TSTC trưa 09/02: Tổng Bí thư Tô Lâm thăm chúc Tết Đảng bộ, chính quyền và nhân dân TP. Hồ Chí Minh

Key Concepts

• Tết Nguyên Đán (Bính Ngọ 2026): The Lunar New Year celebration and associated preparations, market activity, and cultural traditions.
• Nghị quyết Đại hội 14 của Đảng: The 14th Party Congress Resolution, a key policy document guiding national development.
• Hội nhập (Integration): Vietnam’s integration into the global economy and international community.
• Đổi mới (Innovation): The ongoing process of economic and social innovation in Vietnam.
• OCOP (One Commune One Product): A program promoting local specialty products and rural economic development.
• Đầu tư nước ngoài (Foreign Investment): Both inward (FDI) and outward investment trends.
• Nội địa hóa (Localization): The trend of developing domestic defense industries, exemplified by the World Defense Show in Saudi Arabia.

Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh’s Role and Central Directives

Tổng Bí thư Tô Lâm, during a pre-Tet visit to Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, emphasized the city’s crucial role as a leader in growth, innovation, and integration for the entire country. He stated that the city should continue to be a model for the central government to entrust with new, difficult, and large-scale tasks. This visit coincided with the city’s 50th anniversary of being named after President Ho Chi Minh, making 2026 a particularly significant year. The Tổng Bí thư urged the city to effectively implement the resolutions of the 14th Party Congress, streamline its organizational structure, improve the quality of its cadre, remove bottlenecks, create breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, and improve the lives of its people. He stressed that implementing the 14th Party Congress Resolution over the next 5-10 years is pivotal for achieving the goals of the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding and laying a solid foundation for the 100th anniversary of the nation’s founding. As stated by Tổng Bí thư Tô Lâm, “thành phố Hồ Chí Minh cần tiếp tục đi trước làm mẫu là nơi trung ương có thể yên tâm giao nhiệm vụ mới, việc khó, việc lớn, đồng thời là động lực dẫn dắt tăng trưởng, đổi mới và hội nhập của cả nước.”

Tết Preparations and Market Activity

The report highlights the vibrant atmosphere of Tết preparations across the country. Traditional markets and supermarkets are bustling with shoppers. Flower and ornamental plant stalls are attracting customers. In Phú Thọ province, the price of red carp (a traditional Tết offering) is slightly lower than last year, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND per three fish. Consumers are increasingly opting for OCOP (One Commune One Product) gift baskets, valued between 300,000 to 500,000 VND, prioritizing quality, safety, and supporting local producers. Cooperative groups are experiencing a 450% increase in sales. Consumers are prioritizing hygiene, safety, and attractive packaging when selecting OCOP products. In Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, the market shows signs of recovery after a year of slow growth, with a diverse range of goods and stable prices. The value of a typical Tết shopping basket ranges from 500,000 to 700,000 VND, potentially reaching 700,000-800,000 VND closer to Tết. Retailers are collaborating with manufacturers to maintain price stability, with discounts ranging from 15% to 30% on approximately 500-600 products. Demand for essential goods is expected to increase two to three times in the days leading up to Tết.

Economic and Investment Trends

Vietnam’s outward investment in January reached $238.3 million, nearly three times the figure from the same period last year. Construction accounted for 63.3% of this investment, followed by agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and transportation. Kazakhstan, Angola, Kazakhstan, Laos, and India are the primary destinations for Vietnamese investment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) realized in Vietnam in January reached $1.68 billion, the highest figure for the same period in five years. Vietnam’s export-import turnover exceeded $88 billion in January, a nearly 39% increase year-on-year. The US remains Vietnam’s largest export market, with exports valued at approximately $13.9 billion. The structure of exports is shifting towards higher value-added products, particularly in the electronics, textiles, footwear, and wood processing industries.

International News Highlights

• Japan: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured a landslide victory in the lower house elections, winning 316 seats. The ruling coalition, with the Japan Innovation Party, holds 352 seats, allowing them to push through legislation, including potential constitutional revisions. The Nikkei 225 index surged over 5%, reaching a record high.
• Thailand: The Pheu Thai Party, led by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is currently leading in the general election with 195 seats (based on 87% of votes counted).
• Mexico & Cuba: Mexico has sent 800 tons of food and necessities to Cuba to address energy and food security challenges.
• Russia: Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the assassination attempt on Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence Vladimir Alexeev.
• Saudi Arabia: The World Defense Show in Riyadh showcases advanced military technology and reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambition to localize its defense industry through the Vision 2030 strategy.

Other Developments

• Metro Expansion: Hanoi’s urban railway lines will implement a new schedule, extending peak hours and adjusting off-peak frequency. Ho Chi Minh City will offer free rides on Metro Line 1 during Tết.
• Weather: Cold weather is sweeping across northern Vietnam, with temperatures expected to remain low.
• Law Enforcement: Authorities in Ninh Bình province have arrested Nguyễn Đức Dương for tax evasion, alleging he concealed over 1.5 trillion VND in revenue. Police have also broken up a large online gambling ring led by Nguyễn Viết Duy in Ho Chi Minh City.
• Border Security: Over 1 ton of frozen sausages was seized at the border in Lạng Sơn province.
• Fisheries: Fishermen in central Vietnam are enjoying a successful catch, with high prices for tuna and other seafood.

Conclusion

The report paints a picture of a Vietnam actively preparing for Tết while simultaneously pursuing economic growth, strengthening international relations, and addressing internal challenges. The emphasis on Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh’s leadership role, the focus on innovation and integration, and the positive economic indicators suggest a continued trajectory of development. The government’s commitment to supporting local producers through initiatives like OCOP and promoting foreign investment underscores its dedication to sustainable and inclusive growth. The international news highlights Vietnam’s engagement with global affairs and its position as a key player in regional dynamics.