, mechanisms, and policies. Our goal is to ensure these systems are synchronized, transparent, and fair, in accordance with international standards and practices. This will facilitate a more objective and comprehensive assessment and further promote cooperation between Vietnam and European partners for mutual development and prosperity," stated the spokesperson.

Vneconomy-Minh Hiếu

Becoming an association country allows Vietnam deeper access to resources, policy analysis, and international expertise amidst the context of energy globalization.

The 2026 International Energy Agency (IEA) Ministerial Meeting in Paris, France, has officially approved the proposal to welcome Vietnam as an association country, recognizing the nation’s pivotal role and commitment to energy transition and climate action.

Speaking at the conference, the Vietnamese Ambassador to France, Trinh Duc Hai, emphasized that the IEA’s decision is a clear testament to Vietnam's persistent efforts and strong determination on its energy transition roadmap and global climate commitments. Joining as an association country holds special significance as Vietnam enters a new phase of development, steadfast in its goal of achieving carbon neutrality and promoting a green energy shift.

The Ambassador affirmed that Vietnam strongly supports the vision of building a truly global energy organization that accurately reflects emerging energy trends and ensures a balance of interests between member states and association countries. He also confirmed Vietnam's readiness to participate proactively and actively in global energy dialogues.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, stated that member countries highly value the deepening partnership with Vietnam, aiming toward a global energy system that is secure, sustainable, and affordable.

According to Dr. Birol, with a population of over 100 million and significant potential in solar power, hydropower, and gas—alongside future prospects for nuclear energy—Vietnam will be a key association country for the IEA.

Dr. Birol emphasized that Vietnam's new status reaffirms its commitment to contributing positively to global energy dialogues, joining the international community to build a secure, sustainable, and prosperous energy future.

The IEA is the world’s leading energy forum, playing a pivotal role in ensuring energy security and driving the transition to clean energy. Becoming an association country allows Vietnam deeper access to resources, policy analysis, and international expertise amidst the context of energy globalization.

The 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting, held from February 18–19, brought together nearly 60 ministers and high-level leaders from member and association countries. 

Vneconomy-Minh Hiếu

Vietnam Economic Times/VnEconomy introduces the speech delivered by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in New Delhi. In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the vision of building a human-centric artificial intelligence ecosystem grounded in ethical values, transparency, and global cooperation, while calling on the international community to jointly shape the future of AI in a way that serves the common interests of humanity.

At a defining moment in human history, the world gathered at the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. For us in India, it was a moment of immense pride and joy to welcome Heads of State, Heads of Government, delegates and innovators from across the world.

Delegates attending the Summit. Source: Embassy of India in Vietnam

India brings scale and energy to everything it does and this Summit was no exception. Representatives from over 100 nations came together. Innovators showcased cutting-edge AI products and services. Thousands of young people could be seen in the exhibition halls, asking questions and imagining possibilities. Their curiosity made this the largest and most democratised AI summit in the world. I see this as an important moment in India’s development journey, because a mass movement for AI innovation and adoption has truly taken off.

Human history has witnessed many technological shifts that changed the course of civilisation. Artificial Intelligence belongs in the same league as fire, writing, electricity and the internet. But with AI, changes that once took decades can unfold within weeks and impact the entire planet.

AI is making machines intelligent, but it is even more a force multiplier for human intent. Making AI human-centric instead of machine-centric is vital. At this Summit, we placed human well-being at the heart of the global AI conversation, with the principle of ‘Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya’ (Welfare for All, Happiness of All).

I have always believed that technology must serve people, not the other way around. Whether it is digital payments through UPI or COVID vaccination, we have ensured that Digital Public Infrastructure reaches everyone, leaving none behind. I could see the same spirit in the Summit, in the work of our innovators in domains like agriculture, security, assistance for Divyangjan and tools for multilingual populations.

There are already examples of the empowering potential of AI in India. Recently, ‘Sarlaben’, an AI powered digital assistant launched by Indian dairy cooperative AMUL, is providing real-time guidance to 3.6 million dairy farmers, mostly women, about cattle health and productivity in their own language. Similarly, an AI-based platform called Bharat VISTAAR gives multilingual inputs to farmers, empowering them with information about everything from weather to market prices.

Humans must never become mere data points or raw material for machines. Instead, AI must become a tool for global good, opening new doors of progress for the Global South. To translate this vision into action, India presented the MANAV framework for human-centric AI governance.

M - Moral and Ethical Systems: AI should be based on ethical guidelines.

A - Accountable Governance: Transparent rules and robust oversight.

N - National Sovereignty: Respect for national rights over data.

A - Accessible and Inclusive: AI should not be a monopoly.

Trust is the foundation upon which AI’s future rests. As generative systems flood the world with content, democratic societies face risks from deepfakes and disinformation. Just as food carries nutrition labels, digital content must carry authenticity labels. I urge the global community to come together to create shared standards for watermarking and source verification. India has already taken a step in this direction by legally requiring clear labelling of synthetically generated content.

The welfare of our children is a matter close to our hearts. AI systems must be built with safeguards that encourage responsible, family-guided engagement, reflecting the same care we bring to education systems worldwide.

Technology yields its greatest benefit when shared, rather than guarded as a strategic asset. Open platforms can help millions of youth contribute to making technology safer and more human-centric. This collective intelligence is humanity’s greatest strength. AI must evolve as a global common good.

We are entering an era where humans and intelligent systems will co-create, co-work and co-evolve. Entirely new professions will emerge. When the internet began, no one could imagine the possibilities. It ended up creating a huge number of new opportunities and so will AI.

I am confident that our empowered youth will be the true drivers of the AI age. We are encouraging skilling, reskilling and lifelong learning by running some of the largest and most diverse skilling programmes in the world.

India is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations and technology talent. With our energy capacity and policy clarity, we are uniquely positioned to harness AI’s full potential. At this Summit, I was proud to see Indian companies launch indigenous AI models and applications, reflecting the technological depth of our young innovation community.

To fuel the growth of our AI ecosystem, we are building a robust infrastructure foundation. Under the India AI Mission, we have deployed thousands of GPUs and are set to deploy more soon. By accessing world-class computing power at highly affordable rates, even the smallest startups can become global players. Further, we have established a national AI Repository, democratising access to datasets and AI models. From semiconductors and data infrastructure to vibrant startups and applied research, we are focusing on the complete value chain.

India’s diversity, democracy and demographic dynamism provide the right atmosphere for inclusive innovation. Solutions that succeed in India can serve humanity everywhere. That is why our invitation to the world is: Design and develop in India. Deliver to the world. Deliver to humanity.

Narendra Modi

Prime Minister of India

Đại sứ quán Ấn Độ tại Việt Nam-Trọng Hoàng

Attitudes towards ESG at Vietnamese businesses have evolved in recent years as its necessity becomes apparent.

When executives at local automaker VinFast began presenting their environment, social, and governance (ESG) profile to international partners in 2024, the reaction was unexpectedly candid. At the recent ESG Vietnam Forum 2025, Mr. David Edgardo Falcon Adasme, Director of ESG at VinFast, recalled that some partners were surprised that a Vietnamese manufacturer had already embedded ESG so deeply into its strategy and operations. The response was not about branding or awards, but about credibility - whether Vietnamese companies were truly prepared to operate under the same sustainability expectations as their global peers.

That moment reflects a broader transition underway in Vietnam’s business landscape. ESG is no longer discussed primarily as a moral aspiration or a compliance checkbox. It is increasingly framed as a condition for participation - in supply chains, capital markets, and international partnerships.

ESG as competitiveness

For companies operating in globally-exposed industries, ESG is becoming inseparable from competitiveness. At VinFast, this has meant integrating ESG into its long-term strategy rather than treating it as a parallel initiative. According to Mr. Adasme, ESG has shifted from something companies “should do” to something they “must do” if they want to compete internationally. Trust - from investors, partners, and society - now hinges on whether ESG commitments can be demonstrated in practice.

VinFast’s net-zero roadmap is built around three pillars: electrification, energy efficiency, and green energy. These include expanding electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure, embedding energy-saving targets across departments, and investing in renewable energy such as rooftop solar power at its Hai Phong plant.

VinFast’s ESG approach does not stop at internal operations, as it has worked to standardize ESG requirements across its supply chain, aligning suppliers around shared sustainability benchmarks. According to Mr. Adasme, most of VinFast’s global value chain now operates under common ESG standards, reinforcing the idea that sustainability cannot be achieved in isolation.

