Vietnam News Today (Oct. 30): Vietnam's President Heads to APEC 2025 Summit in South Korea

	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 28): Vietnam, China Strengthen Bilateral Trade Cooperation
	Vietnam News Today (Oct. 29): Vietnamese Peacekeepers Restore Bridge, Bring Joy to African Villagers

President Luong Cuong and Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: VNA

Vietnam's President heads to APEC 2025 Summit in South Korea

On October 29, President Luong Cuong and a high-level Vietnamese delegation departed from Hanoi to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2025 Economic Leaders’ Week and conduct bilateral engagements in South Korea.

The President’s trip is made at the invitation of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

This year’s APEC summit is themed “Creating a sustainable future: Connectivity, innovation, and prosperity.” A series of activities will take place throughout the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.

President Lee Jae Myung will chair the first session on October 31, followed by the second session on November 1. These sessions will focus on “Enhancing connectivity toward a resilient world” and “The Asia-Pacific vision in the context of preparing for future uncertainties,” respectively.

Over 27 years of APEC participation, Vietnam has made a significant mark on APEC cooperation and is consistently regarded as a proactive, responsible, and effective member contributing to the realization of APEC’s goals and vision, while also helping to elevate the forum’s role.

President Luong Cuong will join APEC leaders in addressing major issues concerning cooperation and development, and in aligning on key directions to promote trade, investment, connectivity, science and technology, green transition, digital transformation, and other critical sectors, cited VNN.`

The President will also hold meetings with leaders of APEC economies and engage with top global corporations and enterprises, helping to deepen bilateral relations and mobilize resources to support Vietnam’s socio-economic development goals.

Notably, the President will attend and deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO Summit 2025, which will bring together nearly 2,000 executives from leading regional corporations. His remarks will strongly convey Vietnam’s potential, advantages, strategic policies, and breakthrough initiatives.

This dialogue aims to strengthen international partnerships and support for Vietnam in its next phase of development, especially in mobilizing financial and technological resources.

A defining feature of the APEC forum is the active participation of the Asia-Pacific business community. The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), comprising 63 members representing leading enterprises in the region, includes three representatives from each member economy, directly appointed by the respective economic leaders.

These members are invited to engage in dialogues with APEC economic leaders during the Economic Leaders’ Week to present concrete recommendations for advancing APEC cooperation.

Vietnam, Cambodia vow to strengthen comprehensive defense cooperation

The Ministries of National Defense of Vietnam and Cambodia agreed to continue strengthening their trusted, comprehensive, and substantive cooperation at the eighth Vietnam–Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue, held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29.

The event was co-chaired by Deputy Minister of National Defense Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and General Chay Saing Yun, Permanent Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense of Cambodia.

In his opening remarks, Chien affirmed that the dialogue aimed at practically implementing the outcomes of the meeting between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and the Standing Board of the Cambodian People’s Party Central Committee held in February 2025. The dialogue also aims at promoting the second Vietnam–Cambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange, the Protocol on Bilateral Defense Cooperation for the 2025-2029 period, and the 2025 Cooperation Plan between the two ministries.

A view of the eighth Vietnam–Cambodia Defense Policy Dialogue, held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 29, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Expressing his gratitude for the effective cooperation and support of the Vietnam People’s Army, General Chay Saingyun reaffirmed that the ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to consolidating the traditional friendship, solidarity, good neighborliness, and mutually beneficial cooperation between the armies and people of both nations.

The two sides will continue to strengthen trust, comprehensive, and substantive defense cooperation, focusing on enhancing delegation exchanges, high-level and all-level meetings and contacts; improving the effectiveness of existing cooperation mechanisms; and maintaining effective cooperation in training human resources.

They will collaborate on border management and protection on land and at sea; continue mutual assistance and support, and promote defense-economic cooperation; while increasing coordination in communications and education for military personnel of both countries on the history, significance, and importance of the friendly relations between the people and armed forces of the two nations.

Cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, as well as between those of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will be strengthened and deepened, cited VNA.

