Vietnam, Netherlands discuss tackling saline soils in Mekong Delta
“The Mekong Delta does not stand alone in its struggle,” said Raïssa Marteaux, Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City. Mekong Delta: Vital but vulnerableIn his presentation at the forum, Associate Professor Van Pham Dang Tri, director of the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University, also noted that the Mekong Delta is a vital yet increasingly vulnerable landscape. Associate Professor Van Pham Dang Tri, director of the Mekong Institute at Can Tho University, presents an overview of the Mekong Delta at the event. Prins pointed out that regions with clay soil, such as the Netherlands and the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, face unique difficulties because clay reacts to salt much differently than sandy soil does. Céline van Maaren, head of Dutch salinity innovation mission to Vietnam, speaks to wrap up the business forum.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 10:11 UTC
VNG fined $32,000 after controversial Zalo data policy
Vietnam’s National Competition Commission has issued an administrative penalty of VND810 million (approximately US$32,000) against VNG Corporation, the company behind the popular social media platform Zalo, for violating consumer rights and mishandling personal data. VNG Corporation, the operator of Zalo, has been fined VND810 million for violating regulations on user consent, data transparency, and consumer protection. Authorities noted another major issue: Zalo’s lack of visible, accessible policy communication tailored to vulnerable consumers, which is mandated under Vietnam’s consumer protection framework. The National Competition Commission has ordered VNG to cease these violations and thoroughly review and revise its policies to align with legal standards on consumer data protection. At the time, the Commission summoned VNG for a working session to investigate compliance with the Personal Data Protection Law, which officially came into force on January 1, 2026.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 09:25 UTC
14th National Party Congress to open new chapter for Vietnam: foreign ambassadors
Delegates discuss Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress documents during the afternoon session on January 21, 2026. Photo: Vietnam News AgencyAmbassadors from Russia, Laos, Cuba, Venezuela, and Palestine sent congratulatory messages and praised Vietnam’s vision and new development directions as the congress is taking place in Hanoi. He underscored the symbolic significance of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam coinciding with the 12th National Congress of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party, reflecting the special solidarity and shared aspirations of the two nations on their path toward socialism. The ambassadors agreed that the congress’ decisions will inspire Vietnam’s ongoing development story and contribute positively to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and the world. Delegates voted on Wednesday afternoon to shorten the congress by 1.5 days, meaning that the major political event will wrap up on Friday.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 09:15 UTC
One last battle: Vietnam eyes upset over shaky South Korea
After a sobering 0–3 semifinal loss to China, Vietnam faces another East Asian heavyweight: South Korea. The cracks in South Korea’s armorU23 South Korea boasts impressive fundamentals. Despite registering 48 shots - nearly identical to Vietnam’s 49 - they’ve failed to score in three out of five matches. South Korea remains a tactically structured, physically imposing team. Vietnam has shown, especially in earlier matches, that it can absorb pressure and strike with pace.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 09:05 UTC
5-star resort in Da Nang explains environmental violations following fine
A wastewater pumping station feeds into a treatment tank at The Pearl Hoi An in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. The current Da Nang City was formed by merging the former Da Nang City and neighboring Quang Nam Province on July 1, 2025, as part of the major administrative restructuring in which Vietnam’s total number of provinces and cities was reduced to 34 from 63. During this period, The Pearl Hoi An underwent organizational and personnel changes, which delayed the process, he elaborated. A wastewater treatment facility at The Pearl Hoi An in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. The Pearl Hoi An is a large-scale resort located along the Hoi An-Da Nang coastline and was officially recognized as a five-star property in 2024.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 08:05 UTC
Northern Vietnam nears freezing point as severe cold persists
People ride motorbikes while being bundled up against the cold in northern Vietnam. Photo: Chi Tue / Tuoi TreTemperatures across much of northern Vietnam fell sharply early on Thursday, dropping by four to 10 degrees Celsius compared with previous days. Severe cold is affecting northern Vietnam and north-central Thanh Hoa Province, with particularly harsh conditions in mountainous areas. Forecasters said the cold air mass would continue to cover the northern region on Thursday. Temperatures in northern Vietnam and Thanh Hoa are expected to drop further on Thursday night and Friday morning compared to Thursday morning.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 06:54 UTC
Major Thai conglomerate plans to acquire MM Mega Market Vietnam for $717mn: media
BJC, through its subsidiary C-Distribution Asia, will purchase all 921.8 million shares of TCC Land International (Singapore) at a price of about THB24.41 ($0.77) per share, with a total value of approximately THB22.5 billion ($717 million). TCC Land International is the holding entity that owns 100 percent of MM Mega Market Vietnam, which operates wholesale distribution centers for consumer goods with branches throughout Vietnam. Both BJC and MM Mega Market Vietnam operate within the broader TCC Group controlled by Thai billionaire Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi. MM Mega Market Vietnam currently derives around 55 percent of its revenue from the business-to-business segment and 45 percent from business-to-customer retail sales. MM Mega Market Vietnam operates 30 outlets in 2025 and targets an increase to 54 locations nationwide by 2030.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 05:55 UTC
Frost forms on Mau Son peak in northern Vietnam
Early this morning, frost formed atop Mau Son peak in Lang Son province as temperatures plunged close to 0°C, creating a striking natural scene that drew in tourists and prompted local authorities to issue cold-weather warnings. Frost blankets the summit of Mount Mau Son in Lang Son province. According to the Lang Son Hydro-Meteorological Station, a strong cold front continues to affect the region. Regional temperatures range from 8–15°C, while Mau Son recorded temperatures between 2–7°C and humidity levels from 67–85%. “Several tourists have already made their way to Mau Son to witness the frost,” said Huy.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 05:34 UTC
Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress to conclude ahead of schedule
Tran Cam Tu, Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Secretariat, chairs a plenary discussion session, January 21, 2026. Photo: Vietnam News AgencyAfter the congress wrapped up its plenary discussion session, Chief of the Party Central Committee Office Pham Gia Tuc presented a draft of the adjusted agenda for delegates’ consideration. Prior to the congress, Politburo member and Permanent Member of the Party Central Committee's Secretariat Tran Cam Tu announced at a press briefing that the 14th National Party Congress would take place from Monday to Sunday. Under the revised agenda, the congress will focus on personnel matters on Thursday and Friday, including the election of the 14th Party Central Committee. The newly-elected Central Committee will then convene its first plenary meeting to elect the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Party General Secretary, and the Central Inspection Commission.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 04:59 UTC
General Phan Van Giang: Military reorganization near completion
At the 14th National Party Congress today, Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang affirmed that Vietnam’s armed forces have “basically completed” a major reorganization. General Phan Van Giang, Minister of National Defense, delivers remarks at the Congress. The strategic goals laid out in the 13th Party Congress regarding the military’s development have been implemented decisively and effectively, General Giang said. It has fulfilled its mission in all areas - with many tasks completed exceptionally - leaving a lasting mark on national defense progress. General Giang reported that major progress has been made in building a revolutionary, regular, elite and modern army.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 04:34 UTC
Ho Chi Minh City landmarks undergo facelift for Tet celebrations
As part of the citywide facelift, Ben Thanh Market is being fully repainted. Tran Thuy, a resident of An Khanh Ward, often visits Turtle Lake for photos around Tet. On Ham Nghi Street, buildings are being cleaned and repainted as part of the city’s Tet preparations. At Turtle Lake, scaffolding and barges are in place for cleaning and repainting the tower and surroundings. Thuy, a local resident, says the makeover at Turtle Lake will bring a fresh, cleaner look for the holiday.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 03:49 UTC
Global parties congratulate Vietnam’s 14th Party Congress
Presidium members at the 14th Party Congress. “We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the Communist Party of Vietnam following the success of the 14th Congress. The 14th Congress, the message stated, will provide renewed momentum for Vietnam’s continued achievements and global engagement. Australia’s Communist Party emphasized that the 14th Congress would set the course for Vietnam’s continued socialist development in the new era. The outcomes of the 14th Congress, it noted, will lay the foundation for a new phase of growth, boosting Vietnam’s global influence.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 03:39 UTC
Foreign long-stay visitors seen as ‘clean’ FDI for Da Nang: experts
A drone view of Ngu Hanh Son, a popular tourist attraction in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. "In 2025, Da Nang welcomed 6.3 million international visitors, and the city aims for even higher growth." New development space stretches from Hai Van Pass to Chu Lai in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Inside an industrial park in the southern part of Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Da Nang, a popular beach destination in central Vietnam, welcomed 6.3 million international visitors in 2025, a major source of revenue.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 22, 2026 03:04 UTC
Government sets 10% growth target for provinces and cities
The growth target positions Vietnam among the world's fastest-growing economies if achieved, though it represents a significant acceleration from the estimated 8% expansion in 2025. Structural transformation at the coreAt the heart of the government's strategy is a fundamental shift away from traditional growth drivers toward an innovation-based economy. Major infrastructure investment will anchor the growth push, particularly in strategic transport projects including national rail networks, international airports and seaports. The resolution calls for responding effectively to fluctuations in global trade and economic conditions while exploiting both traditional and new growth engines. The provincial and municipal administrations have been directed to review their resources and growth potential by February 2026, reporting to local legislative bodies on adjustments needed to align with the national target.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 02:43 UTC
When central government orders meet local aspirations in Cao Bang
Cao Bang Party Committee Secretary Phan Thang An (photo: Thanh Luan)This approach has helped resolve contradictions between procedures and reality, transforming reform pressure into new growth space. The gap between Cao Bang, ranked 34th out of 34 cities/provinces after the merger, and more developed provinces remains large,” he said. In Cao Bang, while provincial policies are drastic, administrative orders tend to lose momentum when passing through various departments and local governments. Cao Bang has embraced the two-tier local government model as a "golden opportunity" to resolve its own bottlenecks. July 1, 2025, marked a historic milestone as Cao Bang officially transitioned to the two-tier local government model.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 02:28 UTC