Vietnam news in brief - July 5

Vietnam leads UN peacekeeping budget resolution for Abyei

Vietnam successfully coordinated a $310 million budget resolution for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. In this role, Vietnam helped to secure unanimous approval and reaffirmed core peacekeeping principles. With almost 200 personnel deployed, Vietnam is one of the largest contributors to UNISFA.

Vietnam sees 7.31% growth in H1 growth

Vietnam’s economy grew by 7.31% in the first six months of 2025, marking the highest growth rate in the first half since 2008. This was driven by a 14.4% expansion in exports and a trade surplus of $7.63 billion. Registered foreign direct investment (FDI) surged by 32.6% to reach $21.5 billion.

Vietnam phases out magnetic ATM cards

Vietnamese banks stopped accepting magnetic stripe ATM cards from July 1 to promote digital banking. Around one million cards are being replaced with chip-based versions, which offer stronger encryption. Banks are offering free replacements via their branches, mobile apps, or hotlines. Mobile banking will remain available for payments and withdrawals throughout the transition period.

Summer camp unites young overseas Vietnamese

The Vietnam Camp will bring together 110 outstanding young Vietnamese people from 31 countries to explore the country’s culture and history from July 13 to 26. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this year includes visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Central Highlands, as well as the first-ever exchange with Vietnam's peacekeeping forces.

Vietnam’s CATI-VLM ranks among world’s top AI document models

Developed by the CMC Applied Technology Institute in Vietnam, CATI-VLM was ranked among the world’s top 12 and first in Vietnam in the DocVQA category at the Robust Reading Competition in June 2025. Built on a 5TB dataset, the model excels at interpreting Vietnamese documents, including those with handwritten text and complex layouts. 

Vietnam celebrates ethnic culture 

The Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism is hosting “Back to the Village: Experiencing Traditional Culture” in Hanoi throughout July. More than 100 people from 16 different ethnic groups will be showcasing traditional homes, crafts, dances, and cuisine. Featured events promote national pride in the lead-up to War Invalids and Martyrs Day on July 27.