Vietnam News Today (Jan. 2): Vogue Ranks Vietnam Among Standout Destinations for 2026

	Vietnam News Today (Dec. 30): Russia Remains Reliable Partner of Vietnam in New Development Era
	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 1): Vietnam And China to Deepen Strategic Economic And Financial Cooperation

Vietnam has been re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council, for the 2026–2028 term. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam continues to ensure all human rights for everyone: ambassador

During the 2023–2025 term, the participation of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission in Geneva at the UN Human Rights Council was guided by a consistent approach: constructive engagement, coherence, and keeping the council focused on practical solutions that improve people’s lives.

Vietnam’s message on human rights is consistent: human rights are universal, but their implementation must be practical and closely linked to people’s daily lives, such as the rights to healthcare, education and sustainable employment, said Ambassador Mai Phan Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, the WTO, and other international organizations in Geneva.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the ambassador said that during the 2023–2025 term, the participation of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission in Geneva at the UN Human Rights Council was guided by a consistent approach: constructive engagement, coherence, and keeping the council focused on practical solutions that improve people’s lives. According to him, the mission worked on the basis of a clear system of priorities, ensuring Vietnam’s stable and proactive participation throughout its membership term.

The mission also invested strongly in inter-regional cooperation and consensus-based outcomes. In this spirit, Vietnam, on behalf of inter-regional core groups, submitted a resolution commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Declaration and Program of Action, as well as a resolution on climate change and human rights focusing on just transition. Both resolutions were adopted by consensus with broad co-sponsorship. In addition, the mission led inter-regional joint statements, including one on accelerating the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to promote gender equality and another on vaccination and human rights, thereby maintaining attention to cooperation, inclusiveness and practical needs. It used international forums and related activities of the council to share experiences and learn from partners, cited VNA.

These combined efforts have helped strengthen confidence that Vietnam can work with different regions, bridge differences, and contribute responsibly to shared priorities, Dung said.

The senior diplomat stated that the country’s re-election to the council, for the 2026-2028 term, with the highest number of votes in the Asia-Pacific Group, is not only recognition of its domestic progress but also acknowledgement of the mission’s approach in Geneva – one that is respectful, practical and cooperative.

Vietnam will uphold this spirit of cooperation and welcomes partners to work together on practical initiatives, he stressed.

According to Dung, during the 2026–2028 term, Vietnam will continue to pursue eight priority areas, including enhancing the operational efficiency of the council while promoting international law; addressing human rights issues in the context of climate change and digital transformation; preventing violence and discrimination; strengthening protection for vulnerable groups; promoting gender equality; and ensuring the rights to health care, labor, quality education and human rights education.

Accordingly, the mission will continue to support approaches that make the council more practical and results-oriented, reduce overlap, prioritize dialogue, and promote technical cooperation when countries have needs. On climate change and digital transformation, Vietnam will promote a balanced approach that protects human rights during transitions, shares experiences, and coordinates with partners to ensure that no one is left behind, especially more vulnerable communities or those with fewer resources.

Regarding gender equality, protection of vulnerable groups, prevention of violence and discrimination, and core social rights such as health care, employment and education, the mission will continue its active engagement, prioritising inclusive initiatives capable of building broad inter-regional consensus.

Vietnam hopes to cooperate with all partners to translate these priorities into substantive cooperation and shared progress, the ambassador affirmed.

Currently, Vietnam is a party to seven of the nine core international human rights conventions and has ratified 25 conventions of the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Vietnam targets double-digit growth in 2026 with massive investment push

Achieving double-digit economic growth in 2026 will hinge on pooling and deploying investment resources, with public funds playing a pivotal role, according to experts.

Massive capital demand

The National Assembly has targeted 10% GDP growth for 2026, a goal that demands enormous capital inflows. A scenario from Do Thien Anh Tuan, a lecturer from the Fulbright School of Public Policy and Management, puts public investment as high as VND1.65 quadrillion (US$63 billion).

At a recent policy forum, Tuan said total social investment currently runs at about 33% of GDP, with the public component around 10% of GDP, or 28% of overall investment. Assuming 10% real growth and 4% inflation in 2026, the nominal economy could top VND14 quadrillion.

The Ministry of Finance estimated that a 10% growth would require nearly VND4.93 quadrillion in total social investment, or 33-33.7% of GDP, up 18.7% from an expected VND4.15 quadrillion (32.3% of GDP) in 2025. While lower than some scenarios, the figure signals exceptional funding needs, according to VOV.

A worker at the construction site of a sub-project of the Cao Lanh - An Huu Expressway project in the Mekong Delta. (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, the legislature approved VND1.12 quadrillion in state budget spending for 2026 development, of which public investment stands at VND1.08 quadrillion, including VND430 trillion from the central budget and VND650.26 trillion from local budgets, plus other allocations. Bridging the gap to VND4.93 quadrillion will require aggressive private-sector and foreign capital mobilisation.

