As ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered a speech at the Standard Chartered-ASEAN Business Forum 2020 themed “Unlocking the region’s potential”, which was televised on international medial channels.

Economic ministers of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam discussed measures to fight COVID-19 and revive economic activities, particularly in border areas, at an online meeting on August 24.

The Foreign Ministry held a conference entitled “75 Years of Vietnam’s Diplomatic Sector: Lessons and Orientations” in Hanoi on August 24, during which Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that the sector’s achievements have long been a bright spot for the country.

The Government Office launched the National Reporting Platform, the Centre for Information and Directions from the Government, and the 1,000th online public service on the National Public Service Portal on August 19.

National Assembly Chairwoman and Chair of the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan attended a ceremony on August 13 to launch the website, mobile app, and identifier of the AIPA Chair Year 2020.

Foreigners have bought some 16,000 housing properties across the country since they were allowed to do so in 2015, according to the Ho Chi Minh City Real Estate Association.

The Law on Exit and Entry of Vietnamese Citizens, which is the first of its kind in Vietnam, has institutionalized the 2013 Constitution regarding citizens’ right to free movement and residence within the country and their right to leave the country and return home from abroad.

Several draft laws were scrutinized during a Government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in Hanoi on August 12.

Lawmakers agreed to promulgate a strategy for the development of State Audit from 2021 to 2030 at the 47th session of the National Assembly Standing Committee, which wrapped up in Hanoi on August 12.

The Prime Minister has approved a plan to implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has delivered a message on the occasion of the 53rd founding anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 25th anniversary of Vietnam’s admission to the bloc.

An ASEAN flag hoisting ceremony was held in Hanoi on August 7 to mark the 53rd founding anniversary of the association and 25 years of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership.

Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang highlighted Vietnam’s viewpoint that all activities in its Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelagos without permission of the country are void and not conducive to peace, security and stability in the East Sea, and that Vietnam resolutely protests those.

The National Assembly of Vietnam has proposed organizing the 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA 41) in the form of a teleconference at Hanoi’s International Convention Centre on September 8-10, NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said on August 6.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc held phone talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on August 4 to discuss promoting bilateral ties as well as cooperation at regional and global forums.

The National Election Council (NEC) convened the first session in Hanoi on August 3 to make preparations for the elections of deputies to 15th legislature and all-level people’s councils for 2021-26.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chaired a one-day regular Cabinet meeting for July on August 3, which focused on seeking measures to fulfill socio-economic goals amidst COVID-19 pandemic.