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Right time for India, Vietnam to forge cooperation: IVCCI Chairman

The IVCCI leader said that the signing of multiple agreements during Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's visit to India reflected the determination of both countries' leaders to advance bilateral ties in a more substantive manner.

Ajoykaant Ruia, Chairman of the Indo-Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IVCCI) (Photo: VNA)

The state visit to India by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam To Lam took place in a highly appropriate time for the two countries to promote more intensive and extensive cooperation, particularly as the two economies share many similarities and possess strong complementarities, said Ajoykaant Ruia, Chairman of the Indo-Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IVCCI).

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency on the visit's outcomes, the IVCCI leader said that the signing of multiple agreements during the trip, taking place from May 5 to 7, reflected the determination of both countries' leaders to advance bilateral ties in a more substantive manner.

Ruia stressed that both India and Vietnam are fast-growing economies with strong agricultural foundations while also accelerating development in technology, electronics and information technology, which offer substantial cooperation potential.

In the information technology sector, he said India can leverage its strengths in human resources and experience to cooperate with Vietnamese technology firms in developing digital solutions and innovation.

Agriculture also presents significant opportunities as the two countries can complement each other in agricultural products, he went on, applauding the agreements signed during the visit to facilitate market access for products such as durian and various fruits and vegetables.

According to the IVCCI Chairman, the automobile industry and urban development are also opening up new opportunities for cooperation. He highly valued the presence of Vietnamese enterprises in India, particularly VinFast, describing it as an important step at a time when the billion-strong nation has rising demand for green transport, urban development and housing.

Ruia also noted that film production and tourism remain highly promising but underexploited areas of cooperation. He suggested that Vietnam’s diverse and attractive natural landscapes make it an ideal destination for Indian film productions. With suitable incentive policies, Vietnam could attract more Indian film projects, thereby helping promote the country’s image and tourism sector.

In addition, he highlighted the growing number of Indian visitors to Vietnam, which proves the latter's attractiveness, and that spiritual and Buddhist tourism ties also hold great room for further development as India is home to many famous Buddhist destinations that could be magnets for Vietnamese travellers.

He also described navigation, logistics and oil and gas as strategic areas requiring stronger cooperation. According to him, both India and Vietnam are located along important maritime routes, and enhanced collaboration in shipping and supply chains will help strengthen economic connectivity and reduce risks arising from geopolitical fluctuations.

Regarding the IVCCI’s role, Ruia said the organisation has actively organised business delegations to Vietnam while supporting enterprises from both countries in seeking partners, exploring investment chances, surveying markets and implementing cooperation projects.

He shared that the IVCCI has been receiving an increasing number of partnership requests from both Vietnamese and Indian businesses, and stands ready to serve as a bridge to support them in promoting trade, investment and product and service marketing.

The chairman expressed confidence that the momentum generated by General Secretary and President Lam’s state visit, together with support from business connectivity mechanisms such as the IVCCI, will further enhance bilateral economic, trade and investment ties in the coming period.

Vietnamese businesses in Singapore work to expand homegrown brands abroad

The focus on international integration, workforce development and expanding Vietnamese brands abroad was discussed at a meeting between Vietnamese officials and businesses in Singapore held recently by the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnam Trade Office in Singapore.

The gathering draw representatives from more than 20 Vietnamese-owned businesses in Singapore, who shared experience in distributing Vietnamese products in the market, discussed difficulties encountered during business operations and proposed recommendations aimed at supporting Vietnamese enterprises abroad.

Nguyen Viet Nien, sales manager at Fish International Sourcing House, said the company is seeking stronger connections with seafood producers in Vietnam to broaden its market reach and diversify imported products from the country.

He noted that the company already operates a factory in the island city state and hopes to recruit more highly skilled workers from Vietnam. In addition to importing high-quality products from around the world into Singapore, the company is also planning to increase exports of high-quality seafood products to the Vietnamese market.

Le Thi Thao Vy, office manager at CMC-APAC Pte Ltd, pointed to difficulties in obtaining work permits for Vietnamese software engineers in Singapore. She said engineers from countries such as Malaysia and India can obtain work permits more easily because salary requirements applied to Vietnamese engineers are higher despite similar qualifications and experience levels.

Vy suggested that authorities from both countries continue discussions on the issue to create more opportunities for Vietnamese engineers to work in Singapore.

Regarding efforts to develop Vietnamese brands overseas, Nguyen Tri Anh from Bites and Businesses said the company’s Banh Mi Society brand has recently become the exclusive partner of a four-star hotel in Singapore to introduce authentic Vietnamese banh mi to hotel guests.

