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ietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang (L) and Vincent Laudat, President of CCI Normandie (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam fosters comprehensive cooperation with France's Normandy region

Vietnam is boosting comprehensive cooperation with France's Normandy region, a dynamic economic hub. This follows the upgrade of Vietnam-France relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, opening broad opportunities for collaboration in economy, science, culture, and sports.

During a July 15-16 visit to Normandy, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang highlighted the region's importance in Vietnam's economic diplomacy. Meetings with the Normandy Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI Normandie) and local businesses confirmed the new era of collaboration.

Ambassador Thang underscored France as the first European nation to achieve this comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, citing recent high-level visits as catalysts.

He detailed Vietnam's vision for cooperation, noting France's position among Vietnam's top trade and investment partners in Europe, with numerous new agreements, student exchanges, and French involvement in key Vietnamese infrastructure projects like Hanoi's first metro line.

Delphine Wahl, General Director of CCI Normandie, showcased the region's strengths, including its robust industrial and export capacity, key port system, strong automotive, aerospace, and agricultural sectors.

Discussions explored cooperation in dairy production, with Normandy offering expertise in processing and cooperative models, cited VNA.

Ambassador Thang proposed a "Normandy Day in Vietnam" to promote regional specialties. Healthcare cooperation, particularly in cancer research, was also explored.

Vincent Laudat, President of CCI Normandie, highlighted Normandy's significant role in France's nuclear industry, positioning it as a potential partner for Vietnam's nascent nuclear power programme.

The visit also included a stop at the Caen-Ouistreham port, a vital gateway for European market access.

A highlight was a meeting with Marc Lecerf, Mayor of Fleury-sur-Orne, to discuss an ambitious sports cooperation programme. This initiative will see Vietnamese athletes train in Normandy, focusing on scientific methods to enhance performance in sports like cycling, athletics, swimming, and martial arts, with the first group expected in late 2025.

Ambassador Thang concluded that the visit was highly successful, opening vast cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Normandy.

This diverse cooperation, spanning from sports to nuclear energy and high-tech, reflects the immense potential of the Vietnam-France comprehensive strategic partnership. Normandy's strengths align well with Vietnam's goal of becoming a modern industrial nation by 2045, solidifying its role as a strategic partner in the Asia-Pacific region.

Vietnam and Google explore partnership to boost AI training

The Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and Google will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, and artificial intelligence (AI) application.

This MoU will enable cooperative development of training programs, digital platforms, workshops, and an innovation ecosystem aligned with Vietnam’s realities.

The partnership will also open opportunities for cooperation on national AI policies, ethical standards, strategic advisory for policy-making, while raising public awareness about emerging technologies within the Academy’s mandate.

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Hanoi on July 17 between Professor Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Doron Avnin, vice president of Google in charge of Government Affairs and Public Policy in emerging markets.

Prof. Thang expressed admiration for Google’s pioneering achievements in key technology fields, including search engines, Android OS, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. These technologies, he said, have been widely adopted in Vietnam, supporting governance and improving citizens’ quality of life.

Highlighting Vietnam’s new development phase focused on innovation, digital transformation, and high-quality human resource development, especially for political leaders and civil servants, Prof. Thang emphasised the urgent need to enhance digital capacity across government levels.

He noted existing gaps between officials knowledgeable in technology but lacking management experience, and those experienced in management but with limited digital skills. This challenge, he said, requires integrated solutions where technology deeply embeds into governance ecosystems.

Prof. Thang proposed that Google increase cooperation with the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, as a strategic training center for Vietnam’s political system, to develop a comprehensive AI training model tailored to Vietnam’s needs. The training model would range from foundational digital and AI literacy for grassroots officials to advanced programs for senior leaders and technology experts, according to VOV.

Professor Nguyen Xuan Thang (R), Politburo member and president of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, receives Doron Avnin, vice president of Google in charge of Government Affairs and Public Policy in emerging markets, in Hanoi on July 17.

Avnin, for his part, praised Vietnam’s strategic vision, notably the Party’s Resolution 57 on science, technology, and innovation development. He affirmed Google stands ready to support Vietnam’s digital transformation journey, particularly in education and workforce training.

Sharing Google’s AI training initiatives worldwide, Avnin outlined three levels, namely broad AI literacy, practical AI applications for civil servants, and specialised training for innovation leaders. Google has trained over 55,000 officials in the United Arab Emirates, advised on AI infrastructure strategies, and engaged in education programs in countries including Thailand, Chile, and Brazil.

