Vietnam news in brief - March 21

Vietnam, France strengthen transport cooperation with major projects

French Minister of Transport Philippe Tabarot met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 21 to discuss investment in key transport sectors, including aviation, rail, and maritime. The Prime Minister urged increased French investment, focusing on Airbus technology transfer, aircraft maintenance, high-speed rail, seaports, and direct shipping routes.

Vietnam becomes Singapore's 9th largest trading partner

In the first two months of 2025, bilateral trade between Vietnam and Singapore reached US$4.9 billion, up 27.15% from 2024, making Vietnam Singapore's 9th largest trading partner. Vietnam's exports to Singapore increased by 28.38% to US$3.78 billion. 

Vietnam's per capita book ratio among  top 3 in Southeast Asia

Vietnam's per capita book ratio reaching 6.1 copies in 2023, ranking among the top 3 in Southeast Asia, according to the conference on "Enhancing the Quality of Publications in the New Context" held in Hanoi on March 21. The country's publishing industry is also undergoing a rapid digital transformation, integrating AI, and technology. 

Vingroup invests $40 million in emergency healthcare development

Vingroup pledged $40 million to Vietnam's National Pre-hospital Emergency Care Project (2025-2030) and signed a memorandum of understanding on March 21 for pilot implementation in Haiphong, Ha Tinh, Khanh Hoa, and Kien Giang. The funds will be used to upgrade ambulances, equipment, medical training, automated external defibrillator (AED) installations, and emergency coordination. The program aims to modernize emergency response and improve access to health care nationwide.

Danang starts US$450 million smart city project

Danang began construction of the Thuan Phuoc New Urban Area on March 21, a smart city with a total investment of US$450 million. The project includes many high-end amenities, with a 16.5-hectare theme park uniquely inspired by the culture of central Vietnam. Strategically located in the northern Son Tra peninsula, close to the coast, the project aims to boost tourism, attract residents, and drive economic growth.

Quang Binh to build US$92 million international seaport

The central province of Quang Binh has begun the construction of the 39-hectare Hon La International Port with an investment of US$92 million. Located near international shipping routes and the Cha Lo border gate, the port will improve logistics and trade with neighboring countries such as Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar, strengthening regional connectivity and economic integration.

Youth festival attracts 50,000 participants with diverse activities

Ho Chi Minh City's 5th Youth Festival 2025, themed "New Generation - Adapting - Connecting - Sharing", is now underway until March 23 and is expected to attract 50,000 participants. Events include cultural performances, innovation forums, the Earth Hour campaign, and the 94th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26, 1931 - March 26, 2025). The festival promotes youth engagement, creativity, and international exchange.

Young artists to showcase talent in national competition 

The 2025 National Children's Painting Competition and Exhibition will be launched in Q1 and Q2, with up to 400 artworks selected for display in Haiphong in October. The event is open to children aged 5-15 and encourages artistic creativity. It aims to inspire young artists and promote art education nationwide.