VnEconomy - Vietnam Economic Times

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets delegation of leading US businesses

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:00:00 GMT

At the meeting that took place in Hanoi on April 16, representatives of USABC, the US Embassy in Vietnam and participating businesses commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and improving investment climate, as well as its strategic development orientation toward rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 16 hosted a delegation of 52 leading US enterprises, led by Brian McFeeters, Interim President and CEO of the US–ASEAN Business Council (USABC), currently on a working visit to explore investment and cooperation opportunities in Vietnam.

After more than three decades of diplomatic relations, and particularly following the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2023, Vietnam–US economic relations have expanded significantly in both scale and quality. The US ranks 11th among foreign investors in Vietnam, with 1,501 projects totalling nearly $12.3 billion in registered capital. Meanwhile, as of October 31, 2025, Vietnam had run 266 investment projects in the US, with total registered capital of approximately $1.4 billion, placing it sixth among 85 countries and territories receiving Vietnamese investment. Bilateral trade reached an estimated $141.4 billion in the first ten months of 2025.

At the meeting, representatives of USABC, the US Embassy in Vietnam and participating businesses commended Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and improving investment climate, as well as its strategic development orientation toward rapid and sustainable growth driven by science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Expressing strong confidence in the country’s growth trajectory, the US businesses reaffirmed their long-term commitment and readiness to expand investment in key sectors, including energy, technology and innovation, financial services, aerospace and automotive industries, logistics, advanced manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, agriculture, consumer goods, tourism and creative industries.

They also called for continued improvements in Vietnam’s legal and institutional framework, particularly in streamlining administrative procedures, aligning standards with international practices, upgrading infrastructure, and developing high-quality human resources to better support business operations.

Concluding the meeting, PM Hung welcomed the large presence of the US enterprises, describing it as clear evidence of their strong interest in Vietnam’s market and the expanding scope of bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation.

He emphasised that Vietnam is pursuing rapid yet sustainable development, shifting its growth model toward greater reliance on science, technology, innovation and productivity, while advancing institutional reforms and fostering a more enabling, development-oriented governance approach. The private sector, he noted, is one among the most important drivers of the economy.

Vietnam remains committed to deepening international integration, mobilising external resources, implementing incentives, removing bottlenecks and obstacles, and creating favourable conditions for foreign investors, including those from the US, to operate effectively and successfully.

Affirming that the US is one of Vietnam’s top partners, the PM expressed his desire to further promote a stable, substantive and sustainable Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the benefits of the two countries’ people and enterprises, and contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.

He also underscored the Government’s determination to accelerate administrative reforms, improve the business environment, and promptly address concerns raised by enterprises, adding ministries and agencies have been tasked with reviewing and responding to specific proposals.

PM Hung called on USABC and US businesses, given their role and influence, to convey Vietnam’s goodwill and cooperation efforts, provide objective assessments reflecting the realities of the Vietnamese economy, and help advance the conclusion of an agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade between the two countries.

He also proposed the US consider early recognition of Vietnam as a full market economy and promptly remove Vietnam from the export control lists (D1–D3).

Highlighting priority areas, he welcomed greater US investment in energy, as well as enhanced cooperation in science and technology, particularly in telecommunications, 5G and digital infrastructure, on the basis of compliance with Vietnamese regulations and national security requirements.

He also noted Vietnam’s approval of Starlink satellite internet services earlier this year and encouraged US firms to strengthen technology transfer, especially in core technologies, to help Vietnam integrate more deeply into regional and global value chains.

The PM invited USABC and US businesses to partner with Vietnam to successfully host APEC 2027, thus creating momentum for Vietnam to further open its market, attract more investment and enhance its competitiveness. – (VNA)

VNA-

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holds phone conversation with Singaporean counterpart

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:10:00 GMT

During the conversation, the two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibility of signing an intergovernmental agreement on cross-border trade of low-carbon electricity, creating a legal framework to ensure the successful implementation of offshore wind power export from Vietnam to Singapore

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung on April 16 had a phone conversation with his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, according to the Government News.

The Singaporean PM congratulated Mr. Hung on his election as the Vietnamese Prime Minister for the 2026–2031 term, expressing his desire to work closely together with the latter to further strengthen the Vietnam–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a robust, substantive, and effective manner.

Singapore treasures its relationship with Vietnam, expecting to enhance high-level exchanges, cooperation in economy, defense and security, and other areas with Vietnam, contributing to regional peace, stability, and development, PM Wong emphasized.

Singapore will increase the total number of Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) in Vietnam to 30 this year to mark the 30th anniversary of this successful model in Vietnam, the Singaporean leader stated.

He reaffirmed Singapore's commitment to supporting Vietnam in training and developing human resources, especially strategic-level officials, via new training agreements and expanding the Singapore Cooperation Program to localities across Vietnam.

PM Wong expressed his confidence that bilateral relations will continue to grow strongly and highlighted the ambition to achieve breakthroughs in new areas such as carbon credit exchange and cooperation in ensuring food security.

He took the occasion to invite the Vietnamese Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Singapore.

PM Hung, for his part, noted that Vietnam will soon introduce new policies to attract more foreign investment, including those from Singapore.

He suggested Singapore support Vietnam in developing the international financial center and upgrading the network of next-generation VSIP associated with high-tech transfer.

The Vietnamese leader urged the two countries to strengthen ASEAN cooperation in 2027, when Singapore will serve as ASEAN Chair and Vietnam will host APEC.

PM Hung also called on both countries to enhance defense and security cooperation, double efforts to combat transnational crime, support the development and operation of the national data center, high-performance computing center, and artificial intelligence center, and promote effective and substantive negotiations on the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.

The two leaders vowed to continue strengthening political trust, promoting delegation exchanges and high-level contacts at all levels, and maintaining the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the annual meeting mechanism between the two Prime Ministers.

They pledged to soon implement a strategic dialogue mechanism between the two ruling parties in 2026 and join hands in ensuring energy security.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing resources for effectively implementing the action program on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2025–2030 period.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to explore the possibility of signing an intergovernmental agreement on cross-border trade of low-carbon electricity, creating a legal framework to ensure the successful implementation of offshore wind power export from Vietnam to Singapore.

VGP-Pham Long

Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 launched

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Vietnam’s national brand valued at $519.6 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally.

The Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 was launched in Hanoi on April 16, together with a national brand forum in Hanoi, underscoring efforts to enhance the country’s competitiveness and global standing.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stating at the opening ceremony that the national brand program must evolve beyond traditional trade promotion to become a strategic asset reflecting Vietnam’s overall competitiveness and reputation in global value chains.

Amid deepening international integration, he noted that building a national brand is not only about promoting “Made in Vietnam” products, but also about strengthening the country’s credibility and soft power on the global stage.

Running from April 16 to 23 nationwide, the Vietnam National Brand Week 2026 marks the 18th anniversary of Vietnam Brand Day (April 20). The event brings together policymakers, businesses and market stakeholders through a series of activities, including the opening ceremony, a national brand forum, thematic seminars, exhibitions and business networking events.

The forum is the centrepiece, gathering representatives from ministries, localities, international organisations, experts and the business community to discuss brand development trends in a changing global landscape.

Since its launch in 2003 with just 30 participating enterprises, the program has expanded to 190 in 2026. Vietnam’s national brand value reached $519.6 billion in 2025, ranking 32nd globally, an increase of more than $200 billion compared to 2020.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Three new expressways proposed to be added to national road network

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:24:00 GMT

The expressways, with total length of around 574km, are proposed for investment before 2030.

Vietnam’s road authority has proposed adding three new expressways, with a combined length of nearly 574 km, to the national road network master plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, in a bid to strengthen regional connectivity and unlock new growth potential.

In a report submitted to the Ministry of Construction, the Vietnam Road Administration outlined plans for three routes: Lang Son–Thai Nguyen–Tuyen Quang–Yen Bai–Son La; Phan Thiet–Bao Loc–Gia Nghia; and Viet Tri–Hoa Binh. All are proposed for investment before 2030 and designed with four lanes.

The former and the longest, that will stretch about 378 km, across northern mountainous provinces, is envisioned as a regional ring expressway linking administrative centres with border areas and connecting key international border gates. It is expected to ease congestion on existing east–west corridors and open up new opportunities for industrial, logistics and urban development in the region.

Meanwhile, the 141-km Phan Thiet–Bao Loc–Gia Nghia expressway is set to form a key east–west economic corridor in central Vietnam. The route would enhance access to seaports and airports, while facilitating the transport of bauxite, alumina and agricultural products.

The 55-km Viet Tri–Hoa Binh expressway, located within the province of Phu Tho, is expected to improve the efficiency of existing routes and create a more integrated transport network, while supporting industrial and urban development in surrounding areas.

If approved, the additions would significantly expand Vietnam’s strategic transport infrastructure and strengthen interregional linkages nationwide.

VnEconomy-Gia Huy

Finalizing AI camera standards to drive market development

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:00:00 GMT

This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dũng has instructed the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) to promptly evaluate and select highly capable enterprises to lead the development of strategic technological products.

The move aims to prevent fragmented investment and inefficient domestic competition.

The Deputy PM also emphasized the importance of establishing a network of "core" enterprises connected with research institutes and universities. This collaborative ecosystem is intended to accelerate RD and ensure Vietnam masters AI camera technology.

Speaking during a working visit to the MK Vision factory in northern Phu Tho Province on April 15, the Deputy PM called for the swift finalization of a comprehensive system of technical standards and regulations for AI camera products. This framework should include National Standards (TCVN), as well as international and regional standards, providing a solid foundation for market expansion and global integration.

A member of MK Group, MK Vision was established in 2020 with a focus on researching and providing smart AI-powered camera devices for national defense, security, and civilian applications.

By 2023, the company launched its first "Make in Vietnam" camera products. This success serves as a clear testament to the research, design, and manufacturing capabilities of Vietnamese firms in the high-tech sector.

During the session, Deputy Minister of MoST Pham Duc Long noted that while Vietnam has made significant strides in AI camera design and integration, a major bottleneck remains: the heavy reliance on imported hardware components such as chips, sensors, and lenses.

In response, the MoST underscored the requirement for businesses to gradually master the entire value chain—from initial design to core technology—to achieve full production autonomy. Furthermore, the ministry noted that developing a comprehensive technological ecosystem is essential, as the industry cannot rely on isolated products alone.

According to the Deputy Minister, the State will play the role of a "facilitator" through supportive mechanisms and policies. Meanwhile, large enterprises must take the lead by connecting with other firms to form technological alliances. This synergy is viewed as a prerequisite for Vietnam to enhance its competitiveness and participate more deeply in global value chains.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

China officially opens market for Vietnamese pomelos and lemons

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Pomelos and lemons are two of Vietnam’s most prominent agricultural strengths.

Within the framework of the State visit to China by Party General Secretary and Stats President To Lam, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam and the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) officially signed a Protocol regarding phytosanitary requirements for pomelos and lemons to be exported from Vietnam to the Chinese market.

The signing ceremony on April 15 was witnessed by the top leader of Vietnam and Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the signing of this Protocol is the culmination of rigorous technical negotiations that began in 2019 between the specialized plant protection and quarantine agencies of both countries.

The agreement not only reflects close coordination and a high sense of responsibility in harmonizing technical requirements but also demonstrates the proactive efforts of both sides to open markets for products with competitive advantages. Amidst the strengthening agricultural cooperation between Vietnam and China, this Protocol further affirms the shift toward official, transparent export channels that comply with international standards.

Under the terms of the Protocol, all growing areas and packing facilities intended for export to China must be registered with the ministry and approved by both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities.

Furthermore, these growing areas must implement Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Specific technical measures are also required, such as bagging pomelos at least 60 days prior to harvest and deploying fruit fly traps to ensure effective pest control.

Pomelos and lemons are two of Vietnam’s most prominent agricultural strengths. The country currently boasts approximately 106,000 ha of pomelo cultivation, placing Vietnam among the world’s leading producers in terms of scale.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

PM proposes solutions to ensure energy security at expanded AZEC summit

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

The expanded online summit of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) held amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed three key cooperation directions to address energy challenges and sustain supply chains while attending Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC) Plus online Summit on energy resilience, which was hosted on April 15 by Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

PM Hung stressed that beyond diversifying energy supply, it is essential to build strategic trust, enhance cooperation and dialogue, and settle disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law.

Vietnam has identified renewable energy development and green transition as a strategic priority, he affirmed, adding that with the committed support of the international community, Vietnam is striving to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and actively partaking in relevant regional and global initiatives.

He suggested that in the short term, countries should strengthen cooperation and policy coordination to diversify energy supplies, facilitate trade, and maintain stable and undisrupted supply chains, particularly for energy and food.

In the medium to long term, it is necessary to boost strategic self-reliance and resilience of economies through the development of synchronized energy infrastructure, improvement of strategic reserves, and promotion of technology transfer, the PM said.

PM Hung also underscored the need to expedite the effective and substantive implementation of cooperation projects under AZEC's framework based on the capacity and practical circumstances of each country.

He pledged that Vietnam is committed to engaging in proactive, meaningful, and close collaboration with Japan and other partners in effectively implementing AZEC's initiatives. Such endeavors will help us together foster a greener, more sustainable, and more prosperous future for present and future generations.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

HCMC unveils fintech hub, bridging local firms to global capital

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses.

Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), in collaboration with the London Stock Exchange (LSE), hosted a high-level investment forum and officially launched the HCMC Fintech Hub on April 14, reported Radio the Voice of Vietnam.

The Fintech Hub is a core component of VIFC-HCMC, serving as a vital link between financial institutions, technology companies, and investment funds to drive innovation within the financial sector.

Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Cong Vinh, emphasized that the launch of the Fintech Hub marks a critical milestone in the city’s financial development strategy.

According to Mr. Vinh, the city has proactively positioned itself not merely as a traditional financial hub, but as a next-generation financial center with deep integration into international capital markets. By leveraging the power of technology, the city aims to create distinct sectoral advantages.

The partnership with the London Stock Exchange, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, is viewed as a strategic move. It serves not only as a bridge for Vietnamese enterprises to access global capital but also as an opportunity to upgrade corporate governance standards, enhance transparency, and integrate more profoundly into the global financial ecosystem.

The city aims to transcend its role as Vietnam’s domestic financial hub to become a key regional economic and financial center, playing a pivotal role in connecting capital flows, technology, and innovation across Asia.

The Fintech Hub is expected to function as a "sandbox" for testing new financial models and a platform to connect banks, investors, and businesses. Furthermore, it will provide essential support for Vietnamese companies seeking to enter international markets.

Ms. Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange, noted that Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most dynamic growth economies, with increasing potential to attract international investment.

She added that the Vietnamese stock market has recently made significant strides in its reclassification roadmap by FTSE Russell. This progress serves as a positive signal to international investors regarding the market's stability and its readiness for significant capital inflows.

VOV-Khánh Chi

General Secretary and President of Vietnam holds talks with Chinese counterpart

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

During their talks in Beijing on April 15, the two leaders affirmed that the two Parties and countries should further strengthen solidarity, enhance strategic trust, and promote policy connectivity, trade, infrastructure, and energy.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam had talks with General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping in Beijing on April 15 morning, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Welcoming the Vietnamese leader and high-ranking delegation, President Xi warmly congratulated Mr. To Lam on his recent election as President of Vietnam by the 16th National Assembly. He appreciated his guest choosing China to visit first following the resounding success of the 14th National Congress of the CPV and the consolidation of state leadership positions, considering this as a demonstration of the high regard and top priority given by the Vietnamese Party and State in general, and General Secretary and President Lam in particular, to the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic cooperation between China and Vietnam, as well as the strategic nature and high level of bilateral relations.

The Vietnamese leader sincerely thanked General Secretary and President Xi for the warm and thoughtful welcome, and for the strong support shown in various forms for the 14th National Congress of the CPV.

Announcing the new theoretical and practical highlights of the 14th National CPV Congress, General Secretary and President Lam emphasized that the new leadership of the Vietnamese Party and State wishes to work with their Chinese counterparts to continuously nurture the traditional friendship, promote the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the Vietnam – China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

He congratulated the Chinese Party, State, and people on their epoch-making achievements, and expressed confidence that China will successfully implement its 15th five-year Plan, achieve high-quality development and Chinese-style modernization, successfully realize the "second centenary goal”, and continue to play an increasingly important role in the region and the world.

Vietnam always considers developing relations with China as a consistent policy, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its overall foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, multilateralization and diversification of external relations, he stated, affirming that Vietnam supports China's global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance, and consistently implements the "one China" policy.

Once again congratulating the CPV on its successful 14th National Congress, General Secretary and President Xi highly valued and congratulated Vietnam’s outstanding achievements in socialism building and the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, which have opened up a new era of development for the country.

He emphasized that China supports Vietnam in steadfastly upholding the Party's leadership and promoting the building of socialism, affirming Vietnam is a priority direction in China's neighborhood diplomacy.

The Chinese leader said he believes that under the leadership of the new CPV Central Committee, headed by General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam will successfully achieve the goals and tasks set forth by the 14th National Congress, and soon realize the two centenary goals, transforming Vietnam into a high-income and developed socialist-oriented nation.

The top leaders held in-depth and comprehensive discussions on their respective national situations, bilateral relations, and regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They expressed their satisfaction with the positive developments in bilateral ties in recent years. Notably, high-level strategic exchanges have become increasingly frequent; cooperation mechanisms have been more comprehensive, diverse, and trustworthy; and defense and security cooperation has evolved from exchanges to more substantive activities. Economic, trade, and investment ties, along with transport connectivity, have seen new breakthroughs, while local-level cooperation and people-to-people exchanges have remained vibrant. Coordination in multilateral frameworks has also grown closer.

Amid complex global developments, the two leaders affirmed that the two Parties and countries should further strengthen solidarity, enhance strategic trust, and promote policy connectivity, trade, infrastructure, and energy. They agreed to continue deepening and elevating Vietnam–China relations in the new phase, practically contributing to peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

Regarding future directions, they agreed to continue directing relevant agencies to adhere to the overarching “six major orientations”, maintain regular high-level exchanges, and promote the guiding role of Party-to-Party channels. They emphasized the need to expand substantive cooperation across sectors, reinforce the social foundation of bilateral ties, enhance close coordination at multilateral mechanisms, and better manage and resolve differences.

At the talks, the two leaders officially announced the launch of the “Vietnam–China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026–2027,” agreeing to step up joint promotion activities, improve tourism infrastructure and services, and maintain each country’s position as a leading source of tourists for the other.

General Secretary and President Lam also proposed both sides consider visa exemptions for group tourists at designated destinations on a reciprocal basis.

He proposed that the two sides strengthen political trust and strategic coordination at a new level, step up high-level exchanges, and continue to promote the role and effectiveness of comprehensive cooperation across Party, Government, National Assembly/National People’s Congress, and Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference channels.

The Party and State leader of Vietnam called for enhanced theory exchanges and cadre training, stronger substantive cooperation between key agencies, particularly in diplomacy, national defense, and public security, and the effective implementation of the ministerial-level “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism. He also proposed increasing cooperation in security, defense industry, and military trade, along with support each other in successfully hosting APEC Year 2026 and 2027 in each country.

He further suggested elevating economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties to a new height to contribute to the realization of each country’s development goals. Priority should be given to upgrading strategic infrastructure connectivity, especially railway, shifting from simple trade to deeper economic linkages, and associating bilateral trade with infrastructure, logistics, and market connectivity.

