Vietnam News Today (Oct. 29): Vietnamese Peacekeepers Restore Bridge, Bring Joy to African Villagers

	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 27): Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh Attends ASEAN+1 Summits
	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 28): Vietnam, China Strengthen Bilateral Trade Cooperation

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong hold 2nd annual meeting on October 28, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Vietnamese, Singaporean Government leaders hold second annual meeting

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong held their second annual bilateral meeting on the morning of October 28, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

At the meeting, PM Chinh expressed thanks to Singapore’s practical support in helping Vietnam overcome the consequences of recent floods in northern provinces, saying that this is a clear reflection of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Singapore, as well as the friendship and solidarity between the leaders and peoples of both countries.

The two leaders hailed the positive developments in Vietnam-Singapore relations since the upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and noted the timely completion and signing of the 2025-2030 Action Program, which provides a comprehensive framework for advancing the six pillars of bilateral cooperation, deepening the new partnership in a practical manner and delivering practical benefits to the people of both countries.

They agreed to continue strengthening exchanges and engagements at both high-level and other levels; effectively implement existing mechanisms and agreements concluded during past state visits, notably during Party General Secretary To Lam’s visit to Singapore and Prime Minister Wong’s visit to Vietnam in March 2025; and explore establishing new channels of cooperation, including party-to-party cooperation between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Singapore’s People’s Action Party.

PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed that both sides complete a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Dialogue between the ruling parties, aiming to sign and realize it in early 2026.

Both sides highlighted economic cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations and welcomed progress in clean energy connectivity and carbon credit cooperation. They consented to coordinate and realize specific annual roadmaps for each pillar of the Framework Agreement on economic connectivity, including developing a greener, smarter version of VSIP 2.0.

PM Lawrence Wong emphasized that Vietnam remains an important partner for Singapore in the region, adding that signing and implementing the Action Program strengthens cooperation across multiple strategic areas.

He also expressed a desire to further enhance bilateral agricultural cooperation and ensure food security, confirming the city state’s readiness to import processed poultry, pork, fish, and seafood from Vietnam, and praised progress toward signing a Vietnam-Singapore rice trade agreement at the upcoming APEC Summit.

The two leaders also underscored the need to expand cooperation in other important areas such as defense and security, education and training, culture, and people-to-people exchanges, especially talent development in innovation. PM Chinh proposed that Singapore support the development of strategic industries in Vietnam, including semiconductors, renewable energy, innovation, and the digital economy. He also called for close collaboration to make science, technology, and innovation a core pillar of bilateral cooperation, and expressed hope for Singapore’s participation in Vietnam’s financial centers in the future.

PM Wong confirmed that his nation would continue supporting Vietnam in improving the quality of human resources, particularly at strategic levels. He agreed with Vietnam’s proposal to connect databases, initially in economic, trade, and population areas, and explore the development of a data center at VSIP to facilitate business operations between the two countries, cited VOV.

On regional issues, both sides agreed to strengthen ASEAN solidarity, give due attention to the sustainable development of subregions such as the Mekong area through bilateral or trilateral cooperation, including infrastructure connectivity by sea, rail, road, air, and software integration. They emphasized coordinated efforts to maximize outcomes in 2027, when Vietnam hosts APEC and Singapore chairs ASEAN.

The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to make the East Sea (South China Sea) a zone of peace, cooperation, and development, and, together with other ASEAN member states, to accelerate negotiations on an effective, substantive, and internationally compliant Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

On this occasion, PM Pham Minh Chinh formally invited PM Wong and senior Singaporean representatives to participate in upcoming Vietnam-hosted events, namely the 3rd ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) scheduled for April 2026 in Hanoi and the Autumn 2025 Economic Forum in Ho Chi Minh City in November.

The meeting concluded with the two PMs witnessing the signing of the Action Program for implementing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for 2025-2030 between the foreign ministers of Vietnam and Singapore.

Party chief’s visit expected to shape new vision in Vietnam-UK trade relations

Since Vietnam and the UK established diplomatic relations in 1973 and upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in September 2010, the two sides have enjoyed strong growth in all-round cooperation. Party General Secretary To Lam’s ongoing official visit marks a key milestone to review past achievements and shape a new vision for future relations, especially in trade.

Continuous growth over more than five decades

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) cited data of the Department of Customs as reporting that, in 2024, total trade turnover between Vietnam and the UK reached over 8.4 billion USD, an 18% increase from 2023. Of this, Vietnam's exports to the UK were over 7.5 billion USD, up 18.9%, while imports from the UK were 881.1 million USD, rising by 10.8%.

Vietnam's trade growth with the UK in 2024 was higher than the average growth in trade with the EU (16.8%), European countries (17.2%), and globally (15.4%). Notably, trade between Vietnam and the UK has consistently grown since 2021, despite global economic and political fluctuations and the global trade downturn in 2023. With these figures, the UK is now Vietnam's third-largest export market in Europe, following the Netherlands (13.8 billion USD) and Germany (11.7 billion USD).

