Focus: Robust GDP Growth Momentum: The Government issued Resolution 25/NQ-CP on February 5, 2025 on the socio-economic development goals for this year. Accordingly, the nation’s GDP growth target has been revised up from 6.5-7% to at least 8%, aiming to establish a solid springboard for achieving double-digit growth in the 2026-2030 period. This goal is considered quite challenging given the current global economic uncertainties.
Inside Vietnam
Key Policies For Development: The National Assembly wrapped up its 9th extraordinary session on February 12, passing several critical policies that will shape Vietnam’s development path in the years to come.
Principles For AI Development: As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly, it is all the more urgent to establish governance and ethical principles.
Coffee Price Stability Is Key: Despite the global coffee market’s volatility, it is essential for Vietnam to keep domestic prices stable to retain its coffee export share.
Business
Looking Ahead To The Next Move: With a series of strong upward sessions, the VN-Index is once again nearing the 1,300-point mark, a key resistance level it has tested multiple times without sustaining a breakthrough. Investors are now looking ahead to the market’s next move.
Concerns Over Trade Loopholes: Vietnam needs a long-term strategy to ensure that export growth contributes to the sustainable development of domestic businesses. Strengthening transparency in issuing certificates of origin (C/O) is essential to avoid the risk of punitive tariffs from the U.S. in the future.
Living
Building An Art Home In Saigon: In the heart of HCMC, Lang Spot has emerged as a vibrant creative sanctuary where art and culture flourish without boundaries. At its core are David Patrick Delves and Tricia Nguyen, a British-Vietnamese couple united by their passion for the performing arts and a rich background in acting in both Vietnam and the UK Speaking to The Saigon Times, the duo reflects on their journey of building a thriving artistic haven while balancing their creative vision and personal relationship.
Rice Vermicelli Recognized As Cultural Heritage: The centuries-old craft of making Van Cu rice vermicelli in Hue has been officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. To celebrate this recognition and promote the local specialty, artisans from Van Cu Village recently demonstrated the traditional process of making rice vermicelli by hand. The event, held in Huong Thuy Township, also featured a reenactment of how women once walked through the village selling freshly made vermicelli.
Travel
Azaleas In Full Bloom On Putaleng Peak: From late February to the end of March, Putaleng Mountain in Lai Chau Province transforms into a breathtaking canvas of purple, pink, and orange as azaleas bloom across its slopes, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
Steamed Banh Mi: Soft, Savory Vietnamese Twist: Unlike the crispy, golden crust of traditional banh mi, steamed banh mi offers a soft, warm bite that blends savory, sweet, and tangy flavors into a surprisingly harmonious dish.