General Secretary and President Lam proposed that China open its market as wide as possible to Vietnamese goods and work toward balanced and heathy trade. He also called for stronger investment, technology transfer, development of supporting industries, and the establishment of complete production and supply chains in Vietnam, as well as coordination in building mechanisms to ensure strategic energy supply.

In addition, he emphasized expanding cooperation in education and training, science and technology, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and local-level cooperation, including providing more scholarships for Vietnamese students and boosting collaboration between leading universities of the two countries.

Agreeing with and highly valuing the proposals, General Secretary and President Xi suggested that the two sides further intensify political trust and strategic exchanges, maintain the tradition of high-level contacts, and bring into play the special role of Party-to-Party relations. He asked for in-depth exchanges of experience in the Party building and state governance, and for maximizing the role of the ministerial-level “3+3” strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defense, and public security between Vietnam and China to firmly advance the socialist cause in both countries.

The host recommended the two sides effectively align the Belt and Road Initiative with the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework, accelerate strategic infrastructure connectivity, and actively implement the three standard-gauge railway projects linking the two countries.

He welcomed the increasing export of high-quality Vietnamese goods to the Chinese market, and called for deeper cooperation in key sectors, stronger production and supply chain collaboration, and encouragement for Chinese enterprises to invest more in Vietnam.

The two countries should enhance policy coordination in science and technology, promote diverse people-to-people exchanges, actively implement global initiatives on development, security, civilization, and governance, and jointly contribute to a stable, open and cooperative international environment while together promoting the socialist cause around the word as well as safeguarding peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond, the Chinese leader added.

At the talks, the two sides agreed to properly resolve differences and promote cooperation in line with the new level of Vietnam – China relations on the basis of international law, seriously comply with the consensus between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China on the implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and accelerate negotiations to soon finalize an effective and substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The top leader of Vietnam asked both sides to truly respect each other’s rights and legitimate interests and resolve differences through peaceful means in line with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS.

Following the talks, the two leaders witnessed the signing of cooperation documents across Party, public security, judicial, economic, science and technology, production and supply chain, social welfare, media, and local collaboration, reflecting the comprehensive outcomes of the visit.

VNA-

Southern Dong Nai province to become a centrally-run city

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:45:00 GMT

The National Assembly Standing Committee on April 14 gave opinions on a plan to set up Dong Nai as a centrally-run city.

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on April 14 approved a resolution on the establishment of 10 wards in southern Dong Nai province, and gave opinions on a plan to set up the province as a centrally-run city.

At its first session, the 16th NA Standing Committee also endorsed in principle the establishment of the People’s Court and People’s Procuracy of Dong Nai city.

Regarding the Government’s proposal to convert 10 communes into wards, NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as stating that the move aligns with the Party Central Committee and Politburo's policies to build Dong Nai into a centrally-governed city based on its current provincial boundaries. The conversion is deemed necessary to meet the required ratio of wards for such a status.

Verification by NA bodies confirmed that all criteria and conditions for the 10 administrative units have been fully met, with comprehensive and compliant documentation, and that public consultations were conducted in accordance with regulations.

On the broader plan to establish Dong Nai city, the Vice Chairman called on members to provide feedback on the dossier to be submitted to the NA, including a proposal allowing the Government to recognize the locality as a Tier-1 urban center prior to the completion of its master plan. The Ministry of Construction was tasked with finalizing the draft master plan by April 30.

Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs Phan Van Mai expressed strong support for the proposals, noting that the plan is grounded in solid political, legal, and practical foundations. He said the new status will expand development space and serve as a strong growth driver for the locality.

In terms of apparatus organization, there was broad consensus on synchronously converting the existing provincial People’s Court and People’s Procuracy into corresponding municipal-level bodies without altering their jurisdiction.

Mr. Le Tan Toi, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for National Defense, Security and External Relations, said Dong Nai holds a strategic position of special significance in terms of national defense, security, and foreign affairs. It possesses multiple development factors, including key projects and large industrial parks, while being the first nationwide to have completed the building of new-style rural areas province-wide. All indicate that Dong Nai is now eligible for becoming a centrally-run city.

The NA Standing Committee voted and approved in principle the establishment of 10 wards, Dong Nai city, and its judicial institutions. Relevant dossiers are to be finalized and submitted to the legislature by April 16, with the resolutions expected to take effect from April 30.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh also affirmed that existing documents held by citizens and businesses will remain valid until replaced. Where changes are necessary, Dong Nai authorities will cover related costs to ensure maximum convenience.

VNA-Pham Long

Vietnam plans $1.2 bln National AI Development Fund

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 07:11:00 GMT

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools.

The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is currently drafting a Decree on the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development Fund to institutionalize provisions of the Law on Artificial Intelligence.

To be established by the Government, the Fund will operate as a non-profit, extra-budgetary state financial fund under the management of MoST.

Its financial resources will be derived from the State budget as well as legal contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

The Fund’s primary activities will include investment, sponsorship, and support for AI development, spanning from research and development (RD) to application and commercialization.

According to the draft, the Fund may provide grants (sponsorship) covering up to 70% of a project's total cost and offer support of up to 50%, depending on the project's nature and scale. In exceptional cases, the Prime Minister will determine the support level.

Regarding sponsorship activities, the draft prioritizes RD tasks and the mastery of core technologies.

Specific areas of funding include the development of AI models, data and language processing, training and deployment technologies, hardware and semiconductors, computing technology, as well as safety and risk management tools. Notably, the draft emphasizes the development of open-source solutions and shared platforms to foster a domestic AI ecosystem.

The Fund is also authorized to invest in shared AI infrastructure, including computing capacity, data, platforms, and AI models. Significantly, these investment projects will not be subject to standard public investment laws; instead, they will follow a specialized mechanism to ensure flexibility. The State will maintain a level of risk tolerance for these activities, provided that implementation complies with the established regulations.

Regarding its financial scale, the Fund is proposed to have a total state budget allocation of VND30 trillion (approximately $1.18 billion). The initial allocation will be VND1 trillion ($38 million), with subsequent funding provided in stages based on the state budget capacity and the Fund's operational requirements.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Developing ties with China a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy: Top leader

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 02:35:00 GMT

Delivering a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam underlined that this consistent approach stems from the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and aligns with the aspirations of their peoples, while significantly contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam has emphasised that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always regard the development of relations with China as an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations.

Delivering a policy speech at Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 14 as part of his ongoing state visit to China, the top Vietnamese leader underlined that this consistent approach stems from the fundamental and long-term interests of both countries and aligns with the aspirations of their peoples, while significantly contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

He highlighted that Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries sharing many cultural similarities and a long history of exchanges.

Geography has linked the two nations through mountains and rivers while history has bound them through thousands of years of interaction. The peoples of both countries have nurtured this relationship with sincerity and a shared aspiration for peace, stability and development, he said during the Vietnam – China Forum on Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation, jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Education and Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training.

General Secretary and President Lam expressed satisfaction with the positive progress in cooperation between Vietnamese universities and research institutions and Tsinghua University. Leaders of both sides have identified priority areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, science – technology, and the training of high-quality human resources – directions he described as appropriate and necessary to be further expanded.

He noted that currently, there are around 25,000 Vietnamese students in China, demonstrating the growing depth of educational exchanges between the two countries.

The leader noted that Vietnamese students in China, including those at Tsinghua University, act as bridges of friendship and cultural ambassadors who reflect the fondness for learning, openness, and ambition of Vietnamese youth. He added that Chinese students in Vietnam also help foster mutual understanding.

Looking ahead, he stressed the need to further strengthen the political and social foundations of Vietnam – China relations. For bilateral ties to develop in a stable, healthy and sustainable manner, they must be first built on political trust, mutual respect, mutual understanding between the two peoples, and the shared determination of successive generations of leaders of the two Parties and countries.

Alongside high-level mutual visits and cooperation between ministries, sectors and localities, greater attention should be paid to people-to-people exchanges, particularly youth, academic, cultural, educational and tourism exchanges, so that each people is aware of their responsibility for maintaining and enriching the bilateral friendship.

The top Vietnamese leader called for stronger progress in substantive cooperation, with strategic connectivity as the focus, results as the yardstick, and the interests of the two peoples as the ultimate goal. Science, technology, innovation and digital transformation should become a new highlight and a new pillar of Vietnam – China relations in the new period.

General Secretary and President Lam noted that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development in which science, technology, innovation and digital transformation are the key driver for achieving its strategic goals for 2030 and 2045. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches special importance to cooperation with China in areas where the two sides can complement each other and develop together, particularly artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, semiconductors, automation, robotics, green technology, biotechnology, new materials, clean energy and other strategic technology sectors.

Given this, he voiced his hope that bilateral ties will become stronger in terms of not only trade or investment but also knowledge, technology, innovation, and the capacity of shaping the future.

In that orientation, education and training, together with the development of high-quality human resources, must be a priority among priorities, he said, noting that Vietnam hopes that more Vietnamese students, postgraduates and young scientists will have opportunities to study and conduct research at leading Chinese institutions, including Tsinghua University.

He also said he hopes that Tsinghua University will further expand cooperation with Vietnamese universities and research institutes through student and scholar exchanges, joint training programmes, collaborative research initiatives, co-supervised programmes and the establishment of joint research groups and laboratories in key areas.

The Party and State leader of Vietnam stressed the importance of further strengthening youth connectivity so that younger generations become both inheritors of bilateral friendship and pioneers in shaping the future. He encouraged young people of the two countries to learn from each other, innovate together and jointly address major development challenges in areas such as education, health care, the environment, energy, smart city building, green agriculture and the digital economy.

At the same time, he emphasised the need for both sides to maintain a peaceful and stable environment, enhance strategic coordination and properly handle differences.

Building on the legacy of friendship nurtured by previous generations, grounded in trust, driven by substantive cooperation, and propelled by breakthroughs in science, technology and innovation, with youth serving as a bridge of the future, the leader expressed confidence that Vietnam – China relations will continue to develop in a healthy, stable and sustainable manner, bringing tangible benefits to both peoples and contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

On the occasion, he signed the university’s guestbook, expressing admiration for the dedication of its faculty members and the diligence of its students in building a high-quality educational environment, as well as appreciation for the Tsinghua spirit of “Self-discipline and Social Commitment” – a noble value shared by the peoples of Vietnam and China. – (VNA)

VNA-

PM asks to accelerate public investment disbursement

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

The move aiming to achieve a full 100% disbursement of the 2026 plan and double-digit economic growth.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has called on ministries, sectors and localities to accelerate the allocation and disbursement of public investment, aiming to achieve a full 100% disbursement rate of the 2026 plan amid persistently slow progress in many areas.

According to the Ministry of Finance, as of March 31, only 11% of the assigned public investment budget had been disbursed nationwide. A total of 28 ministries and central agencies, along with 18 localities, reported disbursement rates below the national average.

To meet the full-year target and support the Government’s goal of achieving double-digit economic growth, the Prime Minister stressed that public investment disbursement must be treated as a top political priority and a key benchmark for evaluating the performance of institutions and individuals.

Authorities are required to assign clear responsibility to leaders and officials for each project, closely linking accountability to implementation progress. Detailed disbursement plans must be prepared on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, alongside strengthened inspection and supervision to promptly address bottlenecks.

Ministries and localities are also urged to fully allocate remaining funds without delay, regularly review projects, and reallocate capital from slow-moving projects to those with stronger disbursement capacity. Any unused funds must be reported to the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister before April 20, 2026, with clear explanations.

The directive also calls for improved project preparation, stricter enforcement of discipline, and firm action against individuals and organizations responsible for delays, inefficiencies or misconduct.

VnEconomy-Tuấn Khang

Vietnam officially launches National Employment Exchange

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 08:14:00 GMT

This digital platform is designed to connect over 53 million workers with businesses, employment service organizations, and state management agencies nationwide, aiming to foster a modern, transparent, flexible, and efficient labor market.

The Ministry of Home Affairs officially inaugurated the National Employment Exchange on April 14, available at www.vieclam.gov.vn.

This digital platform is designed to connect over 53 million workers with businesses, employment service organizations, and state management agencies nationwide, aiming to foster a modern, transparent, flexible, and efficient labor market.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh emphasized that the portal serves as a critical digital infrastructure. He stated that it ensures the labor market operates smoothly and transparently in accordance with market mechanisms by effectively matching supply and demand.

The establishment of the Exchange addresses an urgent need within the labor market, where information has historically been fragmented and unsynchronized, limiting the ability of employers and seekers to find one another.

Given that Vietnam currently has a workforce of over 53.6 million people and nearly one million enterprises, alongside millions of cooperatives and business households, the creation of a centralized, unified, and interconnected nationwide platform is of paramount importance.

The National Employment Exchange is more than just a technological tool; it is an essential digital infrastructure designed to provide seamless connectivity from the central to the local levels.

For State management agencies, the Exchange serves as a tool for governance and market regulation. It enhances the quality of employment services and provides a data-driven foundation for developing and implementing labor, employment, and social security policies.

For local authorities, Departments of Home Affairs, Employment Service Centers, and relevant agencies are now linked on a single platform to update and share data, organize job transactions, and provide direct support to both workers and businesses.

For workers, the platform expands job opportunities across the country, removing the barriers of administrative boundaries. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the system suggests roles that best match an individual’s skills and experience. It also provides tools for profile creation, job searching, and participation in online job fairs.

For businesses, the Exchange helps significantly reduce recruitment costs and shortens the time required to find personnel by providing access to a vast, nationwide pool of candidates.

Vneconomy-Thu Hằng

Promoting traditional friendship, enhancing strategic connectivity between Vietnam and China: Top leader

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Building on the foundation of friendship carefully nurtured by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, on the high-level common perceptions that have been established, on the determination of agencies, sectors and localities, and on the support of the people of both countries, Vietnam–China relations will certainly continue to develop in a stable, healthy and long-term sustainable manner, bringing more tangible benefits to the two Parties, States and peoples, and making increasingly positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam has written an article posted on the People’s Daily of China ahead of his state visit to China from April 14-17.

The following is a translation of his article by the Vietnam News Agency:

PROMOTING THE TRADITION OF FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN VIETNAM AND CHINA, ELEVATING STRATEGIC CONNECTIVITY IN THE NEW DEVELOPMENT PHASE

To Lam,

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam,

President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

At the invitation of Comrade Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China, I and a high-level delegation will pay a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026. This is my first state-level foreign visit after being elected by the 16th National Assembly as State President. I convey sincere sentiments, deep respect, and the highest priority of the Party and State of Vietnam, as well as the aspirations of the Vietnamese people, to join the Party, State, and people of China in continuing to inherit and promote the tradition of friendship, elevate strategic connectivity, and jointly shape new visions for the development of Vietnam–China relations in the new era.

Vietnam and China are neighbouring countries “with mountains and rivers linked as one,” sharing many cultural similarities. The relationship between the two peoples has been nurtured through long-standing historical exchanges and tested over time. In relations between neighbouring countries, what is most enduring is the ability to view ties from a strategic height with a long-term vision; to cherish the values painstakingly built by previous generations; and to place the fundamental and long-term interests of the people above all else. This is also how Vietnam views and develops its relations with China.

Over more than 100 years, the Vietnamese revolution has been closely linked with the Chinese revolution. In 1925, in Guangzhou, China, the beloved leader of the Vietnamese people, Nguyen Ai Quoc, founded the Vietnam Revolutionary Youth League, laying political, ideological, and organisational groundwork for the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam. The League’s headquarters on Wenming street in Guangzhou and the launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper have become a landmark and a milestone inseparable from Vietnam’s revolutionary history. In early 1941, from Guangxi, Nguyen Ai Quoc returned to Pac Bo in Cao Bang to directly lead the Vietnamese revolution, marking a decisive turning point in the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national independence.

The friendship between Vietnam and China has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries, from President Ho Chi Minh, President Mao Zedong, and Premier Zhou Enlai to successive generations of communists and people of the two nations. During the period of national liberation struggle, the two sides extended valuable support and assistance to each other. In the period of national construction, both countries have steadfastly pursued development paths suited to their respective conditions, advancing reform, opening-up, and international integration, thereby achieving accomplishments of historical significance. Vietnam always remembers and values the support extended by the Party, State, and people of China during difficult periods.

The year 2026 marks the 76th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Throughout this journey, Vietnam–China relations have experienced ups and downs, yet friendship and cooperation have remained the mainstream. Historical practice shows that strong and stable relations between the two countries align with the practical interests of both peoples and contribute positively to peace and development in the region.

With that important perception, Vietnam–China relations have been consistently nurtured by both Parties and countries. Vietnam’s Party and State always regard the development of ties with China as a consistent policy, an objective requirement, a strategic choice and a top priority in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification. China’s Party and State also identify Vietnam as a priority direction in its neighbourhood diplomacy and an important component of its broader foreign policy. This is not only a continuation of history, but also a choice rooted in the long-term, fundamental interests of both countries, in line with the aspirations of their peoples and the need to maintain a peaceful and stable environment for development in the new period.

On the foundation of the neighbourliness, friendship, mutual respect and equal cooperation, the top leaders of both sides have, over recent years, promptly made appropriate decisions and polices - from defining the “16-character guideline” and the spirit of the “four goods,” to establishing a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership framework and building a Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, while promoting ties along the “six major orientations.” What matters is not only the introduction of new concepts, but also the shared understanding that both sides should view and advance Vietnam–China relations from a long-term strategic perspective, recognising each other’s development as an opportunity for their own growth.

With these common perceptions, high-level exchanges between the two Parties and countries have been maintained more regularly, while cooperation mechanisms across Party, government, National Assembly/National People’s Congress, and Fatherland Front/People’s Political Consultative Conference channels have been implemented in a more coordinated manner. In March, the two countries successfully held the first “3+3” strategic dialogue at the ministerial level on diplomacy, defence and public security, marking a new step forward in strategic connectivity and underscoring the growing depth and substance of bilateral relations.

Despite a highly complex international environment, bilateral economic, trade and investment cooperation has continued to expand. Two-way trade in 2025 recorded impressive double-digit growth. Vietnam maintained its position as China’s largest trading partner within ASEAN and its fourth-largest globally, while China remained Vietnam’s largest trading partner and its second-largest export market. Cooperation in supply chains, logistics, infrastructure, science and technology, as well as the digital and green economies, has advanced rapidly. Both sides are committed to strengthening rail connectivity, with three standard-gauge railway projects in northern Vietnam being actively promoted by both sides and making positive breakthroughs.

People-to-people exchanges have continued to deepen, providing an increasingly solid social foundation for bilateral relations. The Year of Vietnam-China Humanistic Exchange 2025 was implemented through a wide range of activities, with intensified exchanges among youth, scholars, localities and cultural organisations. The “Red study tour” initiative for Vietnamese youth in China, jointly launched in April 2025 by Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and myself, has been actively carried out and attracted broad participation from young people. Through the initiative, the younger generations of both countries have gained a better understanding of each other, developed a deeper appreciation of the long-standing friendship, and strengthened their sense of responsibility as a successor generation tasked with carrying forward and further nurturing Vietnam–China relations.

To achieve the comprehensive and substantive results in Vietnam–China relations today, the leading important factor has been the sincerity, mutual trust and understanding between the top leaders of the two Parties and countries, along with the active engagement, strong support and sustained efforts of ministries, agencies, localities, business communities and people of both nations. The Vietnamese Party, State and people highly value the friendship and dedication of Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping to the development of bilateral ties in recent years.

The world is undergoing profound, era-defining changes, creating both major opportunities and challenges. Vietnam is entering the phase of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, with two centennial strategic goals. The Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW also identifies science and technology, innovation and digital transformation as top breakthroughs and key drivers of rapid and sustainable development. On China’s side, 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th five-year plan, with a focus on high-quality growth, technological self-strengthening, green transition and higher-level opening-up

Against the backdrop of new demands of the times and each country’s new development priorities, both sides, in my view, should focus on four major tasks.

