President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov (R) on August 31 welcomes Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Kyrgyzstani leaders discuss ways to deepen bilateral relations

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on August 31 hosted a reception for Vice President of Vietnam Vo Thi Anh Xuan, who is in Bishkek to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit, during which the two leaders discussed measures to further advance bilateral relations.

Warmly welcoming Xuan and the high-level Vietnamese delegation, Japarov spoke highly of the significance of her visit and the positive development of bilateral friendship and cooperation, particularly in politics and diplomacy, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

He affirmed that Kyrgyzstan attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam, considers the country one of its leading partners in Southeast Asia, and wishes to further deepen bilateral cooperation.

Xuan conveyed an invitation from General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam for President Japarov to visit Vietnam at a convenient time.

She took this occasion to congratulate the Kyrgyzstani Government and people on the 35th anniversary of Independence Day (August 31, 1991-2026). She praised the country’s socio-economic achievements under President Japarov’s leadership and spoke highly of Kyrgyzstan’s role and initiatives in responding to climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Xuan also congratulated Kyrgyzstan, as SCO Chair for 2025-2026, on successfully hosting a number of important high-level activities, thereby contributing to peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world.

The Vice President affirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its traditional friendship with Kyrgyzstan, considering it an important and reliable partner in Central Asia. She proposed the two sides continue strengthening political trust through increased delegation exchanges and high-level contacts, and creating favourable conditions for businesses to explore each other’s markets, expand investment and trade between Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, as well as with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Regarding economic and investment cooperation, Japarov praised the operations and contributions of Vietnamese businesses in Kyrgyzstan, particularly ROX Group, which is investing in energy and urban infrastructure. He pledged continued attention and favourable conditions for the group to effectively implement its projects and expand its investment and business activities in Kyrgyzstan. On the occasion, he presented the Dostuk (Friendship) Order to Tran Anh Tuan, a leader of ROX Group, in recognition of his significant contributions to investment cooperation between the two countries, cited VNA.

On multilateral cooperation, Xuan proposed Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan continue coordinating closely and supporting each other at the United Nations and other multilateral forums. She congratulated Kyrgyzstan on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2027-2028 term.

Japarov, in turn, affirmed Kyrgyzstan’s readiness to continue close cooperation with Vietnam within the UN and other multilateral mechanisms.

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation into areas with considerable potential, including science and technology, transport, logistics, culture, tourism, sports and people-to-people exchanges. They also pledged to strengthen coordination in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges and promote the bridging role of Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan in enhancing connectivity between Southeast Asia and Central Asia.

Xuan urged Japarov and relevant Kyrgyzstani authorities to continue facilitating the Vietnamese community’s stable residence, employment and business activities, so as to enable them to integrate into local society and contribute positively to the host country’s development and bilateral friendship.

On the same day, Vice President Xuan met with representatives of the Vietnamese community and held several other bilateral meetings.

Vietnam, Bangladesh target US$2 billion trade, direct air links at 81st National Day event

The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh hosted a reception on August 30 in Dhaka to mark the 81st National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945-September 2, 2026).

Those in attendance at the event included State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shama Obaed Islam, senior officials from Bangladeshi ministries and agencies, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organizations, business leaders, and members of the Vietnamese community in Bangladesh.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted the historic significance of the August 1945 Revolution and President Ho Chi Minh's proclamation of independence establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The ambassador noted that after 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal), Vietnam has achieved major socio-economic progress, growing into a dynamic economy with a GDP of US$514 billion in 2025 and economic growth of 8.02%.

Total trade turnover reached US$930 billion, while registered foreign direct investment (FDI) surpassed US$38.4 billion. Vietnam is currently implementing 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), welcomed over 21.2 million foreign visitors in 2025, and maintains diplomatic relations with 195 countries, including strategic partnership frameworks with 38 key partners.

On bilateral relations, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong stressed that Vietnam and Bangladesh enjoy a traditional friendship built on historical similarities, shared cultural values, and development aspirations. Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1973, the two nations have consistently supported each other at regional and international forums.

Two-way trade hit approximately US$1.2 billion in 2025, with both sides working toward a US$2 billion target, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong (File photo: Embassy)

The diplomat laid stress on substantial potential for further cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, logistics, technology, healthcare, tourism, and business connectivity. He added that the early conclusion of negotiations on a new air services agreement toward launching direct flights between Hanoi and Dhaka is expected to boost bilateral trade and people-to-people exchanges.

