Vietnam and Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) countries must continue to unite together, pool resources, and secure broader international backing to counter human trafficking, said Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son.

Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son (centre) and heads of delegations at the event.

Son delivered the call at the 6th Inter-Ministerial Meeting (IMM6) of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative Against Trafficking (COMMIT) in Hanoi on November 19.

The gathering drew the participation of officials from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, as well as ambassadors and representatives from international organisations.

In his opening remarks, Son praised the Ministry of Public Security for working closely with relevant ministries and agencies to hold this important event, which aims to deepen and sustain regional cooperation against human trafficking.

The Deputy PM noted that human trafficking networks are increasingly intertwined with other transnational crimes, forcing victims into online fraud, illegal gambling, money laundering and smuggling of prohibited goods.

In the digital age, rapid technological advances have enabled traffickers to exploit cyberspace with ever-more sophisticated and deceptive tactics, posing major challenges for law enforcement agencies, he added.

The Vietnamese Party, State, and Government have directed comprehensive, coordinated countermeasures, including the National Programme on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control for 2021–2025 with a vision to 2030.

Each year, the Vietnamese Government rolls out plans to mark the World Day against Trafficking in Persons and the National Day for Anti-Human Trafficking, alongside nationwide crackdowns to build a safe society where no one is left behind.

A major step forward came on November 28, 2024, when the National Assembly approved the Law on Human Trafficking Prevention and Control, institutionalising the Party's directives, consolidating the legal framework, ensuring consistency within the national legal system and aligning with international treaties. Authorities have since adopted concerted and comprehensive measures that have yielded positive results.

Challenges persist, however, including increasingly complex criminal methods, growing use of advanced technologies and difficulties in victim repatriation and reintegration, which, he described as common across the sub-region.

Vietnam’s assumption of COMMIT Chair in 2025 and its hosting of IMM6 underscore the country’s firm commitment to regional collaboration and contributions to fostering friendly ties and sustainable development among GMS nations, Son said.

The Deputy PM called for candid, in-depth discussions to craft practical orientations and solutions, which will underpin a joint declaration and a sub-regional action plan for 2025–2035.

On the occasion, he thanked regional law enforcement agencies and international organisations for their ongoing support to Vietnam’s anti-trafficking efforts.

On morning the same day, Son hosted a reception for heads of delegations from China, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Thailand attending the Regional Task Force (RTF) meeting and IMM6.

Vietnamese designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam brings ‘Ao dai’ to international fashion stage

The Vietnamese ‘Ao dai’ took to the spotlight as a symbol of national pride during the event “Taste of Viet Nam × VNARP 10 Years” at the Blackhawk Museum in California, the US.

 

Vietnam reaffirms commitment to sustainable tourism cooperation in GMS

As an active member of the GMS, Vietnam, including Ninh Binh, remains steadfast in its commitment to green, sustainable, inclusive and responsible tourism development.

 

Vietnam – Singapore trade hits record high

During the 10-month period, bilateral trade exceeded the full-year 2024 record of 31.67 billion SGD to increase 26.7% from a year earlier to 33 billion SGD.

 

Phu Quoc plans $830M conference center for APEC 2027

A conference center to be built in Phu Quoc at a cost of VND21.9 trillion (US$830 million) will host the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Viet Nam wins two first prizes at Southeast Asian Children’s Film Festival 2025

The Vietnamese delegation has made a strong impression by winning the first prize in two key categories for professional producers in the region at the 2025 Southeast Asian Children’s Film Festival.