| Vietnam News Today (Apr. 15) notable headlines Vietnam consistently regards China as top priority in its foreign policy Vietnam, RoK step up trade ties to aid businesses Vietnam's natural beauty and culinary delights praised by Chinese media Hanoi - favorite travel destination for New Zealanders Ninh Binh holds unique Trang An Festival 2025 Philippine coast guard makes its first visit to Vietnam Government and NA leaders meet Chinese President Xi Jinping Ethiopian PM starts official visit to Vietnam Reforming economic institutions: A catalyst for Vietnam’s sustainable growth |
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| Overview of the talks between the two high-level delegations of Vietnam and China |
Vietnam consistently regards China as top priority in its foreign policy
The Party and State of Vietnam always consider developing relations with China an objective necessity, a strategic choice, and a top priority in its overall foreign policy.
Party General Secretary To Lam made the statement during his talks in Hanoi on April 14 with Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, who is leading a high-level Chinese delegation on a state visit to Vietnam, coinciding with the Year of Vietnam-China humanistic exchange and the 75th anniversary of both nations’ diplomatic relations.
He expressed his belief that the visit would mark a new milestone in the history of the friendly relations between the two Parties, countries, and peoples as a contribution to further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and promoting the building of a strategically significant Vietnam – China community with a shared future.
In response, the top Chinese leader affirmed his readiness, through this visit, to work with General Secretary To Lam and other key leaders of Vietnam to engage in in-depth discussions on orientations and measures to strengthen the traditional friendship, define a vision for building a China- Vietnam community with a shared future that holds strategic significance in line with six major orientations, move forward together with greater resolve, and make greater contributions to the global community.
Xi Jinping also spoke highly of the tremendous achievements and significant outcomes of the bold reform measures implemented by the Party and State of Vietnam in recent times. He expressed his belief that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, headed by General Secretary To Lam, the Vietnamese people will surely fulfill the set goals and tasks, and confidently lead the country into a new era of development.
He affirmed that China remains committed to its policy of friendship with Vietnam, always regards Vietnam as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy, and consistently supports the neighboring country’s prosperous development and the well-being of its people.
In a warm, sincere, and candid atmosphere, the two leaders engaged in in-depth discussions on the situation of each Party and country, the relations between the two Parties and the two nations, as well as regional and international issues of mutual concern.
Regarding orientations for developing the relationship between the two Parties and two countries in the coming period, both sides agreed to maintain regular high-level exchanges, upgrade the Strategic Dialogue mechanism between the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, and public security to the ministerial level; ramp up practical cooperation in a multitude of fields, establish a Joint Railway Cooperation Committee between the two Governments to boost railway cooperation; organize well the activities of the Year of China-Vietnam Humanistic Exchange 2025, consolidating the social foundation; further strengthen multilateral coordination; and settle differences appropriately.
General Secretary To Lam proposed that both sides maintain regular strategic exchanges, enhance cooperation between the two Parties in key fields, especially foreign affairs, defense, and security; promote the connection of strategic transport infrastructure, offer the best preferential loans, technology transfer, and human resource training, making the utmost effort to ensure the progress of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project. He also suggested that both sides advance digital transformation and scientific and technological cooperation as a new “bright spot” in Vietnam-China relations, step up cooperation in key technologies; intensify more balanced trade, higher-quality investment, focus on implementing major, emblematic projects in Vietnam, and help Hanoi and other big cities tackle air pollution.
He also hoped that both sides would solidify the social foundation, promote propaganda and education among the people, especially the younger generation, about the fine traditional friendship between Vietnam and China; organize a theoretical seminar between the two Parties this year; further augment cooperation in education, especially training high-quality human resources across a variety of fields, including fundamental sciences and new strategic sectors in high technology, to effectively serve the process of building a new quality production force, and and encourage more tourists to visit the other country, cited VOV.
