Hanoi authorities have initiated pruning of street-side milk flower trees to mitigate their strong fragrance, a move that has divided residents. While some appreciate the scent as a symbol of autumn, others raise concerns about public health and its impact on daily life.
Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed shifting from a pre-approval system to a notification and post-inspection mechanism for beauty and model pageants, allowing organizers to proceed without awaiting explicit approval.
The Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam has issued new regulations to encourage and facilitate Party members' participation in investment and business activities. This move officially acknowledges their engagement in economic endeavors, with expectations for contributions to economic growth.
Three Vietnamese securities firms have announced their third-quarter financial results, with MBS and HVS reporting increased revenues while BIS continued to incur losses. The 1,700-point level is seen as a crucial threshold for market recovery.
Phương Đông Maritime Transport and Trading Joint Stock Company (NOS) announced that its Deputy General Director has been prosecuted for property theft. This is an unusual development for the company, with information disclosed to the stock exchange.
Vietnam's Foreign Ministry welcomed an objective U.S. assessment of its anti-human trafficking efforts, detailing intensified domestic measures and emphasizing international cooperation. The ministry aims for a more comprehensive and positive evaluation in future reports.
Vietnam's passport has dropped to 89th place in the Henley Passport Index, falling significantly behind regional neighbors like Singapore and Malaysia. Fluctuations in visa-free travel destinations appear to be a key factor in its declining global mobility.
Vietnam has initiated a trial visa exemption for Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa Province, aiming to enhance its competitiveness in the Southeast Asian tourism market. The policy, effective from October 12, could be expanded to other destinations if successful.
Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training has announced a new list of academic disciplines to be applied from the 2027 intake. This aims to standardize educational management, quality assurance, and degree conferral, with some disciplines renamed or reorganized. Existing programs will continue, but prospective students must verify new nomenclature.
Saigon Hanoi Commercial Bank (SHB) announced the full receipt of the divestment value for SHBFinance shares to Krungsri, a member of Japan's MUFG Group. This transaction strengthens SHB's capital base and accelerates its domestic operations and international market expansion.
Vietnam is intensifying its efforts to combat Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing to get the EU's 'yellow card' lifted. The Coast Guard is focusing on preventing illegal operations near borders, mandating the installation of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), and conducting awareness campaigns for fishermen.
Three blood donation drives held in Ca Mau Province in 2026 collected over 1,000 units of blood, alleviating shortages in emergency and treatment care. The initiative, part of the 'Red Journey' campaign, highlights community solidarity.
Vietnam will double the monthly allowance for former Southern volunteer youth who are unable to work and have no dependents, effective December 1, 2026. This measure, outlined in a new decree, aims to enhance support and streamline procedures for these individuals.
Vietnam Oil Corporation (PVOIL) has reduced the retail price of gasoline and petroleum products by VND 350 per liter at its 1,100 retail outlets nationwide, effective October 16. This move is part of the 'Joining Hands for Stability, Energizing the Journey' campaign, reflecting government efforts to stabilize consumer prices.
Vietnam's General Secretary and President To Lam is visiting Denmark, the EU, and Belgium to deepen economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and cultural ties. The tour aims to strengthen relations with Europe, with particular expectations for establishing new cooperation frameworks with Denmark.
A high-level delegation from the Lao People's Revolutionary Party visited Bac Ninh City, Vietnam, to discuss the development of the special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, with a focus on strengthening economic ties.
Major Vietnamese petroleum companies Petrolimex and PV Oil lowered retail prices for gasoline and oil products below regulated levels starting October 15. The move aims to alleviate fuel cost burdens for citizens and businesses.
Vietnam's President and General Secretary To Lam will visit Denmark, the EU, and Belgium from October 19-24. This trip is anticipated to be a significant opportunity to elevate relations with European nations and enhance Vietnam's strategic autonomy.
Vietnam's PVcomBank plans to raise approximately VND4 trillion (US$157 million) through a private placement to seven investors in 2026. The offered share price is over 50% higher than the market rate, which will boost the bank's charter capital to VND12 trillion.
