Vietnam News Today (Sep. 14): Vietnam, Cambodia Boost Logistics Links to Cut Cross-border Costs by up to 15%

	Vietnam News Today (Sep. 12): Vietnam, Cambodia Reaffirm Strong Bilateral Ties and Border Cooperation
	Vietnam News Today (Sep. 13): Vietnam Posts 21% Growth in Inbound Tourism in January-June Period

Photo: VOV

Vietnam, Cambodia boost logistics links to cut cross-border costs by up to 15%

The Vietnam-Cambodia Business Connection Conference on production, distribution, and logistics, held in Tay Ninh province, southeast Vietnam on September 13, created new opportunities for cooperation aimed at reducing cross-border logistics costs by 10-15% by 2030.

Infrastructure linkage toward US$20 billion export target

The conference was jointly organized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), the Tay Ninh provincial People’s Committee, and Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce.

According to Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang, the event was held amid fast-growing trade relations between Vietnam and Cambodia, particularly in border areas. In 2024, two-way trade reached US$10.1 billion, up 17.5%.

By the end of the first months of 2025, two-way trade had already surpassed US$7 billion, with Vietnam recording an increasing trade deficit with Cambodia. This underscores the urgent need to improve infrastructure, strengthen logistics capacity, and boost supply chain connectivity to seize market opportunities.

Thang emphasized Cambodia’s strategic role in Vietnam’s trade. With a border of more than 1,100 km and 50 border gates, the two countries enjoy significant advantages in trade and sub-Mekong regional connectivity.

Bilateral agreements such as the 2019 MoU on border infrastructure development, the 2024 Border Trade Agreement, and the 2025-2026 bilateral trade promotion plan have helped shorten customs clearance time and develop border markets, warehouses, and logistics services, cited VOV.

To achieve the goal of US$20 billion in two-way trade by 2030, Thang called for joint efforts in developing border trade infrastructure linked with logistics, strengthening inter-regional and cross-sectoral ties, adopting smart border gate models, and boosting trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. With close coordination, cross-border logistics costs could be cut by 10-15% by 2030.

Growth hub and Trans-Asian logistics base

From a local perspective, Nguyen Hong Thanh, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ninh provincial People’s Committee, said trade between Tay Ninh and Cambodian provinces has grown more vibrant, with import-export turnover in 2025 exceeding US$2 billion, up 17% year-on-year.

Key exports include garments and textiles, footwear, and machinery, while imports mainly consist of raw materials and agricultural products such as cashew nuts and rubber.

Following its restructuring, Tay Ninh has emerged as a new growth hub, ranking among the country’s top 10 provinces with the largest economic scale.

With more than 46 industrial parks, 50 industrial clusters, and 14 planned logistics centers, alongside transport infrastructure linking expressways and seaports, Tay Ninh is ready to serve as a “logistics base” for Vietnam-Cambodia cooperation.

Thanh stressed that Tay Ninh pledges to provide the best possible conditions in terms of infrastructure, land, resources, and investment environment, while enabling businesses to operate with long-term confidence. The province believes more cooperation opportunities will soon open up as a contribution to stronger Vietnam–Cambodia trade relations.

From MoIT’s strategic vision to Tay Ninh’s practical commitments, Vietnam–Cambodia logistics cooperation is charting a sustainable course.

The US$20 billion bilateral trade target is more than a number as it shows stronger connectivity, lower costs, enhanced competitiveness, and the growing role of the Trans-Asian economic corridor as a new growth driver in regional development.

Lao Ambassador to Malaysia hails unique solidarity and friendship with Vietnam

Lao Ambassador to Malaysia Thepthavone on September 12 paid a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy to extend congratulations on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).

Thepthavone conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Vietnamese Ambassador Dinh Ngoc Linh and the embassy's staff, expressing pride and joy at the remarkable achievements the Vietnamese people have made over the past 80 years.

The diplomat stressed that since the victory of the August Revolution in 1945, Vietnam has become an independent nation, overcome countless challenges, firmly safeguarded its sovereignty, and steadily advanced into a new era, with its economy now ranking 35th in the world. He affirmed that Vietnam stands as a model of development for Laos.

The Lao Ambassador expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s steadfast support in Laos’s struggle for independence and development, underlining that the solidarity, cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and Laos are unique in the world. He also expressed his hope for closer and more effective cooperation between the two embassies, contributing to the further enhancement of the Laos - Vietnam relationship, according to VNA.

Lao Ambassador to Malaysia Thepthavone (L) presents a bouquet of fresh flowers to Vietnamese Ambassador Ding Ngoc Linh. (Photo: VNA)

For his part, Linh affirmed his commitment to further fostering trust and close cooperation between the two embassies, nurturing the special friendship between the two nations, and enhancing coordination within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

At the meeting, the two ambassadors recalled historic milestones in the shared history of Vietnam and Laos, voicing their delight at the continued development of the special ties. Linh also highlighted Vietnam’s milestones in its development journey, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace to safeguard independence and foster growth.

The Lao Ambassador presented a bouquet of fresh flowers to the Vietnamese Ambassador, symbolising congratulations on the occasion of Vietnam’s National Day and reaffirming the everlasting vitality and strength of the Laos – Vietnam comradeship and solidarity.

Vietnam honors Swedish director with insignia for cultural contributions

Swedish film director Bo Öhlén has received the insignia “For the cause of culture, sports and tourism” from the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in recognition of his outstanding contributions to promoting Vietnam's history and culture through the documentary Victory Vietnam.

