☕ Afternoon briefing on February 13

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on February 13

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

- The policy to streamline the political system’s organisational apparatus has received broad support from the public, agencies, and the National Assembly, and its rapid and effective implementation has showed that it is indeed the right course of action, Party General Secretary To Lam has stated.

Speaking at a group discussion on the draft Law on the Government Organisation (revised), the draft Law on the Organisation of Local Government, and a draft resolution addressing a number of issues related to State apparatus restructuring as part of the National Assembly’s 9th extraordinary session on February 13, the Party chief said that the policy is something the people have long awaited. Read full story

- The National Assembly Standing Committee deliberated on a draft resolution aimed at revolutionising Vietnam’s science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation landscape at a session on February 13.

According to the Government’s proposal, the resolution seeks to establish a legal framework that would effectively boost national scientific-technological advancement and digital transformation, making them driving forces for socio-economic development to deliver on the dual targets by 2030 and 2045 as outlined at the 13th National Party Congress. Read full story

- The Communist Party of Cuba (PCC) and the Cuban State hosted a ceremony in Havana on the evening of February 12 (local time) to celebrate the 95th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (February 3, 1930 - 2025). Read full story

- The Vietnamese Consulate General in China’s Hong Kong and Macau hosted a meeting on February 12 to mark the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam-China diplomatic relations (January 18, 1950-2025).

Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong Cui Jianchun joined the celebration alongside representatives from the Hong Kong administration and staff from Vietnamese representative offices there. Read full story

- As Vietnam moves forward with reviving its Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, international cooperation is crucial for ensuring nuclear security and safety.

In 2025, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) at the Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen bilateral and multilateral collaboration with global partners to advance scientific research and practical applications in atomic energy. Read full story

- VinFast on February 13 introduced its VF 3 mini-SUV at the Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2025, along with a free charging policy for EV users at VinFast-operated V-GREEN stations across Indonesia.

The VF 3 is priced at 227.65 million IDR (over 13,900 USD), excluding battery. VinFast is also offering an incentive programme of 7.85 million IDR in cash for the first 1,000 buyers. Deliveries will begin in April 2025. Read full story

- Ship M/V MSC BEIRA IV, operated by the world's largest shipping line MSC, arrived at Phuoc An Port in Nhon Trach district, southern Dong Nai province, on February 13, marking the first vessel arrival at this seaport.

The vessel carried over 1,000 containers of apparel, fashion, and dyed fabrics. Read full story

- A large number of cultural festivals took place across Vietnam on February 12, the first full moon in the Year of the Snake, celebrating patriotism, fostering community spirit, and promoting local tourism.

Thousands of residents and tourists gathered beneath a 300-year-old banyan tree in Lao Cai city, the northern province of Lao Cai, to witness the opening of the 2025 Thuong Temple Festival, an annual event held on the first full moon of the year. Read full story

- Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang province has been named among the five fastest-growing destinations in Southeast Asia, according to world-leading travel news source Travel Off Path.

According to the website, from its jungle-traversed hinterland, crisscrossed with nature trails, to Duong Dong, a large town hosting a lively night market, to the Disney-style VinWonders, an amusement park featuring princess castles and thrilling theme rides, the island provides guaranteed fun for all travellers. Read full story./.

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PM Pham Minh Chinh (L) speaks at a working session with Viettel. (Photo: VNA)

Defence industry should become a spearhead of national industry: PM

Domestically developed defence products, particularly strategic ones, have been laying the foundation for a strong, independent, and modern defence industry with dual-use applications. The sector should become a spearhead of the nation’s overall industry, PM Chinh stated.

Nguyen Van Thao, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Head of the Vietnam Mission to the European Union. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam seeks stronger green finance cooperation with Luxembourg

The trip aims to study Luxembourg’s experience in developing an international financial centre and to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation with the local government, financial institutions, investment funds, and banks. These discussions are expected to contribute to Vietnam’s plans to establish international and regional financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang (R) and Prof. Young-Sup Joo (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK discuss tech-driven growth strategies

Thang, who is also Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, highlighted Joo’s expertise in economic development, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors, noting their relevance to Vietnam’s current tech-focused transformation.

NA Standing Committee Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

NA Standing Committee concludes 43rd session

In his closing remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man announced that the committee reached broad consensus on seven draft laws, paving the way for the NA’s ninth session in early May.

Party General Secretary To Lam (second, left) and his spouse, along with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and his spouse, participate in a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Vietnam’s 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief’s visits reflect shared commitment to ASEAN’s future aspirations

In their talks and meetings, the Vietnamese Party chief and leaders of Indonesia, Singapore, and the ASEAN Secretariat agreed to strengthen coordination at regional and global forums, and work closely with the bloc's member states to step up cooperation towards the successful building of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Participants at the ceremony commemorate 64 naval officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives on Gac Ma (Johnson South) Reef, part of Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly), to defend the nation's sovereignty over seas and islands 37 years ago. (Photo: VNA)

Ceremony held to commemorate 64 fallen naval officers, soldiers in Gac Ma battle

On March 14, 1988, engineering soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Navy stood resolutely on Gac Ma with a unwavering commitment to protecting the national flag amid the vast sea. They faced death head-on, yet refused to retreat or surrender, creating an immortal circle of pride in the East Sea. The 64 soldiers, including nine from Da Nang and one from Quang Nam, laid down their lives.

Beni Sukadis, Senior Researcher at the Jakarta-based Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)

Party chief’s state visit brings tangible benefits to Vietnam, Indonesia: scholar

Strengthening ties with Indonesia helps Vietnam gain better access to a vast market, increase trade opportunities, and enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation, according to Beni Sukadis, Senior Researcher at the Jakarta-based Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam (second from right) chairs a roundtable on education cooperation in South Australia. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam seeks stronger ties with Australia’s state

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam commended South Australia’s role in fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in science and technology, innovation, information technology, and education.

Vietnamese Ambassador - Designate Nguyen Van Hai (R) and Speaker of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna (Photo: VNA)

Parliamentary diplomacy helps consolidate Vietnam – Mexico friendship

The robust relationship between Vietnam and Mexico has expanded across multiple areas, from politics and economy to cultural diplomacy and been reflected through mutual support at international forums like the UN and the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation, and multilateral parliamentary platforms.

Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Van Nghi (L) and Vice President of the Brazilian Senate Eduardo Gomes in Brasília on March 12 (Photo: VNA)

Brazil appreciates growing partnership with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi highlighted Brazil as Vietnam’s largest partner in Latin America. Vietnam currently imports soybeans, corn, and cotton from the country while exporting electronics, tires, clothing, and footwear.

An overview of the first meeting of the steering committee for restructuring, re-organising administrative units and developing a two-level local administration model on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

Steering committee for re-organising administrative units convenes first meeting

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh provided further details on the Government’s proposal, which involves transferring about one-third of the responsibilities currently handled by district-lev administrations to provincial authorities, while decentralising the remaining two-thirds to the commune-level administrations.