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State President Luong Cuong (R) receives Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy in Hanoi on December 31. (Photo: VNA)

State President meets outgoing Saudi Arabian, Philippine ambassadors

State President Luong Cuong on December 31 received the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, who came to say goodbye at the end of their tenures in Vietnam.

Receiving Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy, the President affirmed that Saudi Arabia is an important partner of Vietnam in the Middle East. He noted that the two countries share many similarities in development goals as well as values of peace, cooperation and development.

He highlighted the regular exchange of delegations, especially at a high level, the effective and timely implementation of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, and the positive progress in economic, trade and investment cooperation, as well as business connectivity. Bilateral trade turnover in the 2023-2025 period increased by an average of 7-8% annually and is moving toward the target of 10 billion USD by 2030.

The State President said the two sides should work toward establishing a higher-level cooperation framework commensurate with their potential and the level of political trust.

Through the ambassador, he conveyed invitations from Vietnamese high-ranking leaders to the King and Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia to visit Vietnam at an early date, and expressed the hope that with his deep affection for and experience in Vietnam, Mohammed Ismaeil A. Dahlwy will continue to support and contribute to promoting the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries in the time ahead.

For his part, the diplomat thanked the President and the Vietnamese Party, State, Government, ministries, sectors and people for their cooperation and support for the Saudi Arabian Embassy, businesses and community in Vietnam during his tenure.

Expressing pride in the positive development of bilateral relations in recent years, particularly in economic ties, culture and people-to-people exchanges, he voiced confidence that the two countries will further elevate their friendly and cooperative relations to a new level with a stronger framework and greater achievements, VNA reported.

Receiving Philippine Ambassador Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre, President Cuong extended his deepest condolences to the Philippine people over the heavy losses caused by natural disasters, and affirmed that Vietnam stands ready to support the Philippines within its capacity to help local people soon stabilize their lives.

He emphasized that the strategic partnership between the two countries should continue to grow for the benefit of their people and for peace and stability in the region and beyond. He highlighted the importance of increasing exchanges at all levels, implementing high-level agreements, expanding defence and security cooperation, and increasing trade to quickly boost bilateral turnover based on each country’s unique potential and strengths.

Appreciating the close coordination between the two countries at regional and international forums, the leader affirmed Vietnam’s support for the Philippines in successfully assuming the role of ASEAN Chair in 2026, contributing to maintaining the bloc’s centrality and common voice on regional strategic issues, as well as promoting unity and cohesion within ASEAN.

For his part, Meynardo Los Banos Montealegre affirmed the Philippines’ commitment to a united ASEAN with a central role, expressing his hope for Vietnam’s support for the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship next year and for continued close coordination to maintain unity within the bloc.

Vietnam and China to deepen strategic economic and financial cooperation

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang met with Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei in Hanoi on December 31 to discuss orientations for strengthening strategic cooperation in economics and finance between the two countries.

At the reception, Thang noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and China. To mark the milestone, both sides have organised a range of activities and maintained frequent exchanges of high-level delegations.

The Minister highlighted the strong momentum in Vietnam–China economic relations. As of the end of November 2025, Chinese investors had 6,197 valid projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital of approximately US$34.72 billion, accounting for 6.56% of total foreign direct investment and ranking China sixth among 153 investment partners.

Bilateral trade also continued to expand, with ten-month total turnover exceeding US$200 billion. During this period, Vietnam exported about US$57 billion worth of goods to China, while imports from China reached roughly US$150 billion.

Thang also expressed appreciation to the Chinese Government and people for providing US$500,000 in aid to help Vietnam recover from severe flooding in Vietnam, describing the assistance as a clear demonstration of the close and friendly relations between the two countries.

An overview of the meeting.

For his part, Ambassador He described Vietnam–China relations as “entering a second golden age,” noting that an increasing number of Chinese enterprises are expanding investment in Vietnam and that economic and trade cooperation continues to deepen.

He also pointed out that Vietnam is preparing for its the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam and a new phase of national development, while China is set to implement its 15th five-year plan, both of which share similarities in development vision.

Against this backdrop, Ambassador He expressed his expectation that bilateral economic, trade, and financial cooperation would reach a new level. He emphasised the important role of Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance in this process and affirmed China’s desire to maintain close coordination to further advance cooperation in the coming period.

During the meeting, Minister Thang addressed issues raised by the Ambassador and outlined several areas for enhanced collaboration. He said that the Vietnamese Prime Minister had agreed in principle to establish a Vietnam–China Working Group on Financial Cooperation, as well as to consolidate and upgrade the existing Working Group on Land Infrastructure Cooperation into a Vietnam–China Working Group on Strategic Infrastructure Cooperation.

