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The visits will be made at the invitation of President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Esteban Lazo Hernandez, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Argentina Cecilia Moreau, and Speaker of the Senate of Uruguay Beatriz Argimon Cedeira.
The event, which saw the participation of former President Nguyen Minh Triet, other leaders of ministries and agencies and representatives of Vovinam trainees at home and abroad, aimed at reviewing its glorious tradition and setting forth orientations to further develop the nations’martial art.
President Thuong congratulates Vovinam masters and trainees on their efforts and success in practicing and promoting the Vietnamese national martial arts spread globally.
Founded by Master Nguyen Loc in 1938, Vovinam is practiced with and without weapons. It is based on the principle of combining ‘hard’ and ‘soft’. It is not only about the training of the body but also the mind.
It is now practised in more than 70 countries and territories.
Within the framework of the event, the Vietnam Vovinam Federation in collaboration with Binh Duong province organised the 14th National Vovinam Championship. The five-day tournament, which ended on April 15, is part of activities in preparation for the upcoming 32nd SEA Games.
US Secretary of State visits AI-powered projects at Hanoi university
United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 15 visited robots and AI-powered products at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology as part of his working visit to Vietnam.
At the university, he was briefed on the algae air purification system and Fi-Mi, a fine-grained AI-based mobile air quality monitoring and forecasting system.
After visiting the projects, the US Secretary of State watched a robot competition performed by Vietnamese students who are preparing for the upcoming VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas.
The same day, Blinken and Vietnamese Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son broke ground on the construction of the new US Embassy in Cau Giay district, Hanoi.
Int'l experts exchange experience on surgery in HCM City
Twenty-six leading experts in surgery from countries around the world such as the US, UK, Germany, Belgium, Japan and the Republic of Korea gathered at the 20th conference on science and technology being held in Ho Chi Minh City on April 14-15 by Binh Dan Hospital.
Addressing the opening session, Associate Professor, Dr Tang Chi Thuong, Director of the Department of Health of HCM City, highlighted that as a leading hospital in terms of surgery of the city and neighbouring provinces, Binh Dan Hospital has applied many advances in treatment relating to surgery.
The conference showed that the development orientation of the institute-school model is becoming more popular with the presence of many professors and surgeons from many medical universities around the world, he said, adding that this is a model that other hospitals can replicate to promote professional capacity development in clinical activities and specialised training in surgery.
The conference heard 250 reports covering surgeries on hearts, vascular intervention, urology-andrology and other related specialties such as nursing, molecular biology and infection control.
Also at the event, participants were introduced to three live surgical demonstrations from Binh Dan Hospital.
Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security fosters cooperation with Australian law enforcement forces
A delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security led by Deputy Minister Major General Nguyen Van Long paid a working visit to Australia from April 10-15.
During their stay in Australia, the Vietnamese officers had meetings with representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency at the Department of Home Affairs, Police of New South Wales and the New South Sales State Emergency Service, among others, and visited a prison in Sydney.
Their activities have opened up opportunities of cooperation in handling large-scale emergencies, ensuring traffic order and managing prisons, while contributing to deepening collaboration between the Vietnamese ministry and Australian law enforcement forces in different spheres like crime combat, immigrant management and the implementation of the agreement on the transfer of sentenced persons.
The outcomes of the visit have also helped deepen the Vietnam-Australia strategic partnership, creating an important foundation for the two countries to elevate their relations to a new height, especially in the context of the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties (February 26, 1973-2023), thus contributing to maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Vietnam, France work together in environmental protection
Vietnamese localities need experience and collaboration from international partners in environmental protection and sustainable development, and French investors are considered credible partners, an official from Ho Chi Minh City has said.
Bui Xuan Cuong, Deputy Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, made the remarks at a workshop entitled “Environment, Water and Water Treatment” held in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
Cuong emphasised the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development, which are among topics of Vietnam's national development policies and decisions.
Vietnam is now adopting a proactive approach which priotises prevention, control and restoration of environmental ecosystems, he said, adding that the country has some 90 bilateral partners, and participates in more than 100 multilateral frameworks on natural resources, environment, and climate.
