Vietnam News Today (Nov. 8): Vietnam, Russia Reinforce Parliamentary Cooperation

Vietnam News Today (Nov. 8): Vietnam, Russia reinforce parliamentary cooperation; Vietnam underscores determination to build a transparent global trading system; Amazon to make Vietnam Southeast Asia’s e-commerce export hub; Vietnam Red Cross deploys emergency relief to flood-battered localities .
November 08, 2025 | 07:00
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Vietnam News Today (Nov. 8) notable headlines

Vietnam, Russia reinforce parliamentary cooperation

Vietnam underscores determination to build a transparent global trading system

Amazon to make Vietnam Southeast Asia’s e-commerce export hub

Vietnam Red Cross deploys emergency relief to flood-battered localities

Lonely Planet spotlights eight standout national parks in Vietnam

Vietnam to welcome nine international cruise sailings at year-end

ILO supports projects to improve commuting safety for garment workers in Vietnam

Cultural links help build sustainable future in Vietnam-EU relations

Vietnam emerges as ASEAN’s top next-generation trade hub

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh presides over an online meeting between the Vietnam – Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Vietnamese NA and the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA of the Russian Federation Council on November 7. (Photo: vietnam.vn)
NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh presides over an online meeting between the Vietnam – Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Vietnamese NA and the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA of the Russian Federation Council on November 7. (Photo: vietnam.vn)

Vietnam, Russia reinforce parliamentary cooperation

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Khac Dinh on November 7 chaired an online meeting between the Vietnam – Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Vietnamese NA and the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA of the Russian Federation Council.

The meeting discussed the preparations for the coming visit by the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA and some other issues.

Dinh asked the two sides to soon reach consensus on the time for the trip, stressing the NA’s readiness for coordination to ensure the best possible conditions for the Russian delegation and substantive results for their meetings.

He expressed his belief that the visit by the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA will be a success, helping to further enhance relations between the two parliaments as well as the two peoples while opening up new opportunities for fruitful cooperation, cited VNA.

For his part, Andrey Vladimirovich Yatskin, First Deputy Speaker of the Russian Federation Council and head of the Group for Cooperation with the Vietnamese NA, offered sympathies to Vietnamese people on the losses triggered by the recent storms and floods.

He highlighted that the two countries’ Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has continued to flourish over the past years as seen in the mutual visits by the two sides’ leaders, all-level delegation exchanges, along with in-person and online meetings.

Describing the year 2025 as significant when the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Yatskin affirmed that interparliamentary collaboration, one of the important pillars of the Vietnam – Russia friendship and cooperation, has been continuously strengthened over the recent past. In 2024, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Speaker of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Ivanovna Matvienko signed a cooperation agreement between the two sides.

Dinh highly valued the contributions by the Russian Federation Council to parliamentary diplomacy as well as the overall friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement between the Vietnamese NA and the Russian Federation Council features 10 contents and 25 concrete activities, he noted, adding that many of them have reaped positive results so far.

Echoing the view, Yatskin called on both sides to keep fostering bilateral relations, including parliamentary diplomacy, in an increasingly substantive and effective manner.

Vietnam underscores determination to build a transparent global trading system

The Government of Vietnam updated adjustments to the authorities and organizations responsible for issuing certificates of origin (C/O), as well as the application of QR codes in C/O issuance procedures, at a regular meeting of the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin on November 6.

The activity aims to ensure reliable origin information and underline Vietnam’s transparency in building and promoting global trade.

The Vietnamese delegation at the meeting included representatives of the Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, participating online from Hanoi, and officials of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to Geneva, attending the session in person.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department Trinh Thi Thu Hien noted that in 2025, Vietnam submitted two notifications to the WTO Committee Secretariat regarding the implementation of rules of origin under the WTO framework, in March 2025 and May 2025, respectively (documents G/RO/N/291 and G/RO/N/293).

She also shared information and presented a specific example of a Form B C/O with an embedded QR code issued by Vietnam. The use of QR codes and digitalization in C/O issuance is intended to facilitate origin verification and support strict, effective implementation of international trade commitments, especially in the context of complex global developments affecting trade and supply chains.

Vietnam also notified the list of C/O-issuing authorities and organizations to WTO members, providing transparent information from the exporting country and affirming Vietnam’s responsibility to strengthen cooperation with WTO members, according to VOV.

