Vietnam news in brief - May 1

Sri Lankan President to visit Vietnam and attend Vesak 2025

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake will pay a state visit to Vietnam and attend the United Nations Day of Vesak on May 4 - 6, at the invitation of President Luong Cuong. The visit is expected to strengthen relations between Vietnam and Sri Lanka and affirm Vietnam’s role in the international Buddhist community.

Government issues controlled sandbox decree for banking sector

Vietnam’s banking sector is set to enter a new era of innovation with the implementation of Decree No. 94/2025/ND-CP, which takes effect on July 1, 2025. The decree establishes a controlled sandbox mechanism allowing the trial rollout of fintech-driven products, services, and business models. Aimed at modernizing the financial system, the sandbox promotes inclusive, transparent, and low-cost financial solutions while enabling regulators to assess potential risks over a two-year trial period.

Traffic accidents drop sharply on the first day of national holiday

During the first days of the five-day national holiday starting on April 30, there were 42 accidents nationwide, resulting in 14 deaths and 38 injuries, down 50% in case, 60% in fatalities, and 40% in injuries compared to 2024. Traffic police handled 8,706 violations, including drunk driving, speeding, overloading, and drug use. Authorities took proactive measures to ease congestion at major hotspots in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and surrounding provinces.

Vietnam’s pangasius exports hit $182 million in March

In March, Vietnam earned $182 million from pangasius exports, up 16% from the previous year. Exports to China increased by 6% to over $38 million, and exports to the US jumped by 28% to $29 million. China and the US remained the top buyers, primarily importing frozen fillets.

Tan Son Nhat Airport handles 122,000 passengers daily during holiday

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is expected to handle up to 122,000 passengers per day during the April 30–May 1 holiday, reflecting a 9% increase compared to last year. With approximately 740 flights scheduled daily—most of them domestic—the airport is ramping up operations to manage the five-day travel surge. Measures include free shuttle bus services and early check-in recommendations to ensure smooth passenger flow.

Ninh Thuan promotes culture and tourism with a festive week

The 2025 Week of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Cuisine in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan is now underway until May 4, marking 50 years of national reunification (1975–2025). The event features hot air balloons, drone shows, fireworks, traditional festivals, local crafts, and food exhibitions. It aims to promote the province’s cultural identity and tourism potential to visitors and investors.

Exhibition in Haiphong honors patriotism and national pride

The photo exhibition "The Nation in Complete Joy" is running in the port city of Haiphong from April 28 to May 4. The exhibition commemorates 50 years of national reunification (1975–2025) and 71 years since the Dien Bien Phu Victory (1954–2025). It features 200 photos and documents that honor Vietnam’s heroic past, nurture patriotism, and inspire younger generations.