Environmental protection between Vietnam and France is a highlight in bilateral cooperation, according to Cuong.
The Vietnam-France joint statement issued during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's official visit to France in November 2021 affirmed the two countries' commitment to promoting sustainable growth.
Many Vietnamese localities have actively cooperated with their neighbouring regions in environmental protection, river basin pollution control, and inter-provincial water sources use, Cuong said, noting that numerous cooperation models have been established to protect biodiversity corridors and buffer zones in nature reserves.
HCM City's development priorities include promoting high-value industries using renewable energy and environmentally friendly technologies in various sectors such as industry, agriculture, and services, he said.
Various topics were mulled over at the workshop, including environmental protection, air quality improvement, climate change mitigation, waste reduction and recycling, and circular economy.
In his speech entitled “Plastic Waste Management in Hanoi” Mai Trong Thai, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, highlighted the city's regulations to reduce plastic waste, including a plan to control plastic waste and bags by 2025.
In the near future, Hanoi authorities will propose the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issue new regulations on environmental protection techniques for solid waste management.
Thai said that financial incentives should be offered to promote the recovery, recycling, and reuse of plastic waste. The city will continue to devise a plan to prepare the necessary resources, financial institutions, and policies to implement waste separation at source, he added.
Can Tho to host Southern Traditional Cake Festival late April
The annual Southern Traditional Cake Festival will be held from April 28 to May 2 in Binh Thuy district, the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho.
With the theme of “Preserving and promoting cultural values of Southern traditional cakes”, the event will introduce around 100 signature savoury and sweet cakes from the south such as banh xeo (sizzling rice pancake), banh khot (deep-fried shrimp pancake), banh it tran (sticky rice dumpling), and banh bo (steamed rice cake).
More than 100 artisans will compete in the cooking contest, as well as present cooking demonstrations for visitors at the festival.
The event will also include cooking classes for children, folk games, and a food court featuring other specialties of southern provinces.
The festival is expected to attract around one million visitors in five days.
Local, int’l soloists to perform in chamber music concert
The Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO) will present a concert of chamber music and arias composed by the world’s great composers at the Opera House on April 16.
The “Chamber Music” concert will open with Trio for Flute, Clarinet and Piano by acclaimed American musician and composer Russell Peterson.
The composition will be played by flutist Hoang Yen, clarinetist Anh Quan and pianist Thuy San.
Two compositions, Pavane, op. 50 by French composer Gabriel Fauré and Entrance of the Queen of Sheba by German-born English composer George Frideric Handel, will be performed by a harp ensemble consisting of Dan Vy, Nguyen Dan and Thuy Duong.
The programme will also include Suite for Woodwind Quintet, op. 57 by French composer Charles-Edouard Lefebvre, featuring flutist Nguyen Nhat Chi Lan, oboist Pham Khanh Toan, clarinetist Vo Minh Dong, bassoonist A Tach, and horn player Dai Nghia.
Brass Quintet Op 65 by Dutch composer Jan Koetsier will feature trumpeters Huy An and Duy Bang, horn player Dai Nghia, trombonist Anh Quan, and tuba player Miho Takashima.
Franz Schubert’s Der Hirt auf dem Felsen (The Shepherd on the Rock), D. 965 will be performed by soprano Pham Khanh Ngoc, clarinetist Anh Quân, and pianist Ju Sun Young from the Republic of Korea.
After the intermission will be excerpts from Goldberg Variations, a composition by Johann Sebastian Bach, featuring HBSO’s string orchestra.
The concert will present two arias from operas Serse by Handel, and Tito Manlio by Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi, with performance of baritone Dao Mac.
The evening’s final piece Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach will be played by two violinists Tang Thanh Nam and Meritorious Artist Duong Minh Chinh.
Conductor Tran Nhat Minh, a graduate of the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory, will lead the concert.
