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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam.

Vietnamese PM to attend BRICS Summit in Brazil

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse will lead a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam to attend an expanded BRICS summit and engage in bilateral activities in Brazil from July 4–8, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The invitation has been extended by Brazilian President Lula da Silva, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press communique on July 3.

Founded in 2009 with four initial members, namely Brazil, Russia, India, and China, BRICS has later expanded to include South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. Its cooperation is structured around three main pillars: political and security cooperation, economic and financial collaboration, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In mid-June, Vietnam was announced as the 10th BRICS partner country, alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

This is the first time Vietnam has participated in the summit as a Partner Country. The PM’s engagement affirms Vietnam’s responsible role and contributions to multilateral mechanisms, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening the voice and role of developing countries, promoting international solidarity, and advancing inclusive multilateralism based on respect for international law. It also deepens the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and BRICS member countries.

Themed “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance,” the 2025 BRICS Summit is one of the most significant multilateral events, bringing together around 20 heads of State and Government, the United Nations Secretary-General, and leaders of various international organizations. It will address issues of great interest to the international community, especially developing countries, such as strengthening multilateralism, reforming the global governance system, and promoting sustainable development across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, cited VOV.

The engagement will give Vietnam the chance to take its proactive role in promoting inclusive and sustainable global governance, amplifying the voices of developing countries in addressing current challenges, and exchanging experiences, perspectives, visions, and best practices in development, while enhancing cooperation in areas aligned with the country’s priorities and interests, said Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang.

From a bilateral perspective, amid rapid and complex global and regional developments, Chinh’s working trip reaffirms that Vietnam is a friend and reliable partner to the international community. It serves as an important diplomatic “bridge,” reinforcing and enhancing the friendly and cooperative relations between Vietnam and Brazil, while also elevating the country’s image and position in Central and South America.

In addition, Hang said, the trip offers Vietnam the opportunity to diversify economic, trade, and investment partnerships with high-potential regions, so as to mobilize international resources for the country’s development goals in this era of national advancement.

Over the past 35 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, Vietnam and Brazil have continuously strengthened their bilateral ties. Brazil stands as Vietnam’s most significant trading partner in Latin America and a key comprehensive strategic partner, with two-way trade reaching nearly US$8 billion in 2024.

Following the success of recent high-level exchanges, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in the G20 Summit in November 2024 and Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s State visit to Vietnam in March 2025, both sides have actively maintained and expanded bilateral dialogue mechanisms and high-level delegation exchanges.

Beyond trade, areas such as agriculture, energy, science and technology, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation have emerged as priority sectors, forming the backbone of the 2025–2030 Action Plan for implementing the Strategic Partnership.

Importantly, the upcoming working trip presents a timely opportunity for both leaders to outline strategic directions to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and agriculture, while intensifying their efforts to diversify markets, products, and supply chains in response to an increasingly complex global trade landscape.

Vietnam’s GDP growth poised to beat forecast by 0.3%: official

Vietnam’s economy outpaced forecasts in the first half, with GDP growth likely to exceed projections by 0.2 to 0.3%, Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son said on July 3.

At a press briefing to announce the outcomes of the regular Cabinet meeting and the online conference between the Government and 34 provinces and cities, along with 3,321 communes, wards, and special zones the same day, Son said GDP growth for Q2 is estimated at 7.67%, bringing the six-month figure to 7.31%. However, updated data through June 30 suggests the GDP growth rate in the first half could be higher than initially projected, driven by improving monthly indicators in production and budget revenue, stable macroeconomy, and controlled inflation rate.

The Ministry of Finance reported that the manufacturing and processing industry grew by 10% in the first half. Export performance was strong, rising by 14.4% and trade surplus estimated at 7.63 billion USD. Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue rose by 9.3%.

Total social investment rose by 9.8% in the first six months, while registered foreign direct investment (FDI) reached 21.5 billion USD, a year-on-year surge of 32.6%, the highest since 2009. Disbursed FDI stood at over 11.7 billion USD, marking an 8.1% increase, reported VNA.

Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son speaks at the press briefing on July 3. (Photo: VNA)

Besides, the business landscape showed remarkable dynamism, with 152,700 enterprises entering and re-entering the market in the period, 20% higher than the number of enterprises exiting the market.

As challenges are on the horizon, Son said, the Government outlined several missions and measures for the final six months of the year, including closely monitoring the operations of two-tier local government model, implementing regulations on decentralisation and authority distribution to provide timely guidance and resolve local bottlenecks, ensuring smooth settlement of administrative procedures.

Maintaining macroeconomic stability must be a focus, with the State Bank of Vietnam requested to operate rational monetary policy tools, interest rates, and exchange rates to support production and business operations while meeting the economy's capital needs.

The government is also pushing for public investment capital disbursement, promoting new growth drivers, and capitalising on the 17 signed free trade agreements while advancing new trade pacts. Son stated that concerted efforts must be made to complete the construction of at least 3,000 kilometres of expressways and over 1,000 kilometres of coastal road this year.

All ministries, sectors, and localities must work to resolve long-standing issues, prevent wastefulness, and effectively reform administrative procedures, he added.

Con Dao airport serves 100,000 summer travelers

Con Dao Airport served nearly 100,000 passengers between May and June, up 9.8% in departures and 4% in arrivals year-on-year, and handled 845 flights each way, thanks to added services by the Vietnam Air Service Company (VASCO), helicopters, and Vietjet Air, according to the Airports Corporation of Vietnam.

Despite growing demand, access to Con Dao remains limited due to outdated infrastructure, a short runway, and lack of night operations. The airport currently accommodates only small aircraft like ATR-72s.

Under the national airport development plan, Con Dao Airport is expected to reach an annual capacity of 2 million passengers by 2030 and 3 million by 2050, cited VNA.

Con Dao Airport served nearly 100,000 passengers between May and June, (Photo: VNA)

Sun Group has proposed upgrading the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and international flights, including through potential land reclamation to expand infrastructure.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) noted that any such development must consider environmental impacts and will require international consulting due to its complexity. While private sponsorship of planning is permitted, the CAAV stressed it must comply with government regulations and not be tied to future investment rights.

Given tight public funding, the CAAV has asked the Ministry of Construction to consider accepting the sponsored planning proposal to maintain project momentum.

Da Lat ranks among Asia’s top 5 budget summer travel spots

Cool weather, pine forests, and French charm place Da Lat on Agoda’s list of affordable destinations.

Known for its cool climate and poetic highland landscapes, Da Lat has been named one of the top five most affordable summer destinations in Asia by digital travel platform Agoda.

This recognition highlights the growing appeal of the Vietnamese highland city as a budget-friendly destination full of memorable experiences.

On July 2, Agoda released its 2025 summer affordability ranking for Asian destinations, based on average hotel rates between June and August.

Da Lat was ranked fourth, offering travelers a charming retreat amidst pine forests and French colonial architecture at an average nightly room rate of approximately USD 46, VNN reported.

Photo: VNN

Leading the list is Surabaya, Indonesia, followed by Tirupati (India) and Hat Yai (Thailand), with average rates ranging from USD 36 to USD 40 per night.

Having briefly fallen off the spring rankings, Da Lat has swiftly reclaimed its position in the top five thanks to its unique blend of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. With misty pine forests, flower gardens, and cool weather year-round, it offers the ideal summer getaway.

Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, remarked, “Da Lat’s reappearance among Asia’s top affordable destinations reflects the growing appeal of Vietnam as a travel spot that is both economical and experience-rich.”

Agoda’s “Most Affordable Summer Destinations” list was compiled using data from average hotel prices in 10 popular destinations across 9 Asian tourism markets.

Top summer budget destinations in Asia (average nightly room rate):

Surabaya, Indonesia (USD 36): Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Surabaya offers attractions like colonial architecture, bustling markets, and easy access to nearby natural wonders such as Mount Bromo and Madura Island.

Tirupati, India (USD 38): This spiritual city is home to the famed Venkateswara Temple, one of the world’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Visitors are also drawn to its festivals, traditional South Indian music, and cuisine.

Hat Yai, Thailand (USD 40): Renowned for its energetic markets and street food, Hat Yai also offers proximity to serene beaches and islands, making it a perfect blend of city life and nature.

Da Lat, Vietnam (USD 46): Located in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Da Lat features lush pine forests, French-style villas, and a refreshingly cool climate. Visitors can hike, cycle, or explore colorful flower gardens.

Iloilo, Philippines (USD 48): This coastal city combines Spanish colonial churches, unspoiled beaches, and a vibrant culinary scene, ideal for cultural explorers and beach lovers alike.

Other cities rounding out the top 10 include Kuching (Malaysia), Nagoya (Japan), Kaohsiung (Taiwan), and Daejeon (South Korea), each offering unique experiences at varying budget levels.

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