Vietnam News Today (Jun. 22): Vietnam Makes Remarkable Economic Progress Over Past Decades
	Vietnam News Today (Jun. 23): Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Attend WEF Annual Meeting of New Champions

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam (third from right) at the reception for Logan K. Howlett, Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Western Australia on June 23 (Photo: VNA)

Australia’s City of Cockburn eyes enhanced cooperation with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam on June 23 hosted a reception for Logan K. Howlett, Mayor of the City of Cockburn, Western Australia, during which the latter expressed his desire to promote collaboration with the Southeast Asian country.

At the event, Tam laid stress on Vietnam's active pursuit of trade relationship diversification, noting Australia's increasing importance as a partner for Vietnamese investors and businesses. Both nations participate in multiple regional trade agreements, creating favourable conditions for enhanced bilateral cooperation.

Some 37,000 Vietnamese students are enrolling in Australian high schools and universities, positioning Vietnam among the top five source countries for international students in Australia, he said, adding Vietnam possesses a contingent of skilled engineers and construction workers who were recruited in demanding markets, representing a valuable human resources that could support Cockburn's infrastructure development needs.

Additionally, Vietnamese glass manufacturing companies have expressed interest in importing coal from Australia, he stated.

Ambassador Tam identified potential cooperation opportunities beyond maritime and shipbuilding sectors, including education, sending Vietnam's highly skilled workforce to Cockburn, and coal trade. He also stressed that within the framework of the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, people-to-people exchanges and local cooperation have been priorities, expressing his hope that Cockburn considers establishing twinning relationships with suitable Vietnamese partners, cited VNA.

Highlighting Cockburn’s development potential and strengths in the domains of maritime, shipbuilding, health care, and heavy industry, Howlett said that Cockburn has been designated as the future home of Australia's strategic submarine maintenance facility, while the University of Western Australia is planning to establish an advanced ocean technology research center in the city. These developments are expected to create substantial employment opportunities for international graduates, particularly in engineering and construction disciplines.

Cockburn has set up cooperation relationships with several Southeast Asian nations including Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, while also holding twinning partnerships with Yueyang city in China's Hunan Province and Mobile, Alabama in the US.

He added that he will lead a delegation of about 25 enterprises in diverse sectors, from education and trade to maritime industries, to Vietnam in early 2026. They will visit industrial zones in Da Nang, where a Cockburn-based shipbuilding company is operating.

Vietnam eyes deeper cooperation at WEF Tianjin 2025, says Ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh was speaking to media agencies in Beijing ahead of Chinh’s engagement at the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions of the World Economic Forum and his working visit to China from June 24–27.

Binh said in the context of a complex and unpredictable global political and economic landscape, this year's WEF Tianjin Meeting is a major and important event, which will be attended by leaders of many countries, along with over 100 ministerial-level officials and more than 1,700 delegates from businesses, international organisations, and academia around the world.

Themed Entrepreneurship for a New Era, the agenda will focus on key issues such as global economic trends, China’s economic outlook, industrial transformation, smart manufacturing, investment in people and the planet, and the transition to new energy and materials.

The fact that the Prime Minister of Vietnam has been invited for three consecutive years to attend and speak at this significant event reflects the WEF’s and the international business community’s high regard for Vietnam’s position, role, and contributions to global and regional economic growth, said the ambassador.

As a special guest, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the WEF’s opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech at a key session titled “Is Asia’s Century at Risk?” He will also conduct bilateral meetings with leaders of other countries, WEF executives, and global business leaders.

During his engagements, the Prime Minister will present Vietnam’s assessments of global economic challenges and opportunities, share its development experience, and propose initiatives for regional cooperation. He will reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable growth and highlight the country’s strategic vision, investment potential, and dynamism as a rising market economy.

He will also outline the Government’s continued efforts to improve the business climate, emphasising reforms across institutions, infrastructure, finance, and human resources. Key investment sectors will be highlighted, including artificial intelligence, automation, biotechnology, clean energy, infrastructure, and financial services.

By attending the meeting, Binh stated, Vietnam affirms its position, role, and responsibility toward peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region and the world. It actively contributes to discussions seeking solutions to regional and global economic and development issues; gains insights into emerging global economic issues and trends; and shares the country’s perspectives, vision, and development experiences, especially as it is implementing four strategic Party resolutions for a transformative phase, marking a new era of national development and advancement.

Through meetings with global and regional stakeholders, Vietnam will further promote its image, policy priorities, and development direction. These interactions foster new cooperation opportunities, especially in trade diversification and investment attraction, as Vietnam adapts to evolving global economic conditions.

