Politics

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 16

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 16


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

- The port city of Hai Phong must become a leading growth pole in northern Vietnam, serving as a hub for hi-tech industry, world-class logistics, and modern maritime economy, while also acting as a key gateway linking domestic and foreign markets, said Party General Secretary To Lam.

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Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

During a working session with the municipal Party Committee on March 16, General Secretary Lam urged the northern city to sustain high, long-term growth closely tied to modernisation, green transition, digitalisation, and better life quality. The city should further expand its dynamic business community and maintain its top national rankings in investment environment, administrative reform, and digital transformation. Read full story

- The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term concluded completely at 21:00 on March 15, with a voter turnout of 99.68%, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As of 23:23 the same day, official data from the National Election Council showed that 76,188,544 voters had cast their ballots, representing nearly all registered voters. Read full story

- Vietnam and China held the first ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue among their foreign affairs, defence and public security ministries, known as the “3+3 Dialogue,” in Hanoi on March 16.

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Vietnamese and Chinese ministers pose for a photo at the first ministerial-level Strategic Dialogue among their foreign affairs, defence and public security ministries. (Photo: VNA)

The meeting was co-chaired by Vietnam’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung, Minister of National Defence Phan Van Giang, and Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of National Defence Dong Jun, and Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong. Read full story

- The Government has issued Resolution No. 46/NQ-CP on the appraisal of the revised investment policy for the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power project.

Under the resolution, the Ministry of Finance will continue to lead the appraisal process, with the Minister of Finance serving as chairman of the appraisal council for the pre-feasibility study report of the project’s adjusted investment policy, as assigned by the Prime Minister in Notice No. 21/TB-VPCP dated January 11, 2026. Read full story

- Vietnam’s wood processing industry is stepping up efforts to enhance its export value by investing in technology, green production, and product design while diversifying markets to strengthen competitiveness in the global market.

According to Director of the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade Vu Ba Phu, the wood sector remains one of Vietnam’s key export industries in 2025, with export turnover of timber and wood products reaching about 17.2 billion USD. Read full story

- An incense offering ceremony was held on March 16 at the Son My Memorial Site in Tinh Khe commune, the central province of Quang Ngai, to mark the 58th anniversary of the massacre of 504 civilians in Son My (March 16, 1968–2026).

In her remarks, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Pham Thi Trung recalled the incident and affirmed the determination of local authorities and residents in building a prosperous homeland. Read full story

- A Vietnamese delegation, represented by the Que Huong (Homeland) Choir, participated in the 28th International Choral Festival of Paris, one of the world’s reputable festivals that bring together choirs from many countries.

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Que Huong (Homeland) Choir performs at the 28th International Choir Festival of Paris at Saint Roch Cathedral. (Photo: VNA)

The Que Huong Choir not only brought its distinctive musical colours to the event but also contributed to promoting Vietnamese culture to international friends. Read full story

- The Hanoi Tourism Festival 2026, highlighting green tourism and digital experiences wrapped up on March 15 at Thong Nhat Park after three days of activities.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Nguyen Tran Quang said the event created a vibrant platform to promote the capital’s distinctive cultural and tourism values. It also provided an opportunity for localities and travel businesses to introduce new tourism products and strengthen cooperation for sustainable development./. Read full story

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