Friendship
The Election in Vietnam Through Eyes of International Friends: Foundation for Stability and Cooperation
According to ambassadors, experts, and foreign nationals working in Vietnam, the upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term represent an important milestone in the country’s political life. The event contributes to strengthening social consensus and reinforcing the international community’s confidence in Vietnam’s development prospects.
Friendship
More Opportunities to Strengthen Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Uzbekistan
The election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels will take place on March 15, 2026. On this occasion, Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, shared with a reporter from VietnamTimes Magazine his views on the significance of this important political event for Vietnam’s development process, as well as prospects for international cooperation, particularly the friendship between the two countries.
Friendship
Dr. Michael Parsons (Australia): Election Day in Vietnam Has Festival-like Atmosphere
Having lived and worked in Hanoi for many years, Dr. Michael Parsons (Australia) has had the opportunity to directly observe elections in Vietnam. According to him, election day in many localities has an atmosphere similar to a “festival,” where people proactively learn about candidates, dress formally to cast their votes, and participate in the event with a strong sense of responsibility.
Factors Influencing People-to-People Diplomacy in the New Context
On March 10 in Hanoi, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) hosted a seminar titled “Factors influencing people-to-people diplomacy around the world in the new context.” The event was held within the framework of the national-level research project “Studying people-to-people diplomacy worldwide in the new context and proposing solutions for Vietnam.”
09:16 | 11/03/2026
PACCOM and Vietnam Foundation Promote Digital Education in Border-Area Schools
On March 6 in Hanoi, the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM) and the Vietnam Foundation (United States) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a framework for cooperation in implementing the Khan Academy Vietnam program at 248 multi-level schools located in border communes and several other localities coordinated by the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations.
18:21 | 08/03/2026
People-to-People Diplomacy: Change to Reach Further
Spring is always a season of new beginnings and hope. With a 75-year tradition as its foundation, under the leadership of the Party, the State, and the Viet Nam Fatherland Front, and with the determination of the entire system, Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy possesses all the necessary conditions to undertake a strong transformation: changing to elevate capacity, changing to adapt, changing to proactively open new spaces for cooperation, and to reach further in its mission of connecting the people of Viet Nam with peoples around the world.
07:05 | 17/02/2026
Outstanding Highlights of Viet Nam’s People-to-People Diplomacy in 2025
The year 2025 marked a dynamic and effective period for Viet Nam’s people-to-people diplomacy. Amid complex developments in the global and regional landscape, the activities of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) were implemented with clear innovations in mindset, approaches, content, and methods. These efforts contributed to expanding cooperation and spreading Viet Nam’s values of peace and humanity to the international community, affirming its role as a pillar of Viet Nam’s comprehensive and modern diplomacy.
19:19 | 16/02/2026
National
Digital Transformation Supports Efficient and Transparent Elections
National
Digital transformation is a notable new feature in preparations for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. The use of the National Population Database, electronic identification applications and artificial intelligence not only improves management efficiency but also helps ensure that election day truly becomes a nationwide civic event.
10:22 | 12/03/2026
National
Online Contest on National Assembly and People’s Councils Elections
National
An online contest on the National Assembly and People’s Councils elections is being held from February 27 to March 15, 2026, to raise awareness among officials, Party members, and the public about the position and role of the National Assembly and People’s Councils. The contest also aims toward the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term.
10:30 | 11/03/2026
National
Vietnam News Today (Mar. 11): Vietnam and China Defense Ministers to Meet at Border Exchange
National
Vietnam News Today (Mar. 11): Vietnam, RoK seek to boost all-around cooperation; Vietnam and China defense ministers to meet at border exchange; Vietnam and Japan step up cooperation in human resource development; Vietnam becomes vital player in global semiconductor value chain.
06:39 | 11/03/2026
Friendship
Can Tho Strengthens Cooperation with France in Education and Healthcare
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Diep, Vice Chairwoman of the Can Tho People’s Committee, together with leaders of several departments and agencies, met and worked with Etienne Ranaivoson, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City, during his visit and working trip to the locality on March 10.
