☀️ Morning digest on March 5

The second meeting of the Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's dialogue with ASEAN businesses, and the political consultation between Vietnam and Kazakhstan are among news highlights on March 4 evening.

☀️ Morning digest on March 5

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

– The Central Steering Committee for the Development of Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Transformation held its second meeting in Hanoi on March 4 under the chair of Party General Secretary To Lam.

General Secretary To Lam praised the efforts of the Party Committees of the Government, the National Assembly, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and other key Party agencies. However, he also pointed out existing challenges that must be addressed to prevent them from becoming bottlenecks. Read full story

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a dialogue in Hanoi on March 4 with businesses from ASEAN member countries that are operating in Vietnam.

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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (seventh from right) and delegates at the dialogue (Photo: VNA)

This was the 10th working session in a month that the Vietnamese Government leader had held with both domestic and foreign business communities, aiming to promote investment, production, and business activities, helping Vietnam achieve a growth target of 8% in 2025 and double-digit rates in the following years. Read full story

– National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man chaired a meeting between NA leaders and the Standing Board of the Ethnic Council, NA committees, and the NA Office to review February's work and set priorities for March and beyond.

Man emphasised that the workload would be heavy, with many challenges requiring unity and commitment. He called on NA agencies to strengthen their role in legislation, supreme oversight, and major national decisions. Read full story

– NA Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh held a meeting in Hanoi on March 4 with Caroline Nyamayemombe, UN Women Representative in Vietnam, and Michaela Bauer, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Vietnam, to strengthen cooperation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Thanh praised the strong collaboration between UN Women and Vietnam in developing and implementing policies on gender equality and preventing gender-based violence. Read full story

– Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang visited Kazakhstan from March 2 to 3 for a political consultation at the invitation of the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The consultation took place on March 3, co-chaired by Hang and her Kazakh counterpart Alibek Bakayev. Both officials expressed satisfaction with the positive momentum in the countries’ traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation, particularly following Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Vietnam in August 2023. Read full story

– Deputy Defence Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien hosted Second Permanent Secretary at the UK Home Office Simon Ridley in Hanoi on March 4.

Chien appreciated the UK's cooperation with Vietnam in combating human trafficking with various activities, such as delegation exchange, experience sharing, and English language teaching. He expressed his hope that the two sides will continue working together to effectively implement relevant cooperation agreements in this field. Read full story

– Chief Justice of the Supreme People’s Court Le Minh Tri has called on the Republic of Korea (RoK) to enhance support, exchanges, and training in electronic investigation and evidence, and in the fight against high-tech and transnational crimes.

At a meeting with RoK Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young-sam on March 4, Tri reaffirmed the RoK’s status as one of Vietnam’s leading partners in all spheres. He extended his appreciation for the RoK’s support in key projects benefiting the Supreme People’s Court. Read full story

– Vietnam’s state budget revenue was estimated at 499.8 trillion VND (approximately 19.55 billion USD) in the first two months of 2025, reaching 25.4% of the projection and soaring 25.7% year-on-year.

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Vietnam’s state budget revenue was estimated at 499.8 trillion VND in the first two months of 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Notably, 37 out of the 63 localities reported domestic revenue exceeding 20% of their targets, while 48 localities recorded year-on-year revenue growth. Read full story

– Chairman of the Danish Parliament’s Foreign Policy Committee Michael Aastrup Jensen has praised Vietnam’s vessel monitoring system for fishing activities and the quality of its seafood products.

During a working session with the Thuan An Fish Port Management Board in the central city of Hue, Jensen expressed his appreciation for the country’s fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, pledging to relay these positive insights to the European Commission (EC). Read full story

– Hundreds of Singaporean financial and business leaders gathered at the 2025 Da Nang Investment Forum, jointly held by the municipal People’s Committee and Terne Holdings in the city state on March 3, to explore investment opportunities in Da Nang city.

In his address, Secretary of the municipal Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang highlighted that the forum aimed at showcasing the city’s investment advantages in key areas identified as breakthrough drivers for its socio-economic development. Read full story./.

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General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese Party General Secretary to visit US

General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam will pay a working visit to the US, where he will attend the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace for Gaza from February 18 to 20.

State President Luong Cuong, on behalf of Party and State leaders, delivers the Lunar New Year message. (Photo: VNA)

State President Luong Cuong conveys Tet greetings on New Year’s Eve

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, at the sacred moment of transition between the old and new year, State President Luong Cuong, on behalf of Party and State leaders, has delivered a message of greetings to all compatriots, comrades, and soldiers nationwide, and the Vietnamese community abroad as well.

Novice monks at Pho Phuoc pagoda in Thailand are very interested in learning about Vietnamese culture, customs, and traditional Lunar New Year practices through making banh chung and banh tet. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese communities abroad celebrate Lunar New Year 2026

Vietnamese communities around the world have been celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) with cultural events that highlight traditional customs, strengthen community bonds, and introduce Vietnamese heritage to international friends.

Party General Secretary To Lam visits Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex (Photo: VNA)

Party chief offers incense in tribute to kings, President Ho Chi Minh

Party General Secretary To Lam offered incense in tribute to the nation’s forefathers at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and to President Ho Chi Minh at House 67, part of the Ho Chi Minh Relic Site within the Presidential Palace complex in Hanoi on February 16, or the 29th day of the last lunar month.

Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi and Lao Ambassador Shiphandone Oybuabuddy with officials and staff of the two embassies. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos share festive spirit ahead of Lunar New Year 2026

In a warm and festive atmosphere, officials and staff from the two embassies exchanged new year wishes for peace, development and success, reaffirming the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Defence Attaché of Vietnam to Laos Colonel Phan Huu Thang speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam–Laos special relationship remains inseparable

No matter how complex and unpredictable global and regional developments may become, Laos and Vietnam will remain inseparable, said Senior Lieutenant General Vongsone Inpanphim, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Director of the General Political Department of the Lao People’s Army.

Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang (R) hosts Michael DeSombre, US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Minister of National Defence meets with US Assistant Secretary of State in Hanoi

Stressing that Vietnam will keep close coordination and create the best possible conditions for activities related to the search for US personnel missing in action, Defence Minister Phan Van Giang also called on the US to enhance information sharing on documents and artefacts related to Vietnamese soldiers who laid down or went missing during the war.

Party General Secretary To Lam (right) receices US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. (Photo: VNA)

Party chief receives US Assistant Secretary of State

The US attaches great importance to its Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Vietnam, supports a strong, independent and prosperous Vietnam, and wishes to enhance strategic-level cooperation with the country both bilaterally and on regional and international matters.

General Luong Tam Quang, Politburo member and Minister of Public Security, receives US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13. Photo: VNA

Vietnam, US enhance security, law enforcement cooperation

The Ministry of Public Security stands ready to strengthen cooperation with the US in combating transnational crime, said Minister Luong Tam Quang while receiving US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre in Hanoi on February 13.