Vietnam News
China recognizes more growing area codes for Vietnamese durian
The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) on May 21 updated its records to include 829 growing area codes and 131 packing facility codes for Vietnamese durian, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
The Plant Production and Protection Department under Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment underlined that the expansion of this list creates favorable conditions to boost Vietnamese durian exports to the Chinese market.
Local authorities and businesses are urged to proactively seize this opportunity while strictly adhering to regulations on plant quarantine and food safety to ensure sustainable export growth.
In the first four months of 2025, Vietnam’s durian exports to China reached only about $130 million, equivalent to 35,000 tons. This represents a sharp decline compared to over $500 million during the same period in 2024.
-Vân Nguyễn
Vietnam Security Summit 2025 opens in HCM City
The Vietnam Security Summit 2025 opened in Ho Chi Minh City on May 23, providing a venue for domestic and foreign experts to share experience, discuss solutions and boost cooperation in creating a safe cyberspace for Vietnam.
The event was co-organized by the National Cybersecurity Association (NCA) and IEC Group with the theme "Cybersecurity: Building Resilience Trust in the Ever-Changing World".
The summit featured one plenary keynote session and three conference sessions on AI-driven data protection, cloud security, and IT infrastructure resilience.
The annual summit also showcased cybersecurity solutions from over 50 leading domestic and international providers, highlighting advancements in AI security, cloud protection, data security, and identity and access management.
-Như Quỳnh
Growth drivers, both new and traditional, to be promoted
During a group discussion on socio-economic development tasks held on May 23 morning, as part of the ongoing 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of not only promoting new growth drivers but also revitalizing traditional ones—namely exports, consumption, and investment.
The Government leader was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stressing the need to promote public investment as a catalyst for private investment, as well as to boost overall social and foreign investment.
Addressing the current challenges to export growth, the PM stressed the need to stay calm and ready for dialogue, and actively negotiate with partners, including the US, on the basis of harmonized interests and shared risks. He also highlighted the importance of expanding and diversifying both export markets and products in this context.
Regarding the consumption driver, he emphasized the need for supportive fiscal policies, including tax and fee reductions, increasing revenue while cutting expenditures, especially recurrent spending, boosting development investment, and reducing input costs for businesses.
For new growth drivers, the Government leader called for accelerating digital transformation and green transition, urging ministries, sectors, and localities to concentrate on the effective implementation of key resolutions issued by the Party, State, and National Assembly in these areas.
On the deployment of the two-tier administration model, it is necessary for a fundamental shift in administrative mindset—from passively responding to public needs to proactively and efficiently serving both citizens and businesses, including streamlining administrative procedures, minimizing intermediary steps, and enhancing data integration, the PM noted.
He also highlighted the importance of advancing decentralization and delegation of authority in parallel with the appropriate allocation of resources.
The PM also spotlighted four key pillars for promoting socio-economic development – the Politburo’s resolutions on breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation; international integration; reforming lawmaking and law enforcement; and developing the private economic sector.
-Vân Nguyễn
Deputy PM calls for green transition roadmap for aviation industry
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has stressed an urgent need to develop a master plan for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) development and to actively participate in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), aiming to achieve the dual goal of enhancing the aviation sector's competitiveness while fulfilling commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Chairing a May 20 policy meeting, Deputy PM Ha reaffirmed that participation in the CORSIA Program is an inevitable trend, reflecting Vietnam’s international responsibility and opening new opportunities for the country’s aviation industry to adapt to increasingly stringent technical regulations.
He underscored that SAF should be integrated into Vietnam’s strategy for building a circular, green, and sustainable economy.
To facilitate this, he assigned the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) to urgently complete the necessary documentation for the Ministry of Construction to submit for CORSIA registration approval, ensuring compliance with the ICAO's roadmap.
At the same time, the Ministry of Construction will collaborate with ICAO to receive support in technical consultation, human resource training, and the development of standards and regulations related to CORSIA implementation.
The Ministry of Construction will also spearhead efforts to draft and submit a pilot decree to the Government, establishing guidelines for SAF adoption and CORSIA execution within the aviation sector, including domestic flights. The decree will encourage domestic SAF production, support the establishment of a national certification body, and pave the way for the creation of a standard-compliant laboratory to conduct self-assessment and certification of SAF.
Meanwhile, domestic petroleum production and processing enterprises are expected to proactively develop proposals for SAF production, addressing key factors such as technology, land, taxes, financial planning, and market assessments, ensuring efficiency while avoiding internal competition.
-Tuấn Khang
Cross-border passenger train service between Vietnam and China to resume soon
The cross-border passenger train service between Vietnam and China will resume from May 25 after five years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
There will be two trains - MR1 and MR2 - departing from Hanoi’s Gia Lam station to China’s Nanning station and vice versa daily.
