Vietnam news in brief - December 9

President Luong Cuong awards Hero of the People's Armed Forces title to Viettel Aerospace Institute

President Luong Cuong on December 9 awarded Viettel Aerospace Institute the title of "Hero of the People's Armed Forces" for its outstanding achievements in the development of high-tech strategic weapons. Established in 2014, the institute has made significant contributions to national defense. The president urged the Institute to continue to promote modern technologies and develop high-quality human resources.

President Luong Cuong visits Viettel on December 9. Photo: Baocongthuong

Vietnamese Embassy warns citizens against traveling to Syria

Vietnam's embassy in Iran, which is also responsible for Syria, said on 8 December that it had asked the Syrian authorities for information and assistance to protect Vietnamese citizens in the country, but that the Syrian authorities had not provided a concrete response. The embassy advised citizens not to travel to Syria and those in the country to leave immediately or contact the hotline for assistance. 

Vietnam resumes Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project with strong consensus

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan announced on December 7 that the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project will be resumed with broad consensus and thorough preparation. He emphasized the safety of advanced modern technologies. The project aims to provide sustainable clean energy and support economic development.

Danang aims for over 10% GRDP growth in 2025

The central city of Danang on December 9 set a 2025 gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth target of at least 9%, aiming for over 10%. The city's GRDP in 2024 increased by 7.51%, ranking second among the five sub-national cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong and Cantho). International arrivals in the tourism industry more than doubled, and the industrial construction sector recorded a growth of 14.77% in Q4.

VinFast Ha Tinh electric car factory breaks ground with US$301 million investment

Ground was broken on December 8 in the Vung Ang Economic Zone for the VinFast Ha Tinh electric vehicle factory, with an investment of US$301 million and a capacity of 300,000-600,000 vehicles per year. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha highlighted its role in boosting green transportation. The plant is expected to be completed by July 2025 and will initially create nearly 6,000 jobs.

Vietnam dominates the 2024 Asian Police Taekwondo Championships

Vietnam topped the medals table and was crowned champion at the 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championship in the northen province of Quang Ninh, winning 37 gold, 36 silver and 33 bronze medals. Indonesia and Cambodia finished second and third respectively. The event, held December 6-9, showcased outstanding athletic performances and fostered unity among law enforcement and civilian participants from across Asia.

A performance at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Asian Open Police Taekwondo Championship in Vietnam. Photo: VNA