Vietnam News Today (Jan. 18): Vietnam, Italy Convene Sixth Deputy Ministerial-level Political Consultation
	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 19): Prime Minister Receives Chairman of Czech - Vietnam Friendship Association

Heads of delegations and delegates at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam attends ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat in Malaysia

A Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat (AMM Retreat) in Langkawi, Malaysia, on January 19.

It was the first key event under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025, which was chaired by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan and attended by foreign ministers from ASEAN member states, the ASEAN Secretary-General, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste as an observer.

Son praised the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s achievements in 2024 under the chairmanship of Laos, calling them a solid foundation for the region to further enhance cooperation in 2025. He also expressed strong support for the theme and priorities proposed by Malaysia, and reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to close coordination in performing the outlined tasks and initiatives.

He underlined the importance of maintaining unity within ASEAN and reinforcing the bloc's central role. Highlighting the progress in ASEAN’s external relations, he stressed the need for the region to deepen its partnerships, while expanding mutually beneficial and practical cooperation with new partners, cited VNA.

Vietnam, in its role as coordinator for ASEAN-New Zealand and ASEAN-UK relations from 2024 to 2027, will continue with active and proactive contributions to relations between the two sides in the coming years, he said.

On the global and regional issues, Son expected that the situation in Myanmar would stabilize soon, while also highlighting Vietnam’s readiness to cooperate with the 2025 ASEAN Chair and Special Envoy in following the Five-Point Consensus (5PC) and decisions on the Myanmar issue reached by ASEAN leaders.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s unity and principled stance, reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and advancing substantive and effective negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), aiming to build the East Sea into a sea of peace, cooperation and sustainable development.

On the occasion, Son met with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Bin Haji, during which both sides vowed to continue stepping up the implementation of cooperation agreements already adopted by leaders, develop an action plan to realize the new phase of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and soon hold the 8th meeting of the Vietnam-Malaysia Joint Committee at the ministerial level to fulfill the commitments.

With priorities on energy transition and digital transformation, Malaysia considers Vietnam a key partner, said Mohamad Bin Haji, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fostering close bilateral cooperation to achieve concrete and substantial results.

On the sidelines of the retreat, Son also met bilaterally with foreign ministers of Laos and Indonesia.

Vietnam desires to promote strategic partnerships with Singapore, Malaysia

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son expressed Vietnam’s desire to foster the strategic partnerships with Singapore and Malaysia, during his separate meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Malaysia and Singapore on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat.

Meeting with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan, Son congratulated Malaysia on successfully organizing the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat and expected that the country would successfully chair ASEAN in 2025, thereby reinforcing ASEAN unity and centrality. Mohamad Hasan emphasized Malaysia’s priorities during the ASEAN Year 2025, such as energy transition and digital transformation, and affirmed that Vietnam remains a key partner. He pledged to foster close cooperation between Malaysia and Vietnam for tangible and substantive outcomes.

The two sides shared the view that the recent elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership marks a significant milestone and opens opportunities to deepen cooperation in economic connectivity, data sharing, fisheries, energy, and tourism.

They agreed to work together on an action plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to convene the eighth meeting of the Vietnam – Malaysia Joint Committee in Malaysia to realize commitments made by senior leaders, according to VOV.

Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son (L) and Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan during their meeting in Malaysia in January 2025.

On ASEAN cooperation, both parties agreed to promote regional cooperation in digital transformation, energy connectivity, data center development, trade facilitation, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Son affirmed Vietnam’s close coordination with Malaysia as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and other ASEAN member states to advance Malaysia’s proposed priorities and initiatives. He expressed hope for meaningful activities to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community (2015–2025), so as to enhance its visibility among regional and global audiences.

In another meeting with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, both sides expressed satisfaction with the strong development of their Strategic Partnership. They underscored the importance of effectively implementing commitments made during recent high-level visits, particularly in areas such as the green-digital economy partnership and the economic connectivity agreement, to create substantive progress and elevate bilateral relations in this new phase.

The two sides agreed to closely coordinate preparations for upcoming high-level visits to ensure successful outcomes. They also reiterated mutual support for each other’s candidacies for positions in international organizations, while agreeing to enhance cooperation in security and defense, as well as the training of high-quality human resources.

In support of Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the two FMs called on ASEAN to maintain unity, resilience, inclusiveness, and its central role in addressing regional challenges.

Overseas Vietnamese honored for contributions to homeland, community

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien chaired a meeting in Hanoi on January 19 to honour outstanding collectives and individuals from the overseas Vietnamese (OV) community who returned home for the annual programme Homeland Spring 2025.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairwoman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Le Thi Thu Hang highlighted the presence of a delegation of 100 outstanding OVs from 32 countries and territories, representing more than 6 million Vietnamese abroad, at the Homeland Spring 2025, reflecting the profound connection and affection they hold for the homeland.

At the meeting (Photo: VNA)

She noted that despite challenges over the past year, the OV community has remained united and resilient, making significant strides in various areas. Many have not only adapted and settled into their new lives but also become active players in the political life of the host countries. From successful entrepreneurs to scholars and experts, they have significantly contributed to Vietnam's ongoing development process.

Reflecting on Vietnam's accomplishments in 2024, Chien acknowledged the pivotal role played by the global Vietnamese community, saying that their collaboration has greatly strengthened the great national unity bloc, VNA reported.

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) is approaching, he extended his warmest wishes for a year of good health, happiness, success and new achievements to the 100 outstanding OVs and all Vietnamese nationals living and working abroad, encouraging them to keep contributing to both their host countries and Vietnam.

The event culminated with the VFF Central Committee recognising the outstanding contributions of eight collectives and 18 individuals. They were awarded certificates of merit for their roles in community building and uniting, and their active involvement in various campaigns and movements initiated by the VFF.

Vietnam among Top 15 developing countries with most FDI

In 2024, Vietnam reaped remarkable success in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), ranking among the top 15 developing economies that lured the largest FDI globally.

Amid a global decline in investment, Vietnam managed to reverse the trend in FDI attraction.

Statistics show FDI inflows for the year reached approximately US$38.23 billion, placing Vietnam among the top 15 developing nations in this category. FDI disbursement stood at about US$25.35 billion, an increase of 9.4%, marking the highest level ever.

The national brand value in 2024 reached US$507 billion, ranking 32nd globally, a rise of one place compared to 2023.

This success, experts say, stems from Vietnam’s continued improvements in its investment and business environment that reinforced trust among citizens, businesses, and investors, cited VOV.

Vietnam continues to attract a large volume of FDI in 2024 thanks to its continued efforts to improve the investment climate.

Associate Professor Dr. Dao Ngoc Tien, vice rector of Foreign Trade University, emphasizes that Vietnam has been attracting quality FDI.

“Under Resolution 50 on the FDI attraction strategy in the new phase, we aim not only to increase FDI quantity but also to focus on high-quality investments from the top 500 multinational corporations and developed nations. Meeting this goal requires steadfast commitment to sustainable and stable development,” says the expert.

Meanwhile, economic expert Can Van Luc notes that these advancements reflect Vietnam’s dedicated efforts to improve its investment environment and promote investment. However, to further boost FDI, he suggests, Vietnam should address sustainability criteria and focus on building green industries.

“Currently, FDI primarily targets industrial zones as part of ecological industrial investment, but the criteria for eco-industrial zones in Vietnam are still underdeveloped. Moreover, there is a growing need for investment in renewable energy and green buildings. Recently, the Housing Law introduced criteria for green construction,” explains Dr. Luc.

Experts remind that to prepare for next-generation FDI projects, industrial zones should prioritize green development, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, and carbon emission reductions. In this context, they emphasize, developing green industrial zones and infrastructure is not only a requirement to meet environmental standards but also a competitive advantage.

Airlines add 586 flights to meet Tet holiday travel demand

To accommodate the significant travel demand during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, airlines have announced an additional 586 flights, adding over 134,000 seats to their schedules from January 17 to February 12.

To meet the travel demands of the public during the Tet holiday (Year of the Snake), airlines have scheduled an additional 586 flights between January 17 (the 18th day of the lunar month) and February 12 (the 15th day of the lunar month).

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has allocated more flight slots, resulting in airlines increasing their capacity by approximately 134,800 seats compared to the previous week. These additional flights will operate from January 17 to February 12, focusing on high-demand routes, VNN reported.

Passenger traffic at Noi Bai International Airport is expected to increase significantly in the coming days. Photo: N. Ha

At Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City route will see an increase of 90 flights, with 89 additional flights in the opposite direction. Other popular routes such as Ho Chi Minh City - Da Nang will add 24 flights, Ho Chi Minh City - Thanh Hoa 22 flights, Ho Chi Minh City - Hue 23 flights, Ho Chi Minh City - Vinh 24 flights, and Hai Phong - Ho Chi Minh City 43 flights.

Passenger traffic at major airports, particularly Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, is expected to surge during the holiday period. This increase may lead to localized congestion at domestic terminals and potential delays in baggage claim.

The CAAV advises passengers to stay informed about flight schedules, plan their travel accordingly, and adhere to safety and security regulations to ensure a smooth travel experience.

Vietnam News Today (Jan. 15): Vietnamese, Russian PMs Hold Talks, Agree on Major Orientations for Bilateral Ties Vietnam News Today (Jan. 15): Vietnamese, Russian PMs hold talks, agree on major orientations for bilateral ties; China attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam, ...

Vietnam News Today (Jan. 16): Ambassador Joanna Skoczek Confident of Growing Poland – Vietnam Relations Vietnam News Today (Jan. 16): Vietnam, China prioritize strengthening bilateral ties; Ambassador Joanna Skoczek confident of growing Poland – Vietnam relations; Vietnam to waive visas ...