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Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai presents a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh to the Communist Party of Sri Lanka. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Sri Lanka strengthen cooperation across multiple areas

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Duc Hai engaged in numerous activities in Colombo capital and Kandy city during his two-day visit to Sri Lanka on March 21-22.

At the National Library of Sri Lanka, the Vice Chairman and his entourage paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, offering flowers at his monument and visiting the Ho Chi Minh Space. He praised the library’s efforts in collecting and displaying materials on Ho Chi Minh’s life and career, including a translation of his Prison Diary into Sinhala, a language of Sri Lanka. He proposed closer cooperation between the national libraries of both countries to expand the collection.

Meeting General Secretary Weerasinghe Geeganage and other leaders of the Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Vice Chairman Hai underscored the long-standing ties between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and Communist Party of Sri Lanka, supporting stronger bilateral relations, urging the two parties to continue exchanging issues of shared concern, promoting their friendship and cooperation.

General Secretary Geeganage congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements under the CPV leadership, describing the country's success as a model and a source of encouragement for communist and workers' parties worldwide. Affirming strong support and solidarity between the two parties, he expressed his wish to strengthen bilateral ties further, contributing to the development of the two countries' relations, cited VNA.

During discussions with the Sri Lanka-Vietnam Solidarity Association, the Vice Chairman commended its role since its inception in 1966 in fostering international support for Vietnam. He expressed gratitude for its efforts in strengthening tradition friendship between the two countries' people.

Association representatives pledged to continue promoting solidarity between the two countries.

On March 22, Central Province Governor Sarath Abeykoon welcomed Vice Chairman Hai, emphasizing the visit’s role in enhancing ties between Sri Lanka’s Central Province and Vietnamese localities.

Vietnam to proactively adapt to trade policies amid global uncertainties

Vietnamese enterprises and management agencies are required to take proactive measures as part of efforts to enhance trade promotion and make concise forecasts to ensure Vietnam's trade activities amid global challenges, according to insiders.

Competitive pressure on domestic goods

Experts outline that the complex geopolitical landscape, particularly the recent imposition of 10% tariffs on Chinese goods by the United States, poses a multitude of challenges for Vietnam.

As China is one of Vietnam's most crucial trade partners - the country’s second largest export market and the largest supplier of goods, particularly raw materials for production, experts believe any shift in Chinese economic policy will directly impact Vietnamese trade activities.

Nong Duc Lai, Vietnamese trade counselor in China, emphasises that the US tariffs will impact Chinese exports, reduce domestic investment and consumption, and lower China’s GDP growth by 0.3 - 0.4%. In addition, these measures may decrease China’s inflation rate by 0.2%.

On a positive note, according to Lai, Chinese and international businesses have been diversifying production to avoid US tariffs, leading to increased investment in countries like Vietnam. This shift has indirectly positioned Vietnam as an attractive destination due to its competitive labor costs and strategic location.

Foreign investment attraction will open up a wealth of opportunities for Vietnam to become a supporting production hub and get further involved in the supply chain, especially in the agriculture and light industries, according to VOV.

Photo: VOV

Furthermore, the nation will also have the chance to penetrate deeper into the Chinese market as the northern neighbour restricts imports from the US and strives to stimulate domestic consumption, Lai noted.

“The influx of foreign investment presents an opportunity for Vietnam to become a key supporting industry hub, allowing local businesses to integrate into global production and supply chains, particularly in agriculture and light industries. Vietnam also stands a chance to expand its presence in the Chinese market as China restricts imports from the US and stimulates domestic consumption,” remarks the trade official.

However, he voices his concern that as Chinese exports face restrictions in the US, Chinese enterprises may seek alternative markets, including Vietnam, intensifying competition for locally manufactured goods.

Simultaneously, Vietnamese exports will have to compete with an oversupply of Chinese products in China. Furthermore, in response to US trade policies, China is likely to devalue its currency Yuan against the US dollar to boost exports, increasing competitive pressure on Vietnamese goods.

“Besides currency devaluation, China may also use re-export trade methods, shifting assembly and production overseas to export goods to the US and other high-tariff markets. This poses risks to countries where China directs its investment, as the US government is likely to enforce strict origin-tracing policies on Chinese products," Lai warned.

He also cautions that as China shifts its exports to markets outside the US and EU, Chinese enterprises may lower product quality standards to meet the demands of these new markets. This aggressive pricing and competition for contracts could have a mid-term impact on Vietnamese businesses.

Accurate forecast about market trends to make flexible response

Discussing further disadvantages for the Vietnamese trade, Do Ngoc Hung, head of the Vietnam Trade Office in the US, points out that the biggest difficulty is that Vietnam is not yet considered a full market economy, leading to disadvantages in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations filed by the US.

Given this reality, Hung urges the Vietnamese government to develop a clear roadmap to protect its trade interests against potential tariff measures imposed by the Trump administration. He also emphasizes the need to strengthen strategic cooperation with the US to ensure sustainable bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Phan Thi Thang underlines the urgent need to forecast market trends, adopt flexible response solutions, and improve competitiveness to adapt to global fluctuations.

“Vietnamese trade offices abroad must closely monitor, analyze, and assess trade policies in host countries,” says Thang. “They should promptly provide policy recommendations to protect Vietnam’s interests in international economic integration. Moreover, they need to conduct in-depth research on market demand, consumer preferences, and regulatory requirements to advise the Ministry of Industry and Trade on export market strategies and guide domestic production and business activities.”

