| Vietnam News Today (Jul. 22) notable headlines Vietnamese, Singaporean Party officials hold talks Northern localities put on alert as Wipha set to make landfall on July 22 Vietnam’s 30 years in ASEAN: Strengthening role, spreading influence Mui Ne spotlighted by National Geographic as SEA's top watersports destination Vietnam’s economy maintains growth momentum Typhoon Wipha forces airport closures in northern Vietnam |
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| At the talks between Politburo member, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Chairman of its Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac and Chan Chun Sing, Assistant Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore in Hanoi on July 21. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnamese, Singaporean Party officials hold talks
Politburo member, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Chairman of its Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac held talks with Chan Chun Sing, Assistant Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party (PAP) of Singapore in Hanoi on July 21.
Chan, who is also Singaporean Minister for Defense and Coordinating Minister for Public Services, is on a working visit to Vietnam from July 20 to 22.
During the talks, Trac expressed his belief that the visit serves as a valuable opportunity for both sides to discuss measures to further enhance the friendship and cooperation between the two Parties, effectively implement the content and orientation of the Vietnam–Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the time ahead, contributing to deepening trust and cohesion between the two Parties and the two countries.
For his part, Chan affirmed that Singapore consistently values the enhancement of cooperation with Vietnam across Party, State, and people-to-people channels. He stressed that his visit aims to bolster Party-to-Party ties, thereby promoting comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.
He expressed his delight that Vietnam and Singapore share many common interests, policy priorities, and positions on many regional and international issues.
The two sides highlighted the strong developments in Vietnam-Singapore bilateral cooperation in recent times, with the important milestone of upgrading the relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
They agreed to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen political trust through regular meetings and exchanges, particularly between senior leaders of the two Parties and States. Both sides committed to effectively utilising existing cooperation frameworks and advancing toward more substantive mechanisms, including a regular exchange platform between the two ruling Parties to share experience in Party building, state management, and socio-economic development.
The two sides also agreed to effectively implement the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasising the importance of promptly finalsing and adopting an action plan for 2025-2030, cited VNA.
Vietnam stands ready to facilitate Singaporean enterprises’ investment and business activities in the country, Trac stated, calling on Singapore to continue sharing its experience and supporting Vietnam in areas of its strengths, while expanding cooperation in potential fields such as offshore wind power exports, carbon credit exchange, financial innovation, and seaport development.
Chan showed his hope that the two sides will continue to expand cooperation in developing supply chains and renewable energy; step up energy partnership through the ASEAN Power Grid (APG); enhance financial and data connectivity; and improve logistics infrastructure, especially seaport systems.
The two sides also agreed to promote cooperation in education and training, expand air connectivity, and boost cultural and people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the two peoples. Singapore reaffirmed its commitment to continued training support for Vietnamese officials and scholarships for Vietnamese students to study in Singapore.
Regarding regional and international issues, the two sides agreed to maintain regular consultations, strengthen coordination and mutual support at regional and international multilateral mechanisms, particularly within ASEAN, for peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.
Northern localities put on alert as Wipha set to make landfall on July 22
Northern and north-central provinces of Vietnam are racing against time as Typhoon Wipha continues to strengthen after entering the Gulf of Tonkin, with landfall expected on the morning of July 22.
Wipha is heading toward the northern and north-central coastal provinces of Vietnam stretching from Quang Ninh and Hai Phong to Nghe An, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
The typhoon regained strength on the afternoon of July 21 with winds reaching between 87 – 100kph near its center and is expected to further intensify as it approaches the coastal waters from southern Hai Phong city to northern Thanh Hoa province, according to VOV.
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| Wipha is projected to slam into the northern and north-central coastal provinces from Hai Phong to Nghe An on July 22. (Photo: VNDMS) |
Although the typhoon’s eye was about 130 kilometers northeast of the coastline, strong winds reaching 88kph have already been recorded on Bach Long Vi Island of Hai Phong city in the afternoon and are forecast to continue strengthening overnight.
According to Mai Van Khiem, director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, analysis of satellite imagery over the past hours shows that Wipha has remained nearly stationary. If the storm slows down, its intensity will increase, leading to heavier rainfall.
"Based on data as of the afternoon of July 21, the forecast is that between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on July 22, the eye of Typhoon Wipha will make landfall in the area from southern Hai Phong city to northern Thanh Hoa province," said Khiem.
Local authorities are urgently implementing response measures, focusing on ensuring the safety of residents, vessels, and infrastructure.
Hanoi and provinces such as Hung Yen, Ninh Binh, Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An are forecast to be the most heavily affected areas.
Widespread heavy rain is forecast across the northern region and the north-central provinces of Vietnam, especially in the northeastern region, the Red River Delta, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An provinces, with rainfall totals ranging from 200 to 350 mm, and some areas possibly exceeding 600 mm.