14:26 | 12/03/2026
Friendship
Secretary-General of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association: The 16th National Assembly Will Continue to Drive Vietnam’s Development
In an interview with VietnamTimes Magazine, journalist and historian Pedro de Oliveira, Secretary-General of the Brazil-Vietnam Friendship Association, stated that the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is an important political event for Vietnam. It raises expectations for further advancing the country’s development and strengthening international cooperation.
14:14 | 12/03/2026
Friendship
The Election in Vietnam Through Eyes of International Friends: Foundation for Stability and Cooperation
According to ambassadors, experts, and foreign nationals working in Vietnam, the upcoming elections for the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term represent an important milestone in the country’s political life. The event contributes to strengthening social consensus and reinforcing the international community’s confidence in Vietnam’s development prospects.
11:20 | 12/03/2026
Friendship
More Opportunities to Strengthen Traditional Friendship Between Vietnam and Uzbekistan
The election of deputies to the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels will take place on March 15, 2026. On this occasion, Alisher Rustamovich Mukhamedov, President of the Uzbekistan-Vietnam Friendship Association, shared with a reporter from VietnamTimes Magazine his views on the significance of this important political event for Vietnam’s development process, as well as prospects for international cooperation, particularly the friendship between the two countries.
10:38 | 12/03/2026
Viet's Home
Preventing Sabotage Tactics on Election Day
The election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and to People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term is a major political event of the country. It demonstrates the people’s mastery, affirming the nature of the socialist rule-of-law state of the people, by the people, and for the people.
10:56 | 11/03/2026
Viet's Home
Yen Lang Commune (Hanoi) “Finishes Early” in Election Preparations
That is the general assessment made by several inspection bodies and confirmed through our recent field observations in Yen Lang Commune (Hanoi). To further clarify this matter, VietnamTimes Magazine interviewed Lo Xuan Hoa, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Committee of the commune.
07:08 | 11/03/2026
Viet's Home
Vietnam and UNODC Strengthen Cooperation in Combating Human Trafficking
On March 9 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organized an awareness-raising event on human trafficking aimed at forcing victims to commit crimes in scam centers. The event also introduced UNODC’s campaign #TrappedInScamCrime (#Mắcbẫytộiphạmlừađảo) in Vietnam.
15:34 | 10/03/2026
Viet's Home
Launch of MekongElevate Project “Green and Sustainable Adaptation for Ethnic Minority Communities”
On March 4 in Dak Lak Province, CARE in Vietnam, in collaboration with the Center for Community Development (CDC), officially launched the MekongElevate project titled “Green and Sustainable Adaptation for Ethnic Minority Communities.”
14:12 | 06/03/2026
Viet's Home
Vu Van Tien: Commitments Must Not Be Treated as Slogans but as Disciplined Action and Accountability to Voters
On March 5 in Hai Phong City, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hai Phong City held a voter meeting with candidates for the 16th National Assembly (constituency No. 6). At the meeting, the candidates presented their action programs to voters, emphasizing a spirit of responsibility, innovation, and substantive commitments should they be elected to the National Assembly.
16:40 | 05/03/2026
Viet's Home
Australia-funded GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project Supports Nearly 6,000 Households
This figure was announced at a regular meeting held on March 4 by the Steering Committee of the project “Promoting Gender Equality through Enhancing the Economic Efficiency of Agricultural Production and Tourism Development in Lao Cai Province” (the Australia-funded GREAT 2 Lao Cai Project). The meeting aimed to review implementation progress, discuss the Year 3 activity plan, and propose budget allocations for several sub-projects.
14:42 | 05/03/2026
Viet's Home
Bringing Election Information to Every Village, Parish, and Border Area
Preparations for March 15 - the election day for deputies to the 16th National Assembly and members of People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term are being carried out in an urgent and serious manner across localities nationwide. In remote and mountainous communes and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, voter outreach and communication activities are organized in ways suited to local characteristics and community customs.
11:18 | 02/03/2026
Viet's Home
Application of Population Data and VNeID Enhances Efficiency of Election Organization
The utilization of the National Population Database and the VNeID electronic identification application is being implemented in a coordinated manner in preparation for the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and deputies to the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term. These digital solutions contribute to improving the accuracy of voter lists, enhancing transparency, and ensuring adherence to the election timeline nationwide.
07:05 | 02/03/2026
Seas and islands
Dong Thap Steps Up Communication Against IUU Fishing At The Start Of The Fishing Season
Seas and islands
The Border Guard of Dong Thap Province has stepped up communication efforts to ensure fishermen understand and comply with legal regulations on fisheries exploitation, helping prevent violations related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
10:33 | 11/03/2026
Seas and islands
HCMC Steps Up Efforts to Remove IUU “Yellow Card”
Seas and islands
Ho Chi Minh City has implemented a range of decisive measures to strengthen the management of fishing activities, tighten discipline in fishing vessel oversight, and raise fishermen’s awareness of legal compliance.
10:31 | 11/03/2026
Seas and islands
Ninh Binh Tightens Management of Fishing Vessels, Prepares for the Fifth EC Inspection Mission
Seas and islands
The People’s Committee of Ninh Binh province has requested relevant departments, agencies, and local authorities to strengthen the review and rectification of fishing vessel management, tighten control over fisheries exploitation activities, prevent the occurrence of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing violations, and prepare necessary conditions for the fifth inspection mission of the European Commission (EC).
14:33 | 10/03/2026
Overseas Vietnamese
Vietnamese Intellectuals in Europe Promote Science and Tech Cooperation with EU
More than 150 Vietnamese scientists, experts, and business representatives from Belgium and other European countries recently attended the Vietnam–European Union (EU) Cooperation Workshop on Science, Technology, and Trade. The event focused on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in key areas of development.
10:35 | 11/03/2026
Overseas Vietnamese
Promoting Vietnam’s Ao Dai Heritage in Laos
The Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club in Laos, under the Vietnam Ao Dai Heritage Club and the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Preservation Support Fund, held a ceremony to celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8 and launch the club under the theme “Vietnamese Ao Dai - Connecting Cultures, Spreading Identity.” The event took place on the evening of March 9 in Vientiane, Laos.
10:28 | 11/03/2026
Overseas Vietnamese
Overseas Vietnamese in Japan Voice Expectations for New Policy Directions Ahead of National Elections
Nguyen Duy Anh, Honorary President of the Vietnamese Association in Fukuoka (Japan), has arranged his work schedule to return to Vietnam to cast his vote in person, expressing expectations for policy decisions in the country’s new stage of development, according to VNA.
11:17 | 10/03/2026
Overseas Vietnamese
Vietnamese Communities in the Gulf Remain Safe amid Escalating Middle East Tensions: Embassies
All Vietnamese citizens in Israel and the Gulf countries remain safe as the conflict in the Middle East continues to develop in a complex manner. Vietnamese representative missions in the affected areas have activated 24/7 citizen protection mechanisms, maintained close contact with the community, and prepared emergency response plans.
10:53 | 04/03/2026
World
Indonesia has entered agreement with India to procure BrahMos missiles
Indonesia has entered an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos missile system, its defence ministry spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait told Reuters on Monday (Mar 9).
10:50 | 11/03/2026
World
India wins praise after third T20 World Cup crown
The cricketing world hailed white‑ball powerhouse India as they etched their name deeper into history with a third men’s Twenty20 World Cup title on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in Ahmedabad.
13:59 | 10/03/2026
World
UN and Many Countries Warn of Escalating Conflict Risk in Middle East
In response to coordinated airstrikes by Israel and the United States against Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, the United Nations and numerous countries and international organizations have simultaneously called for restraint, warning of a serious escalation risk to regional peace and security.
