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Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien (R), Politburo member, member of the Standing Board of the Central Military Commission, and Deputy Minister of National Defense of Vietnam, and Kano Koji, Japan’s Vice Minister of Defense, at the 11th Vietnam-Japan Defense policy dialogue in Fukuoka on February 10 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Japan hold 11th defense policy dialogue

The 11th Vietnam-Japan defense policy dialogue took place in Fukuoka, Japan on February 10.

The event was co-chaired by Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien, Politburo member, member of the Standing Board of the Central Military Commission, and Deputy Minister of National defense of Vietnam, and Kano Koji, Japan’s Vice Minister of defense.

At the dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on global and regional issues of shared concern.

Chien reiterated Vietnam’s consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, as well as multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations.

Vietnam is willing to cooperate with countries and international organisations for peace and development in the region and the world, he stated, stressing that it remains committed to settle disputes through peaceful measures in line with international law, and maintain its “Four No’s” defense policy.

Regarding the East Sea issue, he emphasised the need to respect international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and to accelerate negotiations to finalise an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), cited VNA.

For his part, Kano underlined the significance of ties with Vietnam, particularly in defense. He affirmed his country's support for upholding international law, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to build an environment of peace, friendship, cooperation and development. He expressed his belief that the frank and constructive discussions at this dialogue will further advance Vietnam-Japan defense cooperation in an effective and practical way.

Chien said that since the 10th defense policy dialogue, bilateral defense ties have deepened significantly across all fields, including high-level delegation exchange, military education and training, capacity-building, defense industry, UN peacekeeping operations, war legacy remediation, military medicine and humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, and mutual support at multilateral forums.

The Japanese officer praised Vietnam’s role in promoting regional and global peace and cooperation, expressing admiration for the country’s achievements in the struggles for national independence and national reunification in the past as well as in the current economic development. He welcomed the strong progress in bilateral defense cooperation.

Chien suggested that Japan increase training opportunities and scholarships for Vietnamese officers. He also sought Japan’s continued support for Vietnam’s contributions to UN peacekeeping efforts and its work in addressing war aftermath. Additionally, he voiced Vietnam’s support for Japan’s deeper engagement in multilateral forums for regional peace, stability and cooperation, especially ASEAN-led frameworks.

Both sides agreed that while defense cooperation has made significant strides, there remains untapped potential for closer collaboration. They committed to further strengthening bilateral defense ties, focusing on contents and cooperation mechanisms agreed at the dialogue.

On this occasion, Chien invited Kano to visit Vietnam for the 12th edition of the dialogue.

Concluding the event, the two delegation leaders signed the minutes of the 11th Vietnam-Japan defense policy dialogue.

Vietnam among Top 40 most beautiful countries in the world

The famous and long-standing travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named Vietnam in its list of the Top 40 most beautiful countries in the world.

According to details given by the magazine, the nation represents a haven not only for outdoor enthusiasts, but anyone who simply enjoys a pretty landscape.

In its article, Condé Nast Traveler hailed Ha Long Bay, located in the northern province of Quang Ninh, for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all of which is occupied by tropical trees and wildlife.

Condé Nast Traveler also mentioned a number of popular destinations nationwide, such as the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang which is home to breathtaking mountain scenery crisscrossed with steep rice terraces and hiking trails and Ninh Van Bay in the southern central province of Khanh Hoa that boasts great snorkeling and diving opportunities, according to VOV.

Hoang Su Phi terraced fields in Ha Giang (Photo: Internet)

It also suggested that visitors can hop on a quick flight and spend a few days on Phu Quoc, a jungle-draped island off the country’s southwestern coast.

Rounding off the list of the Top 40 was Australia, Mexico, Brazil, the United States, China, India, Canada, Indonesia, France, Colombia, Spain, Japan, Thailand, Italy, New Zealand, Iceland, and Croatia.

Vietnam remains top destination for RoK families with young children

The year-round warm climate is a key factor in Vietnam's popularity among Korean families with young children, particularly for winter travel, according to Hana Tour.

Based on booking trends in January and the demand for international travel during the winter holiday, Vietnam accounted for 26.6% of all overseas family bookings, leading the list of preferred destinations. Japan followed with 18.6%, followed by the Philippines (13.7%), Guam (8.5%), and China (6.4%).

Last year, Vietnam also ranked first with 24.4%, ahead of Japan’s 18.8%. The analysis highlights the Southeast Asian country’s year-round warm climate as a key factor in its popularity, particularly for winter travel. Its wide range of water activities, amusement parks, and other offerings also make it a family-friendly destination, VNA reported.

RoK tourists visit the HCM City Central Post Office. (Photo: VNA)

Hana Tour Company is currently offering special promotions for those traveling with children, featuring attractive deals on Vietnam’s popular destinations such as Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

A representative from the company noted that the nation’s growing appeal among families stems from its combination of luxury resorts and engaging theme parks.

Vietnam, Indonesia reaffirm commitment to stronger strategic partnership

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono held a phone conversation on February 10, during which they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties and stepping up cooperation across multiple fields.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2025, Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono, on behalf of his country’s leadership, extended warm New Year greetings to the leaders and people of Vietnam. He expressed his hope that the Vietnam-Indonesia relationship would continue to flourish and reach new heights in 2025.

