Politics

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 27

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 27

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

- The UK Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on science, technology, and innovation cooperation during the opening session of UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week 2025 on March 27.

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The UK Consulate General and the Ho Chi Minh City Digital Transformation Centre sign a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the fields of science, technology and innovation. (Photo: VNA)

The agreement aims to establish a strong foundation for enhancing collaboration in science, technology, and innovation based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit. It also seeks to strengthen research and innovation capabilities at both the city and national levels, contributing to sustainable development. Read full story

- Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu conducted a field trip to the northwest of the host country from March 23 to 26, aiming to provide support for the Vietnamese-origin community there and promote cooperation with local authorities in various fields.

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Vietnamese Ambassador to Cambodia Nguyen Minh Vu presents gifts to Vietnamese-oigin people in Cambodia (Photo: VNA)

Vu visited Vietnamese-origin people living in Preah Vihear and Siem Reap provinces. He also met with Preah Vihear Deputy Governor Min Sitha and Siem Reap Deputy Governor Ngov Sengkak. Read full story

- The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance have announced an increase in retail fuel prices, effective from 3:00 pm on March 27.

Petrol and diesel prices have been raised, while fuel oil has seen a slight decrease. Read full story

- A Vietnam – India business meeting was held in New Delhi on March 26 to help Vietnamese enterprises enhance competitiveness and expand their presence in the Indian market, thereby contributing to bilateral trade and investment links.

Speaking at the event, Ranjeet Mehta, Secretary-General and CEO of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), highlighted the significant trade potential between Vietnamese and Indian businesses, particularly in agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics. He noted that the PHDCCI provides multi-sectoral platforms across India, helping to facilitate business exchanges between the two countries. Read full story

- In Vietnam, the public sector has a pivotal role to play in shaping and guiding the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which emerges as a key driver of innovation and sustainable development amidst the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Several central and local government agencies have begun applying AI to administrative management and public services, demonstrating the commitment to exploring the transformative potential of intelligent technologies. Read full story

- The Government greenlighted a programme to slash and simplify administrative procedures related to production and business activities for 2025 and 2026.

The programme aims to fundamentally transform administrative processes by decentralising decision-making and promoting the application of science technology and digital transformation. At its core, the initiative seeks to ensure that administrative procedures are handled at the most local level possible, reducing bureaucratic layers. Read full story

- Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed a decision granting approval for a controlled pilot programme to deploy telecommunications services using low Earth orbit satellite technology, which is set to be carried out by the US’s Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX).

This pilot programme will not impose any restrictions on foreign investors regarding ownership percentages or capital contributions, according to recently-signed Decision No. 659/QD-TTg. Read full story

- The Vietnam Global Manufacturing Forum 2025 (VGMF 2025) opened in Hanoi on March 26, gathering industry leaders, experts, and around 800 enterprises in smart manufacturing and high-tech sectors.

Organised by Sunrise Store Technology Company in partnership with the Vietnam Association of Foreign Investment Enterprises (VAFIE) and Camel Exhibition and Trade Promotion Company, the two-day event fosters innovation, cooperation, and sustainable growth in Vietnam’s manufacturing sector. Read full story

- With complementary agricultural products, agricultural trade between Vietnam and the US is expected to grow further, heard a working session between Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy and US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper in Hanoi on March 26.

Ambassador Knapper affirmed US support for Vietnam’s sustainable development, particularly in climate change response, natural resource management, and fisheries. Read full story

- Following the phenomenal success of the "Ha Giang Passport," the Lao Cai Tourism Association has teamed up with a dynamic group of young travel bloggers to unveil the exciting new "Sa Pa Passport."

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The peak of Mount Fansipan - "Roof of Indochina" (Photo: Sun Group)

This innovative travel keepsake has rapidly captured the hearts of adventurers and emerged as a must-have item for wanderers seeking memorable experiences./.Read full story

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