Breakfast @ Tuoi Tre News — September 19

What you need to know today:

Politics

-- Ahead of his U.S. trip to lead Vietnam’s delegation at the U.N. General Assembly’s 80th high-level debate in New York starting September 21, President Luong Cuong met on Thursday with UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis to discuss Vietnam’s development priorities and urged UN agencies to strengthen cooperation and support, especially in policy advice, science and technology collaboration, and capacity building.

Society

-- Prior to the official launch in Vietnam on Friday, Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper found that more than 200,000 iPhone 17 devices have been pre-ordered, with the cosmic orange version proving the most popular.

-- Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairwoman Tran Thi Dieu Thuy met on Thursday afternoon with a delegation from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, led by resident executive director, regional head for Asia and Pacific Sakuma Kazuko. The Japanese government-owned bank—specializing in international finance and global economic development—provides concessional loans and supports Japanese businesses expanding abroad, particularly through ODA lending and strategic investments in developing countries.

-- Nearly two hours of heavy rain flooded several western Ho Chi Minh City streets up to half a wheel deep, causing traffic chaos and leaving numerous vehicles stalled on Thursday.

-- After a new law abolishing the death penalty for eight offenses took effect, the Quang Tri Provincial People’s Court on Thursday sentenced five Laotian nationals to life in prison for illegally trafficking nearly 100 kilograms of drugs.

Economy

-- The second half of 2025 has seen the biggest wave of IPOs and capital increases in years, offering major opportunities but also a timely reminder for investors to stay cautious in Vietnam.

-- In 2025, Vietnam aims to welcome 25 million international visitors, the highest number in its history, matching Thailand’s tourist arrivals in 2023.

-- Microsoft announced on Thursday the appointment of Thai executive Dhanawat Suthumpun as managing director for emerging markets, including Vietnam.

World News

-- "The EU agreed on a broad emissions-cutting target on Thursday to bring to a UN conference in Brazil, sparing the bloc potential diplomatic embarrassment but risking its reputation as a climate champion," according to AFP.

-- Hundreds of thousands protested across France on Thursday, urging President Macron and Prime Minister Lecornu to scrap planned budget cuts, Reuters reported.