Focus: TOD For HCMC: The draft Political Report of the 1st Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee identifies infrastructure development as one of three key breakthrough programs for the 2025–2030 term. The goal is no longer merely to ease current traffic congestion but to shape a modern, sustainable urban model befitting the city’s role as an economic hub, growth pole, and regional connector.
Inside Vietnam
Economy Accelerates In Q3: The Vietnamese economy saw its third-quarter 2025 GDP grow by 8.23%, marking the second-highest rate in 15 years. This strong performance propelled the nine-month growth rate to 7.85%. The impressive quarterly result was driven by three key sectors: manufacturing, services, and domestic consumption.
New Era For New HCMC: On October 14, at the official session of the first Congress of the HCMC Party Committee for the 2025-2030 tenure, the Organization Commission of the Party Central Committee announced the Politburo’s decision on the appointment of members of the Executive Committee, the Standing Board, and the Secretary and Deputy Secretaries of the HCMC Party Committee for the 2025-2030 term.
Building HCMC’s Position: The draft Political Report of the 1st Congress of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term states: “The merger of HCMC with the provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau marks an unprecedented turning point in the history of Vietnam’s urban development. It represents a comprehensive reconfiguration of the development space, where the three most dynamic economic poles of the country converge, with a new vision of becoming a ‘Southeast Asian international megacity.’”
Business
Pillar Stocks Lift VN-Index: Vietnam’s ongoing economic growth has boosted investor confidence in the long-term outlook of its stock market, especially with the potential for an upgrade in market classification.
Carbon Market At Crossroads: The carbon market in agriculture is opening up major financial opportunities as Vietnam pilots carbon rice projects and aims for one million hectares of low- emission rice in the Mekong Delta. However, the first and most difficult barrier lies in reliably measuring emissions.
Living
Bridging Two Worlds: At the heart of the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, Mailan Thai—director and head of the Cultural Program Department—has devoted her career to nurturing dialogue between Vietnam and Germany through language, culture, and shared human narratives. Born and raised in Germany to Vietnamese parents from Hue and Saigon, she grew up navigating two worlds that would ultimately shape her life’s mission.
Quiet Legacy Whispers Through Pine And Stone: Tu Duc (1829–1883), the fourth king of the Nguyen Dynasty, reigned for 36 years and was renowned as a learned and cultured ruler deeply rooted in Confucian philosophy and literature. Among his enduring legacies, Khiem Lang — also known as Tu Duc’s Tomb — is regarded as one of the most distinctive and significant examples of imperial architecture.
Travel
Exploring The Earliest Sunrise Beach in Vietnam: Situated at the foot of Mui Dien Cape in Hoa Xuan Commune, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen Province), Bai Mon Beach is famous for offering visitors the chance to see Vietnam’s earliest sunrise. Although it is small—about 400 meters long—the beach is prized for its pristine white sands, clear blue water, and tranquil vibe.
A Traditional Dish Rooted In Rural Life: Lẩu mắm, or fermented fish hotpot, is a signature dish of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, loved for its rich, savory flavor. In restaurants, it is often prepared with seafood or roasted pork, but the traditional rural version uses freshwater fish caught in local rivers.
