Author: OMN AI

Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association have signed a free trade agreement after 14 years of negotiations. The deal was signed in Hanoi on October 18 by Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Le Manh Hung, and representatives of EFTA member states. It is intended to create new opportunities for trade, investment and cooperation between the two sides. EFTA consists of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The group is separate from the European Union, although its members maintain close economic links with many European markets. The agreement gives Vietnam another route to strengthen its commercial relations with European partners…

Vietnam is preparing to deepen its relations with the European Union and Belgium through upcoming high-level visits by To Lam, the country’s top leader. The visits are intended to strengthen political trust and turn existing agreements into practical cooperation. The plans were reported by VietnamPlus on October 17 as officials discussed the next stage of relations with European partners. Vietnam and the European Union have developed links across trade, investment, education and other areas. The EU is an important market for Vietnamese products, while European companies have shown interest in investment and business opportunities in Vietnam. Stronger relations can help…

Authorities in Vietnam’s Bac Ninh province plan to expand an artificial intelligence application that helps residents complete administrative paperwork. The decision follows a pilot programme that tested the tool in several local areas. The app is designed to reduce common mistakes and make it easier for people to prepare documents before submitting official applications. The tool can scan documents, recognise information and automatically fill in parts of a form. It can also check whether an application includes the required details and supporting papers. These features may save residents time, especially when they are unfamiliar with official forms or need to…

Vietnam expects to meet or exceed 14 of its 15 main social and economic targets for 2026, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung told the National Assembly on October 17. He presented a report on the country’s performance during the year and outlined the proposed development plan for 2027. The report comes as Vietnam faces both domestic demands and uncertainty in the wider global economy. The government said the country had made progress despite a complex international and regional environment. Economic planning has focused on growth, public investment, business activity and improvements in people’s lives. Meeting most of the main targets…

Vietnam is working to strengthen its national brand and help local companies compete in international markets. A report published on October 16 said the country’s national brand value reached 462.28 billion US dollars in 2026, an increase of more than 45 percent compared with 2020. The country ranked 32nd among 193 economies assessed by Brand Finance. The Vietnam National Brand Programme began in 2008 with 30 companies and 50 products. By 2026, the programme had expanded to include 227 companies and 499 products. The growth reflects efforts to help Vietnamese firms build stronger identities, improve product quality and reach more…

Hanoi has signed contracts for five new metro lines as the Vietnamese capital works to improve public transport and reduce road congestion. The agreements cover a planned network of about 253.5 kilometres, with the city aiming to complete the lines and begin full operations by 2030. The projects are expected to connect central areas with new urban districts, transport hubs and other important destinations. The contracts were signed on October 15 by the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board and a consortium led by Vinhomes and SGC Investment and Construction. The agreement covers the design, purchase of equipment, construction, installation, testing…

Vietnam’s e-commerce market grew by 22 percent during the first nine months of 2026, according to a report cited by Tuoi Tre News on October 16. The market’s growth accelerated in the third quarter, when activity rose by 27 percent year on year. The figures point to the growing role of online shopping in the country’s retail economy. Online shopping has become an important way for Vietnamese consumers to compare products, find prices and make purchases. Digital platforms allow sellers to reach customers beyond their local areas, while buyers can choose from a wide range of goods without visiting physical…

Vietnam and Laos reaffirmed their commitment to closer defence cooperation during high-level meetings in Hanoi, according to a VietnamPlus report published on October 15, 2026. The report said Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam met Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Khamlieng Outhakaisone on October 14. The Lao official was in Vietnam for an official visit and a series of regional defence activities. The visit included the tenth annual meeting of defence ministers from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, as well as a joint civil-defence exercise involving the three countries’ militaries. Such meetings allow officials to discuss security priorities,…

Vietnam’s Prime Minister Le Minh Hung is scheduled to meet young people in Hanoi on October 15 for a dialogue focused on employment, entrepreneurship and innovation. VietnamPlus announced the event on October 14, 2026, citing the Ministry of Home Affairs. The meeting is intended to give young people a chance to raise concerns about education, careers and opportunities in a changing labour market. The dialogue’s theme centres on the role of Vietnamese youth in entrepreneurship and innovation to support economic growth and create jobs. Discussions are expected to cover employment policies, human-resource training, startup support and the use of science…

Vietnam and the United States are seeking to deepen economic cooperation, with high-tech investment and stable access to the US market among the main priorities. A report published by Vietnam Times on October 15, 2026, highlighted business discussions held in Hanoi the previous day. The meetings brought attention to the opportunities and challenges facing Vietnamese exporters as the two countries continue negotiating a trade agreement. The business discussions included the Vietnam-US Business Summit and a seminar examining opportunities in the American market. The events were organised by the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce…