Vietnam News Today (Apr. 11): Top Leader’s China Visit Set to Open Up New Phase in Bilateral Ties

	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 8): Vietnam, Cambodia Set Sights on Comprehensive Breakthrough in Bilateral Ties
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 9): Vietnam Sees Ample Opportunities in AI-powered Economy

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Italy look to deepen strategic partnership during top legislator’s visit

The upcoming official visit to Italy of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man is expected to create fresh momentum for the Vietnam–Italy Strategic Partnership, making it more substantive and effective.

At the invitation of President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Tulia Ackson and IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong, Chairman Man, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the IPU-152 Assembly in Istanbul. The trip will include bilateral activities in Türkiye and an official visit to Italy from April 11–17. Italy is the first stop of the trip, with a focus on strengthening ties between Vietnam’s NA and the Italian Parliament, contributing to deeper bilateral relations.

Italy established diplomatic ties with Vietnam on March 23, 1973. Over more than five decades, cooperation has steadily expanded, particularly since the early 1990s. Italy has actively supported stronger Vietnam–EU relations and Vietnam’s integration into global financial and trade institutions, while viewing Vietnam as a key partner in Southeast Asia.

The establishment of a Strategic Partnership in January 2013 marked a significant milestone, paving the way for more effective cooperation. Bilateral mechanisms, including strategic and defense dialogues and joint committees on economic, scientific and technological cooperation, have been maintained regularly, alongside frequent high-level exchanges. Notably, Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan’s visit to Italy in mid-2025 helped further consolidate ties.

At multilateral forums such as the United Nations and ASEAN–EU platforms, the two countries maintain close coordination, contributing to peace, stability and sustainable development.

Economic cooperation remains a highlight. Italy is Vietnam’s third-largest trading partner in the EU, while Vietnam is Italy’s leading partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade reached approximately 7.3 billion USD in 2025, up 6.2% year-on-year, cited VNA.

As of April 2026, Italy had 155 investment projects in Vietnam worth nearly 520 million USD, ranking 32nd among foreign investors, focusing on sectors such as footwear, construction and manufacturing. Major Italian groups, including SACE and SIMEST, have established a presence in Vietnam, reflecting strong confidence in the market. Italy ratified the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) in July 2023 and is keen to expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as aerospace, artificial intelligence, data and nuclear energy.

Vietnam currently has one valid investment project in Italy worth over 682,000 USD. Both sides also hold strong potential for cooperation in green and digital transformation, particularly in renewable energy, energy efficiency, water management and sustainable urban development. Italy continues to provide ODA to Vietnam in healthcare, water treatment and hydropower operations.

Cooperation in culture, education, science and tourism is also growing, supported by increasing people-to-people exchanges and cultural events. Italy remains a promising tourism market for Vietnam, while expanding local-level ties and the launch of the Hanoi–Milan direct flight in July 2025 have further enhanced connectivity. The Vietnamese community of around 5,500 people in Italy also serves as a bridge strengthening bilateral relations.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Nguyen Phuong Anh, the visit carries significant diplomatic importance as Man’s first overseas trip in his new tenure and the first visit of its kind in over a decade. It aims to implement Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance and diversified international relations, while reaffirming Italy as a key EU partner.

During the visit, the top Vietnamese legislator is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold talks with leaders of the Italian Parliament, contributing to stronger political trust, improved legal frameworks and expanded practical cooperation.

The ambassador expressed confidence that, building on strong foundations and high-level support, Vietnam–Italy relations will continue to grow robustly and comprehensively in the years ahead.

Vietnam, Cambodia reaffirm strong ties, target US$20 billion in bilateral trade

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu met with Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of Cambodia, in Phnom Penh on April 10 during his official visit to the country.

Tran Cam Tu conveyed greetings and congratulations from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Khuon Sudary on the occasion of Cambodia’s Chol Chnam Thmay New Year.

He affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam always remember, value and appreciate the sincere sentiments, valuable support and great assistance of generations of Cambodian leaders and people in strengthening the good neighborliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive and long-term sustainable cooperation between the two nations. He stressed that Vietnam consistently gives high priority to relations with Cambodia and will continue to support stronger cooperation between the two legislatures.

Congratulating Cambodia on its recent achievements, he expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Cambodian People’s Party, the Cambodian people will continue to record further achievements in building and developing a peaceful, stable, independent and prosperous country.

In response, Khuon Sudary congratulated Vietnam on successfully holding the 14th National Party Congress, elections to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, as well as the successful first session of the 16th legislature, which elected key leadership positions. She extended congratulations to Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on their election to key posts.

She also congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements despite global and regional fluctuations, and applauded its efforts to reorganize and streamline the state apparatus. She expressed confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by To Lam, Vietnam will continue advancing socio-economic development toward becoming an upper middle-income industrial country by 2030 and a high-income developed country by 2045.