Mr. Vo Dinh Trung, Deputy General Director of the Innovation and Sustainability Center at Duy Tan Plastics, part of the SCG Group, argued that ESG is fundamentally about process management rather than compliance. “The biggest challenge is not about knowing what ESG requires, it is knowing how to measure and optimize such practices across the entire supply chain,” he said.

For manufacturers, growth has traditionally meant the increased use of virgin materials and higher emissions. Introducing recycled plastics into production, Mr. Trung explained, offers a way to sustain growth while reducing environmental impact, but only works when data is reliable and processes are transparent.

SCG applies a framework known as “ESG 4 Plus,” which includes reducing net emissions, addressing inequality, and advancing circular economy models where the output of one process becomes the input of another. The philosophy reflects a shared reality across industries: no single company, or even a single sector, can achieve green growth alone.

From ambition to operations

While ESG is increasingly accepted as inevitable, measurement remains its hardest test. In the financial sector, Mr. Nguyen Hung, CEO of TPBank, addressed the tension many businesses face. ESG is often perceived as a costly investment, especially when standards are not yet fully mandatory and companies remain under pressure from cash flow, operating costs, and market volatility.

For banks, however, ESG is no longer a decision that can be delayed. Technology, Mr. Hung said, is essential to survival. A bank that does not invest in digital systems will struggle to compete, and ESG-related investments in data, transparency, and governance are part of that technological backbone.

At TPBank, digitalization has transformed operations. Monthly transaction volumes have grown from fewer than 1 million under traditional models to around 200 million today, with more than 98 per cent processed through digital channels. The cost difference is dramatic: a traditional transaction can cost up to 300-times more than a digital equivalent once labor and operational expenses are factored in.

ESG at TPBank is tracked at the level of individual processes. Each workflow is analyzed based on how many people are involved, how many manual steps are required, and how much time is consumed. If a machine can complete a task in one minute while a human needs ten, automation becomes the preferred option.

This approach has enabled the bank to quantify environmental impact more clearly. In its latest sustainability report, TPBank has disclosed its greenhouse gas emission intensity for the first time, reporting 0.87 tons of CO2e per VND1 billion ($38,460) in revenue, down from 1.16 tons the previous year. Energy, fuel, and paper consumption per unit of profit have also declined significantly.

Measurement also matters beyond individual enterprises. Mr. Nguyen Cong Minh Bao, Country Director of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in Vietnam, emphasized that standardized reporting frameworks are becoming central to ESG credibility.

GRI standards are now used by some 77 per cent of the world’s 250 largest companies and adopted in 128 countries and territories. In Vietnam, approximately 96 companies currently apply GRI frameworks. For small and medium-sized enterprises, ESG pressure increasingly comes from international markets rather than domestic regulation.

Vietnam’s export-oriented economy means that suppliers embedded in global value chains must comply with requirements such as carbon border mechanisms and sustainability standards in the US and Europe. “If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it,” Mr. Bao said, warning that weak measurement increases the risk of “greenwashing.”

Cost, culture, and limits

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai Binh, CEO of the STP Group, described cost as the most immediate concern for many businesses. The real question, she continued, is not whether to pursue ESG, but how long the journey will be, how much it will cost, and what remains if the effort falls short.

After four years of implementation, the STP Group found that ESG spending is not a burden when approached pragmatically. Still, some of the most important ESG elements - corporate culture, ethics, and fairness - remain difficult to quantify, particularly in technology and manufacturing firms.

There is no comprehensive framework for measuring “ESG culture,” Ms. Binh noted. But waiting for perfect standards only delays progress. Companies can begin with concrete, measurable actions and refine their approach over time, supported by technology that enables tracking, monitoring, and transparency.

Manufacturers face additional internal challenges. Differences in ESG awareness between management, technical teams, and frontline workers make uniform implementation difficult. As a result, internal communication on the task must be tailored to different employee groups rather than applied uniformly.

External pressure adds another layer of complexity. Some shareholders remain skeptical, viewing ESG as vague, long term, and difficult to complete while companies juggle production and operational demands. This skepticism can turn ESG into a genuine strain on decision-making.

Despite these challenges, Ms. Binh emphasized persistence. ESG, she argued, should be framed as a meaningful journey rather than a burden, one that leaves lasting value even if not all targets are achieved immediately.

Across the discussion, a clear shift emerged: ESG is moving from early adoption to unavoidable expectation. Companies that once gained an advantage by acting first now face a different reality: readiness will determine who adapts smoothly as standards tighten.

As the experience of banking, manufacturing, and export-oriented industries shows, ESG is no longer just about compliance or reputation. It is becoming part of how Vietnamese businesses organize operations, manage risk, and position themselves in a global economy where sustainability is increasingly the price of entry.

VET-Linh Tong

The Ministry of Finance proposed that southern An Giang province be allowed to use sea surface areas—currently planned for reclamation—to settle payments with the BT investor.

In a draft resolution aimed at resolving land fund obstacles for Build-Transfer (BT) investors, the Ministry of Finance has proposed allowing An Giang Province in the Mekong Delta to pilot the use of reclaimed sea areas to pay for the APEC Convention Center project on its Phu Quoc island.

The draft, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice for appraisal, suggests that the Government permit An Giang to use specific sea areas within the Phu Quoc special zone as a land fund for the BT investor.

These areas are already designated for sea-based development under the Phu Quoc General Plan. The projected value of this land fund would be determined based on the land price list of adjacent mainland areas, combined with an adjustment coefficient issued by the An Giang Provincial People's Committee.

Regarding the legal basis for the resolution, the Ministry of Finance stated that the An Giang People’s Committee had proposed using sea surface areas—currently planned for reclamation—to settle payments with the BT investor.

However, current laws lack specific regulations on using sea areas as a land fund for payment, nor is there a legal framework for determining the value of such assets. Consequently, the proposal to pay investors with reclaimed land currently lacks the necessary legal grounds for implementation.

In light of this, An Giang Province requested the Government to issue a resolution to remove these bottlenecks. According to the Ministry of Finance, the resolution aims to unlock land resources and accelerate the progress of key projects, specifically those serving the APEC 2027 Summit, thereby boosting economic development.

The APEC Convention Center project was approved by the Provincial People's Council under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in November 2025. Spanning approximately 16 ha, the complex includes a convention and exhibition center, a multi-purpose theater, and a park. It is expected to be the primary venue for APEC 2027 activities in Phu Quoc.

Vneconomy-Thiên Di

The structure of international source markets continued to expand, with key markets, including China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, France, the UK, the US, Germany and the Philippines.

Hanoi is estimated to welcome about 1.34 million travellers during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday from February 14–22, up 36.3% year-on-year, the municipal Department of Tourism was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as reporting.

The department reported that the capital city served 217,000 foreign tourists and 1.13 million domestic travellers during this period, representing year-on-year increases of 55% and 33.2%, respectively, while total tourism revenue reached VND4.87 trillion  (over $187.5 million), up 40.2%.

This strong growth underscores Hanoi’s robust tourism appeal from the start of the new year. The structure of international source markets continued to expand, with key markets, including China, the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, France, the UK, the US, Germany and the Philippines.

The average room occupancy rate for hotels and serviced apartments reached about 66.8%, up 1.2 percentage points year on year, while the 4–5-star hotel segment recorded occupancy of over 72%. Many accommodation establishments reported strong early bookings and longer stays throughout the Tet holiday.

A key highlight of Hanoi’s tourism during this year’s Tet holiday was the stronger focus on cultural experiences, interactivity of products at tourist sites. A series of heritage sites and cultural spaces hosted activities rich in traditional Tet atmosphere, combining folk art performances with introductions to craft villages and intangible cultural heritage.

A range of new tourism products integrating modern technology were also introduced, adding distinctive appeal. Notable examples include the “Ky uc Cot Co” tour featuring 3D mapping performances at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel; a “digital historical site and festival space” model piloted at the Co Loa Festival; and the rollout of e-ticketing, QR code control and AI-powered cameras at the Huong Pagoda Festival.

In addition, night-time urban tourism products, night cycling tours and cultural experience tours themed continued to attract visitors, helping extend their stays and boost spending.

Visitor numbers surged at key attractions during the period from February 14–20. The Van Mieu (Temple of Literature) – Quoc Tu Giam (Vietnam's first university) welcomed nearly 120,000 visitors, followed by the Huong Pagoda with more than 76,600, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel with over 49,000, and the Co Loa Citadel with more than 38,800.

In addition, free admission at 17 heritage sites facilitated greater access for residents and tourists to visit and experience the capital’s cultural spaces.

