Exhibition featuring Austrian composer opens in Hanoi

The Austrian Embassy in Hanoi, in cooperation with the National Library of Vietnam, the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) and the Arnold Schönberg Centre, is organising an exhibition on Arnold Schönberg and the New Viennese School.

The exhibition showcasing photos of the life and career of the composer will be available at the National Library of Vietnam from July 8-22.

Arnold Schönberg (1874-1951), who also developed the twelve-tone technique, and his students, particularly Alban Berg and Anton Webern, are among the most influential composers of the 20th century. They marked a new epoch in music history.

The exhibition will be accompanied by performances of the works of the mentioned composers by musicians from the VNSO, the Vietnam Academy of Music and Schubert in a Mug under the musical supervision of the Principal Conductor of the VNSO Maestro Honna Tetsuji.

It opened at 4pm on July 8 in the library.

It will be followed by a concert with arrangements of Viennese Waltzes by Arnold Schönberg, Alban Berg and Anton Webern.

Other performances with works of these composers will take place on July 16 and 22 at 6.30pm at the same venue.

This exhibition is part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Austria.

Politburo, Secretariat of Party Central Committee look into major national matters

The Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee convened a meeting in Hanoi on July 8 to look into major national matters, the international situation in the second quarter and the first half of this year, as well as key tasks in the coming time.

The event was chaired by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

A report delivered at the meeting showed that during the reviewed period, thanks to efforts by the entire Party, people and army, the country has reaped achievements across all spheres, from socio-economic development and COVID-19 prevention and control to national defence, security, external relations, Party building and rectification, and the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena.

The gross domestic product (GDP) grew well, inflation was brought under control, major economic balances were ensured, and the domestic monetary market remained stable, according to the report.

Noted results were also seen in budget collection, trade-services, the number of international tourists, foreign direct investment (FDI), the number of new enterprises, and the labour market.
       
The successful organisation of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) last May contributed to raising Vietnam’s position and reputation in the region, and promoted the image of a friendly and safe nation that has effectively adapted to COVID-19.

External activities have also helped to enhance relations and political trust, and deepen cooperation and friendship between Vietnam and neighbouring countries and traditional friends.

The Politburo and the Secretariat pointed out challenges in the time ahead including the complex developments of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, strategic competition between major powers and soaring fuel prices, which could hamper Vietnam's economic recovery and development.

They asked agencies to quickly, effectively, practically and comprehensively implement national target programmes, the programme on socio-economic recovery and development, another on pandemic prevention and control (2022-2023), and resolutions adopted by the legislature.

Ministries and agencies should perfect regulations on the import of drugs and medical equipment, and take solutions to consolidate policies for health workers.

They also called for expanding external relations and urged ministries and agencies to keep a close watch on the regional and global situation to put forth suitable measures ensuring national interests and security.

The ministries and agencies need to issue guidelines regarding the fight against corruption and other negative phenomena in line with Regulation No. 32-QD/TW of the Politburo.

Vietnam, Laos share experience in building tradition hall

Vice Chairman Sommad Pholsena and a delegation of the of the Lao National Assembly (NA) held a working session in Hanoi on July 8 with the Office of the Vietnamese NA, during which the two sides exchanged experience in building a tradition hall.

Earlier the same day, the Lao delegation visited the Vietnamese NA building in Hanoi, including the tradition hall and the the area displaying underground archaeological discoveries at the NA House.

Vice Chairman of the Vietnamese NA Office Vu Minh Tuan said Vietnam sent officials to Laos from May 6-10 to share experience in building such hall for the Lao legislature.

The Vietnamese NA Office stands ready to further support the Lao NA’s Secretariat in both construction and management and operation of the hall and the NA building as well, he affirmed.

Sommad Pholsena suggested competent agencies of the two countries’ NA Offices exchange documents and objects, which are expected to be displayed at the Lao NA's traditional hall and the ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties, and 45 years of the signing of the Vietnam-Laos Treaty of Amity.

Quang Ninh tourism enjoys strong recovery

With a high coverage of COVID-19 vaccination and good control of the pandemic, the northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh was one of the first localities to re-open tourism in mid-March, and by late June, the province had received 5.5 million visitors, more than half the target set for the year.

