Vietnam news in brief - March 22
Update the latest information with The Hanoi Times.
Vietnam seeks Luxembourg's expertise in building financial centers
Vietnam expected Luxembourg to support financial center projects in Ho Chi Minh City and Danang during the visit paid by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on March 20-22. At the meeting, Minister of Finance Gilles Roth suggested that the financial center should focus on three key pillars namely banking system, insurance, and technology (fintech, AI, crypto assets). Luxembourg also pledged to support Vietnam in green finance initiatives, trade, and legislation.
Vietnam launches National Data Association
Vietnam National Data Association whose chairman is General Luong Tam Quang made its debut on March 22. The association aims to build a strong data ecosystem, drive digital economic growth, and increase the value of data while acting as a bridge between businesses to bring Vietnam into the digital era.
The Vietnam National Data Association makes its debut. Photo: VGP
Vietnam to enhance drug registration with AI and big data
Vietnam's healthcare sector is using AI and big data to improve the processing of drug registrations. Currently, 100% of drug registration applications are processed online, and 12,300 drugs were approved in the first 11 months 2024, nearly equal to the figure approved in the previous five years. However, the surge in applications has outpaced current staff capacity and online system storage.
Da Lat wins three awards at Asia Festival 2025
Da Lat's Flower Festival won three awards at the Asia Festival Awards 2025: Asia's Best Flower & Garden Festival, Asia's Top Festival, and Most Eco-Friendly Festival. This is the second consecutive win for Da Lat, reinforcing its status as a sustainable, eco-friendly destination. The festival plays a key role in promoting the nature, culture, and tourism of Lam Dong Province and its capital Da Lat.
Da Lat’s Flower Festival promotes nature, culture, and tourism. Photo: vietnam.vn
Construction of US$690 million computer component factory begins in Quang Ninh
Phase 1 of Lite-On's new manufacturing plant has been kicked off in the northern province of Quang Ninh. With an investment of US$690 million by Lite-On Technology, one of the world's top 10 electronic component manufacturers, the facility is slated for completion by November 2025 and will have an annual capacity of 124 million products. Located in Quang Yen - an emerging growth hub in western Quang Ninh - the factory is expected to boost regional economic development.
Ho Chi Minh City rises in Global Financial Center rankings
Ho Chi Minh City climbed seven places to 98th out of 119 cities in the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI), marking its highest position since the first listing in 2022. In the 2025 ranking, the city scored 654 points, placing it behind Bangkok and Jakarta, but ahead of Manila in Southeast Asia. This development motivates the southern metropolis in its journey to become an international financial hub, as the GFCI scores reflect the competitiveness of global financial centers based on multiple input factors from international organizations.
9th Italian Design Day in Vietnam set for March 26
The 9th Italian Design Day (GDI) in Vietnam will be held on March 26 at the Hanoi University of Civil Engineering under the theme "Inequality - Design for a Better Life". The event will highlight the role of design in improving human well-being and will feature film screenings and exhibitions. Launched in 2017 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the GDI promotes Italy's design heritage and innovation around the world.