Reaffirming Indonesia’s commitment to its Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, he proposed further deepening substantive cooperation across a variety of fields and jointly organizing practical activities to celebrate the 70th anniversary of both nations’ diplomatic ties (December 30, 1955 – December 30, 2025).

Son thanked Minister Sugiono for the discussion on issues of shared concern. He highlighted the strong and enduring development of Vietnam-Indonesia relations over the past seven decades, built on the solid foundation established by President Ho Chi Minh, President Sukarno, and successive generations of leaders, cited VOV.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son holds phone talks with Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono (Photo:VGP)

He expressed satisfaction with the steady progress of the Strategic Partnership, particularly the sustained political trust and increasingly substantive cooperation in key areas such as trade, investment, security and defense, people-to-people exchanges, and multilateral policy coordination.

Both sides agreed to closely coordinate in realizing the common perceptions of their senior leaders. In the near term, they will intensify high-level delegation exchanges in connection with Vietnam’s hosting of the ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) from February 25-26, and the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit from April 16-17.

They also pledged to strengthen comprehensive cooperation and mutual support at regional and international forums, particularly within ASEAN and the United Nations, to further uphold ASEAN’s central role.

On this occasion, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son reiterated his invitation for Minister Sugiono to visit Vietnam soon, and the invitation was graciously accepted.

Vietnam sets sight on 8% economic growth with drastic steps

The General Statistics Office (GSO) has released its January socio-economic report, highlighting key indicators showing steady growth which set the positive tone for the year ahead.

Positive growth indicators

According to the GSO, the consumer price index (CPI) in the month rose by 3.63 percent year-on-year, indicating stable supply, demand, and commodity prices. Meanwhile, State budget revenue reached 14 percent of the annual target, up 3.5 percent from the same period last year.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) also saw a remarkable surge, with registrations exceeding US$4.3 billion, a 48.6 percent increase from the same period last year. Disbursed FDI climbed by 2 percent, reaching over $1.5 billion.

On the domestic front, industrial production grew modestly, by 0.6 percent, while retail sales of goods and consumer services soared by 9.5 percent year on year.

Despite these achievements, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Tran Quoc Phuong gave a note of caution. He pointed out two major hurdles, namely ambitious growth targets for 2025 and lingering uncertainties in the global economy.

Trade data highlighted several concerns. While domestic purchasing power and Lunar New Year (Tet) Holiday consumption, though improved, remained below the pre-pandemic levels during 2018 and 2019 Tet.

Total trade declined by 10.5 percent month-on-month and 3.5 percent year-on-year. Exports dipped by 4.3 percent, and imports dropped by 2.6 percent. While the trade balance recorded a surplus of $3.03 billion, import turnover plummeted by 14.1 percent monthly and 2.6 percent year on year.

Exporters face mounting pressure as key markets like the US tighten trade policies and adopt protectionist measures. Unpredictable tariffs and heightened competition are making it tougher for Vietnamese businesses to thrive abroad. Domestically, sluggish global recovery adds another layer of complexity.

Breakthrough solutions needed to achieve growth target

To achieve the 8 percent economic growth this year, Phuong said comprehensive solutions across all sectors have been outlined in the Government’s Resolution 01.

This requires all ministries, agencies and localities to act at a significantly higher level, even doubling the current pace. Each individual and unit must work at twice their current productivity to meet the new growth target, Phuong stressed.

According to the official, the Ministry of Planning and Investment proposed prioritising the completion of the legal framework, closely following the Party Central Committee and the Prime Minister’s directives. The ministry stressed that institutional reform should be a critical resource for development and regarded as the “breakthrough of breakthroughs.”

The ministry called for the swift and drastic restructuring of organisational apparatuses to ensure streamlined and efficient operations. It also highlighted the need to promptly issue decrees, detailed guidelines for enforced laws and resolutions recently passed by the National Assembly at its 8th session, including those related to public investment and finance.

Local authorities have been urged to adopt drastic and comprehensive measures to boost production and trade. This includes reinforcing traditional growth drivers such as investment, consumption, and exports, while fostering new growth drivers and advancing modern production forces. Strengthening regional linkages and maximising the effectiveness of regional coordination councils are also key priorities.

Maintaining macroeconomic stability and ensuring the major economic balances remain critical. Authorities were advised to closely monitor developments, enhance forecasting capabilities, and coordinate macroeconomic policies effectively and harmoniously. Proactive planning to address potential challenges early is essential for minimising risks, VNS reported.

Producing apparel for export at a factory in Nam Dinh Province. Photo: VNS

The Government should focus on a few core tasks, with investment acceleration taking a center stage. Investment, long recognised as a vital growth driver with immediate economic impacts, is expected to play a pivotal role, he said.

Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Dao Minh Tu underscored the importance of aligning monetary policy with growth objectives, saying that monetary policy must prioritize inflation control and currency stability. Additionally, it must actively support growth while maintaining major economic balances. Flexibility and close coordination with fiscal and trade policies will be key to navigating the road ahead.

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