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./.
☀️ Morning digest on December 24
The PM's demand for coordinated efforts to repair infrastructure and restore livelihoods following storms and floods in the central region; the establishment of the Central Steering Committee for People’s Air Defence; and the phone talks between the Vietnamese and French foreign ministers are among news highlights on December 23 evening.
