| Vietnam News Today (Oct. 23) notable headlines PM to attend 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Malaysia Vietnam promotes economic transformation initiatives at UNCTAD 16 Havana photo exhibition highlights Vietnam – Cuba relations New opportunities expected for Vietnam-Bulgaria cooperation Storm Fengshen batters central Vietnam as triple weather systems converge Hungarian NA Speaker Laszlo Kover concludes Vietnam visit Vietnam-Singapore trade continues upward momentum Vietnam Airlines cancels and reschedules flights due to typhoon Fengshen Hungarian NA Speaker Laszlo Kover’s Vietnam visit in the spotlight |
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam. |
PM to attend 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Malaysia
A high-ranking Vietnamese delegation led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from October 25 – 28.
The invitation has been extended by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press communique on October 22, cited VOV.
The 47th ASEAN Summit (ASEAN-47), themed ASEAN 2025: Inclusive and Sustainable Future, is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, Malaysia, from October 26-28. The summit will be attended by leaders of ASEAN member states, along with dialogue partners and invited guests, including the United States, China, and India.
Notably, Timor Leste is expected to join the bloc as the 11th member at this landmark gathering.
Vietnam promotes economic transformation initiatives at UNCTAD 16
A Vietnamese diplomat has highlighted the country’s commitment to driving a fair, inclusive, and sustainable economic transformation, especially for developing countries facing complex global challenges, at an UNCTAD 16 roundtable in Geneva, Switzerland.
In her remarks at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) roundtable on October 21, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang emphasized that the world is undergoing profound economic, technological, and geopolitical changes. The global trade environment has become increasingly fragmented and unpredictable, severely affecting developing countries.
Against this backdrop, she said, Vietnam’s economy has shown strong resilience, maintaining a projected growth rate of approximately 8%, one of the highest in the region and globally.
The country is currently making efforts to carry on institutional reforms, improve the legal system, foster private sector development, accelerate scientific and technological innovation, digital transformation, and deepen international integration. These efforts aim to strengthen the economy’s capacity to adapt to external shocks and promote sustainable development.
To support the global community’s collective effort towards an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient economic transformation with trade as a central driver, Deputy Minister Hang put forward three key policy recommendations. She emphasized the need to strengthen global cooperation and comprehensively reform international trade and financial institutions to make them more open, fair, and inclusive, ensuring these reforms reflect the voices of developing countries and adapt to the profound changes in the global landscape.
In addition, she underscored the importance of enhancing the self-reliance capacity of developing countries by providing financial and technological support, promoting gender equality, and expanding the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in global value chains.
Furthermore, she advocated for promoting a dual transition focused on the green economy and digital economy, leveraging trade and investment to drive emission reductions, circular economy practices, and innovation, while ensuring that sustainability standards remain inclusive and do not become barriers for developing nations.
On the sidelines of the UNCTAD 16 roundtable, Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Hang engaged in bilateral meetings with officials from Oman, Bhutan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, as well as representatives from the World Economic Forum and the Swiss Innovation Park. These discussions centered on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, innovation, green finance, digital transformation, and climate change adaptation.
Vietnam’s impressive economic progress and commitment to addressing global challenges like climate change and sustainable development were acknowledged and praised by international partners. The country’s proactive role in international cooperation, including supporting innovation and science and technology, was recognised as a valuable contribution toward inclusive global growth.
Hang voiced Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships and requested continued support, particularly in digital transformation, scientific research, and climate resilience.
Meeting with State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Alexandre Fasel, Deputy Minister Hang called on Switzerland to continue supporting Vietnam’s new development phase, especially in the fields of education, innovation, science and technology, and the establishment of an international financial center in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang – the field where Switzerland has strong expertise.
In discussions with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion Qais Bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Deputy Minister Hang spoke of Vietnam’s active implementation of previous political consultations and urged Oman to increase investment, support the launch of FTA negotiations between Vietnam and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and cooperate on establishing a joint economic committee soon, according to VOV.
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| Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang speaks at the UNCTAD 16 roundtable in Geneva, Switzerland, on October 21. (Photo: MOFA) |
During talks with Bhutan’s Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Employment Namgyal Dorji, both sides agreed to boost trade, tourism cooperation, cultural exchanges, and people-to-people contacts, building on significant results from the Bhutanese King and Queen’s visit to Vietnam in August 2025.
In a meeting with Steven Collet, Deputy Director-General of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Deputy Minister Hang proposed deepening bilateral relations for more practical and effective cooperation. She also requested the Netherlands’ prompt ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and urged support for the EU to lift its ‘yellow card’ against Vietnam.
Meeting with Stephan Mergenthaler, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, Deputy Minister Hang expressed appreciation for the World Economic Forum’s cooperation in preparing the Autumn Economic Forum scheduled in Ho Chi Minh City from November 25-27, 2025. She called for continued support to promote economic development based on science, technology, innovation, private sector growth, smart manufacturing, and attraction of high-quality investment.
Havana photo exhibition highlights Vietnam – Cuba relations
Vietnam and Cuba officially established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960. Over the past 65 years, their traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation have been continuously strengthened through exchanges of all-level delegations, collaboration in economy, trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and sports, as well as people-to-people interactions.
The long-standing and close ties between Cuba and Vietnam were spotlighted at a photo exhibition hosted by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Havana on October 21, part of activities marking the 65th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and seven Asian countries, including Vietnam.
The other Asian countries that are celebrating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Cuba are Cambodia, India, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Indonesia, China, and Mongolia, according to VNA.
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| Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long (third from left) and Cuban Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla (second from left) visit the exhibition (Photo: VNA) |
In his opening remarks, Cambodian Ambassador to Cuba Chea Thireak, speaking on behalf of the seven Asian countries, emphasized that over the past 65 years, these nations have maintained friendship and close cooperation with Cuba across all fields, including diplomacy, politics, economy, education, science, and culture.
As the world faces numerous challenges, countries need to strengthen diplomatic ties, solidarity, and cooperation, he said.
Meanwhile, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Anayansi Rodriguez highlighted the significance of the exhibition.
He affirmed that Cuba–Vietnam relations represent a loyal and enduring bond, serving as a symbol of international solidarity.
Vietnam and Cuba officially established diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960. Over the past 65 years, their traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation have been continuously strengthened through exchanges of all-level delegations, collaboration in economy, trade, investment, tourism, education, culture, and sports, as well as people-to-people interactions.
New opportunities expected for Vietnam-Bulgaria cooperation
The state visit to Bulgaria by Party General Secretary To Lam is expected to open up new cooperation opportunities in trade and investment through greater market access for both sides, while helping the two countries strengthen a solid and trustworthy bridge linking Bulgaria with ASEAN and Vietnam with the EU.
Complementary relations
According to trade experts, Bulgaria was among the first countries in the world to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. The two sides have regularly maintained delegation exchanges at various levels, including high-level contacts, and have held periodic bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They have also cooperated and supported each other at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, as well as within the frameworks of ASEAN-EU strategic partnership and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Bilateral economic, trade, and investment cooperation has continued to expand, with both sides implementing initiatives in science and technology cooperation, focusing on biotechnology, agriculture, information and communications technology, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and green energy.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) cited data from Vietnam Customs as showing that two-way trade rose nearly 2.6 times, from 102.5 million USD in 2015 to 263 million USD in 2024. Vietnam’s exports to Bulgaria grew almost 4.6 times during the same period, from about 41 million USD to 187 million USD. However, these figures still fall short of the two sides’ potential and relationship. Specifically, Vietnam’s exports to Bulgaria last year accounted for just 0.49% of Bulgaria’s total imports, while Bulgarian shipments to Vietnam represented only 0.02% of Vietnam’s total imports.
In 2024, total bilateral trade reached 263 million USD, up 24.4% year-on-year, with a trade surplus of 111 million USD in Vietnam’s favor. Vietnam’s exports to Bulgaria hit 187 million USD, an annual increase of 32.2%.
In the first nine months of 2025, the figure stood at around 165.9 million USD, down 17% year-on-year, with exports reaching 110.4 million USD (down 21.7%) and imports 55.5 million USD (down 5.5%).
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that Vietnam and Bulgaria share a long-standing traditional friendship. Today, Vietnam ranks among the world’s 40 largest economies and has signed numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) and established ties with nearly 70 countries and territories. With a population exceeding 100 million, 65% of whom are of working age, Vietnam offers a dynamic and growing market. Through Vietnam, Bulgarian businesses can access not only the ASEAN market but also other international partners that are part of Vietnam’s existing FTAs, reported VNA.
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| Workers produce garments for export. (Photo: VNA) |
Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry Nikolay Pavlov affirmed that Bulgaria offers special incentives for Vietnamese businesses in cooperation and investment projects. He identified labour cooperation as a promising area, alongside agriculture, high technology, and energy.
Ample room for growth
Dien expressed confidence that with the advantages brought by the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), along with the efforts by both governments, parliaments, and businesses, bilateral trade and investment will continue to thrive.
According to the MoIT, Vietnam will further strengthen cooperation with Bulgaria’s competition authorities to share information, exchange experience, and learn from each other, thereby fostering a fair, effective competitive environment and promoting trade and investment opportunities for enterprises of both countries.
With Vietnam’s increasingly open, transparent, and internationally aligned industrial and trade policies, the country has been and will continue to improve mechanisms and policies on industry and trade to create favorable conditions for foreign investors in general and those from Bulgaria in particular, to engage in production and business activities in Vietnam.
Storm Fengshen batters central Vietnam as triple weather systems converge
Triple weather systems converge to form a ‘water bomb,’ unleashing torrential rain from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai.
Tropical Storm Fengshen (Storm No. 12) is forecast to make landfall along the coastal region between Hue and Quang Ngai this afternoon (October 22). Heavy rainfall has already begun lashing areas from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, posing high risks of flooding and landslides across more than 100 communes and wards.
Experts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting have issued warnings about the development of Storm No. 12, which is expected to trigger significant rainfall and severe flooding across central Vietnam.
The storm’s path and evolution
On October 17, a low-pressure system east of the Philippines intensified into a tropical depression and by the morning of October 18 had developed into Tropical Storm Fengshen.
By October 19, the storm entered the northern East Sea, becoming the 12th tropical storm of 2025, reaching level 9 intensity with gusts at level 11. It moved northwest at 20-25 km/h.
On October 20, the storm strengthened to level 10 with gusts at level 12. However, it encountered a strong cold air mass from the north, forcing it to shift southwest and slow down.
By the morning of October 22, the storm weakened to level 9. Forecasts suggest that by this afternoon it will approach the coast between Hue and Quang Ngai with further weakening to level 8.
By the night of October 22 into the morning of October 23, the storm is expected to downgrade to a tropical depression and move inland over Hue to Quang Ngai provinces. It will continue to weaken as it reaches southern Laos by midday on October 23.
Three weather systems combine to trigger torrential rain
Due to the impact of cold air, Storm No. 12 will not reach the intensity levels of previous storms such as Bualoi (No. 10) or Matmo (No. 11). The storm’s strength peaked at level 10 but was quickly tempered by the cold front near the Hoang Sa archipelago, causing it to change direction and slow.
Though relatively weak in strength, meteorologists warn that the storm’s moisture-laden circulation will bring significant rainfall. This is due to the combination of moist easterly winds from the East Sea, a strong northeast monsoon over the Gulf of Tonkin, and atmospheric disturbances from the east, cited VNN.
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| Path of Tropical Storm Fengshen (Storm No. 12). Source: National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF) |
The convergence of wind and moisture from these three systems, amplified by the wind-blocking effect of the Truong Son mountain range, will enhance and prolong rainfall over the central region, even after the storm dissipates.
High winds, storm surge, and tidal threats
Due to the storm’s interaction with the intensifying cold front, the Gulf of Tonkin will experience strong northeast winds at level 7, gusting to level 9.
The coastal waters from Quang Tri to Quang Ngai, including Con Co special zone, Cu Lao Cham island, and Ly Son island, will see wind levels 6-7, with areas near the storm's center reaching level 8 and gusts at level 10. Waves will rise 3-5 meters high, creating extremely rough seas.
Coastal provinces from Quang Tri to Da Nang are forecast to experience storm surge heights of 0.4 to 0.8 meters. There is a high risk of inundation in low-lying areas, coastal roads, and erosion due to large waves, tidal surges, and wind-driven water.
From the afternoon of October 22, coastal areas from Quang Tri to Da Nang will see gradually increasing winds to level 6-7, with gusts at level 8-9. Peak wind conditions are expected from tonight through the morning of October 23.
Specifically, coastal zones will see winds at level 6-7 and gusts at level 8-9, inland regions at level 5 with gusts at level 6-8, and mountainous areas at level 4, occasionally level 5, with gusts at level 6-7.
Meteorologists warn of potential thunderstorms and tornadoes with strong gusts within the storm’s impact zone, both before and during landfall.
Two waves of intense rainfall expected
The first wave, from October 22-24, will result from the interaction of the storm’s circulation, cold air, and easterly winds. Rainfall from Quang Tri to Da Nang is expected to reach 400-600 mm, with localized downpours exceeding 800 mm. Some areas could see over 200 mm of rain in just three hours. Ha Tinh and Quang Ngai may experience 100-250 mm of rainfall, with some places exceeding 400 mm.
This initial rainfall event raises concerns about urban flooding and water stagnation in industrial parks due to high rainfall intensity and storm surges slowing drainage.
The second wave, from October 25-27, will bring additional rain due to continued influence from the cold air and easterly winds. Quang Tri and Hue are forecast to receive 200-300 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 500 mm. Ha Tinh, Da Nang, and Quang Ngai will see 100-200 mm of rain, with some areas exceeding 300 mm.
Rainfall may persist across central Vietnam even after October 27.
According to meteorological reports, between October 11-20, 2025, total rainfall in Quang Tri to Quang Ngai was 10-30% higher than the same period in previous years. Khe Sanh recorded 106% above average, and Tra My 44% above average.
With rainfall up to this point, combined with forecasts from October 22-30 of an additional 500-700 mm, the total precipitation in the region is expected to exceed annual averages by 20-40%.
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