VIETNAM TODAY

Vietnam’s Politburo has set a target for Ho Chi Minh City to achieve per capita GRDP of at least USD 14,000 by 2030 as part of plans to transform the city into a leading regional economic hub.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 21 people as part of an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking and illegal drug use network.

Vietnam remained among the countries most severely affected by natural disasters in 2025, with disasters leaving 484 people dead or missing and causing economic losses of approximately USD 4 billion.

Ho Chi Minh City has introduced contingency plans to safeguard energy security amid concerns over global supply instability, including scenarios involving severe fuel and electricity shortages.

Forestry officials in Tay Ninh Province have seized nearly 300 birds after a bird trading facility failed to provide documents proving their legal origin.

Hundreds of people were mobilised to tackle a forest fire in Quang Tri Province as extreme heat and strong southwesterly winds hampered firefighting efforts.

Heavy rain and a whirlwind swept through a durian-growing area in Lam Dong Province, damaging homes and 37 hectares of orchards, with losses estimated at around VN D8 billion (USD 310,000).

Heavy rain swept across Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of May 25, flooding several roads and causing severe traffic congestion during the evening rush hour.

HCM City has accelerated a large-scale public health screening programme across nine communes and special zones, aiming to complete most examinations within the second quarter.

Ha Tinh Province held a memorial and burial ceremony on May 25 for the remains of nine Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who died in Laos more than four decades ago.

Hanoi recorded the country’s highest temperature on May 25 as northern Vietnam faced severe heatwaves ahead of heavy rain forecast later this week.

The Department of Forestry and Forest Protection has warned extremely high forest fire risks across several regions as prolonged heat and dry weather continue to affect Vietnam.

Authorities in Thanh Hoa Province have rejected a proposal to convert 13 hectares of production forest into a soil mining site, citing concerns related to a protected defence area.

Vietnam Airlines is serving Vietnamese seasonal fruits on domestic and international flights to promote regional specialties to global travellers.

Authorities in Danang City have stepped up drowning prevention measures at the city’s beaches as large numbers of residents and tourists flock to the coast during the summer holiday season.

Police in Ho Chi Minh City have arrested 61 people after dismantling a drug trafficking and illegal drug use ring linked to a bar in Vung Tau Ward.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction has approved expansion plans for Van Don International Airport and received a proposed master plan for Cam Ranh International Airport.

Vinhomes has introduced a programme allowing customers to use gold holdings in real estate transactions, aiming to unlock idle assets and stimulate investment in Vietnam’s property market.

Northern and central Vietnam are expected to face the peak of an intense heatwave on May 25-26, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius in some areas.