The Vietnam - Japan Local Cooperation Forum 2026 (the Forum) is expected to resolve obstacles, accelerate ODA-funded projects, attract investment, strengthen educational ties, and establish a mechanism for annual cooperation between localities of the two countries, contributing to creating momentum for Hue City’s economic breakthrough and deeper international integration.

Over the National Day (September 2) holiday, Hue welcomed a large number of visitors from near and far, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. From the Imperial Citadel and heritage sites to scenic spots, craft villages, and community-based tourism destinations, visitors can be seen sightseeing, experiencing local activities, posing for check-in photos, and capturing memorable moments on their journey to discover the Ancient Capital.

Featured on page 2 is the article ‘Momentum from grassroots initiatives’, which addresses a timely issue after one year of operating the two-tier local government model. A key takeaway is that when local authorities are empowered and willing to innovate, many procedures are shortened, government services move closer to the citizens, and public satisfaction becomes the benchmark for governance effectiveness.

Standing at either end of Truong Tien Bridge at the moment, we witness construction barriers having been erected, vehicles temporarily halted, and the bridge is handed over to crews working through the night.

On June 23, Party Central Committee Member, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, and Chairman of the City People’s Committee Nguyen Khac Toan chaired a meeting to review and finalize the medium-term public investment plan using state budget capital for the 2026 - 2030 period and assess the implementation and disbursement of public investment funds in 2026.

While Hue Festival was previously held biennially, creating impressive “peak” moments yet remaining largely seasonal, with the model of a four-season Festival, Hue has now chosen a more sustainable direction: Turning culture and heritage into an ever-present rhythm within the city’s daily life.

The review and adjustment of Hue’s urban master plan to 2045, with a vision toward 2065, marks a pivotal moment for the city’s future development. As Hue has recently become a centrally-run governed municipality, the planning process goes beyond merely updating technical indicators or redefining urban boundaries; it opens an opportunity to redefine a long-term development vision for one of Vietnam’s most distinctive heritage cities.

On the morning of April 18, the Kun Marathon Hue 2026 officially kicked off at Ngo Mon Square, attracting more than 2,500 young runners from various provinces and cities across the country. Kun Marathon Hue 2026 was held in response to the VnExpress Marathon Hue 2026 (scheduled for April 19). In addition to the familiar 700-meter run combined with obstacle challenges set within Hue’s heritage space, this year’s event carried the message “Protect All Species” and incorporated a series of educational and experiential environmental activities.

Artisan of lacquer and gilding Bui Van Trinh has recently been honored with the title of Meritorious Artisan, awarded by the President, marking more than thirty-five years of dedication to preserving national cultural heritage in the field of handicrafts. Yet, for him, the greatest joy has always been the moment of contemplating a completed work, shimmering with lacquer and gold under his own hands.

On the morning of March 15, across Hue City, from urban area to suburban and remote areas, streams of people eagerly headed to polling stations to exercise their civic rights and responsibilities in the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026 - 2031 term. The festival for all people also marked by vivid and heartwarming moments of solidarity and trust of voters.