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At the political consultation (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Italy convene sixth deputy ministerial-level political consultation

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and Italian Under Secretary of State Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi co-chaired the sixth deputy ministerial-level political consultation in Hanoi on January 17 to discuss bilateral cooperation and explore orientations to bilateral ties in various fields.

Hang affirmed that Vietnam values its strategic partnership with Italy and wishes to work with Italy to contribute to global and regional peace and stability and jointly address global challenges.

She expressed her delight at the robust growth in two-way trade, which surged to 6.9 billion USD in 2024, marking a 13% increase from 2013 and nearing the 7 billion USD target set in the Joint Statement on strengthening the Vietnam-Italy Strategic Partnership.

The host suggested both sides continue effectively realising the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and called on Italy to advocate for the European Commission (EC) to soon lift the IUU-related yellow card warning against Vietnam’s seafood exports.

Hang expressed her thanks for Italy's crucial support in addressing climate change, particularly through its involvement in drafting the Political Declaration on establishing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), and proposed enhanced financial aid, institutional development, and human resources training from Italy and other JETP partners.

Tripodi, for her part, expressed her admiration for Vietnam's socio-economic achievements and goals in the new era. She reaffirmed Italy's commitment to fostering a strong friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam, its priority partner and largest trading partner in ASEAN, cited VNA.

She pledged to work closely on various investment and trade promotion programmes to facilitate better understanding and investment opportunities for firms from both countries.

Italy always accompanies Vietnam in its socio-economic development journey and efforts to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, she said, praising Vietnam’s strong commitments at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP26) and vowing to work with Vietnam and JETP partners to advance concrete projects aimed at addressing climate change, particularly in the Mekong Delta.

Both sides promised to facilitate the exchange of all-level delegations, especially those at high level, contributing to consolidating political trust and creating favourable conditions for collaboration in other areas. They underlined the importance of actively realising agreements and commitments reached during visits, intensifying consultations and effectively carrying out bilateral cooperation mechanisms regarding diplomacy, national defence, economy, sci-tech, with a focus on the political consultation between the two ministries.

The two deputy ministers agreed on directions to step up key cooperation areas, including national defence-security, sci-tech, development cooperation, energy, environment, culture, education and tourism.

Italy will actively partner with Vietnam in the cultural sector and increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students, she said, vowing close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations, especially the United Nations, while fostering collaboration within the ASEAN-Italy and ASEAN-EU frameworks.

On global and regional issues of mutual concern, both sides stressed that disputes must be settled through peaceful means, in accordance with the fundamental principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Regarding the East Sea issue, they reaffirmed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight, supporting the peaceful settlement of disputes in line with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). They also expressed their support for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and the building of a substantive, effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law.

Polish Sejm to soon ratify investment deal between EU and Vietnam

The Polish Sejm (Lower House) will soon ratify the investment protection agreement between the European Union and Vietnam and lobby the European Commission to remove the yellow card against Vietnamese seafood exported into the bloc.

Speaker of the Polish Sejm Szymon Holownia made the commitment during his meeting with visiting Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Warsaw on January 17.

Holownia highly appreciated Chinh’s visit, which he said marks an important milestone in Vietnam-Poland relations as the two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations (1950-2025) this year.

The Speaker praised the positive and substantive developments in the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, especially in politics-diplomacy, economics, education, culture, and tourism.

He expressed a strong desire to strengthen relations with Vietnam to the highest possible level, particularly in the context of global uncertainties that pose numerous challenges to countries.

Chinh for his part affirmed that his visit was to strongly promote the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries across all fields.

He thanked the Polish parliament for establishing the Poland-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Group, reflecting the deep affection of the Polish people for Vietnam, according to VOV.

Polish Sejm Speaker Szymon Holownia (R) and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during their meeting in Warsaw on January 17.

Chinh emphasized Vietnam’s appreciation for Poland’s heartfelt assistance during its struggle for national liberation and current development, including healthcare and educational projects that remain valuable and impactful in Vietnam.

He acknowledged the positive developments in various fields of bilateral relations and the dynamic cooperation between the two parliaments.

Both sides agreed to enhance exchanges at all levels, particularly high-level visits, across Party, State, Government, and parliamentary channels, as well as through people-to-people exchanges. They committed to promoting cooperation between parliamentary committees and leveraging the role of the two countries Parliamentary Friendship Groups.

