Politics

☕ Afternoon briefing on January 21

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on August 19
☕ Afternoon briefing on August 19

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

- Member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong on January 21 delivered a presentation at the 14th National Party Congress, focusing on promoting external relations and international integration in service of the country’s strategic objectives.

Expressing strong agreement with the documents submitted by the Party Central Committee to the congress, Cuong emphasised that looking back on Vietnam’s revolutionary journey, it is clear that under the Party’s leadership, foreign affairs and international integration have always played an important role and made significant contributions. Read full story

- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored the comprehensive and consistent leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), especially in protecting the people’s interests.

During a January 20 press conference reviewing the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic activities in 2025, Lavrov, responding to a question from a Vietnam News Agency (VNA) correspondent about the ongoing 14th National Congress of the CPV, emphasised that the CPV is the force that decisively determines all of Vietnam’s development orientations. Read full story

- As Vietnam targets over 10% GDP growth and enters a new development phase following the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), the US–ASEAN Business Council (USABC), pledges long-term support for investment, trade, and innovation, helping the country build a stronger, more prosperous future, Ambassador Brian McFeeters, USABC President and CEO, has stated.

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Ambassador Brian McFeeters, USABC President and CEO (Photo: VNA)

In a recent interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s correspondent in Washington D.C. on the occasion of the 14th National Party Congress, McFeeters said the event represents a pivotal moment for Vietnam’s long-term development. Read full story

- Sun PhuQuoc Airways officially opened ticket sales for its new direct route connecting Phu Quoc with Taipei (Taiwan, China) on January 21.

A series of attractive promotional offers have been introduced, with fares starting from just 1.5 million VND (57.1 USD). Read full story

- Vietnamese swimmers brought home four additional gold medals on January 21 at the ongoing 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand.

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Nguyen Van Hanh secures gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB11 (Photo: VNA)

After a gold grabbed by Vo Huynh Anh Khoa in the men’s 400m freestyle S8 event, Nguyen Van Hanh secured gold in the men’s 100m breaststroke SB11. Clocking 1 minutes 22.74 seconds, Hanh not only took the first place but also showcased remarkable composure and consistency throughout the race. Read full story

- Vietnam got off to a promising start at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, as its swimmers claimed the delegation’s first medals, including an early gold, on the opening day of official competition on January 21.

Swimming star Vo Huynh Anh Khoa delivered a breakthrough by winning the Vietnamese delegation’s first gold medal in the men’s 400m freestyle S8 final. Khoa finished first with an impressive time of 5 minutes 26.16 seconds, leaving his rivals well behind thanks to a consistent pace and a powerful finish in the last metres. Read full story

- As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches with a nine-day holiday, tourism demand is becoming increasingly vibrant, with a wide range of domestic and international tours being rolled out.

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Visitors at the newly launched Pho Museum in Ben Thanh ward, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

Travel companies are accelerating preparations in terms of products, transportation, and human resources to meet the growing demand for spring travel and Tet cultural experiences of both domestic and foreign visitors. Read full story

- Despite unprecedented challenges from global markets and the growing impacts of climate change, 2025 marked a historic milestone for Vietnam’s wood industry as export turnover of timber and wood products surpassed 17 billion USD for the first time.

According to data from Vietnam Customs, exports of timber and wood products reached nearly 1.7 billion USD in December 2025 alone, bringing total export value for the year to 17.2 billion USD – an increase of nearly 6% compared with 2024./. Read full story

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