Vietnam, UNDP boost international cooperation on ethnic affairs
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on November 4 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in sustainable, equitable development and international integration in the field of ethnic affairs.
The MoU, based on principles of equality, respect, and non-legally binding cooperation, establishes a framework for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. It aims to enhance the effectiveness of state management in ethnic affairs while promoting comprehensive, deep, and substantive international integration in the time to come.
Under the agreement, the two sides will cooperate during 2025-2030, with a vision toward 2045, focusing on key areas such as implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), following CERD recommendations, and engaging with other international human rights mechanisms under the ministry’s mandate.
The cooperation also covers experience exchange in areas including livelihood and entrepreneurship support, raising awareness of international integration, green and circular economy development, and digital transformation. Additional areas include increasing the participation of ethnic minority communities in public leadership, environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and promoting Vietnam’s achievements in ethnic affairs to the international community.
Both parties agreed to maintain regular information exchange and consultation, coordinate in organising conferences, workshops, training sessions, and communication activities, ensuring transparency and recognition of each other’s contributions, according to VNA.
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| Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong and UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi sign the MoU. (Photo: Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs) |
Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Y Thong said the MoU demonstrates Vietnam’s proactiveness and responsibility in sharing practical experience in ethnic affairs, and promoting dialogue, understanding, and cooperation for sustainable, humane development. Through collaboration with UNDP, the ministry aims to mobilize global resources, expertise, and initiatives to support inclusive and sustainable development for ethnic minority and mountainous communities.
UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi highlighted that the MoU establishes a strategic cooperation framework aligned with Vietnam’s national target programs and sustainable development goals. The new partnership marks a promising phase, building on the long-standing and effective cooperation between UNDP and the Vietnamese Government, and reinforces a shared vision of inclusive development and protection of ethnic minority rights nationwide.
Vietnam, Australia sign MoU on cooperation to optimize FTA’s benefits
Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to optimize free trade agreements (FTAs)’ benefits in Hanoi on November 3.
The MoU was inked by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird within the framework of the consultation workshop to draw contributions to the development of the FTA ecosystem.
The MOU signing represents an important step in strengthening the relationship between Vietnam and Australia and lays the foundation for a more favorable business environment, and contributes to addressing global challenges.
The MOU not only promotes bilateral trade but also helps farmers and businesses to expand global reach and pursue sustainable growth.
At the workshop, delegates held that due to problems across the entire value chain, Vietnam needs an ecosystem that connects all relevant stakeholders to make the most of FTAs' advantages, improve competitiveness and accelerate public–private partnership, reported VGP.
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| The signing ceremony of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to optimize free trade agreements (FTAs)’ benefits, Hanoi, November 3, 2025. Photo: VGP |
The proposed FTA ecosystem model will function as a comprehensive network connecting parties involved in the value chain, from producers, processors, distributors, logistics operators, associations, financial institutions and Government agencies.
The model aims to create a culture of connectivity, information sharing and mutual support to enable enterprises to optimize FTA benefits.
The ecosystem is expected to generate significant economic impacts for Vietnam, especially in expanding and diversifying export markets, attracting foreign investment, improving productivity and accelerating the shift toward a green and sustainable growth model.
The ecosystem would first reinforce Vietnam's policy framework for FTA implementation by strengthening the Government's role in coordinating trade policy and managing resources to help enterprises make the most of tariff preferences.
To date, Vietnam has signed 17 FTAs with more than 63 partners, including new-generation FTAs such as the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), the UK–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Switzerland plans to expedite FTA negotiations with Vietnam
During a recent annual meeting organized by the Association of Foreign Press in Switzerland and Liechtenstein (APES) in Bern, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter addressed prominent domestic issues, including the country’s relationship with the European Union (EU), US tariffs, and policies toward the Middle East, cited VOV.
Responding to questions about expectations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) and Vietnam, President Keller-Sutter said, “I met with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh earlier this year in Davos. Our intention and expectation are to expedite the negotiations. Progress is being made, and I believe an agreement will benefit all parties. There is a clear trend toward promoting free trade agreements. For Switzerland in particular, and EFTA as a whole, such agreements play an important role.”