Vietnamese, French localities seek to deepen collaboration on culture, tourism
A workshop on culture, heritage and tourism was held in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the ongoing 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
About 18 provinces and cities of Vietnam have set up relations and cooperation projects with localities of France, many of which prove effective. Notably, the collaboration between Hanoi and Paris and Toulouse, Lao Cai and Thua Thien - Hue with the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, Yen Bai with Val de Marne, the Grand Poitiers urban community with Thua Thien - Hue. These are typical pairs of partners at the local level in the fields of cultural, heritage and tourism cooperation.
According to leaders of Vietnamese localities, over the years, cooperation projects in the field of heritage conservation and promotion have created a good premise for the development of the cultural industry. Specifically, there has been cooperation with French localities on cultural exchange and restoration of cultural heritage, tourism development in Thua Thien - Hue province. Currently, the central province has dozens of collaboration projects with French localities, contributing to preserving and promoting heritage values and developing cultural industries.
Romain Mignot, Vice President of Grand Poitiers Urban Community, said that Thua Thien - Hue province and the Grand Poitiers Urban Community Authority are implementing the Harmonie project for 2022-2023 period. The project promotes arts education as a means of absorbing a shared and diverse culture and develops civic education through the arts with the aim of forming responsible, creative citizens who are aware of cultural diversity.
Many cooperation projects with France have been implemented in the capital city of Hanoi. The Ile-de-France region helped Hanoi build the preparation dossier for Thang Long Imperial Citadel to be recognised as a World Cultural Heritage and provided feedback on Hanoi’s development plan for Hanoi and Co Loa Citadels as well as assisted Hoan Kiem District People's Committee in carrying out a project on zoning public space and piloting eco-riented management of green space in Hoan Kiem district.
Toulouse city worked with Hanoi to renovate the traditional house at No. 87 on Ma May Street and Dong Lac Village Temple.
Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports Do Dinh Hong said the city authorities hope to continue receiving support from French authorities, including the French Embassy in Vietnam and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the conservation and promotion of cultural heritage values and in the building of a creative city of Hanoi.
Other provinces of Vietnam such as Yen Bai and Lao Cai have also set up cooperation with French localities, enabling them to foster sustainable tourism development.
Through the discussion sessions, Vietnamese localities wished to continue expanding decentralised cooperation with French organisations, especially strengthening relationships with traditional partners who have experience in culture development, tourism, heritage value promotion, and human resources training.
They also expected that the French Embassy in Vietnam and French organisations and localities will pay more attention to collaboration in the fields of culture, heritage, tourism, and the development of cultural industries.
Hanoi events bring Vietnam, France closer
An art performance celebrating the ongoing 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference was held at the pedestrian spaces in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district on April 14 night.
Two other events with pavilions featuring the two countries also took place on the occasion as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic ties and 10 years of their strategic partnership.
They carried the message of cooperation, peace and development, towards the future, said Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen at the opening ceremony.
French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery noted that with hundreds of pavilions and various activities, the events have demonstrated the strength of the Vietnam-France relationship.
Cooperation between Vietnamese and French communities date back to the 1990s. The above-said conference has been held every two or three years since 1996, with Vietnamese and French localities taking turns to host the event. It is a chance for both sides to discuss difficulties, evaluate the results in bilateral relations, and deliver feasible solutions to foster their partnerships, thus strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Vietnam, France cooperate in addressing challenges to urbanisation
A workshop on sustainable urban areas was held in Hanoi on April 14 as part of the 12th Vietnam-France decentralised cooperation conference.
The experience shared at the workshop has helped localities and units seek suitable, effective cooperation forms in urban development in both Vietnam and France, covering sustainable transport development.
Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport Do Viet Hai said the capital city aims to complete its transport infrastructure, reduce travel time, improve comfort and safety for passengers, cut cargo transportation costs and apply new technologies by 2030 with a vision towards 2045.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan noted that over the past years, urban planning and development has remained a priority in cooperation between Vietnam and France.
Programmes have been launched at different levels and in various forms in order to address challenges to urbanisation, he said, stressing that Hanoi has paid attention to international cooperation in the process, including collaboration with the Ile - de - France region and many localities of France.
