☕ 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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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.

☕ Afternoon briefing on April 22

☕ 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.

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.

☀️ Morning digest on April 22

☀️ Morning digest on April 22

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's working session with the standing board of the Ha Tinh Party Committee, President of the RoK Lee Jae Myung's beginning of a state visit to Vietnam, and 84% of Vietnam’s small businesses reporting growth last year are among news highlights on April 21 evening.

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.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung (middle) at the discussion. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam pushes people-centred priorities for Asia-Pacific at UNESCAP

Vietnam remains firmly committed to multilateralism and the United Nations’ central role in global governance. It appreciates UNESCAP’s role in translating global commitments into concrete regional action and cooperation, sharing best practices, supporting evidence-based policymaking and tackling emerging challenges.