[VOVWORLD] - General Secretary and President To Lam on Wednesday began a state visit to New Zealand at the invitation of New Zealand Governor-General Cindy Kiro. The visit reflects the two countries' determination to elevate their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in the new era.

[VOVWORLD] - Ho Chi Minh City has waived all port infrastructure fees for businesses for three years, from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The policy aims to give businesses some relief from mounting logistics costs.

[VOVWORLD] - An exhibition of 120 works by 50 artists is underway at the Temple of Literature in Hanoi, a special national relic site, showcasing Vietnam's diverse culture. Entitled “Millennium Heritage” the event marks the 950th anniversary of the founding of Vietnam’s first university and the 81st National Day, September 2.

[VOVWORLD] - Despite statements by some US officials that a deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz could be reached soon, developments in the Middle East point to a prolonged stalemate, with serious economic and geopolitical consequences for the region and the world.

[VOVWORLD] - Sixty-five years ago, on August 10, 1961, the first US military flights sprayed herbicides over southern Vietnam, marking the beginning of a tragedy that has continued to affect people and the environment for decades.

[VOVWORLD] - Nearly 900 homes for Agent Orange/dioxin victims have been completed under a nationwide program to replace substandard houses for biological children of war veterans exposed to chemical toxins. The program is being led by the Ministry of National Defense in coordination with ministries, sectors, and localities.

[VOVWORLD] - Party General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam will pay a state visit to Australia from Sunday to next Wednesday, at the invitation of Australian Governor-General Sam Mostyn. The visit will take place as the Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership enters a new stage of development with considerable opportunities and potential for cooperation.

[VOVWORLD] - Ho Chi Minh City has seen a nearly 40% increase in bus passengers compared with the same period last year, just one month after it introduced free bus fares on 134 routes. A number of other operational indicators have also shown positive results.

[VOVWORLD] - Construction of the Phieng Pan Primary and Lower Secondary Boarding School in Sơn La province has been accelerated. With less than a month to go before the start of the new school year, crews are working around the clock to complete the project and hand over the new campus by August 30.

[VOVWORLD] - In the context of a rapidly changing world and growing strategic competition, foreign affairs are no longer solely about maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, but should also serve as a pioneering force in national development. This is the central message of the ongoing 33rd Diplomatic Conference, which calls for a fundamental shift in mindset and approach to transform international opportunities into tangible outcomes to boost drive national development.