Vietnam News Today (Apr. 6): Top Legislator of Vietnam Attends Opening Ceremony of IPU-150
	Vietnam News Today (Apr. 7): NA Chairman Calls for Joint Efforts to Build Sustainable World at IPU-150

Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (L) meets with Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries Sariev Kakhramon Ramatullaevich.

Vietnam wishes for stronger all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man has reaffirmed Vietnam’s appreciation for Uzbekistan’s role in Central Asia and expressed the country’s desire to further deepen the time-honored friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the two sides.

Chairman Man had a meeting in Tashkent on the evening of April 6 with Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries Sariev Kakhramon Ramatullaevich and President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association Mukhamedov Alisher Rustamovich, as part of his official visit to Uzbekistan.

Both Ramatullaevich and Rustamovich said they were honored to meet the top Vietnamese legislator, voicing their belief that his visit will mark a new chapter in bilateral relations.

They highlighted the recent positive developments in ties between the two countries, including in people-to-people diplomacy, and noted that both the Committee and the Association have introduced numerous initiatives to bolster friendship between the two peoples. These efforts include translating President Ho Chi Minh’s Prison Diary into Uzbek in 2022, and composing the song Tashkent–Hanoi, Hanoi–Tashkent the same year, which won third prize at Vietnam’s 9th National External Information Service Awards in 2023.

Sharing information about the functions and responsibilities of the Committee, Ramatullaevich expressed confidence that the body will continue to contribute significantly to enhancing Uzbekistan’s ties with countries around the world, including Vietnam. He also applauded Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and rising international stature, and voiced his hope to expand cooperation with Vietnam in areas such as agriculture, education, tourism, light industry and transport, as well as at regional and international forums.

The two Uzbek officials also proposed expanding training programs and youth exchanges to nurture the next generation of Vietnam–Uzbekistan ties, cited VOV.

For his part, NA Chairman Man showed elation at meeting with Ramatullaevich, Rustamovich and other members of the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association, describing them as close and sincere friends of Vietnam.

He recalled historical milestones in the relationship, including President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Uzbekistan in 1959 and the visit by former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung in 2011. He said his current visit reflects Vietnam’s strong commitment to advancing traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Uzbekistan, for the prosperity and development of both countries.

On this occasion, he thanked the people of Uzbekistan and particularly the Committee and the Friendship Association for their warm sentiments and valuable support for Vietnam over the years.

Chairman Man also shared Vietnam’s major achievements after nearly 40 years of Doi moi (renewal), noting that the country has maintained socio-political stability and achieved strong economic growth. In 2024, Vietnam’s GDP expanded by over 7%, with the economy reaching a scale of around US$470 billion. The country has also signed 17 free trade agreements covering over 60 major economies, while actively promoting entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation.

He reiterated Vietnam’s recognition of Uzbekistan’s importance in Central Asia and its desire to further promote bilateral cooperation. The delegation accompanying him includes representatives from the National Assembly, government, ministries, sectors and localities, all seeking opportunities to enhance ties with Uzbekistan across various fields.

The top Vietnamese legislator also praised the fruitful cooperation between the Committee and the two countries’ friendship associations over the years, including regular exchange visits and joint events on national holidays and anniversaries. These activities, he said, have played a key role in fostering connections between the two peoples and supporting business partnerships.

To further enhance the contribution of the Committee and the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association, Man called for closer coordination with Vietnamese partners such as the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organisations, the Vietnam–Uzbekistan Friendship Association and the Vietnamese Embassy in the Russian Federation, which also covers Uzbekistan.

He expressed his belief that, with their dedication and affection for Vietnam, the Committee and members of the Uzbekistan–Vietnam Friendship Association will continue to actively propel the traditional friendship and cooperation between the two countries forward.

Vietnamese community in Japan strengthens bonds among members

The Union of Vietnamese Associations in Japan held its congress at the headquarters of the Vietnamese Embassy on April 6.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu expressed his pleasure at the union's accomplishments and highlighted its significant contributions to the Vietnamese community in Japan. Notably, the union has raised funds for Vietnamese nationals affected by the earthquake in the Noto Peninsula (Ishikawa prefecture) in early 2024 and supported residents impacted by Typhoon Yagi in northern Vietnam in September 2024.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu speals at the event (Photo: VNA)

The ambassador reaffirmed the embassy’s commitment to supporting the union’s activities, emphasizing the importance of unity and adherence to Japanese law. He stressed that the Vietnamese community in Japan, the second largest abroad, must continue to contribute to the development of both the home country and the host nation, according to VNA.

At the congress, Nguyen Hong Son, re-elected president of the union for the 2025-2028 term, noted that the union aims to strengthen community bonds, assist with integration, promote cultural exchanges, and expand economic opportunities.

The focus for the upcoming term will be on further supporting Vietnamese people in Japan and enhancing collaboration with Japanese counterparts to foster stronger Vietnam-Japan relations.

Standard Chartered projects strong Q1 growth despite trade headwinds

Standard Chartered Bank predicts Vietnamese GDP will grow by 7.7% in the first quarter of the year, up from 7.6% in the fourth quarter of last year, according to its latest macroeconomic update on Vietnam.

The 2025 GDP growth forecast remains at 6.7%, with moderation expected ahead in the second half of the year.

The report outlines that the Vietnamese economic outlook remains supported by strong integration into global trade networks through multiple free trade agreements, along with continued foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows. These factors continue to strengthen the country’s position in terms of global production and exports, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

According to the report, key economic indicators for March point to steady performance. In addition, retail sales growth likely eased to 6.2% on-year, while export growth may have moderated to 8.2% on-year given a higher base.

Electronics exports have likely continued to improve year-to-date. Elsewhere, imports and industrial production likely grew by 6.0% and 6.2%, respectively.

The monthly trade balance may have swung to a surplus of US$3.7billion. Inflation is expected to reach 3.4% in March from the previous figure of 2.9%. If inflationary pressures persists, then it may pose challenges for monetary policy.

Tim Leelahaphan, senior economist for Vietnam and Thailand of Standard Chartered Bank, said “While economic growth remains strong, trade risks and currency fluctuations could impact policy decisions.”

“Vietnam may consider having flexible monetary policies to ensure a resilient financial sector and navigate potential economic fluctuations,” he added.

Localities nationwide pay tribute to Hung Kings

Ceremonies commemorating the death anniversary of the Hung Kings took place in provinces on April 7 (the 10th day of the third lunar month), as local communities paid tribute to the legendary founders of Vietnam.

In the central province of Ha Tinh, the commemoration was held at the Dai Hung historical and cultural site in Hong Linh township. The event featured both traditional rituals and festive activities from April 2-7. A grand procession, including palanquins and ceremonial banners, was attended by 500 participants representing local youth unions, women’s associations, veteran groups, farmers' unions, and trade unions, and residents.

Tran Xuan Duc, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hong Linh township, noted that the commemoration has long been a cherished cultural tradition in the locality.

In the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, the festival was held at the Hung Kings Temple in Tan Hiep district from April 5-7. The celebrations included a variety of cultural and sporting activities, such as a Vovinam championship, an exhibition on the Hung Kings era through historical records, a stamp and book exhibition, traditional folk games, and an OCOP product showcase.

Meanwhile, the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long saw its annual commemoration observed at the Hung Kings shrine within the provincial museum, VNA reported.

At the Hung Kings commemorating ceremony in Dak Lak province (Photo: VNA)

According to Le Hoang Nam, acting director of the provincial museum and tourism promotion center, the event featured an incense offering ceremony, a thematic exhibition, a water puppet show, and performances of "Don ca tai tu", a traditional Southern Vietnamese musical art form.

In Ho Chi Minh City, municipal authorities held a grand ceremony at the Hung Kings memorial within the cultural and historical park in Long Binh ward, Thu Duc city. Following the formal ceremony, officials and attendees participated in a procession and offerings of local specialties. The festivities also included a cooking competition, a book fair, martial arts demonstrations, dragon dances, and folk games.

Meanwhile, the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak organised a commemoration ceremony at the nationally recognized Lac Giao communal house in Buon Ma Thuot city. The event drew a large crowd of locals and visitors who came to pay their respects to the Hung Kings.

These ceremonies across Vietnam reflect the enduring reverence for the legendary founders, reinforcing national pride and unity.

Vietnam focuses on exporting high-value agricultural products to Northern European market

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, which is also in charge of Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Latvia, in the context of the US imposing reciprocal tariffs on imports from many countries, Vietnam should expand its exploitation of the Northern European agricultural, forestry and fishery market.

Accordingly, Vietnam should focus on exporting high-value, sustainable products that are suitable for green consumption tastes in Europe in general and the Northern European countries in particular.

Specifically, for wooden furniture and interior design, Northern European countries are famous for their minimalist aesthetic taste (Scandinavian style), prioritizing the use of recycled and environmentally friendly materials with legal certificates of origin, so Vietnam can completely supply products that meet these criteria such as tables and chairs made from recycled rubber wood, pressed bamboo, or veneered plywood.

In addition, Vietnamese enterprises should take advantage of this trend to develop smart furniture products such as wooden cabinets with integrated wireless charging, lamps with motion sensors, or smart desks that can connect to electronic devices and manage energy. Northern Europe is one of the pioneering regions in applying "smart home" technology, opening opportunities to penetrate the high-end segment with attractive profits, cited NDO.

Vietnamese fruits have many opportunities for export to the Northern European market.

For seafood, Northern Europe consumes a lot of processed seafood, especially steamed peeled shrimp, and conveniently packaged frozen fish fillets. Therefore, Vietnamese enterprises need to invest in deep processing, improve packaging systems, and trace farming areas to meet strict criteria.

In addition, one of the rapidly growing consumer trends in Northern Europe in recent times is vegetarian and organic foods. Vietnam can take advantage of raw materials such as cashew nuts, lotus seeds, specialty coffee, and tropical fruits to develop product lines such as freeze-dried snacks, concentrated juices, vegan instant foods, and natural spices. Specifically, it is necessary to meet certification requirements such as: EU Organic, HACCP, and ecological packaging design.

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