Vietnam news in brief - April 2

Korean gaming companies expand operations in Vietnam

Major South Korean game companies are eyeing the Vietnamese market by setting up subsidiaries and joint ventures, attracted by the country's large market potential and affordable labor costs. Many, from giants to smaller studios, are outsourcing and hiring Vietnamese talent to reduce development costs. In 2024, NCSoft partnered with VNGGames to create NCV Games and launch "Lineage2M" in Vietnam and five other Southeast Asian countries.

Vietnam Expo 2025 opens in Hanoi

The 34th Vietnam International Trade Fair (Vietnam Expo 2025) is being held in Hanoi from April 2 to 5, focusing on the theme "Supporting Businesses in the Digital Era." The event highlights the role of technology in trade promotion and business cooperation. With over 500 booths and 400 enterprises from 18 countries and territories, Vietnam Expo, the country's longest-running trade fair since 1990, plays a vital role in promoting national products and services globally.

Vietnam Airlines celebrates milestone to the UK 

Vietnam Airlines celebrated the 10th anniversary of its direct flights between Vietnam and the UK. In 10 years of operation, the airline has operated nearly 5,000 direct flights, serving 1.1 million passengers with an average seat load factor of 80%. Since the launch of the route in 2011, Vietnam Airlines has identified the UK as an important market in Europe and is committed to expanding its flight network.

Nearly 15 million accounts compromised in Vietnam data breach

Vietnam saw a spike in data breaches in 2024, with 14.5 million accounts compromised, accounting for 12% of global incidents, according to Viettel's cybersecurity report. Personal data and corporate documents were widely sold online. Viettel recommends 24/7 security monitoring, zero-trust access control, regular vulnerability patching, advanced security technologies, and cybersecurity training to mitigate risks.

Vietnam's agricultural exports rise 13% in Q1/2025

Vietnam's agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports reached $15.72 billion in Q1/2025, up 13.1% year-on-year, driven by market expansion and quality improvements. Key sectors saw strong growth, including seafood (up 18.1%), livestock (up 18.5%), and wood products (up 11.2%), with the US, China, and Japan remaining the top markets. Authorities are preparing strategies to deal with changing international trade policies.

Heritage Photography Awards 2025 showcases Vietnam’s cultural and natural beauty

The Heritage Photography Awards - Heritage Journey 2025, which runs from April 1 to July 31, promotes Vietnam's natural beauty, cultural heritage and people. This 11th annual competition has four categories: Culture-Heritage, Tourism Destinations, Landscape, and Portrait-Lifestyle, with special techniques such as drone and underwater photography. The competition will culminate in an exhibition in Hanoi in September 2025.

Quang Ngai proposes $1.42 billion expressway project to boost regional connectivity

The central province of Quang Ngai has proposed the construction of the 136-km Quang Ngai - Mang Den - Kon Tum Expressway, with an estimated investment of $1.42 billion. The project, which will pass through Mang Den town, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and favorable climate, aims to enhance regional infrastructure, stimulate economic growth, and unlock the potential of the Central Highlands.