Vietnam news in brief - February 17
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Vietnam's timber industry targets $18 billion in exports this year
Vietnam is targeting $18 billion in wood industry exports this year, an increase of 12.5% from 2024, despite challenges in the US and EU markets. To support this growth, five major wood associations will host HawaExpo 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City from March 5-7 to facilitate trade links and strengthen Vietnam's global competitiveness in the sector.
Vietnam to grant visa exemption to visitors from three European countries
Starting March 1, 2025, Vietnam will grant a 45-day visa exemption upon entry for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. This policy, part of the 2025 Tourism Promotion Program, applies to travelers joining tours organized by Vietnamese international travel agencies.
VIETUR to speed up completion of key infrastructure at Long Thanh Airport
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has urged VIETUR, a consortium of contractors led by Turkey's IC ICTAS, to speed up the completion of key infrastructure for Long Thanh International Airport. Authorities and contractors will finalize an acceleration plan by March 2025, with the entire airport expected to be completed by 2026.
| Long Thanh International Airport project is being built in the southern province of Dong Nai. Photo: Southeast Asia Infrastructure |
Whale Worship Festival in Nghe An and Danang
The Whale Worship Festival is now underway in the central region until February 18. An important coastal tradition, the festival prays for calm seas and a bountiful fishing season. Rituals include offering ceremonies, a flower release rite, and a procession. The festival has been declared a National Intangible Heritage.
Vietnamese culture showcased at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair
Nearly 200 books on President Ho Chi Minh, as well as Vietnam's culture and history, are being showcased at the 33rd Havana International Book Fair. Running until the 23rd, the event offers visitors an opportunity to explore Vietnam's rich heritage. Vietnamese officials highlighted the fair's importance in promoting the country's achievements and fostering stronger ties with Cuba and Latin America.
Bac Ninh to get international airport
Vietnam will have another international airport in the northern province of Bac Ninh with a capacity of one million passengers per year by 2030 and three million by 2050. The airport, which has been under construction since December 2024, is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The project aims to boost Vietnam's aviation industry and support Bac Ninh's economic growth. Currently, Vietnam has 11 international airports, of which Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the busiest with 40 million passengers per year.
Hydropower reservoirs release 3.269 billion m3 of water for irrigation
Hydropower reservoirs in the Midland and Red River Delta have released 1.906 billion m3 of water after the second phase of release for the 2024-2025 winter-spring crop. To date, the total release has reached 3.269 billion m3, providing water for 97% of the planned acreage. This process helps regulate river flow, reduce flooding, provide water for agriculture and daily use, and improve the environment.
Russia offers 1,000 scholarships for Vietnamese students
Russia is offering 1,000 scholarships for Vietnamese citizens to study in Russia in 2025. The scholarships will cover undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs, as well as internships and Russian language courses. Scholarships include tuition, living allowance, accommodation, travel, visa fees, health insurance and passport fees.
