☕ 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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National Assembly President Tran Thanh Man leaves Hanoi on October 11 for an official visit to China. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly President departs for official visit to China

The visit aims to further implement the foreign policy set out at the 14th National Party Congress, enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between Vietnam’s National Assembly and the National People’s Congress of China, and reaffirm the pivotal role of parliamentary cooperation in the overall Vietnam-China comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

Officials pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the fourth ASEAN–China Justice Forum in Da Nang on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang hosts fourth ASEAN–China Justice Forum

The forum offers a venue for participants to share experience in handling cross-border criminal cases and civil and commercial disputes, as well as to explore ways for more effective cooperation in line with national laws and international treaties.

President of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man (right) and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Zhao Leji at the first session of the Cooperation Committee between the two legislative bodies in Hanoi on August 31, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Top legislator’s visit to step up Vietnam–China parliamentary ties

NA President Tran Thanh Man's visit is expected to mark further progress in cooperation between the two Parties and countries, as well as between their parliaments, helping to further develop the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and the Vietnam–China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung leaves Phnom Penh at noon October 10, concluding the wo-day official visit to Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

PM Le Minh Hung wraps up official visit to Cambodia

PM Le Minh Hung’s first official visit to Cambodia as head of the Vietnamese Government is an important diplomatic activity, demonstrating the high priority that the Party, State and Government of Vietnam attach to relations with Cambodia.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets with staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Cambodia on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

PM pledges continued support for Vietnamese community in Cambodia

Sharing the difficulties facing Vietnamese-origin people in Cambodia, PM Le Minh Hung said the Vietnamese Government will continue to urge Cambodia to provide favourable conditions for the community to stabilise their lives and secure sustainable livelihoods.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung meets with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh on October 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese PM pays courtesy visits to Cambodian King, Queen Mother

King Norodom Sihamoni voiced firm confidence that under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, headed by General Secretary and President To Lam, and through the dedicated efforts by the Vietnamese Government, National Assembly, and people, the country will continue to achieve even greater accomplishments in its national construction and development.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung pays tribute to late Cambodian King Norodom Sihanouk (Photo: VNA)

PM pays tribute to King Norodom Sihanouk, lays wreaths at Cambodian monuments

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung’s official visit to Cambodia on October 9-10, at the invitation of Prime Minister Hun Manet, marks a particularly significant diplomatic milestone. It underscores the consistent priorities of Vietnam’s foreign policy in the new term, including proactive engagement, strengthened political trust and a stronger focus on translating bilateral commitments into tangible outcomes.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (left) and CPP President and President of the Cambodian Senate Hun Sen ( Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister meets with Cambodian People's Party, Senate leader

To further advance bilateral ties in the new era, the two leaders agreed to continue making full use of existing cooperation mechanisms across all channels, including meetings between the two Parties, promote exchanges between young leaders and youth from both countries, and expand cooperation between their legislative, executive and judicial bodies, people’s organisations and localities.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung holds talks with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on October 9. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cambodia seek to bolster all-round ties

The two PMs expressed their satisfaction with the positive development of Vietnam-Cambodia relations in recent years. Political ties have continued to be consolidated, with political trust strengthened through regular high-level visits and contacts.