Policies in Action - Happy Vietnam

ASEAN Future Forum 2026 highlights Vietnam’s imprints, region’s message of unity

Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam Jim Nickel emphasised that this year’s theme – “Shaping Our Future Together: Peace, Prosperity and People-Centred” – demonstrates ASEAN’s potential to contribute to not only regional but also global peace.

Vietnamese PM’s keynote address at opening session of ASEAN Future Forum 2026

Vietnam Airlines offers 15% online fare discount for senior passengers

Vietnam targets cashless payment value reaching 30 times GDP by 2030

Labour productivity key to double-digit growth: PM

Urgent tasks to address IUU fishing

The Government Office on March 31 issued a notice conveying the conclusions of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha at the 33rd meeting of the Steering Committee for Combating Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, underscoring the need for urgent and comprehensive measures to address shortcomings identified by the European Commission (EC).

Hanoi’s GRDP up 7.87% in Q1

Hanoi’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in the first quarter of 2026 is estimated to have grown by 7.87% year-on-year, one of the highest rates in recent years, according to the municipal Statistics Office.

Da Nang strengthens compliance with IUU fishing regulations

Da Nang’s efforts against IUU fishing in recent years have delivered tangible results, contributing to Vietnam’s goal of having the European Commission’s (EC) “yellow card” lifted. The city also stresses that these efforts must be sustained alongside investment and policies for a modern and sustainable fisheries sector.

Heritage development enters new phase in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ho Chi Minh City Heritage Association has successfully held its first congress for the 2026–2031 term, marking a significant milestone as the city enters a new phase following its administrative expansion into a major economic and cultural hub with a rich and diverse heritage.

Plan issued to implement Vietnam–France agreement on science-technology cooperation

Under the plan, the Ministry of Science and Technology will take the lead, in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies, in directing, guiding, monitoring and inspecting the implementation of the agreement. The ministry will also prepare reports on the signing and implementation progress for submission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for consolidation and reporting to competent authorities as required.

Vietnam launches programme to attract foreign, overseas Vietnamese scholars

The programme aims to develop and effectively implement breakthrough mechanisms and policies to recruit, utilise and retain high-caliber international and OV talent. It is expected to strengthen the country’s science and technology capacity, foster a high-quality workforce, enhance innovation capabilities and promote international integration in education and research. The initiative also contributes to Vietnam’s goal of bringing its education system to an advanced regional and global level by 2035.

Deputy PM calls for greater use of technology in search for fallen soldiers’ remains

The campaign aims to recover approximately 7,000 sets of remains, complete DNA sampling for unidentified graves nationwide, and conduct DNA analysis on around 18,000 samples.

HCM City mulls free bus services to ease congestion, boost green mobility

Ho Chi Minh City currently offers free bus rides for residents aged 60 and above, costing an estimated 1.7 trillion VND (over 64.5 million USD) annually. Extending the policy to all passengers will require around 7 trillion VND per year from the local budget.

Ho Chi Minh City taps traditional arts to strengthen cultural soft power

Viewing cultural industries as a cornerstone of sustainable development, the city is working to establish a comprehensive ecosystem supporting traditional performing arts.

Vietnam’s fisheries move toward high-tech, green and sustainable development

Vietnam ranks third globally in seafood exports, with products present in more than 170 markets. In 2025, the sector produced nearly 10 million tonnes and earned over 11 billion USD from exports, remaining a key pillar of the economy. Aquaculture, especially shrimp and tra fish, continues to drive growth, accounting for over 60% of output, alongside efforts to curb capture fishing, strictly comply with IUU regulations, and transition to high-tech, green and sustainable practices.

PM requests aligning disaster preparedness with centennial strategic goals

Reaffirming that protecting lives and property is a top priority and a measure of governance effectiveness, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for greater determination, stronger coordination and more decisive actions in disaster response.

Hanoi: AI cameras detect over 19,300 violations after three months of operation

According to the Hanoi Police, after three months in operation (since December 13, 2025), a system of nearly 2,000 AI-powered cameras across the city has detected and handled more than 19,300 traffic safety violations, gradually helping to ease congestion bottlenecks in the capital.

Banks end account nickname feature from April 1 under new payment rules

Under the updated rules, payment service providers are required to review payment orders to ensure their legality and validity. Account numbers and account holder names must align with registered account details and be clearly displayed on all transaction records.

Vietnam seeks to expand rice export markets

From the beginning of the year to mid-March, Vietnam exported approximately 1.74 million tonnes of rice worth 826.2 million USD, with an average export price of 477.6 USD per tonne, down 10.7% year-on-year.

Vietnam steps up crackdown on IUU fishing, implementation of EC recommendations

After reviewing reports from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant agencies, Ha tasked the ministry with taking full responsibility before the Government and the Prime Minister for the implementation of anti-IUU fishing measures and the EC's recommendations.

Cake digital bank launches GlobalX international remittance solution

Since late March 2026, the Cake GlobalX service has been made widely available, allowing all users to receive money from abroad and have it credited to their accounts within the same day.

AI camera system sharpens Hanoi traffic enforcement

The rollout of AI cameras is gradually putting Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW into practice, with technology serving as the foundation for modern urban management.

Hanoi plans major bus network overhaul to accelerate green transition

Under the plan, Hanoi targets that by July 1, 2026, all buses operating within Ring Road 1 will use green energy (electricity or compressed natural gas – CNG). The policy will then be expanded to Ring Road 2 by January 1, 2028, and further extended to Ring Road 3 from 2030.

Vietnam cuts petrol, oil taxes until mid-April

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has approved temporary tax reductions on petrol, oil and aviation fuel, with the environmental protection tax set at 0 VND per litre from March 26 to April 15, 2026.

Breakthroughs in Resolution 57 implementation need to be measured by results

With synchronised direction and unified implementation, ministries, sectors and localities are translating the Resolution into concrete institutions, mobilised resources and measurable outcomes.