Beaudet Stephane, Vice President of the Ile - de - France region, suggested Vietnam pay more heed to green transport, people’s fundamental access to green space and the maximisation of resources as its urban residents mainly live in deltas that are affected by global warming and climate change.
For Hanoi, he stressed the need to place importance to reducing waste and plastics, saying the French region plans to cooperate with the city in this regard.
Global integration in politics, national defence, security sees positive results
Global integration in the fields of politics, national defence and security has been carried out scientifically and proactively, ensuring national interests and their harmony with interests of partners, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.
Speaking at a meeting of the inter-sectoral steering committee on global integration in the fields of politics, national defence, security in Hanoi on April 14, Son, who is its deputy head, said the effort has contributed to maintaining an environment of peace and stability for national construction and protection, safeguarding sovereignty and territorial integrity, pooling external resources for socio-economic development and enhancing the strength of each sector in particular, improving the role and position of the country and each sector.
Chairing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, who is also the committee’s head, hailed the ministries of foreign affairs, public security and national defence for working closely together to deploy integration in terms of politics, national defence and security in a comprehensive, extensive and effective manner, contributing to deepening bilateral and multilateral ties with countries and partners while well performing citizen protection work and overseas Vietnamese affairs.
Given the rapid and profound changes in the global and regional situation, he asked delegates to point out shortcomings and propose solutions to them, thus elevating global integration and enhancing cooperation among the pillars of global integration and between central and local agencies.
The leader asked for reviewing the 10-year implementation of the Politburo’s Resolution on global integration, strengthening coordination between global integration in terms of politics, national defence and security and other pillars such as economy, socio-culture, science-technology, and education-training.
It is necessary to raise the awareness of global integration among all ministries and agencies from the central to local level, especially its new requirements and tasks in the current context, he said.
An Giang province forests face extreme fire risk
The Mekong Delta province of An Giang is facing the fifth level of forest fire risk, the extreme danger level, according to the provincial Forest Protection Sub-department.
It has faced prolonged dry weather and drought, and its forests are threatened by the risk of large fires, said the sub-department.
It has identified that nearly 7,370ha, or more than 43% of its forests, have high fire risk, according to the provincial Steering Committee for Climate Change Response, Natural Disaster Prevention and Control, and Civil Defence.
The forests are located mostly in mountainous districts of Tinh Bien and Tri Ton and the city of Chau Doc.
Tinh Bien has 2,912ha of forests facing high fire risk and Tri Ton, 4,000ha.
The sub-department has taken measures, such as preparing facilities and human resources, to prevent and control forest fires in mountainous districts.
Tran Phu Hoa, head of the sub-department, said police and army forces, rangers and forest owners are determined to prevent and control forest fires by mobilising resources in each locality.
To prevent fires in forests located in flat areas, the sub-department has instructed forest owners and relevant units to store water in canals in forests and clean flammable materials from forests, he said.
It is providing consultancy for local authorities to implement forest fire prevention and control, and is also tightening advocacy activities to enhance the awareness of the public about fire-prone forests, he said.
The province had 12 forests fires on a total of 5.79ha in the first quarter of this year. The fires were discovered and extinguished promptly, according to the sub-department.
An Giang has nearly 16,870ha of forests and forest-zoned land, including 1,577ha of special use forests, 11,550ha of protected forests and 3,741ha of productive forests.
Its forests play an important role in protecting the environment and biodiversity, promoting social-economic development, and protecting security and border defence.
Ninh Thuan province to host grape and wine festival in June
The south central province of Ninh Thuan will hold a grape and wine festival from June 13-18 to highlight the local products and culture, heard a press conference in Phan Rang- Thap Cham city on April 14.
On this occasion, the province will also hold a ceremony to receive UNESCO’s certificate recognising the pottery making art of Cham ethnic minority people as Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Nguyen Van Hoa, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the festival will feature a series of events, including a seminar where grape farmers, businesses, scientists and wine producers will share experience on developing the value of grape trees and grape products; a workshop on preserving and upholding the values of the Cham ethnic people’s pottery making art, and a local cuisine festival.
