PM urges comprehensive review to promote development of key economic zones

The PM stressed that the goal is to transform these special economic zones into key growth engines for their respective localities, regions and the entire country.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 16 chaired a meeting of permanent Government members to discuss key measures aimed at removing bottlenecks, unlocking resources and promoting new growth drivers for rapid and sustainable development.

Participants reviewed the progress in addressing delayed and inefficient projects and enterprises in the industry and trade sector under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, in preparation for reporting to competent authorities. They also discussed the development of a proposal to evaluate policies for promoting socio-economic development in major economic zones, along with several other important issues.

Among the matters considered were preparations for a project to support infrastructure and technical development for high-quality, low-emission rice production in the Mekong Delta, to be financed through loans from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).

They also examined a draft decree that resolves legal obstacles facing Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) transport projects, measures to settle outstanding health insurance payments for medical services incurred before 2025, and the review of the issuance of detailed regulations guiding the implementation of recently enacted laws and resolutions.

vnanet-2.jpg
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs a meeting of permanent Government members on Marrch 16 to discuss key measures aimed at removing bottlenecks, unlocking resources and promoting new growth drivers for rapid and sustainable development (Photo: VNA)

On the proposal to review policies for boosting socio-economic growth in the Van Don, Van Phong and Phu Quoc special economic zones, PM Chinh asked ministries and relevant agencies to follow the Politburo’s directives.

He asked them to propose pilot mechanisms and breakthrough policies tailored to each special economic zone, creating leverage and favourable conditions for development.

These policies should include both common frameworks and specific measures suited to the unique characteristics of each zone, helping them fully tap their distinctive potential, seize emerging opportunities and enhance competitive advantages.

The PM stressed that the goal is to transform these special economic zones into key growth engines for their respective localities, regions and the entire country.

To handle delayed and inefficient projects in the industry and trade sector, the PM assigned specific tasks, solutions and deadlines to ministries, agencies and enterprises in accordance with their functions and authority.

He requested that the remaining projects be fully addressed using the mechanisms and tools already approved by competent authorities. If new obstacles arise, ministries and agencies should promptly report and propose solutions.

The Government leader called on officials, particularly heads of agencies and organisations, to demonstrate strong determination, creativity and a willingness to take responsibility for the common good in order to resolve long-standing issues and accelerate national development./.

VNA

See more

Shrimp processing for export at Huy Nam company, An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

Fisheries sector proactively adjusts to emerging challenges

In addition to food safety regulations, the US continues to closely monitor the origin of imported seafood through the Seafood Import Monitoring Programme (SIMP) administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Requirements linked to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) are also a major concern for businesses.

Pham Van Cong, Chairman of the Vietnam Cashew Association, speaks in a conference reviewing the industry’s 2025 performance and deploying procurement plans for 2026 in HCM City on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

Cashew sector braces for challenges in 2026 amid global uncertainties

Vietnam’s cashew industry recorded export turnover of about 5.5 billion USD in 2025, the highest level ever. He noted that the result reflects the industry’s remarkable development, dynamism and timely adaptation to complex and unpredictable challenges both domestically and globally.

An Phát Complex Industrial Park in Hai Phong City is one of the eco-friendly industrial parks. (Photo: VNA)

Green industrial parks become new magnet for FDI

Statistics show that about 80% of FDI enterprises prioritise investing in industrial parks with green energy infrastructure, reflecting a growing shift in investment preferences amid tightening global environmental standards.

Wood panel production at the Thuan An Wood JSC in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese businesses ride wave of investment in green manufacturing

Recent developments in private investment show that as confidence in the private sector has grown and is a key driver of economic development, investors are strengthening support for enterprises not only through capital but also management expertise and market connectivity.

Officers and soldiers of Son Tra Border Guard Station, Da Nang City Border Guard Command tell local fishermen about IUU fishing. (Photo: VNA)

Fishing solidarity groups help Vietnam with IUU “yellow card” warning removal

Over the years, coastal authorities in Da Nang have intensified efforts to educate fishermen about regulations, particularly the need to avoid illegal fishing in foreign waters. Local administrations and competent forces have also strengthened vessel registration and inspection procedures, installed vessel monitoring systems and ensured transparent declarations of catches at ports.

Representatives of Central Retail Vietnam and Lotte Plaza Market sign a distribution cooperation agreement at the networking event in Ho Chi Minh City on March 13. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese firms step up cooperation with international distribution chains

Connecting Vietnamese businesses with international distribution networks has been a key component of government-led trade promotion programmes for many years, which are designed to help domestic companies place goods directly into global retail systems rather than exporting solely through intermediaries.

Direct Hanoi–Amsterdam flights by Vietnam Airlines to begin on June 16. (Photo: Vietnam Airlines)

Vietnam Airlines to launch direct Hanoi–Amsterdam service on June 16

Under the plan, the Hanoi–Amsterdam route will commence operations on June 16, 2026, with an expected frequency of three return flights per week using modern wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft. This will be the first direct air link between Vietnam and the Netherlands, helping to shorten travel time and enhance connectivity between Vietnam and one of Europe’s key economic, logistics and aviation transit hubs.

Farmers harvest the 2025 Winter–Spring rice crop in An Giang province. (Photo: VNA)

An Giang accelerates export shift to meet green consumption trends

To enhance competitiveness, authorities are assisting businesses in obtaining globally recognised certifications such as GlobalG.A.P., Organic and HACCP, enabling key exports including rice, seafood and clean agricultural products to strengthen their position in global markets, according to Quang Xuan Lua, Director of the An Giang Centre for Trade and Investment Promotion.

Motorcycle riders refill their vehicles at a petrol station in Hanoi (Photo: VNA)

E5 RON92 biofuel price falls in latest adjustment

Since the beginning of this year, domestic fuel prices have undergone 14 adjustments, including five decreases and nine increases for RON95 and six declines and eight hikes for E5 RON92. Meanwhile, diesel price has fallen three times and risen 11 times.

A French customer is tasting Vietnamese lychee. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese agricultural products boost global brand recognition

Vietnam aims to achieve about 74 billion USD in agro-forestry-fishery export turnover this year. Expanding value-added products, improving quality standards and strengthening brand building, especially through international supermarket systems, will be key to enhancing the competitiveness and global recognition of Vietnamese agricultural products.

An apartment building developed by BCONS in Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

Resolution 68 boosts businesses entering market

By the end of 2025, Vietnam had more than one million active enterprises. In the first two months of 2026, about 64,500 enterprises entered or re-entered the market, up 29.4% year-on-year, averaging 32,200 newly established or returning businesses per month.