Hanoi (VNA) – The 12th National Congress of the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) opened its first session in Hanoi on July 27, laying the groundwork for a new term focused on digital transformation, stronger mobilisation of social resources and more professional humanitarian operations.
Nearly 500 official delegates, representing more than 5.6 million Red Cross officials, members, volunteers and youth nationwide, are attending the two-day congress.
As part of activities marking the 80th founding anniversary of VRCS (November 23, 1946–2026), the event aims to review the implementation of the resolution of the 11th National Congress, set orientations, goals, tasks and solutions for the Society’s work and the Red Cross movement for the 2026–2031 term, and discuss amendments to the society’s Charter.
Delegates will elect the 12th VRCS Central Committee for the 2026–2031 tenure, and adopt a resolution of the congress.
According to the agenda, the congress will hold its formal session on July 28 morning, featuring the opening ceremony, presentation of the political report, discussions and remarks by representatives of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and guiding remarks by Party and State leaders.
For the 2026–2031 term, the VRCS aims to build a strong, professional and modern organisation with effective operations while maintaining its role as a specialised humanitarian organisation entrusted with tasks by the Party and State. It will serve as a core organisation, bridge and coordinator in humanitarian work, with people at the centre and communities as the foundation.
The congress has identified three breakthroughs, including comprehensive digital transformation, development of a green humanitarian ecosystem to promote sustainable livelihoods and community resilience, and a professional volunteer force capable of responding to emergencies on the spot./.
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☕ Afternoon briefing on August 7
The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.
33rd Diplomatic Conference: Vietnam's foreign policy wins praise from Canadian expert
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Legislators review bills to streamline administrative procedures in agriculture, environment
Presenting the draft law on amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws concerning administrative procedures and business conditions in the agriculture and environment sector, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung said it is designed to institutionalise the Party's policy of reducing and simplifying administrative procedures and business conditions, while promoting decentralisation, innovation, and more effective state governance.
Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership set for new breakthrough after top leader’s Australia visit
As the highest-level external activity of the Vietnamese Party and State, and the first State visit by a Vietnamese State President to Australia, the trip holds particular historical significance, serving as an important milestone to translate high-level political commitments into concrete outcomes and further strengthen political trust between the two countries.
Vietnam, Australia to further strenthern cooperation
The messages posted on Australian Government media platforms highlighted Australia and Vietnam as close regional partners with a long-standing friendship. This will be General Secretary and President Lam’s first visit to Australia since being appointed as President in April and it is also the first in-person meeting between the two leaders.
Lawmakers mull over various bills in group debates
The legislative package includes a draft Law on Urban Development, a bill amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws that govern administrative procedures and business conditions in agriculture and environment, and the draft Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Radio Frequencies, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on E-Transactions, and the Law on Technology Transfer.
Vietnam remains active contributor to ASEAN Community Vision 2045
Vietnam's 31-year journey with ASEAN stands as compelling testimony to its strong commitment to regional integration, as well as its pioneering spirit, sense of responsibility, and proactive contributions to building a united and resilient ASEAN Community.
Vietnam, Netherlands seek deeper manufacturing cooperation
Manufacturing remains one of Vietnam's core industries, making a major contribution to economic growth, exports and foreign direct investment. The country has become an important production base for multinational corporations in electronics, precision engineering, electrical equipment and high-tech industries.
Vietnam, Laos strengthen political, defence ties
The Lao leaders expressed satisfaction with the steady development of bilateral ties, noting that political relations have become increasingly close, deep and trustworthy, serving as the guiding force for overall cooperation.
Malaysia-Vietnam defence ties set for more practical cooperation: expert
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Diplomacy to accompany businesses in expanding Vietnam's development space
Opening the event, Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung said Vietnam is entering a new era of development in which foreign affairs and international integration is a crucial and regular task, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, mobilising external resources and enhancing the country's international standing.
NA reviews special mechanisms to keep APEC 2027 projects on schedule
The draft laws include the Law on Urban Development; the Law on amending and supplementing several articles of 10 laws concerning administrative procedures and business conditions in the agriculture and environment sectors; and the Law amending and supplementing several articles of the Law on Radio Frequencies, the Law on Telecommunications, the Law on E-Transactions, and the Law on Technology Transfer.
☀️ Morning digest on August 7
The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.
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Vietnamese, Thai PMs exchange congratulatory letters on 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and his Thai counterpart Anutin Charnvirakul on August 6 exchanged congratulatory letters marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam–Thailand diplomatic relations (August 6, 1976-2026).
Top legislator asks new US ambassador to forward parliamentary ties
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man called on US Ambassador Jennifer Wicks to leverage her role by working closely with Vietnamese authorities to promote all-level mutual visits and meetings, especially between high-ranking leaders, while establishing a regular and substantive dialogue mechanism between the two legislative bodies.
PM hosts outgoing Malaysian Ambassador
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed that Malaysia invest in Vietnam’s halal industry, covering capacity building, common halal certification standards and mutual recognition between the two countries’ national halal certification centres.
Vietnam, Thailand agree to advance "Three Connects" Strategy
Both leaders noted confidence that, with strong political will and close coordination between the relevant agencies of both countries, the Vietnam–Thailand Comprehensive Strategic Partnership would continue to develop in a more substantive and effective manner.