The Minister also called on the Chinese Embassy to support greater investment by Chinese enterprises in Vietnam, with priority given to projects related to green transformation, digital transformation, and technology transfer. In addition, he requested the Embassy to serve as a bridge for deeper information-sharing and exchanges on the development of China’s state-owned economy at various levels.

Both sides reached consensus on promoting cooperation in mobilising capital for strategic transport infrastructure projects, viewing this as a key driver for Vietnam’s economic development and for strengthening bilateral economic ties in the period ahead.

Vietnam's outreach to overseas community signals open policy shift: AVTN President

The Vietnamese Party and State’s efforts to launch forums for overseas Vietnamese (OVs) to voice opinions on major national issues reflect an “open, progressive and consistent mindset” in policies toward them, President of the Australia-Vietnam Talent Network (AVTN) Hannah Vu said.

Talking with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Sydney, Vu said seeking OVs’ feedback on Party resolutions, 14th National Party Congress’s draft documents, and major policies and guidelines demonstrates the Party and State’s increasingly “proactive and receptive” stance on listening to their voices.

These forums repeatedly underscore a core message that the Party and State regard OVs as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and a vital resource for national development, she said.

According to her, being consulted not only carries socio-political significance but also fosters an emotional bond with the homeland.

On recent consultation rounds, Vu praised many discussion topics as “on target and relevant”, directly addressing concerns such as the Land Law, private sector policies, innovation, science and technology, and measures to attract OV intellectuals, which are highly practical.

To enhance the impact of future engagements, Vu recommended greater emphasis on two-way dialogue and more transparent feedback mechanisms, enabling participants to see how their input shapes actual policy outcomes, according to VNA.

Hannah Vu, President of the Vietnam-Australia Talent Network (AVTN), is always actively involved in activities focused on the homeland. (Photo: VNA)

Personally, Vu, a Vietnamese professional based in Australia for many years, reaffirmed her dedication to serving as a bridge between the two countries in education and training, academic cooperation, science and technology, and people-to-people exchanges. She expressed eagerness to connect Vietnamese intellectuals, students, and entrepreneurs in Australia, facilitating knowledge sharing and projecting an image of a dynamic, well-integrated and trustworthy Vietnam.

Vu proposed that the Party and State continue with institutional reforms concerning OV affairs, allowing deeper OV involvement in Vietnam’s socio-political and economic life.

Commenting on the Vietnamese community in Australia’s response to the Party and State’s policies, she noted widespread enthusiasm and a strong consensus, especially around policies on global integration, economic development, education, and science and technology.

OVs are always ready to share professional expertise, support investment linkages and trade promotion, preserve Vietnamese culture and language, spread the national image, and contribute to social welfare activities at home, she affirmed.

She further observed that many OVs, especially younger members, wish to be involved more deeply in policy consultation from an early stage, drawing on their real-world experiences and global insights.

Such early input would enrich domestic policies with diverse perspectives attuned to global trends, ultimately supporting Vietnam’s long-term sustainable development, she said.

Vietnam's retail market hits 269 bln USD as e-commerce booms: report

Modern retail infrastructure in Vietnam grew substantially, reaching 1,293 supermarkets and 276 shopping malls nationwide, complemented by 8,274 traditional markets.

Vietnam's retail revenue hit roughly 269 billion USD in 2025, with total goods sales and service revenue expanding 9-10% from a year earlier, the fastest pace in five years outside pandemic-distorted periods, according to the Vietnam Domestic Market Report 2025 from the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Agency for Domestic Market Management and Development.

The surge signals the recovery of purchasing power and rising consumer confidence, boosted by the long-standing "Vietnamese Prioritise Vietnamese Goods" campaign, encouraging support for local products.

Modern retail infrastructure grew substantially, reaching 1,293 supermarkets and 276 shopping malls nationwide, complemented by 8,274 traditional markets. The expansion has transformed urban economy and driven a consumer shift toward modern retail formats.

Yet, stark urban-rural divides persist. Nearly half of modern outlets are clustered in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and Hai Phong, leaving remote and mountainous areas dependent on traditional markets.

E-commerce stood out as a major success, reaching 32 billion USD, and claiming nearly 12% of the country’s retail sales. Growing over 20% year-on-year, it ranked as the second-fastest in Southeast Asia, driven by corporate investments in digital solutions like inventory management, cashless payments, online platforms, and livestream selling.

