Vietnam News in Brief - March 9

Ministry of Public Security showcases modern equipment in Hanoi

Exhibition and experience areas of the Ministry of Public Security attracted locals and tourists in the pedestrian streets of Hoan Kiem, Hanoi on March 8-9. Exhibits included modern equipment, riot control and firefighting vehicles, and fire safety education. Visitors took part in hands-on activities such as first aid and fire extinguisher training, while traffic police demonstrated advanced enforcement tools.

Coffee exhibition opens in Buon Ma Thuot

The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Industry Exhibition 2025 is now underway until March 13 in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak, featuring 435 booths from 180 domestic and international exhibitors. The event promotes Vietnam’s coffee industry, highlights advanced processing technologies, and fosters trade connections. Visitors can explore brewing techniques, modern equipment, and sustainable farming innovations, reinforcing Buon Ma Thuot’s global coffee reputation.

Ho Chi Minh City inaugurates first metro line

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) was officially inaugurated on March 9 after more than two months of running. Costing VND43.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion), it's Japan's largest ODA-funded project in Vietnam. On this occasion, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc called for people to use the metro.

VinFast ships nearly 2,500 EVs to Indonesia ahead of Eid al-Fitr

Nearly 2,500 VinFast electric vehicles are on their way to Indonesia aboard the Silver Queen, which left the northern coastal city of Haiphong on March 8 and is expected to arrive in Jakarta on March 11-12. This is VinFast's largest shipment to Indonesia. The consignment, which includes VF 3, VF 5, VF e34, and Nerio Green models, is aimed at meeting demand ahead of the Eid al-Fitr (the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan) celebrations.

Kien Giang police bust $16.2 million online betting ring

Police in the southernmost province of Kien Giang have busted a $16.2 million online soccer betting ring and arrested seven suspects. The operation, led by Nguyen Dang Khoa, used the "Bong88.com" platform with a multi-level account system. Authorities seized cash and electronic equipment.

Nationwide run encourages energy conservation for Earth Hour 2025

As part of Earth Hour 2025, a nationwide run was organized to promote energy conservation. The event took place in Hanoi on March 8 and attracted nearly 2,000 people. An online version via 84RACE will continue until March 31. The run supports the message of "Green Transition - Green Future" and encourages sustainable energy use throughout the country.

Binh Dinh offers free charter train tickets to boost tourism

Tourists who book tours to the central coast province of Binh Dinh will receive free round-trip tickets on charter trains from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang from March 29 to April 1. The program celebrates Binh Dinh's 50th anniversary and aims to boost tourism. Special theme tours, cultural festivals, and investment promotion events will also be held during the celebrations.

First Ho Chi Minh City festival in Tokyo

The 10th Vietnam-Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City themed “Hand in Hand - Towards the Future” opened on March 8. The two-day event features cultural, tourism, sports, and business exchanges. Marking a decade of success, it strengthens bilateral ties. Notably, Ho Chi Minh City will also host its first festival in Tokyo on November 1-2.