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State President Luong Cuong speaks at the ceremony celebrating the 50th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025), and commemorating the 105th birth anniversary of late Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13, 1920-2025) on November 27. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam strongly supports Laos’ nation building, development, renewal cause: State President

Vietnam strongly and comprehensively supports the national construction, development and renewal efforts of Laos, and will do everything possible to continually strengthen and develop the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, State President Luong Cuong affirmed on November 27.

President Cuong made the statement while addressing a ceremony to celebrate the 50th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025), and commemorate the 105th birth anniversary of late Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13, 1920-2025), held in Hanoi by the Party Central Committee, the State President, the National Assembly, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee and Hanoi city.

Congratulating the Lao Party, State and people on their important and significant achievements, the President affirmed that the past 50 years have been a brilliant and glorious historical period for the people of all ethnic groups in Laos, a heroic journey full of confidence and perseverance in the path they have chosen, and belief in the bright future of the country.

Under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Laos has undergone a strong transformation, overcome all difficulties and challenges, and achieved great accomplishments in all areas. The socio-political situation has remained stable; national defense and security have been upheld; and the living standards of the people have steadily improved, with per capita income increasing nearly 20 times over the past 40 years. In addition, its foreign relations have expanded, and its prestige and position have continuously risen on the international stage.

Showing his gratitude to President Kaysone Phomvihane – the founder of the LPRP, a close and loyal friend of the Party, State, and people of Vietnam, President Cuong stressed that the life of the late leader is a shining symbol of patriotism, strategic intelligence, and selfless devotion to the people. Although he passed away, his thoughts, vision, and sound policies remain a priceless legacy, and a lodestar for the development and construction cause of Laos in the new era, the Vietnamese leader noted.

Regarding the two countries’ relations, President Cuong affirmed that this has truly become an invaluable asset, a unique relationship in world history, and a solid foundation for present and future generations to continue writing beautiful stories about the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, cited VNA.

The Vietnamese Party, State, and people have always been proud to have a loyal and close friend that shares the same ideals like Laos, he emphasized, affirming that every victory of the Vietnamese revolution in the struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current nation building and development cause, has been closely linked to the special solidarity with Laos.

Lao Ambassador to Vietnam, Khamphao Ernthavanh sincerely thanked the deep affection that the the Party and State leaders, and people of Vietnam have shown toward the Lao Party, State, and people, as well as towards President Kaysone Phomvihane and the special relationship between Laos and Vietnam. This reflects the steadfast loyalty and solidarity between the two nations throughout their struggle for independence and during the 50 years of nation-building in Laos.

Today, this relationship has become a valuable asset for both nations, a fundamental rule of existence and development, and a decisive factor in every victory of the revolution in each country, she affirmed.

Earlier, President Cuong and delegates visited an exhibition showcasing key milestones throughout the history of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, jointly organised by the Lao Embassy and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.

EU pledges to support Vietnam’s long-term green transition

The European Union (EU) reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Vietnam in its green transition and sustainable development journey at the Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 in Hanoi on November 27.

In his speech, President Bruno Jaspaert of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham) highlighted key climate change challenges facing Vietnam and discussed how the country can prepare for the future while sustaining economic growth.

He cited statistics saying Vietnam has already experienced 14 typhoons in 2025, with the 15th approaching. These extreme weather events have caused an estimated US$3.22 billion in economic losses as of 24 November, making it one of the most severe damages in half a century.

“Green transition is a must-win battle,” he said, noting that Vietnam’s economic ambitions cannot be sustained without a decisive shift towards long-term climate resilience and sustainable development.

In his view, Vietnam has the full capacity to shape its own development path - one that allows the country to make a distinctive mark and build an economy more resilient to future climate-related disasters. With European initiatives reshaping global value chains, Vietnam is well-positioned to actively participate in this transition and reap the benefits of supply chain shifts that mitigate risk.

According to EuroCham’s President, Vietnam has already taken bold steps by committing to net-zero emissions by 2050 at COP26, supported by the National Green Growth Strategy; the Power Development Plan VIII, which targets 47% renewable energy by 2030, and a carbon market framework expected to launch in 2029.

At the same time, the country remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, attracting over US$31.5 billion in FDI in the first ten months of 2025. This momentum is driving a new era of strong and resilient growth.

He noted the green transition can fully become Vietnam’s most powerful growth driver for decades to come. Europe is already demonstrating this through shaping frameworks such as the European Green Deal, which mobilizes at least EUR1 trillion in sustainable investments, and the Global Gateway initiative, which allocates EUR300 billion for strategic partnerships, according to VOV.

