Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (R) receives visiting Chairman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) Roman Roun in Hanoi on August 18 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Czech Republic seek to deepen multifaceted cooperation

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung received visiting Chairman of the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia (KSCM) Roman Roun in Hanoi on August 18.

Trung affirmed that the Party, State and people of Vietnam have always cherished the valuable support extended by the Communist Party and people of former Czechoslovakia, as well as by the KSCM and Czech people today.

He congratulated the KSCM on the success of its 12th National Congress, spoke highly of its recent achievements and expressed his belief that the party will continue making positive contributions to the comprehensive development of the Czech Republic and Vietnam-Czech relations.

Briefing his guest on the situation in Vietnam, the minister highlighted the country's major achievements after 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), as well as the major development goals and orientations set out by the 14th National Party Congress, cited VNA.

He stressed that Vietnam remains steadfast on its path towards socialism and continues to pursue its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization of external relations, and active and proactive international integration.

The Communist Party of Vietnam attaches importance to ties with the KSCM in particular and communist and workers' parties worldwide in general, thereby strengthening political trust and creating favourable conditions for closer relations with partners, he said.

For his part, Roun spoke highly of the Communist Party of Vietnam's leadership experience and expressed admiration for the country's significant socio-economic achievements under the Party's leadership.

Welcoming the positive development of the relations between Vietnam and the Czech Republic, particularly the elevation of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, Roun affirmed that the KSCM wishes to further strengthen its traditional friendship and cooperation with the Communist Party of Vietnam, thereby contributing to broader multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and the Czech Republic.

The two sides agreed to step up exchanges of information and theoretical discussions, share experience in Party building, and enhance cooperation at international forums where the two parties are members.

They also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of shared concern.

Vietnam, Uruguay seek to expand economic, trade and investment ties

Vietnam and Uruguay convened the fourth session of their Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation in Hanoi on August 18, agreeing to expand cooperation and unlock new opportunities for bilateral trade and investment.

The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang and Uruguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi.

The two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, customs, agriculture, science and technology since the committee’s third session in April 2023, while discussing measures to further advance economic ties.

Thang said economic and trade relations between Vietnam and Uruguay have developed positively, with strong growth in bilateral trade highlighting significant room for further expansion, according to VNA.

The two economies have complementary trade structures, creating opportunities for mutually beneficial value chains. Vietnam supplies industrial, electronic and consumer goods, while Uruguay serves as a source of raw materials for Vietnam’s production and export activities.

During the session, delegates discussed measures to boost two-way trade turnover and diversify the structure of imports and exports, aiming for a sustainable trade balance. The co-chairs agreed to step up trade promotion activities to help businesses from both countries to access each other's markets, while continuing discussions on opening up markets for each country’s key agricultural products.

Vietnam and Uruguay welcomed the goodwill and determination shown in negotiations on the Vietnam-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), and pledged to work toward a successful first negotiating round as a foundation for subsequent rounds of negotiations and a mutually beneficial agreement.

The meeting also identified new areas of cooperation, including agriculture, customs, science and technology, software, timber processing, renewable energy, innovation, culture, sports and tourism, reported VNA

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang (left) and Uruguayan Deputy Foreign Minister Valeria Csukasi sign the minutes of the fourth session of the Joint Committee on Economic, Trade and Investment Cooperation (Photo: tapchicongthuong.vn)

Csukasi highlighted Uruguay’s strengths in the food-processing industry and value-added agricultural products, noting that the country is also prioritising innovation, science and technology.

Within the multilateral framework, both countries are assuming important roles. Vietnam is serving as Chair of the CPTPP Council in 2026 and will host APEC 2027, while Uruguay has held the pro tempore presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) since March and the rotating presidency of MERCOSUR since July. The roles provide opportunities to expand cooperation beyond bilateral ties to broader regional and market blocs.

The two sides also agreed to work closely to develop concrete action plans to effectively implement the outcomes of the meeting.

At the conclusion, Thang and Csukasi signed the minutes of the fourth session of the Joint Committee.

They also exchanged a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between Vietnam’s Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and Uruguay’s investment and export promotion agency (Uruguay XXI).

According to statistics, two-way trade between Vietnam and Uruguay reached 268.42 million USD in 2025, up 58.4% from 2024. Vietnam’s exports to Uruguay rose 64.8% to 179.92 million USD, while imports from Uruguay increased 46.8% to 88.50 million USD.

In the first six months of 2026, bilateral trade reached 148.35 million USD, up 21.8% year on year. Vietnam’s exports surged 57.5% to 106.52 million USD, while imports fell 22.7% to 41.83 million USD.

