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Representatives from Vietnam and Cambodia meet on the sidelines of the workshop held on June 20 in Phnom Penh. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen trade cooperation

Vietnam and Cambodia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic and trade ties at a workshop held on June 20 in Phnom Penh.

The event, organized by the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce in collaboration with the Vietnamese Trade Office in Cambodia, aimed to foster business connections, explore new investment opportunities, and promote bilateral trade.

Government officials and more than 60 representatives from associations and businesses of the two countries attended the event.

In his opening speech, Under Secretary of State of the Cambodian Ministry of Commerce Tith Rithipol highlighted the event as a sign of the two nations' determination to enhance trade relations and achieve mutual benefits. He noted that Cambodia and Vietnam share a long-standing cooperation, rooted in both historical ties and a shared vision for sustainable economic partnership within ASEAN.

He emphasized that the workshop provided an important platform for identifying new opportunities, addressing common challenges, and enhancing cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, agro-processing, logistics, and supply chain development.

Given the changing global dynamics, he highlighted the significance of regional collaboration in creating efficient cross-border trade networks, improving transport infrastructure, and adding value to agricultural production—all of which directly affect the livelihoods of rural communities.

Rithipol encouraged businesses from both sides to study market needs more closely and develop products tailored to real demand.

Chairman of the Vietnam–Cambodia Business Association (VCBA) Oknha Leng Rithy described the workshop as a crucial step toward unlocking the full potential of bilateral trade and investment, cited VNA.

He noted that in the first four months of 2025, trade turnover between Vietnam and Cambodia surpassed 3 billion USD, marking a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2024. He expressed confidence that this figure would continue to grow with strengthened business connections.

Rithy also highlighted Vietnam’s status as one of Cambodia’s top five foreign investors, with more than 200 projects worth nearly 3 billion USD. He pointed to major opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to expand into sectors such as agriculture, tourism, industry, and technology.

Vietnamese enterprises, he added, have played an important role in Cambodia’s economic development by creating jobs, supporting social stability, and contributing to infrastructure development in border areas. The two countries have also worked together to upgrade border gates, improve customs management, and combat smuggling. These efforts are aimed at creating a fairer and more transparent business environment.

In April 2025, Vietnam and Cambodia signed a bilateral trade promotion agreement for the 2025–2026 period, with the goal of reaching a total trade turnover of 20 billion USD in the coming years, a target set by leaders of both countries.

Rithy outlined several key priorities for future cooperation, including boosting cross-border trade, producing goods that meet quality standards, and jointly developing transportation and logistics infrastructure to reduce operational costs and enhance competitiveness.

At the event, representatives of Vietnamese enterprises and Cambodian companies and associations presented and introduced their business activities, creating favorable conditions for parties to connect and explore investment and cooperation potential, contributing to strengthening trade partnership between the two countries.

On this occasion, enterprises also displayed and introduced their typical products.

OECD outlines reform roadmap in 2025 Vietnam economic survey

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance, in coordination with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), held a seminar on June 20 in Hanoi to announce the OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025 report.

The event gathered representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, various Vietnamese ministries and agencies, the OECD Chief Economist, members of the policy advisory council, ambassadors and representatives of the diplomatic corps in Hanoi, Vietnamese economic research institutes, and business associations.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann sent a congratulatory message to mark the occasion.

In his opening remarks, the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the sound cooperation between Vietnam and the OECD. He noted that both sides have effectively implemented the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation and the 2022–2026 Action Plan. The 2025 economic survey is a concrete outcome that indicates the close and multifaceted co-operation between the two sides.

The ministry representative praised the efforts of the OECD team and the active coordination of relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies and expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan for funding the development of the report and to Australia for its partnership with Vietnam as co-chair of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP) for the 2022–2025 period.

Alongside the OECD Multi-dimensional Review of Vietnam (2020) and the OECD Economic Survey of Vietnam (2023), the 2025 report offers objective and valuable insights for Vietnamese policymakers, researchers, public and private sector managers, and international development partners. It also serves as a useful reference for reviewing the implementation of the 2021–2025 five-year socio-economic development plan and for advancing the 2021–2030 ten-year development strategy.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann hailed Vietnam’s achievements in socio-economic development, including rapid growth, deep integration into the global economy, and notable progress in poverty reduction. He affirmed the OECD’s continued support for Vietnam in pursuing its high-growth objectives, according to VOV.

OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann delivers a video message to the event.

The OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025 focuses on Vietnam’s macroeconomic fundamentals, the impact of international integration on foreign investment and trade, and the country’s low-carbon development prospects. The report offers recommendations aimed at promoting a more integrated, transparent, sustainable, and inclusive economy.

Key OECD recommendations include the effective use of macroeconomic tools to support balanced fiscal policy and broaden the tax base; strengthening the monetary system, credit policies, interest rates, and resource allocation; improving the social welfare system in areas such as wages, healthcare, and education; and formalising the informal economy and labour market.

The report also highlights sustainable development measures such as emissions trading systems and renewable energy promotion, and draws on international lessons to suggest ways to attract high-quality investment while enhancing domestic capacity, protecting intellectual property rights, and improving workforce quality.

The workshop featured a discussion with representatives from the OECD, the Chief Economist of ADB Vietnam, the Deputy General Director of Deloitte Vietnam, and the Vietnam Program Director at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.

Speakers focused on measures to achieve double-digit economic growth, attract high-quality foreign direct investment linked to the domestic sector, and boost institutional reform and good governance to strengthen public sector capacity.

Vietnam, China intensify experience sharing in diplomatic affairs

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van on June 20 received a visiting delegation from the Foreign Policy Advisory Committee under China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Welcoming the delegation, Van emphasized that this is a valuable opportunity for both sides to deepen mutual understanding, enhance the sharing of theoretical and practical experiences in formulating and developing foreign policy, and exchange views on issues of mutual interest.

The two sides expressed satisfaction with the positive, comprehensive, and substantive developments in the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries in recent times. They especially appreciated the great success of the state visit to Vietnam by Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in April 2025, which yielded rich and prominent outcomes with long-term strategic significance for the development of Vietnam–China relations, especially as both countries enter a new era of development.

The guests shared the key outcomes of the Communist Party of China’s Central Conference on Work Related to Neighbouring Countries held in April 2025, and emphasized the consistent position of the Chinese Party and State in always considering Vietnam a top priority in its neighbourhood diplomacy. The Vietnamese official affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. He emphasized Vietnam’s readiness to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, reported VNA.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van receives a delegation from the Foreign Policy Advisory Committee under the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (Source: baoquocte.vn)

On this occasion, he also briefed the delegation on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development, highlighting key achievements in the streamlining and restructuring of the political system. He outlined Vietnam’s priorities in building a fully developed institutional framework, mechanisms, policies, and laws, as reflected in the recent resolutions of the Politburo.

Both sides agreed to continue sharing experience in foreign affairs, particularly in building a comprehensive and modern diplomacy bearing distinct national characteristics. They also vowed to share experience in addressing regional and global issues, as well as in responding to non-traditional security challenges in the current context.

Direct flights and visa policies drive surge in Russian tourism to Vietnam

On June 15, Cam Ranh International Airport in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province, welcomed the first direct flight from Vladivostok, carrying 250 Russian tourists. This flight marks the start of a new route connecting Vietnam with Russia six times per week during the peak summer travel season, significantly boosting the tourism industry, particularly in Khanh Hoa and other regions across Vietnam.

Russia has quickly become Vietnam’s fastest-growing source of international tourists. In the first five months of this year alone, Vietnam welcomed over 210,000 Russian visitors, an increase of 221.1% compared to the same period last year. The entire 2024 total stood at 232,300 Russian tourists.

Phan Dang Anh, deputy general director of Anex Vietnam, attributes this rapid growth to several key factors. He says Vietnam is among the few Asian destinations to resume charter flights to Russia promptly, making travel more convenient. In addition, the country’s visa-friendly policies, safe environment, and year-round beach weather make it an attractive alternative to previously popular destinations.

Post-pandemic travel trends among Russian tourists show a preference for destinations offering safety, warm climates, affordable packages, and direct flights. Travelers typically opt for 7- to 12-day trips, focused on relaxation, cultural experiences, and convenience, cited VOV.

Russian tourists are welcomed at Cam Ranh International Airport on their flight back to Nha Trang City.

Russian tourists are also willing to spend on high-quality services, with strong interest in hotels, resorts, cuisine, spa treatments, entertainment, and local shopping. Vietnam, in their eyes, offers the perfect all-inclusive package - accessibility, affordability, family-friendly travel, and warm hospitality.

Vietnam’s growing visibility in the Russian market, through tourism expos, media partnerships, and promotional campaigns, is further fueling interest. Anex Vietnam, a major tour operator, has played a key role in these efforts, Anh says.

Looking ahead, Vietnam’s tourism industry plans to expand direct air routes throughout 2025 and 2026. In addition to the current nine Russian cities connected to Vietnam, new routes from Kazan, Ufa, and others are expected.

Experts forecast Vietnam could attract around 430,000 Russian visitors by the end of 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s total. Anex Vietnam alone aims to bring at least 150,000 Russian tourists this year.

To support this growth, the company is collaborating with local destinations such as Khanh Hoa and Da Nang to diversify offerings, including luxury resorts and cultural tours. Promotion efforts continue with familiarisation trips, B2B seminars, and targeted marketing campaigns in Russia.

Weather alert: Rain deluge for North, heatwave persists in Central Vietnam

From June 20 to 29, Northern Vietnam is expected to experience a significant rain event lasting about three days, followed by continued scattered showers. In contrast, the Central region will endure prolonged heatwaves, while the Central Highlands and Southern regions will see frequent afternoon and evening thunderstorms.

Experts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting have provided updated weather patterns for the coming 10-day period (June 20–29, 2025).

The main weather patterns during this period include a low-pressure trough positioned at approximately 23–26 degrees north latitude, gradually compressed and shifting southward. Moderate to strong southwestern winds are expected. At higher altitudes (3,000–5,000 meters), a wind convergence zone over Northern Vietnam will likely strengthen in the next 48–72 hours.

No tropical depressions or storms are currently forecasted to form over the East Sea.

Due to these conditions, the weather across the country will be highly variable:

Northern Vietnam: From June 20 to 22, there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms, with moderate to heavy rainfall in mountainous areas and localized intense downpours. Heavy rain will mostly occur in the evening and at night. Rainfall in the northern midlands and mountains is expected to range from 50–120mm, with some areas possibly exceeding 300mm. Intense rainfall (>100mm/3 hours) could lead to flash floods, landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas.

Central Vietnam (from Thanh Hoa to Phu Yen): From June 20 to 21, there will be isolated showers and thunderstorms in the evening and at night. Daytime conditions will feature heatwaves, with some areas experiencing extreme heat.

Particularly on June 20–21, temperatures from Thanh Hoa to Hue will reach 35–37°C, possibly higher in some areas, with relative humidity dropping to 55–60%. The heatwave in the North and Central Central regions is expected to persist, prompting warnings against heatstroke and dehydration. Residents should stay hydrated and wear sun protection when outdoors, cited VNN.

Hanoi to see prolonged rainfall in the coming days; flooding risks expected. Illustrative photo: Le Quan

Other regions: Scattered showers and thunderstorms will occur elsewhere. The Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam will experience almost daily evening rainfall, with some days seeing heavy rain and thunderstorms. Daytime weather will remain humid and warm, cooling down after rainfall.

From June 21 to 23, these regions will see widespread evening thunderstorms, with total rainfall reaching 150–200mm in some areas, and locally exceeding that amount.

Hanoi weather: From June 20 to 22, the capital will see moderate rain, with intermittent sunshine and temperatures ranging from 30–34°C. By June 23–29, cloudy skies and occasional nighttime rain will continue, with daytime highs remaining between 33–35°C and nighttime lows around 26–28°C.

The meteorological agency has issued warnings of lightning, hail, tornadoes, and strong gusty winds during thunderstorms across regions. Localized heavy rain could trigger flash floods, landslides on steep slopes, and flooding in low-lying urban areas.

Authorities and residents are advised to stay alert and take proactive measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather events.

Detailed 2-day forecast for Hanoi (June 21–22, 2025):

June 21

Day: Partly cloudy, possible showers and thunderstorms. Light winds.

High: 30–32°C | Humidity: 68–73% | Rain probability: 65–70%

Night: Cloudy, moderate rain. Light winds.

Low: 25–27°C | Humidity: 90–95% | Rain probability: 75–80%

June 22

Day: Partly cloudy, moderate rain. Light winds.

High: 30–32°C | Humidity: 68–73% | Rain probability: 70–75%

Night: Cloudy, moderate rain. Light winds.

Low: 25–27°C | Humidity: 90–95% | Rain probability: 65–70%

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