Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (third, left) and other delegates at the political consultation (Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Viet Nam, Spain seek to deepen Strategic Partnership

Viet Nam and Spain have agreed on orientations and specific measures to further deepen their Strategic Partnership at the sixth political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level between the two countries.

The consultation was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Spanish Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs Diego Martinez Belio at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Madrid on November 5.

The two sides briefed each other on their respective socio-economic situations, reviewed cooperation since the previous consultation as well as exchanging views on international and regional issues of mutual concern.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the positive and dynamic development of bilateral relations in politics and diplomacy, trade and investment, defence and security, healthcare, culture, education and tourism. They stressed the need to further enhance the coordinating role of the two foreign ministries in strengthening connectivity and promoting comprehensive cooperation, particularly as the two countries are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Congratulating Viet Nam on its impressive socio-economic achievements, Belio highly valued the country's growing role and stature in the region.

The two sides agreed to step up contacts and exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, while maintaining and bringing into full play bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They also pledged to closely coordinate in implementing reached agreements, making bilateral relations increasingly substantive and effective.

Regarding economic cooperation, the Vietnamese diplomat noted the positive growth of bilateral trade and called for the full and effective implementation of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), cited VNA.

She asked Spain to continue voicing its support for and urging the European Commission (EC) to swiftly lift the IUU “yellow card” imposed on Vietnamese seafood, while actively encouraging EU member states to ratify the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) at an early date, thereby establishing a solid and favourable legal framework for businesses from both countries to expand investment and business activities.

Agreeing with Viet Nam's proposals, Belio welcomed the success of the first meeting of the Viet Nam-Spain Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation in Madrid in October 2025 and expressed his hope that the second meeting will be held in 2027.

He proposed that the two countries continue promoting cooperation projects in Spain's areas of strength that match Viet Nam's development needs, including renewable energy and transport infrastructure.

The two sides also agreed to promote exchanges in healthcare, education and training, with attention to expanding Spanish-language teaching in Viet Nam. They will closely coordinate in organising cultural and tourism promotion events in each country in 2027 to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

Belio affirmed that the Spanish Government will continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country, helping it serve as a bridge of friendship between the two peoples.

On international and regional issues, both sides reaffirmed their consistent support for multilateralism, respect for international law and the United Nations Charter, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. They agreed to continue coordinating and supporting each other at multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations and within the ASEAN-EU Strategic Partnership.

Regarding the East Sea, they reiterated their support for maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, and for settling disputes by peaceful means and through dialogue in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The two sides agreed to hold the next political consultation at the deputy foreign minister level in Hanoi at an appropriate time.

While in Madrid, Hang on November 6 paid a working visit to the Diplomatic School of Spain, during which the two sides discussed orientations for promoting cooperation between the Diplomatic School of Spain and the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, particularly in the training and professional development of diplomatic officials, research and academic exchanges. They also explored the possibility of implementing scholarship programmes to enable Vietnamese students to study Spanish and Spanish students to learn Vietnamese.

The same day, she met with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Spain.

Viet Nam highlights integration achievements at WTO

Vietnam’s third Trade Policy Review (TPR) took place on November 4-6 at the headquarters of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, providing an opportunity for the country to share its efforts and achievements in international economic integration and exchange views with WTO members on its trade policies.

The review was chaired by Ambassador Nella Pepe Tavita-Levy, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the WTO, with Ambassador Seongmee Yoon, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea, serving as discussant.

The Vietnamese delegation was led by Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, WTO and other international organizations in Geneva, and included representatives from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and other relevant ministries and agencies.

In his opening remarks, Dung stressed that Viet Nam views the TPR not merely as a transparency obligation but also as an opportunity to objectively assess its achievements, listen to other members’ views and identify areas for improvement.

He highlighted the country’s economic performance since its previous review, with average GDP growth of around 6.2% annually during 2021–2025. In 2025, Viet Nam posted an economic growth of about 8% and merchandise trade worth about 930 billion USD, entering the upper-middle-income economy group.

He also outlined four major developments: institutional reforms and improvements to the business environment; deeper international economic integration; proactive contributions to trade rule-making; and consistent support for a rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its center.

The review attracted considerable interest from WTO members, with more than 40 statements delivered. Members commended Vietnam’s strong economic growth, resilience and deep integration into regional and global value chains. They also recognised its administrative reforms, improvements to the investment climate and efforts to modernise customs procedures.

