AGP Executive Report

BRICS Diplomacy: Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung urged Vietnamese embassy and representative staff in India to closely follow the Party’s foreign policy and Resolution 23 on overseas Vietnamese affairs, while pushing for practical, measurable results to turn the Vietnam-India Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership into concrete cooperation. Regional Trade Routes: Asean analysts say China’s Pinglu Canal is more than infrastructure—it signals a southward shift in southwestern China’s trade geography, shortening routes toward Vietnam and maritime Southeast Asia. China-India Talks: Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi met on BRICS sidelines with both sides stressing stability along their disputed frontier and “high-quality cooperation,” while addressing trade and supply-chain frictions. Maritime Safety: Vietnam authorities reported rescuing 32 fishermen adrift near Truong Sa, while 19 crew members remain unaccounted for after a vessel lost contact. Overseas Vietnamese Policy: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW to unlock the strategic potential of the overseas Vietnamese community of 6.5 million people across 130+ countries.

BRICS Summit: Leaders in New Delhi adopted the “New Delhi Declaration,” voicing concern over “deliberate attacks” on civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, and warning of “growing risks” of nuclear danger and conflict, while also pushing practical cooperation on resilience, innovation, and sustainability. Trade & Supply Chains: A new analysis says U.S.-China direct trade fell about 40% in 2025, but global flows kept growing as goods rerouted through “connector countries” including Vietnam—highlighting Vietnam’s role in keeping economic links alive amid geopolitical friction. Vietnam’s Domestic Policy: Hanoi is drafting cash incentives to curb a steep fertility decline, including bonuses for women who have two children before age 35, plus rewards for communes that sustain higher two-child rates. Vietnam’s Trade Pivot: Vietnam’s trade promotion is shifting from raw export orders to stronger brand-building and deeper supply-chain integration, with buyers increasingly demanding green, digital, and traceable production. Business & Retail: AEON announced two new mall openings in Vietnam in 2026, continuing its expansion into regional hub cities.

BRICS Diplomacy: Vietnam’s PM Lê Minh Hưng used the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi to urge the WTO to boost support for Vietnam’s trade capacity building, while Vietnam and India pledged coordination on innovation, digital transformation, clean energy and sustainable development. WTO Push: Hưng asked the WTO to expand help on trade policy training, legal advice for disputes and trade facilitation, and to accelerate reform for digital trade, AI, green transition and climate resilience. Vietnam–Ethiopia Ties: Ethiopia’s PM Abiy Ahmed met Hưng on BRICS sidelines to deepen cooperation and explore new areas. Vietnam–Cuba Friendship: Hưng met Cuba’s FM Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, stressing ongoing solidarity and proposing more regular exchanges and better support for Vietnamese firms in Cuba. Vietnam–France Business: In Paris, French dairy group Bel said To Lam’s visit could unlock new industrial and tech cooperation, including a €16.7m expansion in Vietnam. Sports (Vietnam Open): Aidil Sholeh reached the Vietnam Open men’s singles semis after a win over China’s Dong Tianyao; Isharani Baruah advanced to the women’s singles final. Health & Safety: Hue reported 121 workers hospitalized over suspected food poisoning at a Scavi Hue textile plant. Policy Update: Vietnam adopted Resolution 23 (Aug 2, 2026) to better unlock the overseas Vietnamese community’s resources and mechanisms.

Overseas Vietnamese Policy Shift: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW (Aug 2, 2026), updating the 2004 overseas Vietnamese framework and pushing a “new phase” to better unlock the community’s knowledge, networks and market access. BRICS Summit Watch: India opened the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi (Sept 12-13) under “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” with PM Modi hosting leaders including Vietnam’s PM Le Minh Hung and China’s Xi Jinping arriving for talks aimed at stabilising ties. VinFast Leadership Change: VinFast named Pham Nhat Quan Anh—founder Pham Nhat Vuong’s eldest son—as global CEO as the loss-making EV maker moves toward restructuring and overseas expansion. Hanoi Culture Push: The second Thang Long-Hanoi Festival kicked off at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel (Sept 11-15), spotlighting heritage and creative industries to draw domestic and international visitors. Vietnam–Russia Local Cooperation: Hanoi and Russian localities stepped up ties in urban railways, science-tech and digital transformation, including investment approvals tied to Moscow-linked projects. Markets: Vietnam’s VN-Index fell sharply on Friday, closing below 1,800 points amid broad selling pressure.

