Belgian officials bid farewell to President To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly at Melsbroek Military Airport, Brussels. (Photo: VNA)

General Secretary and President To Lam wraps up official visit to EU, Belgium

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation left Brussels on October 24 noon (local time), concluding their official visit to the European Union (EU) and the Kingdom of Belgium at the invitations of European Council President Antonio Costa and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

The Vietnamese leader and the delegation were seen off at Melsbroek Military Airport by representatives of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Belgian Ambassador to Viet Nam and the Honorary Consul of Viet Nam in Antwerp, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the EU Nguyen Huong Tra, officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy, and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Belgium.

During the official visit to the EU, General Secretary and President Lam held talks with European Council President Costa and met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, among other engagements. At the meetings, both sides welcomed the positive momentum in Vietnam-EU relations, particularly since the two sides upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including by promoting investment under the Global Gateway initiative and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). They underscored the importance of fully implementing the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and securing the early ratification of the EU-Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), cited VNA.

They also agreed to work towards developing cooperation in critical raw materials and further strengthening collaboration in technology and innovation, education and training, green transition, strategic infrastructure, the circular economy and the blue economy.

During the official visit to Belgium, General Secretary and President Lam met with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, held talks with Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and met with Senate President Vincent Blondel and Belgian Federal Chamber of Representatives President Peter De Roover. He also delivered a policy address at the Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations and received the Minister-President of Flanders and the Minister-President of Wallonia, among other engagements.

On the night of October 22, the Belgian Federal Chamber of Representatives formally voted to ratify EVIPA, demonstrating the significant potential and strong commitment to economic, trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

At their meetings, both sides agreed on the need to further strengthen political trust, maintain exchanges and deepen mutual understanding of each other’s concerns and needs in order to expand cooperation and work towards elevating bilateral relations to a new level.

In economic, trade and investment cooperation, the two sides agreed to pursue new breakthroughs and promote large-scale, strategic cooperation projects in areas where Belgium has traditional strengths and Viet Nam has pressing needs, including seaport development, smart logistics chains, green energy, eco-industrial parks and high-tech agriculture adapted to climate change.

Sharing the view that science and technology offer substantial potential for cooperation, the two sides agreed to step up joint research projects and technology transfer, and expand collaboration in strategic and emerging technologies, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and semiconductor chips.

They also agreed to expand educational links, promote cultural, sports and tourism exchanges, and advance practical cooperation between localities in Viet Nam and Belgium.

Polish Prime Minister begins three-day official visit to Viet Nam

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrived in the central city of Da Nang on October 23, starting his three-day official visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Le Minh Hung.

The Polish leader was welcomed by Vice Chairman of Da Nang City's People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi and Vietnamese Ambassador in Poland Ha Hoang Hai.

He is accompanied by Minister of Science and Higher Education Marcin Kulasek, Secretary of State and Government Spokesperson in the Chancellery of the Prime Minister Adam Szłapka, Undersecretary of State in the Chancellery Agnieszka Rucińska, and Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister Robert Kupiecki, among others.

The Polish Prime Minister's visit to Viet Nam from October 24–26 will provide fresh impetus for bilateral cooperation across politics, trade, investment, science and technology, education and tourism, Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland Ha Hoang Hai said.

The trip reflects the Polish Government's high regard for Viet Nam as one of Poland's priority partners in the Indo-Pacific and an important partner in ASEAN, noted the diplomat.

The visit also comes as Poland seeks to diversify its partnerships, expand markets and strengthen its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Poland's accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) in July creates further opportunities for Viet Nam to help Polish businesses access the ASEAN market.

The Ambassador said Viet Nam–Poland relations are at the best stage ever in more than 75 years of diplomatic ties, creating favorable conditions for elevating bilateral cooperation, according to VGP.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk arrives in the central city of Da Nang on October 23, starting his three-day official visit to Viet Nam.

The two sides are expected to focus on several key areas of cooperation during the visit, he stated.

Economic, trade and investment cooperation will remain a priority, with both sides aiming to expand and diversify bilateral trade, improve market access and promote two-way investment. More effective implementation of the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and, the EU–Viet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in the future, could create further opportunities for businesses in both countries.

