☀️ Morning digest on March 13

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

☀️ Morning digest on February 24
☀️ Morning digest on February 24

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

- General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee To Lam met with Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on March 12 as part of his official visit to the city state, during which the leaders emphasised complementary strengths of the two countries.

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Party General Secretary To Lam (left) and Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. (Photo: VNA)

Lam congratulated Singapore on maintaining its impressive growth momentum and effective policies in support of its people, especially low-income earners. Read full story

- Party General Secretary To Lam on March 12 met with Speaker of the Parliament of Singapore Seah Kian Peng, who affirmed that Lam’s first official visit to Singapore holds great significance for the future development of bilateral relations.

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Party General Secretary To Lam writes in the guestbook. (Photo: VNA)

Seah highlighted that the official elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, making Vietnam Singapore’s first Comprehensive Strategic Partner within ASEAN, not only is a historic milestone, but also opens up numerous future cooperation and development opportunities, thereby contributing to regional growth. Read full story

- Party General Secretary To Lam on March 12 visited the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy under the National University of Singapore where he delivered a policy speech on Vietnam’s science, technology, innovation and digital transformation policy in a new era, and opportunities for bilateral cooperation.

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Party General Secretary To Lam (R) and Singapore's Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean at the event (Photo: VNA)

Lam, who is on an official visit to Singapore, emphasised that the two countries are experiencing unprecedented rapid changes in the digital era and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, marked by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and the Internet of Things, that all are reshaping the way people live, work, and connect. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Vice-President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Nicola Beer in Hanoi on March 12, during which he proposed the bank and Vietnam sign a new-generation official development assistance (ODA) agreement with a larger financial scale, more preferential interest rates, simpler procedures, and less stringent conditions.

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An overview of the meeting (Photo: VNA)

This can not only provide financing for the public sector, but also support financial access for the private sector, Chinh suggested. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 12 called on the Électricité de France (EDF) to expand investment in green and clean energy in Vietnam, while also supporting Vietnamese partners in developing nuclear power projects.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and representatives from EDF, Hanoi, March 12, 2025 (Photo: VNA)

Receiving French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet and EDF's Senior VP Government and International Affairs Erkki Maillard in Hanoi, Chinh appreciated the role of French partners in general and EDF in particular in the projects currently operating in Vietnam, which have contributed to developing the Vietnam-France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in an increasingly intensive, substantive, and effective manner. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has welcomed the US-based Pacifico Energy (PE)’s plan and commitment to investing in Vietnam’s energy sector, particularly its survey for an offshore wind power project in the south central province of Binh Thuan province.

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PM Pham Minh Chinh (R) and PE Chairman Nate Franklin at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

During a reception in Hanoi on March 12 for PE Chairman Nate Franklin, the PM affirmed Vietnam’s focus on fast and sustainable development and highlighted new and renewable energy as a strategic priority. He stated the Government is committed to enhancing cooperation with foreign investors, particularly those from the US, as part of efforts to strengthen the Vietnam – US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Read full story

- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on March 11 emphasised his country's desire to enhance cooperation in various fields with Vietnam.

Receiving Vietnamese Ambassador to Egypt and Lebanon Nguyen Huy Dung, who presented his credentials from President Luong Cuong to Joseph Aoun in Beirut, the Lebanese President said he admires Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements and will direct Lebanese agencies to collaborate closely with Ambassador Dung to ensure his successful tenure. Read full story

- The State Securities Commission of Vietnam (SSC) and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) on March 12 agreed to cooperate in safeguarding the integrity and stability of the countries’ capital markets, while fostering their connectivity.

This collaboration will focus on strengthening the regulatory framework for digital assets in Vietnam. Read full story

- The seventh International Exhibition and Conference for Horticultural and Floricultural Production and Processing Technology (HortEx Vietnam 2025) kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City on March 12, expecting more than 15,000 visitors.

The three-day event, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre (SECC), has attracted 303 exhibitors and nearly 400 brands from 30 countries and territories, including Austria, India, Belgium, Germany, Ecuador, the Netherlands, Israel, the US, Japan, and France. Read full story

- Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex in the northern province of Ninh Binh holds exceptional natural and cultural significance, carrying an economic value of 213 billion USD, experts told a recent international workshop.

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A boat wharf at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Photo: VNA)

The valuation emerged from a joint study by Italy’s Santagata Foundation for the Economics of Culture, Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development, and the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Arts at Vietnam National University – Hanoi. Read full story./.

