Vietnam news in brief - April 15

Chinese leader pays respects at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chinese President Xi Jinping paid his respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum during his state visit to Vietnam on April 15. The visit, which comes on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 2025 Vietnam-China Year of People-to-People Exchange, strengthens the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the two countries.

Vietnam approves COMAC Jets, Vietjet to operate first Chinese aircraft

Vietnam has officially allowed the import of COMAC aircraft from China, as well as aircraft certified by aviation authorities in Brazil, Canada, Russia, the UK and other countries. These aircraft meet international standards similar to those of the US (FAA) and the EU (EASA). To date, the fleet of Vietnamese airlines consists mainly of Boeing and Airbus aircraft. Vietjet is the first airline to operate COMAC jets on domestic routes.

Dragon fruit reclaims top spot in Vietnam’s fruit exports

Dragon fruit regained its position as Vietnam's top fruit export, reaching an export value of $94 million in the first two months of 2025, accounting for 14.3% of total fruit exports. China remained the largest buyer, importing 90% of Vietnam's dragon fruit, followed by the US with nearly 10%. Meanwhile, durian exports fell to US$21.4 million, accounting for 7.6% of fruit exports, down 69% from 2024 due to customs delays.

Vietnam sets out strategy for high-speed rail

Vietnam has outlined a three-phase plan to break ground on the North-South High-speed Railway by the end of 2026, including a feasibility study, land clearance, and contractor selection. At an estimated cost of $67 billion, the 1,541km line will connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with a design speed of 350km/h and 23 passenger stations. The project also serves strategic objectives of national defence, economic connectivity and urban development along transit hubs.

New book street in Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Dong Chi Book Street was officially launched on April 15 in Ho Chi Minh City's District 7 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's reunification (1975-2025). Designed as a cultural hub, the street will integrate books, film, and smart technology while promoting traditional Vietnamese heritage and fostering a culture of reading through interactive experiences for both locals and international visitors.

Domestic cards added with Apple Pay

NAPAS officially launched Apple Pay for domestic cardholders in Vietnam on April 15 to boost cashless payments and enhance digital security and convenience. NAPAS partnered with Vietcombank, OCB, and intermediaries such as OnePay, VNPay, ZaloPay, and Ngan Luong e-wallet to offer the service, supporting the country's digital financial ecosystem and international payment integration.

BIDV unveils “68” Card with $400K perks for Reunification Anniversary

To celebrate 50 years of Vietnam’s reunification and 68 years of BIDV’s establishment, the bank has launched the “BIDV 68” special edition cards featuring the iconic Thang Long Dragon. The card enables smart payments across sectors. As part of the campaign, BIDV is offering customer promotions worth over US$400,000, including free access to metro, museums, and river buses in Ho Chi Minh City for Mastercard users until June 30, 2025.

Aeon Mall sales in Vietnam hit new high

Aeon Mall in Vietnam reported a profit of $31.5 million in 2024, up 8.6% from the previous year. Revenue increased by 13% to approximately $135 million, making Vietnam Aeon's top market in Southeast Asia and second in the world in terms of revenue. Aeon now operates eight malls in Vietnam and plans to expand further in 2025.