Can Japan ‘agri-tech’ cultivate a new crop of farmers in Vietnam?

 Nowadays the press is filled with an abundance of stories about high-tech investment of Japanese concerns into Vietnam agriculture and how it might revitalize the sector for economic growth, job creation and food security.

Vietnam runs for UNESCO Director-General position

 Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, assistant to the Foreign Minister, presented his action plan as a candidate for the post of UNESCO General-Director to the Executive Board of UNESCO and ambassadors of the organisation’s member countries on April 27.

New service helps preserve solemn atmosphere in temple

Since the beginning of April, visitors to Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi have been required to dress modestly. In case they wear inappropriate clothes, they can borrow coats at the entrance. 

Formosa nears completion of environmental protection items

Hung Nghiep Formosa Ha Tinh Steel Limited Company has completed 52 out of 53 environmental protection tasks required of it after violating regulations on environmental protection.

Eight get death for smuggling heroin

 The People’s Court of Hanoi on April 27 sentenced eight people to death for trafficking 490 bricks of heroin hidden in gas cylinders, after a four-day trial.

Kayak services on Ha Long Bay resume

 Kayak services on Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh will resume from May 1, said Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long. 

Shortlisted designs of local attire for APEC Leaders submitted

 Four designs of local attire for APEC economic leaders to wear during their meeting in Vietnam later this year have been submitted to the APEC 2017 National Committee for selection.

VN U20 win friendly, lose key player for World Cup

 Nguyen Quang Hai’s perfect free kick helped Vietnam’s U20 team beat Fortuna 05 Dusseldorf’s U19 squad 4-1 in their last friendly match on April 26 in Germany.

Top badminton player exits Asian championship

 Vu Thi Trang sprang no surprises when she lost against world No 1 Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei in the second round of the Badminton Asia Championships in China.

Hundreds of youngsters join Vietnamese Culture Day in Australia

 Vietnamese and foreign youngsters have joined Vietnamese Culture Day 2017 held by the La Trobe Vietnamese Students Association (LAVISA) in Melbourne, Australia.

EVN told to handle loss-making projects

 Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue has requested the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) to review loss-making projects to ensure investment flows for its production and business. 

Vietnam presents Friendship Medal to former Argentinean Ambassador

 The Embassy of Vietnam in Buenos Aires has decided to present the President’s Friendship Medal to Claudio Gutierrez, former Argentinean Ambassador to Vietnam, for his contributions to the two countries’ relations.

Currency history exhibition opens to mark Liberation Day

 Vietnamese currencies through history has been featured at an exhibition that opened in Ho Chi Minh City on April 27 on the occasion of 42nd anniversary of the Southern Liberation Day (April 30) and International Museum Day (May 18).

Tuyen Quang seeks coordination to address Argentinean death

 The Department for External Relations of the northern province of Tuyen Quang has informed the Embassy of Argentina in Hanoi on the death of an Argentinean national due to traffic accident.

Vietnam works to create safe, healthy environment for children

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a target programme on developing a social support system for the 2016-20 period.

PM’s visits to Laos, Cambodia help foster bilateral ties

The official visits made by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Cambodia and Laos wrapped up successfully, contributing to nurturing the special trustful political relations between Vietnam and the two countries.

RoK National Assembly Speaker leaves HCM City, wraps up visit

 Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Chung Sye-kyun left Ho Chi Minh City on April 27, wrapping up his three-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

Vietnam to actively contribute to promoting ASEAN connectivity

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will attend the 30thASEAN Summit and related meetings in Manila, the Philippines from April 28-29 at the invitation of Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

Vietnam, Indonesia air forces enhance ties

 Lieutenant General Phan Van Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister, hosted a reception in Hanoi on April 27 for visiting Air Force Chief of Staff of Indonesia General Hadi Tjahjanto. 

Prime Minister leaves for 30th ASEAN Summit in Manila

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his spouse left Hanoi on April 28 for the Philippines to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in Manila through April 29.

Prime Minister wraps up official visit to Laos

 Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 27 left the Vattay International Airport in Vientiane for Hanoi, concluding his first official visit to Laos since he took office. 

Party’s punishments decided for PVN former executives

 The Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission has decided disciplinary actions for a number of former executives of the National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) for their serious legal violations that caused great economic losses.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF 28/4

 PVI confident of prospects after PVN divestment, Logo design contest to promote Vietnam’s national rice brand, Bag, suitcase and umbrella exports obtain sharp growth in March, Japanese firms want Circular 23 modified

Lack of water threatens localities in Vietnam

More than 60 percent of water to Vietnam comes from other countries. Scientists have warned that 45 percent of land area in the southern region will suffer serious saline intrusion in the future.

Social News 28/4

 Mistakes awash in District 1 management of sidewalk use, Vietnamese scientist in British Council finals competition, New H5N1 bird flu outbreak found in northern Cao Bang, New road crack prompts evacuation in An Giang