During the visit, the two sides are expected to sign a new agreement on educational cooperation and hold the third session of the Viet Nam–Poland Joint Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. These will be foundations to identify priorities and practical measures to expand joint programs and projects.

Poland is one of Viet Nam's important trading partners in Central and Eastern Europe. Bilateral trade reached US$3.94 billion in 2025, up 14.8 percent from 2024. In the first seven months of 2026, trade turnover exceeded US$2.6 billion, representing a 17 percent increase year on year.

Viet Nam, Mozambique seek stronger agricultural ties

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin met Director of the Mozambique Cashew Institute (IAM) Jorge Vidigal Fole in Maputo on October 23 to discuss developing the cashew industry and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in the sector.

Thin praised the industry’s potential and its contribution to the economy, livelihoods and exports in the southeastern African nation. She also shared Viet Nam’s experience in developing the industry, particularly in boosting processing capacity and adding value to products.

Fole, for his part, said Mozambique produced about 200,000 tonnes of cashews in 2025, of which about 40,000 tonnes were processed. Export revenue neared 121.6 million USD, nearly triple the 2024 level. He said he wants closer cooperation with Viet Nam, especially in sharing experience, transferring technical know-how and attracting investment in processing. Mozambique aims to raise domestic processing capacity and added value, targeting about 482,000 tonnes processed by 2034 under its 2025-2034 cashew value chain development scheme.

The host also pushed for broader cooperation with Viet Nam in coffee and macadamia nuts, through exchanges on production experience, farming techniques and processing, and by connecting companies from the two countries. He said the sectors complement each other, opening opportunities to diversify agricultural collaboration, spur investment and add value to Mozambique’s farm produce.

The two sides praised the cooperation potential and said they want stable, long-term, mutually beneficial trade. They agreed to deepen cashew cooperation, make it more substantive and effective, and gradually shift from trading raw materials toward higher-value areas, including experience sharing, technical transfer, processing investment and building capacity to join global value chains, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Mozambique Tran Thi Thu Thin (third from right) poses with IAM Director and staff (Photo published by VNA)

They also stressed the need for closer coordination between IAM and the Viet Nam Cashew Association (VINACAS) to push information exchange and connect agencies, associations and companies in the two countries. On that basis, Viet Nam and Mozambique aim to gradually extend coordination to coffee, macadamia nuts and other promising agricultural areas, playing to each side’s strengths, supporting Mozambique’s sustainable agriculture and fostering economic and trade ties.

Lao, Vietnamese firms sign US$30 million real estate and smart farm deals

Laos' Supchaleun Group and Viet Nam's Viet Nga Group signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in Vientiane on October 23 to implement two major projects-the Supchaleun Central Tower and a Smart Farm, representing a combined investment of nearly US$30 million.

The ceremony saw the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam, Senior Colonel Huynh Tan Hanh, head of the representative office of the Ministry of Public Security of Viet Nam in Laos, former Politburo member and former Chairman of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, alongside former Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Somchit Inthamith, senior officials from both nations, and business representatives.

Addressing the event, Anousack Keochaleun, Chairman of Supchaleun Group, expressed satisfaction in selecting Viet Nga Group as the main contractor overseeing all construction projects for his group.

Emphasizing the importance of the two key 2026 developments-a luxury residential and commercial complex and a Smart Farm, he voiced full confidence in Viet Nga Group's technical expertise, commitment, and skilled workforce.

He noted that the partnership reflects close ties between the two business communities while expressing confidence that the projects will enhance urban infrastructure and high-tech agriculture in Laos, cited VOV.

Leaders of the two groups exchange the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) following the signing ceremony in Vientiane. (Photo: VNA)

Viet Nga Group Chairman Nguyen Quoc Viet said that the agreement marks a key milestone, with his company officially entrusted to monitor every phase from project planning and design to construction and completion.

In 2026, the two companies will directly coordinate to carry out two major projects: a 15-story twin-tower residential and commercial complex valued at over US$20 million, and a 94-hectare Smart Farm with a first-phase investment exceeding US$8 million.

Speaking on behalf of the main contractor, Nguyen Quoc Viet pledged strict adherence to Lao laws, adding that his company will deploy top personnel and advanced building techniques to complete the projects ahead of schedule with the highest quality standards. He emphasized that the success of these projects will advance bilateral economic goals while strengthening the traditional friendship and strategic cohesion between Viet Nam and Laos.

The MOA signing between Supchaleun Group and Viet Nga Group opens practical cooperation opportunities in real estate development and smart agriculture, and also highlights the broader potential for Vietnamese and Lao enterprises to collaborate in high-tech farming and green economic models. This paves the way for concrete investment projects, enhances production and business efficiency, strengthens links between the two business communities, and deepens the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Laos.

The Supchaleun Central Tower project, occupying 4,600 square meters in Vientiane, features two connected 15-story towers integrating shophouses, offices, dining outlets, outdoor cafes, EV charging stations, wellness facilities, and high-end apartments. Requiring an investment of more than US$21.2 million with a 2.5-year construction timeline, the complex is projected to generate roughly US$25 million in revenue after five years of operation.

Meanwhile, the US$8 million Smart Farm project integrates high-tech agriculture, eco-tourism, and circular economy practices across 94 hectares. The facility will feature production workshops, 3,000 aquaculture ponds, and 40 hectares of fruit trees powered by solar energy and high-tech water filtration.

Its catfish farming system is expected to supply 1 to 2 tonnes of commercial fish daily to the Vientiane market, while the coconut farming zone will connect directly with a deep-processing facility and re-use organic waste to manufacture bio-fertilizers. This closed-loop model aims to reduce costs, raise crop value, protect the environment, and deliver an average net annual profit of nearly US$930,000.

Beijing, Guangxi enhance tourism connectivity with Hanoi

The China Cultural Center in Hanoi organized the Beijing-Guangxi-Hanoi Cultural and Tourism Exchange Program on October 23 with a view to promoting cross-border tourism cooperation, develop multi-destination travel itineraries, and strengthen people-to-people exchanges within the framework of the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-2027.

At the event, Truong Duc Son, Director of the China Cultural Center in Hanoi, said that in April 2026, leaders of Viet Nam and China announced the launch of the Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-2027, setting a new direction for cultural and tourism exchanges between the two countries. The program in Hanoi responds to the Tourism Cooperation Year while turning common perceptions on strengthening humanistic exchanges into concrete actions.

According to Truong Duc Son, the highlight of the event is the combination of Beijing and Guangxi to present a vibrant cultural and tourism portrait, where northern charm blends with southern vitality. Beijing is an ancient capital with a thousand-year history and the host city of two Olympic Games, embodying unique historical values. Meanwhile, Guangxi is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich Zhuang ethnic culture, and lively folk songs.

Selecting Hanoi as the host venue shows the goal of promoting a regular cooperation mechanism among Hanoi, Beijing, and Guangxi to jointly build distinctive cross-border travel routes and facilitate two-way tourism. The friendship between Hanoi and Beijing rests on a long-standing foundation. Following Hanoi’s tourism promotion program in Beijing in September 2026, the working visit of the delegation from the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism to Hanoi demonstrates increasingly regular and practical bilateral cooperation.

The event also highlighted key policies facilitating travel. China has extended its transit visa-free stay to 240 hours across 24 provinces. Meanwhile, within the framework of the Tourism Cooperation Year, Viet Nam is piloting a visa exemption policy for Chinese tour groups visiting Khanh Hoa province for up to 30 days. These policies are expected to boost cross-border, multi-destination travel between the two nations, VOV reported.

Overview of the event (Photo: baovanhoa.vn)

Truong Duc Son added that the China Cultural Center in Hanoi will continue organizing exhibitions, cultural exchanges, intangible heritage experiences, and art performances, enabling Vietnamese people to experience Chinese culture directly in Hanoi.

According to Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, the program not only offers opportunities for management agencies, local authorities, and travel operators to exchange experience and seek partnerships, but also brings the unique cultural values, land, people, and daily life of each nation closer to their people.

Through the program, participating parties expect tourism cooperation among Hanoi, Beijing, and Guangxi to grow stronger, cross-border travel itineraries to become more diverse, and travel for tourists from both countries to become more convenient, thereby enhancing cultural exchanges, strengthening friendship, and tightening the bond between the people of Viet Nam and China.

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