2020 is really a special year for Vietnam as for the first time in its diplomacy history, the country assumed both rotating ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC), according to the Sputnik news agency of Russia.

The conclusion of the UK-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) on December 11 holds a practical meaning to both nations as the pact is expected to help the two countries boost their post-pandemic recovery.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) held a forum in Hanoi on December 22 on energy security for sustainable development.

VOV.VN - US Congress has passed a far-reaching US$900 million COIVID-19 relief package together with US$1.4 trillion spending bill for 2021, in which the government will grant nearly US$170 million worth of assistance to Vietnam.

Vietnam and Indonesia have always been trustworthy and loyal friends amid various political fluctuations in the region and the world during their 65 years of diplomatic relations, Vietnamese Ambassador to Indonesia Pham Vinh Quang told a meeting with local and international media agencies in Jakarta on December 22.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Vietnam on December 22 signed a 5 million USD grant agreement, funded by the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi), to support Vietnamese women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (WSMEs) whose access to finance has been weakened because of COVID-19.

Vietnam’s tea industry is projected to meet the targets set for this year and earn total revenue of some US$522 million, with green tea making up 51% and black tea 48%.

VOV.VN - A total of 13 local designers are set to introduce their latest collections at the Vietnam International Fashion Festival (VIFF) 2020 which is scheduled to run in Ho Chi Minh City between December 25 and 29.

VOV.VN - The Vietnam Business Forum (VBF) themed "Challenges and Opportunities in the new normal" 2020 kicked off on December 22 in Hanoi with proposals being put forward regarding various solutions and initiatives for local businesses to recover and develop faster in the period following the (COVID-19) pandemic.

VOV.VN - Nearly 360 Vietnamese citizens were flew home safe and sound from the United States on a flight conducted by national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on December 21-22 as the joint efforts by competent agencies from both Vietnam and the host nation.