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Photo: VNA

Vietnam - An exemplary model of development for Cuba: Cuban journalist

Wennys Díaz Ballaga, a special correspondent of Granma - the official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba - has highly praised the professional organisation of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, affirming that Vietnam’s socio-economic development model serves as an important reference for Cuba and other socialist countries.

Covering the Congress, Wennys Ballaga expressed her strong impression of the Press Center serving the event and the favorable working conditions provided for journalists in Vietnam.

As a representative of Granma, which is the only Latin American media outlet covering the Congress in Hanoi, Wennys Ballaga said she deeply felt both the honour and responsibility of conveying information to the Latin American public in general and Granma readers in particular.

Regarding preparations for the Congress, the Cuban journalist described the reception arrangements as excellent, with absolute security ensured. Foreign reporters, she noted, were warmly welcomed right from the airport, while all procedures and formalities were carried out swiftly, methodically and efficiently, cited VNA.

On her first visit to Vietnam, the Granma correspondent said she was deeply impressed by the development model of the country.

Vietnam is a clear example of successful development under a socialist-oriented model, having achieved its set goals and now moving toward ambitious targets for 2030 and 2045, Wennys Ballaga assessed, adding that these great aspirations undoubtedly offer very important lessons for Cuba.

Vietnam-Singapore trade posts continued growth in 2025

Vietnam-Singapore trade recorded continued growth in 2025, with several indicators reaching new record levels.

According to figures from Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore said that bilateral trade expanded year on year in every month of 2025 compared with 2024. In December 2025 alone, total two-way trade reached nearly S$4 billion, up more than 30%, with Singapore’s imports from Vietnam posting particularly strong growth.

For the full year, Vietnam remained Singapore’s 10th-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching a record level of nearly S$40 billion, an increase of more than 26% from the previous year. Singapore’s exports to Vietnam rose by over 16%, while its imports from Vietnam increased by more than 50%. When counting only goods originating from the two countries, Vietnam recorded a notable trade surplus.

In terms of trade structure, machinery, electrical equipment and parts, along with fuels and petroleum products, continued to be Singapore’s two largest export groups to Vietnam, accounting for a high share of total export value. Machinery and electrical equipment largely consisted of re-exported goods, while fuels and petroleum products were mainly domestically produced in Singapore, according to VOV.

Bilateral trade between Vietnam and Singapor grows year on year in every month of 2025 compared with 2024 (Ilustrative photo)

On the import side, machinery, electrical equipment and parts also remained the largest category of goods Singapore imported from Vietnam in 2025, followed by mechanical machinery and glass products.

According to Cao Xuan Thang, Vietnam’s Trade Counselor in Singapore, the results reflect years of efforts to promote trade, the effective implementation of free trade agreements and bilateral trade arrangements, and close coordination among ministries, sectors, localities, associations and the business community, with support from the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore in its role as a trade promotion and connectivity bridge.

Vietnam emerges as Asia’s growth star, eyes 10% GDP in 2026

Amid mounting global uncertainties, Vietnam has emerged as a rare bright spot in Asia’s growth landscape. Experts say the years ahead present a golden window - one that could help Vietnam surge ahead if it chooses to focus on strengthening its core economic foundations.

From porridge bowls to million-dollar dreams in the US

A thriving domestic year in 2025 set the stage for Nguyen Thi Thu, Chairwoman of Anh Kim Food JSC (owner of the Chao Cay Thi brand), to push for international expansion.

Entering 2026, her company is targeting major export markets including the U.S., Russia, and China. After extensive consumer testing, Thu sees strong potential - projecting that exports to the U.S. alone could bring in $1 million.

“The hardest part is crafting a kind of porridge that appeals to American and European palates - because Asian-style porridge isn’t something they typically eat,” she explained. Previously, the brand had already reached customers in Australia and Cambodia.

Her company’s export ambitions represent just one chapter in Vietnam’s larger 2025 economic narrative - an eventful year shaped by external shocks and internal resilience. Back in April, Vietnam was listed among the most heavily impacted economies in Asia (second only to China) due to U.S. tariff risks.

And yet, Vietnam defied expectations. The country recorded GDP growth of more than 8% for the year, proving its economic resilience and dynamism, reported VNN.

Photo: VNN

According to HSBC’s latest report, Vietnam’s 2025 growth rate marked its second-highest in the past 15 years - putting it at the top of ASEAN and even the broader Asia region.

Despite ongoing global trade tensions and tariff pressures, Vietnam’s total trade volume reached a record $928 billion in 2025, up 18% year-on-year.

One standout example: Nghia Son Furniture Co., Ltd. in Dong Nai. The company’s 2025 export sales surged 40%, with over 1,000 containers shipped abroad - many destined for the U.S. Demand is now booked through May 2026.

Vietnam has also expanded its market share in the U.S., especially in electronics, textiles, and footwear. According to HSBC data, Vietnamese exports to the U.S. jumped nearly 30% in 2025 despite trade headwinds.

A notable shift in Vietnam’s export structure is underway. Electronics now account for 35% of total exports, up from just 5% in 2010. Meanwhile, textiles and footwear - once dominant - have declined from a peak of 30% in 2005 to just over 10% today. The numbers reflect Vietnam’s growing role in higher-value segments of the global supply chain.

Turning tailwinds into long-term strength

In November 2025, Vietnam’s National Assembly approved sweeping socio-economic targets for 2026, including a minimum GDP growth goal of 10% and a projected per capita GDP of $5,400–$5,500.

