Vietnam News Today (Dec. 4): Vietnam, Laos Aim for Deeper, Broader Partnership in New Era of Trust
	Vietnam News Today (Dec. 5): Vietnam, China Strengthen Solidarity, Friendship

Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet (right) meets with Standing Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction Central Committee Inlavan Keobounphanh in Hanoi on December 5. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Laos deepen cooperation in front work, mass mobilization, religious affairs

Chairman of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation Trinh Van Quyet has proposed that in the new period, his commission and the Central Committee of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) should step up the exchange of experience in mass mobilization and intensify joint communications on the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Receiving a delegation from the LFNC Central Committee led by its Standing Vice President Inlavan Keobounphanh in Hanoi on December 5, Quyet, who is also Secretary of the CPV Central Committee, also suggested expanding professional exchanges between departments in charge of communications and mass mobilization on both sides.

He welcomed Inlavan and the Lao delegation, noting that the visit comes as both countries are preparing for their National Party Congresses, thereby helping reinforce trust, attachment and cooperation between the two agencies.

Quyet praised the significant achievements made by the Lao Party, State and people in implementing the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress and the 9th five-year socio-economic development plan. These accomplishments highlight the Party’s leadership and the unity and determination of the Lao people, he said, expressing his confidence that Laos would successfully organize its 12th National Party Congress and advance into a new phase of prosperous development.

He also thanked the LFNC Central Committee for its warm reception of the Vietnamese delegation during its working visit to Laos in November, stressing that the outcomes of that trip formed an important basis for further cooperation, particularly among leaders, specialists and young officials.

For her part, Inlavan briefed the host on the recent situation and activities carried out by the Party, State and people of both countries. She emphasized that recent achievements strongly reflect the Laos–Vietnam special solidarity and their tradition of mutual support during the past struggle for national liberation and national construction. In all circumstances, the Parties, States and people of Laos and Vietnam have always stood side by side.

The Lao official noted that the two sides had conducted joint online and in-person training courses, while local Front organisations maintained regular exchanges on the mobilization work. These activities had strengthened officials’ sense of responsibility and enthusiasm and improved their practical skills, cited VNA.

Based on reviews and lessons learned, the LFNC Central Committee had compiled professional guidance materials for training officials at all levels. It had also gathered valuable public feedback to support submissions to the National Assembly, helping ministries and localities refine policies in line with the laws.

Inlavan shared methods for mobilizing public participation in patriotic and development movements, supporting grassroots officials and enhancing communication through the mass media.

She proposed the Vietnamese side continue supporting training for Lao journalism and communications personnel, noting that 2025 is the final year of the 2021–2025 cooperation agreement. She said both sides should proceed with drafting a memorandum of understanding for the next phase.

The same day, the CPV Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education, and Mass Mobilisation held a working session with the Lao delegation, during which, the two sides exchanged experience in the front work, mass mobilization, ethnic and religious affairs, reviewed recent cooperation and outlined priorities for the time ahead.

Hanoi recognized as UNESCO Global Learning City

On December 4, following a rigorous evaluation process with high standards, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially announced 72 cities from 46 countries as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, including the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

The prestigious recognition demonstrates the international community’s acknowledgment of Hanoi’s persistent and creative efforts to build an inclusive learning society where all residents have access to lifelong learning as a contribution to sustainable, innovative, and inclusive socio-economic development.

It is also the result of coordinated efforts over recent years by the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, the Department of External Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnamese Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, domestic and international experts and scholars, as well as the active participation of Hanoi residents.

Deputy Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO Ngo Le Van welcomed the designation, noting it as a concrete implementation of the Party and State’s policies promoting lifelong learning and the development of a nationwide learning society, according to VOV.

Hanoi Department of Education and Training launches Lifelong Learning Week 2024 (Photo: nhandan.vn)

He cited Party General Secretary To Lam as saying that to successfully fulfill responsibilities and tasks in the new period, lifelong learning is essential to dare to think, speak, act, take responsibility, and make sacrifices for the common interest, becoming useful individuals, especially for officials and staff within the political system.”

Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO highlighted that the recognition brings shared pride to Hanoi and the nation, marking another important success in the country’s strong cooperation with UNESCO. It also represents a concrete step in implementing the International Integration in Education and Training Project toward 2030, approved by the Prime Minister in December 2024, and the Politburo’s Resolution No.71 dated Aug. 22, 2025, on breakthrough development in education and training.

Established in 2013, UNESCO’s Global Network of Learning Cities provides an international platform for member cities to share professional expertise and practical lessons in sustaining a “Learning City.” A ‘learning city’ is a city or administrative unit that has successfully implemented and remains committed to implementing multiple policies promoting quality education and lifelong learning for all citizens. With the addition of new learning cities this year, the Network now comprises 425 member cities across 91 countries worldwide.

Membership in the Global Network of Learning Cities will provide Hanoi with opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences with other learning cities across the globe, work with leading education experts, attract investment, and strengthen international cooperation in education, positioning the capital as a model for building a learning society and a regional bright spot for education, culture, and innovation.

Previously, the Vietnamese cities of Sa Dec, Cao Lanh in southern Dong Thap province, Vinh in northern Nghe An province, Son La in northern Son La province, and Ho Chi Minh City were honored as members of the network. With Hanoi’s inclusion, Vietnam now has six cities recognized as members of the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities.