To achieve these results, direction and management were implemented early and in a coordinated manner. the municipal Department of Tourism issued a series of directives to improve service quality at key tourist sites, particularly special national relics; strengthen the management and organisation of festivals in connection with tourism development; and step up tourism promotion during the Tet holiday.

Accommodation facilities, shopping centres and qualified food and beverage establishments proactively prepared infrastructure and manpower, decorated spaces with Tet themes, and organised cultural experience activities such as rural-style markets, food fairs and traditional art performances. Many hotels rolled out promotional packages, including complimentary room upgrades combined with cultural experiences, to attract longer-staying guests.

The impressive growth recorded during the Tet holiday provides an important foundation for Hanoi’s tourism sector to sustain its growth momentum in 2026, move toward sustainable development, and enhance the capital’s position on the regional and international tourism map.

VNA-Pham Long

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected construction sites and encouraged workers on the Huu Nghi–Chi Lang and Dong Dang–Tra Linh expressway projects on February 20, while directing efforts to accelerate their progress.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspected construction sites and encouraged workers on the Huu Nghi–Chi Lang and Dong Dang–Tra Linh expressway projects in the northern mountainous provinces of Lang Son and Cao Bang on February 20 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year), while directing efforts to accelerate their progress, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

The Huu Nghi–Chi Lang project, the first section of the eastern North–South expressway, spans 60km through seven communes and wards in the northern province of Lang Son, directly linking three international border gates to China – Huu Nghi, Coc Nam and Tan Thanh.

With a total investment of VND11.8 trillion ($454.37 million), it was launched on April 21, 2024. Contractors have mobilized over 3,200 workers and more than 1,200 machines across 150 construction points, with completed workload reaching 63% of contract value and 50km already opened to technical traffic.

Meanwhile, the Dong Dang–Tra Linh expressway stretches 121km and is being developed in two phases under the PPP model with a total investment of VND 25.55 trillion. Its first phase, stretching over 93km long, includes two tunnels and 64 overpasses and has achieved 65% of contract value, with 85km technically connected. Simultaneous implementation of both phases has helped cut more than VND500 billion in costs.

Inspecting the sites and witnessing the strong progress, PM Chinh commended investors, contractors – particularly Deo Ca Group – and engineers and workers for their efforts.

He stressed that infrastructure development is a prerequisite for socio-economic growth, noting that the expressways will enhance connectivity for Lang Son and Cao Bang, especially with border gates to China, thereby boosting trade, investment and tourism and creating new livelihoods for local people.

The PM presented Tet gifts to residents participating in the projects, thanking them for handing over land and supporting construction, and expressed his hope that they will continue to back the projects and make use of new development space generated by the routes.

Visiting and extending New Year wishes to engineers and workers on site, he praised their dedication to working through the holiday and called on all parties to maintain the spirit of “working through sun and rain”, organizing round-the-clock shifts and focusing on action to put both expressways into operation by April 30, in celebration of the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification and the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh.

After conducting an on-site inspection and encouraging the forces stationed at the construction site, the PM held a working session with leaders of ministries, agencies, investors and contractors involved in Dong Khe commune, Cao Bang province, to review the implementation of the Huu Nghi–Chi Lang and Dong Dang–Tra Linh expressway projects.

Concluding the meeting, PM Chinh stressed that Lang Son and Cao Bang are frontier provinces of strategic importance, falling within the Party’s and State’s policy of developing strategic infrastructure in key regions.

Commending the spirit of initiative, bold thinking and accountability shown by relevant stakeholders in the face of difficulties, the government leader affirmed the goal of completing Phase 1 of both expressway sections by May 19.

Based on proposals from ministries, local authorities, investors and contractors, he agreed in principle to allocate capital for the two projects, and instructed the Ministry of Finance to urgently review and propose to the Government's Standing members measures to mobilize and balance funding from various sources.

With several residential sites and technical infrastructure works yet to be handed over, the PM called for swift site clearance to ensure the projects' progress. He underscored that implementation must safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of local residents, applying existing mechanisms and policies in a flexible and creative manner, while ensuring fairness and upholding the principle that whatever best serves the people should be prioritized.

PM Chinh directed the establishment of a command for the "Dong Khe campaign 2026", which targets 85 days and nights to complete the two expressways. The command will review plans, draw up action programmes, adjust critical timelines and implement measures to accelerate construction.

