Vietnam News Today (May 11): Vietnam, Austria to Boost Cooperation in High-Tech Development, Innovation

	Vietnam News Today (May 9): Vietnam Ready to Work With Russia to Elevate Relations
	Vietnam News Today (May 10): Vietnamese Peacekeepers Honored with UN Medal in South Sudan

There is a huge potential to enhance cooperation with Austria in technology and innovation. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Austria to boost cooperation in high-tech development, innovation

A forum entitled “Vietnam – Austria High-Tech and Innovation” will officially take place in Vienna, on May 16, marking a strategic milestone in technological and innovation cooperation between the two countries, according to the National Innovation Center (NIC).

Jointly organised by NIC, the Vietnamese Embassy in Austria and the Austrian Economic Chambers, the forum is expected to provide a platform for exchanges on emerging technologies, innovation strategies and digital transformation, aligning with Vietnam’s goal of becoming a high-income economy by 2045.

Leading tech companies will participate in the forum, including UNIDO, TTTech, Infineon, Technologies Austria, Siconnex, Dynatrace, FPT, VNPT, Sovico, and Genetica, to discuss AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, quantum technology, Internet of Things, biotech and robotics, cited VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria Vu Le Thai Hoang said that the innovation-focused forum, the first of its kind to be held in Europe, is designed to provide opportunities for connecting businesses from both countries.

It is expected to position Vietnam as a strategic destination for European tech investors to integrate more deeply into the global value chains of the high-tech sectors.

NIC Deputy Director Vo Xuan Hoai said that there is a huge potential to enhance cooperation with Austria in technology and innovation as Vietnam is pursuing a strategy to become a regional innovation hub with a focus on semiconductors, AI and IoT, digital transformation, and green growth.

Austria is widely recognized as a global leader in core technology research and development, innovation and high-tech applications.

Central city promotes Vietnam as a premium destination in Europe

As part of a broader campaign to promote Vietnamese tourism, the central city of Da Nang’s tourism sector is engaging in a broad array of events held in Milan, Geneva, and Paris from May 6 to 12.

The initiative is jointly organized by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

This serves as a key promotional effort to position Vietnam as a premier destination for high-end travel in the European market, particularly targeting Francophone countries known for their high spending capacity, preference for personalized experiences, and strong interest in sustainable tourism.

During the program, Da Nang is showcasing its signature tourism offerings, including luxury resorts, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, and golf tourism, according to VOV.

Da Nang teams up with localities to promote tourism in Europe.

The central coastal city is also promoting a tourism linkage model with Hoi An, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site, offering a distinctive blend of resort and cultural experiences in both destinations.

Da Nang’s tourism representatives are expected to participate in networking sessions with major airlines and international travel agencies in Italy and Switzerland, aiming to promote partnerships and tourism products, and exchange market insights with European partners, particularly those in the Francophone business community.

Given France’s role as a key high-end source market for Vietnamese tourism within the EU, the program will conclude in Paris on May 12 with valuable networking opportunities involving leading French airlines, media outlets, and travel businesses.

Vietnam is trusted friend of Russia: State Duma Chairman

Vietnam is a comprehensive strategic partner and a trusted friend of Russia in Southeast Asia, reiterated Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin during his meeting with General Secretary To Lam in Moscow, on May 10.

Volodin highlighted the significance of To's ongoing Russia visit, which takes place at a time both countries are commemorating major historical events, noting that the Victory in the Great Patriotic War contributed to Vietnam's struggle for independence and freedom in 1945.

The State Duma is always proud of the loyal and steadfast relationship between Russia and Vietnam, he stated, adding that the General Secretary's visit would further deepen the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations, including cooperation between the two legislative bodies.

Volodin affirmed that all parties in the Duma advocate Vietnam and are committed to strengthening cooperation with the Southeast Asian country.

To, for his part, highly appreciated the role of the State Duma within the political system of the Russian Federation, as well as its active contributions to the Vietnam–Russia parliamentary cooperation and the bilateral ties in recent years.

He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam always bear in mind the valuable support offered the people of the former Soviet Union and the Russian people today for Vietnam's struggle for national independence, as well as its current nation-building efforts, VGP reported.

General Secretary To Lam (L) meets Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin in Moscow, Russia, May 10, 2025. Photo: VNA

Vietnam places great importance on, and wishes to continuously advance its relations with Russia, in which the parliamentary channel plays a practical role in promoting and monitoring the implementation of intergovernmental agreements, while also deepening mutual understanding and trust between the two countries, stressed To.

The two leaders underlined the need to foster stronger ties between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the State Duma of Russia by regularly maintaining high-level delegation exchanges, and interactions between friendship parliamentary groups and specialized committees, as well as promoting the exchange of legislative experience and improving the legal framework to facilitate the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

They emphasized the important role of the two countries' parliaments in supporting efforts to step up collaboration in the fields of economy–trade, investment, energy, education and training, people-to-people exchanges, and local-to-local cooperation. Both sides stressed the need to remove procedural barriers and creating favorable conditions for their citizens to live, study, and work in each other's soil.

The two leaders agreed to enhance youth exchanges to preserve and carry forward the tradition of the long-standing friendship between Vietnam and Russia.

They also discussed measures to accelerate coordination at multilateral parliamentary forums, thereby expressing a unified voice in support of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and around the world.

To took the occasion to respectfully convey the greetings and best wishes of National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and other senior leaders of Vietnam to Chairman of the State Duma Volodin and senior Russian leaders.

