Vietnam News Today (Apr. 22): Vietnam And Laos Promote Parliamentary Cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 20): Vietnam, China to Deepen Ties with Strategic Future Vision
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 21): International Troops to March in Vietnam’s Reunification Day Parade

Tran Quang Phuong, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and his visiting Lao counterpart Suvon Luongbunmi hold talks on parliamentary cooperation in Hanoi on April 21, 2025. (Photo: daibieunhandan.vn).

Vietnam and Laos promote parliamentary cooperation

Vietnam and Laos exchanged views on measures to foster parliamentary cooperation during talks in Hanoi on April 21 between Tran Quang Phuong, vice chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam, and his visiting Lao counterpart Suvon Luongbunmi.

The two Vice Chairmen briefed each other on current affairs and shared key achievements of their respective national assemblies in recent times. They expressed delight at the continued strong development and effective cooperation between the two legislatures, not only through bilateral frameworks but also in multilateral parliamentary forums both regionally and globally.

They reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering consultation and close coordination in multilateral parliamentary platforms such as the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

Both sides also discussed parliamentary operations, with a particular focus on the oversight of the implementation of high-level agreements, including strategic projects on socio-economic development and infrastructure connectivity between the two countries.

They emphasized the importance of such collaboration in maintaining border security and stability, while also promoting stronger ties between localities of Vietnam and Laos.

Receiving the Lao guest later the same day, Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam Tran Thanh Man spoke highly of the results of the talks, which he said would facilitate cooperation between the two legislatures, cited VOV.

He expressed his delight at the continuously growing special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, highlighting the close and effective collaboration between the two countries’ legislative bodies.

He proposed that the two parliaments continue to coordinate closely and jointly oversee the implementation of high-level agreements. He called for enhanced delegation exchanges, as well as sharing of information and experience in streamlining legislative institutions, legislative activities, and organizing joint oversight missions. He also underscored the need to push governments, ministries, local authorities, and businesses to effectively implement the Vietnam–Laos Joint Statement.

Both sides agreed to deepen cooperation between parliamentary committees, and share expertise in legislation, oversight, and decision-making on key national issues. They also stressed the importance of cooperation between localities, particularly those that share a common border.

Luongbunmi for his part congratulated Vietnam on its recent achievements, and believed that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the Vietnamese people would continue to reap greater successes in the renewal process and in realizing the goals set by the 13th National Party Congress.

He voiced joy over the development of the special Laos–Vietnam relationship and expressed deep gratitude for the significant and effective support provided by the Vietnamese Party, State, and people to Laos over the years.

Vietnam's reunification victory comes from collective strength: Russian expert

During its fight for independence and freedom, Vietnam brought together all the strengths essential for the victory 50 years ago, said a member of the board of trustees of the Soviet Peace Fund.

Talking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Russia, Viktor Petrov, who was also a member of the Soviet Union’s committee for supporting Vietnam, elaborated that those factors included the clear-sighted leadership of the Party, the genius of the country's leaders, a wise diplomatic strategy, skilled negotiators, the national unity, a capable army, and strong support from the international community.

He stressed that Vietnam’s unrecognizable achievements and changes today are entirely justified when the Vietnamese people managed to secure those strengths.

He shared that what struck him most was the strength of Vietnam during the struggle and the way every Vietnamese came together and drew upon their collective power to reach the final goal – the reunification of the country, the reunion of families, and peace for their homeland.

With a background in international relations and strong proficiency in French, Petrov was assigned to handle Vietnam-related matters at the Soviet Union’s committee for supporting Vietnam during 1972–1973, when the peace negotiations entered the challenging final stage. The committee was responsible for assisting delegations from South Vietnam.

Working directly with Vietnamese delegations, Petrov witnessed the final phase of the negotiations, when the two sides engaged in moment-by-moment battles of wits to defend and push their agendas toward a final outcome. The US and Western powers did not want to be in failure in South Vietnam, and sought to prevent the reunification of the country’s two regions following the 1973 Paris Peace Accords.

He noted that negotiating with an opponent gripped by fear and fully aware of its impending defeat created an extremely challenging context for Vietnam, according to VNA.

Viktor Petrov, a member of the board of trustees of the Soviet Peace Fund, speaks to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Russia. (Photo: VNA)

He said that he could not remember how many times he had welcomed and seen off renowned diplomat Nguyen Thi Binh, head of the delegation of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam and then the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, during her negotiation and advocacy visits to Moscow. She was also one of the persons signing the 1973 Paris Agreement and the only woman among them. Petrov was impressed by her fluency in French, busy schedules, and tireless efforts.

The Soviet Union’s committee for supporting Vietnam brought together representatives from various professions, including many famous persons and those with financial resources and wide relationships, who effectively leveraged their influence and capacity to support Vietnam, Petrov noted.

The committee's task was not to call for support for Vietnam in the Soviet Union because supporting Vietnam was already a widespread movement in the Soviet Union at that time, but it was responsible for advocating support from other countries such as Sweden and France. Facing hardships of the war, activities of Vietnam’s peace negotiation delegations abroad would have been much harder without the strong support from the Soviet Union, as well as political friends in France, Sweden, and other countries, according to him.

Petrov emotionally recalled the moment when he delivered the news of victory on April 30, 1975 to the delegation of South Vietnam at the Ukraine (now Radisson) Hotel in Moscow.

He stressed that he is proud to have played a part in the reunification of Vietnam.

Vietnam emerges as preferred destination for Dubai investors

Vietnam has emerged as a magnet for financiers from Dubai, especially in the spheres of real estate, tourism, and digital infrastructure, according to industry insiders.

Recently, the Dubai-based multi-industry group PDSI proposed investing US$2.6 billion in a service complex combined with a golf course in Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province.

Peter Dalkeith Scott, president and CEO of PDSI Group, revealed that the project is expected to include apartments, resort hotels, residential areas, a commercial center, parks, two golf courses, an international school, a private hospital, a community sports club, an indoor ski resort, and a wave pool.

This is a major investment opportunity and reflects the group’s long-term commitment to Vietnam, Scott told Investment newspaper. He recalled that PDSI has had a presence in Vietnam since 1992, when it partnered with Swiss and Singaporean firms to develop the Song Be Golf Course - the first international-standard golf course in Vietnam.

In 2017, PDSI established a joint stock company in Vietnam with both local and foreign partners to research the market and seek out meaningful investment opportunities. The group affirmed that it does not follow trends or short-term profits, but instead focuses on meeting the real market demand.

PDSI is not the only major Dubai player looking to invest in Vietnam. Damac, through its subsidiary Edgnex Data Centers, is planning to invest US$3 billion in data center developments in Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand over the next five years. According to Bloomberg, Damac has already acquired land for four data centers in Malaysia and Indonesia, and is evaluating similar opportunities in Vietnam and the Philippines, with further details expected in 2025.

The expansion plan in Southeast Asia is part of Damac's global strategy worth US$5 - 7 billion to turn the region into a key digital hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing services, according to VOV.

Representative of PDSI group proposes investing US$2.6 billion in a service complex combined with a golf course in Phan Thiet city. (Photo: Binh Thuan Newspaper)

Meanwhile, Tyler McElhaney, country head at APEX, outlined that Vietnam is fast becoming a more attractive destination than ever for Dubai investors, especially after Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) completed the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in October 2024.

With Vietnamese economic growth forecast to reach at least 6.5% in both 2025 and 2026, as well as a strategic focus on infrastructure development, Vietnam is unlocking countless attractive opportunities for UAE businesses," he noted.

He added that PDSI’s presence will play a significant role in elevating Vietnam’s tourism and real estate sectors - not only attracting high-end travelers and international investors, but also contributing to local infrastructure development.

With deep expertise in commercial development, investment, and consulting across Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, PDSI has the capability to make meaningful contributions to the Vietnamese market, he said.

