Vietnam is undertaking significant political and economic measures, including a strategic push for growth in Vinh Phuc province, the establishment of a railway project steering committee, an emphasis on public health vaccination efforts, and ongoing diplomatic engagement with international partners.
Overview of Recent Developments in Vietnam on March 17
Vietnam has seen a range of significant political and economic developments as reported by the Vietnam News Agency over the weekend. Key topics include initiatives from the Prime Minister directed at economic growth, transportation projects, and public health measures. Other noteworthy points cover international relations and local administrative restructuring.
Key Political Meetings and Strategic Directions
On March 15, Party General Secretary To Lam chaired a meeting aimed at drafting documents for the upcoming 14th National Party Congress. He emphasized that the Political Report should serve as a guiding “torch” to steer the nation’s future development. Key members present included State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and other prominent Politburo officials.
Economic Growth Initiatives in Vinh Phuc
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has encouraged Vinh Phuc province to adopt assertive policies and actions for economic expansion, targeting an annual growth threshold exceeding 8%. During discussions on March 16, he stressed updating growth strategies focused on investment, exports, digital transformation, and emerging industries like AI and semiconductors.
Infrastructure Development Projects
In Vinh Phuc on March 16, PM Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the 500 kV Lao Cai – Vinh Yen transmission line, urging collaboration among stakeholders to ensure prompt completion. He outlined six primary objectives: faster progress, quality assurance, cost-effectiveness, safety improvements, social welfare enhancements, and better environmental stewardship.
Formation of Key Railway Steering Committee
Prime Minister Chinh signed a decision establishing a steering committee for vital national railway projects, with himself as the head and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha serving as the standing deputy. The committee is tasked with overseeing key railway project advancements.
Support for Economic Targets from US Experts
The Prime Minister met with Prof. Thomas Vallely from Columbia University’s Southeast Asia Institute, seeking expert advice for achieving an 8% economic growth target by 2025. He acknowledged Vallely’s contributions to Vietnam-U.S. relations, especially in education, and congratulated him on receiving an honor from President Biden.
Vaccination Campaign Against Measles
Amid rising measles cases, PM Chinh issued Official Dispatch No 23/CĐ-TTg, prioritizing the acceleration of vaccination efforts. The Minister of Health has been tasked with ensuring localities complete their vaccination campaigns by the end of March.
Restructuring of Administrative Units
Following the Party Central Committee’s mid-April meeting, a national conference on merging provincial-level units and restructuring communes will take place. The aim is to reduce commune-level administrative units from 10,035 to approximately 2,000 through consolidation, emphasizing lessons learned from previous restructuring efforts.
Vietnam’s International Maritime Claims
Vietnam has completed the deposit of a comprehensive chart and geographic coordinates with the UN regarding its territorial sea in the Gulf of Tonkin, in accordance with UNCLOS Article 16. The UN Secretary-General acknowledged this deposit on March 12, confirming Vietnam’s maritime claims.
Strengthening France-Vietnam Cooperation in Dien Bien
Dien Bien province seeks continued support from the French Embassy to enhance local investment opportunities. The provincial leadership noted successful cultural and tourism collaborations and aims to attract further French investments.
Reviving Hanoi-Moscow Direct Flights
Vietnam Airlines is preparing to resume direct flights between Hanoi and Moscow on May 8 after a three-year hiatus. Initially, the airline will operate two flights weekly, with plans to increase this frequency to meet growing demand by July 2026.
Recent developments in Vietnam reveal a proactive approach to addressing both economic growth and public health. Initiatives spearheaded by PM Pham Minh Chinh include strategic economic recommendations to local provinces, infrastructure advancements, and collaborations with international experts. Furthermore, Vietnam’s diplomatic efforts have fortified its international standing, notably in maritime claims. These actions form a cohesive strategy aimed at bolstering Vietnam’s growth trajectory and international relations.
Original Source: en.vietnamplus.vn