Besides, a cycling race, an off-road car and motorcycle race on sand dunes, visits to grape orchards, Bau Truc pottery village and the world biosphere reserve Nui Chua National Park, and a street music show promise to bring visitors both exciting and relaxing entertainment.
Activities during the festival are designed in response to the Visit Vietnam Year 2023 themed “Binh Thuan – Green Convergence”.
Grapes were introduced to Ninh Thuan province in the 1960s. With its hot and dry climate and sandy soil, Ninh Thuan has favourable conditions for grape cultivation, making it a unique agricultural product of the region. Ninh Thuan grapes have been certified for geographical indication by the National Office of Intellectual Property.
This year, the province plans to expand the grape cultivation area to 1,115 ha and supply over 27,600 tonnes of fresh grapes to the market.
Robot Talent Contest for students launched in Hanoi
The 2023 Robot Robotacon WRO, known as the Robot Talent Contest, opened for registration in Hanoi on April 14.
Themed “Global connection”, the contest is jointly organised by the Danish Embassy in Vietnam and Viet Tinh Anh Joint Stock Company.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Huu Do said the contest is expected to encourage students to explore science, sharpen their computing skills through practical and more assessable software.
He also hoped that the activity will help to further intensify education and training collaboration between Vietnam and Denmark.
Danish Ambassador in Vietnam Nicolai Prytz said the Robotacon Wro 2023 is a prestigious educational contest for youngsters, helping to equip them with essential skills in the 21st century such as critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving and technology mastery.
Some 500 teams will compete in two elimination rounds in Vietnam. The final round will take place in August 2023 in Hanoi to seek the most outstanding teams and individuals to represent the country at the world’s final round in Panama.
ROBOTACON WRO, first held in 2004, has so far attracted more than 22,000 contestants, ranging from 6 - 19 years old from more than 60 countries.
Since 2016, Vietnamese teams have achieved many impressive achievements at World WRO competitions, including three silver and eight bronze medals.
Exhibition spotlights Vietnam-France cooperative relations
Cooperation between Vietnam and France as well as between localities of the two countries were spotlighted at a photo exhibition which opened at Melia Hotel in Hanoi on April 14.
On display are 120 photos which are arranged in chronological order, marking the diplomatic relations between the two countries and the milestones of cooperative ties. There are some pictures of cooperation activities between Vietnamese and French localities.
Notably, in 1993, at the invitation of French Prime Minister Édouard Balladur, Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet led a government delegation to pay an official visit to France. In 2002, at the invitation of French President Jacques Chirac, President Tran Duc Luong and his spouse paid an official friendship visit to France from October 28-31, marking the first state visit to the European country by a Vietnamese head of state since the two nations established diplomatic ties in 1973. President Tran Duc Luong witnessed the signing of cooperative agreements between France and Vietnam in many fields.
On December 8 last year, National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue held talks with President of the French Senate Gérard Larcher who was paying an official visit to Vietnam. The same day, the two leaders attended a ceremony to kick off events to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and France.
Vietnam and France officially established diplomatic relations on April 12, 1973. After 1975, Vietnam-France relations were strengthened in many fields, with an important milestone being then Prime Minister Pham Van Dong's visit to France in April 1977.
In the 1980s, when the Southeast Asian country was imposed embargo, France was the only Western country to maintain relations with Vietnam through scientific and technical cooperation as well as cultural exchanges. Since 1989, France has taken the lead in stepping up relations with Vietnam, writing off debts and helping Vietnam settle debts with Paris Club member countries. In February 1993, French President François Mitterrand became the first Western leader to visit Vietnam since 1975.
Forum discusses cultural tourism development in Vietnam
A forum on Vietnam’s cultural tourism development took place in Hanoi on April 14, with participants sharing their experiences in effectively building, developing, and exploiting this potential field.
Addressing the event, Nguyen Trung Khanh, General Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), highlighted an urgent need to develop sustainable tourism in association with cultural and heritage value preservation and promotion.
