Vietnam news in brief - March 8

Vietnam-Indonesia boost trade and cooperation

Vietnam and Indonesia are strengthening bilateral ties as General Secretary To Lam visits Indonesia from March 9-11 at the invitation of President Prabowo Subianto. Trade between the two nations has surged from $9 billion in 2019 to $16.7 billion in 2024, with a target of $18 billion by 2028. Cooperation in green energy, high-tech agriculture, and tourism is also growing.

Vietnam-France to strengthen partnerships

Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang visited Herault, France, from March 6-8 to strengthen local cooperation. Discussions centered on climate change adaptation, seafood processing, higher education, tourism, and economic ties. Both sides explored solutions for coastal erosion, student exchange programs, and business partnerships. The visit reinforced the role of the Vietnamese community and bolstered bilateral collaboration at the local level.

Vietnam extends visa exemption for citizens of 12 countries

Vietnam will extend visa exemptions for citizens from Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland for an additional three years, from March 15, 2025, to March 14, 2028. Eligible travelers can stay up to 45 days per entry, provided they meet Vietnam's immigration regulations. The policy will be reviewed for potential further extension.

Binh Dinh’s wood exports reach $1.1 billion in 2024