First, it is essential to further consolidate the political foundation of Vietnam–China relations. Strategic orientation from the top leaders of both Parties and countries plays a decisive role in ensuring the stable and healthy development of bilateral ties. It is therefore crucial to continue maintaining regular high-level exchanges, increasing strategic sharing, making full use of existing mechanisms, and effectively implementing cooperation across the channels of the Party, Government, National Assembly/National People's Congress, Vietnam Fatherland Front/Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as ministries and sectors. Deeper strategic trust will create more favourable conditions to expand substantive cooperation and better address issues in reality.

Second, a stronger shift is needed in substantive cooperation, using concrete results as a measure. In the coming phase, cooperation between the two countries needs to move strongly from "increasing scale" to "improving quality"; from expanding trade to deeper connections among development strategies, economic corridors, production chains, supply chains, and strategic infrastructure. Vietnam hopes to work with China to accelerate projects connecting railways, expressways, and border trade infrastructure (logistics, smart border gates, etc.); boost more balanced, healthy, and sustainable trade development; and create conditions for Chinese investment in Vietnam to increasingly focus on areas of Vietnam’s priority and China’s strengths.

Science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation should become the new focus of Vietnam-China relations. Vietnam is placing this field at the centre of its national development strategy; China is also strongly propelling high-quality development, scientific and technological self-strengthening and new productive forces. Strengthening cooperation in this area is significant for both economic development and self-reliance of each nation.

Third, it is necessary to further deepen the social foundation of relations between the two countries. Bilateral relations can only be truly sustainable when they are nurtured and fostered among the people, especially among the younger generation. Therefore, it is essential to continue promoting the outcomes of the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange 2025; to create genuine breakthroughs in tourism development and cooperation for the 2026–2027 period; to further expand youth, education, tourism, culture, media and locality-to-locality exchanges; and to make better use of the “red addresses” of the two countries’ revolutionary history in order to educate about traditions and enhance mutual understanding. I hope that an increasing number of students, young scientists and young entrepreneurs from both countries will come together through programmes of study, research, start-ups and practical exchanges, as it is they who will write the next chapter of Vietnam–China relations in the 21st century.

Fourth, alongside expanding cooperation, both sides should continue to safeguard a peaceful and stable environment, effectively manage differences and properly address outstanding issues. In relations between two neighbouring countries, the value of a sound relationship is reflected not only in areas of favourable cooperation, but also in the capacity to jointly handle differences through dialogue, restraint, mutual respect and responsibility towards the overall bilateral relationship. Vietnam wishes to work with China to persist in resolving differences by peaceful means, on the basis of high-level common perceptions, international law and the legitimate interests of each side; while at the same time strengthening coordination within multilateral mechanisms, thereby contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

Vietnam is entering a new phase of development with strong determination and great aspirations. We are fully aware that, in order to achieve rapid and sustainable development, it is essential to maintain a peaceful environment; and that, to successfully realise the goals set for 2030 and 2045, it is necessary to maximise internal strength while expanding effective international cooperation on the basis of independence and self-reliance. Within this overall orientation, relations with China are always identified by Vietnam as a strategic priority. This stems from geographical proximity, historical ties, numerous cultural similarities, increasingly intertwined development interests, and the shared responsibility of the two countries for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

I am confident that, under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the Chinese people will continue to successfully implement the 15th five-year socio-economic development plan and achieve further significant accomplishments in the cause of national modernisation. Vietnam consistently regards China’s stable and high-quality development as an important factor for peace, cooperation and development in the region, as well as an opportunity for neighbouring countries, including Vietnam.

I am also confident that, building on the foundation of friendship carefully nurtured by previous generations of leaders of the two countries, on the high-level common perceptions that have been established, on the determination of agencies, sectors and localities, and on the support of the people of both countries, Vietnam–China relations will certainly continue to develop in a stable, healthy and long-term sustainable manner, bringing more tangible benefits to the two Parties, States and peoples, and making increasingly positive contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. My visit to China this time is undertaken in that spirit, with that expectation, and with a wish to join Chinese leaders to continue opening up a new space for development and to elevate strategic connectivity between the two countries in the time ahead.

VNA-

General Secretary, State President To Lam starts State visit to China

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:15:00 GMT

The visit, taking place from April 14-17, is made at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse.

General Secretary, State President To Lam and his spouse left Hanoi on April 14 morning for a four-day State visit to China.

The visit, taking place from April 14-17, is made at the invitation of General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping and his spouse.

The delegation comprises Politburo member, Standing member of the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee Tran Cam Tu; Politburo member, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai; Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Organization Commission Nguyen Duy Ngoc; Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Phan Van Giang; Politburo member, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang; Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Policy and Strategy Commission Nguyen Thanh Nghi; Politburo member, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung; Politburo member, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics Doan Minh Huan; Politburo member, Secretary of Hanoi Municipal Party Committee Tran Duc Thang.

This is the first state visit by General Secretary and President To Lam in his capacity as the top leader of the Party and the State. It takes place one year after the state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping (from April 14–15, 2025), and also marks the third bilateral visit within a short period of less than two years between the top leaders of the two Parties and the two countries. (VGP)

VGP-

PM requests to further cut unnecessary administrative procedures and business conditions

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Reform proposals on administrative procedures, business conditions and conditional sectors must be submitted by April 20.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has ordered relevant ministries and agencies to submit reform proposals on administrative procedures, business conditions and conditional sectors by April 20.

The Government Office and the Ministry of Justice will review them for approval within April, he said while chairing a meeting of the Government’s permanent members in Hanoi on April 13 to follow the Party Central Committee’s conclusion from its recent second plenum.

According to reports, Vietnam now maintains 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions. Under the conclusion, ministries and agencies must cut at least 30% of existing conditional business lines, or about 60 business lines, while eliminating all redundant conditions. The target also includes a 50% reduction in both administrative processing time and compliance costs. At the same time, ministries are to handle no more than 30% of the total administrative procedures in their domains.

PM Hung noted that the conclusion lays out clear task groups to support Vietnam’s goal of achieving double-digit growth. Key priorities include improving the business environment and slashing compliance time and costs for citizens and enterprises, many of which fall within the authority of the Government, ministries and agencies and can be acted upon immediately.

The PM asked ministers to personally oversee a thorough review of administrative procedures under their authority to streamline, cut and decentralise them, while also reducing the existing list of 198 conditional business lines and 4,603 business conditions.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Vietnam, Slovakia boost economic cooperation and bilateral investment

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:53:08 GMT

The Slovakia-Vietnam Business Forum held on April 13 as part of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s official visit to Vietnam.

Slovakia can serve as a strategic gateway for Vietnamese goods to access the European Union market. Conversely, Vietnam stands as an attractive investment destination and a vital bridge for Slovak businesses looking to expand into the ASEAN region, said Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The Vietnamese Government leader made the statement while addressing the Slovakia-Vietnam Business Forum held on April 13 as part of the Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s official visit to Vietnam.

The event was attended by leaders from various ministries, departments, trade promotion agencies, and more than 400 businesses from both sides.

PM Hung affirmed that the forum demonstrates the shared determination of both governments to realize the Vietnam-Slovakia Strategic Partnership framework in the coming period.

Earlier, during high-level talks, the two leaders adopted a Joint Statement on upgrading bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. The move makes Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia to establish a Strategic Partnership with Slovakia.

The Vietnamese Government leader acknowledged that the current scale of bilateral trade and investment cooperation is not yet commensurate with the potential and strengths of each nation. He emphasized that there remains vast room for cooperation, particularly in sectors where the two economies are highly complementary. Such synergy could lead to the formation of joint value chains targeting both regional and global markets.

The two governments have committed to creating favorable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand their cooperation. This includes deeper integration into global value chains and the effective utilization of free trade agreements, most notably the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

In the spirit of the consensus reached during their talks, PM Hung urged the business communities of both countries to strengthen their networks and promote investment and business cooperation in areas of mutual strength and complementarity.

He emphasized a focus on key sectors, including industrial manufacturing and processing, high technology, renewable energy, the green transition, logistics, supply chain connectivity, innovation, digital transformation, as well as education and high-quality human resource development.

The Prime Minister highlighted that Vietnam identifies science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation as its strategic breakthroughs. Simultaneously, the country is accelerating the development of synchronous infrastructure, green transition, and climate change adaptation to bolster productivity, competitiveness, and the strategic autonomy of the national economy.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that Vietnam remains a welcoming and conducive environment for foreign investors, specifically those from Slovakia, seeking long-term and sustainable ventures. He committed that the Government would accompany, support, and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of all investors.

Addressing the forum, PM Fico expressed confidence that the open and friendly atmosphere from his talks with PM Hung would permeate the forum, enabling businesses to reach concrete cooperation agreements and realize the newly upgraded Strategic Partnership framework.

The Slovak PM affirmed that his government is committed to creating the most favorable conditions to implement cooperation initiatives within this new diplomatic framework.

Describing Vietnam as one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, PM Fico noted that Vietnam has clearly defined its short-term and long-term strategic development goals, backed by the high determination of its people. He emphasized that Slovakia seeks to continue building and deepening its partnership with Vietnam across a wide range of fields.

Analyzing the complex global landscape and its impact on global supply chains, the Slovak PM stated that during their talks, the two leaders clearly identified cooperation priorities through specific programs and projects.

In particular, Slovakia aims to boost its exports to Vietnam and achieve tangible progress in sectors such as nuclear energy, mechanical engineering, machinery manufacturing, the defense industry, cybersecurity, the automotive industry, and healthcare—fields where Slovakia possesses strengths and Vietnam has significant demand.

Furthermore, Slovakia welcomes the promotion of labor cooperation and encourages Vietnamese enterprises to invest in Slovakia. The country is also exploring the establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Slovakia, simplifying tourist visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, and considering visa exemptions for official passport holders.

Seeking partnership, expanding connectivity

At the forum, businesses from both countries showcased their potential, strengths, cooperation needs, and specific investment opportunities. The Slovak side expressed a strong interest in finding Vietnamese partners capable of providing services and goods, while also promoting exchanges to form joint ventures across various sectors.

Key sectors of interest for Slovak businesses include food and beverage technology, information and communication technology (ICT), green technology, renewable energy, telecommunications, construction, mechanical engineering, finance, the defense industry, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cybersecurity, export insurance, and legal services.

A total of seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged at the Forum, focusing on several key sectors including manufacturing, technology, healthcare, finance, infrastructure, real estate, the environment, and industrial park development.

In 2025, bilateral trade turnover reached $1.78 billion, with Vietnam recording a trade surplus of $1.7 billion. In terms of investment, Slovakia currently has nine projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of approximately $247 million, while Vietnam has one investment project in Slovakia valued at $447,000.

Vneconomy-Hà Lê

Viet Nam - Slovakia joint statement on establishment of strategic partnership

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:30:00 GMT

The joint statement was issued on the occasion of the official visit to Vietnam from April 12 to 14 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Viet Nam and Slovakia have issued a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership on the occasion of the official visit to Viet Nam from April 12 to 14 by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.

The following is the full text of the joint statement as released by the Vietnam News Agency:

JOINT STATEMENT ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM AND THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

At the invitation of H.E. Le Minh Hung, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, H.E. Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, paid an official visit to Viet Nam from 12 to 14 April 2026.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1950, Viet Nam and Slovakia have developed a traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation based on trust, equality and mutual respect, for the benefit of their peoples.

Recognising the growing geopolitical, economic and technological importance of the Indo-Pacific, the two sides acknowledged the value of a stronger partnership between Viet Nam and Slovakia in support of regional connectivity, open international trade and a rules-based international order.

The ties between Viet Nam and Slovakia are grounded in shared interests and commitment to the general principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and the common principles set out in the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation between the European Union (EU) and its Member States, of the one part, and the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, of the other part. These principles include respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, respect for each country’s political system, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, commitment to open, fair and rules-based trade, and strengthening the role of international law and multilateralism, as well as the promotion of peace, security and prosperity in line with the UN Charter. Building on 75 years of bilateral relations, the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic agreed to adopt this Joint Statement on upgrading Viet Nam–Slovakia relations to a Strategic Partnership.

The Strategic Partnership aims to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, and explore new avenues for deepening cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Within this framework, Viet Nam and Slovakia will continue to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest in order to deliver tangible benefits to their peoples and contribute to peace, stability, cooperation and prosperity in the region and beyond, with a focus on the following:

I. Strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation

1. The two sides reaffirmed the important role of high-level visits in consolidating the traditional friendship and opening prospects for effective and substantive cooperation between Viet Nam and Slovakia for the benefit of the peoples of both countries and for peace, stability and development in the region. The two sides agreed to enhance delegation exchanges and political dialogue at all levels, particularly at the high level, and to explore the establishment of new cooperation mechanisms between ministries, agencies and localities of the two countries.

2. The two sides agreed to strengthen contacts across all appropriate channels, including between relevant agencies of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the Government, the National Assembly and localities of Viet Nam and the relevant institutions and authorities of the Slovak Republic, in order to enhance political, socio-economic and foreign-policy cooperation and mutual understanding. The two sides agreed that regular political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries would serve as a key mechanism for reviewing cooperation and exchanging updates on bilateral, regional and international issues.

3. The two sides expressed their desire to further strengthen relations between their legislative bodies, including through delegation exchanges and bilateral and multilateral engagement, particularly between leaders, specialised committees and parliamentary friendship groups of both sides, in line with the new partnership framework between the two countries.

4. The two sides reiterated their commitment to multilateralism, underscored the central role of the United Nations, and reaffirmed the importance of a rules-based international order based on international law. The two sides reaffirmed the principle of refraining from the threat or use of force and supported the efforts of the international community to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable solutions to ongoing crises, with a view to achieving comprehensive, just and lasting peace and the promotion and protection of human rights on the basis of the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations and international law.

5. The two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation, exchange views and, where appropriate, seek coordination in regional and international frameworks, support each other’s candidacies at international organisations, particularly at the United Nations, the Inter-Parliamentary Union, ASEAN–EU, ASEM and other relevant cooperation forums. The two sides will also continue to exchange views on regional and international issues and seek cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges, including pandemics, climate change, terrorism, water security, energy security and food security, while promoting sustainable development, trade liberalisation and stronger regional economic connectivity.

6. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in seas and oceans, and of resolving disputes by peaceful means, on the basis of international law, in particular the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

7. The two sides noted the importance of the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (called East Sea in Vietnam) (DOC). The two sides also welcomed progress towards the early conclusion of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC), in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

II. Expanding economic, trade, and investment cooperation

8. The two sides identified economic, trade, and investment cooperation as one of the key pillars of bilateral relations. Based on existing bilateral and multilateral economic agreements and the complementary nature of the two economies, the two sides agreed to further deepen economic, trade and investment cooperation, while ensuring an open, fair, transparent, equitable and non-discriminatory business environment in each other’s markets.

9. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the role and effectiveness of the Viet Nam–Slovakia Intergovernmental Committee on Economic Cooperation, co-chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Economy of Slovakia, as a key mechanism for identifying and promoting areas of cooperation and discussing sectors with significant potential for further development. The two sides also agreed to encourage the establishment of specialised subcommittees under the Intergovernmental Committee to review and assess the implementation of existing agreements and to propose measures to promote trade and investment, with a view to contributing to a more balanced bilateral trade relationship and further strengthening economic cooperation.

10. The two sides agreed to facilitate private investment in each other’s markets by promoting relevant activities in both countries and strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest, taking into account the respective strengths and needs of both sides, including the automotive industry, electronics, transport, energy, including nuclear energy, green technologies, pharmaceuticals, mechanical engineering, specialised machinery, science and technology, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.

11. The two sides emphasised the importance of an open, fair and transparent trade and investment environment based on international law and rules, and of maximising cooperation opportunities within the broader framework of Viet Nam–EU relations. They reiterated their support for the full and effective implementation of the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and acknowledged the importance of advancing the ratification of the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), with a view to strengthening legal certainty and fostering a predictable and transparent business environment. The two sides also expressed their readiness to further strengthen economic cooperation and promote stronger trade and business links with partners in the EU and ASEAN, while promoting sustainable fishery trade in compliance with international standards.

III. Strengthening defence and security cooperation

12. The two sides agreed to strengthen defence cooperation through delegation exchanges at all levels, including in such areas as personnel training, military education, United Nations peacekeeping operations, unexploded ordnance clearance, and response to non-traditional security challenges. The two sides agreed to explore possibilities for regular consultations between their defence authorities and to strengthen defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest, in accordance with the needs and strengths of each side.

13. The two sides expressed their desire to expand cooperation in cybersecurity, information security, and the prevention of and fight against cybercrime. The two sides will also make efforts to complete internal procedures related to the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, recognizing that its early entry into force would further strengthen regional and international cooperation in this field.

14. The two sides would also enhance cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and exchange criminal information through INTERPOL and ASEANAPOL channels, in line with Agreement between the Ministry of Public Security of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic on Cooperation in preventing and in the fight against crime, signed on 06 March 2017.

IV. Promoting practical cooperation in science and technology, education, culture, tourism, labour, agriculture, climate, and healthcare

Science and technology

15. The two sides agreed to further deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including digital transformation and digital economy development. The two sides agreed to seek to mobilise resources for the phased implementation of cooperation programmes, support research, innovation, and technology transfer projects between higher education institutions, research institutes, and businesses in areas of mutual strength and interest, while encouraging the participation of technology enterprises, as well as development and innovation funds. The two sides would also encourage the sharing of knowledge, experience, and good practices for capacity building in management, planning, and formulation of national policies on science, technology, and innovation.

Education and training

16. The two sides agreed to support strengthening cooperation in education and training, including higher education and postgraduate education through partnerships between higher education institutions, research institutes, and enterprises to provide training, conduct research, and develop highly applicable digital products and solutions. The two sides would step up exchanges of experts, academic staff and students, establish joint projects, and explore opportunities for cooperation, particularly in emerging scientific and technological fields such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, quantum technology, data science, computer science, smart technology, and fintech. The two sides agreed to consider promoting scholarship schemes to support student mobility.

17. The two sides will continue to cooperate in education and training by providing scholarships, promoting student and lecturer exchange programmes, and encouraging the participation of educational institutions in EU programmes such as ERASMUS+, and enhancing the relevance of training cooperation in line with evolving labour market needs.

Culture, sports, and tourism

18. The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting deeper mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries and to encouraging the establishment and expansion of networks to strengthen connections and cooperation in culture and the arts. The two sides would work with each other to promote cultural cooperation in various fields, including strengthening direct contacts between cultural institutions and utilizing existing cooperation mechanisms through the hosting of cultural and arts exchanges, exhibitions, musical, cinematic, and sports events, especially on the occasion of major celebrations such as National Days and milestone anniversaries of diplomatic relations.

19. The two sides would bolster exchanges and connectivity among partners in tourism and sports, share each other’s experiences and strengths, promote tourism cooperation, and facilitate participation in annual tourism events organized in each country, thereby promoting tourism exchanges and making effective use of existing travel facilitation policies and mechanisms, including visa facilitation measures introduced by Viet Nam for citizens of the Slovak Republic, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

20. The two sides will consider the early negotiation of a possible Agreement between the two Governments on visa exemption for holders of official passports, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

Labour

21. The two sides stand ready to explore more effective and mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of labour mobility in accordance with national laws, labour-market needs, and relevant social protection standards. In this context, the two sides will focus on the more effective implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Family of the Slovak Republic, dated 27 October 2008, concerning cooperation in the field of labour mobility. Regarding the social protection of mobile workers, the two sides stand ready to start negotiations on an agreement on social security.

