| Vietnam News Today (Mar. 6) notable headlines Prime Minister calls for stronger Vietnam–Russia cooperation in emergency response Vietnamese, Philippine diplomats hold phone talks Vietnam takes Chair of ASEAN Furniture Industries Council AFIC El Nino forecast to return in late 2026, more extreme weather expected Hoi An - most welcoming destination in Vietnam: Booking.com Hoi An dazzles at opening of Festival of Light and Heritage “Czechoslovakia Day” in Ho Chi Minh City strengthens int’l friendship Public investment disbursement slow despite record capital scale Taste of UK week promotes British foods in Vietnam |
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Russian Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov at their meeting on March 5. (Photo: VNA) |
Prime Minister calls for stronger Vietnam–Russia cooperation in emergency response
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for stronger cooperation between Vietnam and Russia in emergency response, including sharing experience in early warning, prevention of emergency situations, and search and rescue operations.
At a reception in Hanoi on March 5 for Russian Minister of Civil Defense, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov, the Vietnamese leader suggested that Russia step up technology transfer and production cooperation for specialized vehicles and technical equipment, organise joint exercises, and continue supporting Vietnam in personnel training in the field.
The PM affirmed that Vietnam always remembers the valuable support provided by the former Soviet Union and the Russian Federation during the country’s struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in its ongoing national construction and development. He asked Kurenkov to convey his regards to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking Russian leaders.
He welcomed the outcomes of working sessions between the Russian delegation and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and other relevant agencies, and appreciated the Russian ministry’s support in training many Vietnamese experts and lecturers in fire prevention, firefighting, and search and rescue, cited VNA.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the positive development of bilateral relations in recent years, underpinned by strong political trust. Political and diplomatic ties have been reinforced through frequent high-level exchanges and contacts, while agencies of both countries are actively implementing high-level agreements to further deepen cooperation, making it more effective in the new phase.
Defense–security and energy, particularly oil and gas, remain key pillars of the bilateral relationship, while science and technology is expected to become a new driver. The year 2026 has been designated as the Vietnam–Russia Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation.
PM Chinh stressed that Vietnam always attaches importance to developing the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia for the benefit of both nations as well as for peace, stability and development in the region and the world.
Vietnam hopes to expand cooperation with Russia in various areas, particularly energy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, oil and gas, maritime cooperation, defense and security, military engineering, science and technology, and training in basic sciences and other fields, he said.
To further strengthen bilateral ties, the PM suggested that both sides increase exchanges of delegations at all levels to consolidate political trust, effectively implement signed agreements and outcomes of high-level visits, and maintain regular defense and security consultation and dialogue mechanisms.
For his part, Kurenkov said the Russian ministry hopes to strengthen collaboration with Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security and other agencies to implement high-level agreements and further promote bilateral relations.
Reporting on the results of his working sessions with the Vietnamese ministry, he said cooperation between the Russian ministry and law enforcement agencies and Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security remains an important pillar of the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership.
He affirmed that Russia will continue promoting cooperation with Vietnamese partners, particularly in areas highlighted by the PM, expressing confidence that with strong political commitment and support from high-ranking leaders of both countries, bilateral cooperation will continue to expand, especially in emergency response and search and rescue.
Vietnamese, Philippine diplomats hold phone talks
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong on March 5 held phone talks with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim.
In the talks, Cuong stressed that 2026 holds special significance as it marks the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and the Philippines (1976–2026), and also the year the Philippines assumes the role of ASEAN Chair. These milestones provide important opportunities for the two countries to strengthen ties, he said.
The Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to elevating the Strategic Partnership with the Philippines to a new height, making it more substantive and comprehensive.
Herrera-Lim congratulated Vietnam on the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, expressing confidence that with the vision and determination of the Party and the State, Vietnam will successfully realise its socio-economic development goals and continue making positive contributions to peace, cooperation and development in Southeast Asia.
Both sides noted that cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines has become increasingly comprehensive, substantive and effective in recent years, particularly in political-diplomatic ties, maritime cooperation, defence and security collaboration and people-to-people exchanges, according to VNA.
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| Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong (center) in the phone talks with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim on March 5. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
They agreed to continue strengthening political trust, increasing exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations, and promoting bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while seeking breakthroughs in several priority areas, contributing to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
On this occasion, the two officials also exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern. They concurred on continuing mutual support at regional and international forums, while working together to strengthen the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)'s unity and centrality in the regional architecture. They also pledged to jointly maintain a peaceful and stable environment conducive to development in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Vietnam takes Chair of ASEAN Furniture Industries Council AFIC
Vietnam has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC), with the leadership handover taking place during HawaExpo 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City on March 4.