HSBC analysts noted that reaching a double-digit growth rate would require not just continued strength in trade, investment, and consumption, but a strategic leap in policy execution and domestic capacity.

So what must Vietnam do next?

“We need to harness these tailwinds to upgrade our internal capabilities,” said Dr. Chu Thanh Tuan, Deputy Head of Business Studies at RMIT Vietnam.

He cited global supply chain shifts - driven by multinational efforts to diversify away from China - as Vietnam’s biggest opportunity. With low labor costs, strategic geography, and a broad network of free trade agreements, Vietnam is well-positioned to attract more foreign direct investment (FDI).

As global giants look to deploy overseas capital, Vietnam has an opening to secure new projects in manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, and even high-tech research and development.

Dr. Tuan emphasized that this momentum must be channeled into long-term national capacity. Export earnings and FDI inflows should be prioritized for infrastructure, education, healthcare, digital transformation, and workforce upskilling - rather than speculative ventures with short-term payoffs.

The goal is to boost productivity, upgrade technology, and enhance the economy’s resilience when global conditions shift.

At the same time, Vietnam must maintain fiscal discipline and safeguard its banking system. Unlike major economies with greater capacity to issue debt in their own currency, Vietnam has limited space for risky monetary experiments. Chasing easy money could carry long-term consequences.

Finally, diversification is key. Reducing reliance on a few markets or product lines - and encouraging domestic firms to move into higher-value roles like design, marketing, and after-sales services - will help Vietnam retain more value and better absorb external shocks.

“The world is entering a phase of risk-taking in pursuit of growth. Vietnam has a chance to go faster - but only sustainably if we use these tailwinds to build stronger foundations, not just ride short-term waves,” Dr. Tuan concluded.

Vietnam ranks among 50 best destinations for family holidays in 2026

Vietnam has been named among the 50 best destinations for family holidays in 2026 by UK-based daily newspaper The Telegraph.

The newspaper included Vietnam in its list of summer holiday destinations, suggesting that the country is particularly suitable for families with tweens and teenagers.

According to The Telegraph, a two-week trip to Vietnam offers a range of family-friendly experiences, including dragon boat trips and clothes-making lessons in Hue, lantern crafting in Danang, and cooking classes in Hanoi.

Other summer holiday suggestions include paddling trips in Sweden, off-the-beaten-track travel in Portugal, and stargazing in Ireland.

Vietnam among world's best destinations for family holidays in 2026.

For the February half-term, the newspaper recommended beating the crowds in Belize, enjoying the heat in Abu Dhabi, and viewing the northern lights in Iceland.

Easter holiday options include catching the last of the snow in Italy, experiencing modern Egypt, and travelling as a family to France. For the May half-term, The Telegraph suggested camping in Croatia and family-focused trips in Texas. October half-term recommendations include wildlife experiences in Borneo and a long weekend in Wales.

Cultural, culinary tourism heightens Tet allure in Ho Chi Minh City

With around one month to go before Lunar New Year Festival (Tet), Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism market is gathering momentum, as visitor numbers climb steadily and businesses step up the promotion of culture- and cuisine-based products to draw travelers and further popularise Vietnam’s image.

A notable new attraction is the Pho (rice noodle soup) Museum in Ben Thanh ward, which officially opened in mid-January. As the country’s first museum dedicated to culinary heritage, it is designed to preserve, develop and spread the values of Vietnamese cuisine to both domestic and international visitors. Spanning roughly 800 sq.m across three experiential floors, the museum offers a closed-loop tour lasting about 60–75 minutes.

According to Tran Van Bac, founder of the Pho Museum, the space was created to recount the more than century-long journey of pho, from humble street stalls to dining tables worldwide. The museum is expected to contribute to promoting Vietnam’s culinary heritage in tandem with the development of cultural tourism, an area currently receiving strong policy attention.

Elsewhere, the Bat Trang Ceramics Space in Dien Hong ward has introduced a tea ceremony area alongside exhibitions showcasing new ceramic collections for Tet. The venue also features hands-on experiences and gift-shopping activities, helping to highlight and promote traditional handicraft values.

Meanwhile, a range of travel firms, including Vietluxtour JSC, are rolling out Tet-specific tourism products. In January, Vietluxtour is set to welcome six tour groups joining its “Tet in the Southwestern region for foreign visitors” program, developed exclusively for the 2026 Lunar New Year season.

In collaboration with the People’s Committee of Tan Dinh ward, the company has also launched the signature product “Cultural Experience – Tan Dinh Imprints”, which has received positive market feedback. Alongside this, Vietluxtour is offering a diverse portfolio of intra-provincial, inter-provincial and outbound tours for both domestic and international travelers during the Tet holiday, cited VNA.

An exhibition space that recounts the story of pho from a socio-historical perspective, blending documentary films, artefacts and installation art. (Photo: thethaovanhoa.vn)

Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said improving and safeguarding the quality of tourism products and services is among the sector’s key objectives for 2026. To this end, the department is advancing new product development while intensifying communications and promotion in priority markets.

For cultural and culinary tourism in particular, since the administrative consolidation on July 1, 2025, the department has worked closely with businesses and localities to create new products based on ecosystems of potential resources that can be developed into tourism destinations. Notably, in-depth surveys have been conducted to design 20 additional themed culinary tourism programs, which combine gastronomic discovery with stories of the city’s culture, history and people.

Highlighted products include Ho Chi Minh City experience tours on double-decker buses paired with dinner cruises on Indochina boats, as well as themed programs such as “Irresistible Flavors of Vung Tau”, “Unique Culinary Experiences in Binh Duong” and “Returning to the Taste of Home”, among others.

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