Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News - July 3

Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Society

-- A tropical depression in the East Vietnam Sea strengthened into a storm in the early hours of Friday, making it the first storm to hit the maritime area this year. The storm, known internationally as Maysak, is forecast to move toward the waters off Quang Ninh and Hai Phong in northern Vietnam before making landfall early on Monday.

Economy

-- Construction of the Yen Binh Digital Technology Complex, a VND3.5-trillion (US$133 million) project, officially began on Thursday in Thai Nguyen Province, northern Vietnam.

-- Kärcher Vietnam Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Germany's Kärcher Group, on Thursday inaugurated the second phase of its $40-million cleaning equipment plant in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, significantly expanding production capacity for export markets.

-- Vietnam’s listed jewelry maker Phu Nhuan Jewelry JSC (PNJ) said in a statement issued late on Thursday that the arrest of Dang Ngoc Thao, director of PNJ’s gemstone appraisal subsidiary P-Lab, is an individual legal matter after authorities accused him of involvement in a cross-border diamond smuggling ring. Earlier that day, police in Thanh Hoa Province announced they had dismantled the ring, seizing 1,100 diamonds worth an estimated VND280 billion ($10.6 million) and pressing charges against 22 suspects.

-- Dozens of fish-farming households along the Lam River in Nghe An Province, north-central Vietnam have suffered devastating losses as several metric tons of fish suddenly died, leaving many families financially ruined.

Ho Chi Minh City

-- Vibrant fireworks displays illuminated the night sky over Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, wrapping up a series of events marking the 50th anniversary of Saigon-Gia Dinh officially being renamed after President Ho Chi Minh.

-- Despite rain on Thursday evening, crowds of residents and tourists gathered in the city center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the city being named after President Ho Chi Minh, enjoying a large-scale outdoor art performance and 3D mapping display.

-- The city has introduced bilingual Vietnamese-English information boards at its central bus terminal in Ben Thanh Ward as part of broader upgrades accompanying the launch of free public bus services on 134 routes from July 1.

Travel

-- Budget carrier Vietjet will restore five domestic routes to Da Lat in August after Lien Khuong Airport in Lam Dong Province is scheduled to reopen on August 19, 2026, expanding travel options to one of Vietnam's most popular highland destinations.