Vietnam News Today (Jun. 22): Vietnam Makes Remarkable Economic Progress Over Past Decades

	Vietnam News Today (Jun 20): Vietnam – US reciprocal trade agreement negotiations make significant progress
	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 21): Vietnam, China Intensify Experience Sharing in Diplomatic Affairs

At the Convention’s 10th session (Photo: VGP)

Vietnam re-elected to UNESCO Convention’s Intergovernmental Committee

Vietnam was re-elected to the Intergovernmental Committee of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions for a second consecutive term (2021–2025 and 2025–2029), during the Convention’s 10th session held from June 18 to 20 at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.

This is the first time since the Convention’s adoption that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.

The session held particular significance as it coincided with the 20th anniversary of the Convention’s adoption. Representatives from 157 countries and the European Union reviewed its implementation since 2005 and since the previous session in 2023.

Delegates also discussed ways to strengthen the Convention’s implementation, especially in harnessing the opportunities brought by rapid technological change and dealing with the challenges of safeguarding and promoting cultural diversity in the digital age. One key outcome was the consensus on the urgent need to revise and update the operational guidelines for implementing the Convention in digital environments, providing countries with a clearer roadmap for the future, cited VOV.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCO, and Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism-the national focal point for the 2005 Convention attended the session.

Speaking at the plenary meeting, Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa noted, “Adopted 20 years ago, UNESCO’s Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions represents a powerful act of collective will and international solidarity. Cultural expressions are central to identity and reflect the voices and aspirations of our communities. Cultural diversity is a shared heritage of humanity, which must be protected and promoted for current and future generations.”

She went on to highlight Vietnam’s efforts in cultural development, stating that national policies always put people at the center, foster a healthy cultural environment, nurture creativity, and ensure the cultural rights of all citizens. Culture, she affirmed, is one of the key pillars of sustainable development.

“We must do more to ensure that culture has a firm place in the global sustainable development agenda, particularly as the world moves toward a post-2030 framework,” she concluded.

Vietnam, Japan's Kyushu region explore labor cooperation opportunities

A seminar was held on June 20 to promote labor cooperation between Vietnam and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Japan’s Kyushu region.

Jointly hosted by the Vietnamese Consulate General in Fukuoka and the Vietnam–Kyushu Business Promotion Association, the event aimed to connect Vietnamese labor-sending companies with Japanese SMEs seeking workers, particularly in the context of Japan’s ageing population and labor shortages.

Vietnamese Consul General in Fukuoka Vu Chi Mai highlighted the growing demand for Vietnamese workers in Kyushu, especially in Fukuoka, Oita, and Saga prefectures. Currently, the region employs about 35,000 Vietnamese manual workers and over 5,000 IT engineers. She also noted expanding cooperation in high-quality fields such as semiconductors, AI, and green technologies.

The seminar facilitated direct dialogue between the two sides, helping businesses build sustainable partnerships and explore opportunities to sign agreements that benefit both employers and Vietnamese workers. The Consulate General pledged to continue support for transparent recruitment and a stable, safe working environment for Vietnamese laborers in Japan, according to VNA.

A representative of a Japanese enterprise speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Speakers from both countries emphasized the importance of mutual understanding, cultural integration, and legal clarity in overcoming challenges such as language barriers and differing expectations.

Japanese employers praised Vietnamese workers for their diligence, adaptability, and swift integration, particularly in care work, construction, food processing, and manufacturing.

Participants also proposed streamlining administrative procedures and improving transparency to reduce costs and risks.

The event concluded with a networking reception, fostering further exchanges and long-term partnership opportunities.

The seminar was part of a broader series of economic diplomacy initiatives by the Consulate General in Fukuoka throughout 2025, aimed at deepening Vietnam–Kyushu cooperation in areas of shared strength and potential.

“Enjoy Da Nang 2025” opens with hands-on experiences and local flavors

The "Enjoy Da Nang 2025" festival kicked off on June 20 at East Sea Park, bringing a burst of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities to the central coastal city.