He described AI as a powerful tool to bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen state management capacity, and said Google looks forward to sharing international experiences and partnering with Vietnam in upcoming digital transformation and AI applications.

Emirates reveals Vietnam as its most popular booking destination

Vietnam has claimed the top spot on Emirates’ list of most-booked destinations for the summer 2025 travel season, driven by surging demand and the launch of the airline’s new Dubai–Da Nang route.

In its latest booking data, Emirates — one of the world’s largest carriers — noted that while familiar destinations remain popular, there’s rising interest in places offering authentic culture and a sense of discovery. Vietnam stood out with bookings up 61% year-on-year, overtaking well-established destinations such as Japan and France.

Emirates currently operates a total of 25 weekly flights to three major cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and most recently, Da Nang. According to Emirates, the Dubai–Da Nang route, which transits through Bangkok (Thailand), is considered a new strategic connection, linking the Han River city to major European cities and key US economic hubs, reported VNA.

According to booking data from Emirates — one of the world’s largest airlines, Vietnam is leading the list of the most popular destinations for the summer 2025 travel peak, thanks in part to the appeal of the new Dubai–Da Nang route. (Photo: Sun Group)

“Vietnam’s third-largest city is a gateway to three UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites and boasts over 3,000 kilometers of pristine coastline. For food lovers, Vietnam is also a perfect destination to explore — from bustling street food markets to hidden gems. The country’s cuisine promises an unforgettable experience,” Emirates said.

Surveys show that Da Nang and Vietnam are enjoying strong interest among German travelers — who are increasingly seeking to explore the Eastern world, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Seychelles.

“The new route to Da Nang opens the door for billionaires from one of the world’s wealthiest regions to access Vietnam’s central coast, bringing with them massive spending power,” Travel Daily News Asia observed.

One of Da Nang’s biggest appeal is its luxury hospitality, with high-end resorts such as InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort, Premier Village Da Nang Resort, Novotel Da Nang Premier Han River lining its award-winning beaches. The city also boasts globally recognised landmarks, including the Dragon Bridge and the Golden Bridge at Sun World Ba Na Hills — an increasingly popular spot for visitors seeking photo-worthy experiences. At Ba Na Hills, visitors can also enjoy a year-round calendar of festivals, beer gardens, and performances, catering to Western travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

In addition, as one of the few cities in Asia — and the only city in Vietnam — to host an annual international fireworks festival, this is another reason Da Nang continues to win over international visitors. The appeal of DIFF (Da Nang International Fireworks Festival) lies in the participation of the world’s most skilled fireworks teams, and its nearly two-month-long schedule keeps Da Nang alive throughout the summer. Alongside this are a series of accompanying festivals and events, keeping the city endlessly captivating.

On July 11, just before the DIFF 2025 grand finale, domestic and international flights reached record levels compared to previous years at the Da Nang International Airport. On the day of the DIFF 2025 finale, the city welcomed 171 flights on July 11 alone — up 40% compared to the first half of 2025.

With accolades such as Asia’s Leading Festival & Event City from the World Travel Awards, and a packed calendar of events year-round, Da Nang continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and dynamic destinations.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas

Vietnam and Azerbaijan have agreed on 17 potential cooperation areas with 58 specific activities for the 2025–2027 period, aiming to advance bilateral relations in a substantive, effective, and long-term manner.

The agreement was reached at the third meeting of the Vietnam – Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic – Trade and Scientific – Technical Cooperation, which took place in Hanoi on Thursday. The session was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov.

Emphasizing the significance of this event, Dien noted that the session followed the successful state visit to Azerbaijan by Party General Secretary To Lam in May 2025, during which the two countries elevated their ties to a strategic partnership. This marked a new chapter in bilateral relations and demonstrated the strong commitment of both countries’ leaders to strongly promote the traditional friendship in the time ahead.

For his part, Shahbazov affirmed that Azerbaijan always considers Vietnam a partner of top priority in the region, stressing the importance of strengthening coordination among the countries' ministries and sectors through the Intergovernmental Committee to better leverage each side’s strengths and potential.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the progress made since the second session of the committee, pointed out advantages and challenges, and identified opportunities for further collaboration. They welcomed the strides in areas such as diplomacy, trade, industry, agriculture, science and technique, culture, sports and tourism, education and training, construction, health care, and information and communications, cited VNS.

