Swiss politician hails Vietnam’s independent, non-aligned foreign policy

In today’s turbulent world, the fact that a socialist country like Vietnam is pursuing a peaceful path while maintaining an independent and non-aligned foreign policy holds great significance, according to Massimiliano Ay, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland (CPS).

Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Switzerland on the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day, Ay highlighted Vietnam as a model of non-aligned diplomacy and balance, commending the country’s consistent efforts to promote dialogue among different systems while avoiding confrontation. He stressed that Vietnam has demonstrated its capability and always played an active, constructive role in diplomacy, international affairs and within UN bodies.

He affirmed that the Communist Party of Switzerland will continue its mission of raising awareness among the Swiss public of Vietnam’s positive and constructive role on the global stage, according to VNA.

Massimiliano Ay (left), General Secretary of the Communist Party of Switzerland, and a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent in Switzerland (Photo: VNA)

He expressed his expectations for Switzerland-Vietnam relations, hoping that the two countries would soon finalise a free trade agreement.

Such a deal will be an important step forward for the Swiss economy, allowing it to diversify trading partners and reduce dependence on certain markets, while offering Vietnam the benefit of closer engagement with Switzerland, he noted.

According to the CPS leader, the potential for cooperation between the two communist parties is great in certain areas, suggesting that the two sides should maintain regular dialogue, exchange analyses, positions and viewpoints, and strengthen people-to-people ties.

Tourism, he added, is another sector with significant potential. He reaffirmed that his party stands ready to contribute to strengthening bilateral cooperation and to supporting Vietnam in gaining a deeper understanding of Switzerland’s realities.

Vietnam Coast Guard ship visits Indonesia to enhance maritime cooperation

Vietnam’s most advanced Coast Guard vessel, CBS 8001, arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in Indonesia on August 25 for an exchange program with the Indonesian Coast Guard.

The visit is a significant step in strengthening maritime cooperation and bolstering coordination to ensure security and safety at sea between the two nations.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ASEAN; Vice Admiral Irvansyah, Commander of the Indonesian Coast Guard; officials from the Vietnamese Embassy and Defence Attaché Office in Indonesia; as well as officers and sailors from the Indonesian Coast Guard.

Irvansyah emphasized that the visit is part of bilateral cooperation, establishing a foundation for the two parties to create a balanced framework aimed at enhancing maritime security, safety, and regional stability. He also noted that this occasion provides a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, reported VNA.

Vietnam Coast Guard ship CBS 8001 docks at Tanjung Priok Port, Indonesia. (Photo: VNA)

During their stay in Indonesia from August 25 to 29, the Vietnam Coast Guard delegation, led by Col. Nguyen Tran Dong, Deputy Commander of Coast Guard Region 3, will engage in various activities, including courtesy calls on local leaders, a bilateral meeting with the Indonesian Coast Guard, sports exchanges, and cultural tours in Jakarta. A highlight will be a joint at-sea exercise aimed at enhancing coordination in humanitarian assistance, search and rescue operations, and maritime security across the waters of the two countries and the wider region.

Visa-free entry for global leaders may spark new FDI wave in Vietnam

Vietnam opens its doors to corporate giants and top-tier specialists through a groundbreaking visa reform effective this August.

For the first time, Vietnam has implemented a special visa exemption policy for leaders of global corporations and top-tier experts. This move is expected to pave the way for a new wave of high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI), advanced technology transfer, and the arrival of highly skilled professionals.

With Decree No. 221/2025 officially taking effect on August 15, investors, corporate leaders, and executives from the world’s top enterprises are now eligible for visa-free entry into Vietnam. The list of eligible businesses is determined annually by reputable international organizations ranking the world’s 100 largest companies by market capitalization.

In addition to business leaders, the policy also applies to scholars, experts, scientists, professors from universities and research institutes, chief engineers, and top-tier digital industry professionals, as well as invited guests of universities and major enterprises.

The visa exemption period is valid for up to five years. Foreign nationals granted this special visa will receive a 90-day temporary residence certificate per entry, with extensions subject to consideration if needed.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thuong Lang, a senior lecturer at the Institute of International Trade and Economics, National Economics University, this is a pivotal move that directly facilitates the inflow of capital and high-quality human resources into Vietnam.