Discoveries in Ho Chi Minh City of relics dating back over 3,000 years reveal that ancient inhabitants enjoyed a rich life and engaged in extensive trade. Numerous artifacts and burial sites suggest the broad cultural exchange in ancient Southern Vietnam.
A new high-tech industrial park, Green One, spanning 216 hectares and with an investment exceeding VND 2.3 trillion, has broken ground in Hung Yen province, Vietnam. The park aims to attract investments in sectors like semiconductors and electronics, creating approximately 15,000 jobs.
Hanoi authorities commenced pruning of buttonhole trees (hoa sữa) in densely planted areas on October 16th to mitigate their impact on residents' lives. This is a temporary measure addressing public complaints about the strong scent emitted by the trees, especially during their blooming season.
Da Nang City in central Vietnam is relaunching the auction for the former Chi Lang Stadium land for the seventh time. The starting price has been set at VND 8.55 trillion, over VND 1.15 trillion lower than the initial offering. All previous six auctions failed to attract bidders, making investor interest a key focus.
In Hanoi, popular TikTok influencer 'Sơn Thụy Khuê,' identified as Nguyễn Quốc Hưng, has been arrested on charges of possessing, using, and organizing drug offenses. He is believed to be part of a large drug ring recently busted by authorities.
Vietnam's economy grew 9.01% in the first nine months, but faces pressure to achieve its annual target, requiring 12.5% growth in the fourth quarter. Controlling inflation and improving investment efficiency are urgent priorities.
A documentary film, "Comrade Tran Trong Tan - Staying True to His Heart," has been released in Ho Chi Minh City to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tran Trong Tan, a prominent communist ideologue and leader, highlighting his legacy.
Le Truong Hai Hieu, son of a former influential party secretary who was purged for corruption, has been appointed Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee's Organization Department. This appointment highlights aspects of power succession within Vietnam's one-party system and the lingering impact of past corruption scandals.
A Vietnam-Russia people-to-people diplomacy forum focused on generating tangible results to strengthen bilateral ties. Discussions included visa facilitation, cultural exchange, and agricultural cooperation, aiming to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Vietnam and Laos have agreed to materialize high-level commitments and strengthen economic and infrastructure connectivity. The two nations are also exploring cooperation in science, technology, and digital transformation, deepening collaboration for regional peace and prosperity.
Vietnam's national brand value is projected to reach US$462.28 billion by 2026, a 45.14% increase from 2020, ranking 32nd globally. This growth is attributed to the National Brand Program aimed at enhancing corporate competitiveness and integration into global value chains, though further deepening participation remains a key challenge.
Vietnam is looking to bolster international cooperation in cybersecurity and quantum technology. The nation aims to develop and adopt advanced technologies like post-quantum cryptography and quantum sensors, deepening partnerships with relevant countries. This initiative is seen as part of a broader strategy to ensure regional and national security.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may summon China's ambassador due to concerns over a veiled 'threat' from Beijing, potentially related to actions in the South China Sea. This development could have regional implications, given Vietnam's own complex relationship with China over maritime disputes.
Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan attended the 7th CICA Summit in Azerbaijan, emphasizing joint efforts to strengthen trust, peace, and security in Asia. Vietnam highlighted its active participation in CICA as part of its independent and multilateral foreign policy, aiming to contribute to regional stability and development.
A villa in Ca Mau Province, Vietnam, hailed as the 'most beautiful,' has undergone partial demolition due to illegal construction. Authorities cite violations of building codes, while the owner attempts to explain, leaving the situation unresolved. This incident highlights challenges in urban planning and law enforcement in Vietnam.
A prominent oil and gas enterprise in Vietnam's southern region has lost its status as a publicly listed company. This development raises concerns about the impact on shareholders and market participants, given the firm's long-standing role in the regional economy.
An accountant at a PNJ jewelry store in Hanoi is accused of embezzling over 20 billion VND in sales revenue for online gambling over six months. The store manager, responsible for business operations and bank account oversight, reportedly failed to conduct regular reconciliations.