Costa Rica recognises Vietnam as market economy

Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, empowered by the Costa Rican President, on August 5 announced and handed over a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) affirming its recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.

Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar hands over a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien affirming its recognition of Vietnam as a market economy. (Photo: vov.vn)
Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar hands over a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien affirming its recognition of Vietnam as a market economy. (Photo: vov.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, empowered by the Costa Rican President, on August 5 announced and handed over a diplomatic note to the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) affirming its recognition of Vietnam as a market economy.

The move made Costa Rica the 73rd country in the world to recognise Vietnam's market economy status.

According to the MoIT, Costa Rica is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) that gathers 38 most developed market economies in the world. Costa Rica's legal regulations include investigating and applying trade defence measures. By the end of December 31, 2023, according to WTO statistics, Costa Rica had initiated 12 anti-dumping investigations on imported goods from countries such as Brazil, Chile, Mexico, the US, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Venezuela, and Guatemala.

Costa Rica’s diplomatic note on its recognition of Vietnam as a market economy is a positive move in the context that the Southeast Asian country is calling on its trade partners to recognise its market economy status.

At his meeting with Manuel Tovar, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed Costa Rica's recognition of Vietnam's market economy.

The recognition reflects the achievements that Vietnam has made in the process of national development and integration into the world economy. At the same time, it will contribute to promoting the development of bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries./.

VNA

See more

NSMO Chairman Nguyen Duc Cuong speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Experts seek to improve power dispatch in new energy era

Electricity demand is expected to rise strongly, while global energy markets remain volatile. In this context, rooftop solar and BESS are emerging as key solutions to improve flexibility and ensure supply, especially during peak periods.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Enterprises must pioneer in achieving double-digit economic growth from 2026: PM

Reports delivered at the conference showed that Vietnam had about 1 million active enterprises by late 2025, up more than 25% from 2020, contributing roughly 60% of GDP and employing more than 16 million workers. They also account for the bulk of the country’s trade turnover, while Vietnam ranks among the world’s top 15 destinations for foreign direct investment.

Visitors browse the Vietnamese product display booths at the "Vitality of Vietnamese Goods" exhibition and livestream in Hanoi from March 7-9, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese goods promotion: Greater transparency needed

As transparency, traceability and social responsibility increasingly become essential entry requirements, proactive compliance will give Vietnamese enterprises a clear advantage in building trust among international partners.

Trade Counsellor Hoang Duc Nhuan of the Vietnam Trade Office in Algeria speaks at the online export consultancy session on the markets of Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia for more than 40 Vietnamese agencies and enterprises on March 26. (Photo: VNA)

Opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to promote exports to African markets

Vietnamese exporters were advised to seek partners through reputable channels and to use secure payment methods, such as irrevocable letters of credit confirmed by trusted European or American banks, or documentary collection with a deposit of at least 20% of the contract value. Deferred payment arrangements should be avoided.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister stresses firms’ role in double-digit growth target

While the Party and State will continue refining institutional framework, mechanisms and policies, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made clear that enterprises must be the main drivers of growth. He urged them to take greater responsibility for rapid and sustainable development, while actively contributing to institutional reform.

Illustrative photo (Photo: deplacementspros.com)

Aviation authority grants Qatar Airways permission for three flights

According to the authority, these flights will not carry domestic passengers on the Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City leg. Instead, they are intended to transport passengers affected by the exceptional situation in the Middle East, while gradually restoring air transport activities between Qatar and Vietnam, including passengers, cargo and parcels.

Rice packaged for export at the factory of Vinh Phat Wilmar Rice Co., Ltd. in Binh Duc ward, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam steps up rice market diversification through FTAs

Effective utilisation of free trade agreements (FTAs) has also been identified as a key solution to expand export markets. Authorities are incorporating rice into support roadmaps helping enterprises maximise FTA benefits while accelerating negotiations to expand tariff quotas with partners such as the EU and the UK.

Consumers shop at a supermarket. (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Launch of Vietnam Consumer Rights Day 2026 set to take place this weekend

At the national launch ceremony, scheduled for the afternoon of March 28, representatives of ministries and agencies, social organisations and businesses are expected to make commitments affirming their responsibility to comply with the law, provide safe and transparent products, and help build consumer confidence and a fair marketplace.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (right) receives Yongsoo Huh, Vice Chairman and CEO of GS Energy. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Deputy PM meets GS Energy leader, encourages renewable investment

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung called on GS Energy to continue working closely with Vietnamese authorities and partners to explore solutions for developing local supply chains, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and contribute to the sustainable development of both countries.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the meeting with representatives of more than 40 international corporations from the Asia Business Council in Hanoi on March 26 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pledges partnership to develop resilient, green supply chains: Party leader

Party General Secretary To Lam affirmed that Vietnam will continue to encourage domestic enterprises to expand partnerships with foreign investors, while directing legislative, executive and judicial bodies, along with agencies in the political system, to create the best possible conditions for businesses to grow, enhance international cooperation, and move up global value chains.