Vietnam, Singapore Deepen Cooperation in Digital Economy and Sci-Tech

The Joint Statement on the Technology Connectivity Strategy issued after the first Vietnam-Singapore Strategic Dialogue reaffirmed the shared interest in deepening cooperation in science and technology, innovation, connectivity and the digital economy. The two sides shared a vision of making Vietnam and Singapore leading strategic technology partners in Southeast Asia, with both countries becoming more technologically self-reliant through cooperation and connectivity. Prof. Vu Minh Khuong stressed that deeper ties between the two countries, particularly in science – technology, productive forces and governance, could create a highly important impetus for Vietnam’s reform efforts. On the back of high political trust and economic complementarity, Vietnamese and Singaporean agencies, localities, and companies are expected to develop new cooperation models, products, and values that deliver practical benefits to both countries, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung. International organisations broadly agree that shifting the growth model from reliance on traditional factors toward technology and innovation is no longer an option for Vietnam, but an imperative of the times. With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,885 VND/USD, and the floor rate 24,325 VND/USD. Resolution No. 258/NQ-CP, dated August 31, 2026, calls for substantive and comprehensive reform, with a focus on maximum cuts and simplification of administrative procedures and business conditions. It also seeks to shift management from pre-licence inspection to post-licence inspection based on risk management, while strengthening real-time, data-driven oversight and putting people and businesses at the centre of public services. A clear, transparent and stable legal framework would not only enable Petrovietnam to play a leading role in new energy development but also strengthen investor confidence, encouraging both domestic and foreign enterprises to invest, transfer technology and cooperate in developing large-scale CCS projects. The stable presence of the Vietnamese agricultural products on the chain’s online shelves therefore demonstrates Vietnamese suppliers’ ability to meet Russia’s stringent requirements on industrial packaging and plant quarantine. Amid intensifying competition, businesses can no longer rely solely on traditional advantages but must venture into higher value-added sectors, invest in technology, enhance governance capacity and develop markets, an expert has said. In the first eight months, Vietnam's durian export revenue was estimated at 1.95 billion USD, of which exports to China alone fetched 1.85 billion USD or 95%. The country is working very hard to earn 4 billion USD from durian exports this year. Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports have grown strongly in recent years, rising from about 7 billion USD in 2024 to 8.6 billion USD in 2025 and expected to surpass 10 billion USD in 2026. The Climate Adaptation Through Irrigation Modernisation Project will directly benefit about 295,500 people. By modernising seven irrigation systems and improving water management, it will help farmers cope with drought, shifting rainfall patterns, and growing competition for water resources. Following the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the entry into force of the Vietnam-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement, Vietnam-Russia trade increased by an average of 10.8% annually during 2016-2025. However, it reached only about 4.7 billion USD in 2025, remaining modest compared to the two countries' potential and strong political ties. With nearly 16 million international arrivals in eight months and the peak year-end travel season ahead, Vietnam is well placed to move closer to its yearly target of 25 million international visitors. The August CPI was 3.57% higher than in December 2025 and 4.89% higher than a year earlier. On average, the index in the first eight months of 2026 increased 4.45% from the same period last year. Vietnam’s total import-export turnover reached 770.14 billion USD in the first eight months of 2026, the highest-ever figure for the period, up 28.7% year-on-year. Asia remained the largest export market for Vietnam’s major agro-forestry-aquatic products, accounting for 45.5% of the total. It was followed by the Americas and Europe, with shares of 21.5% and 13.4%, respectively. Africa and Oceania made up 2.3% and 1.5%. Notably, the number of new FDI projects rose only 9.4% while their registered capital surged 96.8%, indicating a significant increase in average project size and investors’ stronger commitment from the outset. With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,896 VND/USD, and the floor rate 24,334 VND/USD. According to the World Steel Association, Vietnam produced around 15.2 million tonnes of crude steel in the first half of 2026, up 26.9% year-on-year, keeping the country among the world's 10 largest steel producers. Through the “FOODS OF VIETNAM” pavilion, nine Vietnamese businesses are showcasing a range of high-value processed food products to Australian consumers and importers. According to the airport’s management, AirAsia Flight AK571 from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, landed at Lien Khuong International Airport at 10:58 a.m. on September 2, bringing the first international passengers back to Da Lat of Lam Dong. VIFA ASEAN aims to bring together furniture businesses from ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City and help establish the city as a regional trading hub for indoor and outdoor furniture. Copyright, VietnamPlus, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Editor-in-chief, Mr. Tran Tien Duan.