(VOVWORLD) - US President Joe Biden on Wednesday announced a plan to withdraw all US troops from Afghanistan by September 11 this year. NATO and other US allies have said they will go along with this plan. Many observers, however, are skeptical this decision will bring peace to Afghanistan.

(VOVWORLD) - The 2020 Provincial Governance and Public Administration Performance Index (PAPI Report) was released on Wednesday. It showed an incremental improvement in governance and public administration performance during the 2016-2021 term. It also showed that Control of Corruption in the Public Sector has improved significantly each year since 2016.

(VOVWORLD) - The Hanoi Tourism and Culinary Festival 2021 will open in Hanoi this weekend as part of the city’s efforts to stimulate domestic tourism under the government program called “Vietnamese people travel Vietnam”.

(VOVWORLD) - Khmer people in Vietnam’s southern region are celebrating their Chol Chnam Thmay New Year Festival from Wednesday through Friday. Most of the activities will occur at pagodas.

(VOVWORLD) - Elections to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure are scheduled for May 23rd. Communications aimed at voters – even those living in remote mountains and islands – have made them understand their responsibility to select outstanding deputies to represent them.

(VOVWORLD) - The Joint Commission of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) resumed its work in Vienna from April 6-9, trying to revive the historic deal signed between Iran and 6 world powers in 2015. That goal will require more goodwill and concessions from all parties.

(VOVWORLD) - Since the beginning of the year, export and import, particularly of agricultural and fishery products through the Mong Cai border gate in Quang Ninh province, has increased sharply. It’s an encouraging sign at a time when many other sectors are suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(VOVWORLD) - The Vietnamese government line-up has been finalized following the approval of the National Assembly. With the combination of cabinet members of the previous term and newly-elected members, the new government is confident of leading Vietnam to become a high-income developed country by the middle of the 21st century.

(VOVWORLD) - Domestic tourism is expected to boom during the upcoming holiday on the occasion of National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1st) as the COVID-19 pandemic is now under control. Travel companies, airlines, hotels and restaurants have prepared promotional programs to attract more tourists.

(VOVWORLD) - The last session of the 14th National Assembly concluded on Thursday, ending 5-year term from 2016 to 2021. The just-concluded 11th session have added the legislative achievements and set the stage for the next National Assembly.