Vietnam calls for stronger information cooperation with Russia

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi made the statement at a working session with the director general and other leaders of the Russian international media group Rossiya Segodnya on December 25.

Khoi noted that the two countries' relations have entered a new phase of dynamic and diversified development. Bilateral trade turnover is expected to grow strongly as Vietnam resumes its nuclear power project while cooperation in human resources training and tourism has also reached new heights.

The ambassador also highlighted that Russia currently hosts resident bureaus of four of Vietnam’s largest national media agencies: the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), the Voice of Vietnam (VOV), Vietnam Television (VTV), and Nhan dan (People) Newspaper.

VNA General Director Vu Viet Trang had the honour of being the first international journalist to ask a question to President Vladimir Putin at a meeting between the Russian leader and heads of global news agencies in June this year, the diplomat recalled. This underscored the importance of accurate information flows from Russia to Vietnam and vice versa, especially in the current geopolitical context, Khoi said.

However, compared with the traditional friendship between the two countries, information about Vietnam in Russia has yet to fully reflect the deep affection and respect shown by the Russian side. The ambassador said this remains a concern for him and hoped to improve the situation through closer cooperation with Russia’s mainstream media outlets, according to VOV.

The working session between Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi and the director general and other leaders of the Russian international media group Rossiya Segodnya on December 25. (Photo: VNA)

In response, Rossiya Segodnya Director General Dmitry Kiselev affirmed that Vietnamese readers account for a significant share of the overall audience of the group, particularly for Sputnik, with more than 52 million views recorded in 2025.

Rossiya Segodnya has signed cooperation agreements with the VNA and VOV, Kiselev noted, adding that this model has proven effective and could be expanded both in scope and geographically.

Each year, young VNA journalists have opportunities to attend professional training courses organised by Rossiya Segodnya. Kiselev suggested that this model could be expanded into regular reporter exchanges, enabling journalists from both sides to gain hands-on reporting experience in each other’s countries.

In addition, the two sides could co-produce programmes for audiences in both countries. Rossiya Segodnya is particularly interested in covering visits by Vietnam's high-ranking leaders to Russia and hopes to conduct priority, even exclusive, interviews ahead of such trips.

Stressing the critical importance of precise, truthful, sufficient, and objective information about the coming 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, which attracts great international attention, Khoi informed Rossiya Segodnya’s leadership that the VNA will serve as a primary source of information on the event and will provide content for Russian partners through its bureau in Russia upon request.

He also affirmed that Vietnam’s diplomatic mission will be ready to support Rossiya Segodnya in its information activities.

Coordination in the information work with foreign partners is particularly important, especially as Vietnam is preparing for its most significant political event next year – the 14th National Party Congress.

Vietnam boasts record-breaking growth in 2025: HSBC specialist

In an article released by Associate Director at Foreign Exchange (FX) HSBC Vietnam Vu Binh Minh, 2025 marks another year in which Vietnam has consistently met the majority of its macroeconomic targets established at the start of the year, ranging from robust economic growth to effective inflation control and various other key indicators,

Reflecting on the past twelve months, Vietnam's achievements are particularly impressive given the significant headwinds the nation has faced, including shifting tariff landscapes, climate changes, and escalating global public debt.

Despite an uncertain trade environment, industrial production (IP) grew 10 percent year-on-year in the third quarter. This expansion was notably broad-based, extending well beyond industrial sector. The services sector continues to see strong growth thanks to the stellar performance in commercial services and tourism-related sectors.

Retail sales also saw meaningful improvements, jumping 12 percent in the third quarter. Meanwhile, tourism-related sectors, including transport and accommodation, are also seeing an ongoing boom as Vietnam is seeing the return of tourists equivalent to 120 percent of 2019's level, leading ASEAN in tourism recovery.

Vietnam's trade booming

Coming back to the trade landscape, trade continues to boom with exports and imports both hitting close to 20 percent growth in the third quarter.

