☕ Afternoon briefing on March 3

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 3

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

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for a thorough review and optimisation of investment efficiency in railway and urban railway projects right from their inception, urging a fundamental change in mindset from being a contractor for foreign partners to assuming full ownership in building a self-reliant, self-strengthening and autonomous railway industry.

PM Chinh made the appeal while chairing the seventh session of the Steering Committee on key national railway projects in Hanoi on March 3, which combined in-person attendance with virtual links to cities and provinces involved in ongoing railway developments. Read full story

- Politburo member and National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on March 3 paid a working visit to Division 9 under Army Corps 34 in Ho Chi Minh City, commending its achievements and outlining key tasks for the agency in the new period.

At the meeting, NA Chairman Man expressed his pleasure at visiting one of the first main-force units established on the southeastern battlefield during the resistance war against the US. He said the Division has fulfilled all assigned tasks with excellence, and recorded numerous achievements with twice awarded the title “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces,” along with the Ho Chi Minh Order and other prestigious honours. Read full story

- Vietnam and Greece agreed to deepen parliamentary and economic cooperation, with Vietnam calling for Greece's support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the removal of the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood exports.

During talks in Hanoi on March 2 with First Vice President of the Hellenic Parliament Ioannis Plakiotakis, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Nguyen Duc Hai stressed that stronger parliamentary ties between the two countries will provide a solid political foundation for expanding bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and regional connectivity. Read full story

- Vietnam Airlines has adjusted flight routes between Vietnam and Europe to avoid conflict-affected airspace in the Middle East, reaffirming that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.

All flights operated by the national flag carrier between Vietnam and Europe have been rerouted to steer clear of conflict zones and continues to operate safely as scheduled. Read full story

- The Vietnam Maritime and Waterway Administration (VIMAWA) has ordered heightened safety precautions for vessels and seafarers operating in the Middle East amid escalating regional tensions and growing threats to maritime security.

In a directive issued on March 3, VIMAWA Director Le Do Muoi instructed shipowners, crewing firms and shipping companies to conduct thorough risk assessments and adjust operations as needed, including preparing alternative shipping routes. They are also required to activate the highest level of security measures in accordance with their approved ship security plans to ensure maximum protection for ships and crews. Read full story

- Offshore fishing trips conducted during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday have brought encouraging results for tuna fishermen in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, reinforcing fishermen’s confidence to continue venturing offshore while complying with regulations aimed at removing the European Commission’s “yellow card” warning.

At Hon Ro and Dong Hai fishing ports, seafood unloading has been bustling since early morning as vessels returned from long voyages with holds full of fresh catches, signalling a positive start to the new fishing year. Read full story./.

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☕ 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

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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)

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☀️ Morning digest on March 5

☀️ Morning digest on March 5

The working session reviewing preparations for a draft regulation on political and ideological work within the Party, a Government meeting discussing scenarios and response measures to recent global developments that could adversely affect Vietnam, and Vietnam's win over India in a Group C match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup are among news highlights on March 4 evening.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting of the Government's standing members in Hanoi on March 4 (Photo: VNA)

PM calls for proactive, timely, effective response to new global developments

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh warned of potential impacts on the country’s macroeconomic stability, particularly inflation and growth, as well as on energy security and logistics due to rising prices, possible supply chain disruptions, the safety of Vietnamese citizens abroad, national defence and security, public order and foreign affairs while chairing a government meeting.

Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang hosts a reception for Kerry Person, Vice President of Data Centre Planning at Amazon Web Services (AWS) - part of Amazon in Hanoi on March 4 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, US eye stronger economic, trade ties

Vice President of Data Centre Planning at Amazon Web Services (AWS) - part of US-based e-commerce giant Amazon, affirmed Amazon’s commitment to expanding investment and fostering high-quality human resource development in Vietnam.

Minister and Spokesperson of the Government Tran Van Son speaks at the press conference on March 4 (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam maintains focus on stability, pushes for at least 10% growth

PM Pham Minh Chinh called for stronger trade promotion, export market diversification and swift FTA negotiations, alongside faster digital transformation, green transition, institutional reform, removal of business bottlenecks, efficient resources use, settlement of delayed projects and intensified anti-corruption efforts.

Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man meets voters in Ba Diem commune, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

NA commits to stronger institutional backing for Ho Chi Minh City

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man had a meeting with voters from Ba Diem, Xuan Thoi Son, Hoc Mon, Dong Thanh, Phu Hoa Dong and Binh My communes, Ho Chi Minh City, on March 4, affirming that the NA will continue refining financial, investment and planning frameworks to help the southern city fully leverage its special mechanisms.

State President Luong Cuong (R) and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mongolia Ganzorig Damdin in Hanoi on March 4. (Photo: VNA)

State President receives Chief Justice of Mongolia

State President Luong Cuong gave a reception in Hanoi on March 4 for Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Mongolia Ganzorig Damdin, during which he affirmed that Vietnam consistently attaches importance to, and wishes to continue strengthening the traditional friendship with Mongolia across all fields in line with the two sides’ capacities and needs.