Vietnam News Today (Jan. 15): Vietnam, Laos Foster Strategic Connectivity in New Context

	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 10): Vietnam Wishes to Continue Strengthening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with US
	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 14): Vietnam Seeks Stronger Partnership with Singapore

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong (L) and Vilay Lakhamphong, standing member of the Secretariat of the LPRP's Central Committee (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos foster strategic connectivity in new context

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong paid a courtesy call to Vilay Lakhamphong, member of the Politburo and standing member of the Secretariat of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP), in Vientiane on January 14 to discuss ways to foster ties between the two nations.

Cuong, who is also member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and standing Vice Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), congratulated Laos on the success of the LPRP’s 12th National Congress, and extended congratulations to Vilay on his re-election to the LPRP’s Central Committee and Politburo, as well as his appointment as standing member of the Secretariat for the 12th term, saying that such reflects the Party’s recognition of Vilay’s leadership capacity, prestige and important contributions.

Cuong also conveyed regards from Politburo member and permanent member of the CPV Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu to Vilay.

Vilay, for his part, praised the outcomes of the Vietnamese delegation’s working session with the LPRP Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations. He expressed thanks to high-ranking Vietnamese leaders for their prompt congratulations on his new appointment, and conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the Vietnamese Party, State and people for their consistent support for Laos’s cause of national construction, defence and development.

On the occasion, he also congratulated Vietnam on its major achievements of historical significance over more than four decades of reforms under the CPV’s sound leadership, cited VNA.

Regardless of rapid and complex changes in global and regional landscapes, Vietnam and Laos will maintain close coordination to further consolidate and preserve their rare relationship of special solidarity and trust, he said, adding that this will further deepen strategic connectivity for the long-term benefit of their people, aligned with each country’s long-term strategic vision and interests in the new context.

Briefing the host on the results of his working session with the commission, Cuong reported substantive discussions and broad consensus on coordinating the realisation of high-level agreements between the two Parties and countries. This includes upcoming high-level external activities to nurture the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic connectivity between Vietnam and Laos.

The guest also provided updates on preparations for the 14th National Congress of the CPV scheduled for January 19-25 in Hanoi.

On the same day, Cuong paid a courtesy call to Bunleua Phandanouvong, head of the commission, and held a working session with its deputy head Valaxay Lengsavat. The discussions centred on advancing the realisation of high-level agreements between the two Parties and countries, and future cooperation between the MoFA’s Party Committee and the Lao commission as well.

14th National Party Congress of Vietnam seen as historic milestone amid global shifts: Indian official

Amid a rapidly changing world, growing strategic competition, and new development requirements, the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) marks a milestone of great historical and era-defining significance, according to R.Arun Kumar, Head of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)’s committee for external affairs.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency's correspondents in India, Kumar highlighted the significance of the 14th National Party Congress of Vietnam and the country’s major development orientations in the new period, noting that despite challenges, the CPV has led the nation along a path of progress, achieving important socio-economic accomplishments.

Between 2021 and 2025, Vietnam’s average GDP expanded by 6.3%, while life expectancy and living standards improved. Notably, the country saw a significant rise in its happiness index, placing Vietnam among the world’s top 50 nations, a highly impressive milestone.

After nearly 40 years of implementing the “Doi moi” (renewal) policy, Vietnam is entering a new phase of development, aiming for two strategic milestones - the 100th founding anniversary of the CPV in 2030 and the centenary of the country in 2045. In this roadmap, the 14th National Congress is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a new growth model based on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, laying a foundation for high and sustainable growth in the time to come.

Commenting on the new elements in the draft documents for the 14th National Party Congress, Kumar noted that integrating environmental protection alongside socio-economic development reflects the urgent requirement for sustainable development.

Experience shows that uncontrolled industrial development often leads to pollution and environmental degradation, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, the CPV’s prioritisation of environmental protection and climate change response is a prudent and long-term visionary adjustment, he noted.

He also highly valued the designation of foreign affairs and international integration as core and continuous tasks alongside national defence and security, stressing that Vietnam is an active member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and increasingly asserts its role and position on the international stage, according to VNA.

R.Arun Kumar, head of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M)’s committee for external affairs (Photo: VNA)

With its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and responsibility, Vietnam is well positioned to proactively contribute to promoting cooperation and solidarity among developing countries, for peace and stability in a volatile global context, he said.

The congress documents also reaffirm the vital role of culture, human resources, and the private sector for the national development, he said.

The private sector is recognised as a key driver of productive capacity, but it must be managed within the framework of state development orientations and plans, he said, adding that promoting cultural values, Ho Chi Minh’s morality, fighting corruption, and building a healthy lifestyle are considered foundational to ensuring harmonious and sustainable development.

In the context of the rapidly advance of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the 14th National Party Congress is seen as demonstrating the CPV’s capacity for self-renewal and practical reflection.

Amid the rapid advances of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the 14th National Party Congress highlights the CPV’s capacity for self-renewal and practical learning. By positioning science and technology as key drivers of economic productivity and social well-being, the Congress emphasizes a human-centred approach to development, with the Party’s commitments seen as both realistic and achievable, Kumar said.

The Indian official expressed confidence that the 14th National Party Congress will prioritise improving people’s living standards, reducing regional inequalities, and ensuring balanced development across all areas.

With sound policy directions and strong political determination, Vietnam is expected to continue making steady progress toward successfully achieving the century-long goals set by the Party and the State.

