Vietnam news in brief - March 27
The Hanoi Times always delivers Vietnam’s latest news to readers.
Vietnam proposes solutions to combat global air pollution
Vietnam proposed key initiatives and solutions at the 2nd Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health in Colombia on March 25-27, reaffirming its strong commitment to tackling air pollution. Led by Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Lien Huong, the Vietnamese delegation highlighted the country's proactive role in global efforts to combat air pollution and protect public health.
Health Ministry asks higher health insurance subsidy for students
The Ministry of Health has proposed raising the minimum health insurance subsidy to 50% for primary to high school students, while keeping it at 30% for university students. If approved, the government would allocate around US$150 million annually to support student health insurance, which currently costs US$35 per year. The proposal was presented at a conference in Hanoi on March 27.
The Mekong Delta is famous for tourism with stunning river landscape. Photo: Huu Tuan/The Hanoi Times
Mekong Delta struggles to attract investment
The Mekong Delta faces investment challenges due to poor transport infrastructure, skills shortages, climate risks, and an uncompetitive business environment. Despite being home to 20% of Vietnam's population, it contributes only about 13% of the national GDP and receives only 5% of the total FDI. At the 2024 Mekong Delta Economic Report event in Ho Chi Minh City on March 27, officials called for stronger policies to unlock economic potential and catch up with other regions.
Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet expand international network
Vietnamese airlines are expanding their international network, with Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet leading the way. In particular, Vietnam Airlines will resume direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow after a three-year suspension due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The airline also plans to launch a direct Hanoi-Milan route and introduce 15 new routes by 2025. Meanwhile, Vietjet is also opening more routes across Asia and preparing to enter European markets.
Vietnam Airlines' narrow-body Boeing 737 MAX. Photo: Vietnam Airlines
Top 10 ESG companies in finance and securities announced
Viet Research and Finance & Investment Newspaper have announced the top 10 ESG enterprises in finance and securities under the Vietnam Green 2025 (EGS10) initiative, with big names such as SSI, MBS, Bao Viet Securities, and Vietcap. The EGS10 marks the first step in the transition of Vietnamese companies towards sustainable development and helps the country integrate deeper into the global economy. The full list is available at www.esg10.vn.
Vietnamese Export Goods Fair showcases key industries and green trade
Some 750 local businesses and 200 international buyers participated in the 2025 Vietnamese Export Goods Fair, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on March 27. The fair highlights key export sectors and promotes green, digital trade solutions. A special showcase of premium bird's nest products also kicks off the Vietnam Bird's Nest Festival 2025 in November.
VIB seeks strategic partners and plans capital increase
Vietnam International Bank (VIB) is seeking strategic partners for synergy after ending its 15-year partnership with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). Speaking at the bank's annual general meeting on March 27, VIB Chairman Dang Khac Vy stressed the importance of choosing partners with strong customer bases and technology. VIB is also looking to increase its equity to take advantage of future opportunities and is targeting 22% profit growth to $440 million in 2025.
Green products impress at sustainable consumption workshop
Major Vietnamese brands showcased eco-friendly innovations at the "Green Products and Services - Consumer Demand" workshop in Ho Chi Minh City on March 27 as part of the Vietnam Green 2025 project. Products showcased at the event included recycled fiber clothing, biodegradable packaging, and sustainable agricultural goods, highlighting companies' efforts to reduce emissions and adopt greener production methods amid growing climate concerns and resource shortages.
Vietnamese students turn garlic peels into eco-friendly insect repellent
A group of students in Ho Chi Minh City launched the NIION project, turning discarded garlic peels into biomass pellets that repel insects. Since garlic peels contain natural antibiotics and cannot be buried, this innovation helps reduce waste and environmental impact. The project will compete in the national startup contest organized by the Ministry of Education and Training in April.
