☕ 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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