Regarding the proposal to invest in the Bac Kan–Cao Bang expressway, he noted that the area remains underdeveloped, with rudimentary transport infrastructure limited to grade-3 and grade-4 mountain roads. As the region lacks a convenient transport network, he instructed a review of the total investment for the expressway. Following the Part General Secretary’s recent approval, the project will be implemented under emergency procedures in accordance with the Law on Public Investment.

The PM stressed that its construction must be completed within three years, emphasizing that this is a key project expected to make a significant contribution to socio-economic development across the region.

Later the same day, PM Chinh visited the Dong Khe resettlement, which houses residents affected by the Dong Dang–Tra Linh expressway project.

Visiting families in the resettlement area and thanking them for handing over land for the project, the PM affirmed that the Party and State have no greater objective than safeguarding independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity while improving the well-being of the people. He instructed local authorities to ensure that residents relocating to new homes enjoy living standards at least equal to, or better than, their previous conditions, and to pay due attention to livelihood support.

On the occasion, he also visited and presented gifts to officers and soldiers of the border guard and other functional forces on duty at Tan Thanh International Border Gate in Lang Son province.

Earlier, on the evening of February 19 (the third day of the Lunar New Year), PM Chinh directly inspected and encouraged officials, engineers, and workers working through the holiday at the Huu Nghi-Chi Lang expressway construction site at kilometre 45 in Nhan Ly commune and at IC03 interchange in Ky Lua ward, Lang Son.

Presenting gifts to workers on duty, the government leader acknowledged and commended their strong sense of responsibility and efforts to overcome difficulties.

VNA-Van Nguyen

General Secretary To Lam encouraged former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell to continue serving as a trusted bridge between Vietnam and the US, as well as with the business community and international partners…

Party General Secretary To Lam received former US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell  on February 20 afternoon (local time) as part of his trip to Washington D.C. to attend the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace.

At the meeting, General Secretary Lam shared Vietnam’s major orientations in its new development phase, highlighting the vision and strategic goals set forth at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. He underscored priorities, including institutional reform, growth acceleration, science and technology development, innovation, digital economy and green economy advancement, and deeper, more substantive and effective international integration.

He commended Campbell’s important role and positive contributions to advancing Vietnam–US relations over the years. He reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as its proactive and responsible engagement in addressing regional and global issues.

The General Secretary encouraged Campbell to continue serving as a trusted bridge between Vietnam and the US, as well as with the business community and international partners, thereby promoting policy dialogue, providing strategic analysis of global economic, technological and policy trends, and strengthening connectivity between US enterprises and strategic investors with Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities, particularly in high technology, finance, digital infrastructure and clean energy. He also urged efforts to encourage US companies to expand cooperation and investment in Vietnam in tandem with improving governance standards and market transparency, and to provide timely, constructive feedback from the business community at early stages of policymaking to enhance feasibility and effectiveness in public–private cooperation.

Emphasising that investors’ success is Vietnam’s success, the Party chief reaffirmed the country’s commitment to further improving the investment climate, maintaining socio-political stability, enhancing institutional quality, and creating the most possible favourable conditions for international businesses to develop in a long-term, efficient and sustainable manner. Vietnam wishes for deeper cooperation with the global business community, sharing both responsibilities and benefits in sustainable development, he noted.

For his part, Mr. Campbell congratulated Vietnam on the successful 14th National Party Congress, and General Secretary Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the 14th Party Central Committee. He spoke highly of the Party chief’s trip to the US, saying that both the trip and Vietnam’s participation in the Gaza Board of Peace demonstrate the country’s proactive, responsible and substantive contributions to peace, stability and international cooperation.

Mr. Campbell expressed his strong impressions of Vietnam’s development vision and strategic orientations outlined at the 14th National Party Congress, describing them as a solid foundation for the country to continue maintaining stability and rapid, sustainable growth. He noted that US businesses and partners highly value Vietnam’s investment environment, viewing the country as a strategic destination in global supply chains and innovation networks, and affirm their readiness to continue supporting economic, investment and business connectivity between the two nations. – (VNA)

VNA-

Much was done in the Mekong Delta over the course of 2025 to prioritize adaptation to and coexistence with nature.

The Mekong Delta has taken another step forward over the past year on its difficult path of transformation. Beneath its seemingly tranquil surface, profound shifts are underway as the region recalibrates how it survives and grows in a rapidly-changing context. In response, green growth and the broader concept of a green economy have gradually emerged as a central axis of thinking, guiding efforts to restructure the region’s development model.