In January-September, trade between Vietnam and the UK reaches 6.9 billion USD, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. (Photo: VNA)

By September 2025, bilateral trade between Vietnam and the UK had reached 6.9 billion USD, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Vietnam's exports were over 6.2 billion USD, up 9.7%, and imports from the UK were 715.3 million USD, rising 16.6%. This marks the highest trade level between the two countries to date, according to VNA

Since 2007, the Vietnam-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) has held meetings alternately in the two countries. At the 14th meeting, the two sides discussed key cooperation issues, focusing on agriculture, financial services, renewable energy, bilateral trade and investment, and capacity building.

So far this year, the UK has invested in 30 new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in Vietnam, with registered capital of 34.3 million USD, bringing total capital to 234.3 million USD. Cumulatively, by September 2025, the UK had 607 investment projects in Vietnam, totalling 4.66 billion USD, accounting for nearly 1% of total FDI into Vietnam, ranking 15th among 149 countries and territories.

The UK is particularly interested in collaborating on the development of an International Financial Center in Vietnam.

Leveraging advantages for stronger ties

In a meeting with British Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew to promote energy cooperation, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long emphasised that Vietnam sees the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) as crucial in achieving its net-zero emissions commitment by 2050, creating new opportunities for collaboration with international partners, including the UK, a key member of the International Partners Group (IPG).

Long mentioned that the UK and its partners had proposed a list of potential JETP projects in renewable energy, offshore wind, energy storage, and green technologies—aligning with Vietnam’s sustainable energy goals. Both sides are committed to enhancing technical cooperation to implement these projects.

Frew praised Vietnam’s progress in energy transition under the JETP framework and affirmed the UK's willingness to assist Vietnam in mobilising international resources, sharing expertise, and supporting JETP projects. The UK's investment and credit funds, like BII and UKEF, are interested in financing JETP initiatives. The UK proposed the MoIT sign a memorandum of understanding on energy cooperation to formalise this collaboration.

Long agreed to continue preparing the memorandum of understanding, which will serve as a basis for future green energy transition cooperation between the two countries.

Experts have highlighted that after four years, the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) has significantly boosted bilateral trade and investment. The agreement has facilitated strong growth in Vietnam's exports to the UK, especially in key sectors, creating opportunities for Vietnamese products. Additionally, the UK’s participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) further supports economic and trade relations.

Le Dinh Ba, Trade Counsellor and Head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the UK, emphasised the importance of shifting from product sales to building a responsible brand. Companies must focus on sustainable development, quality, stability, and transparency regarding product origins. Building long-term, trusted partnerships with local partners is key.

Vu Viet Thanh, a senior specialist in charge of the UK market at the MoIT, recommended Vietnamese businesses to proactively adapt to market demands to leverage opportunities offered by the UKVFTA. Companies should research taxes, technical standards, and consumer preferences, and upgrade production capabilities. Compliance with the UK's regulations, such as SPS standards, origin rules, and product labelling, is essential.

The MoIT will continue supporting Vietnamese businesses in exporting to the UK and other markets, focusing on sustainability standards. It will also study and share information about the UKVFTA, and promote trade, especially through large retail group channels.

Cross-border e-commerce opens new door for Vietnamese exporters

A seminar held in Hanoi on October 27 highlighted the role of digital tool application and global market access in promoting the foothold of Vietnamese companies in international markets.

The event, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade), took place as part of the ongoing Autumn Fair 2025 in Dong Anh commune.

In his speech, Vietrade Director Vu Ba Phu hailed the event as one of the major activities under the agency’s “Go Digital – Go Global” program, designed to guide firms through digital upgrades and international expansion. The push focuses on embedding digital technology in every seam of production, marketing and sales, forging a trusted Vietnamese brand at home and abroad, and anchoring sustainable growth in innovation and digital partnerships.

Vietrade remains committed to accompanying businesses and teaming up with local and international players to widen the digital trade promotion network, train digital human resources, and create a smart export ecosystem, Phu said, adding that this aligns with the goal of national digital transformation and will help enhance the global competitiveness of Vietnamese goods.

In recent years, Vietnamese sellers have increased their online presence in key markets such as the US, China, the European Union, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. They are also exploring new opportunities in ASEAN, the Middle East, Russia, and Australia through cross-border e-commerce, VNA reported.

Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency Vu Ba Phu speaks at the seminar on October 27. (Photo: VNA)

Bui Huy Hoang, Deputy Director of the Centre for E-commerce and Digital Technology Development under the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency, said cross-border platforms bypass traditional trading models, letting exporters directly access importers and sell straight to end buyers, harvest instant feedback, and sharpen market analysis.

Hoang advised them to carefully select products suited to each target market and consumer segment. They also need to define their business model, whether B2B, B2C, B2B2C, or D2C, and channel funds accordingly.

Building a skilled e-commerce workforce, especially in cross-border operations, is essential. Stronger ties with e-commerce platforms in importing countries, he noted, can trim costs and deepen demand insight.

The seminar featured discussions on hot-button issues, including global digital trade trends, cross-border e-commerce prospects and pitfalls, linking producers with local buyers, and digital gateways for Vietnamese exporters.

Beyond expert presentations, a dedicated consultation space offered hands-on coaching on platform onboarding and details of the ministry’s digital-transformation support packages.

Vietnamese peacekeepers restore bridge, bring joy to African villagers

Residents of Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, celebrated with dance and music on October 27 as Vietnamese military engineers completed the restoration of the Banton Bridge.

Bridge to peace: Vietnam’s peacekeepers win hearts in Abyei

The Banton Bridge, repaired by Vietnam's Level-2 Engineering Company Rotation 4 under the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), is more than a structure for transportation - it symbolizes connection, hope, and peace-building in a divided region.

Strategically critical to security, the local economy, and daily life in Abyei, the bridge had fallen into severe disrepair, disrupting UNISFA patrols, cutting off civilian mobility, and hampering humanitarian efforts.

Assigned with the restoration task, Vietnam’s engineers faced not only technical and material challenges but also extreme weather conditions and rugged construction demands.

With ingenuity, technical skill, and unwavering commitment, the Vietnamese engineers revived the bridge in what officials described as a “miraculous” effort.

At the handover ceremony, Abyei locals broke into song and dance, celebrating the symbol of unity between soldiers and civilians.

Colonel Alexander De Lima, Chief of Staff of UNISFA, praised the team’s efforts, noting that the entire project was “completed within a week.” He called it a testament to efficient work that directly links infrastructure with regional security.

Kuol Deng Rau, Acting Head of the Abyei Administration, called the bridge a result of “international partnership” that turned challenges into achievements. Alal County Commissioner Nyang Doldol Nyang praised the bridge as proof of the United Nations’ support and Vietnam’s goodwill toward Abyei, VNN reported.

Handover ceremony of Banton Bridge after repairs. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Unit Rotation 4.

Kon Maneit Matiok, Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Services, commended the Vietnamese peacekeepers for their “efficiency, discipline, and admirable work ethic.”

At the ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, representing the Vietnamese engineering unit, emphasized that Vietnam’s peacekeepers not only protect peace but actively build it - "brick by brick."

“Through this bridge, we are proud to make a lasting contribution to a noble mission,” he said.

In addition to their engineering work, the unit also distributed humanitarian supplies - mainly food and essentials - to residents living near the Banton Bridge.

These activities underscore the peacekeeping engineers' dual role as skilled technicians and “ambassadors of peace,” reflecting the spirit of "Uncle Ho’s soldiers" in both action and compassion.

Vietnam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 4 comprises 184 officers and personnel drawn from various branches including the Air Defense - Air Force Service, Navy, Military Regions 1 to 4, Corps 12, and specialized corps such as Engineers, Special Forces, Communications, as well as the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations and other agencies.

The team departed for Abyei on September 26 to succeed Engineering Unit Rotation 3.

Abyei remains a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan. In 2011, both nations agreed to demilitarize the area and establish a joint mechanism to manage the territory, but little tangible progress has been made.

UNISFA was established in 2011 under UN Security Council Resolution 1990, tasked with protecting civilians and promoting demilitarization in Abyei.

One or two more storms likely to affect Vietnam by year-end

From now until mid-December 2025, moderate to heavy rains are expected to continue in central Vietnam, particularly from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak provinces.

Prolonged rainfall may increase the risk of urban flooding and landslides in mountainous areas.

Speaking with reporters, Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said, “From now until the end of 2025, about two to three storms or tropical depressions are likely to form over the East Sea, with one or two possibly affecting Vietnam.”

According to Khiem, moderate to heavy rains will likely persist in central Vietnam through mid-December 2025, concentrating mainly in areas from Ha Tinh to Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, and the eastern parts of Quang Ngai to Dak Lak.

Forecasts show that in November 2025, total rainfall across most regions nationwide will be 10-30% higher than the long-term average, with some areas expected to see even greater increases. In contrast, the northern mountainous region may record 10-20% less rainfall than the average, while the northern delta will remain close to normal levels, cited VOV.

Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting Mai Van Khiem.

In December 2025, rainfall in provinces from Quang Tri to Da Nang and the eastern areas from Quang Ngai to Dak Lak is expected to range between 250-580 mm, 50-150 mm above the long-term average.

In the north and from Thanh Hoa to Ha Tinh, rainfall will generally range 15-40 mm, while Ha Tinh itself may reach 80-150 mm, about 5-10 mm below average.

Other regions are forecast to record 40-80 mm, 10-40 mm above the long-term average for the same period.

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