Khuon Sudary expressed gratitude to the Party, State, armed forces and people of Vietnam for helping Cambodia escape the genocidal regime on January 7, 1979, and for continued support in national construction and development. She highlighted the role of the two legislatures in promoting bilateral ties, maintaining high-level and all-level exchanges, including between friendship parliamentarians’ groups, young and women parliamentarians, to share experience in legislation, supervision and decision-making, according to VOV.

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and Cambodian National Assembly President Khuon Sudary (Photo: VNA)

Amid complex and unpredictable global and regional developments, she affirmed that the friendship and solidarity between the two countries remain unwavering, expressing hope that both sides will continue to reinforce solidarity, maintain regular consultations and coordinate closely to safeguard their legitimate interests while maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development.

At the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the strong, substantive and effective development of bilateral relations in recent years across all fields, and voiced confidence that ties between the two Parties and countries will continue to be strengthened for the benefit of both nations’ people, contributing to regional and global peace and stability. They reaffirmed continued close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums, especially regional and international parliamentary forums.

Regarding future cooperation, Tran Cam Tu proposed maintaining regular high-level exchanges and bilateral cooperation mechanisms across all channels, including annual meetings between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Standing Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party, as well as exchanges between the leaders of the two legislative bodies and within the Cambodia-Laos-Vietnam framework, to further consolidate political trust.

He also called for continued close coordination between the two legislatures in implementing cooperation agreements and promoting oversight to ensure ministries, sectors, localities and businesses effectively carry out signed treaties and agreements, while maintaining coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums.

Both sides agreed to step up connectivity between the two economies in a comprehensive, sustainable and mutually beneficial manner, strengthen links in trade, investment, infrastructure, finance, banking and supply chains, and create favorable conditions for businesses to expand cooperation, while striving to soon raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion, commensurate with their potential, strengths and level of economic connectivity.

They reaffirmed that defense and security cooperation is one of the key pillars of bilateral relations and agreed to boost cooperation in this area, including adhering to the principle of not allowing any third party to use one country’s territory against the other, contributing to building a border of peace, stability, cooperation and development in line with the long-term interests of both countries.

On the occasion, Tran Cam Tu extended New Year wishes to the leaders and people of Cambodia.

The same day, the Vietnamese key Party official and Say Chhum, Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party and head of its Standing Committee, witnessed the handover of cooperation documents between localities of Vietnam and Cambodia in Phnom Penh on April 10.

The ceremony took place at the January 7 Palace, headquarters of the Cambodian People’s Party, as part of Tran Cam Tu’s official visit to Cambodia. High-level delegations from both countries also attended.

The documents included memoranda of understanding between the People’s Committee of Gia Lai province and the provincial administrations of Ratanakiri, Preah Vihear and Stung Treng of Cambodia.

Vietnam–Cambodia relations have continued to make strong progress, with political trust further consolidated on the basis of high-level agreements. In economic terms, Vietnam is Cambodia’s third-largest trading partner globally and the largest within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Vietnam currently has 229 investment projects in Cambodia with total registered capital of nearly US$3 billion, focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, telecommunications, banking and energy. These projects not only contribute to economic growth but also create jobs and support socio-economic development at the local level.

Defense and security cooperation between the two countries has continued to increase and plays an important role in maintaining stability along the shared border. Cooperation in culture, society, science and technology, as well as people-to-people exchanges, has also been strengthened, particularly among border localities.

Top leader’s China visit set to open up new phase in bilateral ties: Ambassador

The upcoming state visit to China by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam is expected to inject fresh momentum into bilateral relations and open up new avenues for cooperation, helping sustain stable, healthy and long-term ties for the benefit of both nations as well as regional peace and development, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh.

At the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping, the top leader, his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam will pay a state visit to China from April 14–17.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter in Beijing, Binh described the trip as the most significant bilateral diplomatic event between the two Parties and countries in 2026. It marks General Secretary and State President To Lam’s first overseas visit since Vietnam consolidated its top leadership positions for the new term, and his first trip to China following the 14th National Party Congress. The visit also follows a series of high-level exchanges, including Xi’s state visit to Vietnam one year earlier.

The visit comes as Vietnam–China relations continue to develop positively, with expanding cooperation across multiple areas. Recent milestones include a high-level phone call between the two top leaders in early 2026, the 17th meeting of the Vietnam–China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation, and the inaugural “3+3” strategic dialogue between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, and Public Security in March, cited VNA.

Vietnam’s Ambassador to China PhamThanh Binh in an interview with a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in China. (Photo: VNA)

Binh said agreements reached during the visit will help shape the future direction of the bilateral ties, paving the way for a new phase in the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the China-Vietnam Community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

During the visit, the Vietnamese top leader is scheduled to hold talks with his Chinese counterpart and meet with other senior Chinese leaders. Both sides are expected to reaffirm the importance of strengthening relations between the two socialist countries, while discussing major directions and measures to elevate cooperation to a more stable, substantive and sustainable level.

Against a backdrop of global and regional uncertainties, the visit will also provide an opportunity for frank and constructive exchanges on issues of shared concern, enhanced coordination at multilateral forums, and efforts to address outstanding issues, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world as well.

