Hanoi strengthens cooperation with Finnish, French localities

Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh has highlighted the sound relations between Hanoi and Finland over the past 48 years, saying that there are opportunities for both sides to promote their ties, especially thanks to the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).
Hanoi (VNA) - Chairman of the Hanoi People’sCommittee Chu Ngoc Anh has highlighted the sound relations between Hanoi and Finland over the past 48 years, saying that there are opportunities for both sides to promote their ties, especially thanks to the EU-Vietnam FreeTrade Agreement (EVFTA).

The Chairman made the statement during a reception hosted for Finnish Ambassador to Vietnam Kari Kahiluoto in Hanoi on April 1.

Anh said that the capitalis a creative and dynamically-growing city and wishes to foster cooperation withFinnish localities.

He added that trade and import-export activities between the two sides have yet to match their potential and strengths. He expressed his hope that Finnish companies will continue to carry out development projects in the city,and pledged that Hanoi will continue to improve its investment environment andreform administrative procedures.

Ambassador Kahiluoto said that Finnishenterprises possess strengths in clean water and environmental sanitation,wastewater treatment, education, technology, construction, architecture, andplanning. They wish to contribute to Hanoi development in thefuture.
Hanoi strengthens cooperation with Finnish, French localities ảnh 1Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh (R) and French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery (Photo: VNA)
On the same day, Anh also hosted a reception forFrench Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery, who affirmed that France wishesto accelerate cooperation between the two sides through speeding up jointdevelopment projects.

He said he will work hard towards the completion oftargets in the urban railway line No 3 project, putting it into operation in late2021. He also pointed out a number of problems facing the project and asked forHanoi’s support.

The ambassador also mentioned a sustainable urban management project comprisingof strategic research on air pollution, urban traffic, and waste.

The French side will conduct feasibility studies forthe project after reviewing initial research outcomes, he said.

Regarding the upgrade of Long Bien Bridge, he said theFrench side is interested in the project and that it will help highlight thevalue of the heritage.

The two sides also discussed issues relating to aninternational market for agricultural products as well as cooperation betweenHanoi and French localities, such as the Toulouse and Ile-de-France regions.

For his part, Anh said that Hanoi will work hard todeal with problems relating to the urban railway line No 3, stressing the needfor greater attention to the project’s operation and exploitation.

Regarding the conservation of Long Bien Bridge, he saidthat Hanoi aims to promote the cultural value of the city and preserve symbolicworks.

He thanked the ambassador for supporting the city inimplementing sustainable urban development management in the city, and lauded theperformance of the joint venture in charge of the project and French experts’ strategicresearch in its first phase./
VNA

See more

☕ Afternoon briefing on April 10

☕ Afternoon briefing on April 10

The ceremony marking the conferment of the “Hero of the People's Armed Forces” title on Military Region 3, Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu's official visit to Cambodia, and statistics of public investment disbursement in Q1 are among news highlights on April 10.

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu (L) and Acting Head of State, President of the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP), and President of the Cambodian Senate Cambodia Hun Sen (Photo: VNA)

Senior Vietnamese Party official meets with Cambodian Party, Senate leader

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu expressed confidence that under King Norodom Sihamoni’s reign, the CPP leadership headed by Hun Sen, and the Government led by Prime Minister Hun Manet, Cambodia will notch even greater and more sweeping achievements this year, and hit its development targets, raising living standards, and further elevating its global and regional standing.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung speaks at a group discussion during the 16th National Assembly’s first session on April 10 (Photo: VNA)

Institutional bottlenecks must be fully resolved in 2026: PM

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlined three strategic breakthroughs, with institutional reform identified as the top priority. He likened institutions to “roads” for the economy, stressing that synchronised and improved regulations will accelerate development.

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu (left) meets with President of the Cambodian National Assembly Samdech Khuon Sudary in Phnom Penh on April 10. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Cambodia step up parliamentary ties, reaffirm enduring solidarity

The Party and State of Vietnam consistently give high priority to the friendship with Cambodia and will continue backing stronger cooperation between the two legislatures in the coming time, affirmed Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu.

Security forces of Vietnam and Laos convene their annual conference in Vientiane on April 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos strengthen security cooperation

The two sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation mechanisms, particularly information sharing, to enable timely prevention and response to emerging threats, while providing strategic advice to their respective ministries. They also pledged to enhance coordination in addressing security challenges that could affect bilateral ties.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang speaks to the press (Photo: VNA)

Top legislator heads to IPU-152, Türkiye, Italy to generate new momentum: Deputy FM

The Vietnamese NA has consistently played a proactive and leading role in IPU cooperation. It has actively put forward and championed multiple initiatives, delivering substantive contributions to IPU activities. It stands ready to collaborate with fellow member parliaments and the IPU to follow resolutions and initiatves aimed at preserving peace and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of all nations, said Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang.

Bounleua Phandanouvong, head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, grants an interview to the VNA. (Photo: VNA)

Key Vietnamese Party official’s Laos visit a complete success

Bounleua Phandanouvong, head of the External Relations Commission of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, affirmed that the April 9 visit to Laos by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and related activities were conducted successfully and fulfilled all set objectives.

Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu and President of the Cambodian National Assembly Khuon Sudary at the official welcome ceremony in Cambodia. (Photo: VNA)

Official welcome held in Phnom Penh for key Vietnamese Party official

The visit to Cambodia by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu is expected to help advance the implementation of high-level agreements, maintain the continuity and efficiency of cooperation mechanisms, and enhance economic connectivity, particularly in transport infrastructure, energy and digital transformation.

Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan presents the Government’s proposal. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly weighs fuel tax cuts to zero through June 2026

Presenting the Government’s proposal, Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan stressed that escalating tensions in the Middle East have triggered sharp fluctuations in global energy prices, particularly oil and gas, disrupting supply chains and pushing up crude oil prices. These developments have significantly impacted Vietnam’s fuel market, driving up retail prices in a short period and affecting business activities as well as daily life and income of people.

Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu lays wreaths at the Memorial to late King Norodom Sihanouk in Phnom Penh on April 10 (Photo: VNA)

Key Vietnamese Party official lays wreaths at monuments in Phnom Penh

This is the first official visit to Cambodia by Tu in his capacity as Politburo member and Permanent member of the CPV Central Committee's Secretariat. The visit takes place at a time of significant political and cultural importance, as Cambodia is preparing to celebrate its traditional New Year festival, Chol Chhnam Thmey. It also follows Vietnam’s successful organisation of the 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels, as well as the consolidation of its leadership apparatus and rollout of new strategic orientations.