Vietnam news in brief - January 16

Exhibition marks 95 years of the Communist Party of Vietnam

The National Museum of History opened the exhibition "The Communist Party of Vietnam - Historical Milestones" on January 16 to mark the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam. With 150 artifacts, documents and pictures, the exhibition highlights the founding and achievements of the Party and inspires national pride. The exhibition will run through March 16.

Vietnam announces 45-day visa exemption for three European countries

The Government announced a 45-day visa waiver for citizens of Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic from March 1 to December 31, 2025. The policy is aimed at attracting more foreign tourists, supporting the recovery of the tourism industry, and reaching the target of 25-28 million visitors in 2025.

Japan grants US$5.05 million for human resources development in Vietnam

Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki and Deputy Minister of Education Nguyen Van Phuc formalized Japan's US$5 million Human Resource Development Scholarship Program (JDS) on January 15. The program supports young Vietnamese officials to pursue advanced studies in Japan, addressing development challenges and fostering bilateral relations. Since 2001, more than 800 Vietnamese officials have studied in the East Asian country.

Japanese Ambassador to Vietnam Ito Naoki and Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Van Phuc. Photo: Japanese Embassy

JICA and TPBank sign US$120 million loan for MSMEs

JICA and TPBank recently signed a US$120 million loan agreement, co-financed by the US Development Financial Corporation (USDFC), to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Vietnam. As part of the Private Sector Investment Finance (PSIF) framework, the project promotes financial inclusion, improves access to finance for businesses and low-income individuals, and supports sustainable economic growth.

Vietnam hosts "Symphony of Tet" to celebrate culture

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the "Symphony of Vietnamese Tet" program on January 16 to showcase traditional Tet culture and promote international exchanges. The spouse of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Ngo Phuong Ly, together with ambassadors and diplomats, joined in activities such as making banh chung (Vietnamese square sticky rice cakes), enjoying folk music, visiting Tet flower markets and traditional craft villages.

Tan Son Nhat Airport braces for 900,000 passengers

Tan Son Nhat International Airport expects to handle 900,000 passengers during the Lunar New Year in 2025, a 4% increase from 2024, with up to 917 flights per day, according to the Authority of Civil Aviation. Vietnamese airlines have added 14 aircraft, bringing the total to 212, and have scheduled nearly 3,100 night flights to efficiently handle peak travel.

GEARS@VIETNAM boosts ESG practices for businesses in Vietnam

The GEARS@VIETNAM program, which aims to help companies implement comprehensive ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices in human resource management, was held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 16. Supported by the Australian Government's Investing in Women initiative, the program provides the GEARS (Gender Equality Assessment, Results, and Strategy) tool to help companies strategize on gender equality, enhance reputation, meet international standards, and increase competitiveness in the global supply chain.

Ho Chi Minh City leads Vietnam in new business registrations

Ho Chi Minh City led the country in new business registrations in 2024 with 48,700 enterprises, according to the General Statistics Office. Hanoi followed with 29,000 businesses. Nationwide, 157,200 new businesses were established with total capital of US$63.1 billion, slightly lower than in 2023. Some 76,200 enterprises resumed operations, an increase of 30.4% year-on-year, with a significant growth of 42% in the real estate sector.