Vietnam News Today (Feb. 9): Vietnam, RoK Discuss Measures to Boost Bilateral Trade

	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 7): Tourism Sector Enjoys Good Start For 2025
	Vietnam News Today (Feb. 8): Vietnam, Bulgaria Enjoy Thriving Ties Through More Than Seven Decades

Workers process pineapples for export at a factory in the northern province of Ninh Binh. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK discuss measures to boost bilateral trade

Vietnam and the Republic of Korea have discussed measures to enhance cooperation for the goal of raising bilateral trade to 150 billion USD by 2030.

The meeting, which took place in Seoul, was attended by Kim Jong Cheol, Director-General for the International Trade Relations Bureau under the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy; and Do Quoc Hung, Director of the Asia-Africa Market Department at Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade, among other officials.

The two sides reviewed the current state of trade and investment and exchanged views on recent economic developments. Discussions also covered potential cooperation in various sectors, including nuclear power plant construction and addressing challenges faced by businesses.

Kim emphasized the importance of expanding future-oriented economic cooperation with Vietnam, the RoK’s third-largest trading partner. He noted the growing need for such collaboration amid the global uncertainty.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Korea Free Trade Agreement (VKFTA), Kim stressed that both sides should intensify efforts to further expand trade and investment, cited VNA.

Meanwhile, Hung highlighted that the RoK is the largest investor in Vietnam and reiterated Vietnam’s strong desire to grow alongside the RoK. He also stated that Vietnam would pay close attention to the challenges faced by Korean companies operating in the country.

The Vietnam-Korea Plus Joint Working Group serves as a collaborative platform for the two countries' governments, trade ministries, and trade support organizations to discuss ways to expand trade and investment. The target of reaching 150 billion USD in bilateral trade by 2030 was agreed upon by the leaders of both nations in 2022.

The group held its first meeting in September 2023.

Vietnam’s tourism recovery leads Southeast Asia in 2024

Vietnam’s tourism industry saw a remarkable recovery in 2024, leading Southeast Asia by recovering to 98% of its pre-COVID level, according to Indonesia’s en.tempo.co.

This resurgence positioned Vietnam at the forefront, surpassing Malaysia (94%), Thailand (88%), Singapore (86%), Indonesia (86%), and the Philippines (72%) in recovery rates.

Last year alone, Vietnam saw an influx of about 17.5 million foreign visitors, a jump of 38.9% from the previous year. The domestic scene was equally vibrant, with 110 million local travelers, a 1.6% rise, contributing to a 23.85% increase in tourism revenue, reaching around VND840 trillion (US$33.19 billion), according to VOV.

At Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

This impressive growth can be credited to Vietnam's favourable visa policies, now offering visa exemptions to travelers from 25 countries. The introduction of a user-friendly e-visa portal has further eased the process for tourists, enhancing Vietnam's appeal as a destination.

Looking forward to 2025, Vietnam sets its sights on welcoming 23 million foreign visitors, with tourism expected to contribute 6-8% to the gross domestic product (GDP). Beyond boosting revenue, the sector is also creating jobs and uplifting community living standards.

To hit its target, experts advised focusing on high-potential markets such as China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, Southeast Asia, North America, India and the Middle East. Other strategies include targeting quality tourism markets with visa-free entry and convenient flight connections, and improving tourism infrastructure.

Vietnam strongly committed to combating cybercrime: ambassador

Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has reaffirmed Vietnam’s strong commitment to the fight against cybercrime while addressing an information consultation on the UN Convention against Cybercrime, its implementation, and the upcoming negotiations for the convention’s Protocol.

The event was held in Vienna, Austria on February 6 by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), with the participation of representatives from numerous member states and international organizations, aiming to clarify the procedures for signing and ratifying the convention, introduce the upcoming signing ceremony in Hanoi, and promote global cooperation in combating cybercrime.

Hoang emphasized that cybercrime prevention is always a key priority in Vietnam’s national security policy, and the country has been actively involved in the convention’s negotiation process, VNS reported.

Information consultation on the UN Convention against Cybercrime. Photo chinhphu.vn

During the session, UNODC announced that the convention is being reviewed and translated into six official UN languages. Once finalised, it will be published on the office website for broader accessibility.

According to regulations, two years after its adoption by the UN General Assembly (December 2024), the UN Special Committee responsible for drafting the convention will lead discussions on the next steps for the Protocol negotiations, scheduled to begin in early 2026. These discussions aim to develop concrete legal measures and strengthen international cooperation against transnational cybercrime.

Vietnam will host the signing ceremony of the convention in 2025, coinciding with the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations, Vietnam’s 80th National Day, and other significant national celebrations. Ambassador Hoang highlighted that this event will not only affirm Vietnam’s role in the international community but also promote global cooperation, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, where cybercrime is on the rise.

Vietnam is closely coordinating with UNODC to prepare the necessary infrastructure and logistics in Hanoi, ensuring a smooth and secure signing ceremony. The diplomat expressed Vietnam’s hope for support from member states and stakeholders, emphasising the importance of international collaboration in dealing with cybersecurity threats. This event is expected to mark a significant milestone in advancing global cooperation on cybersecurity challenges, he noted.

Strong cold grips across Northern, Central Vietnam, temperatures drop sharply

A strong cold front is moving southward and is expected to cover the entire northern and central regions of Vietnam on February 8 and 9 that will cause a significant drop in temperatures, with some areas experiencing cold, even freezing conditions.

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, temperatures in the North and many areas in the Central region have dropped sharply, with the possibility of temperatures dropping below 3°C in the mountainous areas and potential snow or ice.

In the capital city of Hanoi, temperatures are anticipated to range between 10 - 14°C on September 8 - 9. Alongside low temperatures, some areas in the Central region are even forecast to experience rain and strong winds, cited VOV.

People are advised to put on warm clothes to protect their health if they want to venture out.

After February 9, the cold spell will ease, and temperatures will gradually rise again, bringing more comfortable weather for the following days.

Starting from February 10, the cold air mass will weaken and change its characteristics. This will lead to light rain, fog in the early morning and evening, and clearer skies with some sunshine during the day. The temperatures will gradually rise, becoming warmer starting February 11, said meteorologists.

Overall, the harsh cold will ease off, giving way to milder, more comfortable weather conditions in the coming days.

Vietnamese in Singapore join Chingay Parade 2025

The Vietnamese community in Singapore showcased culinary delights such as pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken), banh mi (bread), and banh trang (rice paper) at the Chingay Parade 2025 on February 7-8.

The event returned with the theme “Joy”, inviting members of the public to reflect on shared experiences transcending ethnicity, language and age through food. Attending the event, the Vietnamese community showcased culinary delights such as pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken), banh mi (bread), and banh trang (rice paper), which are very popular in Singapore.

As part of her visit to Singapore, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang joined the Vietnamese community at the event.

Hang hailed the expats’ efforts, enthusiasm, and creative ideas to promote Vietnamese culture, particularly Vietnamese cuisine, at the event. She affirmed her appreciation for the community's great contributions to the socio-economic development of the host country as well as fostering Vietnam-Singapore relations, VNA reported.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and overseas Vietnamese in Singapore at the Chingay Parade 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Organized annually by the People’s Association (PA), this year’s Chingay Parade featured a record number of over 4,000 artists and 23 floats. It is expected to attract approximately 20,000 spectators over the two nights of performances.

Singapore and Malaysia plan to jointly submit an application to nominate the annual Chingay Parade for inclusion in UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in March. The result is expected to be announced as early as the end of 2026.

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