Vietnam news in brief - May 20

PM orders full disbursement of public investment funds in 2025

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has mandated full disbursement of public investment funds by 2025, making it a key performance metric for civil servants. Currently, only 10 of 47 central agencies and 36 of 63 cities and provinces nationwide have above-average disbursement rates, with the Ministry of Public Security leading at 27.3%. He cited delays in land clearance, poor management, and lack of accountability as major obstacles, calling for stricter discipline and administrative reforms.

Vietnam plans new spectrum allocation for 5G and 6G

Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology is drafting a new national spectrum plan to support 5G, 6G, and satellite networks, replacing the 2013 version that is now outdated. As of Q1 2025, Vietnam had deployed 10,600 5G base stations and aimed to match 50% of 4G coverage with 5G. The new allocation aims to meet rising connectivity demands and accelerate digital transformation and economic development.

Vietnam among top 15 tourism markets for Singapore

Over 393,000 Vietnamese tourists visited Singapore in 2024, generating $22 billion in revenue and placing Vietnam among its top 15 source markets. To boost tourism, the Singapore Tourism Board forged a strategic partnership between Vietnam Airlines, named the preferred carrier, and the Sentosa Development Corporation, promoting Sentosa as a key destination for Vietnamese leisure and business travelers.

Hanoi convention on cybercrime to open for signature in October

The United Nations Convention on Cybercrime will open for signatures in Hanoi on October 25–26, co-chaired by Vietnam’s President and the UN Secretary-General. Marking the first time a Vietnamese city hosts such a major global treaty, the event demonstrated Vietnam’s commitment to multilateral efforts against cybercrime, which caused $8 trillion in damages in 2023, and sets a legal framework for global cybersecurity cooperation.

Hue receives royal garments of Queen Mother Tu Cung

The Hue Monuments Conservation Center has received two rare ao dai dresses once worn by Queen Mother Tu Cung, mother of Emperor Bao Dai. One dress remains intact, while the other is damaged and missing buttons. Gifted to her nurse in the 1960s and preserved in the US, the garments have now been donated back to Vietnam and are on display at the Hue Royal Antiquities Museum.

Ca Mau to build six water purification plants for 14,000 households

The southernmost province of Ca Mau plans to build six water purification plants worth over US$3.9 million, benefiting more than 14,000 households by the end of this year. Currently, 55% of existing facilities are outdated due to prolonged use and poor maintenance. Urgent water needs in districts like U Minh and Thoi Binh, along with high iron and salinity levels in groundwater, highlight the challenges of accessing clean water.

FPT is among Asia’s top 40 tech firms 

The Vietnamese tech giant FPT has made Gartner's list of Asia's Top 40 IT firms for 2024. Gartner is a global advisory firm that evaluates technology companies and market trends. FPT generated US$1.4 billion in tech revenue, ranking sixth regionally and 140th globally. FPT reported a 13.5% rise in revenue and a 17.9% increase in pre-tax profit in the first four months of 2025, reaching $840 million and $158 million, respectively.