Vietnam news in brief - May 14
Keep up with the latest events in Vietnam by visiting The Hanoi Times.
Huadian Corporation eyes expanded renewable energy investment in Vietnam
During a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on May 14, Peng Gangbing, Chairman of China Huadian Corporation, expressed interest in investing in renewable energy in Vietnam, focusing on wind, biomass, and energy storage. The firm has invested $2.8 billion in 1.5 GW energy projects in Vietnam.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Peng Gangbing, Chairman of the Board of China Huadian Corporation. Photo: VGP
Vietnam promotes cooperation with Chinese firms on high-speed rail
Vietnam welcomes long-term collaboration with Chinese firms in high-speed rail investment, construction, and technology transfer. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha told leaders of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) on May 14 in Hanoi to discuss mutual benefits and the development of Vietnam’s railways and their supporting infrastructure.
Finance Ministry urges Meta to establish a presence in Vietnam
The Vietnamese Ministry of Finance urged Meta to establish a commercial presence in Vietnam during a visit to the US for SelectUSA 2025, citing the company's significant local revenue. Meta, for its part, recognized Vietnam’s strategic role in its supply chain and praised the country’s stable policies. This signals potential expansion and deeper cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital innovation.
Vietnam re-elected chair of WCO technical committee
On May 14, Vietnam was re-elected as Chair of the Permanent Technical Committee of the World Customs Organization (WCO) for the 2025–2026 term. This reaffirms Vietnam’s growing leadership role in global customs, recognizes its past contributions, and demonstrates international confidence in its ability to advance key WCO initiatives.
Government pushes new policy on cultural heritage protection
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has been tasked with drafting a decree on managing and promoting UNESCO-listed and national intangible cultural heritage. This policy, to be submitted by May 25, should streamline administrative procedures and support artisans and heritage holders.
A cultural experience program named "Mother Goddess: Pure Heart - Beauty - Joy". The ancient Vietnamese tradition of worshipping the Mother Goddess has been recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO since 2016. Photo: Thanh Tung/kinhtedothi.vn
Vietnam Film Week in Greece opens
The 2025 Vietnam Film Week is underway in Greece until May 20, featuring nine award-winning films that reflect Vietnam’s culture, history, and people. The event celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Greece and includes a special screening on May 19 in honor of President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday.
Vingroup offers to invest in North–South high-speed railway
VinSpeed, a subsidiary of the largest private conglomerate Vingroup, has offered to invest US$61.35 billion in the North–South high-speed rail project. Costing US$67.34 billion, the 1,541-km line will connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, driving the country’s economic growth.
Khanh Hoa launches smart operations center
The southern province of Khanh Hoa, home to the coastal city of Nha Trang, launched its Intelligent Operations Center (IOC) on May 14 to advance digital transformation. The IOC improves real-time management, transparency, and public services. The authorities intend to use AI and big data to improve services for residents and tourists.
