| Vietnam News Today (Apr. 19) notable headlines Deputy FM receives US Senior Official for East Asia and Pacific Affairs UN, Vietnam step up efforts on cybercrime convention Argentina highlights significance of Vietnam’s reunification victory Weak cold spell to bring cooler weather, scattered showers to northern Vietnam ADB: Vietnam poised for breakthroughs in green growth and digitalization Vietnam to host leading food, beverage, and packaging expo in August PM urges Warburg Pincus to boost fair, sustainable Vietnam-US trade Vietnam boosts charge to match EV growth Workshop promotes Vietnam-Japan cultural exchange |
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet (R) and Sean Kotaro O’Neill, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the US. (Photo: VNA) |
Deputy FM receives US Senior Official for East Asia and Pacific Affairs
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet had a meeting with Sean Kotaro O’Neill, Senior Bureau Official for the Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs of the US, in Hanoi on April 18, which also saw the attendance of US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E. Knapper.
Viet welcomed the positive progress in the Vietnam–US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly in high-level meetings and exchanges, cooperation in overcoming war consequences, and collaboration in emerging sectors such as high technology and energy.
The Deputy FM affirmed Vietnam’s desire to work closely with the US to realise the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in a more practical and intensive way that benefits both nations' people and businesses.
Viet expressed concerns over the US's imposition of high reciprocal tariffs on Vietnamese goods. He stressed that the two economies are highly complementary, and affirmed that Vietnam is ready to closely coordinate with the US to devise concrete measures that promote stable, long-term and mutually beneficial trade and economic ties, bringing practical benefits to people and businesses of both countries, cited VNA.
For his part, O’Neill reiterated that the US highly evaluates Vietnam’s role and position in the region, and pledged to continue close coordination with the Southeast Asian country to effectively implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Regarding cooperation at regional forums, he reiterated the US's support for ASEAN centrality and its active participation in ASEAN-led forums.
The two sides agreed to closely coordinate to organize activities marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, especially mutual high-level visits.
UN, Vietnam step up efforts on cybercrime convention
UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Fathi Waly has affirmed that the agency will work closely with Vietnam to ensure the successful organization of the signing ceremony for the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime also known as the Hanoi Convention, and to encourage its swift ratification and effective implementation.
Recently, Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Head of Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to the UN and international organizations in Vienna, Austria, met with Waly to discuss preparations for the ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in October 2025.
At the meeting, Ambassador Hoang said that relevant domestic and international agencies are working closely with UN bodies to make thorough preparations for this globally significant event. He expressed appreciation to the UN, and UNODC in particular, for their strong support and partnership. Both sides hope the ceremony will draw broad participation from high-level representatives of UN member states.
Adopted by consensus after five years of negotiations, the Convention is the first global legal framework on cybercrime, underscoring the international community’s strong commitment to combating transnational organized crime, particularly the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex threat of cybercrime, according to VOV.
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| UN Deputy Secretary-General and UNODC Executive Director Ghada Fathi Waly meets with Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang (Photo:VGP) |
On the sidelines of the signing event, Ambassador Hoang invited Waly to meet with several Vietnamese agencies responsible for crime prevention and to consider signing new cooperation projects between Vietnam and UNODC.
Waly’s visit to Vietnam is expected to further boost bilateral cooperation and enhance Vietnam’s contribution to global efforts to fight crime. She praised Vietnam’s active and responsible engagement throughout the drafting of the Hanoi Convention and its proactive role in preparing for the signing ceremony.
UNODC is confident the event will be a success and serve as a key milestone that demonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to combating crime. The UNODC official also expressed hope that Vietnam will continue to work hand in hand with the UN and UNODC to promote the Convention’s ratification and its effective implementation worldwide.
Argentina highlights significance of Vietnam’s reunification victory
A commemorative event has been organized by the Communist Party of Argentina (PCA) in Buenos Aires to honor the significance of Vietnam’s victory on April 30, 1975, a pivotal moment that marked the liberation of the South and national reunification.
The April 16 gathering, held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of this milestone, brought together Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet and PCA General Secretary Jorge Kreyness, among others.
In his remarks, Marcelo Rodriguez, head of the PCA Central Committee's department for foreign affairs and Director of the PCA's Hector P. Agosti Marxist Studies and Training Center (CEFMA), emphasized the event’s importance in further strengthening the long-standing bonds between the two nations, as well as the relationship between the PCA and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV).
Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet reaffirmed the great significance of the 1975 Spring Victory in the Vietnamese people's resistance against the US, according to VNA.
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| The liberation flag flies at Tan Son Nhat Airport on April 30, 1975. (Photo: VNA) |
She also spotlighted the country’s remarkable socio-economic achievements under the leadership of the CPV during nearly four decades of Doi moi (Renewal). These strides have elevated Vietnam into the ranks of the world’s 40 largest economies and brought considerable improvements in defense - security policies and living standards.
The diplomat stressed that these accomplishments, widely acknowledged by the international community, have positioned Vietnam to confidently step into a new era. With aspirations for peace, prosperity, democracy, and development, the country continues its steady path toward socialism.
For his part, Ruben Dario Guzzetti, coordinator of the Vietnam research group at the CEFMA, underscored the significance of the Vietnamese people's struggle under the CPV's leadership in defeating colonialism and imperialism in 1975 and reunifying the country. He also praised Vietnam’s current level of development and growing international stature.
Meanwhile, head of the PCA Central Committee's information department Hernan Randi recalled how the Vietnamese people's struggle inspired the Argentine youth during the 1970s.
He honored the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, as well as the solidarity extended by the Argentine people in support of Vietnam, underscoring the CPV's guiding role throughout the nation's historic journey.
Weak cold spell to bring cooler weather, scattered showers to northern Vietnam
Northern Vietnam is forecast to experience a shift from scorching heat to cooler weather with scattered showers and thunderstorms over the next 10 days due to an incoming weak cold front, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.
In the central region, localised heat will persist from April 23, while the south will continue to see generally stable weather, hot during the day with potential evening thunderstorms.
On April 18, northern provinces are experiencing strong sunshine, with highs ranging from 32–35°C and some areas exceeding 35°C. From April 19, widespread heat is expected, especially in the northwestern region where intense heat may occur.
Between April 20 and 22, hot and sunny conditions will continue across the north, with real-feel temperatures possibly 2–4°C higher than actual readings depending on surface exposure, cited VOV.
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| Weak cold spell to bring rain to northern Vietnam. |
From the evening of April 22 through April 25, scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected, with locally heavy rain, mostly in the late afternoon and at night, following the arrival of the cold front.
In Hanoi, from April 19 to 22, the weather will be partly cloudy with no rain, hot during the day with highs up to 36°C, and cooler at night with lows around 25–26°C. The large day–night temperature variation may affect health, therefore residents are advised to take appropriate precautions.
ADB: Vietnam poised for breakthroughs in green growth and digitalization
Ahead of Vietnam's hosting of the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in 2025, Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed Vietnam's innovation potential and digital transformation capabilities in transitioning towards a green, inclusive, and sustainable economy.
Vietnam's solid economic fundamentals and consistent growth have created favorable conditions to advance its ambitious green agenda. Specifically, Morris praised the country as "an exception in opening up its economy and achieving rapid development," and a standout model among developing nations for its ability to fully integrate into global supply chains.
However, Morris underscored that the path to transformation is not without challenges, particularly in scaling up green technologies and ensuring digitalization serves both growth and inclusion.
Energy transition, he noted, is central to Vietnam's strategy, requiring policies that enable innovation, encourage private-sector participation, and lower the cost of clean energy infrastructure. Hence, ADB believes targeted support for startups and small enterprises can unlock breakthrough solutions.
Besides, human capital will be a decisive factor. Morris pointed out that while Vietnam's education system has earned global recognition, translating that foundation into a future-ready, high-skilled workforce is essential, especially in emerging sectors like AI, cited VGP.
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| Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Photo: VGP/Quang Thuong |
Furthermore, equity must remain at the heart of growth. "Growth cannot be considered successful if it leaves part of society behind," he said, emphasizing the importance of channeling investment toward vulnerable groups, including women and rural communities.
ADB's development model in Vietnam involves a synergistic partnership with both the public and private sectors. By supporting policy reforms and offering direct investment, ADB helps create a more conducive environment for clean energy, digital innovation, and inclusive economic development.
As Vietnam moves forward, Morris called for stronger institutional frameworks, better access to green finance, and expanded technical training to prepare the workforce for rapid shifts in technology and energy systems.
With the backing of international partners like ADB, Vietnam has a unique opportunity to lead by example in the global movement toward equitable, green, and digitally driven growth.
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