The Mekong Delta is increasingly forced to redefine its development trajectory. Lessons drawn from floods, landslides, saltwater intrusion, and resource depletion have compelled local authorities to reassess decades of growth strategies. A new mindset is taking shape: development can no longer come at the expense of the environment and must be built upon the Delta’s own ecological foundations.

Towards a green economy

For many years, the region’s interaction with nature was largely shaped by a control-oriented approach - building higher dikes, enclosing waterways, and expanding production at all costs. Over time, however, the consequences of this strategy have become more apparent. Land subsidence, riverbank erosion, declining freshwater reserves, and ecological imbalances have exposed the limits of attempting to dominate natural systems.

A notable shift in awareness began to crystallize in 2025. Instead of “resisting” nature, many localities started to prioritize adaptation and coexistence. Water is no longer viewed solely as a threat but as an integral component of the ecosystem, requiring flexible, seasonal, and location-specific management. Flood retention areas, ecological lowlands, and natural drainage corridors are being re-evaluated for their critical role in reducing disaster risks.

At the same time, the exploitation of water resources is being adjusted towards sustainability. Groundwater extraction, which has contributed significantly to subsidence, is gradually being brought under control and increasingly replaced by surface water storage solutions, water-saving practices, and water reuse in production. These changes are neither abrupt nor uniform, but collectively lay the groundwork for a new approach, one that recognizes natural resources as finite limits to be respected rather than inexhaustible assets.

Within this broader picture, the green economy is emerging as a unifying current that runs through multiple sectors. It is no longer a slogan, but a practical framework that is increasingly shaping development choices. Agriculture, the traditional backbone of the Mekong Delta, offers the clearest illustration of this shift.

Instead of chasing output volumes, many localities are moving towards higher value through adaptive farming models that reduce emissions and protect ecosystems. Rice-shrimp systems, shrimp-mangrove models, organic agriculture, and circular farming practices not only ease environmental pressure but also open new pathways in terms of markets, quality, and value added. Farmers are no longer merely producers; they are becoming active links within green value chains.

A defining feature of this transition is the move from a “high volume” mindset to a “high value” orientation. Nature-adaptive farming models, once considered niche or experimental, are now being scaled up. Alongside agriculture, the marine economy is emerging as a highly-promising development space.

Stretching from the coastline of Tien Giang province (now part of Dong Thap province) to Ca Mau province, the Delta’s long shoreline and favorable wind conditions give it a distinct advantage in renewable energy development, particularly onshore and offshore wind power. At the same time, sustainable aquaculture, marine ecotourism, and mangrove conservation are gradually forming new value chains that both support livelihoods and protect coastal ecosystems.

Notably, the current approach to the marine economy does not separate growth from conservation. Mangrove forests in Ca Mau, for instance, are increasingly viewed as “green infrastructure” that protects coastlines, absorbs carbon, and supports long-term livelihoods. This perspective helps reduce conflicts between economic objectives and environmental protection, steering development towards long-term balance.

From a broader standpoint, a green marine economy also opens new opportunities for regional connectivity, linking inland areas with marine spaces and creating more open, flexible value chains compared with the closed development models of the past.

New regional driver

Beyond agriculture and the marine economy, urban areas in the Mekong Delta are gradually assuming a leading role in the green transition. Rather than expanding outward, many cities are pursuing more compact development models that emphasize green spaces, drainage infrastructure, and climate resilience.

New urban projects are paying closer attention to environmental considerations, from architectural design and energy use to waste and wastewater management. Public spaces, water bodies, and greenery are increasingly treated as essential components of urban systems rather than decorative additions. More importantly, cities are becoming hubs for spreading new values related to green lifestyles and sustainable governance.

From these urban centers, circular economy models, responsible consumption, and innovation are beginning to diffuse into rural areas, strengthening connections between different development spaces across the region. In this way, cities are not only beneficiaries of the green transition but also catalysts that help align rural and urban trajectories.

Looking back over the past year, the Mekong Delta appears to be passing through a pivotal phase. Mounting environmental challenges have made it impossible to maintain old development patterns, forcing localities to restructure how resources are used and how economic and social spaces are organized.