Dien proposed that the two sides urge their respective ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively realize the high-level agreements made during the Vietnamese Party leader’s recent visit to Azerbaijan and to carry out the new commitments set during this third session, VNS reported.

The third meeting of the Vietnam – Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic – Trade and Scientific – Technical Cooperation in Hanoi on Thursday. Photo moit.gov.vn

The ministers also agreed to enhance information sharing and policy consultation at all levels – from technical experts to government leaders – to promptly address issues arising during the course of cooperation, and to seek flexible solutions to balance and raise bilateral trade. They also pledged to facilitate market access for each other’s key products.

Both sides reaffirmed their intention to strengthen collaboration in the oil and gas sector, viewing it a strategic long-term priority. They agreed to effectively implement the memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation signed between the two ministries.

In addition, the two countries expressed interest in exploring new areas of cooperation that align with current development trends and their respective strengths. These include renewable energy, energy transition, information and communication technology, along with high-tech and emerging industries such as semiconductor, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, green transformation, and the circular economy, to build a modern, green, and sustainable industry.

They were also unanimous in stepping up mutual visits at all levels, including business missions, and in organizing economic forums and seminars to help enterprises explore investment and trade opportunities. Both sides agreed to efficiently carry out the cooperation model within the framework of the Vietnam – Azerbaijan Business Council.

In particular, they will consider the negotiation and signing of agreements that provide a more conducive legal framework for trade and investment ties such as an investment facilitation and protection deal and those on mutual recognition of standards and product certification.

After the meeting, Dien and Shahbazov signed the minutes of the third session of the Intergovernmental Committee.

Although bilateral trade remains modest, at around US$52 million in 2024, the outlook is bright. The figure already surpassed US$100 million in the first quarter of 2025 – a signal of strong recovery and significant potential for further expansion, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Temporary visa waiver sparks surge in European travel interest

Digital travel platform Agoda has reported a sharp rise in interest among travelers from Poland, Switzerland, and the Czech Republic following Vietnam’s rollout of a temporary visa exemption for nationals of these countries.

According to Agoda, interest from Polish travelers jumped by 306%, followed by a 155% rise from the Czech Republic and a 68% increase from Switzerland. These figures are based on accommodation searches on Agoda between January 1 and June 23 for check-ins between March 1 and December 31, the period during which the visa waiver is in effect, compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

The policy, effective from March 1, allows citizens from the three countries to enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism purposes. The temporary exemption is scheduled to end on December 31.

Agoda noted that the move has opened the door for more European travelers to explore Vietnam, with Poland seeing the strongest increase in travel interest.

The initiative is part of Vietnam’s broader effort to boost inbound tourism by removing the burden of lengthy visa procedures and fees, thereby enabling more visitors to experience the country’s rich culture, natural landscapes, and dynamic cities.

The most searched destinations by travelers from these markets during the visa-waiver period were central Da Nang city, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phu Quoc Island, and southcentral coastal Nha Trang city. Each location offers distinct experiences that highlight Vietnam’s tourism appeal, accordng to VOV.

Foreign tourists tour Hoi An Ancient Town by cyclo (Photo: Agoda)

The travel platform highlighted Da Nang as a city known for its golden beaches and the iconic Dragon Bridge, serving as a gateway to cultural attractions such as the Marble Mountains and Hoi An.

Ho Chi Minh City was described as a bustling metropolis that blends modern skyscrapers with historic landmarks like the Cu Chi Tunnels and a thriving street food scene. Hanoi, the capital, captivates visitors with its Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and centuries-old temples.

Phu Quoc Island is promoted as a tropical paradise, home to pristine beaches, lush forests, and world-class resorts, an ideal spot for relaxation. Meanwhile, Nha Trang stands out for its turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, and water sports like snorkeling and diving.

“These exemptions see Poland, Switzerland and the Czech Republic join Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom as European countries enjoying visa-free access to the fast-developing Southeast Asian nation,” says Agoda.

Lam Vu, country director of Vietnam at Agoda, emphasized the significance of the policy, saying that Vietnam’s visa-free policy is a fantastic step forward, making it easier than ever for European travelers to experience the country’s incredible mix of culture, nature, and hospitality.

“It’s a win for travelers and tourism alike,” he added.

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