Vietnam news in brief - February 15

President highlights cultural diversity and national unity in Hanoi

President Luong Cuong attended the 2025 Spring Colors Across the Nation Festival in Hanoi on February 15, celebrating Vietnam's cultural diversity. The event highlighted the traditions of 54 ethnic groups. Emphasizing national unity, cultural preservation and socio-economic development, the President called for policies to support ethnic communities and strengthen Vietnam's cultural heritage.

President Luong Cuong beats the drum to open the festival. Photo:Van Hien/ VGP

Passenger traffic reaches 7.3 million, up 11.7% during peak season

Vietnamese airlines carried about 7.3 million passengers from January 14 to February 12, up 11.7% year-on-year. International passengers reached 4 million, up 16.3%, while domestic passengers reached 3.3 million, up 6.6%. Cargo volume rose by 9.4% to 96,000 tons. The Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority continues to improve operations for upcoming peak travel periods.

Germany and Vietnam celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with nationwide events

Germany and Vietnam will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2025 with various events throughout Vietnam. Highlights include a nationwide career guidance tour, the "Berlin Shining" concert, a Modern Talking performance, a street art competition, and the Germany Festival at Hoan Kiem Lake (September 19-21). The program also includes cultural exhibitions, sports cooperation, and discussions on bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam is one of the top three real estate markets in the region

According to Knight Frank's 2025 Asia-Pacific report, Vietnam is one of the three fastest-growing emerging markets, along with India and Indonesia. In 2024, the office rental market peaked at 160,000 square meters of absorption, while the supply of ready-built factories and warehouses reached 15.6 million square meters after six years. Hanoi's residential market grew strongly, with 27,268 new units, three times more than in 2023. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City saw a 58% decline with only 4,888 units.

Major companies in Thanh Hoa seek 45,000 workers to boost production

Nearly 40 major companies in the northern province of Thanh Hoa are recruiting about 45,000 workers, mainly unskilled laborers, with salaries ranging from $200 to $320 per month. Key industries include textiles and footwear, which have secured new orders for 2025. The province's labor supply meets more than 90% of demand, while companies offer additional benefits such as housing and transportation allowances.

Vietnam secures three places for the 2025 World Chess Championship

Le Quang Liem and Pham Le Thao Nguyen will represent Vietnam at the 2025 World Chess Championship in India this November. Quang Liem qualified based on his world ranking (16th), while Thao Nguyen earned her spot through the 2024 Chess Olympiad. Vietnam has three places and may secure a fourth at the regional tournament in Mongolia this April.

Le Quang Liem is the leading player in Vietnamese chess. Photo: FIDE

Dai Phung Community House declared a special national heritage site

Dai Phung Communal House was declared a special national heritage site on February 15. It honors Duc Thanh Tich Lich Hoa Quang Thuong Dang Than ( Genie and Supreme Deity Tich Lich Hoa Quang) and General Vu Hung, who fought invaders during the Tran Dynasty in the 14th century. The communal house retains its original 17th century carvings, with over 1,000 intricate details, showing an exceptionally rare level of craftsmanship as well as great cultural and artistic value.