Vietnam News Today (Jan. 31): Traditional Friendship Shapes Future Vietnam – Russia Cooperation

	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 29): Foreign Ambassadors Reflect on Charm of Vietnamese Tet
	Vietnam News Today (Jan. 30): New Visa Exemption Policy Expected to Give a Boost to Vietnam’s Tourism Industry

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Hanoi in June 2024. (Photo: VNA)

Traditional friendship shapes future Vietnam – Russia cooperation: Ambassador

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi has said the Vietnam – Russia relationship, set up on January 30, 1950, has evolved from the historical roots to today’s comprehensive strategic partnership.

The diplomat told the Vietnam News Agency that the relationship with Russian is the continuation of the ties with the Soviet Union in the past, noting despite brief interruptions during the political transitions in the early 1990s, both nations have worked diligently to strengthen their partnership.

The diplomatic framework underwent significant evolution, beginning with the 1994 Treaty on Principles of Friendly Relations, which set up core principles of mutual respect of each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, equality, and win-win benefits based on international laws. The relationship was subsequently elevated to a strategic partnership in 2001 and a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012 on the basis of mutual trust and respect, and sustainable cooperation.

He went on to highlight that the political ties have been consolidated and maintained high levels of trust through regular exchange of delegations and diverse institutional mechanisms, including the intergovernmental committees on economic-trade and science-tech cooperation, and defence technology collaboration, along with strategic dialogues and working groups across all areas.

Economic relations, he said, have shown promising growth, with trade turnover rising 10-15% a year, adding collaboration in the domains of science – technology, culture, education, and tourism has been expanding over years.

Russia has become an increasingly attractive destination for many Vietnamese students, thanks to its scholarship programmes and high-quality education. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese scientists, engineers, and technical workers trained in Russia have made significant contributions to Vietnam’s economy while also serving as a bridge for the friendship between the two nations. Besides, frequent cultural exchanges have further enhanced mutual understanding and paved the way for broader cooperation across various sectors.

Khoi laid stress on the significance of the relations to both nation amidst the context of profound geopolitical, economic, and security shifts, stating Vietnam, as an active member of the ASEAN and a dynamic developing nation, has treasured the traditional relationship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, seeing the country as a leading partner in its foreign policy and hoping to join hands with Russia to develop the ties for the interests of the two nations and the prosperity of the two peoples.

From Russia’s perspective, Vietnam plays a crucial role in its Look East policy, particularly in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Russia regards Vietnam as a vital partner in executing its regional diplomatic strategy. Through close cooperation, both countries can enhance their global influence, expand opportunities for collaboration, and advance their shared interests. This partnership not only fulfills the aspirations of their peoples but also contributes to regional and global peace and stability.

Touching on the two countries’ coordination at regional and multilateral forums, he said Vietnam and Russia have well supported each other based on their similar stances on many regional and international issues. This cooperation not only reflects the comprehensive strategic partnership and trust but also demonstrates their shared commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and development both globally and in the Asia-Pacific, cited VNA.

Looking ahead, he outlined several priority areas for strengthening bilateral relations. These include enhancing political trust through regular leadership exchanges, maintaining defence and security cooperation as a cornerstone of the partnership, and boosting economic collaboration to maximise the free trade agreement between Vietnam and the Eurasian Economic Union.

He suggested both sides strengthen collaboration in such domains as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, and IT, while paying due attention to large-scale projects in oil and gas, energy, and infrastructure so as to create new motives for economic development in the two countries.

As science - technology holds immense potential, Vietnam and Russia should enhance cooperation in space research, biotechnology, renewable energy, and AI. Joint ventures in advanced technology will boost innovation and competitiveness while investment in high-quality workforce, especially in engineering and technology, will not only strengthen bilateral ties but also empower the younger generation to contribute to future development, he said.

Culture and education remain crucial bridges for fostering mutual understanding. More cultural exchanges, art events, exhibitions, and festivals should be organised to promote each nation’s identity. Additionally, facilitating student and scholar exchanges, research collaborations, and academic partnerships will build deeper connections between the younger generations of both countries, he underscored.

Khoi held that it is essential to maintain and expand dialogues, particularly at high levels, to address emerging challenges and explore new cooperation opportunities, highlighting the need to complete a favourable legal environment to bolster economic – trade and investment ties.

