VIETNAM: NEW ERA

European business leaders are increasingly optimistic about the economic prospects of Vietnam whose position as a crucial link in Southeast Asia continues strengthening despite a turbulent global landscape, according to the Q4 2024 Business Confidence Index (BCI) report released by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) on January 8.

Technological innovation, technology transfer, and workforce training form the core strategy for transforming the nature of Vietnam’s economic growth in the coming years, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc remarked at the 17th Vietnam Economic Scenario Forum’s spring 2025 plenary session in Hanoi on January 7.

The average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in 2024 increased by 3.63% compared to 2023, meeting the target set by the National Assembly.

The central city of Hue hosts the Visit Vietnam Year in 2025, promising a significant boost to the local tourism sector based on the land’s rich cultural heritage.

Over the past 53 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations (January 7, 1972 – January 7, 2025), the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and India have been consistently strengthened and developed. Both nations share a commitment to mutual cooperation and support, fostering even greater ties for the benefit of both countries.

Vietnam's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2024 is estimated to grow by 7.09% compared to 2023. This growth rate is second only to the figures recorded in 2018, 2019, and 2022 within the 2011-2024 period.

The Vietnamese economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2024 and was estimated to achieve a growth rate of 7.09% despite global uncertainties, General Director of the General Statistics Office (GSO) Nguyen Thi Huong said on January 6.

Reforming and restructuring the state apparatus is crucial for Vietnam to make breakthroughs in the new era - which begins with a very important event - the 14th National Party Congress set in early 2026, according to insiders.

A flurry of high-profile decisions this year such as an electricity law update have propped up optimism in Vietnam’s renewables sector, according to an article recently published on a Singaporean website.

The central coastal city of Da Nang has been recognised as the only representative from Vietnam included in travel publication Time Out magazine’s prestigious list of the top eight travel destinations in Asia for 2025.

Dak Nong province has recently been re-certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark for the second time in 2024. The geopark preserves remarkable values of biodiversity, unique cultural heritage, geological significance, natural beauty, and traces of prehistoric human activity. It was first recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark in July 2020.

The Politburo's resolution on advancing science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation aims for sustainable development in these fields by 2045, positioning Vietnam as a high-income developed country.

According to the Politburo’s resolution on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, Vietnam has set ambitious targets for 2030. The country aims to achieve advanced capabilities in science, technology, and innovation across several key fields, ranking among the leading nations in theupper-middle-income group.  

Renee Deschamps, Chargé d'Affaires of the Australian Embassy in Vietnam, has affirmed that Vietnam is an important country to Australia, not just a trading partner.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has signed a decision approving the national education development strategy until 2030 with a vision to 2045, with an aim to ensure that Vietnam's education sector meets advanced standards of Asia in five years and those of the world in 10 years.

To meet the increased travel demand during Lunar New Year 2025 (Year of the Snake), the railway sector is introducing additional train services and continuing to offer ticket discounts for passengers.

The Hanoi Flag Tower now opens to visitors, marking an important step in preserving and promoting the historical heritage of the capital. This architecture is not only a symbol of Hanoi but also a vivid testament to Vietnam’s rich history and culture.

Kon Tum province is home to seven ethnic minority groups, with nine traditional crafts. At present, most of the artisans there are elderly, and their number is getting fewer and fewer. To prevent the crafts from falling into oblivion, the province is now focusing resources on preserving and developing them among the young.

Vietnam has earned a spot at number 19 in the "Top 100 World’s Best Cuisines" list for 2024, published by the renowned culinary platform TasteAtlas. The ranking is based on an average score of 4.34/5, evaluated by food experts, chefs, and international diners.

Ahead of the New Year, the northern province of Hoa Binh has earned a spot on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious list of the 71 most beautiful destinations on the planet, joining the ranks of iconic locales such as Patagonia in Chile, the Amalfi Coast in Italy, and Yellowstone National Park in the US.