Vietnam News Today (Feb. 14): Vietnam Wants to Boost Trade With Southern Common Market

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Renato Costa, CEO of Friboi under Brazil’s JBS S.A. in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam wants to boost trade with Southern Common Market: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for accelerating negotiations toward the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) while receiving Renato Costa, CEO of Friboi under Brazil’s JBS S.A. – one of the world’s largest meat processing companies operating in 24 countries, including Vietnam.

At the reception in Hanoi on February 13 which also saw the attendance of Brazilian Ambassador to Vietnam, the Government leader underscored the need to step up trade and investment cooperation to match the potential of both countries and translate into reality their strategic partnership, which was established in November 2024.

Amid shifting global trade dynamics and economic uncertainties, PM Chinh recommended the two sides to strengthen bilateral cooperation, including in sectors of interest to JBS S.A. He urged the Brazilian Government and business community to advocate for the Vietnam-MERCOSUR FTA, as well as the two countries’ agreements on trade, investment, labour, visas, and double taxation avoidance. Additionally, he called on Brazil to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, paving the way for balanced trade and stronger business ties, cited VNA.

The PM encouraged JBS S.A. to expand its operations in Vietnam, particularly in livestock farming, meat processing, industrial crops, and coffee processing. He also suggested collaboration in the diversification of markets, products, and supply chains. Furthermore, the leader invited JBS S.A. to help connect other Brazilian enterprises with Vietnam partners to foster partnership and investment.

Informing his guests on Vietnam’s interest in deepening cooperation with Brazil in the mineral sector, PM Chinh affirmed the country's readiness to serve as a gateway for Brazilian businesses seeking to enter Southeast Asian and its other FTA-linked markets. He also pledged favourable conditions for JBS S.A.’s operations in Vietnam, ensuring mutual benefits and shared risks.

For his part, Costa noted that his visit aimed to explore investment and business opportunities in Vietnam toward catering to its demand, given the country’s strong economic growth and potential.

He expressed JBS S.A.’s commitment to expanding cooperation and urged the Vietnamese Government to continue supporting its business ventures.

Costa also reaffirmed the company’s promise to strengthen business ties between Vietnam and Brazil in line with the PM’s recommendations.

Vietnam – China diplomatic ties’ 75th anniversary marked in Hong Kong

The Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau hosted a ceremony on February 12 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Vietnam – China diplomacy (January 18, 1950 – 2025).

The event was attended by Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun, representatives of the Hong Kong administration, and officials from Vietnamese representative offices in the region.

In his speech, Vietnamese Consul General Le Duc Hanh highlighted the steady progress of bilateral relations over the past 75 years, emphasizing growing political trust and closer people-to-people ties. She noted that strengthening the Vietnam – China partnership serves the long-term interests of both nations. She also recalled Party General Secretary To Lam’s state visit to China in August last year, during which the two countries designated 2025 as the Year of Vietnam – China Humanistic Exchange to boost cooperation in culture, education, and tourism.

On this occasion, Hanh honored several Vietnamese individuals in Hong Kong and Macau for their contributions to fostering bilateral ties. She expressed confidence in the continued growth of the Vietnam – China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Consul General Le Duc Hanh (L) and Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun.

For his part, Commissioner Cui Jianchun underscored the dynamic partnership between Vietnam and Hong Kong, noting their complementary economic strengths. He highlighted that Vietnam is currently Hong Kong’s second-largest trading partner within ASEAN.

He also pointed to the significant outcomes of Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s visit to Vietnam in 2024, the first by a Hong Kong leader, during which multiple cooperation agreements were signed in trade, aviation, and economic collaboration. Cui emphasized that Hong Kong’s deeper integration into China’s overall development strategy will open up new opportunities for Vietnam – Hong Kong cooperation.

He affirmed that the Commissioner’s Office of China’s Foreign Ministry in Hong Kong will continue leveraging diplomatic resources and coordinating with the Hong Kong administration to promote Vietnam – Hong Kong cooperation for mutual benefit.

Vietnam further facilitates foreign nationals’ entry, exit, residence

Vietnam has been actively adopting various measures to draw foreign tourists, improve the quality of its tourism sector, and facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals.

At the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on February 13, Hang answered a reporter's question regarding Vietnam’s visa exemption policy for certain countries, saying that earlier this year, the Vietnamese Government had issued a resolution granting a 45-day visa exemption upon entry for citizens of Switzerland, Poland, and the Czech Republic traveling to Vietnam for tourism purpose.

This exemption, effective from March 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, applies to holders of all passport types, provided travellers meet all entry requirements under the Vietnamese law, VNA reported.

Check-in counters at a Vietnamese airport (Photo: VNA)

The policy, part of Vietnam’s 2025 tourism stimulus program, has been warmly welcomed by leaders and representatives of the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visits to these countries, Hang said.

According to the spokeswoman, Vietnam has been actively adopting various measures to draw foreign tourists, improve the quality of its tourism sector, and facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals. They include revising its visa policies to extend validity periods, broadening eligibility for e-visas, and increasing the length of stay for foreign nationals.

