Vietnam news in brief - November 20

Vietnam and Wallonia-Bruxelles sign cooperation agreement for 2025-2027

Vietnam and Belgium's Wallonia-Brussels Federation (FWB) on November 19 signed a cooperation agreement for 2025-2027, focusing on 17 key projects in health, environment, education, and climate change. They pledged to strengthen cooperation, highlighting Belgium's position as a gateway to Europe and Vietnam's as a bridge to Southeast Asia. Both sides have made significant progress in cooperation, including 194 scholarships for Vietnamese students, 184 expert exchange missions and numerous sustainable development projects.

Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 kicks off next month

The Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024 will be held from December 19-22 at Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, attracting nearly 200 companies from 27 countries in ASEAN and other regions. The event will showcase modern armaments, technical equipment, and Vietnamese defense products, seek international cooperation and promote defense potential. The expo is an activity to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army.

Vietnam seeks to strengthen ties with Zacatecas, Mexico

Vietnam seeks to strengthen cooperation with Zacatecas, Mexico, in various sectors and promote technical agreements to boost bilateral trade during a meeting between Ambassador Nguyen Van Hai and local authorities on November 19. Zacatecas pledges to support Vietnamese investment and cultural exchanges ahead of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Mexico diplomatic relations in 2025.

Hoa Binh launches festival to celebrate Da River fish and shrimp

The northern province of Hoa Binh launched a festival on November 19 to celebrate the Da River fish and shrimp brand, promote aquaculture and boost tourism. The event will end on November 23. The province this year reached 12,500 tons of aquatic products, with about 5,000 fish cages and 2,700 hectares of reservoir farming, known for its high-quality aquatic specialties.

Delegates visit booths at the Hoa Binh agricultural products fair. Photo: Vietnam News Agency

Kon Tum promotes culture and tourism with festive activities

The Central Highlands province of Kon Tum will host the 5th Culture and Tourism Week and the 2nd Ethnic Gong and Xoang Festival on December 11-14 under the theme "Experience Culture - Explore Nature". Highlights include street carnivals, ethnic heritage exhibitions, traditional gong performances and tourism promotion events. Aimed at preserving cultural values, promoting Kon Tum's tourism potential and supporting local economic development, the festival welcomes over 1,000 participants in various activities.

Vietnam advances to regional futsal championship

Vietnamese women's futsal team secured an early berth in the 2024 Southeast Asian Championship final after defeating the Philippines 5-0 for their third straight win. With nine points from three wins over Myanmar, Indonesia and the Philippines, Vietnam will face Thailand in their final group match on November 20 before battling it out for the championship on November 21.

Danang to celebrate year-end holidays with cultural vibrancy

Danang X'mas - New Year Festival 2025 will run from December 14 to January 2, 2025, at various venues in the central coastal city of Danang. The festival will feature key highlights including a Christmas-themed light display, a grand opening ceremony, street parades, markets, cultural performances and interactive activities. This inaugural festival celebrates the cultural vibrancy of Danang, attracting tourists and promoting local crafts, cuisine and festive traditions.

Vietnam's textile, garment exports up 11% this year: VITAS

Vietnam's textile and garment exports are estimated to grow 11% year-on-year to reach $44 billion in 2024, the Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association said on November 19. Benefiting from free trade agreements, the industry is targeting $47-48 billion in 2025. Despite global challenges, the sector has maintained strong growth, driven by export shifts, technology adoption, and market adaptability.