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A hard year of natural disasters

Wed, 02/25/2026 - 07:00
Record storms battered Vietnam from the north to the south during 2025 but the country’s capacity to respond was more than heartening.

The year 2025 ended as one of the most severe and abnormal periods for natural disasters in Vietnam’s history. Estimates put total economic losses at VND100 trillion ($3.85 billion); the highest level ever and highlighting the growing vulnerability of communities to the escalating impacts of climate change, while underscoring the urgent need to strengthen response capacity and overall resilience.

Unprecedented levels

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Tien, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority at the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), a series of records related to typhoons, rainfall, flooding, and damage were set in 2025, reflecting increasingly extreme and unpredictable weather patterns driven by climate change.

Fifteen typhoons and six tropical depressions rolled in from the East Sea last year; the most since records began in 1961. The previous record was set in 2017, with 20 severe weather events in total. Notably, Typhoon No. 9 (Ragasa) reached wind force level 17, with gusts exceeding level 17, making it the strongest typhoon ever recorded in the East Sea and one of the most powerful typhoons globally in 2025.

Typhoon No. 1 (Wutip) formed early, in June; something that had not occurred for more than 40 years. For the first time in meteorological history, a tropical depression formed in the Indian Ocean, moved into the northwest Pacific, and then entered the East Sea, clearly illustrating a disruption of traditional climate patterns. In addition, the seasonal distribution of typhoons shifted, with early-season impacts concentrated in central Vietnam and late-season typhoons striking northern regions in rapid succession.

Beyond these typhoons, the resulting rainfall and flooding hit exceptional extremes. Bach Ma Station in the central region recorded approximately 1,740 mm of rainfall within 24 hours in October; the highest ever observed in Vietnam and currently under review by the World Meteorological Organization as one of the largest 24-hour rainfall events worldwide. Nearby Hue and Quang Tri province experienced unseasonal flooding during the dry season, while Ban Ve Reservoir in north-central Nghe An province also recorded historic water levels.

Severe flooding was seen nationwide, affecting Vietnam’s northern, central and southern regions, including the central highlands and the Mekong Delta, with peak flood levels on the banks of many rivers surpassing records. Never before had major, historic floods been seen in the same year along 20 rivers.

Extreme natural disasters also resulted in heavy human and material losses, with 409 people reported dead or missing. Eighteen rivers in northern and central Vietnam and two in the southern region exceeded record levels, causing prolonged inundation and severely affecting the livelihoods of millions.

Hastening recovery

A significant highlight in disaster recovery efforts during 2025 was the implementation of the “Quang Trung Campaign.” The initiative was not only an emergency response to severe disaster impacts but also a consistent policy of the Party and the State to ensure social security, guided by the principle of “decisive action, clear tasks, clear timelines, and clear accountability,” from the central government to local authorities.

To urgently rebuild and repair homes damaged or destroyed by typhoons and floods and ensure safe housing for residents so they can stabilize their lives and welcome in 2026 and the Lunar New Year in February, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed chairpersons of city and provincial people’s committees from north-central Ha Tinh province to the central highlands’ Lam Dong province to develop detailed plans and simultaneously launch the Quang Trung Campaign from December 1. The Campaign focused on severely affected localities, such as Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong provinces, with the goal of mobilizing all available resources to rapidly construct and repair housing in disaster-hit areas.

According to a consolidated report from the Government Office, the region saw 1,628 houses completely destroyed, requiring reconstruction, and 34,352 houses damaged and in need of repair. Local authorities concentrated resources and implemented comprehensive measures to support residents in disaster recovery and restore living conditions as quickly as possible.

Under the direct and continuous leadership of the Prime Minister, the Quang Trung Campaign was implemented in a spirit of “speed, determination, and leaving no one behind.” In less than three weeks, by December 17, construction had begun on 1,622 houses, reaching 98.1 per cent of the plan, while 32,259 houses had been repaired, accounting for more than 90 per cent of all damaged homes.

A Joint Disaster Response Plan developed by the United Nations, in close cooperation with the Vietnamese Government and domestic and international partners, was also rolled out. Under the plan, response activities extended beyond emergency relief towards sustainable recovery. Key priorities included repairing and rebuilding housing, supporting livelihood restoration, rehabilitating essential public infrastructure, strengthening local institutional capacity and enhancing community resilience.

The principle of “leaving no one behind” was emphasized, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women, children, the elderly, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities.

Weathering the impact

According to data from the Plant Production and Protection Department at MAE, in November, Typhoon No. 13, accompanied by heavy rainfall and flooding in the south-central region and the central highlands, caused severe damage to agricultural production. The total affected crop area reached 113,925 ha, including 14,763 ha of rice, 39,663 ha of vegetables, and 59,498 ha of fruit trees, industrial crops, and other perennial crops.

Based on Decree No. 09/2025, the Department advised the Ministry to release more than 3,400 tons of crop seeds from national reserves to heavily-affected localities, with north-central Thanh Hoa and Ha Tinh provinces and central Quang Tri province and the city of Hue receiving the largest allocations. Crop production remained stable as a result. In December and into January, the crop sector continued to closely monitor production conditions, coordinating with local authorities to provide seeds and fertilizers to support recovery.

At the same time, plans for the 2025-2026 Winter-Spring crop were developed and implemented, focusing on expanding acreage and improving yields of key crops to offset losses and achieve agricultural growth targets.

According to the Directorate of Fisheries, during October and November, Typhoons No. 10, 11 and 13, along with widespread flooding, also caused serious damage to aquaculture and fisheries in many provinces, with Khanh Hoa, Dak Lak, and Gia Lai the hardest hit. The total affected aquaculture area was estimated at about 1,848 ha, while more than 23,000 cages and over 331,000 cubic meters of floating cages were damaged or swept away.

In response, the Department dispatched working teams to affected localities to assess damage and directed research institutes to strengthen water environment monitoring to provide a scientific basis for recovery and restocking.

It also proposed that local authorities coordinate with banks to implement debt rescheduling, deferment, and credit support for households reinvesting in production. Measures to stabilize input and seed markets were intensified to prevent speculation and unreasonable price hikes. As a result, the fisheries sector recorded growth driven by strong aquaculture performance. In the first eleven months of 2025, total fisheries output was estimated at 9.0496 million tons, up 2.9 per cent year-on-year.

