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The article posted on the official Facebook page of Pathet Lao. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam–Laos special relationship to deepen over time

Pathet Lao, the newspaper of the Lao News Agency, has published an editorial tracing the development of the of great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two Parties, States and peoples of Laos and Vietnam, on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the signing of the bilateral Treaty of Amity and Cooperation.

The editorial emphasises that the special bilateral relationship has deep historical roots, forged through centuries of shared hardship. The two neighbouring countries share a border of more than 2,000 km and are linked by the Truong Son mountain range and the Mekong River.

According to the article, the two peoples have remained closely connected through economic, cultural and everyday exchanges. Throughout history, they have supported one another while promoting trade and cultural interaction. Communities along the shared border are bound not only by family ties but also by a common aspiration for independence, peace and prosperity.

The editorial notes that the enduring Laos–Vietnam relationship was tested during the revolutionary struggle under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, and subsequently the Lao People's Revolutionary Party and the Communist Party of Vietnam. It pays tribute to Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong as the founding architects of the special relationship, describing it as an invaluable shared asset of the two nations.

The article recalls that from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, French colonial rule extended across the three Indochinese countries. Under the leadership of the Indochinese Communist Party, the peoples of Laos and Vietnam fought together for national liberation. Following the success of Vietnam's August Revolution in 1945 and its declaration of independence in September that year, Laos proclaimed its independence on October 12, 1945, and established the Lao Issara Government, cited VNA.

When French colonial forces returned in 1946, the armed forces and peoples of Laos and Vietnam stood shoulder to shoulder in resisting what they regarded as their common adversary.

The editorial highlights that in 1954, Laos opened multiple fronts across the country and closely coordinated with Vietnamese forces during the Dien Bien Phu campaign. It says the victory led to the defeat of French colonial rule and the signing of the Geneva Accords, which recognised the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the three Indochinese countries.

According to the article, from 1955 onwards, Vietnam and Laos continued to face what it describes as a common challenge following intervention by a new form of imperialism in Indochina.

The editorial also recalls the historic meeting between President Ho Chi Minh and President Kaysone Phomvihane in 1960, during which they affirmed that the Laos-Vietnam relationship was founded on traditional solidarity.

It notes that the formation of Laos' tripartite coalition government in 1962 marked the lawful establishment of state-to-state relations between Laos and Vietnam. Between 1967 and 1973, the armies and peoples of both countries fought alongside one another in major military campaigns.

The article further states that Laos created favorable conditions for the Vietnamese struggle for national liberation and reunification, most notably by allowing Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh Trail to pass through its territory.

Following the liberation of southern Vietnam on April 30, 1975, and the establishment of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975, bilateral relations officially entered what the editorial describes as a new era of comprehensive cooperation.

In conclusion, the editorial says the historical milestones demonstrate and reaffirm that the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between the two Parties, States and peoples will continue to develop and deepen in the years ahead.

Standard Chartered raises 2026 GDP growth forecast for Vietnam to 9.5%

Standard Chartered has lifted its 2026 GDP growth forecast for Vietnam to 9.5%, citing strong economic momentum and a supportive policy environment, according to its latest assessment report.

The bank expects the positive momentum to continue into 2027, with GDP growth projected at 11.0%.

Meanwhile, Standard Chartered has also lowered its inflation forecasts to 4.4% for 2026 and 3.3% for 2027, reflecting an improved inflation outlook. The bank expects the policy rate to remain unchanged as authorities continue to balance growth objectives with inflation management, according to VOV.

Standard Chartered upgrades 2026 GDP outlook for Vietnam to 9.5%. (Illustrative image)

Tim Leelahaphan, Senior Economist for Vietnam and Thailand at Standard Chartered Bank, said "Vietnam's economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the first half of 2026, supported by stronger-than-expected growth across manufacturing, services and investment activity, alongside continued policy support."

“While global uncertainties and inflationary pressures remain factors to monitor, Vietnam enters the second half of the year from a position of strength. Strong domestic demand, continued investment in infrastructure and productive capacity, and ongoing economic transformation are helping to create a more balanced and resilient growth model that can support Vietnam’s long-term development ambitions,” Leelahaphan added.

Vietnam's exports to Türkiye surge 32%, led by electronics

Vietnam exported US$1.15 billion worth of goods to Türkiye in the first half of 2026, up 32% year on year, with phones, electronics and steel remaining the country's largest export categories, according to Vietnam Customs.

Statistics show phones and components generated US$330 million in export turnover, an increase of 36.7% compared with the same period last year.

Computers, electronic products and components ranked second, with exports soaring to US$196 million, up 87% year on year, making the category one of the fastest-growing segments in bilateral trade.

Steel exports also recorded remarkable growth, reaching nearly US$80 million, more than doubling from a year earlier.

Other major export products included footwear, worth US$58.4 million; machinery, equipment and spare parts at US$53.6 million; and vehicles and parts, valued at US$41.9 million.