On this occasion, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong praised Bangladesh on the successful organization of its general election in February 2026 and presidential election on August 20, 2026. He also extended best wishes to Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on his election as President of the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly for the 2026-2027 term.

Speaking on behalf of the Bangladeshi government, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam offered warm congratulations to the leaders and people of Vietnam on their National Day.

She spoke highly of Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and the positive outcomes of bilateral cooperation across economic, trade, cultural, and agricultural spheres. She noted that significant potential remains for joint work, particularly in pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, and tourism, while calling for stronger business ties and cultural exchanges.

During the reception, guests sampled traditional Vietnamese cuisine and viewed promotional videos featuring Vietnam's culture, land, and people.

Earlier on August 29, the Vietnamese Embassy, in coordination with the Vietnamese Business Association in Bangladesh and the Tiger Golf Club, organized the Vietnam-Bangladesh Friendship Golf Tournament. The event gathered ambassadors and high commissioners from ASEAN and South Asian countries, alongside over 50 golfers and representatives from dozens of Vietnamese and Bangladeshi companies to promote trade and product networking.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong hailed the sportsmanship of the participants, noting that sports serve as a practical bridge to deepen mutual understanding among business communities.

Retired Brigadier General Md Manzur Qader, Vice President of the Tiger Golf Club, welcomed Vietnam’s National Day and expressed hope that the tournament will become an annual event to enhance links between the business sectors of the two countries.

Concluding the event, Ambassador Nguyen Manh Cuong and his spouse, Ha Thi Thanh Van, presented awards, insignias, and Vietnamese products to the top-performing golfers.

Vietnam’s National Day celebrated in Bangladesh

The Vietnamese Embassy in Bangladesh hosted a ceremony in Dhaka on August 30 evening to celebrate the 81st anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 - 2026).

The event saw the presence of Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam, representatives of Bangladeshi ministries and agencies, the diplomatic corps, international organisations, associations and businesses, as well as Vietnamese people living and working in Bangladesh.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong highlighted the historical significance of the August Revolution on August 19, 1945 and President Ho Chi Minh’s reading of the Declaration of Independence, which gave birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, on September 2, 1945.

He noted that after four decades of Doi moi (Renewal), Vietnam has made significant achievements, becoming a dynamic economy with a GDP of 514 billion USD in 2025, economic growth of 8.02%, total trade turnover of 930 billion USD and more than 38.4 billion USD in registered foreign direct investment (FDI). Vietnam has established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and developed cooperation frameworks with 38 key partners, demonstrating its increasingly active and responsible role in the international community.

Regarding bilateral ties, Cuong said Vietnam and Bangladesh share a time-honoured friendship rooted in historical and cultural similarities and a shared aspiration for development. Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1973, the two countries have consistently supported each other at regional and international forums, reported VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bangladesh Nguyen Manh Cuong (centre) and Bangladeshi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam (fourth from right) pose for a group photo with ambassadors of several ASEAN member states to Bangladesh. (Photo published by VNA)

Two-way trade reached about 1.2 billion USD in 2025, with both sides targeting 2 billion USD. The ambassador said significant room remains for cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, logistics, technology, healthcare, tourism and business connectivity. The early conclusion of negotiations on a new air transport agreement, paving the way for a direct Hanoi-Dhaka route, is expected to provide fresh impetus to bilateral cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

For her part, Shama Obaed Islam conveyed warm congratulations to the Vietnamese Party, State and people on the National Day and praised Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and positive results in bilateral economic-trade, cultural and agricultural cooperation. She highlighted potential in the fields of pharmaceuticals, telecommunications and tourism and called for stronger business and people-to-people exchanges.

As part of the National Day celebrations, the embassy also organized a Vietnam-Bangladesh Friendship Golf Tournament on August 29, featuring business networking, trade promotion and Vietnamese product showcases. More than 50 golfers, representatives of Vietnamese and Bangladeshi businesses, and foreign diplomats working in the South Asian country took part in the tournament.

Connecting Vietnamese women, spreading good values in Germany

The Vietnamese Women’s Connection Club in Germany officially launched on August 30 in Hamburg, creating a new space for Vietnamese women to meet, share, and support one another.

