Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a brief review of the day’s events as reported by the Vietnam News Agency.

- Initiatives put forward by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) are a driving force for the Asia - Pacific region’s sustainable development, State President Luong Cuong said while addressing the council’s third meeting (ABAC III) and relevant events in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 16.

President Cuong emphasised that throughout its 36-year journey of formation and development, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has affirmed its role as a leading economic cooperation mechanism in the region, and a driving force for growth and integration, helping to ensure peace, stability, connectivity, and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a nationwide online conference on July 16, during which he called for determination as well as bold and unified actions to ensure the Party and National Assembly’s economic growth targets for 2025.

At the event, connecting online with 34 cities and provinces and more than 3,000 wards, communes, and special economic zones across the country, the Government leader stressed that the meeting aimed to review and evaluate the socio-economic performance in the first half of the year, and outline key tasks and solutions for achieving the goal of at least 8% economic growth as directed by the Party, State, National Assembly, and Government. Read full story

- Vietnam’s rollout of two-tier local administration model and restructuring of provincial administrative units is a sound policy that conforms to global trends. Dr. Luong Tuan Anh from the UK’s De Montfort University told the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident reporters in London.

Anh expressed his support for this policy, asserting that it is a necessary reform for Vietnam to capitalise on domestic and international opportunities for growth. Vietnam's “Doi Moi” (renewal) policy over the past four decades needs updates in a rapidly changing world with geopolitical instabilities, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). Read full story

- Vietnam has claimed the top spot on Emirates’ list of most-booked destinations for the summer 2025 travel season, driven by surging demand and the launch of the airline’s new Dubai–Da Nang route.

In its latest booking data, Emirates — one of the world’s largest carriers — noted that while familiar destinations remain popular, there’s rising interest in places offering authentic culture and a sense of discovery. Vietnam stood out with bookings up 61% year-on-year, overtaking well-established destinations such as Japan and France. Read full story

- Hundreds of AI-powered cameras with advanced traffic management and enforcement capabilities are being deployed across Hanoi, aiming to replace traffic police on the streets by December 18.

Digital transformation represents a focal task for the local police to maintain public order and safety. Over the recent past, the force has invested big in digital infrastructure and platforms while prioritising data security. Read full story

- UNESCO-recognised heritage sites open up opportunities for the development of Quang Ninh’s tourism, services, and culture, contributing to attracting high-quality visitors and creating potential for international cooperation in investment, research, education, and conservation, according to Director of the northern province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Viet Dung.

On July 12 (Paris time), at the 47th Session of the World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac Relics and Landscape Complex was recognised as a World Culture Heritage site, marking the second of its kind co-owned by Quang Ninh, after Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. Read full story

- Vietnam's industrial real estate market is undergoing significant transformation as global companies adjust their investment strategies in response to shifting supply chains, rising cost pressure, and heightened sustainability requirements.

The recent influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country’s industrial sector offers both a timely opportunity and a major test for Vietnam’s path toward sustainable development. Read full story

- As many as 37.3% of businesses expect improved performance in the third quarter of this year compared to the previous quarter, while 43.5% anticipate stable operations, a recent survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance has revealed.

The office’s quarterly survey for Q3 of 2025, which focused on manufacturing and processing firms, shows widespread optimism./. Read full story