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Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung (R) and newly accredited Cambodian Ambassador Touch Sopharath during their meeting in Hanoi on May 21.

Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen strategic connectivity amid regional uncertainty

Vietnam and Cambodia are accelerating efforts to deepen political trust, strengthen infrastructure connectivity and reinforce ASEAN solidarity amid rising geopolitical competition and growing regional economic and security challenges.

The message was highlighted during a meeting in Hanoi on May 21 between Vietnamese Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung and newly accredited Cambodian Ambassador Touch Sopharath.

Trung reaffirmed that Vietnam consistently prioritises its traditional friendship, solidarity and comprehensive cooperation with Cambodia. He stressed that maintaining political trust and strategic coordination between the two neighbouring countries has become increasingly important as the region faces rapid and unpredictable changes.

One of the key issues discussed was the guiding role of Party-to-Party relations in shaping bilateral cooperation.

Trung highly appreciated the recent visit to Cambodia by General Secretary and President To Lam, including the high-level meeting among the leaders of the ruling parties of Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. According to the minister, the event marked an important milestone in strengthening solidarity and strategic coordination among the three Indochinese countries in a changing regional environment, cited VOV.

Beyond political commitments, both sides agreed to continue promoting practical cooperation through stronger transport infrastructure links, border gate connectivity, trade expansion and people-to-people exchanges.

As regional supply chains continue to restructure and economic competition intensifies, enhanced infrastructure and border trade cooperation are increasingly viewed as essential for expanding development space and improving resilience against external shocks.

Regional security and stability were also among the major topics raised during the meeting.

Vietnam to actively contribute to success of ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on May 21 led a Vietnamese delegation to an expanded informal online consultation meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to prepare for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit.

The event was chaired by Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro, Chair of ASEAN 2026.

ASEAN foreign ministers shared views on the significance and importance of the summit commemorating the 35th anniversary of ASEAN–Russia relations, scheduled to take place in Kazan, Russia, on June 17–18, 2026. They affirmed the political commitment, strategic orientation, and renewed momentum for the ASEAN–Russia Strategic Partnership and broader cooperation in the coming period.

The ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s commitment to closely coordinate with Russia to ensure the success of the summit, thereby upholding ASEAN centrality and maintaining balance in ASEAN’s relations with its partners, especially amid current regional and global uncertainties.

At the meeting, the ministers also shared assessments of recent developments in Myanmar and reaffirmed that the Five-Point Consensus remains the main guiding framework for ASEAN’s engagement and support in promoting dialogue, reconciliation, peace, and long-term stability, according to VNA.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

The framework also aims to address humanitarian, development, and economic reconstruction issues in Myanmar, contributing to regional peace, security, stability, and ASEAN Community-building. At the same time, the ministers agreed that in light of recent developments and the spirit of the ASEAN Community, the bloc should adopt a more proactive approach.

Speaking at the meeting, FM Trung appreciated the coordination and preparations made by ASEAN member states and Russia for the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit. He affirmed that Vietnam would actively participate in the summit and contribute to its success.

He also echoed the views of many countries in supporting ASEAN’s continued active, constructive, and comprehensive engagement with Myanmar based on the Five-Point Consensus, including dialogue mechanisms within the framework of the ASEAN–Russia Commemorative Summit.

Such efforts, he noted, would help uphold ASEAN centrality and contribute positively to national reconciliation, peace, stability, and development in Myanmar and the wider region.

Vietnam expands role in global manufacturing hub

Vietnam’s machinery and equipment exports posted strong growth in the first months of 2026, highlighting the country’s increasingly important role in the global industrial supply chain.

According to Vietnam Customs, exports of machinery, equipment, tools, and spare parts reached nearly US$5.94 billion in April 2026, up more than 26% compared to the same period last year.

The April export value raised the four-month figure to nearly US$20.93 billion, marking an increase of more than 22% year on year. By mid-May, export turnover had already reached approximately US$23.5 billion, indicating that the sector’s strong momentum remains intact.

US market drives Vietnam’s machinery export growth

The United States continued to be Vietnam’s largest export market for machinery and equipment, with turnover hitting US$8.68 billion in the first four months of 2026, accounting for more than 41% of the industry’s total exports.

The recovery of manufacturing and construction activities in the United States during the second quarter of 2026 has fueled demand for imported industrial machinery, components, and production equipment.

At the same time, many US companies are continuing to diversify supply chains away from China, creating new opportunities for Vietnam thanks to its competitive production costs, strategic location, and extensive network of free trade agreements.

Beyond the US market, Vietnam’s machinery exports to China also recorded sharp growth, exceeding US$2 billion and rising more than 66% compared to the same period last year.

The increase reflects closer integration between Vietnam and regional production networks. Many multinational corporations that established factories in Vietnam are now exporting machinery and industrial components back to China to support electronics assembly and manufacturing operations, according to VOV.

Vietnam’s machinery and equipment exports surge in early 2026, reinforcing the country’s role in the global industrial supply chain. (Photo: Illustrative image)

Rather than fully replacing China, Vietnam is increasingly becoming a complementary link in Asia’s manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in electronics and industrial production.

FDI sector continues to dominates exports

Notably, foreign direct investment enterprises continued to play a dominant role in Vietnam’s machinery export growth.

During the first four months, the FDI sector generated nearly US$19.88 billion in machinery exports, up more than 41% year on year and accounting for almost 95% of the sector’s total export turnover.

