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In the first five months of 2026, Singapore’s exports to Vietnam totall 12.3 billion SGD, up 4.8%, while its imports from Vietnam surge 142.9% to 11 billion SGD (Photo: XINHUA/VNA)

Vietnam-Singapore trade reflects deeper integration in supply chains

Trade between Vietnam and Singapore in the first five months of 2026 continued to demonstrate the growing integration of the two economies in industrial, technology and energy supply chains, reflecting their efforts to strengthen resilience amid regional and global uncertainties.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore, Vietnam remained Singapore’s 10th largest trading partner during the period, with bilateral trade reaching 23.3 billion SGD (18.02 billion USD), up 43.4% year-on-year.

Singapore’s exports to Vietnam totalled 12.3 billion SGD, up 4.8%, while its imports from Vietnam surged 142.9% to 11 billion SGD. Excluding re-exports and considering only goods of domestic origin, Singapore recorded a trade deficit of nearly 7.3 billion SGD with Vietnam.

Three product groups - electrical machinery and equipment and parts (HS 85); mineral fuels, oils and distillation products, bituminous substances and mineral waxes (HS 27); and nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances and parts (HS 84) - continue to post strong positive growth, cited VNA.

A report released by Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry on June 17 showed that the country’s non-oil domestic exports rose 38.4%, with electronic exports soaring 94.8%, driven largely by demand for artificial intelligence-related products, integrated circuits, data storage devices and personal computers.

This trend has created favourable conditions for trade in HS 85 and HS 84, while highlighting Vietnam’s growing role in regional supply chains.

In the first four months of 2026, Vietnam’s imports of refined petroleum products and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased significantly. Meanwhile, Singapore continued to strengthen its role as a regional hub for trading, storage, refining and distribution of fuels.

Da Nang, Copenhagen strengthen ties for green development

The event “Da Nang – Copenhagen: A green journey along the Han river”, which opened at APEC Park on June 20, marks the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Denmark diplomatic relations (1971–2026) while promoting exchanges and collaboration on sustainable urban development.

The central city of Da Nang and Copenhagen are stepping up cooperation in green and sustainable urban development through the event “Da Nang – Copenhagen: A green journey along the Han river”, which opened at APEC Park on June 20.

Jointly organized by the Da Nang People's Committee and the Danish Embassy in Vietnam, the event marks the 55th anniversary of Vietnam–Denmark diplomatic relations (1971–2026) while promoting exchanges and collaboration on sustainable urban development.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong said the event celebrates the longstanding friendship between Vietnam and Denmark and reflects the growing partnership between Da Nang and Danish partners.

He noted that Denmark has been an important partner in promoting sustainable development, green growth and energy transition in Vietnam. Cooperation with Danish organisations has provided Da Nang with valuable experience in urban planning, environmental management and green infrastructure development.

Delegates take part in a cycling event to promote a green lifestyle message. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang is striving to become a regional innovation hub, smart city and environmentally friendly city, with green transition, digital transformation and sustainable development serving as key strategic pillars. In this process, Copenhagen's urban development model offers valuable experience for shaping modern, people-centred policies, according to VNA.

Danish Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolai Prytz said Copenhagen and Da Nang share many similarities as dynamic coastal cities committed to sustainable, green and people-centred development. He expressed confidence that cooperation between Denmark and Da Nang will continue expanding in green transition, sustainable urban development, innovation and people-to-people exchanges.

A highlight of the program was a cycling event through the city centre and iconic landmarks, including APEC Park and the Dragon Bridge, promoting environmentally friendly transport and raising public awareness of sustainable lifestyles.

A themed exhibition running from June 20 to 22 at APEC Park showcases Copenhagen as a model of green urban development, sustainable transport and cycling culture, alongside images highlighting Da Nang's landscapes, culture and development achievements.

President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam–Morocco friendship honored

The President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace, in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Morocco and the High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Member of the Liberation Army of Morocco, organized a series of activities in Rabat to honor President Ho Chi Minh and celebrate the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Morocco.

The cultural and scientific program was held to mark the 115th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's departure to seek a path for national salvation (June 5, 1911–June 5, 2026) and the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Morocco (March 27, 1961–March 27, 2026).

Held on June 19, the program included the opening of the thematic exhibition "President Ho Chi Minh – A symbol of peace and international friendship", the seminar "Vietnam in the era of national rising and Vietnam–Morocco relations", and the presentation of the "Ho Chi Minh Bookcase".

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Le Thi Phuong, Director of the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace, affirmed that in the nation's new era of development, President Ho Chi Minh's ideological legacy of combining national strength with the strength of the times continues to prove its enduring value.

Promoting President Ho Chi Minh's heritage in Morocco not only strengthens bilateral diplomatic relations but also serves as a cultural bridge to the Vietnamese community living, studying, and working in the Kingdom of Morocco, NDO reported.

Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the event. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

The thematic exhibition "President Ho Chi Minh – A symbol of peace and international friendship" is the highlight of the program. The exhibition is organized into three sections: Part 1 – "From the determination to seek a path for national salvation to the journey of building lasting peace for the nation"; Part 2 – "Spreading peace – connecting friendship across five continents"; and Part 3 – "Modern Vietnam – inheriting and developing the peaceful ideals in Ho Chi Minh's legacy".

The exhibition portrays President Ho Chi Minh as the hero of Vietnam's national liberation, an outstanding cultural figure, and a leader who consistently pursued the goal of building a world free from oppression, where nations coexist in genuine peace, mutual respect, and understanding.

As part of the program, the seminar "Vietnam in the era of national rising and Vietnam–Morocco relations" was an academic forum to review the achievements of the close friendship between the two countries.

Although geographically far apart, Morocco and its people have long shared a natural and profound bond with the land and people of Vietnam. Over the past 65 years (March 27, 1961–March 27, 2026), the strong relationship between Vietnam and Morocco has steadily strengthened in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation for peace, development, and shared prosperity, reflected in numerous high-level visits and a wide range of signed cooperation agreements.

On this occasion, the President Ho Chi Minh Relic Site at the Presidential Palace presented the "Ho Chi Minh Bookcase" to the High Commissioner for Former Resistance Fighters and Member of the Liberation Army of Morocco.

The bookcase includes outstanding publications and documents on the life, career, and contributions of President Ho Chi Minh to fostering friendship and cooperation with countries and international friends.

The series of activities not only pays tribute to the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh but also honors the noble values of peace, independence, solidarity, and friendship among nations, as well as the lasting, trusted diplomatic relations and cooperative friendship between Vietnam and Morocco.

Calls for justice for Vietnamese AO victims gain renewed support in France

Hundreds of people joined a demonstration at the Place de la Bastille in Paris on Saturday, calling for justice and compensation for victims of Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin in Việt Nam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as victims of chlordecone pesticide contamination in the French overseas territories of Guadeloupe and Martinique.

The event was jointly organized by Collectif Vietnam Dioxine and the Diasporas in Solidarity with the Victims of Colonial Poisoning (DSAVEC).

During the march, speakers and representatives of social, environmental and health organisations highlighted the long-term impacts of toxic chemicals on human health and the environment. Participants expressed solidarity with communities affected by AO and chlordecone contamination, while urging continued efforts to support victims, address environmental damage and prevent similar disasters in the future.

The demonstration took place amid two significant legal developments. On June 16, France’s Court of Cassation examined an appeal filed by Vietnamese-French activist Trần Tố Nga against companies involved in the manufacture or marketing of AO. Meanwhile, the Paris Court of Appeal is expected to issue a ruling on June 22 regarding an appeal against the suspension of a criminal investigation into chlordecone pollution.

Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques described the struggle for justice for AO victims as both necessary and legitimate. He noted encouraging signs in the Court of Cassation’s review of Nga’s case and expressed his admiration for her determination and perseverance in pursuing justice on behalf of victims, cited VNS.

A large crowd gathers at Place de la Bastille in Paris on Saturday in solidarity with the victims of Agent Orange/dioxin and chlordecone pesticide contamination. Photo: VNA/VNS

Fleur Breteau, co-founder and spokesperson for the Cancer Colère collective, praised Nga and Collectif Vietnam Dioxine for their 17-year campaign seeking justice for the victims, describing the effort as a struggle for life itself and a source of inspiration for many social movements.

Public awareness of the long-lasting health impacts of toxic chemicals is steadily increasing, she said, pledging continued support for Nga ahead of the Court of Cassation’s expected ruling on September 16.

Vo Dinh Kim, coordinator of Collectif Vietnam Dioxine, said the march sought to demonstrate support for both the AO and chlordecone legal cases.

He noted that both involve the large-scale use of hazardous chemicals that caused severe harm to affected communities. According to him, the fact that US veterans received compensation while Vietnamese victims have yet to be recognised as entitled to compensation remains an injustice that should be addressed.

Son La province’s Arabica coffee affirms position on international market

The northern mountainous province of Son La’s Arabica coffee, already exported to the US, Australia and New Zealand, is expanding its global reach by targeting high-value markets with strict sustainability and anti-deforestation standards.

The Son La Provincial People's Committee hosted a seminar and Arabica coffee promotion event in Hanoi this week, aiming to enhance brand recognition, connect businesses, and broaden market access.

The event also showcased the province’s achievements in the coffee industry and unveiled plans to send a Son La representative to the World Brewers Cup 2026 in Belgium.

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Cong said that Son La is currently the largest Arabica coffee-producing region in Vietnam.

From just 278 hectares in the 1980s, the province had expanded its coffee-growing area to more than 33,600 hectares across 48 communes, making coffee one of its key agricultural industries.

The province had focused on developing coffee-growing areas that meet international standards such as Rainforest Alliance (RA), UTZ, and 4C, said Cong.

It also promoted cooperation among enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers while applying science and technology to production and processing.

Son La had established over 1,100 hectares of specialty coffee plantations along with numerous high-tech production zones.

The provincial leader expressed their desire to strengthen cooperation with businesses, scientists, and domestic and international partners to further develop coffee-growing areas, promote deep processing, increase added value, and build Son La coffee into a highly competitive product on the global market.

The province currently has nearly 34,000 hectares of coffee plantations, with production exceeding 40,000 tonnes last year, according to Duong Gia Dinh, Deputy Director of Son La’s Department of Agriculture and Environment.

Son La coffee has also received geographical indication protection, further enhancing its reputation and market value.

Alongside developing coffee-growing regions, it has paid special attention to branding and product quality improvement. The province currently has five coffee products certified under the OCOP (One Commune One Product) programme, including one product awarded the national five-star OCOP rating.

After decades of development, coffee has become not only a key income source for local people but also one of Son La’s most representative agricultural products, VNA reported.

Participants attend a seminar on the development and promotion of the Son La Arabica coffee brand in Hanoi on June 19. (Photo: VNA)

Based on these achievements, Son La has identified sustainable coffee development as a priority, placing quality at the centre and considering Arabica coffee a strategic industry with high economic value and significant potential for building a national brand and expanding exports.

From the perspective of an exporting company, Vu Viet Thang, General Director of Phuc Sinh Son La Corporation, noted that international coffee market requirements are changing rapidly.

While buyers previously focused mainly on consistent quality, timely delivery, and competitive pricing, traceability and transparency throughout the production chain had now become essential requirements, he said.

The quality and consistency of Son La coffee are currently competitive with products from renowned coffee-producing countries such as Colombia and Brazil, according to Thang.

Many international buyers visiting the province not only evaluate the products but also inspect the coffee-growing regions, cultivation methods, and production environment firsthand.

Thang believed that the coffee industry’s competitive advantage no longer lies in producing large quantities or offering low prices, but rather in creating distinctive products with clear origins and strong connections to local culture and identity.

In the specialty coffee segment, clear origin and transparency were increasingly valued by consumers, he said.

At the event, the Son La Provincial People's Committee also announced that Tran Duc Thang, champion of the Vietnam National Brewers Cup 2025, would represent Vietnam at the World Brewers Cup 2026 in Belgium.

This is regarded as an important opportunity to promote Son La Arabica coffee to the international specialty coffee community.

In addition, the province plans to organize the second Son La Coffee Festival from October 9–13 this year, to further introduce its culture, image, and coffee products to consumers, businesses, and domestic and international partners.

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