☕ 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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A high-ranking military delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence visits an exhibition booth (Photo: Ministry of National Defence)

Vietnam attends defence services, security exhibitions in Malaysia

This year’s exhibitions feature 15 thematic categories, highlighting modern military products such as aircraft, warships, armoured vehicles, man-portable low-range missile systems, anti-aircraft gun systems, laser weapons, as well as various types of ammunition, military uniforms, and logistics equipment serving defence purposes.

A view of the 16th National Assembly's first session (Photo: VNA)

16th NA reviews amendments to four tax-related laws on April 21

Lawmakers are expected to discuss the supplementary assessment of the implementation of the 2025 socio-economic development plan and state budget, as well as performance in the early months of 2026. They will also review the five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026–2030, thrift practices and anti-wastefulness efforts in 2025, and progress in achieving national gender equality targets. The session is broadcast live on radio and television, enabling voters and the public to follow proceedings.

The delegation of National Assembly deputies from Ho Chi Minh City holds a group discussion. (Photo: VNA)

Draft law proposes flexible tax thresholds, extended incentives for EVs

Presenting the Government’s proposal, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan said the draft law proposes not to stipulate specific revenue thresholds for exemption from personal income tax or value-added tax for household and individual businesses in the law, instead assigning the Government to set these thresholds.

Deputies in a group discussion (Photo: VNA)

Lawmakers suggest groundbreaking mechanisms to revive Vietnamese culture

The draft resolution seeks to lure more investment into cultural industries, aiming for the sector to contribute 7% to GDP by 2030 and 9% by 2045. It also sets ambitious goals of ranking Vietnam among the top three countries in Southeast Asia and the global top 30 for national soft power.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh speaks at the 16th National Assembly (NA)’s first session on April 20 (Photo: VNA)

Pathways to double-digit growth to be tabled at 16th NA’s first session

In the morning sitting on April 20, deputies are expected to hear proposals and verification reports on a range of draft resolutions. The documents cover breakthrough mechanisms and policies for the development of Vietnamese culture; the establishment of Dong Nai as a centrally run city; a pilot framework for public lawyer institution; and special mechanisms to address land law violations committed prior to the 2024 Land Law taking effect, alongside measures to resolve long-delayed and stalled projects.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse at Istanbul Airport in Türkiye (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam a proactive, responsible partner in promoting parliamentary cooperation

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s working trip to Italy and Türkiye achieved important and comprehensive results at both bilateral and multilateral levels. It not only highlighted a proactive and responsible Vietnamese National Assembly with active and practical contributions to the IPU, but also created new momentum to deepen relations with key partners, including in Europe and the Middle East.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga at the farewell ceremony at Istanbul Airport, Türkiye. (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman wraps up successful working visit to Türkiye

With substantive activities, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's working visit to Türkiye was a great success, contributing to affirming Vietnam’s image as a proactive and responsible partner in promoting parliamentary cooperation and strengthening multilateralism.