Over the longer term, to respond to and mitigate disaster-related losses, leaders from the Directorate of Fisheries said the sector will reorganize production toward adaptive and sustainable models. Key priorities include reviewing and re-planning caged aquaculture activities, in particular stocking density; prioritizing infrastructure investment in key farming areas; strengthening environmental monitoring and early warning systems; and accelerating the application of digital technologies.

VET-Chuong Phuong

Vietnam becomes China’s leading green lobster supplier

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 16:36
With an export volume of 24,067 tons, accounting for approximately 34.5% of the market share in China, Vietnam has risen to the top position in green lobster exports to this market.

In 2025, Vietnam’s green lobster exports to China recorded a breakthrough year, reaching a turnover of $840 million—a staggering 131% increase compared to 2024.

With an export volume of 24,067 tons, accounting for approximately 34.5% of the market share in China, Vietnam has risen to the top position in green lobster exports to this market. This achievement surpasses Canada, which held the top spot for many years but saw its exports fall to 15,355 tons, representing roughly 22% of the market share.

One of the primary factors driving this shift was trade policy. Starting March 20, 2025, China imposed an additional 25% tariff on various Canadian seafood products, including lobsters. As a high-value yet price-sensitive commodity, this tariff rendered Canadian products less competitive, forcing importers to seek alternative sources.

At that critical juncture, Vietnam emerged with distinct advantages, including geographical proximity, rapid delivery times, and flexibility in shipment sizes—all of which are essential factors for the live and fresh seafood segment.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, 2025 was a breakout year for Vietnamese lobsters, particularly in the mainland China and Hong Kong markets. The total export value of Vietnamese shrimp and lobster products to these two markets reached $1.3 billion, a 55% increase over 2024. Specifically, green lobsters contributed $840 million to this figure, acting as the primary engine of growth. This momentum continued into early 2026; in January alone, green lobster exports to mainland China and Hong Kong exceeded $100 million, up 6% over the same period last year.

However, the landscape is expected to shift again starting March 1, 2026, as China lifts the 25% tariff on Canadian lobsters and crabs following a bilateral agreement. This move is predicted to ignite a new round of fierce competition, as Canada has a strong incentive to regain its market share, particularly within high-end restaurant chains and the premium gift market.

The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) noted that despite the export surge, domestic lobster farmers still face significant hurdles. Intense competition from Australia, Canada, the United States, and Southeast Asian neighbors such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia has placed heavy pressure on domestic procurement prices.

Furthermore, China's decision to lift the ban on Australian lobsters will further squeeze Vietnam’s market share. In addition to price competition, the Chinese market is tightening regulations regarding quality standards and the registration of processing facilities.

To maintain growth momentum, VASEP suggests that Vietnamese enterprises must closely align with market trends by stabilizing quality, standardizing product specifications, optimizing logistics for live goods, and strengthening direct ties with modern distribution systems.

VASEP remarked that while 2025 proved China is willing to "buy big" as the premium segment recovers, 2026 will be a true test of resilience. In an increasingly competitive environment, the suppliers who can maintain quality, delivery speed, and strong ties to distribution channels will be the ones who successfully defend their market share.

Vneconomy-Chu Khôi

Specialized Economic Zone to be established in Hai Phong

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 16:35
The economic zone will span approximately 5,300 hectares, designed to leverage Hai Phong city’s strengths in industrial and service development, with a focus on high-tech and environmentally friendly industries.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a Prime Ministerial decision on establishing the Hai Phong Specialized Economic Zone (EZ) in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

The economic zone will span approximately 5,300 hectares across Thuong Hong, Nguyen Luong Bang, Bac Thanh Mien, Thanh Mien, Hai Hung and Binh Giang communes.

The EZ will comprise multiple functional areas, including industrial parks and clusters, comprehensive trade and service zones, a non-tariff area, logistics service zones, as well as dedicated logistics and innovation centers.

The zone is designed to leverage Hai Phong’s strengths in industrial and service development, with a focus on high-tech and environmentally friendly industries aligned with the city’s economic potential. It also aims to strengthen economic, trade and service connectivity with neighboring regions and international markets, while ensuring national defense and security, preserving cultural and historical heritage, and promoting social welfare.

The economic zone will feature modern and integrated infrastructure, with the goal of becoming a key driver of socio-economic growth for Hai Phong and the wider Red River Delta. It is expected to contribute around 3–4% of the city’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) by 2030, rising to over 5% in the following years.

Under the development roadmap, planning work and detailed 1/2000-scale construction plans for key subdivisions will be completed no later than 2026. From 2026 to 2030, authorities will focus on finalizing procedures and implementing investment and construction projects.

Between 2031 and 2035, the zone is expected to complete its socio-economic infrastructure, accelerate urbanization, and develop into a smart, green urban area with high-quality services, while continuing to attract investment in priority sectors.

VnEconomy-Thanh Xuân

Potentials from community-based tourism

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 16:30
Community-based tourism not only offers rural residents a gainful economic model but also offers rich experiences for tourists.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Vietnam currently stands among the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, posting growth of some 21 per cent in 2025; far exceeding the global average of 5 per cent and the Asia-Pacific average of 8 per cent.

At the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 ceremony on December 6, meanwhile, Vietnam was honored in 16 global categories. Notably, this marked the sixth time it was named “World’s Leading Heritage Destination,” recognizing sustained efforts to preserve and promote heritage in line with a sustainable tourism development strategy.

Boost for rural economies

As demand for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences continues to rise, community-based tourism is emerging as a highly-promising direction for Vietnam’s tourism sector, with tangible and intangible cultural heritage becoming a glittering “treasure trove” that captivates international visitors.

One day in late November, at My Tho Marina in the Mekong Delta’s Dong Thap province, the exhibition space of the Xuan Ron Cacao Co. attracted large numbers of domestic and international visitors. In a small glass house overlooking the Tien River, visitors were able to create a complete chocolate bar themselves, from roasting cocoa beans and grinding them into paste to mixing and molding.

“This is the first time I’ve made a chocolate bar,” said Charlotte, a 38-year-old tourist from France. “The aroma of the cocoa feels stronger and deeper. I think this will be the most memorable experience of my Mekong Delta trip.”