Lang explained that short-term visas are insufficient for investors, senior executives, and elite experts to feel confident in building long-term operations in Vietnam. He emphasized that extending the visa period (beyond the current 90-day limit) allows them to work, consume, and integrate more deeply with Vietnam.

He noted that each day a wealthy entrepreneur or international expert stays in Vietnam contributes significant economic value through luxury consumption, which boosts overall demand and creates more high-quality jobs. In recent years, numerous billionaires and large-scale investors have visited Vietnam. If they are treated well and experience a seamless visa process, they could become "invisible ambassadors" promoting Vietnam’s global image, cited VNN.

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, visited Vietnam twice in a year. NVIDIA is partnering with Vietnam to establish two AI research and data centers.

Lang also emphasized that the visa policy is only one element within Vietnam’s broader strategy under Politburo Resolution 50, which aims to attract $150-200 billion in FDI during 2021-2025 - equivalent to $30-40 billion annually. With FDI registrations reaching over $24 billion in just the first seven months of this year, the target is well within reach, despite global uncertainties.

However, Lang warned that regional competition is intensifying. Countries like Indonesia and India are aggressively improving their investment environments, particularly with competitive labor costs. Therefore, Vietnam must develop unique advantages beyond standard incentives - specifically, breakthrough policies targeting large multinational corporations and high-level talent. These groups bring significant capital, cutting-edge technology, global brands, and vast networks.

“If Vietnam can demonstrate true openness and offer practical incentives, it will not only attract investments but also become a desirable destination for these individuals and their families to live long-term,” Lang predicted. He added that if implemented holistically, the policy will not only draw major investors but also satellite companies and partners within their ecosystems - creating a powerful new investment wave.

Improving visa policies has long been a top request from foreign businesses in Vietnam. The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (Kocham) has previously recommended diversifying visa categories, simplifying procedures, and introducing long-term visa options, including permanent residency for large-scale investors to minimize costs and administrative burdens.

Kocham also urged Vietnam to consider creating visa options for retirees as a strategy to attract long-term foreign capital.

Likewise, the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) has proposed a visa exemption for all EU member states, along with special visas for conference, exhibition, and sports event attendees. EuroCham emphasized that streamlining immigration procedures is crucial for making Vietnam a top destination for tourists and investors - an essential factor for global economic integration.

Vietnamese street food named among Top 100 Southeast Asian meat dishes

Local street food including Bo nhung dam (Beef in vinegar hot pot) and Bún chả (Grilled pork meatballs with vermicelli noodles) have been named among the list of the Top 100 Southeast Asian meat dishes.

The list was announced in August by TasteAtlas, a website dedicated to discovering fresh ingredients, traditional dishes, and authentic restaurants from all over the world. The results of the voting were based on evaluations put forward by both culinary experts and readers based globally.

In third position among the Top 100 Southeast Asian meat dishes was Bò nhúng dấm (Beef in vinegar hot pot).

The Vietnamese version of hot pot consists of a vinegar-flavored broth that may also include coconut milk or coconut water, lemongrass, onions, or other additions, while typical accompaniments include thinly sliced raw beef and an assortment of fresh vegetables and herbs.

Bo luc lac (Vietnamese shaking beef) ranks 12th among the Top 100 Southeast Asian meat dishes. (Image: Internet)

This delicacy was followed by Thit kho tau (Vietnamese caramelized pork belly) and Bò lúc lắc (Vietnamese shaking beef) which ranked at 11th and 12th, respectively.

Meanwhile, Bo sot vang (Vietnamese beef stew) and Bun cha (Grilled pork meatballs with vermicelli noodles) claimed 16th and 17th positions.

Elsewhere, 27th position went to Cha bo cuon la lot (Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf) which comprises of beef that is combined with spices and onions before being wrapped in la lot leaves.

TasteAtlas also included many Vietnamese dishes to the list, including Bo ne (Vietnamese steak and eggs), Com tam suon (Broken rice with grilled pork), Nem lui (Grilled ground pork on lemongrass skewers), Ca ri ga (Vietnamese chicken curry), Pho xao (Stir-fried Pho), Ga sa ot (Lemongrass chicken), Bun mang vit (Duck noodle soup with bamboo shoots), Banh mi xiu mai (Meatball bread), Bo vien (Vietnamese beef meatballs), Ga luoc (Boiled chicken), and Mon goi ga (Vietnamese shredded chicken salad).

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