He also extended an invitation to Volodin to to visit Vietnam to co-chair the 4th meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the State Duma of Russia, slated for September this year.

Vietnam nominated to chair 11th NPT Review Conference

From April 28 to May 9, the third and final session of the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom 3) for the 11th Review Conference (RevCon11) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), scheduled for 2026, took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The session brought together representatives from 191 NPT member states and more than 80 international and non-governmental organizations involved in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.

Speaking at the session, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, expressed shared concerns over the current international security situation regarding nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

He emphasized that nuclear-armed countries have the primary responsibility to lead by example, demonstrating political will and taking concrete steps to fulfill their disarmament and non-proliferation obligations under the NPT. Ambassador Giang also voiced support for the early entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) as complementary to the NPT, the establishment and maintenance of nuclear-weapon-free zones, including Southeast Asia (SEANWFZ), and efforts to promote dialogue and peaceful resolution of nuclear-related concerns, cited VOV.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the US.

In a key decision, PrepCom 3 unanimously nominated Vietnam to chair the 11th NPT Review Conference in 2026, based on a proposal by 120 member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). This decision shows the international community's recognition and trust in Vietnam's contributions to nuclear disarmament, non-proliferation, and the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as its ability to lead one of the most significant political-security processes within the United Nations framework.

At the closing session, Ambassador Giang expressed appreciation for the confidence and support from fellow member states and emphasized Vietnam's commitment to working collaboratively to ensure the success of the review process, meeting the expectations of the international community. He affirmed that Vietnam will engage in broad consultations with countries, regional groups, and concerned parties to narrow differences and build consensus throughout the process.

The 11th NPT Review Conference will take place from April 27 to May 22, 2026. Vietnam will officially assume the presidency at the opening of the conference. However, preparations will begin immediately, including logistical arrangements, consultations with member states, regional groups, and relevant parties, and the drafting of key documents, especially the final document, which holds significant political importance and sets the strategic direction for NPT implementation.

The successful preparation and outcome of the conference will require strong leadership from the President in guiding, coordinating, and harmonizing viewpoints, promoting dialogue, facilitating negotiations, and bridging gaps between nuclear-weapon and non-nuclear-weapon states.

Australian tourists increasingly interested in Vietnam: NZ Herald

There’s been a steady increase in interest in Vietnam among Australian travelers over several decades, though right now, it’s booming, according to an article published on The New Zealand Herald on May 9.

The article said that Vietnam is blessed with some of the finest food on the planet plus landscapes that range from delta lowlands to mountain highs. The Southeast Asian nation has two of the world’s great cities, with culture that’s both ancient and modern, and is a place of rich tradition mixed with headlong progress into an exciting future.

According to the article, from 2023 to 2024, there was a 35% increase in Australian travelers heading to Vietnam. The nation was the ninth most popular destination of Australian travelers last year, when almost 450,000 Australians visited. That was an increase of almost 80% on the figures from a decade ago.

Travelers can get to Vietnam cheaply, thanks to direct flights from Australia with budget carriers Jetstar and Vietjet and there are also competitive fares from Vietnam Airlines and Qantas, it said.

“Vietnam is so outrageously affordable once you’re there, with luxurious accommodation and lavish dining experiences within reach for many who could only dream of such things in, well, Australia,” it said, adding that visitors are bound to have a good time in Vietnam because the Vietnamese are a proud though gregarious bunch, open and generous and up for some fun.

The article stressed that Vietnam is also a country with a rich culture, home to many ethnic minority communities such as the H'Mong, Dao, Khmer, and Tay— each with their own culture, character and traditions.

The journey of exploring Vietnam is equally diverse and captivating, from ancient structures like Cham temple dating back to the 4th century at My Son, Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, to the Imperial Citadel of Hue built in 1804 during the Nguyen dynasty. Then there are the signs of more recent history such as French colonial architecture in Hanoi and Hoi An, the Cu Chi Tunnels - a vast underground network used during wartime, and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Australian tourists are increasingly interested in Vietnam (Photo: Screenshot)

The article also mentions Vietnam's islands like Phu Quoc, Nam Du, Cu Lao Cham, and Ly Son – ideal "tropical paradises" for visitors to choose from.

If visitors plan a cruising adventure in Vietnam, there are two key waterways to consider - the mighty Mekong Delta in the south, and Ha Long Bay in the north, along with its nearby locales, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, it noted.

Vietnam also deserves to be renowned for its mountains, places to escape the heat and humidity of the coastal lowlands and, in the case of Sa Pa at least, experience the cultures of ethnic minority groups who call the area home, it added.

The article said if visitors travel for food, then destinations don’t get much better than Vietnam, where cuisine relies heavily on fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables, giving its dishes a freshness and purity of flavour.

Many Vietnamese dishes have gained international fame, such as pho (beef noodle soup), banh mi (baguette), bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork and fresh herbs), bun bo Hue (Hue beef noodle), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) — all served at humble street-side eateries across the country at very affordable prices, it added.

“Food is life in Vietnam, it’s a source of great local pride and daily enjoyment, and your only mission is to try as much of it as you can,” it said.

The article suggests two drinks that visitors must try in Vietnam – coffee and bia hoi (fresh beer). It noted that Vietnam is one of those rare countries with a unique coffee culture that is also deeply ingrained, while the beer is light and refreshing as it is brewed daily and only matured for a very short time.

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