☀️ Morning digest December 24

The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

☀️ Morning digest December 24

Hanoi (VNA) - The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Party General Secretary To Lam hosted a reception for outgoing Australian Ambassador Andrew Goledzinowski in Hanoi on December 23.

Lauding the diplomat’s efforts, contributions, and successful tenure, marked by the elevation of the two countries’ relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the Party leader affirmed that Australia remains a priority in Vietnam’s foreign diplomacy and an important partner of the country in the region. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has just agreed with a proposal of the Vietnam Farmers’ Union Central Committee regarding the organisation of his dialogue with farmers in 2024, according to a dispatch by the Government Office.

The Prime Minister also tasked the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development; Planning and Investment; Finance; Natural Resources and Environment; Science and Technology; Industry and Trade; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and Culture, Sports and Tourism; and the State Bank of Vietnam to prepare content regarding the issues to be raised by farmers and cooperatives, in accordance with their respective authorities, functions, and assigned duties. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 23 signed a directive, outlining urgent measures for fire prevention, fighting, and rescue operations at high-risk establishments and crowded venues ahead of the upcoming New Year and Lunar New Year holidays.

The directive highlights that despite the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen fire safety, several critical tasks remain inadequately implemented by certain ministries and localities. There has been insufficient oversight of businesses like karaoke parlors and nightclubs, with many still violating fire safety regulations. In some areas, responsibilities for enforcing fire safety measures are unclear, and local authorities have failed to properly inspect or enforce the regulations. Furthermore, fire safety measures for multi-story buildings, mixed-use residential properties, and rental housing are not strong enough, with many localities yet to issue necessary guidance to improve fire safety as directed by the Prime Minister.functions, and assigned duties. Read full story

- The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) organised an international seminar themed “55 Years of Vietnam-Sweden Diplomatic Relations in Hanoi on December 23, drawing a large number of domestic and foreign experts and scholars.

In his opening remarks, VASS Vice President Dr. Dang Xuan Thanh said that January 11, 1969, marked a milestone as Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Over the past 55 years, Sweden has not only been the largest Nordic donor of non-refundable aid to Vietnam but also an equal partner, with mutually beneficial cooperation. Read full story

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Tourists in Sa Pa (Photo: VNA)

- Sa Pa, a renowned resort town in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, has prepared a range of unique events aimed at welcoming approximately 200,000 visitors eager to explore its stunning natural beauty and distinctive cultural experiences.

At the heart of the town, a Christmas 2024 space, featuring a giant Christmas tree at the Sa Pa ethnic cultural park, has been open to the public since December 20 and will continue through the New Year holiday of 2025. Read full story

- The Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) organised an international seminar themed “55 Years of Vietnam-Sweden Diplomatic Relations in Hanoi on December 23, drawing a large number of domestic and foreign experts and scholars.

In his opening remarks, VASS Vice President Dr. Dang Xuan Thanh said that January 11, 1969, marked a milestone as Sweden became the first Western country to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam. Over the past 55 years, Sweden has not only been the largest Nordic donor of non-refundable aid to Vietnam but also an equal partner, with mutually beneficial cooperation. Read full story

- The Ho Chi Minh Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) on December 23 held a gathering to mark 66th National Liberation Day of Cuba (January 1, 1959-2025) and the 64th anniversary of the Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations (December 2, 1960-2024).

In her remarks, HUFO Chairwoman Truong Thi Hien said despite their geographical distance, the two nations share a close-knitted, loyal, pure, and sincere relationship, cultivated by Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh and Cuban Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and strengthened by generations of the sides’ leaders and people./. Read full story

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Thailand plans to cut armed forces. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Thailand plans to cut armed forces

Thailand’s Defence Council on December 23 approved a white paper that outlines a plan to downsize the armed forces and reduce spending on weapons.

Indonesia takes measures to support unemployed workers

Indonesia takes measures to support unemployed workers

The Indonesian Government plans to support laid-off workers through the Job Loss Insurance (JKP) programme, which includes cash benefits of 60% of wages for five months, a training programme worth 2.4 million IDR (148 USD), and easy access to the Pre-Employment Programme, according to Indonesian Manpower Minister Yassierli.

Rice farmers work in a field in Suphan Buri province, Thailand. (Photo: bangkokpost) .

Thailand’s agriculture predicted to grow by 1.8-2.8% in 2025

Thailand’s agriculture sector is expected to record growth between 1.8% and 2.8% next year, helped by factors such as secure water resources, an improving economy and higher demand for farm produce in the global market, according to the Office of Agricultural Economics (OAE).