Ceremonial welcome for Vietnamese party chief in Vientiane
The special aircraft carrying General Secretary To Lam and the Vietnamese delegation landed at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane, earlier today. The visit is made at the invitation of Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. At the Presidential Palace, the official welcome ceremony was chaired by Lao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith. After receiving a bouquet from Lao children, General Secretary To Lam joined President Thongloun Sisoulith on the ceremonial platform. Photo: VNALao Party General Secretary and President Thongloun Sisoulith welcomes General Secretary To Lam.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 07:06 UTC
Whale of a statue: Giant bronze Ca Ong unveiled in Vung Tau
It now stands prominently at the Cot Co Square, across from Hoang Hoa Tham Street in Vung Tau ward (Ho Chi Minh City), drawing large crowds eager to take photos and admire the craftsmanship. Inside the statue, a stainless steel frame reinforces the structure to withstand both physical stress and the corrosive marine environment. Once completed, the massive piece was transported via a specialized vehicle to Vung Tau, where it was installed at a seafront site measuring 2,573 square meters. Nguyen Thi Lan, a visitor from Lam Dong, shared her impressions: “The ca Ong statue is incredibly large and commanding. The whale statue is a signature element of a broader redevelopment project along Thuy Van Street in Vung Tau ward, with an overall investment of nearly $44 million.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 06:11 UTC
Apple dares to break all the rules with iPhone Fold
A concept render of Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, iPhone Fold. iPhone Fold may feature a horizontal camera bump housing two main lenses, a flash, and a microphone - a layout bearing striking resemblance to the rumored iPhone Air. Apple could be envisioning the iPhone Fold as more of a mini-tablet than a phone, a device meant to be held with two hands. The iPhone Fold is expected to be priced between $2,000 and $2,500, making it Apple’s most expensive phone ever. But one thing is certain: if the leaks hold true, iPhone Fold will be Apple’s most intriguing - and divisive - mobile product in recent memory.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 05:36 UTC
Two Hanoi students score perfect 9.0 IELTS on first attempt
Nguyen Linh Chi and Tran Hoang Le Thanh - both students of class 11A9 - reached the maximum possible band in Listening, Speaking, and Reading. Nguyen Linh Chi, an 11th grader from Class 11A9 at the Foreign Language Specialized School (under the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi), achieved an IELTS score of 9.0 on her first attempt. Photo: NVCCNguyen Phi Diep, homeroom teacher of class 11A9, said the news came as a major surprise to the entire class and himself. “Thanks to his strong debate skills and broad knowledge base, Thanh is truly one of the class’s standout students,” Diep said. A class of high achieversAccording to Diep, class 11A9 is among the school’s strongest, regularly ranking near the top academically.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 05:11 UTC
Vietnam’s software engineers power Japan’s digital backbone
According to Tu, Japanese tech firms have developed an increasingly deep and high-quality presence in Vietnam, while Vietnamese digital businesses have matured significantly in serving Japan’s demanding market. Three strategic proposals for future cooperationA serious, long-term, and in-depth partnership with Japanese enterprises has helped Vietnamese digital technology companies strengthen their internal capabilities. Expanding on the second strategy, Luong noted that 56.1% of Japanese companies in Vietnam plan to expand operations - ranking highest in ASEAN and fourth globally. Why should Japanese factories here import expensive international software when Vietnamese tech firms are capable of delivering?” he asked. Organizers emphasized that Vietnamese tech companies no longer want to be mere outsourcing vendors - they want to be co-creators tackling future challenges side-by-side with Japan.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 03:51 UTC
Vietnam sets sights on 10,000 high-level cybersecurity experts by 2030
This national cybersecurity plan is designed to shape a resilient, sovereign digital space - one that can defend national interests while fostering innovation and international competitiveness. A modern cybersecurity infrastructure is also at the heart of the plan, enabling Vietnam to effectively assert its sovereignty in cyberspace while promoting data security across government, businesses, and civil society. To that end, it sets a clear target: by 2030, Vietnam will have trained and nurtured 10,000 elite cybersecurity professionals - equipped to safeguard both national systems and participate in the global cybersecurity workforce. By 2030, more than 50% of the national cybersecurity market should be dominated by "Make in Vietnam" products and services. The Central Public Security Party Committee is tasked with leading state-level management of cybersecurity, information security, and data security - excluding military, defense, and cryptography.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 02:05 UTC
Co To residents rescue dolphin stranded near port
Dolphin being released back into the sea by local residents in Co To (Photo: D.X.) Around noon on February 4, residents in the Co To special district spotted the dolphin lying close to the shore, showing signs of fatigue and difficulty moving in the shallow waters. Once it reached a safer zone, the dolphin was gently returned to the sea and was soon seen swimming away. The rescue effort attracted the attention of many locals present at the port. Observers noted that the dolphin’s appearance near shore - and its survival - reflects the relatively healthy state of the marine ecosystem around Co To island.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 01:50 UTC
Agricultural exports reliant on securing raw material supply
According to Secretary General of the Vietnam Pepper and Spice Association Le Viet Anh, pepper remained Vietnam’s leading spice export in 2025, with shipments exceeding 247,000 tonnes, accounting for 59.3% of total spice export volume. While this reflects Vietnam’s central role in pepper processing and re-export, it also highlights a growing shortfall in domestic supply amid sustained global demand. The Vietnam Cashew Association noted that domestic supply currently meets only just over 10% of demand, forcing the industry to import nearly 90% of raw cashew nuts. In 2025, Vietnam’s cashew exports hit a record 5.2 billion USD, but raw material imports surged to around 4.5 billion USD. This trend poses a real risk of supply disruption for Vietnam’s cashew industry, potentially undermining its competitiveness and its position as the world’s leading cashew exporter.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 05, 2026 01:30 UTC
The seasonal fish that defines a region’s taste
Photo: S VietnamLocals describe tep dau as a native fish, small and translucent, typically 5–7 cm long with bodies as narrow as a bamboo leaf. “Unlike other small fish, tep dau is firm and sweet thanks to its natural freshwater habitat,” Ngoc said. “Tep dau has a naturally sweet, buttery taste that doesn’t tire the palate. The bones are so small, you can eat the entire fish,” Ngoc noted. For the locals, tep dau is more than a seasonal treat.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 23:09 UTC
Korean media surprised by Korean-language boom in Vietnam
Vietnam has gradually institutionalised Korean-language education in recent years. After approving Korean as a second foreign language in 2020, it was upgraded to a first foreign language in 2021 and included among subjects for the national high school graduation examination. Vietnam is now one of the world’s largest TOPIK test markets. Of these, 24 countries have designated Korean as a second foreign language, while 11 countries use it as a criterion in university admissions. “The ministry will continue to work closely with governments around the world to promote Korean language education overseas and provide full support for its expansion,” he said./.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 22:24 UTC
Viettel opens strategic representative office in Singapore
Viettel’s Singapore office is positioned as a strategic hub in the group’s global ecosystem. (Photo: HT)The new office has been positioned as a strategic gateway within Viettel’s global ecosystem, designed to open up new opportunities in key areas such as aerospace, digital transformation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies. He stated: “The Ministry of National Defense fully supports Viettel in expanding international cooperation based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for international law and national interests. During the event, Viettel signed cooperation agreements with leading international tech firms, including ST Engineering, Honeywell International Inc., Airbus, China Unicom, Truvisor, Jinsheng Henxing, Aeronautics, and Commvault Systems. The aim is to broaden Viettel’s partner ecosystem, strengthen its tech capabilities, and accelerate its integration into global value chains.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 17:52 UTC
Vietnam seeks deeper energy, industrial, aviation ties with US
On the energy-related issues of interest to US firms, with the presence of major corporations in oil and gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and renewable energy, Hung stressed that ensuring energy security is one of Vietnam’s key development priorities. Later, Hung held separate meetings with executives of Apple, Excelerate Energy, and ExxonMobil, delving into high-tech and energy collaboration. Discussions centred on technology transfer, with Vietnam speaking highly of US expertise in high-tech farming, disease-resistant variety development, sustainable water use and agricultural processing. Regarding reciprocal tariff negotiations, the official affirmed that agricultural trade structures of Vietnam and the US are complementary rather than directly compete with each other. Host and guest agreed to continue close technical discussions and coordinate in issues of mutual concern to support stable and sustainable agricultural trade and contribute to the broader negotiation process./.VNA
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 16:27 UTC
First Government session of 2026 convened
Opening the meeting, held online with local authorities nationwide, the PM noted that the global landscape at the start of 2026 remains fast-changing, complex and difficult to forecast. The Government leader reported that Vietnam’s socio-economic performance in January maintained a positive trend, delivering notable results across multiple sectors. Pointing out certain shortcomings and challenges, PM Chinh urged participants to conduct a comprehensive assessment of socio-economic performance in January and determine priority tasks for the coming months. Accelerating public investment disbursement and fast-tracking key national infrastructure projects from the early days of 2026 were also highlighted as an urgent task. During the session, the Government reviewed January’s socio-economic results, progress in allocating and disbursing public investment capital, and the implementation of the three national target programmes.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 16:22 UTC
Vietnam, US deepen energy ties with new cooperation agreements
The agreements come as Vietnam and the US intensify negotiations on a reciprocal, fair and balanced trade deal designed to build a stable, long-term framework for economic and trade collaboration. Energy cooperation has been identified as a central pillar in this process, supporting Vietnam’s energy security, broadening the scope of bilateral engagement, promoting two-way trade, and helping shape a more balanced and sustainable trade partnership. Under the MoUs, BSR will cooperate with Chevron Supply and Trading, Marquis Energy, and ADM Asia-Pacific Trading Pte. The agreements cover crude oil supply for the Dung Quat Oil Refinery, potential imports of ethanol biofuel from the US, and the provision of corn as feedstock for ethanol production in Vietnam. The deals are viewed as a significant milestone, underscoring the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s role in facilitating connections between Vietnamese enterprises and major US corporations while translating strategic energy cooperation commitments into concrete projects.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 16:22 UTC
Jordanian House Speaker visits Thang Long Imperial Citadel
The Jordanian House Speaker and his entourage first laid a wreath and paid tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, before offering flowers in remembrance of national heroes and martyrs. Later, El Qadi and the high-level delegation visited the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, whose central sector represents a vital remnant of the Forbidden City and Royal Citadel of ancient Thang Long. Representatives of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre briefed the Jordanian Speaker and his delegation on Vietnam’s millennia-old history through artefacts preserved at the heritage site, which bears the deep imprint of Hanoi’s thousand-year-old civilisation. The ancient architectural works, archaeological remains and relics on display are regarded as invaluable treasures of Thang Long – Hanoi and of Vietnam as a whole. Leaders of the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre present a book to Jordanian House of Representatives Speaker Mazen Turki El Qadi at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel.
Source:VietNamNet News
February 04, 2026 16:02 UTC