| Vietnam News Today (Aug. 28) notable headlines Vietnam to continue substantive contributions to ASEAN cooperation Vietnamese, Cambodian provinces strengthen comprehensive cooperation for 2026-2030 Vietnam and RoK expand cooperation from trade to technology and innovation Vietnam among India’s top partners in “Act East” policy, Indo-Pacific vision: Top Indian diplomat Airports brace for National Day travel surge as holiday demand rises Minister of Foreign Affairs presents books, meets with Vietnamese businesses in Myanmar Prime Minister congratulates outgoing French Ambassador on successful term Vietnam welcomes US tech companies' long-term operations: Top leader Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen cooperation in journalism |
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| PM Le Minh Hung (front, seventh from left), ASEAN diplomats and officials at the meeting in Hanoi on August 27 (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam to continue substantive contributions to ASEAN cooperation: PM
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung received ambassadors and chargés d'affaires of the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Hanoi on August 27, affirming Vietnam will continue its active, proactive, and substantive contributions to regional cooperation.
The PM appreciated the contributions by the ambassadors, chargés d'affaires and their embassies to the enhancement of Vietnam’s relations with fellow ASEAN nations.
He affirmed his commitment to working alongside other ASEAN leaders to deepen bilateral and regional cooperation in an increasingly substantive and effective manner. He also pledged to maintain close consultation and mutual support within ASEAN, along with at other regional and multilateral forums.
Vietnam consistently attaches great importance and high priority to relations with neighbouring and regional countries, as well as to the role of ASEAN, in its foreign policy, he stated.
He congratulated the Philippines, as ASEAN Chair in 2026, on its dedicated efforts in sustaining the bloc’s solidarity and consolidating regional cooperation.
Building upon the achievements of Vietnam’s cooperation with other members across economic, political, and diplomatic spheres, PM Hung requested the diplomats to continue making substantive contributions to the vigorous development of those ties in the time ahead.
In light of complex regional and global developments, the Government leader asked ASEAN to reinforce unity and solidarity, enhance strategic autonomy and resilience, and strengthen its centrality in ASEAN-led structures, mechanisms and norms, including persistent consultation, dialogue, and unity in diversity.
He called for continued innovative thinking, broadened horizons, and diversified forms of cooperation to safeguard a peaceful and stable environment conducive to development.
The PM recommended ASEAN further intensify intra-regional trade and investment; capitalise on new growth drivers such as the digital economy, science – technology, and innovation; and boost connectivity in strategic sectors including infrastructure and energy.
He also emphasized building collective strength and resilience, reinforcing traditional ties, and promoting people-to-people exchanges.
Furthermore, PM Hung stressed that the building of the ASEAN Community must remain inclusive and sustainable, putting the interests of the people at the heart of all policies and cooperative activities.
On behalf of the ASEAN diplomats, Philippine Ambassador Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III reaffirmed the commitment of ASEAN member states to coordinating closely with Vietnam to advance both bilateral and bloc-wide cooperation, cited VNA.
He noted positive and substantive progress in Vietnam's diplomatic relations with all other ASEAN nations, underlining the highly successful visits by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam to Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines, as well as his keynote address at the Shangri-La Dialogue.
He praised the efficacy of existing cooperation mechanisms and the increasingly result-oriented parliamentary links.
Commending Vietnam's efforts in driving regional cooperation for peace, stability, and shared prosperity, the Philippine ambassador congratulated the country on successfully hosting the ASEAN Future Forum 2026, attended by numerous ASEAN leaders, and affirmed that ASEAN member states will continue to support this strategic initiative.
He also thanked Vietnam for its strong support for the Philippines' 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.
Fernandez congratulated Vietnam on managing to maintain robust economic growth in efforts to become a developed nation by 2045.
He pledged cooperation to bolster intra-ASEAN trade and investment partnerships, and proposed the PM continue facilitating the implementation of agreements and investment projects between Vietnam and other ASEAN members.
The ambassador affirmed that ASEAN countries will continue to stand alongside Vietnam in realising its socio-economic development strategies and continuously improving its people's living standards.
Vietnamese, Cambodian provinces strengthen comprehensive cooperation for 2026-2030
Authorities of Vietnam’s Dak Lak province and Mondulkiri province of Cambodia on August 26 reviewed their cooperation during 2024-2025 and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation for 2026-2030 at a conference in Dak Lak.
Co-chaired by Chairman of the Dak Lak provincial People's Committee Do Huu Huy and Governor of Mondulkiri Kong Mimny, the event saw the participation of representatives of departments, armed forces, and localities from both provinces.
Under the signed MoU, both sides agreed to expand their cooperation to include new areas such as agricultural product traceability, enforcing international deforestation regulations, working together to fight online scams, and enhancing collaboration in developing border regions alongside socio-economic growth and better living standards, according to VNA.
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| Dak Lak and Mondulkiri sign an MoU on cooperation for 2026–2030 on August 26. (Photo: VNA) |
Huy suggested the two sides maintain exchanges between their leaders and specialised agencies, promptly share information and coordinate to address emerging issues, while promoting economic, trade and investment cooperation, particularly business connectivity, trade promotion, agricultural linkages and agro-processing.
He also urged stronger coordination in border management and protection, development of border areas, and efforts to improve the effectiveness of the Dak Rue – Chi Miet international border gate pair.
Since 2024, Dak Lak and Mondulkiri have maintained cooperation in external relations, politics, culture and festivals, while promoting economic and trade ties. In 2024, Dak Lak businesses participated in a trade fair in Mondulkiri held on the occasion of the traditional Chol Chnam Thmay festival. In June 2026, the two provinces organised a forum to promote economic and trade cooperation between businesses, providing a platform to introduce their potential and products and seek business opportunities.
The Dak Lak Mondulkiri (Dakmoruco) Rubber Development Company’s project in Pech Chenda district, Mondulkiri, involving rubber cultivation, care, tapping and latex processing, has remained stable, with nearly 1,700 hectares currently under exploitation. The two sides have closely coordinated in defense, security, border management and border demarcation. Their border forces have regularly exchanged information and coordinated to manage the border area, combat crime, and promptly address emerging issues, contributing to a peaceful, friendly and cooperative border.
They have also cooperated in repatriating the remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died during wartime in Cambodia. During the 2023-2025 dry seasons, 50 sets of remains were recovered and repatriated.
Vietnam and RoK expand cooperation from trade to technology and innovation
Cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) is expanding beyond trade as HCMC K-Brand Expo 2026 that opened in Ho Chi Minh City on August 27 showcases AI, data, green technology, healthcare, smart transport and industrial solutions.
The expo brings together around 200 booths from organisations and businesses from 18 industrial cities of the Republic of Korea. More than 40% of the booths focus on areas, including artificial intelligence, data and smart security, healthcare, energy, the environment and agriculture, smart transport, production, construction and industrial solutions, education and tourism.
This is the first time in five years that these sectors have accounted for the largest share of the exhibition, according to organisers.
The changing composition points to a broader shift in Vietnam – RoK cooperation, from simply connecting products with consumers toward linking higher-value solutions, technologies and capabilities.
Rather than focusing solely on introducing Korean products to Vietnamese consumers, businesses and organisations from both countries are also seeking solutions that can contribute directly to digital transformation, green transition and stronger production capacity in Vietnam.
In his opening remarks, Tran Trong Tuyen, deputy director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology, said the event takes place as the Vietnam-RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership continues to deepen, with cooperation increasingly centred on high technology, AI, digital transformation, green energy and sustainable supply chains.
According to him, Ho Chi Minh City is well positioned to expand cooperation in these areas after entering the global Top 100 startup ecosystems and the Top 5 in Southeast Asia for the first time.
The city currently accounts for more than 50% of Vietnam’s startups, over 60% of its venture capital funds and more than 40% of the country’s incubation infrastructure, alongside human resources from more than 50 universities, reported VOV.
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| HCMC K-Brand Expo 2026 opens in Ho Chi Minh City on August 27, attracting considerable interest from visitors. (Photo: baotintuc.vn) |
On that foundation, the city’s Department of Science and Technology will continue to connect Korean businesses and startups with Vietnamese partners, promote incubation, testing and development of technological solutions, and support research, technology transfer and innovation cooperation.
From the Korean side, Consul General Ryu Seung-Ho said Vietnam – RoK cooperation is expanding from manufacturing and trade into AI, advanced technologies, green industries, cultural content, distribution, consumer goods and startups.
When Korean technology and implementation capabilities are combined with Vietnam’s growth momentum and potential, cooperation between the two countries can go beyond trade and help create new markets and new brands, he stressed.
The RoK diplomat noted that the two countries are expanding their economic cooperation toward the goal of raising bilateral trade to US$150 billion by 2030. Achieving that goal, he said, will require not only government support but also a stronger role for founders, startups and the wider business communities of both countries.
More importantly, he held, meetings and contacts at exhibitions should lead to contracts, business projects and long-term partnerships.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City will continue to support Korean businesses in learning about the Vietnamese market and connecting with local partners, he told the participants.
During the three-day event, businesses from both sides will showcase products, conduct business matching, seek partners, expand distribution networks and explore new cooperation opportunities.
Vietnam among India’s top partners in “Act East” policy, Indo-Pacific vision: Top Indian diplomat
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung hosted a reception for Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita in Ha Noi on August 26.
Margherita is on a visit to Vietnam to attend events marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2016–2026).
The Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam always advocates India in playing an increasingly important role on the international stage, including as the host of BRICS in 2026.
He called on the ministries and agencies of both countries to continue concretizing high-level commitments and agreements reached during General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to India last May; maintain high-level exchanges and contacts; strengthen political trust; and join hands in organizing activities to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations by 2027.
The Prime Minister urged both sides to actively explore the possibility of negotiating a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) to facilitate trade, bolster economic connectivity and address market-access bottlenecks, with a view to achieving the target of US$25 billion in two-way trade and doubling bilateral investment, VGP reported.
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| Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (R) hosts a reception for Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, Ha Noi, August 26, 2026. Photo: VGP |
He also called for stronger cooperation in science and technology and high-quality human resources development and encouraged major Indian technology corporations to invest in Vietnam, particularly in technology, infrastructure, energy and pharmaceuticals.
Le suggested the two sides continue studying ways to increase the frequency of direct flights to meet growing demand for travel, trade and tourism.
Margherita, for his part, emphasized that Vietnam is one of India's top important partners under its “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision, as well as a key partner within ASEAN.
He hailed the long-standing friendship and the thousands of years of cultural, historical and civilizational ties between the two peoples, expressing his delight at increasingly vibrant people-to-people exchanges, which have contributed to strengthening the solid foundation of Vietnam-India relations.
The diplomat thanked the Vietnamese Government for taking swift and decisive measures to support victims of the recent boat capsizing accident in Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of An Giang last month.
He underlined the need to foster stronger ties in defense and security, including defense industry, trade, pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, textiles and garments, rare earths and remote sensing, building on the outcomes of General Secretary and President To Lam's visit to India.
Margherita pledged to step up cultural, sports and film exchanges in 2027, the year marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and further promote people-to-people exchanges and tourism between the two countries.
The Minister of State expressed his appreciation for Vietnam for its consistent support for India at international forums, particularly the United Nations, affirming India's desire to strengthen ASEAN-India cooperation, especially in connectivity, maritime cooperation and maritime security.
Regarding regional and international cooperation, the two sides vowed to continue supporting each other at multilateral forums, while enhancing peace, stability, cooperation and development in the Indo-Pacific region.
Airports brace for National Day travel surge as holiday demand rises
Vietnam’s two biggest international airports Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat are gearing up for a sharp rise in passenger traffic during the upcoming National Day holiday from August 28 to September 2.
From August 28 to September 2, Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City is expected to handle around 780 flights and 130,000 passengers a day.
The two busiest days for passenger traffic are forecast to be August 29 and September 2, when the airport could serve around 135,000 passengers a day. Flight operations could reach approximately 800 flights a day on August 28 and September 2.
The projected operating volume is around 5% higher than the airport’s current flight schedule, while passenger numbers are expected to rise by about 16% compared with the National Day peak in 2025.
To prepare for the holiday rush, the airport has increased staffing, vehicles, fuel and equipment. It is working alongside airlines and ground service providers to manage delayed and canceled flights and strengthen staffing at check-in, security screening, departure gates and baggage reclaim areas.
The airport is also coordinating with police and traffic authorities to improve traffic flows around the terminal and address issues such as unauthorized vehicles, passenger solicitation and improper charges.
Meanwhile, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is also preparing for a sharp increase in passenger traffic during the National Day holiday.
August 28 is forecast to be the busiest day, with the airport expected to handle more than 125,000 passengers and around 743 flights. Passenger traffic is expected to be about 8% higher than on normal days and 33% higher than the same period in 2025, cited VOV.
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| Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports expect record passenger volumes during this year's National Day holiday period from August 28 to September 2. |
To meet rising demand, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has increased the coordinated slot parameter at Noi Bai from 42 to 44 slots an hour between 6 a.m. and 11:55 p.m., giving airlines more room to add flights during the peak period.
Noi Bai is also taking measures related to infrastructure, staffing and technology to limit congestion and maintain smooth operations.
Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure, prepare all necessary documents, prioritise online check-in or self-service kiosks, and use public transport to minimize congestion.
