Speaking from the heart: Vietnamese abroad

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.

The Ministry of Transport is working with ministries, sectors, and localities to ensure construction of the North-South high-speed railway begins by the end of 2027.

Looking back on the 95-year journey under the Party’s leadership, Vietnam has transformed from a poor and backward nation into a dynamic country with an increasingly prominent position on the world stage. This proves that, in Vietnam, no other political force than the Communist Party of Vietnam possesses sufficient mettle, intellect, experience, reputation, and leadership capabilities to guide the country through every difficulty and challenge, bringing the national revolutionary cause from one victory to others.

The Vietnamese people are celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year), which this year takes place from January 25 to February 2. Tet is the most significant traditional celebration in Vietnamese culture, a time for families to reunite, reflect on the past year, and hope for the best in the year ahead.

The “Ong Cong, Ong Tao” (Land Genie and Kitchen Gods) worshipping ritual, held on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, which falls on January 22 this year, is also considered the start of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival – the biggest and most important traditional holiday of Vietnamese people.

Vietnam is accelerating momentum in digital transformation. However, the cumbersome and multi-layered organisational structure remains a major bottleneck, hindering further progress.

The Government has issued Resolution No. 11/NQ-CP dated January 15, 2025, on visa exemptions under the Tourism Stimulus Programme for 2025 for citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland.

In the 2024 ASEAN Cup finals, the Vietnamese men's football team won both the first- and second-leg matches against Thailand to obtain an aggregate result of 5 - 3 and bring home the trophy.