Quang Ninh offers diverse attractions to travelers. The most famous one, both domestically and internationally, is Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Though not a new destination, Quang Ninh is able to attract tourists by constantly offering new products and new services.

Recently, the province introduced several new products, namely cruising trips at night, helicopter tours over Ha Long Bay, or seaplane trips, which give guests new experience in admiring the beauty of Ha Long Bay at night or from the sky. 

The provincial People’s Committee attributed the good signs of tourism to its measures to stimulate demand, such as organizing events and festivals.

All destinations in the province have re-opened to visitors. In particular, Quang Ninh’s hosting of competitions of seven sports in SEA Games 31, along with the organisation of events such as Carnaval Ha Long and Ao dai Festival, has helped attract crowds of visitors, including international travelers to the province.   

Quang Ninh recorded an estimated 5.5 million tourists in the first six months of this year, up 120% from the same period in 2021.

Total revenues from tourism activities were estimated at over 520 million USD, a surge of over 130% year-on-year, and equivalent to 147% of the figure in the development scenario for the first half.  
In the latter half of 2022, Quang Ninh aims to attract five million more visitors and earn 10 trillion VND from tourism.

Classical music concert to feature Mozart, Dvořák compositions

Four Vietnamese artists will take part in a classical music concert featuring works by Mozart and Dvořák held by the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra (VNSO) on July 15.

The concert will be led by conductor Kim Xuan Hieu with Phan Viet Cuong on oboe, Ta Trung Duc on clarinet, Van Thanh Ha on bassoon, and Ta Tien Dat on horn.

Together they will stage Mozart’s The Magic Flute Overture and Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds E-flat major, and the Czech musician’s Symphony No.8 G-major.

The event forms part of a series of ten concerts hosted annually by the VNSO which perform works by various world-famous composers and feature leading conductors, soloists and singers.

Nearly 90% of population covered with health insurance

More than 86.8 million people, or 88.99 percent of the population, had been covered with health insurance by the end of June, according to the Vietnam Social Security (VSS).

Addressing a conference on July 8, VSS Deputy General Director Dao Viet Anh said the health insurance policy has increasingly affirmed its role in society, noting that it has benefited more than 100 million turns of people coming to medical establishments for examination and treatment each year.

In 2020 - 2021, the health insurance fund joined the State budget to greatly help with COVID-19 prevention and control as well as pandemic aftermath settlement, thus continuing to assert the health insurance policy’s role as a pillar of the national social security system.

By the end of June, more than 17.1 million people had participated in social insurance, equivalent to 33.87% of those in the working age and rising 6.16% from the same period last year. They include nearly 1.5 million taking part in voluntary social insurance.

Meanwhile, nearly 14 million people, or 27.55% of the workforce, had been covered with unemployment insurance, up 5.13% year on year, statistics showed.

Anh said giving the top priority to insurance participants’ rights and interests, the VSS has actively worked with relevant ministries and sectors to provide maximum support for them to gain insurance benefits.

Its system delivered social, health and unemployment benefits to nearly 6.3 million turns of people in the first half of this year, he added.

Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh to visit China

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh will visit China and co-chair the 14th meeting of the Steering Committee for bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and China.

The meeting will be held in Nanning City of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China on July 12-13, according to a communique of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.

The visit was made at the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China.

Vietnam ranks fourth at International Mathematics Competition 2022

Vietnamese students have won two gold, nine silver and 10 bronze medals and six consolation prizes, ranking fourth overall at the Indonesia International Mathematics Competition 2022 (IIMC 2022).

The two gold medals were awarded to Pham Dang Nguyen and Ha Manh Hung of the Hanoi-Amsterdam school for the gifted. It’s noteworthy that Hung is a seventh grader.

Top three positions corresponding went to the United States, China and Thailand. Vietnam was followed by Russia,, the Republic of Korea and Singapore that are good at maths.

The International Mathematics Competition is held annually for secondary-school students. This year, the competition was virtually hosted by Indonesia from June 30 to July 6, attracting the participation of nearly 600 contestants from 30 countries and territories worldwide.

Vietnam has been participating in the competition since 2011. Last year, Vietnamese students brought home a gold, nine silver and four bronze medals along with two consolation prizes.

