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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew in Hanoi on April 6. (Photo: VNA)

PM Pham Minh Chinh hosts UK Ambassador

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 6 for UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew, assuring the diplomat that Vietnam attaches importance to the reinforcement of its ties with the UK.

PM Chinh expressed satisfaction with the strides in bilateral relations in recent years, highlighted by record two-way trade in 2025 and effective collaboration in national defense – security, climate change response, education – training, and sharing of experience to help with building the Vietnam International Financial Center (VIFC).

He lauded the UK’s active contributions in the region and the two countries’ coordination within the ASEAN and United Nations frameworks.

He welcomed the elevation of ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the highest partnership framework, during Party General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to the UK last year, and thanked the UK Government for its support in COVID-19 vaccines, post-disaster recovery, climate change response, disaster prevention, and development projects in remote and ethnic minority areas.

Praising Frew and the UK Embassy’s active role in propelling bilateral ties with important outcomes, the PM noted that there remains ample potential for further cooperation.

The Government leader called for stronger comprehensive collaboration, particularly in trade – investment, finance, education – training, science – technology, national defense – security, energy transition, climate change response, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. He also proposed easing visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, with firstly giving visa exemptions to diplomatic passport holders, cited VNA.

Frew, in reply, lauded Vietnam’s socio-economic and foreign policy achievements amid global and regional challenges, affirming the UK’s readiness to contribute to Vietnam’s sustainable development goals, especially in green transition, digital transformation, and energy transition.

The ambassador expressed thanks for the PM’s consistent support and clear guidance in bolstering the Vietnam – UK relations and agreed to work closely with Vietnamese ministries and agencies to effectively realise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework and the outcomes of General Secretary Lam’s visit to the UK.

The diplomat agreed with the PM’s suggestion to further increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, particularly those at high level, across all channels to build greater political trust.

The UK will continue assisting Vietnam in developing the VIFC, expanding university partnerships and training courses, and promote English as a second language at Vietnamese schools, thereby strengthening cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, he said, vowing to help facilitate the integration of the Vietnamese community in the UK so that they can act as a bridge of friendship between the two countries.

On multilateral cooperation, both sides agreed on the importance of increasing dialogue with respect for international law to maintain peace and stability in the regions and the world, including ensuring freedom, security, and safety of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, a waterway of critical importance to global trade.

OVs encouraged to expand distribution channels for Vietnamese goods abroad

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued Directive No. 11/CT-TTg dated April 3 on enhancing the mobilisation of overseas Vietnamese (OVs) in promoting and distributing Vietnamese products, and developing distribution channels abroad during 2026–2030.

The directive highlights that the 2020–2024 project on mobilising overseas Vietnamese to introduce and distribute Vietnamese goods abroad was implemented effectively, contributing to the campaign “Vietnamese people prioritise Vietnamese goods.” Overseas Vietnamese communities have played an important role in trade promotion, business connectivity, supply–demand matching and the development of distribution systems abroad, supporting exports while promoting Vietnam’s image and cultural identity internationally.

In line with orientations set by the 14th National Party Congress, Vietnam is entering a phase of accelerated development aimed at achieving upper-middle income status by 2030 and becoming a high-income developed country by 2045, according to VNA.

Vietnamese products are on sale at AEON supermarket in Malaysia. (Photo: VNA)

In this context, strengthening overseas Vietnamese engagement is seen as vital to restructuring exports toward sustainability, improving competitiveness under green and digital standards, enhancing market intelligence and organising more professional trade and investment promotion activities.

Expanding overseas distribution networks

For 2026–2030, the directive seeks to tap overseas Vietnamese as a strategic on-site force in promoting and distributing Vietnamese goods, maintaining traditional markets and expanding access to reputable retail systems and global supply chains, particularly in countries with large Vietnamese communities. Priority will be given to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and effectively utilising free trade agreements (FTAs).

By 2030, overseas Vietnamese are expected to participate in promoting and distributing Vietnamese goods in all host countries and territories, forming distribution networks where they play a key role.

The directive also aims to increase the share of Vietnamese goods within overseas distribution systems, promote e-commerce, develop enterprise databases linked to innovation and digital transformation, diversify modern promotional activities, and strengthen efforts against counterfeit goods while promoting green standards and product traceability.

Large-scale trade fairs and investment promotion activities involving overseas Vietnamese entrepreneurs will be expanded, alongside stronger information sharing on market trends, import regulations and trade risks to support Vietnamese enterprises abroad.

Facilitating overseas Vietnamese’s participation, business connectivity

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will coordinate implementation, consolidate policies related to OVs and promote economic diplomacy to create favourable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises abroad. Overseas missions will support the establishment of Vietnamese business associations and help develop logistics, warehousing and distribution networks.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will lead trade promotion and business connectivity programs, integrate efforts with initiatives helping Vietnamese firms join foreign distribution networks, and promote the Vietnam Value national brand program to enhance product credibility and national image. Trade offices abroad will support market expansion and encourage e-commerce applications for Vietnamese goods.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will connect overseas Vietnamese with domestic innovation ecosystems, mobilising international capital, expertise and technology to support research, production and commercialisation of digital and high-tech products. Priority will be given to promoting “Make in Vietnam” technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, UAVs and semiconductors in global markets, alongside intellectual property protection support.

The ministry will also organise international technology promotion activities and encourage overseas Vietnamese youth and entrepreneurs to participate in innovation and startup initiatives linked to Vietnam’s digital transformation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance will address challenges facing overseas investment by Vietnamese enterprises, while the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will facilitate overseas Vietnamese participation in agricultural production and export-oriented supply chains.

