☕ Afternoon briefing on March 27

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

Thursday, March 27, 2025 16:52

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.

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 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."

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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The Vietnamese rescue team arrives in Yangon airport in Myanmar on March 30 afternoon (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s rescue forces arrive in Myanmar for earthquake relief mission

30/03/2025 20:29

Starting from March 31, the Vietnamese forces will commence search and rescue operations in the affected areas, while relief supplies will be distributed to communities in need.

The Ministry of Public Security has deployed a 26-member emergency response team to Myanmar to assist the country in search and rescue efforts (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam sends 26 police officers to Myanmar for earthquake relief efforts

30/03/2025 18:12

A 26-member emergency response team from the Ministry of Public Security led by Colonel Nguyen Minh Khuong, Deputy Director of the Police Department of Fire Fighting, Fire Prevention and Rescue (C07) will arrive in Myanmar on March 30 night for earthquake relief efforts.

At the working session between Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh and the Charhar Institute (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China expand research collaboration

30/03/2025 17:56

Vietnam is ready to expand and enhance mutually beneficial collaboration, including with China, contributing to peace, cooperation, and sustainable development in the region and the world, said Vietnamese Ambassador to China Pham Thanh Binh.

PM chairs meeting to seek solutions to stalled projects

30/03/2025 17:33

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered dealing with all projects with problems within 2025. Ministries and localities reported that about 1,500 projects across the country are currently facing difficulties, spanning about 20 different issue groups.

Vietnamese Ambassador Duong Hai Hung (far right) presents a book to Cypriot Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou during the book donation ceremony at the Cyprus Library in the capital Nicosia, on March 27. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cyprus mark 50 years of diplomatic ties with cultural events

30/03/2025 16:33

Vietnamese diplomatic representatives in Cyprus and their local partners have organised a series of cultural events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations.

A performance by Vietnamese and Lao young military officers at the exchange. (Photo: VNA)

Young military officers of Vietnam, Laos promote solidarity

30/03/2025 16:23

The military youth of Vietnam and Laos are hoped to continue to deepen their understanding of the history, significance, and importance of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations.

The Vietnam People's Army (VPA) team participating in the earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar get on a bus to Noi Bai International Airport to depart for Myanmar (Photo: VNA)

Defence ministry assigns tasks to Myanmar earthquake relief team

30/03/2025 16:10

The Vietnam People's Army (VPA)'s earthquake relief team is equipped with essential supplies, medical provisions, six sniffer dogs, and 60 tonnes of humanitarian aid. This mission aims to reaffirm the VPA’s dedication to international cooperation and its disaster response capability.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh addresses the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Go beyond limits to develop robust railway industry: PM

30/03/2025 09:25

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need to establish a full-fledged railway industry, mastering technology, producing rolling stock, and developing an integrated railway ecosystem. He also highlighted the opportunity for Vietnam to harness this challenge as a catalyst for national growth and innovation.

Search and rescue teams look for missing persons after the earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar. Photo: Xinhua/VNA

Vietnamese army ready to join earthquake relief efforts in Myanmar

30/03/2025 08:23

The Vietnam People's Army (VPA) has developed a Myanmar disaster relief deployment plan involving 79 military personnel, including command staff, communications teams, search-and-rescue forces, military dog handlers, and medical staff. Colonel Pham Hai Chau, deputy director of the VPA General Staff’s Search and Rescue Department, will lead the mission.

President of Vietnam Luong Cuong and President of the Federative Republic of Brazil Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva following their meeting with media (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Brazil issue joint statement on deepening strategic partnership

29/03/2025 21:44

Announced during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s state visit to Vietnam on March 27-29, the joint statement underscores the enduring friendship built on shared values of peace, respect for international law, cooperation and development.

Hanoi children welcome Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the morning of March 28, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Brazilian President concludes state visit to Vietnam

29/03/2025 21:26

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva left Hanoi on March 29, successfully concluding his three-day state visit to Vietnam at the invitation of President Luong Cuong.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva speaks at the press conference. (Photo: VNA)

Brazilian President seeks 'unlimited cooperation' with Vietnam

29/03/2025 20:52

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasised his vision of fostering "unlimited cooperation" between Vietnam and Brazil to achieve shared development goals.

Party General Secretary To lam speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Party chief envisions modern Quang Nam – Da Nang hub

29/03/2025 20:42

During a working session with the standing boards of the Da Nang Municipal and Quang Nam Provincial Party Committees, Lam urged faster economic restructuring to boost labour productivity and harness local strengths. He outlined key goals, including an international financial centre, a free trade zone, a modern coastal city, and a world-class tourism hub blending leisure and heritage.