The Vietnamese Government expects to establish appropriate entry-exit mechanisms based on reciprocity regarding entry-exit or bilateral visa exemptions with partner countries, in order to facilitate greater ease of travel for Vietnamese citizens and those of the partner countries, she said.

January trade turnover tops US$63 billion despite decline

Vietnam’s total trade turnover reached US$63.25 billion in January 2025, with a trade surplus of US$3.13 billion, despite a decline in both exports and imports.

According to the General Department of Customs, the country’s trade value dropped 10.3% from December 2024. Exports totaled US$33.19 billion, down 6.6%, while imports fell 14.1% to US$30.06 billion. Compared to January last year, total trade value dropped by 3.3%, with exports decreasing by 4% (US$1.37 billion) and imports falling by 2.6% (US$794 million).

The foreign-invested sector recorded a trade value of US$42.64 billion, marking a 6.8% drop from the previous month and a 4.1% decline year-on-year. Exports from this sector stood at US$23.47 billion, down 5.6%, while imports hit US$19.17 billion, down 2.2%. Meanwhile, the domestic sector saw a trade value of US$20.61 billion, reflecting a 16.9% monthly drop and a 1.7% decline from a year earlier. Exports from this sector edged up 0.2% to US$9.72 billion, while imports fell 3.3% to US$10.89 billion, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Six export markets exceeded US$1 billion, including the United States, the EU (27 countries), China, ASEAN, the Republic of Korea (RoK(, and Japan, with a combined total of US$26.01 billion, accounting for nearly 80% of Vietnamese exports. On the import side, seven markets surpassed US$1 billion, namely China, the RoK, ASEAN, Taiwan (China), Japan, the United States, and the EU (27 countries), with a total value of US$25.72 billion, representing 86% of the country’s imports.

In January, seven product categories posted export values above US$1 billion, including computers, electronics & components; phones & accessories; machinery & equipment; garments textiles; footwear; wood & wood products; and vehicles & spare parts. These accounted for a combined US$22.45 billion, or 72% of total exports. Notably, textile and garment exports grossed US$3.19 billion, down 5.4% from December but up 1.8% year-on-year.

Cold front weakens quickly, drizzle and fog return to northern Vietnam

The recent cold air surge has already lost its intensity, paving the way for wet, misty, and chilly conditions to return across northern Vietnam.

The latest cold front in northern Vietnam has begun to weaken rapidly, leading to the return of foggy and drizzly weather across the region, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

As of February 13, the cold air has had a weak impact on most of northeastern Vietnam, bringing northeasterly winds of 5-6 on the Beaufort scale over the Gulf of Tonkin, with gusts up to force 7, causing rough seas.

By this evening, the cold front will continue affecting the rest of northeastern Vietnam, northern central Vietnam, and parts of the northwestern region, with moderate northeasterly winds overland.

Cold temperatures and light rain across the region

Due to the cold front, northern and north central Vietnam will remain chilly, with mountainous areas experiencing even lower temperatures. The lowest temperatures recorded during this cold spell are:

15-17°C in most of northern Vietnam

12-14°C in mountainous regions, with some areas dropping below 11°C

15-18°C in northern central Vietnam

Hanoi’s lowest temperatures will range from 15-17°C

Despite the cold air, the weak intensity of this system combined with westerly winds in the upper atmosphere will result in a quick return of drizzle and mist across northern Vietnam in the coming days.

Weather forecast for the coming days

Between February 13-15, northern Vietnam will experience:

Light rain in some areas, with widespread early morning fog

Drizzle and mist from February 14-15, particularly in the eastern provinces, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Nam Son La, and Hoa Binh

Chilly temperatures, with some mountainous areas experiencing severe cold

Meanwhile, north central Vietnam will see light rain and cool conditions, while central Vietnam will experience scattered showers and thunderstorms, particularly on February 15, cited VNN.

Foggy and drizzly weather is returning to northern Vietnam as the cold front weakens. (Photo: Minh Hien)

In south central Vietnam, the Central Highlands, and southern Vietnam, unseasonal rain showers are expected due to a low-pressure trough connected to a tropical depression over the East Sea.

Extended weather outlook (February 15-23)

Northwestern Vietnam: Mostly dry with morning fog and afternoon sunshine, remaining chilly, with severe cold in high-altitude areas.

Northeastern Vietnam & key provinces like Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Nam Son La, and Hoa Binh: Persistent drizzle, mist, and light rain in the mornings, with cold temperatures continuing.

North central Vietnam: A mix of foggy mornings and sunny afternoons, except February 15-16 and 21-22, when rain is expected.

Central Vietnam: Scattered rain and thunderstorms, particularly on February 16-17 and 21-22.

Other regions: Light rain and scattered thunderstorms, with rain increasing in south central Vietnam on February 16-17.

A tropical depression has been identified west of the central East Sea, with sustained winds of 39-49 km/h (force 6 on the Beaufort scale), gusting to force 8. The system is expected to gradually weaken into a low-pressure area by the afternoon of February 14, off the coast of Quang Ngai to Phu Yen.

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