Vietnam news in brief - January 17

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets Vietnamese community in Poland

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the Vietnamese community and embassy staff in Warsaw during his official visit to Poland on January 16. Emphasizing unity between overseas Vietnamese and their homeland, he called on the embassy to enhance support for the community. The Prime Minister also proposed 10 key measures to strengthen ties with Poland, including promoting Vietnamese language education, recognizing Vietnamese as an ethnic minority, and deepening bilateral cooperation.

Officials and staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Poland welcomed Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP

Vietnam-Poland trade shows strong growth in 2024

Trade between Vietnam and Poland reached $3.44 billion in 2024, an increase of 21.7% from 2023, showing significant growth in bilateral commerce. Vietnam's main exports to Poland include electronics, machinery, garments, footwear, seafood, and steel products. Poland, one of Vietnam's earliest diplomatic partners since February 4, 1950, has continued to strengthen political, trade, and investment ties with the country.

Vietnam's pepper exports soar in value despite volume declines 

Vietnam exported 250,600 tons of pepper in 2024, earning $1.32 billion, a 45.4% increase in value despite a 5.1% drop in volume from 2023. Black pepper accounted for $1.18 billion, while white pepper brought in $200.6 million. Export prices surged, with black pepper averaging $5,154 per ton, up 49.7%, and white pepper at $6,884 per ton, up 38.9%, driven by strong global demand and reduced supply.

Vietnam-China cultural exchanges mark 75 years of diplomacy

The Vietnam-China Border Spring Art Exchange Program and People's Border Festival 2025 were held on January 16 in the city of the northern mountain province of Lao Cai. With 11 captivating performances by artists from Lao Cai, Vietnam and Honghe, China, the event celebrated 75 years of Vietnam-China diplomatic relations, highlighting cultural solidarity, mutual understanding, and aspirations for prosperity and peace.

Cultural diplomacy event celebrates Lunar New Year traditions

The "Vietnamese Tet Symphony" cultural diplomacy program took place in Hanoi on January 16, gathering nearly 150 delegates, including ambassadors and diplomats. The event showcased Vietnam's Lunar New Year traditions with activities like calligraphy, traditional handicrafts, and folk games. It aimed to enhance cultural exchanges and promote Vietnam's rich heritage globally.

Art exhibition celebrates 95 years of Communist Party 

The "95 Springs Under the Party Leadership" exhibition opened in Hanoi on January 17, featuring 66 artworks marking the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1930-2025). The pieces reflect Vietnam's revolutionary history, cultural heritage, and development. Visitors can explore traditional art techniques and purchase unique souvenirs at the exhibition, which runs until February 27.

The exhibition "Stone Stele Stories 2" at the Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam. Photo: Hoang Lan/ Kinh te & Do thi newspaper.

Cantho hands over charity houses to families ahead of Tet

The western city of Cantho handed over 30 charity houses to families in Thoi Lai District on January 17, ahead of Tet 2025. The initiative, under a city program to eliminate inadequate housing, is part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam. The total cost of the houses was VND1.8 billion ($73,200), demonstrating community solidarity and gratitude to families with revolutionary merits and revolutionary contributors.

Stone steles display Vietnam's educational legacy and cultural milestones

The exhibition "Stone Steles Tell Stories 2" was opened at Doctor Steles Garden in Hanoi on January 16. It celebrates the Lunar New Year 2025, the 95th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (1930-2025), and the 950th anniversary of the first Confucian examination. With four themes, it highlights Vietnam's educational history, famous scholars, and the artistry of 82 Doctor Steles.