☕ Afternoon briefing on April 22

The welcome ceremony for President of the RoK Lee Jae Myung and his spouse, PM Le Minh Hung's working session with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam 2026 are among news highlights on April 22.

☕ Afternoon briefing on April 22

Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

– General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam and his spouse Ngo Phuong Ly presided over an official welcome ceremony in Hanoi on April 22 for President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung and his spouse Kim Hae Kyung, who are on a state visit to Vietnam.

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General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam and President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung review the honour guard of the Vietnam People’s Army in Hanoi on April 22. (Photo: VNA)

The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace with the attendance of senior officials from central agencies, ministries, and Hanoi authorities. Read full story

– Prime Minister Le Minh Hung has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) to ensure there are no shortages of electricity or fuel under any circumstances to support efforts to achieve the double-digit growth target for this year.

Chairing a working session with the ministry in Hanoi on April 22, the PM reviewed the implementation of tasks for 2026, key bottlenecks, and priorities for the time ahead. Read full story

– The Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Press Awards 2025 have offered a comprehensive reflection of the agency’s renewed dynamism, professional dedication and aspiration for innovation amid intensifying competition from social media and digital platforms.

Taking place in a year marked by major national milestones, the awards highlight the evolving role of mainstream journalism in a rapidly changing information landscape. Read full story

– The Global Sourcing Fair Vietnam 2026 opened at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City on April 22, bringing together more than 500 suppliers across 700 booths.

Co-organised by the Vietnam National Trade Fair and Advertising Company (Vinexad) and Global Sources, the event attracts businesses from Vietnam and key Asian markets, including Hong Kong (China), the Republic of Korea (RoK), India, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia. Exhibitors are displaying over 40,000 export products across four main sectors: fashion and accessories, home and gifts, electronics and home appliances, and packaging and printing. Read full story

– The “Vietnamese Entrepreneurs Awards in Canada 2026” has made its debut in Vancouver, marking the first dedicated platform to honour outstanding Vietnamese entrepreneurs and businesses in Canada.

The gala brought together nearly 200 participants, including community leaders, entrepreneurs and guests from across the country, highlighting both the achievements of Vietnamese businesses and the community’s growing role in the socio-economic fabric of Vancouver and other Canadian cities. Read full story

– The Scientific Innovation Competition in 2026 was officially launched on April 21, notably expanding eligibility to overseas Vietnamese for the first time, in a move aimed at connecting global Vietnamese intellect and bringing international innovations into domestic application.

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Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh delivers opening remarks at the launching ceremony of the Scientific Innovation Competition 2026 on April 21. (Photo: VNA)

In response to World Creativity and Innovation Day 2026, the contest provides a platform for individuals and teams nationwide who are passionate about research, creativity, and practical application of science, while promoting a movement of scientific inquiry within the community, particularly among young people. Read full story

– In recent years, Vietnam’s tourism sector has posted steady gains in revenue and arrivals, but to boost competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth, the “smokeless industry” is shifting towards technology-driven, value-based development, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key catalyst for breakthroughs.

In practice, AI is increasingly embedded in how travellers plan, explore and experience their journeys, especially among younger tourists. A survey by Booking.com shows that 99% of Gen Z use AI before trips, with 42% receiving personalised recommendations and 40% researching destinations and timing. During their journeys, many continue using AI to translate languages, signs and menus (53%) or access information on heritage sites and museums (47%). Read full story./.

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The Vietnamse, RoK leaders and their spouses at the banquet (Photo: nhandan,vn)

Top leader hosts banquet for RoK President

Top leader To Lam expressed confidence that the Vietnam - RoK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will continue to deepen in a more substantive and robust manner, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in both nations as well as the region and the world.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam (R) and President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung at the press briefing (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, RoK leaders meet press in Hanoi

The Vietnamese Government will keep improving the investment climate, making it more transparent and business-friendly, while ensuring all possible support for foreign investors, including Korean firms, to do long-term business in Vietnam.

At the talks between General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President To Lam and visiting President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung in Hanoi on April 22, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader holds talks with RoK President in Hanoi

The two sides highlighted the need to realise a strategic vision for economic connectivity in the evolving global context, including joint efforts to achieve bilateral trade turnover of 150 billion USD by 2030.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung speaks at the working session with the Ministry of Science and Technology in Hanoi on April 22, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

PM underscores priority funding for strategic, core technologies

Highlighting the importance of accelerating digital transformation, particularly in the digital economy, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung set targets for the sector to account for 30% of GDP and for over 40% of enterprises to engage in innovation activities.

Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung (R) and IAEA Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov (Photo: VGP)

Deputy PM, IAEA official discuss nuclear power development

Vietnam speaks highly of the IAEA’s role and efforts in promoting the peaceful use of atomic energy and supporting countries in building nuclear infrastructure. Since becoming a member of IAEA, Vietnam has seen the agency as a strategic and reliable partner, with cooperation activities increasingly effective and practical.

At the signing of the minutes of the talks (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–China border forces hold talks, confer Friendship Envoy title

Border guards of Vietnam and China pledged to strengthen information sharing on emerging issues at border gates, coordinate timely responses and enhance the effectiveness of control operations. They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining order in immigration procedures, ensuring stable security in the Lao Cai–Hekou international border gate area, and promoting legal awareness among border residents.

The National Assembly (NA) is scheduled to discuss a proposal to establish Dong Nai as a centrally-run city on April 22. (Photo: VNA)

NA to discuss proposal to establish centrally-run Dong Nai city

According to a Government report, Dong Nai has effectively leveraged its strategic location, historical traditions, and strengths in national defence, security, culture, and society to emerge as one of the country’s leading economic localities. The province serves as a key hub linking major development corridors and Ho Chi Minh City with the Central Highlands, the south-central coastal region, and the Mekong Delta region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (R) and outgoing Mongolian Ambassador Jigjee Sereejav. (Photo: VNA)

Foreign Minister hosts outgoing Mongolian Ambassador

Affirming Vietnam’s high regard for Mongolia and their longstanding friendship, Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung called for closer coordination to further develop the Comprehensive Partnership.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (R) meets with Irish Ambassador to Vietnam Deirdre Ní Fhallúin in Hanoi on April 21. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Vietnam, Ireland seek ways to step up bilateral cooperation

Hang proposed the two sides further strengthen political trust, increase high-level and all-level exchanges, and organise youth, student and cultural activities to mark the upcoming anniversary. The Deputy Minister also called on Ireland to soon ratify the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), which would create fresh momentum for economic cooperation.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Foreign policy drives Vietnam’s development momentum in new era: Diplomat

The ambassador highlighted that after four decades of Doi Moi, Vietnam now ranks among the world’s 35 fastest-growing economies. The country has signed and implemented 17 free trade agreements, positioning itself as an important economic hub in the Asia-Pacific, while attracting 38.42 billion USD in registered foreign direct investment.

President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung and his spouse arrive in Hanoi on April 21 afternoon. (Photo: VNA)

Korean President arrives in Hanoi, beginning state visit to Vietnam

The visit is expected to become a special milestone in the 34-year history of diplomatic relations between the two countries, marking the starting point for a strategic leap forward in the bilateral ties amid evolving global dynamics, according to Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young Sam.