Grab Watch: Vietnam’s competition watchdog is reviewing Grab’s pricing, fees and commission policies after drivers called for a two-day app boycott, saying deductions and lower fares squeeze take-home pay. BRICS Finance Push: Ahead of the New Delhi BRICS summit, Russia’s Putin pitched an NDB-backed investment platform for trade, infrastructure, logistics and technology, while Iran urged more local-currency settlement to cut vulnerability to political shocks. Vietnam–France Tech Diplomacy: Party chief and President To Lam met Vietnamese tech experts in France, stressing Vietnam must move from general appeals to specific, measurable sci-tech orders and joint execution. Overseas Vietnamese Policy: Vietnam’s Politburo adopted Resolution 23-NQ/TW to unlock the strategic potential of the overseas Vietnamese community of 6.5 million-plus. VinFast in the Philippines: VinFast signed MOUs with 13 dealer partners to build 27 new showrooms across the Philippines as it targets a wider 2026 dealership network. Health Risk Link: A study reports veterans with melanoma face a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, adding to debate over shared biological mechanisms. Historical Archives: France handed Vietnam archival materials for the Communist Party of Vietnam Museum, including documents tied to Nguyen Ai Quoc’s early party work.

BRICS Summit Watch: India is hosting the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on Sept. 12-13, with Russian President Vladimir Putin arriving for talks with PM Narendra Modi and other major leaders set to attend; the agenda centers on resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability, while Delhi tightens security ahead of the high-profile gathering. Vietnam-APEC Energy Push: Vietnam urged deeper APEC cooperation on energy security, renewables and technology sharing at the APEC Energy Ministerial Meeting in Beijing, stressing the need to balance supply stability, fair pricing and emissions cuts. Vietnam-Grab Labor Tension: Grab drivers in Vietnam are calling for a two-day app boycott over falling earnings after changes to the payment structure, while Grab says it is engaging drivers to address concerns. Vietnam-Transport & Aviation: Vietnam Airlines signed an MoU with Airbus for five A350-900s, and Vietnam’s Grab drivers’ dispute comes as the country’s transport sector continues to expand. Vietnam-International Ties: Vietnam’s top leader continues high-level diplomacy, including France talks, as Vietnam strengthens partnerships across Europe and beyond.

Vietnam-Russia ties: President To Lam met Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin, with both sides highlighting expanded cooperation across defense, science and technology, trade and even quantum research, while Russia said aircraft supply was requested amid sanctions. BRICS diplomacy: Vietnam is cited as a BRICS partner as leaders including Putin and Xi head to the New Delhi summit, where global security and economic issues are expected to dominate. Digital infrastructure: Singtel and Gulf Development plan a Vietnam-Thailand-Singapore submarine cable system, aiming for service by 2030 as data-centre and AI demand grows. Cybercrime and scams: A GSMA ASEAN report says 45% of scam cases across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam remain unresolved, with messaging apps the top scam channel and AI increasingly used. Trade and compliance: Vietnam’s forced-labour import ban and new e-commerce law guidance continue to shape sourcing and compliance. Business and investment: VinFast says it will develop two new EV models for India, signaling a strategy shift after earlier manufacturing plans were paused. Sports: FIFA announced the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup 2026, placing Vietnam in Division One.

Vietnam–Russia Deals: President To Lam and Vladimir Putin witnessed exchanges of cooperation documents spanning justice, finance, investment, transport, energy, nuclear safety, science and education, as Hanoi pushes deeper ties with Moscow. Strategic Energy: Russia’s Zarubezhneft signed a framework agreement with Petrovietnam on a strategic oil reserve in Vietnam, with details on size and timeline not disclosed. BRICS Summit Watch: Vietnam is listed among BRICS partner countries as India hosts the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi, with the agenda centered on resilience in food, energy and critical supply chains. Cybercrime Cooperation: China launched an international alliance to combat cross-border telecom and cyber fraud, with Vietnam among founding members. Tourism Push: Vietnam targets 45–50 million international visitors and 80–90 billion USD in tourism revenue by 2030, aiming to rank among Southeast Asia’s top three. ASEAN Scam Reality: A regional report says nearly half of ASEAN scam cases remain unresolved, with messaging apps the main channel. Safety & Accidents: A ferry fire off Palawan killed at least five and left 87 missing; in Vietnam, two 15-year-old students died in a bus–motorcycle crash in Phu Tho.

