VIETNAM TODAY

Authorities in Phu Tho Province on March 9 safely destroyed a bomb discovered along the bank of the Da River after it was spotted by local fishermen.

Vietnam’s finance ministry has proposed cutting the most-favoured-nation import tariff on several fuel products to 0 per cent as a temporary measure to stabilise supply and strengthen energy security.

Vietnam’s stock market tumbled at the start of trading on March 9 as oil prices surged to USD 118 a barrel, triggering widespread sell-offs and sending the VN-Index down more than 100 points.

Vietnam ranks 52nd globally and 8th in Asia in the Innovation Business Environment Index (IBEI) released by StartupBlink.

A new cold air mass is forecast to bring rain and cooler temperatures to northern Vietnam, with some mountainous areas expected to see temperatures drop below 14 degrees Celsius.

Vingroup has proposed building a 14-km sea-crossing route connecting Can Gio with Vung Tau, with construction expected to begin in the second quarter of 2026.

Several passenger transport firms serving routes from Ho Chi Minh City have raised ticket prices after a sharp rise in fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.

Vietnam is forecast to face earlier and longer heatwaves this year as climate change and shifting climate patterns increase the intensity and unpredictability of extreme weather.

Several fuel retail outlets in Hanoi have temporarily stopped selling petrol or reduced operating hours after a sharp increase in fuel prices led to supply shortages.

Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting nuclear disarmament and preventing the spread of nuclear weapons.

HCM City authorities have ordered tighter inspections and enforcement against illegal modifications that obstruct emergency exits in apartment buildings, as the city steps up fire safety measures.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel has advised citizens to strictly follow local safety guidelines as tensions in the Middle East escalate, while confirming no Vietnamese casualties have been reported.

More than 100 Vietnamese scientists, experts and business representatives in Europe met in Belgium on March 7 to discuss cooperation with Vietnam in science, technology and artificial intelligence.

Gold prices in Vietnam fell sharply over the past week, leaving investors who bought at recent peaks facing losses of up to VND 9 million per tael.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for the development of a modern aviation economic zone linked to Gia Binh International Airport in Bac Ninh Province.

Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu stressed the need to further promote and deepen Vietnam-Japan friendship and cooperation.

Vietnam is gaining global attention as a fast-growing economy, with strong manufacturing performance, rising investment and deeper participation in global supply chains.

Facing abundant global supply and high inventories, Vietnam’s rice sector is accelerating a shift toward higher-quality exports to sustain growth and boost value.

Ho Chi Minh City has set a target of becoming drug-free by 2030, launching a broad campaign that combines law enforcement, community prevention and tighter monitoring of trafficking networks.