Highlights from Vietnam's Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs in H1/2025

A new government agency accelerates digital reform and social equality in ethnic regions.

Ride-hailing services for concert-going youth are booming

Concert ride-hailing services are gaining popularity among young people, especially in big cities like Hanoi and HCM City.

Association proposes taxing only the profits made from securities sales

The Vietnam Association of Financial Investors (VAFI) has proposed the adoption of a capital gains tax (CGT) method to tax only the profits earned by investors from sales of securities.

Two telco carriers register to build 20,000 5G stations in 2025

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Duc Long says the number of 5G stations to be set up this year must be at least 50 percent of the existing 4G stations.

Vietnam forms 8 task forces to tackle economic bottlenecks

The Prime Minister’s new initiative aims to remove obstacles and boost GDP growth above 8% in 2025.

Chagee Vietnam fined for posting illegal map content

At a July 17 press conference on HCM City’s socio-economic affairs, the Department of Culture and Sports announced that it had issued an administrative penalty against Chagee Vietnam Co., Ltd. for violations involving online information content.

China becomes Vietnam’s top seafood buyer, surpassing the US

Vietnamese seafood exports to China surged 47.9%, as US tariffs cause instability for exporters.

Vietnamese minimalist icon Le Thiet Cuong passes away at 63

Celebrated minimalist artist Le Thiet Cuong passed away at 6:55 PM on July 17 after a period of battling cancer. He was 63 years old.

HCM City considers EV loans as it eyes full electric transition

City proposes to replace all gas-powered bikes by 2029, offering tax breaks and loan programs.

Vietnam to repatriate 140 citizens detained in Cambodia for online scams

More than 140 Vietnamese nationals were arrested in Cambodia; consular support and identity checks are underway.

Over 41,000 bondholders paid in Van Thinh Phat case

Nearly USD 312 million has been disbursed, with another USD 47.5 million frozen in banks.

Vietnam responds to assault on two locals by South Korean women

The Foreign Ministry says Vietnam will handle the South Korean tourist assault case in line with the law.

Storm Wipha nears East Sea, northern Vietnam braces for heavy rain

Storm Wipha, the third of 2025, will cause rough seas and widespread rain in northern and central regions.

Vietnam ready to battle Netherlands in volleyball semifinal showdown

Vietnam’s women’s volleyball team is determined to pull off a surprise against the Netherlands in the semifinals of the 2025 Shanghai Future Stars tournament.

Gia Binh airport upgrade to ease Noi Bai load, reach 50 million passengers

Vietnam adjusts national airport plan to include Gia Binh, aiming to ease Noi Bai’s load by 2030.

US appreciates VN cooperation in search for personnel missing during wartime

Over the last 10 years, US-Vietnam collaboration has led to the identification of 35 missing personnel, 19 from joint field work, one from a US partner mission, and 15 from Vietnamese sources.

Con Dao releases thousands of baby turtles to sea

Nearly 4,500 baby turtles were released into the ocean in the first half of 2025 as part of the Con Dao National Park’s long-running conservation efforts.

Vietnam plant is a strategic export hub for Kumho Tire

Kumho Tire’s manufacturing facility in Vietnam has emerged as a strategic export hub for the Korean tire giant, driving growth in key international markets while showcasing remarkable progress in financial health.

Minimum wage must truly become “social safety net”

To ensure that workers can live on the minimum wage, policies cannot simply rely on annual increases of a few percent.

Vietnam welcomes investment in smart urban development

During a meeting with Fung Wai Ka Thomas, Director of CCC Infrastructure, and Lai Rong Huo, Chairman of Shenzhen Hero Group, Deputy PM Dung welcomed their interest and plans to invest in Vietnam, especially in the field of smart urban development.

HCM City–Long Thanh Expressway faces partial closures for repairs

A key section of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Expressway will be partially closed for maintenance until mid-August, as authorities carry out structural repairs and upgrades to the route’s Intelligent Transportation System (ITS).

Remittances to former HCM City surge in Q2

Former HCM City experienced a remarkable increase in remittances in the second quarter of this year, with inflows jumping 22% year-over-year to nearly 2.82 billion USD, according to data from the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV)'s Regional Branch No.2.

Vietnam fosters comprehensive cooperation with France's Normandy region

Vietnam is boosting comprehensive cooperation with France's Normandy region, a dynamic economic hub.

Vietnam to implement second round of the 2025 amnesty

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh on July 16 signed an official dispatch instructing ministries and localities to strictly implement the second round of the 2025 amnesty.

Military, police forces join first rehearsal for 80th National Day celebration

Vietnam’s military and police forces conducted a comprehensive joint rehearsal at National Military Training Centre No. 4 on July 17 in preparation for the grand celebration marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day.