Hanoi (VNA) – The following is a list of selected news summaries reported last night by the Vietnam News Agency.

– Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested Vietnam and Australia discuss ways to boost two-way trade to the 20 billion USD target, especially via the opening of markets and facilitation of exports from both countries.

The leader made the suggestion at a reception in Hanoi on August 20 for Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, who is in Vietnam to co-chair the 7th Vietnam - Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Read full story

– Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong on August 20 met with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, as part of his working visit to Beijing.

Phuong, who is also Chairman of the Vietnam-China Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group, spoke highly of the positive development of relations between the two Parties, two States, and particularly the legislatures in recent years. He reaffirmed that Vietnam attaches great importance and gives top priority to advancing ties with China. Read full story

– Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son and Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong co-chaired the seventh Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (FMM-7) in Hanoi on August 20, reviewing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussing global and regional issues of mutual concern.

Both sides expressed delight at the extensive growth of the bilateral relationship since it was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. They noted concrete progress across six pillars, driven by robust political ties, with effective all-level visits, regular exchanges, and maintained bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Read full story

– Vietnam is a dynamic economy in a really dynamic economic region and what Australia wants to be is a partner in that development which benefits both countries and the region, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong told the press during her ongoing official visit to Vietnam from August 19-21.

Wong affirmed that Australia gives high priority to enhancing extensive cooperation with Southeast Asian nations, with Vietnam regarded as an important partner and a leading voice in the region. Read full story

– Politburo member, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Do Van Chien received Chinese Ambassador to Vietnam He Wei in Hanoi on August 20.

Chien spoke highly of the fine development of Vietnam – China relations in recent years, particularly the frequent high-level exchanges, strengthened political trust, and enhanced cooperation in various fields. Read full story

– Vietnamese Ambassador to Laos Nguyen Minh Tam on August 19-20 received delegations from Lao central agencies and local authorities who came to extend congratulations on Vietnam’s 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025).

The Lao representatives praised Vietnam’s great and comprehensive achievements of historic significance over the past eight decades, particularly since the Doi Moi (renewal) policy was launched in 1986. Read full story

– Vietnam called for a comprehensive, victim-centred approach and stronger preventive measures to address sexual violence in conflict zones during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)’s annual open debate in New York on August 19.

Minister Counsellor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen, Deputy Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, voiced concern over rising incidence of sexual violence that hampers humanitarian access and essential services in conflict areas. He stressed the need to tackle the root causes of gender inequality while ensuring victims remain at the core of response efforts. Read full story

– Vietnam’s processing and manufacturing industry remained the leading magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first seven months of 2025, according to Nguyen Van Toan, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises.

Newly registered FDI reached 10.03 billion USD during the period, of which 5.61 billion USD, or 55.9%, flowed into processing and manufacturing. Overall, including newly registered capital, additional investment and share purchases, the sector drew 13.72 billion USD, accounting for nearly 57% of total FDI inflows. Read full story

– Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports are making a clear recovery after negative growth in early 2025, thanks to the strong comeback of durian – the leading product in the fruit-vegetable group – as well as efforts to improve quality, tighten supply chains, and diversify markets.

According to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association, with the current momentum and abundant durian output from now until November, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment’s export target of 7.6 billion USD this year is within reach, and could even approach 8 billion USD. Read full story./.