Hélène Luc: Vietnam - My second homeland

VinSpeed Joint Stock Company has officially registered to invest in Vietnam’s North–South high-speed railway project, proposing a total investment of 61.35 billion USD and pledging to begin construction before December, with full operations expected by December 2030.

Using the airbrush technique, Trinh Minh Tien skilfully recreated the image of Hanoi’s St. Joseph’s Cathedral reflected on a rain-covered car window — all on the surface of a car bonnet. Through Thuy Phu, the artist seeks to convey the Buddhist concept of impermanence, illustrating the ceaseless transformation of history through human-built architectural imprints.

The United Nations Day of Vesak 2025 took place from May 6-8 at the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City.

A grand parade in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975-2025) was held solemnly and impressively in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, on April 30 morning, with the participation of more than 13,000 people.

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese government trade negotiation delegation, on April 23 evening held a phone call with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to officially launch talks on bilateral economic and trade issues between Vietnam and the US.

At the invitations of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Luong Cuong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Vietnam from April 14 to 15, 2025.

Vietnamese is more than just a language—it is a bridge to our roots, culture, and traditions. In today’s podcast, we’ll hear stories from Vietnamese language classes in Australia, Thailand, and Russia to better understand the efforts made by overseas Vietnamese communities to preserve the language for future generations and to bring Vietnamese culture closer to international friends.

The US has agreed to begin negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement with Vietnam, as proposed by Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc at his meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on April 9.

US President Donald Trump has announced a 46 percent reciprocal tariff on certain goods imported from Vietnam, the second highest among all exporting countries to the US. On April 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged ministries and agencies to adopt a flexible and effective approach in addressing trade challenges.

In March 2025, Hanoi authorities officially approved plans to demolish the Shark Jaw to expand the Hoan Kiem Lake area and Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square. This marks a key step in the city’s urban renewal efforts, aiming for sustainable development. The municipal government has instructed relevant agencies to expedite the clearance process, with demolition set to be completed by April 30.

The Drug Crime Investigation Department under the Ministry of Public Security has successfully dismantled a large-scale synthetic drug production facility that used advanced technology.

A rare weather phenomenon surprised locals and visitors as thick frost blanketed Ta Xua Peak in Ban Cong commune, Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province. The frost formed overnight on March 18 and lasted until around 7:30 a.m. on March 19.

Across the vast rice paddies of Hong Ngu, where combine harvesters work tirelessly, a more timeless scene still unfolds—buffalo carts moving at their own unhurried pace, carrying heavy sacks of rice to collection points.

Vietnam and Indonesia on March 10 upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking a significant milestone in celebration of the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

Ho Chi Minh City is hosting the 11th annual Ao Dai Festival, showcasing new collections by 30 renowned designers.

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.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with his New Zealand counterpart Christopher Luxon, in Hanoi on February 26, during which, they agreed to upgrade the bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The 15th National Assembly adopted a resolution on several special mechanisms and policies for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project at its ninth extraordinary session on February 19.

The year 2025 marks a crucial phase, bringing new momentum and enthusiasm as the country enters a period of robust development.

Vietnamese shooters Trinh Thu Vinh and Pham Quang Huy secured a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event on February 12, at the Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.