He said the sector, well aware of the role of culture in socio-economic growth, has made cultural products one of its priorities listed in the strategies for Vietnam’s tourism development by 2030 and for tourism products development by 2025.
Cultural tourism is also named among 13 cultural industries of Vietnam, he added.
Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA), named a series of local cultural tourism products including tours discovering heritages in ASEAN member states and in central Vietnam, as well as such festivals as the Hue festival of arts, Nha Trang beach festival, Ha Long carnival, Central Highlands gong festival, and Da Lat flower festival.
Tours to craft villages, and real-world performances like Hoi An Memories Land, The Quintessence of Tonkin, and A O Show are also a draw to foreign visitors, he noted.
The country has been honoured in many international awards as a leading destination in Asia for heritages, food, and culture, Binh said.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong introduced participants to a project on Vietnamese legacies, designed to promote the country's tourism and culture through art performances, and sound and light technology in programmes lasting between 60-80 minutes. He also unveiled the sector’s plan to promote itself via connection with the cinematic area this year.
The forum was part of the ongoing Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) in Hanoi, also themed “Cultural tourism”. Lasting until April 16 and featuring 450 pavilions from 51 provinces and cities nationwide and 15 foreign countries and territories, the fair is expected to attract over 60,000 visitors and representatives from 3,000 businesses.
Bao Ngoc becomes Ambassador of Earth Day in Vietnam
Le Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Miss Intercontinental 2022, has been named as an Ambassador of Earth Day 2023 in Vietnam.
She called on Vietnamese people to eat healthier, use recycled materials, and stop polluting rivers and lakes.
In the nation the Earth Day campaign will run with the theme of “Invest in Our Planet” and will be implemented on April 14, featuring many practical activities for the environment.
Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22 for the purpose of raising awareness and mobilising people to act to protect the value of the natural environment globally.
Earth Day was first proposed in the United States back in 1970. In 2009, the event was then recognised by the UN and launched globally, attracting hundreds of millions of participants every year.
Hanoi welcomes opening of French cuisine festival
Balade en France, also known as Walk in France, is Vietnam's largest French food festival, with the event opening on April 14 at the King Ly Thai To Monument near Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi.
The occasion is part of celebrations being held for the 50th anniversary of French-Vietnamese diplomatic relations and 10 years of the joint Strategic Partnership, highlighting the excellence, responsibility, enjoyment, authenticity, and innovation of French gastronomic products under the aegis of "Taste France".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, French Ambassador to Vietnam Nicolas Warnery noted that this year the festival has attracted the participation of 50 stands from famous restaurants, importers, and brands representing a range of French gastronomy, such as Paysan Breton, Métropole, Red Apron, Marou, Saint Honoré, La Table Hanoia, French fruit and ham suppliers, and France 24.
Most notably, the diplomat stated that about 100kg of fresh apples are being brought in daily during the course of festival as a means of introducing this famous French fruit to Vietnamese consumers. Along with the culinary area, Balade en France also features a variety of stands introducing French tourism, hotels, and other related products.
Nguyen Manh Quyen, vice chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, highlighted the three-day event as a contribution to promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, while creating a warm space of friendship, mutual trust and understanding between France and the Vietnamese capital.
Along with Balade en France, the same day also saw the opening ceremony of an art performance and installation programme called "Colors of Vietnam" held by the city's People's Committee on Dinh Tien Hoang street and in the pedestrian area around Hoan Kiem lake.
In parallel with the two events, visitors have the chance to enjoy a rich arts and culture programme performed by local and French singers, French film screenings, art classes, and hip-hop dancing.
Kon Tum halts slow hydropower project
Authorities in the central highlands province of Kon Tum have decided to stop construction of the Dak Psi 2 Hydropower Plant project which has faced slow progress for a long time.
The VND131-billion project which was invested by Ry Ninh II - Dak Psi Hydroelectricity Joint Stock Company, was given a construction licence in 2010. Construction began in June, 2019 and was scheduled to complete by the third quarter of 2023. However, only a few small construction works have been carried out so far.