Meanwhile, from a once-poor village in Vietnam’s northern reaches, Lo Lo Chai in Tuyen Quang province has risen to become one of the world’s Best Tourism Villages. Guided by the belief that “to go far, you must go together,” more than 100 households in Lo Lo Chai reached consensus to cooperate, share the benefits, and jointly shoulder the responsibilities of growing the local tourism industry. Each household plays a specific role: operating homestays, cooking food, performing traditional music and dance, serving as local guides, or producing handicrafts and agricultural products. This flexible division of labor has helped curb unhealthy competition.

In Hanoi in recent years, experiential tourism at traditional craft villages has also gained in popularity, offering authentic insights into local life. In Uoc Le, a village famous for its traditional pork sausage (gio cha), Mr. Vu Van Linh, a local resident, said: “When we first became familiar with social media platforms, our initial goal was simply to preserve the hand-pounded sausage-making technique. Later, through social media, many domestic and international tourists found their way here, gradually forming a community-based tourism trend.”

To accommodate visitors, wooden pestles and mortars - tools used for generations in Uoc Le - are displayed in many households’ courtyards. “For visitors to really experience it, we need three to five mortars at a time,” said Mr. Nguyen Viet Minh, another resident. “Usually, we prepare five to seven kilograms of meat, depending on how many guests want to try pounding the sausage themselves.” The joy of visitors has become the joy of local families, creating a unique connection that drives tourism development along a distinctive and effective path.

In practice, by directly leveraging natural and indigenous cultural values, community-based tourism is a model initiated, managed, and benefited from by local people themselves. In Vietnam, it is increasingly seen as a vital catalyst for remote and disadvantaged areas, while also reviving many traditional handicraft techniques.

In northern Ninh Binh province, Ms. Trinh Thi Ly from the Sinh Duoc Cooperative said many local producers have joined the “race” to develop experiential activities for international tourists over the past two years. “Visitors can make herbal soap with their own hands,” she explained. “We also organize tours where guests wear traditional Vietnamese attire, or wellness tours using ancient remedies. These activities both meet international tourists’ demand for deep experiences and align with green, healing, and sustainable values.”

Elsewhere in Ninh Binh, artisan Dao Xuan Ngoc helps visitors make decorative motifs from Vietnam’s Dinh and Le Dynasties on traditional “do” paper, the Bo Bat Pottery Cooperative offers hands-on pottery experiences in Hoa Lu ancient town, and Hoang Thanh Phuong, owner of the Bo De Tay Phuong gallery, organizes calligraphy writing on bodhi leaves. What these models share is the creation of spaces for encounters and storytelling, retelling the country’s cultural identity through fresh perspectives while maintaining deep respect for its heritage.

Sharing and spreading values

The 21st century has witnessed profound shifts in the global economy, with creativity and experience emerging as new engines of growth. In the Asia-Pacific region, the rise of creative hubs such as Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo, Busan, Chiang Mai, and Bangkok shows that creativity is not merely an artistic field but a catalyst linking heritage, technology, design, media, education, the digital economy, and experiential tourism.

These “cultural ecosystem” and “creative destination” models are opening up new approaches to development, grounded in community, identity, and the capacity to generate value from cultural, artistic, and indigenous knowledge assets. Vietnam is emerging as a bright spot, with numerous models in various provinces expanding the country’s “creative map” across heritage, handicrafts, music, film, design, and marine culture.

At a workshop on “Developing sustainable community tourism in ethnic minority and mountainous areas,” Associate Professor Pham Hong Long from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, noted that community-based tourism is not merely about providing accommodation and food and must also integrate indigenous cultural activities. “Leveraging culture does not mean ‘selling’ culture, but sharing and spreading values,” he explained. :The driving force of this process must be the local community. When people are empowered to take ownership and receive fair benefits, community-based tourism can truly take off.”

“The effective development of community-based tourism requires that localities promote the ethnic cultural identity in order to build distinctive tourism products suited to each region,” Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Folklore Studies, added. “This process demands systematic research to create attractive product systems tailored to different visitor segments. Each product needs clear positioning and a unique identity based on the specific resources of each locality.”

From a business perspective, Ms. Ly said community-based tourism is a journey that requires balance, between tradition and innovation and between preserving core values and meeting the changing demands of modern travelers. “We need to develop tourism based on genuine indigenous values,” she believes. “At the same time, we must creatively ‘stage’ these cultural values so that they retain their traditional essence while also being entertaining and appealing to visitors.”

Crucially, education and communication within local communities are key. Local residents are the central guardians of culture, and need to be equipped with knowledge and skills to tell the stories of their homeland’s unique cultural values with pride and inspiration. Each individual must understand that preserving culture means activating internal resources to create value, ensuring that heritage exploitation is directly and fairly linked to community benefits.

VET-Minh Anh

Lao Airlines to resume Vientiane – Da Nang route

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 16:00
Direct flights between the capital city of Laos and the central city of Vietnam will be resumed from March 29.

The national carrier of Laos, Lao Airlines, will resume direct flights connecting Laos’ capital, Vientiane, with Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang from March 29, with a frequency of two flights per week, according to a report from the Government News.

The carrier will operate two weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays using a Comac 909 aircraft with 90 economy-class seats. The estimated flight time is approximately one hour and 20 minutes.

Flights are scheduled to depart from Vientiane at 11.20 and arrive in Da Nang at 12.40. Return flights will depart from Da Nang at 13:50 and arrive in Vientiane at 15:10 on the same day.

The proposed round-trip fare listed on the airline's website is $290 for bookings made in April 2026.

In the recent years, Vietnam has been the second biggest number of foreign visitors to the neighboring country, while Laos has remained among the top 15 source markets for Vietnam's tourism sector.

Tourist flows from Vietnam to Laos and vice versa both grew by over 23 per cent in 2024. In the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam welcomed 134,507 Lao visitors, a year-on-year increase of 33.1 per cent.

Meanwhile, in the first half of 2025, Laos received 588,692 Vietnamese visitors, marking a 15 per cent increase year-on-year.

VGP-Van Nguyen

Some14 million tourists recorded during Tet holiday

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 15:00
The country targeting 25 million foreign and 150 million domestic holiday-makers in 2026.

Vietnam served 14 million visitors during the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, marking a year-on-year increase of 12%, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT).

Central Da Nang city topped the country in terms of foreign tourist attraction with 510,000 visitors, bringing the total number of tourists to the city during the period to 1.1 million. Total tourism revenue of the city is estimated at VND3.96 trillion ($151 million), up 34% year-on-year.

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City led the country in terms of tourism revenue with VND12.15 trillion ($463 million), increasing 42.9% year-on-year. The southern city welcomed 4.32 million visitors, including 170,000 international tourists, surging 51.7% year-on-year.

Hanoi received an estimated 1.34 million domestic and foreign visitors, up 36.3%, with total revenue reaching VND4.87 trillion ($185.8 million), up 40.2%.

Vietnam targets 25 million foreign and 150 million domestic holiday-makers in 2026.

VnEconomy-Tường Bách

Electricity supply during dry season to remain stable

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 14:22
The Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project is projected to connect the first turbine to the grid in February, with commercial operation expected in May 2026.

During a meeting on February 23, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) leadership requested member units to prioritize ensuring electricity supply during the dry season and to vigorously accelerate the progress of key projects.

For the operation of hydropower sources, proactive plans must be made to ensure water retention and effective use of water resources given the unpredictable weather conditions this year. Additionally, thermal power plants must complete fuel preparation, ensuring there is absolutely no fuel shortage during peak dry season.

Regarding investment in and construction  of new projects, EVN requested units to "immediately regain progress," ensuring milestones, especially for key power source projects. Among them, the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant Project is projected to connect the first turbine to the grid in February, with commercial operation expected in May 2026; Quang Trach II Thermal Power Plant aims to break ground in the first quarter of 2026; while procedures for adjusting investment policies and preparing to negotiate related contracts for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project will be completed as soon as possible; and  investment preparation for expanded hydropower projects will  be continued.

Regarding power grids, EVN plans to start construction on 295 projects and energize 303 projects in 2026, including 12 projects started  and 11 110kV projects energized in January. Meanwhile, projects connecting electricity sources, releasing capacity from the Northwest hydropower system , and  electricity imports  are required to closely follow the schedule, with land clearance issues to be completed in the first and second quarters of 2026 as scheduled.

Vneconomy-Manh Duc

Deportation regulations to be applied to foreigners violating Vietnam's laws

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 11:30
Decree No. 59/2026/ND-CP details forms of deportation penalties, temporary detention measures, and escort procedures applicable to foreign nationals who violate Vietnamese law during deportation procedures.

Under the Government’s Decree No. 59/2026/ND-CP of February 13, 2026, which will take effects on April 1, deportation penalties, temporary detention measures, and escort procedures will be applied to foreign nationals who violate Vietnamese law during deportation procedures.

Accordingly, such measures  will  be applicable to the following individuals:

- Foreign nationals who commit administrative violations and are subject to temporary detention under administrative procedures;

- Foreign nationals who commit administrative violations and are subject to escort measures; and

- Foreign nationals who commit violations of Vietnamese law and are subject to deportation in accordance with the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations;

Subjects subject to deportation penalties

Under the Decree, deportation applies to foreign individuals who commit administrative violations within the territory, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental shelf of Vietnam.

Foreign nationals committing violations on board aircraft bearing Vietnamese nationality or vessels flying the Vietnamese flag are also subject to deportation in accordance with the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations and relevant Government decrees governing administrative sanctions in specific sectors.

The authority to impose deportation penalties is implemented in accordance with Article 8 (Clause 6, Point d; Clause 7; and Clause 9) of Decree 189/2025/ND-CP dated July 1, 2025, detailing the Law on Handling of Administrative Violations.

Rights of persons subject to deportation

Individuals subject to deportation have the right to:

- Be informed of the reasons for deportation and receive the deportation decision at least 48 hours before its enforcement;

- Contact and notify the diplomatic or consular representative office of their country of nationality;

- Be provided with an interpreter when working with competent authorities; 

- Request reconsideration of the deportation decision in accordance with the law; 

- Enjoy the regimes specified in Decree 65/2020/ND-CP dated June 10, 2020, which regulates the organization and conditions for persons staying at accommodation facilities while awaiting departure;

- Take their lawful assets out of Vietnamese territory; 

- Lodge complaints or denunciations in accordance with legal provisions

Obligations of deported individuals

Persons subject to deportation shall be required to:

- Fully comply with the deportation decision; 

- Present identification and relevant documents at the request of immigration authorities;

- Comply with Vietnamese law and remain under the supervision of competent police authorities during deportation procedures; 

- Fulfill any outstanding civil, administrative, economic, or other legal obligations (if applicable); and

- Complete exit procedures and leave Vietnamese territory within the timeframe specified in the deportation decision.

vneconomy-Van Nguyen

National center to combat fake news proposed to be established

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 09:30
The proposed center would be tasked with receiving reports, denunciations, and complaints regarding misinformation; announcing and issuing warnings about fake news; and providing support and clarification regarding suspicious information.

The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) is leading the drafting of a Decree on measures to prevent and control legal violations involving fake news and misinformation, currently seeking feedback from agencies, organizations, and individuals.

Under the draft Decree, violations regarding fake news and misinformation include not only direct acts of dissemination but also aiding, colluding, inciting, or deceiving others to commit such acts. These regulations apply when such actions infringe upon the legal rights, interests, health, life, honor, or reputation of individuals and organizations, or impact national security and social order.

Notably, Article 21 of the draft proposes the establishment of a National Database Center for the Prevention and Control of Fake News and Misinformation Violations. This center would be tasked with receiving reports, denunciations, and complaints regarding misinformation; announcing and issuing warnings about fake news; and providing support and clarification regarding suspicious information.

The center will also facilitate data interconnectivity to identify and label fake news through collaboration between the MPS and other ministries, sectors, and People’s Committees at all levels. This system is intended to create a synchronized and unified national database for misinformation management.

The MPS will take the lead in managing and operating the National Database Center. Other ministries, sectors, and local authorities are required to coordinate with the MPS to exchange, update, and link their data to the central system.

According to the MSP, the creation and dissemination of fake news have seen increasingly complex developments. A prominent trend involves misinformation designed to cause disruption, erode public trust, and stir skepticism among officials, party members, and the public regarding the nation's political and socio-economic situation.

Fake news is currently prevalent in cyberspace, often leveraging the influence of high-profile social media accounts. Content is frequently edited to obscure original sources and is supported by the technical features of global platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, X (Twitter), Snapchat, and TikTok.

Vneconomy-Đỗ Như

Hanoi issues new price bracket for apartment service fees

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 09:00
The new regulations aim to finalize the legal framework, ensure transparency in fee determination, and enhance the efficiency of state management over apartment operations.

Hanoi has amended and supplemented several provisions of Decision No. 33/2025/QD-UBND, dated April 21, 2025, regarding the price bracket for apartment management and operation services within the city.

The new regulations, effective from February 23, 2026, aim to finalize the legal framework, ensure transparency in fee determination, and enhance the efficiency of state management over apartment operations.

Under the new guidelines, the minimum service fee for apartment buildings without elevators is set at VND700 ($0.02) per square meter per month, with a maximum of VND5,000 ($0.19). For buildings equipped with elevators, the minimum rate is VND1,200 per square meter per month, while the maximum is VND16,500.

The city authorities noted that this price bracket does not include fire and explosion insurance, remuneration for Apartment Management Board members, or revenues from premium services such as saunas, swimming pools, cable TV, Internet, and other high-end amenities.

In addition to adjusting the price bracket, Hanoi has amended Clause 2, Article 4 of the Decision regarding the responsibilities of People’s Committees at the commune and ward levels.

Specifically, these local authorities are tasked with leading inspections into the activities of developers, management units, and Management Boards concerning financial management for public-asset apartment services within their jurisdiction. They are also responsible for resolving disputes related to building operations.

For non-publicly owned apartments, commune and ward-level People’s Committees are responsible for resolving disputes over management and operation fees, as well as the handover, management, and use of maintenance funds for common ownership areas, in accordance with Housing Law No. 27/2023/QH15.

Vneconomy-Thanh Xuân

Prime Minister asks Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology to accelerate implementation of strategic resolutions

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 08:30
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are inevitable trends, strategic choices, and top priorities in investment and development.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh worked with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology  on  February 23 on the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and Resolution No. 57 of the Politburo on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. 

The PM was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung and leaders of ministries, sectors, and central agencies.

After 50 years of construction and development, the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology affirms its position as the core force of the national science system. In 2025, it had 2,300 publications in prestigious journals, and  granted 105 patents and utility solutions, an increase of 2.7 times compared to 2024. In the period of 2021–2025, the Academy published over 12,000 scientific works and  granted nearly 300 patents, 1.5 times more than the previous period. 

Implementing Resolution 57 of the Politburo, out of a total of 45 assigned tasks, the Academy completed 12 tasks on time, with 33 tasks currently being implemented within the deadline, with no tasks delayed. 

Closely following the list of strategic technologies issued together with Prime Ministerial Decision No. 1131/QD-TTg, dated June 12, 2025, the Academy achieved many outstanding results, such as mastering the process of manufacturing modular hardware applications of AI for autonomous electric vehicles; developing AI/IoT solutions for real-time detection and warning of abnormal health conditions in livestock; and developing a model to predict rice plant health based on remote sensing and deep learning. 

The Academy also successfully applied gene editing technology to restore the function of the Rc gene in rice plant; identified new gene variants related to colorectal cancer, serving personalized medicine; and isolated and cultured many cell lines for artificial meat research. Other core technologies developed include water electrolysis to produce hydrogen from renewable energy; nano materials applied in thermal therapy, MRI imaging, and drug delivery; and new generation Lithium-ion battery electrode materials with high storage efficiency. 

In addition, the Academy promotes digital transformation in management and administration; develops shared digital infrastructure and platforms; and trains human resources to serve digital transformation. 

At the working session, the Academy proposed to continue perfecting the institutions and policies for science and technology, especially the management, finance, human resources mechanisms, autonomy in science and technology, and investment in upgrading facilities. The Academy suggested being assigned to lead the implementation of 5 strategic science and technology projects on advanced materials; technology for deep processing of rare earths and strategic minerals; new generation UAVs; nuclear energy technology; and training and developing high-quality science and technology human resources. 

Additionally, the Academy proposed piloting the establishment of an international science and technology organization for advanced functional materials; approving the project to develop human resources and infrastructure for quantum science and technology research; and approving the project to attract outstanding international research groups and Vietnamese people abroad in key technology fields. 

Speaking at the working session, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation are inevitable trends, strategic choices, and top priorities in investment and development, as they are important drivers to promote rapid and sustainable growth. In this process, the Academy plays a central role as the leading science and technology institution in Vietnam, a place that gathers and crystallizes the intelligence and creativity of intellectuals and scientists. 

The Prime Minister hopes the Academy will achieve breakthroughs, gradually reaching the level of advanced countries in the region and the world, aiming to become a leading scientific and technological research organization in Southeast Asia by 2030, with international competitiveness in several key areas, following the motto: “Elite intelligence – Mastering technology – Strong innovation – Keeping up with the situation – Creating the future.” 

The Prime Minister requested the Academy to implement synchronously four transformations, including: digital transformation, green transformation, energy transformation, and transformation of the structure and quality of human resources; to take the lead in applying artificial intelligence and big data; to build a national database on science and technology; and to focus on mastering core technologies and source technologies, addressing practical issues of the country. 

The Academy is required to “open” laboratories, enhance cooperation with the business sector, making businesses the center of the innovation ecosystem; promote the commercialization of research results, turning inventions into products, specific values in the value chain. 

The Prime Minister directed the Academy to build an action program to implement the Resolution of the 14th Party Congress and the strategic resolutions of the Politburo; to complete the dossier to submit to the Politburo for the project to research and master some strategic technologies before March 15, 2026; to submit to the Prime Minister the project to enhance the Academy's capacity in April 2026; to build a development strategy to 2030, a vision to 2045, and a mechanism for autonomy and comprehensive accountability.  

In governance, the Prime Minister requested a strong shift from “task thinking” to “result thinking”; from “doing many” to “doing right and doing well”; from “having activities” to “having specific products,” “having clear contributions to increasing national productivity, quality, and efficiency.” At the same time, to strengthen the linkage of the “three entities: State – scientists – businesses, and to develop intellectual property, science and technology enterprises, and the innovation startup ecosystem.

vneconomy-Ha Le

PM orders completion of national land database by 2026 milestones

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 07:40
Directive No 05 calls for an urgent mobilization of resources to accelerate cadastral mapping, land registration, and the development of a comprehensive national land database.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Prime Ministerial Directive No. 05/CT-TTg, calling for an urgent mobilization of resources to accelerate cadastral mapping, land registration, and the development of a comprehensive national land database.

To achieve the goals of finalizing measurement, statistics, digitalization, and "cleaning" of land data nationwide—while ensuring seamless interconnectivity with other national database systems—the Directive has tasked ministries, sectors, and local authorities with key milestones for 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies, must guide localities to complete the National Land Database Enrichment and Cleaning Campaign by March.

Localities are required to focus all resources on finishing cadastral mapping and land records. The construction of land databases must be finalized, with results immediately integrated into the national system for unified management, operation, and exploitation by December.

The MAE is also required to concentrate resources on developing solutions to accelerate the completion of IT infrastructure and software to unify the management, operation, and exploitation of the national land information system and database at the central level by March.

By June, the ministry must complete the construction and updating of regional, national, and centrally managed land data; verify the information of land users and property owners against the national population database; ensure connectivity and data sharing with the National Data Center and other ministerial information systems; and review and deploy online public services within the land sector.

Furthermore, the ministry must restructure administrative processes and review documentation requirements to leverage information already available in the land database. This effort aims to cut red tape by ensuring citizens and businesses are no longer required to resubmit or redeclare information and documents that have already been digitized, with a completion deadline of March.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Security is responsible for assessing the security, safety, and confidentiality of the national land information system and database to facilitate integration with the national population database and other related systems by June.

At the local level, People’s Committees of provinces and cities are directed to lead local departments and communal-level authorities in accelerating cadastral mapping and local land database completion, ensuring all data is synchronized with the Ministry by December.

Vneconomy-Hoàng Bách

Institutional breakthroughs for chemical industry

Tue, 02/24/2026 - 06:30
Institutional breakthroughs, and particularly legal amendments, are set to take Vietnam’s chemical industry into the future.

Vietnam’s chemical industry has made strong strides forward over recent years, maintaining stable growth from a number of large-scale projects coming on stream. The industry’s scale and pace of development, however, still fall short of its role and potential.6According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), among the country’s ten largest industries at Level-2 classification, the chemical industry ranks third, accounting for around 2-5 per cent of total industrial GDP. Its industrial production value has grown by about 10-15 per cent a year. Several chemical subsectors have largely met domestic demand - such as fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, tires, paints, and detergents - and their exports have also grown.

Holding back potential

At the recent “Institutional breakthroughs as a driver to elevate the chemical industry” seminar, participants agreed that the industry’s development remains misaligned with its inherent potential. One of the biggest challenges is its dependence on imports. Many essential chemical materials and products must still be sourced from overseas, while domestic investment structures remain out of balance, lacking high value added products and failing to establish deeply-integrated value chains at the regional and global level.

Mr. Vuong Thanh Chung, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Chemicals Agency at the MoIT, said the existing legal framework has become outdated after more than 16 years in place. The Law on Chemicals 2007 has not kept pace with major changes in the broader legal framework, sustainability trends, or international commitments and new-generation free trade agreements Vietnam has joined or signed.

In particular, the country’s rapid economic and industrial growth has led to a sharp increase in the production, import, and use of chemicals - both in volume and variety. The number of chemical enterprises has grown quickly, along with the range of activities and the volume of chemicals produced, traded, imported, and used, creating pressure to revise regulations to better reflect real-world practices.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Hoan, Deputy Director of the Bac Ninh Department of Industry and Trade in Vietnam’s northern region, noted that awareness at enterprises remains limited - especially among users of chemicals, who account for up to 90 per cent of entities - but there are still no specific requirements regarding professional qualifications for staff in charge. Moreover, frequent personnel changes mean enterprises often lack consistent access to and understanding of State regulations on chemical activities.

In addition, local technical infrastructure such as warehousing and production equipment remains insufficient and technologically weak. State management staff at the provincial and commune level are thinly stretched and often multitask across sectors, resulting in overlapping responsibilities and a lack of coordination between agencies. Oversight of chemical imports and distribution is also increasingly difficult given the growing variety of chemical types and business models.

From a business perspective, Ms. Vuong Thi Thuy, Deputy Director of Nippon Paint Vietnam, acknowledged that although administrative procedures have improved, enterprises still struggle to fully grasp detailed compliance requirements related to legal application, safety, and inspection due to a lack of in-depth training and information channels.

Four strategic breakthroughs

To address such bottlenecks, Mr. Chung said the amended Law on Chemicals was passed on June 14, 2025, by the 15th National Assembly at its ninth session, and focuses on four major policy pillars to establish a modern and coherent legal framework.

First, it specifies investment incentives for key chemical fields. Products such as basic chemicals, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, hydrogen, and ammonia produced from renewable energy will receive special support, providing investors with clearer direction and confidence for large-scale projects.

Second, it strengthens the management of specialized chemical projects by introducing stricter requirements on technology appraisal, safety, and environmental protection from the investment approval stage. Green chemistry criteria and sustainable development goals are embedded to ensure projects deliver economic benefits while minimizing health and environmental risks.

Third, it establishes lifecycle-based chemical management. Instead of focusing on isolated stages, controls will span production, import, circulation, storage, transport, and disposal - the latter being an important step to prevent any leakage of hazardous chemicals into the environment.

And fourth, it adds regulations on safety distances and chemical incident prevention and response plans, addressing risks to public security and social order amid the rapid growth in chemical volumes and varieties used in industrial production.

To ensure the Law’s timely and synchronized implementation from January 1, 2026, the MoIT has led the drafting of decrees detailing provisions and implementation measures. “With these fundamental innovations, the Law and its guiding documents will establish a comprehensive and unified legal framework, enabling the chemical industry to fully play its role as a foundational sector and expand its development space,” Mr. Chung said.