Over the next three days, the capital city of Hanoi is anticipated to receive 100 to 200 mm of rain, with some areas potentially seeing up to 300 mm. Many streets in the city may be flooded, with water levels reaching 0.2 to 0.5 meters, and flooding is expected to last for approximately 30 to 60 minutes.
In coastal provinces, tens of thousands of vessels have returned to safe shelters. Restaurants and tourist sites have dismantled metal roofing and temporary structures to minimise damage from strong winds.
Local authorities have also urgently relocated residents from old apartment buildings and high-risk areas to safe shelters.
According to the National Civil Defense Steering Committee, the Ministry of National Defense has mobilised a total of 346,210 personnel along with 8,200 vehicles and equipment, including automobiles, ships, boats and canoes, specialised vehicles, and aircraft in response to typhoon Wipha.
Vietnam’s 30 years in ASEAN: Strengthening role, spreading influence
Over the past three decades as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Vietnam has not only contributed significantly to fostering intra-bloc solidarity and building a stronger ASEAN Community but has also elevated its international stature.
The view was shared by Indonesian experts during interviews with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) in Jakarta on the occasion of the country’s ASEAN membership anniversary (July 28, 1995 – 2025).
According to Dinna Prapto Raharja, a researcher at Indonesia’s Synergy Policies, Vietnam’s accession to the bloc was a pivotal moment that reinforced the geopolitical landscape of Southeast Asian countries. She said that ASEAN has since gained a more reliable regional structure – a development she regarded as highly significant.
Dinna noted that Vietnam’s consistent domestic reforms have contributed to the region’s rapid development, particularly through its remarkable economic growth. She also highlighted that Vietnam’s ideas have inspired other member states in how to adapt to a rapidly evolving global context.
In economic cooperation, she noted that Vietnam has contributed significantly to the growth of intra-bloc trade, which has quadrupled over the past thirty years. While Vietnam has benefited greatly from enhanced trade relationships with its fellow ASEAN member states, others, including Indonesia, have also gained from Vietnam's active participation in the organization, reported VNA.
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| Dinna Prapto Raharja, a researcher at Indonesia’s Synergy Policies (Photo: VNA) |
Meanwhile, Beni Sukadis, a senior coordinator at Indonesia Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI), said Vietnam’s rapid development and sound economic policies have helped drive ASEAN towards becoming a more integrated market.
He noted that Vietnam is widely recognized as an active and assertive member in efforts to strengthen ASEAN unity. From a regional security perspective, particularly concerning the East Sea, the nation has maintained a clear and consistent stance, while also demonstrating a constructive and responsible approach, particularly in advancing the Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.
Beni added that Vietnam’s proactivity and consistency have positioned it as a key player in upholding the rule of law through constructive dialogue and peaceful negotiation between ASEAN and China. Alongside Indonesia, Vietnam has become an influential voice in pushing forward the COC negotiations. Together with Malaysia and the Philippines, Vietnam is seen as a frontrunner in advocating for respect for international law and the rule of law, thereby contributing to a stable and transparent maritime security environment in the region.
Vietnam is also regarded as a bridge-builder, fostering deeper ties between ASEAN and its external partners, he said.
With a development vision toward 2045, a milestone by which the bloc aims to become a comprehensive community and Vietnam aspires to reach developed, high-income status, Beni expressed confidence that the country will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the region’s trajectory.
Indonesian experts shared a view that by 2045, Vietnam will stand as a driving force behind ASEAN’s continued centrality within the Indo-Pacific architecture, helping to sustain a resilient, integrated, and people-centered ASEAN.
Mui Ne spotlighted by National Geographic as SEA's top watersports destination
National Geographic, one of the world’s leading travel publications, has published an article highlighting Mui Ne in Vietnam as an emerging destination for watersports in Southeast Asia.
In the piece, reporter Daniel Stables wrote that over the past two decades, Mui Ne has transformed from a whale-worshipping fishing village into one of the region’s top watersports capitals.
“Nobody knew about Mui Ne until 1995, when thousands of people came to the beach to watch the total solar eclipse,” said Nguyen Tan Hung, a kitesurfing instructor.
“After that, nothing was the same,” Hung added.
According to National Geographic, eclipse chasers discovered much to enjoy in Mui Ne: white- and red-sand dunes shaded by casuarina trees, golden beaches, and consistent waves. But it was the reliable winds that most attracted kitesurfers. As word spread, Mui Ne became a quieter alternative to more crowded watersports hubs in Thailand and the Philippines.
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| Mui Ne emerges as a leading watersports destination in Southeast Asia. |
Tan Hung, who grew up in a fishing family, said he was once a fisherman like his father before the area’s growing watersports scene led him to take up kitesurfing.
“They represent Nam Hai,” he said, referring to the traditional boat eyes seen along the shore. “The whale god.”
Stables noted that Mui Ne’s fisherfolk follow a folk religion predating the arrival of Buddhism in Vietnam. The whalesm, believed to be Bryde’s whales frequenting the coast, are revered as sea gods said to rescue fishermen during storms.
