Vietnam News Today: Premier Partnership in Kunming

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone unite in Kunming, China, on November 6. (Photo: VNA)

United Front: Vietnam and Laos Strengthen Bonds

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met in Kunming, China, on November 6, vowing to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting reflected the close-knit relationship between the two nations, with frequent high-level interactions.

Chinh conveyed warm regards from Vietnam’s Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man to the Lao leaders. In response, Sonexay expressed gratitude on behalf of the Lao Party and people for Vietnam’s unwavering support during Laos’ chairmanship of ASEAN and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) in 2024.

Laos is committed to developing an independent and resilient economy, and it will work closely with Vietnam in this journey, stressed Sonexay. The two prime ministers reviewed recent bilateral cooperation, highlighting the strong coordination between their governments and the dedication of various ministries and localities to implement high-level agreements.

They agreed to actively carry out these agreements and prepare for the 47th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, further solidifying the defense and security partnership while maintaining a peaceful and friendly Vietnam-Laos border.

State President Luong Cuong Embarks on Official Visits to Chile and Peru

State President Luong Cuong will lead a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation on official visits to Chile from November 9–12 and Peru from November 12–16, including attendance at the 2024 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Lima. These visits are made at the invitation of Chilean President Gabriel Boric Font and Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, respectively, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

State President Luong Cuong, a pivotal figure in Vietnam’s international relations.

Ho Chi Minh City: Forging Strong Ties with Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s economic hub, plays a leading role in cooperative activities with Cambodia, contributing to the enduring friendship and good neighborliness between the two nations. Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Vo Van Hoan, emphasized this during greetings exchanged on Cambodia’s Independence Day, celebrated on November 9.

Hoan expressed delight at the development of Vietnam-Cambodia relations, particularly in diplomacy, politics, and economic cooperation. He affirmed Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to collaborating closely with Cambodian partners to promote mutual understanding and friendship, further solidifying the relationship between the two countries and their localities.

Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan (left) and Cambodian Consul General Chan Sorykan, united in strengthening ties. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City is eager to expand cooperation in education, trade, and investment with Cambodian ministries, agencies, and localities, contributing to the economic growth of both nations. Cambodian Consul General Chan Sorykan reciprocated the sentiments, highlighting the positive developments in the Vietnam-Cambodia relationship, marked by high-level visits and thriving trade and investment ties in 2024.

Vietnam’s Tourism Sector Thrives: Over 14 Million Foreign Visitors

Vietnam’s tourism industry is booming, with international visitor arrivals surpassing 14.1 million in the past ten months, reflecting a 41.3% increase year-on-year, according to the General Statistics Office (GSO). October alone witnessed 1.42 million international tourists, a 27.6% annual rise, attributed to favorable visa policies and tourism promotion programs.

Air travel remains the primary mode of transport for visitors, accounting for 84.8% of arrivals, while road travel contributed 13.9%. Asia dominated as the largest tourist source market, with the Republic of Korea and China as the top two sources, followed by Taiwan (China), the United States, Japan, and Australia.

Vietnam’s tourism sector is thriving, attracting visitors from around the world. (Photo: VOV)

The Vietnamese tourism industry aims high, targeting 17–18 million foreign visitors this year and total tourism revenue of VND840 trillion, equivalent to US$34.6 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnamese and American Businesses: Uniting for Mutual Growth

A trade connectivity conference between Vietnamese and American enterprises, scheduled for November 13 in Ho Chi Minh City, promises to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties between the two nations. The event, organized within the framework of the Vietnam Foodexpo 2024, will provide a platform for businesses to explore cooperation opportunities and introduce their potential to new markets.

This conference is significant as it not only fosters trade but also builds long-term cooperative relationships, enhancing competitiveness and sustainable economic development. The positive developments in Vietnam’s relations with the Americas, including high-level exchanges and business delegations, have created momentum for stronger economic and trade ties.

Vietnamese and American businesses come together to explore mutual growth opportunities. (Photo: VNN)

Vietnam’s major exports to the Americas include garments, electronics, footwear, and agricultural products, while imports consist of technology, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and raw materials. This conference is a testament to the growing cooperation and mutual benefits derived from strong international relations.