☕ Afternoon briefing on August 20

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on August 20

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

- Party General Secretary To Lam has affirmed that from the very cautious initial steps to increasingly comprehensive institutional reforms, the Government apparatus throughout the periods has persistently laid the foundation for the country’s transformation.

Addressing a grand ceremony in Hanoi on August 20 to celebrate the Government’s 80th founding anniversary (August 28, 1945 - 2025), General Secretary Lam expressed his deep emotion and pride to, together with leaders who have served in the Government over the years, look back on the glorious journey of the nation, sincerely appreciate the significant and important contributions of predecessors, and jointly reaffirm the determination to advance towards a strong, prosperous, and happy Vietnam. Read full story

- The Government held a grand ceremony in Hanoi on August 20 to celebrate its 80th founding anniversary (August 28, 1945–2025), marking its first dedicated anniversary event.

In his address, PM Chinh expressed profound gratitude to generations of Party and State leaders throughout history for their guidance, support, and solidarity with the Government during trying times. He also thanked all Government members and leaders of ministries, sectors, and localities who have joined efforts in building a Government devoted to the Party, nation, and people. Read full story

- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang has underlined that the elevation of Vietnam – New Zealand relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year carries historic significance and reflects both governments’ strong resolve to translate commitments into concrete actions that benefit their people and businesses.

While receiving New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford on August 19, Giang stressed the importance of preserving a peaceful, stable environment and a rules-based regional order. Read full story

- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and his Uruguayan counterpart Valeria Csusaki Cabrera co-chaired the 5th political consultation between the two ministries on August 19, during which they discussed measures for further strengthening the countries' relations.

The Uruguayan official paid an official visit to Vietnam from August 18 to 20 at the invitation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read full story

- New laws and policies, particularly the Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, and the Law on Digital Technology Industry, are expected to help Vietnam attract top talents in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

The Law on Science, Technology and Innovation grants researchers broader rights, including intellectual property ownership, freedom to commercialise research, and greater autonomy in managing finance. It also commits the State will provide special incentives such as housing support, long-term career opportunities, and favourable conditions for both domestic and overseas talents who choose to work in Vietnam. Read full story

- Experts and foreign business leaders have expressed optimism that Vietnam’s recent changes to visa and foreign labour policies will enhance the country’s competitiveness and attract greater investment, while acknowledging that certain challenges remain.

Vietnam is entering a critical stage of development, particularly in digital transformation and innovation, which requires a stronger pool of high-quality human resources. However, progress in workforce improvement has been slow, with the proportion of workers holding degrees or certificates in the foreign direct investment (FDI) sector falling from 25.5% in 2021 to 21.7% in 2024. Read full story

- The Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition 2025 (Vietfish 2025) kicked off on August 20 in Ho Chi Minh City, reeling in the entire seafood supply chain, from processing and aquaculture technology to fishing and trade.

This year’s edition features 526 booths from 280 seafood producers, exporters, and supporting industries. Notably, national pavilions of 17 countries and territories, including Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Denmark, are also present at the event. Read full story./.

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Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil and Guyana Bui Van Nghi speaks at the event. (Photo courtesy of the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil)

Vietnam highlights diplomatic gains, growing ties with Brazil, Guyana

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam – Guyana diplomatic ties, Ambassador Bui Van Nghi described the milestone as an opportunity for both sides to deepen political trust, broaden cooperation in potential areas, and make positive contributions to peace, cooperation and sustainable development in the regions and beyond.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the third National Forum on Digital Economy and Digital Society in Hanoi on December 20. (Photo: VNA)

Digital economy as driver, digital society as foundation of growth: PM

The forum, themed “Developing an inclusive and comprehensive digital economy and digital society to achieve double-digit GDP growth in the 2026–2030 period,” brought together leaders of ministries and localities, technology enterprises, research institutions, experts and representatives of international organisations in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (R) and Benoit Guidée, Director of the Asia–Oceania Department at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs meet in Hanooi on December 19. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy FM meets French official

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang stressed that Vietnam attaches great importance to its relationship with France, the first European Union country with which Vietnam has established a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, noting that the two sides enjoy a solid foundation and significant potential for further cooperation.

Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu speaks at the event in Hanoi on December 19 (Photo: VNA)

Senior Party official reviews preparations for 14th National Party Congress

Politburo member and permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu expressed his belief that relevant agencies will continue to make efforts to basically complete organisation- and service-related preparations by December 31, ensuring readiness for the final rehearsals ahead of the opening of the 14th National Party Congress.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addressing the conference of the the Ministry of Industry and Trade on December 19 (Photo: VNA)

PM urges industry, trade sector to pioneer in six key areas

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that to make a substantive contribution to national development, the industry and trade sector must also achieve double-digit growth, generate new jobs, strengthen traditional growth drivers such as export and consumption, and accelerate emerging engines of growth, including the green, digital, circular, knowledge-based and sharing economies.

State President Luong Cuong (middle) presents congratulatory flowers to the two promoted officers (Photo: VNA)

Two military officers promoted to rank of Senior Lieutenant General

Lieutenant General Do Xuan Tung, Vice Director of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), and Lieutenant General Do Van Banh, Political Commissar of the National Defence Academy were promoted to the rank of Senior Lieutenant General at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 19.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone (R) hosts a reception for Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuracy of Vietnam Nguyen Huy Tien. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Laos step up cooperation in procuracy sector

They highly valued the effective and substantive cooperation results achieved by the Supreme People’s Procuracies of Vietnam and Laos in recent years, and called on both sides to continue enhancing coordination, stepping up exchanges of delegations at all levels, sharing professional and technical experience, and maintaining and expanding training and capacity-building programmes for officials.