They praised the country's contributions to the WTO, including its ratification of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, participation in the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA) and launch of the process to join the expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA 2).

Members also highlighted Vietnam’s role as Chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026 and its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers’ Meeting in 2027, according to VNA.

Ambassador Mai Phan Dung (center), Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations, the WTO and other international organizations in Geneva at Vietnam’s third Trade Policy Review (Photo: VNA)

They shared results of bilateral cooperation with Viet Nam, including the upgrading of partnerships and expansion of collaboration across various fields.

Meanwhile, members raised issues requiring further clarification, including institutional improvements, transparency and predictability in policymaking, the business environment, trade and investment facilitation, and implementation of international commitments. Some also encouraged Viet Nam to contribute more actively to the WTO, particularly its reform process and initiatives.

At the November 6 session, the Vietnamese delegation thanked members for their constructive comments and recommendations, while providing further information, clarifying issues and addressing their concerns.

Viet Nam affirmed that it would continue studying the issues raised to refine its policies and legislation and improve the implementation of international commitments.

The review concluded successfully in an open, frank and constructive atmosphere, reflecting WTO members’ strong interest in Vietnam’s trade policies and economic integration.

Its outcomes further underscored Vietnam’s image as a proactive and responsible member of the multilateral trading system and reaffirmed its consistent commitment to a fair, transparent and rules-based global trading system with the WTO at its center.

Busan (RoK) has strong potential for cooperation with Vietnamese localities

The leadership of Busan, Republic of Korea (RoK), is always ready to provide support and act as a bridge to introduce local economic associations and major businesses in the logistics, maritime and manufacturing sectors to explore opportunities and expand investment cooperation in Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh in the coming period.

On the afternoon of November 6, Kang Mu-gil, Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council, and Song Sang-jo, First Vice Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council, received Doan Phuong Lan, Consul General of Viet Nam in Busan, together with Tran Thi Hang, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Bac Ninh City People's Council, and Le Van Anh, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh City People's Committee.

On behalf of the working delegation from the Vietnamese localities, Consul General Doan Phuong Lan thanked the leadership of the Busan Metropolitan Council for taking the time to meet with the delegation. She introduced the potential of the two cities of Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh, which are two economic growth poles in northern Viet Nam and have recently had the honour of becoming centrally governed cities.

Consul General Doan Phuong Lan proposed that the Busan Metropolitan Council support a plan to promote the regular organisation of activities to strengthen connections between Busan and Viet Nam’s coastal localities in the fields of the marine economy and maritime affairs from 2027, marking the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

For Bac Ninh, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the People's Council Tran Thi Hang introduced the city's socio-economic development scale and its position as fifth nationwide in economic size, second in import and export turnover, and third in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). The RoK is currently Bac Ninh's leading investment partner, with more than 1,100 projects and total registered capital of 16.7 billion USD. Notable examples include the presence of major corporations such as Samsung and Amkor, NDO reported.

Busan city government leaders pose for a commemorative photograph with members of the working delegation. (Photo: Provided by the Consulate General of Viet Nam in Busan)

Standing Vice Chairwoman of the People's Council Tran Thi Hang said that Bac Ninh aims to expand to 72 industrial parks covering an area of 21,000 hectares by 2030. She also expressed her hope that Busan businesses would increase investment in semiconductor technology, integrated circuit design, digital technology and data centers.

For Quang Ninh, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh City People's Committee Le Van Anh highlighted its strategic location on the northeastern coast of Viet Nam, sharing land and sea borders with China, and its possession of more than 250 kilometres of coastline and a sea area of over 6,000 square kilometres.

“Quang Ninh is undergoing a strong shift from a mining-based economy towards manufacturing, a green marine economy and the development of an integrated seaport and logistics hub,” said Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh City People's Committee Le Van Anh.

Highly appreciating Busan's strengths as one of the world's leading port cities, the Quang Ninh side expressed its desire to learn from the city's experience in smart automated seaport management, logistics supply chain development, aquaculture and seafood processing, as well as cooperation to promote heritage tourism (Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu).

Speaking at the meeting, affirming that Viet Nam is an especially important economic partner of the RoK, Kang Mu-gil, Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council, emphasised that Busan was always ready to provide support and act as a bridge to introduce Busan's economic associations and major businesses in the logistics, maritime and manufacturing sectors to explore opportunities and expand investment cooperation in Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh in the coming period.

