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	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 11): Vietnam Treasures Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with France

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the Vietnam - France business forum in Paris on June 11. (Photo: VGP)

Stronger Vietnam – France business connectivity encouraged for win-win outcomes

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of boosting economic cooperation between Vietnam and France at a joint business forum in Paris on June 11, encouraging the two countries’ business communities to foster their connectivity for win-win outcomes.

Addressing French and Vietnamese officials and businesses at the event, Chinh highlighted the strong traditional ties between the two countries and called for deeper business partnerships built on mutual benefit and trust.

“There is no reason why Vietnam and France should not cooperate and grow together,” the Prime Minister stated, pointing to shared values, complementary strengths, and a long-standing history of diplomatic and cultural relations.

He shared that Vietnam aims to become a high-income developed economy by 2045, with a target growth rate of 8% in 2025, and double-digit growth in subsequent years. To achieve the goal, it is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs, namely institutional reform, development of modern and integrated infrastructure, and enhancement of workforce quality.

These priorities create opportunities for French businesses, especially in areas like energy, aviation, technology, education, health care, and sustainable development, he said.

The PM welcomed the commitment of French enterprises to technology transfer and local workforce training, and encouraged both sides to explore emerging areas of cooperation such as green energy, digital transformation, and cultural industries.

He also directed Vietnamese ministries and local authorities to swiftly resolve challenges faced by foreign investors and ensure favorable conditions for joint projects that deliver practical, long-term value, cited VOV.

At the forum, Francois Corbin, vice president of the Movement of the Enterprises of France (MEDEF) praised Vietnam’s successful reforms, its emphasis on developing a skilled scientific and technological workforce, the rise of the middle class, and increased consumer capacity. He noted that Vietnam has taken advantage of global supply chain shifts and hoped this growth would be paired with environmental protection.

Corbin highlighted the strength of Vietnamese businesses and the advanced technical expertise of French companies, stating that the two economies are highly complementary. He expressed confidence that this synergy could further solidify the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and France.

He also affirmed the commitment of French enterprises to technology transfer and local workforce development, while acknowledging Vietnam’s aspiration for technological self-reliance.

Laurent Saint-Martin, French Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, praised Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh for his determination and strong commitment to boosting Vietnam - France relations. He recalled the outcomes of his recent visit to Vietnam and underscored the importance of deepening cooperation in light of evolving global dynamics.

Emphasizing that political will lays the groundwork for robust trade and economic partnerships, Saint-Martin urged both countries to make greater efforts to reinforce these ties.

Taking the floor, Le Ngoc Son, general director of the Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group (PVN), pointed out strong cooperation potential between the two countries in oil and gas exploration, gas-fired power, petrochemical refining, new and renewable energy, and nuclear power.

He proposed establishing a Vietnam - France joint task force on energy transition and launching pilot projects on green zero emissions, carbon capture and storage (CCS), and offshore wind. He expected that businesses from both countries would organize thematic workshops on new technologies and renewable energy. He also proposed that France support high-quality human resource training for Vietnam’s energy sector, particularly for PVN, in emerging fields like offshore wind and nuclear power in which France excels.

The forum was jointly organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance, the Vietnamese Embassy in France, and the Movement of the Enterprises of France, with participation from business leaders and government officials from both countries.

Vietnam’s economy sees positive signals in five months

During the first five months of 2025 and in May alone, Vietnam's economy demonstrated many positive indicators, reflecting robust recovery and stable growth as the Government is resolved to achieve a growth rate of at least 8% this year and double-digit expansion beyond.

The National Statistics Office reported that industrial production has sustained the upward trend, with the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) in May increasing 4.3% month-on-month and 9.4% year-on-year. Notably, the processing and manufacturing sector surged by 10.8%, contributing substantially to overall growth.

The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) also saw improvement, climbing from 45.6 in April to 49.8 in May, signaling renewed business confidence. Retail sales and consumer service revenues went up 10.2% in May, with a cumulative increase of 9.7% over five months. International arrivals to Vietnam surpassed 9.2 million, marking a year-on-year increase of 21.3%, underscoring the tourism sector's recovery.