She also emphasizes the importance of Trade Offices working proactively with relevant authorities in host countries to address emerging issues, such as trade disputes or fraud cases, to safeguard the legitimate rights of Vietnamese businesses.

Vietnam, Laos stand in solidarity: Lao Official

The Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) have always stood side by side, demonstrating solidarity and mutual support, said Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Vice President of the Lao National Assembly Sounthone Xayachak.

In an interview granted to Vietnam News Agency in Vientiane, she highlighted close cooperation between the two parties and its significance to each country's revolutionary cause, emphasizing that Laos and Vietnam take great pride in their long-standing relationship. Since the founding of the Indochinese Communist Party, the revolutionary paths of the two nations have been inseparably linked, with both countries fighting side by side against common enemies and always ready to make sacrifices for one another.

Laos and Vietnam also share a deep sense of pride in the fact that their ruling parties originated from a common root, the Indochinese Communist Party founded by President Ho Chi Minh in 1930. Over the decades, the two parties fought shoulder to shoulder against invaders, ultimately achieving complete victory in 1975. Since Laos' liberation that same year, the two Parties, States, and people of both nations have continued to uphold their tradition of solidarity and mutual support.

On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the LPRP’s founding and the 50th anniversary of Laos’ National Day, as well as Vietnam’s upcoming 50th anniversary of national reunification, Xayachak expressed her profound gratitude and deep respect for the Laos-Vietnam combat alliance. She paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Vietnamese volunteer soldiers, known as "Uncle Ho’s soldiers", who devoted themselves to supporting the Lao revolution and regarded Laos as their second homeland, reported VNA.

Secretary of the LPRP Central Committee and Vice President of the Lao National Assembly Sounthone Xayachak (Photo: VNA)

The Vice President reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with Vietnamese comrades to preserve and strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two Parties, States, and peoples of Laos and Vietnam for generations to come.

She extended her best wishes to the Party, State and people of Vietnam, expressing her hope for their continued success in building a strong, prosperous, and equitable Vietnam, as well as in the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the CPV.

Summer 2025 likely to be less intensely hot than summer 2024

The summer of 2025 is expected to be less intensely hot than in 2024, with the number of hot days predicted to decrease, and rainfall to increase, according to the National Central for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

Last year, Vietnam experienced extreme heat due to the influence of the El Nino phenomenon, especially in April, when many temperature records were set. However, this year, La Nina has ended and ENSO is currently in a neutral phase, resulting in a more moderate climate. This neutral state is forecast to persist until June.

This year, temperatures are expected to be around the average of previous years, so the heat will not be as intense as in 2024, said Nguyen Duc Hoa, an expert from the NCHMF, recalling that last April recorded some of the highest temperatures in history, with over 100 weather stations surpassing their historical records for the same period.

Widespread heatwaves are likely to begin in the North-western and North-central regions in the second half of April, though some localized hot spells may still occur in March and early April.

Meanwhile, in the North-eastern region, widespread heatwaves will likely occur from the second half of May onward.

A heatwave is expected in late April, and the intensity of heatwaves will increase in May, with 2-3 episodes forecast in the Northern and Central regions. Each heatwave is anticipated to last 4-8 days in the North and 7-12 days in the Central region, cited VOV.

Summer 2025 is likely to be less intensely hot than summer 2024, say meteorologists.

In April, the total rainfall in the Northern region is expected to range from 70 to 120 mm, with some areas exceeding 150 mm. By May, rainfall in the North is projected to increase to 120-220 mm, with some locations receiving over 250 mm, which is 5-10% higher than the long-term average.

For the Central region, the total rainfall is expected to be around 60-100 mm in April, and will increase to 100-200 mm in May, 5-15% higher than the average for this period.

Although increased rainfall will help ease the intensity of heatwaves, it is important to note that rainfall during April and May may come with hazardous weather patterns such as hail, thunderstorms, and strong winds, which could cause damage to property, homes, agriculture, and even pose risks to human lives.

Da Nang Int’l Airport becomes first airport in Vietnam to fully automate its processes

Da Nang International Airport in the central city of the same name has become the first airport in Viet Nam to fully automate its processes, from check-in and immigration procedures to boarding gates.

The Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT) on March 20 handed over the Automatic Immigration Control System (Autogate) to the Immigration Department of the Ministry of Public Security.

It marks a significant step in the airport's modernization strategy, aiming toward a smart terminal model that optimizes aviation procedures, minimizes waiting times, and enhances the passenger experience, VGP reported.

Da Nang International Airport.

Accordingly, the Autogate system will help reduce the workload for immigration control officers by implementing a fully automated process and enhancing security with an advanced biometric recognition system.

Following the handover, the system is officially operational at Da Nang International Airport, optimizing the movement of international passengers while ensuring accuracy and safety in the control process.

The total number of passengers arriving at Da Nang International Airport in 2024 was estimated at 13.4 million. Of which, international visitors were estimated at 6.2 million and domestic visitors at 7.2 million.

Also in 2024, Da Nang International Airport was listed for the first time in the Top 100 best airports in the world and the Top 10 most improved airports in the world. The Route Asia Conference also voted for the Top 5 best airports with a capacity of serving from 5 million to 20 million passengers per year.

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