Vietnam News Today (Mar. 15): Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly Election: Important Milestone in Development Trajectory

	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

Vietnamese Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung (right) welcomes Chinese Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in Hanoi on March 15. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese, Chinese FMs agree to make new breakthroughs in substantive cooperation

A strategic discussion was held between Vietnamese Politburo member and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Hanoi on March 15.

The event took place on the occasion of the 17th meeting of the Vietnam – China Steering Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and the first ministerial-level strategic dialogue on foreign affairs, national defense and public security between the two countries.

Welcoming Wang's return visit to Vietnam, Trung highly valued the significance of the strategic exchange between the two foreign ministers on this occasion, which demonstrates a high level of political trust, strategic cohesion, and comprehensive and substantive cooperation between their countries.

Congratulating China on the success of the recent fourth sessions of the 14th National People's Congress and the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as on its recent socio-economic achievements, Trung underlined Vietnam's confidence in and support for China's stronger development and increasingly important contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

He affirmed that the Party, State, and people of Vietnam always consider the consolidation and development of relations with China as a strategic choice and a top priority in Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, and multilateralisation and diversification of external relations.

For his part, Wang expressed his pleasure at visiting Vietnam again and congratulated the country on the successful organization of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

China always supports the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, headed by General Secretary To Lam, in leading Vietnam to continue obtaining new and even greater achievements, he stated.

The visiting official added that China is ready to work with Vietnam to strengthen strategic trust and develop together, bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

At the meeting, both host and guest acknowledged the highly positive and comprehensive strides in Vietnam – China relations over the recent past.

They agreed that the two countries’ diplomatic agencies need to strictly adhere to the high-level common perceptions, continue close coordination, and effectively implement measures to deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of a Vietnam – China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance, guided by the “six major orientations”.

The two sides should meticulously prepare for coming visits and meetings at all levels while working with ministries, sectors, and localities to make new breakthroughs in substantive cooperation, thereby bringing the relationship between the two Parties and the two countries to a new level, they said.

Trung proposed that the two countries improve the quality and effectiveness of cooperation in various fields; promote balanced and sustainable trade; expand the import of goods, especially farm produce from Vietnam, to the maximum extent; accelerate strategic connectivity; increase high-quality investment; and promote technology transfer in industrial cooperation. They should also coordinate closely to ensure energy security, and increase scholarships for Vietnam, focusing on such fields as basic science and high technology.

The Vietnamese minister also suggested both sides further encourage result-oriented cooperation between localities, strengthen tourism links, strive to increase the numbers of tourists visiting each other, and foster cultural ties.

Appreciating his host’s cooperation proposals, Wang emphasised China's willingness to closely coordinate with Vietnam to fruitfully implement the high-level common perceptions. He suggested that both sides promote economic, trade, and investment partnerships more strongly.

China is ready to encourage its large and capable enterprises to expand investment in Vietnam, he noted, adding it will provide more bilateral and multilateral scholarships for Vietnamese students and further step up cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges.

During the event, the two officials also sincerely and straightforwardly discussed sea-related issues and other international and regional matters of mutual concern.

Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly election: Important milestone in development trajectory

The election of deputies to Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure marks an important milestone in Vietnam’s development trajectory, told UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi.

According to the UNDP Resident Representative, this year's election takes place at a moment when the country is entering a new phase of policy priorities and institutional reforms that will shape its next stage of development.

The 16th National Assembly will therefore play a critical role in advancing legislative and institutional reforms needed to unlock new drivers of growth and sustain Vietnam's impressive socio-economic progress.

The election also comes as Vietnam enters the final stretch toward achieving the socio-economic development strategy (2021–2030), the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, and its ambition to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030. The next phase of the national targeted program is expected to further reinforce this reform and growth momentum.

Central role in translating priorities into effective legislation

Sustained high growth will require significant improvements in labor productivity, human-resource quality, and modern digital and physical infrastructure, particularly in an increasingly volatile global environment.

Key priorities include developing high-quality human capital; promoting science, technology and innovation; strengthening private-sector development; and modernizing strategic infrastructure, including digital, transport and logistics systems.

Upgrading industries and accelerating digital transformation will also be essential to sustain Vietnam's development momentum.

Recent cornerstone resolutions of the Politburo set an ambitious direction for innovation-driven growth. The new National Assembly will play a central role in translating these priorities into effective legislation, financing frameworks and oversight.

By establishing an enabling legal and regulatory ecosystem and aligning public investment with innovation priorities, the Assembly can help unlock the full dynamism of Vietnam's private sector—critical for job creation, productivity gains, green transition and global competitiveness, according to VGP.

UNDP Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi. Photo: VGP

The Assembly is also expected to review several important legislative initiatives—including the Law on Marriage and Family, the Law on Adoption, revisions to the Civil Code and Criminal Code, and the Law on International Agreements. These reforms will have wide-ranging implications for both development and the daily lives of citizens, reinforcing the importance of a strong, responsive and forward-looking legislative agenda.

At the same time, the quality of the legislative process remains critical. Ensuring that policymaking is participatory, transparent and inclusive, with broad citizen consultations and appropriate safeguards—including for data privacy—will strengthen both public trust and policy effectiveness. Diversity also strengthens policymaking.

Fostering sustainable, inclusive development in new term

Khalidi noted that the current candidate list includes the highest number of women candidates to date and, for the first time, a candidate with a disability, reflecting growing momentum toward a more diverse and representative National Assembly.

Equally important is ensuring that development policies remain inclusive and people-centred. By strengthening social policies and promoting equal opportunities for women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, legislation can help ensure that Vietnam's development progress benefits all citizens and that no one is left behind.

The legislative agenda also provides an important opportunity for Vietnam to accelerate its transition toward climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development. Stronger legal frameworks can translate national commitments on climate action, biodiversity protection and green growth into concrete policies guiding investment and implementation. This includes expanding renewable energy, promoting circular economy solutions, strengthening climate resilience in agriculture and infrastructure, protecting ecosystems such as forests and mangroves, and addressing environmental challenges such as air pollution that increasingly affect public health and urban quality of life.

By integrating these priorities into legislation, Vietnam can better align socio-economic development with its long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while safeguarding livelihoods, public health and economic stability.

As Vietnam enters this new legislative term, UNDP remains committed to accompanying the Government, the National Assembly and the people of Vietnam in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

"Through our continued partnership on human development good governance, climate action, environment and innovation, we stand ready to support Vietnam in achieving its development ambitions while ensuring that progress benefits all citizens and leaves no one behind", she emphasized.

Parliamentary diplomacy helps reinforce Vietnam-Azerbaijan ties: Ambassador

Parliamentary diplomacy has made great contributions to consolidating ties between Vietnam and Azerbaijan, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Vietnam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizadet said in an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency.

The diplomat noted that in recent years, cooperation between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Vietnam has developed in a positive and constructive manner, reflecting the strong friendship and mutual respect between the two countries.

He stressed that Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the parliamentary dimension in relations between nations. The meeting between Party General Secretary To Lam of Vietnam and Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan (Milli Majlis) Sahiba Gafarova during the former’s historic visit to Azerbaijan in May last year marked an important milestone in strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries, he said.

During the meeting, the Speaker of Azerbaijan’s National Assembly expressed readiness to pay her first official visit to Vietnam and extended an invitation to her Vietnamese counterpart to visit Baku.

Parliamentary friendship groups in the legislatures of both countries are expected to play an important role, providing flexibility for active coordination in this process, Mehdizadet added.

The ambassador expressed his expectation that Vietnam’s new National Assembly will continue to take an active part in enhancing this cooperation. Parliamentary exchanges, dialogues between parliamentary friendship groups and mutual visits will contribute significantly to deepening political trust and creating favourable conditions for expanding cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, energy, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges, reported VNA.

The two countries' parliaments could further support the implementation of the agreements reached at the government level while facilitating the development of new initiatives benefiting the peoples of both nations, he suggested.

The growing partnership between Azerbaijan and Vietnam, particularly following the establishment of a Strategic Partnership during the state visit by General Secretary To Lam to Azerbaijan in 2025, has provided a solid cornerstone for advancing bilateral relations across multiple fields, said the ambassador.

He expressed confidence that Vietnam’s new National Assembly will continue to make valuable contributions to the comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries, including through enhanced parliamentary diplomacy, cited VNA.

Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Vietnam Shovgi Kamal Oglu Mehdizadet (Photo: VNA)

Regarding the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026–2031 tenure, Mehdizade described it as an important political event and a milestone of great significance in Vietnam’s governance and development process.

In his view, the election not only reflects the will of the people and democratic values, but also presents an opportunity to further strengthen institutional foundations for Vietnam’s continued socio-economic progress.

He noted that over the past decades, Vietnam has achieved remarkable development accomplishments and has emerged as one of the most dynamic economies in the region.

The new National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels will therefore play a pivotal role in shaping policies, perfecting the legal framework and overseeing the implementation of development strategies aimed at sustaining economic growth, improving social welfare, and promoting innovation and digital transformation.

According to the ambassador, the election will help ensure that capable and dedicated representatives are entrusted with the responsibility of guiding the country through its next stage of development. Their role will be essential in implementing the socio-economic objectives set out in Vietnam’s national development strategies, boosting governance capacity and effectively addressing both domestic priorities and global challenges.

