Vietnam news in brief - June 7

Vietnamese PM seeks support for EVIPA

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for the establishment of a Vietnam-Estonia joint committee on economic and innovation cooperation and urged support for the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) during his official visit to Estonia from May 5 to 7. Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges, economic ties, and parliamentary cooperation.

Vietnam eyes OECD membership

To support its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2030 and a developed nation by 2045, Vietnam is strengthening its engagement with the OECD by participating in specialized committees and policy dialogues. Through this cooperation, the OECD will assist Vietnam with economic reform, competitiveness, and aligning with global governance standards. A national OECD–Vietnam program is being developed to guide future integration efforts.

Government advances reform through public input

Vietnam collected over 280 million public opinions on draft amendments to the 2013 Constitution, including those from overseas experts, with a 99.75% approval rate. The transparent and participatory process utilized tools like VNeID to promote civic engagement. The proposed changes strengthen local governance, legal oversight, and the roles of political organizations.

Vietnam welcomes 9.2 million foreign visitors in Jan-May 

As of the end of May 2025, Vietnam had received 9.2 million international visitors, up 21.3% on year. Tourism revenue reached approximately US$1.53 billion. The increase was fueled by major events like the Danang International Fireworks Festival (May 31–July 12). This year, sustainable travel, immersive local experiences, and package tours remain top trends among domestic tourists.

Vietnam draws US$18.39 billion in FDI

In the first five months of 2025, Vietnam attracted $18.39 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), which was a 51.2% increase from the previous year. The manufacturing sector received the most investment (60.1%), followed by real estate (30.7%). Singapore topped the list of investors with $2.12 billion, ahead of China and Japan. Meanwhile, outbound Vietnamese investment doubled to $317.3 million.

Vietnam, China airlines launch joint venture

Vietnam Airlines and China Southern Airlines will launch a joint venture on August 1, providing air connectivity between Vietnam and China. The expansion of their 2022 strategic agreement aims to increase bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural exchange by leveraging their respective flight networks.

Vietnam sets women’s football development strategy 

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has officially launched the Women’s Football Development Strategy by 2027. Funded by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the move aims to professionalize domestic leagues, invest in female coaching and refereeing, expand school-based soccer, and commercialize the national women’s league. Long-term goals include becoming one of Asia’s top five teams and qualifying for the 2026 and 2029 Asian Cups and the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.