Vietnam news in brief - October 18

Vietnam ready to protect citizens in Middle East

Vietnam is ready to protect its citizens in the Middle East amid escalating conflicts in the region, according to a Foreign Ministry statement on October 17. There are still about 700 Vietnamese citizens  in Israel, 13 in Lebanon, and 8 in Iran. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating with local authorities to monitor the situation and has contingency plans for evacuation if necessary.

Vietnamese government plans US$19.52 billion debt repayment in 2025

The Vietnamese government plans to repay VND468.542 trillion (US$19.52 billion) in 2025, nearly 40% higher than the previous four-year average. This repayment is equivalent to about 24% of state revenue, close to the 25% ceiling set by the National Assembly. Vietnam is expected to borrow about VND815.238 trillion($33.97 billion), a 20.6% increase from 2024. 

Vietnam achieves historic ranking in economic freedom

According to the 2024 Annual Report on Economic Freedom, Vietnam has achieved a historic milestone by ranking 99th out of  165 nations, marking its first entry into the top 100 for economic freedom. This improvement from 123rd in 2022 reflects the government’s policy adjustments during the pandemic. The report highlights challenges and suggests focusing on macroeconomic stability, reducing government spending, and  expanding trade to sustain growth.  

Hoi An Ancient Town. Photo: Vietnam Tourism

Hoi An and Luang Prabang to strengthen tourism ties

Hoi An and Luang Prabang on October 17 signed an agreement to cooperate in cultural heritage management and tourism development. The two UNESCO World Heritage Sites will share experiences in heritage conservation and tourism promotion and organize joint tours of their heritage sites. This partnership aims to enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between the two cities, thereby boosting their global tourism appeal.  

Vietnam showcases literature at the Frankfurt Book Fair

Vietnam showcased its rich literary  trove of over 1,000 titles from 23 domestic publishers at the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair, held from October 16 to 20. The event provided a platform to promote Vietnamese culture globally and foster international publishing collaborations, including discussions for Vietnam to be  the Guest of Honor in 2028. Vietnam’s participation focused on the dynamic growth of its publishing industry in the digital age.  

The booth of Kim Dong publishing House at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2024. Photo: Baovanhoa.vn

Forum explores strategies for sports economy