From something once scattered underfoot to a resource worth billions, clay is quietly shaping Việt Nam’s journey from local potential to global value. In Quảng Ninh, what was once just earth for children to play with has become a lifeline for communities: powering industries, sustaining livelihoods, and opening doors to international markets.
As global turbulence deepens, escalating conflicts and economic fragmentation are dominating the headlines. Hard power is the mainstream language that major powers are using. In such a climate, some are beginning to question, does soft power still matter? And can culture, diplomacy and values compete in a world increasingly defined by force and fear? Or is soft power becoming a luxury of a more stable past?
Việt Nam is rapidly strengthening its role in regional and global supply chains, driven by booming manufacturing, e-commerce and rising foreign investment. This episode explores the country's logistics surge, key economic developments and efforts to build stronger links between foreign investors and local businesses to support long-term, innovation-led growth.
Welcome to "Les Échos du Vietnam", where we bring you fresh and engaging insights into Vietnam’s vitality, culture, landscapes, and people.
Việt Nam is set to reduce the number of conditional business lines from 198 to 142 from 1 July, marking a significant step in improving the business environment. The shift from pre-check to post-inspection is expected to give businesses greater flexibility while strengthening transparency, compliance, and regulatory efficiency.
This week on Inside Asia, we examine how Asia is responding to growing climate and geopolitical challenges - from Việt Nam’s expanding regional diplomacy and rising food security concerns to the early impacts of El Niño across the region. The programme also highlights how communities are adapting through agriculture, culture and innovation, featuring stories of traditional music, kite festivals and heritage arts finding new life across Asia.
Whether Shangri-La 2026 marks a turning point or simply one more waypoint in a transition to a new regional order remains to be seen. For Asia’s security, what happens in the corridors and informal meetings at Singapore’s Shangri-La Hotel will matter long after the cameras have left.