Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said it warmly welcomes the decision by Vietnam’s National Assembly (NA) to add electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and heated tobacco products (HTPs) to its list of products that it is not legal to invest in or trade commercially in the Law on Investment.
A year ago, the NA demonstrated remarkable leadership in public health by enacting a comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs, with the aim of protecting the health and future of young people in Vietnam. The NA’s historic vote in November 2024 to adopt Resolution 173/2024/QH15, prohibiting the production, trade, importation, harbouring, transportation and use of these products was a true public health milestone, rightly drawing international praise, the WHO said in a press release on December 11. Read full story
- A scientific and educational forum themed “Russia–Vietnam: 75 Years of Cooperation,” held from December 11 to 13, officially launched the Russia–Vietnam Year of Scientific and Educational Cooperation 2026.
In a recorded message to the event, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha reflected on his study years in Russia. He described human-resources training in the former Soviet Union as an invaluable strategic contribution to Vietnam’s development, likening it to a “golden key” to knowledge. He noted that generations of Vietnamese scientists, leaders and managers educated in the former Soviet Union and Russia today have become a priceless asset and the enduring “red thread” connecting the two peoples. Read full story
- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on December 11 signed Decision No. 2692/QD-TTg approving a project on applying the Internet of Things (IoT) in smart transport.
The project aims to build a unified, safe and efficient IoT platform to support the management, operation and exploitation of smart transport systems under the Ministry of Construction, with data shared across ministries and localities. Read full story
- Vietnamese athletes delivered standout performances on December 11, securing a haul of medals that propelled the nation to second place in the tally with 14 golds, 8 silvers and 27 bronzes, trailing host Thailand but ahead of Indonesia.
Vietnamese competitors excelled in multiple disciplines on the second full day of competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Read full story
- Vietnamese telecom operators are fast-tracking plans to discontinue 2G services by September 2026, in line with a national frequency reorganisation aimed at bolstering 4G and 5G networks and achieving full 5G coverage by 2030 under the Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW.
The Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group (Viettel) is introducing targeted support packages to facilitate customer migration, ensuring seamless service continuity and straightforward upgrades to 4G/5G devices with Voice over LTE (VoLTE) capability. VoLTE technology offers superior HD voice quality and cuts call drop rates by more than 59% versus 2G. Read full story
- Sustainable rice export strategies were the focus of a conference held in Ho Chi Minh City on December 10, where the Import–Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade assessed both the challenges and opportunities facing Vietnam’s rice exports in 2026.
Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Import–Export Department, noted that the sector is confronting a series of difficulties, including escalating geopolitical instability in several regions, persistently high inflation, and slow global trade and investment recovery. Tight monetary policies in major economies continue to exert pressure on financial and currency markets in developing countries. Read full story
- Many localities such as the central city of Hue and the northern province of Quang Ninh have reported strong tourism performance in 2025, achieving major milestones compared to 2024.
The Hue city People’s Committee said on December 12 that tourist arrivals reached an estimated 6.3 million this year, surpassing the plan by nearly 13% and rising 61.5% year-on-year. International visitors numbered 1.9 million, while tourism revenue stood at about 13 trillion VND (494.2 million USD), up nearly 41% and more than 64% respectively. Read full story
- Venerable Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), has highly praised the cultural identity showcased throughout the United Nations Day of Vesak 2025, hosted by Vietnam from May 6–8, affirming that Vesak 2025 carries a distinct "Vietnamese flavour," harmoniously and consistently conveying the cultural and spiritual values of Buddhism.
The Venerable mentioned that this was the fourth time Vietnam had hosted the Vesak celebrations, and each time has left a significant impact. He emphasised the meticulous attention to detail, which made this year’s Vesak a standout event, leaving a deep impression on Buddhist monks, nuns and followers, and international delegates./. Read full story
