Vietnam News Today (Aug. 21): Vietnam and New Zealand Promote Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

	Vietnam News Today (Aug. 19): Vietnam Opens Southeast Asia’s Largest National Data Center
	Vietnam News Today (Aug. 20): Vietnamese Navy Pledges Closer ASEAN Cooperation for Maritime Security

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang (R) and New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford during their meeting in Hanoi on August 20. (Photo: MOFA)

Vietnam and New Zealand promote Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang on August 20 received New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford, discussing the realization of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership framework between the two countries.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister Giang emphasized that upgrading the Vietnam–New Zealand relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year is not only historic but also reflects the strong commitment of both governments toward concrete actions that bring practical benefits to their people and businesses.

Giang, who is also Vietnam’s ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) leader, affirmed that Vietnam and ASEAN always consider New Zealand an important partner in the region, highlighting the importance of maintaining a peaceful, stable, and rules-based regional structure. He also agreed to continue close coordination with New Zealand in both bilateral and multilateral frameworks, promote economic and trade cooperation, explore new growth drivers, and identify strategic issues for the next ASEAN–New Zealand Action Plan, cited VOV.

Ambassador Beresford stated that 2025 is significant for New Zealand as it marks both the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Vietnam and with ASEAN. She praised Vietnam’s role and position in New Zealand’s foreign policy and affirmed that New Zealand would continue efforts to align Vietnam’s socio-economic development priorities and foreign policy with New Zealand’s strengths to ensure cooperative programmes bring tangible value.

The Ambassador also expressed gratitude to Vietnam, as ASEAN–New Zealand coordinator, for its positive contributions to promoting and elevating the ASEAN–New Zealand Dialogue Partnership during this 50th-anniversary year.

Vietnamese, Uruguayan foreign ministries hold 5th political consultation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and his Uruguayan counterpart Valeria Csusaki Cabrera co-chaired the 5th political consultation between the two ministries on August 19, during which they discussed measures for further strengthening the countries' relations.

The Uruguayan official paid an official visit to Vietnam from August 18 to 20 at the invitation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Cabrera congratulated the Government and people of Vietnam on the 80th National Day, the 50th anniversary of the national reunification, and the country’s remarkable achievements during the Doi moi (renewal) process. Giang, in turn, conveyed congratulations to Uruguay on its 200th Independence Day (August 25, 1825–2025).

Giang affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to advancing relations with Uruguay as part of its foreign policy toward Latin America. He appreciated the participation of Uruguay's political party delegations in the upcoming celebration of the 80th August Revolution and National Day of Vietnam, considering this a testament to the strong ties between the two countries across Party, State, and people-to-people diplomacy channels, according to VNA.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang (R) and his Uruguayan counterpart Valeria Csusaki Cabrera. (Photo: VNA)

Cabrera stressed that Uruguay regards Vietnam as a priority partner and hopes to work with the latter to serve as gateways for trade and investment links between Southeast Asia and South America.

She noted Uruguay is keen to share experiences and expand cooperation with Vietnam in science and technology, innovation, digital economy, high-quality human resources training, private economic sector development, and international integration.

The two sides agreed to boost bilateral connections by stepping up high-level mutual visits; effectively implementing the existing cooperation mechanisms, including the political consultation between the two foreign ministries and the joint committee for economic, trade and investment cooperation; reviewing, updating and perfecting legal frameworks for cooperation in trade, customs, science – technology, and agriculture; establishing a Vietnam space in Montevideo; and fostering collaboration in culture, sports, and education – training.

The officials also discussed coordination to launch negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur), of which Uruguay is a member, to bolster bilateral trade and investment.

They agreed to enhance coordination and mutual support at international organizations and multilateral forums, including the UN, and to promote Vietnam and ASEAN's cooperation with Latin American organizations.

During her stay, the Uruguay official also met with leaders from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Vietnam is dynamic economy: Australian Foreign Minister

Vietnam is a dynamic economy in a really dynamic economic region and what Australia wants to be is a partner in that development which benefits both countries and the region, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong told the press during her ongoing official visit to Vietnam from August 19-21.

Wong affirmed that Australia gives high priority to enhancing extensive cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, with Vietnam regarded as an important partner and a leading voice in the region.

She said she was pleased to work on the comprehensive strategic partnership and welcome the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Australia in March last year. Both sides have completed over 90% of the goals, which is an example of the importance in the relationship.

