Vietnam news in brief - May 19

PM urges completion of US$2.5 billion National Exhibition Center by August 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh today [May 19] called for the completion of the US$2.5-billion National Exhibition and Fair Center in Hanoi’s Dong Anh District by August. Spanning over 90 hectares, the center is designed to host major international expos and become Southeast Asia’s leading cultural and trade event hub. It will host Vietnam’s 80th National Day exhibition.

Vietnam, China boost cross-border tourism at Ban Gioc Waterfall

Vietnam and China held their 14th meeting last week to strengthen tourism cooperation at the Ban Gioc–Detian Waterfall border site. Since opening on September 15, 2024, the zone has welcomed 14,883 visitors, most of whom were Chinese tourists visiting the Vietnamese side. The two countries agreed to improve infrastructure and services and manage the area under bilateral agreements to promote sustainable border development.

Maritime transport grows by 11% in first four months

Vietnam's seaport and inland waterway cargo volume totaled 370.5 million tons from January to April, marking an 11% year-on-year increase. Ho Chi Minh City led the growth with a 12.96% rise, followed by Vung Tau with 9%, and Haiphong 5.5%. Meanwhile, northern inland ports surged 33%, while central regions saw declines.

Vietnam partners with TikTok to promote tourism

Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and TikTok signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 19 to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism through digital media. It aims to raise Vietnam’s global profile and attract international visitors. TikTok will support Vietnam’s participation in EXPO 2025, which runs from April 13 to October 13 in Osaka, Japan.

Ho Chi Minh City starts construction of 20,000-sqm park in Cu Chi

Ho Chi Minh City has begun construction on a 20,000-square meter public park in Cu Chi District, funded by nearly $860,000 from the city budget. The project is expected to be completed by 2025 and will include recreation and fitness zones, walking paths, and green spaces. As the first project under the 2020–2030 green space development plan, the park aims to enhance the urban landscape and improve the quality of life.

Bac Giang expects 165,000 tons lychee harvest 

Bac Giang, the northern province and top lychee hub in Vietnam, expects to harvest 165,000 tons of lychees in 2025, up 65% from last year. The province plans to export 500 tons to the European Union (EU) and participate in the China-ASEAN Expo to boost its global reach.

Photo exhibition honors President Ho Chi Minh

A photo exhibition titled "President Ho Chi Minh in the Hearts of the People and Humanity" is being hosted in Hanoi on May 19 to celebrate the 135th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 19, 1890). The exhibition draws locals and visitors and highlights the beloved leader’s lasting legacy at home and abroad.