The directive is expected to better leverage overseas Vietnamese resources to expand global distribution channels, strengthen exports and enhance the international presence of Vietnamese goods.

Vietnam set for strong growth as ASEAN+3 faces rising global risks: AMRO

Vietnam is poised to record the fastest economic growth in the ASEAN+3 region in 2026–27, supported by strong domestic demand and stable inflation, even as global risks intensify, according to the latest ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook (AREO) 2026 released by the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) on April 6.

AMRO forecasts Vietnam’s GDP growth at 7.4 per cent in 2026 and 7.1 per cent in 2027, easing slightly from an estimated 8 per cent in 2025. Inflation, measured by the consumer price index (CPI), is expected to average 3.8 per cent in 2026 before moderating to 3.4 per cent in 2027.

The report highlights that Vietnam continues to benefit from strong domestic demand, robust export performance and sustained foreign investment inflows, particularly in high-tech manufacturing and electronics.

Across the broader ASEAN+3 region, growth is projected at 4.0 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, following stronger-than-expected expansion of 4.3 per cent in 2025. Inflation is forecast to rise modestly from 0.9 per cent in 2025 to 1.4 per cent in 2026 and 1.5 per cent in 2027.

AMRO said the region entered 2026 from a position of strength, supported by resilient domestic demand, firm exports and improved external buffers.

However, escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, have increased downside risks by pushing up global energy prices and disrupting supply chains.

Within ASEAN, growth is expected to remain relatively robust at 4.6 per cent in 2026 and 4.8 per cent in 2027, with inflation rising to 3.1 per cent in 2026 before easing slightly. China, the region’s largest economy, is forecast to grow 4.5 per cent in both 2026 and 2027, with inflation remaining subdued at below 1 per cent.

AMRO noted that the impact of the Middle East conflict will depend on its duration. A prolonged shock could spill over from energy markets to industrial inputs, logistics, food prices and tourism, affecting economies unevenly depending on their exposure and policy space, VNS reported.

Workers process vegetables for export at a facility in Lam Dong Province.Vietnam's growth is driven by strong domestic demand and exports. — VNA/VNS Photo

Despite these risks, the report underscores a structural shift in the region towards stronger intra-regional trade and demand. The region has emerged as the world’s largest market, accounting for 28 per cent of global final demand.

“The long-standing view of the region as the world’s factory is increasingly outdated,” said AMRO Chief Economist Dong He, noting that economies are now driven more by regional consumption and production linkages.

The share of ASEAN+3’s value-added exports to the United States has fallen from around one-third to 20 per cent, while the proportion retained within the region has increased to nearly 30 per cent, reflecting a shift towards stronger intra-regional demand.

He urged policymakers to preserve flexibility to respond to shocks, maintain financial stability and provide targeted fiscal support to vulnerable groups, while avoiding broad stimulus measures that could fuel inflation.

He added that sustaining growth will depend on deepening regional cooperation, maintaining open trade and investment flows and accelerating the transition towards greener energy systems.

Northern Vietnam to brace for first prolonged and intense heatwave

The first heatwave of this year’s summer, with temperatures peaking over 38°C, is set to scorch the northeastern provinces and last for several days, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

A heatwave is hitting the northwestern region and spreading further south to north-central and central localities, from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang City. The highest temperatures recorded were 36-38°C, with some places exceeding 39°C, and the lowest relative humidity was between 40-45%.

On April 6, the Northern Delta region is facing a hot spell with maximum temperatures exceeding 35°C in some areas. From April 7 onwards, the heatwave is likely to spread to the northeastern provinces, with temperatures ranging from 35-37°C, and exceeding 38°C in some areas, while the lowest relative humidity will be around 50-55%.

The heatwave in Northern Vietnam is forecast to last for about ten days, and there will be no signs of thunderstorms during the hot days, cited VOV.

Photo: VOV

Notably, according to meteorological agency, the temperature forecast in heatwave reports and the actual outdoors temperature can differ by 2-4°C, or even more, depending on surface conditions such as concrete.

Due to the effects of hot and intensely hot weather combined with low humidity, there is a risk of explosions and fires in residential areas due to increasing electricity demand. In addition, the heat can cause dehydration in people who are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods.

Banh mi heo quay ranks second among Top 100 Southeast Asian dishes

Banh mi heo quay (Vietnamese roasted pork belly sandwich) is placed second among the Top 100 Southeast Asian dishes, according to TasteAtlas.

Scoring 4.5 out of five points, the sandwich is filled with mayonnaise, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro and chives. One side can also be spread with chicken liver pâté before sliced pork belly is added. It is commonly sold at street food stalls and is one of the most popular foods in Vietnam.

Bun bo Nam Bo (southern Vietnamese beef noodle salad) ranks 14th with 4.4 points. The noodles, vegetables and herbs are arranged in a bowl, topped with stir-fried beef, then garnished with peanuts and shallots.

Banh mi heo quay (Vietnamese roasted pork belly sandwich), second among the Top 100 Southeast Asian dishes (Photo: TasteAtlas)

Pho bo (beef noodle soup) ranks 15th with 4.3 points and is widely regarded as Vietnam’s national dish, frequently appearing in international rankings.

Other Vietnamese dishes on the list include Mi Quang (Quang-style noodles) at 21st, Nuoc cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce) at 28th, Bun cha (grilled pork with vermicelli) at 29th, Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew) at 38th, Bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle soup) at 41st, and Rau muong xao toi (stir-fried morning glory with garlic) at 44th.

The list is based on nearly 40,000 reviews worldwide. Sate kambing from Indonesia tops the list, followed by Banh mi heo quay of Vietnam, roti canai of Malaysia and phanaeng curry of Thailand.

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