Agreeing with and appreciating General Secretary To Lam's proposals, Xi Jinping suggested that both sides persist in deepening strategic trust, exchange experience in state governance, enrich socialist theory and practice, and firmly promote the socialist cause of both countries; effectively implement cooperation between the “Belt and Road Initiative” and the “Two Corridors, One Belt” framework; welcome more Vietnamese goods to be exported to the vast Chinese market, and encourage more Chinese businesses to invest in Vietnam; bolster cooperation in production and supply chains, expand collaboration in high-tech areas such as 5G, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, semiconductor chips, green development, and turn technological innovation into real productive force; carry out rich and diverse cultural exchanges, organize friendly exchanges, and better tell the story of the friendship between the two peoples. In the next three years, China invites Vietnamese youth to participate in the Red Journey to study the revolutionary history of the two countries.
On multilateral forum cooperation, Party chief To Lan and President Xi Jinping hoped that both sides would strengthen judicial cooperation and law enforcement within the framework of the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation.
The senior leaders of both sides consented to direct their agencies at all levels to actively seek effective methods and measures to appropriately resolve differences and promote cooperation consistent with the new level of Vietnam-China relations based on international law; strictly adhere to the consensus between ASEAN and China in implementing the DOC and work towards a substantive, effective COC in accordance with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
After the talks, the two Party chiefs viewed and were introduced to 45 cooperation agreements across various fields signed between the departments, ministries, agencies, and localities of the two countries, showing the rich and comprehensive achievements that both sides have gained during this visit.
On the evening of the same day, General Secretary To Lam and President Luong Cuong hosted a grand banquet in honour of General Secretary and President Xi Jinping and his entourage.
Vietnam, RoK step up trade ties to aid businesses
Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) have agreed to boost cooperation in trade, industry and energy to support businesses amid global economic uncertainties.
The commitment was made during the 14th Meeting of the Vietnam–RoK Joint Committee on Trade, Industry and Energy Cooperation and the 8th Meeting of the Joint Committee on Implementation of the Vietnam–RoK Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), co-chaired in Hanoi by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun.
The ministers noted steady progress in bilateral ties, with trade reaching 81.5 billion USD in 2024, up 7.3% from 2023. They agreed to continue leveraging Vietnam-Korea Plus joint working groups to support businesses and push forward with the bilateral Action Plan to raise trade turnover to 150 billion USD by 2030 in a more balanced manner.
Key areas of cooperation include logistics, distribution, textile investment, and multilateral trade frameworks such as ASEAN–RoK, RCEP, APEC and IPEF, according to VNA.
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| Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien (R) and Korean Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Dukgeun sign cooperation documents in the meeting. (Photo: VNA) |
On industry, both sides discussed implementing the Essential Minerals Supply Chain Technology Cooperation Center and the second phase of the Vietnam Technology Advice and Solutions Center (VITASK 2), alongside supporting Vietnam’s Industrial Development Law and enhancing workforce training in fields like shipbuilding.
Energy cooperation covered electricity, oil and gas, clean energy and nuclear power. Vietnam welcomed Korean investment and proposed collaboration on ammonia co-firing technology.
Marking a decade of VKFTA implementation, the ministers reaffirmed its role in expanding trade and investment. They also discussed easing trade procedures and addressing technical barriers.
At the end of the two meetings, the ministers signed three key documents and witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding on nuclear power and power transmission between relevant agencies of both countries.
Vietnam's natural beauty and culinary delights praised by Chinese media
China Global Television Network (CGTN) recently released a video showcasing Vietnam's breathtaking landscapes, including the capital city Hanoi and the UNESCO-listed natural wonder of Ha Long Bay.
The video titled “Hello, Vietnam”, was released right before the Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping's visit to Vietnam, cited VOV.
On the same day, CGTN also posted another video introducing the country’s world-famous landscapes to the Chinese people, including Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, the beautiful beaches in the central city of Da Nang and Nha Trang city in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa, and Hoi An Ancient Town in the central coast province of Quang Nam, as well as delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
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| Ha Long Bay, the only UNESCO-recognized natural heritage site of Quang Ninh province (Photo: CGTN) |
In its article, CGTN shared that Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for Chinese tourists to enjoy thanks to its stunning array of natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant daily life.
“The country's proximity to China, along with streamlined visa policies and convenient transportation options, has further fueled the growth of cross-border tourism,” it noted.