16:40 | 02/03/2026
World
Seminar Marking 50th Anniversary of Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia
On February 25, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York (United States), on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the ASEAN Committee in New York organized a symposium under the theme: “The Contribution of the TAC as a Regional Framework under Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.” The Vietnamese delegation, led by Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to the United Nations, attended the event.
08:14 | 28/02/2026
Travel
Vietnam's New Competitive Advantage in Tourism
In the global tourism landscape, cuisine is becoming a special "language" for countries to define their image and win over tourists. With its rich and distinctive culinary traditions, Vietnam has a great opportunity to transform its culinary culture into a national asset.
18:10 | 08/03/2026
Travel
Vietnam’s Tourism Sector Kicks Off 2026 with 14 Million Tet Holiday Arrivals
During the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday of the Year of the Fire Horse 2026, Vietnam’s tourism sector welcomed approximately 14 million visitors, marking a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The spring tourism landscape recorded balanced growth in both domestic and international arrivals, spreading from major urban centers to numerous localities and generating momentum toward the sector’s 2026 growth targets.
14:28 | 25/02/2026
Travel
Vietnam Remains One of the World’s Most “Affordable” Destinations in 2026
According to the French online newspaper Journal du Net (JDN), Vietnam is emerging as one of the world’s most affordable destinations, particularly attractive to Europeans seeking a place to live or enjoy an extended stay.
10:15 | 22/02/2026
Travel
Nearly 4,200 Cruise Passengers “First-Foot” Da Nang During the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026
In the early days of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo 2026, Da Nang consecutively welcomed international cruise ships carrying nearly 4,200 European and American visitors for sightseeing tours. The arrivals created a vibrant atmosphere from the very beginning of the year and signaled a promising start to the city’s marine tourism season.
16:16 | 20/02/2026
Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse) Weather Forecast
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has released its weather outlook for regions nationwide during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday of the Year of the Horse, from February 13 to 22, 2026 (corresponding to the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year).
Promoting Vietnam’s Ao Dai at London Fashion Week 2026
On February 3 in Hanoi, the project “Ao Dai Fashion Week London 2026”, aimed at promoting Vietnamese culture, was officially introduced to the media and the public under the message “A Runway of Heritage, A Future of Style.”
Dinh Bac Wins Golden Boot at 2026 AFC U23 Championship
Striker Nguyen Dinh Bac claimed the Golden Boot at the AFC U23 Championship 2026 with four goals, setting a historic milestone for Vietnamese football.
Vietnamese Banh My Shines on Global Culinary Map
Every corners of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and many provinces across the nation, the Vietnamese Banh My has conquered not only local but also global diners. The dish represent an unique culinary harmony, blending a savory fillings with a signature crispy baguette that is irresistible.
Multimedia
A Photographic Reunion across Decades: Continuum: Vietnam
Multimedia
More than three decades after first travelling across Vietnam with a camera and a notebook, British photojournalist Andy Soloman has returned to the country, not only to photograph it again, but to reconnect with the people whose lives he captured in the early 1990s.
16:37 | 09/03/2026
Multimedia
Experiencing Vietnamese Tet Through Foreign Eyes
Multimedia
Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is more than just a holiday. It is a celebration of family, culture, and new beginnings. And for many foreigners, it becomes an unforgettable cultural journey.
13:17 | 20/02/2026
Multimedia
WVIV Provides Relief Supplies to Disaster-Affected Communities in Thanh Hoa
Multimedia
In a timely effort to support families and children severely impacted by Storm No. 10 in 2025 (Bualoi), on February 3 in Thanh Hoa Province, World Vision International in Vietnam (WVIV), in coordination with the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, the provincial Red Cross Society, and YoungOne Corporation, organized a ceremony to present relief supplies to residents of Co Lung Commune (formerly part of Ba Thuoc District).
10:09 | 04/02/2026
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