Vietnam News Today (Feb. 18): Vietnam–US Cooperation: Writing The Next Chapter of Success
	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 19): Vietnamese in France Cherish Traditional Practices During Tet

Vietnamese Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung (L) meets with David Fogel, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration (ITA) (Source: MoIT)

Vietnam, US step up dialogue to facilitate trade ties

Vietnamese Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung has held a working session with David Fogel, US Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the United States and Foreign Commercial Service for the International Trade Administration (ITA).

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the event took place in Washington D.C. on February 18 on the sidelines of the signing and exchange of contracts and cooperation agreements in key areas between Vietnam and the US, which saw the witness of Party General Secretary To Lam.

Hung spoke highly of the role of the US Department of Commerce and relevant agencies in the overall bilateral relationship and in the negotiations on a reciprocal, fair and balanced trade agreement in particular, suggesting both sides accelerate talks with a focus on core economic issues.

Regarding trade and investment cooperation, he underlined the vast potential for bilateral collaboration, noting that the signing of major commercial agreements by enterprises of both countries under the witness of the Party leader reflected Vietnam’s strong commitment to implementing harmonized trade measures towards balancing goods and services trade with the US in the medium and long term, cited VNA.

The official added that Vietnamese competent agencies are coordinating to address concerns of US businesses in line with the law while ensuring harmonized interests of all parties.

In separate meetings with Virginia Foote, Vice Chair of the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham), and Joseph Damond, former Assistant US Trade Representative, Hung appreciated the constructive and active contributions of the US business community and experts to promoting bilateral economic, trade and investment ties.

He also acknowledged AmCham’s important bridging role in strengthening dialogue, fostering a transparent and enabling business environment, and supporting the development of balanced and sustainable bilateral trade cooperation.

Dutch Ambassador admires Vietnam’s economic performance

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam Kees van Baar expressed strong admiration for Vietnam’s economic performance in 2025, noting that GDP growth exceeding 8 percent marked the country’s strongest expansion in many years and positioned Vietnam among the world’s leading trading economies.

The Ambassador said, he was particularly impressed by Vietnam's bold institutional reforms aimed at streamlining governance, reducing bureaucracy, and improving overall efficiency. In his view, these reforms clearly demonstrate the country's readiness to adapt its institutional framework in support of long-term and sustainable growth.

The diplomat also highlighted the government's strong commitment to accelerating public investment in infrastructure as a key driver of economic development. He pointed to the high-tech sector—especially semiconductors—as an area of growing momentum, underscored by increasing Dutch and international investment.

According to him, Dutch companies have already established state-of-the-art facilities in Vietnam, while Vietnamese firms such as Viettel, FPT and VSAP LAB are actively pioneering new initiatives and investments.

To maintain this positive trajectory, he emphasized the importance of continued improvements in regulatory clarity, stronger intellectual property protection, upgraded infrastructure, and the establishment of an effective one-stop shop to support investors from the early exploration stage through full-scale operations.

Ambassador Kees van Baar stressed that both Vietnam and the Netherlands share a common belief that economic growth is most meaningful when it places people at its center, noting that sustainable and inclusive progress should be measured not only by economic indicators, but also by the quality of life it delivers to citizens.

Vietnam–Netherlands partnership develops exceptionally strong

Reflecting on bilateral relations, he described the Vietnam–Netherlands partnership as exceptionally strong. By the end of 2025, the Netherlands had become the largest European investor in Vietnam, with cumulative investment reaching nearly US$15 billion.

He observed that traditional areas of cooperation remain highly dynamic, recalling that more than 15 years ago the two countries signed a Strategic Partnership Arrangement on water management and climate adaptation, followed by another on sustainable agriculture and food security. These sectors, he said, remain central to bilateral cooperation, particularly as Vietnam faces increasing climate and water-related challenges.

