| Vietnam News Today (Jun. 19) notable headlines HCM City poised to emerge as Southeast Asia’s international megacity: Party chief Export growth and trade surplus meet government targets for early 2025 50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties marked in Wellington Hanoi, WB strengthen global partnership on infrastructure development Northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain from June 19 through late June Vietnam wins two gold medals at 2025 European Physics Olympiad Education a key pillar in 50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand relations iTech Expo 2025 to highlight 150 cutting-edge tech booths Vietnam, Indonesia step up anti-terrorism cooperation |
 |
| Party General Secretary To Lam addresses the working session. (Photo: VNA) |
HCM City poised to emerge as Southeast Asia’s international megacity: Party chief
The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Ba Ria – Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces marks a historic urban transformation, creating a dynamic triad forming a megacity of finance, industry, and seaports, stated Party General Secretary To Lam at a working session with the standing boards of the three localities’ Party Committees on June 18.
According to a report delivered at the meeting held in HCM City, the three localities now gather leading institutional and governance foundations in the country. In 2024, HCM City ranked second nationwide in digital transformation while Binh Duong seventh; Ba Ria – Vung Tau second in administrative reform and fifth in the Provincial Competitiveness Index; and Binh Duong among the top three in free trade agreement implementation and fifth in the Provincial Green Index.
All the three have prioritized comprehensive human development, living standard improvement, social equity, and sustainability. They have invested strongly in education, healthcare, culture, and sports. Social welfare policies have been effectively deployed to enhance happiness indices and security. Leadership methodology has been reformed and anti-corruption measures strengthened, helping enhance community solidarity.
General Secretary Lam praised their achievements but also noted persistent challenges hindering sustainable growth such as infrastructure overload, limited space, environmental pollution, flooding, and traffic congestion in HCM City, uneven urban development relative to industrialisation in Binh Duong, along with difficulties in regional connectivity, fragmented logistics, and seasonal tourism in Ba Ria – Vung Tau.
He underscored that with the merger, the new HCM City is envisioned as a smart, green, and creative international megacity — a regional hub for finance, trade, logistics, high-tech industry, and marine tourism, based on digital technology, green economy, environmental sustainability, and social harmony. It aims to attract talent, entrepreneurs, and innovators from Vietnam and around the world, foster startups and advanced models, and become both the national economic locomotive and a globally influential city.
A new governance model is urgently required—stronger than provincial and more flexible than regional authorities—capable of managing the three-pole megacity in an era of global integration and competition. The new city must be the epitome of enabling, transparent, and efficient digital governance that retains public trust during its development process, cited VNA.
HCM City must embrace a multi-center and integrated urban ecosystem where each development pole—from Thu Thiem and Thu Duc to Di An, Ben Cat, Phu My, Ba Ria, and Vung Tau—functions as a link complementary to and intelligently connected with each other in a harmonious whole, cited VNA.
He asked the city to build a strong science and technology ecosystem, a vibrant private sector, and a dynamic entrepreneurial culture with a global outlook. It must prioritize comprehensive human development and link economic growth with social progress, equity, quality of life, healthcare, education, and security, ensuring no one is left behind, especially those in newly merged or disadvantaged areas.
Policies from the merged localities should be selectively integrated while maintaining national security and social safety. Prosperity must be understood as not only economic growth but also the creation of a just, safe, and happy society, he went on.
Upcoming all-level Party congresses must mobilise intellectual energy and determination to craft a long-term strategy that positions HCM City as a pioneering, creative, and modern megacity, he said, adding that the coming 12th Party Congress of the city should serve as a defining moment, setting a new vision and firm commitments for 2035 and 2045.
The General Secretary expressed confidence that the Party Committee of the new HCM City will become the center of unity and inspiration, leading the city to break new ground nationally and globally. This will be a hallmark of the city – a one of innovation, action, and ambition worthy of the name of great President Ho Chi Minh.
Export growth and trade surplus meet government targets for early 2025
The country’s total trade reached US$355.79 billion in the first five months of 2025, up 15.7% year-on-year. Exports grew 14.0% to US$180.23 billion, while imports rose 17.5% to US$175.56 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of US$4.67 billion.
Export growth remained steady, led by processed industrial goods. In May alone, exports were worth US$39.6 billion, up 17% from a year earlier, with foreign-invested enterprises accounting for over 72% of the total and posting a 27.7% increase. Cumulatively, 25 export items exceeded US$1 billion in value, including seven items surpassing the US$5 billion mark.
Processed industrial goods continued to be the key growth driver, generating nearly US$153 billion in export revenue, up 14.5%. Notable contributors included electronics and components (US$38.4 billion, up 39.7%), machinery and equipment (US$22 billion, up 16.4%), textiles (US$15.06 billion, up 12%), and footwear (US$9.75 billion, up 11.5%).
Exports of agricultural and seafood products hit nearly US$17.7 billion, an increase of 15.8% over the same period last year. Many items recorded strong growth in export value despite a drop in volume, thanks to rising prices. Examples include coffee, pepper, rubber, and cashew nuts, all of which posted double-digit increases in export earnings.
Vietnam’s major export markets all saw growth. The US remained the largest market, with exports totaling US$57.2 billion, up 27.4% and accounting for nearly 32% of the total. The European Union ranked second with US$23 billion (up 12%), followed by China with US$23.5 billion (up 3.2%), the Republic of Korea (RoK) with US$11.37 billion (up 10.6%), and Japan with US$10.56 billion (up 10.7%).
Imports rose sharply, driven by demand for production inputs. In May, import turnover reached US$39.04 billion, up 14.1% year-on-year. For the five-month period, imports totaled US$175.56 billion, with goods for production accounting for 89% of the total, according to VOV.
 |
| Photo: VOV |
This group brought in nearly US$156.5 billion, up 17.8%, showing increased manufacturing and export activity. Imports of electronic components hit US$56 billion (up 38.3%), while machinery and equipment totaled US$22.89 billion (up 22.7%). Other production inputs such as raw plastics, textile and footwear materials, and fabrics also enjoyed growth.
Imports of non-essential goods also rose by 18.8%, driven by recovering consumer demand. Passenger cars under nine seats surged by 40.6%, while auto parts, motorcycles and related components, and household electronics all posted double-digit increases.
China remained Vietnam’s largest import partner, supplying US$69.35 billion worth of goods, up 25% and accounting for nearly 40% of total imports. The RoK followed with US$23.67 billion, ASEAN with US$22.28 billion, Japan with US$9.67 billion, the US with US$7.2 billion, and the EU with US$6.7 billion.
Vietnam posted a trade surplus of US$0.56 billion in May and US$4.67 billion for the five-month period, down from US$8.71 billion in the same period last year. The domestic sector reported a trade deficit of US$12.42 billion, while the foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) maintained a surplus of US$17.09 billion. The country recorded a surplus of US$49.9 billion with the US (up 28.5%), US$16.3 billion with the EU, and US$0.9 billion with Japan. Meanwhile, trade deficits were reported with China (US$45.9 billion, up 40.3%), the RoK (US$12.3 billion), and ASEAN (US$6.5 billion).
50 years of Vietnam-New Zealand diplomatic ties marked in Wellington
The Vietnamese Embassy in New Zealand held a ceremony in Wellington on June 17 evening to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (June 19, 1975 –2025).
Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador Phan Minh Giang recalled the 50-year journey of developing the bilateral relations, affirming that the partnership is now stronger than ever, especially with the recent upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February.
Expressing gratitude for the support and contributions of generations of Vietnamese and New Zealand people to the growth of bilateral ties over the years, Giang said he believes that building on the solid foundation nurtured over the past half-century and the strong determination of both nations, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to grow in a more robust, comprehensive, and extensive manner, thus bringing more practical benefits to the two nations' people.
On this occasion, the diplomat showed his wish that the New Zealand Government will continue to support and create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, working, and studying there; and the community will maintain a bridge of friendship and cooperation, strengthening the bonds between the people of the two countries.
Attending as a guest of honor, New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters warmly congratulated the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - New Zealand diplomatic relations. He expressed his hope that the two countries will closely coordinate to effectively realise the objectives of the newly established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, thereby further advancing bilateral cooperation in the time ahead, VNA reported.
 |
| Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang (left) and his spouse pose for a photo with New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grahame Morton at the celebration ceremony. (Photo: VNA) |
On behalf of the New Zealand Government, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Grahame Morton noted that New Zealand was among the earliest nations to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam following its reunification. Since then, the ties between the two countries have continued to be strengthened across a wide range of fields. Vietnam is now New Zealand’s 14th largest trading partner. He also expressed his optimism that VietJet Air will launch a direct flight service between the two countries by the end of this year.
Commending Vietnam’s growing role as a “rising star,” Morton welcomed the elevation of the bilateral relations to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s official visit to Vietnam in late February 2025.
He stressed that the anniversary celebration served not only as a moment to honor past milestones, but also as a springboard towards a future full of promise, injecting new energy into the relationship. He affirmed that both countries will continue working together to foster a more sustainable and dynamic partnership over the next five decades.
As part of the celebration, guests were treated to musical performances from both nations, including a recital by pianist Luu Hong Quang, who is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a full scholarship at New Zealand School of Music. Attendees also enjoyed a selection of traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Hanoi, WB strengthen global partnership on infrastructure development
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh and World Bank Country Director Mariam J. Sherman have agreed to deepen cooperation on urban infrastructure development, with a particular focus on the Ngoc Hoi-Hanoi Station railway line.
Chairman Tran Sy Thanh recently had a meeting with Ms. Mariam J. Sherman, Country Director of the World Bank for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The meeting came as Hanoi is actively pushing forward major infrastructure projects, especially its urban rail system.
At the meeting, Sherman praised Hanoi’s thorough preparations and open spirit of cooperation. She noted that the World Bank is currently working with Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction on tasks related to sustainable urban planning, green space conservation, and urban landscape protection.
The municipal leader stressed the critical importance of the project, stating, “Hanoi Station is the strategic center of the North. If the entire line isn’t developed in sync, it simply won’t work.” He said Hanoi has assigned the Department of Construction to serve as the technical focal point, while also agreeing with the World Bank’s view that close coordination with central ministries and agencies is essential to keep the project on track.