The honor was presented to the director on September 10 at a ceremony held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Stockholm.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Tran Van Tuan emphasized that Victory Vietnam is a deeply moving and authentic documentary, officially premiered in April 2025 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification of Vietnam (April 30, 1975 – 2025). The film was screened on a large scale in HCM City and Hanoi, and broadcast nationwide on Vietnam Television (VTV), leaving a profound impression and touching the hearts of millions of Vietnamese at home and abroad.

The diplomat highly valued Bo Öhlén’s dedication in preserving historic moments of Vietnam's struggle for independence, noting that the film not only vividly captures the resilience of the Vietnamese people but also strengthens cultural ties between Vietnam and Sweden.

He stressed that the director's devotion to introducing Vietnam's history has helped Swedish and international audiences gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam, according to VNS.

Ambassador Tran Van Tuan (right) presents the “For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism” insignia to Swedish filmmaker Bo Öhlén. — Photo courtesy of the Embassy of Vietnam in Sweden

The director expressed appreciation for the honor, noting that the film had been made with the intention of reflecting the sincere sentiments and solidarity shown in Sweden during that historical period. He also voiced the hope that the documentary would not only stand as a historical record but also contribute to fostering closer cultural ties between the two peoples.

In a congratulatory letter, Le Thi Ha, Director of the Vietnam Film Institute, expressed appreciation for receiving the work, calling it a valuable historical document and a symbol of the international solidarity extended by Sweden during Vietnam's most difficult years – a spirit that Vietnam continues to cherish today.

The ceremony was also an occasion to reaffirm the deep appreciation of the Vietnamese Government and people for the long-standing support and friendship of Sweden. At the same time, the event further reinforced cultural and cinematic cooperation between the two countries, underscoring their shared commitment to promoting mutual respect, understanding, and cultural exchange among nations.

Vietnam – Hessen cooperation enriches bilateral relations

Vietnamese Consul General in Frankfurt am Main Luu Xuan Dong on September 11 had a working session with Astrid Wallmann, President of the Hessian State Parliament, which coincided with the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam - Germany diplomatic relations (September 23, 1975 – 2025).

According to the Hessischer Landtag official portal, Hessen has maintained a strategic partnership with Vietnam since 2012, with cooperation spanning science, education and economic development. Vietnam is currently one of Hessen’s most important trading partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

At the meeting, Wallmann underlined that close relations with partners in Asia are vital for Germany’s prosperity and continued growth. She noted that diverse connections in education, culture and business are enriching bilateral ties and shaping a promising future, and expressed her delight with the opportunity to further deepen this close and friendly exchange through discussions, reported VNA.

The booth of Minh Long Ceramics at Ambiente 2025 in Frankfurt, Hessen. (Photo: VNA)

For his part, Dong highly valued the achievements of Vietnam – Hessen cooperation and discussed future plans to strengthen ties in diplomacy, justice, education, culture, economy and labor. Both sides agreed to continue coordinating activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – German diplomatic relations, with a focus on promoting Vietnam’s image in Hessen.

Both parties welcomed the positive and effective development of Vietnam – Hessen relations within the broader Vietnam – Germany partnership. In the economic sphere, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Hessen has reached around 1 billion EUR (1.17 billion USD) annually in recent years, accounting for roughly 10% of total Vietnam – Germany trade. Many Hessian companies have invested successfully in Vietnam, including Bilfinger & Berger, Messer, Sanofi-Aventis, Fresenius, and Commerzbank.

A flagship project in bilateral educational cooperation, Vietnam - Germany University in Ho Chi Minh City, established in 2008 at Hessen’s initiative, has been operating effectively, contributing to the development of high-quality human resources in Vietnam.

Hessen also has a growing demand for skilled workers from Vietnam. Minister-President of State of Hesse Boris Rhein suggested both sides capitalise on the opportunities provided by Germany’s newly adopted Immigration Act for Skilled Workers to expand the recruitment of Vietnamese workers for Hessen, thereby helping to address the state’s labor shortages while creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese employees in Germany.

Nineteen Vietnamese noodle dishes featured in TasteAtlas’ global Top 100

Nineteen Vietnamese dishes have been listed in the Top 100 noodle dishes worldwide, according to international food website TasteAtlas.

Beef noodle soup (Pho bo) tops the list with a score of 4.5 out of 5. Other Vietnamese dishes dominating the Top 15 include Quang-Style Noodles (Mi Quang), Southern Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad (Bun bo nam bo), Grilled Pork Meatballs with Vermicelli Noodles (Bun cha), and Grilled Pork with Rice Vermicelli (Bun thit nuong), ranking 11th, 12th, 14th, 23rd, and 25th, respectively.

Photo: VOV

TasteAtlas also highlights Vietnamese noodle dishes widely enjoyed across the country and available at street food stalls, such as Rice Noodle Bowls with Pork and Spring Rolls (Bun thit nuong cha gio), Northern Vietnamese Beef Pho (Pho bo tai chin), Chicken Pho (Pho ga), Stir-Fried Pho (Pho xao), Vegan Pho (Pho chay), and Tomato and Crab Noodle Soup (Bun rieu).

Other Vietnamese noodle-based dishes on the list include Rice Vermicelli with Fried Tofu and Shrimp Paste (Bun dau mam tom, 70th), Red Noodle Soup with Crab (Banh da cua, 75th), Mixed Pho (Pho tron, 79th), Duck Noodle Soup with Bamboo Shoots (Bun mang vit, 81st), Roasted Pork with Cao Lau Noodles (Cao lau, 93rd), Nam Vang Noodle Soup (Hủ tiếu Nam Vang, 96th), and Vietnamese Thick Noodle Soup (Banh canh, 100th).

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