Hanoi workers tend to the grass outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi on May 13 as tourist spots began reopening (Photo: AFP)
Hanoi (VNA) -🍌 The US-based news channel CNN on May 15 ran an article which depicts life in Vietnam after lifting social distancing measures.
“After a week with no new COVID-19 cases, Vietnam's government had just eased its 22-day social distancing initiative, allowing some businesses to reopen on April 23”, wrote Katie Lockhart, a tourist staying in the country since January.
Signs of life had already begun to emerge the prior day and streets were filled with people riding their motorbikes - all good signs the city was poised to reopen as planned, the author noted.
She added that domestic tourism is resuming as well, as airlines increase flight schedules and hotels re-open throughout the country.
Though some restrictions remain in place, the southern hub Ho Chi Minh City recently lifted the ban on certain entertainment facilities and non-essential businesses, including pubs, cinemas and spas. Meanwhile, Hanoi this week also reopened its historical attractions to visitors, Lockhart continued.
“For now, recovery is focused on domestic tourism. On April 23, the Ministry of Transport started to increase domestic flights and trains to major destinations with limited passenger capacity”.
As of May 7, Vietnam had just 288 cases and zero deaths, the writer noted, adding that the Southeast Asia nation acted faster than most nations, shutting its borders with China in late January and suspending visas to prevent foreigners from entering the country.
“It may seem like Vietnam got off easy, but that's not by chance”, she affirmed.
🌱 The writer added that the country has bolstered communication work to raise public awareness of the disease, as people receive daily updates from loudspeakers on vehicles making their way through the streets./.
Bangladesh’s dhakatribune.com has published an article on Vietnam’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the country could offer valuable lessons on how to curb the disease’s spread amid a poor healthcare system and low budget funds.
A German financial advisor in Vietnam, Manuel Wendle, has said that widespread public consensus has been key to Vietnam’s successful containment of COVID-19.
International media has continuously praised Vietnam for its successful containment of COVID-19, which can make it a reliable destination for investors seeking to resume production.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Hanoi workers tend to the grass outside the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi on May 13 as tourist spots began reopening (Photo: AFP) 
