Vietnam's National Assembly is debating a proposal to increase taxes on idle and underutilized land to 0.2%. Lawmakers are calling for clearer criteria and timing for the tax application, aiming to curb speculation and promote effective land use. However, concerns about exceptions and implementation challenges have also been raised.
Hanoi police have busted a large criminal ring that produced and sold approximately 1,500 fake diplomas and certificates, indicting 10 individuals, including two faculty members from a prominent university. The group allegedly reaped nearly VND 3 billion in illicit profits.
Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has announced the 2027 university admissions schedule, with universities now required to publish their admission plans by the end of December 2026. This aims to help students proactively plan their studies and exam preparations. The schedule maintains similar timelines to the previous year but emphasizes earlier information disclosure.
Northern Vietnam experienced its hottest autumn on record due to the El Niño phenomenon. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predicts this winter will be 1-1.5°C warmer than average.
A sophisticated AI investment scam has emerged in Vietnam, with over 40,000 individuals allegedly defrauded of approximately 407 billion VND (around $16 million USD). Police have arrested seven individuals, suspecting foreign masterminds and an international criminal network.
Hundreds of fans gathered at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on the evening of October 23rd to welcome the popular South Korean group BIGBANG. Despite the enthusiastic turnout with banners and light sticks, the members departed via a private exit, preventing direct fan interaction. The group is set to perform two concerts in Hanoi on October 24th and 25th.
Global oil prices have surged to a five-month high due to escalating Middle East tensions, increasing inflation concerns and supply security worries for Vietnam. The nation faces the urgent need to enhance its resilience against volatile energy markets.
The newly signed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is poised to diversify Vietnam's seafood export markets and attract high-quality European investment, particularly in advanced technologies for sustainable seafood development.
Vietnam recognizes that energy security in the era of digital and green transitions extends beyond supply assurance to include infrastructure protection and data security. A Hanoi seminar highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation to address cyber attack risks and build resilient energy systems.
Xuan Thuy National Park, Vietnam's first Ramsar site, is pursuing tourism development that balances ecological protection. This biodiversity hotspot aims for regional revitalization through birdwatching and nature experiences, but sustainability remains a key challenge.
The Vietnamese government has issued a decree amending investment and business conditions in the security and order sectors, aiming to streamline administrative procedures and encourage investment in related fields.
Vietnam will implement new regulations on the employment of foreign workers starting December 5th. The decree details procedures for issuing and renewing work permits, as well as specific cases exempt from permit requirements.
Vietnamese President To Lam met with Adrien Dolimont, Premier of Belgium's Wallonia region, agreeing to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation. This meeting underscores Vietnam's efforts to deepen ties with the European Union.
Vietnam is rapidly advancing the construction of its national land database to enhance land use efficiency and transparency. Following a plan from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Public Security, a 120-day special campaign has commenced in Lao Cai province. Amendments to the Land Law are expected to enable the reclamation of project land left unused for extended periods.
Vietnamese President To Lam met with Adrien Dolimont, Minister-President of Belgium's Wallonia region, confirming intentions to elevate bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. The focus is on strengthening cooperation in science-technology, healthcare, and green energy.
Despite efforts to diversify its trade partners, Vietnam continues to grapple with import dependence. This highlights underlying challenges in strengthening domestic industries and rebuilding supply chains.
Ho Chi Minh City is constructing a 720-meter pedestrian bridge, dubbed "Saigon Leaf," across the Saigon River, connecting the city center with the Thu Thiem peninsula. Featuring arches inspired by nipa palm leaves, it is slated to open during the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday, with an investment of approximately $39.5 million.
Vietnam is deepening cooperation in people-to-people exchanges, economic collaboration, and security with the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Poland to bolster ties. The nation is accelerating diplomatic efforts, particularly aiming to promote the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and elevate relations to strategic partnerships.
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup is reportedly considering building an electric vehicle (EV) factory in the Philippines with an annual capacity of 200,000 units. The Philippine government has offered incentives, including tax breaks, to support the potential investment.
Central Vietnam's Gia Lai province is leveraging the hosting of an APEC-related meeting to boost tourism and investment. Security measures and infrastructure development for the event are seen as foundational for local socio-economic growth.
Vietnamese President To Lam met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever in Brussels to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on deepening collaboration within the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) framework.
Vietnamese President To Lam met with Belgian King Philippe, agreeing to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in economic and technological fields, with particular emphasis on semiconductors.
Bach Mai Hospital in Vietnam has achieved international certification for stroke treatment, signaling a significant advancement in its medical capabilities. The country is also enhancing international cooperation and digital transformation to elevate the overall quality of its healthcare services.
Vietnamese President To Lam advocated for strengthened ASEAN-EU cooperation at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations in Belgium. He expressed a desire to build a model inter-regional cooperation axis and deepen ties with Europe.
Hanoi is set to host its first international festival dedicated to the preservation and development of craft villages. The event aims to promote heritage protection and sustainable growth by integrating craft villages with tourism and digital transformation.
Vietnamese President To Lam, during his visit to Belgium, highlighted the bilateral relationship as a testament to the Vietnam-EU partnership. Both nations agreed to bolster economic, trade, and investment cooperation, with a focus on the early ratification of the EVIPA and elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership.
Vietnam's top leader, General Secretary and President To Lam, met with Belgian Senate Speaker and House President, expressing a desire to elevate bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. Key discussions focused on promoting economic cooperation and the early ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in Da Nang on the evening of October 23rd, commencing an official visit to Vietnam from October 24th to 26th. Invited by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, the visit is expected to deepen bilateral relations.
Vietnamese President and General Secretary To Lam met with the President of the Belgian Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives during an official visit. Discussions likely focused on deepening bilateral ties and strengthening cooperation with the EU.
Mrs. Ngo Phuong Ly, wife of Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam, visited a hospital-school model for children in Belgium. The visit highlights potential international cooperation in Vietnam's social welfare sector.
During his visit to Belgium, Vietnam's General Secretary and President Tô Lâm stressed the importance of translating political will into action and building new cooperation models. He signaled a desire to strengthen ties with Europe, highlighting Vietnam's economic growth and international role.
Vietnam's top leader has called for strengthening ties with Belgium, particularly Flanders, and elevating them to a strategic partnership. The leader urged expanding economic cooperation and promoting the ratification and implementation of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).
Vietnam's President urged Flanders to support elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, promoting economic cooperation, and backing the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) during a meeting with the Flemish Minister-President.
Riots across France are significantly impacting the livelihoods and economies of Vietnamese-owned businesses. Owners are forced to shorten operating hours or close due to safety concerns, leading to escalating financial losses.
Ho Chi Minh City convened with its economic partner cities to discuss solutions for sustainable development. While specific details remain undisclosed, the meeting highlights Vietnam's economic growth and international cooperation efforts.
A poster has been arrested in Vietnam for spreading false information about the bankruptcy risk of major real estate developer Novaland Investment Group. This is seen as part of the Vietnamese government's tightening information control.