Vietnam’s major exports to Uruguay include phones and components, footwear, toys and sports equipment, garments and textiles, computers and electronic products and components, and machinery and equipment.

Major imports from Uruguay include wood and wood products, milk and dairy products, textile, garment, leather and footwear materials, wheat, animal feed and raw materials, and chemicals.

Trade volume breaches US$712 billion amid import surge

Vietnam’s total goods trade exceeded US$712 billion from the beginning of the year to mid- August, as faster growth in imports widened the trade deficit to nearly US$22 billion.

Data from Vietnam Customs indicated that total trade reached US$712 billion between January 1 and August 15. Exports totaled US$345.4 billion, while imports rose faster to US$367.3 billion, generating a trade deficit of nearly US$22 billion.

Processing and manufacturing industries, particularly electronics, computers, and machinery, remained the primary growth driver. The top three export categories accounted for US$178 billion, or more than 51% of total national shipments. Computers, electronics, and components led with US$92.52 billion, followed by machinery and equipment at US$43.4 billion, and smartphones and spare parts at US$42.16 billion, cited VOV.

Vietnam’s trade turnover surpasses US$712 billion as of August 15 (Illustrative image)

To deal with the widening trade gap, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will work directly with major corporations and foreign-invested enterprises showing large trade imbalances or sudden spikes in import volume, particularly within the computer and electronic component sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc stated that controlling the trade deficit requires boosting export performance while strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity to achieve a sustainable trade balance, rather than simply restricting imports.

Top culinary award goes to Vietnam, outranking Italy and Japan

Vietnam has surpassed global culinary heavyweights including Italy, Japan, Thailand, and France to secure the top spot for best foodie destination in the 2026 NZ Herald Travel Readers’ Choice Awards.

Voted on by readers of New Zealand's leading newspaper, the awards highlight travellers’ favorite culinary experiences worldwide. Vietnam led the top 10 list, followed by Italy, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Melbourne, France, and New Zealand’s Auckland, Wellington, and Hawke’s Bay.

According to the NZ Herald, global food tourism is shifting away from fine dining toward authentic local experiences, such as exploring traditional markets, enjoying street food, taking cooking classes, and connecting with local culture through cuisine. The publication praised Vietnam for fulfilling these preferences through its distinctive culinary traditions, which combine fresh ingredients, aromatic herbs, varied textures, and rich broths.

Food forms an integral part of daily life across the country, served at roadside stalls, bustling eateries, and neighborhood cafés. Staples such as phở, bánh mì, nem (spring rolls), and bánh xèo (crispy pancakes) remain widely accessible at street markets and local diners. The NZ Herald advised visitors to join cooking classes and visit traditional markets to better understand local ingredients, preparation methods, and the heritage behind each dish, cited VOV.

Visitors experience local culture and cuisine at the Thai Hai Ethnic Stilt House Ecological Reserve

The newspaper also highlighted Vietnam's regional diversity. Northern cuisine, centered in Hanoi, features subtle and refined flavors. Central food, particularly from the former imperial capital of Hue, offers spicier, richer, and more elaborate dishes. Southern cooking presents bolder, sweeter tastes with an abundant use of fresh herbs.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) stated that the award underscores the growing global appeal of Vietnamese tourism. Beyond culinary variety, food serves as a gateway to local identity, culture, and traditions, strengthening the country’s brand on the global tourism map.

Tropical depression moves west across North East Sea

A tropical depression formed over the eastern waters of the North East Sea on August 18, moving slowly westward and bringing rough seas and strong winds to the region, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

As of 7:00 a.m. on August 18, the center of the tropical depression carried maximum sustained winds of up to 49 km/h, with gusts reaching 75 km/h. The system is moving west at roughly 5 km/h.

Forecasters expect the system to maintain its westward track over the next 24 hours, accelerating slightly to 10 km/h. By 7:00 a.m. on August 19, it is projected to remain at similar intensity over the eastern part of the North East Sea.

By 7:00 a.m. on August 20, the tropical depression is forecast to track west-northwest at around 10 km/h, positioning itself roughly 740 km east-northeast of China's Hainan Island. Over the subsequent 48 to 72 hours, it will continue moving west-northwest at 5 to 10 km/h, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Due to the system, the eastern waters of the North East Sea are experiencing strong winds and waves between 2.0 and 3.5 meters high, resulting in rough sea conditions. Disaster risk warnings have been issued for the northern area of the East Sea, including the Paracel Islands.

The weather forecasting center warned that vessels operating within affected zones face severe hazards from thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and high waves. Maritime operators are advised to closely monitor weather updates and take proactive safety measures.

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