Significant Developments in Vietnam: March 17 Morning Digest

Key developments in Vietnam include Party General Secretary To Lam’s meeting to guide the 14th National Party Congress, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s directives for Vinh Phuc’s economic growth, the initiation of the 500 kV transmission line project, and significant international relations updates, including Vietnam’s formal maritime claims and plans for resumed flights to Moscow.

The Vietnam News Agency has reported several significant updates from different sectors last weekend. On March 15, Party General Secretary To Lam presided over a sub-committee meeting for the 14th National Party Congress. He emphasized that the Political Report should serve as a guiding “torch” for the country’s future development. Key attendees included notable Politburo members, including State President Luong Cuong and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

In a meeting with the Vinh Phuc Party Committee on March 16, Prime Minister Chinh urged the province to strengthen its efforts to achieve an economic growth target of over 8% this year. He highlighted the need for both traditional growth drivers, such as investment and exports, and new areas of focus, including digital transformation and the green economy.

During the same visit, Prime Minister Chinh attended a groundbreaking ceremony for the 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line project. He reinforced the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to meet the project’s objectives, which include improved efficiency, lower costs, and enhanced environmental protection.

Additionally, the Prime Minister has launched a steering committee for key national railway projects, with himself leading it and Deputy Prime Ministers Tran Hong Ha and Ho Duc Phoc involved as senior officials. This initiative is aimed at boosting the railway infrastructure essential for national development.

On March 15, the Prime Minister also met with Prof. Thomas Vallely from the Columbia University’s Southeast Asia Institute. He commended Vallely for his contributions to Vietnam and sought ongoing policy consultations to achieve economic growth targets by 2025.

Addressing the rising measles cases, Prime Minister Chinh directed the Minister of Health to expedite vaccination efforts nationwide, ensuring completion by month-end. Furthermore, a national conference to restructure provincial and commune-level administrative units is scheduled following the Party Central Committee meeting in April, focusing on enhancing governance efficiency.

In international news, the United Nations has confirmed Vietnam’s deposit of a chart and geographic coordinates relating to its territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin. This formalizes Vietnam’s maritime claims in accordance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The northwestern province of Dien Bien is actively seeking partnership opportunities with the French Embassy to attract investments in culture and tourism, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing cultural exchanges. Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines plans to resume direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow on May 8, marking a significant step in reviving tourism and trade links after a lengthy suspension.

The recent developments in Vietnam, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency, reflect a concentrated effort toward economic growth and infrastructure improvement. The Prime Minister’s directions emphasize collaboration and innovation across various sectors, from railway projects to health initiatives. Moreover, the active engagement with international partners indicates Vietnam’s commitment to expanding its global presence and fostering economic ties.

Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn