On the occasion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, many people’s organizations and friendship associations that are friends and partners of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations have sent letters, cables and messages of congratulations to the Party, the State and the people of Viet Nam.

On the occasion of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Khamphao Ernthavanh shared with VietnamTimes Magazine her assessments and expectations regarding the significance of the Congress. The Ambassador expressed her confidence that the Congress will set forth sound strategic orientations, ushering Vietnam into a phase of rapid and sustainable development, while further deepening the great friendship and special solidarity between Vietnam and Laos.

On January 8 in Hanoi, the Vietnam-Chile Friendship and Cooperation Association (the Association) held a conference to review its activities in 2025 and outline orientations for 2026. The conference identified a key focus on promoting Vietnam-Chile cooperation in a practical and effective manner, linking people-to-people exchanges with local connectivity and concrete cooperation models.

On January 9 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) convened the 14th Conference of its Presidium, 6th term, to review the results of activities in 2025 and outline key directions and tasks for 2026.

Affirming the role of the private sector and placing innovation at the heart of the development strategy demonstrates the Party’s strong reform-oriented thinking, opening up significant space for the overseas Vietnamese business and intellectual community to accompany and contribute to sustainable growth and the enhancement of the Vietnamese economy’s competitiveness in the new period.

On January 11 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Public Security held a meeting with Heads of Vietnam’s overseas representative missions appointed in 2025. At the meeting, General Luong Tam Quang, Member of the Politburo and Minister of Public Security, emphasized the bridge-building role of Vietnam’s overseas representative missions in strengthening coordination between security and foreign affairs, with a view to ensuring national security, safety, and interests in the new situation.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo) 2026, the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with relevant agencies, will organize the Homeland Spring 2026 Program themed “Vietnam’s Aspiration: Peace and Prosperity” on February 8, 2026 (the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month of the Year of the Snake).

In preparation for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the overseas Vietnamese community has actively participated in contributing opinions to the draft Congress documents. These earnest and responsible contributions reflect overseas Vietnamese’ deep attachment to their homeland and country, while also affirming the increasingly prominent role of the overseas Vietnamese community as an important source of intellectual capital in the process of shaping national development policies.

Merz is due to meet India's Prime Minister Modi, on his first visit to India as a chancellor. The visit comes just weeks ahead of plans to sign a long-awaited free trade agreement between India and the EU.

Amid the vibrant atmosphere welcoming the New Year 2026, on January 1, the Vietnamese community in Malaysia organized the Vietnamese Lunar New Year Food Fair 2026 at The Mines Resort in Selangor State. Spanning three days, the event not only showcased the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine but also served as a cultural meeting point, fostering community bonds and promoting the image of Vietnam to international friends.

By rotational procedures and consensus adopted in Brazil in December, India has taken over the BRICS+ presidency for 2026.

The strategic cooperation between India and the Central Asian republics in defense and security is driven by mutual aspirations for stability and development.

The year 2025 marked an impressive growth milestone for Vietnam’s tourism sector, as the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached an all-time high, increasing by more than 20% compared to 2024 and far exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels.

During the New Year’s Day holiday of 2026 (from January 1 to January 4), Vietnam’s tourism sector is estimated to have welcomed and served approximately 3.5 million visitors.

The 2026 New Year holiday, spanning four days from January 1-4, marks a peak travel season as demand for rest, recreation, and exploration rises.

In 2025, Vietnam’s tourism sector has not only achieved a full recovery but has set historic records, emerging as a primary engine for socio-economic growth.