Director of the Import-Export Department Nguyen Anh Son and Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department Trinh Thi Thu Hien join the meeting online from Hanoi (Photo: VNA)
Director of the Import-Export Department Nguyen Anh Son and Deputy Director of the Import-Export Department Trinh Thi Thu Hien join the meeting online from Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

The list of C/O-issuing bodies has been updated based on Vietnam’s ongoing decentralization in the field of origin certification. Under Government Decree No. 146/2025 dated June 12, 2025 and Circular No. 40/2025 dated June 22, 2025 of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, C/O issuance is carried out by the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade) and organizations assigned by provincial People’s Committees.

Previously, at the meeting marking the 30th anniversary of the WTO Committee on Rules of Origin on April 3 and at the session on October 1, 2025 in Geneva, the Vietnamese delegation shared experience on applying and notifying non-preferential rules of origin.

With Vietnam’s active and proactive participation in the field of origin certification, WTO members recognized the nation’s efforts to maintain transparency in implementing commitments, and appreciated the country’s seriousness and cooperative spirit in combating origin fraud.

The presence and contributions of the Vietnamese delegation at these meetings reaffirm Vietnam’s determination to promote a transparent global trading system, while demonstrating the country’s active participation and strengthened voice in multilateral mechanisms. This, in turn, enhances Vietnam’s role, position, and international credibility in line with Resolution No. 59 dated January 24, 2025 on international integration in the new context.

The adoption of QR codes in C/O issuance forms an important component of Vietnam’s digital transformation and innovation efforts, in accordance with Resolution No. 57 dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation.

Resolutions No. 59 and No. 57 are among the core resolutions guiding Vietnam toward a new development phase.

The application of QR codes in C/O issuance is an important component in advancing digital transformation, the application of science and technology, and innovation under Resolution No. 57 dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.

Resolution No. 59 and Resolution No. 57 are among the core resolutions designed to lead the country into a new development phase.

Amazon to make Vietnam Southeast Asia’s e-commerce export hub

As part of its 2026 strategic focus, Amazon aims to position Vietnam as a central hub for Southeast Asia’s e-commerce exports, leveraging technology and innovation to drive high-quality export growth.

On November 6, Amazon Global Selling held its annual conference under the theme “Tech breakthrough - Global export acceleration.”

The event gathered over 1,500 entrepreneurs and businesses to celebrate the global success of Vietnamese enterprises on Amazon, unveil new powerful tools and programs, and announce the 2026 strategic priorities to boost global exports from Vietnam.

Jim Yang, Director of Asia-Pacific Market Development at Amazon Global Selling, stated at the event: “With more than 20 international markets, Amazon offers diverse opportunities for manufacturers, brand owners, and sellers worldwide. The Asia-Pacific region plays a crucial role in the global supply chain. Amazon’s continuous investments in logistics infrastructure, innovation, and ecosystem development are designed to help businesses connect their production strengths with global customers. Vietnam’s entrepreneurial spirit and manufacturing capability present a tremendous opportunity for export growth via e-commerce.”

According to Amazon, as of July 31, the number of products sold by Vietnamese sellers increased by nearly 35% compared to the same period last year. This growth highlights the rising importance of global B2C e-commerce as a new export channel for Vietnam.

Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service has become a critical logistics tool for Vietnamese businesses. The volume of goods shipped through FBA increased by nearly 40% in 2025, reflecting Vietnamese sellers’ growing focus on reliable delivery and customer service worldwide.

The top five best-selling product categories for Vietnamese sellers on Amazon in 2025 remained consistent: home, kitchen, health and personal care, fashion, and beauty - areas that reflect Vietnam’s core manufacturing strengths. Notable success stories include Coolmate in the apparel sector and Green Mekong in home furnishings, VNN reported.

Amazon Global Selling held its annual conference with the theme “Technological Breakthrough – Accelerating Global Export.”
Amazon Global Selling held its annual conference with the theme “Technological Breakthrough – Accelerating Global Export.”

Larry Hu, Southeast Asia Director of Amazon Global Selling, said: “With rapid digital transformation and a strong export-oriented economy, Vietnam is perfectly positioned for e-commerce export growth. We are building a foundation to support Vietnam’s rise in global e-commerce. Today, we announce our 2026 strategy to accelerate Vietnam’s transformation into Southeast Asia’s high-quality e-commerce export hub. Amazon’s comprehensive innovations and solutions will empower Vietnamese businesses to turn their strengths into global success and help realize the country’s vision of digital transformation and high-value exports.”