Summer Camp for young overseas Vietnamese returns this year

After two years of postponement due to COVID-19, the Vietnam Summer Camp 2022 for young overseas Vietnamese will be held from July 19 to August 3 by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As many as 108 delegates representing young Vietnamese people from 25 countries and territories worldwide will take part in this year’s programme in nine cities and provinces across the country.

They will engage in a number of activities, including visiting historical and cultural sites to learn about the country’s cultural tradition, along with friendship exchanges, charity and contests on storytelling in their Vietnamese mother tongue.

Young expatriates who excel in their study and innovative startup and make great contributions to the homeland will be honoured on this occasion.

This year the opening ceremony will be held in the central province of Nghe An, while the closing ceremony will take place in Vung Tau city in the south.  

Vietnam Summer Camp is held annually by the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs to create a playground for young Vietnamese people overseas to return to the roots, and learn about the country’s history and cultural tradition.

It also creates the chance for young Vietnamese people overseas to connect and interact with their compatriots to contribute to the fatherland.  

Since 2004, Vietnam Summer Camp has attracted the participation of nearly 2,000 young Vietnamese people and students from more than 30 countries and territories.

Exhibition showcases Vietnamese cultural heritage

The “Vietnam cultural heritage space” exhibition kicked off on July 8 at An Hoi Sculpture Garden in Hoi An Ancient Town of Quang Nam province.

The event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Quang Nam People's Committee, aims to promote values ​​of the nation’s unique cultural and natural heritages that have been officially recognised by UNESCO.

It is part of a range of activities running in celebration of the Quang Nam National Tourism Year 2022 themed "Quang Nam - a green tourism destination". 

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong emphasised that the event provides an ideal venue in which to explore the potential of green tourism. In addition, it serves to raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment and cultural heritages, thereby elevating the image of the nation and its people.

The exhibition is scheduled to run from July 8 to July 13, drawing the participation of 27 provinces and cities with 100 handicraft products, food delicacies and specialties  on display.

Online exhibition treats visitor to tours around Indochina

An online exhibition featuring Indochina as a wonderland has been launched by the National Archives Centre No.1.

The exhibition, opened on July 9, consists of three sections highlighting the wonder in the land, its beaches, and mountains.

On display are images and documents on famous tourist attractions built by the French in three Indochinese countries - Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia - since the 19th century, namely Sa Pa, Tam Dao, Ba Vi in northern Vietnam; Ba Na, Bach Ma, Da Lat in central Vietnam; Bockor in Cambodia; and Parksong in Laos.

The exhibition takes visitors on a virtual train departing from the Hanoi station, going back in time to discover seemingly familiar landmarks. Its carriages represent the countries of Indochina, showcasing archives of their typical wonders through attractive introductions.

Visitors can join the ongoing event at the site https://archives.org.vn/Tourdongduong/, or on the fanpage of the National Archives Centre No.1 at https://facebook.com/luutruquocgia1.

Colombian singer-songwriter to entertain Vietnamese audiences

Colombian artist Elkin Robinson is set to perform at the Hanoi Opera House on July 20 in order to mark the 43rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Colombia this year.

The concert will see hit songs such as Heaven on the Mountain, Change, Sun a Shine, and Come Around introduced to Vietnamese audiences.

Furthermore, Elkin Robinson’s performance will also be accompanied by Vietnamese pianist Nguyen The Vinh, and the pair are expected to bring a wonderful performance to locals and foreigners in attendance.

The songwriter cum singer was born in Old Providence Island in Colombia.

His music represents the evolution of the folklore in the region, featuring traditional elements such as mentó and calypso executed on typical instruments such as the tinafono taking on the role of the bass, the horse jaw-bone, and maracas, all of which serve to recreate fresh rhythms and sounds.

The concert to be jointly organised by the Embassy of Colombia in Vietnam and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism aims to celebrate the 43rd anniversary of the Vietnam – Colombia diplomacy and the 212th Independence Day of the South American nation.

Bali a favourite destination for Vietnamese holidaymakers

A high influx of Vietnamese holidaymakers have been heading to the Indonesian island of Bali, a leading tourist destination in Southeast Asia in recent times, according to both Vietnamese and Indonesian tour operators.

Travel companies report there have been groups of Vietnamese tourists heading to Bali almost every day since the beginning of June.

