| Vietnam News Today (Jul. 12) notable headlines Vietnam proposes cooperation priorities between ASEAN and dialogue partners Prime Minister works with USABC to foster economic and investment ties Vietnam, Denmark map out cooperation plans at political consultation in Copenhagen Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire seek stronger economic ties 740 US soldiers missing in Vietnam war identified: US officer Vietnam commits stronger reforms to foster fair, sustainable investment climate Vietnam marks progress in population work amid fertility, aging challenges Finnish Literature Week-Tove Jansson & Moomin 80 Exhibition opens in Hanoi |
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| Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son co-chairs the ASEAN - UK Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11. (Photo: MOFA) |
Vietnam proposes cooperation priorities between ASEAN and dialogue partners
Amidst a rapidly evolving global landscape, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son put forward initiatives to strengthen the ASEAN Community and reinforce cooperation between the bloc and its dialogue partners at a series of key meetings in Kuala Lumpur on July 11.
Son was joining diplomats from other ASEAN countries and dialogue partners at the ASEAN+1 Foreign Ministers’ Meetings with the United Kingdom and the European Union, and the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
At these meetings, he emphasized the need to deepen economic partnerships, focusing on key priorities outlined in the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. These include green and digital transformation, inclusive and sustainable development, supply chain resilience, green infrastructure, and capacity building for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He proposed that ASEAN and the EU revisit discussions on a Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement. He also called on remaining EU member states to complete the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to facilitate stronger economic ties.
The Vietnamese official welcomed the United Kingdom and European Union’s support in educational and human resource development, highlighting the value of academic exchanges and high-quality training programs. He encouraged increased engagement between ASEAN’s research institutions and expert networks, and called for expanded cooperation in public health and emergency preparedness, cited VOV.
On regional and global issues, he reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent positions on the East Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and the Korean Peninsula. He urged partners to support ASEAN’s principled stance on the East Sea, including the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties (DOC) and the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC), in line with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In his role as ASEAN Coordinator for ASEAN - UK relations, Son co-chaired the ASEAN - UK Ministerial Meeting with UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Lammy. The two sides reviewed the remarkable progress achieved since establishing the Dialogue Partnership in 2021 and reaffirmed commitment to enhancing cooperation across all three pillars - political-security, economic, and socio-cultural.
ASEAN Ministers welcomed the UK’s active engagement in regional initiatives, including its official observer status in the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups on Military Medicine and Maritime Security. They also noted the contributions of UK-supported programs such as the Economic Integration Program, Digital Innovation Partnership, and UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week.
Prime Minister works with USABC to foster economic and investment ties
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a working session in Hanoi on July 11 with a delegation from the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), which comprises executives from major US and global corporations now on a business trip to Vietnam.
The guests came from leading firms such as Abbott, Amazon, Apple, Boeing, Brunswick, Citibank, Exxon Mobil, Ford, Google, IBM, Intel, Manulife, Meta, UPS, Warburg Pincus, Odgers Berndtson, and Zuellig Pharma.
They expressed their appreciation for PM Chinh’s regular engagement with them, noting that such a dialogue consistently leads to tangible progress in easing their concerns.
US businesses appreciated the increasingly favorable investment and business environment in Vietnam, as well as the country’s strong commitments, vision, and concrete actions, particularly the administrative streamlining efforts. They reaffirmed their commitment to long-term investment, production, and business cooperation with Vietnam in the coming period. At the same time, they put forward several recommendations and proposals, aiming to build a stronger and more effective relationship.
After hearing feedback from US companies, PM Chinh directed relevant ministries and agencies to promptly review and act on the companies’ recommendations with clear timelines and accountability, stressing the principle of ensuring clear roles, tasks, deadlines, outcomes, responsibilities, and authority.
He also urged deeper cooperation with US firms, especially in emerging sectors like sci-tech, innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence.
Briefing the guests on Vietnam's current situation, PM Chinh stressed that the country is continuing its reforms and will pursue even more changes ahead, creating the most favorable conditions for people and businesses, placing them at the center of policies, while shifting from passive to active approach and from management to service delivery.
Regarding areas of the US firms’ interests, the Government leader highlighted Vietnam's commitment to ensuring equal access to resources between domestic and foreign enterprises, and streamlining visa regulations and labour policies, among others, according to VNA.
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| PM Pham Minh Chinh (center, front row) and the USABC delegation. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam and the US have basically reached consensus on a joint statement on a fair and balanced reciprocal trade agreement framework, laying the foundation for advancing stable and sustainable economic and trade ties that benefit people and businesses of both nations, he underscored.
PM Chinh took this occasion to thank the US companies for their support and contributions to pushing ahead the negotiations as well as promoting investment and business cooperation between the two countries, bringing tangible benefits to both sides.
To continue enhancing the quality and effectiveness of the trade – investment – business cooperation, he also requested that the US business community continue to have voice and partner with the Vietnamese Government in dialogues with US agencies to achieve a specific agreement on reasonable tariffs for individual products and product groups towards stable, harmonious, sustainable, and mutually beneficial trade turnover.
PM Chinh urged the US enterprises to advocate for sustainable economic, trade, and investment ties between the two countries, not using trade defense measures against Vietnamese exports, or avoiding any actions that could harm the increasingly positive bilateral relationship. He also proposed the US side would soon recognize Vietnam’s market economy status and remove the country from the list of high-tech export restrictions.
The government leader suggested the US firms to step up high-quality investment in Vietnam, increase the transfer of advanced technologies, and support Vietnamese businesses in enhancing governance capability and workforce training, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, processing and manufacturing, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
He requested the US companies to create more favorable conditions for Vietnamese firms to integrate more deeply into their global supply chains and to continue providing policy advice to help the Vietnamese Government improve institutional and regulatory frameworks.
To support US businesses in Vietnam and concretise the Vietnam - US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the spirit of "harmonizing benefits and sharing risks", the Vietnamese Government will continue streamlining administrative procedures, and regularly reviewing and improving laws and policies to ensure an increasingly open, transparent, and equitable environment for investment, production, and business activities, and guarantee legitimate rights and interests of investors, while helping enterprises cut compliance, input and logistics costs, enhance competitiveness, and operate stably, efficiently, and sustainably in the country, PM Chinh stressed.
Vietnam, Denmark map out cooperation plans at political consultation in Copenhagen
Vietnam and Denmark examined cooperation orientations during the third political consultation co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang, and Danish Foreign Secretary Lina Gandlose Hansen, in Copenhagen on July 9.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with the strong and growing Comprehensive Partnership and Green Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Denmark. They reaffirmed the commitment to elevating bilateral relationship as the two countries are approaching the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
Hansen congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the P4G Summit in Hanoi in April 2025, and reaffirmed Denmark’s high regard for its partnership with Vietnam. She She noted the positive momentum in relations, particularly following Crown Prince Frederik’s (now King of Denmark) visit to Vietnam in November 2022 and the virtual summit between the two Prime Ministers in November 2023.
Hang, for her part, thanked Denmark for its consistent support for Vietnam, including contributions to the recent P4G Summit. She reaffirmed Vietnam’s desire to deepen cooperation with Denmark across areas of mutual interest and strength.
Both sides agreed to enhance political trust and coordination through regular high-level exchanges and existing mechanisms, including the political consultations between their foreign ministries.
They pledged to effectively implement the 2024–2025 Action Plan for the Comprehensive and Green Strategic Partnership, the Danish Energy Partnership Programme (DEPP), and future cooperation under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) for Vietnam.
Vietnam highly appreciated Denmark’s development cooperation, particularly more than US$1 billion in ODA, and called for continued support in rural development, environmental protection, and the green transition, reported VOV.
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| Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang (third from left), and Danish Foreign Secretary Lina Gandlose Hansen (third from right), and other officials pose for a group photo ahead of their political consultation in Copenhagen on July 9. (Photo: MOFA) |
Both sides welcomed the increase in Danish foreign direct investment (FDI) in Vietnam and agreed to revive joint economic, trade, and investment dialogue mechanisms. They encouraged businesses to advance major projects in renewable energy, the circular economy, green growth, the marine economy, and logistics.
Hang proposed that Denmark, as the rotating President of the European Council in the second half of 2025, advocate for the early ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnam’s seafood exports.
On regional and global issues, both reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law and the UN Charter, and expressed support for efforts to reform the United Nations to enhance its global effectiveness.
Regarding the East Sea, Denmark reiterated its backing of ASEAN’s stance on maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight. It emphasised the need to resolve disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and to expedite the adoption and effective implementation of a Code of Conduct (COC).
Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire seek stronger economic ties
National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh and NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston attended a seminar titled "Political and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Côte d'Ivoire: Achievements and future prospects" to explore the future of Vietnam - Côte d’Ivoire economic cooperation, as part of the former's official visit to the African nation from July 9 – 12.
It was the first activity during Thanh’s visit, the first-ever by a top Vietnamese legislator since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1975.
The seminar was part of activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties (October 6), drawing nearly 200 delegates, including lawmakers, government officials, and business leaders from both countries
In his opening remarks, Thanh praised Côte d’Ivoire’s National Development Strategy, which aims to position the country as one of Africa’s most dynamic economies by 2030.
The Vietnamese NA is committed to working with government agencies to offer favorable legal frameworks and conditions for bilateral cooperation, he said.
Koffi Yapi Evariste, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Integration, and Ivorians Abroad, praised the robust trade relationship, with Vietnam importing up to 80-90% of Côte d’Ivoire’s cashew nut output. He noted vast potential in investment, trade, and cultural exchanges, cited VNA.
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| Delegates at the seminar (Photo: VNA) |
Nguyen Hai Nam from the Vietnamese NA’s Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs, affirmed that Vietnam always creates a solid legal foundation for international cooperation through various laws and resolutions on investment, trade, customs, and finance. He also highlighted Vietnam’s approval of numerous international treaties and trade agreements, paving the way for enhanced bilateral and multilateral collaboration.
Diaby Sékou, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Economy, Planning and Development, identified farm produce as a key driver of bilateral trade, He called on Vietnamese firms to expand cooperation in agricultural processing via technology transfers in cashew processing and rice production, alongside exploring partnerships in renewable energy, e-commerce, digital transformation, real estate, and tourism.
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Si Hung noted that foreign direct investment (FDI) has transformed Vietnam from a low-income country to the world’s 32nd largest economy, with a GDP of around 470 billion USD. Ranking among the top 20 global trading nations and top 15 FDI destinations, Vietnam boasts strengths in agriculture like rice, coffee, rubber, pepper, cashews, and seafood, and industries such as electronics, apparel, footwear, tourism, and technology. Its integration into global supply chains through 17 free trade agreements with over 60 economies was cited as a key advantage.
Yao Germain, representing Côte d’Ivoire’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), stressed the private sector’s role, supported by state policies, in driving economic linkages between Vietnam and Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire. He advocated for trilateral cooperation involving both nations’ chambers of commerce and a third party within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to capitalize on regional trade benefits.
Closing the event, NA Vice President of Côte d’Ivoire Woi Mela Gaston hailed the discussions as a catalyst for mutual understanding and new opportunities in trade and investment.
740 US soldiers missing in Vietnam war identified: US officer
With the support of Vietnam, the remains of 740 US servicemen have been identified and returned to their families, according to Kelly McKeague, Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) under the US Department of Defense.
Visiting the National Archives Center III under the Vietnamese Ministry of Home Affairs’ State Records and Archives Department on Thursday, McKeague stated that the year 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam–US diplomatic relations, and, notably, the 40th anniversary since the US first sent a team to Vietnam to search for missing service members.
Immediately after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords in 1973, Vietnam established an agency dedicated to searching for those missing in the war. The country has been proactive in supporting the search for US soldiers missing in action during the war in Vietnam.
Expressing gratitude for these efforts, especially on behalf of the families of the missing, the DPAA official affirmed that a fundamental cornerstone of the Vietnam—US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is Vietnam's efforts in supporting the search for missing service members, cited VNS.
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| Boxes containing the remains of suspected US servicemen MIA in the war in Vietnam covered in the US flag. Vietnam and the United States on April 20 held the 169th repatriation ceremony for the remains of US servicemen missing in action (MIA) during the war in Vietnam. Photo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
However, McKeague noted that there are still 1,157 US soldiers missing in the war in Vietnam, and these cases are extremely difficult to find due to the lack of information.
According to the Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, gathering information is the first and crucial step, as sometimes such information is key for the search teams to determine whether they are at the correct site or speaking to the right witnesses.
Director of the State Records and Archives Department Dang Thanh Tung stated that the Vietnamese archives sector cooperates with not only the US but also France to provide information in the search for missing soldiers, thus meeting the needs of their families. He also affirmed that the sector will continue to proactively cooperate and exchange information with the US side in this work.
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