Vietnam–Russia ties: President To Lam and Vladimir Putin attended the online opening of a new infectious-disease lab at Hanoi’s Joint Vietnam–Russia Tropical Science and Technology Research Centre, with the facility set to use Russian technologies to strengthen biosafety and regional health protection. Diplomacy & deals: In Moscow, the two sides exchanged multiple cooperation documents spanning justice, finance, investment, transport, ethnic affairs, energy, nuclear safety, science and technology, education, and minerals, including MoUs on digital transformation for judicial agencies and investment cooperation. Trade & finance: Putin said Russia and Vietnam are increasingly settling mutual trade in national currencies and building credit/banking channels to shield deals from global volatility. People-to-people links: Madame Ngo Phuong Ly visited School No. 1253 in Russia, highlighting Vietnamese students’ integration and academic performance. Regional security cooperation: Malaysia’s home minister pointed to cross-border crime networks that moved through Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, underscoring the need for faster information sharing and joint action. ASEAN+3 culture: The ASEAN+3 Film Festival opened in Prague with Vietnam presenting three films, boosting people-to-people exchanges with Czech audiences. Health alert: The CDC updated travel guidance after higher-than-expected dengue cases among U.S. travelers returning from Vietnam.

Overseas Work Costs: Vietnam’s average recruitment cost for overseas jobs fell 23.8% (VND164.9m in 2021 to $4,835 in 2025), while first-month earnings rose 25.4%, pushing SDG 10.7.1 down from 7.4 to 4.5. Banking Rules: The State Bank of Vietnam issued Circular 39/2026/TT-NHNN, effective Sept. 19, expanding how non-resident foreign credit institutions can use foreign-currency and VND accounts for payments and international transfers. Trade & Industry: Vietnam’s wood and wood product exports hit about $11.69bn in eight months (+5%); the US stayed the biggest market (49.9%), while China surged (+46.4%) to become Vietnam’s No.2. Policy for Culture: Lawmakers are reviewing a draft Cultural Industry Development law that could include VAT refunds for foreign film crews and other incentives ahead of an October vote. Energy & Nuclear: Petrovietnam and South Korea’s KEPCO agreed to intensify talks on Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear plant, including tech and financing options. Health: HCM City’s Military Hospital 108 and Thong Nhat Hospital completed Vietnam’s first living-donor liver transplant surgery, with the donor discharged and the recipient stable.

Vietnam–Russia diplomacy: President To Lam met Russia’s State Duma chair Vyacheslav Volodin in Moscow, with both sides stressing continued support for the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and legislative cooperation. Defense ties: Russia’s Defense Ministry said Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov held talks with Vietnam’s Deputy PM and Defense Minister Phan Van Giang on military and military-technical cooperation. Education & culture exchanges: In Hanoi, Vietnam’s Deputy FM Dang Hoang Giang met US Assistant Secretary Cate Dillon, highlighting Fulbright support and urging more scholarships and US university training in Vietnam, while pushing cultural cooperation and people-to-people links. Aviation investment: AVi8 Airways announced Southern Vision Investment became a strategic investor, backing its ACMI and charter expansion across Southeast Asia. Trade & industry: Vietnam’s electronics sector posted a 262-billion-USD trade turnover in eight months, while Vietnam’s electronics and broader export push continues to draw foreign interest. Sports (regional): PVL coverage highlighted Farm Fresh’s win over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City team and Est Cola’s title run over Nxled, with Vietnam as a guest competitor.

Healthcare Reform: Politburo Resolution No. 72-NQ/TW sets up a major overhaul of Vietnam’s healthcare system, aiming for quality, equity, and faster digital transformation as the country faces aging and rising non-communicable diseases. Public Administration & Digital Services: Vietnam is pushing a shift to data-driven administrative procedures, while Ho Chi Minh City’s “Digital Citizen Station” model expands free, around-the-clock digital public services at the grassroots level. Economy & Growth: Vietnam’s economy is showing momentum, with industrial production up 11.9% in eight months, tourism nearing 16 million arrivals, and foreign investment and retail services continuing to strengthen. Trade & Investment Promotion: Vietnam is stepping up its push at the China–ASEAN Expo with a large booth presence and a new focus on AI, smart cities, and industrial park development. Finance & Markets: The Vietnam International Financial Centre proposes six product/service groups, including investment funds, asset-backed digital assets, carbon credits, and bond issuance. Transport & Safety: A sleeper bus fire in central Khanh Hoa killed one passenger; authorities are investigating the cause. Business Regulation: A new government decree clarifies rules for private placement of corporate bonds, including issuer responsibilities and dispute handling.

Vietnam-Russia Diplomacy: General Secretary and President To Lam begins a state visit to Russia (Sept. 7–9), with talks expected to cover trade, science/education and strategic technologies, as Moscow and Hanoi push deeper ties. Vietnam-Myanmar Regional Moves: Presidential Spokesperson says President U Min Aung Hlaing’s Vietnam visit delivered a two-year diplomatic roadmap and plans for connectivity corridors linking Vietnam’s Pacific access to Myanmar’s routes toward South Asia and the Indian Ocean. Korean-Vietnam Investment Talks: Vietnam’s National Assembly chair Tran Thanh Man meets South Korea’s PM Han Seong-sook in Seoul, discussing Korean participation in Vietnam’s infrastructure projects including high-speed rail and nuclear power. Education Benchmarking: Philippines Education Secretary Sonny Angara cites Vietnam’s teacher training and budget discipline as a reform model, saying the Philippines is “moving ahead” behind peers. Economy Watch: ADB says the Philippines could still hit 3.8% growth this year if government spending accelerates and household consumption recovers. Bilateral Culture & Tourism: Vietnam’s first Cultural Festival in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, draws Vietnamese and Japanese communities for people-to-people exchanges. Business/FDI Signals: Reports highlight Vietnam’s push to attract stronger capital via M&A and improved investment conditions, alongside ongoing policy updates for conferences, foreign-invested licensing, and digital exports.

Diplomacy: Vietnam’s top leader To Lam begins a state visit to Russia (Sept. 7) aimed at deepening the Vietnam–Russia comprehensive strategic partnership and setting long-term cooperation directions. Regional Security: Vietnam also signals stronger defense and security ties as Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s Vietnam visit (Sept. 4–6) is framed as a push for more substantive, stable state-to-state relations. Economy & Industry: Vietnam’s industrial production rose 11.9% year-on-year in the first eight months of 2026, with manufacturing and processing leading growth, while a new decree clarifies conditions for business licences for foreign-invested firms. Infrastructure: Hanoi launches a passenger-and-freight hub programme, including a new passenger hub at Ngoc Hoi and a freight terminal at Thuong Tin, tied to planned rail upgrades. Business & Trade: Foreign investors increasingly seek footholds via M&A, with Indonesian capital deals boosting Vietnam’s inflows. Public Safety: Two people died in a hotel fire in Ho Chi Minh City; investigations are ongoing. Culture & Society: Miss World 2026 crowned Joheirry Mola in Vietnam, and the Miss World baton passed to Tanzania for the next edition.

Vietnam–Japan diplomacy: PM urges Vietnam-Japan local cooperation to turn strategic commitments into concrete action, with investment ties moving toward a co-development partnership. Vietnam–Russia ties: Russia and Vietnam reaffirm a comprehensive strategic partnership in a new development era, with officials signaling fresh momentum. Vietnam–Myanmar defense cooperation: Leaders agree to deepen defense and security cooperation as Myanmar President visits Vietnam and seeks to attract investment. Economy & trade: Vietnam pushes higher-value export growth and reports strong trade turnover and tourism arrivals, while also pitching new digital export capacity and infrastructure plans. Hanoi urban policy: Ho Chi Minh City delays its low-emission zone rollout by six months. Public safety: Two people were killed in a southern Vietnam traffic accident. Sports (PVL): Thailand’s EST Cola beats Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City to reach the PVL Invitational final, while Nxled keeps finals hopes alive after beating Farm Fresh. Culture & global spotlight: Miss World 2026 crowns Joheirry Mola in Nha Trang, with continental titles announced and education-focused advocacy highlighted by Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty.

Miss World 2026: Dominican Republic’s Joheirry Mola Dominguez was crowned Miss World 2026 in Nha Trang, Vietnam, beating 110 contestants; Spain’s Elisabeth Reynes Alabern took first runner-up and Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty finished second runner-up, while Vietnam’s Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc reached the final stages. Vietnam–RoK Relations: National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man begins official visits to South Korea and Mongolia, with Vietnam–RoK ties described as deepening across politics and parliament. Culture & Heritage: Bat Trang pottery village in Hanoi is blending traditional craft with modern tech, from upgraded kilns to digital tools for design and sales. Agriculture & Tech: A new study explores using generative AI to help tomato disease detection when farmers and researchers lack large labeled datasets. Online Farm Sales: Vietnam is pushing farm produce into livestream and e-commerce channels, with local sellers reporting fast-moving orders and wider market access. Tourism & Health: Vietnam’s push to grow dental tourism is drawing concern from Australian dentists as more patients consider lower-cost treatment abroad. Sports (PVL): Creamline’s unbeaten run in the PVL Invitational ended with a loss to EST Cola, setting up a key Sunday matchup against defending champion PLDT.