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Delegates take a group photo at the ceremony (Photo: vov.vn)

Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic ties marked in Jakarta

The Indonesia-Vietnam Friendship Association (IVFA) held a ceremony in Jakarta on February 24 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his remarks, IVFA President Budiarsa Sastrawinata highlighted the strong and dynamic partnership that Vietnam and Indonesia have built over the decades, with remarkable progress in trade, investment, education, and cultural exchanges.

Speaking at the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Ta Van Thong, Indonesian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Armanatha Kristiawan Nasir, and Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Nuru Ichwan reflected on key milestones in the 70-year friendship between the two nations. They expressed satisfaction with the fruitful development of bilateral ties, which have brought significant benefits to both sides.

Nasir emphasized that the Vietnam-Indonesia diplomatic relations were founded by Presidents Ho Chi Minh and Sukarno. He noted that the elevation of the relationship to a strategic partnership in 2013 has further strengthened comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors, cited VNA.

Ichwan underscored the robust growth in economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries. Bilateral trade was estimated to reach 16 billion USD last year, marking a 16% year-on-year increase. This momentum suggests that the targeted bilateral trade volume of 18 billion USD could be achieved ahead of the 2028 deadline.

Beyond economy, the two nations have also deepened ties through cultural exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and collaborative efforts to preserve and promote traditional arts, music, and cuisine. These initiatives not only foster mutual understanding but also empower future generations to build enduring connections.

As part of the event, a thematic discussion was held on cooperation in the fields of economy, business, and education, during which delegates highlighted emerging areas of collaboration, namely artificial intelligence, digital economy, green energy, electric vehicle ecosystem, and initiatives under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP). Other fields included the development of the Halal industry, food security, rice trade agreements, education, and maritime cooperation.

Japanese businesses sound out investment opportunities in Binh Duong

Vice Chairman of the Binh Duong Provincial People’s Committee Bui Minh Thanh on February 24 hosted a meeting with Masashi Suzuki, a member of the Ibaraki Prefectural Assembly, along with a delegation of Japanese businesses seeking to promote investment in the province.

During the meeting, Suzuki shared insights into the development of Ibaraki Prefecture and noted many similarities between the Japanese locality and Binh Duong. He expressed a desire to establish a practical and effective partnership between the two localities, particularly in human resource development.

Ibaraki Prefecture is known for its major industrial centers, such as the Hitachi area, which specializes in machinery and electrical equipment manufacturing, Tsukuba, which is home to leading research institutes, and Kashima, which houses industrial material production facilities. Cooperation between Binh Duong and Ibaraki is expected to bring significant benefits in technology exchange and industrial management expertise, according to VOV.

The leadership of Binh Duong and Ibaraki Prefecture pose for a group photo. (Photo: binhduong.gov.vn)

In addition to Ibaraki, Binh Duong has maintained a partnership with Yamaguchi Prefecture since 2014. Over the past decade, the two localities have achieved remarkable progress in economic, educational, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges. Notably, the Eastern International University (EIU) in Binh Duong has collaborated with Yamaguchi University in scientific research and has implemented technical internship programs, contributing to the development of high-quality human resources.

Thanh for his part affirmed that the local government of Binh Duong remains committed to creating favourable conditions for Japanese investors. The province regularly organizes business meetings to listen to and promptly address issues related to administrative procedures, taxation, labor permits, and construction.

This proactive support has strengthened investor confidence and encouraged Japanese businesses to expand their operations in Binh Duong, he said.

According to the official, Japan is the second largest foreign investor in Binh Duong, following Singapore, with 358 projects and a total investment of nearly US$6 billion. Major corporations such as Tokyu, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Aeon Mall have already established a strong presence in the province, contributing significantly to the development of industries, high technology, and services.

With its attractive investment environment and strong government support, Binh Duong continues to be a prime destination for Japanese investors, paving the way for new opportunities for cooperation and sustainable development in the future, he noted.

EVFTA generates positive outcomes after 5 years of implementation: CIEM

After five years of implementation, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has delivered many positive outcomes, including a robust growth of Vietnamese exports to the EU, particularly in key sectors such as textiles, footwear, and agro-fishery products.

Presenting the report titled “Vietnam After Five Years of Implementing the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA): Achievements, Challenges and Policy Reform Directions,” Nguyen Anh Duong, Head of the General Research Department at the CIEM, pointed out remarkable results, including a robust growth of Vietnamese exports to the EU, particularly in key sectors such as textiles, footwear, and agro-fishery products which benefit significantly from tariff incentives.

The EVFTA has created a transparent business environment, attracting high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) from the EU, especially in high-tech and sustainable development sectors. Commitments related to intellectual property, environmental protection, labor, and sustainable development under the agreement have encouraged Vietnam to upgrade its legal framework to align with international standards.

Specifically, the proportion of exports to the EU in Vietnam's total export turnover has gradually increased, reaching 13.19% in 2024. Vietnam maintains a substantial trade surplus with the EU, with 35.2 billion USD last year, the highest among the free trade agreements to which the Southeast Asian nation is a signatory. Notably, the rate of utilising tariff preferences under the EVFTA rose from 14.8% in 2020 to 35.2% in 2023, VNA reported.

Workers make products for export to the EU. (Photo: VNA)

Regarding FDI, the EVFTA has attracted significant interest from EU investors, particularly in high-tech, renewable energy, and green manufacturing sectors. However, the actual inflow of FDI from the EU has not increased as expected.