The event held special significance for Vietnamese women in western Germany, a region that previously lacked an official women’s organization, thereby helping foster unity and spread positive values within the community.

The launch ceremony was attended by Trinh Thi Mui, President of the Union of Vietnamese Women’s Associations in Germany; Dinh Thi Nhan, President of the Vietnamese Women’s Connection Club in Germany; representatives from local women’s associations, sponsors, along with numerous members and guests from Hamburg and surrounding areas.

Welcoming the club's establishment, Trinh Thi Mui noted that this is one of seven groups and clubs formed under the Union of Vietnamese Women’s Associations in Germany. The event is particularly important for Vietnamese women in western Germany, where no official women's organization previously existed to bring women together.

The club's creation will enable Vietnamese women in the region to connect while paving the way for additional local women's teams, groups, and clubs to form across western Germany.

The President of the Union of Vietnamese Women’s Associations in Germany praised the growing activities and movements of Vietnamese women in Germany, with the participation of many dedicated and responsible community members.

She expressed hope that the executive board and members of the club will continue to reinforce solidarity and build an increasingly strong organization.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dinh Thi Nhan thanked Trinh Thi Mui, delegates, sponsors, and supporters who contributed effort and resources to establish the club. She stated that the club aims to build a shared home where Vietnamese women in Germany can gather, share, and spread good values.

Dinh Thi Nhan expressed her desire for the club to receive continued trust and support from organizations, associations, and the Vietnamese community in Germany in the coming time.

At the launch, representatives announced the club's charter and operational direction, while introducing the Executive Board of the Vietnamese Women’s Connection Club in Germany, VOV reported.

Illustrative photo. (Photo: VNA)

Cultural performances prepared and rehearsed over many days by club members created a joyful and unifying atmosphere for the ceremony. A highlight was an Ao Dai show featuring nearly 40 women, which left a deep impression on guests. Colorful Ao Dai dresses and graceful walks highlighted the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. Members also performed tango dances, as well as modern and traditional musical acts with confidence and meticulous preparation. Notably, the club introduced the song “Song of Vietnamese Women in Europe,” composed by one of its members.

The Vietnamese Women’s Connection Club in Germany is one of seven entities under the Union of Vietnamese Women’s Associations in Germany. Established on October 1, 2023, the Union is recognized as a legal entity and currently maintains a network of members across 16 German states. From 2023 to 2025, the Union has carried out numerous community-oriented activities for Vietnamese people in Germany, charitable programs in Vietnam, and international exchange initiatives.

The Union has raised funds to support people affected by natural disasters and floods in Vietnam; launched the “Green Banh Chung” (traditional Tet sticky rice cake) program during Tet 2024 to support disadvantaged women in Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, and Nam Dinh provinces; and donated to policy-beneficiary families. Notably, the Union maintains a sponsorship program for 54 orphans in various provinces in Vietnam, providing US$ 40 per child per month.

The establishment of the Vietnamese Women’s Connection Club in Germany expands the Union’s operational network, creating an additional connection point for Vietnamese women in western Germany. Through gatherings, exchanges, and community activities, members gain opportunities to share experience, support each other in daily life, and look toward their homeland.

Vietnam’s retail market enters an experience-driven race

In the first half of 2026, demand for retail space in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City remained positive, with improved occupancy rates. In the longer term, as seen in developed markets such as the Republic of Korea and Japan, customer experience is becoming an important factor shaping the appeal of shopping centres in Vietnam.

According to data released by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, retail sales and consumer service revenue increased 12.9% year on year, reflecting the recovery of domestic consumption and showing that it continues to be an important driver of the economy.

Growth in the retail market has been supported by improving incomes, an expanding middle class, a young population structure, the recovery of tourism and accommodation services, and urbanisation spreading beyond central areas.

Improving occupancy rates — F&B and entertainment drive leasing demand

A report by Cushman & Wakefield showed that retail occupancy in Hanoi reached 87.9% in the second quarter of 2026, up 1.5 percentage points quarter on quarter and 2.6 percentage points year on year.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the core area (the former city area) reached 97%, while the expanded area (the former Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau areas) maintained occupancy rates of 93.6-95.1%.

Notably, this increase was not driven by a flood of new supply entering the market but mainly reflected strong absorption of existing supply, indicating that actual leasing demand is growing.

