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.
Amendments to Penal Code to advance judicial reform, strengthen crime prevention: Lawmakers
The legislators agreed that the draft revised Penal Code promptly institutionalises the Party’s policies and guidelines on judicial reform, perfects the legal framework for crime prevention and control, upholds humanitarian and rehabilitative principles in handling offenders while maintaining the deterrent effect and strictness of criminal sanctions.
☕ 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.
Vietnam-Germany Strategic Partnership deepens across multiple sectors after 15 years
As their Strategic Partnership enters its next phase, Vietnam and Germany have opportunities to deepen cooperation, expand investment and build stronger links between their people.
Vietnam shares development vision, promotes cooperation in Mexico
Vietnam regards improving people’s living standards and linking economic growth with social progress and equity as an overarching goal throughout its development process, said Vietnamese Ambassador to Mexico Nguyen Van Hai at an international seminar organised by Mexico’s Labor Party (PT), which concluded on October 17 in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca.
Law revisions seek to boost decentralisation, procedure simplification in asset auction
The draft revised Law on Asset Auction aims to institutionalise the Party’s guidelines on decentralisation and delegation of authority, cut and simplify administrative procedures, and promote the application of information technology and digital transformation in asset auction activities.
Swiss President wraps up successful visit to Vietnam
Vietnam consistently attaches importance to its friendship and multifaceted cooperation with Switzerland, they stressed, describing the visit as a vivid demonstration of the two countries' commitment to realising and further deepening their Comprehensive Partnership, established in January 2025, the Vietnamese leaders said.
☀️ Morning digest on October 19
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.
Top leader and spouse depart for Denmark, European Union and Belgium
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation left Hanoi on October 19 for a state visit to Denmark and official visits to the European Union and Belgium.
Vietnam, Denmark work together to build greener, more prosperous, sustainable future
Over the 55 years since diplomatic relations were established, Vietnam and Denmark have built a solid foundation of friendship, trust and increasingly close cooperation. Rooted in historical ties and the affection shared by the Royal Family and the two countries’ people, their relationship is entering a new chapter centred on the green transition, innovation and sustainable development.
Vietnam, Switzerland explore broader scope for cooperation
Given Vietnam’s dynamic and expanding economy and its need to diversify supply, distribution and trade channels, Switzerland offers promising opportunities for Vietnamese small and medium-sized exporters.