Vietnam News Today (Mar. 13): Preparations For Polling Day Completed on Schedule
	Vietnam News Today (Mar. 14): NA Chairman Calls on Voters to Wisely Choose Deputies Representing People's Will, Aspirations

A a polling station in the Tho Chau Special Zone. (Photo: Lam Hieu/VOV–Mekong Delta)

Vietnam ensures highest level of democracy in elections

The National Assembly and People’s Council election on Sunday is an important political event in Vietnam, where the people’s right to mastery is exercised directly and transparently through each ballot. Democracy in elections does not begin when voters enter the polling station, but in the consultation process and the introduction of candidates, where the principle of “the people know, the people discuss, and the people choose” has been followed strictly and transparently.

Vietnam’s election law specifies universality, equality, direct voting, and secret ballots. This means that most citizens aged 18 and above have the right to vote. Each citizen has an equal vote and is free to choose their candidates without having to disclose their choices to others.

Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (Photo: Kim Thanh/ VOV)

Democracy from consultation to voting

In Vietnam, all election procedures are implemented in accordance with regulations, with the highest goal being ensuring the people’s right to mastery.

The process of selecting the most qualified candidates was carried out by the Vietnam Fatherland Front at all levels through three consultation rounds, which the public was fully informed of and able to monitor and supervise.

Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, said: “The Vietnam Fatherland Front plays an important role in informing the people of their rights and responsibilities as stipulated in the Constitution and the Election Law. People participate in the initial stage of the election and cast their ballots on the Election Day for those who will represent them in the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels.”

Professor Dr. Phan Trung Son, former senior lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said that during the three-round consultation process, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations genuinely reflected the people’s aspirations in selecting dedicated candidates with vision, intellect, and responsibility.

“These organizations nominate through the consultation process candidates who meet the expectations of the people. The consultation rounds must reflect the people’s aspirations. The more rigorous the screening process, the more likely the selection of qualified candidates, who have the capability, dedication, intellect, vision, and talent to undertake the duties and meet the demands of the new era,” Son said.

The three-round consultation process at the grassroots level was governed by four principles: “the people know, the people discuss, the people supervise, and the people choose”.

Nguyen Thi Linh, a voter in Thai Nguyen, said, “I’ve studied the candidates’ profiles carefully. I feel very proud to participate in the elections.”

Representing the people’s trust

The consultation rounds, the selection of candidates, and the nationwide Election Day place the people at the center of the election.

“The election reflects the spirit of “taking the people as the root” and “a State of the people, by the people and for the people,” said Nguyen Quynh Lien, Head of the Department of Democracy, Supervision and Social Criticism of the Vietnam Fatherland Front.

The documents of the 14th National Party Congress consistently emphasize that principle. The election realises the idea that “the people are the masters and the people exercise mastery”. The people exercise their democratic rights in electing the most outstanding representatives to the highest state agency – the National Assembly – and People’s Councils at all levels.”

The democratic nature of elections in Vietnam is clearly reflected in the high turnout of voters. With well-organised, transparent preparations that place people at the centre, the March 15 election will create a foundation for swift implementation of decisions adopted at the 14th National Party Congress.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha meets with UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi and WHO Representative in Vietnam Angela Pratt in Hanoi on March 11. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam steps up partnership with UNDP, WHO in tackling air pollution

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi and WHO Representative in Vietnam Angela Pratt in Hanoi on March 11 to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in improving air pollution and addressing air quality in Vietnam.

Highlighting Vietnam’s close partnership with the two UN agencies, Deputy PM Ha highly appreciated their important contributions to the country’s development over the years, particularly in policy consultation, institutional reform and promoting sustainable development initiatives.

He said Vietnam wishes to continue working closely with UNDP and WHO, while exploring new initiatives to further enhance the effectiveness of cooperation in the coming time.

The Deputy PM noted that Vietnam has begun assessing major sources of air pollution nationwide, including in major urban centres such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The structure of emission sources is similar to that in many developing countries and comparable to that of Beijing in China.

Industrial activities account for about 27% of emissions, followed by transport at around 25% and construction at roughly 20%. About 6% comes from other sources such as open burning of straw and waste. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) remains the dominant pollutant affecting air quality.

According to the Deputy PM, tackling air pollution requires addressing emission sources at their root, including transport, industry, construction, agricultural waste and urban waste. He stressed the need for synchronous solutions, ranging from urban planning and relocating industrial facilities out of cities, shifting fossil fuel–powered vehicles to electric transport or developing underground transit systems, enforcing green building standards, and making use of agricultural by-products such as straw instead of burning them.

Vietnam is currently seeking a comprehensive policy solution that involves cross-sectoral and inter-regional coordination. However, he acknowledged that mobilising resources for implementation remains a major challenge.

The Deputy PM stressed that it is necessary to have more comprehensive assessments of the damage caused by air pollution, particularly healthcare costs and broader socio-economic impacts.

Welcoming constructive proposals from UNDP and WHO representatives, Ha suggested that Hanoi could be selected as a pilot location to develop a model for air pollution control with support from international organisations. He added that the lessons learned could then be replicated in other localities across the country.

He also applauded the proposal by UNDP and WHO to organise a thematic forum on air pollution, expressing interest in connecting with international experts, including those from China, to exchange experience in designing monitoring systems and managing traffic.

