Japan commits more ODA to Vietnam

Japan has committed over 136 billion JPY in ODA loans to Vietnam for the second phase of fiscal year 2011.
Japan has committed over 136 billion JPY in official developmentassistance (ODA) loans to Vietnam for the second phase of fiscal year2011.

A note to this effect was signed between theVietnamese Minister of Planning and Investment Bui Quang Vinh andJapanese Ambassador to Vietnam Yasuaki Tanizaki, in Hanoi on Mar. 30.

The credit will fund projects on poverty reduction,developing Hoa Lac hi-tech park, building international terminal T2 atNoi Bai international airport, HCM City urban railway linking Ben Thanhmarket and Suoi Tien park, National Highway 3 from Hanoi to Thai Nguyen,the second-phase improvement of Nam Binh Duong water environment,restoration and sustainable management of riverhead protective forests,and the second-phase development of regional and provincial hospitals.

Minister Vinh said the ODA provided by the Japanese Government hasstepped up the development of Vietnam’s socio-economic infrastructure,promoting economic growth, poverty reduction and environmentalprotection in the country.

Tanizaki said he believes Vietnam will use this ODA source effectively.

The sum brought the total of Japan’s ODA to Vietnam to more than 208billion JPY in the fiscal year 2011, the highest level since Japanresumed ODA relations with Vietnam 20 years ago, manifesting its highappreciation of the strategic partnership with the Southeast Asiancountry.-VNA

See more

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Argentina promote trade, investment cooperation

On relations with South America, Nguyet noted that in December 2025, Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) announced the launch of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). She expressed her hope that the agreement will be signed soon, thereby further boosting trade and investment between Vietnam and MERCOSUR member states, including Argentina.

Customers buy petrol at a Petrolimex petrol station in Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders stronger measures to ensure stable petrol supply

The MoIT was instructed to direct key petrol producers and traders to proactively develop supply plans to guarantee adequate fuel provision for distribution systems, maintain regular sale operations, and sell products at listed prices. It must also closely monitor developments in global and domestic petrol markets and adopt appropriate management measures when necessary.

Farmers in Ca Mau province use combine harvesters to harvest rice. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders coordinated measures to stabilise rice production and markets

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with instructing local authorities to closely monitor production developments, improve forecasting capacity, strengthen pest control measures, and proactively respond to adverse weather conditions to protect crops, maintain planned yields and output, and reduce production costs.

A worker refuels a vehicle at a petrol station in Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel prices slashed as stabilisation fund used

According to a joint decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, the price of RON95-III petrol – the most widely used grade – fell by 3,880 VND to 25,240 VND (0.95 USD) per litre.

Customers purchase petrol at Station No. 03 (Petrolimex Hung Yen) on Quang Trung Street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Hung Yen takes measures to curb speculation, stabilise fuel market

Petrolimex Hung Yen maintains regular reserves of about 5,500 cubic metres at directly managed outlets and roughly 2,000 cubic metres at franchised stations. The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has ordered closer monitoring of supply and demand and retail prices to detect shortages or unjustified price hikes.

The automobile assembly line of the Honda Phuc Yen factory in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

Honda Vietnam sees decline in motorcycle, car sales

Sales of both motorcycles and automobiles by Honda Vietnam declined in February, dropping 19.6% and 41.8% year-on-year, respectively, according to the company’s latest business results released on March 11.

Team 2 of the Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department inspects operations of a Petrolimex petrol station on Tran Quang Khai street (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi maintains stable supply of petrol, LPG

The Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department said petrol and LPG trading activities across the city remain stable, with supply largely meeting demand despite volatility in global energy prices.

A Qatar Airways aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Qatar Airways cancels 13 more flights amid Middle East conflicts

Statistics show that airspace across the Middle East has yet to return to normal operations, with multiple FIRs still imposing restrictions or partial closures. As a result, international flight operations through the region continue to face disruptions and route adjustments.

New FDI registrations remained robust in the first two months of 2026, with 620 newly licensed projects worth 3.54 billion USD, up 20.2% in the project number and 61.5% in registered capital compared to the same period last year. (Photo: VNA)

FDI attraction in 2026: Vietnam adapts to new global investment standards

To further enhance FDI attraction amid rising global and regional competition, Deputy Minister of Finance Tran Quoc Phuong said the ministry is drafting new strategies on foreign-invested economic development and next-generation FDI attraction, focusing on more open, transparent and competitive institutional frameworks.

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

PM highlights 'silver economy' as sustainable growth driver

The PM stressed that population ageing is an inevitable part of development, and the key challenge is not to avoid it but to respond proactively with sound policies and decisive action to turn the "silver economy" into a new driver of growth, innovation and sustainable development.

The first EU – Vietnam Global Gateway Business and Investment Forum is scheduled to take place in Hanoi on March 24, 2026. (Photo: vneconomy.vn)

EU – Vietnam Global Gateway business forum to be held in Hanoi

Key discussions will centre on sectors viewed as catalysts for Vietnam’s sustainable growth such as sustainable transport, energy transition, infrastructure connectivity, green and digital transformation, and the adoption of ESG standards in investment and business practices.

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Trinh Duc Hai meets with representatives of FPT at its office in the La Défense area of Paris on March 10. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese tech firm FPT expands footprint in France

According to Dang Tran Phuong, Deputy CEO of FPT Software in charge of the European and Middle Eastern markets, FPT considers France one of its key markets in Europe. Since opening its first office there in 2008, the company has built a solid presence with offices in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse and Marseille.