A number of large-scale manufacturing and processing projects entered stable operation from early 2026, significantly boosting Vietnam’s production and export capacity within a short period of time.

However, economists note that the heavy dominance of the FDI sector also highlights the limited participation of domestic enterprises in higher-value industrial supply chains.

Most export value currently comes from foreign-invested corporations, while Vietnamese companies largely remain concentrated in lower-value activities such as assembly, subcontracting, and basic component supply.

This raises questions about Vietnam’s long-term industrial self-reliance and how much the domestic economy can truly benefit from the ongoing global manufacturing shift.

In addition, major export markets such as the European Union are also imposing stricter environmental and sustainability requirements, including carbon emission regulations and product traceability standards.

Policies such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Digital Product Passport rules could become significant barriers for exporters in the coming years.

As international competition intensifies, analysts warn that Vietnamese firms may struggle to fully capitalise on global supply chain restructuring unless they improve technological capabilities and increase localisation rates.

Despite these challenges, the current export momentum suggests Vietnam is entering a major opportunity phase to strengthen its industrial position.

From an economy once heavily reliant on exports of textiles, footwear, and agricultural products, Vietnam is gradually moving deeper into industries with higher technical content and greater added value.

The key question now is whether domestic enterprises will be able to seize this opportunity and participate more deeply in global value chains.

Events in Russia, Slovakia mark President Ho Chi Minh’s 136th birthday

Activities commemorating the 136th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh were recently held in Vladivostok, a city in Russia’s Far East, and in the Slovak town of Horné Saliby, highlighting the enduring friendship between Vietnam and the two countries.

A seminar on President Ho Chi Minh took place in Vladivostok on May 19 with the participation of Vietnamese Consul General Nguyen Viet Kien, representatives of the Vietnamese community in Primorye, Russian scholars, cultural figures, students and residents who love Vietnam.

Participants recalled the late Vietnamese leader’s close ties with Vladivostok, a city he visited three times during his revolutionary journey.

A documentary screened at the event reviewed President Ho Chi Minh’s activities while studying and working in Russia, where he helped lay the foundation for Vietnam-Russia friendship and people-to-people exchanges.​

Participants of the seminar on President Ho Chi Minh in Vladivostok on May 19 pose for a group photo. (Photo: VNA)

Consul General Nguyen Viet Kien stressed that Vladivostok was closely associated with the late leader’s revolutionary career. During his first visit in 1924, while staying at the Versailles Hotel, he wrote several important articles, including “Asian problems”, highlighting the role of Asia and national liberation movements and contributing to preparations for the establishment of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 1930.

The diplomat also noted that during Vietnam’s struggle for independence, Vladivostok actively responded to President Ho Chi Minh’s call by producing and transporting weapons, military equipment and aid supplies to Hai Phong port by sea.

Russian participants highlighted the affection people in Russia’s Far East have long held for President Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam, according to VNA.

Zinaida Iovkova, honorary chairwoman of the Friendship Association with Vietnam in Primorye, said the image of President Ho Chi Minh is familiar to generations of Russians, especially in the Far East region.

She noted that the friendship between the two peoples was forged during difficult historical periods and has continued through cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges, stressing the importance of helping younger generations learn about Vietnam’s history and bilateral friendship.

Russian scholar V.V. Korskov described President Ho Chi Minh as a symbol of patriotism, national independence and freedom, as well as a cultural figure promoting peace, justice and solidarity among nations.

In Slovakia, the Vietnamese Embassy organized a ceremony marking President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday at the Town Hall of Horné Saliby in Trnava Province on May 18.

The event was attended by Mayor Pavol Dobosy, Vietnamese honorary consuls in Slovakia, representatives of the Vietnamese community and overseas Vietnamese living and working in the country.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Truong Giang thanked local authorities for preserving a commemorative bronze plaque and archival photos marking President Ho Chi Minh’s 1957 visit to the town.

According to the ambassador, the plaque has become a symbol of friendship between Vietnam and Slovakia and reflects the Slovak people’s respect for the late Vietnamese leader.

He noted that bilateral ties have continued to grow, especially after the two countries upgraded relations to a Strategic Partnership during Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Vietnam in April 2026.

Mayor Pavol Dobosy said it was a great honor for the town to welcome President Ho Chi Minh in 1957, adding that his simple and friendly image left a lasting impression on residents.

Nguyen Kim Dang, Vice President of the Vietnamese Association in Slovakia, said overseas Vietnamese always treasure the support and affection of the Slovak people and remain committed to strengthening bilateral ties.

Vietnam wins 6 medals at Asian Pacific Informatics Olympiad, ranking second

Vietnam won six medals at the Asian Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) 2026, including two golds and four silvers, ranking second behind Russia.

The information was announced by the Ministry of Education and Training on May 20.

The 20th APIO took place from May 9-10, with the participation of 37 teams from countries and territories, involving 1,043 contestants. Among them, 187 students were eligible for ranking, including 16 gold medalists, 47 silver medalists, and 93 bronze medalists.

Vietnam's national team included 15 students, 6 of whom with the highest-scoring were selected for ranking consideration, VGP reported.

Vietnamese team atends the Asian Pacific Informatics Olympiad (APIO) 2026.

Based on the APIO results, four students will be selected to represent Vietnam at the 2026 International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI).

The strong performance at the APIO 2026 further demonstrates the quality of Vietnam's education, as well as the effectiveness of Vietnam's talent and training programs led by the Ministry of Education and Training.

It has affirmed that Vietnamese students possess top-tier talent and computer science skills in Asia.

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