Deputy Finance Minister Do Thanh Trung said fiscal policy will remain a growth catalyst, but capital markets must evolve into a primary channel for medium- and long-term funding to ease bank credit dependence. The business sector's role in aggregating and deploying resources also needs strengthening.

According to Vice Secretary General and Director of the Legal Department of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) Dau Anh Tuan, a series of amendments to laws and policies, including the Investment Law, the Public Investment Law, and legislation on land, construction, and planning, are facilitating investment. Decentralisation and greater local authority over capital reallocation stand out as key enablers.

Improving investment efficiency a key

Tuan noted that Vietnam's post-pandemic Incremental Capital-Output Ratio (ICOR), a gauge of investment efficiency, averages 5.85, high relative to regional peers and signalling suboptimal capital use. Without improvement, 10% growth could demand social investment exceeding 47% of GDP, creating an unsustainable strain. A more viable path keeps investment near 40% of GDP while cutting the ICOR below 5.

Accelerating disbursement is critical for public investment effectiveness, with research showing timing matters as much as scale, he said.

As of December 18, 2025, disbursement reached just 66.1% of the Prime Minister's plan, Tuan said, underscoring the need for more progress from project selection and preparation through site clearance and resolving bottlenecks in materials and procedures.

He advocated shifting oversight from mere disbursement rates to full life-cycle effectiveness, warning that an excessive emphasis on disbursement ratios could lead to the selection of inefficient projects or the pursuit of progress at any cost.

ADB Country Director breaks down Vietnam's 2025 success and 2026 prospects

Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Vietnam Shantanu Chakraborty provided a detailed analysis of Vietnam’s economic performance in 2025 and its 2026 prospects in an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA).

Chakraborty described Vietnam's 2025 results as highly impressive despite global challenges. GDP expanded 7.9% in the first nine months, well above the 6.8% pace a year earlier, with quarterly acceleration. Inflation stayed contained at about 3.3%, while credit growth surged to an estimated 18–19% for the year, topping the 16% target.

Trade and investment remained key drivers. Exports hit US$430 billion through the end of November, up 16.1% year-on-year, while imports totalled US$410 billion, up 18.4%, yielding a US$20.5 billion surplus. Realized foreign direct investment (FDI) climbed 8.9% to US$23.6 billion in the first 11 months. Domestic investment also hiked, backed by expanded fiscal policies for public investment and a real estate rebound. Services also gained from eased visa rules and major commemorative events.

Still, Chakraborty highlighted vulnerabilities. Natural disasters, including storms and floods, inflicted roughly US$4 billion in losses, or nearly 0.8% of GDP. Heavy dependence on international trade and foreign investment inflows exposes the economy to external shocks, especially geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in global trade policies.

Fast credit expansion has raised liquidity strains and funding costs, and the FTSE emerging-market upgrade notwithstanding, the stock market saw persistent foreign selling amid peer competition, compounded by the depreciation of the Vietnamese dong against the US dollar.

Looking ahead, he advised Vietnam to accelerate its capital market development to ease pressure on bank credit, while bolstering foreign exchange reserves as a shield against external shocks.

Chakraborty pointed out three key opportunities that Vietnam could capitalise on. First, ongoing structural reforms stand out as a powerful catalyst. By improving the business environment, fine-tuning the institutional apparatus, and facilitating smoother market operations, Vietnam can boost labor productivity and unlock the momentum needed for fast and sustainable growth.

Second, Vietnam's digital transformation paired with its young, tech-savvy workforce represents a golden ticket. This demographic edge positions the country to supercharge sectors like digital services, fintech, e-commerce, and smart logistics. Relentless upskilling and cultivating a vibrant innovation ecosystem will pivot toward a high value-added, knowledge-driven economy.

Third, amid global supply chain reshuffling, Vietnam is ideally placed to attract quality FDI in electronics, high-tech manufacturing, and green industries, tied to investments in renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.

However, the road ahead is not without challenges, he warned. Externally, a potential global slowdown, escalating economic and geopolitical tensions, and disruptions to supply chains could weaken demand in major markets, directly affecting Vietnam’s exports. Domestically, mounting pressures around structural reforms, infrastructure buildup, especially green projects, and private sector expansion demand bold and decisive actions; otherwise, Vietnam’s ability to fully seize these opportunities could be constrained.

On ambitions for 10% average annual GDP growth during 2026–2030 en route to high-income status by 2045, Chakraborty called them vital as a policy compass, VOV reported.

Vietnam's GDP expanded 7.9% in the first nine months, well above the 6.8% pace a year earlier. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Near-term, ramping up public investment will spur growth, but success hinges on rigorous project vetting and swift rollout to maximise returns and safeguard fiscal health. Monetary policy must flexibly balance growth support with price stability, alongside better financial markets for capital flow optimisation. All of this require tight coordination to fuel economic expansion, curb inflation, and fortify the overall financial system.

