Vietnamese FM meets counterparts of UAE, Egypt and Türkiye
At his meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister Trung praised the substantive progress in implementing the Vietnam–UAE Comprehensive Partnership, spotlighting the recently unveiled over-1-billion-USD hyperscale data centre project in Ho Chi Minh City between G42 and a Vietnamese investment consortium.
Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung met with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Türkiye on February 19–20 while accompanying the high-level Vietnamese delegation led by Party General Secretary To Lam to the inaugural meeting of the Gaza Board of Peace.
At his meeting with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister Trung praised the substantive progress in implementing the Vietnam–UAE Comprehensive Partnership, spotlighting the recently unveiled over-1-billion-USD hyperscale data centre project in Ho Chi Minh City between G42 and a Vietnamese investment consortium.
The UAE official revealed that Investment Minister Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi has been appointed as the focal coordinator for advancing relations with Vietnam – a designation reserved for a limited number of strategic partners.
He also voiced interest in expanding the intake of Vietnamese workers across various UAE sectors. Both sides agreed to step up cooperation in trade, tourism, science and technology through flexible, results-oriented mechanisms, while maintaining close coordination on Gaza reconstruction within the Board of Peace framework.
During his meeting with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides committed to effectively rolling out the outcomes of State President Luong Cuong’s state visit to Egypt last August and advancing the bilateral Comprehensive Partnership. They set a target of doubling two-way trade from current levels and expanding collaboration in priority sectors such as defence and security, agriculture, science and technology, information technology, artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
The Egyptian minister called for high-level exchanges within the year and the early activation of established cooperation mechanisms, including the Intergovernmental Committee and political consultations. Both sides agreed to fast-track pre-feasibility studies toward launching negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA), alongside boosting business exchanges and online connectivity forums. On Middle East issues, they shared concern over safeguarding the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and pledged to coordinate humanitarian support for Gaza, according to VNA.
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| Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung meets with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. (Photo published by VNA) |
In discussions with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Minister Trung underscored the alignment of strategic interests between the two countries as a solid platform for deeper cooperation. Minister Fidan affirmed that Türkiye highly values its relationship with Vietnam – its second-largest trading partner in ASEAN – and commended Vietnam’s constructive contributions to addressing regional hotspots.
The two ministers agreed on a range of measures to elevate ties, including intensifying high-level visits, upgrading the partnership framework, convening the Intergovernmental Committee in 2026, strengthening Party-to-Party exchanges, initiating bilateral FTA negotiations, and expanding cooperation in defence and security, defence industry, aviation and maritime connectivity. They also committed to enhanced coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums.
The meeting concluded with exchanges on regional and global developments, with both sides agreeing to work closely within the Peace Council framework to ensure effective assistance for the people of the Gaza Strip.
Vietnam eyes deeper economic partnership with France in key future industries
During a February 20 working session with Benoit Clocheret, Vice President of MEDEF International – the global outreach arm of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) – and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group, along with representatives of major French corporations, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai underscored that these sectors form core pillars of Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy and offer strong complementarities between the two economies.
Vietnam is ramping up efforts to draw high-quality French investment into sectors where France holds global advantages, including transport infrastructure, smart cities, renewable energy, artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, logistics, healthcare and high-tech agriculture, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai has said.
During a February 20 working session with Benoit Clocheret, Vice President of MEDEF International – the global outreach arm of the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) – and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group, along with representatives of major French corporations, Ambassador Hai underscored that these sectors form core pillars of Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy and offer strong complementarities between the two economies.
He praised MEDEF International for its proactive engagement in recent years, particularly its successful organization of the Vietnam–France Business Forum in last June, noting that the event reinforced MEDEF’s role as a strategic connector between the two business communities and laid important groundwork for upgrading bilateral cooperation.
The ambassador also highlighted Artelia’s two decades of contributions in Vietnam, notably in large-scale infrastructure projects such as metro systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The enduring and effective presence of French firms like Artelia, he said, reflects the depth and long-term potential of Vietnam–France economic ties.
Clocheret, who also chairs the France–Vietnam Business Council, said Artelia employs around 800 staff in Vietnam and considers the country a strategic market, both commercially and in terms of human capital development. Vietnamese professionals are not only engaged in domestic projects but also support the group’s operations in Laos, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, positioning Vietnam as a regional “centre of excellence” within its network.
He added that Artelia is honoured to participate in the early stages of Vietnam’s high-speed railway project and to provide consultancy and supervision services for a new airport project in Hanoi, describing these roles as a meaningful contribution to the country’s infrastructure modernisation drive.
Clocheret said MEDEF International is working to place Vietnam more firmly on the strategic radar of French businesses, at a time when many firms are focusing on larger markets such as the US, China and India. With a population of over 100 million, sustained economic growth, a skilled workforce and strong reform momentum, Vietnam stands out as a dynamic and promising destination in French companies’ global expansion strategies.
The two sides agreed to coordinate the organization of the second Vietnam–France Business Forum in France, tentatively slated for mid-June, with MEDEF proposing the participation of senior leaders, potentially including Vietnam’s Minister of Finance, to maximise the event’s impact and business engagement.
Discussions also covered a broad range of potential cooperation areas, from transport infrastructure, including high-speed rail, metro systems and aviation, to renewable and nuclear energy, high-tech industries, semiconductors, healthcare, aerospace, defence and the maritime economy. Clocheret emphasised France’s strong capabilities in nuclear energy, with more than 60 reactors in operation and extensive expertise in technology and safety management, which could support Vietnam’s long-term energy strategy.
The meeting also explored regional energy connectivity within ASEAN, where Vietnam plays a pivotal role in linking hydropower resources from Laos with Singapore’s clean energy demand, creating fresh opportunities amid the global energy transition, reported VNA.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai (third from right) poses for a photo with leaders of MEDEF International, including Benoit Clocheret (third from left), Vice President of MEDEF International, Chairman of the France–Vietnam Business Council, and Executive Chairman of Artelia Group. (Photo: VNA) |
MEDEF International candidly raised concerns from French businesses regarding administrative procedures and the stability and predictability of Vietnam’s legal framework, while acknowledging recent reforms to streamline governance structures and improve the investment climate as positive signals for investors.
Ambassador Hai reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government’s commitment to accelerating administrative reform, enhancing transparency and ensuring a stable, predictable legal environment to facilitate long-term investment, including by French enterprises.
On the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), he called on MEDEF International to continue advocating for France’s early ratification, sending a strong message of confidence and long-term partnership. Clocheret reiterated MEDEF’s bridging role and stressed the importance of encouraging greater Vietnamese investment in France, using successful cases to generate broader momentum for two-way cooperation.
Tet tourism surges across Vietnam
Vietnam’s major destinations report strong tourism growth during the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, with one province welcoming over one million visitors.
The Hanoi Department of Tourism recently reported that over six days, from February 14 to February 19 - corresponding to the 27th day of the last lunar month to the third day of the first lunar month - the capital saw positive growth in both visitor numbers and revenue.
During the five official Tet holiday days, Hanoi is estimated to have welcomed more than 726,000 visitors, including approximately 135,000 international arrivals.
Among the most popular attractions were the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Hoa Lo Prison Relic Site and the Huong Pagoda complex. Several destinations also left a new mark through technology application and innovative visitor experiences. The “Flag Tower Memories” tour combined 3D mapping performances at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long; the Co Loa Festival in spring Binh Ngo 2026 piloted a “Digital Relic - Traditional Festival Space” model; the Huong Pagoda Festival introduced e-ticketing, online sales, automated ticket kiosks, QR code control and AI cameras to proactively regulate traffic flows.
