| Vietnam News Today (Aug. 10) notable headlines Party leader's RoK visit opens new chapter in Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Vietnam bolsters investment, economic cooperation in northeastern Cambodia Vietnam grants visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners Widespread heatwave continues across Vietnam, temperatures exceed 38°C All 34 localities to host fireworks on National Day State leader's visits forge stronger comprehensive cooperation with African countries: Deputy PM, FM China’s Laoling city promotes trade, investment in HCM City Australian workshop discusses Vietnam’s transformation, development State President’s visit deepens friendship, opens new prospects for cooperation with Angola: media |
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu. |
Party leader's RoK visit opens new chapter in Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
General Secretary To Lam and his spouse will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to the Republic of Korea from August 10 to 13 at the invitation of RoK President Lee Jae-muyng which is expected to usher in a new chapter in the Comprehensive Strategic Partnerhsip between the two countries.
This will be General Secretary To Lam’s first state visit to the RoK in his new position, and he is the first “state guest” invited by President Lee since taking office. This reflects the RoK’s special regard for its relationship with Vietnam and demonstrates the strong determination of President Lee and the RoK Government to develop the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between the two countries toward the future, according to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu.
The visit takes place amid complex and unstable developments in the region and the world in terms of politics, security, economy, trade, and investment. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992, Vietnam and the RoK have continuously developed a close, mutually beneficial partnership in many fields. The RoK is currently the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, with about 10,000 Korean businesses operating in the country, the third-largest trading partner, and Vietnam’s largest development cooperation partner. Both sides have set the goal of raising bilateral trade turnover to US$150 billion by 2030.
Beyond economic cooperation, the friendship between the peoples of the two countries has grown deep and enduring, far beyond statistical indicators. Every year, there are more than 5 million mutual visits. There are now about 100,000 multicultural Vietnamese–Korean families, often likened to “two in-laws” bound by marriage ties, forming a solid foundation of trust and friendship. Around 350,000 Vietnamese people currently live in the RoK, and more than 200,000 Koreans reside in Vietnam. About 100 localities from both sides have established friendship relations cited VOV.
This state visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the leaders of the two countries to engage in strategic discussions, identify directions and measures to promote the relationship in a practical, comprehensive, and effective manner, while opening up new cooperation areas in important and potential fields, especially science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, semiconductor energy, artificial intelligence, production chain development, cultural industries, and sharing development experiences, said Deputy Foreign Minister Vu.
President Lee Jae-myung affirmed that General Secretary To Lam’s visit would further strengthen political trust between the two countries, marking an important milestone and opening a new chapter in Vietnam–RoK relations. He expressed his hope that bilateral cooperation would not only remain in trade and investment but would also expand into strategic future-oriented areas such as national infrastructure, science and technology, and human resources training.
During the visit, the two sides are expected to organise a variety of activities with strategic highlights in politics, economic–trade cooperation, culture and arts, and people-to-people exchanges. The discussions will be strategically oriented, laying the groundwork for Vietnam–RoK relations to continue thriving in the new era.
Vietnam bolsters investment, economic cooperation in northeastern Cambodia
Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu led a delegation to Mondulkiri, Ratanakiri, and Kratie provinces from August 5-8, aiming to deepen economic ties and support Vietnamese businesses operating in Cambodia’s northeastern region.
The delegation, which included representatives from the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG), THACO AGRI, and the Vietnam–Cambodia Business Association (VCBA), held meetings with provincial leaders, the Khmer–Vietnam Association in Cambodia (KVA), and local Vietnamese enterprises.
Ambassador Vu thanked local authorities for facilitating Vietnamese investment, particularly in the rubber sector and for supporting the Vietnamese community’s integration, according to VNA.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Minh Vu (third from left) visits the rubber plantation of Hoang Anh Mang Yang K Rubber Development Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Vietnam Rubber Group, in Ratanakiri province, Cambodia. (Photo: VNA) |
He urged continued support for business expansion, including access to investment incentives under Cambodia’s special program to promote investment in the northeastern region during 2025-2028, and called for expedited legal documentation for people of Vietnamese origin.
Mondulkiri Governor Thang Savun praised Vietnamese rubber firms for fulfilling tax obligations and contributing to local social welfare, affirming that Vietnamese investors are valued partners.
Ratanakiri Governor Nhem Sam Oeun reiterated his province’s open-door policy toward all investors, highlighting opportunities in agro-processing, eco-tourism, and a planned airport project to boost regional connectivity.
The Vietnamese diplomat also met with KVA leaders sand Vietnamese community representatives, addressing administrative challenges and encouraging stronger cooperation with local authorities to promote legal compliance and social integration.
During visits to Vietnamese enterprises in the three provinces, Vu commended their resilience in challenging conditions and their role in job creation and social programs, noting that such contributions strengthen the Vietnam–Cambodia partnership.
On the occasion, the Vietnamese delegation held a working session with their leaders at the Le Thanh International Border Gate in Gia Lai province, opposite Cambodia’s Oyadav International Border Gate in Ratanakiri.
Vietnam grants visa-free entry to high-profile foreigners
The Vietnamese Government on August 8 issued Decree No. 221/2025/NĐ-CP on a limited-term visa waiver scheme for foreign nationals in specially designated categories whose presence is deemed beneficial to the country’s socio-economic development.
Under the decree, eligible individuals include guests invited by top national leaders such as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State President, the Chair of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Standing Member of the Party Secretariat, vice heads of the State, Parliament and Government, heads of mass organizations, the Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court, the Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy, the State Auditor General, ministers and equivalent officials, as well as provincial and municipal leaders, VNA reported.
They are also scholars, experts, scientists, university professors, chief engineers, and high-quality human resources in the digital technology industry; investors and executives from the world’s largest corporations; cultural, artistic, sports and tourism figures with a positive public influence; Vietnam’s honorary consuls abroad; and guests of designated research institutes, universities, and large enterprises, as approved by ministries, ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies, and the Government.
Other individuals deemed eligible for special visa-free entry for diplomatic or socio-economic purposes, as decided by the Minister of Public Security, are also in the list.
Criteria, conditions for visa waiver
Applicants in the expert, investor, cultural or sports categories must meet strict international benchmarks listed in Annex 1 of the decree.
For example, corporate leaders must represent companies ranked among the world’s top 100 by market capitalisation; scientists must hold prestigious international awards; and elite footballers must be in the global top 100, as recognised by reputable organizations, and have invitations from Vietnamese professional clubs.
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| An aviation security official checks passenger information before security screening. (Photo: VNA) |
Foreign nationals must hold a valid passport and, depending on their category, provide an invitation or nomination letter from relevant government bodies or authorised organizations. They must not fall under any exclusion or travel ban as defined in Vietnam’s immigration law.
Special visa waiver card
Eligible individuals will be issued a “special visa waiver card” – either an electronic version or a chip-based physical card – both with equal legal validity. The card allows multiple entries into Vietnam over a maximum period of five years, but not exceeding the passport’s remaining validity minus 30 days.
Holders will be granted a 90-day temporary stay on each entry. If the card’s validity is under 90 days, the permitted stay will match the card’s expiry date. Extensions, visas, or temporary residence cards may be issued upon request.
The Ministry of Public Security, through the Immigration Department, is authorised to process applications, issue cards, and revoke them if the holder no longer meets the eligibility criteria.
This is the first time Vietnam has introduced a limited-term visa exemption for high-value foreign nationals.
The move aims to attract elite talent, high-quality human resources, start-up innovators, and top experts in priority sectors such as semiconductors and core digital technology, as well as renowned investors, cultural figures and athletes. The goal is to foster a dynamic, globally competitive economy.
Widespread heatwave continues across Vietnam, temperatures exceed 38°C
According to meteorologists, Northern provinces, except Lai Chau and Dien Bien, as well as the North Central and Central provinces from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang will continue to experience widespread heat, with some areas facing extreme conditions. The highest temperatures will range from 35–37°C, and exceed 38°C in some locations. Relative humidity will stay low, at 50–55%.
On August 10, the heat in the midland and Red River Delta areas is expected to ease slightly, with highs of 35–36°C and some places above 36°C. relative humidity will remain between 55–60%.
Meanwhile, intense heat will persist in localities from Thanh Hoa to Da Nang, with highs of 35–37°C or even 38°C.
This heatwave is forecast to last until the end of August 11. The meteorological agency has issued a Level 1 natural disaster risk warning due to the heat, according to VOV.
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| The ongoing heatwave is expected to reach its peak in Northern Vietnam on August 9 before easing slightly the following day. |
The combination of extreme heat and low humidity increases the risk of fires and explosions in residential areas due to higher electricity demand, as well as forest fires. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures may also cause dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke.
On the evening and night of August 9, many areas nationwide may see showers and thunderstorms, with possible whirlwinds, lightning, hail, and strong gusts, especially in mountainous areas, the Central Highlands, and the South. The Central Highlands and Southern regions may experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, with some areas receiving 15–30 mm of rain, and locally over 70 mm.
Heavy rain could cause flash floods on small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes, and flooding in low-lying areas, warned meteorologists.
All 34 localities to host fireworks on National Day
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has permitted authorities in 34 cities and provinces nationwide to organize festive cultural activities and fireworks displays to boost public spirit on the occasion of the 80th National Day anniversary.
Addressing the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Pham also underscored the importance of avoiding any unfortunate mistakes and ensuring that commemorative events should be conducted in a dignified, safe, and cost-effective manner while creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere to enrich the spiritual life of citizens, cited VGP.
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| The directive was issued during the Government’s regular meeting on August 7. |
A highlight of the celebrations will be a grand military parade involving nearly 19,000 officers and soldiers in the morning of September 2.
The parade will feature six main components: a torch-bearing honor guard and ceremonial flame unit; ceremonial artillery unit; an air force flyover; marching military and police units; background formations of ceremonial guards and military–police blocks; and artistic displays forming patterns and letters, coordinated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
For the first time, Vietnam will also stage a large-scale naval parade at sea. The event will showcase the Kilo-class submarine 636—dubbed the "black hole of the ocean"—alongside surface ships and naval aircraft, demonstrating the country's maritime strength.
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