Amazon Global Selling’s 2026 strategic focus for Vietnam is to fast-track the country’s emergence as Southeast Asia’s e-commerce export center. The plan includes accelerating Vietnam’s shift into a regional export powerhouse and enhancing global competitiveness through logistics development, talent cultivation, and knowledge exchange with support from the government and industry associations.

Amazon will help Vietnamese manufacturers and brands elevate their position in the global value chain through product innovation and brand development. In collaboration with the government and stakeholders, Amazon aims to implement high-quality export initiatives and nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs. The goal is to make “Made in Vietnam” a global hallmark of innovation, quality, and competitiveness.

The company will also lead AI transformation in Vietnam’s export sector by introducing AI tools, guiding AI application practices, and developing talent in the field. This will support Vietnam’s rise as a regional leader in smart commerce and production technologies.

During the event, Amazon also launched the Amazon Global Logistics (AGL) cross-border shipping program, making Vietnam the second country globally to be selected as an FBA origin point. This enables local businesses to access end-to-end logistics solutions, directly connecting with Amazon’s U.S. fulfillment network.

This initiative allows local manufacturers to focus on their core production strengths while Amazon handles the entire cross-border logistics process - from pickup to final delivery at fulfillment centers.

Vietnam Red Cross deploys emergency relief to flood-battered localities

The Vietnam Red Cross Society Central Committee approved over 4.8 billion VND (184,000 USD) in immediate relief, including cash and P&G clean water packets from partners.

The Central Committee of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) has launched an emergency relief campaign to support residents suffering from prolonged heavy rain and flooding in Da Nang, Hue, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Quang Ngai, and Lam Dong in the central region.

It approved over 4.8 billion VND (184,000 USD) in immediate relief, including cash and P&G clean water packets from partners.

Specifically, Ha Tinh will receive 560 million VND and 24,000 packets, Quang Tri 400 million VND and 24,000 packets, Hue 1.095 billion VND and 48,000 packets, Da Nang 1.78 billion VND and 72,000 packets, Lam Dong 175 million VND and 43,200 packets, and Quang Ngai 580 million VND and 24,000 packets, VNN reported.

A representative of the Vietnam Red Cross Society delivers relief to a flood-hit resident in Hue city. (Photo: VNA)
A representative of the Vietnam Red Cross Society delivers relief to a flood-hit resident in Hue city. (Photo: VNA)

Cash comes from donations sent to the H2025 account at Vietcombank, while the P&G packets are supplied through a non-refundable grant from Americares under the “Clean Drinking Water for Communities” initiative.

Further contributions can flow through the same H2025 Vietcombank account or direct transfers via VCB Digibank.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Kalmaegi, hitting central Vietnam on late November 6, and its remnants have inflicted widespread destruction in Hue, Da Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai and Khanh Hoa, claiming lives, razing homes, damaging tens of thousands of roofs, forcing mass evacuations, and plunging vast areas into darkness.

Lonely Planet spotlights eight standout national parks in Vietnam

World-renowned travel guide Lonely Planet has named eight of Vietnam’s grandest national parks, offering travelers opportunities to explore vast caves, striking limestone landscapes and scenic coastlines.

Bach Ma National Park in Thua Thien Hue province tops the list. The park is home to more than 1,400 plant species, representing about one-fifth of all flora found in Vietnam. Its diverse wildlife includes 132 mammal species, among them three rare animals only discovered in the 1990s: the antelope-like saola, the deer-resembling Truong Son muntjac and the giant muntjac.

Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh province ranks next. Travelers willing to spend around US$3,000 can join a four-day expedition to Son Doong, one of the world’s largest caves. More affordable multi-day tours are also available to other cave systems, such as the enormous En Cave, which features its own underground beach, VOV reported.

Vietnam News Today (Nov. 8): Vietnam, Russia Reinforce Parliamentary Cooperation
Bach Ma National Park comes first in the list of Vietnam's 8 grandest national parks

Bai Tu Long National Park in Quang Ninh province is also included on the list. Coming in fourth is Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh province.

Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai province takes fifth place. The remaining recommended destinations are Ba Be, Cat Ba and Phu Quoc National Parks.

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