During the dialogue, both sides also exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared concern, and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the traditional friendship, good neighborliness, solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

The two officials signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Vietnamese and Cambodian Ministries of National Defense on cooperation in the field of military and defense law, and the minutes of the dialogue.

Vietnam and New Zealand explore new trade horizons at Autumn Fair

Vietnam is aiming to become an innovative and reliable partner to New Zealand in the region's supply chain by encouraging the island nation's importers, distributors and retailers to explore collaboration opportunities, according to Deputy Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency (Vietrade) Le Hoang Tai.

Tai made the statement on October 28 at the Vietnam-New Zealand trade, investment and business promotion conference, which took place within the framework of the Autumn Fair 2025 at the Vietnam Exhibition Centre (VEC) in Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The event was jointly organised by Vietrade under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Trade Office in New Zealand and the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council (ANZBC).

The Vietrade official called on New Zealand businesses to consider investing and cooperating in several key areas. These include exploring more high-quality supply sources from Vietnam and establishing joint ventures in food processing, sustainable agriculture, cold-chain logistics, clean energy and e-commerce.

Vietnamese and New Zealand businesses participate in a B2B direct connection session to seek business cooperation opportunities. Photo: VNA/VNS

More than 20 New Zealand businesses participated in the event, representing diverse sectors such as construction, technology, software, agriculture, healthcare services, education and real estate.

Right after the conference, Vietnamese and New Zealand companies participated in B2B matching sessions to seek opportunities for collaboration. The New Zealand business delegation then toured the Autumn Fair to gain deeper insights into Vietnam’s products and industries.

The event is considered New Zealand's largest direct trade promotion trip to Vietnam in the past five years.

Executive Director of the ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council Liz Bell said that the New Zealand business delegation was looking to explore new and emerging areas for cooperation beyond traditional trade links.

“New Zealand has traditionally been strong in food and beverages, and there’s still much more we can do there, especially in food and beverage technology. Working with Vietnam, we can boost agricultural trade together,” Bell said.

“New Zealand is also very strong in health tech and fintech. I think there are lots of partnerships that we could be making in that area too,” she added.

One Vietnamese participant, Director of Iris International Company Limited Nguyen Cam Uyen, said that the conference served as a platform to exchange market information, policies and partnership opportunities between the two countries.

“I want to take part in the business networking session to seek export promotion opportunities and expand our product’s market reach,” Uyen said.

She noted that foreign markets might require certain certifications, such as organic or GAP standards.

“We source tea from local cooperatives and handle processing and packaging ourselves. We therefore need to carefully study market standards and related documentation to ensure our products can be exported,” she said. “Attending the conference helps me understand what we need to prepare.”

Do Huu Tung, first secretary in the Embassy of Vietnam to New Zealand at the Vietnam Trade Office, said that from October 27 to November 1, the New Zealand delegation would take part in a series of activities in Hanoi and HCM City, including business dialogues, meetings with officials and participation in the First Vietnam Autumn Fair.

“This trip is not merely a product promotion journey, but a long-term effort demonstrating the commitment to sustainable cooperation between businesses of both countries,” he said.

According to Vietnam Customs, bilateral trade volume between Vietnam and New Zealand reached over US$1.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025. Of this, Vietnam’s exports totalled US$528 million, while imports stood at US$587 million.

Promising areas for cooperation include agriculture, forestry, fisheries, digital technology, green economy, wood processing, construction materials, tourism and education.

Vietnam, Hungary eye stronger trade, investment cooperation

A seminar on trade promotion between Vietnam and Hungary was held in Szeged on October 28, gathering crowds of representatives from businesses of the two countries.

Co-hosted by the Vietnamese Embassy in Hungary, the Csongrad-Csanad County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Hungary–Vietnam Business Council and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA), the event explored potential areas of and opportunities for cooperation between the two countries in various sectors.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Bui Le Thai underlined the significance of hosting the seminar in Szeged - a vibrant and high-potential economic centre of Hungary as an opportunity to connect business communities and promote substantive cooperation towards further elevating bilateral economic and trade relations.

He affirmed that Vietnam stands among Asia’s most secure and attractive investment destinations, offering a stable business environment, preferential policies, a young and skilled workforce, and a market of more than 100 million people.

Vietnam’s revised Law on Investment continues to create favourable conditions for foreign investors through streamlined procedures, lower costs, and greater transparency, the diplomat noted, adding that Vietnamese businesses have been making strong efforts to enhance their capacity to meet the quality standards and consumer demands of the European Union (EU) market, including Hungary.

According to the ambassador, Vietnam is currently among the world’s top five agricultural exporters, with key products such as coffee, cashew nuts, pepper, tea, rice, tropical fruits, and seafood increasingly favoured by European consumers, including those in Hungary. In addition, the Southeast Asian country has become a major production hub for electronic components and smartphones for global corporations like Samsung, Intel, and LG, while its textile, footwear, furniture, and handicraft sectors hold great potential for export to Europe, reported VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Hungary Bui Le Thai speaks at the seminar on trade promotion between the two countries in Szeged on October 28, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Delegates engaged in discussions on potential cooperation in pharmaceuticals, biomedicine, food processing, clean energy, digital technology, smart manufacturing, environmental technology, and wastewater treatment. Many Hungarian enterprises expressed their interest in expanding investment and business ties with Vietnam, while Vietnamese firms reaffirmed their determination to boost exports to Hungary and fully tap advantages offered by the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

As part of the event, delegates watched a video highlighting 75 years of Vietnam–Hungary relations, Vietnam’s development achievements over the past eight decades, and vivid images of its people and tourism.

The seminar, held in celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, created new opportunities for cooperation and further deepened their economic, trade, and investment ties.

Vietnam a symbol of regional stability and cooperation: Thai news site

Thailand’s news site thaipublica.org recently published an article highlighting Vietnam’s impressive socio-economic achievements in recent years, as well as its active efforts and contributions to fostering ASEAN's solidarity, unity, and centrality in the region.

According to the site, amid ongoing global uncertainties, Vietnam continues to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most stable and resilient nations. The country’s steady political environment, consistent economic growth, and strong social development have reinforced its reputation as an attractive destination for investment and tourism.

Despite external challenges, Vietnam’s economy has maintained robust momentum, driven by export diversification, solid domestic demand, and a favourable investment climate. The government’s focus on reform, innovation, and sustainable growth has strengthened confidence among international investors. Coupled with its rich culture and warm hospitality, Vietnam has become one of the region’s most promising travel destinations, said the article.

At the regional level, thaipublica stressed, Vietnam has played an increasingly active role in promoting ASEAN’s unity and centrality. The country has been a strong advocate for maintaining ASEAN cohesion amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, emphasizing dialogue, consensus-building, and collective resilience. Vietnam’s pragmatic and constructive diplomacy has contributed to fostering mutual trust and cooperation within the bloc.

Regarding key regional issues, in recent years, Vietnam alongside ASEAN has continued to shape and reaffirm its fundamental principles regarding the East Sea issue in a spirit of objectivity and constructive dialogue. The association underscores the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Loading and unloading export goods at Hai Phong international container terminal in Hai Phong city (Photo: VNA)

For the Mekong River, Vietnam has called for sustainable and equitable use of shared water resources among riparian countries. Meanwhile, in the context of growing competition among major powers, Vietnam has underscored ASEAN’s strategic autonomy and the need to maintain Southeast Asia as a region of peace, stability and balanced development.

According to the article, Vietnam has been proactive in strengthening its bilateral relationship, particularly with key regional partners. The recent elevation of relations with Thailand to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in May 2025 exemplified this commitment.

During their phone talks on October 21, 2025, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh of Vietnam and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of Thailand reaffirmed the joint intention to continue close cooperation within ASEAN-led mechanisms as well as on the international stage to address pressing regional issues. Through such cooperation, Vietnam and Thailand are strengthening their strategic linkage and contributing to a more cohesive and effective ASEAN Community.

The article concluded that, with its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive engagement, Vietnam remains a reliable partner and an active contributor to ASEAN’s shared goals, helping build a more united, stable, and prosperous region.

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