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An overview of the Vietnam–France High-Level Economic Dialogue in Hanoi on November 6 (Photo: VNA)

France remains important partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy: Deputy Minister

France remains a major partner in Vietnam’s foreign policy, with bilateral cooperation producing substantive and positive results, affirmed Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong at the annual Vietnam–France High-Level Economic Dialogue in Hanoi on November 6.

At the dialogue, established as a regular intergovernmental mechanism between Vietnam and France, both sides discussed macroeconomic developments in their respective countries and reviewed bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, development aid, and sectoral partnerships in transport, energy, agriculture, environment, finance, and banking.

Magali Cesana, head of the Bilateral Affairs and International Business Development Department under the French Treasury, reaffirmed France’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation through concrete projects and programmes involving both public agencies and private enterprises.

France expressed strong interest in continuing to support Vietnam’s economic reform and development agenda, especially in transport and energy infrastructure projects, to jointly address global challenges such as climate change and digital transformation while safeguarding national sovereignty.

Phuong noted that the two sides had agreed on future cooperation priorities, including the effective implementation of the EU–Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), promoting French investment in Vietnam’s key sectors such as sustainable development, renewable energy, high technology, infrastructure, and agriculture. He also urged France to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Highlighting Vietnam’s growing demand for development financing, he said the government is improving the legal framework for mobilising and managing ODA and concessional loans, and called for France’s continued partnership given its technological expertise and long-standing cooperation with Vietnam.

Both sides agreed to closely coordinate in implementing signed cooperation agreements and to explore new collaboration opportunities in energy, finance, and banking. Cesana welcomed Vietnam’s proposals and pledged continued French support and knowledge sharing in its areas of strength.

The two sides affirmed that despite global uncertainties, the determination of both governments, ministries, and localities, along with the support of French partners, will ensure that economic and financial cooperation continues to grow stronger and more substantive, contributing to closer ties between the two economies, cited VNA.

Vietnam and France share a long-standing relationship since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973. Their cooperation has expanded across politics, diplomacy, trade, investment, development, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges.

This solid foundation has elevated bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2013 and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024, with France being the first EU country to reach this highest level of partnership with Vietnam. Since 2018, the two sides have maintained regular high-level visits, reflecting their shared commitment to deepening cooperation.

Economic, trade, and development cooperation are key pillars of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam is France’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN, while France ranks fourth among Vietnam’s trade partners in the EU. In 2024, bilateral trade reached over 5.4 billion USD, up 12.9% year-on-year, with Vietnam’s exports exceeding 3.4 billion USD and imports over 2 billion USD.

France currently has more than 700 active investment projects in Vietnam across 16 sectors, with total registered capital of around 4 billion USD, ranking 16th among 151 foreign investors. Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises have invested in 22 projects in France with total registered capital of 40 million USD.

France remains one of Vietnam’s first and largest providers of ODA and concessional loans through the French Treasury and the French Development Agency (AFD), supporting projects across the country in various sectors.

Vietnam attends Second World Summit on Social Development in Qatar

A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang attended the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 that was held in Doha, Qatar, from November 4-6.

Speaking at the event, Hang affirmed that the Copenhagen Conference in 1995 was a call for strong action, but global progress has not been not sustainable when more than 800 million people are still living in poverty, youth unemployment is high, and inequality in education and employment persists, especially for vulnerable groups.

The Vietnamese diplomat d that this summit and the Doha Political Declaration provide an opportunity for the international community to strengthen solidarity and continue to persevere in the spirit of Copenhagen Conference 1995 and the noble goals of the United Nations Charter.

On this occasion, Hang highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable achievements over the past three decades as vivid evidence of the effective integration of the Copenhagen Action Plan 2025 into Vietnam’s national strategies.

For example, Vietnam’s poverty rate dropped dramatically from 58.1% to just 1.3% in 2025, unemployment fell from 7% to 2.2%, and illiteracy among working-age people was almost eradicated.

Hang reaffirmed that ensuring social welfare and inclusive growth remains a top priority in Vietnam’s new development phase, with all resources directed toward improving the well-being and happiness of its people.

From Vietnam’s experience, she proposed three key solutions to accelerate the implementation of the Copenhagen Action Plan and Doha Political Declaration, according to VN.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang speaks at the summit. (Photo: VNA)

First, it is necessary to promote inclusive international cooperation, prioritising South–South and trilateral cooperation in poverty reduction and job generation. Multilateral forums need to support countries in aligning their national strategies with global development goals.

The second solution is to innovate the development model and accelerate digital transformation, considering it a key driver for effective social development. This includes promoting an e-government system to implement health care, education, and social welfare services, along with training high-quality human resources.