Khalidi and Pratt noted that air pollution has been a key area of cooperation between the two organisations and Vietnamese ministries, particularly the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

They said UNDP and WHO are currently supporting Vietnam in five main areas related to air quality management, including strengthening policy and legal frameworks; developing monitoring and early warning systems; conducting emission research and inventories; raising public awareness; and linking air pollution control with sustainable development goals, including the implementation of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

Khalidi affirmed that despite limited resources amid global uncertainties, UNDP will continue striving to mobilise and effectively use available resources to make practical contributions to efforts to improve air quality in Vietnam.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun (Photo: IRNA/VNA)

Vietnam, China eye deeper comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Public Security Wang Xiaohong, Minister of National Defence Dong Jun, will visit Vietnam from March 15–17 to attend the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defence and public security between the two countries known as the “3+3” dialogue.

During his stay, Wang will co-chair the The 17th meeting of the Vietnam–China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation with his Vietnamese counterpart Le Hoai Trung, according to a statement released by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13.

Speaking to the media in Beijing on March 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China and Vietnam are friendly socialist neighbours that are working together to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.

Under the direct guidance of the two countries’ top Party and State leaders, China and Vietnam have established the “3+3” strategic dialogue mechanism covering diplomacy, national defence and public security, Guo stressed, adding that this is the first “3+3” mechanism established by either side worldwide, reflecting the strategic nature and importance of bilateral relations.

Guo noted that after the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in January, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping held a phone talks with General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee To Lam, during which the two sides agreed to organise the first ministerial-level meeting under the “3+3” mechanism and the 17th meeting of the Vietnam–China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Vietnam–China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation has played a key role in advancing the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the countries.

Guo stressed that amid complex and evolving global developments, China and Vietnam need to strengthen strategic exchanges and deepen strategic coordination to speed up the building of China – Vietnam community with a shared future, support each country’s modernisation, and jointly address common challenges.

The Chinese spokesperson also affirmed that China stands ready to work closely with Vietnam under the strategic direction of the two countries’ senior leaders to combine high-quality development with high-level security, effectively implement key cooperation mechanisms, thus further deepening the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.

He expressed his belief that these efforts will bring tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries and contribute positively to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Exports rise 18.3% in first two months, beating target

Vietnam’s export turnover reached US$76.39 billion in the first two months of 2026, up 18.3% year-on-year, exceeding the 15-16% growth target set by the Vietnamese Government.

The result provides a foundation for sustaining export growth as global trade continues to face uncertainties.

Trade promotion network plays key role

Amid continued fluctuations in global trade, maintaining export growth has been identified as one of the key priorities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in 2026.

Speaking at a briefing on trade promotion with Vietnam’s overseas trade offices, Vu Ba Phu, Director of the Trade Promotion Agency, said programmes linking businesses, industry associations and localities with the trade office network have helped companies expand overseas markets.

“We hope to continue close coordination with overseas trade offices to effectively carry out trade promotion activities and contribute to the export growth target for 2026,” Phu said.

Through these regular briefings, Vietnam’s network of more than 60 trade offices and branches abroad has become a key link connecting industries, businesses and local governments with international markets.

Phu said the mechanism allows trade offices to quickly identify export promotion needs from industries, localities and businesses, particularly for seasonal agricultural products.

Many localities have used the network to expand markets for agricultural exports. In addition to traditional destinations, trade offices in regions such as Europe and the Americas have also helped connect Vietnamese firms with overseas partners.

The offices also provide updates on market developments, including changes in trade policies, technical regulations, trade defence measures and consumer trends in host markets.

Such information helps domestic agencies manage policies in a timely manner and allows businesses to adjust production and export strategies to changes in international markets.

Phu said maintaining the presence of Vietnamese companies at major international trade fairs and specialised exhibitions is considered an important trade promotion channel, helping firms promote products, expand partnerships and strengthen the image of Vietnamese goods in the global market.

Strong growth across major markets

At the conference, Nguyen Anh Son, Director of the Import-Export Department, said Vietnam’s trade performance in the first two months of the year showed positive signals.

Exports hit US$76.39 billion, up 18.3% year-on-year, exceeding the government’s 15–16% growth target for 2026.

Vietnam recorded a trade deficit of nearly US$3 billion during the period. However, Son said this was not a cause for concern, as most imports consisted of machinery, equipment and materials for production.

“Increased imports mainly serve production and exports in the coming months. This shows that Vietnam’s industrial production and export activities are preparing for stronger growth ahead,” he said.

Exports expanded across most major markets. Shipments to Asia reached US$34.3 billion, up 19.8% year-on-year. Exports to Europe totalled US$11.3 billion, an increase of 8.6%, while exports to the Americas stood at US$27.3 billion, up 21.9%.

According to the Import-Export Department, export growth in the first two months was recorded in both the agriculture–fishery sector and manufacturing industries.

Exports of agricultural, forestry and fishery products rose more than 10%, with several items posting strong growth, including seafood (about 20%), fruit and vegetables (45%) and pepper (over 25%).

In manufacturing, export turnover increased nearly 20%, with several key products maintaining strong growth. Son said the figures showed that Vietnam’s production and export capacity continues to improve, particularly in high-tech manufacturing.

To sustain export growth in 2026, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will continue to closely monitor global trade developments and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to implement flexible policy measures.

Strengthening the role of Vietnam’s overseas trade office network, expanding markets and helping businesses make better use of free trade agreements are expected to support export growth in the coming period.

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