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| Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter (right) attends APES event (Photo: VNA) |
Earlier in her speech, President Keller-Sutter warned of rising global instability and current challenges to multilateral systems. She emphasized: “The political and economic situation is highly unstable, a topic widely discussed. Free trade and multilateralism are being seriously tested. Switzerland is not a member of any major political or trade bloc, but Bern consistently values maintaining close ties with the EU, Switzerland’s largest trading partner. The consultation phase on a new agreement package with the EU has concluded, and the government will review feedback before submitting it to the Parliament. A popular vote could take place in 2027.”
According to President Keller-Sutter, Switzerland is promoting exports by targeting new markets. She noted that Bern is actively negotiating new free trade agreements and modernizing existing ones. This year alone, Switzerland has signed new agreements with Thailand, Malaysia, and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), while updating its trade deal with Ukraine. Existing FTAs with China, the United Kingdom, Mexico, and the Southern African Customs Union are also being updated.
Kalmaegi expected to strike Vietnam with level-14 intensity
Typhoon Kalmaegi has intensified to level 13, with gusts reaching level 16. By the morning of November 5, it is forecast to enter the East Sea, continue strengthening, and peak at level 14, with gusts of up to level 17. By the morning of November 7, the storm’s center is expected to make landfall between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak with winds as strong as level 11.
According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, Kalmaegi entered the central Philippines late on November 3 with a strength of level 13.
By the early hours of November 5, the typhoon will move into the East Sea and become the 13th tropical storm to form in the region this year, continuing to gain strength.
Domestic and international forecasting models generally agree that the typhoon will make direct landfall in the South-Central region of Vietnam with very strong intensity. However, there are still discrepancies in predicted landfall zones and storm strength across different models.
Meteorologists from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting predict that once in the East Sea, the typhoon will move west-northwest at 20–25 km/h until it reaches the South-Central coast. Once it enters the East Sea, updates will be issued every three hours, and hourly in the event of an emergency.
Forecasts suggest that on November 6, the typhoon could reach its peak intensity at level 14, the strongest level for this storm. Due to its rapid movement, Kalmaegi is expected to make landfall earlier than usual.
"The storm's center will likely move inland across provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak (formerly Phu Yen) on the morning of November 7," one expert stated.
Authorities are advising offshore vessels and fish farming households operating from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa to urgently prepare for the approaching typhoon.
Landfall expected with strength up to level 11
Meteorologists note that Kalmaegi is unlikely to encounter weakening factors such as dry cold air or strong wind shear that caused super typhoons like Ragasa (Storm No. 9) and Fengshen (Storm No. 12) to dissipate.
Therefore, this could be the strongest typhoon to make landfall in Vietnam this year, potentially as severe or even more dangerous than Typhoon Bualoi, which struck Ha Tinh and Nghe An in late September.
Kalmaegi is expected to be about 400 km off the coast of Gia Lai by the morning of November 6, with gusts reaching level 17.
By the night of November 6, the typhoon may directly impact areas from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa. Coastal regions, including Ly Son Island, could experience winds of level 12–13 with gusts exceeding level 15. Inland coastal areas may experience winds of level 10–12 and gusts of level 14–15.
By 7:00 a.m. on November 7, the storm's center is projected to be overland across provinces from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, with winds of level 10–11 and gusts of up to level 13.
Experts also warn that the storm may bring pre-landfall thunderstorms and tornadoes. Heavy rainfall is expected across a wide area from Quang Tri to Dak Lak between the nights of November 6–9. There is a risk of new flooding across rivers in provinces from Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa, reported VNN.
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| Kalmaegi (Storm No. 13) is projected to make landfall with level-11 intensity. Source: NCHMF |
The weather authority emphasized that current observations and forecasts still contain uncertainties regarding the storm's path, strength, and trajectory. Rainfall locations and volumes in the coming days may also fluctuate. Therefore, ministries, local authorities, and residents must closely monitor forecasts and warnings to take proactive safety measures.
Immediately from the afternoon of November 4, the eastern waters of the central East Sea are expected to experience strengthening winds of level 6–7, later increasing to level 8–10. Near the storm center, winds may reach level 11–13 with gusts of level 15–16, and waves as high as 5–7 meters. Conditions at sea will be extremely rough.
From November 5–6, the central East Sea (including the northern sea area of the Truong Sa Archipelago) and offshore waters from Da Nang to Khanh Hoa will likely face winds of level 12–14, gusting beyond level 17, with waves of 8–10 meters. The sea will be extremely rough.
All vessels and offshore facilities in the high-risk zones will be severely affected by thunderstorms, strong winds, and high waves.
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