Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam Tshering W. Sherpa. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese PM’s working trip significant for BRICS, bilateral cooperation: Indian Ambassador

Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s attendance at the 18th BRICS Summit and his bilateral engagements in India from September 12-13 will provide an opportunity for leaders of the two nations to review the current situation and put forth a vision and orientations for agencies to deepen the Viet Nam-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, said Indian Ambassador to Viet Nam Tshering W. Sherpa.

Talking with the Viet Nam News Agency (VNA)'s reporter before the trip, Sherpa said India considers Viet Nam an important part of its “Act East” policy and the broader Indo-Pacific vision.

According to the Ambassador, Viet Nam is a crucial member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). For India, Viet Nam is an extremely important partner, especially on the multilateral stage. Like India, Viet Nam believes in multilateralism and is a highly responsible member of the United Nations. When values converge and the rule of law is upheld, cooperation naturally follows. Therefore, within frameworks such as BRICS, it is very important for the two sides to join and reach consensus. The two countries share similar strategic visions, making Viet Nam-India multilateral cooperation, and Vietnam’s BRICS participation, important.

India will host the summit for the fourth time. Nearly 30 heads of state and government, plus leaders of international bodies, will attend. The theme is “Building for Resilient, Innovative, Cooperation and Sustainability”. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi places particular emphasis on a people-centric approach to this theme, which Sherpa said aligns closely with Vietnam’s.

Viet Nam has ample scope to contribute across the four pillars of innovation, cooperation, sustainability and resilience. Those pillars matter to Vietnam’s 2045 development vision. For India, including its “Viksit Bharat@2047” goal of a developed India by 2047, Sherpa said Viet Nam can make substantial contributions to this cooperation mechanism and model.

According to the diplomat, this year is particularly significant as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. The two nations also elevated the ties to an “Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” during General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam’s state visit to India in May 2026.

PM Hung’s visit comes just around four months after General Secretary and President Lam’s visit. Next year, the two countries will celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties.

In his view, Vietnam’s 2045 Vision and India’s “Viksit Bharat@2047” vision share a people-centred core.

Viet Nam and India have a civilizational partnership bridged by Buddhism. But in modern context, they are connected across many more areas. Under the 2045 Vision and Viksit Bharat@2047, they will foster cooperation not only in traditional areas such as national defense-security and culture but also in emerging fields such as innovation, artificial intelligence and science - technology, cited VNA.

These are the fields of the future as both countries have young, ambitious populations with strong entrepreneurial drive. Sherpa said the bilateral partnership as Indian PM noted during General Secretary and President Lam’s visit, has entered a golden era of cooperation.

Sherpa cited numerous discussions with Vietnamese partners in both the public and private sectors. Progress is visible in energy, pharmaceuticals and healthcare.

Last month, the two sides authorised exports of Indian grapes to Viet Nam and Vietnamese durians to India. The Indian side is processing procedures for pomegranates, pomelos and other products.

The relationship still needs to go further, which is why a parallel approach is being pursued, he said.

First, at the government level, India is working to ensure joint working groups of officials and policymakers deliver concrete, practical outcomes. He hoped that a meeting of the Joint Sub-Commission for Trade will be held in Viet Nam soon.

Second, he urged both sides to sharpen focus on trade. Ultimately, the India-Vietnam relationship rests on shared values, trust and mutual respect, but those must translate into concrete, tangible results. And in trade, there is enormous potential to do so.

The Ambassador also congratulated Viet Nam on being honoured to host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week for the third time.

Viet Nam has joined numerous free trade agreements, strongly supports economic integration and is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. APEC 2027 will be a powerful springboard for Viet Nam to further cement its global standing.

With many leaders expected to attend the event, Sherpa said this is a golden opportunity for Viet Nam to lead discussions and initiatives aimed at addressing economic challenges. India stands ready to support Viet Nam to the best of its ability in successfully hosting the event next year, he said.

Viet Nam, Poland hold deputy foreign minister-level political consultation

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ngo Le Van and Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland Władysław Teofil Bartoszewski co-chaired the Viet Nam-Poland Deputy Foreign Minister-Level Political Consultation in Hanoi on September 11.

Welcoming Bartoszewski, Van said bilateral ties had been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries and had delivered positive results over more than 75 years.

Viet Nam highly values the Polish people’s valuable support and solidarity during the country’s past struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as its current renewal and socio-economic development, he said.

“Vietnam attaches importance to and wishes to further deepen comprehensive cooperation with Poland, both bilaterally and multilaterally,” he said, adding that the country is determined to effectively implementing high-level commitments and agreements to make bilateral ties more substantive and effective and bring them to a new level.

The two sides reviewed bilateral cooperation over the past time, with a focus on the implementation of high-level agreements, and discussed ways to strengthen their traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation, including between their foreign ministries. They also exchanged views on regional and international issues of mutual interest.

