Vietnam news in brief - February 11

Vietnam and Japan sign Memorandum on 11th Defence Dialogue

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Defence, and Kano Koji, Japan's Deputy Minister of Defence, on February 10 signed a memorandum and discussed bilateral issues. Chien called for expanded capacity building programs, more scholarships for Vietnamese cadets, and support for peacekeeping and post-war reconstruction. Vietnam has backed Japan's efforts to enhance cooperation in regional stability, particularly within ASEAN. The Defence cooperation between the two nations has led to successful exchanges, training, and collaborative efforts in peacekeeping and rehabilitation.

Michelin Guide names Danang among top 10 food destinations for 2025

The central city of Danang has been selected by the Michelin Guide as one of the top 10 food destinations for 2025, alongside the USA, Thailand and Japan. Michelin praises Danang's mix of street food and modern restaurants, offering options for all budgets. Must-try dishes include mi quang (quang noodles) and bun cha ca (fish cake noodle soup).

Dragon Bridge in Danang. Photo: Danang Fantasticity

Vietnam top destination for ROK families

Vietnam remains the top destination for families with young children from South Korea, according to Hana Tour - a South Korea-based travel agency. Demand for winter holiday travel to Vietnam reached 26.6%, higher than Japan (18.6%), the Philippines (13.7%), Guam (8.5%) and China (6.4%).

Ho Chi Minh City proposes US$2.3 billion BOT projects to upgrade key roads

Ho Chi Minh City has recently proposed four Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) projects worth over VND58 trillion (US$2.3 billion) to upgrade key gateway roads, improve transport infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion. The projects include National Highways 1, 13, 22 and the North-South Expressway, funded by the State and private investors. Tolls will be collected for 21-24 years.

Lam Dong earns US$40 million from agricultural exports in January

The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, the country's agricultural production hub, earned US$40 million from agricultural exports in January 2025. Major products include coffee (US$24 million), vegetables (US$6 million), flowers (US$6 million), silk (US$3 million) and tea (US$1 million), which were exported to 56 countries.

Thai Binh festival honors legacy of Tran dynasty

The Tran Temple Festival is now underway until February 14 at the Mausoleum and Temple Complex of the Tran Kings in the northern province of Thai Binh. The festival features rituals such as the incense offering, water procession and seal opening ceremony, attracting thousands of visitors. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the festival honors the legacy of the Tran Dynasty and Vietnamese traditions.

Vietnamese scientists win international recognition for innovation

Six Vietnamese scientists have been honored with the 2024 Asia Innovation Award from the Hitachi Global Foundation. Associate Professors Nguyen Huu Hieu of Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Nguyen Thi Ai Nhung of Hue University of Sciences received the Excellence Award. Four other scientists were awarded the Encouragement Award for their significant contributions to scientific research in Vietnam and ASEAN.

VEC-managed expressways handle 2.3 million vehicle trips during Tet holiday

VEC-managed expressways saw 2.3 million vehicle trips during the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday, a 9% rise from 2024. Traffic surged as people traveled home for Tet and returned to major cities. The Cau Gie - Ninh Binh route recorded the highest traffic with 836,000 trips, while Danang - Quang Ngai saw the biggest growth of 27%, reaching 123,000 trips. Despite the traffic increase, operations remained smooth, though congestion occurred on key routes.