Agriculture

22. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in agriculture, agricultural processing and water management with a view to facilitating trade expansion, including through technical exchanges between plant protection and quarantine authorities, the sharing of best practices in food safety and sanitary and phytosanitary standards, cooperation in agricultural technologies and innovation, exchanges of experience in water resource management, and the strengthening of links between relevant institutions and business entities in both countries.

Climate change and environmental affairs

23. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation with a view to achieving net-zero emissions, including through the exchange of information, experience and best practices on CO₂ reduction, carbon pricing and other relevant policy instruments. The two sides would also cooperate in diversifying energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security and supporting the transition to sustainable and low-emission energy sources such as nuclear, solar, hydro, geothermal and wind power. The governments, research institutes, universities and private sector entities of both sides would be encouraged to actively participate in these areas of cooperation.

The two sides agreed to step up cooperation and the exchange of experience in the circular economy and waste management. The two sides would also enhance collaboration in green technologies.

Healthcare

24. The two sides agreed to promote cooperation in the development of human resources in the healthcare sector, with a view to strengthening bilateral cooperation in the area of the healthcare workforce. The two sides also agreed to promote collaboration through the exchange of information, experience and best practices. They further expressed their desire to promote cooperation in balneology, including the protection and use of natural healing resources, expert exchanges, and rehabilitation and physical medicine. The two sides also expressed readiness to cooperate in regulated health tourism, particularly in services integrating tourism and healthcare, including the use of traditional medicine.

Legal and judicial cooperation

25. The two sides exchanged views on the possibility of signing a Memorandum of Understanding on legal and judicial cooperation between the Ministry of Justice of Viet Nam and the Ministry of Justice of Slovakia, to replace the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2014, in line with the priorities of both sides in the new context.

Local cooperation and people-to-people exchanges

26. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation between localities and promote people-to-people exchanges, recognising these as important pillars of the social foundation of bilateral relations. The two sides welcomed cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Košice on the basis of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016. They would also promote new cooperation frameworks between localities and foster the conclusion of further cooperation documents to unlock the potential of this Strategic Partnership. The two sides would also support closer ties with the Vietnamese community in Slovakia through cultural events and community organisations, while promoting travel and people-to-people contacts among civil society and friendship organisations of both countries, in accordance with their respective laws and regulations.

27. Based on the contents of this Joint Statement, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries will coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies on the development of a joint action plan to implement the aforementioned objectives..

VNA-

Mixed results of Q1 economy

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Q1 economic results were something of a mixed bag, with positives and negatives easy to find as Vietnam enters a new era amid a complex global environment.

The first quarter of 2026 - the opening of what has been described as a new era of the nation’s rise - exhibited both bright spots and areas of concern in terms of Vietnam’s economic performance and provide a basis for assessing prospects in the quarters to come. Results in the quarter can be viewed from several angles.

Strong GDP growth

In terms of GDP, one key bright spot in recent years has been the pace of growth. GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 ranked among the highest in the opening quarter for the past seven years.

Notably, it not only exceeded the levels recorded in the first quarter of 2020 and 2021, when growth was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also surpassed the first quarter of 2019, prior to the pandemic, as well as the first quarter of 2023, 2024, and 2025. It was lower only than the first quarter of 2022, when growth was partly boosted by a very low comparison base in the first quarter of 2021. This outcome reflected clear signs of recovery, supported by strong determination, effective governance, and the efforts of businesses and the broader population.

The strong growth was even more notable given the conditions under which it was achieved. The comparison base in the first quarter of 2025 was already relatively high, while exports to the US have faced increasing difficulties since the second half of last year due to higher import tariffs.

Growth in GDP has been recorded across sector groups. Industry and construction, the largest segment of the real economy, posted the fastest growth. Meanwhile, the services sector, which absorbs the largest share of labor and capital, also expanded at a rate above the overall average.

Differences in growth rates have led to a positive structural shift. The share of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries continues to decline and remains significantly lower than its share of employment, indicating that workplace productivity in the sector remains the lowest among the three major sectors. This underscores the need not only to raise the share of trained workers but also to accelerate the shift of workers from agriculture to higher productivity sectors such as industry, construction, and services.

The share of employment in industry and construction continued to rise and exceeded its share of GDP, indicating that workplace productivity in the sector is above the national average and the highest among the three sectors. This calls for further improvements in workforce skills, a reduction in reliance on processing and assembly, and faster modernization through the development of the digital economy and high-tech industries such as semiconductors.

The services sector also continued to expand its share and exceeded its contribution to GDP, suggesting productivity above the national average and second only to industry and construction. While this is a positive development, the share of services in Vietnam’s GDP remains significantly lower than in many other countries and continues to be a structural weakness.

Growth quality also improved compared with the same period last year. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) rose 9 per cent, slightly below value-added growth of 9.01 per cent. Manufacturing grew 9.7 per cent, lower than value-added growth but higher than in the same period of last year, indicating a reduction in intermediate input costs. The Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR) declined to below 5, reflecting improved investment efficiency.

GDP growth outpaced the increase in the number of employed workers (7.83 per cent vs. 1.3 per cent), resulting in workplace productivity growth of an estimated 6.64 per cent. As investment efficiency and workplace productivity improve, supported by the application and upgrading of technology, the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) to GDP growth is estimated at around 45 per cent; the highest among the main growth drivers.

From the expenditure perspective, several issues emerged. The growth of asset accumulation was lower than GDP growth (7.18 per cent vs. 7.83 per cent), reducing the accumulation-to-GDP ratio to about 23.7 per cent from 24 per cent a year prior. As accumulation underpins investment, the investment-to-GDP ratio also declined. This is a point of concern, as investment is a key driver of GDP growth, and a lower ratio could make it more difficult to achieve this year’s targets.

Final consumption grew faster than GDP, at an estimated 8.45 per cent. The share of final consumption in GDP increased compared with the first quarter of last year, making it an important contributor to overall growth. Stronger domestic demand played a key role in supporting this expansion.

However, despite the increase in domestic demand (asset accumulation plus final consumption), the goods trade balance shifted from a $3.17 billion surplus to a $3.64 billion deficit.

Concerning inflation signals

Inflation remains a key macro-economic indicator closely linked to market participants, and the first quarter exhibited both positive and concerning signals.

Average CPI rose 3.51 per cent, higher than the 3.13 per cent posted in the same period of 2025 but still considered a positive outcome given stronger inflationary pressure. Cost-push factors have intensified, with price increases occurring in earlier stages of production. There are also emerging signs of imported inflation.

In the broader relationship between production and GDP use, final consumption grew faster than both GDP and in the same period of last year (8.45 per cent compared to 7.83 per cent), while the trade balance shifted from a $3.16 billion surplus to a $3.64 billion deficit. Retail sales of goods and services rose 10.9 per cent, higher than the 9.9 per cent recorded a year earlier, though real growth, excluding price effects, was 7 per cent; slightly lower than previously.

On the monetary side, growth in key indicators slowed compared to the same period last year. Money supply increased by 1.04 per cent against 1.99 per cent, deposits rose 0.44 per cent against 1.36 per cent, and credit grew 2.15 per cent against 2.49 per cent. These developments helped contain inflation.

On the fiscal side, revenue growth slowed, to 11.4 per cent compared to 29.3 per cent in the first quarter last year, expenditure growth accelerated, to 23.1 per cent compared to 11.6 per cent, and the budget surplus narrowed to VND84.9 trillion ($3.27 billion), down from VND99.5 trillion ($3.83 billion).

Psychological factors had a stronger impact than in the same period of 2025. Average gold prices surged sharply, while the USD increased more modestly due to tighter exchange rate management. The relatively stable exchange rate influenced trade flows and contributed to the shift from surplus to deficit.

Q1 trade deficit

A trade deficit was posted in the first quarter of 2026, reversing a trend seen in the opening quarter for the past two years (the first quarter of 2024 saw a $8.7 billion surplus and of 2025 a $3.16 billion surplus, while the first quarter of 2026 saw a $3.64 billion deficit).

Exports in the quarter faced significant difficulties compared to a year earlier. In addition to a relatively stable VND/USD exchange rate, higher US import tariffs and rising import prices weighed on performance. Despite this, exports to the US still generated a large surplus in absolute terms ($39 billion compared to $31.4 billion), while imports from China rose sharply ($50.1 billion compared to $38.1 billion).

The services balance remained in deficit. Compared with the same period last year, export growth slowed (19.2 per cent compared to 21.8 per cent), while import growth also eased (16.9 per cent compared to 18 per cent), resulting in a services deficit of $1.68 billion in the first quarter compared to $1.64 billion last year.

Meanwhile, international tourism continued to recover strongly, with Vietnam welcoming 6.67 million international visitors in the quarter, up 12 per cent year-on-year and marking a new record. Two markets exceeded 1 million visitors, with China contributing more than 1.4 million and South Korea nearly 1.33 million.

Outlook solutions

Based on first-quarter results, including both bright spots and emerging concerns, along with factors likely to influence the economy, what can be expected for Vietnam’s economy in the quarters ahead under more ambitious targets?

GDP

First, GDP indicators remain the top priority for this year and for the broader trajectory of the new era.

Following the pattern observed in previous years, production GDP growth tends to accelerate from the second quarter onwards through to the end of the year, as input factors - including investment capital, labor, technology imports, monetary policy, and fiscal spending - and output factors such as domestic consumption and exports move from initial implementation into a phase of stronger expansion. On that basis, GDP growth is expected to pick up in the second quarter, with the third and fourth quarters potentially reaching double-digit levels.

This outlook could materialize under the influence of several factors. Total social investment is expected not only to increase in scale, reflected in a rising share relative to GDP, potentially reaching 35 per cent, but also to improve in efficiency, as the ICOR declines to below 4.5. Greater emphasis should be placed on channeling capital into productive business activities, rather than speculative assets such as gold, cryptocurrencies, and real estate.

The number of employed workers is expected to rise as unemployment declines. More importantly, workplace productivity growth could remain strong, supported by a higher share of workers in more productive sectors such as industry, construction, and services, as well as by the proportion of trained workers surpassing 30 per cent for the first time.

The contribution of TFP to GDP growth is expected to approach 50 per cent, exceeding the contributions of capital and labor. This will be driven by improved investment efficiency, rising workplace productivity, greater technological adoption, and the expansion of enterprises with higher technological capabilities, alongside the continued development of the digital economy.

An important driver of both economic growth and social welfare is the development of businesses and entrepreneurs. The number of enterprises entering the market in the first quarter exceeded those exiting (96,000 vs. 91,800), pushing the total number of active enterprises nationwide to above 1 million for the first time; a target originally set for 2020 but only now achieved. Continued support for startups and for businesses facing difficulties, to prevent market exit and enable re-entry, remains essential. At the same time, it is important to reverse the declining share of business owners within total employment, which has fallen steadily over the years.

Concerns remain. The investment-to-GDP ratio has for many years exceeded that of asset accumulation, including in periods of budget deficits. This represents a potential risk, particularly as corporate profitability remains low and many enterprises continue to incur losses.

The longstanding issue of reliance on processing and assembly has been widely recognized but improvements remain tardy.

Overall, GDP growth in 2026 as a whole is expected to exceed the 8.02 per cent posted in 2025, but is unlikely to reach the targeted double-digit level.

Inflation

Inflation remains a key concern. From a conceptual standpoint, the view that inflation is not driven by monetary factors is fundamentally flawed. At its core, inflation reflects a depreciation of currency - when money supply exceeds goods supply. Monetary policy affects not only inflation but also growth, requiring a balance between tightening to control inflation and easing to support expansion.

To achieve higher GDP growth, policymakers may aim to increase the investment-to-GDP ratio. However, any move toward monetary easing must be carefully calibrated in light of current economic conditions. A key issue is the relationship between the scale and growth of money supply and the corresponding scale and growth of GDP.

A significant concern is the allocation of capital into speculative assets such as gold, real estate, and cryptocurrencies. While this has so far primarily driven price increases in those markets, any correction could spill over into goods and services, creating broader inflationary pressures. Gold prices have doubled or tripled since mid-2020, while real estate prices have more than doubled since mid-2022, with the upward cycle already lasting four to six years.

Cryptocurrencies remain highly volatile, gold prices have diverged significantly from global levels, and stock markets are vulnerable to speculation and market manipulation.

Cost-push pressures are also building. Though price increases in earlier stages of production have not yet fully transmitted to consumer prices, they are likely to do so over time through the production and distribution chain.

Imported inflation is another major risk, particularly as global prices rise and higher US tariffs drive up import costs.

Balance of payments

The balance of payments warrants close attention. Vietnam has recorded continuous trade surpluses for decades. While this provides a strong foundation, it also presents new challenges arising from domestic structural weaknesses and an evolving global environment.

One of the most prominent constraints is the continued reliance on processing and assembly, which persists in both the domestic and foreign-invested sectors. This not only limits national income - with gross national income remaining around 95 per cent of GDP - but also contributes to rising imports. The trade surplus has been narrowing in recent years and is expected to decline further in 2026, with the first quarter already in deficit. The ratio of trade surplus to total exports has also fallen sharply.

Exports have largely depended on the foreign-invested sector, while the domestic sector continues to run significant deficits. Improving export performance requires addressing structural weaknesses, particularly low workplace productivity and competitiveness that still relies heavily on low labor costs. The gap between purchasing power parity and the official exchange rate remains large, exceeding 3.5-times.

Exchange rate policy remains a critical lever. While depreciation could support exports, it would also raise import costs, increase inflationary pressure, and create risks related to external debt and trade disputes.

Though the exchange rate rose significantly last year, it remained relatively stable in the first quarter of this year. Import prices, however, especially for fuel, increased sharply. There is a risk that imports will continue to rise in both volume and value. If prices rise further and the VND depreciates, imported inflation could return, as seen in previous periods.

Overall, the trade balance is likely to weaken further this year and could shift into a full-year deficit. Meanwhile, the services balance is expected to remain in deficit. This combination will directly affect GDP growth from both the production and expenditure perspectives and should be viewed as a significant warning sign.

The services deficit has persisted for years, often reaching double-digit levels. It is most pronounced in transport and other services, including insurance, finance, and government services. Even tourism, which previously generated surpluses, has in some years shifted into deficit.

The financial account, meanwhile, has remained in surplus, driven mainly by FDI, while other forms of investment have often recorded negative balances.

VET-Do Van Huan

Vietnam, Slovakia upgrades ties to strategic partnership

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:05:00 GMT

A Joint Statement to this effect was issued following talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Hanoi on April 13.

Vietnam and Slovakia have elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership, marking a significant step forward in bilateral ties.

A Joint Statement to this effect was issued following talks between Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Slovak counterpart Robert Fico in Hanoi on April 13.

The Slovak Prime Minister is on an official visit to Vietnam between April 12-14 as the first foreign guest of Vietnam's newly-elected Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to task their respective Foreign Ministries to promptly develop a plan of action to implement the newly-established strategic partnership framework in a bid to create substantial changes in the quality of bilateral cooperation.

At a joint press briefing following the talks, PM Hung noted that Prime Minister Robert Fico's visit takes place at a particularly significant moment, shortly after Vietnam completed the consolidation of its key leadership apparatus. He stressed that PM Fico is the first foreign guest he has received in his capacity as the Government leader, and also the first high-ranking leader from the European Union to visit Vietnam following the elevation of Vietnam–EU relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He emphasised that the visit serves as a vivid testament to the importance that PM Fico personally and the Government of Slovakia attach to Vietnam, reflecting the longstanding, close, sincere, and trustworthy friendship between the two countries.

PM Hung expressed his belief that, with strong political determination from both governments and the joint efforts of businesses and people of the two countries, the Vietnam–Slovakia Strategic Partnership will bring prosperity to both nations and contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world.

PM Fico, for his part, noted that the two sides held frank and constructive discussions.

Recalling his visit to Vietnam in 2016, the Slovak PM expressed deep admiration for the country’s remarkable progress and significant achievements in recent years. He congratulated Vietnam on the outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which outlined key development strategies, notably the shift from quantity-based to quality-driven growth.

He highlighted the sound development of Vietnam – Slovakia relations on the basis of mutual benefit, emphasising that Vietnam is not only a friend but also Slovakia’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. However, he noted that economic and trade cooperation has yet to match its full potential. Therefore, both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation across all fields, particularly in economy and trade, in line with their newly upgraded Strategic Partnership as well as the Vietnam – EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

PM Fico said that a large Slovak business delegation is accompanying him on this visit and will attend the Vietnam – Slovakia Business Forum. The two countries' governments are committed to supporting enterprises in expanding cooperation, investment and business activities, translating political commitments into concrete outcomes.

Slovakia is ready to enhance cooperation and share expertise with Vietnam in priority areas such as nuclear energy, defence industry, finance and education-training. He also noted Slovak citizens’ strong interest in travelling to Vietnam, and thanked Vietnam for granting visa exemptions for Slovak nationals, while expressing his hope for the establishment of direct flights to further boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

On the occasion, the two sides signed 16 cooperation agreements across the fields of politics-diplomacy, national defense, culture, nuclear energy, standards and metrology, local-level cooperation, security, healthcare, tourism, and shipbuilding.

These agreements include a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the Slovak Ministry of Defense on cooperation in the defence industry; a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Slovak Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; and a Memorandum of Understanding on cultural cooperation for the 2026–2030 period between the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Slovak Ministry of Culture.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Breakthrough actions required to turn decisions into results: Top leader

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 03:30:00 GMT

“The Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress embodies the wisdom, will and aspiration to rise of the entire nation. The value of the resolution can only be fully affirmed when it is implemented through decisive, coordinated and effective action,” Party General Secretary and State President To Lam told the press.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, who is also the Secretary of the Central Military Commission, has emphasised the need to strongly reform leadership methods, tighten execution discipline, strengthen political and ideological work, increase inspection and supervision, and roll out decisive actions to swiftly translate the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress into reality, in a recent interview to the press.

Following is the English translation of the interview by the Vietnam News Agency:

Reporter: The Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress has set out a historic vision. Public opinion and the people are particularly concerned about how these major decisions can soon be translated into practice. You have repeatedly stressed the need to eliminate “delays” and shift strongly from “talking” to “doing” and “doing effectively”. Could you elaborate on this action-oriented mindset in the current context?

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam: The Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress embodies the wisdom, will and aspiration to rise of the entire nation. The value of the resolution can only be fully affirmed when it is implemented through decisive, coordinated and effective action. The practice of Vietnam’s revolution shows that every achievement of the country has been associated with periods in which correct policies were translated into concrete results, with the implementation stage playing a decisive role.

We must frankly acknowledge that the current bottleneck does not lie in the lack of sound policies, but in the capacity to translate those policies into tangible development outcomes. The enforcement and effectiveness of national governance, administrative discipline and the quality of policy implementation in some areas still fall short of the country’s development requirements. Therefore, the overarching spirit of this term is to turn will into action and decisions into results; to say and do, to act immediately, to act correctly, decisively and thoroughly, and to deliver real effectiveness.

The next five to ten years will be decisive for the strategic goals of the Party and the country. If we waste even a short period due to hesitation, avoidance, outdated working styles, or the shifting of responsibility, the price to pay will at the very least be the loss of development opportunities for the entire nation.