In terms of retail segments, food and beverage (F&B) and entertainment continued to be the two leading drivers of leasing demand in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, alongside lifestyle and fashion-accessories, NDO reported.

A hypermarket in the Long Bien area of Hanoi. (Photo: HNV)

In Hanoi, the first half of the year saw many brands open their first stores or largest flagship stores in their chains, including Bershka, Wilson, IWC Schaffhausen, Roborock, and Bach Hoa Xanh.

The list spans fast fashion, sports, luxury watches, and essential-goods retail, showing that tenants’ preferences are becoming increasingly diverse.

Experiential shopping models and lessons from developed markets

Looking ahead, as the supply of space in central areas remains limited, capital and tenant interest will continue to shift beyond traditional central business districts (CBDs).

In Hanoi, most new supply in the first half of the year was concentrated on the fringes of the central area, together with retail podiums in the western area and central districts.

Shopping centres continue to account for a large share, contributing around 85% of total supply, and are closely linked to newly formed residential areas, offices, and infrastructure.

From now until 2028, Hanoi is expected to receive around 314,000 square metres of additional retail space, concentrated outside the centre, particularly in the western and suburban areas.

In the core area of Ho Chi Minh City, the eastern and northern areas have been identified as the main development directions, with around 286,500 square metres of supply expected by 2029.

The continued expansion of integrated urban areas is expected to further strengthen decentralised retail centres and support long-term leasing demand. Meanwhile, the former Binh Duong area has emerged as the key growth market in the expanded area, with around 174,000 square metres of new supply.

Continued growth in supply is intensifying competition among developers. Many international investors, including Keppel, AEON, Lotte, and Takashimaya, are expanding in the Vietnamese market.

The market has room for growth not only from shopping activities but also from demand for dining, entertainment, healthcare, socialising, and experiences among young, tech-savvy consumers with a wide range of choices.

Against this backdrop, the market is entering a race for the quality of experience. Cushman & Wakefield forecasts that destination retail models, combining shopping with food and beverage, entertainment, and other amenities, will drive growth in the Vietnamese market over the next two to three years.

Speaking to Nhan Dan Newspaper, Hoang Nguyet Minh, Director of Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam, said that competition in the coming period would not simply be a race for space or rental prices but a race to remain relevant to consumers.

Shopping centres need to continually answer the question: why should customers come here instead of another project, or instead of staying at home and shopping online? The answer lies in the ability to create experiences that customers want to participate in, share, and return to. This can come from an appropriate mix of F&B and entertainment, community events, flexible spaces, convenient services, or natural connections with surrounding residential and office areas.

According to Minh, this is not a trend unique to Vietnam. Across the Asia-Pacific region, physical stores are evolving from places of pure transactions into platforms for content, community, and brands, as much of the process of discovering and evaluating products takes place before customers enter a store.

Gen Z is currently leading the trend of returning to in-store shopping, accounting for 64% of consumers who prefer shopping in physical stores. Flexible pop-up business models now account for nearly one-third of the global market, or 32.4%, generating around 4.8 billion USD in revenue in 2025.

Meanwhile, Sona Aggarwal, Cushman & Wakefield’s Executive Director and Head of Retail in Asia Pacific, said that what is changing is not the importance of physical retail but what these spaces are expected to deliver. Consumers today form their views of a brand before they even enter a store, so stores must be able to deliver on the brand promise made online.

The Republic of Korea and Japan are two examples of the direction the Vietnamese market is gradually approaching.

In the Republic of Korea, Myeongdong and Seongsu integrate retail, lifestyle, and beauty and medical services into a single destination, maintaining sustainably low vacancy rates of 5.6% and 3.7%, respectively.

The retail ecosystems there are designed to meet multiple consumer needs within a single space, encouraging customer interaction and repeat visits rather than stopping at simple transactions.

In Japan, the Dior Bamboo Pavilion in Tokyo combines retail, accommodation, and dining to create a deeper brand experience. Together with Singapore and Shanghai, Tokyo is considered one of the region’s starting points for high-end experiential retail models.

Overall, location still creates the initial opportunity for a retail project, however, positioning, experience, and operational capabilities are the factors that determine its ability to retain customers and create long-term value.

The retail market’s race is therefore shifting; it is no longer simply a question of who has more space but who can provide a more compelling reason for consumers to step away from their screens, visit a specific place, and want to return again.

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