Running through June 23, the festival features 12 major events, including a fishing village installation at Son Tra beach that recreates traditional coastal life. Visitors can take part in net pulling, seafood processing, shell crafting, and other hands-on experiences with local fishermen.

A culinary space showcases more than 60 food stalls serving around 100 dishes from local and international cuisines. Meanwhile, the skies above East Sea Park and Bach Dang Walking Street will be lit up with nearly 100 LED kites, many shaped like marine animals, according to VOV.

Art installation space – The story of Da Nang’s fishing village.

Highlights also include a yoga performance with over 500 participants, a barefoot sea run attracting 1,500 athletes, and a sailing parade of 20 boats along the Han River.

The festival is part of a packed summer calendar alongside the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, the third Asian Film Festival, and the “Son La Colors” art show.

According to Tan Van Vuong, deputy director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the city expects a 12–15% increase in summer visitors thanks to this string of diverse events.

Vietnam makes remarkable economic progress over past decades: OECD report

Extensive and continued reforms since the late 1980s have been key to Vietnam's remarkable economic progress over the past decades, according to OECD Economic Surveys.

This is a key finding in "OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025" report jointly released by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and OECD on June 20.

The report held that with significant challenges ahead, Vietnam needs to advance structural reforms that will further strengthen market forces, improve social protection for an ageing population and make growth more sustainable.

Macroeconomic policies could be enhanced by strengthening the operational independence of the central bank, price-based monetary policy and additional revenue mobilization to address growing spending needs, it suggested.

Social benefits, including old-age pensions, could be strengthened and widespread labor informality reduced. Making growth more inclusive requires well-coordinated reforms to expand non-contributory social assistance benefits while maintaining strong incentives for formal job creation.

Vietnam is strongly affected by climate change and has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Reducing emissions from electricity generation by phasing out coal-fired plants and accelerating the rollout of renewable energy sources will sustain more sustainable growth, cited VGP.

Photo: VGP

Foreign-owned firms have been a driver of growth but have developed few supplier links to local firms. More investment in tertiary education, stronger competition in services sectors and a more even playing field between private and state-owned companies could boost productivity growth, said the report.

Alongside the organization's Multidimensional Review of Vietnam in 2020, the reports for 2023 and 2025 serve as objective and valuable reference sources for strategic and policy planners, researchers, and managers in both the public and private sectors of Vietnam, as well as the country's development partners.

These reports are also useful for reviewing the implementation of the 2021–2025 Socio-Economic Development Plan and for continuing the implementation of the 2021–2030 Socio-Economic Development Strategy.

In a congratulatory message to the event, OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann praised Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements, including its rapid economic growth, deep integration into the global economy, and significant progress in poverty reduction. The OECD leader reaffirmed his support and commitment to continuing to assist Vietnam in achieving its high growth targets.

Vietnamese culture takes center stage in Korean city

The 2025 Vietnam Culture Week officially opened on June 20 in Pyeongtaek, 70km southwest of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Seoul capital, marking the first time the city has hosted a cultural event dedicated solely to Vietnam.

Jointly organised by the Pyeongtaek city government and the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation, the event will run until June 26.

In his opening remarks, Mayor of Pyeongtaek Jung Jang-seon highlighted the city’s growing reputation as an international, liveable city, bolstered by Samsung's semiconductor cluster.

He noted its twinned relations with Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang, and expressed his hope that the event will strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations while offering comfort to overseas Vietnamese, VNA reported.

A performance of Vietnamese traditional music instruments (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges as a foundation for enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, and education.

He noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue to support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.

The opening ceremony took place at Baedari Library Garden in Pyeongtaek downtown, featuring a symbolic lotus release to reflect Vietnamese cultural purity.

Highlights of the event include an exchange with Cherry Hyeri - a Korean YouTuber popular among Vietnamese audiences - and displays of traditional crafts, traditional long dress try-ons, and bamboo dancing.

Traditional music and cultural performances from both countries are also scheduled throughout the week.

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