Vietnam news in brief - January 9

Vietnam, Laos pledge stronger cooperation at Intergovernmental Committee session

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone pledged to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen the special friendship between their nations at the 47th session of the Vietnam-Laos Intergovernmental Committee on January 9. Both leaders stressed the importance of comprehensive cooperation, especially in the fields of economy, trade, investment and defense and security. Bilateral trade turnover exceeded $2.2 billion in 2024, with a target to increase by 10-15% in 2025.

Vietnam strengthens Francophone diplomacy by hosting APF meeting in Cantho

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai said on January 9 that hosting the APF Executive Committee meeting in Cantho from January 21-24 underscores Vietnam's leadership in the Francophone community and its role in multilateral diplomacy. The event demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to international cooperation in sustainable agriculture, food security and climate change response while showcasing the Mekong Delta's cultural identity on the global stage.

Vietnam Airlines to lease three A320s for Lunar New Year traffic surge

Vietnam Airlines will lease three Airbus A320 aircraft from January 13 to February 12 in anticipation of the Lunar New Year traffic surge. These aircraft will add 75,000 seats, equivalent to 400 flights, on key domestic routes. With a fleet of more than 100 aircraft, the airline aims to offer over 2.15 million seats, ensuring high-quality service and an enhanced passenger experience.

Vietnam Airlines will lease three Airbus A320 aircraft from January 13 to February 12 due to increased air traffic during the Lunar New Year period. Photo: Nhandan.vn

Vietnam, Singapore to boost cooperation on green and circular economy strategies

Vietnam and Singapore reaffirmed on January 9 their commitment to advancing strategic cooperation in environmental protection, climate change and sustainable development. Highlighting Singapore's role as a strategic partner, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Do Duc Duy expressed hope to expand cooperation in the green economy, circular economy, and digital transformation to contribute to a sustainable future for the region.

Uruguay, Vietnam deepen ties with growing diplomatic and trade cooperation

Juan Castillo, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Uruguay, highlighted the strong potential for Uruguay and Vietnam to deepen comprehensive cooperation. Diplomatic and trade relations between the two countries have developed under Uruguay's Broad Front coalition. The visit of Vietnamese Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet and the naming of the Vietnam Space in Montevideo underscore the growing bond between the two nations ahead of the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Vietnam.

UOB forecasts Vietnam's GDP growth at 7% in 2025

United Overseas Bank Limited (UOB) forecasts Vietnam's GDP growth to reach 7% in 2025, driven by strong momentum from 2024, which saw an increase of 7.09%, exceeding the target of 6.5%. Key drivers include manufacturing, services and exports, which reached a record US$400 billion in 2024. UOB expects flexible policies to support continued economic growth and expects the USD/VND exchange rate to remain stable at around 26,000 by the end of 2025.

Five earthquakes hit Kon Tum today

Five consecutive earthquakes struck the central highland province of Kon Tum on January 9, the strongest of which measured 4.2, causing significant shaking but no damage to people or property. These are induced earthquakes caused by the accumulation of water in hydroelectric reservoirs.