President Bruno Jaspaert of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam speaks at the forum.

At the forum, Jaspaert also announced emergency relief worth US$70,000 contributed by the European business community in Vietnam, to support recovery efforts in Central Vietnam. This response, he said, reflects the deep commitment of European enterprises to Vietnam’s sustainable development.

Taking the floor, European Union Ambassador to Vietnam Julien Guerrier affirmed that through economic growth, higher productivity, and sustainable development, EU businesses stand firmly alongside Vietnam in building the country’s future.

He also emphasized that initiatives such as the EU Green Deal, the Just Energy Transition Partnership, the EU Global Gateway initiative, and many other programs are helping Vietnam build green capacity and fully leverage its potential to address future challenges and opportunities.

Meanwhile, Vu Ba Phu, director general of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE), noted that 35 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the EU have clearly reflected the strategic trust in bilateral security and economic cooperation. The EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), in effect since 2020, has become a key lever to elevate trade relations and expand export markets for many of Vietnam’s major industries.

He noted that many Vietnamese manufacturing sectors are gradually upgrading to meet new labour, environmental, and traceability standards. Production processes are being adjusted to comply with requirements on traceability, environmental criteria, and technical standards, in response to the European market and the EU’s increasing emphasis on green practices, greenhouse gas reduction, and consumer safety.

Phu expressed VIETRADE’s confidence in the forum’s role in fostering business connections and reinforcing strong commitments to Vietnam-EU cooperation toward sustainable growth. He also encouraged continued collaboration between EU and Vietnamese businesses in digital transformation, bridging green skills gaps, promoting investment, and other initiatives to strengthen Vietnam’s sustainable economic development.

The Green Economy Forum builds on the legacy of EuroCham’s Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE), first launched in 2022 to facilitate open dialogue between public- and private-sector stakeholders on climate resilience and sustainable investment.

Over three editions - GEFE 2022, GEF 2023, and GEFE 2024 - the platform has attracted high-level participants, including Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (now NATO Secretary General), and EU Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis, Margaritis Schinas, and Virginijus Sinkevičius.

Vietnam, Australia hold financial policy dialogue

The Vietnam – Australia financial policy dialogue is taking place in Hanoi on November 27–28 as part of the action plan for implementing the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance and the Australian Treasury for the 2024–2028 period.

In his opening remarks, Duong Hung Cuong, Deputy Director of the ministry’s Department of Debt Management and External Economic Relations, stressed that the event demonstrates both sides' strong commitment to deepening their financial partnership, in line with the countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam values the experience and strengths of the Australian Treasury in public finance management, from fiscal and economic policies to the creation of a conducive investment environment, from tax administration reform to the development of green and sustainable financial markets, Cuong said, adding Vietnam looks forward to continued exchanges and cooperation with Australia in these areas.

The official expressed his hope that this year’s dialogue will provide an opportunity for experts and policymakers from both countries to engage in deeper discussions, helping improve Vietnam’s public governance quality and management capacity in the field.

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird affirmed that Australia highly values the dialogue framework, considering it an important platform for the two countries to spur cooperation in economic policymaking, especially amid global economic volatility, according to VNA.

A view of the Vietnam – Australia financial policy dialogue, taking place in Hanoi on November 27-28. (Photo: VNA)

Acknowledging Vietnam’s reform efforts in recent years, from administrative appratus streamlining to the adoption of new resolutions on economic development, she commended its progress in the financial sector, including the upgrade of its stock market from a frontier to a secondary emerging market status by FTSE Russell and the development of credit rating activities following the issuance of Decree 245.

The diplomat highlighted numerous cooperation activities between the two countries' financial bodies, noting that the Aus4Growth program will continue to accompany Vietnam toward the goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045.

At a session on investment facilitation, Nguyen Thi Thao Linh from the Legal Department of the Ministry of Finance said that although Vietnam has yet to issue a dedicated law on investment facilitation, relevant policies are embedded throughout the legal framework governing investment, from the Law on Investment to the documents guiding its enforcement.

Representatives from both sides exchanged in-depth views on related measures, particularly those aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI). Topics included investment cost structures, the investment climate, and incentive policies currently applied by Australia and Vietnam. The shared experiences and policy recommendations are expected to help both countries strengthen cooperation effectiveness and enhance investment attraction capacity in the future.