He noted that Thailand launched its “Thai Kitchen of the World” programme in the early 2000s to promote Thai cuisine internationally. After five years, the number of Thai restaurants overseas had more than tripled.

According to Tri Anh, the programme’s success was partly driven by support measures from the Thai government, including certification for authentic Thai restaurants, financial support for overseas expansion and coordination with host countries to facilitate the placement of chefs and restaurant workers abroad.

For Vietnam, he said increasing the presence of Vietnamese culinary workers in Singapore and expanding imports of ingredients from Vietnam would both support Vietnamese businesses overseas and help build the reputation and brand of Vietnamese cuisine and the country’s image among international visitors and investors.

At the meeting, Bernard Grellier, a French-Vietnamese executive working for a leading US point-of-sale technology company, laid stress on the need to expand the provision of smart technology solutions to help Vietnamese businesses streamline operations, reduce labor costs and export goods more effectively. He said he is speeding up plans to support Vietnamese companies in accessing advanced retail technologies and expanding globally, according to VOV.

Vietnamese products are displayed at a supermarket in Singapore as businesses seek to expand the presence of Vietnamese brands overseas (Photo: VGP)

The event also gave businesses updates on Vietnam’s policies as well as Vietnam-Singapore economic and trade cooperation. The meeting formed part of efforts to implement Prime Ministerial Directive No. 11 dated April 3, 2026 on mobilising overseas Vietnamese to support the introduction, distribution and development of Vietnamese goods distribution networks abroad during the 2026--2030 period, including in Singapore.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Singapore Tran Phuoc Anh emphasized the programme helped reinforce solidarity among the Vietnamese business community in Singapore while helping authorities better understand proposals and dealing with difficulties facing Vietnamese

The initiative contributes to the country’s Go Global programme by expanding the international presence of Vietnamese businesses and products in trade, investment, tourism and cultural promotion, adding that similar activities should continue to be promoted in the future, Anh added.

Thai newspaper praises Phu Quoc as one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing beach destinations

Thailand’s Khaosod newspaper has published an article praising Vietnam’s Phu Quoc island as one of the fastest-growing beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

The article described Phu Quoc, located in the Gulf of Thailand, as Vietnam’s largest island and a key part of the country’s tourism ambitions.

Known for its white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets, and large-scale entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travelers looking for a tropical getaway that combines nature with modern tourism infrastructure, the writing noted.

It highlighted that Long Beach, stretching along on the island’s western side, is known for its sunset views, beach bars, and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeastern coast is famous for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Khaosod noted the dry season from November to April is considered the best time to visit Phu Quoc, when calm seas and sunny skies make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and island-hopping tours.

Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, parts of Phu Quoc were said to still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere, reported VNA.

Kiss Bridge, a popular destination in Phu Quoc (Photo: VNA)

Over the past decade, the island, once known mainly as a quiet fishing village off southern Vietnam, has seen major tourism infrastructure investment. Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs filled with colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants, and nightlife.

Luxury international resorts now line many coastal areas, while Phu Quoc International Airport has made access far easier for foreign travelers, according to the article.

It also highlighted the Hon Thom cable car, stretching across the sea to connect Phu Quoc with smaller southern islands, as one of the island’s most famous attractions. The cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs, and the Gulf of Thailand. Visitors can also join boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, coral diving, and seafood experiences.

Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities remain part of island life, the newspaper said. Seafood was described as one of Phu Quoc’s highlights, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchins, and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and seaside restaurants. The island is also well known across Vietnam for its fish sauce production and pepper farms.

According to the writing, Phu Quoc is becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists thanks to relatively short travel times and visa-friendly entry policies for many visitors. Travelers from Bangkok can reach the island via connecting flights through Ho Chi Minh City or direct regional routes depending on airline schedules.

Khaosod concluded that as Vietnam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phu Quoc is positioning itself as one of the region’s major island destinations, offering a mix of tropical scenery, entertainment, and fast-growing resort development.

Vietnam showcases culture, cuisine at Seoul Friendship Festival 2026

The Vietnamese Embassy in the Republic of Korea (RoK) has joined the Seoul Friendship Festival 2026 with a booth showcasing Vietnamese culture, cuisine and tourism, attracting a large number of Korean visitors, international friends and the Vietnamese community in the RoK.

The two-day festival, which ended on May 10 at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, drew participation from embassies and cultural centres representing 73 countries. The annual international cultural exchange event, launched in 1996 to commemorate Seoul Citizens’ Day, has grown into one of the city’s signature multicultural festivals.

According to the Seoul metropolitan government, this year’s edition features dozens of international cultural and culinary booths, alongside various experiential activities such as art performances, cultural exchanges, traditional games and costume experiences.