Mr. Hoan added that the amended Law will clarify responsibilities between central and local authorities while promoting digital transformation. A centralized, sector-specific chemical database will ease staffing pressure at regulators and provide enterprises with clear benchmarks for investing in compliant storage infrastructure.

Turning policy into reality

For the Law to truly serve as a catalyst upon taking effect, seminar participants stressed the need for a decisive implementation roadmap and close coordination between stakeholders.

On the regulatory side, Mr. Chung said the Vietnam Chemicals Agency is actively advising on decrees and circulars to avoid legal gaps. Communication, training, and capacity-building for local Departments of Industry and Trade are also being intensified to ensure uniform enforcement nationwide.

In Bac Ninh, the Department plans to organize in-depth training sessions not only for enterprises but also for commune-level officials. Mr. Hoan said it will coordinate to build a data-driven management system connected with the MoIT, enabling timely updates and support for enterprises in fulfilling their reporting obligations.

From the beneficiary side, Ms. Thuy expressed hope that the amended Law would mark a breakthrough in lifecycle chemical management aligned with sustainable development and international integration. She urged authorities to continue streamlining investment procedures and harmonizing processes between central and local levels, adding that State support for technology upgrades and policy dissemination would help enterprises reduce compliance costs and enhance competitiveness.

Experts are confident that with the enactment of the Law on Chemicals 2025, Vietnam’s chemical industry will have sufficient space to attract high-quality investment, integrate more deeply into global value chains, and make a meaningful contribution to the country’s double-digit economic growth target for the 2026-2030 period.

VET-Song Ha

Planning adjustments for Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Thiem new urban area approved

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 16:30
The People’s Committee of the southern city stated that this local planning adjustment aims to realize projects on the priority list and implement policies to attract strategic investors under the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15.

Under a recent decision by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, a local adjustment to the General Planning of Thu Duc City (within Ho Chi Minh City) until 2040, with a specifical focus on the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, has been approved. 

According to the decision, the adjustment scope covers four areas within Sub-zone 1, as defined in the Thu Duc City General Planning Project approved by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 202/QD-TTg dated January 21, 2025. The total area subject to these adjustments is approximately 128.51 ha.

The City People’s Committee stated that this local planning adjustment aims to realize projects on the priority list and implement policies to attract strategic investors under the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 260/2025/QH15. Key projects include the construction of the city’s Central Square and Ho Chi Minh City's Political-Administrative Center.

In the immediate future, the city needs to urgently deploy the Political-Administrative Center project on a commensurate scale. This is to meet development requirements following the restructuring and merger of administrative boundaries as per Resolution No 05-NQ/TU of the municipal Party Committee.

Simultaneously, the arrangement of key landmarks within the Thu Thiem New Urban Area such as the Children’s Palace and the Symphony, Ballet, and Opera House is intended to form a multi-functional public complex comprising political, administrative, and cultural functions.

Furthermore, the planning will rebalance land use for public parks, sports facilities, and public services. This is intended to provide supporting functions for Vietnam's International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City, in accordance with the 2021–2030 planning, with 2050 vision, that had been  approved by the Prime Minister.

The fundamental principle of this adjustment is to ensure that the total floor area of the entire Thu Thiem New Urban Area remains unchanged, while public service functions, such as green spaces and amenities, are expected to increase after the reorganization. The general nature and functions of the area will continue to strictly follow Decision No 202/QD-TTg regarding the General Planning of Thu Duc City until 2040.

Vneconomy-Thiên Di

YADEA Vietnam's $100mln electric motorbike manufacturing plant set to open in Bac Ninh

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 16:27
Designed as a smart manufacturing facility, the plant is expected to add momentum to Vietnam’s electric motorbike industry.

YADEA Vietnam, a subsidiary of China's Yadea Technology Group Co., Ltd, plans to inaugurate a $100-million electric motorbike manufacturing plant in northern Bac Ninh province on March 1. 

The facility, located in Tan Hung Industrial Park, represents the first phase of the company’s investment and forms part of its broader expansion in Southeast Asia.

YADEA Vietnam was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as saying that the plant is intended to strengthen its manufacturing capacity in Vietnam and support growing demand for electric two-wheelers.

Designed as a smart manufacturing facility, the plant is expected to create thousands of jobs for local workers and add momentum to Vietnam’s electric motorbike industry, which has seen steady growth in recent years amid the shift toward greener transport options.

The company has indicated that it plans to continue investing in production technology and workforce development in Vietnam as it expands its footprint in the market.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Gold prices surging significantly after Tet holiday

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 15:30
Gold prices in Vietnam jumping by between VND3.6 million and VND5.6 million ($137–$213) per tael on February 23.

Gold prices in Vietnam surged by between VND3.6 million and VND5.6 million ($137–$213) per tael on February 23, the first trading day after the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, compared with the previous session, depending on the retailer.

One tael equals 37.5 grams, or 1.2 ounces.

Selling prices of SJC-branded gold bars climbed to VND184.6 million ($7,045) per tael, while buying prices reached VND181.6 million per tael.

Gold ring prices followed a similar upward trend, rising to VND181.1 million per tael for buying and VND184.1 million per tael for selling—an increase of VND5.8 million per tael compared with the February 12 session, the last trading day before the Tet holiday.

On the global market, gold prices jumped 2.26% to $5,158 per ounce. At this level, domestic prices remain approximately VND20 million ($763) per tael higher than international prices.

VnEconomy-Mai Nhi

2026 Economic Census results to be announced on June 30

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 15:00
The Central Steering Committee for the 2026 Economic Census has reassigned responsibilities to ministries, sectors and local steering committees, urging close coordination nationwide to ensure results will be announced no later than June 30.

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, who heads the Central Steering Committee for the 2026 Economic Census, was quoted on February 23 by the Vietnam News Agency as affirming that initial results of the census will be announced on June 30, 2026, seven months earlier than originally scheduled.

Under the revised plan, stages of information collection, data consolidation and preparation of the preliminary report will all be accelerated, Minister Thang stressed.

However, he noted that the adjustment of the plan must be implemented in a concerted and resolute manner, ensuring that faster progress goes hand in hand with the quality and credibility of the data.

Originally slated for completion by late 2026 or early 2027, the census timeline has been reviewed and recalibrated to meet the requirement for earlier data release. The Central Steering Committee has reassigned responsibilities to ministries, sectors and local steering committees, urging close coordination nationwide to ensure results are finalized and announced no later than June 30.