Kang Mu-gil, Chairman of the Busan Metropolitan Council, affirmed that he would soon arrange a delegation's visit to the two localities in 2027.

“Colors of Homeland” Viet Nam Culture Day draws nearly 4,000 visitors in Australia

Viet Nam Culture Day 2026, themed “Colors of Homeland,” was held at Forrest Place in central Perth, Western Australia, on November 7, drawing nearly 4,000 visitors.

The event, co-organized by the Consulate General of Viet Nam in Perth, the Australia - Viet Nam Talent Network (AVTN), and Global Trade Connection, was attended by Mayor of Perth Bruce Reynolds, state government representatives, the consular corps, overseas Vietnamese organizations, local residents, and international tourists.

Opening the event, Vietnamese Consul General in Perth Pham Hai Anh highlighted culture as the spirit of the nation and the internal strength of Viet Nam in the new era. Citing President Ho Chi Minh's teaching that “culture lights the way for the nation,” he stressed that preserving national identity is essential to consolidating solidarity and connecting overseas Vietnamese worldwide.

The event held particular significance as it coincided with the 80th anniversary of the First National Cultural Conference (November 24, 1946) and looked forward to the inaugural Viet Nam Cultural Day (November 24, 2026).

Consul General Pham Hai Anh outlined three core orientations: preserving the Vietnamese language and traditional values; introducing Vietnamese culture to international friends; and promoting creativity to harmoniously integrate tradition and modernity. He affirmed that overseas Vietnamese serve as a “living bridge” connecting Viet Nam with the world, reported VOV.

Consul General Pham Hai Anh speaks at the event. (Photo: Consulate General of Viet Nam in Perth)

The highlight of the event was a cultural performance featuring domestic and Australia-based artists. Opening with “Bonjour Viet Nam” in French, English, and Vietnamese, the showcase introduced audience members to traditional folk songs such as “Ly ngua o” (Black Horse Trot) and “Beo dat may troi” (Drifting Duckweed and Floating Clouds), the melodic sounds of the T'rung (a traditional bamboo xylophone), and traditional chau van (spiritual ritual singing). A fashion show featuring ethnic-inspired attire and traditional dresses further highlighted national heritage.

Energy at Forrest Place surged with modern musical performances centered on national pride, including “Ngan uoc mo Viet Nam” (A Thousand Vietnamese Dreams), “Made in Viet Nam,” “Viet Nam huy hoang” (Glorious Vietnam), “Viet Nam toi” (My Vietnam), and “Di giua troi ruc ro” (Walking Under the Brilliant Sky). The active involvement of youth, international students, and second-generation Vietnamese Australians contributed significantly to organizing and performing at the event.

Expanding from a community event, Viet Nam Culture Day served as an effective platform for cultural diplomacy. Warm reception from the Western Australian public toward the traditional performances and cuisine demonstrated the appeal of Vietnamese culture. Through practical people-to-people exchanges, the event strengthened mutual understanding and trust, thus building a solid social foundation to deepen the Viet Nam - Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Lonely Planet suggests seven best road trips in Viet Nam

World-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has recommended the seven best road trips in Viet Nam, featuring the Ha Giang Loop, the Hai Van Pass, and the Ho Chi Minh Highway.

The Ha Giang Loop is rated best for mountain scenery and wild swimming. Winding through communities of at least 10 different ethnic minorities, this rewarding multiday drive offers plenty of opportunities for side trips and activities, including trekking, river-boating, and caving, the travel guide noted.

Lonely Planet suggests the Cao Bang to Ban Gioc drive as the best road trip for countryside views. The route from Cao Bang to the churning Ban Gioc Waterfall, which straddles the China–Vietnam border, takes adventurers through some of northern Vietnam’s most pristine pastoral terrain. Lush farmlands, stilt villages, and crystal-clear lakes are all on the itinerary, cited VOV.

Hai Van pass is named among seven best road trips in Viet Nam.

The drive from Da Lat to Nha Trang is highlighted as the best for historic architecture from Viet Nam's French era. Moving from the cool highlands of Da Lat to the sunny beaches of Nha Trang, this short drive showcases rapidly changing scenery and microclimates.

Lonely Planet also spotlights the Hai Van Pass for dramatic views and hairpin turns, the Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho route for sampling the lush Mekong Delta landscapes, the Con Son Island road trip for visiting deserted beaches, and the Ho Chi Minh Highway for quintessential Viet Nam experiences.

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