Vietnam news in brief - May 26

PMs of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia meet at ASEAN Summit

The prime ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia on May 26 met on the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia to enhance cross-border infrastructure, trade, digital transformation, education, border security coordination, and tourism. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also delivered a letter from Vietnamese General Secretary To Lam inviting the leaders of Laos and Cambodia to attend Vietnam’s 80th National Day celebration, which falls on September 2.

Defense ministry seeks feedback on 2013 Constitution amendment

The Ministry of National Defense held a conference on May 26 to collect feedback on proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution. The amendments are expected to establish a legal basis to improve defense-related legislation and develop a modern, streamlined military structure. 

VNVC boosts vaccine access nationwide

The Vietnam Vaccination Center (VNVC) began offering the 20-valent Pfizer pneumococcal vaccine at over 220 centers nationwide on May 26. The vaccine, produced in Belgium, protects against 20 high-risk strains and is used in nearly 50 developed countries. Its introduction marks a significant stride toward aligning Vietnam’s immunization standards with global practices and broadening access to cutting-edge vaccines.

Vietnamese seafood gains ground in Russian market

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam exported $64 million worth of seafood to Russia during the first four months of 2025. This figure represents a 7% year-on-year increase and ranks Vietnam third among exporters to the market. Key products include pangasius fillets, cod, and shrimp. Conversely, Russia’s seafood exports to Vietnam dropped 5% to $33 million.

Vietnam shines in regional karate

The Vietnamese national karate team won three gold medals and one bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Karate Championships in Uzbekistan on May 25. Notable moments included Hoang Thi My Tam’s decisive victory in the women’s 55 kg kumite category and the team's gold medal wins in women's kata and kumite. Overall, the team ranked third, behind only Kazakhstan and Japan, marking a strong showing in the region.

Jujitsu team lifts Vietnam’s ranking

The Vietnamese jujitsu team won seven gold medals, two silver medals, and six bronze medals at the 2025 Asian Jujitsu Championships in Jordan, finishing third overall. Performances were delivered by Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc, Tran Hong An, and Dao Hong Son, among others, in the fighting, contact, and newaza events. 

Vietnam GameVerse 2025 highlights game industry’s potential

Vietnam is emerging as a major player in the global gaming market in 2024 with 6.1 billion downloads. At Vietnam GameVerse 2025, held in Ho Chi Minh City on May 26–27, experts pointed to product quality, business efficiency, and emerging technologies like AI as the industry’s key growth drivers. The event gathered stakeholders from government, publishers, developers, investors, and academia, reflecting strong momentum and rising investment interest in Vietnam’s gaming sector.

Hanoi showcases heritage through tourism

The Hanoi Tourism Festival 2025 will take place from May 30 to June 1 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel to show its cultural heritage. The event will feature themed spaces dedicated to cuisine, crafts, and smart tourism.