Vietnam's trade surplus in the third quarter has more than doubled to US$3 billion, from the first half of the year, which brought the total trade balance to US$20.53 billion surplus for the first eleven months of the year.

Since the beginning of 2025, electronics products have exceeded light manufacturing to be the top exports to the U.S. market. The nation has elevated its importance in final electronics assembly, specializing in finished consumer electronics. This echoes Vietnam's progress in climbing up the tech value chain, underlined the HSBC specialist.

While Vietnam is concentrated in the lower-end of the tech supply chain, the elevated AI demand still has positive spillover impact, supporting computer and electronics components export growth. Besides consumer electronics, Vietnam is also becoming increasingly important in producing processor ICs – a higher value-add segment than just electronics assembly, VGP reported.

PhotoL VGP

Vietnam's FDI performance paints a rosy picture as the country has been benefited handsomely from the FDI-driven export boom. While newly registered FDI has seen an 8 percent decline, adjusted capital and registered capital for capital contributions and share purchases increased by 17 percent and 50.7 percent respectively, bringing the total FDI inflows to US$33.69 billion, marking the highest level in the past five years.

Similarly, disbursed FDI in Vietnam in the first eleven months of 2025 also reached its five-year high at US$23.6 billion, an 8.9 percent. Interestingly, the FDI composition paints a picture of shifting dynamics, with inflows from mainland China and the US picked up notably to partially offset the drop from other investors.

Key pillar for 2026

Regarding the economic prospects for 2026, the HSBC specialist suggested that Vietnam should focus on boosting public investment. In particular, the focus on accelerating mega infrastructure projects has been a priority.

The country's public investment on infrastructure accounts for approximately 6-7 percent of GDP, significantly higher than other countries in the region. This remains a key growth driver for the economy. Given the rising external uncertainties coupled with ongoing global trade risks, the continuous focus on boosting public investment will be a vital pillar for growth.

This is particularly important for Vietnam given its limited room for monetary easing but more fiscal flexibility due to its public-debt-to GDP ratio is at the lowest among ASEAN countries.

Major trends shaping Southeast Asia next year and opportunities for Vietnam

Singapore-based website businesstimes.com.sg on December 26 published an article stating that five major trends will shape Southeast Asia in 2026, bringing with them significant opportunities for Vietnam.

The article wrote: “Front-loaded shipments, electronics exports and foreign direct investment (FDI) turned out to be the engines behind the region’s resilience this year.” With uncertainty remaining ever-present in Southeast Asia, five engines could power the region in the new year, namely trade resilience amid tariff troubles, domestic growth, FDI, sovereign wealth, and private capital.

According to the author, Southeast Asian states have been relatively less successful in their negotiations with the US compared to most of Asia.

“Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam should experience positive spillovers, albeit to a lesser extent, as they maintain meaningful exposure to food and agricultural exports,” noted Deepali Bhargava, chief economist for the Asia-Pacific at ING, as quoted by the article.

Besides external trade, many of the region’s growth drivers in the new year will come from its domestic economies.

Meanwhile, most of the region’s economies put up a strong showing in attracting FDI in 2025. Maybank noted that FDI metrics continued to improve in Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand in 2025, but slowed in Indonesia and the Philippines. The bank projected that these investments will continue their trajectory in 2026, with Indonesia set to experience a turnaround in its FDI woes, cited VNA.

Production line for camera modules and electronic components for export at the factory of MCNEX VINA Co., Ltd., a Korean-invested company in Phuc Son Industrial Park, Ninh Binh province, Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Further, state investment vehicles are stepping up and playing a more active role in driving domestic growth through their sovereign wealth funds, said the article.

It added that with the region’s private capital space representing just 0.5% of the region’s gross domestic product – far below the global average of 1.5% – a rebound could be on the cards for 2026. Industry players are cautiously optimistic about the year ahead.

“Many regional (private market) players headquartered in Singapore and Indonesia are showing renewed activity, while Vietnam’s ambitious growth targets continue to create compelling opportunities,” Thom Abbott, head of South-east Asia, primary markets, at the London Stock Exchange, said as quoted by the author. “From a sector perspective, fintech, healthcare and energy remain areas of strong interest.”

Phu Quoc emerging as a favorite global destination

Following strong demand from the Republic of Korea, India, and Russia, Phu Quoc is now welcoming a new wave of international visitors from Eastern Europe toward the end of this year. Favorable visa policies, outstanding natural beauty, and an expanding portfolio of world class entertainment experiences continue to position Phu Quoc as one of Vietnam’s most attractive destinations for global travelers.

From mid-December, Phu Quoc began welcoming a significant number of visitors from Eastern Europe via charter flights from Romania and Moldova, operating on the Bucharest – Phu Quoc (OTP – PQC) and Chisinau – Phu Quoc (RMO – PQC) routes.

According to Join UP!, the tour operator operating these flights, charter services from Bucharest (Romania) run from December 14, 2025 to January 15, 2026, with a frequency of one flight every ten days. From December 19, charter flights from Chisinau (Moldova) to Phu Quoc commenced and continue through mid-March 2026, with a total of approximately 18 flights planned.

Data from digital travel platform Agoda shows that accommodation searches for Vietnam from Eastern European countries have surged by 59% since the new visa exemption policy took effect on August 15, 2025. Among the top five destinations most searched by Eastern European travelers, Phu Quoc leads with growth of 113% compared to the same period last year. This strong performance reflects the island’s appeal, from its warm climate and turquoise beaches to luxury resorts and a growing lineup of unique entertainment products found nowhere else in the world.

The Romania Journal described the island as “a vibrant destination that combines beautiful natural scenery, modern resorts, high end services, traditional craft villages, and a fascinating culture.”

In Phu Quoc, visitors can experience the world’s longest three wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, an attraction frequently praised by international media as a must try experience when visiting Phu Quoc. In addition, Sunset Town has become a defining highlight, with nightly fireworks from the Symphony of the Sea and Kiss of the Sea shows. These performances make Phu Quoc the only island in the world to host fireworks twice every night, all year round. Newly developed night markets such as VUI-Fest and Sunset Bazaar further enhance the island’s nighttime economy, offering visitors a wide range of after dark experiences, reported VNA.

International travelers continue to choose Phu Quoc as Vietnam’s leading leisure destination. (Photo: Sun Group)

Commenting on Phu Quoc’s potential, Mr. Gamzat Aliev, Destination Director for Vietnam at Join UP!, said: “We plan to expand into additional markets next year, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovakia, further reinforcing Phu Quoc’s position as one of Asia’s leading destinations. If Phu Quoc continues to maintain competitive costs while investing in infrastructure over the coming years, the island will attract stronger and more stable tourist flows from Eastern Europe. Price stability and sustainable development are key drivers for long term growth.”

Meanwhile, Iulian Beiu, CEO of Join UP! Romania, told Romania Journal: “Phu Quoc is not just a destination, it is a state of mind, defined by freedom, peace, and discovery.”'

Before the emergence of this Eastern European travel wave, Phu Quoc had already recorded strong growth from markets such as the Republic of Korea, Taiwan (China), CIS countries, and other destinations connected by direct flights. Currently, Phu Quoc International Airport handles nearly 40 international flights per day.

Even in markets without direct routes, Phu Quoc continues to see strong demand. On December 10, Phu Quoc International Airport welcomed more than 180 Indian travelers on a new charter flight from New Delhi. Each flight is expected to carry approximately 160 to 180 passengers, bringing an estimated total of around 1,400 Indian visitors to Phu Quoc during the initial month of operations.

As traditional source markets stabilise, Phu Quoc’s continued success in attracting new international visitor flows, from South Asia to Eastern Europe, highlights the rare market expansion capability of an island destination. Charter flights are not only a short term boost in visitor numbers, but also a clear signal of Phu Quoc’s readiness to accommodate longer stays, higher spending travelers, and its growing role as a truly global tourism destination.

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