| Vietnam News Today (Sep. 5) notable headlines Vietnam, Azerbaijan deepen defense relations Vietnam and Italy sign over 10 MoUs on strategic cooperation in key sectors Vietnam a driver of positive development: Singaporean scholar Vietnam’s human development story is one of sheer grit and perseverance: UNDP State President’s working trip to China further deepens ties: Deputy FM Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, UNDP strengthen cooperation Can Tho city promotes key products to Canadian market ASEAN honors two Vietnamese cities for sustainable environment efforts |
 |
| Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu review the Honor Guard of the Vietnam People’s Army. (Photo: VNA) |
Vietnam, Azerbaijan deepen defense relations
Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang hosted a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on September 4 for Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan Colonel General Hasanov Zakir Asgar Oglu, who is in Vietnam for an official visit and attendance at the 80th anniversary of the country’s August Revolution and National Day.
Following the ceremony, the two ministers held talks, during which Giang expressed appreciation to Hasanov Zakir and his delegation for joining Vietnam’s historic national celebrations, stressing that Vietnam treasures its traditional friendship with Azerbaijan, which has been nurtured by generations of leaders and people of the two countries.
He recalled the state visit to Azerbaijan in May 2025 by Party General Secretary To Lam, which marked a milestone in the bilateral relations, with the establishment of a strategic partnership, creating a new foundation for expanding defense cooperation.
Giang affirmed that Vietnam’s construction of a monument honouring Soviet military experts, including those from Azerbaijan, at the Vietnam Military History Museum reflects the profound appreciation of the Vietnamese Party, State, military, and people for Azerbaijan's invaluable assistance during their resistance wars.
Vietnam has consistently pursued a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, as well as its “Four Nos” defense policy, Giang underscored. He also emphasized the country’s stance of resolving disputes by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its support for the early finalisation of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea, cited VNA.
At the event, the two ministers agreed that defense cooperation has been promoted over the recent past, in line with state-level relations, notably in delegation exchange, defense industry, mine clearance, and engagement in multilateral forums. A Memorandum of Understanding on defense cooperation was signed as part of the Vietnamese Party chief’s May visit, contributing to bolstering bilateral collaboration more substantively and effectively.
Looking ahead, Giang suggested both sides work together to expand cooperation in areas such as training, defense industry, military trade, and logistics–technical support, as well as exploration of new cooperation domains where both countries have demand and potential. He also proposed establishing defense attaché offices in each other's country, welcomed Azerbaijani cadets to study Vietnamese at the Military Science Academy, and attend the international defense officers’ course at the National Defense Academy.
Hasanov Zakir, for his part, expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s invitation and delight at the robust relations between the two countries, especially followingGeneral Secretary Lam’s trip. He affirmed Azerbaijan’s willingness to advance substantive defense cooperation with Vietnam, contributing to the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Concluding the talks, the two ministers signed a Letter of Intent on military personnel training cooperation.
Vietnam and Italy sign over 10 MoUs on strategic cooperation in key sectors
More than 10 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed at the Vietnam–Italy Business Forum in Hanoi on September 4, covering key areas of innovation, Industry 4.0, energy and infrastructure, finance and insurance, trade and tourism promotion.
These important documents lay a solid foundation for future joint projects, contributing to the expansion of practical and effective economic cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking at the forum, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung noted that Italy is currently Vietnam's third-largest trading partner in the European Union. In the first seven months of 2025, two-way trade turnover between Vietnam and Italy exceeded US$4.3 billion, up 5.1% year on year. Of the total, Vietnamese exports reached US$3.1 billion, up 4.5% while imports amounted to US$1.2 billion, up 6.7%.
In terms of investment, Italy currently has 162 active projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of US$624 million, ranking 32nd among 151 countries and territories investing in Vietnam. Conversely, Vietnam has one investment project in Italy, with nearly US$700,000 in capital.
 |
| Deputy Minister of Finance Ho Sy Hung speaks at the event (Photo: VGP) |
Hung emphasized that there remains vast untapped potential in economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries. He called on Italian enterprises, leveraging their strengths in technology, capital, and global market experience, to support Vietnam in accessing shifting investment flows, sustainable and green finance, as well as resources for science, technology, and innovation, according to VOV.
Vietnam, according to the Deputy Minister, is prioritizing investment in sectors such as the green economy, digital economy, circular economy, and knowledge-based economy; science and technology; renewable energy; international financial centers; high-tech agriculture and industry; trade; and tourism.
He also called on Italy to play an active role in encouraging other EU member states to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), thereby enhancing legal certainty and promoting investment flows.
He further called on Italian investors to facilitate deeper integration of Vietnamese businesses into global supply chains and to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the digital economy, green economy, energy transition, free trade zones, and financial services.
Vietnam a driver of positive development: Singaporean scholar
Vietnam is a country with a strong desire for progress and development, values that were denied during the wars against France and the US, said Professor Bilveer Singh, deputy head of the Department of Political Science at the National University of Singapore.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of Vietnam’s 80th National Day, Prof. Bilveer expressed his admiration for the spirit of the Vietnamese people, government and army, highlighting their determination to keep pace with the times.
He said Vietnam has managed its political, economic, social and cultural affairs effectively. Politically, the country has ensured stability, while economically it is among the world’s fastest-growing nations with growth rates of 5–7 percent. Vietnam, he stressed, has achieved success in politics, economy, diplomacy, and in strengthening its international position.
The scholar also pointed to Vietnam’s integration capacity, noting that while French and Russian once dominated as foreign languages, English has now become widespread. The country’s tourism sector, he added, is also thriving, attracting visitors from around the world, reported VNA.
 |
| On the morning of September 2, 2025, a grand ceremony, military parade, and mass march marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2) takes place at Ba Dinh Square. (Photo: VNA) |
Prof. Bilveer underlined that Vietnam has emerged as a model in mobilising resources, planning for the future, and advancing beyond the legacy of war. With its dynamic economy, Vietnam is playing an increasingly important role in the region.
Driven by a strong aspiration for growth, Vietnamese enterprises have actively joined the international arena, while foreign investors are eager to engage in the market. He noted that Vietnam seeks to play an active multilateral role regionally and globally, and has done well in promoting win-win strategies in politics, economy, and diplomacy, including in multilateral forums.
Prof. Bilveer concluded that Vietnam has become a true driver of positive development.
Vietnam’s human development story is one of sheer grit and perseverance: UNDP
UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Kanni Wignaraja and UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi published an Op-Ed following Vietnam’s 80th anniversary of the National Day (September 2).
A legacy of progress, a shared milestone
This month, Vietnam celebrates 80 years since its declaration of independence — a moment of pride and reflection for a nation that has overcome extraordinary challenges and is confidently charting its course toward high-income status by 2045.
It is also the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, a reminder that Vietnam's journey has unfolded in tandem with the UN's, and that our joint progress is built on shared values: dignity, equality, and the unwavering belief in people's potential and capabilities.
For UNDP, our story and journey in Vietnam is a symbolic one. Over the past five decades, Vietnam and UNDP have worked together to support the country's development. From post-war recovery to the transformative Doi Moi reforms, from lifting millions out of poverty to expanding access to education and healthcare - Vietnam's human development story is one of sheer grit and perseverance.
Towards quality growth
Vietnam is on the cusp of upper middle-income status. But the real question, as we look toward 2045 and the centenary - is not just how fast its economy will grow, but how well it will grow. The next chapter must be about quality growth: growth that is resilient to shocks; green in its footprint; and fair in its reach.
Vietnam's planning already reflects this with commitments to productivity growth across multiple sectors, to renewable energy, a more circular economy, and to closing regional gaps. It is about preparing a future ready workforce and ensuring that many more are lifted to a higher level of well-being.
But this transformation is unfolding in a world shaped by AI, automation, shifting trade dynamics, and the impacts of climate change – at a stage where Vietnam faces the demographic challenges of an ageing population, while the fiscal space to expand healthcare and social protection for all in the "silver age" is still too narrow. This calls for smart planning and inclusive policies that go beyond the economic metrics and calculus.
Three strategic shifts towards quality growth
Vietnam can pivot from a capital and labor-intensive growth model to one powered by innovation, technology, and skills. The dual goals of economic progress and environmental protection demand new capabilities and an adaptive workforce, Investments in education and reskilling will need to expand, with current R&D spending at just 0.2 percent of GDP, there is need for a major push. Public-private partnerships and international collaboration will be key to move to this new growth model.
With a net-zero target by 2050 and its role in the Just Energy Transition Partnership, Vietnam is stepping up. But transitions can be disruptive. Policies must ensure that green jobs are accessible, retraining is available, and vulnerable communities are supported. This is not just about economic growth with environmental sustainability, it is also about social justice. And specifically so, given an ageing population, according to VGP.
 |
| Events marking the 80th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day held on September 2, 2025. |
Capable responsive institutions, especially at the local level, are essential for delivering quality public services. Vietnam's shift to a two-tier government structure offers both opportunities and challenges. Proximity to communities enables reach and a deeper understanding of citizen needs, but it also places greater responsibility on the capabilities of local authorities. Investing in public institutions – through digital tools, data systems, and adaptive service models -- will also call on governance mechanisms to be responsive to deliver development efficiency.
Walking together along the centenary path
Vietnam's innovations in digital public services, disaster risk reduction, community-driven development, and renewable energy are already inspiring the world. UNDP is committed to amplifying these lessons and it is encouraging and inspiring to hear Vietnam's voice on the global stage in support of multilaterism.
As both the UN and Vietnam enter these octogenarian years, we are reminded that peace and progress are shared values and endeavors. The choices made today will shape not just Vietnam's centenary, but the future of the region. The world needs this story.
 | Vietnam News Today (Sept. 1): Vietnamese Party chief hosts reception for visiting top Chinese legislator Vietnam News Today (Sept. 1): Vietnamese Party chief hosts reception for visiting top Chinese legislator; Vietnamese Prime Minister meets with top Chinese leader in Tianjin; ... |
 | Vietnam News Today (Sept. 2): PM Trip for SCO Summit 2025 a Success Vietnam News Today (Sept. 2): Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets Russian President Putin in Tianjin; PM trip for SCO Summit 2025 a success: Deputy ... |
