The Russian Journal of Vietnamese Studies

This paper analyzes contacts between the Russian Far East and Vietnam in various sectors, highlighting the growth of regional cooperation in several areas in the 21st century. The author points out that the trade and economic relations remain the primary focus of interaction between the Far East and Vietnam. The Far Eastern regions maintained a consistent positive trade balance with Vietnam, despite fluctuations in trade volumes during the 2000s and 2010s. However, the Far Eastern Federal District has significantly lagged behind other Russian regions in the development of trade relations with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, as evidenced by the sharp decline in the share of the Far East in Russian-Vietnamese trade.

The article investigates the progression of the monetary and financial system (MFS) in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (SRV) from the time of the country's reunification in 1975 to the present day. The author identifies three distinct periods: the initial period (1976–1985), the period of reforms (1986–2006), and the period of international integration (from 2007 to the present). By drawing on scientific and official sources, the authors analyze the transformations in fiscal and monetary policies, as well as the functioning of financial institutions and markets. Particular emphasis is placed on the impact of openness and technological advancements after 2007, which have significantly contributed to enhancing the depth, accessibility, efficiency, and stability of the SRV’s MFS. The article also emphasizes the significance of considering both domestic factors and global trends for the further advancement of Vietnam’s MFS.

The ongoing trends of digital and green transformation are set to play a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam’s development in the current context. The Fourth Industrial Revolution is significantly altering the economic development model, shifting countries away from reliance on natural resources and low-cost labor toward prioritizing innovation and creativity. As Vietnam engages in deeper international integration, it is essential for its science and technology human resources to possess globally relevant qualifications and skills while staying updated with emerging trends. This raises critical questions regarding the current state of Vietnam's science and technology workforce, the challenges and limitations it faces, and whether it can meet the pressing demands for skilled human resources. The purpose of this article is to explore these questions, highlighting that the foremost challenge facing Vietnam today lies in the effective implementation of the Party’s resolutions and the State’s strategies focused on human resource development, particularly in the field of science and technology.

The article highlights cases of preserving the bodies of Buddhist monks that did not decompose after death and that still are revered in Vietnamese monasteries: Vũ Khắc Minh and Vũ Khắc Trường who lived in the 17th century and Thích Minh Đức who lived in the 20th century. The article also describes the origins of practice of Buddhist monks’ saving bodies and examples of incorruptible bodies in Theravada, Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism, as well as the main narratives explaining the reasons for preserving the body (both rational and supernatural) and the goals pursued by Buddhists in creating mummies (veneration, pilgrimage, etc.).

Based on the analysis of sources and journalistic materials, the article examines the effect produced by V. Nabokov’s novel “Lolita” in Vietnam and its influence on such aspects of the country’s literary life as literary translation, literary criticism and the work of Vietnamese writers. The article argues that in all countries where the novel “Lolita” was distributed, it became a sensation that stirred up the public, and Vietnam, where V. Nabokov’s work was published in 2012, is no exception in this regard.

The full text of the Joint statement on the elevation of the New Zealand – Viet Nam relationship to comprehensive strategic partnership adopted on February 26, 2025 in Hanoi, is given.

The full text of the Joint statement on strengthening Việt Nam-Indonesia relations adopted on March 11, 2025 in Jakarta, is given.

The review is dedicated to the books by orientalist D.D. Mishukova “Vietnam. Children of the Dragon”, “Vietnam. Business with the Dragon”, “Vietnam. Cultural Code”. The author gives a broad picture of the life of modern Vietnamese society, talks about the traditions and customs of the Vietnamese people, shares the secrets of doing business in Vietnam.

Information is provided on the contribution of Ilya Sergeevich Darevsky to the knowledge of the herpetofauna of Vietnam and to the training of Russian and Vietnamese herpetologists.