First session of newly-elected 16th legislature opens

Border guard forces and fishing ports in Quang Ngai are intensifying data verification, strictly monitoring fishing vessel movements and tracing seafood origins. The application of technology, along with fishermen’s compliance with EC regulations, is a key factor in cleaning up data and moving toward sustainable marine economic development. Photo: Dinh Huong – VNA

Phien Khoai commune in the northern province of Son La yielded a bumper crop of early-ripening plums in the 2026 season. The locality currently has over 2,600 hectares of plum orchards, with the acreage for off-season plums accounting for over 20%. The application of suitable cultivation techniques for off-season, early-ripening yielding has helped farmers increase the produce value and reduce the time pressure of produce sales, thus earn higher benefits. VNA Photo: Quang Quyết

The Women’s Union of the Bac Ninh Provincial Police has 847 members across 28 grassroots chapters and 45 sub-chapters at commune and ward police units. In response to the “Digital Literacy for All” movement launched by the Bac Ninh provincial People’s Committee and the provincial Police, the union has implemented various models and initiatives to enhance digital capacity among officers and members. These efforts help improve the quality of public service and contribute to building a regular, elite and modern police force. Photo: Danh Lam – VNA

In the 2025–2026 Winter–Spring crop, farmers in Can Tho are estimated to harvest around 6.9–7.1 tonnes per hectare, while well-cultivated areas yield 7.5–8 tonnes per hectare, with some locations exceeding 8 tonnes per hectare. Photo: Duy Khuong – VNA

As part of a long-standing weekly tradition, Phuong Do market in Ha Giang 1 commune, Tuyen Quang province, comes alive every Sunday as Tay, Dao and other ethnic groups from nearby and distant villages gather to trade and socialise.

Implementing directives from the Hanoi People’s Committee, the Department of Education and Training, and the Department of Health on strengthening control over the origin of food ingredients at suppliers, catering services, collective kitchens and canteens, the People’s Committee of Cua Nam Ward (Hanoi) has required all educational institutions in the area to review and verify suppliers’ documentation. All schools have confirmed that no pork products from Cuong Phat Company are used. On April 3, 2026, the ward organized an inter-agency inspection team to conduct surprise checks on compliance with food safety regulations and the organization of school meals, as well as to trace the origin of food supplied to educational institutions at the kitchens of Ba Trieu Kindergarten and Ngo Si Lien Secondary School. Photo: Thanh Tung – VNA

Located in Tri Ton commune, An Giang province, Krang Kroch Pagoda (also known as Hang Cong Pagoda) is a more than 100-year-old Khmer Theravada Buddhist temple closely associated with the cultural and spiritual life of the Khmer community in the Bay Nui region. Notable for its rare pink hue, the pagoda features traditional Khmer architecture and serves not only as a place of worship but also as an attractive destination for visitors seeking to explore An Giang’s distinctive cultural heritage.

Born and raised in Lung Cu commune, Tuyen Quang province, Vu Thi Lua, a member of the Mong ethnic group, has always remained closely connected with local residents in this disadvantaged border highland area. Since 2018, she has worked as a village health worker and, in 2025, was honored to be admitted to the Party. She regularly visits households to monitor disease situations and educate residents on prevention, while actively encouraging pregnant women to attend regular check-ups, receive tetanus vaccinations, and ensure children are fully immunized. Despite the challenges in communication, with a strong sense of responsibility as a young Party member, Vu Thi Lua remains enthusiastic and quietly dedicated, contributing to raising awareness and protecting the health of highland communities. Photo: Minh Duc – VNA

Twenty-two years after its establishment, Lai Chau’s border region has gradually transformed, emerging as a locality with clear development progress. The poverty rate has fallen to about 16%; per capita income has reached over VND 65 million per year; 100% of communes are accessible by road to their centers; and electricity, schools and healthcare stations now reach all villages. More importantly, people’s spiritual life has improved, and trust in the Party and authorities has been increasingly strengthened. Photo: VNA

The Politburo held a conference in Hanoi on April 1 to announce its decisions on transferring five agencies - Vietnam Television, Voice of Vietnam, Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, and Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - from Government-affiliated bodies to public service units under the Party Central Committee. The event also marked the transfer of five Party organizations from the Government Party Committee to the Party Committee of central Party agencies. Politburo member and Permanent member of the Secretariat Tran Cam Tu attended and presented the decisions. Also in attendance were Politburo member of the 13th tenure, Secretary of the Government Party Committee and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, along with other Party and State leaders. Photo: Phuong Hoa – VNA