Bolivia treasures friendship, cooperation with Vietnam: President

Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce has affirmed that the South American country has attached much importance to the friendship and collaboration with Vietnam.

Hosting a recent reception for Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Bolivia Bui Van Nghi who came to present his credentials on January 27, the Bolivian leader expressed his hope for enhanced ties between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Bolivia’s Movement towards Socialism as well as the exchange of governance and development experiences between the two sides.

Arce lauded Vietnam’s national liberation and reunification in the past as well as its renewal, international integration, and development nowadays under the leadership of the CPV.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Bolivia Bui Van Nghi (R) presents his credentials to Bolivian President Luis Alberto Arce. (Photo: VNA)

He underscored Bolivia’s priority to bolstering cooperation with Vietnam in such potential areas as trade, investment, tourism, mining, agriculture. and renewable energy. Expressing his confidence in Nghi’s ability to fulfill his mission, the leader said he hopes that the diplomat will contribute positively to consolidating and developing the bilateral relations.

Conveying greetings from Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to President Arce, Nghi pledged efforts to enhance the friendship and traditional cooperation between the two countries to boost economic and trade partnerships in a practical and effective fashion while exploring cooperation opportunities in culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.

Right after the event, Nghi had working sessions with Bolivian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Esteban Catarina and Vice Minister of Foreign Trade and Integration Huáscar Ajata Guerrero, according to VNA.

During these discussions, both sides explored measures to strengthen bilateral ties, promote exchange of delegations at all levels, and expand cooperation on multilateral platforms.

The Bolivian side expressed a strong interest in attracting investment into its metal mining industry, particularly in lithium, tungsten, gold, silver, and copper. The South American nation also signaled its readiness to export soybeans, beef, and timber to Vietnam while seeking to import high-quality Vietnamese consumer goods such as truck tires, automobiles, motorbikes, footwear, and clothing. Additionally, Bolivia invited Vietnamese enterprises to participate in infrastructure development projects, including airport expansion, bridge and highway construction, and tourism cooperation.

Sanguine outlook ahead for Vietnamese economy in 2025

With impressive economic achievements recorded last year, the Vietnamese economy is projected to continue to grow positively in the year ahead, according to insiders.

One of the Government’s top goals is to achieve an economic growth rate of 8% or higher this year, which in turn will give a fresh impetus to the implementation of the double-digit growth target in the 2026 - 2030 period.

A “growth star" in Southeast Asia

In fact, Vietnamese economic growth of over 7% last year can be viewed as a bright spot amid the global economy continuing to face numerous difficulties and many countries enduring a spell of low growth.

Vietnam was among the few countries to achieve high economic growth in the region and the world, which was highly appreciated by international organisations.

In a recent report, HSBC described Vietnam as a "growth star" in Southeast Asia, as its economic recovery extended beyond the electronics industry to various other industries such as manufacturing, consumption, trade, and foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction.

HSBC has maintained its growth forecast for Vietnam this year at 6.5%, noting that investors remain committed to supporting the country as it continues to expand its production capacity, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

Meanwhile, both the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have also raised their growth forecast for the country.

According to the ADB, the Vietnamese economy is likely to expand 6.6% this year, thanks to a strong trade performance, a resurgence in export-led manufacturing, and ongoing fiscal stimulus measures. Similarly, the Vietnamese growth forecast for 2025 has been revised upward to 6.5% by the WB.

In a recent report, Singapore-based United Overseas Bank (UOB) has revised its forecast for Vietnam's 2025 GDP growth to 7% from its previous 6.6% projection, following strong momentum recorded last year.

UOB experts hold, the country ended 2024 on a strong note, with real GDP growth surging to 7.55% in the fourth quarter. This figure was well above the median consensus view of 6.7% and the bank's 5.2% forecast.

Manufacturing and services continue to be the main growth drivers, while foreign trade still maintains a strong growth rate. The 8% economic growth goal therefore seems overly ambitious, although there is still merit in fulfilling the target.

The UOB expects that positive developments from domestic drivers such as manufacturing, consumer spending, and the number of tourist arrivals will contribute to economic growth, especially in the first half of the year.

Pressure and major growth drivers for 2025

The National Assembly has set a growth target of between 6.5% and 7% for this year, while Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently set a goal of achieving economic growth of at least 8%.

