Government sets 10% growth target for provinces and cities
The growth target positions Vietnam among the world's fastest-growing economies if achieved, though it represents a significant acceleration from the estimated 8% expansion in 2025. Structural transformation at the coreAt the heart of the government's strategy is a fundamental shift away from traditional growth drivers toward an innovation-based economy. Major infrastructure investment will anchor the growth push, particularly in strategic transport projects including national rail networks, international airports and seaports. The resolution calls for responding effectively to fluctuations in global trade and economic conditions while exploiting both traditional and new growth engines. The provincial and municipal administrations have been directed to review their resources and growth potential by February 2026, reporting to local legislative bodies on adjustments needed to align with the national target.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 02:43 UTC
When central government orders meet local aspirations in Cao Bang
Cao Bang Party Committee Secretary Phan Thang An (photo: Thanh Luan)This approach has helped resolve contradictions between procedures and reality, transforming reform pressure into new growth space. The gap between Cao Bang, ranked 34th out of 34 cities/provinces after the merger, and more developed provinces remains large,” he said. In Cao Bang, while provincial policies are drastic, administrative orders tend to lose momentum when passing through various departments and local governments. Cao Bang has embraced the two-tier local government model as a "golden opportunity" to resolve its own bottlenecks. July 1, 2025, marked a historic milestone as Cao Bang officially transitioned to the two-tier local government model.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 22, 2026 02:28 UTC
Galaxy S26 Ultra trades flash for truth in camera overhaul
Galaxy S26 Ultra in new Ultraviolet color. In what could redefine how users perceive the Galaxy camera experience, Samsung is reportedly recalibrating its image processing formula. The aim of the Galaxy S26 Ultra appears clear: stop making photos look artificial, and start capturing life as it really is. Rewriting the rules of “Samsung style”According to a reliable leak, Samsung is planning to shift toward “natural colors” in the S26 Ultra. When a user pays over $1,000 for a Galaxy S26 Ultra, they’re likely serious about photography.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 23:02 UTC
Apple may hike iPhone 18 Pro prices to protect profit margins
Component cost pressures mountConcept image of the iPhone 18 Pro Max, expected to launch with a punch-hole camera and advanced AI features. Source: FrontPageTechOne of the biggest challenges facing Apple lies in escalating memory prices - particularly RAM and NAND flash - key components expected to weigh heavily on the iPhone 18 lineup. If the current rumor mill is accurate, Apple will release only the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and possibly its first foldable phone in September 2026. The iPhone 18 Pro is expected to feature significant technological upgrades, including the A20 Pro chip built on a cutting-edge 2nm process, promising major gains in performance and energy efficiency. But other users may opt for lower-storage models, stick with older iPhones, or even skip the iPhone 18 series altogether.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 12:10 UTC
Vietnam enters a crucial “decompression” phase of economic reform
At the very least, we must level the playing field, not place domestic businesses at a disadvantage. On top of that are procedures, red tape, and transaction costs - all of which weigh heavier on Vietnamese businesses. Both sectors - which together form the Vietnamese economy - must be uplifted in parallel to meet modern global standards. But if we only offer short-term relief, then return to high long-term interest rates, the core strategic problem remains unsolved. What Vietnamese businesses - the vast majority of which are small and fragile - really need is a low, stable, long-term rate environment.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 11:09 UTC
Snipers, police dogs deployed to safeguard Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress
Special police units have been deployed on round-the-clock duty at key locations to ensure absolute security and safety for the 14th National Party Congress in Hanoi. Sniffer dogs are also deployed to screen areas and venues hosting congress Vietnam’s ongoing 14th National Party Congress events in Hanoi. Special police officers are deployed at a strategic high point in Hanoi to ensure security and safety for Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress. Special police units have been deployed on round-the-clock duty at key locations to ensure absolute security and safety for the 14th National Party Congress in Hanoi. An aerial photo shows part of an area in Hanoi where special police units, mobile police snipers, and police dogs are on duty to safeguard Vietnam’s 14th National Party Congress.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 21, 2026 11:08 UTC
No more forbidden zones: Party inspectors break down walls of impunity
From this reality, the Central Inspection Committee has distilled key lessons. Better coordination and bold cadresA major breakthrough of the 13th term, Ron said, was the synchronized collaboration between Party inspection, state audit, administrative inspection, and law enforcement. He also called for continuous institutional strengthening of the Central Inspection Committee's system. Inspectors must be “morally upright, technically capable, and bold enough to lead by example.”A stronger, smarter inspection model for the 14th termThe 70th session of the Central Inspection Committee. The ultimate goal: a new generation of Party inspectors who are morally upright, professionally credible, and institutionally empowered to hold the system accountable.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 10:35 UTC
HCM City eyes innovation, not imitation, in next development leap
