Hanoi (VNA) – Measures to achieve the two-digit economic growth target in the 2026-2031 period will be the focus of discussions during the 16th National Assembly (NA)’s ongoing first session.
In the morning sitting on April 20, deputies are expected to hear proposals and verification reports on a range of draft resolutions. The documents cover breakthrough mechanisms and policies for the development of Vietnamese culture; the establishment of Dong Nai as a centrally run city; a pilot framework for public lawyer institution; and special mechanisms to address land law violations committed prior to the 2024 Land Law taking effect, alongside measures to resolve long-delayed and stalled projects. Deputies later convened in groups to deliberate on these matters.
In the afternoon, they will hold plenary discussions on key socio-economic issues, including a supplementary assessment of the implementation of the 2025 socio-economic development and state budget plans; performance in the early months of 2026; the 2026–2030 development plan; thrift practice and anti-wastefulness efforts in 2025; and progress in achieving national gender equality targets. The session will be broadcast live for voters and the public.
According to the Government’s report, despite global uncertainties, Vietnam’s economy sustained positive momentum in early 2026. GDP growth was estimated at 7.83%, with four localities exceeding 10%. The consumer price index rose by an average of 3.51%, while state budget revenues in the first quarter were estimated at 829.4 trillion VND (31.5 billion USD), up 11.4%. Foreign direct investment reached 5.4 billion USD, an increase of 9.1%, and total trade turnover was estimated at 249.5 billion USD, up 23%.
On key priorities, the Government underscored its resolve to achieve double-digit growth, in line with the direction of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, emphasising decisive, results-oriented governance and accountability.
To this end, efforts will focus on boosting revenues by 10%, tightening expenditure, and maintaining stable interest rates. Public investment will be streamlined, with at least 30% of centrally and locally funded projects to be cut during 2026–2030, subject to strict socio-economic efficiency assessments. Institutional reforms will shift from a “management” mindset to a “development facilitation” approach, including comprehensive legal reviews aimed at reducing administrative compliance time and costs by 50%, and further cutting at least 30% of conditional business lines and all unnecessary requirements.
In the social sphere, the Government aims to complete 108 inter-level schools in border communes by August 30, 2026, and ensure all public and private hospitals adopt electronic medical records./.
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☀️ Morning digest on April 20
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last weekend by the Vietnam News Agency.
Top leader’s state visit to China opens new momentum for scientific, environmental cooperation
With the foundation of traditional friendship and clear orientations for cooperation in key areas such as science and technology, environment, and human resource training, Vietnam and China are fully capable of elevating their cooperation to a higher level, making practical contributions to sustainable development in each country and the region.
Vietnam a proactive, responsible partner in promoting parliamentary cooperation
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man’s working trip to Italy and Türkiye achieved important and comprehensive results at both bilateral and multilateral levels. It not only highlighted a proactive and responsible Vietnamese National Assembly with active and practical contributions to the IPU, but also created new momentum to deepen relations with key partners, including in Europe and the Middle East.
NA Chairman wraps up successful working visit to Türkiye
With substantive activities, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man's working visit to Türkiye was a great success, contributing to affirming Vietnam’s image as a proactive and responsible partner in promoting parliamentary cooperation and strengthening multilateralism.
Vietnam, China accelerate building of multidimensional connectivity framework: Chinese scholar
In recent years, China and Vietnam have jointly advanced their paths toward modernisation, making continuous progress in infrastructure connectivity.
PM calls on Military Region 4 to uphold heroic tradition to safeguard nation
PM Le Minh Hung affirmed that while responsibilities may evolve over time, the trust of the Party, State, and people in Military Region 4 remains steadfast.
Deputy FM highlights parliamentary diplomacy gains from IPU-152, European trips
Regarding bilateral engagements in Italy and Türkiye, the deputy minister said the trips marked a meaningful step in implementing Vietnam’s foreign policy following the 14th National Party Congress, helping deepen relations with European and Middle Eastern partners while mobilising external resources for national development.
Vietnam, China elevate strategic connectivity in new phase of development
With railway cooperation expected to emerge as a new highlight of bilateral strategic cooperation, China expressed readiness to collaborate with Vietnam on financing, technology, training, and industrial capacity in the railway sector while encouraging capable enterprises to participate in railway construction.
Chinese expert highlights strategic significance of top Vietnamese leader’s state visit
Amid intensifying strategic competition among major powers, the visit sends a message of both countries’ commitment to their foreign policies of independence and self-reliance, and to prioritising stability and cooperation, according to Professor Pan Jin’e.
Vietnam deposits instrument of ratification for UN Convention against Cybercrime
The formal deposition makes Vietnam the first country in Southeast Asia and the third globally to ratify the convention.
Criminal Police forever symbol of people’s trust: PM
Affirming the enduring trust of the Party, the State, and the people, the PM expressed confidence that the force will continue to be a sharp, courageous, and resourceful spearhead in the fight against crime.
Top legislator receives Vietnam’s Honorary Consul in Istanbul
The Vietnamese leader acknowledged and highly valued Tezolmez’s active contributions to the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Türkiye, particularly in Istanbul - an important economic, commercial, and international exchange hub.
Top legislators of Vietnam, Türkiye meet on sidelines of IPU-152 in Istanbul
The top Vietnamese legislator expressed his admiration for Türkiye’s cultural identity and its friendly, hospitable people, while highly valuing the European country’s growing role and position at multilateral forums and in regional mediation efforts. He affirmed that Vietnam attaches importance to strengthening ties with Türkiye.
NA Chairman calls for deeper Vietnam – Belgium cooperation
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man suggested Belgium continue supporting and accompanying Vietnam in the next development period by expanding all-round collaboration, especially in areas matching Belgium's strengths and Vietnam's demand.
Leaders of Vietnamese, Lao parliaments pledge to share legislative experiences
Both sides agreed to further deepen political ties, increase delegation exchanges, especially among parliamentary leaders, and enhance the sharing of legislative experiences.
Vietnam, China sign 32 cooperation documents
The documents include a cooperation plan between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the 2026–2030 period; a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between the Organisation Commission of the CPV Central Committee and its Chinese counterpart; and a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Parliamentary leaders hail development of Vietnam – Russia ties
The top legislator of Vietnam proposed that both sides deepen political and diplomatic connections, as well as parliamentary cooperation, through delegation exchanges, high-level meetings through various channels, and the successful organisation of a visit to Vietnam by the Speaker of Russia’s Federation Council and a trip to Russia by the NA Chairman to co-chair the 5th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee in 2026.
Hanoi, Guangxi to expand high-tech, logistics, people-to-people cooperation
The two sides highlighted strong complementarities, particularly in high-tech industry, digital transformation and cross-border innovation networks, especially after new railway links connected Guangxi with Vietnamese localities, including Hanoi.