This transition is neither quick nor easy. It demands persistence, consensus, and long-term vision. Yet within this gradual process, a new identity for the Delta is taking shape, one that seeks growth by working with nature rather than against it, and by leveraging ecological advantages instead of pushing beyond environmental limits.

Green growth, therefore, is no longer a distant aspiration; it is increasingly visible in development decisions, production models, and living spaces across the region. It offers a pathway for the Mekong Delta to adapt to climate change while preserving its role as a pillar of national economic development, ecological stability, and food security.

As a new year dawns, these shifts may not have produced dramatic breakthroughs but clearly signal a new direction: the region is learning to slow down in order to go further. In that slower, more deliberate rhythm, the green economy is no longer simply an option, it is becoming the foundation of the Mekong Delta’s future.

VET-Anh Khue

The proposal is part of a draft decree on air transport aimed at attracting greater investment and reducing barriers to entry in the aviation sector.

The Ministry of Construction has proposed increasing the foreign ownership cap in Vietnam's new airlines to no more than 49%, up from the current limit of 34%.

The proposal is part of a draft decree on air transport aimed at attracting greater investment and reducing barriers to entry in the aviation sector.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, the higher foreign ownership limit is intended to help domestic carriers secure additional capital, management expertise, and operational experience from international partners, while remaining aligned with Vietnam’s international commitments on market access.

The authority emphasized that the proposed 49% cap would not compromise domestic investors’ control of airlines or their decision-making authority, particularly in sensitive matters related to national security and air transport operations.

The move is expected to enhance the competitiveness and financial capacity of Vietnam’s aviation sector as it continues to recover and expand in response to rising travel demand.

VnEconomy-Thanh Thủy

Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam was stands ready to coordinate with the US and other members of the Board to implement the peace plan. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump Donald said that he will instruct relevant agencies to soon remove Vietnam from the strategic export control list (D1–D3).

Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam was among the first countries to commit to participating in the Gaza Board of Peace, and stands ready to coordinate with the US and other members of the Board to implement the peace plan. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump Donald said that he will instruct relevant agencies to soon remove Vietnam from the strategic export control list (D1–D3).

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 20 morning (local time) as part of his trip to Washington D.C. to attend the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace.

Held in an open and cordial atmosphere, the two sides discussed many aspects of cooperation between the two countries as well as regional and international issues of shared concern.

General Secretary Lam congratulated the US and President Trump on the successful organisation of the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace. He affirmed that Vietnam was among the first countries to commit to participating in the Gaza Board of Peace, and stands ready to coordinate with the US and other members of the Board to implement the peace plan.

He reaffirmed that Vietnam always values and wishes to promote the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to develop in a stable, substantive, and effective manner. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction with positive outcomes in political–diplomatic relations, economic–trade cooperation, war legacy remediation, science and technology, education and training, and people-to-people exchanges.

General Secretary Lam proposed enhancing delegation exchanges and high-level contacts. Highlighting economic and trade cooperation as a key pillar of the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasised the need for candid and substantive dialogue on outstanding issues, based on balanced and harmonised interests, in line with each side’s legitimate conditions and interests, and for the benefit of businesses and people of both countries.

President Trump congratulated General Secretary To Lam on his re-election as General Secretary of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, and expressed his pleasure at welcoming him to the White House. He expressed his affection for the Vietnamese people and reaffirmed the US’s commitment to supporting a “strong, independent, self-reliant, and prosperous” Vietnam.

The US President welcomed and thanked Vietnam for announcing its participation in the Gaza Board of Peace, noting that the General Secretary’s direct attendance at the inaugural meeting reflects Vietnam’s growing role and standing in the international arena, as well as its strong commitment to global peace, stability, and cooperation.

The President also highly valued Vietnam’s efforts to balance bilateral trade and welcomed the valuable contracts signed during the trip. He responded positively to Vietnam’s proposals for cooperation in economic and scientific–technological fields. He said that he will instruct relevant agencies to soon remove Vietnam from the strategic export control list (D1–D3).

Reaffirming that the US considers Vietnam an important partner in the region, President Trump praised Vietnam’s increasingly prominent role and voice at regional and multilateral forums.

On this occasion, General Secretary Lam invited President Trump and his spouse to visit Vietnam again at an early date. President Trump accepted the invitation with pleasure and said that he will arrange a visit in the near future. - (VNA)

VNA-