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Foreign visitors at the Temple of Literature (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam emerges as top tourism hot hotspot

Vietnam has shown strong appeal to international visitors, with recent Google search data revealing a significant surge in foreigners’ travel-related queries over the past three months, according to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT)’s Tourism Information Technology Center.

Global searches for Vietnamese accommodation have jumped 15-30% from late November 2024 to January this year compared to 2023. The momentum continued into early February 2025, with searches climbing 30-45%.

The US was the leading source of international interest, followed by Australia, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the UK, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia, representing Vietnam’s core tourism markets across Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America.

The most searched Vietnamese destinations were Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Da Lat, Phan Thiet, Hue, and Vung Tau, cited VNA.

This digital enthusiasm has translated into concrete visitor numbers, with January 2025 marking a historic milestone as Vietnam welcomed 2.1 million international tourists—shattering the record of nearly 2 million set in January 2020. This represents an 18.5% month-over-month increase and a remarkable 36.9% year-over-year growth, attributed to the country's progressive visa policies and breakthrough promotional campaigns.

With a view to boosting tourism prospects, the Government issued a resolution on January 15, waiving visas for the citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland for a temporary stay of up to 45 days. The policy, taking effect from March 1 to December 31, 2025, is expected to help Vietnam lure more visitors from those countries.

The tourism industry aims to host some 22-23 million international visitors and 120-130 million domestic tourists and gain 980 trillion - 1.05 quadrillion VND (38.4 billion – 41.14 billion USD) in tourism revenue. By 2030, the sector aims to welcome 35 million international and 160 million domestic visitors, establishing tourism as an economic spearhead.

VNAT Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu outlined the measures for market expansion, emphasizing visa-free countries with direct flight connections and high growth potential. Besides, he said the industry plans to develop premium products, including MICE and golf tourism, while investing in workforce development and digital transformation to achieve these goals.

Senior leaders vow to cement Vietnam – Cambodia relations

Senior leaders of Vietnam and Cambodia reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainable partnership between the ruling Parties, States, and peoples of the two counties in the new context at a high-level meeting in Ho Chi Minh City on February 21.

The meeting between the Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Central Committee of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) was co-chaired by General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam and CPP President Hun Sen who is also President of the Cambodian Senate.

During the meeting, To Lam and Hun Sen briefed each other on the situation of their respective Parties and countries; exchanged views on global and regional developments, and discussed issues of mutual concern. They also reviewed the results of past cooperation and agreed on future directions for collaboration.

Both sides congratulated Vietnam and Cambodia on their significant and comprehensive achievements in national construction and development. They expressed satisfaction of the deepening cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples across various fields, which has contributed substantially to socio-economic development and the enhancement of each country's position and reputation in the region and the world at large.

Hun Sen expressed his delight at Vietnam’s remarkable socio-economic progress, and commended the CPV, led by To Lam, for its strong efforts in streamlining the administrative apparatus at all levels, considering this a valuable experience for Cambodia to study, according to VOV.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee To Lam (R) and Cambodian People's Party (CPP) President Hun Sen shaking hands ahead of the meeting between the Politburo of the CPV and the Central Committee of the CPP in Ho Chi Minh City on February 21. (Photo: VNA)

He also acknowledged the positive development of Vietnam-Cambodia relations in all areas, and emphasized the need to educate younger generations about the historical significance of the bilateral relationship and the enduring solidarity and friendship between the two Parties, countries, and peoples.

The two senior leaders reaffirmed that solidarity and mutual support between the two Parties and countries is an objective necessity, a historical rule, and one of the greatest sources of strength that is vital to the revolutionary cause and the construction and defense of both nations. It is also a valuable asset for both peoples that must be preserved, nurtured, and passed down to future generations.

To Lam reiterated that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam highly value and prioritize strengthening and developing their good neighbourly relations, traditional friendship, comprehensive cooperation, and long-term sustainability with the CPP, the State, and people of Cambodia.

The two leaders agreed to further consolidate political relations to guide the overall ties between the two Parties and countries. They emphasized the importance of fostering close relations between senior leaders and effectively implementing high-level agreements. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in defense and security, and promote economic, trade, cultural, educational, and tourism collaboration in line with each country’s potential and the strength of their relationship.

They pledged to bolster effective and substantive cooperation between Party agencies, legislative bodies, government ministries, mass organizations, and localities of both countries, giving strong impetus to Vietnam-Cambodia relations during this new phase of development and bringing tangible benefits to their peoples.

During the meeting, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed with the assessments and major orientations set by General Secretary To Lam and CPP President Hun Sen regarding the deep and comprehensive relationship between the two Parties and countries.

They provided further insights into the achievements in implementing the conclusions of the 2023 high-level meeting, covering areas of cooperation in politics-diplomacy, defense-security, economy, education, legislation, culture and tourism.

