Vietnam news in brief - May 9

Nghe An to honor national leader with grand festival

The 2025 Lang Sen (Lotus Village) Festival will be held May 10-19 in the central province of Nghe An to celebrate the 135th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19, 1890-2025). On a national scale, the festival will feature a variety of cultural events, culminating in the inauguration of a 10-meter bronze statue and a 15-minute fireworks display on May 15.

Vietnamese tech firms showcase solutions in Japan

Vietnam participated in SusHi Tech Tokyo 2025 from May 8-10, with 30 booths showcasing leading IT firms under the Vietnam Association for Digital Transformation in Japan (VADX Japan). Showcasing solutions in AI, blockchain, IoT, and cloud, the Vietnamese delegation aimed to promote technological capabilities and foster partnerships amid Japan's growing demand for digital transformation and skilled IT professionals.

Partnership rolls out digital tools for SMEs

VIB, Visa, and VNPAY launched on May 9 a comprehensive digital financial solution tailored for Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve operational efficiency, streamline payment processes, and drive sustainable growth. The integrated ecosystem includes credit and lending products, digital banking tools, corporate payment solutions, e-invoice management, and digital contracts, enabling SMEs to optimize cash flow, reduce costs, and improve competitiveness in today's economic landscape.

5G network speeds skyrocket across the country

Vietnam's average 5G download speed reached 354.88 Mbps and upload speed hit 94.92 Mbps in April, over 50% faster than in March. Viettel led the way with record 5G speeds of 364.43 Mbps (download) and 97.6 Mbps (upload). Fixed broadband also surged, with VNPT nearly doubling its download speed to 193.47 Mbps, leading all providers.

Hanoi tightens control over counterfeit drugs

Hanoi will conduct unannounced inspections of pharmaceutical businesses from May 8 to June 8 to combat counterfeit, substandard, and untraceable drugs. The campaign will target pharmacies at hospital doors and drug markets, focusing on documentation, storage conditions, and product origin. Violations may result in fines, license revocation, or criminal investigation, depending on the severity.

Khanh Hoa to promote tourism with cultural events

The central coast province of Khanh Hoa will host the 2025 Sea Culture and Tourism Festival under the theme "Nha Trang say Hi!" from June 7 to July 9, replacing the usual biennial Sea Festival. With 36 events in culture, sports, and cuisine, the festival aims to promote Nha Trang's coastal tourism and culture, and is expected to attract 1.5 million visitors.

Designer opens water-inspired show in HCMC

The "The Light of Water" collection by Vietnamese designer Le Thanh Hoa will open the Vietnam International Fashion Week Spring-Summer 2025 to take place in Ho Chi Minh City from June 5 to 8. The collection celebrates the elegance and power of water. Known for his sophisticated storytelling through fabric, Thanh's return marks a symbolic fusion of tradition and innovation in Vietnamese fashion.