Vietnam's Ministry of Health plans to implement centralized procurement for national-level drugs to address rising costs and quality concerns. The initiative aims to reduce healthcare expenses for citizens and ensure a stable supply of high-quality medicines.
Vietnam's government has decided to provide free textbooks to primary and secondary school students starting from the 2028 academic year. Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the Ministry of Education and Training to complete the new textbook set and implement the free provision, while also calling for stricter crackdowns on illegal textbook copying.
Vietnam and South Africa are seeking to strengthen economic cooperation, viewing each other as gateways to the Asian and African markets respectively. This initiative is underscored by a business forum held in South Africa and Vietnam's robust economic growth and increasing FDI.
Vietnam's General Statistics Office reports that national livelihoods remained stable and social security improved during the first nine months of 2026. Government and local authorities effectively implemented support policies for beneficiaries, including those with merits, poor and near-poor households, and social welfare recipients.
Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam) plans to increase its oil reserves by over 75.7 million tons between 2026 and 2030. The strategy includes developing smaller fields and implementing enhanced oil recovery techniques.
Vietnam and Canada have elevated their bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, signaling a commitment to long-term cooperation on economic, technological, and regional challenges. This move aims to unlock new opportunities, with specific focus on strengthening energy sector collaboration and reforming laws to reduce investment barriers.
Seven more individuals have been indicted in connection with an incident in Can Tho City, Vietnam, where a coffin was allegedly carried into the street to express grievances. The case is believed to be linked to land expropriation and compensation issues.
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has seen its local leaders, including the Party Secretary, publicize personal phone numbers to directly receive feedback from residents. This move signals a commitment to listening to the populace and fostering sustainable development.
Vietnam has secured the third position in the World Economic Forum's Travel & Tourism Development Index, trailing only Japan and the U.S. This achievement highlights Vietnam's growing tourism appeal, resources, and infrastructure.
Bangkok has been named 'Asia's Leading City Destination' at the 2026 World Travel Awards, surpassing Vietnam's Hanoi and others. The Thai capital was recognized for its blend of tradition and modernity, culinary scene, and diverse tourism experiences.
A group of 16 Vietnamese adventurers has successfully completed a remarkable 68-day, 22,000-kilometer road trip from Hanoi to Paris, traversing 20 countries in seven cars and two motorbikes. The journey prioritized cultural immersion and local interactions over speed.
Hanoi's Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian zone transformed into a vibrant cultural stage on October 3, with international performers in traditional attire filling the streets with music and dance, fostering lively exchanges with locals.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino and his wife are set to make an official visit to Vietnam. This visit is expected to usher in a new phase for bilateral relations, promoting the formation of concrete cooperation mechanisms and laying the foundation for a more dynamic, diverse, and practical relationship in the coming years. Panama is ready to serve as a gateway for Vietnam to develop relations with the Latin American region.
Vietnam has officially entered the upper-middle-income bracket as its per capita Gross National Income (GNI) reached $4,970 in 2025, surpassing the World Bank's threshold. This achievement is driven by a strong recovery in manufacturing, investment, and domestic consumption, though challenges like climate change adaptation and infrastructure development remain.
Vietnam is accelerating its strategy to establish itself as a maritime nation, preparing for its hosting of APEC 2027. The country aims to expand its economic growth and international influence, highlighted by the election of a Vietnamese judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
A Vietnam-South Africa economic, trade, and investment cooperation forum in South Africa has opened new opportunities for business connectivity, market expansion, and concretizing cooperation potential within the framework of the Strategic Partnership between the two nations.
Vietnam has appointed its first-ever judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), marking a significant milestone in the nation's engagement with international judicial bodies and reflecting growing global trust and the advancement of its legal expertise.
Vietnam's tourism industry is maintaining strong growth, accelerating towards its 2026 targets. Aiming to become a key economic pillar, efforts are focused on resolving bottlenecks, digital transformation, and enhancing collaboration with cultural industries.
Nguyen Duy Ngoc, head of the Central Organization Commission, met with constituents in Can Tho City, exchanging views on a range of issues including economic development, education, administrative procedures, and security. Discussions focused on central government support for revitalizing the regional economy and improving residents' lives.
