Vietnam news in brief - March 25

Vietnam seeks German investment in international financial center

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh called on German experts and businesses to partner with Vietnam and become the first foreign investors in the country's international financial center. Speaking at a forum in Germany on March 24, he highlighted Vietnam's efforts to create a transparent, investor-friendly financial hub by streamlining procedures, improving the legal framework and upgrading infrastructure. He also witnessed the signing of two cooperation agreements between Vietnamese and German business associations.

Granma launches special archive marking 65 years of Vietnam-Cuba ties

Cuba's Granma newspaper has launched "Cuba y Vietnam: Lo del andar" (Cuba and Vietnam: The Journey), a digital archive commemorating 65 years of relations between Vietnam and Cuba. Launched on March 24, it features more than 5,000 articles on the Vietnamese War of Resistance, Cuban-Vietnamese solidarity, and Fidel Castro's 1973 visit to Quang Tri, as well as 200 rare photos of Hanoi in the 1970s. More than preserving history, the project reaffirms an enduring and boundless friendship between Vietnam and Cuba in a changing world.

Deputy PM urges reforms at Vietnam Development Bank

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc urged special regulations for the Vietnam Development Bank (VDB) in the revision of the State Capital Management Law on March 25. He called for restructuring, debt recovery, and efficient use of capital, while emphasizing innovation for sustainable growth. He also requested an audit for a Politburo report and supported VDB's continued lending for key national projects and social housing.

Vietnamese cultural festival unites communities in Japan

The Vietnamese Culture Festival 2025 will be held in Osaka, Japan on March 29-30, ahead of major Vietnamese holidays. The event, which is expected to attract 20,000 visitors, aims to strengthen the Vietnamese community in Japan and promote Vietnamese culture and history. Highlights of the event include a re-enactment of the Hung Kings' Day of Remembrance, a Guinness World Record attempt by 5,000 people to form a map of Vietnam, and traditional costume performances.

Vietnam honors Hung Kings worldwide through 2025 ceremony

The 2025 Global Hung Kings Memorial and Honoring Ceremony will be held on April 7 (March 10 lunar) in both in-person and online formats. The Hung Kings Memorial Day honors the legendary founders of Vietnam. Now in its 10th year, the event will be held in several countries including Russia, Laos, Thailand, South Korea and Germany, promoting Vietnam's cultural heritage and strengthening international solidarity.

Economic policies shape Vietnam’s business outlook for 2025

Vietnamese businesses face challenges that require effective support policies. Recent decisions have set specific economic growth targets with a focus on science, technology and the private sector. This creates both significant pressures and opportunities for the country to break through. These insights were shared at the "Vietnam's 2025 Economic Landscape and Key Policies" conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25.

Airlines add flights for holiday and summer travel surge

Vietnamese airlines will add more than 76,000 domestic flights in anticipation of increased travel during the holiday period from April 30 to May 1 and the peak summer season. A total of 7,536 flights are planned for the holiday period, an increase of 20% over last year. During the summer, from May 15 to August 15, airlines plan to operate 68,558 flights, an 18% increase compared to 2024. Flight schedule parameters will also be adjusted for major holidays based on market demand and airline schedules.

Stable ferry fares boost tourism appeal on Co To Island

Ferry operators on Co To Island, in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh have pledged to keep ticket prices unchanged this year despite rising tourist numbers, helping to boost local tourism. The province is also introducing new tourism services, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting green transportation. In 2024, the number of visitors to Co To jumped to 513,913, up 16.2% from 2023, proving the destination's appeal as one of Quang Ninh's top tourist attractions.

Lam Dong avocados to be promoted on Vietnam Airlines flights

The Central Highlands province of Lam Dong's avocados will be promoted on Vietnam Airlines flights to South Korea from June to July 2025, with Lam Ha District providing six tons of avocados free of charge. The campaign, targeting 52,000 passengers, will include in-flight meals featuring the fruit. Lam Dong has nearly 7,000 hectares of avocado farms, producing 65,000 tons annually.