During the period, public investment disbursement also improved, reaching over 24% of this year's target, a significant rise compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction remained a bright spot, with total registered capital hitting a five-year high of 18.4 billion USD, surging 51% from a year earlier. As much as 8.9 billion USD of FDI capital was disbursed, up nearly 8%. Singapore, China, and Japan remain leading investors in Vietnam so far this year.

The country also maintained a strong upward trend in foreign trade with total turnover for the first five months nearing 356 billion USD, up 15.7%. Of that, exports exceeded 180 billion USD, up 14%, while imports rose 17.5%, resulting in a trade surplus of approximately 4.7 billion USD.

In addition, the consumer price index (CPI) is still under control. In May, it climbed 0.16% from the previous month, 1.53% from December 2024, and 3.24% from a year earlier. During the five months, the CPI increased 3.21% year-on-year.

Despite these encouraging signs, challenges persist. Over 111,800 businesses were established or resumed operations in five months, reflecting an 11.3% increase. However, the number of those exiting the market was nearly equal, about 111,600 – up 14.4% year-on-year, indicating ongoing difficulties for enterprises.

Various sectors, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises, still face challenges such as rising production costs due to high global material prices, increased logistics costs, and foreign exchange rate fluctuations. Additionally, people's income remains low, the real estate market shows limited improvement, and institutional obstacles still need to be addressed.

Notably, 37 out of the 47 ministries/sectors and 24 of the 63 localities reported public investment disbursement rates below the national average, with many under 10%.

In its macro-economic report for May, the BIDV Training and Research Institute also pointed out external challenges such as geopolitical risks, especially trade - technology tensions, and growing trade protectionism, particularly the US reciprocal tariff policy, retaliatory moves by countries, and unpredictable negotiation results, which may result in higher inflationary pressure and slower-than-expected interest rate reduction.

Despite numerous difficulties and challenges, the Government remains steadfast in the growth target of over 8% this year, according to VNA.

Workers produce electronic components at Me Tran Vinh Phuc Electronics Company Limited in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the Government meeting for May, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh outlined several key tasks for the time ahead, including renewing traditional growth drivers, promoting new ones such as science - technology and innovation, taking strong measures to increase revenue and cut expenditures to save resources for major projects.

Other priorities include keeping macro-economic stability, controlling inflation, ensuring major economic balances, and continuing a proactive, flexible, timely, and efficient monetary policy harmonized with a reasonably expanded and focus-driven fiscal policy.

Dr. Le Duy Binh, Director of Economica Vietnam, said that macroeconomic stability is crucial for protecting internal capacity and sustaining growth. Proper inflation control and measures for increasing disposable income will help fuel consumer spending. To turn domestic consumption into a boost to aggregate supply, encouraging consumers to purchase locally produced goods is necessary.

The BIDV Training and Research Institute recommended effectively implementing the policies on making institutional breakthroughs, streamlining the apparatus, merging administrative units, fighting wastefulness, substantively improving the investment environment, and easing the administrative burden.

It also suggested replicating the "modern public administration center" model to better service quality when the two-tier local administration model is applied, and promptly developing plans for efficient use of surplus government facilities after the administrative restructuring.

Vietnam to compete in 45 sports at SEA Games 33 in Thailand

Vietnam has registered to compete in 45 out of the 66 sports scheduled for the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, set to take place in Thailand from December 9 to 20, 2025.

The Vietnamese delegation will participate in a wide range of sports, including athletics, swimming, diving, shooting, weightlifting, gymnastics, wrestling, taekwondo, karate, fencing, rowing, canoeing, archery, boat racing, boxing, judo, jujitsu, petanque, wushu, kickboxing, muay Thai, cycling, chess, pencak silat, table tennis, aerobics, triathlon, alongside various team sports such as football, volleyball, handball, basketball, sepak takraw, tennis, and badminton.

Other sports are bowling, sailing, roller sports, artistic gymnastics, billiards, figure skating, e-sports, baseball & softball, and mixed martial arts (MMA), reported VOV.