Among the top 10 trading partners for Vietnam, Australia will continue to work with the Southeast Asian nation on key priorities on its path to becoming a high income country outlined by its leaders, she added.

She cited the first transaction on a very important commercial transaction with VP Bank, with partners from UK, Japan, Canada and Australia, as an example, saying that it is a 350 million USD line facility.

About Vietnam’s role and contributions in the region, particularly within ASEAN and other multilateral cooperation mechanisms, Wong described the country as a very important regional leader with a long history of understanding the importance of its sovereignty.

Vietnam has always understood the way in which it has to safeguard sovereignty, and has brought that leadership and insight to its role within ASEAN, she said, acknowledging and congratulating Vietnam on the 80th anniversary of its National Day and 30th year of its ASEAN membership, VNA reported.

Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong talks to the press (Photo: VNA)

According to her, Vietnam understands the importance of rules and norms. That is international law like the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other norms which ensure that countries like Australia and Vietnam understand the importance of law and norms to safeguard their own sovereignty.

Asked about how Australia could support Vietnam in key economic areas that the country is currently promoting, such as the digital economy, the green economy, and sustainable development, Wong said Southeast Asia is projected to be the world's fourth largest economy by 2040, and Vietnam is a big part of that.

Australia has developed a Southeast Asia economic strategy which is seeking to increase its economic engagement with the region, including Vietnam. Its investment will finance sustainable infrastructure and social projects, she said, revealing that the National Australia Bank has an additional investment in Vietnam.

On sustainability and the Mekong, she announced an additional 50 million AUD package at the foreign leaders' and foreign ministers’ discussion the same day, which will launch six new and expanded climate resilience activities and water security activities in Mekong countries. That forms part of the bigger Mekong package. Moreover, 30 additional Australia Awards scholarships for Mekong countries will be offered.

Turning to the role of people-to-people exchanges, culture, education and sci-tech in bilateral relationship in the long term, Wong said there are 37,000 Vietnamese students studying Australia, and 17,000 Australian fellows in Vietnam. Over 160,000 Vietnamese have chosen Australia as their education provider over the past years, a very important part of bilateral relationship.

She praised the large Vietnamese community in Australia who are very proud of their culture and have shown the breadth of Vietnamese culture and history to Australia.

Assessing recent cooperation between the two foreign ministries, she was grateful for the eighth engagement with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. The two sides are strategically aligned, and both want peace, stability, and prosperity, and are working together for that.

As Vietnam gears up for the 80th National Day, she conveyed her warmest congratulations to the Vietnamese Government and people.

“We can have this strong friendship and partnership now, I think is so important. We know the history, and we also know who we are to each other today, and we are friends”, she added.

Visa-free travel fuels Vietnam’s tourism and resort real estate rebound

According to the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), the recovery of the tourism sector, fueled by rising international arrivals due to expanded visa exemption policies, is significantly revitalizing major tourism and resort real estate markets.

Visa-free access paves way for international tourism

The Vietnamese government recently issued Resolution No. 229, granting visa exemptions to citizens of 12 countries from August 15, 2025, to August 14, 2028. Earlier in the same month, Decree No. 221 was also enacted to provide temporary visa waivers for select foreign individuals prioritized for socio-economic development purposes.

VARS believes that such visa policies will accelerate the recovery of hotel occupancy rates and stimulate new investments in real estate projects. Many developers are leveraging this opportunity to launch new offerings or restart previously delayed resort projects in key tourism areas.

This ongoing expansion of visa-free entry is also shaping a long-term strategy for resort real estate. The surge in long-stay, high-spending international visitors is pushing developers to focus on upscale properties like beachfront villas, international-standard resorts, and premium condotels, cited VNN.

Foreign tourists participate in traditional bamboo dancing at Mai Chau Ecolodge Resort. Photo: MT/Tienphong

To accommodate the anticipated influx of international tourists, many localities are prioritizing investment in critical infrastructure such as airports, seaports, and transport networks. This will not only enhance tourism services but also boost the overall value of real estate in those regions.

In the long run, maintaining and expanding visa exemptions will enhance Vietnam’s appeal as both a resort destination and long-term investment hub. Beyond extending visitors’ stays, these policies help attract and retain high-value groups, from long-term tourists and international professionals to investors seeking business prospects and livable environments.

