☕ Afternoon briefing on April 23

The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

☕ Afternoon briefing on February 28
☕ Afternoon briefing on February 28

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

- Vietnam's diplomacy has consistently played a peace building role throughout its history - from the struggle for national liberation and reunification to the national construction and development in peacetime, State President Luong Cuong has said.

The State President made the remarks while addressing an international seminar in Hanoi on April 23, which spotlighted the significance of the historical victory in the resistance against the US to liberate the South and reunify the nation 50 years ago, and the constructive role played by the nation’s diplomacy in the past and at present. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a dispatch on April 22, outlining key tasks and solutions aimed at driving Vietnam’s economic growth throughout the year.

The document comes amid a backdrop of increasingly complex and unpredictable global developments. It said heightened strategic competition among major powers, widespread trade wars, and a deteriorating global economic outlook are posing significant challenges. Domestically, in light of evolving realities and development demand, as proposed by the Government, the Party Central Committee and the Politburo have raised the national growth target to a minimum of 8% for 2025 and to double-digit growth for subsequent years. Basing on this, the National Assembly and the Government have issued resolutions to support this revised goal. Read full story

- Prof. Dr. Cheng Hanping, Director of the Vietnam Research Centre at Zhejiang University of Technology, has laid stress on the significant role of the Workers’ Party of Vietnam (now the Communist Party of Vietnam) in the country’s April 30 victory.

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency, the Chinese scholar highlighted the historical significance of Vietnam’s liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30) as well as the tremendous achievements obtained by the Vietnamese people over the past five decades. Professor Cheng said that this historic event marked the end of decades-long war in Vietnam, establishing a crucial foundation for national reunification and progression towards socialism. Besides, it ensured Vietnam’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while bringing lasting peace and stability to the nation. Read full story

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An art performance is featured at the rehearsal. (Photo: VNA)

- Armed forces from Laos and Cambodia engaged in the final joint rehearsal in Ho Chi Minh City on April 22 night in preparation for Vietnam’s upcoming grand parade commemorating the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025).

The event was overseen by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nghia, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and head of the parade subcommittee, along with officials from the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and Ho Chi Minh City authorities. Read full story

- The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee discussed a draft resolution regarding the continued reduction of value-added tax (VAT) for the latter half of 2025 and entire 2026 during its 44th session on April 23.

Presenting the Government’s proposal, Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan emphasised the necessity of extending the VAT reduction policy to support economic recovery and development, encourage domestic consumption and tourism, and ease pressure on businesses and citizens alike. Read full story

- With the US imposing reciprocal tariffs on exports, many Vietnamese firms are pivoting to the burgeoning global Halal market to diversify their revenue streams and boost export growth.

Trade experts highlighted the Halal economy’s massive potential, fuelled by a large consumer base, rising spending, and economic diversity, with forecasts pegging its worth at 10 trillion USD by 2028. Read full story

- A martial arts exchange programme between athletes of Vietnam and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was held in the northern province of Thai Nguyen on April 22 to celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Martial arts masters of both nations delivered captivating performances, showcasing the unique essence of each country’s martial traditions. Spectators enjoyed demonstrations of traditional Vietnamese martial arts alongside powerful displays of DPRK Taekwondo. The exchange programme served as a vivid symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for peace, development, and prosperity. Read full story

- Nghiem Sy Thai, a former war reporter of the Liberation Press Agency, has unexpectedly being reunited with a diary he lost while reporting from the fierce Binh Tri Thien battlefield, which was recently handed over by the US Embassy in Vietnam.

Thai recalled that in early April, a friend who is a former lecturer at the University of Hanoi, where he once studied unexpectedly called and asked if he had ever lost a diary during the war. His joy was immense upon learning that the long-lost diary, which recorded his student years and time as a war reporter, had been found just ahead of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the south and national reunification (April 30)./. Read full story

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Comrade Tran Duc Luong, former Politburo member, former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

SPECIAL COMMUNIQUÉ on former State President Tran Duc Luong’s funeral

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee, the National Assembly, the State President, the Government and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee have issued a special communiqué, announcing that former State President Tran Duc Luong passed away at 22:51 on May 20, 2025, and his funeral will be held as a national mourning.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame (R) receives Vietnamese Ambassador to Tanzania and Rwanda Vu Thanh Huyen. (Photo: VNA)

Rwanda treasures traditional friendship with Vietnam: President

Expressing her great honour to assume this position, Huyen affirmed her commitment to making every effort to further promote the traditional friendship and multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Rwanda, particularly in the fields of economy, trade, agriculture, and education.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the Government’s law-building session in Hanoi on May 22. (Photo: VNA)

PM urges stronger decentralisation, delegation of power crucial during law building

They also considered two draft laws and four legislative proposals - the law on enforcement of temporary detention, custody, and travel restrictions; the amended law on enforcement of criminal judgements; the amended law on thrift practice and wastefulness combat; the amended law on judicial assessment; the amended law on food safety; and the law on population.

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 22

☕ Afternoon briefing on May 22

The Government’s law-building session for May, the conclusion of the second round of negotiations on a reciprocal trade agreement between Vietnam and the US, and Vietnam's participation in SEMICON Southeast Asia 2025 are among news highlights on May 22.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (R) and Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dag Hartelius (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Deputy FM’s visit seeks to deepen ties with Sweden

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang reaffirmed Vietnam’s dedication to consolidating and developing friendship and comprehensive cooperation with Sweden, expressing sincere gratitude to the Swedish Government and people for their invaluable support during Vietnam’s past struggle for independence and in its ongoing development and global integration.

☀️ Morning digest on May 22

☀️ Morning digest on May 22

PM Pham Minh Chinh's message to the 78th session of the World Health Assembly, the passing-away of former State President Tran Duc Luong, and Vietnam's participation in the 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Japan exhibition are among news highlights on May 21 evening.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Trung Y (R), Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, has a meeting with Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC) of South Africa. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam, South Africa enhance cooperation in training of leaders, managers

They agreed to further deepen collaboration between the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and the ANC’s OR Tambo School of Leadership in the areas of leader and manager training, political theory research, as well as academic and expert exchanges in public governance, public policy, and strategic-level capacity building.