The imperative now is to move decisively from “correct awareness” to “effective implementation”, and from “issuing policies” to “producing tangible products and outcomes”. Party committees, Party organisations and every cadre and Party member, especially leaders, must take the lead, act thoroughly and deliver substantive results so that the people can benefit from the very beginning of the term.

Reporter: During this term, how will reforms in implementation methods help shift from command-based administration to results-based governance, thereby addressing bottlenecks in policy execution?

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam: The 14th National Party Congress identified institutions as the “breakthrough of breakthroughs”, paving the way for development. Institutions must not only serve as tools of state management but also become a driving force for development, unleashing productive forces, mobilising social resources and creating a favourable environment for innovation. To remove bottlenecks, the first step is to renew thinking and implementation methods. To remove bottlenecks, the first step is to renew thinking and implementation methods.

First, the legal system, mechanisms, procedures and administrative processes must be thoroughly reviewed and improved to remove all obstacles. The principle is that problems arising at any level must be addressed at that level, without waiting or shifting responsibility. Governance thinking must shift from control and licensing to development facilitation and service provision; from excessive pre-check to stronger post-check in eligible areas; and from procedure-based approaches to result-oriented approaches.

Second, evaluation criteria must change. The thickness of reports or the number of meetings can no longer serve as the primary indicators of performance. The performance of an organisation or an official must be measured by concrete development outcomes, work progress, social effectiveness, and the level of satisfaction of people and businesses. All action programmes must be quantified, measurable and accompanied by clear roadmaps.

Third, organisational structures must continue to be streamlined to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, in line with reforms in the Party’s leadership methods. The Party Central Committee’s decision to transfer Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, the Vietnam News Agency, the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology from agencies under the Government to public service units under the Party Central Committee, and their Party Organisations from the Government Party Committee to the Party Committee of Central Party Agencies represents an important organisational adjustment. This move is not merely an administrative rearrangement but also a change in leadership methods to strengthen direct and regular guidance from the Party Central Committee over key areas of ideology, communications and strategic science.

Fourth, every major programme, project or initiative must clearly define objectives, timelines, responsible individuals, resources and mechanisms for inspection and supervision. Only in this way can the situation of “heat at the top, cold at the bottom” or “agreement in principle but stagnation in implementation” be resolved.

Reporter: You have emphasised that implementing the resolution must go hand in hand with reforming the Party’s leadership methods, with the human factor and political and ideological work playing a particularly important role. What are the key requirements in this regard?

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam: In the new stage, reforms in leadership methods must aim at building a modern national governance system that is disciplined, transparent, effective and people-centred. The decisive factor remains people, especially the contingent of cadres and Party members, particularly leaders. What is required today is not only general competence and qualities, but also the ability to execute, a practical action-oriented mindset, the capacity to organise work thoroughly, and the courage to take responsibility for the common good.

At the same time, political and ideological work in the Party must be given special attention. The second plenum of the Party Central Committee has issued new regulations on political and ideological work in the Party. This is particularly important in the current context, as the country is implementing multiple major policies simultaneously, strong reforms and bold renovation. Without a solid political foundation and unity in the Party and consensus in society, even correct policies may fail to deliver the expected results.

Political and ideological work must truly go ahead and pave the way. It must not be conducted merely in a formal manner or limited to studying and disseminating resolutions for procedural purposes. The key is to translate political and ideological requirements into the responsibility of every Party committee, Party organisation and Party member; maintain strict discipline in public statements; strengthen confidence, enhance political steadfastness; improve combativeness; and encourage cadres to think boldly, act boldly and innovate for the common good.

For the contingent of officials, it is necessary to resolutely overcome the situation where individuals are good at giving advice but weak in implementation. Implementation must ensure “six clarities”: clear personnel, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear responsibilities, clear authority and clear results. Collective responsibility must not be used to conceal individual accountability, while mechanisms must also be in place to protect those who dare to innovate and take responsibility. As the ruling Party, it must firmly uphold the principle that “the people are the root”, taking the happiness and satisfaction of the people as the measure of the effectiveness of Party organisations and the entire political system.

Reporter: To ensure that Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and new resolutions of the Party Central Committee are implemented in a serious and effective manner, how should Party inspection, supervision, and discipline be reformed?

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam: Inspection and supervision are not tasks to be carried out at the final stage, nor are they merely about handling violations after they have occurred. They are a very important mode of leadership of the Party, a tool to control power, uphold discipline and order, and ensure that all guidelines and resolutions are implemented strictly and in the right direction.

First, it is essential to thoroughly grasp and effectively implement new resolution of the Party Central Committee on reforming and enhancing the effectiveness of Party inspection, supervision, and discipline. The issuance of this new resolution reflects the high demands of the current development stage: rapid development must go hand in hand with stricter discipline and order; more open mechanisms require tighter power control; and stronger decentralisation and delegation of authority must be accompanied by clearer political accountability.

Second, inspection and supervision must be shifted towards early and afar prevention, detecting risks during implementation, so that shortcomings and weaknesses do not accumulate into major violations. Each Party committee, Party organisation, Party cell, and Party member must regard this as their political responsibility, rather than leaving it entirely to inspection bodies. Inspection must be closely linked with each action programme, key task, project, and the commitments of leaders.

Third, the Politburo and the Secretariat have established inspection and supervision delegations led by members of the Politburo and Secretariat to oversee the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and other resolutions and directives of the Party Central Committee across all Party organisations under the Party Central Committee, including Party committees at the central level and provincial and municipal Party Committees. The spirit is to combine inspection and supervision with guidance, the removal of obstacles, and the identification of innovative practices for replication, rather than conducting formalistic or perfunctory checks.

I myself have directly worked with and attended implementation conferences with the Central Military Commission and the Central Public Security Party Committee. I have also directly led inspection and supervision delegations for the Standing Board of the National Assembly Party Committee and the Standing Board of the Hanoi Party Committee. This clearly demonstrates the requirement for exemplary leadership: having identified inspection and supervision as a method of Party leadership, high-ranking leaders must directly participate, listen, inspect, direct, and bear direct responsibility for the results.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that the entire system operates with greater discipline, transparency, determination, and effectiveness. Discipline is to enable better action; supervision is to deliver clearer results; and inspection must help remove obstacles, tighten accountability, and ensure that the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and the resolutions of the Central Committee are implemented in a serious, consistent, and effective manner across the Party.

Reporter: 2026 marks the first year of implementing the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and the Resolution of the 12th Congress of the Party Organisation of the Vietnam People's Army. What message would you like to convey to officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army?

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam: The Vietnam People’s Army has always been a pioneering, exemplary force that matches words with action. In the country’s new stage of development, the Army must further uphold this tradition, serving as a model in political mettle, spirit of action, discipline, operational effectiveness, and the quality of implementing Party resolutions.

First and foremost, the entire army must thoroughly grasp the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress, the Resolution of the 12th Army Party Congress, and the action programmes of the Central Military Commission. However, this understanding must not stop at awareness; it must be translated into concrete actions at every level, across every sector, unit, and position. Each Party committee, organisation, commander, political commissar, and political officer must clearly identify what needs to be done immediately, what constitutes a breakthrough, who is responsible, and how to monitor progress immediate priorities, breakthrough tasks, responsibilities, and how the inspection will be conducted.

The entire army must place special emphasis on political and ideological work, and on building a truly clean and strong Army Party Organisation. It must firmly maintain and strengthen the Party’s absolute, direct leadership over the military; preserve the noble qualities of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers”; and build a politically strong force as the foundation for enhancing overall quality, combat strength, combat readiness, discipline, regularity, and advancing digital transformation, towards modernisation.

I would like to stress the exemplary role of the officer corps. The higher the rank, the greater the responsibility to set standards in working style, discipline, and the spirit of thinking boldly, acting decisively, taking responsibility, and matching words with action. Each cadre must dare to think, to act, to take responsibility, and to innovate for the common good. They must be comprehensive trained to meet the requirements of building the Army in the new situation. At the same time, inspection and supervision must be strengthened to ensure strict discipline and that all policies and resolutions are implemented effectively.

The results of implementing these resolutions must be measured by tangible improvements in training, combat readiness, unit-building, discipline, and, importantly, the people’s trust in the Army. Strong determination must translate into clear outcomes; actions must be precise, effective, and carried through to completion. The Army must continue to be a leading force in action, exemplary in discipline, matching words with action, and turning determination into results, contributing together with the entire Party and people to successfully implement the Resolution of the14th National Party Congress and to firmly build and defend socialist Vietnamese Fatherland in a new era of development.

Reporter: Thank you very much!

VNA-

Businesses prepared for emerging carbon market

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

A training program launched to enhance businesses’ readiness for carbon transactions and compliance obligations.

Vietnam is stepping up efforts to prepare businesses for participation in its emerging carbon market, with around 110 firms taking part in a series of training workshops held in April across major cities.

The initiative is jointly held by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), aiming to enhance businesses’ readiness for carbon transactions and compliance obligations, while providing a platform to exchange experiences and identify implementation challenges.

The first workshop was held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 10, bringing together enterprises allocated greenhouse gas emission quotas during the 2025–2026 pilot phase.

Additional sessions are scheduled in central Da Nang city and Hanoi.

Participating firms are expected to play a direct role in the operation of Vietnam’s carbon market. During the sessions, participants are updated on regulations governing greenhouse gas reduction and the core principles of carbon trading. They are also introduced to the structure and operation of the domestic carbon market, alongside hands-on practice using the National Registration System.

Experts say establishing a domestic carbon market is a crucial step toward translating Vietnam’s climate commitments into concrete action. A well-functioning market could mobilise climate finance, encourage low-emission investment, strengthen competitiveness, and support the country’s transition to green and sustainable growth.

VnEconomy-Hằng Anh

Work starts on $5.6 bln high-speed rail linking Hanoi and Quang Ninh

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:05:00 GMT

Once operational, travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh is expected to be slashed to just 23 minutes—five to seven times faster than current travel options.

Vietnam officially broke ground on the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway on April 12.

Attended by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, the ceremony marks the commencement of the nation’s first inter-regional high-speed rail link.

The project is developed by VinSpeed High Speed Rail Investment and Development JSC, a subsidiary of Vingroup, with the total investment estimated at over VND147 trillion (approximately $5.6 billion), excluding land clearance costs. According to the current timeline, the project is slated for completion by the end of 2028.

The railway will span 120.2 km, passing through four provinces and cities: Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.

Designed to international standards, the line will feature double tracks with a 1,435 mm standard gauge and will be fully electrified. While the train is designed for a maximum speed of 350 km/h, the section passing through Hanoi will be restricted to 120 km/h.

Once operational, travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh is expected to be slashed to just 23 minutes—five to seven times faster than current travel options.

The route begins at Co Loa Station (Hanoi) and terminates at Ha Long Station (Quang Ninh). It includes three intermediate transit stations: Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong), and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), along with a primary maintenance depot located at the Ha Long terminus.

According to the developer, the project will utilize the latest generation of high-speed trainsets, as well as advanced signaling and technical systems provided by Siemens Mobility.

As part of the partnership, Siemens has committed to a phased technology transfer to VinSpeed, with the long-term goal of developing a domestic high-speed rail industrial ecosystem in Vietnam.

Vneconomy-Đan Tiên

Tax resolution on petrol, oil, aviation fuel adopted

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:30:00 GMT

The resolution introducing key provisions on environmental protection tax, value-added tax and excise tax applicable to petrol, oil and aviation fuel passed by the National Assembly on April 12 takes effect from April 16, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

The National Assembly on April 12 adopted a resolution introducing key provisions on environmental protection tax, value-added tax and excise tax applicable to petrol, oil and aviation fuel.

Earlier, lawmakers heard Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, authorised by the Prime Minister, present a report explaining, reviewing and revising the draft resolution. The Government fully incorporated feedback from the National Assembly Standing Committee, the Committee on Economic and Financial Affairs, and deputies, and completed the draft in coordination with relevant agencies in accordance with legislative procedures.

Under the resolution, which consists of four articles, the environmental protection tax rate is set at zero for petrol (excluding ethanol), diesel, kerosene, mazut fuel oil and aviation fuel.

These products are also not subject to VAT declaration or payment, but input VAT remains deductible.

The excise tax rate on all types of petrol is set at 0%.

The resolution takes effect from April 16, 2026, to June 30, 2026.

It also allows the Government to adjust the effective period and, in urgent cases, amend tax-related provisions to respond to market fluctuations, subject to subsequent reporting to the National Assembly.

During its validity, the resolution will prevail in case of inconsistencies with other legal documents on the three tax categories. Businesses and importers of the specified fuel products are not required to declare or pay VAT at import or sale stages.

Other tax matters not covered in the resolution will continue to be governed by existing laws and regulations on taxation and tax administration. - (VNA)

VNA-

List of Government members in 2026-2031 term

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

At its first session, the 16th National Assembly elected Mr. Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister and approved the appointments of Deputy Prime Ministers, ministers and other cabinet members for the new term.

VGP-

PM orders pilot launch of crypto asset exchange in Q2 2026

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Earlier in March, the Ministry of Finance sought feedback on seven applications for licences to operate crypto asset trading platforms.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has directed the pilot launch of a trading platform for crypto and digital assets starting in the second quarter of 2026, as part of efforts to develop new economic models.

He made the direction ơn April 9, while presenting a government report at the first session of the 16th National Assembly held in Hanoi.

The PM outlined updates on the implementation of the 2025 socio-economic development plan, progress on the 2026 plan, and key tasks for the remainder of the year.

The report also highlighted strategic orientations for emerging economic models.

According to the Prime Minister, authorities will develop a carbon credit market and pilot trading platforms for data, crypto assets, and digital assets beginning in the second quarter of this year.

Earlier in March, the Ministry of Finance sought feedback from the Ministry of Public Security and the State Bank of Vietnam on applications for licences to operate crypto asset trading platforms. The ministry said it had received seven applications, of which five were deemed valid and complete under current regulations.

VnEconomy-Nam Anh

WB forecasts Vietnam's 2026 GDP growth at 6.3%

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:10:00 GMT

This is the highest rates in the East Asia and Pacific region, according to the WB's East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update.

Vietnam’s economy is projected to grow by 6.3% in 2026 and 7.7% in 2027, the highest rates in the East Asia and Pacific region, according to the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Economic Update released on April 8.

The forecast is slightly higher than the 6.1% growth rate the World Bank projected last October.

The report highlights that a surge in artificial intelligence-related exports and investment was a bright spot in 2025, particularly in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.

Even as regional growth shows signs of slowing, the WB notes that Vietnam continues to stand out as a model of adaptability, turning challenges into opportunities to drive internal reforms.

According to the bank, Vietnam's strong growth momentum in 2025 will serve as an important "buffer," helping the country mitigate the impact of global headwinds.

The organization praised Vietnam's efforts to boost investment in infrastructure and education, as well as improve institutional quality, noting that these measures make policy support more effective compared to many countries in the region.

VnEconomy-Anh Nhi

Trade ministry considers E10 biofuel rollout from April 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Major fuel traders, such as Petrolimex and PVOIL, have reportedly completed basic infrastructure preparations for the shift.

Following the Prime Minister’s Directive 09, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is considering a transition from mineral gasoline to E10 biofuel starting in April 2026.

Major fuel traders, such as Petrolimex and PVOIL, have reportedly completed basic infrastructure preparations for the shift.

The information was shared during the MoIT’s regular first-quarter press conference on the afternoon of April 9.

According to Deputy Director of the Agency for Innovation, Green Transformation, and Industrial Promotion, Mr. Dao Duy Anh, under the Prime Minister's Directive No. 09/CT-TTg, dated March 19, 2026, on energy conservation and accelerating the biofuel adoption roadmap, the MoIT was tasked with overseeing the transition to E10 biofuel within April 2026.

In compliance with the Government’s instructions, the MoIT has requested major petroleum traders to report on their readiness for the transition. Following this, on March 26, 2026, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan chaired a working session with relevant ministries, major traders, and industry bodies, including the Vietnam Biofuel Association and the Vietnam Petroleum Association.

Based on these reports and assessments, the MoIT has identified three key factors that allow for the early implementation of E10: stable supply sources, adequate legal frameworks and infrastructure, and the readiness of businesses in the distribution chain to reach consumers.

Mr. Anh noted that retail stations under major corporations like the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex), PetroVietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL), and other large market-share holders have fundamentally completed their preparations. However, challenges remain for some smaller enterprises and retail stations regarding infrastructure, such as cleaning storage tanks and installing the additional equipment required to distribute biofuel to the public.

Vneconomy-Huyền Vy

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined three strategic breakthroughs

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Speaking at a group discussion during the 16th National Assembly’s first session on April 10, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung stressed that Institutional bottlenecks must be fully resolved in 2026.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has stressed that 2026 will be a decisive year to comprehensively address longstanding institutional bottlenecks, as the Government pushes for rapid and sustainable growth.

The PM was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as speaking at group discussions during the 16th National Assembly’s first session on April 10 that members of the Government had carefully listened to and absorbed lawmakers’ constructive and responsible feedback on the Government’s reports, including those on socio-economic development, public investment, and financial plans for the 2026–2030 period.

He backed proposals to streamline reporting to the legislature by consolidating socio-economic reports into a single comprehensive document, with detailed data presented in appendices, helping deputies save time and gain a more holistic view.

At the session, the Government presented reports reviewing the supplementary assessment of the 2025 socio-economic development plan, the implementation of the 2026 plan, as well as the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026–2030, the medium-term public investment plan for 2026–2030, the national five-year financial plan, and the public debt borrowing and repayment plan for the same period.

Emphasizing that these reports have largely gained consensus among National Assembly deputies, PM Hung further elaborated on key priorities, particularly the goal of achieving double-digit growth.

He said that this target is supported by strong consensus across the political system. He outlined three strategic breakthroughs, with institutional reform identified as the top priority. He likened institutions to “roads” for the economy, stressing that synchronized and improved regulations will accelerate development.

In 2026, the Government aims to thorough deal with key institutional issues, including a full review of the legal system, development of a modern legal strategy, and removal of obstacles in the two-tier local administration model by the second quarter. It will also complete socio-economic and land-use planning, and address thousands of stalled projects, including those in renewable energy.

He affirmed the Government’s determination to complete the above tasks by the second quarter of 2026, stressing the need for clearer responsibilities of localities in the work.

Administrative reform will also be accelerated, he stated, noting that special mechanisms and policies for particular locality will be reviewed, with ministries tasked to finalize plans to cut unnecessary procedures and business conditions by April 15, reduce compliance costs, and improve the business climate.

On infrastructure, PM Hung said the Government will priorities major and strategic transport, energy, and logistics projects, alongside adjustments to the national power development plan to ensure energy security and expand renewable energy.

Improving human resources is the third breakthrough, with efforts focused on high-quality workforce training linked to innovation, digital transformation, and stronger cooperation among universities, research institutes, and businesses.

To sustain high growth, total social investment is projected to reach around 40% of GDP in the current term, 33% higher compared to the previous term, with public investment accounting for just 20%, requiring the remainder to be mobilized from private and foreign sources. The PM stressed that a transparent and stable legal framework is essential to attract such capital.

He underscored that all growth targets must be built on macroeconomic stability, warning against “overheating” growth that could undermine economic fundamentals. The Government, he added, is closely coordinating fiscal, monetary, and trade policies to mitigate global market fluctuations.

Calling 2026 a pivotal year, the PM affirmed that the Government will continue refining its policies based on feedback from lawmakers to ensure effective implementation of development plans.

VNA-

ADB forecasts Vietnam's GDP growth at 7.2% for 2026

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 08:20:00 GMT

Vietnam’s growth this year continues to be affected by global uncertainties, according to ADB experts.

