Vietnam enhances trade, investment ties with UK, Italy

Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang is leading a delegation to attend investment promotion events in the UK and Italy from September 14 to 21, aiming at bolstering collaboration in the areas of finance, investment, and trade to develop the Vietnam – Europe ties in a deeper and more substantive fashion.

According to the Ministry of Finance, Thang will have working sessions with financial regulators, stock exchanges, major corporations, and leading international financial institutions. He will also chair and deliver opening remarks at the Vietnam – UK investment promotion conference in London on September 16 and the Vietnam – Italy investment dialogue in Milan on September 18.

The mission is taking place at a time when Vietnam continues to stand out as a bright spot in the regional and global economy. Last year, the country’s GDP grew by 7.09%, ranking among the highest in ASEAN and the world. In the second quarter of 2025, growth accelerated to 7.96%, reinforcing expectations that the country will surpass its target of more than 8% growth for the year, according to VNA.

The Ministry of Finance's headquarters in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

Additionally, its stock market has ranked among the world's best performers, with total market capitalisation reaching 103.75% of the estimated 2024 GDP, while the benchmark VN-Index surged 33% through August 2025 compared to late 2024 levels. These figures demonstrates that Vietnam is a dynamic, transparent, and sustainable investment destination, the ministry said.

Throughout the trip, the ministry seeks to convey a clear message that Vietnam remains a safe, attractive, transparent, and sustainable investment destination. The Government perseveres with the goals of green growth, innovation, and deep global integration, while staying committed to partnering with international investors under the principles of transparency, fairness, and shared benefits.

The mission is expected to unlock new cooperation opportunities across multiple high-potential sectors, including green finance, digital economy, circular economy, science and technology, and renewable energy, contributing to the development of the economic and financial cooperation between Vietnam and European countries.

Game on as Vietnam links up with Russia

Vietnam and Russia have entered a new level of cooperation — this time in the virtual arena — as both sides agree to team up for long-term development of esports.

President of the Vietnam Recreational and Electronic Sports Association (VIRESA) Do Viet Hung signed a cooperation agreement with Dmitry Smith, President of the Russian Electronic Sports Federation (RESF), during the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF 2025) in Vladivostok.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will exchange information on esports achievements and experiences, support the transfer of educational programs in esports and related fields and jointly conduct specialised training courses. The aim is to expand the esports movement and integrate its applications into daily life, particularly in community development and human resource training.

VIRESA and RESF will also use their respective strengths, experience and resources to develop esports training programs, integrate technology into learning and promote community activities. They plan to co-host international tournaments and events in both countries, reported VOV.

VIRESA President Do Viet Hung (right) and RESF President Dmitry Smith in the agreement signing event. (Photos of VIRESA)

Hung said the partnership, grounded in the strong friendship between Vietnam and Russia, represents a strategic first step towards deeper cooperation in the field.

Both sides are committed to international cooperation, innovation and institutional integration to elevate esports as a tool for education and personal development. The initiative also seeks to boost esports’ global recognition, promote cultural exchange, attract investment and contribute to Vietnam’s digital economy.

The 10th EEF-2025 brought together more than 8,400 delegates from 75 countries and regions — including government officials, international businesses and leading economic experts — at the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok.

The VIRESA-RESF deal was among more than 350 cooperation agreements signed under the event’s main theme, The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.

Vietnam–US Friendship Festival held in Can Tho

The Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, the US Mission to Vietnam, and the Can Tho People’s Committee jointly held the Vietnam–US Friendship Festival in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on September 13.

This event formed part of a series marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam–US diplomatic relations and served as a meaningful initiative to promote cultural exchanges between Can Tho city and the US, reported VNA.

An art performance at the festival (Photo: VNA)

Vice Chairwoman of the Can Tho People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep emphasized that the festival contributes to state diplomacy by consistently implementing the country’s foreign policy, promoting the role of people-to-people diplomacy.

Cooperation between Can Tho and its partners has been steadily strengthened and expanded, making tangible contributions to mutual development and laying the groundwork for collaboration between localities in both countries, she added.

According to the Can Tho People’s Committee, in recent years, cooperation between Can Tho and US localities and partners has achieved significant results. In the first six months of 2025, exports to the US exceeded 228 million USD, mainly in rice, seafood, processed agricultural products, garments, and handicrafts.

Four FDI projects have been invested directly from US capital, while US-funded NGO projects in education, housing support, livelihood stabilisation, rural infrastructure, and climate adaptation have contributed to the city’s socio-economic development. In addition, numerous international cooperation agreements have been signed, notably a partnership programme with Riverside city, California, focusing on healthcare, agriculture, and education and training.

The festival drew large crowds, featuring cultural and artistic performances, sports activities, traditional games, and visits to exhibition booths showcasing Vietnamese and US culture and cuisine, achievements in Vietnam–US diplomatic relations, and highlights of Can Tho.

US Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Melissa A. Brown emphasized that event exemplifies the strength of the bilateral partnership and the vibrant ties between the peoples of the two nations.

Forbes names Cam Thanh among world’s 50 most beautiful villages

U.S. magazine Forbes has unveiled its list of the world’s 50 most beautiful villages in 2025, with Cam Thanh village in Hoi An, the sole representative from Vietnam, securing the 20th place.

"Woven between coconut groves and tidal creeks, Cam Thanh hums with the rhythm of river life. Bamboo basket boats swirl through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest—their skippers casting nets in the shade of swaying fronds," Forbes wrote.

Meanwhile, on the banks, cooking classes sizzle with lemongrass and tamarind—as water buffalo graze lazily beside stilted homes. Cyclists drift past shrimp farms and lotus ponds—the air thick with the scent of grilled squid and sweet jackfruit—but as the sun dips low, the Thu Bon River glows bronze, and the village exhales.

Topping the list is Bibury village in Britain, which unfurls like a watercolor dream, where honey-slicked cottages line Arlington Row and their mossy roofs whisper tales of 14th-century weavers.

Cam Thanh village, a famous eco-village located about 3–4 km southeast of Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam province.

In second place is Lake Hallstatt in Austria, which glows like a storybook reflection, where centuries-old timbered houses cling to the steep mountainside and flower-boxed balconies spill with scarlet geraniums.

Shirakawa-go in Japan, ranking ninth globally, and Batad in the Philippines, placing tenth in the world, are the two most beautiful villages in Asia.

Others on the list include Reine in Norway, Giethoorn and Bourtange in the Netherlands, Oia in Greece, Kotor in Montenegro, and Russell in New Zealand.

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