| Vietnam News Today (Apr. 12) notable headlines Vietnam-Thailand relations enter new chapter after 50 years New cooperation directions drive Vietnam–Russia ties Lao, Cambodian, Thai New Year festivals in Ho Chi Minh City boost solidarity, friendship Vietnam strengthens global position in electronics, semiconductors Vietnam pavilion draws interest at Pakistan’s largest travel fair NA Chairman begins official visit to Italy Cultural heritage drives sustainable tourism growth in Ninh Binh Vietnam set to capitalize on global trade shifts Bunpimay celebration in Da Nang boosts Vietnam–Laos ties |
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| Former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh speaks at the event (Photo: C asean Vietnam) |
Vietnam-Thailand relations enter new chapter after 50 years
The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, ushering bilateral ties into their strongest phase to date. The two countries are not only close neighbors but also key economic and security partners within ASEAN, aiming for common stability and prosperity.
In his address at a discussion on the 50 anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic relations, organized by C asean Vietnam on April 10, former Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Vinh said the relationship between the two countries is built on a unique foundation of geographical and cultural convergence. From the shared Mekong sub-region to a long-standing wet rice civilization, the two nations share many values that create a strong bond.
He said that despite periods of historical complexity and geopolitical changes, the two countries have continued to strengthen and expand cooperation through multiple channels, from official diplomacy to people-to-people exchanges within ASEAN frameworks.
He highlighted the upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as a step that will shape the future.
This move elevates political relations and shows growing trust and deeper ties, with a focus on long-term goals such as sustainable development, innovation and a stronger role in the regional architecture.
From Thailand’s side, Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya said the past 50 years have seen significant development in bilateral relations. She noted that the two countries are entering a new period of cooperation with wide-ranging opportunities, particularly in the economic sphere. Thailand is currently one of the largest investors in Vietnam, with activities spanning industry, retail, energy and services.
The relationship between the peoples of the two countries is warm and sincere, shown in a steady increase in tourist numbers, student exchanges and cultural exchange programs. In the coming period, the two sides are poised to to raise bilateral trade to US$25 billion through the ‘Three Connects’ strategy, focusing on infrastructure connectivity, supply chain connectivity and, in particular, people-to-people connectivity, she said.
In the field of culture and creative industries, Tran Hai Van, Deputy Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Vietnam-Thailand cooperation should move beyond traditional exchanges towards co-creation. She pointed to areas such as film, performing arts, music and digital content as opening new opportunities for joint products that carry a shared regional identity.
She also underlined huge potential for cross-border tourism products based on shared cultural heritage, cuisine and festivals. Such initiatives not only support tourism development but also help position ASEAN as a unified and attractive destination on the global map. She added that empowering younger generations through training programs, exchanges and creative networks will be key to sustaining and developing bilateral ties in the future, according to VNA.
From a business perspective, Phayom Visouveth, Vice President of the Thai Business Association in Vietnam, said Thai enterprises are playing an increasingly important role in Vietnam’s economy. Major groups such as Central Retail, CP Group and SCG are expanding operations while building integrated ecosystems from production to distribution.
She said these companies are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, technological innovation and product quality. These efforts create jobs and added value for Vietnam’s economy, while strengthening the country’s position as a key manufacturing and export hub in the region.
In the coming period, sectors such as renewable energy, the digital economy and modern retail are expected to become new areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Former Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh also agreed, saying he witnessed many important milestones in bilateral ties during his tenure, including the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. However, he said what he values most is not agreements or documents, but the everyday connections between people of the two countries.
“Places such as Vietnam Town, the Ho Chi Minh memorial site and the clock tower in Nakhon Phanom are symbolic structures and living memories of Vietnam–Thailand friendship. They show a relationship nurtured by policy as well as by sharing, understanding and bonds in daily life,” he said.
The past 50 years have been a journey and open a new chapter, with the past serving as a springboard for common aspirations ahead.
New cooperation directions drive Vietnam–Russia ties
A roundtable on April 10 reviewed key outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, shedding light on prospects for relations between Vietnam and Russia.
Held at the Russia–Vietnam Cultural Center at Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, the event brought together scholars and experts from both nations.