According to the Asian Development Outlook April 2026 (ADO) report, released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on April 10, ADB forecast Vietnam’s GDP growth at 7.2 per cent for 2026 and 7 per cent for 2027.

The forecast was released amid rising external risks and heightened global uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Vietnam's inflation is forecast to increase to 4 per cent in 2026 before easing to 3.8 per cent in 2027.

Along with that, industrial sector growth is expected to moderate to 7.7 per cent in 2026. Meanwhile, the services sector is projected to expand by around 7.5 per cent this year, supported by a recovery in tourism and the continued expansion of technology-driven activities.

Agricultural growth is expected to remain stable at 3.6 per cent for 2026.

Mr. Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Vietnam, noted that the Vietnamese government responded swiftly to energy supply disruptions triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

“Time-bound fiscal measures, including tax relief, the use of the stabilization fund, flexible price adjustments, and stronger supply coordination, have helped contain near-term inflationary pressures and support growth,” he said.

However, downside risks remain significant. A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt flows of oil, gas, and fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz, raising shipping costs and causing delays. Together with the war in Ukraine, these developments are intensifying commodity price volatility and placing further strain on global supply chains. Weaker growth in key trading partners could also narrow Vietnam’s trade surplus and weigh on growth.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung, ADB Chief Economist in Vietnam, the country’s 2026 growth may face greater challenges, as it will be measured against a high base from the previous year.

Besides, the global economy is expected to become more difficult and may slow down, thereby reducing demand for Vietnam’s exports as well as foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.

Therefore, in the period ahead, Mr. Hung noted that advancing institutional reforms, including the ongoing administrative restructuring, along with improvements in public investment and the legal framework, could boost medium-term growth by enhancing public sector efficiency, attracting more private investment, and strengthening the resilience of the Vietnamese economy.

Moreover, ADB experts also suggested that strengthening Vietnam’s corporate bond market will be essential to mobilize long-term financing beyond bank credit and support sustained investment. Enhancing transparency, ensuring consistent regulations, and broadening market participation will be key to improving investor confidence and market efficiency.

If implemented effectively, ongoing reforms in this area could position the corporate bond market as a stable source of long-term finance for sustainable and inclusive growth, according to the experts.

vneconomy-Phuong Nhi

Vietnam sets mandatory recycling rates for products and packaging

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

The scope of regulated packaging includes commercial packaging—comprising both primary and secondary packaging—for goods such as food, cosmetics, medicines, fertilizers, animal feed, veterinary drugs, detergents, hygiene products, and cement.

Effective from May 25, 2026, new regulations on the recycling responsibilities of manufacturers and importers will clarify the scope of regulated entities, recycling methods, and mandatory rates for specific product and packaging groups.

This follows the newly-issued Government's Decree No. 110/2026/ND-CP, which provides detailed guidelines for implementing the Law on Environmental Protection concerning the recycling and waste treatment obligations of businesses.

Under the Decree, manufacturers and importers of products including packaging, batteries and accumulators, lubricants, tires and tubes, electrical and electronic equipment, and road vehicles must fulfill mandatory recycling rates and specifications when placing these goods on the Vietnamese market.

The Decree further clarifies specific criteria to identify the parties responsible for these duties. For products or packaging with the same brand produced by different manufacturers, the organization or individual responsible for product labeling is the entity required to fulfill the recycling responsibility.

In cases of contract manufacturing, the party that hires the manufacturer is held responsible, while for entrusted imports, the duty falls on the party responsible for labeling according to regulations.

The scope of regulated packaging includes commercial packaging—comprising both primary and secondary packaging—for goods such as food, cosmetics, medicines, fertilizers, animal feed, veterinary drugs, detergents, hygiene products, and cement.

Conversely, certain cases are exempt from these recycling requirements. Specifically, manufacturers and importers are not required to fulfill these duties for products and packaging intended for export, temporary import for re-export, or those used solely for research, educational, and testing purposes.

Vneconomy-Nhĩ Anh

Government persists with high, substantive economic growth targets: PM

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Government leader however acknowledged challenges, including weak domestic demand, slow real estate recovery, and pressure to achieve double-digit growth…

The Government is determined to pursue double-digit growth for 2026 under the principle of “right choices, swift implementation, thorough execution, measurable outcomes and clear accountability,” stated Prime Minister Le Minh Hung at the National Assembly’s first session on April 9.

Resolutely mobilizing resources for growth

Delivering a supplementary report on the implementation of the socio-economic development and State budget plan in 2025 and performance in the early months of 2026, PM Hung said the country fulfilled and exceeded all 15 key socio-economic targets in 2025.

Macro-economic stability was maintained, GDP grew 8.02% - among the highest globally - raising the economy’s scale to 514 billion USD and ranking it 32nd worldwide. Inflation remained under control, while monetary markets and interest rates stayed broadly stable.

Total import–export turnover surpassed $930 billion, with rice exports reaching 8.1 million tons worth $4.1 billion, contributing to a trade surplus of over $20 billion. FDI inflows totaled $27.6 billion, international arrivals hit a record 21.2 million, and about 3,345 km of expressways were completed.

Social welfare outcomes were significant, including the early elimination of more than 334,000 temporary houses, construction of over 102,000 social housing units, and reduction of the multidimensional poverty rate to 1.3%. Vietnam’s e-government ranking rose 15 places compared to 2020, reaching 71st out of 193 countries.

National defense and security were strengthened, sovereignty safeguarded, and international integration advanced.

Despite global uncertainty, early 2026 saw continued positive momentum, with GDP estimated to grow 7.83%, CPI averaging 3.51%, first-quarter budget revenue reaching VND829.4 trillion, equivalent to $31.5 billion (up 11.4%), FDI rising 9.1% to $5.4 billion, and trade turnover increasing 23% to $249.5 billion.

Vietnam also began construction of its first semiconductor chip manufacturing plant and accelerated Project 06 to expand digital public services.

The Government leader acknowledged challenges, including weak domestic demand, slow real estate recovery, and pressure to achieve double-digit growth, emphasizing that the Government will resolutely mobilize all resources for the target of double-digit growth this year.

In 2026, the Government expects budget revenue to increase 10%, alongside strict spending cuts, including a 10% reduction in regular expenditure and an additional 5% cut by mid-year to priorities development investment.

Public investment will be streamlined by cutting at least 30% of projects during 2026–2030, while administrative procedures and compliance costs will be reduced by 50%. The Government will also strive to cut at least 30% of conditional business lines and eliminate 100% of unnecessary business conditions.

The Government is prioritizing the removal of bottlenecks in land and energy projects and ensuring electricity supply in all circumstances. Social targets include completing 108 inter-level schools in border communes by August 30, implementing electronic medical records nationwide, and improving grassroots-level cadres.

Realizing breakthrough goals

Delivering a proposal on the socio-economic plan for the 2026-2030 period, Deputy PM Nguyen Van Thang said Vietnam achieved major results during 2021–2025, meeting or exceeding 22 out of 26 targets. GDP reached $517.4 billion in 2025, while GDP per capita rose 1.4 times compared to 2020 to $5,026.

For 2026–2030, the Government proposed 59 key targets and 11 solution groups, and 92 tasks to be implemented immediately in 2026. It targets GDP growth of at least 10% in 2026 and on average over the five years, while maintaining macro-economic stability. By 2030, GDP per capita is projected to reach $8,500 (1.7 times that of 2025), with the digital economy accounting for around 30% of GDP.

Institutional reform remains the top priority, shifting governance from pre-approval to post-supervision and targeting a top-three ASEAN investment environment by 2028. Infrastructure goals include over 5,000 km of expressways and investment in the North–South high-speed railway.

Presenting the appraisal report, Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs Phan Van Mai noted strong economic recovery in 2025 but warned growth quality remains insufficiently sustainable and dependent on capital, labor and FDI. Budget forecasting accuracy and foreign-funded capital disbursement also require improvement.

Amid global uncertainty, the committee recommended shifting governance from a reactive approach to proactive adaptation, ensuring coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, accelerating institutional reform, addressing energy challenges, removing infrastructure bottlenecks, and strengthening governance capacity to improve policy effectiveness. (VNA)

VNA-

Party General Secretary, State President To Lam to pay a State visit to China

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The visit will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping.

According to an announcement by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam, and his spouse will make a State visit to China from April 14-17, 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the Vietnam-China relationship has continued to maintain positive development momentum, achieving significant results. In 2025, amidst the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, high-level strategic exchanges were enhanced, with frequent visits between key leaders of the two nations.

A highlight was the State visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping in April 2025, which has contributed to further strengthening political trust and promoting cooperation between the two countries.

Since the beginning of 2026, both sides have continued to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts in various flexible forms. Local cooperation has been strengthened, including the Spring 2026 meeting between the Party Secretaries of border provinces and cities and the 17th Joint Working Committee meeting between localities of the two countries, held in Guangxi, China, in February 2026.

Economic, trade, investment, and tourism cooperation continued to achieve positive results. In 2025, China was Vietnam's largest trading partner; Vietnam was China's largest trading partner in ASEAN and the fourth-largest trading partner globally by country criteria. Bilateral trade turnover reached $256.4 billion, up 24.8% from the previous year. In the first two months of 2026, China remained Vietnam's largest trading partner, with a turnover of $66.7 billion, up 30.2%. Regarding investment, in 2025, China ranked second in total registered capital in Vietnam; in the first two months of 2026, it ranked third.

In tourism, in 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 5.28 million Chinese visitors, accounting for 25% of total international visitors. In the first two months of 2026, Chinese visitors reached approximately 922,582, continuing to be among the largest international tourist markets for Vietnam.

vneconomy-Ha Le

Vietnam's stock market will be upgraded from a frontier market to an emerging market in September

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

The global index provider FTSE Russell makes the confirmation in its latest mid-cycle review, released on April 8.

Vietnam's stock market will be upgraded from a frontier market to a secondary emerging market in September this year, following the latest mid-cycle review released by global index provider FTSE Russell on April 8.

Vietnamese equities will be gradually included in FTSE Russell’s global index system starting September 21, with the process expected to continue through 2027.

The decision reflects the Index Governance Board’s satisfaction with the country’s progress, particularly in implementing the global broker model—a key requirement for effective index replication.

The upgrade places Vietnam alongside major emerging markets such as India and China, and is expected to open the door to greater participation from passive investment funds in the local stock market.

The move follows a series of market-oriented reforms aimed at improving accessibility and transparency. These include the introduction of a non-pre-funding mechanism, a framework to handle failed trades, and expanded access for foreign investors through global brokerage channels—measures that help reduce transaction risks and enhance investor confidence.

Although Vietnam had already met the criteria for “secondary emerging market” status in a previous review, the latest assessment signals meaningful improvements in actual trading conditions and market operations. This marks a shift from meeting formal requirements on paper to achieving practical standards expected by international investors.

VnEconomy-Tuệ Lâm

Connecting Vietnamese firms to the US supply chains

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 03:18:00 GMT

These initial encounters have laid a groundwork for long-term partnerships, focusing on upgrading production capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies.

The Vietnam Trade Office in Houston, the United States, recently spearheaded trade promotion activities at the Design-2-Part Expo in Texas, aimed at integrating Vietnamese businesses into the US industrial ecosystem through connections with supporting industry partners, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), and Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs).

According to the Trade Office, Vietnamese participants engaged in direct business-to-business (B2B) sessions with numerous US manufacturing and processing partners. These initial encounters have laid a groundwork for long-term partnerships, focusing on upgrading production capabilities through the adoption of advanced technologies.

The event proved successful for several enterprises located in Vietnam's industrial zones and joint ventures, who secured new partnerships during the networking sessions. Key sectors seeing significant interest included mechanical engineering, industrial electronics, plastic materials, and chemicals.

Design-2-Part Expo is one of the largest and longest-running industrial exhibition series in the US, held continuously since 1975. The event serves as a vital bridge, connecting engineers and buyers from OEM and ODM sectors with top-tier suppliers and manufacturing experts from the US and other leading industrial nations.

This year’s expo attracted more than 250 manufacturers and international partners. The exhibition showcased cutting-edge production technologies and solutions across a wide array of fields, including automation, custom machining, electromechanical assembly, printed circuit board (PCB) design and fabrication, cable and wire harness manufacturing, CAD-CAM design services, metal casting, specialized coatings, ceramic components, and embedded systems.

vneconomy-Nguyet Ha

Cross-border e-commerce: a transformative gateway for Vietnamese exports

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Currently, Vietnam’s total e-commerce market is valued at approximately $31 billion, with the cross-border segment accounting for about $4.45 billion (representing 15-16% of the total scale).

E-commerce has evolved from an auxiliary sales channel into a transformative export method, experts told the "E-commerce as a Catalyst for Export Promotion: Current Situation and Proposed Solutions" workshop on Apirl 7.

According to Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Deputy Director General of the Agency of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), Vietnam’s total import-export turnover has seen a meteoric rise—from a modest $13 billion in 1995 to $930 billion in 2025. This represents a 70-fold increase over 30 years, with export value alone exceeding $475 billion.

In this broader economic context, cross-border e-commerce serves as a vital "catalyst." Currently, Vietnam’s total e-commerce market is valued at approximately $31 billion, with the cross-border segment accounting for about $4.45 billion (representing 15-16% of the total scale).

Although the absolute value remains modest, a steady growth rate of 17-18% signals immense potential that businesses are now actively tapping into, said Mr. Hai.

Ms. Le Hoang Oanh, Director General of the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency (iDEA) under the MoIT, highlighted the importance of e-commerce across four core pillars: expanding global market reach; supporting small businesses by removing scale barriers; optimizing costs ranging from logistics to advertising; and unlocking massive market growth potential.

"While traditional exports only allow us to reach a specific group of customers, global e-commerce enables businesses to connect with billions of consumers," she said.

Market concentration and structural challenges

Major markets such as the United States, China, and the European Union (EU) continue to be the priority destinations for Vietnamese goods. In the e-commerce sector specifically, the US accounts for more than 22% of Vietnam's online export revenue. However, Mr. Hai pointed out several limitations that must be addressed.

Currently, e-commerce activities remain heavily concentrated in large markets like China (particularly for imports), the US, and the EU. Most transactions rely on global "giants" such as Alibaba and Amazon. While domestic platforms have made significant efforts, they primarily support exports to neighboring countries.

Mirroring the challenges of traditional exports, goods sold via e-commerce platforms are still predominantly processed or outsourced items, lacking distinct branding and high added value. Cross-border logistics costs—including shipping, warehousing, and order fulfillment—remain a top hurdle, especially for bulky items such as furniture.

Furthermore, the cross-border export sector lacks a professionally trained workforce capable of operating platforms, handling international payments, and managing high-level strategies. Legal risks and high-tech scams, particularly those utilizing AI, have also undermined consumer trust in the digital environment.

Director of Access Partnership, MSam Charlton, noted that businesses are struggling with the burden of frequently changing administrative procedures, complex VAT refund processes, and confusion regarding the implementation of e-invoices. He identified the shortage of specialized personnel to operate platforms and manage high-level strategies as a critical "bottleneck" that needs to be cleared.

Representing Amazon, Head of Public Policy, Digital Services Global Selling, Southeast Asia, Darren Ong emphasized that logistics remains the most difficult puzzle to solve for businesses looking to expand globally.

Vneconomy-Vũ Khuê

Vietnam ranks among top countries for business AI tool application

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:46:00 GMT

AI is no longer just a standalone support tool; it is becoming the new "operational infrastructure" for businesses—ranging from customer care and marketing to experience optimization.

With 93% of Vietnamese enterprises utilizing AI tools on digital platforms—one of the highest rates in the world—Vietnam is rapidly emerging as a pioneer in conversational commerce and AI-driven discovery behavior.

According to recent surveys, approximately 93% of domestic businesses have integrated AI tools into their digital operations. This trend aligns with a rapid shift in consumer behavior.

A 2025 study by Kantar revealed that 89% of adults in Vietnam interact with businesses via messaging at least once a week, and 78% report positive experiences with chatbots.

This data suggests that "conversational commerce" has moved past the experimental phase to become a standard method for businesses to reach customers. At a press briefing on April 7, representatives from Meta Vietnam noted that this model originated in Asia, with Vietnam being a key player where consumers early on developed habits of interacting and shopping directly through digital platforms.

While livestream shopping and social commerce are not yet mainstream in Europe or the United States, signals from the Vietnamese market are helping to shape global consumer trends. These insights provide companies like Meta with the foundation to develop and refine products that cater to rapidly changing shopping behaviors.

From a business performance perspective, research by Deloitte shows that 86% of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have recorded revenue growth driven by personalized advertising. Specifically, businesses using Meta’s AI tools, such as the AI features in Advantage+, have seen significant efficiency gains, including an average 20% increase in Return on Ad Spend (ROAS).

These figures signal a major shift: AI is no longer just a standalone support tool; it is becoming the new "operational infrastructure" for businesses—ranging from customer care and marketing to experience optimization. Instead of investing in complex, independent infrastructure, many businesses are accessing AI through established platforms where the technology is directly integrated into sales and customer interaction workflows.

Vneconomy-Hạ Chi

Heads of Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission, Office appointed

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:32:00 GMT

Politburo member, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Nguyen Duy Ngoc was appointed as the Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission, while Mr. Nguyen Hai Ninh, member of the Party Central Committee, and Minister of Justice for the 2021-2026 term, was appointed as the new Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Office.

At a meeting on April 8, held by the Politburo and chaired by Party General Secretary and State President To Lam , the Politburo’s decisions on appointments of Party officials, including the Chairman of the Patty Central Committee’s Organization Commission and the Chief of the committee’s Office, was announced.

Under the decisions, Mr. Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Politburo member, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, was appointed as the Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission, replacing Mr. Le Minh Hung, who was elected Prime Minister by the 16th National Assembly at its first session on April 7, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

His responsibilities also expanded to include leading the Party Central Committee’s Subcommittee for Internal Political Protection and serving as deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Control of Corruption, Wastefulness and Negative Phenomena and standing deputy head of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Hai Ninh, member of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee and Minister of Justice for the 2021-2026 term, was appointed as the new Chief of the Party Central Committee’s Office, the news agency reported.

It quoted General Secretary and President To Lam as stating at the event that both Ngoc and Ninh are capable officials with strong political will, high ethical standards, absolute loyalty to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people. They have exceptional work performance, innovative thinking, and scientific and effective work methods.

Both have grown from grassroots positions, held numerous important roles at both the central and local levels, and possess rich, comprehensive practical experience. Throughout their careers, they have consistently excelled in their duties, leaving clear marks with tangible results that have been recognized and highly appreciated by officials, Party members, and the people.

As the country is entering a new development phase with very high requirements and major goals set by the 14th National Party Congress, the top leader urged both officials to immediately get to work and focus on leading and directing the comprehensive, synchronized, and effective implementation of the functions, tasks, and powers of the Party Central Committee’s Organization Commission and Office.

He also emphasized the need to continue building the two bodies to be clean, strong, professional, and modern. They should become exemplary institutions in terms of organization, discipline, and the quality of strategic advisory work within the political system, while maintaining solidarity and unity.

On behalf of those being appointed, Mr. Ngoc said that this is not only a great honor but also a significant responsibility before the Party, the people, and the requirements of the country's development in the new phase.

In his new position, he pledged to dedicate himself fully, along with the leadership and staff of the Organization Commission, to ensure unity and strive to improve the quality and effectiveness of all tasks, overcoming difficulties and meeting the Party’s expectations. He said he will uphold the principles of responsibility, discipline, impartiality, and objectivity, always putting the interests of the Party, the country, and the people first.

