Vietnam news in brief - April 17

Vietnam-Ethiopia strengthen ties with first high-level exchange

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali marked their first high-level exchange with a breakfast featuring pho and Vietnamese coffee, followed by a tour of Hanoi’s landmarks. Their spouses then visited the Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for the Blind ahead of Vietnam’s Day of Persons with Disabilities on April 18. The visit lays the groundwork for deeper cooperation between the two nations in key sectors.

Khanh Hoa to gather overseas Vietnamese for export growth

Vietnam will host a conference on April 26-27 in the central province of Khanh Hoa, home to many of Vietnam's world-class beaches, to review five years of a key initiative involving overseas Vietnamese in the promotion and distribution of Vietnamese products abroad. The event aims to expand export channels, strengthen global branding, and promote partnerships between local and overseas businesses for 2025-2029.

Gia Lai opens historical exhibition

The central highlands province of Gia Lai on April 17 opened an exhibition of over 300 historical artifacts and documents on the province's resistance and development from 1954 to 1975, marking the 50th anniversary of the day the country was reunified. For the first time, original personnel files of civilian cadres sent to the South, known as "B cadres," were returned to their families in honor of their unsung dedication to national liberation.

Haiphong aims for breakthroughs in AI and semiconductors

Haiphong's planned free trade zone will focus on AI, semiconductors, and attracting high-quality human resources. The National Assembly is reviewing a draft resolution on special mechanisms for the city, which is expected to be approved in May. The zone will include manufacturing, logistics and trading areas under strict customs supervision. It aims to foster R&D and investment in integrated circuits, chips, new materials and advanced technology, positioning Haiphong as a northern innovation hub.

Hoa Phat targets 21% rise in revenue for 2025

Hoa Phat, Vietnam's leading metals group, targets sales of US$6.8 billion in 2025, up 21% from the previous year. Despite global uncertainties, the group remains committed to growth, driven by major steel projects and high-value products such as railway steel for national infrastructure and export.

Vingroup bid to build Hanoi-Quang Ninh High-speed Railway

Vingroup, a private Vietnamese conglomerate, has offered to build a 300 km/h high-speed rail line between Hanoi and Quang Ninh, reducing travel time to 30 minutes. The 121-km project would follow a public-private partnership (PPP) under a build-own-operate (BOO) contract. The government welcomed the plan and instructed ministries to study optimal routes and investment frameworks to boost regional connectivity and development.

Vietnam Ethnic Culture Day 2025 to feature rich cultural showcases

Vietnam Ethnic Culture Day 2025 is now underway through April 20 at the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi. Highlights include cultural heritage showcases such as "Khmer Culture Colors of Soc Trang," Central Highlands Coffee Performances, and traditional festivals. The event fosters national unity and cultural preservation.

Pho Festival 2025 to take place at UNESCO cultural heritage

Pho Festival 2025 will be held at Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi from April 18 to 20, featuring over 50 pho brands from across Vietnam. With the theme "Essence of Pho - Heritage in the Digital Era," the event allows visitors to explore regional pho varieties and use AI tools to get dish suggestions, and aims to promote Vietnamese culinary heritage to locals and international visitors, while connecting craft villages and food businesses.