☀️ Morning digest on December 25

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

☀️ Morning digest on December 25

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

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered the development of a modern and high-tech defence industry with dual-use products, calling for the private economic sector to participate in developing the defence industry, with a focus on foundational and core technologies.

Chairing a meeting with representatives from the Ministry of National Defence and relevant ministries and sectors to discuss military and defence tasks for 2026 in Hanoi on December 24, the PM urged the implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW and related resolutions of the Government and the Central Military Commission on the development of science, technology, and the defence industry. Read full story

- The National Assembly Standing Committee looked into two draft resolutions on administrative unit standards and urban classification at its 52nd session in Hanoi December 24.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh said that the draft resolution on urban classification was developed based on a thorough grasp of the Party's guidelines, especially the Politburo's Resolution No. 06 on sustainable urban development and the Party Central Committee's new conclusions related to the rearrangement of administrative units and the organisation of two-tier local administrations. It ensures consistency with the Law on Urban and Rural Planning 2024 (amended in 2025), the Law on Organisation of Local Governments, and relevant Resolutions of the NA. Read full story

- The National Foundation for Science and Technology Development (NAFOSTED) on December 24 held a workshop in Hanoi on the application and development of Vietnam’s newly launched portal for scientific, technological and innovation initiatives, aimed at promoting the commercialisation of new ideas.

In his opening remarks, Associate Prof. Dr. Dao Ngoc Chien, Director of NAFOSTED, stressed that digital transformation is now an essential requirement rather than a choice, and innovation has become a key driver of national growth. Initiatives generated by scientists, businesses or people all have the potential to deliver major socio-economic value if properly identified and supported, he said. Read full story

- Current urban water supply systems boast a combined designed capacity of about 13.7 million cu.m per day, providing roughly 95% of the urban population with access to clean water, heard a seminar held in the northern port city of Hai Phong on December 24.

The Department of Construction Infrastructure under the Ministry of Construction hosted the event to review two national programmes on ensuring safe water supply and improving drainage management. Read full story

- Total revenue managed by tax authorities reached approximately 2.15 quadrillion VND (81.7 billion USD) as of December 14, exceeding the estimate by 25% and fulfilling the State budget revenue task in line with the Prime Minister’s directives.

The figures were released by the Department of Taxation at a review conference held in Hanoi on December 24. Read full story

- Ho Chi Minh City’s credit growth continued on a positive trajectory in 2025, with total outstanding loans estimated at over 5 quadrillion VND (190 billion USD), up 0.95% from November 2025 and approximately 13.5% compared to the end of 2024.

The State Bank of Vietnam’s Regional Branch No. 2 said banking capital has been channelled mainly into priority sectors, production and business activities, and key programmes, contributing to market stability and supporting the city’s economic recovery and growth. Read full story

- A conference was held at the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, Hanoi, on December 24 to discuss solutions to boost production and business activities, and promote on-site investment for enterprises and investors in the capital city’s high-tech parks and industrial zones (IZs).

In his speech, Vu Xuan Hung, Head of the Hanoi Hi-tech and Industrial Park Management Board, stated that the event aimed to provide a direct dialogue forum between the management board, departments, local authorities and the business community to fully grasp and promptly address difficulties arising during investment, production and business operations. Read full story./.

VNA

See more

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man (left) hands over a letter from Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman meets Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

The Party and State of Vietnam consistently create favourable conditions for the Catholic community to practice their faith while contributing to the nation, following the orientation of “living the Gospel in the heart of the nation,” said National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

A roundtable in Moscow reviews key outcomes of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

New cooperation directions drive Vietnam–Russia ties

As Russia pivots towards the Asia–Pacific and Vietnam deepens its global integration, Vietnam is increasingly viewed as a key bridge connecting Russia with Southeast Asia, a role expected to elevate the strategic value of bilateral ties and unlock new cooperation opportunities.

Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu departs Techo Airport for home. (Photo: VNA)

Cambodia highlights significance of Party official’s visit

The official visit to Cambodia by Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu has been described by Cambodian officials as carrying profound political and diplomatic significance, helping reinforce the traditional ties between the two Parties and countries.

Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mai Phan Dung meets with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on April 10, 2026. Photo: VNA

Vietnam strongly supports multilateral trading system

Vietnam has always been an active and responsible WTO member, fully participating in activities, discussion sessions, and side events, while regularly making statements and contributing to major negotiation dossiers, said Ambassador and Head of the Vietnamese Mission to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Mai Phan Dung.

The welcoming ceremony is held for National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse at Ciampino Airport in Rome, Italy. Photo: VNA

NA Chairman begins official visit to Italy

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's official visit to Italy is to promote ties between the Vietnamese National Assembly and the Italian Parliament, and further deepen bilateral relations in a substantive and effective manner.

Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung.

Senior Party official’s official visits to Laos, Cambodia successful: FM

The Party, State, and people of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia will continue the exchange of visits and delegations at all levels, especially at the high-level and via Party and State channels, to enhance understanding, strengthen trust, improve cooperation effectiveness, and jointly address emerging issues.

National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and his spouse depart Hanoi to attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul, Türkiye. Photo: VNA

NA Chairman leaves Hanoi for 152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye, official visit to Italy

Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation departed from Hanoi on early April 11 morning to attend the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU-152) in Istanbul and conduct a number of bilateral activities in Türkiye, and pay an official visit to Italy from April 11-17.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (second from right) hands over decisions of the Standing Board of the NA Party Committee to the three Secretaries of Party Committees of the three NA bodies. (Photo: VNA)

National Assembly Chairman hands over decisions on personnel affairs

Politburo member, Secretary of the National Assembly (NA) Party Committee and NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the importance of strengthening the contingent of officials and Party members with firm political mettle, strong moral integrity and professional competence; promoting innovation in working methods; and advancing digital transformation and the application of artificial intelligence to enhance transparency, efficiency and effectiveness.

Officers of Army Corps 34 take care of the recovered remains of 12 fallen soldiers from Doch1 village in Ia Ly commune of the central province of Gia Lai. (Photo: VNA)

Army Corps 34 recovers remains of 12 fallen soldiers in Gia Lai province

According to historical records, the area once served as an operational base for units of Regiments 609, 66, 24 and 320, as well as staff and logistics agencies of the Central Highlands front (B3) during the 1966–1969 period. Between 2020 and 2025, the corps had already recovered remains from 46 martyrs in the Chu Pa mountain area.

From left: Politburo member and Permanent member of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee’s Secretariat Tran Cam Tu (4th), Vice President of the Cambodian People’s Party Samdech Men Sam An (5th) and other official at the meeting with Cambodian alumni in Phnom Penh on April 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s senior Party official meets with Cambodian alumni in Phnom Penh

Tu expressed his appreciation for the practical and effective contributions made by generations of Cambodian students who studied in Vietnam. Serving in various roles across the Party, State, ministries, localities and businesses, these alumni have effectively applied their knowledge and experience to contribute to Cambodia’s development, while also playing an important role in promoting mutual understanding, trust and cooperation between the two countries.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (C) presents the Politburo’s decision on the appointment of the NA Party Committee, its Standing Board, Secretary and Deputy Secretaries of the NA Party Committee for the 2025–2030 term to NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man (third from right) and Vice Chairpersons. (Photo: VNA)

Top leader hands over Politburo decision on NA Party Committee for 2025–2030 term

In his remarks, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam stressed that the consolidation of the NA Party Committee’s personnel is of significant importance, aiming to strengthen the Party’s direct and comprehensive leadership over the legislature and ensure the effective performance of its three core functions: legislation, supreme supervsion, and decision-making on major national issues.

Phonesy Bounmixay (right), Lao Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, performs the traditional baci string-tying ceremony to offer New Year blessings to a member of the Ho Chi Minh City delegation on April 10, 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City leader extends traditional New Year greetings to Laos

The Ho Chi Minh City Party organisation, administration, and people consistently attach high priority to relations with Lao localities, while promoting cooperation with Lao ministries, sectors and agencies in such areas as human resource development, trade, technology, tourism and youth exchanges.