Vietnam news in brief - April 16

Vietnam, China open the 9th border defense friendship exchange

General Phan Van Giang and the high-level Vietnamese delegation on April 16 painted Milestone 1116 to officially launch the 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange in the northern province of Lang Son. The delegation then visited China for activities such as touring the Huu Nghi (Friendship) Pass, witnessing a joint naval patrol, planting trees, and exploring a new rural model. The event enhanced political trust, strengthened defense ties, and spread cooperation among local authorities, armed forces, and border residents of the two countries.

Vietnam's national brand value rises to US$507 billion

According to Brand Finance, Vietnam's national brand value reached US$507 billion in 2024, moving up one place to 32nd in the world. Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that innovation helps Vietnamese businesses adapt to global competition and build a distinctive, sustainable national image with pioneering capabilities. The information was announced at the 2025 Vietnam National Brand Week and Forum organized by the ministry on April 16 in Hanoi.

Vietnam’s largest undersea cable system goes live

Military-run telecom operator Viettel announced that the Asia Direct Cable (ADC), landing in the central province of Quy Nhon, began operations in early April 2025. Spanning 9,800 km and connecting seven Asian countries and territories, ADC has a maximum capacity of 50Tbps, the highest in Vietnam. With a total investment of US$290 million, Viettel is the sole investor in Vietnam. ADC enhances network security and supports high-demand digital services such as AI, 5G, big data, and AR/VR.

Vietnam leads regional tourism recovery

Vietnam achieved a 98% recovery in international tourist arrivals in 2024, the highest in Asia-Pacific, compared to the regional average of 87%, according to UN Tourism. Global travel nearly returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 1.4 billion arrivals. Vietnam's success was driven by visa reforms, flight expansion, digital innovation, and hosting UN Tourism's first Rural Tourism Conference in December 2024 to promote sustainable development.

20 LED screens bring parade closer to citizens in Ho Chi Minh City

On April 30, a national parade will be held in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025). 20 LED screens will be installed on seven major streets, including Le Duan and Nguyen Hue, to allow people to watch the ceremony live along with TV and online broadcasts.

Book campaign inspire national pride 

Vietnam's 2025 Book and Reading Culture Day will be held on April 19 at the National Library in Hanoi under the theme "Every Page - A Pride". The event celebrates 50 years of National Reunification and honors the role of books in preserving history and shaping values. Activities include exhibitions, author talks, contests, and digital displays to promote reading culture and national pride.

Prostitution ring of 14,600 Telegram members unveiled

Police in the central coastal city of Danang have busted a prostitution ring operating via Telegram with over 14,600 members, led by Nguyen Truong Anh Tuan. The investigation, carried out from April 10 to 15, was conducted by the Criminal Police Department and the Cybersecurity Division. Authorities uncovered several covert groups suspected of organizing prostitution in the city. The investigation is ongoing, and police are expanding their efforts to track down more suspects.