☕ 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./.

VNA

See more

UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi (Photo published by VNA)

NA, People’s Council election to shape policies sustaining Vietnam’s development momentum: UNDP official

In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the election scheduled for March 15, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam Ramla Khalidi said the election marks an important milestone in Vietnam’s development trajectory as it takes place at a moment when the country is entering a new phase of policy priorities and institutional reforms that will shape its next stage of development.

Voters on Truong Sa are following information regarding the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term (Photo: VNA)

Party leadership key to ensuring State power belongs to people in election

Ensuring that State power truly belongs to the people, with the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam serving as the decisive factor, remains the guiding principle for organising the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly (NA) and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure.

Newly enlisted soldiers at the 2nd Training and Mobile Battalion in Lam Dong province eagerly participate in the early voting session. (Photo: VNA)

Ballots and civic responsibility

All these efforts converge to create the significance of the national election day. Though small, each ballot carries the weight of civic responsibility. By selecting the right representatives and placing trust wisely, voters contribute to building a National Assembly and People’s Councils capable of making important decisions for the country and localities in the new tenure.

PM Pham Minh Chinh welcomes Thai Ambassador to Vietnam Urawadee Sriphiromaya in Hanoi on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

PM Pham Minh Chinh receives Thai Ambassador to Vietnam

PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed that Thailand consider facilitating stable fuel supply for Vietnam’s civil aviation sector, thus contributing to socio-economic stability and development, as well as bilateral trade and tourism.

The special ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting on the Middle East situation is held online on March 13. (Photo: Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

Vietnamese embassies in Middle East ready to assist ASEAN citizens: FM

Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung stressed that ASEAN members should prioritise maintaining energy supplies for one another, particularly oil and gas, and make effective use of cooperation agreements with partners, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, to diversify energy sources.

Muong Sai commune in Son La province is decorated to celebrate the election day. (Photo: VNA)

📝OP-ED: Facts shatter distorted allegations about general election

In reality, the capacity and effectiveness of Vietnam’s legislative body have been clearly demonstrated through major policy decisions that have contributed to maintaining political stability, promoting economic growth and enhancing the country’s standing in the international arena.

Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh (L), Permanent Representative of the State President to the Permanent Council of La Francophonie, and Administrator of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) Caroline St-Hilaire at theri meeting in Paris on March 12. (Photo published by VNA)

OIF Administrator praises Vietnam’s role, contributions

The two sides discussed cooperation in French-language education in the Southeast Asian country, ways to encourage young people to choose French, and the development of French-speaking human resources, including language training for civil servants and for Vietnamese military and police personnel participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Dr Julia Roknifard, senior lecturer in international relations at Taylor’s University in Malaysia (Photo: VNA)

Legislature proves strong support to Vietnam’s development, integration: Scholar

Dr Julia Roknifard, senior lecturer in international relations at Taylor’s University in Malaysia, shared her assessment of the role of Vietnam’s highest legislative body in promoting economic development and strengthening multilateral cooperation amid a rapidly changing global landscape in in an interview with Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Kuala Lumpur.

The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure is scheduled for May 15, 2026 (Photo: VNA)

General election helps strengthen overseas Vietnamese engagement with national development

According to Nguyen Duc Thang, Executive Committee member of the Germany–Vietnam Association and President of the October Arts Club, the 16th National Assembly election continues Vietnam’s electoral tradition dating back to the 1946 General Election and subsequent milestones in parliamentary development. Selecting capable, responsible and visionary representatives will help reinforce democratic foundations, ensure the people’s right to mastery, and enhance the effectiveness of the country’s highest state authority.

Lao ambassador highlights significance of Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly election

Lao ambassador highlights significance of Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly election

The Lao Ambassador voiced her confidence that Vietnam’s new-tenure National Assembly and People’s Councils would continue to deepen parliamentary cooperation between the two countries, while enhancing policy oversight and creating favourable conditions for expanded cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.