UN official praises Vietnam’s achievements on 80th National Day

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s August Revolution and National Day (September 2), United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare extended congratulations to the Vietnamese people and highlighted the country’s remarkable achievements over the past eight decades.

Speaking to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in New York, Khare noted that Vietnam and the UN share similar historical missions. Eighty years ago, the UN was founded with the purpose of preventing a third world war and promoting peace, freedom, and a better life for all. That same spirit was also reflected in President Ho Chi Minh’s Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, which proclaimed the birth of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, now the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

The UN official said he was proud of how far Vietnam has come. From a country in need of aid, Vietnam has transformed into an increasingly developing nation, with practical contributions to global peace and sustainable development. He pointed to Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations since 2014 as a clear example. Vietnamese peacekeepers, including police officers, engineering units, and level-2 field hospitals, have been deployed to UN peacekeeping missions in Africa, helping maintain peace and stability in conflict-affected areas, according to VNA.

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare. (Photo: VNA)

Khare praised Vietnam’s efforts to achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which has helped improve people’s lives and ensure that no one is left behind.

He said the country has made impressive progress in poverty reduction, education, women’s empowerment, and access to clean water. Those valuable experiences of Vietnam are being shared and are useful for many other countries in the world.

Vietnam pursues digital, green economy and innovation at APEC 31

Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam has emphasized the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital transformation, and green initiatives in promoting sustainable and inclusive growth across the APEC region.

The 31st APEC Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Ministerial Meeting officially opened on Jeju Island, the Republic of Korea on September 5, with the participation of leaders from all 21 member economies.

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam, delivered a key speech highlighting the role of innovation, the digital economy, and green transformation in driving sustainable and inclusive growth across the APEC region.

The meeting discussed solutions to enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, and build supportive ecosystems for SMEs, which are considered the “backbone” of the APEC economy, playing a vital role in job creation, sustainable development, and the equitable spread of prosperity.

Speaking at the plenary session, Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Tam noted that the conference theme reflects shared concerns among APEC economies, as digital technology and global uncertainties pose new challenges for SMEs. Micro, small, and medium-sized businesses are key drivers of sustainable and inclusive growth. Vietnam identifies the digital economy and sustainable development as essential engines of growth. To realize these objectives, Vietnam has issued several key policies, including Resolution No.57 on the development of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, and Resolution No.68 recognizing the private economic sector as a pioneer in technology development, green transformation, and the circular economy.

To support the sustainable development of SMEs, Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Tam proposed four priority solutions:

First, improving the institutional and policy framework to encourage businesses to adopt technology, advance digital and green transformation. This provides a transparent and fair legal environment that safeguards the legitimate rights of businesses and investors. Administrative reform and simplification of licensing procedures, combined with tax, land, and financial incentives, will incentivize companies to innovate business models and participate more actively in high-tech and knowledge-intensive sectors.

Second, expanding preferential credit access to enable businesses to finance digital technology projects, renewable energy, and circular business models. Green and digital transformation credit packages, combined with state-backed credit guarantees, will reduce financial pressures, particularly for SMEs. At the same time, mobilizing capital from venture funds, international financial organizations, and partner support programs will provide diversified and sustainable financing channels for Vietnamese enterprises.

Third, focusing on developing high-quality human resources and building networks of consulting experts to support enterprises in strategic planning, green technology adoption, and environmental-social impact assessment. This approach not only strengthens managerial capacity but also equips businesses to meet increasingly stringent international standards, reported VOV.

The 31st APEC Small and Medium Enterprises Ministerial Meeting.

Combining on-site training with cooperation among universities, research institutes, and foreign enterprises will cultivate a workforce skilled in digital technology and modern production processes, helping companies increase productivity, reduce emissions, and enhance global competitiveness.

Fourth, carrying out a program to develop at least 1,000 pioneering enterprises in science and technology, innovation, supporting industries, and high-tech sectors. These enterprises will serve as a core force, leading digital transformation and green development while spreading sustainable development models throughout the business community.

Pioneering enterprises will benefit from special mechanisms regarding capital, land, and tax incentives, as well as support in brand building and international market connection. This will create a network of leading enterprises capable of boosting and supporting Vietnam’s startup and innovation ecosystem.

“Vietnam is confident and ready to cooperate closely with APEC economies to implement policies aimed at supporting the sustainable development of SMEs as a contribution to growth and common prosperity in the region,” Deputy Minister Nguyen Duc Tam stressed, adding that only through close, unified cooperation among member economies can the region generate strong momentum to overcome current challenges.