The National Statistics Office was tasked with revising both the overall and detailed implementation plans, finalizing survey materials and software, and providing timely guidance to ministries and localities. It will continue to monitor progress, assess data quality, and promptly report challenges to the minister and the Central Steering Committee. Inspection and supervision of field data collection will be strengthened to safeguard both schedule and accuracy.

Notably, the 2026 Economic Census introduces several new features. It expands coverage to include cooperative groups and household businesses operating online - two categories not previously surveyed. Survey content has also been updated to better capture digital transformation, the application of scientific and technological advances, and innovation in production and business activities.

Information technology will be applied throughout all stages of the census, from preparation and collection to processing and validation. Artificial intelligence will assist in industry classification, while digital mapping tools will track real-time progress. Data connectivity between the census and administrative databases, such as business registration, taxation and customs, will also be enhanced.

The census will comprehensively collect information on enterprises, household businesses, religious establishments, non-public service units, associations and licensed foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Vietnam.

The results will serve as a foundation for building a national socio-economic database aligned with new provincial and commune-level administrative boundaries, supporting governance, management and oversight in the country’s new development phase.

As of February 9, data collection for the first phase, which covers household production and business establishments, religious and belief establishments, and cooperative groups had reached 57.6% nationwide, with several provinces recording high completion rates. However, authorities acknowledged uneven progress across localities and challenges in encouraging some business owners to fully disclose financial information.

The on-site data collection period for the first phase will be shortened to 20 days, concluding on March 10. Meanwhile, in the second phase which covers enterprises, non-public service units, associations, and licensed foreign non-governmental organizations operating in Vietnam, the data collection period will be reduced by four months compared to the original plan, commencing on March 1 and concluding on April 30.

Despite the accelerated schedule, Minister Thang reiterated that the census must uphold strict standards of accuracy, while streamlining unnecessary indicators to avoid wastefulness and ensure practical value.

VNA-Van Nguyen

Major takeaways from Party General Secretary To Lam's trip to U.S. to attend Board of Peace's inaugural meeting

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 14:20
The Party leader made a working trip to the U.S. from February 18-20, 2026.

Below are major takeaways from Party General Secretary To Lam's trip to the U.S. to attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace from February 18-20, 2026, as remarked by the Government News:

On multilateral aspect:

1. General Secretary To Lam's trip is the first multilateral diplomatic event to implement the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, peace, friendship, cooperation and development adopted at the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

With the renewed foreign policy, Vietnam commits to make active and responsible contributions to peace, cooperation and sustainable development across the globe as well as to the settlement of common issues in the region and the world.

2. The trip reflects Vietnam's goodwill and efforts to contribute to promoting peace in the Middle East and ensuring the fundamental rights for Palestinians, including the right to establish the State of Palestine in the Middle East.

3. The participation in the inaugural meeting indicates the international community's recognition and respect for Vietnam's international standing and contributions to global peace and development.

On bilateral aspect:

4. Mr. To Lam is the second General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee to travel to the U.S. after General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who visited the U.S. in July 2015, four decades after the liberation of the South of Vietnam and two decades since the normalization of the bilateral relations.

5. Mr. To Lam has first-ever face-to-face summit meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump since he was re-elected as General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Cetral Committee  at the 14th National Party Congress.

In addition, General Secretary To Lam also met with U.S. Trade Representative, Ambassador Jamieson Greer; held phone conversation with U.S. Congressmen. Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss bilateral cooperation.

6. During the aforesaid meetings, the Vietnamese delegation briefed the U.S. side about recent developments in Vietnam, the results of 40 years of the Doi Moi (renewal) policy initiated in 1986, and development goals through 2030 and 2045. General Secretary To Lam shared Vietnam's major development orientations and how Vietnam would promote relations with foreign partners, including the United States.

7. General Secretary To Lam witnessed the signing and exchange of contracts and cooperation agreements worth $37.2 billion between Vietnam and the United States.

8. This is the third overseas trip by General Secretary To Lam following the 14th National Party Congress. In early February, General Secretary To Lam paid State visit to Laos and Cambodia. More diplomatic activities with neighboring countries will be organized soon.

VGP-Pham Long

PM asks to accelerate Nhon - Hanoi Station urban railway line

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 14:12
The 12.5km route consists of an 8.5km elevated section and about 4km running underground.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked for accelerating construction progress of the Nhon – Ha Noi Station urban railway line, while inspecting the project on February 22.

The 12.5km route, that consists of an 8.5km elevated section and about 4km running underground, runs from Nhon to Hanoi railway station. It features a 1,435mm standard-gauge double track built to European standards, comprising eight elevated and four underground stations.

The project has a total investment of over VND34.8 trillion (over $1.3 billion).

The elevated section, from Nhon to Cau Giay, has been put into commercial operation since August 8, 2024, meeting safety and quality standards and receiving positive feedback from the public. Meanwhile, construction on the underground section is in full swing, reaching 76.3% of the total workload and largely remaining on track.

VnEconomy-Minh Kiệt

Vietnam’s stock market surpasses 12 million domestic investor accounts

Mon, 02/23/2026 - 10:00
Nearly 245,000 new accounts were opened in January alone, reflecting growing investor participation and confidence in the market.

Vietnam’s stock market has reached a major milestone, with the number of domestic investor accounts surpassing 12 million as of January 31. 

The achievement follows the opening of nearly 245,000 new accounts in January alone, reflecting growing investor participation and confidence in the market.

The Vietnam News Agency quoted data from the Vietnam Securities Depository and Clearing Corporation as reporting that the total number of registered accounts climbed to nearly 12.1 million, an increase of 244,370 compared to the end of 2025.

Retail investors continued to dominate, accounting for around 12 million of the total. Domestic institutional investors held 19,301 accounts.

Foreign investor participation also rose modestly, with a total of 50,532 accounts registered. Of these, 45,757 belonged to individual foreign investors, while 4,775 were held by foreign institutional investors.

The rapid increase in account registrations highlights strong momentum in investor engagement and significantly exceeds the Government’s target of reaching 11 million investor accounts by 2030 under its securities market development strategy.

Vietnam News Agency-Van Nguyen

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