Participants highlighted the rise of new “cooperation vectors,” more flexible and adaptive forms of engagement in response to evolving geopolitical conditions. With traditional channels facing constraints from sanctions and financial and payment barriers, both sides are seeking more practical and efficient cooperation mechanisms.
These emerging directions include diversifying cooperation models, developing alternative payment solutions, leveraging multilateral frameworks and boosting private-sector participation. At the same time, collaboration is expanding into high-potential fields such as health care, biotechnology, quality education and transport infrastructure, including Eurasian intermodal corridors and joint projects in railways, metro systems and underground works, areas seen as less vulnerable to geopolitical volatility while offering long-term benefits.
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| A roundtable in Moscow reviews key outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA) |
As Russia pivots towards the Asia–Pacific and Vietnam deepens its global integration, Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a key bridge connecting Russia with Southeast Asia, a role expected to elevate the strategic value of bilateral ties and unlock new cooperation opportunities.
At the event, Prof. Andrey Vassoevich from the Russia–Vietnam Cultural Center stressed the importance of translating the 14th Party Congress orientations into concrete programs and projects.
Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hung, Director of the “Tradition and Friendship” Fund for Russia–Vietnam cooperation, underscored culture, education and science-technology as core pillars for sustaining long-term ties, noting that the Congress’s directions would provide fresh momentum for advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership.
Also speaking, Vyacheslav Kalganov, Vice Chairman of the St. Petersburg External Relations Committee, highlighted Vietnam’s growing dynamism and role on the global stage. He announced plans for an annual Vietnam Week in St. Petersburg in May 2026, featuring cultural and diplomatic activities, with Vietnam set to be the partner country at the 21st St. Petersburg International Book Fair.
Lao, Cambodian, Thai New Year festivals in Ho Chi Minh City boost solidarity, friendship
A vibrant celebration of traditional New Year festivals from Cambodia, Laos and Thailand held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 11 helped deepen friendship, cultural understanding and solidarity between Vietnam and the countries.
The event, organized at Pho Minh Pagoda by the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) in coordination with the International Buddhist Affairs Committee of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)'s chapter in the city, featured the Chol Chhnam Thmey festival of Cambodia, Bunpimay of Laos and Songkran of Thailand.
Attendees included Lao Consul General Phonesy Bounmixay, Cambodian Consul General Chan Sorykan, representatives of the Thai Consulate General, along with students and members of the Cambodian, Lao and Thai communities living, studying and working in Ho Chi Minh City.
Addressing the event, HUFO Vice President Ho Xuan Lam highlighted the close ties among Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand as neighboring countries within ASEAN. Over the years, they have supported one another in national development and construction while working toward a peaceful, stable and prosperous ASEAN Community.
The celebration of the annual traditional festivals of Laos, Thailand and Cambodia in Ho Chi Minh City, he noted, serves as a meaningful platform to foster mutual understanding, strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges and expand multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and its regional neighbors.
By recreating traditional customs and rituals of the traditional New Year festivals of the three countries, the event offers both expatriate communities and local residents an opportunity to experience the cultural heritage and values, thus promoting solidarity among ASEAN member nations, he said.
Venerable Thich Thien Tam, a senior leader of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, emphasised the importance of solidarity and harmony within and among nations, describing them as essential foundations for peace and sustainable development, according to VNA.
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| Students and members of the Cambodian, Lao and Thai communities living, studying and working in Ho Chi Minh City attend the celebration (Photo: VNA) |
Extending his blessings to festival participants, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Tam, who is also deputy head of the International Buddhist Affairs Committee, highlighted the importance and value of unity and harmony within communities, among ethnic groups, and between nations, describing them as a source of strength and essential foundation for building peace and prosperity.
The celebration also underscored cultural and religious similarities across the region, reinforcing bonds among the people of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand in their common pursuit of peace, development and prosperity, he said.
In his speech, Phonesy Bounmixay expressed his appreciation for the warm support and attention given by local authorities and residents to the cultural traditions of neighboring countries. He said the celebration not only brings communities closer together but also strengthens unity and shared aspirations for national development.