Vietnam–India trade hits record US$16.46 billion in 2025

Two-way trade between Vietnam and India reached a record $16.46 billion in 2025, up 10.5% from a year earlier, with Vietnam posting a growing trade surplus, Vietnamese customs data showed.

Of the total, exports to India rose 14.2% to US$10.3 billion, while imports increased 4.9% to US$6.1 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.23 billion, up 31% year on year.

Telephones and components led Vietnamese exports, generating US$2.1 billion, up 27% and accounting for 20.7% of total export value. Computers, electronic products and components followed with US$1.7 billion, up 15.8%, while machinery, equipment, tools and spare parts achieved US$1.05 billion, up 11.3%.

Other export items posting strong growth included animal feed and raw materials (up 97%), pepper (up 54%), plastic products (up 53%), tea (up 27.5%), and seafood (up 26%).

Meanwhile, imports from India fetched US$6.1 billion, up 4.9%, accounting for just 1.75% of the country’s total import value.

The trade structure between the two countries is markedly different, with India supplying key raw materials such as iron and steel, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, textiles, animal feed, and seafood, reported VOV.

Exports of machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts to India record robust growth (Photo: Illustrative image)

Vietnam exports technology products, electronics, textiles, footwear, wood products and agricultural goods, highlighting the complementary nature of bilateral trade.

In terms of investment, India had 378 active projects in Vietnam with total registered capital exceeding US$1 billion. Indian investment is concentrated in energy, mineral processing, information technology, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

Conversely, Vietnamese investment in India stood at about US$28.6 million as of 2022, mainly in consumer goods, construction, electronics, information technology, and pharmaceuticals.

Vietnam passport reaches five-year high in Henley Passport Index 2026

Vietnam’s passport has climbed to 86th place worldwide in the Henley Passport Index 2026, rising five positions from 2025 and marking its highest ranking in the past five years, according to the latest report released by Henley & Partners.

The improvement highlights a notable upward trend in international mobility for Vietnamese citizens, at a time when many countries have experienced fluctuations in passport rankings due to changes in visa policies, heightened geopolitical tensions and tighter border controls.

The Henley Passport Index measures the strength of passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa or with visa-on-arrival privileges. The ranking is compiled using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), covering 227 countries and territories worldwide.

According to Henley & Partners, Vietnam’s rise in the rankings reflects positive developments in its foreign relations, including expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as improvements in visa-related agreements and policies in recent years. These factors have helped facilitate travel, education, employment and international trade for Vietnamese nationals.

Experts note that if Vietnam continues to broaden its visa-free network, pursue proactive diplomacy and further streamline entry and exit procedures, the country’s passport ranking could continue to improve, enhancing the global standing and international integration of its citizens.

Globally, Singapore retained its position as the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 192 out of 227 destinations. Japan and the Republic of Korea shared second place with 188 destinations each, VOV reported.

Thailand is one of Vietnamese travelers' favorite destinations globally. (Photo: Dong Giang)

Five European countries - Denmark, Luxembourg, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland - ranked third with access to 186 destinations, while fourth place was occupied by another group of 10 European nations, including France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, each with 185 destinations.

In the top five, Hungary, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) each recorded access to 184 destinations. Henley & Partners highlighted the UAE as the fastest climber in the index’s 20-year history, having gained 149 visa-free destinations since 2006, rising 57 places overall. The achievement was attributed to the country’s sustained visa liberalisation efforts and proactive diplomatic strategy.

By contrast, the United Kingdom recorded the largest year-on-year decline, with its visa-free score falling from 190 to 182 destinations. The United States returned to the top 10 at 10th place with 179 destinations, after briefly dropping out in late 2025. However, analysts caution that the long-term trend still points to a relative decline, as the US has lost visa-free access to several destinations over the past year.

Northern Vietnam braces for cold snap, Hanoi could plunge to 10°C

A powerful cold air mass is forecast to sweep into northern Vietnam early next week, potentially sending temperatures in Hanoi down to 10°C and triggering severe cold across northern and north-central provinces.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this cold spell is expected to begin affecting the region from the afternoon of January 20–21, 2026. The update was released on January 13 as part of national weather guidance to support preparations for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

For the northern region, weather will remain dry from January 18–19, with light morning fog and sunshine during the day. Temperatures will be cold at night and in the early morning. However, starting late January 20 and into January 21, a strong cold front is expected to bring rain and a sharp temperature drop.

From January 21–25, widespread severe cold is likely to set in, with frost possible in high mountainous areas.

In Hanoi, weather will be mostly dry and sunny during the day from January 18–20, with chilly conditions at night and early morning. However, from the evening of January 20 into January 21, the city is forecast to experience rain due to a strong northeast monsoon.

Between January 21 and 25, the capital is expected to see severe cold, with nighttime and early morning lows ranging from 10–12°C, and daytime highs only reaching 15–17°C, VNN reported.

Hanoi is forecast to experience a severe cold spell in the coming days. Illustrative photo: Hoang Minh.

Across north-central Vietnam, from Thanh Hoa to Hue, skies will also remain clear and sunny through January 20, with cold mornings and evenings. From January 21–23, provinces from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai are forecast to receive rain due to strong monsoonal winds. By January 24–25, the weather is expected to stabilize, with limited rain. However, the north of this region could also experience deep cold.

The Central Highlands and southern Vietnam will continue to enjoy mostly dry and sunny conditions from January 18–25. Light morning fog is expected, and in the Central Highlands, it will remain chilly at night and early morning.

This forecast serves as a timely advisory for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress, with officials urging proactive response measures to ensure public safety and event readiness during the anticipated cold snap.

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