MR1 will depart from Gia Lam station at 9:20 pm and arrive at Nanning station at 10:06 am the next day. In the opposite direction, MR2 will depart from Nanning station at 6:05 pm and arrive at Gia Lam station at 5:30 am the next day.
Passengers will complete immigration procedures at Dong Dang - Lang Son (Vietnam) and Pingxiang - Guangxi (China).
Additionally, direct trains from Gia Lam Station (Hanoi) to Beijing Station (China) and vice versa will be operated from May 27.
A one-way ticket for the Hanoi - Nanning route is about 1 million VND (38.5 USD), the Hanoi - Beijing route about 9.37 million VND. Free tickets are available for children under 4 years old, and 50% off for those from 4 to 12 years old. Each adult is allowed to bring one child; groups of six or more people are 25% off tickets.
Currently, the Vietnam Railways Corporation sells tickets for the cross-border routes at Hanoi, Gia Lam, Bac Giang, and Dong Dang stations. The operation of cross-border passenger trains between Vietnam and China is carried out based on the Vietnam-China Border Railway Agreement signed in 1992. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hanoi-Nanning trains ran daily.
-Vân Nguyễn
Thanh Hoa welcomes nearly 7.3 million tourists in first 5 months
The north central province of Thanh Hoa welcomed over 1.9 million tourists in May 2025, with a total revenue of over VND6.1 trillion (nearly $236 million), marking a 7.6% increase in numbers of tourists and 35.4% in revenue, compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
Of these, the number of international visitors was estimated at 101,000.
In the first five months of 2025, nearly 7.3 million tourists visited the province, reflecting a 6.9% year-on-year increase. Notably, international arrivals totaled 167,700, highlighting efforts to expand local tourism into the global market. Total tourism revenue during this period reached VND15.547 trillion (nearly $599 million).
To achieve these positive results, the province has prioritized investments in tourism infrastructure, particularly improving the transportation network connecting key tourist sites.
In 2025, Thanh Hoa is carrying out 19 tourism infrastructure investment projects with a total capital of over VND1.2 trillion ($47 million). These projects aim to enhance accessibility, regional connectivity, and attract visitors to major destinations such as Sam Son, Pu Luong, Ben En, and Hai Tien.
So far, the province has undertaken 70 tourism infrastructure projects, of which 48 have been completed, while 22 remain in progress.
Thanh Hoa aims to welcome 16 million visitors and generate VND45.5 trillion ($1.75 billion) in tourism revenue by the end of 2025.
-Nguyễn Thuấn
Central Quang Tri province plans new 1,400ha urban area
The People’s Committee of the central province of Quang Tri has officially approved a Master Plan for the new Ta Rut urban area in Dakrong District, setting a development vision through 2045.
According to the plan, the Ta Rut urban area will span 1,416 ha within Dakrong District, functioning as a comprehensive urban center that meets the criteria of a Class V urban area.
The development model will be multi-sectoral and diversified, prioritizing industries, small-scale enterprises, craft villages, logistics, trade, services, tourism, agriculture, and forestry.
Ta Rut is also designated as a future hub for economic and cultural exchange within the Greater Mekong Subregion, serving as a key connection point to Laos and Thailand through the La Lay International Border Gate.
The urban area’s population is projected to reach approximately 13,324 people by 2035 and nearly 19,000 by 2045.
-Nguyễn Thuấn
PM asks to accelerate simplification of administrative procedures
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 22 issued Official Dispatch No.69/CD-TTg, urging ministries, agencies and localities to focus on reviewing and simplifying administrative procedures.
The Government News quoted the PM’s dispatch as ordering all business-related administrative procedures must go online by the end of 2025 in order to enhance transparency and reduce paperwork.
According to the dispatch, there are about 6,358 administrative procedures, including 4,377 business-related procedures; 8,977 business conditions; 3,086 products and goods subject to specialized inspection, announced by ministries, agencies and localities.
The total compliance costs are estimated at more than VND120 trillion (over $4.6 billion) annually.
The PM urged ministries, agencies and localities to complete the review and update of all administrative procedures on the National Database on Administrative Procedures prior to June 10, 2025.
He urged ministries, agencies and localities to reduce time required for processing administrative procedures by at least 30 percent; reduce business conditions by at least 30 percent; reduce compliance costs by at least 30 percent right in 2025.
The Government leader urged ministries, agencies and localities to abolish administrative barriers and “ask-give” mechanism while promoting digitalization in carrying out administrative procedures, especially those related to establishment and dissolution of businesses, land access, taxation, customs, and insurance.