On the sidelines of the WEF, Prime Minister Chinh’s working visit to China also holds significant importance. This is the first official visit by a high-level Vietnamese leader to China in 2025, following the successful state visit to Vietnam by General Secretary and President Xi Jinping in April. It coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the launch of the Year of Vietnam–China Humanistic Exchange.

According to the ambassador, economic and trade relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen, becoming more practical and in-depth. Vietnam is China’s largest trading partner in ASEAN and its fourth-largest globally. For Vietnam, China is the largest trading partner, biggest source of imports, second largest export market, and now the third largest foreign investor.

Amid global economic uncertainties and shifting dynamics, it is essential that both countries continue expanding and enhancing the effectiveness and quality of their practical cooperation to bring about tangible outcomes, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh. (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in China)

To do this, he said, both sides must effectively implement their top leaders’ common perceptions, particularly regarding substantive cooperation across sectors. This includes strengthening the material foundation of bilateral relations, promoting trade and investment, expanding the import of high-quality Vietnamese goods, especially agricultural products, and accelerating the implementation of major, symbolic projects. Among them, priority should be given to the development of three strategic standard-gauge railway lines connecting the two countries, namely Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong, Lang Son - Hanoi, and Mong Cai - Ha Long - Hai Phong. These projects are vital to infrastructure connectivity and long-term strategic cooperation.

In addition, Chinese enterprises should be encouraged to expand investment in areas where China’s strengths align with Vietnam’s development needs, such as science and technology, digital transformation, innovation, green growth, and clean energy. The two economies are highly complementary. Vietnam offers a young, dynamic workforce, a growing market, and strategic positioning in shifting global supply chains, while China contributes capital, technology, and the capabilities of large-scale enterprises.

Both countries should also capitalize on regional free trade agreements, especially the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the upgraded ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) to promote balanced, sustainable trade growth. Strategic connectivity should be enhanced through intermodal rail networks, improved infrastructure and logistics, and greater use of retail, e-commerce, and distribution channels. Advancing the development of smart border gates and specialised cargo transport routes at key crossings is also critical.

The Ambassador expressed his confidence that this visit would further deepen the shared strategic vision of both countries’ top leaders, strengthen bilateral relations, and position Vietnam more prominently in regional and global cooperation frameworks. It is also expected to open up new and practical avenues for sustainable development and prosperity in the years ahead.

OVs in Denmark affirm unwavering bond with homeland

The Vietnamese community in Denmark recently gathered at the Vietnamese Embassy in Copenhagen for a meeting with newly appointed Ambassador Nguyen Le Thanh, affirming their enduring connection with the homeland.

Ambassador Thanh praised the overseas Vietnamese (OVs) as silent cultural ambassadors who have preserved and promoted Vietnamese heritage in Denmark while maintaining devotion to the homeland. She emphasized their substantial contributions to Danish society, which have earned recognition and appreciation from both the Danish government and people.

The Vietnamese Embassy has been committed to supporting the community, fostering deeper connections between expatriates and the Fatherland while strengthening the robust friendship and cooperation between the two countries, she underscored.

The diplomat took the occasion to brief the OVs on the country’s development achievements over the recent past as well as the Party and State’s major policies, including the ongoing administrative restructuring aimed at building a streamlined and modern apparatus capable of seizing opportunities in a new era – that of the nation’s rise, VNA reported.

At the gathering with the OVs in Copenhagen (Photo: VNA)

She emphasized Vietnam’s four strategic resolutions centerd on science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, legal reform, international integration, and private sector growth, establishing a foundation for the country to realize its development vision by 2045.

Addressing a key concern for overseas Vietnamese, Ambassador Thanh reaffirmed that the Party and State are committed to creating favourable conditions for those wishing to regain Vietnamese citizenship. She underscored that the Vietnamese Party and State have attached much importance to the OV communities and made efforts to strengthen bonds as well as facilitate their participation in national building and development.

Additionally, she provided updates on positive developments in Vietnam-Denmark relations, highlighting important milestones leading up to the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

The OVs reiterated their commitment to preserving the Vietnamese language and cultural identity.

US businesses explore new investment opportunities in central Vietnam

Hundreds of experts from the United States and Vietnam, along with policymakers and business leaders attended a forum in Da Nang city on June 23 to seek ways to accelerate high-quality investment into central Vietnam, which is poised to become a strategic destination for global capital inflows.

