☕ Afternoon briefing on July 16

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on July 16

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

- Initiatives put forward by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) are a driving force for the Asia - Pacific region’s sustainable development, State President Luong Cuong said while addressing the council’s third meeting (ABAC III) and relevant events in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 16.

President Cuong emphasised that throughout its 36-year journey of formation and development, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has affirmed its role as a leading economic cooperation mechanism in the region, and a driving force for growth and integration, helping to ensure peace, stability, connectivity, and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific. Read full story

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the national online conference on July 16. (Photo: VNA)


- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a nationwide online conference on July 16, during which he called for determination as well as bold and unified actions to ensure the Party and National Assembly’s economic growth targets for 2025.

At the event, connecting online with 34 cities and provinces and more than 3,000 wards, communes, and special economic zones across the country, the Government leader stressed that the meeting aimed to review and evaluate the socio-economic performance in the first half of the year, and outline key tasks and solutions for achieving the goal of at least 8% economic growth as directed by the Party, State, National Assembly, and Government. Read full story

- Vietnam’s rollout of two-tier local administration model and restructuring of provincial administrative units is a sound policy that conforms to global trends. Dr. Luong Tuan Anh from the UK’s De Montfort University told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident reporters in London.

Anh expressed his support for this policy, asserting that it is a necessary reform for Vietnam to capitalise on domestic and international opportunities for growth. Vietnam's “Doi Moi” (renewal) policy over the past four decades needs updates in a rapidly changing world with geopolitical instabilities, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Read full story

- Vietnam has claimed the top spot on Emirates’ list of most-booked destinations for the summer 2025 travel season, driven by surging demand and the launch of the airline’s new Dubai–Da Nang route.

In its latest booking data, Emirates — one of the world’s largest carriers — noted that while familiar destinations remain popular, there’s rising interest in places offering authentic culture and a sense of discovery. Vietnam stood out with bookings up 61% year-on-year, overtaking well-established destinations such as Japan and France. Read full story

- Hundreds of AI-powered cameras with advanced traffic management and enforcement capabilities are being deployed across Hanoi, aiming to replace traffic police on the streets by December 18.

Digital transformation represents a focal task for the local police to maintain public order and safety. Over the recent past, the force has invested big in digital infrastructure and platforms while prioritising data security. Read full story

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Hoa Yen Pagoda, part of the Yen Tu Historical Relic and Scenic Complex in Quang Ninh, was originally built during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) and has been restored multiple times throughout history. (Photo: VNA)


- UNESCO-recognised heritage sites open up opportunities for the development of Quang Ninh’s tourism, services, and culture, contributing to attracting high-quality visitors and creating potential for international cooperation in investment, research, education, and conservation, according to Director of the northern province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Viet Dung.

On July 12 (Paris time), at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Relics and Landscape Complex was recognised as a World Culture Heritage site, marking the second of its kind co-owned by Quang Ninh, after Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. Read full story

- Vietnam's industrial real estate market is undergoing significant transformation as global companies adjust their investment strategies in response to shifting supply chains, rising cost pressure, and heightened sustainability requirements.

The recent influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country’s industrial sector offers both a timely opportunity and a major test for Vietnam’s path toward sustainable development. Read full story

- As many as 37.3% of businesses expect improved performance in the third quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter, while 43.5% anticipate stable operations, a recent survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance has revealed.

The office’s quarterly survey for Q3 of 2025, which focused on manufacturing and processing firms, shows widespread optimism./. Read full story

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

NA Chairman chairs meeting on preparations for 16th NA’s first session

The 16th National Assembly’s first session will elect finalise key state leadership positions, including the State President, Prime Minister, NA Chairman, NA vice chairpersons, Deputy PMs, Cabinet members, members of the NA Standing Committee, head of the NA Council for Ethnic Affairs and heads of NA committees.

Vietnamese PM Pham Minh Chinh (standing, left) and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin (standing, right) witness the signing of the agreement between the two governments on cooperation in building a nuclear power plant on the territory of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

PM’s Russia visit yields substantive outcomes: Deputy FM

During Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Russia on March 22-25, Vietnam and Russia reached strong consensus on deepening political trust and mutual understanding, building on their long-standing traditional friendship.

Vietnamese mission staff and overseas Vietnamese in Australia visit Ship 016–Quang Trung (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese naval ship completes mission at Kakadu Exercise 2026

Ship 016–Quang Trung of Brigade 162 under Naval Region 4 departed Sydney Harbour on the morning of March 25 for home after successfully completing activities within the framework of the Exercise Kakadu Fleet Review 2026 marking the 125th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy and the multilateral naval exercise Kakadu 2026.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has wrapped up the official visit to Russia from March 22 to 25. (Photo: VNA)

PM arrives in Hanoi, concluding official visit to Russia

With the outcomes achieved and strong implementation efforts by both sides, the Vietnam – Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is expected to grow further, contributing to socio-economic development in each country as well as to peace, friendship and cooperation in the region and the world.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (left) meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on March 25. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Prime Minister meets Russian President in Moscow

President Putin said Vietnam remains a sincere friend and an important partner of Russia in the Asia-Pacific, stressing that Russia attaches importance to further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (Source: MoFA)

Vietnamese, Philippine foreign ministers hold phone talks

They agreed to further elevate cooperation across all areas, including politics, diplomacy, defence, security, economy, and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (July 12, 1976 – 2026).

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh (R) receives Chay Borin, Minister of Cult and Religion of Cambodia, in Hanoi on March 25 (Photo: VNA)

Deputy PM receives Cambodian Minister of Cult and Religion in Hanoi

Deputy PM Mai Van Chinh welcomed Cambodian Minister of Cult and Religion Chay Borin and his entourage on their working visit to Vietnam to implement the cooperation agreement between Vietnam’s Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and Cambodia’s Ministry of Cult and Religion for the 2026–2030 period.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam (R) and Thongly Sisoulith, member of the Lao Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Committee of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Youth Union at a photo exhibition held as part of the ceremony marking he 95th anniversary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union in Vientiane on March 25. (Photo: VNA)

95th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union marked in Laos

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam described Vietnamese and Lao youth as the “architects” of the future of bilateral ties and called on young Vietnamese in Laos to strengthen their political awareness, pioneer digital transformation and entrepreneurship, and act as ambassadors of friendship between the two countries' people.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu pays a New Year visit to the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cambodia foster friendship, solidarity

At a meeting on March 25 at the headquarters of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces High Command, Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu conveyed his best New Year wishes to General Vong Pisen and all officers and soldiers of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.