According to the Kon Tum Provincial Department of Planning and Investment, the project's investor f
ailed to implement the project and violated local investment regulations.
"Many households have given their land for the project and local authorities have created favourable conditions for the investor to build the plant," the department said. "But as the investor violated our regulations, we decided to remove the project from the province's power development planning.”
10,000 runners to compete in 2023 VnExpress Marathon Imperial Huế
More than 10,000 runners are set to converge on the ancient Vietnamese capital of Huế for the highly anticipated 2023 VnExpress Marathon Imperial Huế on April 16.
From seasoned professionals to amateur enthusiasts, participants will compete across four categories, 5km, 10km, 21km, and 42km, each designed to showcase the city's breathtaking landmarks and iconic destinations, including the Huế Citadel, Trường Tiền Bridge, Tự Do Stadium and Tomb of Tự Đức Emperor.
With a grand prize of VNĐ1.1 billion (US$47,200) in cash and gifts up for grabs, this year's edition promises to be the most exciting yet. For the first time in the marathon's history, organisers will also be awarding a special prize for three-member families who complete a total distance of at least 36km.
Aside from the race itself, participants will also be treated to a three-day extravaganza, including free tickets to tour some of Huế's most popular destinations, managed by the Huế Monuments Conservation Centre.
Bee keeping brings income and raises nature protection responsibility
With simple equipment like a hat to cover his face, a knife, plastic cans and a few buckets, Dương Kha Ly is ready to hunt for honey.
Ly, 46, from Hậu Giang Province, is among the migrant farmers who search for beehives in the Lung Ngọc Hoàng reserve area of Phụng Hiệp District, Hậu Giang Province.
This has brought high incomes for farmers but it’s not an easy occupation.
When the dry season is coming, bee hunters in the southern region hope for a bumper crop.
After several hours taking a boat and walking through the forest, Ly finally finds a bee hive.
“This hive is quite small. We can take about half of litre of honey from that,” he said.
Quickly climbing to the top of the tree, Ly uses a smoke canister to spray the hive.
Bees swarmed out and the honeycomb is cut into pieces. They are careful not to take it all, but leave a small piece.
“This is for bees to make new nests,” Ly said.
To find a beehive in the middle of a vast forest, hunters must have sharp eyes.
Under the honey bee nesting area is reeds. The big trees have many horizontal branches and Ly is confident he will find a hive.
"You have to take the honey from the inside of the beehive,” he told Dân Trí (Intellectual) newspaper.
“We absolutely do not collect from outside the hive because bees will fly out to sting us.”
Honey hunting can be tough, and those that do follow this path must be fit, good at climbing and not afraid of heights.
“Occupational accidents such as bee stings, ant bites, and even encountering poisonous snakes in the forest, are common,” he said.
Tăng Văn Lợi, another bee hunter in the Lung Ngọc Hoàng preservation area, said it takes bees only 20 days to build nests and produce honey.
However, to achieve the best quality honey, they wait for more than 30 days.
"During the honey harvest season, I can collect two to three litres per day. Each litre is sold for VNĐ60,000,” he said.
At the end of the honey harvesting season, farmers switch to growing plants and raising other animals.
Bee hunters like Ly and Lợi always believe there must be a balance between keeping the forest and raising honey.
They are bee hunters and also bee keepers.
Every one of them is assigned a specific forest area. They are aware that protecting the forest is also protecting their livelihoods.
Trần Bé Em, head of science and conservation department of the Lung Ngọc Hoàng reserve area, said 1,400ha of melaleuca forest has been assigned to 56 local households. They are in charge of looking after the forest can benefit from around 2,500 hives.
"Farmers can exploit honey under the control of the nature reserve,” Em said.
“They have an additional source of income from collecting honey and a sense of responsibility in protecting the forest. This model has been implemented since 2020 and it has proved to be efficient.”
Source: VNA/SGT/VNS/VOV/Dtinews/SGGP/VGP/Hanoitimes
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