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.

signing-mou.jpg
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.

vietnamese-cambodians-1.jpg
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."

hc7.jpg
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

VNA
#afternoon briefing
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 26

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 26

The talks between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his visiting Singaporean counterpart Lawrence Wong, Vietnamese airlines' ban of power banks on their flights, and Vietnam's emphatic victory over Laos at their 2027 Asian Cup qualifying match are among news highlights on March 26.

See more

Delegates attend the 5th meeting of the ASEAN–UK Joint Cooperation Committee. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam co-chairs 5th ASEAN–UK joint cooperation committee meeting

Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of Vietnam’s Mission to ASEAN, affirmed that Vietnam will work closely with ASEAN member states to achieve the objectives set for the fifth anniversary year. These include developing a substantive new ASEAN–UK Plan of Action for 2027–2031 and finalising the ASEAN–UK Joint Declaration on cooperation within the framework of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meets with 20 Ambassadors and Chargé d'affaires of the European Union (EU) and EU member states in Hanoi on March 5. (Photo: VNA)

PM receives EU Ambassadors, Chargé d'affaires in Vietnam

PM Chinh affirmed that the EU and its member states are top priority partners in Vietnam's foreign policy, and the establishment of a new framework reflects the increasingly high level of political trust and creates momentum for expanding cooperation in all fields.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (right) and Russian Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov at their meeting on March 5. (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister calls for stronger Vietnam–Russia cooperation in emergency response

At a reception in Hanoi on March 5 for Russian Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested that Russia step up technology transfer and production cooperation for specialised vehicles and technical equipment, organise joint exercises, and continue supporting Vietnam in personnel training in the field.

Crew members aboard a vessel on duty in Con Dao special zone cast their ballots (Photo: VNA)

Early voting completed in Con Dao special zone

After more than a week carrying out its assignment, Fisheries Surveillance Vessel 260 successfully organised early voting for voters aboard 13 vessels operating offshore under the arrangement of the Ho Chi Minh City Election Committee.

Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defence General Nguyen Tan Cuong receives Russian Minister of Civil Defence, Emergencies and Disaster Relief Aleksandr Kurenkov. (Photo: People's Army Newspaper)

Vietnam, Russia step up cooperation in civil defence, emergency response

Looking ahead, the Vietnamese side expressed its wish that the two sides would continue to promote cooperation, focusing on the exchange of delegations at all levels, training programmes, sharing of experience in civil defence, disaster prevention and emergency management, and exploring search and rescue equipment.

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

Measures underway to ensure Vietnam’s energy security: Spokesperson

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued recommendations to minimise the impact of the conflict in the region. Export–import industry associations were requested to closely monitor developments and maintain regular exchanges with relevant authorities to provide updated information for their members,

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong (centre) in the phone talks with Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim on March 5. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Vietnamese, Philippine diplomats hold phone talks

They agreed to continue strengthening political trust, increasing exchanges of high-level and all-level delegations, and promoting bilateral cooperation mechanisms, while seeking breakthroughs in several priority areas, contributing to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A voter carefully learns about candidates before the Election Day. (Photo: VNA)

Voters proud to contribute directly to national milestone

The Thai Nguyen provincial People’s Committee has issued decisions to establish five election boards for deputies to the 16th NA in the province’s five constituencies, along with 29 others for deputies to the provincial People’s Council for the 2026–2031 tenure across 29 constituencies.

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 5

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 5

The 24th meeting of the State Steering Committee for national key transport projects, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man's inspection of preparations for the general election, and Vietnamese firms' moves to adapt to the escalating Middle East conflict are among news highlights on March 5.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man conducts an on-site inspection at constituency No. 4, polling station No. 17 in Tan Trieu ward, Dong Nai province. (Photo: VNA)

Dong Nai must not allow any mistakes in election work: top legislator

All candidates for the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels must engage with voters seriously, either in person or online, in order to understand public concerns and aspirations, rather than conducting such activities superficially, said NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

A billboard on the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Vietnam stays vigilant to indirect incitement

The surge of baseless rumors and fake news ahead of March 15 reflects deliberate attempts by hostile actors to sow confusion, erode public interest in citizens’ electoral rights and obligations, and cast Election Day in a negative light.