Twenty one member economies of the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum have voiced their support for free trade in the context that global economy is being affected by the US-China trade war.
The APEC ministers responsible for trade, who met in Viña del Mar, Chile on May 17 and 18, affirmed in their joint statement the importance of transparency and non-discrimination rules agreed upon in the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which can enhance market predictability, enable business confidence and allow trade to flow.
They said that APEC members should reach consensus on measures to improve the efficiency of operation as well as promote the open and constructive engagement of business community so that the firms can continue support for the multilateral trade system.
The trade representatives also agreed priority on digital society, sustainable growth, and enhancing the participation of women to realise the inclusive growth target.
Furthermore, they committed to attaining the Bogor Goals of achieving free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific through collective and individual efforts. They welcomed the progress that has been made and recognised that more work remains to be done.
APEC gathers 21 member economies that make up 40 percent of the global population, 60 percent of the global gross domestic product and 50 percent of the world’s total trade revenue.
Analysts noted that Vietnam-Singapore ties are increasingly moving beyond traditional goods trade towards green growth, innovation and high-quality supply chains, laying a stronger foundation for more substantive and sustainable cooperation in the years ahead.
International visitors expressed positive impressions of Vietnamese products displayed at the fair. Nelma Sanjines, senior supervisor at ESP Catering in Sydney, praised the flavour of Vietnamese chilli sauce and soy sauce as well as the attractive packaging of confectionery products.
Experts noted that supply chain optimisation and risk management are no longer isolated tasks for individual companies but a requirement for the entire export ecosystem. With guidance from regulators, support from industry experts and their own efforts, Vietnamese exporters are expected to enhance their competitiveness and turn technical barriers and market volatility into opportunities for sustainable growth in global markets.
In April, Vietnam’s crude steel output was estimated at 2.1 million tonnes, up 4% year-on-year. With this result, Vietnam surpassed Italy to secure a place among the top 10 global producers.
Power companies must carry out regular grid inspections and maintenance to keep operations safe and efficient, minimise localised overloads and reduce the risk of supply disrupting incidents.
He stressed that domestic firms must proactively improve corporate governance, technological capabilities and workforce quality in order to participate more deeply in global supply chains. “Vietnamese enterprises cannot enter the supply chains of multinational corporations unless they meet required standards,” Cuong said.
Vietnam has kept inflation below 4% since 2015, and maintaining macroeconomic stability while effective inflation control in 2026 will be crucial to supporting the country’s goal of achieving double-digit GDP growth.
To ensure safer use of E10 fuel, consumers are advised to regularly maintain fuel systems, replace deteriorated rubber components and refuel at reputable petrol stations to ensure ethanol blending quality meets standards.
The article described Vietnam as strategically positioned along major regional maritime routes, including the East – West corridor linking the Americas, the Middle East, India and Europe, and the North – South corridor connecting China and Southeast Asia, helping make the country a gateway for international trade.
Work starts on 600-million-USD electronic components plant in Ninh Binh
The eco-industrial park model will help Vietnam meet international environmental standards while creating opportunities to improve growth quality and economic competitiveness. Many multinational corporations now view green standards, emissions reduction and energy efficiency as key conditions when selecting investment destinations.
Alongside exhibition activities, trade promotion, and business networking programs, the “Gwangju Global Food Fair 2026” also witnessed the signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Vietnam–Korea Businessmen & Investment Association (VKBIA) and the Gwangju Tourism Organization of South Korea.
Green transition is increasingly viewed as essential to preserving the city’s status as Vietnam’s economic locomotive.
With the current trading band of +/- 5%, the ceiling rate applicable for commercial banks during the day is 26,392 VND/USD, and the floor rate 23,878 VND/USD.
The southern economic hub climbs 12 places from 2025 to rank 98th globally, marking its highest position ever in StartupBlink’s rankings.
Under a draft resolution currently open for public feedback by the municipal People’s Committee, residents with permanent or temporary residence registration in Hanoi for at least two consecutive years, who own petrol-powered motorbikes registered before the resolution takes effect, will be eligible for support when purchasing electric motorbikes priced at 10 million VND or more.
Vietnam values and places great importance on support from international partners, including the US, which it considers a leading strategic partner.
More than a year after the Politburo's Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on private sector development came into effect, expectations now extend beyond increasing the number of enterprises. The goal is to build a stronger business community with greater resilience, larger ambitions and the capacity to compete in global supply chains.
Vietnam is expected to remain one of ASEAN’s fastest-growing economies in 2026, supported by resilient exports, strong investment inflows and an ambitious reform agenda, despite mounting global uncertainties, according to the World Bank’s latest Vietnam Economic Update released on May 15.
Under a new circular, the exchange of greenhouse gas emission quotas and carbon credits is conducted on the domestic carbon credit exchange through the carbon trading system, which is interconnected with the national registration system.