The Vietnamese booth stood out with a space rich in national identity, displaying traditional handicrafts, images of scenic landscapes and cultural heritage sites, as well as achievements in the country’s socio-economic development, cited VNA.

The Seoul Friendship Festival 2026 takes place at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza on May 9-10. (Photo: VNA)

In particular, the Vietnamese food area featuring traditional dishes such as bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs), banh mi (Vietnamese baguette) and iced milk coffee left a positive impression on international visitors and Korean residents alike.

Many visitors expressed their fondness for Vietnamese cuisine and their wish to visit Vietnam in the future.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho said participation in the Seoul Friendship Festival 2026 provided a meaningful opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties and introduce Vietnam's land, people and culture to international friends.

According to the ambassador, the Vietnamese booth not only helped popularise the country’s culture, tourism and cuisine but also spread the positive values of Vietnam and its people, thereby helping reinforce the social foundation and friendship underpinning the increasingly substantive and effective Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the RoK.

Park Chang-gu, Seoul’s vice mayor for political affairs, said that after 30 years of development, the festival has become a representative platform connecting Seoul with the international community and promoting mutual understanding and solidarity among nations.

Vietnamese youth in Europe strengthen ties, expand network

The second congress of the Vietnamese Youth and Student Federation in Europe (VYSEF) for the 2026–2031 tenure was successfully held at the Paris-based Viet Nam Cultural Centre in France on May 9, drawing around 80 key members from Vietnamese youth and student associations across Europe.

The hybrid event marked an important milestone and a new stage of development for VYSEF following its first tenure from 2021 to 2026.

Over the past five years, the federation steadily built a solid foundation, expanded its member network, and organized practical activities to connect Vietnamese youth and students while promoting academic, cultural, and community movements throughout Europe.

Following serious, democratic, and responsible discussions, the congress completed its agenda, including the selection of the organisation’s leadership for the new term.

The second-term Executive Committee, comprising 43 members, brings together capable and dedicated individuals. During its first meeting, a 15-member standing board was selected, including one president and six vice presidents. Nguyen Phan Bao Thuy was elected President of VYSEF for the 2026–2031 tenure. An advisory board was also established to strengthen strategic orientation.

A major highlight of the congress was the continued expansion of the VYSEF network across Europe. The federation admitted new member associations, bringing the total number to 14 in countries including France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Hungary, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Poland, Spain, Romania, Ireland, Austria, Finland, and the UK. The expansion further reinforced VYSEF’s role in promoting solidarity and mutual support among Vietnamese youth and students abroad.

During the 2021–2026 tenure, VYSEF organized a wide range of practical activities, leaving significant impressions within the overseas Vietnamese community. Academic programmes such as young intellectual forums, thematic seminars, and career orientation talk shows created opportunities for knowledge exchange and skills development. Cultural and community activities, including the Vietnamese Youth and Student Festival in Europe, cultural exchanges, and charity programmes supporting the homeland, also helped preserve the Vietnamese cultural identity and promote social responsibility among young overseas Vietnamese.

For 2026–2031, VYSEF aims to develop in a more professional and sustainable manner, focusing on promoting digital transformation, improving coordination of activities, strengthening connections among young intellectuals, and promoting cooperation with international partners. The federation also seeks to build a more comprehensive support ecosystem for Vietnamese students abroad, covering education, daily life, and career opportunities, thereby reaffirming its role as a bridge between Vietnamese youth in Europe, their homeland, and the international community.

Nguyen Thi Dieu Linh, former President of VYSEF’s first term and newly elected Honorary President, said the federation was established to connect and support Vietnamese youth living, studying, and working in Europe. She noted that the organisation had successfully laid an important foundation during its first term and expressed her hope that the new Executive Committee will launch more practical initiatives benefiting Vietnamese youth and the wider Vietnamese community in Europe, VNA reported.

The second congress of the Vietnamese Youth and Student Federation in Europe (VYSEF) on May 9 (Photo: VNA)

She also proposed several ideas for the new term, including creating a multilingual information portal for Vietnamese people in Europe to give support in daily life and legal matters while promoting Vietnamese culture. In addition, she emphasised the importance of strengthening ties with second- and third-generation Vietnamese communities in Europe to preserve the Vietnamese identity and encourage greater contributions to both the overseas Vietnamese community and the homeland.

Sharing the same vision, newly elected President Nguyen Phan Bao Thuy affirmed that the Executive Committee will strive to maintain previous achievements while further capitalizing on the strengths of member associations to build a united and strong Vietnamese youth and student community in Europe.

The federation also plans to organize more effective continent-wide networking events along with programmes directed toward the homeland, and foster a strong network of young Vietnamese intellectuals in Europe capable of making greater contributions to the country, he added.

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