Vietnam news in brief - April 22

Vietnam eyes South American market at Chile trade forum

The Chile-Vietnam Trade and Investment Promotion Forum, held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 22, spotlighted opportunities in exports, renewable energy, technology, and smart agriculture across Chile and the broader South American market. With Vietnam-Chile trade reaching nearly $1.8 billion in 2024, the forum aims to help Vietnamese businesses expand globally and better leverage free trade agreements.

National poster exhibition honors President Ho Chi Minh

A large-scale poster exhibition marking the 135th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2025) will take place in May 2025 at Ho Chi Minh Square, the central province of Nghe An, his hometown. The event will honor his legacy, promote his ideology, and highlight exemplary people and models inspired by his moral and revolutionary values.

Vietnam, Russia deepen academic and cultural ties

The "Russian Economic Week in Vietnam - A Marathon of Knowledge" held on April 22-25 in Hanoi aims to boost cooperation in education and research, student exchange and cultural ties, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia (1950-1975).

Dong Nai hosts Vietnam’s largest hot air balloon festival

The 2025 Pottery and Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place in the southern province of Dong Nai on April 27-30, featuring 50 balloons to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam's Reunification Day. Funded with approximately US$542,500 from social sources, the event will include night light shows, balloon rides, paragliding, and artistic kite displays. The free festival aims to boost tourism and culture, while fostering international ties.

Agribank wins six technology innovation awards

Agribank had six outstanding technology systems and services recognized with the Sao Khue Awards, the most of any bank in 2025. The award-winning innovations span digital data, asset management, and banking utilities, including customer data cleansing, digitization of credit approval, and the Agribank Plus omni-channel platform, highlighting Agribank's leadership in digital transformation and IT innovation in the Vietnamese banking sector.

Another measles vaccination campaign launched 

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health has launched phase 3 of the 2025 vaccination campaign, targeting children aged 6 months to 15 years who have missed or not received a full dose. The first round will end by April 30 and the second by May 15, with a target of 95% coverage. This urgent response follows WHO's outbreak warnings.

Aeon Vietnam starts construction of new mall in Hai Duong 

Aeon Vietnam started the construction of its 38,100 sq.m with an investment of US$45.5 million in the northern province of Hai Duong. Strategically located near major highways, the center to be expected to open in 2026 marks Aeon's continued expansion in Vietnam, its second largest market after Japan.

Children to gather for cultural and caring activities

Children from different parts of Vietnam will gather for the 26th World of Childhood Festival to take place from May 29 to June 2 in the northern province of Ninh Binh. They will enjoy a series of cultural, artistic, and sports activities, with special programs and charity gifts for orphans, children with disabilities, and those with serious illnesses.