High urbanisation rates, stable economic growth, and a series of large-scale infrastructure projects can be viewed as key factors which have helped Vietnam to attract investment capital, he stressed.

High-end projects such as golf resorts, luxury hotels, and multi-purpose complexes are all attracting interest and align with the strengths of Dubai investors, who are known for their ability to develop large-scale luxury real estate.

He recommended that financiers from Dubai choose the right local partners and orient their projects in line with the development goals of the Vietnamese Government, including smart cities, green energy, and sustainable infrastructure to reap success in the Southeast Asian nation.

In particular, he underlined the need to focus on investing in transport infrastructure and industrial parks – important pillars for Vietnamese economic growth and in attracting more foreign direct investment in the coming time.

Vietnamese cuisine earns global spotlight in Taste Atlas Asian food rankings

Several beloved Vietnamese dishes have made their mark on the latest "Top 100 Best Asian Dishes" list published by acclaimed culinary guide Taste Atlas on April 20.

Ranked at number 27, pho bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup) received an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars. Taste Atlas described it as “a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring a rich broth simmered from beef bones, brisket, oxtail, ginger, onions, and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cloves.”

“Served hot, pho includes flat rice noodles and various cuts of beef such as flank, brisket, tendon, meatballs, and is topped with herbs like scallions and coriander,” the guide noted.

At number 37 is mi Quang, a central Vietnamese specialty. According to Taste Atlas, the dish is made with a flexible selection of ingredients and is commonly served with pork, chicken, shrimp, fish, or eggs. Roasted peanuts and rice crackers are often added for extra flavor and crunch.

Another Vietnamese staple on the list is the cold cut banh mi, hailed by the site as a “culinary heritage” of Vietnam. Across the country, banh mi fillings vary regionally, but all are nestled in crispy, golden French-style baguettes, VNN reported.

Pho bo (Vietnamese beef noodle soup). Photo: Linh Trang

The cold cut version stands out for its medley of thinly sliced meats paired with pâté, pickled cucumbers, and a signature sauce.

Beef-based dishes also earned recognition, with bun bo Nam Bo (ranked 50th), bo luc lac (52nd), and bo kho (83rd) among Vietnam’s other celebrated entries.

Established in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known for curating a global map of traditional cuisine.

According to founder Matija Babic, the site's rankings for food and beverages are compiled from reviews and ratings provided by culinary experts and critics, ensuring the credibility of its accolades.

Nestlé announces investment expansion in Vietnam operations

Nestlé Vietnam announced on April 21 that the company will increase its operational capital in the country, with a nearly 1.9 trillion VND (73.4 million USD) investment to expand its Tri An factory in the southern province of Dong Nai – one of the group’s most advanced coffee processing plants worldwide.

With this new capital injection, total investment for 2024-2025 in the plant alone will exceed 4.3 trillion VND. As a result, Nestlé Vietnam’s total accumulated investment in the country will rise to nearly 20.2 trillion VND.

Binu Jacob, CEO of Nestlé Vietnam, stated that the expansion represents Nestlé’s strong confidence in Vietnam’s development potential, reflecting its long-term commitment to accompany the country in its era of national rise, VNA reported.

Nestlé Vietnam announces investment expansion in Vietnam operations (Photo: thanhnien.vn)

The company will continue to invest in human capital, technological innovation, digital transformation, and green growth, contributing to Vietnam’s comprehensive development in the new phase, he added.

Since 2011, Nestlé’s NESCAFÉ Plan has supported over 21,000 coffee farming households in adopting internationally recognised sustainable farming practices. These efforts have helped reduce water use by 40–60%, cut chemical fertilizer use by 20%, and increase farmers' incomes by 30–150% through crop diversification. The program has also significantly reduced carbon emissions per kilogram of green coffee harvested.

In addition, more than 467,000 farmers have received training, and over 86 million disease- and drought-resistant coffee seedlings have been distributed, helping rejuvenate coffee plantations and improve the quality of Vietnamese coffee beans.

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