Vietnam, ASEAN emerge as major export markets for RoK

ASEAN, particularly Vietnam and Thailand, has also stood out. The RoK’s exports to ASEAN rose 12.5% over the period, reaching 122.4 billion USD in 2025, while exports to Vietnam climbed 10.8% to 62.8 billion USD.

Record 1.15 quadrillion VND allocated for development investment in 2025

Vietnam allocated about 1.15 quadrillion VND (nearly 43.8 billion USD) for development investment in 2025, the highest ever recorded, the Ministry of Finance reported at its year-end review conference held in Hanoi on January 6.

Full health insurance coverage reaches all poor, elderly citizens from 2026

Health insurance cardholders from near-poor households have their payment rate raised from 95% to 100% of covered medical expenses effective on January 1.

Vietnam’s trade in services surpasses 70 billion USD in 2025

Vietnam’s total trade in services surpassed 70 billion USD last year, with exports reaching 30.3 billion USD and imports amounting to 40.5 billion USD, resulting in a deficit of more than 10 billion USD.

PM urges completion of Quang Trung Campaign before Party Congress, Tet

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on January 7 urged the swift completion of the “Quang Trung Campaign” to rebuild storm-hit homes in central Vietnam before the 14th Party Congress and Lunar New Year.

HCM City sets ambitious growth target of over 10% in 2026

Ho Chi Minh City has set an economic growth target of over 10% for 2026, based on favourable international conditions and the early impact of the amended Resolution 98 on special mechanisms and policies for the city.

Third record high in a week: VN-Index surges past 1,835 points

Vietnam's stock market continued its upward trajectory on January 7, with the VN-Index surpassing 1,835 points-a new all-time high. The early-year rally reflects strong investor sentiment and rising confidence.

2026 Economic Census kicks off on January 7

The National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance on January 7 launched the 2026 Economic Census across the country.

Mobile users in Vietnam face surge in new malware attacks

National cybersecurity authorities reveal a troubling increase in sophisticated mobile threats, with nearly 63,000 new strains recorded.

Asia takes notice as U23 Vietnam outclasses Jordan in Cup opener

U23 Vietnam defeats Jordan 2-0 in their AFC U23 Asian Cup opener with a standout tactical performance.

Gold tax set at 0.1%: Vietnam opts for ‘soft management fee’ over crackdown

Vietnam’s new 0.1% tax on gold bullion transfers is designed more as a management tool than a revenue measure.

Intel unveils Core Ultra Series 3 with 27-hour battery breakthrough

At CES 2026, Intel officially unveiled its next-generation Core Ultra Series 3 processors, marking the company’s first chips built on the new Intel 18A process and representing a major leap in AI PC computing.

From 17e to iPhone Fold: Apple kicks off a new era of innovation in 2026

Apple is ready to rewrite the iPhone story in 2026 with bold new models, including a foldable flagship and revamped entry-level editions.

Vietnam’s tourism hits all-time high with 21.2 million international arrivals

Vietnam’s tourism sector closed out 2025 with an unprecedented achievement: a record-high 21.2 million international arrivals, marking a 20.4% surge over 2024.

Party leader calls for decisive legislative breakthroughs for development

General Secretary To Lam has urged Vietnam’s National Assembly to be bold in confronting unprecedented issues and lead institutional reform to spur national development.

U23 Vietnam vs U23 Thailand: The quiet race at the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup

The 2026 AFC U23 Asian Cup is more than a youth tournament-it’s a silent test of progress between Vietnam and Thailand.

Vietnam’s economy enters 2026 on a high, but policy execution is make-or-break

Vietnam enters 2026 with strong momentum after a resilient 2025, but experts warn that policy execution will determine if it reaches its ambitious targets.

Vietnam’s top 5 local economies in 2025: Strong growth, big contributions

Quang Ninh and Hai Phong led Vietnam’s provincial growth in 2025, both posting over 11% GRDP increases.

Vietnam’s durian exports near $4 billion, set to surpass Thailand in China

Vietnam is rapidly gaining ground in China’s durian market, thanks to year-round supply.

Hanoi’s Tet bonus disparity widens, private sector leads with $25,000 payouts

As Tet approaches, Hanoi’s private sector outpaces others with unprecedented holiday bonuses for employees, reaching up to $25,000.

From farm waste to Amazon: Vietnamese eco firelighters take off abroad

More than just a money-making idea, this innovation also helps limit the harmful practice of rice straw burning across Vietnamese fields.

Five key upgrades to expect on the Galaxy S26 Ultra

Leaked specs hint the Galaxy S26 Ultra could be Samsung’s most powerful phone ever.

Khmer student overcomes self-doubt to top Vietnam’s chemistry field

Ly Tuan Kiet, a student of chemistry at the University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, once doubted whether he belonged in the very academic spaces where he now thrives.

Ride through memory: Buffalo carts bring rustic charm to Ho Citadel

A gentle ride on a buffalo cart through the rice fields beneath the ancient walls of Ho Citadel is emerging as a beloved experience among travelers visiting Thanh Hoa province.

Luxury villas turn into warehouses, luxury apartments struggle to find tenants

Luxury apartment towers and high-class villas are symbols of the wealthy. Behind the glamorous exterior, many houses are sitting empty, collecting dust, and hanging rental signs all year round without any customers.