People-to-people exchanges will also feature prominently. The two leaders are set to engage with young representatives from both countries participating in a youth programme launched in 2025. The Vietnamese General Secretary and State President will deliver a policy speech at Tsinghua University and attend cultural and exchange activities aimed at strengthening public ties.

The visit will also include the signing of cooperation agreements and field trips to explore China’s development models in urban planning, transport infrastructure, railways, and innovation, including artificial intelligence, in Beijing, Hebei and Guangxi. These activities are expected to translate high-level commitments into concrete projects and partnerships.

According to the Ambassador, practical cooperation between the two countries remains a bright spot, with strong growth in trade, investment and tourism. Bilateral trade reached 256.4 billion USD in 2025, up 24.8%, and continued to rise in early 2026. China remains Vietnam’s largest trading partner, while Vietnam is China’s fourth-largest in the world.

Strategic connectivity, particularly standard-gauge railway projects, has made steady progress, alongside expanding cooperation in digital infrastructure, logistics and local-level exchanges, especially in border areas.

Both countries are also deepening cooperation in emerging sectors such as innovation, artificial intelligence, high-tech agriculture, clean energy and digital transformation, as well as in culture, education, healthcare and sports.

The diplomat expressed his confidence that Vietnam–China cooperation still holds vast potential, driven by complementary development strategies, especially as Vietnam has begun to realise the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and China is deploying the 15th five-year socio-economic development plan for the 2026-2030 period.

Priority should be given to strengthening economic ties, effectively leveraging free trade agreements, expanding market access for Vietnamese agricultural products, promoting more balanced trade, attracting high-quality investment, and boosting bilateral tourism, Binh said.

At the same time, both sides should enhance connectivity in infrastructure, supply chains and economic and logistics corridors, with a focus on standard-gauge railways, smart border gates and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

They should also expand collaboration in key areas such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, clean energy, high-tech agriculture and human resource development, thereby supporting sustainable growth and deeper international integration.

Vietnam’s economic growth remains resilient amid global challenges: ADB

The Asian Development Outlook April 2026, released Friday by ADB, maintains a positive outlook for Vietnam over the near term.

Strong exports ahead of the U.S. reciprocal tariff adjustments, expansionary policies, and sustained investment supported the country's solid economic growth last year. However, evolving U.S. trade measures, the conflict in the Middle East, and broader global uncertainties could curb exports and investment inflows, increasing pressure on this year's outlook.

"The Government of Vietnam responded swiftly to the energy supply disruptions triggered by the conflict in the Middle East," said ADB Country Director for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty.

"Time-bound fiscal measures, including tax relief, use of the stabilization fund, combined with flexible price adjustments and stronger supply coordination, have helped contain near-term inflationary pressures and support growth. Over the longer term, improving efficiency, diversifying energy sources, and accelerating the transition to clean energy will be critical to reducing vulnerability to future shocks," he added.

Downside risks remain significant. A prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt flows of oil, gas and fertilizers through the Strait of Hormuz, raising shipping costs and causing delays. Together with the war in Ukraine, these developments are intensifying commodity price volatility and further straining global supply chains. Weaker growth in key trading partners could also narrow Vietnam's trade surplus and dampen growth, reported VGP.

ADB Country Director for Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty (center) at the press conference on Asian Development Outlook in April.

From a policy perspective, strengthening Vietnam's corporate bond market will be essential to mobilize long-term financing beyond bank credit and support sustained investment. Enhancing transparency, ensuring consistent regulations, and broadening market participation will be key to improving investor confidence and enhancing market efficiency. If implemented effectively, ongoing reforms in this area can help position the corporate bond market as a stable source of long-term finance for sustainable and inclusive growth.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park shortlisted for World Travel Awards 2026

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Tri province in central Vietnam has been shortlisted for the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2026 in two categories: Asia’s Leading National Park and Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination, according to its management board on April 10.

The move aims to promote tourism, enhance the position and brand of Quang Tri’s tourism sector, and affirm the value of the World Natural Heritage site on the global tourism map. The park has registered to participate in the World Travel Awards 2026.

The WTA organizing committee has accepted Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park for voting in the two categories of Asia’s Leading National Park and Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination.

Online voting is conducted via the official website at http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote, with voting open from early April to August 31, 2026.

To ensure a sufficient number of votes and aim to win in both categories, the park’s management board has asked the Quang Tri People’s Committee to direct local departments, agencies, mass organizations, commune- and ward-level administrations, media outlets and tourism businesses to support communications efforts and participate in the voting.

Pham Hong Thai, Director of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, said the park seeks to continue securing tourism titles at national and Asian levels while striving to win at the global level.

He added that the awards also provide an opportunity to promote the image of the Phong Nha-Ke Bang World Natural Heritage site and attract international visitors from potential markets, cited VOV.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang shortlisted in two categories at 2026 World Travel Awards.

The World Travel Awards (WTA) are a prestigious global award honoring destinations, organizations and businesses for outstanding contributions to the tourism sector.

In 2025, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park won a double title: Vietnam’s Leading Nature Destination and Asia’s Leading National Park.

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