A growing number of international visitors, especially repeat travelers, are showing interest in purchasing real estate for long-term residence, retirement, or investment. This trend supports the sustainable development of Vietnam’s resort property market beyond just short-term demand.

VARS affirms that visa-free policies are a crucial "lever" for the rapid and sustainable recovery of Vietnam’s tourism sector in the post-pandemic era.

Tourism revival drives value growth in resort real estate

According to VARS, the tourism rebound and increased international arrivals have boosted demand for lodging, relaxation, and experiential travel, thereby accelerating recovery in major resort and hospitality real estate markets.

Hotel occupancy rates have improved significantly. Surveys by the Vietnam Real Estate Market Research Institute and local Departments of Culture, Sports, and Tourism reveal that four- and five-star hotels in top destinations are operating at 70-90% capacity. During holidays and festivals, many report being fully booked, with room revenues up 20-30% year-on-year.

Caption: Hotel occupancy rates are surging in many locations due to international tourist arrivals.

These top-performing destinations include Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, which boast comprehensive infrastructure, strong tourism branding, and clear international marketing strategies.

As a result, the value of resort and tourism properties in these areas is steadily improving. While price spikes haven't occurred, widespread discounting has largely ended, and investor sentiment is rebounding. Some projects even saw secondary market prices increase by 5-10% over the past year. Additionally, several luxury resort projects have resumed or launched new phases with promising sales figures.

Military parade fever sends Hanoi hotels into sold-out mode ahead of National Day

With less than two weeks to go before National Day on September 2, a massive influx of visitors from across the country heading to Hanoi to watch the military parade and enjoy other entertainment services has left many hotels in the city center fully booked.

Local media outlets reported many hotels along parade routes such as Ba Dinh Square, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and Kim Ma Street are already sold out, even though prices have risen by 30–50% compared to normal days. Travelers have been forced to book accommodation 10–15 km away from the center to save costs.

Thanh Hien, 24, from Phu Tho ward, Ho Chi Minh City, searched for hotels in Hanoi with convenient parade-viewing locations. However, after two hours of searching, she found that reasonably priced rooms were no longer available due to steep price hikes, so she settled for a hotel in Dai Mo ward which is about 12 km from the center.

“I have already spent VND5.6 million on airfare, so I couldn’t afford to pay much for accommodation. The room I booked costs VND350,000 per night, saving me about 50–60% compared to similar rooms in the city center,” Hien shared.

Hotels in the central area are almost fully booked. Some have doubled or tripled their rates, ranging from VND1.5–2 million per night, with some rooms priced as high as VND5 million per night - yet still unavailable.

A survey of hotel rates in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for August 29 to September 2 shows that 2–3 star hotels range from VND1.5–2.5 million per night; 4-star hotels cost VND3–4.5 million per night, up 20–30% from usual; and 5-star hotels range from VND4–7 million per night. However, most hotels are already fully booked.

VisaVerge reported that hotel searches for Hanoi this time increased 44 times compared to 2024, with occupancy in the city center up by 40–50%. Similarly, Agoda and Booking.com data show a 44-fold surge in hotel searches during this holiday period, making Hanoi the leading destination.

Foreign tourists enjoy taking a photo in Hanoi on the occasion of National Day celebrations.

Tran Thanh Tung, owner of Trang Trang Boutique Hotel chain, said all three of his properties in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are fully booked.

“Our rooms for the holiday are priced from VND1.5–3 million per night. Most bookings started in early August, and now nearly 95% of our 100 rooms are sold out. This is one of the busiest booking periods we’ve ever experienced,” Tung shared.

Reasons for the sold-out situation

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (1945–2025), with a grand military parade and fireworks display scheduled in the capital on September 2. Experts believe this has driven demand for accommodation around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and historic Ba Dinh Square beyond capacity.

Although September is typically not Hanoi’s peak tourist season, this year demand has “exploded” thanks to the special anniversary, beautiful autumn weather, and a four-day national holiday.

Even though hotel rates have risen significantly, by 30–50%, and in some cases doubled or tripled, excess demand has left central hotels and small homestays fully booked. With central areas near historic Ba Dinh Square sold out or too expensive, many travellers opted for hotels 7–15 km from the city center to save money.

Besides small hotels and homestays that sold out months ago, major high-end hotels such as Pan Pacific, Grand Mercure, Pullman, and Novotel are not only packed with guests but have also launched holiday packages, dining promotions, and festive decorations to attract and serve visitors.

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