They agreed to closely coordinate and thoroughly prepare for high-level visits, which they said would help strengthen the political, diplomatic and legal foundations for long-term cooperation mechanisms.

The two foreign ministries will maintain regular political, policy and consular consultations, while coordinating and monitoring the implementation of high-level agreements and helping relevant ministries, sectors and agencies remove obstacles and advance cooperation in specific areas.

Regarding economic, trade and investment collaboration, the two sides welcomed the growth in bilateral trade, which reached $3.94 billion in 2025, up 14.8% from the previous year.

They agreed to make effective use of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), remove technical barriers and improve market access for each other’s goods, particularly agricultural, forestry and fishery products, textiles and garments, footwear, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals. The move is expected to boost exports while maintaining a more balanced trade relationship.

At the Viet Nam-Poland Deputy Foreign Minister-Level Political Consultation in Hanoi on September 11. Photo published by VNA

The two countries will also work to promote the ratification and implementation of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), creating more favourable, secure and efficient conditions for businesses from both sides to invest in areas where they have strengths and growth potential, according to VNA.

In defense-security, the two sides encouraged agencies and businesses from both countries to take part in specialized exhibitions and events in each country, while expanding exchanges of experience, particularly in combating cybercrime, organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking. They also agreed to advance negotiations, and finalize and sign relevant cooperation documents.

Welcoming cultural and artistic activities held in the two countries in recent time, the two sides agreed to further promote cooperation in culture and education-training; support airlines in establishing direct routes between the two capitals and major cities, helping boost tourism, people-to-people exchanges, trade and investment.

The two sides noted effective coordination at international organizations and multilateral forums, particularly the United Nations, and affirmed their intention to continue exchanges and support each other’s candidacies for positions at UN bodies and other international organizations.

Viet Nam supports Poland in strengthening ties with ASEAN, while Poland backs Viet Nam in developing relations with the European Union.

On regional and international issues, the two sides stressed the importance of refraining from the use or threat of force and resolving disputes and conflicts by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.

They also underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight, while respecting international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Van thanked the Polish Government and called on it to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in Poland to live and work stably, integrate into local society and contribute to the host country’s development, as well as continue serving as a bridge for friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Algeria pushes for implementation of commitments, business connectivity

Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf emphasized on September 10 that both sides must strongly speed up the implementation of agreed commitments, with a particular focus on strengthening ties between the two countries' business communities.

Attaf made the remarks during a recepton on September 9 at the ministry headquarters for newly appointed Vietnamese Ambassadorto Algeria Vu Duy Long.

At the meeting, Attaf affirmed that Viet Nam and Algeria share a special historical friendship forged during their struggles for national independence. Noting the positive momentum in bilateral ties following the establishment of their Strategic Partnership, he stated that the primary objective now is to elevate economic cooperation to a level commensurate with high-level political relations and their shared historical ties. He also expressed admiration for Viet Nam's development achievements, suggesting that Algeria could draw on its experience.

Presenting a copy of his letter of credence, Ambassador Vu Duy Long thanked the host for the warm reception, conveyed regards from Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, and reiterated an invitation for senior Algerian leaders to visit Viet Nam.

Ambassador Vu Duy Long presented a copy of his letter of credence to Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad and African Affairs Ahmed Attaf. (Photo: VNA)

Ambassador Vu Duy Long affirmed that one of the key tasks during his tenure is to coordinate with Algerian agencies to effectively implement the Strategic Partnership between the two countries; expand cooperation in high-potential areas such as defense, security, trade, investment, agriculture, biotechnology, and sectors aligned with each side's needs and strengths; and underscored the desire to further promote oil and gas cooperation between the Viet Nam National Energy-Industry Group (Petrovietnam) and the Algerian National Oil Company (Sonatrach).

On this occasion, the Ambassador also requested that the Algerian side continue to pay attention and create optimal conditions for the Vietnamese community living and working in Algeria, reported VOV.

Minister Ahmed Attaf affirmed that the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will actively coordinate, support, and offer favorable conditions for Ambassador Vu Duy Long to successfully fulfill his duties, while expressing confidence that the Ambassador will play an active role in accelerating the implementation of reached agreements as a way of making the Viet Nam-Algeria Strategic Partnership increasingly substantive and effective.

Viet Nam, Bulgaria bolster parliamentary cooperation, materialize strategic partnership

Vietnamese Ambassador to Bulgaria Nguyen Thị Minh Nguyet held a working session with the Bulgaria-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group at the Bulgarian National Assembly headquarters on September 9, discussing measures to enhance parliamentary cooperation and materialize the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by Group President Rositsa Kirova, vice presidents, and members of the Group who are lawmakers from various specialized committees of the Bulgarian National Assembly.