Concluding the dialogue, the Vietnamese ministry expressed appreciation for Australia’s constructive inputs and hoped that the two sides wil maintain regular exchanges and promote more substantive collaboration, thereby contributing to economic growth and further consolidating the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Vietnam aviation maintains growth momentum and safety in 2025

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has proactively directed, administered, and strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks while supporting airlines, thereby ensuring flight safety, market stability, and expanded international integration.

In 2025, under the leadership of the Party, the National Assembly, and the Government, state management of air transport was enforced decisively and in a synchronised manner by the CAAV, achieving strong positive results. Domestic and international flight operations were maintained continuously and without disruption, guaranteeing absolute aviation safety while meeting growing public travel needs and supporting socio-economic development more effectively.

Assessing the overall picture of Vietnam’s aviation sector in 2025, CAAV Director General Uong Viet Dung said the authority proactively and promptly directed and administered operations, working closely with agencies and units across the sector to strictly implement high-level directives, particularly during peak periods such as the At Ty Lunar New Year surge, the summer travel peak, the 50th anniversary of Southern Liberation and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 –2025), and the 80th National Day commemorations (September 2, 1945 –2025).

Institution-building remain key priorities, creating a coherent legal corridor for civil aviation operations. The CAAV reviewed, drafted, and formally reported the proposed amendments to the Law on Civil Aviation, which is being submitted to the National Assembly for consideration. In parallel, the authority is expediting sub-law normative and regulatory instruments to ensure full legal synchronization immediately upon the law’s entry into force, NDO reported.

In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam’s aviation market handled 69.3 million passengers.

In addition, the authority focused on resolving operational challenges, working alongside airlines on financial restructuring and providing support for new aircraft leasing and purchases, while improving the efficiency of existing fleets to address capacity shortages. Slot coordination and flight operations oversight were strengthened, with strict action taken in cases of delays or cancellations, reinforcing aviation security and safety.

In the area of international integration, CAAV actively negotiated and signed bilateral and multilateral air service agreements guided by the “open skies” policy. As of the winter 2025 schedule, 71 airlines from 30 countries operate 142 regular international routes to Vietnam.

Digital transformation continues to leave a strong imprint through the deployment of the A-CDM model at airports and adoption of VNeID biometric facilitation, shortening processing times, enhancing airport operations, and relieving pressure on infrastructure.

In the first 10 months of 2025, Vietnam aviation transported 69.3 million passengers, up 10.8%, and 1.2 million tonnes of cargo, up 18.5% year-on-year. The market also welcomed the new entrant, Sun Phu Quoc Airways.

Director General Uong Viet Dung emphasized: ‘Amid persistent challenges, maintaining continuous, safe, and efficient aviation operations in full compliance with international regulations and standards stands as a major sector-wide achievement, reflecting the industry’s responsibility and accountability to the Party, the State, and the people.’”

Entering 2026, the CAAV set five core priorities: completing regulatory and institutional frameworks, sustaining market growth, continuing support for airlines; strengthening international cooperation, and advancing digital transformation and technology adoption in state management practice.

With strong results in 2025 and a clear strategic direction mapped for 2026, Vietnam’s aviation sector continues to affirm its vital role in national integration and development, contributing to the success of the country’s industrialization and modernization mission.

Booking.com highlights Mui Ne as a must-visit destination for 2026

Mui Ne in Lam Dong province, Vietnam's Central Highlands, has been listed among the top 10 trending global destinations for 2026, according to Booking.com’s annual Travel Predictions.

According to Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel platforms, Mui Ne offers a dreamy blend of natural beauty, local culture, and adventure.

The website revealed that Mui Ne, once just a peaceful fishing village, has turned into a laid-back beach escape with golden sands, towering coconut palms and steady ocean winds that draw kite surfers and lovers of wind sports from around the world.

Just a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, Booking.com noted, the place feels worlds away with its unique landscapes ranging from the surreal Red and White Sand Dunes to the peaceful Fairy Stream where travelers can wade through shallow waters surrounded by striking rock formations.

The travel platform suggested that visitors walk along the coast and sample the fresh seafood on offer, such as grilled scallops and spicy lemongrass clams. Alternatively, they could visit the nearby fishing ports to glimpse traditional Vietnamese life, VOV reported.

Mui Ne fishing village.

It added that beyond the beaches, travellers can experience a deeper taste of Vietnam through its understated markets, centuries-old temples and coastal villages.

Other top 10 must-visit destinations for 2026 as complied by Booking.com were Bilbao of Spain, Barranquilla of Colombia, Philadelphia of the US, Guangzhou of China, Sal of Cape Verde, Manaus of Brazil, Munster of Germany, and Kochi of India.

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