Third, it is important to mobilise sustainable financing through the establishment of national social development funds with the support of international organizations and the participation of the private sector. Innovative financial mechanisms will help diversify resources and strengthen financial sustainability in promoting social development.

Hang affirmed that, as a reliable, active, and responsible partner of the international community and the United Nations, Vietnam is committed to continuing to join hands with other countries to advance global efforts toward a sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Within the framework of the summit, Hang on November 5 held meetings with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Bhutanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade D.N. Dhungyel, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, and Tariq Alhamad, Deputy Minister for International Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

During the meetings, she briefed the partners on Vietnam’s recent socio-economic development and key directions for the coming period.

GCC Secretary-General Albudaiwi expressed his admiration for Vietnam’s achievements over nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), commending its growth orientations and development goals. He affirmed his support for accelerating negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the GCC, and expanding cooperation between Vietnam, the GCC Secretariat, and member states.

Minister Dhungyel affirmed that Bhutan attaches great importance to its ties with Vietnam, stressing that there remains substantial potential for bilateral cooperation. He agreed to further strengthen the partnership, particularly in tourism, investment, and business connectivity.

At her meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Trade Al-Sayed, Hang underlined that Vietnam–Qatar relations have been elevated to a new height, especially following the official visit to Qatar by Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in October 2024. She suggested both sides accelerate negotiations for the Vietnam-GCC FTA and boost cooperation in investment, trade, Halal industry, and business connection.

Al-Sayed welcomed the proposal, highlighting vast opportunities for collaboration and encouraging enhanced trade promotion between the two countries. He emphasized that Qatar could serve as a gateway for Vietnamese enterprises to expand cooperation with other GCC members.

In her meeting with Deputy Minister Tariq Alhamad, Hang underscored the importance of advancing Vietnam–Saudi Arabia relations to a new cooperation framework that matches the growing potential of both sides, contributing to the implementation of commitments made by senior leaders.

Stressing the growing bilateral relationship, he provided information on Saudi Arabia’s labour market and foreign worker policies. He proposed that the two sides continue active discussions toward signing future cooperation agreements, including one on the recruitment of Vietnamese workers for employment in Saudi Arabia.

Foreign trade remains bright spot in Vietnam’s economy

Vietnam's trade with the rest of the world hit US$762.44 billion in the first ten months of this year, a year-on-year increase of 17.4 percent, according to the National Statistics Office.

During January-October, total export turnover reached US$391 billion, a year-on-year increase of 16.2 percent. Of the figure, the domestic economic sector accounted for US$94.17 billion, representing 24.1 percent, while the foreign-invested sector (including crude oil) reached US$296.83 billion, accounting for 75.9 percent.

In the reviewed period, there were 36 export items with a turnover exceeding US$1 billion each, collectively accounting for 94.1 percent of the total export value, reported VGP.

Photo: VGP

Regarding the export structure, the export value of manufactured and processed goods reached US$346.73 billion, accounting for 88.7 percent, followed by agricultural and forestry products (US$32.62 billion, accounting for 8.3 percent), aquatic products (US$9.33 billion, accounting for 2.4 percent), and fuel and mineral products (US$2.32 billion, accounting for 0.6 percent).

Meanwhile, the country spent nearly US$371.44 billion on imports over the last 10 months, up 18.6 percent year-on-year. The domestic sector accounted for US$117 billion (up 2.8 percent), while the foreign-invested sector contributed US$254.44 billion (up 27.6 percent).

In the January-October period, Vietnam enjoyed a trade surplus of US$19.56 billion.

The U.S. remained the biggest importer of Vietnamese goods with US$126.2 billion while China was the largest supplier with US$150.9 billion.

Kalmaegi nears landfall with gusts up to level 16, 3 provinces at highest risk

Typhoon Kalmaegi (Storm No. 13) has intensified to level 15 with gusts exceeding level 17, approaching the south-central coast of Vietnam. Forecasts predict that by late afternoon or evening today, the typhoon will make landfall with wind strengths of level 11-13, gusting to levels 15-16. Three provinces are now in the highest danger zone for strong winds.

Typhoon Kalmaegi reached level 15 (167–183 km/h) on November 6, with gusts over level 17, nearly reaching the threshold of a super typhoon. The storm is moving west-northwest at a rapid speed of 25–30 km/h.

Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, stated that the storm is likely to maintain its maximum intensity for another 4–6 hours before its western circulation begins to interact with the mainland, causing a 1–2 level drop due to friction.

“When Kalmaegi makes landfall between late afternoon and night, it is forecast to sustain level 11–13 winds, gusting to levels 15–16. This is considered extremely strong,” Khiem emphasized.

Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and northern Dak Lak face the strongest winds

Director Khiem warned that the eastern areas of Quang Ngai and Gia Lai will face particularly strong winds, very high coastal waves, and intense rainfall from this afternoon through tomorrow morning. The western mountainous regions are also under serious threat of flash floods and landslides.