According to a rapid report from the Ninh Binh Department of Tourism, from February 14 to February 19 the province welcomed more than 1.36 million visitors, including nearly 230,000 international tourists. Tourism revenue exceeded VND2,040 billion (US$83 million). In addition to the traditional domestic market, the number of visitors from India and several European countries increased markedly, contributing to a vibrant multicultural atmosphere in this heritage land.
Well-known destinations such as Trang An, Hoa Lu Ancient Town and the Thung Nham Ecotourism Area were crowded with visitors throughout the Tet holiday.
From February 14 to February 19, Hue welcomed an estimated nearly 250,000 visitors, including close to 165,000 international arrivals. Tourism revenue reached approximately VND736.5 billion (around US$30 million). On February 19 alone, room occupancy hit 99 percent, the highest rate during the Tet holiday. Over the nine-day Lunar New Year break, Hue is expected to receive around 500,000 visitors, up 231 percent year on year, cited VNN.
Lam Dong province recorded an estimated 910,000 visitors from February 14 to February 20, an increase of about 29 percent compared to the Tet holiday in 2025. Of these, roughly 60,000 were international travelers. Tourism revenue was estimated at VND1,800 billion (US$73 million). Average room occupancy reached 75 to 80 percent, while three- to five-star accommodations achieved 85 to 95 percent occupancy.
An Giang also reported strong growth between February 14 and February 20. The province is estimated to have welcomed more than 1.1 million visitors, up nearly 63 percent year on year, including close to 78,000 international arrivals. Total tourism revenue reached over VND1,995 billion (US$81 million), an increase of 40.5 percent compared to the same period.
The Phu Quoc special zone alone welcomed more than 264,000 visitors over seven days, up 22.2 percent year on year.
“Overall, the organization and service for tourists during the Lunar New Year 2026 were carefully implemented by local authorities and tourism service providers, meeting visitor demand. However, on the afternoon of February 19, due to a power incident, the Hon Thom cable car temporarily stopped operating for inspection. The operator proactively transported visitors back to Phu Quoc (An Thoi) by hydraulic cable system and canoe to ensure safety, while covering meal expenses on the island and refunding ticket and related travel costs. To date, customers have expressed understanding and no complaints have been recorded regarding the incident,” a representative of the An Giang Department of Tourism said.
Tan Son Nhat Airport handles nearly 170,000 passengers on fifth day of Tet
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is expected to reach one of its busiest days of the Lunar New Year (Tet) travel season on February 21, the fifth day of Tet, with nearly 170,000 passengers traveling through the airport.
According to the airport’s Operations Centre, total traffic is projected at 169,709 passengers across 1,037 flights, including 520 departures and 517 arrivals.
Departures are anticipated to include 355 domestic and 165 international flights, while arrivals will consist of 356 domestic and 161 international services, VOV reported.
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| Tan Son Nhat International Airport is expected to handle nearly 170,000 passengers on the 5th day of Tet, marking one of the busiest travel days of the Lunar New Year holiday. |
Outbound passenger numbers are estimated at 68,273 travelers, comprising 37,977 domestic and 30,296 international passengers. Meanwhile, inbound traffic is projected at 101,436 passengers, including 71,221 domestic and 30,215 international arrivals.
By terminal, T1 is set to handle 128 departures (15,454 passengers) and 126 arrivals (27,548 passengers). T3 will operate 225 departures (22,523 passengers) and 227 arrivals (43,673 passengers). T2 is scheduled for 162 departures and 158 arrivals, serving more than 60,000 international passengers.
The projected figures follow several consecutive days of heavy traffic. On February 20, the airport handled 170,798 passengers on 1,037 flights, while February 19 and 18 saw 151,177 passengers (970 flights) and 142,993 passengers (906 flights), respectively.
Passenger volumes on February 21 and 22 are forecast to exceed 165,000 travelers per day, surpassing earlier projections and reflecting strong post-holiday return travel demand.
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