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet highly appreciated the establishment of the Bulgaria-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group by the 52nd National Assembly of Bulgaria with the participation of deputies from various political forces, viewing it as a vivid manifestation of friendship and broad support for relations with Viet Nam within the Bulgarian National Assembly.

The Ambassador emphasized that the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between the two countries during the official visit to Bulgaria by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee To Lam in October 2025 opened a new phase of development in bilateral ties. After more than 70 years of building trust and friendship, the priority now is to implement this new framework through concrete results that bring practical benefits to the people and businesses of both nations.

She proposed increasing exchanges between the legislative bodies, the two friendship groups, and specialized committees, while boosting cooperation in areas with substantial potential such as economics, trade, investment, science and technology, education and training, tourism, labor, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

In discussions with the Ambassador, Group President Rositsa Kirova and Bulgarian lawmakers praised the traditional friendship and development achievements of Viet Nam. Several lawmakers who had previously visited Viet Nam shared their impressions of the country's rapid development, economic dynamism, and cultural and tourism diversity, VOV reported.

A view of the meeting (Photo: Vietnamese Embassy in Bulgaria)

According to Rositsa Kirova, Viet Nam and Bulgaria share a special relationship nurtured not only through state-to-state relations but also by generations of people from both countries. In the current phase, both sides need to infuse this longstanding friendship with new content through areas of cooperation in line to each country's development needs.

Bulgarian lawmakers stated that strong political relations should be more clearly reflected in economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Both sides still have ample room to expand relations between businesses and localities, with Group President Rositsa Kirova proposing to promote further twinning relations between cities and localities in Viet Nam and Bulgaria.

Education and tourism also attracted the attention of lawmakers. Generations of Vietnamese who studied and were trained in Bulgaria created a special foundation for bilateral relations. Lawmakers argued that this foundation must be sustained by intensifying exchanges between educational institutions, students, and youth, while promoting destination marketing, tourist exchanges, and people-to-people ties.

Group members also expressed interest in labor cooperation given Bulgaria's demand for human resources in certain sectors, while highly appreciating the diligence of Vietnamese workers and suggesting that the two countries continue exploring and stepping up cooperation in this field based on the needs and regulations of each side.

Bulgarian lawmakers emphasized that Viet Nam-Bulgaria relations possess a foundation of friendship built over decades and enjoy broad consensus across political divides, serving as a favorable basis for the two countries to expand cooperation in the new phase.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular exchanges and uphold the bridge-building role of the two Friendship Groups and the Embassy in promoting areas of mutual interest. Through this, parliamentary cooperation is expected to help turn the longstanding friendship and political trust between Viet Nam and Bulgaria into concrete cooperative outcomes in the strategic partnership phase.

Viet Nam targets to attract 45-50 million foreign arrivals by 2030

By 2030, Viet Nam strives to attract 45–50 million international visitors, and raise total tourism revenue to US$80–90 billion.

This is part of the recently-signed action program on the implementation of Politburo's Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW dated August 22, 2026, on developing Viet Nam's tourism industry into a spearhead economic sector in the new era.

The program aims to accelerate tourism development toward greater depth, quality, efficiency, sustainability and higher added value; promote tourism as a growth driver associated with digital transformation, green transition, cultural development, national defense and security, and national competitiveness.

Under the program, the tourism sector will contribute 10–12 percent to the nation's GDP, making Viet among the top three in Southeast Asia in terms of tourism scale and growth rate, cited VGP.

Key tasks and solutions

To achieve the above objectives, Government bodies and provincial-level People's Committees will focus on directing and implementing the following key tasks and solutions:

1. Renew thinking and raise awareness and leadership responsibility for tourism development;

2. Improve institutions and policies, create strategic breakthroughs, and mobilize and unlock resources for tourism development;

3. Develop infrastructure and establish highly competitive tourism hubs;

4. Develop high-value tourism markets and products and improve the economic efficiency of tourism;

5. Strengthen and improve the effectiveness of tourism promotion and marketing, enhancing the Viet Nam tourism brand;

6. Develop human resources, businesses and tourism communities to meet new development requirements;

7. Speed up the application of science and technology, innovation and digital transformation, and develop smart tourism;

8. Renew tourism governance approaches and improve the quality of green, smart, safe and sustainable tourism destinations.

Viet Nam welcomed nearly 16 million international visitors in the first eight months of 2026, up 14.4 percent from the same period last year and equivalent to 63.6 percent of the country's full-year target, according to the National Statistics Office (Ministry of Finance).

Last year, nearly 21.17 million international visitors traveled to Viet Nam, up by an impressive 20.4 per cent from a year earlier, marking the first time the country's tourism industry has surpassed the 21-million threshold.

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