The same winds that once inspired storm-bound prayers are now drawing kitesurfers, windsurfers, sailors, and surfers to Mui Ne. According to the article, the area enjoys about 260 days per year with winds exceeding 12 knots, ideal conditions for watersports.
Vietnam’s economy maintains growth momentum
Amid global economic challenges, Vietnam’s GDP growth of 7.52% in the first half of 2025 was relatively high, laying the foundation for the full-year growth target of at least 8%.
The economic outlook for the second half of the year was considered positive, with growth potential in public investment, science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, increased credit flow into the economy and rising consumption.
Many factors supporting growth
According to data released by the National Statistics Office (NSO), Vietnam’s economy expanded by 7.52% in the first six months of 2025, the highest first-half growth rate during the 2011-2025 period. Other economic indicators such as inflation, government revenue and public investment disbursement were also positive. This growth rate is close to the revised projection in the first quarter.
NSO Director Nguyen Thi Huong stated that such a positive growth rate was supported by many favourable factors. From the production perspective, growth was even across industries and sectors, with industrial production and construction remaining the primary drivers of growth at 8.07% and 9.62% respectively. Services such as transport, warehousing, accommodation and catering also posted strong growth, positively supporting production, export and tourism.
From a consumption perspective, public investment was accelerated for key infrastructure projects. Rapid growth in foreign direct investment in semiconductor and high-technology helped increase the economy’s overall production capacity in the long run.
Meanwhile, foreign demand for Vietnamese goods remained relatively high, as seen in the export value of 219 billion USD in the January-June period, up 14.4% year on year. Huong said the harmonious combination of supply and demand has created a solid growth momentum for the Vietnamese economy.
In a recent report on Vietnam’s economic performance in the first six months of the year and projection for all of 2025, Can Van Luc, chief economist at BIDV, highlighted the economy’s positive performance.
Specifically, fiscal policy continued to be expanded with a clear focus while monetary policy was managed in a proactive and flexible manner, and in close coordination with fiscal policy and a credit growth target of 16%, according to NDO.
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| Photo: NDO |
The macroeconomy was fundamentally stable, with major balances ensured. Foreign direct investment pledges rose 32.6%, while disbursement reached 11.72 billion USD, the highest figure in five years.
Another highlight is the continued macroeconomic stability, with inflation well under control. The average consumer price index in the first six months rose 3.27% and core inflation was 3.16%. Lending interest rates fell slightly and credit growth rebounded. Government revenue rose strongly thanks to solid growth in production, consumption and export.
Luc also stressed that one of the decisive factors in economic growth in the first half of the year was the Party and State’s reorganisation of administrative units and operation of two-tier local government, efforts to continue perfecting institutions and implementing the four key policy pillars of science and technology development, international integration, law building and enforcement, and private sector development.
Building confidence for enterprises and investors
Positive growth in the first six months of the year has reduced pressure on economic management in the remaining quarters of 2025. But in order to achieve full-year growth of at least 8%, growth in the third and fourth quarters must be 8.33% and 8.51% respectively. These are challenging goals as the global economy is still facing many difficulties and uncertainties that can adversely affect the highly open Vietnamese economy.
To boost growth, economists recommended bold actions, including institutional reform and addressing obstacles in production and business operations and effectively coordinating monetary and fiscal policies.
Luc noted that it is currently important to effectively implement institutional breakthroughs and functioning of the government apparatus following administrative merger and streamlining, step up the combat against wastefulness and improve the business climate substantively.
Furthermore, it is necessary to take a proactive and flexible approach to the US tariff policy, effectively implement consumption promotion policies, enhance the quality of growth by establishing a national committee on productivity and carry out campaigns to improve productivity.
To maximize the potential of the economy for sustainable and rapid growth in the long run, Dr Dang Duc Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Policy and Strategy, stated that Vietnam needs to keep macroeconomic stability, build confidence among enterprises and investors, while maintaining a cautious and flexible monetary policy.
It should also continue reforming administrative procedures, establish a transparent and secure investment climate, promote innovation and regional linkage to enhance productivity and promote green growth alongside environmental protection.
For public investment, it is necessary to address the bottlenecks in investment procedures, building materials sourcing and site clearance to accelerate key national projects.
According to the NSO, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation are regarded as core drivers of Vietnam’s economic growth, Therefore, enterprises need to utilize new opportunities and use AI in production, increase investment in research and development to cut costs and enhance competitiveness.
For external resources, Vietnam continues to be an attractive destination to foreign investors, with FDI pledges reaching the highest level since 2009. The NSO recommended that the central government and localities prioritize foreign-invested projects with advanced technology and the ability to transfer technology to domestic enterprises through focused investment promotion activities, improving the business and investment climate, simplifying administrative procedures and making policies transparent.
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