☕ Afternoon briefing on December 12

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on December 12

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 hailed the significant role of the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) as the Party's strategic advisory body that directs, guides, and directly implements integrated solutions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Party-related and political works within the military.

Addressing a ceremony to mark the 80th founding anniversary of the department (December 22, 1944 - 2024) in Hanoi on December 12, the Party chief, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, highlighted the outstanding achievements, breakthrough development, and glorious tradition of the department over the past 80 years, underlining its great contributions to victories of the VPA. Read full story

- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed Vietnam's strong commitment to humanitarian relief efforts, helping people recover their lives after natural disasters and catastrophes, while addressing the 2025 Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) High-Level Pledging Event in New York on December 10.

According to the official, in addition to its annual contribution to CERF, in recent years, Vietnam has contributed more than 500,000 USD through the fund to support people in Ukraine and Syria, 500,000 USD to the Palestinian people through the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). It has also provided more than 2 million USD through bilateral aid to countries affected by natural disasters, and for the first time sent rescue forces to Turkey after a historic earthquake hit the country in 2023. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 12 highlighted the need to counteract group interests and personal gains during the restructuring process of the organisational apparatus, and develop appropriate policies to safeguard officials and public servants’ legitimate rights and interests.

He made the requirement while chairing the second meeting of the Government steering committee to review the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, adopted by the 12th Party Central Committee in 2017, regarding several issues on continuing to restructure and streamline the political system for greater efficiency. Read full story

- The ceremony to present Vietnam National Quality Awards and Asia-Pacific Quality Awards for 2021-2023 will be held in Hanoi on December 18, heard a press conference in the capital city on December 12.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh highlighted that over its 28-year history, the awards, which honour outstanding businesses that demonstrate stability, comprehensive development, and competitive advantages in both domestic and international markets through optimal management improvements and sustainable growth efforts, have gained significant recognition and credibility among organisations, businesses, regulatory agencies, and consumers. Read full story

- All six Vietnamese students participating in the 21st International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) in Romania have won medals, with five silver and one bronze.

The students hail from Hanoi - Amsterdam High school for the Gifted, Newton Secondary and High School, and Nguyen Hue High School for the Gifted. Read full story

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The gift and decoration market in Hanoi is becoming bustling with a variety of eye-catching products at affordable prices. (Photo:VNA)

- As Christmas is less than two weeks away, the gift and decoration market in Hanoi is becoming bustling with a variety of eye-catching products at affordable prices.

Many restaurants, cafes, offices, and public spaces in the city have been lavishly decorated, becoming popular spots for customers to take photos, shop, or dine. Read full story

- Ho Chi Minh City's office market is experiencing record absorption in 2024, demonstrating its vitality and resilience as well as consolidating its position as an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign businesses looking for strategic development opportunities in Southeast Asia, according to Knight Frank, one of the world's leading real estate consultancies.

In just nine months of 2024, the city's office leasing market reached 96,400 sq.m of Net Lettable Area (NLA), aiming for the highest net absorption in more than a decade. This figure far exceeds the previous record of 81,300 sq.m NLA recorded in 2019. Read full story

- Ho Chi Minh City's HOZO International Music Festival is back to captivate the audience with a diverse lineup of local and international artists. This year's event, running from December 13 to 15, promises a vibrant celebration of music and culture.

Highlights include performances by over 100 artists, including renowned headliners like My Tam, Henry Lau and HIEUTHUHAI, as well as international acts from Japan, Wales, Scotland, Denmark, and the Republic of Korea. The festival will feature both large-scaled and mini concerts, catering to a wide range of music lovers./. Read full story

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