The two PMs also pointed out existing challenges that need to be addressed and reached a consensus on several key issues for early implementation, particularly initiatives to enhance economic connectivity between Vietnam and Cambodia as well as among Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

New Zealand PM’s official visit – a milestone to elevate bilateral ties: Ambassador

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's official visit to Vietnam and participation in the ASEAN Future Forum from February 25-28 will mark a significant milestone which is expected to pave the way for the two countries to elevate their ties, said Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, Trung said the visit holds special significance as the two nations are marking the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations and five years of strategic partnership.

The visit comes at a crucial time when Vietnam-New Zealand cooperation is florishing, backed by frequent high-level exchanges and various cooperation mechanisms and agreements. It offers an important opportunity for the two sides to look back on their friendship and strategic partnership so as to shape up future strategy for the relations, he noted.

He went on to say that the visit marks Prime Minister Luxon's first diplomatic mission to Vietnam since becoming the leader of New Zealand's coalition government, reflecting his administration's new foreign policy which prioritises strengthening relations with ASEAN and Southeast Asian countries in particularly, including Vietnam – one of its key partners. Additionally, the visit provides an opportunity for both nations' leaders to discuss major global and regional issues amid significant geopolitical and economic changes in the Asia-Pacific region.

During his visit, Prime Minister Luxon will hold official talks with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, meet with high-ranking Party, State, and National Assembly leaders, as well as visit economic, cultural, and educational institutions in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. His participation and speech at the ASEAN Future Forum underscores New Zealand's commitment to ASEAN, particularly as Vietnam is currently the coordinator for the ASEAN-New Zealand relations and when ASEAN and New Zealand celebrate the 50th anniversary of their strategic partnership this year.

The visit's economic focus is evident via the large business delegation accompanying Prime Minister Luxon, comprising leading economic groups. Several cooperation agreements in the areas of education - training, trade, aviation, environmental protection, and climate change are expected to be signed during the visit, the ambassador said.

Trung noted that bilateral cooperation has advanced significantly since the establishment of the strategic partnership in 2020. With a solid foundation of cooperation and friendship over the past 50 years, the bilateral ties are entering a new period with multiple new collaboration opportunities, according to VNA.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister Chinh's visit to New Zealand in March 2024 marked a significant milestone, with both sides committing to increasing two-way trade to 3 billion USD by 2026, he said. Emphasising the complementary nature of the two economies, particularly in strategic sectors vital for their future development, the ambassador added that their membership in various regional free trade agreements will create further opportunities for enhanced trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Traditional cooperation in education has flourished, with an increasing number of Vietnamese students choosing New Zealand for higher education, he stated, adding the relationship is expanding into new areas such as renewable energy, environmental protection, and high-tech and sustainable agriculture.

According to the diplomat, New Zealand could support Vietnam in carbon emission reduction technologies and solutions, while both countries are exploring cooperation in green economy, digital economy, knowledge economy, circular economy, and energy transition.

In the international arena, both countries have shared common perspectives on regional and international matters, particularly in promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development in the Indo-Pacific region, he stated.

In conclusion, Trung underscored that by consolidating strategic political trust, creating breakthroughs in economic and trade cooperation, and transcending collaboration to new areas, Vietnam and New Zealand will capitalize on their potential towards a prosperous future.

CPTPP enhances Vietnam-UK trade, investment cooperation

The British Embassy and Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) co-hosted conferences in Hanoi and HCM City focused on two-way trade opportunities arising through UK membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The first conference, titled 'The UK’s Accession to CPTPP', was organised on February 19 in Hanoi and brought together Government officials, businesses and experts to explore how the CPTPP can facilitate greater two-way trade.

It covered topics such as tariff reductions, diversifying supply chains via rules of origin and cumulation provisions, and market access for key industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, textiles, energy and infrastructure.

The conference was also an opportunity to hear from UK and Vietnamese businesses on using CPTPP and on trade between the UK and Vietnam.

"Vietnam and the UK will greatly benefit from the enhanced trade and investment brought about by the CPTPP," said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan.

"We welcome the interest from the UK in joining this high-standard agreement and creating even more opportunities for our businesses and people."

In 2024, the trade value between Vietnam and the UK reached US$8.4 billion, an 18% increase from the previous year. The UK has become Vietnam’s third-largest export market in Europe.

However, the Deputy Minister pointed out that there is still considerable room for growth because the total import-export turnover between the two countries has represented only 6.8% of Vietnam's overall trade, while Vietnamese goods have accounted for just 0.4% of the UK’s total imports and exports.

He also emphasized the importance of understanding and using the tariff benefits offered by the CPTPP and other trade agreements to maximize opportunities for business expansion and investment.