He expressed his belief that this important electoral process will contribute significantly to Vietnam’s stability, solidarity and prosperity, enabling the country to maintain its impressive development trajectory.

Vietnam pledges to advance women’s access to justice at UN forum

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha has laid stress on the importance of ensuring women’s access to justice and shared Vietnam’s experience in legal aid and the prevention of gender-based violence at the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.

From March 9 to 11, a delegation from Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha, attended CSW70 in New York.

At the general discussion of the session, participating countries exchanged views on emerging challenges in promoting gender equality, with particular attention to improving women’s and girls’ access to justice.

Addressing the discussion on March 11, Ha said access to justice is not only a fundamental human right but also a foundation for eliminating gender-based violence and discrimination, while contributing to sustainable development.

She also shared Vietnam’s experience in strengthening legal and policy frameworks aimed at promoting gender equality and protecting the rights and interests of women, cited VOV.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha attends the CSW70 event.

In particular, the Law on Legal Aid, which took effect in 2017, expanded the categories eligible for free legal assistance, including victims of domestic violence, victims of human trafficking and disadvantaged minors. Legal aid centres have been established in all 63 provinces and cities, while more than 62% of legal aid providers are women, helping improve gender sensitivity in service delivery.

In addition, more than 6,000 models and service facilities for preventing and responding to gender-based violence are operating nationwide. These initiatives help women and girls, especially those in remote and disadvantaged areas, gain timely access to essential services such as psychological counselling, legal assistance and emergency protection.

Through these policies and programs, Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to fully implementing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Platform for Action and other international human rights commitments.

Ha said Vietnam is integrating gender equality goals into institutional reform, the building of a rule-of-law state and broader sustainable development efforts.

On the sidelines of CSW70, Deputy Minister Nguyen Thi Ha met Osmayda Hernandez Beleno, a member of the National Executive Committee of the Federation of Cuban Women. The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest related to gender equality and women’s advancement.

Both sides also recalled the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries and their peoples. Based on this foundation, Ha and Hernandez Beleno agreed to establish a channel for dialogue and cooperation between their respective institutions on gender equality in order to share experience and strengthen cooperation.

The Vietnamese diplomat said Vietnam will continue improving gender-responsive legislation, strengthening the capacity of law enforcement personnel and promoting digital transformation to expand access to justice. The country also seeks to ensure women’s meaningful participation in governance and decision-making.

“Vietnam stands ready to cooperate and share experience with member states and United Nations agencies in building a fair and inclusive world where no woman or girl is left behind,” Ha said.

During the CSW70 session, the Vietnamese delegation attended the high-level general discussion and participated in ministerial meetings as well as a range of side events, including roundtables, thematic discussions and bilateral meetings to exchange experience and strengthen international cooperation on gender equality.

Among these activities, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations hosted a discussion titled “Justice without barriers: Empowering women and youth in law and leadership.” The event, chaired by the spouse of Vietnam’s Ambassador to the UN, explored ways to improve access to justice and promote women’s participation in legal and leadership fields.

The CSW is the United Nations’ largest intergovernmental body dedicated to advancing policies on women’s rights and gender equality. Outcomes of its annual sessions are compiled into recommendations and policy guidance to support member states in carrying out sustainable development goals related to women and girls.

Vietnam named among world’s 28 most beautiful countries

US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler on March 13 included Vietnam in its list of the world’s 28 most beautiful countries.

According to the magazine, cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City draw tons of tourists every year, but Vietnam is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who simply enjoys a beautiful landscape.

It noted that Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh is beloved for its blue waters and vast stretches of limestone islands covered with tropical trees and home to diverse wildlife.

Meanwhile, in the northeast, the mountainous province of Ha Giang offers breathtaking scenery criss-crossed with steep rice terraces and hiking trails.

Dong Van Stone Plateau in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang.

On the southern coast, the magazine wrote, Ninh Van Bay in Khanh Hoa province offers excellent snorkeling and diving.

“And you can always hop on a quick flight and spend a few days on Phu Quoc, a jungle-draped island off Vietnam’s southwestern coast,” Condé Nast Traveler noted.

The list also includes China, Australia, Brazil, India, the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, France, Indonesia, Japan, South Africa, Tanzania, Peru, Argentina, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Bolivia, the UK, Croatia, Iceland, Namibia, and Greece.

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 10): Defense Minister Highlights Enduring Friendship with Cambodia Vietnam News Today (Mar. 10): Timor-Leste Ambassador calls Vietnam a “tiger” and pillar of ASEAN economy; Defense minister highlights enduring friendship with Cambodia; Vietnam welcomes ...

Vietnam News Today (Mar. 11): Vietnam and China Defense Ministers to Meet at Border Exchange 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 ...