The forum, titled "Harnessing the Power of US Investment in Central Vietnam", was co-organized by the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association and the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham Vietnam) as part of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Opening the forum, Le Tri Hai, chairman of the Da Nang Young Entrepreneurs Association, outlined the forum's three goals of fostering connections between US businesses and the central region, showcasing the investment potential of localities, particularly Da Nang, and promoting concrete cooperation in key sectors such as high-tech, digital transformation, renewable energy, logistics, high-quality education, and health care.

During a discussion on sustainable energy and infrastructure, Richard Mclellan, founder and CEO of RMAC Advisory, LLC, stated that the central region is likely to become a leader in energy and financial development by capitalising on investment opportunities from the US.

He highlighted the central city’s commitment to free trade zones, financial hubs, and seaport development, adding that the company is willing to seek innovative investment opportunities in the region.

However, he also stressed the need for improved legal and financial frameworks to attract and retain investors, cited VOV.

Experts share their views at the forum. (Photo: Dinco E&C)

Sharing the view, Matthew McGarvey, co-founder of Xylem Capital, pointed out that the energy demand in central Vietnam is rising rapidly, but is also accompanied by challenges related to capital, institutional frameworks, and the readiness to adopt advanced technologies like nuclear power, LNG, and cutting-edge turbines.

He emphasised the need to have a broader regional perspective, extending beyond Da Nang to include neighbouring countries, with the goal of connecting capital flows, infrastructure, and sustainable energy strategies.

Another key highlight of the forum was the call for increased investment in education, particularly in local universities. Experts agreed that Central Vietnam has the potential to become a hub for innovation, high-tech manufacturing, and the semiconductor industry.

Meanwhile, Le Quang Dam, general director of Marvell Technology Vietnam, praised Da Nang's rapid growth and underscored the education's crucial role in emerging fields like semiconductors. Dam noted that despite Vietnamese students excelling in science and technology, they lack expertise in specialized semiconductors.

He revealed that Marvell is actively collaborating alongside universities to develop specialized training programs, support disadvantaged students, and establish extensive laboratories.

Currently, Marvell, which has offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang, is supporting Da Nang University in launching a semiconductor engineering training scheme.

Vietnam's July outlook: cooler north, wetter center, storm risk rising

In the next month, a tropical storm could form over the East Sea and potentially affect Vietnam’s mainland. Meanwhile, heat in northern Vietnam is forecast to ease, with rainfall and dangerous weather events expected to increase.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has issued its climate outlook for the period from June 21 to July 20, 2025.

According to the report, average temperatures in the northern and north-central regions will generally align with long-term norms, while other regions may see temperatures 0.5–1°C above the same period averages.

This period marks the start of a rainy phase in the north and north-central regions, with total rainfall expected to be 15–30% higher than the long-term average. Conversely, other regions are likely to experience rainfall levels 10–20% below normal.

“The north and north-central areas may experience several episodes of widespread heavy rain. In the Central Highlands and southern regions, frequent thunderstorms are expected, particularly in the late afternoon and evening,” the meteorological agency noted.

The agency also forecasts that the number of storms or tropical depressions forming over the East Sea during this period will be roughly equal to long-term averages. Some could reach land, with historical data showing an average of 1.4 storms forming and 0.7 making landfall during this timeframe.

While heatwaves are expected to persist in the north and central regions, experts predict they will not be as intense as those experienced during the same period in 2024.

Extreme weather risks in late 2025

Looking further ahead, from July to December 2025, the meteorological center warns of increasing extreme weather events, especially in the central region, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta.

Deputy Director Hoang Phuc Lam stated that between July and September, Vietnam will still be affected by dangerous weather conditions, including thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and especially typhoons.

The forecast estimates 6–7 storms could form over the East Sea, with 2–3 likely to make landfall in Vietnam, cited VNN.

In the next month, northern Vietnam will still face heat, though less severe than in 2024. Photo: Nam Khanh

Frequent heavy rainfall is expected across the northern, north-central, Central Highlands, and southern regions.

From October to December, Lam noted that cold air systems will begin to intensify, particularly from November onward. Typhoons and tropical depressions may still form over the East Sea during this period, with 4–5 potential systems, some affecting the central and southern coasts.

This timeframe also coincides with the peak flood season in central Vietnam, with 2–4 major flood events expected, especially from Quang Binh to Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh to Binh Thuan.

Rainfall totals in the central and south-central regions and Central Highlands are forecast to exceed the long-term average by 10–25% during October and November.

Authorities warn of ongoing risks from extreme weather nationwide. Government agencies and residents are urged to monitor official forecasts closely and prepare proactive response plans to minimize potential losses during the upcoming storm season.

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