"The CPTPP has the potential to turbocharge trade between the UK and vibrant economies like Vietnam," said UK Ambassador Iain Frew. "Today's discussions showcased the modern, comprehensive rulebook that CPTPP provides to boost goods trade through lower tariffs and streamlined customs procedures."

Luong Hoang Thai, head of the Department of Multilateral Trade Policy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted that the UK joining the CPTPP would provide substantial support to Vietnam's export activities.

Vietnam’s strong export products, such as textiles and electronics, will have access to the UK – a highly competitive market – enhanced. This will not only boost the presence of Vietnam’s goods in the UK, but also enable the country to acquire advanced, high-quality and high-tech products from the UK, which could further support domestic industries.

Additionally, Thai emphasized that Vietnam’s domestic businesses could benefit from the opportunity to learn from UK companies in arenas such as clean energy and technology.

The UK’s membership in the CPTPP will also encourage greater foreign direct investment (FDI) from UK businesses into Vietnam, fostering mutual growth and collaboration between the two nations.

Phan Thi Thanh Xuan, deputy chairwoman and general secretary of the Vietnam Leather, Footwear, and Handbag Association, pointed out that the UK’s inclusion in the CPTPP presents several advantages for Vietnam’s footwear and handbag industries.

Domestic businesses have already capitalised on the CPTPP’s incentives for exporting to member countries. The UK market’s addition to the bloc allows companies to benefit from simplified export procedures and reduced costs and administrative burdens.

Moreover, Vietnam's footwear and handbag businesses will have greater access to raw materials for production, including those sourced from the UK as other CPTPP members like Canada and Australia. This increased availability of quality materials will enhance the competitiveness of Vietnamese products.

However, Xuan also noted that both the CPTPP and the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) are new-generation trade deals. This means that exporting countries, including Vietnam, and their businesses, must upgrade their internal capabilities to meet the requirements of these agreements.

An MoU on preventing counterfeit and IP infringement in Vietnam was signed at the conference, 'The UK’s Accession to CPTPP' organized on February 19 in Hanoi. (Photo courtesy of British Embassy in Vietnam)

Environmental and labor standards, for instance, are critical areas that businesses need to focus on to align with the sustainability criteria stipulated in the agreements.

Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy general secretary of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), echoed similar sentiments, particularly regarding the seafood industry.

He noted that the UK’s entry into the CPTPP offers significant tariff reductions and more favourable trading conditions, particularly for tuna products.

With the UK being a crucial market for Vietnamese seafood exports, this new trading environment will allow businesses to expand their reach while benefiting from lower tariffs and improved market access.

CPTPP provides better market access, especially for goods traded between member countries, said Tran Quoc Khanh, former deputy minister of Industry and Trade and former head of Vietnam’s Government Negotiation Delegation on international economic and trade issues.

One of the key benefits of the CPTPP is the rules of origin, which allow businesses on both sides of the trade agreement to maximize export opportunities and explore new markets with fewer restrictions, he said.

A standout feature of the CPTPP is the Trade in Services Chapter, which offers vast benefits for UK businesses operating in service sectors, according to Khanh.

This chapter could lead to increased collaboration and business opportunities in areas such as finance, education and technology.

Meanwhile, for Vietnam, the UKVFTA is another essential agreement that can provide an edge in areas like government procurement, green energy investments and renewable energy initiatives.

A second conference on Trade in Services, Investment & Movement of Businesspersons will be held on February 21 in HCM City. The conference will feature insights from UK service suppliers, sharing practical experiences in investing and conducting business in Vietnam.

Preventing counterfeiting MoU

An additional key moment of the conference was the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding between Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade and the British Embassy under the UK-ASEAN Economic Integration Program. This MoU will facilitate the effective implementation of policies and laws on preventing counterfeiting and IP infringement in Vietnam.

The MoU marks a milestone for the bilateral partnership to enhance market surveillance capacity in Vietnam as an evolving leader in e-commerce. With the assistance from UK IPO, a Code of Conduct for e-commerce stakeholders will be implemented in the country.

The Code of Conduct will support a pipeline for e-commerce platforms in Vietnam to be more proactive in preventing counterfeits and IP infringement, removing violation to trademarks and cooperating with law enforcement agencies toward a safer, seamless and transparent e-commerce ecosystem.

Vietnam emerges as Singapore's 9th largest trading partner

Vietnam became Singapore's 11th largest trading partner in 2024, with two-way trade turnover reaching over SGD31.67 billion, a year on-year increase of 9.49 percent.

Of the above figure, Vietnam's export turnover rose by 30.8 percent to nearly SGD8.58 billion while import value picked up 3.24 percent to over SGD23.9 billion, cited VGP.

Photo: VGP

All three main export groups continued to experience strong growth, namely machinery, equipment, mobile phones, components, and accessories (up 30.58 percent); reactors, boilers, machine tools, and spare parts (up 77.4 percent); and glass and glass products (up 57.1 percent).

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