Sherman expressed strong agreement and noted that the World Bank team was working step by step to help accelerate progress. She also suggested clarifying the roles and responsibilities of relevant stakeholders to enhance implementation efficiency.
The exchange underscored a shared vision, aligned solutions, and a proactive mindset between the two sides. Ms. Sherman called this the right time to pick up the pace and affirmed the World Bank’s readiness to work more closely with Hanoi’s departments and agencies.
On financial resources, Chairman Thanh said the city has created a dedicated mechanism and is ready to front-load funding for components within its authority. Hanoi’s approach, he emphasized, is to act decisively and coordinate closely with development partners, including the World Bank.
“The government is pushing hard and expects localities to act quickly and effectively. Any party that lags behind will be left out of the national implementation process,” he said, underscoring the high-level political commitment behind Hanoi’s major infrastructure efforts.
Chairman Thanh also proposed that the World Bank boost direct ties with city department leaders to ensure clear communication and smooth coordination, avoiding breakdowns in inter-agency workflows, cited VOV.
 |
| Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh presents a handcrafted lotus emblem to Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. (Photo:baodautu.vn) |
The WB official also applauded Hanoi’s proactive approach, openness, and strong sense of urgency. “I understand that each country has its own coordination practices, but meetings like today help both sides understand each other better and solve problems faster,” she said.
The WB official also applauded Hanoi’s proactive approach, openness, and strong sense of urgency. She noted that while each country has its own coordination practices, direct meetings like this one could help both sides understand each other better and resolve issues more efficiently.
She added that the World Bank hopes to organize additional technical sessions with Hanoi’s departments in the near future to deal with specific coordination challenges, technical bottlenecks, and areas in need of support.
At the close of the meeting, Chairman Tran Sy Thanh presented Sherman with a mother-of-pearl-inlaid lotus emblem as a token of appreciation for the World Bank’s trusted partnership and continued support for the capital’s development.
Northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain from June 19 through late June
A widespread rain event is expected to begin in northern Vietnam around the evening of June 19, following consecutive thunderstorms in the mountainous and midland areas. Meanwhile, heat continues to linger in central Vietnam longer than initially forecast. In the Central Highlands and southern regions, localized heavy rain is expected.
On June 18, scattered heavy rain occurred in the north, Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam. According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, thunderstorms and localized downpours were recorded in the mountainous and midland areas of northern Vietnam, with rainfall ranging from 10-30mm and some areas exceeding 70mm.
During the evening of June 18, thunderstorms also hit the Central Highlands and southern regions, with rainfall between 15-40mm, and over 80mm in some places.
Significantly, starting from the evening and night of June 19, northern Vietnam will experience increased rainfall both in intensity and coverage. In particular, the mountainous and midland regions will see moderate rain and scattered thunderstorms, with some areas experiencing very heavy rain between 20-40mm and even over 100mm. Other regions will have scattered showers and thunderstorms, with localized rainfall from 10-30mm, and some areas exceeding 70mm.
Despite the rain, parts of the region will still experience hot weather during the day. On June 19, the Red River Delta and Hoa Binh will see highs of 35-36°C, with some areas exceeding 36°C. Relative humidity will drop to 55-60%. From June 20, the heat is expected to ease. However, with rain following a hot day, extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and strong winds may occur.
 |
| Northern Vietnam is about to experience widespread rainfall. Illustrative photo by Bao Kien |
From the night of June 20 to June 28, the weather service predicts continued showers and scattered thunderstorms in northern Vietnam. Specifically, from the night of June 20 to the night of June 21, the mountainous and midland areas may experience moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms, with very heavy rainfall in some areas. Rain will mostly occur in the evening and at night.
In contrast, the heat in the region from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen will persist until June 22 - two days longer than previously forecast. Evening and nighttime showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected, cited VNN.
On June 19-20, this central region will face intense heat, with temperatures reaching 35-37°C and sometimes exceeding 37°C. Relative humidity will also remain low, around 55-60%.
Elsewhere in the country, there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms in the evenings and at night. In the Central Highlands and southern regions, the southwest monsoon is active, bringing scattered rain and thunderstorms in the evenings and nights, with localized heavy rain; daytime conditions remain sunny.
The weather agency warns that thunderstorms could bring lightning, whirlwinds, hail, and strong gusts. Localized heavy rain may trigger flash floods in small rivers and streams, landslides on steep slopes, and flooding in low-lying areas.
 | Vietnam News Today (Jun. 13): PM Pham Minh Chinh’s Europe Trip Yields Substantive Outcomes Vietnam News Today (Jun. 13): UN Under-Secretary General praises Vietnam's contributions to peacekeeping missions; PM Pham Minh Chinh’s Europe trip yields substantive outcomes, says chief ... |
 | Vietnam News Today (Jun. 16): Vietnam–Cambodia Art Exchange Promotes Cultural Ties Vietnam News Today (Jun. 16): Major outcomes of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visits to three European nations; Portugal–Vietnam Friendship Association launched; Hungary values comprehensive ... |
