Programs of the week
Vietnam, Panama deepen cooperation across key sectors
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam and Panama have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including economics, trade, investment, agriculture, port logistics, finance and banking, tourism, and transportation, as well as other sectors where both countries have strengths, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said at a joint press conference with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino following talks in Hanoi on Tuesday.
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam and Panama have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including economics, trade, investment, agriculture, port logistics, finance and banking, tourism, and transportation, as well as other sectors where both countries have strengths, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam said at a joint press conference with Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino following talks in Hanoi on Tuesday.
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam received the largest upgrade to its growth forecast among major economies in East Asia and the Pacific, with the World Bank raising its 2026 forecast by 1.1 percentage points to 7.4% in an economic update released Tuesday.
[VOVWORLD] - 12 of Vietnam’s 34 provinces and cities recorded gross regional domestic product (GRDP) growth of more than 10% in the first nine months of the year, according to the National Statistics Office.
[VOVWORLD] - National Innovation Day 2026 opened in Hanoi on Sunday under the theme “"Innovation – Driver of Development for the Entire Society," The event was hosted by the Ministry of Science and Technology in coordination with the Hanoi People’s Committee.
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam’s year-to-date economic growth has laid a foundation for achieving double-digit growth for the full year. In the fourth quarter, the task will be to fully tap into remaining potential, unlock existing resources, and generate further momentum for growth.
Le Phuong
[VOVWORLD] - Malaysia’s fragrant, coconut rice, Bangladesh’s deep-fried, pyramid-shaped pastry, Palestine’s a deep-fried fritter, Italian ice cream, and many other dishes were showcased at the second World Cultural Festival in Hanoi. Held from October 1 to 4, the event’s 35 food stalls took visitors on a culinary journey around the world.
The Hung
[VOVWORLD] - As Vietnam deepens its international integration, cultural diplomacy is becoming an important source of soft power, helping shape the country’s image and strengthen understanding between Vietnam and the world. Beyond showcasing Vietnamese culture, cultural exchanges are creating experiences and connections that inspire international audiences to discover Vietnam.
[VOVWORLD] - In 1947, a Norwegian ethnographer named Thor Heyerdahl hand-built a raft made of balsa wood and crossed 8,000km on it to prove that ancient people could have crossed the great seas to far-off lands on primitive tools. This is his story.
[VOVWORLD] - In this week's Beat The Rush podcast, we explore the viral trend that's turning traditional markets into must-visit fashion stops. From choosing straps and colors to watching skilled craftsmen assemble each pair by hand, these retro wooden wedges are giving travelers a stylish way to take home a piece of Vietnamese culture. Plus, we share where to find them in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Hội An, along with other handcrafted souvenirs that support local artisans and traditions.
[VOVWORLD] - Today's episode takes us to Mars to meet 2 of the many robots NASA has sent to space - Opportunity and Spirit! We will hear what they have learnt about the universe and humanity itself.
[VOVWORLD] - 27 of Vietnam’s 34 provinces and cities recorded higher GRDP growth in the third quarter than in the previous quarter, according to the National Statistics Office. Several localities posted strong breakthroughs, significantly reshuffling the rankings. The results show that Vietnam’s ambitious growth target is shaping economic management, with responsibility being more clearly assigned to each province and city.
[VOVWORLD] - Oceans lie outside national borders and the challenges they face – pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss – can only be met by concerted international action. Vietnam is participating in and promoting international mechanisms for ocean governance and expanding cooperation to achieve sustainable marine development.
[VOVWORLD] - A national conference to study, disseminate, and implement recent resolutions and directives of the Politburo, was organized by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat on Thursday. It delivered important messages reflecting Vietnam’s strategic vision of national governance to strengthen the Party’s leadership capacity as Vietnam enters a new era of development.
[VOVWORLD] - Let’s open our Letter Box with a question from Bouzeboudja Mohamed in Algeria, who asks: “When does autumn arrive in Hanoi?”
[VOVWORLD] - It’s always wonderful to open our mailbox and discover just how far the Voice of Vietnam has travelled, from Europe and Asia to South Asia and beyond.
[VOVWORLD] - This week, we’ve received so many warm messages from listeners around the world congratulating VOV on its 81st founding anniversary, which falls on September 7. We’re deeply grateful for your kind words, warm wishes and continued support over the years.
[VOVWORLD] - The 30-day national campaign to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing ended on September 15, with a number of notable results. The campaign demonstrated Vietnam’s determination to address the European Commission’s recommendations.
Huyen Trang
[VOVWORLD] - During a peak enforcement month beginning August 15, Dak Lak province intensified offshore inspections, fleet management, and public communications to improve compliance with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing regulations among fishermen and businesses.
[VOVWORLD] - The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Thursday held a conference in Gia Lai province to implement an action plan aimed at addressing recommendations from the European Commission (EC) and launching a nationwide month-long campaign against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
[VOVWORLD] - Digital transformation and green transition are becoming mandatory for businesses that want to improve their competitiveness. In Quang Ninh city, digital adoption has changed the ways local enterprises produce, manage, and market their products. At the same time, green practices are being integrated into this process, helping businesses upgrade technology, increase product value, and adapt to new growth models.
Truong Giang
[VOVWORLD] - While databases for population, taxes, or banking are widely recognized, few realize that location data is the "hidden" layer—a strategic anchor that bridges our physical reality with the digital world. If data is the oil of the new economy, then location serves as its essential pipeline system. Vietnam is entering a robust phase of data development.
Bao Tram
[VOVWORLD] - The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on Thursday launched the trial version of the city's Digital Investment Promotion Infrastructure, known as HCMCInvest.
[VOVWORLD] - Highlights: - Until the ice melts: the viral study trend taking over Vietnamese Gen Z. - Maxxing everything: when self-improvement becomes a game of leveling up. - Numbers worth knowing: Vietnam’s hotlines you may never call, but should always remember.
[VOVWORLD] - Highlights: - Travel Corner: What to pack for Vietnam’s rainy season, plus a few reasons rainy days can make travel more memorable. - Movie Corner: A look at Human Trafficking Camp, the Vietnamese film making waves at the box office and online; The New York Times’ top five TV shows of the 21st century. - Slang of the Day: The Scandinavian phenomenon known as the “Latte Dad.”
[VOVWORLD] - Highlights: - Sport News: A look at Vietnam's performance at the ASIAD 20. - UEFA Nations League kicks off with Erling Haaland finally back on the field after World Cup. - Travel Mates: The tale of the Overland Telegraph Line and how a metal wire changed the world.
[VOVWORLD] - The 2026 Thang Long – Hanoi Festival, held from September 11 to 20 under the theme “Heritage Flow,” brought together more than 3,000 artists and artisans. It created a vibrant cultural space where traditional arts blended with contemporary creativity.
[VOVWORLD] - The Co Loa historical and cultural site in Hanoi offers outstanding universal values linked to the formation of the ancient Au Lac State and the development of the Red River civilization. Hanoi is currently studying these values as it prepares a dossier for submission to UNESCO, seeking recognition of Co Loa as a World Heritage Site.
[VOVWORLD] - As the digital age races forward, second-hand bookstores remain, quietly defying time and change. More than just places where books are bought and sold, they reflect the culture and spiritual life of generations, preserving many values that are worth safeguarding.
[VOVWORLD] - Mekong Delta tourism is gaining momentum, with visitor numbers and tourism revenue posting impressive growth. In implementing Politburo Resolution 26 on developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector in the new era, localities in southern Vietnam are introducing new policies, mechanisms, and tourism products to turn the region from a brief stopover into a destination for domestic and international travelers.
Kim Loan
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam and Pakistan are seeking to turn growing tourism interest into stronger two-way travel by tackling barriers in air connectivity, visas and tourism services. At a tourism B2B networking event in Hanoi last Tuesday, 100 Vietnamese travel companies and 20 Pakistani tour operators explored ways to expand the market.
Bao Tram
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnamese banh mi are now sold in many countries and have become part of the story of Vietnam going global. In Singapore, the Banh Mi Society is exploring how Vietnamese food products can be promoted in the international market. VOV’s reporter spoke to Ha Lam Tu Quynh, the founder of the Banh Mi Society, about her efforts to bring Vietnamese banh mi to the world and how overseas Vietnamese can contribute their knowledge and connections to enhancing Vietnam’s international standing.
Ngoc Diep
[VOVWORLD] - As the weather begins to turn cool in the mountains of Ngan Son, Thai Nguyen province, the Khau Nua Lech sticky rice fields reach the right stage for harvesting to make com, a traditional young green rice delicacy.
Huyen Trang
[VOVWORLD] - In Lam Ha Commune, Lam Dong Province, the Bo Lieng female gong ensemble has become a distinctive part of the cultural life of the K'Ho community for over 15 years. These women are preserving and enriching the beauty of the K'Ho gong culture while breathing new life into local tourism.
[VOVWORLD] - Muong Lum, which means “forgotten land” in the Thai ethnic minority language, is now part of Chieng Hac commune, Son La province. For generations, Muong Lum market days have been an integral part of life for local ethnic minority communities. Now more than a meeting place where people could preserve and pass on their cultural identity, the market welcomes visitors to discover a land that once seemed forgotten.
[VOVWORLD] - Every rainy season, many households living along the Ayun River in Ia Hiao commune, Gia Lai province, live in fear of rising floodwaters. To help them lead safer and more secure lives, the Gia Lai provincial People’s Committee is building a new resettlement area in a safer location.
[VOVWORLD] - The Tuyen Citadel Festival, held every year during the Mid-Autumn Festival, took place from September 19 to 25 this year. The week-long event aims to preserve and promote traditional cultural values, and help boost Tuyen Quang province's tourism.
[VOVWORLD] - On September 5, more than 1,100 students in the border commune of Tra Linh, Cao Bang province, began the 2026–2027 school year at a new school. For many ethnic minority students, this is their first time studying in new classrooms and computer rooms, and their first time living away from their families in a boarding-school environment.
[VOVWORLD] - Turning 15 is an important milestone for many young people in Norway. It is a time of growing up, becoming more independent, and celebrating a new stage of life. In this edition of Culture Rendezvous, we take a closer look at this Norwegian coming-of-age tradition through the story of a Norwegian family of Vietnamese origin.
Minh My
[VOVWORLD] - Mitate is a Japanese aesthetic concept that means "to see as" – using one familiar object, material, or idea to suggest an entirely different one through imagination. Mitate encourages people to see beyond the surface of things to discover new connections and deeper meanings. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, we’ll explore how mitate shapes Japanese art, gardens, and cuisine.
Bao Tram
[VOVWORLD] - For millions around the globe, football is a game of numbers, tactics, and trophies. But to Mexican author Juan Villoro, football is a mirror reflecting the deepest illusions, psychological complexes, and cultural tapestries of a society. During a recent exchange with students and lecturers at Phenikaa University in Hanoi, Villoro shared his unique literary view of “the King of Sports”. His novel “The Wild Book” takes young Vietnamese readers on a journey to discover Mexico.
Bao Tram
[VOVWORLD] - As Vietnam’s cities expand and demand for electricity continues to grow, apartment rooftops are emerging as an underused space for solar power generation. Rooftop solar could help apartment buildings meet part of their electricity needs, particularly in common areas, while reducing energy costs and emissions. Yet its wider adoption faces legal, technical and management challenges.
Bao Tram
[VOVWORLD] - Pho is no longer just a Vietnamese breakfast staple. From family kitchens and restaurants to social media and international food events, people across generations are finding new ways to introduce Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup to the world. What began as a humble dish of rice noodles, meat and aromatic broth has become a powerful expression of Vietnamese culture, and behind its growing international profile are people with very different stories.
Kim Chi
[VOVWORLD] - This is the true story of two soldiers who fought on opposite sides of the battlefield during the Vietnam War - an American paratrooper and a North Vietnamese officer - through a diary captured during a fierce battle.
[VOVWORLD] - The closing ceremony of ASIAD 2026 will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday at Paloma Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, according to the schedule of the Japanese Olympic Committee.
[VOVWORLD] - Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Tam won a silver medal in the women’s 51kg boxing event at the 2026 Asian Games (ASIAD 20) in Japan after a hard-fought final against China’s Wu Yu on Friday.
[VOVWORLD] - The 5th Southeast Asian Pencak Silat Championships 2026 concluded in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, with Vietnam finishing atop the medal table.
[VOVWORLD] - Traditional markets remain an integral part of urban life, but preserving their place in a city means adapting to changing times. Facing growing competition from supermarkets, convenience stores, and e-commerce, market vendors are embracing new sales methods, adopting digital technology, and improving product quality and services to attract customers. The challenge is to modernize without losing the distinctive character and personal connections that set traditional markets apart.
Quang Sang
[VOVWORLD] - Perched on the peaceful Co Ma mountain, shrouded in clouds year-round, Pha Khuông Village in Son La Province is filled with the gentle sound of Mong flutes and the rhythmic clatter of sewing machines. Like many other White Mong women, Vi Thi Ia grew up with the sound of pounding hemp and the hum of sewing. Today, she patiently works with every piece of fabric and embroidered sash, bringing the vibrant colors of Mong brocade to people near and far.
[VOVWORLD] - On September 7, 1945, from a small room at 128C Dai La Street in Hanoi, the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) broadcast its first program, airing the historic Declaration of Independence delivered by President Ho Chi Minh five days earlier at Ba Dinh Square.
VOV in Russia
[VOVWORLD] - When General-Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President To Lam touches down in Canberra this week for a state visit running from 9 to 12 August, it marks more than a diplomatic courtesy call.
Nguyen Hong Hai Assistant Professor, VinUniversity, Vietnam; Adjunct Professor, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia
