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

- The National Assembly Standing Committee convened a conference in Hanoi on March 28 to review the activities of NA deputy delegations of provinces and centrally-run cities in 2023 and deploy tasks for 2024.

Speaking at the conference, the first of its kind, NA Permanent Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man highlighted 2023 as a record-breaking year for the Vietnamese NA, with the highest number of sessions in its 78-year history, including three extraordinary sittings. These sessions addressed a substantial volume of 84 crucial issues impacting socio-economic development and global integration, paving the way for continued progress in 2024 and beyond, he said. Read full story

- Vietnam always treasures ties with Japan and activities of itsinvestors in the country, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh told a delegation fromthe Japan Business Federation (KEIDANREN) led by Masayoshi Fujimoto andMasayuki Hyodo, Co-chairmen of KEIDANREN’s Japan - Vietnam Economic Committeeat a working session in Hanoi on March 28.

He also highlighted Japan as Vietnam's leading importanteconomic partner, biggest partner in official development assistance, secondlargest in labour cooperation, third largest in investment and fourth largestin trade. Read full story

- Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on March 28hosted a reception for World Bank (WB) Country Director for Vietnam CarolynTurk, who came to say goodbye at the end of her tenure.
Congratulating Turk on her successful tenure inthe country, Chinh spoke highly of the WB's cooperation and support forVietnam’s Doi Moi (renewal) over the past 30 years. He noted that the bank isone of the three largest development partners and foreign loan providers ofVietnam. Read full story

- Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha received AustralianAmbassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski and leaders of Corio Generation ofAustralia’s Macquarie Group in Hanoi on March 28.

The Deputy PM hailed the proactiveness of Corio Generation andPower Generation Joint Stock Corporation 3 (EVNGENCO 3) in the implementationof an offshore windfarm project in Vietnam. Read full story

- Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Hareceived General Director of the China Energy International Group Co. Ltd. QiaoXubin in Hanoi on March 28.

Ha said the group, one of the leading energyenterprises in China and the world, has implemented several projects in Vietnamas either the main contractor or the investor. Read full story

- All activities and claims in the East Seamust comply with international law, stated Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministryof Foreign Affairs Nguyen Duc Thang at the ministry’s regular press conferencein Hanoi on March 28.

In response to reporters' queries regarding therecent clashes between Chinese and Philippine vessels near the Bai Co May(Second Thomas Shoal), Thang underscored that Vietnam has already spoken aboutthis issue and is very concerned about recent tensions in the waters. Read full story

- Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’sCommittee Phan Van Mai suggested the city and Canada strive for bilateral tradeof over 1 billion USD while receiving Canadian Minister of Export Promotion,International Trade and Economic Development Mary Ng on March 28.

The two sides boast potential for multi-facetedcooperation, the official explained, expressing his hope for Canadianinvestment of more than 500 million USD in the southern largest economic hub inthe time ahead. Read full story

- A Germany – Vietnam business forum, themed “Collaborativepathways to green growth in Ho Chi Minh City”, took place in Ho Chi Minh Cityon March 28.

The event was co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City Investment andTrade Promotion Centre (ITPC), the German Business Association (GBA) in Ho ChiMinh City, and the United Overseas Bank (UOB)./. Read full story