These ambitious goals are anticipated to be supported by faster disbursement of public investment to accelerate infrastructure development and attract greater investment.

Addressing the recent 17th Vietnam Economic Scenario Forum’s spring 2025 plenary session, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc stressed that the fulfilment of 15 targets set for 2024 has become a driving force and also a pressure for the country’s economic growth in 2025 and the following years.

With regard to new factors that will propel economic growth this year, Phoc again highlighted three breakthroughs, including institutional improvement, infrastructure construction, and human resource development. In particular, he said, human resource breakthrough is considered to be the core solution to changing the nature of growth in the coming time.

Dr. Nguyen Bich Lam, former director general of the General Statistics Office (GSO), analysed that with the global economy in the 2024 - 2026 period projected to grow by 3.2%, lower than the pre-pandemic period, it will be challenging to obtain the targets set by the National Assembly and the Prime Minister.

Dr. Lam pointed out that a number of factors will affect Vietnamese GDP growth this year, including high pressure placed on the exchange rate, geopolitical and trade risks, as well as high global inflation.

Meanwhile, economist Can Van Luc outlined how free trade agreements (FTAs) that Vietnam has joined will open up fresh opportunities for bolstering exports moving forward. In addition, other factors such as investment, export, and consumption are expected to maintain growth momentum in the time ahead.

Luc also underlined the need to strictly monitor the macro economy, inflation, and exchange rate, especially when both the corporate bond market and the real estate market are showing positive signs of recovery.

Another key factor is institutional breakthroughs and apparatus streamlining, which in turn will consolidate businesses and people’s trust in achieving the growth target.

With this momentum, the growth target of between 7.5% and 8% for 2025 and beyond will therefore be feasible.

For his part, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Duc Tam underscored the importance of devising drastic solutions aimed at meeting the growth target of at least 8% whilst striving to reach double-digit growth in the coming years.

“In 2025, we must continue to perfect institutions, which is regarded as one of the driving forces to accelerate the country’s economic growth,” Tam emphasised.

He also underlined the need to continue to stabilise the macro economy, curb inflation, and ensure the economy’s major balances, as well as removing hurdles for firms to help them return to operation.

Other solutions are to renew growth drivers through investment attraction, and stimulate consumption, as well as import and export activities, he added.

Tam also highlighted the significance of speeding up the completion of infrastructure, as well as building financial hubs in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, which in turn will provide a solid foundation for economic growth in the coming time.

A taste of Tet: Foreigners try their hand at making Vietnam’s festive rice cakes

Making banh chung and banh tet is an art that demands precision and care. For two foreign visitors, the challenge was part of the fun as they embraced this traditional Tet experience.

Although making banh chung and banh tet in Vietnam requires patience and skill, two foreign visitors admitted that the effort was well worth it, as they found these traditional cakes to be incredibly delicious and a highlight of the Tet holiday.

Jongrak, a South Korean content creator who has lived in Ho Chi Minh City for nearly six years, recently shared a video on his YouTube channel, which boasts over a million followers, documenting his experience making banh chung at a well-known shop on Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District.

Having lived and worked in Vietnam for six years, Jongrak confessed that he had never tried making banh chung (square sticky rice cake). This year, he decided to take on the challenge, hoping to deepen his understanding of Vietnam’s traditional Tet customs.

At the shop, the owner and staff introduced Jongrak to the essential ingredients for making banh chung, including dong leaves, mung beans, pork, and sticky rice.

Under their enthusiastic guidance, he learned each step, from folding the leaves and wrapping the cake to ensuring a firm and aesthetically pleasing final product.

The shop owner, originally from Phu Tho, explained that a well-wrapped banh chung must be firm to prevent it from falling apart during cooking. A high-quality cake should be evenly cooked inside and have an appealing appearance.

Jongrak quickly picked up the process and followed along, wrapping a cake under supervision. However, he admitted that making banh chung was much harder than it looked, requiring precision and dexterity.

After several attempts, he finally completed his first banh chung. He promised to try again next year to improve his technique and become more skilled.

Later, Jongrak purchased a fully cooked banh chung weighing one kilogram for 95,000 VND.

As he unwrapped the cake, he was delighted by its fragrant aroma and the delicate green hue imparted by the dong leaves. Using bamboo strings to slice the cake, he eagerly took his first bite.

"Banh chung is very delicious - sticky, chewy, and aromatic. I’d love to bring some back to Korea for my family to try," he shared.

Similarly, Lawrence Mak, a Canadian visitor, enthusiastically took part in making banh tet, a staple Tet dish in southern Vietnam, cited VNN.

Jongrak learns how to wrap banh chung, a Vietnamese Tet specialty.

He visited a family-run banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) shop in Ho Chi Minh City, where the owner demonstrated the meticulous process of wrapping the cylindrical rice cakes.

Observing closely, Lawrence noted that unlike banh chung, banh tet comes in a variety of flavors and colors. The rice can be infused with natural dyes from cam leaves or pandan, while the fillings range from sweet (banana, peanuts, mung beans) to savory (pork belly, dried shrimp, Chinese sausage, salted egg yolk).

Focusing intently, he followed the instructions and successfully wrapped several banh tet, thoroughly enjoying the hands-on experience.

After completing his cakes, he was invited to taste different varieties of banh tet and was pleasantly surprised by their diverse flavors and textures.

"Banh tet is amazing - it has a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and chewy textures. My favorite is the traditional filling with creamy mung beans and rich pork fat, perfectly complemented by the fragrant sticky rice," Lawrence said.

He also shared that he had previously tried banh chung and appreciated both types of Tet cakes for their unique cultural significance and flavors.

To him, each type of cake carries its own distinct shape and taste, yet both embody the deep-rooted traditions of Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Vietnam strengthens its global standing: Russian experts

Many leading Russian experts have highlighted Vietnam’s increasing position in the international arena and its evolving relationship with Russia as the two countries are celebrating their 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties (January 30).

Assoc.Prof.Dr Petr Tsvetov from the Russian Diplomatic Academy, who is also Vice Chairman of the Russia – Vietnam Friendship Association, noted that while the three-quarter century of bilateral relations has seen more highs than lows, recent years have presented challenges. He elaborated that two-way trade has not met expectations yet and several key projects have stalled.

He told the Vietnam News Agency that the bilateral ties in 2025 began with a promising note with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's official visit to Vietnam, accompanied by numerous ministers and industry leaders, including Rosatom nuclear energy corporation's CEO.

Holding that the signing of a cooperation roadmap through 2030 marks a strategic milestone for bilateral relations, Tsvetov expressed optimism that this high-level visit would deepen Russian ministries and sectors' understanding of Vietnam's needs, helping chart future collaboration courses.

In the nuclear technology sector, Tsvetov pointed to encouraging developments beyond economic aspects. He highlighted a significant shift in Russian perception of Vietnam's technological capabilities, evolving from viewing Vietnam as a minor partner to now sharing cutting-edge technologies and equipment in high-tech industry.

Besides, he stated that the recent consolidation of Vietnam's top leadership positions also will bring hope for renewed momentum in bilateral relations, VNA reported.

Assoc.Prof.Dr Petr Tsvetov from the Russian Diplomatic Academy (Photo: VNA)

Meanwhile, Professor Vladimir Mazyrin, Director of the Center for Vietnamese and ASEAN Studies under the Institute of China and Contemporary Asia of the Russian Academy of Sciences, underscored significant changes in Vietnam’s international standing. While the Soviet Union was Vietnam’s sole partner 75 years ago, the Southeast Asian country now maintains multi-level partnerships with numerous nations, including global powers like the US, China, and most recently Brazil.

Vietnam's position in relations with Russia has strengthened, serving not only as a traditional political partner but also as a crucial bridge between Russia and ASEAN, he said, adding Vietnam has an important position in Russia’s foreign policy, particularly its project to develop ties in Eurasia.

In the meantime, Elena Nikulina, from the “Vietnam studies” journal, also an expert on international issues in Southeast Asia, recalled Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assessment of Vietnam as one of Russia's three key Asian partners, alongside China and India. Vietnam's role has become increasingly vital as Russia accelerates its Look East strategy. She noted that amidst complex international situation, Vietnam has consistently demonstrated loyalty and support for the traditional political and economic ties with Russia.

She affirmed the essential nature of Vietnam-Russia relations and expressed confidence that leaders of both nations will find solutions to current challenges, ensuring their comprehensive strategic partnership achieves further results.

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