Vinh Long (VNA) – The People’s Committee of southern Vinh Long province and the administration of Japan’s Ehime prefecture are set to strengthen cooperation in fostering sustainable economic development under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on January 12.
Under the MoU, the two sides agreed to bolster economic development by forming and enhancing sustainable partnerships, with a focus on trade, industry, investment, technology, and human resources training. They will boost cultural exchanges, forge close-knit ties, step up information sharing, and create opportunities for business cooperation, thereby supporting local and business development.
Besides, Vinh Long and Ehime will work together to organise business exchanges, networking conferences, technology introducing workshops, specialised meetings, and similar events to generate practical business chances.
They will prioritise promoting cooperation in the fields of shared interest such as agro-forestry-fishery processing and projects related to the Sustainable Development Goals like climate change response.
Coordination will also be enhanced in training human resources, and sending and receiving workers such as technical interns to help with sustainable local economic development.
Addressing the signing ceremony, Chairman of the Vinh Long People’s Committee Tran Tri Quang said his province boasts many outstanding advantages in industrial infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, culture – tourism, and education – training.
Its economic links with Japanese partners have been expanded continuously, he noted, elaborating that in 2025, Vinh Long’s exports to Japan topped 767 million USD while imports exceeded 241 million USD. The province is currently home to 15 FDI projects worth 341.58 million USD from Japan, placing the Northeast Asian country fourth among 24 foreign investors here.
Quang highlighted tangible cooperation results between the two sides, including between Ehime and former Ben Tre province, which was recently merged into Vinh Long, particularly in labour, agriculture, trade and investment promotion, and people-to-people exchanges.
The MoU signing for the new period is of importance as it builds on previous cooperation achievements and opens up a new cooperation phase, commensurate with the scale, potential, and development orientation of the expanded Vinh Long, he continued.
The official voiced his belief that based on the Vietnam – Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as the mutual trust and goodwill of both sides, Vinh Long – Ehime relations will become increasingly substantive and fruitful, especially in the areas matching their strengths and demand like human resources development, hi-tech agriculture, processing, logistics, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Ehime Governor Tokihiro Nakamura noted that since an MoU between his prefecture and former Ben Tre province was inked in August 2022, many cooperation projects have been carried out effectively, including Japanese firms’ projects in industrial parks, those applying energy-saving technologies, renewable energy and waste treatment projects, and the sending of Vietnam’s technical interns to Japan.
The Governor said he believes the new MoU will help elevate bilateral relations by facilitating more investment and economic cooperation projects in Vinh Long in the coming time./.
See more
Vietnam, Western Australia seek broader ties during business forum
An official of Western Australia has hailed Vietnam as a strategic partner in her state's strategy to expand markets and diversify supply chains.
UOB remains upbeat on Vietnam’s economic outlook despite global uncertainty
UOB maintained its forecast for Vietnam’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 7.5% in 2026, with first-quarter growth projected at around 7%.
Vietnam Airlines adds nearly 1,000 seats on Europe routes
According to the national flag carrier, it will increase the use of wide-body aircraft with larger seating capacity on several European routes to better meet rising travel demand.
Vinh Long courts Korean investment in key sectors
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Truc Son vowed to accompany investors and provide them with optimal conditions, while building a transparent and stable business environment to secure long-term engagement from foreign enterprises, particularly those from Daejeon.
Vietjet launches Da Nang – Jakarta, Nha Trang – Singapore routes
To mark the launch of the new routes, Vietjet is offering promotional fares across all flights linking Vietnam with Singapore and Indonesia.
Digital platform on overseas market development launched
With Vietnam’s network of 64 trade offices overseas, Deputy PM Son noted that connecting them through a modern digital platform could help establish a unified national trade information system that operates efficiently, transparently and with strong forecasting capacity.
Fuel import tariff cuts strengthen Vietnam’s energy resilience: experts
Economic expert Dinh Trong Thinh said revising fuel import tariffs helps diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on traditional markets, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s ability to cope with potential global supply shocks. Ensuring access to multiple energy sources is also vital for safeguarding national energy security, he added.
Dak Lak readies for EC mission on anti-IUU fishing efforts
Dak Lak province is completing preparations for an upcoming European Commission (EC) inspection on efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to having the fisheries “yellow card” removed.
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.
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.
Major transport firms keep fares steady despite fuel price swings
As of March 10, 15 fixed-route passenger transport operators in Ho Chi Minh City had reported fare increases on 102 routes. Adjustments range from about 5% to 36%, depending on travel distance and vehicle type.
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.
Reference exchange rate up 2 VND on March 12
The State Bank of Vietnam set the daily reference exchange rate at 25,061 VND/USD on March 12, up 2 VND from the previous day.
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.
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.
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.
Ho Chi Minh City attracts over 2-billion-USD investment for AI data centre
The project is expected to have a total investment of about 2.1 billion USD and will be implemented by a joint venture between AIC, Kinh Bac City Development Holding Corporation (KBC) and other partners.
Vietnam building 27 mega real estate projects worth over 115 billion USD: report
More than half of the total investment is led by major developers including Vingroup and Sun Group, the report says, reflecting intensifying competition to develop large-scale urban complexes in the real estate market.
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.
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.