Vietnam news in brief - May 24 

Vietnam works for balanced trade with the US

Vietnam works towards balanced trade with the US, protects its core interests, and strengthens the two countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It's the news reported at the government meeting today chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Mail officials of the second round of Vietnam-US bilateral trade talks held in Washington, D.C., from May 19 to 22 said significant results have been made so far, making the two sides understand each other more. The country hopes to conclude the talks as soon as possible.

Vietnam-Malaysia trade hits $14.2 billion in 2024

Both Vietnam and Malaysia are aiming to reach a bilateral trade target of $18 billion. Two-way trade hit $14.2 billion in 2024, compared to $8 billion in 2015. Key Vietnamese exports include rice, coffee, and processed goods, while Malaysia supplies fuel and electronic components. 

Vietnam’s trade exceeds $313 billion, FIEs dominate

Vietnam’s total trade value had reached US$313.26 billion as of May 15, marking a 15.3% rise from the previous year. The foreign invested enterprises (FIEs) dominated with $211.59 billion, up 15.5% on year. Exports reached $157.5 billion, up 13.3%, and imports increased to $155.76 billion, up 17.4%. There was strong growth in exports of electronics, machinery, and computer components.

Exhibition on President Ho Chi Minh opens in Japan

The “President Ho Chi Minh: Symbol of Peace and Friendship” exhibition opened on May 23 at EXPO 2025 in Japan to celebrate President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday and 52 years of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan. Visitors can explore rare photos, films, and documents reflecting Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy and gain insight into his 30-year journey for national liberation. The exhibition will continue in Fukuoka from May 28 to 29.

Vietnam promotes global green efforts

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly, Le Minh Hoan, emphasized Vietnam’s dedication to global environmental initiatives at the 11th Nevsky International Ecological Congress in Saint Petersburg, Russia. As a representative of the Vietnamese legislature, Hoan proposed three initiatives on inter-parliamentary cooperation, green finance, and digital transformation for biodiversity conservation, showing Vietnam’s active role in addressing global ecological challenges.

Teaching Vietnamese language at Malaysian university

The University of Malaya, Malaysia’s oldest university, offers Vietnamese language and culture courses as electives. These courses attract over 100 students annually, deepening cultural ties and mutual understanding. Since its revival in 2023, the program has helped foster friendship between Vietnam and Malaysia through people-to-people exchanges.

Nearly 130 athletes join Phung Hung Wrestling Cup in Hanoi

Hanoi's Son Tay Town is hosting the 4th Phung Hung Traditional Wrestling Cup from May 23 to 27. Nearly 130 athletes from 17 provinces and cities will compete at the event rich in traditional values. The event celebrates Vietnam’s martial heritage tied to the national heroes Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. It also promotes Son Tay as the historic "land of two kings" to visitors from across the country.

Ford recalls SUVs over camera software glitch

Ford Vietnam is recalling Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured between January 2019 and July 2023 to update the 360-degree camera software and fix display errors that could increase the risk of collisions when reversing. The update is free and takes less than half a day. It can be done at home. In February, over 4,000 units were previously recalled due to a separate assembly issue.