In addition, CGTN also hailed Vietnamese cuisine, known for its fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and rich regional diversity, as a highlight of any visit.
“From fragrant bowls of pho to savory seafood specialties and vibrant street food found in bustling night markets, the country's culinary scene leaves a lasting impression on travelers,” it concluded.
Hanoi - favorite travel destination for New Zealanders
House of Travel, the largest travel company in New Zealand, has revealed a shift in holiday trends among Kiwi travelers. While destinations such as Queensland, Fiji, London, the Cook Islands, and Sydney have traditionally topped the list, emerging hotspots now include Tokyo, Bali, and Hanoi.
David Coombes, CEO of House of Travel, said that his firm has seen a significant 130% year-on-year increase in holiday bookings to Hanoi by New Zealanders, alongside a 32% rise for Bali and 11% for Tokyo.
"This growth reflects a shift in Kiwi travel appetites, as families grow confident about exploring new destinations, where the New Zealand dollar has strong value on the ground," he commented.
Despite the shift, Fiji remained a popular choice, the agency said, offering parents the chance to enjoy a well-earned 'flop and drop' vacation, while their little ones were kept entertained in the renowned kids' clubs, VNA reported.
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| Tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City downtown. (Photo: VNA) |
"Nearly 230,000 Kiwis visited Fiji last year, accounting for around 25 percent of total arrivals," Coombes said. "Of those, over 50% had visited at least once before, and about a third returned for their third visit or more."
He said many New Zealanders felt Australia was like a home away from home, with both Queensland and Sydney proving popular destinations for the school holidays.
"Sydney is a city that gives visitors an energy boost. With a packed events calendar and an award-winning theatre line-up, it's a must-visit destination," he said.
Meanwhile, Queensland offered family-friendly attractions, beautiful beaches and easy public transport options, the travel agency said.
Ninh Binh holds unique Trang An Festival 2025
Trang An Festival 2025 themed “Trang An – Millennium Heritage, Sacred Spirit of Mountains and Rivers” took place at the Trang An Eco-tourism Complex in Ninh Binh Province on April 13 (the 16th day of the 3rd lunar month).
The festival saw the attendance of Nguyen Thi Thanh, Member of the Party Central Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly.
Held annually, Trang An Festival commemorates the merits of Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong, a general under the reign of the 18th Hung King who defended the Son Nam border and safeguarded the nation’s territory. He also brought favourable weather and prosperity to the people. In recognition of his contributions, King Dinh Tien Hoang conferred upon him the title of the guardian deity of the southern gateway of the Hoa Lu four sacred temples.
This year, visitors to the festival enjoyed various unique activities including a ceremonial drum performance at Tam Quan Gate; a dragon procession from Tam Quan to Trang An Wharf; water and palanquin processions blending with captivating art performances on the Sao Khe River; and an incense offering ceremony at Suoi Tien Temple — dedicated to Saint Quy Minh Dai Vuong — with prayers for peace, favourable weather, bountiful harvests, and to honour the ancestors who pioneered and defended the sacred Trang An heritage land.
A standout feature of the festival was a large-scale art performance program, with 20 live stages spread throughout the heritage area. Over 600 artists and performers presented more than 50 traditional art forms from across Vietnam, including Quan Ho from Bac Ninh, Hue royal court music, gong performances, Kim Son drum dances, Xuan Pha folk plays, Cheo and Xam singing, and dances from the Dao Do, San Diu, and Lo Lo ethnic minority groups, cited NDO.
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| Trang An Festival serves as a convergence and connection of the unique cultural values of the ancient capital land, showcasing the distinctive spiritual and religious culture of the people of Ninh Binh. |
With its message of forest protection, ecosystem preservation, and sustainable development, the 2025 Trang An Festival aimed to continue promoting a mindset of harmony with nature, honoring the deep history and enduring value of the Trang An Landscape Complex. It also sought to inspire revolutionary tradition, national pride, and the unique cultural, historical, and spiritual identity of an ancient capital nestled in a heritage site.
The ultimate vision is to transform Hoa Lu into a millennium heritage city — a creative urban hub, a cultural and tourism industry center of regional and international stature, a green lung, and a driving force for growth in the Red River Delta.
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