Mr. Ngoc, born in 1964 in Hung Yen province, joined the Party on November 2, 1986. He is a Politburo member in the 13th and 14th terms; Secretary of the 13th Party Central Committee (2024-2025); a member of the Party Central Committee in the 13th and 14th terms; Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee (since 2025); and a deputy to the 16th National Assembly.

Mr. Ninh, born in 1976 in Hung Yen province, joined the Party on March 6, 1998. He is an alternative member of the 12th Party Central Committee and a member of the Party Central Committee in the 13th and 14th tenures; member of the Government’s Party Committee (since 2025); and Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Justice and Minister of Justice.

VNA-Pham Long

Vietnam waives transport fees to ease cost pressures on businesses

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The policy taking effect from April 7 to June 30, 2026.

The Ministry of Finance has announced a temporary waiver of several fees and charges to support production and business activities in the transport sector.

The policy will take effect from April 7 to June 30, 2026, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

Under the policy, most fees and charges in the aviation sector will be waived, except for those related to the appraisal of permits granting access to restricted areas at airports and airfields.

Maritime fees for vessels entering and leaving Vietnam’s waters will also be exempted. In addition, charges applied at inland waterway ports and terminals for vessels operating between domestic ports will be waived.

The policy further removes fees for the use of state-invested national railway infrastructure.

From July 1, 2026, all relevant fees and charges will be reinstated in accordance with existing regulations and applicable amendments.

The collection of fees for certification, licensing, or permitting in civil aviation activities, fees for registering security transactions on aircraft, and fees for reporting inland waterways operations for vessels operating between ports and inland waterway terminals in Vietnam shall not apply. According to experts, the measure aims to support businesses and citizens amid rising transport costs, partly driven by the impact of the Middle East conflict that has pushed up fuel prices, increasing freight rates, logistics costs and ultimately the prices of goods.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Vietnam targets five unicorns, each with $1.5bln venture capital market, by 2030

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT

The target is part of the national strategy for innovative startups, which seeks to foster a widespread wave of entrepreneurship across society, driven by science, technology and digital transformation.

Vietnam aims to have at least five startups, each valued at $1 billion or more, by 2030, with venture capital market projected to reach $1.5 billion, under Government Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP on the national strategy for innovative startups, which was issued on April 5.

This is the first national strategy for innovative startups in Vietnam.

The strategy seeks to foster a widespread wave of entrepreneurship across society, driven by science, technology and digital transformation.

It positions innovative startups as a key engine of socio-economic growth, contributing to improved living standards, accelerated industrialization and modernization, and stronger national self-reliance.

By 2030, Vietnam targets a total of five million business entities, including at least 10,000 innovative startups. It also plans to establish around 300 innovation hubs, centers and clusters nationwide.

The country aims to rank among the top 40 economies in the Global Innovation Index (GII) and within the top 45 in the global startup ecosystem index.

Looking further ahead, by 2045, one in every 10 Vietnamese is expected to be engaged in entrepreneurial activity, with one enterprise for every 35 people and one innovative startup per 5,000 people.

Vietnam also targets a top-30 global ranking in innovation and startup ecosystems, at least 100 startups valued at $100 million or more, and a venture capital market worth $10 billion.

VnEconomy-Bạch Dương

Appointments of Deputy PMs, Ministers, Government members approved

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:30:00 GMT

The new cabinet includes Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, 6 deputy prime ministers and 17 ministers and other Government members

The 16th National Assembly at its ongoing session on April 8 voted to approve the resolutions on the appointments of Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and other members of the Government for the 2026-2031 term, at the proposal of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

Earlier, on March 7, the Legislature elected Mr. Le Minh Hung as Prime Minister.

As a result, the new cabinet includes:

- Politburo member, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung;

- Politburo member, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc;

- Politburo member, Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of National Defense, General Phan Van Giang;

- Party Central Committee Secretary, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra (Ms.);

- Party Central Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung;

- Party Central Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Le Tien Chau;

- Party Central Committee member, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Van Thang;

- Politburo member, Minister of Public Security, General Luong Tam Quang;

- Politburo member, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Home Affairs Do Thanh Binh;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Justice Hoang Thanh Tung;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Lam Thi Phuong Thanh (Ms.);

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Education and Training Hoang Minh Son;

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan (Ms.);

- Party Central Committee member, Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang;

- Party Central Committee member, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Pham Duc An;

- Party Central Committee member, Government Inspector General Nguyen Quoc Doan; and

- Party Central Committee member, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong.

vneconomy-Ha Le

Hanoi’s GRDP grows 7.87% in Q1 2026

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:16:00 GMT

The city successfully attracted $478.9 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first three months of the year.

Hanoi recorded positive growth in the first quarter of 2026, with its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) increasing by 7.87% year-on-year, according to the municipal Statistics Office.

Specifically, the agro-forestry-fishery sector rose by an estimated 3.73%, contributing 0.09 percentage points to the overall growth. The industry and construction sector expanded by 7.55%, contributing 1.33 percentage points, while the service sector remained the primary driver with an 8.21% increase, contributing 5.74 percentage points.

During this period, investment capital implemented from the local state budget reached VND20.9 trillion (about $792 million), fulfilling 16.6% of the yearly plan and marking a sharp increase of 47.4% over the previous year.

Regarding industrial performance, Hanoi's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) for March 2026 is estimated to have risen by 18% month-on-month and 8.2% year-on-year, bringing the total growth for the first quarter to 8.5%.

In the trade sector, total import-export turnover reached over $16.5 billion, a 10.4% increase year-on-year. While export turnover decreased by 8.6% to $4.185 billion, import turnover surged by 18.8% to $12.337 billion.

Consumer activity also showed strong momentum as total retail sales of goods and service revenue hit VND252 trillion (nearly $9.6 billion), up 11.2% from the same period last year. Meanwhile, the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the quarter rose by 4.29% compared to the average of Q1 2025.

On the investment front, the city successfully attracted $478.9 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the first three months of the year.

This total includes 145 newly registered projects with capital of $68.8 million, 34 existing projects that increased their capital by $257.2 million, and 97 instances of foreign investors contributing capital or purchasing shares, totaling $152.9 million.

Vneconomy-

Gov't paves the way for Vietnamese businesses to expand globally

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Priority will be given to enterprises with high technological and innovative capabilities, as well as those with superior competitiveness in spearhead sectors capable of leading industries and creating impact within value chains.

To remove institutional bottlenecks and promote a comprehensive global presence for the private economic sector, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed Prime Ministerial Decision No 626/QD-TTg, approving the "Going Global Program for the 2026–2030 Period."

The program is designed to focus on resolving institutional and policy hurdles to encourage, facilitate, and manage risks for businesses operating in foreign markets. It aims to ensure transparent access to resources—including investment, finance, infrastructure, technology, information, and human resources—while streamlining administrative procedures to be compatible with highly competitive economies.

The program encourages enterprises to invest and do business abroad in sectors where Vietnam holds a competitive international advantage, high added value, and strong spillover potential. Key areas of focus include strategic investments, mergers and acquisitions (MA), the establishment of distribution centers, bonded warehouses, industrial parks, wholesale and retail systems, agencies, representative offices, Research and Development (RD) centers, and after-sales services in overseas markets.

Priority will be given to enterprises with high technological and innovative capabilities, as well as those with superior competitiveness in spearhead sectors capable of leading industries and creating impact within value chains. Innovative startups with global business models are also a primary focus.

The program's overarching goal is to help Vietnam’s private sector increase its international presence comprehensively, effectively, and sustainably in both scale and quality through international investment and deeper integration into regional and global supply and value chains.

Specific targets by 2030 include:

At least 10,000 businesses to be trained in implementing global investment and business activities;

At least 1,000 businesses to receive consultancy and support in developing international expansion plans;

At least 100 businesses to receive intensive, comprehensive support for overseas investment, with 30% of these investing through MA;

At least 100 businesses to receive end-to-end support—from research, design, and production to distribution and international branding—to join regional and global value chains. Among these, at least 20 large enterprises in spearhead and strategic industries are expected to integrate into global supply chains; and

At least 100 businesses to receive comprehensive support for effective operations on domestic and international cross-border e-commerce platforms, with at least 10 businesses achieving online export revenues exceeding $10 million.

Vneconomy-Song Hà

MoC calls for more large vessels to ferry oil from Middle East to Vietnam

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:46:00 GMT

These new requirements are part of a broader strategy to implement solutions for national energy security, stabilize transport and construction activities, and maintain socio-economic development amidst the Middle East conflicts.

The Ministry of Construction (MoC) has requested the Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) to develop a plan to mobilize Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) and specialized vessels for LPG and LNG to transport energy from the Persian Gulf to Vietnam, ensuring a proactive domestic supply.

According to the directive, the VIMAWA is tasked with closely monitoring the operations of the Vietnamese fleet in the Middle East. The administration must maintain regular communication with shipowners and provide timely information to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies should any situation arise requiring support.

Furthermore, the VIMAWA will lead and coordinate with departments under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (Petrovietnam). Together, they will work with shipowners to establish mobilization plans for large-capacity vessels (including VLCCs) to transport crude oil, gasoline, and liquefied gases (LPG, LNG) from the Persian Gulf to Vietnam. This initiative aims to secure a steady supply of crude oil for the Nghi Son Refinery and stabilize the overall domestic energy market.

In addition, the VIMAWA is directed to collaborate with relevant bodies to address recommendations from the Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) regarding transport logistics. This includes the urgent evaluation and approval of maritime safety plans for ports receiving tankers with capacities exceeding their original design (but which have been lightened to a suitable draft), particularly in Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City. These measures are intended to facilitate the rapid offloading of imported energy products.

These new requirements are part of a broader strategy to implement solutions for national energy security, stabilize transport and construction activities, and maintain socio-economic development amidst the complex conflicts currently unfolding in the Middle East.

Vneconomy-Gia Huy

Vietnam to join Japan’s GREEN EXPO 2027, focusing on green agri-trade promotion

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

The Vietnam Pavilion is scheduled to operate from March 19 to September 26, 2027, in Yokohama.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 629/QD-TTg, dated April 6, 2026, approving the plan for Vietnam’s participation in the International Green Expo 2027 (GREEN EXPO 2027) in Yokohama, Japan.

The Vietnam Pavilion is scheduled to operate from March 19 to September 26, 2027, in Yokohama. The exhibition space will feature a flexible modular design, allowing for layout adjustments to align with changing weekly and monthly themes.

During the expo, Vietnam will implement a series of key activities. A major focus will be the organization of periodic thematic promotion events to introduce staple agricultural products, OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, and craft village goods. These events will also showcase models of green agriculture and circular economies linked to sustainable development, with active participation from various Vietnamese localities.

Furthermore, the pavilion will host trade and investment promotion activities aimed at fostering the green economy, circular economy, and digital transformation.

To engage visitors, regular public interaction programs will be held, featuring cultural experiences and direct exchanges to promote the image of Vietnam’s country, people, and high-quality products.

A significant highlight of the event will be the "Vietnam National Day." Notably, in addition to the physical site, the Vietnam Pavilion will also be developed and operated as a 3D virtual platform to reach a wider global audience.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

PM orders stronger oversight to improve transparency in public procurement

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Bidding activities have improved in recent years, but persistent shortcomings remain.

The Prime Minister has issued a decree, calling for stronger enforcement, efficiency and accountability in public procurement.

While bidding activities have been improved in recent years, persistent shortcomings, including risks of waste, losses and misconduct, the directive noted.

To address these issues, ministries, agencies, localities and State-owned enterprises have been instructed to implement comprehensive measures to ensure transparent, competitive and effective procurement.

Authorities and project owners are required to review the entire process—from initial surveys and cost estimates to approval, bidding, construction and final settlement—to ensure efficient use of capital and strict compliance with the law.

For build-transfer (BT) projects, approval will only be granted to those deemed urgent, economically viable and aligned with planning. Agencies are barred from proposing BT projects if alternative investment models are feasible. Where land is used for payment, its details must be clearly defined from the outset to avoid disputes and legal risks.

The directive also stressed stricter inspections and enforcement, with violations such as bid rigging and abuse of power subject to severe penalties under a “no exceptions” principle.

It further called for accurate cost estimation, fair bid evaluation, enhanced transparency on the national e-procurement system, and improved capacity of procurement officials.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Newly-elected PM pledges to build modern, service-oriented Government

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined five key priorities for the Government in the coming term, including building a modern, enabling and service-oriented administration; ensuring high and sustainable economic growth; effectively operating the state apparatus under a reformed organizational model; fostering a united, coordinated, and supportive government and a government that is honest, disciplined, resilient, and accountable.

Newly elected Prime Minister Le Minh Hung pledged to priorities the building of a modern, enabling and people-centered Government, in his inaugural address at the first session of the 16th National Assembly on April 7, according to a report from the Vietnam News Agency.

PM Hung underscored that the 14th National Party Congress clearly defines the vision, objectives, drivers and action programme for Vietnam’s next stage of development. The 2026–2031 term, he said, opens up a historic window of opportunity, requiring the country not only to sustain growth but to make breakthroughs, elevate its global standing, pursue rapid, sustainable and inclusive development, and enhance people’s well-being and happiness. He reaffirmed his commitment to absolute loyalty to the Fatherland, the people and the Constitution, and to steadfastly follow the path chosen by the Party, late President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people. He also emphasized unity under the leadership of the Party Central Committee, with Party General Secretary and State President To Lam as its core.

The PM outlined five key priorities for the Government in the coming term. These include building a modern, enabling and service-oriented administration; ensuring high and sustainable economic growth; effectively operating the state apparatus under a reformed organizational model; fostering a united, coordinated, and supportive government and a government that is honest, disciplined, resilient, and accountable.

He stressed that the Government will give top priority to improving the institutional framework, reviewing and adjusting legal regulations, streamlining administrative procedures, and removing bottlenecks to unlock all available resources for development. He called for a lean, strong, efficient and effective apparatus grounded in proactive governance and decisive action, with each Government member expected to match words with deeds and demonstrate flexibility in policy execution.

Expressing strong determination to exert maximum efforts to steer the economy toward high and sustainable growth, PM Hung stressed that the ambitious target of achieving average annual GDP growth of over 10% during the 2026–2031 period is a “development imperative” to realize the country’s strategic goals. He identified science and technology, innovation and national digital transformation as key breakthroughs to enhance productivity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy, while also highlighting the importance of creating new growth drivers, developing comprehensive and modern infrastructure, accelerating the green transition, and proactively adapting to climate change.

The Government will continue to strengthen the role of the state economic sector while fostering the private economic sector as the most important driver of growth, ensuring that all localities, businesses and citizens can contribute to and benefit equitably from development.

Affirming that investment in humans is the most sustainable investment for the future, the Government leader pledged increased investment in education and training, the development of high-quality human resources, and the attraction and retention of talent. He also committed to enhancing public healthcare capacity, expanding access to quality medical services, and implementing comprehensive social welfare policies to ensure that no one is left behind.

In parallel, the Government will promote cultural development as a fundamental pillar and intrinsic strength of the nation, while reinforcing national defense and security, and maintaining the foreign policy of independence and self-reliance. Greater emphasis will also be placed on economic and technological diplomacy to further elevate Vietnam’s role and standing in the international arena, he added.

Regarding the task of ensuring the effective operation of the organizational apparatus under the new model, PM Hung stated that since July 1, 2025, the two-tier local administration model has officially come into operation. The Government’s task is to ensure that the new apparatus functions effectively, efficiently and substantively, becoming a new driving force for development; continue to promote decentralization and delegation of authority in tandem with appropriate allocation of resources, improve the capacity of officials, especially those at the commune, ward and special zone level. The year 2026 has been identified as a key milestone for improving the quality of grassroots officials. The Government will shift strongly from an administrative management approach to a service-oriented administration that facilitates development and better serves people and businesses.

According to the PM, tasks that can be handled more quickly, effectively and in line with practical conditions at the local level will be assigned to local authorities. Efforts will be made to foster a spirit of proactiveness, flexibility, innovation and accountability at grassroots administrations - the level closest to the people. The satisfaction of people and businesses will serve as a key factor for evaluating the performance of authorities at all levels.

Regarding the building of a united and coordinated government, PM Hung emphasized that State power remains unified, with clear assignment, coordination and control among agencies in exercising legislative, executive and judicial powers. At the same time, it is necessary to fully promote the role of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations, the business community and the people in policy building, feedback, supervision and implementation.

The Government will maintain close, substantive and effective coordination with Party agencies in institutionalizing and implementing the Party’s guidelines and policies; with the National Assembly in law-making; with the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations in grasping realities and listening to public aspirations; and with localities in removing bottlenecks, unlocking resources and creating new drivers for development, he stressed.

To build a government that is incorruptible, disciplined, steadfast and responsible, PM Hung stressed that public trust is the nation’s greatest resource. Rapid development requires a clean apparatus, integrity among officials and strict administrative discipline. The Government is committed to acting with the highest determination, placing national and public interests and the people’s well-being above all; stepping up efforts to combat corruption, wastefulness and negative phenomena; tightening discipline and administrative order; enhancing the accountability of leaders and strengthening power control mechanisms.

The government leader also stressed the need to strictly handle acts of avoidance or indifference to the difficulties faced by people and businesses, while effectively implementing mechanisms to encourage and protect officials who dare to think, act and take responsibility for the common good.

Affirming that he will always uphold the teachings of President Ho Chi Minh that “our Government is the Government of the people, with the sole goal of serving the interests of the people,” the PM pledged to work with the Government, ministries, sectors and localities with the consensus and determination to lead the country into a period of groundbreaking development toward prosperity, strength, civilization and happiness.

PM Hung expressed his hope to continue receiving close and regular leadership from the Party Central Committee, particularly the Politburo and the Secretariat, and Party General Secretary and State President To Lam; as well as the support and guidance of former Party and State leaders, the effective coordination and supreme supervision of the National Assembly, the close cooperation of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations, and the trust, support and active participation of people nationwide, overseas Vietnamese and international friends.

Following the oath-taking ceremony, NA Chairman Tran Than Man presented flowers, on behalf of Party and State leaders and NA deputies, to congratulate the newly elected PM.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Mr. Le Minh Hung unanimously elected as new Prime Minister of Vietnam

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:25:00 GMT

The newly-elected Prime Minister, aged 56, will replace his predecessor Pham Minh Chinh to serve a five-year term, from 2026 to 2031.

Politburo member and Chairman of the Central Organization Commission of the 14th Party Central Committee Le Minh Hung was unanimously elected as new Prime Minister of Vietnam on April 7 at the first session of the 16th National Assembly.

Mr. Le Minh Hung, aged 56, will replace his predecessor Pham Minh Chinh to serve a five-year term, from 2026 to 2031.

Below is the brief biography of Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, as released by the Government News:

Date of birth: December 11, 1970

Native land: Tu My Commune, Ha Tinh province

Ethnicity: Kinh

Date of Party admission: August 21, 2000

Education: Master's Degree in Public Policy, Bachelor's Degree in French Language

Major positions:

- Politburo member, 13th tenure (since May 2024) and 14th tenure

- Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, 13th and 14th tenures

- Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (12th, 13th, and 14th tenures)

- Chairman of the Central Organization Commission (since May 2024)

- Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Combat of Corruption, Wastefulness, and Negative Phenomena

- Chairman of the Viet Nam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians' Group

- Deputy of the 15th and 16th National Assembly

Political career

- From October 1993 to January 1998:

- Staff at the Department of International Cooperation, the State Bank of Viet Nam; study at Shanghai University of Finance and Economics in China (from March 1996-June 1996) and Saitama University in Japan (from October 1996-September 1997).

- From February 1998 to February 2002: Deputy Division Head, Division Head, Department of International Cooperation, the State Bank of Vietnam

- From March 2002 to December 2009: Vice Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation, the State Bank of Vietnam.

- From January 2010 to October 2011: Member of the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam, Director-General of the Personnel Department, the State Bank of Vietnam.

- From October 2011 to October 2014: Member of the Party Committee of the State Bank of Vietnam, Vice Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

- From November 2014 to January 2016: Vice Chairman of the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam; Elected to the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam at the 12th National Party Congress.

- From January 2016 to April 2016: Member of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, Vice Chairman of the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

- From April 2016 to October 2020: Member of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam.

- From October 2020 to January 2021: Member of the 12th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

- From January 2021 to May 2024: Secretary of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Office of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Combat of Corruption and Negative Phenomena (since November 2021), deputy of the 15th National Assembly (since July 2021).

- From May 2024 to June 2024: Politburo member, Secretary of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Central Organization Commission, Chairman of the Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, deputy of the 15th National Assembly.

- From June 2024 to June 2025: Politburo member, Secretary of the 13th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Central Organization Commission, deputy of the 15th National Assembly, Chairman of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians' Group, Vice Chairman of the Central Steering Committee for Prevention and Combat of Corruption, Wastefulness, and Negative Phenomena (since October 2024), and member of the National Election Council (since June 2025).

- On January 22, 2026: Elected as member of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Viet Nam at the 14th National Party Congress.

- On January 23, 2026: Elected as member of the Politburo at the first plenum of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

- On January 30, 2026: Assigned to join the Secretariat.

- In March 2026: Elected as deputy to the 16th National Assembly.

- On April 7, 2026: Elected as Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam at the first working session of the 16th National Assembly.

VGP-Ha Le

Government resolution on scheme to establish Dong Nai as centrally-run city issued

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:14:00 GMT

According to national and regional master plans, the future Dong Nai City will be developed under the model of an "industrial capital, modern urban area, logistics hub, and high-tech agricultural center."

The Government has officially issued Resolution No 95/NQ-CP, dated April 6, 2026, regarding the proposal to establish 10 wards within Dong Nai Province and to upgrade the southern province to a centrally-run city.

The establishment of Dong Nai as a centrally-run city serves not only as recognition of the province's past achievements but also as a catalyst for sustainable future development. Under the Resolution, the Government has tasked the Ministry of Home Affairs to lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to finalize the necessary procedures, ensuring the transition process is smooth and compliant with regulations.

According to national and regional master plans, the future Dong Nai City will be developed under the model of an "industrial capital, modern urban area, logistics hub, and high-tech agricultural center." This vision aims not only to improve the quality of life for residents but also to create a favorable business environment to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

However, achieving centrally-run status also presents several challenges, particularly in urban infrastructure management and development. Local authorities will need to concentrate resources on upgrading technical, digital, and social infrastructure.

Furthermore, the administrative system must be reorganized according to a strict and feasible roadmap. This process requires close coordination across all levels of government, as well as active participation from the business community and the general public.

Vneconomy-Phạm Hồng Vinh

People must be the ultimate beneficiaries of development achievements: Top leader

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 07:10:08 GMT

In his inauguration speech on April 7, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam emphasized the core principle that "The people are the root."

The highest goal and ultimate destination of development is to ensure that the people enjoy its fruits, stated Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, in his inaugural speech at the first session of the 16th National Assembly on April 7, right after his election as State President.

The top leader emphasized the core principle that "The people are the root."

Earlier, with 495 out of 495 delegates voting in favor, the 16th National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution to elect Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the 14th Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and deputy to the legislature, as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam for the 2026–2031 term.

Mr. Lam expressed his sincere gratitude to voters and citizens across the country for upholding their sense of responsibility, their aspiration to build the nation, and their faith in the CPV. These efforts contributed to the success of the elections for the 16th NA and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure.

The General Secretary and State President also thanked the Party Central Committee for their trust in nominating him, and the NA for their confidence in electing him and entrusting him with the heavy responsibility of the Presidency.

He expressed his profound gratitude to late President Ho Chi Minh, the nation's predecessors, revolutionary soldiers, party members, heroic martyrs, and people from all walks of life who have dedicated and sacrificed themselves for the independence, sovereignty, unity, and revolutionary cause of the nation.

He affirmed that assuming the positions is a great honor, as well as a sacred responsibility and duty before the Party, the State, and the people.

In his new capacity, the General Secretary and State President pledged to work alongside the entire Party, the people, and the military, particularly the Party Central Committee, to lead the nation in overcoming all difficulties and achieving the goal of building a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, while making worthy contributions to the global revolutionary cause.

Top priorities were identified as maintaining an environment of peace and stability; promoting rapid and sustainable development; improving the people’s standard of living; and increasing Vietnam’s contributions to regional and global peace, stability, and development.

The General Secretary and State President emphasized the need to deeply internalize and practice the principle that “The people are the root,” promoting the people’s role as the primary subjects, consolidating the great national unity, and ensuring that the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the fruits of development.

He expressed his desire for continued close coordination from agencies across the political system, all levels of government, sectors, the armed forces, and compatriots both at home and abroad to fulfill the mission of protecting, building, and developing the Fatherland in service of the people.

Expressing his confidence in the nation’s future, Mr. Lam affirmed that with the tradition of national construction and defense, the aspiration to rise, and the will and resilience of the nation—alongside the support of international friends—Vietnam will continue to develop strongly and achieve its established strategic goals.

Vneconomy-Hà Lê

Party General Secretary To Lam elected as State President of Vietnam

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 03:00:00 GMT

He was unanimously elected by legislators on April 7.

Legislators unanimously elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam as State President for the 2026–2031 term at the first session of the 16th National Assembly held in Hanoi on April 7.

To Lam, aged 69, will serve a five-year term, from 2026 to 2031.

Following the vote, the swearing-in ceremony for the State President was held solemnly in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The newly-elected State President took the oath of office, pledging absolute loyalty to the Fatherland, the people and the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and committing to fulfilling all duties entrusted by the Party, the State and the people.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Vietnam’s agro-forestry-fishery imports hit nearly $12 bln in Q1 2026

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:35:00 GMT

By product group, the import value of agricultural products reached $7.62 billion (up 6.3%); livestock products hit $1.16 billion (up 10%); and forestry products totaled $786.8 million (up 16.1%).

Vietnam’s import turnover of agro-forestry-fishery products in March 2026 is estimated at $4.46 billion, a sharp increase of 37% compared to the previous month and 6.6% over the same period in 2025.

Cumulatively, for the first three months of 2026, total import turnover for the sector reached $11.91 billion, a 3.6% year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

By product group, the import value of agricultural products reached $7.62 billion (up 6.3%); livestock products hit $1.16 billion (up 10%); and forestry products totaled $786.8 million (up 16.1%). Conversely, fishery imports stood at $746.8 million (down 1.8%), while production inputs fell to $1.59 billion (down 13%). Notably, salt imports reached $9.1 million, a surge of 75.6% compared to the same period last year.

Regarding markets, Asia and the Americas remain the primary suppliers, holding market shares of 27.7% and 26.6%, respectively. Other regions accounted for smaller proportions, including Oceania (4.6%), Europe (3.9%), and Africa (3.8%). Compared to the same period in 2025, imports from Asia decreased by 2.7%, while the Americas grew by 10.9%, Oceania surged by 38.2%, and Africa saw a massive 56% increase. Imports from Europe declined by 3.3%.

At the national level, the United States, China, and Brazil are the three largest suppliers, with market shares of 11.8%, 9.9%, and 9.8%, respectively. Most notably, imports from the US soared by 53.4%, while China rose by 13.3% and Brazil increased by 11.1% year-on-year.

Among key import commodities, wheat recorded impressive growth. For the first quarter of 2026, Vietnam imported 3 million tons and $603.8 million, up 84.5% in volume and 40.3% in value compared to Q1 2025.

Soybean imports in Q1 2026 reached 847,100 tons and $404.9 million, up 46.9% and 54.6% respectively. Corn also saw a sharp increase, with a three-month cumulative total of 4.1 million tons and $1 billion, representing a 90.2% jump in volume and an 83.4% rise in value.

In the cashew nut segment, imports reached 636,000 tons and $1.04 billion in Q1, representing growth of 12.5% in volume and 13.1% in value. Tanzania was the largest supplier with a 33.1% market share, followed by Cambodia (21.2%), Ivory Coast (19.8%), and Indonesia (2.2%).

Finally, rubber imports in the first quarter of 2026 reached 441,400 tons, valued at $707.4 million. This reflects a 3.2% increase in volume but a 4.7% decrease in value. The three main supplying markets were Cambodia (31.4%), China (16.2%), and South Korea (10.7%).

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

Plan to realize Vietnam–France science and technology cooperation agreement approved

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 23:10:00 GMT

Under the Government’s plan, the Ministry of Science and Technology will take the prime responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to guide, monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.540/QD-TTg, signed recently by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, a Government plan for implementation of the bilateral agreement on cooperation in science, technology and innovation between Vietnam and France has been approved.

The agreement was signed and came into force on May 26, 2025.

Under the plan, the Ministry of Science and Technology will take the prime responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to guide, monitor and oversee the implementation of the agreement, according to the Government News.

The ministry will also compile reports on implementation progress and send them to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consolidation and reporting to competent authorities.

Every two years, joint reviews will be conducted with France's Ministry of Higher Education and Research to assess implementation outcomes and discuss future cooperation plans.

Other ministries and agencies of Vietnam are required to coordinate closely, based on their respective mandates, to develop and carry out activities under the agreement.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will also work with its French counterpart to designate focal points for implementation in line with Article 7 of the agreement, while coordinating with diplomatic missions of both sides to organize bilateral meetings, conferences and forums to strengthen cooperation.

In addition, both sides will discuss the relaunch of the Hubert Curien "Hoa Sen Lotus" Program, with a view to signing a separate agreement in accordance with the laws of each country.

The plan underscores the importance of communication and outreach activities, including promoting the agreement and related guidelines, as well as relevant legal frameworks of Vietnam and France, to organizations, businesses and individuals through media campaigns, seminars, conferences and training programs.

VGP-Van Nguyen

Program for attracting foreign experts, scientists to work in Vietnam approved

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The program aims to attract 500 foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists willing to work full-time at Vietnam's higher education and vocational institutions.

Under Prime Ministerial Decision No.530/QD-TTg, signed recently by Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, a program for attracting experts scientists. who are foreign nationals or overseas Vietnamese, to work in Vietnam has been approved.

The program targets by 2035 to attract 1,500 experts and scientists who are foreign nationals or overseas Vietnamese to work, teach, conduct research, and engage in regular or remote collaboration with Vietnamese higher education institutions and vocational education institutions.

Under the program, breakthrough mechanisms and policies will be implemented to attract foreign experts, scientists, and overseas Vietnamese to work at Vietnam's higher education and vocational education institutions.

Meanwhile, the program seeks to strengthen scientific and technological capacity, develop high-quality human resources, enhance innovation capabilities, and promote international integration in education, training, and scientific research, thus contributing to bringing Vietnam's education system to an advanced level in the region and globally by 2035.

According to the program, at least 30 outstanding foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists capable of taking on leading roles and spearheading key initiatives that create breakthroughs in education, training, scientific research, and technology transfer, especially in critical and strategic technologies, will be attracted by 2035.

The program also aims to attract 500 foreign and overseas Vietnamese experts and scientists willing to work full-time at Vietnam's higher education and vocational institutions, with the capacity to serve as research team leaders, laboratory heads, and program directors in key, strategic, and priority technology fields.

Key tasks have been set out in the program, including improving the institutional framework and policy mechanisms, strengthening communication and promoting Vietnam's image, creating a professional and modern research environment, and accelerating digital transformation and the application of science, technology, and artificial intelligence.

VGP-Pham Long

Mr. Tran Thanh Man re-elected National Assembly chairman

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:56:20 GMT

Following the announcement, Chairman Man took the oath of office. Standing before the national flag, the National Assembly, and voters nationwide, he pledged absolute loyalty to the Fatherland, the people, and the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

During the inaugural session of the 16th National Assembly (NA) on the morning of April 6, Mr. Tran Thanh Man was re-elected as Chairman of the legislature.

A resolution confirming the election was passed with unanimous support, as all 491 deputies present voted in favor via the electronic voting system.

Following the announcement, Chairman Man took the oath of office. Standing before the national flag, the National Assembly, and voters nationwide, he pledged absolute loyalty to the Fatherland, the people, and the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He further committed to fulfilling the duties entrusted to him by the Party, State, and the people.

Born in 1962 in Thanh Xuan commune, Can Tho city, Chairman Man holds a Doctorate in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Politics. He is currently a member of the Politburo and Secretary of the NA Party Committee.

A veteran legislator, Mr. Man has served as an NA deputy for the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 16th terms. His political career includes serving as an alternate member of the Party Central Committee in the 10th tenure and a full member from the 11th through the 14th tenures. He was also a member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat during the 12th tenure and a Politburo member for both the 13th and 14th tenures.

Vneconomy-Dũng Hiếu

16th National Assembly's first session opens in Hanoi

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 05:11:52 GMT

A central focus of the session will be decisions on the organizational structure of the state apparatus, as well as the election and approval of senior personnel — matters considered critical to effective governance throughout the term.

The first session of the 16th National Assembly (NA) officially convened in Hanoi on Monday.

In his opening remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted Vietnam’s achievements after four decades of renewal, noting sustained economic growth and expanding global standing. The country’s economy has reached a scale of $514 billion, ranking 32nd in the world.

Average growth over the past five years stood at 6.2% annually, with a notable 8.02% recorded in 2025. Per capita income rose to $5,026.

Chairman Man stressed that deputies of the 16th legislature must build on these achievements, demonstrating strong responsibility, political steadfastness, and modern governance thinking. Lawmakers, he said, should engage in objective and constructive debate, while strengthening legislative skills, long-term vision, and the capacity to address emerging issues to ensure laws are effective in practice.

The NA Chairman also outlined key agenda items for the session. These include a keynote address by Party General Secretary To Lam, setting strategic directions for the Assembly’s future activities; reports on election results and verification of deputies’ qualifications; and a review of voter petitions submitted during the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly.

A central focus of the session will be decisions on the organizational structure of the state apparatus, as well as the election and approval of senior personnel — matters considered critical to effective governance throughout the term.

The legislature will also review socio-economic and financial reports, assess performance in 2025 and early 2026, and propose practical solutions to address rapidly evolving global challenges, including the impact of tensions in the Middle East.

In addition, the NA is expected to approve the 2024 state budget settlement and adopt five-year plans for 2026–2030, covering socio-economic development, national finance, public debt, and medium-term public investment.

VnEconomy-Hà Lê

Dien Bien selected for controlled pilot of low-altitude economy

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 03:15:00 GMT

The project is not intended to test UAV technology itself, but rather to trial practical application models to measure efficiency and refine the national policy framework.

Dien Bien Province has been chosen to develop a controlled pilot scheme for the "low-altitude economy." The selection is based not only on its unique mountainous and fragmented terrain but also on the province’s potential to serve as a national reference model for other localities.

During a working session on March 4 regarding the development of the "Controlled pilot scheme for low-altitude economic eevelopment and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications," the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) emphasized a key principle: the project is not intended to test UAV technology itself, but rather to trial practical application models to measure efficiency and refine the national policy framework.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of MoST Bui Hoang Phuong highlighted that the low-altitude economy is a nascent field with high interdisciplinary potential and significant room for growth. He noted that selecting Dien Bien was a strategic move—leveraging its challenging geography to build a blueprint that other provinces can follow in the future.

According to the official, UAV technology is already well-established and widely used. Therefore, the focus of this scheme is to build specific application models to evaluate the economic impact of integrating drones into commercial activities.

The pilot must be implemented at a sufficient scale, addressing practical challenges such as freight transport while simultaneously collecting data for production, business, and administrative management. The project requires clear metrics to measure added value and operational improvements, said Mr. Phương.

Regarding safety and security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham Truong Son, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army, stated that all UAV testing must strictly comply with current regulations. This includes adhering to no-fly zones, restricted areas, and following established flight licensing and monitoring procedures.

During the session, representatives from VNPost proposed a model for cargo transportation via UAVs in Dien Bien. They also recommended the removal of certain regulatory bottlenecks to ensure the feasibility of the project.

The pilot implementation in Dien Bien is expected to provide critical practical data. This data will serve as the foundation for building a comprehensive legal framework and shaping the future of the low-altitude economy in Vietnam.

Vneconomy-Bạch Dương

Digital platform for civil judgment enforcement officially activated

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 01:13:54 GMT

This transition moves the system from manual processing toward the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout the entire civil judgment enforcement workflow.

The Ministry of Justice has officially activated the Digital Platform for Civil Judgment Enforcement, designed to establish a centralized, connected, and synchronized database for the national enforcement system.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on April 3, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung stated that the operationalization of this digital platform reflects a profound shift in both mindset and technology. He emphasized that it marks a fundamental transition from traditional management methods to modern governance powered by digital data and real-time updates. This transition moves the system from manual processing toward the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) throughout the entire civil judgment enforcement workflow.

The development and operation of this platform have resulted in a centralized and interconnected database system. This contributes to enhanced openness and transparency, while effectively supporting management, direction, and administration. Simultaneously, it creates more favorable conditions for citizens and businesses to exercise their legal rights and fulfill their obligations.

Building on this progress, Deputy PM Dung requested the Ministry of Justice to accelerate data connection and sharing between ministries, sectors, and localities. He urged for closer integration with national and specialized databases to gradually build a comprehensive data system for state management and judicial activities.

The Deputy PM also called for the urgent completion of the legal framework regarding digital transformation in civil judgment enforcement. This includes establishing the full legal validity of digital data and electronic records to ensure consistency during implementation.

He further noted that authorities must prioritize data quality, adhering to the principle that data must be “correct, sufficient, clean, and live” (accurate, complete, verified, and updated). Additionally, the accountability of agency heads must be strictly linked to the updating, management, and exploitation of this data.

Vneconomy-Như Nguyệt

Southern Trade Arbitration Center launches new branch in Hanoi

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:37:05 GMT

The branch as a hub for the legal community, colleagues, and academic experts to share expertise and improve professional standards in law and commercial arbitration.

The Southern Trade Arbitration Center (STAC) officially inaugurated its new branch in Hanoi on April 4, aiming to expand its commercial dispute resolution network for the business community in Northern Vietnam.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of STAC, Nguyen Xuan Nam, noted that STAC was established and has been operational since 2020. Following six years of development, the center decided to expand to Hanoi to enhance businesses' understanding of commercial arbitration as a viable dispute resolution method.

According to Mr. Nam, the center’s core mission is to focus on mediation and resolving all commercial contract disputes through arbitration.

“Prioritizing mediation not only helps alleviate the current pressure on People’s Courts at all levels but also carries a profound humanistic significance. It can help disputing parties transition from adversaries back into partners,” he said.

Sharing his vision at the launch and licensing ceremony, Lawyer Do Huu Dinh, director of Viet Kim Law Firm and head of the STAC Hanoi Branch, stated that the establishment of the Hanoi branch serves a dual purpose: expanding the center's operational network and creating a genuine “legal playground.”

He envisions the branch as a hub for the legal community, colleagues, and academic experts to share expertise and improve professional standards in law and commercial arbitration. This will be achieved through scientific seminars, professional exchanges, and updates on new policies. Concurrently, the branch will actively promote legal proceedings through arbitration.

Vneconomy-Khánh Vy - VIệt Dũng