China provides US$500,000 in aid to support Vietnam's post-disaster recovery

Chinese Government has provided US$500,000 in aid to support Vietnam's post-disaster recovery in central and central highlands localities.

On behalf of the Party, State and Fatherland Front of Vietnam, Bui extended sincere thanks to the Party, State and people of China for their deep sympathy toward the Vietnamese people during this hard time induced by devastating floods and storms, reported VGP.

Chinese Ambassador He Wei hands over US$500,000 in aid to President of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Bui Thi Minh Hoai, Hanoi, December 4, 2025. Photo: VGP

China's donation of US$500,000 is truly a meaningful gift as it is not only an important material support but also a source of encouragement for Vietnam to overcome difficulties and stabilize people's lives. This also stands as a testament of solidarity and friendship built by President Ho Chi Minh and Chairman Mao Zedong, Bui shared.

She expressed her belief that under the sound leadership of the Communist Party of China with comrade Xi Jinping at the core, China will continue to gain greater achievements, bringing prosperity and happiness to the Chinese people and contributing to peace and sustainable development in the world.

Vietnam eyes first free trade zones by 2026 to pilot breakthrough policies

Vietnam plans to launch its first free trade zones (FTZs) in 2026 under a proposal discussed by the government at a meeting on December 5, as the country seeks to pilot breakthrough policies to spur growth and strengthen its competitiveness.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, reviewed a plan formulated by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to build a political and legal foundation for FTZs, a concept not yet defined in Vietnam’s existing laws.

According to the MoF, more than 7,000 special economic zones and FTZs operate globally, increasingly expanding beyond trade to multi-functional ecosystems incorporating industry, high-tech manufacturing, finance, urban services and innovation hubs. Vietnam aims to leverage FTZs as policy laboratories aligned with international standards.

Under the MoF’s proposal, Da Nang, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City would host the initial zones. Vietnam expects to develop 6–8 FTZs by 2030, and 8–10 internationally competitive zones by 2045, contributing an estimated 15%–20% of national GDP.

The MoF’s proposal is based on the country’s 2021–2030 socio-economic strategy, which urges the creation of outstanding, competitive and exceptional mechanisms to accelerate regional development. However, Vietnam currently lacks regulations governing FTZ organisation, management and incentives. The National Assembly has issued resolutions on piloting several special mechanisms and policies for the development of Da Nang and Hai Phong, including provisions on the establishment of free trade zones, cited VOV.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs a meeting in Hanoi on December 5, discussing the establishment of first free trade zones in Vietnam.

Speaking at the meeting, the Prime Minister said the plan must move quickly but ensure quality, with the goal of testing new economic policies before potentially scaling them nationwide.

He instructed ministries to clearly distinguish FTZs from international trade centres, saying the two require different incentive structures. He emphasised that FTZs must be regionally balanced, limited in number during the pilot phase, and subject to time-bound evaluation.

He also called for FTZ development to include land-use planning, infrastructure and smart management systems, human resource training, environmental and social safeguards, and lean administrative models with stronger decentralisation and oversight.

Policies must be attractive enough to compete regionally, said the PM, adding they should not overly disrupt the general investment environment or weaken wider regulatory standards.

The meeting also discussed a separate proposal on special mechanisms to develop the Dung Quat Economic Zone in Quang Ngai into a national hub for refining, petrochemicals and energy, although details were not disclosed during the meeting.

HCM City welcomes luxury cruise liner with nearly 3,000 international visitors

Celebrity Solstice, a luxury Malta-flagged cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises, with nearly 2,850 international passengers on board arrived at Thi Vai General Port in Phu My ward, Ho Chi Minh City, on December 4.

After docking, visitors began their excursions to popular destinations in HCM City and nearby Dong Thap province.

According to the Saigontourist travel service company, about 75% of the 1,400 passengers disembarking chose tours in HCM City.

Among the most popular options are visits to traditional craft villages and the Cu Chi Tunnels, as well as tours in Vung Tau and Ba Ria wards featuring attractions such as Bach Dinh and Bai Truoc, reported VNA.

Celebrity Solstice, a luxury Malta-flagged cruise ship operated by Celebrity Cruises. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)

Built by Germany’s leading shipbuilder Meyer Werft at a cost of 750 million USD, Celebrity Solstice is one of the world’s most modern and luxurious cruise ships.

Launched in 2008, the vessel, with a capacity of 2,850 passengers and a gross tonnage of 122,000 tonnes, measures 317.2 meters in length, 36.8 meters in width and 15 decks high, three times the size of a football field. It offers high-end facilities including a 1,000-seat theatre, an outdoor lawn area, fitness centre, sauna, indoor pool and hot tubs.

HCM City is one of several stops on the ship’s regional itinerary, which departs from Singapore and includes Thailand before visiting Thi Vai Port, Chan May Port (Hue city) and Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh province) of Vietnam before concluding in Hong Kong.

In 2025, Celebrity Solstice has repeatedly brought international visitors to Vietnam. The ship was also the first international cruise to dock in HCM City immediately after Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) 2025 and most recently visited the port in mid-November.

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