Over the longer horizon, quality infrastructure spending will help lure private and foreign capital, supercharging Vietnam's competitiveness. Investments in clean energy infrastructure and power grid upgrades will not only support Vietnam’s net-zero commitments but also unlock more efficient green financing flows.

However, it should be stressed that fiscal stimulus measures or monetary easing will only truly drive sustainable economic growth if paired with tangible improvements in business environment and greater regulatory transparency. Vietnam must also double down on innovation by developing a dynamic sci-tech market, encouraging entrepreneurship, and accelerating digital transformation, he said.

Finally, another critical factor is heavy investment in workforce, with training in digital, technical, and green skills. At the same time, stronger social security system will build resilience and drive inclusive growth. Improving labor productivity is the core element to successfully transform the country’s growth model, he added.

Vogue ranks Vietnam among standout destinations for 2026

Vietnam is emerging as one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations in 2026, thanks to its unique blend of spectacular natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and vibrant modern cities, according to France’s Vogue magazine.

The magazine said, the country continues to reopen strongly to international visitors after the COVID-19 pandemic, offering diverse experiences while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Iconic attractions such as Quang Ninh province's Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh province highlight Vietnam's natural beauty, while heritage sites in Hue, the caves of Phong Nha in Quang Tri province, the mountains of Sa Pa in Lao Cai province, and the beaches and islands of Phu Quoc in An Giang province and Con Dao in Ho Chi Minh City appeal to visitors seeking culture, nature and relaxation.

Major cities also add to the country's appeal. Ha Noi impresses with its mix of tranquil lakes, historic quarters, colonial architecture and lively street food culture, alongside a growing nightlife scene. Ho Chi Minh City stands out as a dynamic metropolis, where modern skyscrapers coexist with historic buildings, reflecting its creativity, openness and entrepreneurial spirit.

High-end resorts along Vietnam's coastline, combined with improved air connectivity, including direct flights by Vietnam Airlines from Paris to Ha Noi and HCM City have further enhanced the country's accessibility and tourism profile.

With its balanced combination of heritage, nature, modern urban life and increasingly developed tourism infrastructure, Vogue ranks Vietnam among the standout destinations for 2026, catering to travelers seeking authentic, sustainable and memorable experiences, VGP reported.

Photo: VGP

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), in the first 11 months of 2025, the country welcomed more than 19.1 million international visitors, up 20.9 percent year-on-year and surpassing its pre-pandemic peak in 2019.

A ceremony marking the arrival of the 20 millionth foreign visitor was held in Phu Quoc Special Zone, in the southern province of An Giang, on December 15. This is the first time in the tourism industry's 65-year history that such as milestone has been achieved in a single year.

The positive performance in 2025 reflects the sector's persistence in implementing strategic policies, including visa reform, product diversification, digital transformation and targeted promotion in key source markets such as Europe, India, China, the U.S., Australia, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Localities welcome first foreign arrivals of 2026

On the morning of January 1, at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, the Lang Son Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, in coordination with relevant agencies, held a ceremony to welcome the first foreign visitors to the province this year.

The northeastern mountainous province of Lang Son and Hoi An ward in the central city of Da Nang have marked a positive start to their tourism activities in 2026 by welcoming the first international tourist delegations of the year.

On the morning of January 1, at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, the Lang Son Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion, in coordination with relevant agencies, held a ceremony to welcome the first foreign visitors to the province this year.

Hoang Xuan Thuan, Director of the center, affirmed that Lang Son will continue efforts to improve the tourism environment, ensure security and safety, and better service quality. At the same time, it will focus on developing distinctive tourism products so that every journey to the province brings visitors positive experiences and lasting impressions.

In 2025, Lang Son welcomed an estimated 4.4 million tourist arrivals, including more than 300,000 international tourists, with total tourism revenue reaching approximately 4.5 trillion VND (171.1 million USD), according to the center.

Notably, the province has identified border tourism as one of the key pillars of the sector’s development strategy. It has actively promoted tourism cooperation with the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, including the successful development of a two-day, one-night tour for travellers using laissez-passers – a concrete outcome of the two sides’ agreements on cross-border tourism cooperation, cited VNA.

Tourists from the Philippines receive a warm welcome in the Hoi An ancient town. (Photo: VNA)

Also on January 1, at Chua Cau (Japanese Covered Bridge) in Hoi An ward, the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, together with local authorities and residents of the ancient town, organized an event to greet the first tourist group to visit Hoi An this year.

The group consisted of 29 holiday makers from the Philippines, organized by Visit Indochina – one of 2025’s top 10 international tour operators bringing tourists to Vietnam.

For Hoi An, the Philippines is considered a promising market for cultural and heritage tourism, particularly experiences closely associated with the daily life of the ancient town and local culture.

Pham Phu Ngoc, Director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, noted that in 2026, his center plans to launch a series of new cultural and tourism products, with a focus on distinctive and novel experiences, and develop a creative tourism ecosystem linked with Hoi An's status as a member of UNESCO's Network of Creative Cities in the field of crafts and folk art.

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