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Agricultural products are one of Vietnam's key export items to the Russian market.

Russia, Vietnam seek to bolster import and export turnover

Import-export turnover between Vietnam and Russia during the first three quarters of this year reached US$3.52 billion, up 41% over the same period from last year, while many local business delegations have gone to Russia to explore the large market.

According to Duong Hoang Minh, commercial counselor of the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia, many Vietnamese enterprises have also promoted their brands abroad.

In a recent interview granted to VOV, Minh said that this year has seen joint trade co-operation enjoy very positive developments. Import-export turnover between both nations over the past three quarters of the year hit US$3.52 billion, up 41% on-year.

This is widely viewed as being a very impressive figure, in which Vietnamese exports to Russia fetched US$1.78 billion, up 51% over the first nine months of last year. In contrast, Russian exports to the country raked in US$1.74 billion, up 32% on-year.

Throughout the reviewed period, several Vietnamese export items with high turnover included textiles and garments with US$616 million, up 120%; coffee with US$236 million, up 29%; and seafood with US$165 million, up 100%, thereby contributing to further boosting economic and trade linkages between the two countries.

Among them, key Vietnamese products included agriculture, forestry and fishery, and garments textiles, accounting for over 70% of Vietnamese export turnover to this market, cited VOV.

Referring to the factors that have contributed to the growth of mutual trade turnover since the beginning of the year, the Vietnamese Commercial Counselor said that Vietnamese firms have paid greater attention to trade promotion activities in the Russian market by launching an exhibition on high-quality Vietnamese goods.

This has served to create a very positive effect as this year, many Vietnamese business delegations have gone to Russia to learn about the highly lucrative market.

Most notably, in September, a delegation of 50 Vietnamese enterprises attended the International Food and Beverage Fair in Russia, while another business delegation also conducted trade activities with Russian enterprises.

Moving forward, a business delegation of the Vietnam Consumers Association and the Hanoi Business Association is set to organize a trade promotion delegation in Russia in November. These factors have contributed to significantly promoting trade between the two countries whilst increasing their import and export turnover in recent times, Minh went on to say.

As a result, the Russian market has certain attractions for Vietnamese enterprises and in recent times many local firms have tried to build their own brands. Bringing a brand abroad is affirming the Vietnamese national brand, he said, adding that businesses must register trademark protection in foreign markets.

Minh also underlined the need for local businesses to closely coordinate alongside embassies and trade offices of Vietnam based abroad to jointly protect Vietnamese products which have brands in foreign markets.

Vietnamese, UK universities strengthen collaboration in teacher training

A delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education (HCMUE), led by its President, Prof. Dr. Huynh Van Son, visited the UK to advance cooperation in teacher training, teaching, scientific research, and gender equality promotion in education.

During the five-day working visit from November 11 to 16, the group attended a seminar on the Making Gender Equality Matter in Schools (MGEMS) project at Birmingham City University (BCU), and held a meeting with London South Bank University (LSBU). They also participated in the International Conference 2024 of the International Professional Development Association (IPDA), a UK-based education association with over 400 members from 25 countries.

On November 12, the delegation visited the LSBU and signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation in the presence of representatives from the Vietnamese Embassy. Discussions focused on potential collaborations, including joint academic programs, teacher training partnerships, and the application of information technology in teaching. Plans for short-term courses on teaching and research skills lasting three to nine months were also explored. The LSBU’s side emphasized its commitment to expanding international collaboration with a focus on Southeast Asia, identifying Vietnam as a potential destination, according to VNA.

At a meeting between the delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and the London South Bank University in London on November 12. (Photo: VNA)

The MoU saw the two universities affirming their commitment to working together in the areas of student exchange, short-term study programs, faculty and expert exchange, digital resource sharing, and professional development programs. Additionally, they pledged to foster academic and cultural exchanges.

The visit is part of the British Council’s broader Going Global Partnerships initiative, supporting the HCMUE’s strategy to diversify international collaborations with universities and organizations worldwide. Currently, the Vietnamese institution has established partnerships with over 130 universities, institutes, NGOs, and corporations across more than 30 countries.

Typhoon Man-yi weakens into tropical depression

Typhoon Man-yi, the ninth storm to hit the East Sea this year, is anticipated to continue to weaken into a tropical depression over the next 72 hours, according to details given by the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting.

Forecasters said at 10 a.m. on November 19, the center of the typhoon was located about 300km northeast of the Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelago, with the strongest winds near its center reaching between 75km and 88km per hour.

Moving ahead over the next 72 hours, the weather pattern will continue to move in a west-southwest direction at speeds of between 15km and 20km per hour and continue to weaken into a tropical depression in the northwestern area of ​​the East Sea, VOV reported.

Photo: VOV

At 10 p.m. on November 20, the tropical depression will then travel west-southwest at about 10km per hour before gradually weakening into a low-pressure zone in the waters off the coast of the central region.

Due to the impact of the typhoon, the northern area of the East Sea, including the waters in the north of Hoang Sa archipelago, will experience strong winds, rough seas, and high sea waves of between two and four meters.

According to meteorologists, vessels operating in dangerous areas are likely to be affected by strong winds and high waves.

G20 Summit: PM shares three proposals to accelerate SDG implementation

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made three proposals to help get the process of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) back on track, and ensure timely completion, while addressing a discussion session on sustainable development and energy transition, as part of the G20 Summit, in Rio de Janeiro on November 19 (local time).

In his speech, Chinh reaffirmed Vietnam's consistent policy on sustainable development and the country's commitment that it never sacrifices social welfare, progress, social equality, and the environment for pure economic growth.

Emphasizing that every action taken today will determine the future of generations to come, he affirmed Vietnam is committed to making every effort, alongside countries, partners, and the international community, to achieve the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, thus contributing to the development of a green, clean, beautiful, and sustainable world for the future of the next generations.

Regarding the three proposals, the Vietnamese leader stressed that the first important action that needs to be done is to promote three key transformations: digital transformation, green transformation, and energy transformation, with digital transformation being an objective requirement and a foundation; green transformation being a core and guiding direction; and energy transformation being a driving force for sustainable development and carbon emission reduction.

The Prime Minister highlighted that science, technology, and innovation play a core and breakthrough role, serving as the key to these transformation processes for sustainable development, cited VNA.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VNA)

Therefore, Chinh proposed the G20 take the lead in connecting resources, sharing experiences, transferring technology, providing financial support, enhancing capacity, and creating an open ecosystem for science, technology, and innovation for developing countries, based on the principle of not politicizing science, technology, and innovation.

The PM’s second proposal emphasized prioritizing investment in human development in line with the consistent principle that people are the core, object, target, driver, and ultimate beneficiary of development. It also placed significant importance on fostering social progress, equity, welfare, and environmental protection. With this spirit, the Government leader commended Brazil’s efforts in its G20 presidency to address social inequalities, particularly concerning women and children, to ensure social justice, and to promote inclusive development.

He further highlighted that the work is essential for sustainable development and a just energy transition for the sake of the people with no one left behind.

Last but not least, Chinh called for the promotion of innovative financial cooperation and effective investment models, particularly through public-private partnerships, to unlock, mobilize, and efficiently utilize all resources available for sustainable development and energy transition.

The PM took the occasion to announce that Vietnam will host the Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit in April 2025. He stated that it reflects the country’s efforts to boost the implementation of work towards sustainable development and energy transition.

The G20 Summit successfully adopted a joint declaration underscoring international solidarity, multilateralism, and a shared commitment to combating poverty and promoting sustainable development.

At the closing ceremony, the ceremonial gavel was passed to officially transfer the G20 presidency to South Africa, with the 2025 summit’s theme expected to center on solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.

PM Chinh’s participation in and responsible contributions to the summit were highly praised by G20 members and guest nations, reflecting Vietnam’s growing stature, role, and credibility in addressing global challenges.

Later in the afternoon, PM Chinh, accompanied by his spouse and a high-ranking delegation of Vietnam, departed Rio de Janeiro for an official visit to the Dominican Republic at the invitation of President Luis Abinader and his spouse.

Vietnamese street foods among world’s top pancakes

Vietnamese pancakes like banh xeo, banh khoai, and banh khot have earned global acclaim by securing spots on Taste Atlas' list of the world’s best pancakes, reflecting the country's rich culinary heritage.

Several iconic Vietnamese pancakes have been named among the world’s best on a list recently published by the acclaimed food website Taste Atlas.

Securing the 31st spot with a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars, banh xeo represents the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. Made from rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk, this pancake features a crispy golden exterior. The filling typically includes shrimp, minced or diced pork, and bean sprouts.

When poured into a hot pan, the batter produces a signature sizzling sound - hence the name “banh xeo.” This dish is commonly served with lettuce, mustard greens, fresh herbs, and a tangy-sweet dipping sauce.

Originating from Hue, banh khoai also made a strong impression on Taste Atlas experts and readers. This pancake stands out for its rich, savory dipping sauce made from sesame, peanut butter, and pork liver, which adds a distinctive layer of flavor to the dish.

Another Vietnamese pancake on the list is banh khot, a crispy treat from Central Vietnam. Often mistaken by tourists for banh can, banh khot is fried until crispy, giving it a texture different from its softer counterpart. Its batter is enhanced with turmeric, creating a golden hue that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, VNN reported.

Banh xeo - a crispy Vietnamese pancake - ranked 31st on Taste Atlas' list. Photo: Buffet Poseidon

Ranked 79th, banh uot from Nha Trang is celebrated for its delicate, almost translucent rice flour wrapper. This pancake is typically served with dipping sauce, Vietnamese sausage (cha lua), pork slices, and fried shallots, offering a light yet flavorful dining experience.

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, Taste Atlas is known as a global map of traditional dishes. According to founder Matija Babić, the rankings are based on evaluations from food experts and critics, ensuring the credibility of their awards.

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