Vietnam news in brief - March 17

Prime Minister visits beef processing plant invested by Vietnam and Japan

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 16 visited the Tam Dao beef farm and processing plant, a US$67 million joint project between Vietnam's Vilico Company and Japan's Sojitz Corporation. This project is part of a US$500 million Memorandum of Understanding signed between the northern province of Vinh Phuc, Sojitz, and Vinamilk (Vilico is a subsidiary of Vinamilk) at the Vietnam-Japan Investment Promotion Conference in 2021.

Vietnamese seafood exports to Brazil reached $137 million in 2024

Vietnam was Brazil's second largest seafood supplier, exporting 50,500 tons worth $136.6 million in 2024, up 53.8% in volume and 38.6% in value from 2023. This accounted for 17.33% by volume and 8.69% by value of Brazil's total seafood imports. With Brazil's growing demand, Vietnam has strong opportunities for further market expansion.

Promoting Mekong Delta tourism to Chinese market

The Mekong Delta Tourism Promotion Conference was held in Beijing on March 17 to attract more Chinese visitors to the region, which is known for its water-based eco-tourism experiences. China is considered an important source market for Vietnam, with over 3.7 million Chinese tourists, accounting for 21.26% of international arrivals to Vietnam in 2024. The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam on the lower Mekong River, is famous for its vast network of rivers, floating markets, lush rice paddies, and a major hub of fruit, seafood, and coconut farming.

Historical exhibition highlights Vietnam's maritime sovereignty

The exhibition "Paracel, Spratly Islands - The Nation at the Forefront" and "Vietnam People's Navy - 70 Years of Defending the Seas" is now on display at Cam Ranh Port in the central province of Khanh Hoa. With 200 historical documents and 50 press photos, it highlights Vietnam's maritime sovereignty and naval history. The event marks the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Spratly Islands (April 29, 1975 - April 29, 2025) and the 70th anniversary of the Navy (May 7, 1975 - 2025).

Vietnam billiards team wins World Runner-up title

Cueists Tran Quyet Chien and Bao Phuong Vinh took second place at the 2025 Three-cushion Carom Billiards World Team Championships in Germany, losing to the champion team from the Netherlands. Last year, Chien and Vinh made history by winning Vietnam's first-ever world team championship title.

Hanoi allocates $710,000 for square expansion and building demolition

Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi plans to invest about $710,000 to expand Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and demolish the iconic "Ham Ca Map" (Shark Jaws) building in the Hoan Kiem lake area before April 30. The project covers an area of 1.2 hectares and is in line with Hanoi's 2021 plan, which designates the area for public use and underground parking.

Haiphong hosts national airgun championship with 300 competitors

The 2025 National Airgun Championships are now underway in the northern city of Haiphong until March 27, with 300 athletes and coaches from 11 provinces and cities. The competition features 52 medal events in four disciplines at the tournament that aims to identify top talents for the national team and promote the image of Haiphong.

Mui Ne to be developed into international destination

The central province of Binh Thuan aims to transform the Mui Ne National Tourism Zone into a leading international tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region by 2040, according to the General Planning Project, with a vision for 2050. The tourism zone will be developed to highlight its cultural heritage and natural landscapes, while also serving as a coastal corridor. The project is expected to enhance the tourism competitiveness of the province which is famous for stunning beaches and unique landscapes while Mui Ne is known for its red and white dunes, creating a desert-like scenery rare in Vietnam.