As of 1 p.m., the storm’s center was about 190 km east-southeast of Quy Nhon (Gia Lai), with sustained winds of level 14–15 (150–183 km/h), gusting beyond level 17.

The storm continues moving west-northwest at 25–30 km/h. As of 7 p.m., its center will be near the coastal area from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak, with wind strength at level 13 and gusts at level 15. It is expected to weaken gradually after moving inland.

By 1 a.m. on November 7, the storm center will be over land between Quang Ngai and Dak Lak, with wind speeds at level 8–9 and gusts reaching level 11.

Wind readings at various stations have reported escalating conditions: Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai) experienced level 7 winds with gusts to level 9; Dung Quat (Quang Ngai) level 6, gusting to level 8; Phu Cat (Gia Lai) level 7, gusting to level 10; and Hoi An (Da Nang) level 8, gusting to level 9.

Storm surge and wave warnings for coastal and island areas

Storm Kalmaegi is causing violent seas in the western central East Sea, with wind levels of 8–12; areas near the eye of the storm reaching levels 13–15, with gusts beyond 17. Waves could reach 6–8 meters, and 9–11 meters near the eye.

Coastal areas from southern Quang Tri to Khanh Hoa (including Ly Son and Cu Lao Cham islands) will see increasing winds from levels 7–8 to levels 9–12. Areas near the storm’s center may experience gusts over level 17 and waves as high as 10 meters.

Storm surge levels are projected to rise 0.5–1 meter along the coastline from southern Quang Tri to Dak Lak. Maximum sea levels include: Thuan An (1 m), Son Tra (1.2 m), Hoi An (1.3 m), Dung Quat (1.5 m), Quy Nhon (1.2 m), and Tuy Hoa (1.1 m).

Authorities have warned of inundation in low-lying coastal areas due to storm surge and waves. Risks include seawater intrusion, overtopping of sea dikes, erosion, and impeded drainage in flood-prone areas.

All boats, aquaculture facilities, and marine operations in affected regions are expected to face strong squalls, high waves, and coastal inundation.

Strong winds expected inland

From southern Da Nang to Dak Lak, wind speeds will rise from levels 6–7 to levels 8–9. Areas near the storm’s center - particularly eastern Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and northern Dak Lak - will see wind strengths up to levels 10–13, with gusts reaching levels 15–16.

Regions from southern Quang Tri to northern Da Nang and northern Khanh Hoa will also see winds at levels 6–7 and gusts at levels 8–9. The strongest winds are expected from late afternoon into the night.

Typhoon Kalmaegi’s movement and intensity forecast, afternoon of November 6. Source: NCHMF

From this evening, western areas of Quang Ngai to Gia Lai will see wind levels increase to 6–7, with gusts near the storm’s path reaching levels 8–9 and gusts up to level 11.

Heavy rainfall warning: Up to 600mm from Da Nang to Dak Lak

The storm's circulation is bringing torrential rains from Da Nang to Dak Lak between November 6–7, with expected rainfall of 200–400 mm, and isolated areas exceeding 600 mm.

From southern Quang Tri to Hue, Khanh Hoa, and Lam Dong, rainfall is projected at 150–300 mm, with localized heavy downpours over 450 mm. Rainfall is expected to decrease from November 8 onward.

Between November 7–8, areas from northern Quang Tri to Thanh Hoa will see moderate to heavy rain of 50–150 mm, with isolated areas experiencing over 200 mm.

The meteorological agency warns of extremely intense rain (over 200 mm in three hours), and the possibility of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and violent wind gusts both before and during landfall due to the storm’s wide circulation.

Cat Ba named Vietnam’s only representative among Southeast Asia’s best islands

Cat Ba has become the only Vietnamese island to feature on National Geographic Traveller’s prestigious list of the best islands in Southeast Asia.

Cat Ba in Hai Phong City ranks third on the regional list, following Koh Chang in Thailand and Penang in Malaysia.

At 101 square miles, Cat Ba offers prime adventure opportunities, according to reporter Sarah Gillespie. While many stop here for just a day en route to the group’s smaller islands, adrenaline seekers often stay longer.

The limestone karst cliffs provide a climbers’ playground, while Butterfly Valley, with its caves and overhangs, is popular for deep-water soloing (bouldering without ropes over deep water), the publication notes.

Cat Ba among best islands in Southeast Asia. (Image source: Vietnam Airlines)

For a safer but no less spectacular alternative, visitors can hike Ngu Lam Peak or paddle a kayak through bioluminescent plankton.

Other islands among the top eight to explore in Southeast Asia include Komodo in Indonesia, Panay and Isla Verde in the Philippines, Java in Indonesia, and Don Khong in Laos.

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