Vietnam, Malaysia hold first defence policy dialogue
Vietnamese Deputy Minister of National Defence Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang noted that Vietnam–Malaysia relations have advanced significantly, culminating in the elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in November 2024. Defence cooperation has also made positive progress under the governments’ Memorandum of Understanding on defence cooperation, signed in Hanoi in December 2023.
Lawmakers stress importance of removing bottlenecks to develop digital economy
Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung said the draft law amending the four laws seeks to institutionalise the Party’s policies, address legal obstacles, simplify administrative procedures, strengthen decentralisation and delegation of authority, and improve the business environment.
Vietnam, New Zealand convene 14th political consultation
The two sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation and progress on high-level commitments and agreements, saying that relations have advanced since they were upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in February 2025, with a range of important diplomatic activities marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, particularly the state visit to New Zealand by the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam in August.
Top leader meets leading Danish businesses
Discussions focused on long-term development orientations in Vietnam, with the business leaders putting forward specific proposals to facilitate continued investment and business expansion in the country.
☕ Afternoon briefing on October 20
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
Liechtenstein PM’s Vietnam visit a success on every front: Deputy FM
The October 17-19 official visit to Vietnam by Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Brigitte Haas has broken new ground after 18 years, building political trust and supporting the rollout of shared bilateral and multilateral agreements. It also reinforced Vietnam’s role as a gateway to ASEAN and Liechtenstein’s links to the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
NA deputies urge strengthening oversight of international agreements
Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc said that the Government has directed the drafting of the revised law towards greater decentralisation, simpler procedures and paperwork, and wider application of science and technology to facilitate international cooperation.
Vietnam–Belgium partnership entering new phase of strategic significance: diplomat
Vietnam should seek reliable, high-quality international partners for its green transition and and digital transformation, with Belgium and Europe well placed to fulfil that role, said Belgian Ambassador to Vietnam Pieter Leenknegt.
Vietnam, Suriname promote substantive cooperation across multiple fields
Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons spoke highly of the friendship between the two countries and expressed her desire to expand cooperation with Vietnam in agriculture, aquaculture, expert exchanges and technical training, thereby enhancing production capacity and ensuring food security.
Vietnam ensures full institutionalisation of Party’s judicial reform policies
The Supreme People’s Procuracy has reviewed the revised Criminal Procedure Code’s specific provisions to ensure the full institutionalisation of the Party’s policies on judicial reform, digital transformation, power control, and the protection of human and civil rights.
☀️ Morning digest on October 20
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
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).
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–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.
PM Le Minh Hung, NA President Tran Thanh Man meet with female lawmakers
The 16th legislature has 150 female deputies, accounting for around 30% of its total membership, reflecting Vietnam’s strong commitment to gender equality and women’s advancement.
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.