Consumption remains anchored in essentials, with food and foodstuffs at 34.1% of retail goods sales, highlighting the priority of basic needs. Services spending, covering accommodation, dining and tourism, outpaced goods, rising 12-14% annually, aligning with trends in more mature economies where consumers favour experiences and quality-of-life enhancements, reported VNN.

The report flags vulnerabilities, including exposure to external shocks from deep economic integration. Challenges include cumbersome administrative procedures, high land and rental costs, workforce skill gaps, uneven infrastructure in rural areas, and lingering issues with product quality and market transparency.

In 2025, exchange rate fluctuations, external inflationary pressures, and concerns over employment amid automation and artificial intelligence also weighed on consumer sentiment. Domestic firms have gained ground but trail multinationals in scale, technology and management sophistication.

Looking to 2026-2030, the outlook is optimistic. A population topping 100 million, youthful demographics and rising incomes position Vietnam as one of Southeast Asia's largest retail markets. E-commerce is forecast to reach 50 billion USD by 2030, solidifying itself among regional growth leaders.

The report provides critical insights for policymakers and businesses navigating one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing economies. The full annual study, in Vietnamese and English, is available at www.dms.gov.vn.

Tourism industry bounces back, eyes steady growth in 2026

In 2025, Vietnam’s tourism industry emerged as a bright spot in the national economy, achieving record numbers in international arrivals, revenue, and service quality.

With an open visa policy, market restructuring, new product development, and effective promotion, Vietnam’s tourism has fully recovered and demonstrated strong momentum, contributing to trade, transport, hospitality, and cultural industries.

For the first time, Vietnam welcomed over 21.5 million international visitors, generating more than VND1 quadrillion in revenue, a 19% increase compared to 2024. Key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, An Giang, and Khanh Hoa recorded remarkable growth, while Quang Ninh, Lam Dong, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Quang Tri also saw high tourism revenue.

The government’s open visa policy, including exemptions for 24 countries, extended stays, and e-visas for all nationalities, has enabled Vietnam to attract visitors from key markets such as Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Netherlands, and Switzerland. The policy has positioned Vietnam as a friendly, open, and highly competitive travel destination compared to other countries in the region that have long implemented flexible visa policies.

In addition, numerous new direct flight routes have been launched or existing routes increased in frequency, enabling destinations across Vietnam, from urban tourist hubs to seaside resorts, to lure visitors from both traditional markets and emerging potential markets, reported VOV.

Reaching the 20 million international visitors milestone marks a significant achievement, highlighting the strong recovery and growing impact of Vietnam’s tourism industry.

According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, these policies help to boost international competitiveness, and encourage longer and deeper visitor experiences in Vietnam.

“The open visa policy represents a breakthrough in attracting international visitors to Vietnam. In addition to visa exemptions for key markets, Vietnam has implemented e-visas for all countries, extended tourists’ length of stay, and broadened the range of visa-exempt visitors. This policy serves as a key lever to boost international arrivals to Vietnam,” said director Khanh.

Enhancing Vietnam’s tourism products and brand

In 2025, Vietnam introduced numerous new tourism products. Ho Chi Minh City launched tours commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification, while Hanoi presented “80 Must-Do Experiences in Hanoi” for the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day. High-quality railway tours were introduced, including the “Five Gates Train” (Hanoi – Bac Ninh), “Cultural Journey to Binh Dinh – Gia Lai”, and the “Red Flamboyant Train” in Hai Phong. New sightseeing routes were opened at Bai Tu Long Bay, Con Son – Kiep Bac, and tours in Na Hang, Tan Trao, and Central – Central Highlands regions attracted significant visitor numbers.

Promotion and marketing efforts were coordinated and innovative, involving ministries, local authorities, tourism development funds, travel agencies, and airlines. According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, carefully studying target markets and visitor segments allowed destinations and businesses to design appealing tourism products, enhance visitor experiences, and strengthen Vietnam’s tourism brand.

Looking ahead to 2026, Vietnam aims to welcome 25 million international visitors and 150 million domestic tourists, with total revenue projected at VND1.125 quadrillion. The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will work with localities and businesses to evaluate potential in newly merged areas, develop planning, and design tourism products in the new context.

For the first time, Vietnam plans to establish overseas tourism promotion offices, enhancing market research, promotion, and international cooperation, which is expected to be a breakthrough for the industry.

The successes of 2025, together with the ambitious targets set for 2026, show that Vietnam’s tourism industry has fully rebounded from the pandemic, is growing robustly, and is on track for sustainable development, enhanced international competitiveness, and significant contributions to the national economy.

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