Vietnam news in brief - February 9
Read The Hanoi Times to keep up with the latest news from Vietnam.
Prime Minister urges completion of expressway to strengthen regional connectivity
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the delivery of the Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon Expressway by the end of 2025, emphasizing its role in improving regional transportation. During his visit to Quang Ngai on February 9, he called on the contractors to work in shifts, optimize resources and cooperate with local businesses, while the authorities must quickly remove remaining obstacles. The $814 million project is currently 55% complete.
| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh inspects the implementation of the Dung Quat - Sa Huynh coastal road project. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP |
Vietnam-US trade reaches US$11.1 billion in January
Total trade between Vietnam and the US reached $11.1 billion in January, with Vietnam's exports worth $9.8 billion. The trade surplus was $8.5 billion, down 3.5% year-on-year. The US remains a key market for Vietnam, especially in high-tech investment and global supply chains.
220kV power line gets underway to boost connection between northern grid and Laos
Vietnam has started construction of the 220kV Do Luong-Nam Cam transmission line to improve power supply in Nghe An and alleviate shortages in northern Vietnam. The 37-kilometer, $22.6 million project, scheduled for completion in 2025, will also strengthen electricity connectivity with Laos, supporting regional energy cooperation and stability.
Vietnam's outbound investment surges in January
Vietnam approved 10 new overseas investment projects with total registered capital of $83 million in January, up 5.1 times year-on-year. None of the projects had capital adjustments.
Tan Cuong Spring Tea Festival highlights Vietnam's tea culture
The "Tan Cuong Spring Tea Festival" concludes today (February 9) in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, celebrating the region's renowned tea industry. Visitors enjoyed traditional tea-making, competitions and cultural activities. Declared a national intangible cultural heritage, Tan Cuong tea remains an important agricultural product, with over 1,400 hectares producing 22,000 tons annually.
Number of green certified buildings in Vietnam doubles in 2024
The number of green-certified buildings in Vietnam reached 163 in 2024, doubling last year, according to the Vietnam Green Building Market Overview 2024 report by the EDGE certification system and the World Bank's IFC. In total, Vietnam now has 559 buildings with 13.6 million square meters of green-certified floor space. Ho Chi Minh City ranks first with 3.4 million square meters of certified green building area, followed by Hanoi, Binh Duong, Bac Ninh, and Haiphong.
Vietnam's EV and hybrid car market expected to grow 25-30% this year
The EV and hybrid car market is projected to grow by 25-30% this year, accounting for 15-20% of total passenger car sales in Vietnam. VinFast leads with 87,000 EVs, followed by Toyota (5,350 hybrids), Suzuki (2,515 hybrids) and Honda (1,905 hybrids). Vietnam is promoting EV adoption as part of its COP26 commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Growing demand is attracting more international brands to the market.
| Vinfast's VF7 model is very popular in Vietnam. Photo: Vinfast |
Over 60 Vietnamese firms take part in Ambiente 2025
Vietnam has 65 enterprises participating in Ambiente 2025, alongside 4,660 companies from nearly 170 countries and territories. Ambiente is one of the world's leading trade fairs for consumer goods, handicrafts and interior design held in Germany. After 20 years of participation, Vietnamese businesses aim to further expand into the European market, better understand consumer preferences, and improve product quality.
