Vietnam News Today (Mar. 27): Vietnam Emerges as Fastest-Growing Economy in SEA
	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 28): Vietnam and Brazil to Realize 2024 Strategic Partnership Framework

A delegation from Vietnam's Ministry of Industry and Trade meets with representatives of Airlink, South Africa. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, South Africa eye stronger air logistics links

Vietnam and South Africa are seeking to strengthen air logistics cooperation to meet rising trade and transportation demands.

While South Africa’s aviation logistics sector plays a crucial role in its economy, Vietnam still has significant potential for development, particularly in air freight.

In Vietnam, logistics serves as the backbone of international trade, with air logistics playing an especially important role. Although air freight accounts for only around 2% of the country's total export-import volume, it represents more than 25% of trade value, as it primarily handles high-value goods such as electronics, fashion, fresh produce, and time-sensitive shipments.

To enhance the air logistics corporation, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade recently held discussions with major South African airlines, including Airlink and South African Airways, alongside aviation and logistics experts, according to VNA.

De Villiers Engelbrecht, Chief Financial Officer of Airlink, noted that the absence of direct flights between the two countries remains a key obstacle, but also presents a cooperation opportunity. Airlink, which specialises in the transport of cargo, fresh produce, and technology, is ready to collaborate with Vietnamese carriers to open routes connecting the two countries.

Do Xuan Quang, Vice President of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association and Deputy General Director of Vietjet Air, emphasised that direct flights would not only boost cargo transport, but also foster tourism and trade between the two countries.

Experts also highlighted that Johannesburg Airport could serve as a strategic gateway to not only South Africa but to wider African markets.

South African airlines are hopeful that, in the near future, both countries will secure important trade agreements, expand air connectivity, and unlock new investment and cooperation opportunities.

Vietnam co-chairs 4th ASEAN-UK Joint Cooperation Committee meeting

The 4th ASEAN-UK Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting took place on March 27 at the ASEAN Secretariat headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia, marking Vietnam’s first time chairing the committee as it assumes the role of ASEAN-UK relations coordinator for the 2024-2027 term.

Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to ASEAN and UK Ambassador to ASEAN Sarah Tiffin co-chaired the session.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed the progress of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022-2026 and outlined future cooperation directions. Within the dialogue partnership framework, the UK is actively advancing various projects and initiatives across multiple fields. A key highlight is the GBP40 million Green Transition Program, which supports ASEAN in emission reduction, green economic growth, and assistance for vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the UK has rolled out several programs with budgets ranging from GBP25 million to GBP30 million, including the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration Program, the Support to Adolescent Girls' Education (SAGE) initiative, and the Health Security Partnership. Cooperation also extends to areas such as women, peace, and security; science and technology cooperation; and the creative economy.

Now in its fourth year, the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022-2026 has seen 171 out of 181 action lines (approximately 95%) implemented, an increase of over 20 compared to the same period last year. These initiatives span all three cooperation pillars, including politics-security, economics, and socio-cultural. This steady progress underscores both sides’ commitment as they move toward the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN-UK Dialogue Partnership in 2026.

On this occasion, UK Ambassador Sarah Tiffin reaffirmed the UK’s new government’s commitment to supporting ASEAN’s central role. This dedication is evident in newly appointed Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s attendance at the ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2024, just three weeks after taking office along with a series of upcoming high-level exchanges between ASEAN and the UK, according to VOV.

Vietnam co-chairs 4th ASEAN-UK Joint Cooperation Committee meeting.

As Chair of the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) Task Force, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong provided updates on ongoing cooperation efforts and encouraged the UK to consider supporting projects under IAI Work Plan IV and beyond. The UK Ambassador welcomed the proposal and reiterated the UK’s commitment to narrowing development gaps and furthering ASEAN integration efforts.

ASEAN delegates commended the UK’s contributions to the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action 2022-2026 and acknowledged the impact of joint initiatives in green transition, economic integration, maritime cooperation, and women, peace, and security.

The ambassadors also encouraged the UK to expand engagement in potential areas such as AI governance, renewable energy (supporting the ASEAN Power Grid), financial services, and human resource development.

Delegates further welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN-UK Foreign Ministers’ Joint Statement on Connectivity in 2024 and expressed their desire to bolster practical cooperation in this area.

On this occasion, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong announced that Vietnam and the UK will co-host the ASEAN-UK connectivity workshop in Da Nang on April 10, 2025, on the sidelines of the 4th ASEAN-UK Senior Officials’ Meeting.

Positioning unique tourism products to enhance attractiveness of Vietnamese cities

The Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) Regional Meeting 2025 for Vietnamese Members took place in Hanoi on March 28, serving as a pivotal platform to update members on upcoming TPO initiatives and fostering cooperation in tourism development.

The conference provided a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese members to share experience and best practices in tourism management while enhancing collaboration with international counterparts. By hosting this prestigious event, Hanoi reaffirmed its proactive role in driving connectivity and sustainable tourism growth.

Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang said Hanoi has intensified efforts to promote itself in key target markets, particularly the Republic of Korea (RoK). The RoK market has emerged as a promising tourist source, well-suited to Hanoi's diverse such as golf tourism, wellness retreat, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, as well as cultural and historical experiences. Hanoi expects the TPO Secretariat to implement more initiatives that strengthen ties between the RoK and Vietnamese cities.

Under the theme “Positioning Unique Tourist Products: Enhancing the Attractiveness of Vietnamese Cities,” this year’s meeting explored strategies for developing innovative tourism products that captivate international visitors and enhance the competitiveness of member cities, VNA reported.

The Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) Regional Meeting 2025 for Vietnamese Members takes place in Hanoi. (Photo: VOV)

On the sidelines of the meeting, a range of engaging activities were held, including exhibitions showcasing Hanoi's vibrant tourism scene, promotional materials, local souvenirs, and standout OCOP (One Commune One Product) goods. Delegates also enjoyed guided tours to iconic landmarks such as Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, and other key tourist sites in the capital city.

The meeting stands as a significant opportunity for Hanoi and other member cities to forge stronger ties, promote cross-border tourism, and amplify Vietnam's presence on the world tourism map. The event also underscored TPO's vital role in uniting cities worldwide to create a dynamic, innovative, and sustainable tourism industry.

TPO, headquartered in the RoK's Busan city, is dedicated to promoting the growth and prosperity of its 137 member cities across 16 countries through cooperative efforts in tourism development. Vietnam currently boasts eight member provinces and cities actively engaged in TPO's activities, namely Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, Da Lat, Da Nang, Hai Phong, Long An and Vung Tau.

Vietnam values Brazil as key partner in Latin America: Party chief

Party General Secretary To Lam has affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam highly value Brazil as a leading partner in Vietnam’s overall foreign policy toward Latin America and seek to further deepen the newly established Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

During a meeting in Hanoi on March 28 with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Vietnamese Party chief To Lam warmly welcomed President Lula da Silva on his return visit to Vietnam after 17 years.

The host leader affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam highly value Brazil as a leading partner in Vietnam’s overall foreign policy towards Latin America and look forward to deepening the newly established Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

He expressed his admiration and congratulations on the achievements of the Brazilian government and people under the leadership of President Lula da Silva and the Workers' Party (PT), which have improved living standards, promoted social justice, and enhanced Brazil’s international role and standing.

He outlined Vietnam’s development vision and priorities, including transitioning to a sustainable and innovation-driven growth model, enhancing economic competitiveness, resilience, and self-reliance, fostering science and technology, training high-quality human resources, building modern and synchronized economic and social infrastructure, and streamlining the political system to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

The Party leader highly appreciated the outcomes of President Lula da Silva’s talks with President of Vietnam Luong Cuong, as well as the signing of the Vietnam-Brazil Strategic Partnership Action Plan for 2025-2030, along with cooperation agreements in diplomacy, security, trade-industry, and football federations.

General Secretary To Lam discussed major directions and measures to further reinforce the friendship and deepen bilateral relations in a practical manner, maximizing each country’s strengths and potential.

He emphasized the cooperation potential between the two nations in various fields such as economy-trade, agriculture, energy, and defence, while highlighting the importance of intensifying exchanges and collaboration in education, culture, and sports to boost the strong bonds of friendship between their peoples.

President Lula da Silva expressed his pleasure at returning to Vietnam and thanked General Secretary To Lam and other Vietnamese leaders for their warm and hospitable reception. He reflected on his past involvement in movements supporting the Vietnamese people, recalled memorable moments from his 2008 visit to Vietnam, and congratulated the Communist Party, State, and people of Vietnam on the country’s remarkable progress in a multitude of aspects, cited VOV.

Party General Secretary To Lam has affirmed that the Party and State of Vietnam highly value Brazil as a leading partner in Vietnam’s overall foreign policy toward Latin America.

The Brazilian President affirmed that Vietnam is a close friend and an important partner of Brazil in Asia. He hailed the great strides in bilateral relations, particularly since his first presidential term in 2007, when the two countries established a Comprehensive Partnership.

He underscored the significance of elevating ties to a Strategic Partnership in November 2024 and reaffirmed Brazil’s commitment to working hand in hand with Vietnam to carry out this new framework, high-level agreements, as well as signed cooperation documents.

President Lula da Silva particularly stressed the need for both nations to continue discussions to identify specific goods and areas for mutually beneficial cooperation that correspond with their respective needs. He called for expanding bilateral trade towards the target of US$15 billion in the near future.

He also agreed to augment cooperation with Vietnam across all channels, including party-to-party and political organization exchanges, as well as locality-to-locality and people-to-people diplomacy, to serve as a solid foundation for bilateral relations.

The two leaders also reached a consensus on key directions to strengthen their Strategic Partnership at both bilateral and multilateral levels, emphasizing the effective implementation of signed cooperation agreements across various channels. These agreements provide a crucial foundation for unlocking the full potential of bilateral cooperation, while meeting the expectations of both sides.

General Secretary To Lam also welcomed Brazil’s decision to recognize Vietnam’s market economy status, which will facilitate bilateral trade. He suggested that both sides work together to accelerate negotiations for a preferential trade framework that connects Vietnam with the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR).

Czech auto giant Skoda urged to build auto industry ecosystem in Vietnam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested Czech auto giant Skoda participate in developing an automotive industry ecosystem in Vietnam.

The Government chief made the suggestion on March 27 during a reception for Skoda Auto Chairman and CEO Klaus Zellmer.

Pham said Vietnam is focusing on developing the auto industry to promote transition to sustainable transport, including electric vehicles while briefing about Vietnam's major development orientations.

He promised that the Vietnamese Government stands side by side with investors to increase mutual understanding and ensure effective investment cooperation in Vietnam, VGP reported.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) shakes hands with Chairman and CEO Klaus Zellmer, Ha Noi, March 27, 2025. Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister called on Skoda Auto to diversify its products and increase localization rate in order to enhance competitiveness in the Southeast Asian country.

He also asked Skoda Auto to transfer advanced technologies and smart production lines, train quality workforce in metallurgy and mechanical engineering, and expand business operations in sectors where Vietnam has needs and Skoda Auto has expertise in the spirit of harmonizing benefits and sharing risks.

Zellmer said Skoda Auto is the largest automaker in the Czech Republic, with annual sales of 1 million vehicles across over 100 countries and territories.

As part of Germany's Volkswagen Group since 1991, Skoda Auto has played an important role in the conglomerate's EV development and digitalization strategy, with a considerable footprint in European and Indian markets.

The CEO said that Skoda Auto's business success in Vietnam is just a starting point, and he looked forward to filling in the missing pieces to complete Vietnam's automotive industry ecosystem.

In 2022, Skoda Auto and Vietnam's private company, Thanh Cong Group signed a cooperative agreement aimed at increasing the localization rate, adopting modern technologies, and promoting clean energy. Following the launch of its first imported models in Vietnam in September 2023, Skoda Auto plans to expand its investment and business operations, particularly in battery production and key input components.

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