Hon Thom Cable Car selected by The New York Times to illustrate Vietnam’s tourism
Selecting Vietnam for this year’s list, the New York Times editorial board described the S-shaped country as a rapidly rising tourism powerhouse in Southeast Asia.
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Cable cars underscore stunning transformation of Vietnam’s economy, tourism: New York Times
Cable car routes in Phu Quoc, Sa Pa, Ba Na and other destinations in Vietnam have made the headlines on the New York Times, which said they “underscore the stunning transformation of Vietnam’s economy and tourism sector”.
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Three strategic breakthroughs in draft documents for National Party Congress
The draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress identify three strategic breakthroughs: institutional reform; improvements in education quality and talent attraction; and infrastructure investment. Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo member and standing member of the Subcommittee for Documents of the 14th National Party Congress, shared the new viewpoints, major orientations and strategic breakthroughs with Nhan Dan Newspaper.
Key highlights of 14th National Party Congress
With the theme “Under the glorious flag of the Party, joining hands and uniting wills to successfully realise the country’s development goals to 2030; ensuring strategic autonomy, fostering self-reliance and confidence, advancing firmly in the era of national rise for peace, independence, democracy, prosperity, civilisation and happiness, and steadfastly progressing towards socialism”, the 14th National Party Congress affirms its pivotal role as a landmark event of historic significance for Vietnam’s development.
Vietnam's economy 2021–2025: Resilience amid global headwinds
During 2021–2025, Vietnam maintained macroeconomic stability amid global volatility, underscoring the resilience of its economy. Average GDP growth reached 6.3%, placing the country among the top-performing economies both in the region and worldwide.
Vietnam’s outbound investment exceeds 1.36 billion USD in 2025
Vietnam’s total outbound investment in 2025 exceeded 1.36 billion USD, up 88.7% year on year, with capital flows reaching 36 countries and territories and concentrated in sectors such as manufacturing, electricity and wholesale and retail trade, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.
FDI inflows in 2025 hit five-year high
Vietnam’s foreign direct investment in 2025 reached its highest level in the past five years, according to the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance.
Hanoi announces traffic restrictions for National Party Congress
The Hanoi Police have announced temporary traffic bans and restrictions at specific times on January 14, 2026 (from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) and from January 19 to 25, 2026 (from 6:00 to 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.; and 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.) to ensure traffic safety and order during the 14th National Party Congress.
Vietnam International Financial Center in Da Nang inaugurated
Vietnam on January 9 inaugurated a new facility of its International Financial Center (IFC) in Da Nang, marking another step in efforts to build a globally competitive financial hub, following the opening of the first IFC facility in Ho Chi Minh City in December.
Eight export items each exceed 10 billion USD in 2025
In 2025, Vietnam recorded eight export items each earning over 10 billion USD, accounting for 70.2% of the country’s total export turnover, with electronics, computers and components leading the pack at 107.748 billion USD, followed by machinery and equipment, phones and components, and textiles and garments.
Vietnam's total trade exceeds 930 billion USD in 2025
Vietnam’s total trade hit 930.05 billion USD in 2025, a 18.2% jump from a year earlier, with a trade surplus of 20.03 billion USD, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO).
Int'l tourist arrivals to Vietnam hit new record in 2025, up over 20%
Vietnam’s tourism sector marked a milestone year in 2025, with international arrivals reaching nearly 21.2 million, up more than 20.4% from 2024 and the highest level on record, highlighting the sector’s strong recovery.
Vietnam records 8.02% GDP growth in 2025
GDP in 2025 recorded solid growth, with an estimated increase of 8.02% compared with the previous year, second only to the growth rate in 2022 during the 2011–2025 period.
Average CPI up 3.31%
Average CPI in 2025 rose by 3.3% compared with 2024, meeting the target set by the National Assembly.
Hanoi: 50% of government office buildings to use rooftop solar by 2030
Hanoi aims that by 2030, electricity sales will reach 52,178 million kWh, with per capita electricity sales of 5,721 kWh per year. The city also targets 50% of government office buildings to use rooftop solar power for self-generation and on-site consumption.
Hanoi welcomes over 33 million visitors in 2025
In 2025, Hanoi welcomed more than 33.7 million visitors, up 20.8% from 2024. International arrivals exceeded 7.82 million, a 22.7% year-on-year increase. Total tourism revenue was estimated at more than 134.46 trillion VND (about 5.1 billion USD), a 21.5% rise year on year.
80 years of Vietnam’s first General Election
Exactly 80 years ago, on January 6, 1946, a landmark event in Vietnam’s history took place as Vietnamese people, for the first time, exercised their right through the ballot to directly choose and elect capable and virtuous representatives to shoulder the affairs of the nation. The success of the General Election marked the birth of the National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, today the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Regional minimum wage up 7.2% from January 1, 2026
From January 1, 2026, Vietnam’s regional minimum wage will rise by an average of 7.2%, with monthly wage increases of 250,000–350,000 VND (9.48–13.27 USD), under Government Decree No. 293/2025/ND-CP.
Nationwide drive delivers breakthrough in eliminating substandard houses in 2025
Barely over a year since its launch, Vietnam’s movement to eliminate makeshift and dilapidated houses has exceeded expectations, mobilising over 24.7 trillion VND (nearly 937 million USD) and millions of workdays to complete more than 334,000 homes nationwide, achieving its national target months ahead of schedule.
Overseas Vietnamese community grows in size and quantity
The overseas Vietnamese population has expanded from 2.7 million in 2004 to nearly 6.5 million in over 130 countries and territories, sending home about 15 billion USD in remittances annually, while expatriates have invested in 457 projects worth 1.729 billion USD nationwide.
Social housing: From "bottleneck” into market’s bright spot
Following years of slow progress, Vietnam’s social housing sector rebounded strongly in 2025, achieving an estimated 102,146 units nationwide, 102% of the annual target, thanks to decisive Government action, transforming social housing from a long-standing “bottleneck” into one of the market’s brightest spots.
Anti-corruption, waste prevention efforts deliver tangible results in 2025
In 2025, Vietnam’s anti-corruption, waste and misconduct prevention efforts were implemented in a strong, comprehensive and sustained manner, marked by new, practical approaches that delivered clear and measurable results.
