Vietnam news in brief - February 19

President Luong Cuong meets ASEAN ambassadors to boost regional partnership

President Luong Cuong met with the ASEAN and Timor Leste’s Ambassadors on February 19 at the President Palace. The meeting highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN members and supporting Timor Leste’s integration into the bloc, focusing on regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development initiatives. 

National Assembly approves US$8.37 billion railway project

Vietnam’s National Assembly approved the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway project on February 19. The project aims to meet domestic and international transport needs between Vietnam and China, supporting economic and social development. The 390.9 km railway, with a total investment of $8.37 billion, is expected to be completed between late 2025 and 2030.

Vietnam strengthens cruise tourism to boost maritime economic growth

Vietnam welcomed nearly 2.1 million international tourists in January 2025, including 45,000 cruise passengers. The steady influx of luxury cruise ships signals strong growth potential for the country's cruise tourism sector. With a coastline stretching over 3,260 kilometers, Vietnam is strategically positioned to enhance its global tourism standing. Key destinations such as Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc are central to the country's efforts to foster sustainable growth in maritime tourism and boost its economic impact.  

Vietnam's dragon fruit is welcomed in different markets. Photo: VNA

Vietnam-Australia strengthen fruit export ties

Australia has begun exporting plums to Vietnam, while Vietnam is shipping passion fruit to Australia under a bilateral agricultural market access agreement. The export initiative aims to expand consumer choices and strengthen trade relations. Currently, Vietnam permits the import of only four Australian fresh fruits: cherries, grapes, citrus fruits (oranges and tangerines), and summer fruits (peaches and nectarines).

Hanoi increases monitoring amid rising disease cases

Hanoi will strictly monitor infectious diseases, particularly seasonal flu, measles, and severe viral pneumonia to ensure timely prevention. Authorities also urge stronger disease prevention efforts in schools, including isolating sick children and maintaining hygiene.

Vietnam-Cambodia enhance cooperation to combat transnational crimes

Vietnam and Cambodia have agreed to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crimes, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cyber fraud. On February 19, in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister Sar Sokha signed the 2025 cooperation plan, focusing on joint investigations, border crime control, and coordination in multilateral crime prevention frameworks.

Campaign promotes humanitarian support for disadvantaged communities

The fundraising campaign “Humanitarian Journey – Spreading Love” is now underway until April 14, aiming to raise US$40,000. The campaign supports disadvantaged groups through free medical checkups, housing, livelihoods, and school facilities in historically significant provinces like Quang Tri, Dak Lak, Dong Thap, and Ho Chi Minh City. 

Tourists visiting Hanoi. Photo: Hoai Nam/Economic and Urban Newspaper.