The city must move beyond its old development patterns, embrace deeper and more strategic self-renewal, and adopt a long-term, sustainable vision. “The central government has placed special expectations on HCM City - not just to grow fast, but to grow differently. Reclaiming Hanoi’s spirit with a global outlookDeputy Secretary Nguyen Van Phong outlines Hanoi’s reform agenda. The capital’s Party leadership, Phong noted, has drawn critical lessons in recent years - chief among them being the need for unity, decisiveness, and presence on the ground. Photo by Hoang HaThe Hanoi Party Committee made four public pledges.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 10:09 UTC
Vietnam aims for transformative growth rooted in self-reliance and unity
While challenging, such growth is crucial to ensuring national security, social welfare, and long-term development momentum. Regarding national defense and security, he called for strategic clarity in identifying allies and challenges, rooted in the national interest. He proposed elevating agriculture to a strategic growth engine. He warned of intensifying geopolitical competition in core technologies and cyberspace, and emphasized Vietnam's need to build strategic autonomy based on knowledge power. They provide a vital political foundation as Vietnam enters a new era - one defined by strength, self-reliance, and national pride.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 09:04 UTC
Vietnam cracks down on complex corruption ‘ecosystems’
Photo: National AssemblyThe Central Executive Committee’s report to the 14th National Party Congress emphasized that the anti-corruption campaign was carried out with consistency, determination, and comprehensiveness. They reaffirmed the commitment to upholding Party discipline, state rule of law, and a corruption-free, civil, secure, and humane society focused on development. Public confidence grew, and the fight against corruption transformed into a vigorous movement that extended from the central government to local levels. Tri revealed that authorities had exposed many large-scale corruption cases involving numerous individuals, severe consequences, and unprecedented structures. Photo: VNALooking ahead, Tri said Vietnam’s anti-corruption work must align with the goals of the 14th Party Congress.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 08:04 UTC
Vietnam prioritizes accountable, action-driven civil servants in new era
Tra outlined several strategic priorities, beginning with a breakthrough in institutional reform - aimed at unlocking all development resources. Vietnam will focus on building strategic autonomy and advancing key sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital technology, and renewable energy. Vietnam must also better tap into international markets, diversify its trading partners, and elevate its domestic market as a core engine for sustainable growth. He called this the “internal strength” required for sustainable development - and a key factor in reaching the double-digit growth goal while improving quality of life for the people. Ideological work, he added, must also directly contribute to building a clean, strong Party, enhancing its leadership capacity and political strength.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 07:08 UTC
Vietnam performs 1st dual kidney removal, transplant surgery
A male patient recovers quickly after undergoing simultaneous kidney removal and transplant surgery performed by doctors at Hue Central Hospital in Hue City, central Vietnam. Photo: Thuong HienThe patient, a 53-year-old man suffering from polycystic kidney and liver disease, had severely enlarged kidneys that caused abdominal distension and compression of internal organs. After a rigorous evaluation and screening process, both the living donor and the recipient were deemed medically eligible for kidney transplantation. The patient's two polycystic kidneys after removal. Associate Professor Hung confirmed that this was the first dual nephrectomy combined with kidney transplantation performed in Vietnam.
Source:Tuoitre News
January 21, 2026 07:02 UTC
Vietnam considers salary hike for local officials in 2026 reform effort
They also called for a unified national framework for base salary increases and additional allowances for commune-level officials to ensure long-term stability and equity. For mass organizations that are not assigned duties by the Party or the State, the processes of splitting, merging, or dissolving will follow Decree No. Implementation is guided by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front to ensure unified, efficient operations at the local level. On salary policy reformThe Ministry of Home Affairs noted that wage reform efforts have already been initiated in line with Central Resolution No. In the immediate term, it will coordinate with other ministries to propose another increase to the base salary in 2026.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 06:39 UTC
Pu Luong’s mirror-like terraces enchant international travelers
Many international tourists visiting Pu Luong for the first time have expressed deep appreciation for the experience. “I’ve been to many terraced fields across Asia, but Pu Luong feels completely different. This harmonious blend of nature, people, and traditional living rhythms has become the essence of Pu Luong’s growing appeal among international travelers. Photos of Pu Luong’s terraced fields during the water-pouring season:The terraced fields in Pu Luong shimmer during water season. Photo: Le DuongVisitors enjoy checking in at the glistening terraces of Pu Luong.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 06:13 UTC
Newborn surprises doctors with 5.1kg birth weight in Quang Ninh
The newborn baby girl, weighing 5.1kg, was safely delivered at Vietnam–Sweden Uong Bi Hospital in Quang Ninh. Affectionately nicknamed “Mia” by her family, the name reflects their hope that she will grow up strong and healthy. Doctors at the hospital noted that the baby’s weight is significantly higher than the average for full-term newborns, which typically ranges from 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Both low and high birth weights can carry certain health risks, not only in the neonatal period but also in a child’s later development. According to obstetric specialists, higher-than-normal birth weights may be linked to various maternal factors, such as gestational diabetes, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, or post-term pregnancies.
Source:VietNamNet News
January 21, 2026 05:13 UTC