VIETNAM: NEW ERA

As of February 2025, Vietnam has established Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with 10 countries, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hanoi proudly welcomed Bat Trang ceramic village and Van Phuc silk weaving village into the Global Network of Creative Craft Cities. This recognition builds on earlier achievements, which saw Ho Chi Minh City, Son La, Vinh, Cao Lanh, and Sa Dec honoured as part of the Global Network of Learning Cities, alongside Hanoi, Hoi An, and Da Lat inducted into the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). These milestones underscore Vietnam’s expanding global presence and celebrate its rich cultural heritage and creativity.

Vietnam has become Singapore's 9th largest trading partner, with two-way trade rising by 16.83% year-on-year to some 2.53 billion USD in January, according to the latest trade statistics.

Vietnam grants visa exemptions to citizens of 16 countries from March 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, as part of the country's tourism development stimulus programme.

On February 14, 2025, a significant milestone in the development of Vietnam's traditional craft village culture was marked when Bat Trang Pottery Village and Van Phuc Silk Village, two of Vietnam's most iconic and prominent craft villages, officially became members of the global Network of Creative Craft Cities.

According to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, as of February 21, 2025, provinces and cities nationwide have supported the elimination of 107,941 temporary and dilapidated houses, an increase of 1,752 compared to February 14, 2025.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted a welcome ceremony in Hanoi on February 26 for his New Zealand counterpart, Christopher Luxon, and then the two leaders held talks, during which, they agreed to upgrade the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

These days, the streets and roads of Con Dao district off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau are adorned with the vibrant red and yellow leaves of centuries-old catappa trees as they enter the leaf-changing season. Their striking colours stand out against the deep blue sky and sea, creating a breathtaking natural masterpiece that enchants all who visit.

Within the framework of the official visit to Vietnam and attendance at the 2nd ASEAN Future Forum by New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (February 25-28, 2025), the two countries have signed a Joint Statement on upgrading Vietnam - New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Lung Cung, the most remote village in Nam Co commune, Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai province, is bursting with color as peach blossoms and other flowers bloom.

Under the theme "Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN amidst Global Transformation," the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 serves as a high-profile platform to drive discussions on strengthening regional cooperation, fostering sustainable development, and positioning ASEAN as a key player in global affairs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son held talks with Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs Maris Sangiampongsa in Hanoi on February 24.

At the 9th extraordinary session of the 15th National Assembly on February 19, 2025, the National Assembly passed a resolution supplementing the 2025 socio-economic development plan, setting a GDP growth target of at least 8%. The resolution was approved with 463 out of 464 delegates voting in favour, accounting for 96.86% of the total.

During its 9th extraordinary session, the 15th National Assembly passed Resolution No. 176/2025/QH15 on the Government's organisational structure and Resolution No. 177/2025/QH15 on the number of cabinet members, both for its current term.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung underscored that by consolidating strategic political trust, creating breakthroughs in economic and trade cooperation, and transcending collaboration to new areas, Vietnam and New Zealand will capitalise on their potential towards a prosperous future

Bat Trang Pottery Village, along with Van Phuc Silk Village, has been recognised as a member of the global Network of Creative Craft Cities at a recent ceremony in Hanoi. Located beside the Red River, Bat Trang has been renowned for its pottery craft for over 500 years. Bat Trang ceramics are not only refined in appearance but also diverse in design, increasingly attracting the interest of both domestic and international consumers.

The surge in AI demand is significantly impacting plans on data centre investment and expansion in Vietnam as global tech giants and local players are racing to capture the market.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam’s shrimp exports aim to reach 4–4.3 billion USD in 2025. In January 2025, shrimp remained the strongest-growing export item, with an export value of 273.349 million USD, accounting for 35.3% of total seafood export turnover.

The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang welcomed over 897,000 visitors, including 126,000 foreigners, in January, achieving 8.4% of the annual target, according to the provincial Department of Tourism.

National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has been honoured in the Top 20 World's Best Airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings and won the World’s Best Value Premium Economy award for the second consecutive year.