Vietnam news in brief - May 27
Read The Hanoi Times' Vietnam News in Brief to stay updated with the latest information about the country.
Brunei Sultan plans to visit Vietnam
Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah expressed his desire to visit Vietnam with the sultana in 2025 to strengthen bilateral ties at the meeting with Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Kuala Lumpur on May 27. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in energy, fisheries, and halal food. They also reaffirmed their commitment to the 2023–2027 Action Program.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. Photo: Nhat Bac/VGP.
40 French firms eye investment in Vietnam
A delegation of 40+ French firms met Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc on May 27 to explore trade and investment during President Macron’s visit. Phoc urged stronger legal ties to fully leverage the EVFTA and EVIPA. France is Vietnam’s No.2 EU investor and top European ODA provider, with 2024 trade topping $5.4 billion.
Vietnam - ASEAN trade hits US$30.4 billion
Vietnam’s total trade in goods with ASEAN reached US$30.4 billion in the first four months of 2025, according to the General Department of Customs. Exports totaled US$12.5 billion, up 2.9% year-on-year, while imports rose 18.5% to US$17.9 billion. ASEAN is currently Vietnam’s 4th largest trading partner, after China, the United States, and South Korea.
Vietnam promotes digital leadership
The Vietnam-Asia DX Summit 2025, held on May 27–28 in Hanoi, gathers 2,500+ local and international delegates to boost digital cooperation. Vietnam aims to rank among ASEAN’s top three in digital competitiveness and foster five global tech firms by 2030. Key focuses include AI, green tech, and cross-border collaboration.
Viettel and KT drive AI development and training
Viettel, Vietnam’s leading telecom group, and South Korea's KT signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on May 27 to drive AI-powered digital transformation. Together, they will develop AI solutions tailored to Vietnam, expand them globally, and establish an AI data center and GPU server cluster. The two companies will also establish a Global Development Center in Hanoi to train high-quality AI and IT talent.
Vietnam National Brand Week kicks off in Japan
Vietnam officially launched its National Brand Week at EXPO 2025 Osaka on May 26, featuring signature products from nearly 40 businesses. This event increases the international projection of Vietnamese brands and offers trade and investment opportunities. Displays will be open at the Vietnam Pavilion and Festival Station from May 26 to 31.
Vietnamese enterprises visit and exchange information at several thematic pavilions built and operated by major Japanese corporations. Photo: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Expressway in central Vietnam to be widened
The La Son-Hoa Lien expressway expansion project connecting Thua Thien-Hue and Danang is set to begin on May 29 to double the width to four lanes. The 65-kilometer expressway, with a total investment of $120 million, boosts regional connectivity and supports national defense and economic development along the North–South expressway corridor.
Vietnam clears explosives at Southeast Asia's largest hydropower plant
The northern province of Hoa Binh safely destroyed 244 wartime explosives, including a 2,000-pound bomb and other munitions, and recovered from the Da River, home to Southeast Asia’s largest hydropower plant. About 5.6 million ha or 17.7% of Vietnam's total land is estimated to remain affected by about 800,000 tons of wartime unexploded ordnance (UXO).