Vietnam is expected to compete in 45 sports at SEA Games 33 in Thailand. (Illustration)

According to the Vietnam Olympic Committee, the official list of coaches and athletes to take part in the region’s largest sporting event has yet to be confirmed. However, sources said Vietnam is expected to send a delegation of approximately 1,000 members to Thailand this time, aiming to be among the top three countries in the medal tally.

At the 32nd SEA Games previously held in Cambodia, the Vietnamese sporting delegation brought home 136 golds, 105 silvers, and 114 bronzes to rank first in the overall medal tally.

Lithuanian President begins official visit to Vietnam

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his spouse Diana Nausediene, along with a high-ranking delegation of Lithuania, arrived in Hanoi on June 11, beginning an official visit to Vietnam from June 11-12 at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong.

Welcoming the delegation at Noi Bai International Airport were Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Poland and Lithuania Ha Hoang Hai.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) ahead of the visit, Lithuanian Ambassador to Singapore and Vietnam Darius Gaidys noted that this is the first-ever visit to Vietnam by a Lithuanian head of state. The visit is focused on strengthening political cooperation and significantly promoting economic and trade relations, VNA reported.

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh welcomes Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his spouse Diana Nausediene at Noi Bai International Airport. (Photo: VNA)

A highlight of the visit is the Lithuania–Vietnam Business Forum, where President Nausėda will deliver an opening address and convey important messages.

Storm Wutip officially becomes the first typhoon of 2025

A tropical depression has intensified into Storm No. 1, officially the first typhoon of 2025, with wind speeds reaching level 8 and located 220 km off the Hoang Sa (Paracel) Islands.

The storm is expected to move toward Hainan Island, China, while its circulation is likely to trigger widespread rainfall across central, southern, and highland regions of Vietnam.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, this morning (June 11), a tropical depression in the eastern waters of the Paracel Islands intensified into a storm, officially named Wutip.

As of 7:00 AM, the storm’s center was located at approximately 16.1°N latitude and 113.7°E longitude, over the eastern sea area of the Paracel Islands.

The maximum wind speeds near the center reached level 8 (62-74 km/h), with gusts up to level 10. The storm is moving slowly in a west-northwest direction at a speed of about 5-10 km/h, VNN reported.

Forecasted path of Storm No. 1. Source: NCHMF

Storm No. 1 is forecast to continue moving northwest toward Hainan Island, China.

Storm trajectory forecast (within the next 24 to 72 hours): From 72 to 120 hours later, the storm is expected to shift northeastward, moving approximately 20 km per hour.

At sea: In the northern part of the East Sea (including the waters around the Paracel Islands) and the northern section of the central East Sea, thunderstorms and strong winds of level 6-7 are expected. Areas near the storm's center will experience winds at level 8-9, with gusts reaching level 11.

Wave heights will range from 3.0 to 5.0 meters, and the sea will be extremely rough. In the southern central and southern East Sea regions (including the Spratly Islands), southwest winds will reach level 6, occasionally level 7, with gusts at level 8-9. Wave heights in these areas will range from 2.0 to 4.0 meters, with rough seas expected.

Vessels operating in these danger zones face risks from thunderstorms, cyclones, high winds, and large waves.

On land: On June 11 (day and night), the south-central region, Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam will experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms. In some areas, rainfall may be extremely heavy, reaching 30-70mm, with isolated locations exceeding 150mm.

From the night of June 11 through June 13, the central-central region and northern Central Highlands are expected to receive moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with localized extremely heavy rainfall. Expected totals include:

Central-central region: 100-300mm, possibly over 450mm in some areas.

Northern Central Highlands: 70-150mm, possibly over 200mm in certain locations.

Warnings are issued for high-intensity local rainfall exceeding 200mm within 6 hours.

From June 14 onward, rainfall in affected regions is expected to subside.

During thunderstorms, the risks include tornadoes, lightning, hail, and strong gusts. Heavy rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas, urban zones, and industrial parks. Flash floods are also possible on small rivers and streams, along with landslides on steep slopes.

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