Nyoman Astama, director of Bali-based Pacific Holidays DMC, says Vietnam represents the island’s leading tourism market in Southeast Asia thanks to their daily direct flights, cultural similarities, and convenient travel policies within ASEAN. In addition, Bali boasts numerous check-in spots which are suitable for the tastes of Vietnamese tourists.

Dinh Ha Ngoc Quynh, marketing manager of Discova in Asia, explains that demand for tourism in Bali is increasing sharply as the tourism season is in full swing on the island.

“Recent weeks has seen the company bring hundreds of Vietnamese tourists to Bali, with daily departures scheduled till September 2022. Currently, Vietnamese tourists to the Indonesian island are only required to have two doses of COVID-19 vaccines,” says the female executive.

Furthermore, Indonesian Ambassador to Vietnam Denny Abdi points out that Bali has become a safe destination once again, with all tourism services returning to normal. The success of the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by Vietnam in May contributed to promoting the recovery of the tourism industry in the ASEAN region, whilst the Indonesian Government has also affirmed its full commitment to restore domestic tourism, especially in Bali.

“Bali tourism is known worldwide, so when we reopened, visitors have quickly returned to the island that still maintains the quality of tourism services and preserves its culture,” says the diplomat.

“We will also organise many big events to promote the country, such as the G20 Conference late this year. The Indonesian Embassy in Vietnam is actively inviting Indonesian businesses to Vietnam to introduce products and strengthen connections to promote exchange of guests between the two sides,” adds Ambassador Abdi.

Pham Tien Dung, director of Golden Tour, notes that there is increasing demand for outbound tours to Bali among Vietnamese holidaymakers due to daily direct flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the Indonesian island. According to the executive, the trend of Bali tourism has existed since 2018, although demand came to a grinding halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

“Currently, the price of a tour to Bali remains unchanged compared to the pre-pandemic period, but tourists are offered to stay in four to five star hotels. In addition, holidaymakers from distant markets are yet to return to this island, so the island is currently not too crowded, and visitors have a lot of time to take pictures and experience there,” suggests Dung.

Vietnam joins ASEAN efforts to recover tourism services

ASEAN member states, including Vietnam, have discussed potential measures to attract more tourists moving into the post-COVID period, as well as ensuring safe tourism amid the emergence of new sub-variants.

These issues were tabled for discussions at the 56th ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Tourism which was held online on July 5 - 6 and presided over by Indonesia.

The ultimate goal of the bloc is to revitalise the tourism industry and restore the number of visitors to pre-pandemic levels, they said.

ASEAN officials agreed to diversify tourism products, promote marketing campaigns, improve tourism connectivity, and apply more digital systems to allow tourists to gain easy access to information.

Furthermore, the bloc will work alongside dialogue partners and international organisations to strengthen tourism activities and make it easier for tourists to travel.

Addressing the meeting, Ha Van Sieu, vice chairman of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), expressed pleasure that ASEAN member states have gradually eased travel conditions in order to connect tourism and facilitate travel among regional countries.

Vietnam is currently vice chair of the ASEAN Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism Development Committee. It is also the lead country for project Developing Festival Tourism Products and is drafting festival tours to regional countries.

Sieu welcomed ideas which seek to co-operate more effectively and promote the project.

The country initially began to reopen for international tourists from March 15, with the number of foreign arrivals reaching roughly 602,000 during the initial six months of the year, a figure 6.8 times higher compared to the same period from last year.

Similar to other ASEAN member states, Vietnam expected to attract tourists from not only regional countries, but also from different countries and territories worldwide, he said.

International searches for Vietnamese tourism up 1,125% in June

The number of international search volume for Vietnam’s tourism in June surged by 1,125% year-on-year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

Large volumes of search for Vietnamese tourism information are seen in the US, Singapore, Australia, India, Japan, France, Thailand, Germany, Canada and the UK.

Meanwhile, the country’s most searched destinations were Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province, Da Nang, Nha Trang city in Khanh Hoa province, Hoi An ancient city in Quang Nam province, and Da Lat city in Lam Dong province.

After three months of the post-pandemic full reopening, some destinations reporting a year-on-year increase of over 75% in terms of the number of tourist arrivals include Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province, Sam Son beach in Thanh Hoa province, Dong Hoi city in Quang Binh province, Nghe An’s Cua Lo beach, Hai Phong and Ninh Binh.

Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes