Vietnam news in brief - June 16
Stay informed with The Hanoi Times, your trusted source for the latest news and insights from Vietnam.
National Press Festival 2025 celebrates 100 years of revolutionary journalism
The 2025 National Press Festival will take place in Hanoi from June 19 to 21 to mark the 100th anniversary of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism. Over 80 media outlets will participate, setting up 130 booths to showcase multimedia products that incorporate AI, virtual reality, and 3D models. The Vietnam Press Museum's central exhibit will be the centerpiece of the festival, showcasing key milestones in journalism history and reflecting its role in the modern era.

The National Press Festival 2025 press conference. Photo: VGP
Vietnamese teachers top State salary rankings
According to Vietnam’s newly approved Teachers Law, which will take effect in January 2026, public school teachers will receive the highest salary levels in the administrative pay scale, in addition to professional and regional allowances. The policy aims to recognize teachers’ contributions, prevent resignations, and improve the quality of education nationwide.
Cashless payments soar in Vietnam
After six years of implementation, Vietnam recorded 17.7 billion cashless transactions worth approximately US$11.8 trillion by the end of 2024, up 56% in volume and 32% in value year-on-year. As of June, 87% of adults held a payment account, surpassing the 2025 target of 80%.
Vietnam to host regional Muay Thai championship
The 2025 Asian Muay Thai Championships will take place in the northern province of Thai Nguyen, Vietnam, from June 20 to 26. It is the first time that Vietnam will host this continental event, which is expected to draw nearly 400 athletes from 25 countries. The contenders will compete in 28 weight classes and eight technical performance events. Of the 50 Vietnamese athletes, six are from Thai Nguyen.
High-Tech Park leads net-zero shift
Ho Chi Minh City’s High-Tech Park will this month submit a roadmap to become Vietnam’s first net-zero model. The plan integrates digital infrastructure, renewable energy, and a circular economy framework. The park has attracted 162 projects from global giants, including Intel and Samsung, and contributes 40% to the city’s total exports.
Ninh Thuan approves US$156 million project
The central province of Ninh Thuan approved Phase 1 of the US$156-million Ca Na Industrial Park project, which aims to leverage local resources and promote industrial and energy development in the locality. Ca Na is poised to become an energy hub featuring liquefied natural gas (LNG) power, renewable energy, and sustainable investments.
Vietnam Airlines to launch first direct flight to Denmark
Vietnam Airlines has set December 12 as the launch date for the first direct flight between Vietnam and Denmark, operating between Ho Chi Minh City and Copenhagen with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. This will be the only non-stop flight between the two countries, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion into Europe, particularly the high-potential Nordic market.

Vietnam Airlines operates direct flights to around 38 international destinations in 21 countries. Photo: Vietnam Airlines
Nam Dinh approves US$136 million inland port
The northern province of Nam Dinh, which has been merged with Ninh Binh Province since June 13, has approved the first phase of the Nghia Hung inland port project, which will cost around US$136 million to build on 90 hectares of land. Once completed, the port is expected to serve as a regional logistics hub and handle over 10 million tons of cargo annually. Construction is scheduled to be completed within 48 months of land allocation.