☕ Afternoon briefing on November 7

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

☕ Afternoon briefing on November 7

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

- The Government of Vietnam on November 6 updated the World Trade Organisation (WTO)’s Committee on Rules of Origin (CRO) on adjustments to the agencies and organisations authorised to issue certificates of origin (C/O), as well as on the application of QR codes in the C/O issuance process.

The move aims to enhance traceability and reaffirm Vietnam’s transparency in building and promoting a fair, reliable global trading system. Read full story

- Vietnam’s planned International Financial Centre (IFC), slated for launch in November, is attracting growing attention from global investors seeking a transparent legal framework, diverse investment options, advanced infrastructure and a quality living environment - elements essential for the IFC to become a trusted hub for international capital.

Officials in Ho Chi Minh City have in recent months hosted multiple delegations seeking updates on the IFC plan, according to a member of the project’s advisory team. The uptick in site visits highlights escalating investor focus as Vietnam intensifies efforts to elevate its standing in global finance. Read full story

- Vietnam Semiconductor Industry Exhibition 2025 – SemiExpo Vietnam 2025 opened in Hanoi on November 7, marking the largest international event in the country’s semiconductor sector.

Hosted by the Ministry of Finance, the exhibition highlights Vietnam’s growing ambition to establish its presence on the global semiconductor map. Read full story

- Hanoi has rolled out a breakthrough digital economy initiative titled “Digital Booths – Elevating the Capital’s Merchants,” aiming to raise the share of the digital economy in the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) to 30% by 2025 and 40% by 2030.

Under the programme, Hanoi will open an online store showcasing Hanoi's products on the e-commerce platform Shopee. It will introduce digital tools such as electronic signatures, e-contracts, e-invoices, and product traceability systems for local producers and businesses participating in the booth. Read full story

- Storm Kalmaegi, the 13th to hit Vietnam this year, weakened into a tropical depression on November 7 after wreaking havoc across the central and Central Highlands regions, where authorities are now making all-out efforts to address its aftermath and restore normal life.

According to Vietnam Disaster and Dyke Management Authority (VDDMA), the storm left five people dead and six injured. As of 7 a.m. on November 7, 52 houses had collapsed and 2,593 others were damaged or unroofed, including 2,412 in Gia Lai province. Nine fishing vessels were reported sunk. Read full story

- Up to 64% of Vietnamese teachers have used artificial intelligence (AI) in teaching, ranking fifth among 55 countries and territories participating in the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) 2024, far exceeding the OECD average of 36%.

The TALIS 2024 survey, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), provides internationally comparable data on lower secondary teachers and school principals, reflecting their characteristics, perspectives, and professional experiences amid education reform and digital transformation. Read full story

- A ceremony to launch the Italian translation of the book “Fidel Castro Ruz – A revolution can only be born of culture and ideas” was held recently by Anteo Edizioni Publishing House and the Cuban Embassy in Italy.

The book features Fidel Castro’s speech delivered at the Central University of Venezuela on February 3, 1999, during the inauguration of President Hugo Chavez. Anteo Edizioni, which has also published Italian editions of works by President Ho Chi Minh and Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, completed printing in September 2025. Read full story./.

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Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn hosts a welcome ceremony for General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam in Canberra on August 11 morning (Photo: VNA)

Australian Governor-General hosts welcome ceremony for top Vietnamese leader

Following the welcome ceremony, General Secretary and President Lam held a meeting with Governor-General Mostyn, and talks with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He witnessed the exchange of cooperation documents and met the press. He also had meetings with the President of the Australian Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Politburo member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Tran Luu Quang leads a delegation from the city's leadership in paying tribute to President of the National Assembly of Laos Xaysomphone Phonvihane at the Lao Consulate General on August 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City leaders pay tribute to late Lao National Assembly President

The municipal Party Committee, administration, and people has lost a close comrade who paid special attention to preserving the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos, including the friendship and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Lao localities.

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President To Lam (R) receives Nicholas Moore, Australia’s Special Envoy for Southeast Asia, in Sydney on August 10. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader receives Australian Special Envoy for Southeast Asia

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President To Lam said Vietnam considers Australia one of its leading important partners in the Indo-Pacific region, noting that bilateral relations are facing many new opportunities and the Australia-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership should continue to be advanced in an increasingly substantive and effective manner.

Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam leads the delegation from the Vietnamese Embassy, and other Vietnamese representative agencies, as well as the Vietnamese community in Laos, to pay their respects to President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone Phomvihane (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Embassy, community pay tribute to Lao National Assembly President

Writing in the condolence book at the memorial service, Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tam, on behalf of the Vietnamese Embassy, representative agencies, and community in Laos, expressed profound sorrow and conveyed his deepest condolences to the Lao Party, State, National Assembly and people, and the bereaved family.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the Czech Republic Duong Hoai Nam speaks on Resolution No. 23. Photo: VNA

Resolution 23: Four networks connecting OV intellectuals, experts to be established

Overseas Vietnamese are regarded not only as an integral part of the Vietnamese nation but also as an important strategic resource contributing to national strength. They serve as a bridge between Vietnam and the world and participate directly in the cause of national construction, development and defence, according to newly-issued Politburo Resolution No. 23.

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President To Lam (left) and Governor of New South Wales Margaret Beazley at their meeting on August 10. (Photo: VNA)

Top Vietnamese leader meets with Governor of New South Wales

Suggesting that Australia could explore growing Vietnamese coffee varieties, General Secretary and President Lam said the two sides should step up cooperation across a wide range of areas, particularly high-tech agriculture, biotechnology, agricultural processing, trade and investment.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam (right) receives prominent Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists who are members of the Vietnam-Australia Scholars & Experts Association (VASEA) in Sydney on August 10. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader receives Vietnamese intellectuals, scientists in Australia

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam urged Vietnamese intellectuals and scientists in Australia to further strengthen great national unity, promote Vietnamese cultural values, mentor younger generations and Vietnamese students studying in Australia, and help foster closer community ties.

Politburo member and Standing member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu signs the condolence book in commemoration of Politburo member of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of the Lao NA Xaysomphone Phomvihane. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party, State leaders pay tribute to Lao National Assembly President

Writing in the book of condolences, the Vietnamese leaders expressed profound sorrow over the passing of comrade Xaysomphone Phomvihane, describing him as an outstanding and dedicated leader of the Lao Party, State, NA and people, as well as a close and loyal friend of the Vietnamese Party, State, NA, Government and people.

British researcher Kyril Whittaker (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam’s four strategic shifts strengthen int'l partners’ confidence: British researcher

The four strategic shifts that General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President To Lam laid out at the recent third plenum of the 14th Party Central Committee suggest that Vietnam is seriously abiding by its commitments to the environment, economic growth and investment opportunities, the researcher said, adding they are creating new impetus for trade through large infrastructure programmes and showcasing Vietnamese talent and wealth to other countries.

Canadian friends highlight Vietnam’s values of independence, self-reliance

Canadian friends highlight Vietnam’s values of independence, self-reliance

CPC (M-L) member Margaret Villamizar noted that Vietnam’s long history of defending its independence and sovereignty has demonstrated the Vietnamese people’s organisational capacity, creativity and resilience. These qualities continue to be reflected in the country’s development and international relations today.

Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Phan Minh Giang (Photo: VNA)

Top leader’s visit to inject fresh momentum into Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: diplomat

The upcoming state visit to New Zealand by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam is expected to provide further momentum for the Vietnam-New Zealand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to reach a new height, commensurate with the potential and stature of the two countries, bringing more practical benefits to their people and businesses, as well as contributing to the development goals of each country and to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world.