☕ Afternoon briefing on March 6

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on March 6

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 on March 6 proposed establishing a new award titled “Talented, Creative and Dedicated Women” to further honour the contributions of Vietnamese women.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the 2025 Kovalevskaia Award to Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga, Director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Advanced Technology and senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (Photo: VNA)

He made the suggestion at a meeting with female leaders and managers from central agencies held at the Government Headquarters to mark the 116th anniversary of International Women’s Day (March 8). At the event, the PM also presented the 2025 Kovalevskaia Award. Read full story

- Trading platforms at the Vietnam International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang city should be launched early and introduced to the global market, according to Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.

Chairing a meeting in Hanoi on March 6 to review the development strategy and operational framework for the international financial centre, Binh acknowledged the progress made by relevant ministries and localities in a short period of time. However, he noted that current efforts have largely focused on building the organisational structure and legal framework. Read full story

- In its capacity as the coordinator for ASEAN–UK relations, Vietnam’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN co-chaired the 5th meeting of the ASEAN–UK Joint Cooperation Committee in Jakarta on March 4, alongside the UK Mission to ASEAN.

Held on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership and the final year of the ASEAN–UK Plan of Action for 2022–2026, the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review cooperation achievements over the past five years and discuss orientations for advancing the partnership in the next phase. Read full story

- Vietjet said it will offer passengers 20 kilogrammes of free checked luggage on direct international flights from Vietnam as part of a promotional campaign running between now and March 22.

Tickets booked through the airline’s website or mobile application during the promotional period will be eligible for travel between April 1 and August 1, the company said in a statement on March 5. Read full story

- VinFast on March 6 announced the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding with six electric scooter dealers in Indonesia, marking a new milestone in the expansion of its distribution network in one of the largest scooter markets in the region and globally.

The agreements reaffirm the company's long-term commitment to accelerating transport electrification and building a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem in Indonesia. Read full story

- Four Vietnamese banks have secured spots among the world’s 100 strongest banking brands in the Brand Finance Banking 500 2026 report, highlighting the rising global profile of Vietnam’s banking industry.

The report shows that the combined brand value of Vietnamese banks reached 14.7 billion USD in 2026, marking a 13% increase from 2025 and reflecting the sector’s continued expansion and strengthening position in global finance. Read full story

- Hanoi has been named among the world’s 50 most beautiful cities by the prestigious US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, highlighting the Vietnamese capital’s enduring charm and cultural depth.

The Top 50 list is not merely a ranking for readers but also reflects the diverse experiences each city offers, from historic streets and spectacular natural landscapes to distinctive urban lifestyles. Read full story

- Three cable car systems in Vietnam have been recognised among Asia’s most scenic cable car rides in a new ranking by the US travel magazine Travel + Leisure, making Vietnam the only country with three entries on the list.

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Hon Thom cable car line in Phu Quoc. (Photo: VNA)

Released on March 4, the list highlights 11 cable car rides across Asia offering the most spectacular views in 2026. The selections were based on criteria such as the uniqueness of the surrounding natural landscapes, engineering complexity, and the ability to provide sweeping panoramic vistas for travellers. Read full story

- Popular singers Soobin and Hoa Minzy have been named the first-ever ambassadors of the Cong hien (Devotion) Awards, representing the event’s 20th edition in 2026.

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At the launch ceremony of the 20th Devotion Awards and opening of the voting portal in Ho Chi Minh City on March 5. (Photo: VNA)

The announcement was made at the launch ceremony and opening of the voting portal in Ho Chi Minh City on March 5. The choice of Soobin and Hoa Minzy was based on their artistic stature, creative mindset and spirit of dedication that align with the values of the Awards, helping connect them more closely with younger audiences while maintaining their professional standards./.Read full story

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Bru–Van Kieu ethnic minority villagers in Quang Tri province's remote commune of Truong Son are eagerly preparing for early voting. (Photo: VNA)

Bru–Van Kieu community in Quang Tri gear up for early voting

According to the provincial Election Committee, three polling stations in Truong Son commune – located in Hoi Ray, Nuoc Dang and Doc May villages – will organise voting on March 8, seven days before the nationwide election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure, to make it easier for residents in remote areas where travel remains difficult to cast their ballots.

Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) and central mass organisations, and President of the VFF Central Committee Bui Thi Minh Hoai speaks at the event in Phu Tho province on March 6. (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

Front leader meets voters in Phu Tho

Voters in Phu Tho province's Hoa Binh and Luong Son expressed their hope that if elected, the candidates would continue to uphold their roles and responsibilities as people’s representatives, remain close to the grassroots level, and understand the legitimate aspirations of the people.

Party General Secretary To Lam speaks at the event in Hanoi on March 6. (Photo: VNA)

2026 inspection-supervision decision for NA Party Committee's Standing Board announced

The NA Party Committee is ready to cooperate closely, promptly provide relevant documents and materials, and work in accordance with the delegation’s requests. During the inspection and supervision process, its Standing Board hopes members of the inspection delegation will offer frank comments and clearly point out both its achievements and shortcomings.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presents the 2025 Kovalevskaia Award to Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga, Director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Advanced Technology and senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering (Photo: VNA)

PM proposes “Talented, creative and dedicated women” award

This year’s award went to a group of female scientists from Hanoi University of Science and Technology for their research cluster on applying biocatalysis to enhance the value of Vietnamese agricultural products. The individual award was presented to Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Viet Nga, Director of the Vietnam–Japan Institute of Advanced Technology and senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, for research linked to environmental protection, energy security and climate change adaptation.

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.