The Ambassador noted that the Netherlands is currently engaged in discussions with both Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City on urban flood control solutions. In agriculture, he highlighted growing excitement around innovative approaches to farming in saline-affected areas. He referred to a Salinity Innovation Mission held in January, which focused on salinization in horticulture and aimed to develop integrated, climate-smart solutions for sustainable food production in the Mekong Delta.

Turning to high-tech cooperation, Ambassador Kees van Baar underscored the rapid growth and vast untapped potential of bilateral collaboration in the semiconductor sector. He explained that the semiconductor industry is inherently global, with products crossing borders many times, making international cooperation essential. The Netherlands, he said, is actively supporting Vietnam in expanding its role in the semiconductor value chain, contributing to a more diverse and resilient global supply network, according to VGP.

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam Kees van Baar.

According to the Ambassador, Vietnam offers compelling advantages for high-tech investment, including a young and cost-effective workforce, a strategic geographic location, and deep integration through multiple free trade agreements. These strengths have already attracted leading Dutch technology companies such as Besi, VDL ETG, NXP, Sioux, Tecnotion and Lucassen Precision Asia, with more expected to follow.

He added that the Netherlands is keen to work closely with Vietnamese enterprises to help them expand their participation in the global semiconductor value chain, which extends well beyond a handful of multinational corporations.

He also emphasized the importance of talent development and capacity building as Vietnam strengthens its position in this global industry. While the Netherlands has long partnered with Vietnam in areas such as water management, climate adaptation, and agriculture, he said cooperation is now expanding into high-tech sectors. This includes connecting Vietnamese students with Dutch industry and academic institutions, an area where he expressed confidence that collaboration could be further deepened.

Drawing on Dutch experience, he noted that long-term success depends on building cohesive innovation ecosystems in which industry, academia and government work closely together in geographically concentrated hubs—an approach he believes Vietnam can benefit from, with Dutch support.

From Tet blossoms to strategic ties: Dutch Ambassador reflects on Vietnam partnership

On a more personal note, Ambassador van Baar shared his fondness for Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. He remarked that what strikes him most is how Ha Noi's usually bustling streets become remarkably quiet during the holiday, transforming the city into an ideal place for cycling and reflection.

He described Tet as a time when Ha Noi turns into a vast garden, filled with peach blossoms, kumquat trees and vibrant flowers moving through the streets, creating unforgettable scenes for someone from the Netherlands, where flower markets take a very different form.

He also spoke warmly of Vietnamese cuisine, singling out bun rieu cua as a personal favorite and praising the balance of flavors that he believes reflects the creativity, freshness and harmony of Vietnamese food culture.

Looking ahead, Ambassador van Baar expressed strong confidence that the partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands—and between Vietnam and the European Union more broadly—will continue to grow as Vietnam deepens its global integration.

The diplomat identified climate-adaptive and smart agriculture, high-tech industries and innovation ecosystems, and infrastructure development—particularly in water management, smart ports and airports, and the circular economy—as promising areas for future cooperation.

Beyond economic ties, he also reaffirmed the shared commitment to upholding international law and freedom of navigation, principles he described as essential for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

As the Year of the Horse begins, the Ambassador extended his warm New Year wishes to Vietnamese friends and partners, expressing hopes for health, happiness and continued success in the year ahead.

Vietnam officially becomes IEA associate country

The 2026 Ministerial Meeting of the International Energy Agency (IEA), held recently in Paris, France, formally approved the proposal to admit Vietnam as an associate country of the organisation.

In his speech at the meeting, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai said the decision is clear recognition of Vietnam’s sustained efforts and strong determination in its energy transition and global climate action. Becoming an associate country is particularly important as Vietnam enters a new stage of development, remaining steadfast in its goal of carbon neutrality and green energy transition.

Affirming Vietnam’s strong support for the common vision of building a truly global energy organisation that reflects emerging energy trends and balances the interests of member and associate countries, Ambassador Trinh Duc Hai said Vietnam stands ready to contribute proactively to global energy dialogues.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, said member countries value cooperation with Vietnam that continues to deepen, aimed at a global energy system that is secure, sustainable and affordable. He stressed that Vietnam, a country of more than 100 million people with potential in solar power, hydropower and gas, as well as prospects for nuclear energy in the coming period, will be an important associate country of the IEA.

Dr Fatih Birol (center), IEA Executive Director, says member countries value deepening cooperation with Vietnam.

According to the IEA Executive Director, the event once again affirms Vietnam’s strong commitment to contributing actively to global energy dialogues and working together to build a secure, sustainable and prosperous energy future.

The IEA is a leading global energy forum. It is not only a reputable international organisation but also a key forum for ensuring energy security and promoting sustainable clean energy transition. Becoming an associate country allows Vietnam closer access to resources, policy analysis and international experience in the context of energy globalization, VOV reported.

Held in Paris on February 18-19, the IEA Ministerial Meeting 2026 brought together nearly 60 ministers and senior leaders from member and associate countries, along with dozens of chief executives from leading global energy and technology corporations such as EDF, TotalEnergies and Shell.

The meeting sought to agree on strategic directions to strengthen energy security in the era of electrification, while ensuring that the energy transition proceeds in a secure, sustainable and cost-effective manner for all countries.

At the meeting, the IEA formally recognised Colombia as its 33rd member, launched the accession process to admit Brazil as a full member, and announced that India has entered the final stage of its accession process for full membership.

Tan Son Nhat airport sets record on fourth day of Lunar New Year

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is expected to handle more than 170,000 passengers on February 20 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year), including nearly 100,000 arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City – the highest daily figure recorded to date.

According to the airport’s operations center, it is scheduled to operate 1,037 flights on the day, serving an estimated 170,798 passengers.

This marks the first year that Terminal T3 has been brought into service during the Lunar New Year holiday, significantly boosting Tan Son Nhat’s operational capacity.

Relevant ministries and agencies have also authorised an increase in flight frequencies during late-night and early-morning slots to maximise throughput. On February 20 alone, Terminal T3 is set to handle 459 flights (including 230 arrivals), serving nearly 67,000 passengers, cited VNA.

Passengers pack Tan Son Nhat Airport. (Source: vietnamnet.vn)

Under the airport’s initial plan for the Lunar New Year 2026 Festival, Tan Son Nhat is expected to serve an average of around 145,000 passengers per day, with the busiest days projected to reach 165,000 passengers. The two anticipated peak days were forecast to fall on February 21 and 22, when passenger numbers are expected to exceed 165,000.

Earlier, the airport had coordinated with ground service providers to develop detailed plans for handling flights, particularly those operating overnight, ensuring full compliance with safety requirements and operational capacity.

Khanh Hoa welcomes first international cruise ship of Lunar New Year 2026

The Italian-flagged cruise ship Costa Serena brought more than 3,500 passengers to Nha Trang Bay on February 20, marking the first international cruise call to south-central coastal Khanh Hoa province in the Year of the Horse 2026.

Of the passengers, more than 2,550 were Chinese nationals, while the remainder came from Europe, the Americas and Australia.

After anchoring in Nha Trang Bay, passengers were transferred by tender boats to Ana Marina International Marina in Nha Trang before going ashore to visit Long Son Pagoda, the Po Nagar Cham Towers -a Special National Relic site, Nha Trang Cathedral, I-Resort hot mineral springs park, Dam Market, Skylight Bar, Tram Huong Tower and the Nha Trang beachfront park. Visitors also experienced traditional Vietnamese cyclo rides, reported. VOV.

Khanh Hoa welcomes first international cruise ship of Lunar Year of Horse. (Photo: cand.com.vn)

The Costa Serena is scheduled to depart Nha Trang Bay later in the evening and continue its voyage to Chan May Port in Hue City.

According to the Khanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province received 14 international cruise ships in the first two months of 2026, bringing more than 27,500 visitors.

Cruise operators have registered an additional 34 international cruise calls to Khanh Hoa from now until the end of 2026, a positive sign for the development of Khanh Hoa’s tourism economy.

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