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PM Pham Minh Chinh (L) speaks at a working session with Viettel. (Photo: VNA)

Defence industry should become a spearhead of national industry: PM

Domestically developed defence products, particularly strategic ones, have been laying the foundation for a strong, independent, and modern defence industry with dual-use applications. The sector should become a spearhead of the nation’s overall industry, PM Chinh stated.

Nguyen Van Thao, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg, and Head of the Vietnam Mission to the European Union. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam seeks stronger green finance cooperation with Luxembourg

The trip aims to study Luxembourg’s experience in developing an international financial centre and to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation with the local government, financial institutions, investment funds, and banks. These discussions are expected to contribute to Vietnam’s plans to establish international and regional financial centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang.

Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang (R) and Prof. Young-Sup Joo (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, RoK discuss tech-driven growth strategies

Thang, who is also Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, highlighted Joo’s expertise in economic development, artificial intelligence (AI), and semiconductors, noting their relevance to Vietnam’s current tech-focused transformation.

NA Standing Committee Tran Thanh Man speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

NA Standing Committee concludes 43rd session

In his closing remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man announced that the committee reached broad consensus on seven draft laws, paving the way for the NA’s ninth session in early May.

Party General Secretary To Lam (second, left) and his spouse, along with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn and his spouse, participate in a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate Vietnam’s 30th anniversary of joining ASEAN. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief’s visits reflect shared commitment to ASEAN’s future aspirations

In their talks and meetings, the Vietnamese Party chief and leaders of Indonesia, Singapore, and the ASEAN Secretariat agreed to strengthen coordination at regional and global forums, and work closely with the bloc's member states to step up cooperation towards the successful building of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Participants at the ceremony commemorate 64 naval officers and soldiers who sacrificed their lives on Gac Ma (Johnson South) Reef, part of Vietnam's Truong Sa (Spratly), to defend the nation's sovereignty over seas and islands 37 years ago. (Photo: VNA)

Ceremony held to commemorate 64 fallen naval officers, soldiers in Gac Ma battle

On March 14, 1988, engineering soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Navy stood resolutely on Gac Ma with a unwavering commitment to protecting the national flag amid the vast sea. They faced death head-on, yet refused to retreat or surrender, creating an immortal circle of pride in the East Sea. The 64 soldiers, including nine from Da Nang and one from Quang Nam, laid down their lives.

Beni Sukadis, Senior Researcher at the Jakarta-based Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (Photo: VNA)

Party chief’s state visit brings tangible benefits to Vietnam, Indonesia: scholar

Strengthening ties with Indonesia helps Vietnam gain better access to a vast market, increase trade opportunities, and enhance cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation, according to Beni Sukadis, Senior Researcher at the Jakarta-based Indonesia Institute for Defence and Strategic Studies (LESPERSSI).

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam (second from right) chairs a roundtable on education cooperation in South Australia. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam seeks stronger ties with Australia’s state

Vietnamese Ambassador to Australia Pham Hung Tam commended South Australia’s role in fostering cooperation between the two nations, particularly in science and technology, innovation, information technology, and education.

Vietnamese Ambassador - Designate Nguyen Van Hai (R) and Speaker of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna (Photo: VNA)

Parliamentary diplomacy helps consolidate Vietnam – Mexico friendship

The robust relationship between Vietnam and Mexico has expanded across multiple areas, from politics and economy to cultural diplomacy and been reflected through mutual support at international forums like the UN and the Asia – Pacific Economic Cooperation, and multilateral parliamentary platforms.

Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Van Nghi (L) and Vice President of the Brazilian Senate Eduardo Gomes in Brasília on March 12 (Photo: VNA)

Brazil appreciates growing partnership with Vietnam

Vietnamese Ambassador to Brazil Bui Van Nghi highlighted Brazil as Vietnam’s largest partner in Latin America. Vietnam currently imports soybeans, corn, and cotton from the country while exporting electronics, tires, clothing, and footwear.

An overview of the first meeting of the steering committee for restructuring, re-organising administrative units and developing a two-level local administration model on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

Steering committee for re-organising administrative units convenes first meeting

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh provided further details on the Government’s proposal, which involves transferring about one-third of the responsibilities currently handled by district-lev administrations to provincial authorities, while decentralising the remaining two-thirds to the commune-level administrations.