Together, the six largest export categories generated approximately US$761 million, accounting for nearly 66% of Vietnam's total exports to Türkiye during the period, cited VOV.

Vietnam's exports to Türkiye jump 32% in H1 2026, with electronics emerging as the key growth driver (Illustrative image)

Among agricultural products, pepper posted the strongest growth, with exports reaching US$28.9 million, more than twice the level recorded a year earlier. Rice exports, however, declined sharply, falling to US$770,000, highlighting changing demand patterns in the Turkish market.

Meanwhile, Vietnam imported US$245 million worth of goods from Türkiye in the first six months of 2026. Major imports included machinery and equipment, ores and minerals, fabrics, pharmaceuticals and chemicals.

The figures indicate that Vietnam continues to maintain a substantial trade surplus with Türkiye while expanding its presence in the country's industrial and consumer markets.

Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee delegation visits Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea

A delegation from the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee led by Vice President Hoang Cong Thuy on July 19 visited and held a working session with the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea and representatives of Vietnamese associations and communities living, studying, and working in the country.

Participants included Vietnamese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Vu Ho; representatives of departments and divisions under the embassy; representatives of Party cells; and leaders of prominent Vietnamese associations in the Republic of Korea.

The delegation poses for a commemorative photo with embassy staff and representatives of Vietnamese associations in the Republic of Korea.

At the meeting, Ambassador Vu Ho briefed the delegation on recent developments in Vietnam-Republic of Korea relations, noting that bilateral ties continue to deepen across various fields within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership. The Republic of Korea is currently one of Vietnam’s leading trading partners and its largest investor, with total registered capital exceeding 100 billion USD. Alongside the development of bilateral relations, the Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea now numbers more than 370,000 and is one of the largest foreign communities in the host country.

Ambassador Vu Ho also raised several practical issues requiring attention in overseas Vietnamese affairs, including strengthening connectivity and cooperation between localities of the two countries, stepping up citizen protection, and establishing a mechanism for the timely sharing of information concerning Vietnamese citizens who are detained, encounter difficulties, or require assistance in the Republic of Korea, NDO reported.

At the working session, representatives of Vietnamese associations in the Republic of Korea gave an overview of their notable recent activities, while also sharing their concerns and aspirations and putting forward a number of practical proposals.

Speaking at the working session, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Hoang Cong Thuy acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea and Vietnamese associations to bring the community together, strengthen solidarity, and provide support to Vietnamese people in the host country.

Vice President Hoang Cong Thuy affirmed that the Party, State, and Vietnam Fatherland Front always regard overseas Vietnamese as an inseparable part of the Vietnamese nation and an important resource contributing to national construction and development.

Vice President Hoang Cong Thuy said that in the coming period, the Vietnam Fatherland Front would continue to focus on implementing key tasks related to overseas Vietnamese affairs. Priority would be given to organising activities that connect the intellectual, technological, and business resources of overseas Vietnamese; enabling them to contribute opinions and policy advice; promoting the organization of the Great National Unity Festival within overseas Vietnamese communities; and strengthening efforts to identify, honor, and commend outstanding collectives and individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and to the homeland.

On the occasion, Hoang Cong Thuy presented books to representatives of Vietnamese associations in the Republic of Korea. The working session concluded in a warm and open atmosphere, demonstrating the Vietnam Fatherland Front’s deep concern for the overseas Vietnamese community and contributing to stronger ties between the homeland and Vietnamese people abroad.

Vietnam remains second most popular destination for Korean tourists

Vietnam remained the second most popular overseas destination for Korean tourists in May, after Japan.

Data released by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) on July 19 showed that 2.34 million Koreans travelled abroad for tourism purposes in May, up 2.4% from April. This marked the first increase in outbound tourism since the beginning of the year.

Japan remained the top destination, attracting about 951,000 Korean visitors, accounting for 40.6% of total outbound tourists. Vietnam ranked second with approximately 278,000 visitors, followed by the US with 100,000, Taiwan (China) with 79,000, Thailand with 64,000, the Philippines with 61,000 and Hong Kong (China) with 59,000.

In the first five months of this year, nearly 4.89 million Koreans visited Japan, equivalent to more than half of the total recorded for the whole of 2025, cited VNA.

A Korean tourist family poses for a photo in the coastal city of Da Nang. (Photo: VNA)

Most other major destinations saw declines in Korean arrivals compared with the same period last year. Vietnam recorded a decrease of 12.8%, while Thailand fell by 29.9%, the Philippines by 28.3%, the US by 23.1%, Hong Kong (China) by 20.1% and Taiwan (China) by 13.2%.

Travellers in their 30s accounted for the largest share of outbound tourists at 21.8%, followed by those in their 40s at 18.7%.

Average travel spending rose to 1,007 USD per person in May from 982 USD in April, bringing total overseas travel expenditure to about 2.36 billion USD.

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