Politics

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 17

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 17

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

- Party General Secretary To Lam on March 17 called for extra efforts to supplement and finalise the draft Socio-economic Report of the 14th National Party Congress, ensuring that it truly serves as a handbook for action to realise the country’s goals set for 2030 and 2045.

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At the working session between Party General Secretary To Lam and the Socio-economic Subcommittee of the 14th National Party Congress. (Photo: VNA)

Working with the Socio-economic Subcommittee of the 14th National Party Congress, which is headed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the Party chief said he basically agreed with the draft report and highly appreciated the ideas of the subcommittee’s members. Read full story

- State President Luong Cuong hosted separate receptions in Hanoi on March 17 for the Ambassadors of Greece, Colombia, Panama, and six other non-resident ambassadors who came to present their credentials to begin their duties in Vietnam.

Welcoming Greek Ambassador Antonios Papakostas, President Cuong expressed his belief that the diplomat will act as a bridge contributing positively to further strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries. Read full story

- National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man received a delegation of NA deputies across various tenures from the Mekong Delta province of Soc Trang on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the first general election of Vietnam (January 6, 1946 - 2026).

The NA leader extended his warmest greetings and best wishes for good health to the deputies from Soc Trang, and hailed outstanding achievements that the province has made so far. Read full story

- Vietnam’s electronic tax system has resumed full operations starting at 8am on March 17, after a temporary suspension for system upgrades and data restructuring, the tax authority announced.

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The tax authority has stated that all systems are now running smoothly, ensuring seamless tax transactions for individuals, businesses and foreign entities. (Photo: baodautu.vn)

The suspension, which lasted from 5pm on March 12 until 8am on March 17, was necessary to enhance tax management and implement structural changes. Read full story

- Domestic flights of the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and the new-generation carrier Vietjet Air will officially operate from Terminal 3 of Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport from May 5.

This passenger terminal will experience a trial operation on the Tan Son Nhat - Van Don - Tan Son Nhat (SGN-VDO-SGN) route with these two airlines at 4am on April 24, and on the Tan Son Nhat - Noi Bai - Tan Son Nhat (SGN-HAN-SGN) route at 4am on April 28. Read full story

- The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has been tasked with collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the completion of electronic identification accounts for organizations, enabling all enterprises to carry out administrative procedures electronically starting July 1, 2025.

According to a recently signed directive on the acceleration of Project 06, which focuses on developing resident data, electronic identification, and authentication applications to support national digital transformation from 2022 to 2025, with a vision extending to 2030, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has directed the MPS to work alongside ministries and sectors to finalise the development of specialised databases aimed at enhancing the quality of online public services. Read full story

- Vietnam's import-export value reached 1.05 billion USD, with over 20,300 declarations processed on March 15, the first day of implementing the newly restructured customs model, according to the Department of Customs.

The introduction of a new IT system within the revamped organisational structure ensured seamless processing of goods, vehicles, and transit shipments, enabling swift customs clearance without any delays. Read full story

- Riders participating in the 15th Binh Duong International Women’s Cycling Tournament – Biwase Cup 2025 completed stage 6 on March 17, covering the 115km route from La Gi township in Binh Thuan province to Vung Tau city in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

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Nguyen Thi That secures a second straight win in the Binh Duong int’l women’s cycling cup. (Photo: VNA)

This year’s race has a total length of 1,158km and features 24 domestic and international teams. With key jerseys including yellow, green, polka dot, and white at stake, the tournament presents significant challenges, including eight mountain passes such as Ru Ri, Ro Tuong, Luong Son, Cu Hin, and Vinh Hy. Beyond a platform for showcasing talent, the event fosters cultural exchange and international cooperation. Read full story

- Vietnamese billiards duo Tran Quyet Chien and Bao Phuong Vinh secured the second position at the 2025 World Championship Three-Cushion for National Teams after a competitive final against the Netherlands in Viersen, Germany, on March 16.

In the first match, Chien faced off against world no 1 Dick Jaspers, a familiar opponent in recent years. Jaspers started with a nine-point series on his first turn, while Chien struggled to find his rhythm and trailed 9-20 by halftime. Read full story

- The recently approved master planning scheme for Mui Ne National Tourist Area in south central Binh Thuan province is set to transform it into an internationally recognised tourism hub, positioning it as a top destination in the Asia-Pacific by 2050.

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A corner of Mui Ne beach (Photo: VNA)

The plan envisions developing Mui Ne into a global tourism centre, fueling economic growth and boosting the competitiveness of tourism in both Binh Thuan province and Vietnam. The area, spanning 14,760 ha, includes key locations in Phan Thiet city, Bac Binh district, and Tuy Phong district./. Read full story

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