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

- The 15th National Assembly (NA) concluded its 9th extraordinary session on February 19, marking a significant milestone in the country's legislative reforms and administrative restructuring efforts.

The event saw the attendance of prominent political figures including Party General Secretary To Lam, State President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and many former Party, State, National Assembly and fatherland front leaders. Read full story

- The 15th National Assembly (NA) on February 19 passed a resolution on supplements to the 2025 socio-economic development plan which sets a growth target of at least 8%, at its ninth extraordinary session.

Under the resolution, the legislative body decided to adjust some key targets. Accordingly, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate is set to reach 8% or higher, with the GDP scale this year expected to exceed 500 billion USD. The GDP per capita is projected to surpass 5,000 USD, and the average consumer price index (CPI) growth rate is targeted to be around 4.5 - 5%. Read full story

- With 458 out of 459 votes in favour (95.82%), deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) passed the Law on Organisation of Local Governments (revised) on February 19 as part of their ninth extraordinary session.

🧔 This updated legislation emphasises decentralisation, empowering local governments with more autonomy, in line with the principle of local decisions, local actions, local accountability. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed an official dispatch on February 18, requesting ministries, sectors, and localities to speed up the allocation and disbursement of the public investment in 2025.

The dispatch highlighted that the detailed allocation of the capital accounted for only 96.07% of the Government leader’s assigned target as of January 23, with some 84.84 trillion VND (3.32 billion USD) remaining unallocated across 26 central agencies and 48 localities. Besides, January's disbursement rate was notably low at 1.26% as compared to 2.58% recorded in the same period last year. Read full story

- The 15th National Assembly adopted a resolution on the investment policy of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, with 455 out of 159 participating deputies voting in favour, at the 9th extraordinary session in Hanoi on February 19.

According to the resolution, the construction of a modern and harmonious railway aims to meet the transport demand between Vietnam and China. The initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for rapid and sustainable economic development along the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor while strengthening national defence and security and promoting the industrialisation and modernisation, contributing to delivering on the targets and missions set at the documents of the 13th National Party Congress and the Party’s resolutions. Read full story

- Maritime connectivity is a fundamental pillar for the global peace, security, and development, affirmed Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu when attending the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (OIC) in Oman.

The Vietnamese diplomat participated in various sessions and delivered a speech at the plenary session of the event, which took place in Muscat on February 16-17, gathering leaders, senior officials, and scholars from over 40 countries and international organisations globally. Read full story

- Chinese consumers spent some 70 million USD on Vietnamese lobster in January, marking a nine-fold increase against the same time last year.

According to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), Vietnam's total aquatic exports in the month reached 774 million USD, up 3% year-on-year. This increase was primarily driven by strong Chinese demand for premium fresh seafood products, including lobster, crab, clams, and snails, as consumers prepared for Lunar New Year celebrations. Read full story

- Vietnamese model Nguyen Huu Hung was crowned Mister Tourism World 2025 at the competition’s grand finale on February 18 in the central province of Ninh Thuan, outshining 24 contestants from various countries and territories.

Standing at 1.88m with a well-built physique, Hung impressed both the judges and the audience with his poise, talent, and consistent performance throughout the competition. Read full story

- With technology reshaping daily life, Vietnam is at a crucial point to accelerate digital transformation and prepare future generations for success, according to experts.

Experts highlighted a young population, the Government's support, and a thriving startup ecosystem are driving the country’s innovation./. Read full story