In terms of institutional reform, the EVFTA has served as a crucial catalyst for Vietnam to adjust its policy and legal systems to meet high standards in trade, investment, and sustainable development. Key changes are seen in areas such as customs process transparency, business environment improvement, labor standards enhancement, and environmental protection.

Nonetheless, implementation faces challenges due to uneven enforcement capacity among ministries and localities, as well as difficulties in adjusting the legal framework to meet new requirements.

On sustainable development, the EVFTA has prompted Vietnam to adopt higher standards regarding environmental protection, labor, and corporate administration, steering the country toward more sustainable practices.

Duong explained that the utilisation rate of tariff preferences remains low, as many enterprises struggle to meet stringent rules of origin. Additionally, Vietnamese enterprises, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), need to be better prepared to seize the opportunities presented by the deal.

He emphasised that the report recommends several important policy actions to optimise the EVFTA, including ongoing reviews and adjustments of the legal framework to ensure effective implementation. The approach should focus on strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and the EU in reforming regulations to align with emerging trends, particularly in new technologies and sustainable development.

Chief diplomats sketch out orientations for Vietnam – Thailand cooperation

Vietnam and Thailand will work closely to effectively implement existing cooperation mechanisms toward taking their enhanced strategic partnership to new heights.

The agreement was reached during talks in Hanoi on February 24 between Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa who is on an official visit to Vietnam from February 23-25.

Both sides agreed to strengthen high-level exchanges and explore establishing direct communication channels between their ministries to facilitate discussions on mutual concerns.

They pledged to boost cooperation in national defense and security, reaffirming their stance against allowing any individuals or organizations to use their territories against each other. They vowed to coordinate closely in combating transnational crimes, cybercrimes, and fraudulent job recruitment schemes that lure workers abroad under false pretenses.

The ministers set a goal to increase bilateral trade to US$25 billion by easing trade flows, expanding market access, and minimizing trade defense measures. They also agreed to enhance collaboration in the digital economy, e-commerce, and green energy, cited VOV.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and visiting Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa hold talks in Hanoi on February 24. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Both sides concurred that they will maximize the benefits of the ‘Three Connections’ strategy through supply chain integration, business-local government partnerships, and sustainable growth strategies. They will increase air routes, road, and waterway transport connections while supporting Thailand’s ‘Six Countries, One Destination’ tourism initiative.

Son appreciated Thailand’s support in establishing the Vietnam Town in Udon Thani last year and another one in Nakhon Phanom in the coming time.

He proposed that both sides continue collaboration to preserve sites dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in Thailand, promote Vietnamese temples, and expand Vietnamese and Thai language programs while encouraging city-to-city cooperation.

Sangiampongsa reaffirmed that Vietnam is one of Thailand’s most important regional partners.

Exchanging views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, the two sides vowed to strengthen ASEAN’s unity and centrality, enhance sustainable development in the Mekong subregion, and uphold peace, stability, and maritime security in the East Sea based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa is paying an official visit to Vietnam from February 23-25 at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. The visiting diplomat is scheduled to attend the second ASEAN Future Forum in Hanoi on February 25-26.

Taste Atlas ranks Vietnamese street food among the best in Southeast Asia

Taste Atlas highlights 26 Vietnamese dishes in its top 100 Southeast Asian street foods list, with chao long and bun dau mam tom making the cut.

Released on February 14, the list by the Zagreb, Croatia-based food platform included 26 Vietnamese dishes, showcasing the nation’s diverse and flavorful street food culture.

Bun dau mam tom – a must-try traditional dish

With a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars, bun dau mam tom ranked 58th on the list.

According to Taste Atlas, this iconic dish consists of vermicelli noodles, crispy fried tofu, and a signature shrimp paste sauce, all served with fresh herbs.

"Traditionally, diners squeeze a few drops of lime or kumquat juice into the shrimp paste and whisk it to enhance the flavor. This dish is a staple of Hanoi street food and can easily be found at roadside stalls across the city," the website describes.

Chao long – Vietnam’s flavorful porridge

Ranked 86th, chao long is celebrated for its affordability and deep-rooted popularity across Vietnam.

Taste Atlas describes it as: "Each region has its own variation, but the base remains the same: rice porridge cooked with pork bone broth, combined with a variety of pork offal such as liver, kidney, spleen, stomach, or heart."

Cháo lòng, a flavorful Vietnamese porridge, was recognized for its affordability and widespread popularity. Photo: homnayangi

Typically served hot, chao long is often accompanied by crispy dough sticks (quay), scallions, chili powder, and optional add-ons like pig’s blood pudding. Diners can also customize their bowls with bean sprouts, lime, fresh herbs, fish sauce, and ginger for an extra burst of flavor.

Alongside chao long and bun dau mam tom, many Vietnamese favorites were featured in the rankings, including:

Banh mi (ranked 3rd)
Pho bo (9th)
Com tam (20th)
Nem (27th)
Banh khoai (31st)
Nem lui (35th)
Banh xeo (36th)
Pho ga (38th)
Banh beo (39th)
Bo bia (62nd)
Hu tieu Nam Vang (64th)
Banh ran (67th)
Banh khot (76th)
Banh cuon (80th)

Founded in 2015, Taste Atlas is an international food platform that maps traditional dishes from around the world.

According to Matija Babic, the platform’s founder, the rankings are based on expert reviews and contributions from food critics, ensuring the credibility of each selection.

With Vietnam’s strong presence in the rankings, it’s clear that the country’s street food continues to be a global favorite, offering unique flavors and cultural heritage in every bite.

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