Military Hospital 4 in Nghe An province, Vietnam, celebrated its 70th anniversary and received the National Defense Order First Class. The hospital was recognized for its extensive contributions, from wartime medical services to modern international peacekeeping missions.
Vietnam's Ministry of Finance aims to improve the quality of its stock market by expanding capital supply and diversifying products. Regulations linking Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) to listing have been submitted to the government to facilitate corporate listings.
Vietnam is undertaking multi-faceted measures to remove barriers to power investment by strengthening electricity infrastructure, developing nuclear power human resources, and promoting international cooperation. Infrastructure upgrades for APEC 2027 and the elevation of strategic partnership with Canada are also advancing.
Top leaders on Vietnam's southern resort island of Phu Quoc, including Secretary Dinh Van Noi, have publicly shared their direct phone numbers to receive feedback from residents. This move is seen as an effort to foster closer ties with the community and enhance administrative trust as the island aims for international resort development.
Two new educational facilities meeting international standards have opened in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, in Vietnam's Central Highlands. Their inauguration is expected to enhance the quality of education for the local community and foster the development of future generations.
Police in Vietnam's northern Lai Chau Province announced the seizure of 20 cakes of heroin (approximately 7kg) and the arrest of two individuals as part of anti-drug operation "Chuyên án 0926V", highlighting the province's efforts in combating narcotics.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursement in Vietnam has reached its highest level in five years, boosting economic growth momentum. In the first two months of 2026, it reached US$3.21 billion, an 8.8% year-on-year increase, indicating Vietnam's growing appeal as an international investment destination.
A major electrical short circuit in Vietnam's central Nghe An province has resulted in the death of nearly 12,000 young chickens, causing an estimated loss of VND 1 billion (approximately $40,000 USD) for a local poultry farmer. Similar incidents have occurred previously, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities.
Ho Chi Minh City is set to begin construction on Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong) in late October, necessitating partial road closures around Ben Thanh Station. This will lead to traffic diversions in several central city routes.
The Cultures of the World Festival in Hanoi showcased the diversity of Vietnamese and global cultures, celebrating ethnic heritage. The report also touches upon the establishment of Vietnamese Culture Day from 2026 and holiday reforms for 2027.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the Ministry of Education and Training to conduct a comprehensive review of the current curriculum, teaching content, and examinations to reduce academic and testing burdens. The initiative also aims to expedite the rollout of new, unified, and free textbooks nationwide by the 2028-2029 academic year.
The HUD Thu Duc social housing project in Ho Chi Minh City has announced an estimated selling price of VND 30.7 million per square meter, with individual units ranging from VND 1.6 to 2.1 billion. The project will offer 209 units, with applications expected to open in the fourth quarter of this year, as part of the city's goal to develop over 180,000 social housing units between 2026-2030.
Vietnam's economy accelerated in the third quarter with a GDP growth of 9.95%, driven by double-digit expansion in 12 provinces and cities. Prime Minister's directive to curb electricity price hikes aims to ensure price stability amidst strong growth, reflecting a balancing act between inflation control and economic momentum.
In Vietnam, tenants who vacate business premises early are facing demands for restoration costs from landlords, even after forfeiting three months' rent as a deposit. This highlights ambiguities in lease agreements regarding premise restoration, leading to disputes between tenants and landlords.
Vietnam's GDP grew by 9.95% in the third quarter of 2026, reinforcing a quarterly recovery trend. The industry and construction sector led the growth, while trade saw significant increases in both imports and exports, though a trade deficit widened. Foreign investment showed robust activity.
Vietnam's GDP grew 9.01% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2026, driven by industry and construction, with foreign direct investment seeing a significant surge. The country aims to achieve a trade surplus in the final quarter.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has directed ministries, sectors, and localities to more effectively harness growth potential, remove bottlenecks, and maximize growth drivers in the final months of the year. The goal is to achieve socio-economic development targets and build momentum for 2027, with Hanoi specifically urged to aim for higher growth and become an innovation hub.