FDI disbursement hits 15.4 billion USD in eight months, highest level in five years

Vietnam's foreign direct investment (FDI) disbursement reached 15.4 billion USD in the January-August period, up 8.8% from the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).

This marks the highest level for the eight-month period in five years.

Of the total, the manufacturing and processing sector received the lion’s share, with 12.57 billion USD, accounting for 81.6% of all disbursed FDI. It was followed by real estate with 1.24 billion USD, or 8%, and electricity, gas, and water production and distribution with 563.6 million USD, or 3.7%.

According to the NSO, the country attracted 26.14 billion USD in FDI in the first eight months of this year, up 27.3% from the same period last year.

During the reviewed period, Vietnam licensed 2,534 new projects worth 11.03 billion USD in total. While the number of new projects rose 12.6%, the value of new pledges declined slightly by 8.1% compared with last year.

Of the total registered FDI, newly licensed projects accounted for 11.03 billion USD in 2,534 projects, while additional capital hit 10.65 billion USD. Capital contributions and share purchases rose to 4.46 billion USD, cited VNA.

Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

The manufacturing and processing industry remained the top choice for new projects, accounting for 59.2% of new registered capital, followed by real estate at 21.5%. The manufacturing and processing industry attracted 13.64 billion USD in both new and adjusted capital, equal to 62.9% of total registered inflows.

Among the 78 countries and territories with newly licensed projects in Vietnam in the reviewed period, Singapore was the largest investor with 3.06 billion USD, accounting for 27.8% of the total. It was followed by China with 2.65 billion USD, Sweden with 1 billion USD), and Japan with 878 million USD.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s outbound investment totalled 426.5 million USD in 108 new projects, nearly three times higher a year earlier. Adjusted capital in 21 existing projects added another 129.7 million USD.

Vietnam draws nearly 14 million foreign visitors in first eight months of 2025

Vietnam welcomed almost 14 million international arrivals in the first eight months of 2025, up by 21.7 per cent year-on-year.

Data released on Saturday by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance showed that 1.68 million foreign tourists visited the country in August – the biggest number ever recorded for this month, up 7.8 per cent from July and 16.5 per cent year-on-year, boosted by influx of arrivals amidst celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and Vietnam's National Day (September 2).

Tourism revenue from travel services in the eight months was estimated at VND61.2 trillion (US$2.32 billion), translating to a year-on-year rise of 20.3 per cent.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism said the August surge, despite being the traditional low season for international travel, reflected clear signs of recovery and growth in inbound markets, VNS reported.

International tourists stroll on the streets of old town Hoi An. Photo: VNS

Air travel remained dominant, accounting for 11.9 million visitors, or 85.2 per cent of the total, up 22.6 per cent year-on-year. Land arrivals reached 1.9 million, up 17.5 per cent, while sea arrivals stood at 187,800, up 13.4 per cent.

China and South Korea in the lead

China and South Korea continued to be Vietnam’s two largest source markets, contributing nearly half of all international arrivals. China topped the list with more than 3.5 million visitors (25.4 per cent), followed by South Korea with over 2.9 million (20.9 per cent). Other major markets included Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan, Cambodia, India, Russia, Australia and Malaysia.

European markets also showed strong growth, particularly the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. In Southeast Asia, tourist flows from the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand also expanded.

Russia stood out with a remarkable 164.9 per cent surge in arrivals, credited to targeted promotional campaigns by the tourism authority, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and local businesses.

India meanwhile has reinforced its position as one of Vietnam’s most promising markets. More than 387,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam in the first seven months of 2025, up 42.5 per cent year-on-year, following a record 501,427 in 2024 – nearly triple the 2019 level.

To tap this vast demand, Vietnam will hold tourism promotion events in Bengaluru and Hyderabad in September to enhance visibility and connect businesses.

Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director-General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, noted that India is not only a comprehensive strategic partner of Vietnam but also a nation with deep historical and cultural ties. Tourism, he said, is becoming a bridge to strengthen people-to-people links between the two countries.

He added that Vietnam’s extension of its e-visa system – allowing single or multiple entries for up to 90 days – together with expanding direct flights and a safe, welcoming travel environment, is helping to attract more Indian visitors.

With nearly 14 million international arrivals so far, Vietnam’s tourism industry is on track towards its ambitious target of welcoming 25 million foreign visitors in 2025, the highest ever.

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