Steering council for International Financial Centre set up

The council is tasked with setting development strategies, roadmaps, and plans for the International Financial Centre, based on the current conditions and potential of HCM City and Da Nang.

A view of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)
A view of Ho Chi Minh City (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 18 signed a decision to establish a steering council to oversee the development of Vietnam’s international financial centre.

Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh will chair the council. Its vice chairs include Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang, Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam Nguyen Thi Hong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, and Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Pham Duc An.

The council also includes deputy ministers from the ministries of justice, home affairs, industry and trade, and agriculture and environment.

Under the decision, the council is tasked with setting development strategies, roadmaps, and plans for the International Financial Centre, based on the current conditions and potential of HCM City and Da Nang.

It will issue operating regulations, coordinate between the two cities, and advise on appointments of the centres’ executive heads.

An advisory council comprising domestic and international financial and legal experts will also be formed to support policy design and development.

The steering council will regularly monitor implementation and report to the Government and the Prime Minister on major issues beyond its authority./.

VNA

See more

A Vinh Long official introduces signature local products to Korean guests. (Photo: VNA)

Vinh Long courts Korean investment in key sectors

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Truc Son vowed to accompany investors and provide them with optimal conditions, while building a transparent and stable business environment to secure long-term engagement from foreign enterprises, particularly those from Daejeon.

Delegates at the launching ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Digital platform on overseas market development launched

With Vietnam’s network of 64 trade offices overseas, Deputy PM Son noted that connecting them through a modern digital platform could help establish a unified national trade information system that operates efficiently, transparently and with strong forecasting capacity.

The Government’s issuance of Decree No. 72/2026/ND-CP revising preferential import tariffs on several petrol products and raw materials is a timely move to diversify supply sources. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel import tariff cuts strengthen Vietnam’s energy resilience: experts

Economic expert Dinh Trong Thinh said revising fuel import tariffs helps diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on traditional markets, thereby strengthening Vietnam’s ability to cope with potential global supply shocks. Ensuring access to multiple energy sources is also vital for safeguarding national energy security, he added.

Leaders of Dak Lak province inspect IUU fishing prevention and control efforts at Phu Lac fishing port, Hoa Hiep ward. (Photo: daklak.gov.vn)

Dak Lak readies for EC mission on anti-IUU fishing efforts

Dak Lak province is completing preparations for an upcoming European Commission (EC) inspection on efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, with a view to having the fisheries “yellow card” removed.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Argentina Ngo Minh Nguyet speaks at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Argentina promote trade, investment cooperation

On relations with South America, Nguyet noted that in December 2025, Vietnam and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) announced the launch of negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). She expressed her hope that the agreement will be signed soon, thereby further boosting trade and investment between Vietnam and MERCOSUR member states, including Argentina.

Customers buy petrol at a Petrolimex petrol station in Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders stronger measures to ensure stable petrol supply

The MoIT was instructed to direct key petrol producers and traders to proactively develop supply plans to guarantee adequate fuel provision for distribution systems, maintain regular sale operations, and sell products at listed prices. It must also closely monitor developments in global and domestic petrol markets and adopt appropriate management measures when necessary.

Farmers in Ca Mau province use combine harvesters to harvest rice. (Photo: VNA)

PM orders coordinated measures to stabilise rice production and markets

The Minister of Agriculture and Environment is tasked with instructing local authorities to closely monitor production developments, improve forecasting capacity, strengthen pest control measures, and proactively respond to adverse weather conditions to protect crops, maintain planned yields and output, and reduce production costs.

A worker refuels a vehicle at a petrol station in Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Fuel prices slashed as stabilisation fund used

According to a joint decision by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance, the price of RON95-III petrol – the most widely used grade – fell by 3,880 VND to 25,240 VND (0.95 USD) per litre.

Customers purchase petrol at Station No. 03 (Petrolimex Hung Yen) on Quang Trung Street, Tran Hung Dao ward, Hung Yen province. (Photo: VNA)

Hung Yen takes measures to curb speculation, stabilise fuel market

Petrolimex Hung Yen maintains regular reserves of about 5,500 cubic metres at directly managed outlets and roughly 2,000 cubic metres at franchised stations. The provincial Department of Industry and Trade has ordered closer monitoring of supply and demand and retail prices to detect shortages or unjustified price hikes.

The automobile assembly line of the Honda Phuc Yen factory in Phu Tho province (Photo: VNA)

Honda Vietnam sees decline in motorcycle, car sales

Sales of both motorcycles and automobiles by Honda Vietnam declined in February, dropping 19.6% and 41.8% year-on-year, respectively, according to the company’s latest business results released on March 11.

Team 2 of the Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department inspects operations of a Petrolimex petrol station on Tran Quang Khai street (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi maintains stable supply of petrol, LPG

The Hanoi Market Surveillance Sub-department said petrol and LPG trading activities across the city remain stable, with supply largely meeting demand despite volatility in global energy prices.

A Qatar Airways aircraft is seen at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Qatar Airways cancels 13 more flights amid Middle East conflicts

Statistics show that airspace across the Middle East has yet to return to normal operations, with multiple FIRs still imposing restrictions or partial closures. As a result, international flight operations through the region continue to face disruptions and route adjustments.