-Vân Nguyễn
HCMC, Finland's Tampere partner on innovation, digitalization
The Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC C4IR) and a delegation from the City of Tampere, Finland, have signed a bilateral cooperation agreement, committing to promote innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and smart city development.
A delegation from Tampere, led by Deputy Mayor Jouni Markkanen, visited and worked with HCMC C4IR on May 21. During the discussions, both sides identified several potential areas for enhanced cooperation, with smart manufacturing highlighted as a core shared interest.
HCMC C4IR is currently developing a smart manufacturing capability assessment platform and expects it to become a connection point for Finnish businesses by late 2025 or early 2026.
Furthermore, both sides expressed interest in artificial intelligence. Finland has already established a legal framework and AI strategy, while Ho Chi Minh City is researching and developing its own policy framework.
The signed agreement outlines collaboration on sharing smart manufacturing assessment tools and exchanging experiences in building AI ecosystems and appropriate legal frameworks.
Tampere will support the transfer of expertise in digitizing construction processes and developing advanced materials, while Ho Chi Minh City will share its model for applying IoT and 5G in seaport operations. Additionally, both parties agreed to develop a joint startup network and organize international networking events.
-Vân Nguyễn
HCM City attracts $1.425 bln of FDI in Q1
Ho Chi Minh City attracted $1.425 billion worth of registered FDI capital in the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant increase of 78.2% year-on-year, figures from the city’s Statistics Office show.
The city granted investment license for 333 new FDI projects during the period with total registered capital of $421.8 million, up 14% in numbers of projects and 265.2% in registered capital compared to the same period last year.
Singapore is the biggest investor with 50 projects worth $319.7 million, accounting for 75.8% of the total capital of new projects.
By the end of March, there were 13,856 active FDI projects in the city with a combined registered capital of over $59.44 billion.
HCM City targets to attract $7 billion in FDI this year.
In order to prepare for new investment wave, the city has built a list of 84 projects calling for investors in the 2024-2025 period with an estimated total investment capital of VND296 trillion ($11.34 billion). Priorities are given to the fields of infrastructure, healthcare, education, logistics, urban development and high-tech industry.
-Thiên Di
Green transition on the way up
Ms. Thai Huong, Founder and Chairwoman, TH GroupStrategy Council
Vietnam hosting the P4G Summit 2025 is a clear testament to the country’s increasingly prominent role in global efforts to promote green growth and sustainable development. In particular, this year’s theme of “Sustainable and People-Centered Green Transition” resonates fully with the development philosophy the TH Group has adhered to since its inception.
We firmly believe that true development is only sustainable when it is based on “Mother Nature”, respecting the laws of nature and putting people at the core. That’s why we have built acomplete, closed-loop high-tech agricultural ecosystem, where advancements in AI, global big data, the green economy, and the circular economy are applied thoroughly.
Mastering technology and data not only helps TH optimize costs and improve productivity, but more importantly enables us to create clean, entirely natural products that meet international standards, earning the trust of domestic consumers and being embraced globally. This model has helped us maintain double-digit growth rates, even during difficult periods such aseconomic crises and global pandemics.
More importantly, this is a model that contributes to shaping asustainable agricultural economy and a green and circular economy, restoring the greenness of the land and nature, using resources efficiently, and simultaneously creating sustainable livelihoods for farmers. As a result, farmers are no longer outsiders but become a key link in the modern value chain.
Today, the green economy, combined with innovation, is not just a trend but truly brings practical and long-lasting benefits. However, for this trend to spread widely and have profound effects, the role of public-private cooperation is extremely important.
First, we need strong, coherent, and appropriate policies to lead businesses and encourage “pioneers” in each field.
Second, we need to promote the building and sharing of data between businesses. Linking and sharing experiences is the shortest path to integrating technology into production and business processes, creating an ecosystem of mutual learning and development.
Third, economic development must go hand-in-hand with improving the quality of life and physical well-being of the people. Investment in high-tech agriculture, the green economy, and the circular economy not only brings clean, nutritious products but also strategically invests in preventive healthcare, public health, future generations, and national sustainability.
I believe that with the ambition to rise, with an innovative foundation, and the collaboration of the entire ecosystem,Vietnam will successfully seize the opportunities presented by Industry 4.0, realizing the goal of green growth and making strong strides forward into a “New era, The era of the nation’s rise”.
Ms. Le Thi Hong Nhi, Deputy General Director of Communications, External Affairs and Sustainable Development, Unilever Vietnam
In the context of Vietnam actively promoting green transition through progressive policies such as the National Action Plan for the Circular Economy, the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, and the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, we see this as the ideal time for the private sector to play an increasingly proactive and profound role in creating sustainable solutions.