Nguyen Quoc Khanh, former chairman of the Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City (HAWA), was appointed chairman of AFIC. The event also marked HAWA, which represents Vietnam within the council, taking on the coordinating role for the 2026–2028 term.
The transition comes as Vietnam’s wood and furniture industry continues to hold a leading position in the region. The country has ranked first in Southeast Asia, second in Asia and fifth globally in furniture export value for several years.
In 2025 alone, despite geopolitical uncertainties and weakening global consumer demand, Vietnam’s wood industry recorded a new export milestone, surpassing US$17 billion. Strong national production capacity, extensive international partnerships and a broad business ecosystem are seen as key advantages for Vietnam as it leads the council over the next two years.
At the ceremony, Khanh outlined a vision to gradually position Southeast Asia as a globally competitive supply hub for the wood and furniture industry. The plan focuses on strengthening regional connectivity in supply chains, data sharing and opportunities for international partnerships.
AFIC will also seek to deepen cooperation among member associations while expanding links with suppliers of raw materials, logistics providers, financial institutions and certification systems.
“The goal is not only to increase export value but also to integrate the entire value chain, from raw materials to international trade. Sustainable development will remain a central pillar,” Khanh said.
A new initiative named “Green AFIC” is expected to be launched to harmonise sustainability standards, promote mutual recognition of certifications and build transparent data-sharing mechanisms among member associations, reported VOV.
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| Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, ASEAN Furniture Industries Council (AFIC) Chair for 2024–2026, hands over the council’s leadership to Nguyen Quoc Khanh of Handicraft and Wood Industry Association of Ho Chi Minh City, serving as AFIC Chair for the 2026–2028 term. (Photo: HawaExpo) |
Outgoing AFIC chairman Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan of Thailand said that during the 2024–2025 term, the council implemented five strategic pillars: digital transformation, design and collaboration, sustainable development based on the bio-circular-green (BCG) model, leadership succession and global engagement.
As global furniture orders increasingly shift away from China, several ASEAN countries have seen positive export growth in markets such as the United States and Europe.
However, Kasetrsuwan noted that these opportunities will only be sustainable if ASEAN countries strengthen cooperation rather than compete individually. He expressed confidence in Vietnam’s coordinating role, saying that strong intra-regional collaboration could help ASEAN emerge as a major global furniture manufacturing hub.
HawaExpo 2026 is getting underway at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) from March 4 to March 7, featuring more than 2,500 exhibition booths.
Established in 1987, AFIC is a regional non-profit organization bringing together eight industry associations from ASEAN countries with developed furniture manufacturing sectors. Over nearly four decades, the council has gradually shaped its role as a policy bridge between businesses and governments, helping improve trade efficiency and foster innovation across the region’s furniture industry.
In addition to supporting major international trade fairs, AFIC is also a strategic partner of several international organizations, working with millions of furniture businesses across the region to promote sustainable industry development.
El Nino forecast to return in late 2026, more extreme weather expected
Vietnam may experience longer and more intense heat waves in 2026 as the El Nino climate pattern is expected to re-emerge toward the end of the year, warn meteorological experts.
The warning comes as global temperatures remain near record highs amid accelerating climate change.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is a high probability that El Nino conditions could develop toward the end of 2026.
Nguyen Van Huong, head of the Weather Forecast Department at Vietnam’s National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, says current observations show that the weak La Nina phase is gradually weakening.
Sea surface temperature anomalies in the central Pacific indicate that the ENSO system is likely to shift to neutral conditions between March and May 2026, before gradually leaning toward a warm phase from June to August.
By early autumn, the neutral phase with warming tendencies could become more pronounced, potentially transitioning into El Nino during the final months of 2026 and early 2027.
Such transitions often increase uncertainty in weather patterns worldwide.
Heat waves expected to intensify across Vietnam
As the climate system shifts toward a warmer ENSO phase, trade winds across the Pacific tend to weaken, altering atmospheric convection and increasing the likelihood of longer and more intense heat waves in tropical regions, including Vietnam.
Meteorological experts warn that heat waves in 2026 may arrive earlier, last longer and reach higher intensity than the long-term average, possibly exceeding the severity recorded in 2025.
In the near term, widespread heat is expected to persist across southeastern Vietnam in March, while localized heat waves may appear in the northwestern region.
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| Vietnam could face longer and more intense heat waves in 2026 as the El Nino climate pattern is forecast to return late in the year. (Illustrative image) |
By April, the heat is forecast to expand to the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, while areas from Thanh Hoa to Hue may begin experiencing early heat waves.
From late May onward, heat waves are anticipated to spread across northern and central Vietnam, peaking during the summer months from June to August. Although temperatures may gradually ease after September, unusual late-season heat waves could still occur.
Extreme weather risks remain high
Experts warn that 2026 may be marked by more extreme and unpredictable weather events.
Storm and tropical depression activity over the East Sea between March and July is likely to stay close to the long-term average. However, from August to December, the number of storms may fall slightly below average.
Despite this, warmer sea surface temperatures and warming ENSO conditions could lead to powerful storms with complex and rapidly changing tracks, posing significant risks.
During the final four months of the year, storms are anticipated to affect central and southern Vietnam more frequently, although the northern region could still be impacted during September and October.
Increasing climate-related risks
Meteorological experts also warn of more frequent thunderstorms, lightning, hail and localized heavy rainfall, particularly during seasonal transition periods such as March–May and September–October.
Meanwhile, saltwater intrusion in the Mekong Delta during the dry season is projected to stay near average levels and lower than the 2024–2025 period.
However, localized drought and water shortages may still occur between April and July in parts of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong.
Although total rainfall during the 2026 rainy season is set to remain close to average nationwide, experts say rainfall distribution may become more uneven and extreme, with intense downpours occurring in shorter periods.
Heavy rain events could begin in northern Vietnam around June before gradually shifting southward and ending around November in central provinces.
Potential global warming impact
According to environmental experts, a typical El Nino event can raise global average temperatures by 0.1–0.2°C.
When combined with ongoing climate change, the phenomenon could trigger a chain of extreme weather events, including prolonged heat waves, droughts, wildfires and severe flooding.
It’s worth remembering that the strong El Nino event of 2023–2024 contributed to record-breaking global temperatures, with 2024 becoming the hottest year ever recorded.
Scientists also warn of a “climate lag effect,” meaning the strongest impacts often occur the year after El Nino develops.
If El Nino strengthens in late 2026, 2027 could potentially become another record-breaking hot year globally, meteorologists say.
Hoi An - most welcoming destination in Vietnam: Booking.com
Hoi An Ancient Town in the central city of Da Nang led the list of 10 most welcoming destinations in Vietnam by one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms Booking.com in its 14th edition of Traveller Review Awards.
The other destinations include Mai Chau in Phu Tho Province, Cu Lao Thu in Lam Dong Province, Ninh Binh, Ha Giang in Tuyen Quang Province, Con Dao Island in Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Nha in Quang Tri Province, Da Lat in Lam Dong Province, Phu Quoc Island in An Giang Province, and Cao Bang.
This year's list for Vietnam features a diverse range of destinations, from historic old towns and tranquil mountain retreats to sun-drenched coastlines. These destinations reflect the breadth of Vietnam's travel landscape, united by a shared spirit of hospitality that continues to leave a strong impression on visitors.
Booking.com's country head for Vietnam Branavan Aruljothi said a destination is defined as much by the warmth of its people as by its landscapes and heritage.
Whether it is a host in Hoi An preserving architectural history or a local community in Ha Giang and Mai Chau welcoming travellers into their daily lives, he added, these interactions shape experiences that travellers remember long after their journey ends, he shared.
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| A corner of Hoi An Ancient Town. Photo: vietnamnews |
The Traveller Review Awards are our way of recognising these hospitality heroes and expressing gratitude from Booking.com and millions of travellers from all around the world,Aruljothi said.
Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.5 million foreign visitors in January 2026, the highest monthly figure ever — as visa reform and stronger tourism promotion strategy continued to fuel the sector's post-pandemic recovery, according to the National Statistics Office.
In 2026, the nation targets 25 million international arrivals and 150 million domestic tourists.
Last year, nearly 21.17 million international visitors traveled to Vietnam, up by an impressive 20.4 per cent from a year earlier, marking the first time the country's tourism industry has surpassed the 21-million threshold.
Powered by more than 370 million verified traveller reviews worldwide, the awards recognize partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality and service.
In Vietnam, 13,052 accommodation partners, including 6,503 homes, were recognized with a Booking.com Traveller Review Award, reflecting the country's growing hospitality sector and commitment to delivering memorable guest experiences.
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