Vietnam’s exports and imports rose over 24% year-on-year in the first quarter, driven by the country’s free trade agreements (FTAs), an expert has said.

Indian media have spotlighted the significance and Vietnam’s preparations for the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure on May 23.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on May 19 held phone talks with British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Dominic Raab, during which he suggested the UK consider the transfer of COVID-19 vaccine production technology to Vietnam.

VOV.VN - Vietnam has emerged as an investment destination for 140 countries and territories globally, attracting 33,000 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with total registered capital of US$394 billion, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI).

Vietnamese rice exporters have been urged to play a more active role in utilising free trade agreements (FTAs) to which Vietnam is a party to boost falling exports.

Vietnam posted solid export performance in the first quarter of 2021, and at such a growth speed, its export turnover is likely to hit US$600 billion for the whole year, experts have said.

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Industry and Trade are set to join with the Hai Duong People's Committee to co-host a teleconference on May 18 aimed at promoting the consumption of Thanh Ha lychees and various other typical agricultural products from the province.

VOV.VN - In its external policy, Vietnam always considers Japan to be a strategic, long-term and leading important partner, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc told Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide during their phone talks on May 11.

Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters are struggling to cope with rising material prices despite posting high export volumes in the first four months of the year.

Fruit and vegetable exporters should improve their processing technologies, especially in the post-harvest and packaging stages, to preserve their products longer and enhance their value, experts said.