General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam's European tour reinforced Vietnam's independent foreign policy while seeking to deepen ties with the EU and Belgium. Cooperation in economy, trade, infrastructure, and green growth is being explored.
The Vietnam Ao Dai Association was officially launched in Helsinki, Finland, with the support of the Vietnamese Embassy. The initiative aims to promote Vietnamese culture abroad through the traditional Ao Dai attire.
The 2026 VnExpress Hanoi Midnight Marathon has revealed finisher T-shirt designs for the 21km and 42km distances. Provided by Puma, these shirts blend symbolic nighttime race aesthetics with functional features.
In Quang Tri province, Vietnam, a man missing for 21 years has been reunited with his family thanks to the efforts of the local police. The police facilitated information verification and communication, bringing an end to a long search.
Piaggio Vietnam marks 18 years within the FDI ecosystem, evolving from a domestic market production base to a key node in the group's regional manufacturing and R&D network. This highlights Vietnam's FDI evolution and the growing importance of supporting domestic industries.
Vietnam advocated for a human-centred approach to AI integration in education at the ACT+1 convention. A Letter of Intent was signed between the Ministry of Education and Training and the European Commission for comprehensive cooperation, alongside discussions on boarding school construction in border areas and university reforms incorporating AI.
Vietnam's retail sales saw a nominal 13.4% increase in the first nine months, but the real growth rate adjusted for inflation was only 7.8%. Online sales GMV surged over 20%, yet sales volume remained flat, suggesting price hikes were the primary driver. Consumer sentiment remains cautious.
Vietnam is actively promoting its tourism sector through international cooperation and local events. Phu Quoc Island is set to launch a new "Symphony of the Sea" production, while Sa Pa's luxury hotels receive international acclaim. Thai Nguyen province aims to attract 12 million visitors by 2030, highlighting a nationwide push for tourism growth.
Vietnam's Techcombank reported a nearly doubled net profit from insurance sales, reaching approximately VND 1.7 trillion, up from VND 800 billion year-on-year. This segment now accounts for 15% of its total service revenue, highlighting its growing importance. The bank's strategic shift to its own insurance subsidiaries after ending exclusive partnerships appears to be successful.
Vietjet Air has launched direct flights connecting Hanoi and Tainan, Taiwan. This expansion of air routes enhances travel options between Vietnam and Taiwan, fostering tourism, trade, and cultural exchange.
Vietnam's Supreme People's Court has initiated the development of a phased staffing plan for the period 2027-2031. This move aims to strengthen judicial functions and improve legal services, reflecting Vietnam's commitment to modernizing its legal system.
The Faculty of History at Hanoi University of Education celebrated its 75th anniversary, honoring past achievements and reaffirming its commitment to enhancing the quality of future education and research. The evolving landscape of historical education and fostering critical thinking skills among students are highlighted as key challenges in the digital age.
The immersive live art show "Spirit of Lac Hong" draws inspiration from Vietnam's founding myths, celebrating national roots, solidarity, and community strength through music, light, performance, and technology. The event aims to foster national unity and cultural heritage.
As Europe intensifies measures against Chinese overcapacity, Asian nations are also preparing for similar actions and impacts. A heightened sense of caution is spreading across the region, including Vietnam.
Vietnam is accelerating preparations for the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit by establishing a comprehensive security posture and adopting 'three no's' principles focused on investor considerations. This demonstrates a commitment to balancing domestic economic development with international trust-building.
Belgium's House of Representatives' approval of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) is seen by leaders as a testament to the determination to expand economic, trade, and investment cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, as well as Belgium. Vietnam anticipates strengthened ties with Belgium.
Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam visited Belgium and the European Union, expressing intent to deepen ties and enhance cooperation, particularly in science, technology, and education. He welcomed the approval of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement.
US Representative Derek Tran has expressed 'deep concern' over widespread human rights abuses in Vietnam, with the State Department stating it 'continues to monitor closely' the situation. Concerns were specifically raised regarding restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly, the criminalization of expression using vague national security provisions, and alleged transnational repression.
Thong Nhat District in Dong Nai Province has successfully enhanced its New Rural standards by leveraging the unity of its diverse religious population. It achieved its goals for the 2026-2030 period ahead of schedule, serving as a model for regional development.
Vietnam has demonstrated significant progress across various sectors, including cultural exchange with Japan, medal wins in sports, and heritage preservation projects. The nation is increasingly emphasizing the utilization and innovation of its cultural heritage.
Vietnam's top leader concluded visits to Denmark, the EU, and Belgium, holding discussions with national leaders. The tour aimed to strengthen bilateral and regional ties, fostering trust with European partners. These high-level engagements underscore Vietnam's commitment to its European relationships.
Hue City is accelerating its efforts to restore Nguyen Dynasty heritage sites, with the recent reinstatement of the throne in Thai Hoa Palace drawing significant public interest. The restoration of the Ngu Ha River is also underway, aiming to revive its cultural and scenic value alongside its transport function.
Vietnam is advancing its healthcare sector through proposed legal revisions aimed at strengthening public health and individual rights, expanding organ transplantation, and improving oversight of medicines and medical devices. Progress in electronic medical records, advanced medical techniques, and international certifications signals a move towards higher quality, specialized care.
A Malaysian tourist fell into a 10-meter-deep hole while hiking in a popular Da Lat area, highlighting safety concerns in tourist destinations. The woman was rescued but sustained injuries.
Vietnam's major airports handled 49 million passengers in nine months, driven by a surge from mainland China. This growth coincides with accelerated infrastructure investment amid intensifying competition with global hubs like Singapore and Dubai.
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is on track to meet its 2023 target of 2.4 million foreign tourists, boosted by new direct flights from Russia and the peak season. The island welcomed 1.92 million international visitors from January to September, with tourism revenue seeing a significant rise.
Ho Chi Minh City has initiated a large-scale upgrade of its urban infrastructure in preparation for the upcoming National Sports Games. Improvements to transportation networks and public facilities are underway, aiming for both the success of the games and enhanced city functionality.
Vietnam National University (VNU-HCM) aims to become a national hub for AI and science-technology development, targeting a spot among Asia's top 100 universities by 2030 and a leading regional research university system by 2045. The university plans breakthroughs in academic training and scientific research, with a focus on AI integration into the education system.
The Prime Minister of Poland visited the Ancient Town of Hoi An in Vietnam's central Quang Nam province. He toured historical sites and enjoyed traditional artistic performances, marking an opportunity for cultural exchange and tourism promotion between the two nations.
Three members of the popular South Korean group BIGBANG knelt to thank the audience during their concert in Hanoi, Vietnam. G-Dragon hailed it as the 'best concert,' marking a successful stop on their 20th-anniversary world tour.
K-pop group BigBang captivated fans at their Hanoi concert with humorous interactions, including singing in Vietnamese. The members engaged with the audience in the local language, deepening their connection as part of their 20th-anniversary world tour.
Hai Phong City plans to auction approximately 3 hectares of land near its new administrative center, with an estimated value exceeding VND 2 trillion (approx. $80 million USD). The sale is expected to generate funds for infrastructure development and urban expansion.
Experts in Vietnam highlight that voluntary social insurance offers benefits beyond long-term financial returns, serving as a 'safety net' against inflation and healthcare risks in old age.
South Korean K-pop group BigBang held their first-ever concert in Hanoi as part of their 20th-anniversary world tour. The event at My Dinh National Stadium captivated nearly 30,000 fans with performances of their iconic hits.
The Vietnamese government has submitted amendments to the Housing Law, proposing the expansion of state-funded rental housing and enhanced support for low-income groups. This aims to increase housing options for citizens unable to afford purchases and provide greater consideration for vulnerable populations.
A tragic accident in Hai Phong, Vietnam, on October 25th saw four young people, aged 16 to 21, die after two motorcycles collided. Authorities have ordered stricter crackdowns on modified vehicles and increased night and weekend patrols.