Politics

☀️ Morning digest on July 17

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

☀️ Morning digest on July 17

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 called on the entire political system to show strong determination, great efforts, and decisive action to meet the ambitious economic growth target of 8.3–8.5% for 2025.

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The teleconference between the Government and localities held on July 16 discusses measures for Vietnam to reach 2025 growth target. (Photo: VNA)

While the goal is highly challenging, it is not impossible and must be achieved to create momentum for double-digit growth in the years ahead, he told a teleconference between the Government and localities on July 16 that discussed measures for reaching the growth target. Read full story

- Greater focus on smart urban development is key to advancing the digital and urban economy, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung stated at the first meeting of the inter-agency task force for coordinating smart city construction and development in Hanoi on July 16.

The Deputy PM applauded the task force’s preparation, stressing that smart urban development is not a choice but an inevitable trend for countries aiming for sustainable growth, improving the quality of life for people, and strengthening urban governance and operation. Read full story

- National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Vu Hong Thanh met with Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, and held talks with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa Annelie Lotriet in Cape Town on July 16, as part of his official visit to South Africa from July 13 - 16.

During the meetings, Thanh congratulated South Africa on its significant achievements in national development, particularly in implementing the goals of the "National Development Plan 2030" to improve living standards and reduce poverty and inequality. He affirmed that Vietnam highly values its partnership for cooperation and development with the South Africa and considers the country one of its top partners in the region. Read full story

- Vietnam has made remarkable progress in protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases, according to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF estimates of national immunisation coverage (WUENIC) released on July 15.

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A healthcare worker administers a measles vaccine to a child at a vaccination site in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

In 2024, Vietnam achieved 99% coverage for the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, up from 80% in 2023. Immunisation coverage in the country has not only rebounded to the high levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic but has now surpassed the rates recorded in 2019. Read full story

- Following a strong impression at the 3rd Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE 2024), the Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade will lead a business delegation to the 4th GDTE, scheduled to take place from September 23–29 in Hangzhou, China.

Vietnam’s national pavilion at GDTE 2025 will span approximately 180 square metres and feature 15–20 standout enterprises in digital technology and e-commerce. Key sectors include information technology and digital transformation services such as augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR/XR/MR), artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs), semiconductors, big data, cloud computing, blockchain, digital content, smart manufacturing, IoT, and related technologies. Read full story

- AirAsia launched its latest direct route between Vietnam's northern port city of Hai Phong and Thailand's Bangkok on July 16, operating four weekly flights on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

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AirAsia launches Hai Phong – Bangkok direct route on July 16. (Photo: VNA)

Santisuk Klongchaiya, CEO of Thai AirAsia, said: “Vietnam remains one of AirAsia’s key strategic markets and has presented us with strong growth prospects. As we continue to enhance our network, guests can look out for more travel options covering even more destinations across the region." Read full story

- Phu Quoc, the "Pearl Island" of southern An Giang province and Vietnam, is ramping up key technology-driven initiatives aimed at transforming into a smart, world-class maritime urban centre.

These efforts are designed to enhance State governance, ensure public security and quality of life for residents, while supporting preparations for the 2027 APEC Leaders’ Week and other major national and international events. Read full story

- Vietnam Railways (VNR) has launched nationwide ticket sales for the Gia Lam – Nanning international passenger train service, starting July 16.

With the move, passengers are no longer required to buy tickets in person at select stations such as Hanoi, Gia Lam, Bac Giang, and Dong Dang./. Read full story

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