While the recent trade tensions have merely accelerated the movement of supply chains to Vietnam, they were not the trigger.

The magazine described the city as a “great place to get away for a romantic trip, experience Vietnamese culture, learn about their history, and have some delicious food.”

In contrast to Vietnam’s positive outlook, the ADB has trimmed its forecasts for economic growth in developing Asia this year and next year.

Both the EU and Vietnam have huge potential for cooperation in various fields, including politics, security, economy, culture, and peace-keeping activities.

Vietnam’s targets of becoming Asia’s logistics hub would only be feasible if local firms can fence off competition from the world’s major logistics players.