One of the greatest challenges facing both the world and Vietnam is the issue of plastic waste. With strong determination, the Vietnamese Government has implemented a host of important initiatives, including the National Action Plan on Marine Plastic Debris Management, with the goal of reducing 75 per cent of plastic waste entering the oceans by 2030, and gradually eliminating single-use plastics in coastal areas.Vietnam is also the first country in ASEAN to adopt mandatory EPR, requiring that producers and importers be responsible for managing the lifecycle of their products and packaging.
In response to the government’s call, since 2020, Unilever Vietnam has been a pioneer in collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to establish “Public-Private Collaboration (PPC) to Promote a Circular Economy for Plastic Waste” and many other sustainable development activities.
However, the green transition process still faces many barriers.The infrastructure for waste segregation at the source is not yet complete, recycling technology, particularly for flexible plastics, is still limited, while policies have not yet strongly encouraged the use of recycled materials. EPR, though a significant step forward, still requires adjustments to better support the domestic recycling industry.
To overcome these challenges, we hope that Vietnam can accelerate technological innovation and support local innovators through multilateral cooperation models between educational institutions, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and global corporations.
At the same time, it is essential to strengthen the policy framework to develop a high-quality recycling industry, particularly by adding mechanisms to encourage the use ofrecycled plastics in EPR regulations to ensure stable outputs for the domestic recycling industry. The effective use of the Environmental Protection Fund from EPR fees is crucial to fund new technologies, support startups, and drive the application of creative solutions in the recycling sector. Investment in waste sorting and collection infrastructure at the source is also a vital foundation to build a sustainable circular economy ecosystem.
The journey to a green transition can not be led by one side alone; only when the public and private sectors truly accompany each other, with mutual commitment and joint action, can innovation become a practical driver for sustainable development.
Mr. Truong Sy Ba, Chairman and CEO, Tan Long Group
Green and sustainable agriculture is becoming an urgent requirement in the face of climate change impacts, market volatility, and shifting consumer trends. Future food security isnot just about quantity, but about being “Sufficient - Right - Sustainable”. In recent years, I have observed clear interest from our partners and customers in clean production processes that meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria or certifications for sustainable farming practices. I believe that investing in ESG and sustainable agriculture is an investment in the future, where product quality, consumer health, farmers’ rights, and the stability of ecosystems are all placed at the center.
In line with the global trend of green transformation, we proactively participate and accompany government and international organizations’ sustainable farming programs. Notable examples include the One Million Hectares of High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice project, led by the Vietnamese Government, or the “Transforming the Rice Value Chain to Combat Climate Change and Move Towards Sustainable Development in the Mekong Delta” project, funded by the Embassy of Australia in Vietnam and the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV), in cooperation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This is a strategic direction aimed at creating modern agriculture that is climate-resilient and develops harmoniously with the ecological environment in Vietnam.
We do not follow a path that focuses on production volume at the cost of depleting resources for the future. Tan Long’s practical model is one of “from root to tip”, from production to finished products with traceability, ensuring quality control according to international integration standards.
Currently, Vietnam is facing a huge and transformative opportunity in the journey of food system transformation, opening the door to an era of sustainable, inclusive, and climate-resilient development. This is not only an inevitable global trend but also a driving force for Vietnam to redefine how we produce, distribute, and consume food in a greener, safer, and more efficient manner. If we take advantage of this moment, we can build an intelligent agricultural ecosystem that ensures food security, enhances the value of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets, and improves the livelihoods of millions of rural people.
With the achievements from our business practices and production, along with our ambitious goals, we are committed to continuously striving to develop green and sustainable agricultural models, contributing effectively to the common goal of creating a sustainable and flexible food system for the future in the context of sustainable development trends in Vietnam.
Mr. To Dung Thai, Chairman of the Member Council, Vietnam Posts and Telecommunications Group (VNPT)
The world is undergoing a strong transformation, opening a new era where technology, the environment, and people develop harmoniously, all heading towards a green and sustainable future. In this context, green transformation and innovation are no longer strategic choices but have become prerequisites for countries and businesses to survive, grow, and establish their position on the global map.
Seizing this inexorable trend, we have not only chosen to participate but also proactively taken on the role of leading the green transformation and innovation process in Vietnam. With along-term vision, we see green transformation as the foundation for sustainable development, realized through the use of clean energy, reducing emissions, limiting pollution, and protecting the living environment.
In the field of information technology and telecommunications, this direction is embodied by the development of green infrastructure and smart infrastructure, such as energy-efficient data centers, renewable energy applications, and the integration of environmentally-friendly cloud computing solutions.
In line with Resolution No. 57 from the Politburo on breakthrough development in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, we have identified three key tasks. First, to accelerate investment in research and development (RD), focusing on strategic technologies such as AI, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and 6G, to create a foundation for innovation and enhance competitiveness.
Second, to build and deploy modern digital infrastructure, including 5G networks, large-scale data centers, and national digital platforms, to meet the needs of comprehensive digital transformation. Third, to develop a high-quality digital workforce through in-depth training and attracting domestic and international talent, ensuring the ability to sustainably implement technological strategies.
Sustainable development is not only a long-term vision but also a core strategy, demonstrated through specific actions and clear responsibilities towards the country and the future. We are committed to working alongside the government, international partners, and the business community to turn today’s aspirations into tomorrow’s reality in the journey of green transformation and innovation.
-Vietnam Economic Times
AWS’s top tips for optimizing generative AI to drive real business results
In the first half of this year, many AWS customers I’ve spoken to were hesitant to scale generative artificial intelligence (AI) beyond proof-of-concepts, despite its promise of enhancing productivity. Common concerns included data privacy, output accuracy, unclear return on investment (ROI), and potential legal and regulatory implications.
To build confidence and clarity, customers are implementing robust AI governance frameworks, policies and standards, clear usage guidelines, and deliberate rollouts. However, demonstrating clear ROI with AI to justify project costs, especially at the C-suite and board levels, remains a significant hurdle.
This challenge partly stems from the difficulty of quantifying productivity gains in knowledge work that generative AI optimizes. For example, how do you translate a reduction in resolution time from 10 hours to 1 hour by an HR chatbot into measurable business value? Without this, calculating ROI to convince boards to invest further becomes challenging.
And without clearly defined business value, how do you calculate a precise and justifiable ROI to secure board-level investment? Given these challenges, companies are increasingly exploring a variety of AI solutions to strike the right balance of performance, cost, and ease of implementation.
Powerful AI models from Anthropic, Mistral, Meta, and Amazon (we announced our Amazon Nova family of advanced models at AWS re:Invent) are making generative AI more accessible than ever. These models can generate text (from creative writing to code), perform trend analysis, handle language translation, and even power video/image creation, boosting both productivity and creativity.
Over the past 12 months, as customer adoption of generative AI has expanded on Amazon Bedrock, our fully managed service for building generative AI applications, customers have reinforced the importance of broad and flexible model choices, strong guardrails for safety, integrated knowledge bases, and other key features that simplify the development of AI applications. Today, tens of thousands of customers are using Amazon Bedrock to address a wide variety of business problems across every industry vertical.
For example, Vietnam International Bank (VIB), in collaboration with AWS, has developed ViePro, a GenAI-powered virtual assistant built on a secure, proprietary knowledge base. By leveraging the Claude 3 Haiku model via Amazon Bedrock, VIB can tailor applications to its specific business needs, such as delivering personalized financial services. At the same time, the bank uses Amazon SageMaker, our fully managed machine learning service, to enhance operational efficiency and deliver customized experiences, including individualized spending limits and incentive programs for each customer. As a result, this innovation has improved customer satisfaction, boosted service efficiency, and increased productivity by 40 per cent.
We're seeing that getting the best results from models isn’t just about selecting the latest and greatest. Combining fit-for-purpose models with best practice prompting techniques, often called prompt engineering, can lead to significantly better outcomes in terms of accuracy and cost-effectiveness. One powerful technique is multi-shot prompting. By sharing multiple examples of desired outputs, users can effectively calibrate the model for specific use cases, improving accuracy, consistency, cost, and performance.
Another advanced approach is retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). Since AI models are trained on specific data and lack knowledge beyond their training, RAG enhances model responses with up-to-date or context-specific information. This increases accuracy and relevance while reducing the need for human intervention. For example, PEXA launched an internal generative AI assistant using RAG and Amazon Bedrock to ensure every employee interaction is secure, accurate, and contextually relevant.
While techniques like prompt engineering and RAG are powerful, they’re not silver bullets. Model selection remains critical, and we believe there is no single model that rules them all. That’s why we’ve launched six new Amazon Nova models, delivering industry-leading price-to-performance, expanding our already broad model selection on Amazon Bedrock.
While the most advanced models can handle a wide range of tasks, using a model that is too powerful for a simple task increases cost and latency. The key is to select the model that is “just right”—usually the smallest, most cost-effective, and fastest one that still meets the performance requirements.
Human oversight, content curation, and feedback loops are essential to ensure quality outcomes and uphold responsible AI principles. No generative AI system today is reliable enough to fully automate end-to-end business processes. Human-AI collaboration is critical to building more robust, responsible, and trustworthy AI systems.
To ensure success, we must also train the workforce with the right skills. We’ve already trained over 50,000 individuals in Vietnam (and more than 1.3 million across ASEAN) in cloud-related skills. Globally, Amazon is committed to providing free AI skills training to two million people by 2025. The demand is high: according to the AWS-commissioned Accelerating AI Skills report, over 92 per cent of employers in the Asia-Pacific region expect to implement AI-powered solutions in their organizations by 2028.
We are committed to democratizing access to generative AI, providing robust tools for responsible AI development, and supporting initiatives for Vietnamese customers and partners. Responsible use of these technologies is essential for fostering sustainable innovation. One way we’re enabling this is by equipping customers with the tools and guidance needed to build and scale generative AI safely, securely, and responsibly, ensuring that Vietnam becomes a leader in AI within the ASEAN region and the broader digital economy.
-Hieu Hoang, Senior Manager, Solutions Architect, Amazon Web Services Vietnam
PM asks to ensure transparent environment for international financial center in Vietnam
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested to establish an international financial center in Vietnam with transparent and open legal environment, and modern and seamless infrastructure.
He made the request while chairing a meeting of the steering committee for building regional and international financial centers on May 22 to discuss the National Assembly’s draft Resolution on the establishment of an international financial center in Vietnam.
He also stressed the need for a highly qualified and professional workforce, and smart and modern governance.
Noting that the goal of establishing the center is to attract medium- and long-term capital, both direct and indirect, from both the public and private sectors, to serve the country’s rapid and sustainable development, the Government leader stressed that policies must ensure property rights, freedom of business, and freedom of movement for all entities participating in the financial center.
With the view that Vietnam’s international financial center must be a “free and equal playing field, with harmonised benefits and shared risks,” the PM said that its operation must respect market mechanisms; capital within the centre must be allowed to flow freely; and all related procedures must be streamlined, with all unnecessary sub-licenses eliminated.
-Tiến Dũng
French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025 set to open in HCM City
The French Tech Summit Vietnam 2025 is scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City on May 27, serving as a strategic connection between startups, investors and experts of the two countries, on the occasion of French President Emmanuel Macron's official visit to Vietnam from May 25-27.
Under the theme "Riding The Crest – France Vietnam Empower Next-Wave Breakthroughs", the event is expected to attract 1,500 participants, including key players from the tech ecosystems of both countries: public decision-makers, business leaders, investors, innovation experts, and startups.
The event will explore the technologies shaping tomorrow such as AI, healthtech, greentech, fintech, digitalization and gaming.
Particularly, this year’s event will feature the Startups Village where startups will introduce their products and technologies to investors, partners and experts; and the Booster Accelerator Challenge which will help potential projects to get access to appropriate consultants and investors.
The summit is one of activities held to concretize the joint declaration about the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France signed on October 7, 2024, which highlights priority to enhance bilateral cooperation in the fields of high technology, innovation and digital transformation.
-Vân Nguyễn
Agreement on three ecotourism projects in central Quang Binh province signed
With a total investment capital of nearly VND480 billion ($18.5 million), three forest environment leasing projects in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Binh have been officially signed, marking a significant step in the province’s strategy to utilize forest potential while ensuring conservation and sustainable development.
According to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park Management Board, the agreements have been signed for a 30-year term, focusing on ecotourism, resorts, and environmentally friendly entertainment services.
This initiative is part of the province’s key strategic plan to enhance forest resource value, diversify tourism offerings, and stimulate economic growth, all while maintaining the unique forest ecosystem’s integrity.
The first project, led by MBG Lac Sanh Phu Yen Joint Stock Company, will be developed in the Botanical Garden area within the service-administrative subdivision of the National Park. The company will invest VND91 billion ($3.5 million) to create an ecotourism and environmental interpretation site on 77 ha.
The second project, undertaken by Greenscape Project Development Consulting and Investment Management Joint Stock Company, spans 76 ha and has the largest investment capital among the three projects, VND310 billion ($11.95 million).
The third project, to be developed by Viet Green Ecotourism Joint Stock Company, plans to construct a Tourism Operations Center and the Ba Tay Hill Resort on 83 ha, with a total investment of VND76 billion (over $2.9 million).
-Nguyễn Thuấn
Construction of Phu Cat Airport's runway No. 2 scheduled to start on August 19
The People's Committee of the south central province of Binh Dinh has submitted an official document to the Ministry of Finance regarding the commencement of the Phu Cat Airport expansion project, specifically the construction of runway No. 2 and associated airside facilities in the airport.
The investment project has a total capital of over VND3.2 trillion ($125 million), with over VND1 trillion ($38.5 million) allocated for site clearance costs.
The new 3,048-meter-long runway will accommodate Code C aircraft, such as the A320 and A321, with the potential for upgrades to support Code E aircraft if needed.
The feasibility study report has been completed, and on April 3, 2025, the Binh Dinh Provincial Project Management Unit for Traffic and Civil Engineering Works (the project owner) submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Construction (MoC), requesting project appraisal in compliance with current regulations.
The Provincial People's Committee is directing relevant agencies to urgently coordinate with the MoC to finalize the appraisal process, with the project dossier expected to be officially approved by May 22.
Following approval, the province will accelerate preparations for detailed design documents, cost estimates, and contractor selection, working closely with the MoC to ensure a swift approval process.
The goal is to commence construction on August 19, ensuring timely progress and adherence to quality, technical, and safety standards.
-Gia Huy
Second round of Vietnam – US talks on reciprocal trade deal concluded
Vietnam and the US made positive progress during the second round of negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement, held in Washington D.C. from May 19 to 22, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.
The Vietnamese delegation was led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, who also heads the Government’s negotiation team. The delegation included members of the negotiation team and representatives from relevant ministries and the State Bank of Vietnam.
Throughout the three-day talks, negotiations were conducted in a spirit of goodwill, straightforwardness, and respect for each other’s institutional frameworks.
The two sides sought to harmonize and balance interests in conformity with international commitments, with the development level of each country taken into account.
The two delegations exchanged information about their countries' respective policies, clarified the wording of the draft agreement, and discussed a general approach to addressing the fundamental issues of mutual concern in order to accelerate the negotiation process. They engaged in open and constructive dialogue on economic and trade matters of the countries' core interests.
The two sides identified the groups of issues on which they reached consensus or positions have narrowed, as well as the ones requiring further discussion. Both parties also agreed on timelines for providing feedback on the draft agreement, proposing specific wording, and holding virtual meetings in preparation for the next round of negotiations.
On the final day of talks, Minister Dien held a bilateral meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to review the outcomes of the second round and identify key areas of focus for the next phase of negotiations, scheduled to take place in early June.
Mr. Greer commended Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts in addressing US concerns and expressed his hope that both sides will continue to step up technical and ministerial-level exchanges to reach an agreement as soon as possible.
Minister Dien welcomed Mr. Greer’s remarks and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing trade and economic relations with the US in a balanced and sustainable manner, for the benefit of both countries' people and businesses. He agreed to instruct technical teams to continue increasing discussion to work toward a mutually acceptable agreement that meets the expectations and conditions of both sides.
-Vân Nguyễn
Opportune time for Vietnamese businesses to join Danish green supply chains
Vietnamese businesses, particularly those in bio-packaging, recycled products, green furniture, environment equipment, and renewable energy technology, have a valuable opportunity to access and integrate into Denmark’s emerging supply chains, according to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden.
Companies can export auxiliary products and green raw materials to circular manufacturers in Denmark or pursue joint ventures and technology collaborations with Danish startups and environmental research institutes.
Fairs and innovation forums that focused on the circular economy in Northern Europe provide platforms for promoting sustainable products, while Danish connections also open access to green investment funds and EU funding programs.
“With Northern Europe leading the green transition, Vietnamese businesses investing in environmentally friendly products not only gain access to this market but also create strategic leverage for expansion across the entire EU region,” the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden emphasized.
Denmark’s long-term goal is to establish itself as a global knowledge hub for the circular economy and environmental technology. As part of its pioneering role in Europe, Denmark has launched a National Action Plan with 129 initiatives, aiming for climate neutrality by 2030.
This plan includes ambitious targets, such as reducing incinerated plastic waste by 80% and raising the household waste recycling rate to 65% by 2035, in alignment with the EU’s roadmap.
-Vũ Khuê
WB release two new reports on Vietnam's furture development
The World Bank (WB) on May 22 released two new reports titled “Vietnam 2045: Breakthrough - Institutions for a High-Income Future” and “Vietnam 2045: Growing greener - Pathways to a Resilient and Sustainable Future”
In the “Vietnam 2045: Breakthrough - Institutions for a High-Income Future” report, WB emphasized that to sustain high growth rates, Vietnam needs to strengthen its legal framework and regulatory environment, while improving the efficiency of public investment in terms of both scale and quality.
Notably, several key institutional reforms will be decisive for Vietnam’s next development phase. Among them, public investment management must see substantial improvements, from project selection to implementation and oversight.
At the same time, refining the legal framework and regulations will help build a business environment that is more transparent, stable, and predictable. Local governance must also be enhanced through greater autonomy, stronger accountability, and improved coordination among provinces.
In order to become a high-income nation by 2045, Vietnam also needs to build an efficient, accountable civil service with an appropriate size, suitable compensation, and backed by institutions that ensure due process, transparency, and independent oversight, the report noted.
According to Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank (WB)’s Country Director for Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, the journey toward Vietnam’s 2045 high-income goal has clearly demonstrated the critical role of institutions in ensuring the country’s sustainable growth.
“Vietnam’s recent reform efforts show strong commitment, but to achieve the high-income goal, Vietnam must go even further with an institutional breakthrough to unlock the full potential of the private sector to drive growth and generate quality jobs for the people,” Ms. Sherman added.
In parallel with institutional reforms, the “Vietnam 2045: Growing greener - Pathways to a Resilient and Sustainable Future” report emphasized that investment in climate adaptation is key to minimizing the risks from weather-related shocks to Vietnam’s agriculture, businesses, and production infrastructure.
The WB report noted that if sea levels rise by 75 to 100 cm, nearly half of the Mekong Delta could be submerged by mid-century. The WB's survey also revealed that around 75 per cent of businesses in Vietnam’s two main export sectors including garments and electronics, are operating in areas regularly affected by high temperatures, placing 1.3 million workers in vulnerable conditions.
Therefore, without timely adaptation measures, climate change could affect Vietnam’s economy, the report remarked.
On this issue, Ms. Sherman recommended that Vietnam begin taking steps now to protect land, communities, and infrastructure from climate-related shocks. She emphasized the importance of developing appropriate mechanisms and policies to encourage businesses and citizens to proactively adapt, and to integrate climate risk management into all sectors of the economy.
The report also recommends that Vietnam should accelerate the energy transition, taking advantage of renewable energy technologies with increasingly competitive costs to improve energy efficiency in the industrial sector
Along with that, Vietnam should tap into its marine economic potential to foster a greener future and enhance climate resilience. In which, expanding renewable energy, especially offshore wind power, will be an important opportunity for Vietnam to gradually reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
-Phuong Hoa
Environmental law enforcement to be further strengthened
At a meeting held on May 21 with leaders from several ministries, agencies, and the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to discuss a draft directive of the Prime Minister outlining urgent tasks to strengthen the effectiveness of environmental law enforcement and take decisive action against pollution, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha stressed that the directive must point out the worsening pollution in big cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, particularly air pollution, river basin contamination, solid waste issues, and pollution from industrial zones and craft villages.
The Ministry of Public Security was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as reporting at the meeting that environmental protection has long been a priority of the Party and State as it was recognized as one of the three key pillars of sustainable development.
Despite notable progress, environmental pollution remains poorly controlled in many areas. Several regions are facing severe conditions, particularly air pollution in major cities, along with land and water pollution in densely populated areas, industrial zones, service hubs, and craft villages.
Each year, the police uncover and address over 600 criminal cases and more than 20,000 cases of administrative violations related to environmental harm, according to the Ministry of Public Security.
To address this problem, the ministry, in coordination with other ministries and local authorities, has drafted a Prime Minister directive detailing urgent measures to improve law enforcement and combat pollution.
Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Minister of Public Security, said the draft directive focuses on inspecting and addressing polluting facilities, while proposing legal reforms to ensure stricter enforcement and clarify the responsibilities of relevant agencies. The draft also highlights the need for stronger leadership accountability and encourages proactive engagement from all levels of government and the wider community.
At the meeting, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy outlined short-term solutions to deal with pollution hotspots. These include tackling air and wastewater pollution in Hanoi, environmental degradation in craft villages, contamination in river basins, and pollution from industrial facilities. The goal is to prevent the spread and worsening of pollution, he said.
The minister said that his ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, is prioritizing urgent environmental issues such as air and surface water pollution. It is finalizing emission standards for motorbikes and proposing clearer responsibilities for certain ministries.
Meanwhile, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan backed the draft directive, highlighting the city’s efforts to restrict fossil fuel vehicles. He recommended broadening pollution source categories and clarifying the city's responsibilities for declaring pollution emergencies and building the environmental monitoring system.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong, for his part, confirmed the city’s commitment to environmental monitoring and low-emission zone identification. He advocated stronger decentralization, a unified national environmental information system, green transport initiatives, and greater private investment in clean technologies.
Acknowledging all feedback, Deputy PM Ha instructed the drafting committee to revise and finalize the directive.
He noted that the directive should priorities urgent actions to tackle severe pollution. It must not replace existing policies but reinforce and enhance the implementation of the previously issued resolutions and directives.
The Deputy PM tasked the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade with quickly issuing detailed environmental standards, identifying pollutants such as fine dust, CO₂, and carbon emissions, managing vehicles, fuel and emissions, and setting pollution reduction targets for the period from now to 2030.
He assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to lead the creation of a national environmental monitoring database, propose the police take legal action against serious polluters, and devise mechanisms for funding inspections and attracting private investment.
The Deputy PM stressed that all actions must be aligned with existing directives, with clear roles and no overlap.
Localities must act immediately, or face inspection, he said, asking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to develop tailored pollution control plans.
-Vân Nguyễn