Vietnam news in brief - April 1

Belgian king and queen pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium on April 1 laid wreaths and paid their respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs in Hanoi. Vietnam is among few countries outside the European Union receiving their state visit which lasts from March 31 to April 4, demonstrating the strong diplomatic ties between Belgium and Vietnam.

Vietnam invites some countries to join military parade this month

Vietnam has invited the defense chiefs of China, Laos, and Cambodia to its 50th Reunification Day anniversary (April 30, 1975-2025) and military contingents from these countries to join the parade. Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien said their participation would highlight strong ties between Vietnam and its neighbors. Defense attachés from the three nations have confirmed they would consult with their governments on the invitation.

Vietnam sends medical aid to Myanmar

Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security delivered nearly three tons of medicines and medical equipment to Myanmar on April 1 to support the country's health system. The aid includes essential medicines, basic health supplies, and disease prevention materials. Shortly after the earthquake stoke Myanmar on March 28, Vietnam sent a team of 80 well-trained officers to support the rescue work. 

Vietnam facilitates overseas Vietnamese to resume citizenship 

Vietnam has agreed to facilitate the re-acquisition of Vietnamese nationality by overseas Vietnamese. This policy underscores Vietnam's commitment to the diaspora and aims to leverage their contributions to national development. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the revision of nationality laws and visa policies to promote economic growth, tourism, and international investment.

Government strengthens care for the elderly and people on welfare

As of April 1, nearly 95% of elderly individuals in Vietnam are covered by health insurance, with over 1.87 million receiving monthly social benefits and about 1.4 million benefiting from support for revolutionary contributors. The government continues to enhance policies aimed at improving elderly care, with ongoing efforts to monitor and refine regulations to better support social welfare and inclusion for this demographic.

Vietnam earns US$15.72 billion from agricultural exports

Vietnam's agricultural, forestry, and fishery exports in the first quarter hit US$15.72 billion, an increase of 13.1% from 2024 with main contributions from timber, coffee, shrimp, fruits, and rice. The country targets to reap $70 billion from exporting agriculture, forestry, and fisheries products this year.

Binh Duong proposes US$208 million rail project to connect to metro

The southern province of Binh Duong is planning a 13 km railway project in Thu Dau Mot City with an estimated investment of US$208 million from Japanese investors. The project aims to connect with Metro Lines 1 and 2 in the future, improving urban connectivity and reducing traffic congestion. The project is part of Binh Duong's Transit Oriented Development (TOD) strategy, which promotes urban growth centered along public transport networks.