☕ 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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All members of the NA Standing Committee present at the session vote in favour of resolutions on administrative unit standards and urban classification. (Photo: VNA)

Resolutions on urban classification and administrative unit standards approved

The draft resolution streamlines urban classification around three key areas - role and socio-economic conditions, urbanisation level, and infrastructure development. It also integrates green, smart, climate-resilient, and digital transformation requirements, while promoting decentralisation in urban management.

Prime Minister Pham Minh speaks at the working session. (Photo: VNA)

PM requests development of modern, hi-tech, dual-use defence industry

In 2026, the entire military must focus on building a revolutionary, regular, elite, and modern force; strictly implementing the Party Central Committee’s directives on Party building and rectification; flexibly, substantively, and effectively conducting defence diplomacy; and promoting self-reliance and resilience in the defence industry, logistics, and technical operations.

☕ Afternoon briefing on December 24

☕ Afternoon briefing on December 24

Outstanding domestic and international events of 2025 selected by the VNA, the Christmas atmosphere in Vietnam, and a seminar aimed at exploring cooperation opportunities between Vietnam and Russia in the digital era are among news highlights on December 24.

The closing of the 13th Party Central Committee's 15th plenum on December 23 (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Party Congress personnel: No room for rumours!

As Vietnam stands on the threshold of a promising new development phase brimming with opportunities and high expectations, staying alert to fake news, rumours, and baseless accusations is not merely a voice of rationality but a civic duty towards the nation’s future.

☀️ Morning digest on December 24

☀️ Morning digest on December 24

The PM's demand for coordinated efforts to repair infrastructure and restore livelihoods following storms and floods in the central region; the establishment of the Central Steering Committee for People’s Air Defence; and the phone talks between the Vietnamese and French foreign ministers are among news highlights on December 23 evening.

Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Sen. Lieut. Gen Phung Sy Tan presents a souvenir to Gen. Phorn Nara, Secretary General of the National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical, Nuclear, Biological and Radiological Weapons of Cambodia (CBRNE) in Hanoi on December 23 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Military official hosts Cambodian chemical weapons authority chief

The success of the second Vietnam - Cambodia border defence friendship exchange in November has contributed to the practical and effective cooperation among the two countries’ armies, local authorities, and border communities, for a borderline of peace, friendship, stability, cooperation, and development.

Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung at the phone talks with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot on December 23 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, French foreign ministers hold phone talks

France wishes to increase cooperation with Vietnam in such strategic sectors as energy, transport, and aerospace, while continuing to work closely with Vietnam to promote multilateralism and tackle global challenges, said French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.

Party General Secretary To Lam delivers remarks at the closing session of the 15th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee in Hanoi on December 23 (Photo: VNA)

Announcement on 15th plenum of 13th Party Central Committee

The 15th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee was held in Hanoi from December 22 to 23. The Party Central Committee agreed to adopt the report of the 13th Party Central Committee to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress on personnel for the 14th Party Central Committee.

An overview of the closing session of the 15th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee on the morning of December 23. (Photo: VNA)

Party Central Committee’s 15th plenum wraps up

The implementation of the 1991 Party Platform and its revised and supplemented version in 2011 has reaffirmed the correctness, creativity, and appropriateness of the Party’s "Doi moi" (renewal) path, as well as the inevitability of Vietnam’s socialist-oriented development, which is in line with national realities and global trends, said the Party leader.

The Vesak Day 2025 Celebration in Hue city (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: “Freedom of Religion” not subject to politicisation

It is not difficult to recognise the report’s outdated tone, built on unsubstantiated arguments, entrenched prejudice, and imposed interpretations regarding the freedom of religion in Vietnam. This is also not the first time the organisation’s conclusions have exposed clear shortcomings in objectivity and methodology, raising questions about political motivations behind what is presented as a human rights assessment.