Vietnam news in brief - March 10

The Hanoi Times — Deputy PM orders faster land clearance for highways 

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired a meeting on March 10 in the central province of Quang Tri to discuss problems with five highway projects. He urged authorities to speed up land clearance, especially for the Van Ninh-Cam Lo highway, by March-end to meet the June 2025 deadline. Measures include stricter supervision, special land compensation mechanisms, better coordination, and contingency plans for slow contractors.

Vietnam Airlines to launch direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Bali

Vietnam Airlines will launch direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Denpasar, Bali, with seven round trips per week starting June 2025. This will be the airline's second route to Indonesia, bringing the total number of flights to the country to 14 per week. Vietnam Airlines also signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia's travel association ASTINDO to promote tourism between the two countries. In 2024, more than 800,000 passengers flew between Vietnam and Indonesia, an increase of 61% from 2019.

Viettel to test 5G in the Middle East

Viettel has signed a memorandum of understanding with Du (Emirates Integrated Telecommunications) to test and develop "Make in Vietnam" 5G solutions in the Middle East. This partnership will support smart cities, VR/AR and IoT applications. Viettel is currently the only company in the world that both operates a telecommunications network and manufactures network equipment. Viettel's efforts have positioned Vietnam among the top six countries in the world with 5G network equipment manufacturing capabilities.

Vietnam, Australia team up for high-tech research

Vietnam and Australia will establish a strategic technology center led by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology. Located at the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) in Hanoi, the center will be connected through Nokia's Digital Automation Cloud (DAC). It will serve as a hub for collaboration on strategic technology research and cybersecurity, including emerging 5G and 6G technologies.

Vietnam pushes for local railway engineering

Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Danh Huy has called for special mechanisms, such as financial incentives and government contracts, to help Vietnamese enterprises take the lead in railway development. The amended Railway Law, which was discussed in the National Assembly on March 10, prioritizes investment in high-tech railway products and requires contractors and investors to localize production processes. The law is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for review in May.

Exhibition highlights national sovereignty

The exhibition "Hoang Sa, Truong Sa - Sacred Islands" and "Vietnam People's Navy - 70 Years of Maritime Defense" opened in Vung Tau City on March 10. The event features nearly 200 precious documents, maps, and pictures from national archives, museums, and international institutions, reaffirming Vietnam's sovereignty over the Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos. It also highlights the heroic history of the Vietnam People's Navy.

FTSE Russell to review Vietnam's market upgrade potential

FTSE Russell will publish its mid-term market classification review on April 9, 2025. Vietnam is one of two markets, along with Greece, on the watch list for an upgrade from Frontier Market to Secondary Emerging Market. The country has met seven of the nine criteria, with issues related to non-prefunding and failed trade handling. The upgrade is possible by September 2025.

Taiwan tech firm invests additional US$30 million in Ha Nam

Wistron NeWeb of Taiwan (China), a supplier to SpaceX, will pour an additional $30 million in its subsidiary, Neweb Vietnam, in the northern province of Ha Nam. The investment will support the production of satellite and mobile communication equipment at the Dong Van III Industrial Park. Neweb Vietnam, which was established in 2020 with $60 million, aims to double its production capacity in the second phase of expansion.

Coffee roasters compete in Buon Ma Thuot Festival

The Vietnam Amazing Roast Master 2025 competition, part of the 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, features 36 top roasters from 13 provinces. Held on March 10-13 in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, the competition includes sample roasting and final rounds of pour over and phin brewing. The event celebrates the art of coffee roasting and promotes skill development for international competitions.