The event unfolded in a joyful and friendly atmosphere, featuring traditional rituals such as incense offering, Buddha bathing ceremonies, blessings and the sharing of festive offerings to mark the New Year.
As part of the celebration, HUFO will host a sports event on April 12 for Cambodian and Lao students and communities in the city. Activities will include football and badminton competitions, traditional games, as well as cultural performances and culinary exchanges.
Through such initiatives, Ho Chi Minh City continues to affirm its role as a bridge for regional friendship, promoting cultural connectivity and reinforcing the spirit of unity in ASEAN nations.
Vietnam strengthens global position in electronics, semiconductors
Vietnam ranks eighth globally in export of electronics-related products, said Suan Teck Kin, executive director at UOB Global Economics & Market Research.
At The Year Ahead 2026 forum organized by Bloomberg Businessweek Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City on April 10, Kin noted that the country is home to more than 170 foreign-invested semiconductor projects, mainly focusing on chip design and packaging and testing stages.
According to the UOB economist, Vietnam's strong position in electronics and semiconductors serves as a foundation for moving into higher-value segments of the value chain.
These advantages provide a springboard for Vietnam to deepen its participation in higher-value segments such as outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) industry, precision electronic components, materials and manufacturing tools, as well as industrial AI applications and automation in production and logistics.
Trade with Asian partners is increasing, with Vietnam now accounting for about 4.7 percent of China's total trade, reflecting the country's growing integration into regional production networks and supply chains, cited VGP.
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| Photo: VGP |
Emphasizing that tariff-related challenges for export businesses are likely to persist, Kin held that diversifying export markets is no longer optional but a strategic necessity, which requires Vietnam to fully leverage its 16 signed free trade agreements while expanding into fast-growing import markets in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
With an export turnover of US$107.75 billion in 2025, computers, electronic products and components not only maintained their position as Vietnam's largest export by value, but also contributed more than half of the overall increase in the country's export turnover in 2025.
The figure accounted for around 23 percent of the country's total export turnover and represented a sharp year-on-year increase of 48.4 percent, equivalent to a rise of US$35.15 billion.
Exports of this group to the US were valued at US$42.09 billion, up 81.4 percent from the previous year. Shipments to China stood at US$16.89 billion, an increase of 33.6 percent year on year.
Vietnam pavilion draws interest at Pakistan’s largest travel fair
The Vietnamese Embassy in Pakistan has opened a Vietnam Trade and Tourism Promotion Pavilion at an international travel fair in Islamabad, creating opportunities for economic cooperation, promoting cultural exchange and attracting interest from international visitors and local people.
According to the embassy, the Pakistan Travel Mart Roadshow 2026 from April 3 to 5 is the country’s largest travel fair of the year, bringing together around 250 Pakistani enterprises, international travel companies and diplomatic missions based in Islamabad.
This year’s event is held under the theme " Shaping the Future of Travel: Innovation, Sustainability & Global Connectivity".
During the two-day event, embassy officials, together with Pakistani travel agents promoting Vietnam, welcomed and provided information to a large number of visitors and businesses on three key tourism segments: heritage and culture (Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Hue, My Son); coastal and resort tourism (Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang); and MICE tourism and investment opportunities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Alongside the exhibition, the embassy held a series of bilateral meetings with representatives of travel companies, airlines, hotel groups and investors from Pakistan, aimed at building long-term partnerships and signing memoranda of understanding (MOUs).
Embassy representatives also took part in an international policy workshop featuring a session on visa facilitation, security protocols and travel permits aimed at removing barriers to tourism growth, reported VOV.
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| Tourism connectivity between Vietnam and Pakistan at the event (Photo: Embassy of Vietnam in Pakistan) |
At the session, Vietnam shared practical experience in implementing open visa policies and facilitating travel within ASEAN. Vietnam’s electronic visa (e-visa) policy captured interest from Pakistani partners, and participating companies expressed positive views on Vietnam’s tourism potential and appeal.
Pakistani travel firms and businesses suggested more convenient and longer-duration visa policies for Pakistani travellers, and showed interest in launching direct air routes to facilitate trade, logistics connectivity and tourism. They also looked into the possibility of the two countries signing a bilateral trade agreement in the near future.
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