☕ Afternoon briefing on June 17

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on June 17

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

- The implementation of two-tier local administration model will not negatively impact the business environment and foreign investment attraction policies of Vietnam, heard an international press conference in Hanoi on June 17.

Jointly held by the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation, the the Party Central Committee's Organisation Commission, the National Assembly Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event focused on issues related to amendments to certain articles of the 2013 Constitution, and the implementation of the two-tier local administration model starting July 1, 2025. Read full story

- The 15th National Assembly (NA) voted to pass a resolution on value-added tax (VAT) reduction, and a law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Enterprises on June 17 morning, part of its ongoing 9th session.

The legislature adopted the resolution on VAT reduction with 452 deputies present voting in favour, accounting for 94.56% of the total. Meanwhile, 455 lawmakers, or 95.19% of the deputies present at the plenum, voted in favour the law amending and supplementing a number of articles of the Law on Enterprises. Read full story

- The Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation is committed to supporting the continued development of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), enabling it to fulfil its mission entrusted by the Party and State and maintain its role as the nation’s key news agency amid rapid digital transformation and global integration.

Vice Chairman of the commission Lai Xuan Mon made the remark during his visit to the VNA on June 17 to mark the 100th anniversary of Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025). Read full story

- Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh has signed a decision to establish the Da Nang Free Trade Zone (FTZ), which will be connected to main infrastructure facilities, opening up new development opportunities for the central coastal city.

According to the decision, the zone will cover 1,881 ha, comprising functional areas for production, logistics, trade and services, digital technology industry, information technology, and innovation. Read full story

- National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has announced the upcoming launch of the first-ever direct air route between Vietnam and Denmark, linking Ho Chi Minh City with the Danish capital, Copenhagen, starting from December 15.

The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Read full story

- An event was held in Paris, France, on June 16 to promote the historical, cultural, and spiritual significance of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac complex.

The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July. Read full story

- A contract was signed on June 16 for the construction of a multi-purpose hall at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site in the Thai northeastern province of Udon Thani, part of the site expansion project to honour the legacy of Vietnam’s revered leader.

The 22 million THB (680,000 USD) hall construction is slated for completion within three years, just in time for the 2028 centennial of President Ho Chi Minh’s arrival in Thailand. Read full story./.

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Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the 12th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee in Hanoi on July 18. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief orders setting general goals, strategic breakthroughs in 2025-2030 term

In his opening speech, the Party chief highlighted the significance of the event, saying that the convening of the conference nearly three months earlier than the schedule demonstrates the proactive, urgent, and highly responsible spirit of the entire Party in comprehensively and thoroughly preparing the contents to be presented at the 14th National Party Congress.

Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA)

National Committee for APEC 2027 established

The National Committee for APEC 2027 is tasked with assisting the PM in considering, directing, and coordinating the performance of tasks related to the preparation for and organisation of APEC conferences and related activities in 2027.

The 12th plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee opened in Hanoi on the morning of July 18 (Photo: VNA)

Party Central Committee convenes 12th plenum

This plenum will focus discussions on three major groups of issues - preparations for the 14th National Party Congress; the development of a political and legal foundation for continued reform in the coming years; and personnel work.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang hold talks with Dr Mansour Ali Saeed Bajash, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Yemen, in Hanoi on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Yemen seek to bolster bilateral relations

The two sides agreed on priority areas for future cooperation, including increased delegation exchanges, information sharing, and trade promotion, with a view to raising two-way trade above the current 50 million USD. They also discussed collaboration in the Halal industry.

☀️ Morning digest on July 18

☀️ Morning digest on July 18

PM Pham Minh Chinh's reception for Global Head of Equity and Multi Asset of FTSE Russell Gerald Toledano, the third meeting of the Vietnam – Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Committee on Economic – Trade and Scientific – Technical Cooperation, and the Foreign Ministry's regular press conference are among news highlights on July 17 evening.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (sixth from left), President of the State Audit Organisation of Laos Viengthavisone Thephachanh (seventh from left), and officials of the two countries at the reception on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman backs stronger audit ties with Laos

The top legislator urged the SAV and SAO to advance their 2025-2028 medium-term cooperation plan and the 2021-2030 strategy, asking for more exchanges of delegations and expertise, particularly in digital transformation and staff training.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

Maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully: Spokesperson

The Foreign Ministry spokeperson was responding to a reporter's question regarding July 12, 2025, which marked the 9th anniversary of the ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in the East Sea arbitration case between the Philippines and China under Annex VII of UNCLOS.

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Azerbaijan identify 17 potential cooperation areas

The two sides agreed to enhance information sharing and policy consultation at all levels – from technical experts to government leaders – to promptly address issues arising during the course of cooperation, and to seek flexible solutions to balance and raise bilateral trade.

Soldiers of Vietnam's Armour - Tank Arms in a rehearsal on July 17 in preparation for the National Day parade (Photo: VNA)

National Day celebration to honour assistance of international friends: Spokeswoman

Vietnam has invited the defence ministers of Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, Cuba, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan to attend the celebration of the 80th National Day anniversary on September 2; and five countries – Russia, China, Laos, Cambodia, and Belarus – to send forces to participate in the parade at the National Day celebration.

Do Duc Duy, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Government Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and Agriculture and Environment Minister, violated Party regulations and State laws in performing assigned duties during his tenure as Deputy Secretary of the Yen Bai provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Party Civil Affairs Board, and Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Bai province (Photo: VNA)

Politburo, Secretariat discipline Party members for wrongdoings

The Party Central Committee’s Politburo and Secretariat on July 17 considered and issued disciplinary measures against two incumbent and former officials for serious violations of the Party's regulations and the State's laws while performing their duties.

The talks between officials of Lang Son province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on July 17 (Photo: VNA)

Lang Son, China’s Guangxi enhance cooperation in key sectors

The two sides discussed ways to accelerate joint projects and agreements and expand the list of Vietnam’s exports to China. They also proposed boosting cooperation in vocational training, especially in high-tech industries and sustainable agriculture, to meet the development needs of both sides.