☀️ Morning digest January 3

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

☀️ Morning digest January 3

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

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision officially approving the Ho Chi Minh City Master Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050.

Accordingly, the southern economic hub aims for an average GRDP growth rate of 8.5 – 9.0% annually within the ten-year period. By 2030, its per capita GRDP at current prices is projected to reach 385 million – 405 million VND, equivalent to 14,800 – 15,400 USD. Read full story

- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on January 2 emphasised the need for comprehensive solutions to reduce pollution sources, with a focus on addressing emissions from petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles by shifting to electric vehicles (EVs).

This is the State's responsibility to the people and there must have specific and timely actions, given severe air pollution, particularly in major cities and densely populated urban areas, Ha said at a meeting with representatives of several ministries and sectors, which looked into a report on policy proposals to encourage the manufacturing and use of EVs in Vietnam. Read full story

- Eight officers from Vietnam will take part in peacekeeping missions at the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The Ministry of National Defence on January 2 held a ceremony to hand over the decisions of the State President and the Minister of National Defence to the officers. Read full story

- Binh Duong province, an industrial hub in southern Vietnam, on January 2 awarded investment certificates to more than 20 domestic investment projects totaling up to 1.7 billion USD.

In the field of infrastructure and urban development, QP Township JSC leads with a total investment of 3.8 trillion VND (149.26 million USD). Bac Binh Duong Real Estate JSC follows with a 3.7 trillion VND project, while the Vinh Phu National Housing Organisation Co., Ltd., 3.4 trillion VND. Read full story

- Industrial zones in the northern province of Bac Ninh are targeting the attraction of approximately 100 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects this year, with total capital for new and existing projects expected to reach 1.2 billion USD.

As heard at a 2024 review and 2025 task deployment conference held on January 2 afternoon, this year, the Bac Ninh Industrial Zone Authority (IZA) will coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to prepare zoning plans for five new industrial parks (IPs) and adjust the location of one existing park as part of the province's master plan. Additionally, investment promotion programmes abroad are set to be conducted in target markets. Read full story

- The Cuc Phuong National Park in the northern province of Ninh Binh, in collaboration with the Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW), successfully released 12 Javan pangolins (Manis Javanica) back into the wild on January 2.

The two organisations rescued the pangolins by intervening in illegal transportation, hunting, and trading back in the months of October and November. Read full story

- Vietnam triumphed 2–1 over Thailand in the first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship final, held in the northern province of Phu Tho on January 2 evening.

Nguyen Xuan Son was the hero for Vietnam, scoring both goals in the 60th and 74th minutes. The striker was a constant threat to Thailand's defence, using his impressive physicality and balance to dominate the play. Read full story./.

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General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam on August 9 departs Hanoi for state visits to Australia and New Zealand. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader departs for state visits to Australia, New Zealand

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President To Lam's visits, from August 9-14, are made at the invitations of Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn and Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam (R) hosts Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi on September 10, 2025. (Photo: VNA)

New impetus for deeper Vietnam–Australia ties

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam's state visit comes as the Vietnam–Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is booming. Leaders expect it will inject new momentum, making ties deeper, more substantive and more effective.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Nguyen Doan Anh (standing) presides over the session on August 8. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly reviews bill on WMD non-proliferation

Most deputies agreed on the need for the law, saying it will help complete the legal framework for implementing Vietnam’s international commitments and proactively prevent, detect and stop the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and related delivery systems.

The ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony held in Hanoi on July 31, 2026 to mark the 59th founding anniversary of ASEAN and the 31st anniversary of Vietnam's accession to the bloc. (Photo published by VNA)

Vietnam to remain active player in shaping ASEAN’s future: minister

Entering a new era of national development with the aspiration of building a strong and prosperous country, the mindset of "growing alongside ASEAN" will guide Vietnam’s more proactive, positive, and substantive contributions to the ASEAN Community and the co-creation of the region’s shared future, noted Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (R) and President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram in Hanoi during the latter's official visit to Vietnam from August 5-7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Thailand's parliamentary leader concludes official visit to Vietnam

Thailand attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, and the two countries share a solid foundation of friendship, many common strategic interests and significant potential for cooperation, said President of the National Assembly and Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Sophon Zaram.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaks at the 33rd Diplomatic Conference's closing session in Hanoi on August 7, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

33rd Diplomatic Conference wraps up in Hanoi

Foreign relations are no longer viewed simply as relations with the outside world but as an integral component of national comprehensive strength and a responsibility shared by the entire Party, people, armed forces and political system.

Lawmakers in a group discussion (Photo: VNA)

Lawmakers seek legal reforms to promote telecom infrastructure data sharing

A deputy of Ha Tinh province said there is currently no clear legal basis for sharing technical infrastructure data. While the issue may be less apparent under normal circumstances, it could hamper local coordination and response during storms, floods and other disasters when detailed infrastructure data is not readily available.

Consuls general of ASEAN countries in Ho Chi Minh City show calligraphy works presented to them at the gathering on August 7. (Photo: VNA)

Get-together celebrates 59th founding anniversary of ASEAN

​Despite differences in history, culture, languages, religions, levels of development, and social conditions, ASEAN member states have chosen to respect one another, build consensus, and pursue shared regional interests. It’s the unity in diversity that has shaped ASEAN’s identity, strength, resilience, and central role in the regional architecture.

Vina Nadjibulla, former Vice President for Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (Photo; VNA)

33rd Diplomatic Conference: Vietnam's foreign policy wins praise from Canadian expert

Vina Nadjibulla, former Vice President for Research and Strategy at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, credited pragmatic diplomacy with allowing Vietnam to build relationships with a range of partners without becoming overly dependent on any single country. That approach, she noted, has become more relevant as major-power rivalry heats up, the global economy fragments, and pressure mounts on countries to pick sides.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung speaks at the session (Photo: VNA)

Legislators review bills to streamline administrative procedures in agriculture, environment

Presenting the draft law on amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws concerning administrative procedures and business conditions in the agriculture and environment sector, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung said it is designed to institutionalise the Party's policy of reducing and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions, while promoting decentralisation, innovation, and more effective state governance.

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee (right) hosts a reception for Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn in Hanoi during her state visit to Vietnam in September last year (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Australia to further strengthen cooperation

The messages posted on Australian Government media platforms highlighted Australia and Vietnam as close regional partners with a long-standing friendship. This will be General Secretary and President Lam’s first visit to Australia since being appointed as President in April and it is also the first in-person meeting between the two leaders.