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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the second meeting of the National Committee for APEC 2027 in An Giang on January 28, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

APEC 2027 helps elevates Vietnam’s int’l role in new era: PM

Chairing the second meeting of the National Committee for APEC 2027 to review preparations for the event, on January 28, PM Pham Minh Chinh stated that Party General Secretary To Lam has highlighted APEC 2027 as a high-level external affairs event of special significance, and an excellent opportunity to showcase Vietnam as an integrated, innovative, friendly, and dynamic country to the world.Hosting the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in 2027 (APEC 2027) in the Phu Quoc special zone is a point of pride for the Mekong Delta province of An Giang and a significant step in elevating Vietnam’s international role in an era of deep integration and global competition, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stated.

Chairing the second meeting of the National Committee for APEC 2027 to review preparations for the event, on January 28, PM Chinh stated that Party General Secretary To Lam has highlighted APEC 2027 as a high-level external affairs event of special significance, and an excellent opportunity to showcase Vietnam as an integrated, innovative, friendly, and dynamic country to the world.

The event aims to be a powerful catalyst for the growth of Phu Quoc and An Giang, while promoting investment, tourism, trade, and infrastructure development throughout the Mekong Delta region and the entire country.

Assessing the establishment and functioning of the five subcommittees under the National Committee for APEC 2027, the PM urged them to work proactively and effectively, aiming for an impressive, high-standard, safe, and efficient Meeting.

He tasked the Committee with setting clear plans and roadmaps, conducting quarterly reviews, inspections, and evaluations, resolving obstacles, and adjusting its structure as needed. Relevant agencies are to prepare a comprehensive proposal for approval to guide the subcommittees in implementing specific tasks.

The Government leader stressed that the event’s theme and messages should be fitting, deliver key points, and showcase Vietnam’s important role. He mentioned they should address both common and specific issues, aligning Vietnam’s interests with APEC’s and ASEAN’s with those of other regions. He also pointed out that themes for multilateral meetings with APEC members and committee-level sessions need to be impressive, high-quality, safe, efficient, and well-optimised.

The PM stated that, alongside the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, ministerial, deputy ministerial, and senior official-level meetings should be held under different themes, covering solidarity, sustainable development, and current issues and topical issues such as green transition and digital transformation, science and technology, databases, artificial intelligence (AI), security and safety, multilateralism, and culture. Separate meetings and forums should also be organized for the business community, cited VNA.

The meetings should advance from lower to higher levels, from simpler to more complex formats, and from smaller to larger scales. Venues should be chosen at cultural heritage sites to help showcase Vietnam’s culture to international participants, he said.

The scheduling of APEC 2027 should be coordinated with the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and other major international conferences to facilitate delegates’ participation, he said, noting that preparations and budget use must be efficient, linked with fundraising and sponsorship efforts, while personnel and resources should be arranged concisely and systematically to ensure thoroughness, security, and safety.

For infrastructure, the PM said that investments should be guided by a 100-year vision, serving not only APEC but also supporting national development, particularly in An Giang and Phu Quoc, while strengthening the country’s capacity, position, and international prestige.

The logo, visual identity, and website must be easily recognisable, attractive, and engaging, combining national identity with modernity, tradition with contemporary elements, while ensuring the website is easy to find, user-friendly, and appealing, he emphasized.

Echoing the view of members of the National Committee for APEC 2027, the PM urged ministries, sectors, and localities to prepare and submit proposals to the Committee, ensuring the completion of a master plan for APEC 2027 by this March for review and approval by the competent authorities.

He emphasized that ministries, sectors, and localities are urged to coordinate closely with determination and decisive action, assigning clear responsibilities, timelines, and authority for each task. All resources should be mobilised in 2026 to fast-track preparations for a successful 2027.

Members of the Committee reported that preparations for APEC 2027 are being carried out by the Committee, ministries, and localities, achieving important initial results while ensuring progress, efficiency, and quality. To date, the Committee’s organizational structure is fully operational, comprising five subcommittees – content, logistics and materials, security and health, communications and culture, protocol and APEC 2027 secretariat.

Cambodian media spotlights Vietnam’s new development milestone

In its article titled “Vietnam steadily follows the socialist path,” Kampuchea Thmey Daily said that the 14th National Congress concluded successfully. It described the Congress as one of “solidarity – democracy – discipline – breakthrough – development,” reflecting the spirit of strategic autonomy, resilience, and confidence as the country steps into a new era of peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, cultural advancement, and happiness along the socialist path.

Cambodian media on January 28 highlighted the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) as a new milestone in Vietnam's development, and underscored the country’s confidence in moving into a new era of development with strategic autonomy and steady advancement toward socialism.

In its article titled “Vietnam steadily follows the socialist path,” Kampuchea Thmey Daily said that the 14th National Congress concluded successfully. It described the Congress as one of “solidarity – democracy – discipline – breakthrough – development,” reflecting the spirit of strategic autonomy, resilience, and confidence as the country steps into a new era of peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, cultural advancement, and happiness along the socialist path.

The article noted that the Congress elected the Party Central Committee with 200 members, meeting standards of political mettle, ethical qualities, leadership capacity, and renewed mindset, and representing the intellect, will, and aspirations of the entire Party, people, and army.

The 14th Party Central Committee elected a 19-member Politburo and re-elected To Lam as General Secretary for the 14th tenure.

It quoted General Secretary Lam at the Congress, emphasizing that the 14th Central Committee of the CPV will uphold exemplary leadership, align words with actions, and complete all tasks, and noting that the effectiveness in serving the people will be the measure of each member’s leadership ability, credibility, and honor, according to VNA.

A screenshot of the article published on DAP News of Cambodia on the 14th Party Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

The article said the Congress also attracted special attention from many political parties, international organizations and friends, as well as diplomats and international organizations in Vietnam. Letters, telegrams, and messages of congratulations have praised the CPV’s leadership and the country’s development orientation in the new era, while affirming Vietnam’s growing position and contributions in the international arena.

Kampuchea Thmey Daily cited a congratulatory letter from King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia to General Secretary Lam, in which the King expressed his confidence that under the Party chief’s wise leadership, Vietnam would achieve significant successes and development across all fields, maintaining its important role in the region and the world. Norodom also showed the hope that Vietnam-Cambodia relations would continue to grow, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the two countries.

In a related report, Deum Ampil News (DAP News) said President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Samdech Techo Hun Sen sent a congratulatory letter to General Secretary Lam, highlighting that Lam's re-election reflects the strong confidence of both the Vietnamese Party and people in his leadership.

The CPP leader expressed his belief that under General Secretary Lam’s visionary leadership, the CPV will continue to receive strong support from the Vietnamese people and achieve even greater success in implementing policies and resolutions approved at the 14th Party Congress.

Referring to the Vietnam – Cambodia relations, Hun Sen expressed his firm belief that through joint efforts, the friendship between the two Parties and governments will be further strengthened, following the motto of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability.

According to DAP News, Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress represents not just a political milestone but a turning point in development mindset, providing a theoretical and practical foundation for the country to confidently enter a new phase of development, with a reformed growth model, sustainable development, deeper integration, and an enhanced international standing.

Vietnam emerges as magnet for AI investment

Vietnam is fast becoming a key destination for artificial intelligence (AI) investment, attracting global interest across infrastructure, platforms and applications, reported Dau tu (Vietnam Investment Review) newspaper.

In early 2026, Russell Headlee, senior bureau official for the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, led a delegation of US businesses to Vietnam to explore cooperation opportunities in AI, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

Headlee said AI is now a top priority in US digital policy, reflected in the “America’s AI Action Plan” announced on July 23, 2025. He praised Vietnam’s ambition, noting the country is positioning itself as a regional leader by being among the first to adopt the Law on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

At the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers’ Meeting in Hanoi in mid-January, a US delegation including 18 major technology and telecommunications firms such as Google, Meta and Amazon Web Services expressed strong interest in Vietnam’s market, viewing it as a potential destination for building AI infrastructure, developing services and expanding operations.

An overview of the opening session of the Vietnam Artificial Intelligence Forum 2025 on October 9, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Several major projects have recently been announced. Create Capital Vietnam, Haimaker.ai and the Vietnam DataGen joint venture plan to build a 100 MW AI data center in Da Nang’s High-Tech Park with total investment of US$1 billion. Japan’s Meiko Electronics unveiled a JPY40 billion (US$255 million) factory project in Hanoi to produce AI-integrated printed circuit boards, while Dassault Systèmes opened an R&D and a center of Excellence for AI and Digital Twin in the capital.

Competing with regional peers

In its “Artificial Intelligence in Southeast Asia” report, Source of Asia highlighted Vietnam’s growing role as a strategic hub for AI talent and research. While Singapore is described as the “brain” of policy and capital and Malaysia the “heart” of infrastructure, Vietnam is emerging as a large-scale provider of AI research and skilled human resources. The country was ranked among the “Developing AI Talent Powerhouses,” economies rapidly accelerating training and attracting talent.

Vietnam’s advantage lies in its people. With more than 500,000 engineers and IT professionals, it has one of Southeast Asia’s largest technology workforces. The number of AI startups jumped from about 60 in 2021 to 278 in 2024, signaling a rapidly evolving ecosystem.

Global perceptions are also shifting. Vietnam is no longer seen only as a software outsourcing base but increasingly as part of the AI value chain. Qualcomm’s AI R&D center in Hanoi—its third-largest AI hub globally—underscores this trend. CEO Cristiano Amon said Vietnam was chosen to serve not just the domestic market but the wider region.

Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Kobayashi Yosuke noted that AI is moving from testing to commercial deployment across multiple sectors, and Vietnam’s skilled workforce, innovation spirit and expanding digital economy provide strong foundations for a competitive startup ecosystem.

Turning AI into a competitive advantage

Vietnam’s Law on AI will take effect on March 1, 2026, alongside a national AI strategy through 2030 with a vision to 2045. The country aims to become one of the top three AI R&D centers in Southeast Asia by 2030 and train at least 50,000 chip and AI engineers.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan said new science and technology laws effective from 2026 offer strong incentives for high-tech R&D investment. AI, semiconductors and ICT are among 11 strategic technologies being prioritised.

Experts stressed the need for coordinated action. FPT Chairman Truong Gia Binh urged Vietnam to safeguard key national data domestically and promote open systems. Professor Nguyen Ai Viet, director of the Institute for Generative Intelligence Technology and Education (IGNITE), highlighted “technology diplomacy” and stronger R&D investment, while Professor Tran Xuan Tu, director of the Institute of Information Technology, called for continued state leadership in legal frameworks, infrastructure and financial support.

Vietnamese goods prepared for Lunar New Year shopping season in France

As Lunar New Year 2026 (Tet) is approaching, a wide range of traditional Vietnamese products have been imported into the French market to meet Tet demand from the Vietnamese community as well as consumers with an interest in Asian cuisine.

Vietnamese markets and specialty stores across France have seen Tet preparations begin early.

Imported products this season focus on items commonly associated with Tet meals and daily use. Fresh fruits such as jackfruit, mangosteen, sapodilla, rambutan, mango and pomelo are shipped to France via dedicated consignments to ensure freshness and quality upon arrival. Dried fruits, including mango and jackfruit, along with other Tet staples such as cashew nuts, coconut jam and traditional sweets, are also widely available on store shelves.

Products closely linked to traditional Tet customs, including la dong (phrynium leaves), dau xanh (mung beans) and nep cai hoa vang (a traditional fragrant glutinous rice), continue to be imported to meet demand for making banh chung (traditional square glutinous rice cakes) among Vietnamese families in France.

Early preparation of supplies allows importers to better manage peak-season demand while meeting France’s and the European Union’s increasingly stringent requirements on food safety and traceability. A number of products from Vietnamese enterprises scheduled to take part in the Spring Fair, set to run from February 2 to 13, have also been imported to serve Tet shopping needs, VOV reported.

Fresh Vietnamese fruit on sale at a supermarket in France (Photo: VNA)

Compared with the same period in 2025, Vietnamese agricultural exports to France in early 2026 have increased in volume, with a more stable supply base. Product quality has continued to improve, supported by clearer and more systematic production, packaging and control processes, as well as compliance with the certifications required for entry into the European market. Product packaging and varieties have also diversified, making them easier to store, display and access for consumers.

Despite competition from Tet-related products from other Asian countries, Vietnamese traditional items retain their place in the French market, particularly among the Vietnamese community, thanks to familiar flavors and cultural values associated with the Lunar New Year.

The growing presence and diversity of Vietnamese products during Tet not only help the Vietnamese community in France preserve traditional customs, but also gradually introduce the flavors and cultural spirit of Vietnamese Lunar New Year to local consumers.

Vietnam emerges as world’s “new-generation study abroad destinations”: EduOpinions

Vietnam has been named among the top emerging study abroad destinations worldwide, alongside countries such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Poland and Lithuania, according to the latest rankings by EduOpinions, a globally recognized education review platform.

With nearly 1.3 million visits annually, 45 percent of which come from Europe, EduOpinions is considered one of the most trusted reference platforms for students and parents exploring international education options.

The rankings are based on authentic student reviews collected during 2024–2025, with all featured countries achieving an average satisfaction score above 4 out of 5 stars, cited VGP.

International students participating in British University Viet Nam’s Culture Immersion Program. Photo: buv.edu.vn

EDUopinions students give Vietnam a significantly high overall rating – over 4.5 out of 5, more than the average for institutions in the UK during 2024-2025 (4.38 out of 5). This milestone reflects a broader turning point in the global education landscape, where less traditional destinations are gaining increasing recognition.

EduOpinions also emphasizes Vietnam's political and economic stability, as well as its strategic position in Southeast Asia, which collectively position the country as a promising long-term study destination.

International students benefit not only from high-quality academic programs, but also from a distinctive living experience, ranging from world natural heritage sites to a vibrant, culturally rich urban lifestyle.

These insights align with broader trends in Vietnam's higher education sector, where approximately 22,000 international students are currently studying.

Vietnam's inclusion among the world's "new-generation study abroad destinations" demonstrates that the country is well positioned to become a top choice for global learners.

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