☀️ Morning digest on October 20
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
Vietnam-Denmark relations to continue developing strongly, substantively: Top leader
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, his spouse and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation attended a state banquet hosted by King Frederik X and Queen Mary in Copenhagen on the evening of October 19 (local time).
Vietnamese, Danish FMs discuss ways to deepen bilateral ties
As the third-largest EU investor in Vietnam, Denmark seeks to further tap the complementary strengths of the two economies through large-scale projects in wind power, food technology, green energy and seaports.
Top Vietnamese leader visits Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark
Joachim Mathiesen, head of the institute, briefed the Vietnamese guests on its history and research activities. He said that as a leading physics research centre at the University of Copenhagen, the institute is renowned for its foundational contributions to atomic physics and quantum mechanics.
Top Vietnamese leader's policy speech at University of Copenhagen
General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President To Lam delivered a policy speech at the University of Copenhagen on October 19 afternoon (local time).
Top Vietnamese leader highlights new horizon for Vietnam–Denmark cooperation
General Secretary and President Lam stressed that looking back over the past 55 years, from standing together through difficult times, Vietnam and Denmark have built deep mutual trust, paving the way for a new horizon of cooperation.
General Secretary, President To Lam meets with Danish Parliament Speaker Henrik Frandsen in Copenhagen
The top Vietnamese leader called on the Danish Parliament to continue supporting the effective implementation of agreements between the two governments, particularly in economy, trade, investment, green transition, renewable energy, science and technology, innovation, education and training, and high-quality human resources development.
Vietnam, France move to turn high-level commitments into practical cooperation
France hopes to expand educational links into emerging fields, including artificial intelligence, quantum technology and aerospace, through scholarships, double-degree programmes and the Hubert Curien Partnership (PHC) research programme.
Liechtenstein Prime Minister concludes official visit to Vietnam
The two sides also agreed to expedite the ratification of the Vietnam-EFTA Free Trade Agreement and accelerate its implementation once it enters into force, while strengthening cooperation in green transition, the circular economy, renewable energy, emissions reduction and climate change adaptation.
Vietnam treasures time-tested friendship, multifaceted cooperation with Denmark: Top leader
Both leaders welcomed the positive development of the bilateral relations, particularly since the establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership in 2013 and the Green Strategic Partnership in 2023. Economic, trade and investment cooperation has continued to expand, with Danish companies such as LEGO, Pandora and Carlsberg operating and expanding their business in Vietnam, contributing to socio-economic development, job creation, technology transfer and sustainable green growth.
Vietnam–EFTA Free Trade Agreement targeted for implementation in 2027
Switzerland is Vietnam’s largest trading partner within the EFTA. Swiss statistics showed that bilateral trade reached approximately 3.5 billion USD in 2025, up nearly 26%. According to Vietnam's Department of Customs, two-way trade totalled 806.2 million USD in the first nine months of 2026. As of September 30, Switzerland had 247 valid investment projects in Vietnam, with total registered capital of around 2.5 billion USD, ranking 20th among 154 countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian country.
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man meets with Liechtenstein PM Brigitte Haas
Admiring Liechtenstein's development achievements, particularly its strong financial sector, high-tech industries and per-capita income among the world's highest, the NA President affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to and wants to further strengthen cooperation with Liechtenstein.
Top Vietnamese leader receives Denmark’s highest-ranked honour
General Secretary and President Lam said he wishes to dedicate this great honour to the Vietnamese people, generations of Vietnamese and Danish people who laid the foundations for and have nurtured the two countries’ friendship over the past 55 years, and those in both countries who are carrying this legacy forward and ushering bilateral relations into a new chapter of development.
General Secretary, President To Lam lays wreath at Danish Heroes' Memorial
The memorial pays tribute to those who have participated in, contributed to and sacrificed their lives while carrying out Denmark’s international missions since 1948.
☕ Afternoon briefing on October 19
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Top leader arrives in Copenhagen, beginning State visit to Denmark
The top Vietnamese leader’s visit to Denmark is expected to strengthen political trust, set long-term cooperation priorities and further deepen bilateral relations. It also offers an opportunity to promote economic, trade and investment ties, as well as cooperation in science-technology and innovation, in line with the development priorities and needs of both countries.
Vietnam, Laos to turn high-level commitments into tangible benefits
Choosing Vietnam as the first destination continues to affirm the highest priority and long-term strategic significance of the Vietnam – Laos relationship in the foreign policy of each country.
NA President urges tougher rules to curb bid rigging in property auctions
National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man called for tighter safeguards against collusion, bid rigging, sham bidders and last-minute bid withdrawals, as lawmakers reviewed a draft revision of the Law on Property Auction during the 16th legislature’s second session in Hanoi on October 19.
NA considers revised law to curb auction profiteering
To curb the activities of intermediaries who manipulate auctions and participants who have no genuine intention to buy, the draft stipulates that bidders who submit valid applications, pay the required deposits and attend an auction are deemed to have agreed to bid at least the starting price.
New chapter in Vietnam-Switzerland comprehensive partnership
With the positive outcomes achieved during the visit and the continued efforts of ministries, sectors and localities, Vietnam and Switzerland will make the most of their respective strengths and opportunities for cooperation to foster stable and sustainable bilateral relations, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang.