Vietnam news in brief - May 31 

Vietnam launches portal to enhance legal access

The National Legal Portal was officially launched on May 31 at phapluat.gov.vn. Designed to be a centralized online legal hub, the portal offers AI-powered legal assistance, public feedback features, and access to laws and regulations. It aims to enhance transparency, support businesses and citizens, and promote institutional reform in accordance with Party resolutions.

Vietnam reaffirms defense stance and commitment to regional peace

At the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31, 2025, Defense Minister Phan Van Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s “four no’s” defense policy and stressed peaceful dispute resolution, respect for international law, and multilateralism. On the Eastern Sea, he called for adherence to UNCLOS and the DOC, and urged swift adoption of a Code of Conduct to ensure regional peace and maritime stability.

Vietnam, Argentina boost trade ties at business forum

Trade cooperation between Vietnam and Argentina was highlighted at the Argentina–Vietnam Business Forum (FINAV) on May 30. The two countries have built a stable and growing trade relationship, with bilateral trade nearing US$5 billion in recent years. Argentina remains one of Vietnam’s key suppliers of agricultural products, while Vietnam exports high value-added goods such as phones, electronics, footwear, and textiles to the South American nation.

Vietnam deepens Japan ties through festival

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung attended the Vietnam Festival at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo on May 31. The event, a key cultural diplomacy platform, celebrates strong Vietnam-Japan ties. With over 100 booths and vibrant activities, it fosters cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and connections between the two countries' citizens.

Gia Lai launches 2025 Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign

The Central Highlands province of Gia Lai kicked off its 2025 Summer Youth Volunteer Campaign on May 31, focusing on 12 key targets. Activities include housing support, tree planting, rural road construction, job counseling, and free swimming lessons. The campaign also promotes AI use, heritage digitization, and child support, reflecting the active role of youth in social and community development.

Red Journey 2025 fosters spirit of blood donation

The 13th Red Journey blood donation campaign will take place from May 30 to July 30 throughout 48 provinces and cities. The campaign aims to collect around 100,000 blood units. Since its launch in 2013, the program has expanded to 59 localities and collected nearly one million blood units. The Red Journey continues to address blood shortages and promote the humanitarian message of "Connecting the Vietnamese Bloodline."

Hanoi promotes tourism with cultural festival

The 2025 Hanoi Tourism Festival is now underway at Thang Long Imperial Citadel until June 1, with the theme “Experience Hanoi”. With the aim of boosting tourism and promoting regional connections, the festival features 150 booths showcasing Hanoi’s highlights through VR, 3D mapping, and cultural displays. There are also culinary offerings, performances and children's activities.

Global Vietnamese Singing 2025 kicks off in Hanoi

The Global Vietnamese Singing Contest 2025 officially launched in Hanoi on May 30, featuring several tech-driven innovations such as livestreams, behind-the-scenes videos, and TikTok content to boost audience engagement and transparency. Open to Vietnamese citizens aged 16 to 60, the competition includes four rounds, with 20 finalists set to perform at the grand finale in Hanoi on October 18.

Binh to host Vietnam Robot Innovation Contest 

The northenr province of Ninh Binh will host the Vietnam Robot Innovation Contest with 32 finalist teams from 19 universities from June 8–13. The winner will compete at the 2025 ABU Robocon in Mongolia, themed “Basketball Robots.” The event also features "Robotics Connect," a workshop and exhibition on robotics, AI, and automation.

Vietnam and Paraguay boost trade and tech cooperation

On the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Paraguay (May 30, 1995 – May 30, 2025), Honorary Consul María Del Carmen Pérez highlighted the countries' strong potential for bilateral cooperation. Vietnam could export industrial goods, and Paraguay could export beef and oilseed products. Both countries aim to strengthen their ties in trade, technology, and culture. Recent high-level visits have paved the way for deeper strategic engagement.

Vietnam climbs higher in Global Startup Rankings

According to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, Vietnam ranks 55th worldwide, marking its third consecutive year of improvement. Ho Chi Minh City entered the Top 5 in Southeast Asia for the first time, Hanoi rose nine places to 148th, and Da Nang jumped 133 spots to 766th. To advance on the global startup map, experts advised further policy reforms.

Ba Ria-Vung Tau commits to reforms and transparent investment

The southeastern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau pledged to continue reforms and maintain a transparent and safe investment environment at the 2025 Investment Conference on May 30. At the event, which was attended by foreign diplomats and organizations, the province introduced 24 key projects and signed strategic deals. It also reported $1.25 billion in newly registered and adjusted foreign direct investment (FDI) from January to May.

Binh Duong exports nearly $15 billion in first five months

In the first five months of 2025, Binh Duong’s industrial production rose 9.22%, with exports reaching $14.8 billion (up 9.9%) and imports up 10% to $10.5 billion. Key exports included wood products, textiles, and electronics, while major imports were raw materials and machinery. Foreign direct investment jumped 2.3 times to $795 million, and domestic investment rose 32.7% to $2.7 billion.

Ha Nam advances tourism through infrastructure and regional links

The northern province of Ha Nam is boosting tourism by improving infrastructure, fostering regional connectivity, and embracing digital transformation. At the “Connectivity and Outreach” conference on May 30, over 200 travel businesses discussed new tour products to attract more international tourists. Ha Nam is positioning itself as a rising destination. In 2024, it received 4.7 million visitors and was awarded titles such as: "World’s Leading Local Cultural Destination" and "Asia’s Leading Emerging Travel Destination," granted by the World Travel Awards.

Hue  sets up council to restore Nguyen Dynasty throne

The central city of Hue established a council on May 30 to evaluate the damage to and restore the royal throne of the Nguyen Dynasty, a national treasure that has deteriorated over time and was recently vandalized. By doing so, the city aims to preserve Vietnam’s cultural heritage and support international promotional efforts, as the throne symbolizes the country’s rich imperial legacy and craftsmanship.