☕ Afternoon briefing on January 15

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on January 15

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 emphasised the need for more efforts to place Vietnam among the top three Southeast Asian countries for digital technology research and development by 2030, and form at least five major digital technology enterprises capable of competing internationally.

vna-potal-tong-bi-thu-du-dien-dan-quoc-gia-phat-trien-doanh-nghiep-cong-nghe-so-viet-nam-lan-thu-vi-7808192.jpg
Party General Secretary To Lam addresses the forum (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the sixth annual national forum on the development of Vietnamese digital technology enterprises held by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) in Hanoi on January 15, the Party chief underlined that in the context of globalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital technology has become a key driving force for socio-economic development. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed Hanoi on January 15 afternoon for official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic, attendance at the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos and bilateral meetings in Switzerland.

pm-chinh-and-his-spouse.jpg
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse Le Thi Bich Tran depart Hanoi on January 15 afternoon for official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic, attendance at the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos and bilateral meetings in Switzerland. (Photo: VNA)

The eight-day trip is made at the invitations of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and WEF Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab. Read full story

- Vietnam commits to continuing to improve the investment environment and streamline administrative procedures, creating the most favourable conditions for Russian enterprises to develop their operations in the country, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said on January 15.

Joining his Russian counterpart Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin at a high-level business dialogue in Hanoi, PM Chinh affirmed that the Vietnam - Russia comprehensive strategic partnership has been built on their historical backgrounds, the two Governments’ support, and business communities’ efforts over the past 75 years. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin attended an art programme performed by the Vietnam National Academy of Music to celebrate the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in Hanoi on January 15.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with relevant agencies, featured Vietnamese artists who used to study at prestigious music schools in Russia. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visits to Poland and the Czech Republic, attendance in the 55th World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, and bilateral meetings in Switzerland from January 16 to 23 will deepen Vietnam's ties with key partners, enhance its stature and responsibile contributions, and demonstrate its aspirations for national development while leveraging global resources for the country’s development goals, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang.

In a press interview ahead of the trip, Deputy Minister Hang highlighted its significance, emphasising that it reaffirms Vietnam’s commitment to an independent, self-reliant foreign policy, multilateralism, and diversification, alongside proactive and comprehensive international integration. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Poland from January 16-18 at the invitation of his Polish counterpart Donald Tusk is expected to help bolster the traditional friendship and all-round cooperation between Vietnam and the European country, making it deeper and more effective.

The visit takes place amid the Vietnam - Poland relations growing strongly, and the two sides are celebrating their 75-year diplomatic ties. Read full story

- In 2024, the cooperation between Vietnam and Morocco recorded significant progress marked by a series of official visits aimed at enhancing friendship and collaboration in various fields, Moroccan Ambassador to Vietnam Jamale Chouaibi said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

Politically, many high-level visits by the two countries’ officials were conducted last year, notably the visit to Morocco by Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and head of the committee's Commission for Information and Education Nguyen Trong Nghia from May 29 – June 3, as well as the visit by Prof. Dr Ta Ngoc Tan, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Central Theory Council of Vietnam in October. These visits not only strengthened bilateral relations but also highlighted the common interests of both countries. Read full story

- Vietnamese scientists have discovered a new snail species in Son Doong Cave within the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in the central province of Quang Binh, and named it “Oc non Son Doong” (Son Doong cone snail).

loai-oc-moi-15012025-02.jpg
Vietnamese scientists have discovered a new snail species in Son Doong Cave (Photo: VNA)

This land snail species, scientifically called Calybium plicatus sp. nov., belongs to the Calybium genus, the Helicinidae family, the Cycloneritida order, and the Gastropoda class, within the Animalia kingdom./. Read full story

VNA

See more

At the February 14 meeting between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang and a delegation of senior editors from leading Australian news agencies. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

Australian senior news editors welcomed in Hanoi

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that Vietnam views Australia as a key strategic partner in the region and noted that the recent upgrade of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in March 2024 has opened numerous cooperation opportunities, not only in traditional sectors but also in emerging fields.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks in a group discussion as part of the National Assembly’s 9th extraordinary session on February 15 morning. (Photo: VNA)

Special mechanisms needed for sci-tech development, digital transformation: PM

In order to immediately implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, the Government has submitted a draft resolution on piloting several policies to remove obstacles in science, technology, and innovation activities, the PM noted.

At the reception (Photo: VNA)

PM lauds SK Group’s vision for mutual growth in Vietnam

As Vietnam is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs regarding institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, he fully endorsed the SK Group’s proposals and encouraged the group to continue its consultation, support, and investment in such critical sectors as artificial intelligence (AI) research and development, data centres, transportation, logistics and energy infrastructure, green and clean agriculture, and workforce training.

The National Assembly holds group discussions during the extraordinary session on February 14. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam resolute in achieving 8% growth target

The ambitious growth target of at least 8% underscores the government’s strong commitment to socio-economic development during the 2021-2025 period and lays the foundation for long-term prosperity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son holds talks with Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane in Hanoi on February 14. (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM, FM holds talks with Lao Foreign Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane promised to effectively carry out the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement and collaborate on building a cooperation framework for the next phase.

Two collectives and six individuals from the VIFA are presented certificates of merit from the Chairperson of the HCM City People's Committee for their outstanding achievements in people-to-people diplomacy. (Photo: VNA)

India’s Republic Day celebrated in HCM City

Vietnam - India relations have continuously obtained significant achievements across various fields since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972, the strategic partnership in 2007, and the comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016.