Vietnam news in brief - April 9
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Vietnam, Spain advance ties toward comprehensive strategic partnership
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Spanish counterpart Pedro Sánchez agreed to pursue a comprehensive strategic partnership and target over US$8 billion in bilateral trade during his official visit to Vietnam on April 8-10. Spain also committed EUR 300 million (US$331 million) to supporting its businesses in Vietnam and enhancing cooperation in trade, defense, education, and digital transformation.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez lays a wreath and pays tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP
Party Chief meets veterans of the anti-US resistance
General Secretary To Lam on April 9 met with war veterans in Hanoi ahead of Vietnam's Liberation Day anniversary. He praised their sacrifices as the cornerstone of national reunification and encouraged younger generations to uphold this legacy through their work and contributions. Under Resolution 42-NQ/TW, the Party aims to ensure that by 2030, all individuals with meritorious service and their families enjoy a higher standard of living and comprehensive care.
Vietnam-China bilateral trade exceeds $200 billion
China remained Vietnam's largest import market in 2024, with bilateral trade hitting a record $205.2 billion, up 19.4% from 2023, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. However, maintaining trade above $200 billion in 2025 may face significant challenges, particularly in exports. A Vietnam-China business matchmaking event will be held on April 11 to strengthen ties as part of the national trade promotion program.
Hanoi to host P4G Summit this month
Hanoi will host the 4th P4G Summit on April 14-17 under the theme "Sustainable Green Transition, Putting People at the Center". As Vietnam's largest multilateral forum on green growth to date, the summit will reaffirm Vietnam's climate change commitments and bring together 800-1,000 global leaders, experts, and investors to promote sustainable development and international cooperation through green innovation and policy dialogue.
Vietnamese warships join Gulf of Tonkin patrols for 1st time
Vietnam deployed two advanced missile frigates, 015-Tran Hung Dao and 016-Quang Trung, for their first-ever joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin as part of the 9th Vietnam-China Border Defense Friendship Exchange. This event marks Vietnam's growing naval capability and highlights its enhanced maritime cooperation with China.
Vietnam wins two early gold medals at World Sanda Cup 2025
Vietnamese wushu fighters claimed three medals in the morning finals of the 2025 World Sanda Cup. Nguyen Thi Lan and Dinh Van Tam each secured a gold medal, while Ngo Thi Phuong Nga took silver. Later that evening, the team aimed for at least one more gold medal in three additional finals to boost their standing at the prestigious competition.
SaigonTex-SaigonFabric 2025 showcases Vietnam's textile achievements
The SaigonTex – SaigonFabric 2025 exhibition opened in Ho Chi Minh City, featuring over 1,100 exhibitors from 25 countries and territories. Showcasing a wide range of machinery, fabrics, accessories, and raw materials, the event provides a platform for businesses to forge partnerships and expand trade, driving further growth for the country’s textile sector. In 2024, Vietnam’s textile exports reached US$44 billion, up 11.26%, making it the world’s second-largest textile exporter, with 3,500 FDI projects totaling over US$37 billion.
Hung Kings Festival attracts 5.5 million visitors
The northern province of Phu Tho, home to the Hung Kings Temple Historical Site, welcomed an estimated 5.5 million visitors during the 2025 Hung Kings Festival and Ancestral Land Culture-Tourism Week (March 29–April 7). The event, centered at the temple, featured cultural and spiritual activities, reinforcing Phu Tho’s status as a key cultural tourism destination and honoring the legacy of the Hung Kings.
Thousands of visitors pass through the Nghi Mon Gate and climb to the top of Nghia Linh Mountain to offer incense. Photo: Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper
Quang Tri launches exhibition on 100 years of revolutionary journalism
The central province of Quang Tri on April 9 opened a special exhibition titled "A Century of Revolutionary Journalism and the Pride of Quang Tri Press" to celebrate 100 years of revolutionary journalism and key national anniversaries. The event showcases rare documents, including the original Thanh Nien (Youth) newspaper founded by President Ho Chi Minh, honoring the press's role in national defense and development while fostering public appreciation for journalists' contributions.
Trang An Open 2025 brings Thai golf tour to Vietnam
Vietnam will host its first All Thailand Golf Tour event, the Trang An Open 2025, from May 15-18, featuring nearly 200 top golfers and a prize pool of US$134,500. The tournament will provide an opportunity for athletes to compete and explore Trang An's heritage and tourism while celebrating 10 years of UNESCO recognition and the establishment of Trang An Golf & Resort.
Vietnam's first Google Developer Expert in Generative AI recognized
Nguyen Khanh Linh is the first Vietnamese woman recognized as a Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning within Generative AI for 2025. With over 13 years of experience in AI and NLP, she leads AI at Obello (San Francisco) and advocates for ethical AI. Her recognition marks a milestone for diversity in Vietnam's tech community.