Highlighting the importance of trade and investment cooperation as a pillar of bilateral relations, the Prime Minister and the Speaker agreed to strengthen cooperation in this area to match the strong political and cultural ties between the two countries, striving to raise two-way trade to US$5 billion.

Both sides pledged to further close cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organizations, particularly at the United Nations and ASEAN-EU platforms.

Holownia expressed Poland’s desire to join ASEAN's Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) soon.

On security matters, including the East Sea, both parties emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means, including diplomatic and legal processes, in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Holownia praised the Vietnamese community in Poland as a reputable, hardworking, and industrious group that makes significant contributions to Poland and serves as a bridge connecting the two countries.

Chinh expressed gratitude and hoped for the Sejm’s support in recognizing the Vietnamese community as a minority group in Poland.

He also extended an invitation from National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to Speaker Szymon Holownia to visit Vietnam.

Vietnam to become competitive player in global financial market: Minister

Vietnam, an emerging financial center, is seizing a “golden opportunity” to become a competitive player in the international financial arena with progressive legal frameworks and standout initiatives, according to Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung.

Developing regional and international financial centers has been identified as a key institutional breakthrough by the Party, State, National Assembly, and Government to bolster growth model transition in tandem with economic restructuring to improve productivity and competitive edge, helping propel the country into a new era – that of the nation’s rise.

While the concept is not new globally, it is unprecedented and challenging for Vietnam, he said, stressing great opportunities will come with formidable challenges.

Dung’s ministry has unveiled plans to establish two financial centers, one at the international level in Ho Chi Minh City and one at the regional level in Da Nang city.

The HCM City center will be located in District 1 and Thu Thiem New Urban Area, while Da Nang's financial district will comprise a 6-hectare core zone, expandable to a 62-hectare financial quarter within the Da Nang Industrial Park, plus a 9.7-hectare financial technology center, VNA reported.

A regional financial centre will be set up in Da Nang city. (Photo: VNA)

Within these designated geographical zones, special mechanisms and policies will be implemented to attract financial institutions, including banks, investment funds, and financial service companies. Trading platforms for securities, currencies, and commodities will be established under the centers, with a priority on developing emerging financial sectors such as fintech in alignment with international practices.

According to the minister, the successful development of the centers will play a crucial role in connecting Vietnam with global financial markets while attracting foreign financial institutions, thus creating new investment resources and leveraging existing ones. Meanwhile, it will provide high-quality financial services to meet the needs of both domestic and international businesses.

The initiative will create a qualitative leap forward in developing Vietnam’s financial market in a healthy and efficient fashion and bolstering economic transformation process, he said, adding it will help Vietnam integrate deeper into global value chains, enhance the country’s role, prestige, and influence in the international arena, and establish its reputation as a dynamic and sustainable economy globally, thus strengthening national defence and security, particularly in the financial sector, early and from afar.

The ministry has proposed developing the centers with a “hybrid” approach, selectively incorporating successful elements from global financial centers while aligning them to Vietnam's specific context.

Outlining key measures for 2025, Dung said that ministries, sectors and agencies should join hands with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the localities to complete a draft National Assembly resolution on the development of the centers soon.

He called for immediate preparation of infrastructure, human resources, institutional frameworks, and business environment while laying stress on the importance of attracting strategic investors and financial institutions to these centers.

International partners are being sought to provide expertise and support in developing and operating the facilities, including policy recommendations and resources mobilisation, he added.

He expressed his hope that the financial centers in HCM City and Da Nang will not only symbolize Vietnam's prosperity but also contribute positively to the stability and development of the global financial system.

Da Nang vows to facilitate foreign businesses’ operations

Da Nang city will continue to improve the business environment to attract more investors and position itself as a hub for innovation, technology, and sustainable development in Vietnam.

Leaders of the Da Nang City People’s Committee reaffirmed the commitment at workshop held on January 17 as part of the ongoing City Partnership Forum – Da Nang 2025 that is getting underway from January 16-18.

Addressing the event, Ho Ky Minh, vice chairman of the municipal administration, noted that despite difficulties and challenges, Da Nang has always strived to bring into full play all resources and strengthen international cooperation to promote development, affirming its role as the economic growth pole of the central region.

He cited statistics saying the local economy recorded significant positive results in 2024, with the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) estimated to grow by 7.51% compared to 2023. The city’s economic scale is currently projected to exceed VND151.3 trillion, an increase of nearly VND17.1 trillion compared to the previous year, cited VOV.

Foreign officials and businesses attend the workshop in Da Nang on January 17. (Photo: cand.com.vn)

Facing new opportunities and favorable conditions, Da Nang is calling on partners, the business community, and investors to strengthen cooperation, investment, and business activities in the city, said Minh.

Representatives from relevant Da Nang agencies presented the city’s potential for investment in the context of emerging trends. They introduced policies to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the city. They also shared details about upcoming strategies to advance the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industries in the locality.

The workshop themed Advancing International Collaboration to Drive Investment and Capitalise on Emerging Global Trend also featured contributions from officials and businesses from Italy, China, the United States, Taiwan (China), and others.

The event was considered a prime opportunity to promote Da Nang’s investment environment and cooperation prospects in key areas, including high-tech industries, semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, innovation, free trade zones, and the International Financial Center.

Northeast monsoon impacts Tet weather: Drizzle in the North, dry in the South

With Tet (Lunar New Year) 2025 around the corner, meteorologists forecast contrasting weather across Vietnam: cold and damp in the North, while the South enjoys sunny, pleasant conditions.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has released preliminary predictions for Tet 2025 and an overview of Vietnam's climate trends for the year.

Weather during Tet 2025

Meteorologists predict a minimal likelihood of tropical cyclones forming over the East Sea during Tet 2025.

From January 17–25 (the 18th–26th day of the lunar month), Northern Vietnam is expected to see light morning fog with sunny and cold weather during the day. The Central region, from Thanh Hoa to Hue, will remain mostly cloudy but dry and cold.

From Da Nang to Binh Thuan, dry conditions are expected with cool mornings and mild sunshine during the day. In the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam, nights and early mornings will bring cloudy skies with light fog, while daytime will remain sunny but not hot.

From January 26–31 (the 27th of the lunar month to the 3rd day of Tet), the northeast monsoon will intensify, keeping the North cold, with mountainous areas experiencing severe cold spells. Light rain or drizzle is expected in the eastern Northern region.

In the North Central region, light rain may occur in some areas, and temperatures will remain cold. The Central and South-Central regions may see scattered rain, particularly before January 28 (the 29th day of the lunar month), according to VNN.

Northern Vietnam is expected to experience cold weather with drizzle during Tet 2025. (Photo: Xuan Minh)

Meanwhile, the Central Highlands and Southern Vietnam will largely remain dry with sunny conditions, with no heat waves anticipated.

However, coastal areas in the southeastern region will experience tidal surges from January 30 to February 2 (the 2nd–5th day of Tet), with peak tides potentially reaching 4.1 meters, leading to localized flooding in certain coastal and estuary areas.

Climate trends for 2025

The Pacific Ocean's equatorial regions are currently experiencing below-average sea surface temperatures, indicating weak La Niña conditions.

By February to April 2025, sea temperatures are expected to gradually rise but remain slightly below average before returning to neutral conditions by mid-year.

This trend suggests:

Rainfall: Above-average rain is expected in the early months of 2025 in parts of Southeast Asia, including southern Vietnam. Some off-season rain events may occur during the typically dry season.

Storms: The East Sea is expected to have an average number of storms, with around 11–13 storms or tropical depressions predicted, five to six of which may make landfall in Vietnam.

Heatwaves: Heatwaves are projected to begin in early March in southern Vietnam and in April in northwestern and central regions. While 2025 heat waves may be less severe and shorter than those of 2024, their impact will vary by region.

Cold spells: Northern Vietnam will likely experience significant cold waves from January to March 2025, bringing freezing temperatures, frost, and snow in mountainous areas.

Drought and salinity intrusion: Salinity intrusion in the Mekong Delta is expected to peak between February and April 2025, potentially surpassing average levels and affecting agriculture and water supplies.

Additionally, six significant tidal surges are forecast for the southeastern coastline, with the most intense occurring in November and December, where water levels in Vung Tau could exceed 4.3 meters.

In central and southern provinces outside irrigation zones, localized droughts may occur from March to July 2025, particularly in areas like Phu Yen, Binh Thuan, Kon Tum, and Dak Lak.

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