Vietnam and the Cook Islands on April 26 set up their diplomatic relations.

A Joint Communiqué announcing the establishment was signed in Wellington, New Zealand, by Vietnamese Ambassador to New Zealand Nguyen Van Trung, who is on behalf of the Government of Vietnam, and Elizabeth Wright-Koteka, Cook Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, who is on behalf of the Government of the Cook Islands.

The two sides agreed to officially establish their diplomatic ties at the ambassadorial level from the date of signing the Joint Communiqué and apply the 1961 Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations in the two countries’ relationship.

With this move, Vietnam has had diplomatic relations with 190 countries around the world. Vietnam is the 57th country in the world and the sixth in ASEAN that the Cook Islands has officially set up diplomatic relations with.

HCM City: New dormitories to provide 1,000 apartment units for factory workers

Two nine-storey dormitories at Linh Trung II Export-Processing Zone with more than 350 units was put into use 10 years ago. (Photo: sggp.org.vn)
 

Two 12-storey dormitories for factory workers are under development in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, capable of accommodating more than 1,000 people. 

The two buildings, offering a total of 360 apartment units, will be built on a ground of 5,082sq.m as part of the second phase of the workers’ housing project at Linh Trung II Export-Processing Zone. The project also includes a kindergarten, a trade-service zone and a recreational zone. It has a total investment of around 408 billion VND (17.76 million USD).

The first phase of the project comprises two nine-storey dormitories with more than 350 units, which was put into use 10 years ago.

According to Director of the HCM Department of Construction Tran Hoang Quan, the southern economic hub will develop nearly 484,000 affordable apartment units, with a total floor area of 50.6 million sq.m, from 2021 – 2025. More than 35,700 units, equivalent to 2.5 million sq.m in floor area, will be provided to factory workers.

This year, his department plans to speed up the granting of licenses for 18 housing projects, including 10 social housing and dormitory ones for workers.

CDC Nam Dinh’s director, four staff arrested in Viet A test kit case

Do Duc Luu, director of the Center for Disease Control in Nam Dinh Province, and four senior officials of CDC Nam Dinh have been detained for alleged involvement in the Viet A test kit price gouging case, reported the local media.

On April 25 afternoon, the investigative police of the province pressed charges against the five persons, and searched their offices to look for evidence. The five were accused of violating bidding regulations, which caused serious consequences.

The four senior officials arrested are the chief accountant, the head of the Finance and Planning Department, the head of the Pharmacy Department, and a deputy head of the Testing Department.

In a related development, Tran Cam Tu, a member of the Politburo and chairman of the Party Central Committee’s Inspection Commission, said in a teleconference on April 25 that the commission would be determining the responsibility of individuals and organizations involved in the Viet A case.

Olympic champions to gather at SEA Games 31 next month

Up to now, at least six Olympic champions have been reported to compete at the 31st Southeast Asia Games (SEA Games 31) in Vietnam such as Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling, Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, Thai Taekwondo athlete Panipak Wongpattanakit, Thai weightlifter Sopita Tanasan, Indonesia's badminton pairing of Greysia Polii and Apriyani Rahayu and so on. 

Notably, Singaporean swimmer Joseph Schooling was the men's 100- meter butterfly gold medal winner at the Rio Summer Olympics 2016 and earned a total of 27 gold medals in the recent five SEA Games.

Apart from the Olympic champions, the upcoming  SEA Games 31 in Vietnam next month will have presences of many other athletes and medalists at the world championships, Asian championships and ASIAD.

GM Quang Liem beats Eric Hansen at Oslo Esports Cup’s Day 4

Vietnamese grandmaster Le Quang Liem enjoyed his second win at the Oslo Esports Cup by defeating Eric Hansen of Canada on Day 4 of the tournament.

In the first game, Liem, who has an Elo rating of 2,765, held the Canadian player to a draw after 60 moves. In the next game, the leading Vietnamese player had the advantage of holding the white pawn to beat Eric Hansen in 57 moves.

In the final game, the Canadian player was forced to accept defeat after 52 moves due to Liem’s strong attacking tactics. The final score of the match was ultimately 2.5-0.5.

This result saw Liem earn six points, just three points behind Indian prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and the world’s number one player Norwegian Magnus Carlsen.

Liem will next face off against Jan-Krzystzof Duda of Poland, who has an Elo rating of 2,769.

In their previous match played in the Charity Cup last month, Liem surprisingly defeated the Polish prodigy after 79 moves.

Officials talk solutions to medical equipment import, e-health declaration problems

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on April 25 chaired a meeting with some ministries and sectors to address problems related to medical equipment import and e-health declaration upon arrival.

Officials of health, justice, and finance ministries proposed solutions to existing problems in handling procedures for licensing the import of and certifying the registration for the circulation of medical equipment in the COVID-19 context.

Dam requested the ministers of health and justice to quickly reach consensus on ways for tackling the obstacles, ensure the access to modern medical equipment, facilitate domestic manufacturing, and prevent medication or equipment shortages.

At the meeting, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan reported on the congestion at the areas for handling entry/exit procedures in some international airports over the past days, noting that at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, it was not until they arrive at this airport that many passengers began to make health declaration.

Colonel Dang Tuan Viet, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Public Security’s Immigration Department, attributed the problem partly to the limited space and personnel of the airports’ health quarantine areas.

A representative of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam underlined the need to provide detailed and all updates about health requirements and e-health declaration guidance for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese wishing to enter the country.

Meanwhile, the health ministry said it is collecting relevant ministries, sectors, and agencies’ opinions about this issue, noting that COVID-19 is still a Class-A infectious disease, so like in other counties, people entering Vietnam still have to make health declaration.

Photo exhibition recalls memory of ancient markets in Hanoi

The virtual exhibition, entitled “Memory of ancient markets”, officially opened via the website and fanpage of National Archives Centre No.1 of the State Records and Archives Department of Vietnam on April 25.

The exhibition consists of two parts including “The story of planning” and “Ancient memories”, using a combination of documents and images with light and sound effects, Nhan dan newspaper reported.

An integral part of the exhibition is the street vendors, which have long been a cultural feature of Hanoi.

The exhibition shows that the ancient capital of Thang Long and Hanoi today are a major economic-cultural hub of the country and the market plays an indispensable role in the development of the city.

Visitors will be also introduced to the decrees and regulations of the French government on market tax and sidewalk management.

The exhibition is taking place via website http://archives.org.vn and fanpage https://facebook.com/luutruquocgia1.

Night tour of Thang Long Imperial Citadel to return in late April

The night tour of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in Hanoi will return during the coming National Reunification Day and May Day holidays after a year-long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts.

The return will be marked with a special musical programme on April 29 evening when famous piano brothers Luu Hong Quang and Luu Duc Anh, together with other artists, will perform songs celebrating the joy of the national reunification day (April 30, 1975).

The tour, named “Decoding the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long”, was launched in April 2021 by the Thang Long - Hanoi Heritage Conservation Centre and the Hanoitourist travel company. It was available every weekend and received high evaluation from tourists.

Travellers will begin their 1.5-hour tour at Doan Mon (Main Gate), the entrance to Cam thanh (Forbidden area) - the king’s residence, and learn about the site’s history, architecture, and functions there.

They will later enjoy an old dance right on the glass covering the archaeological excavation area and gain an insight into this dig, which contains vestiges of the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties, via tour guides’ introduction. They will also visit an exhibition hall of rare antiquities with some dating back over 1,000 years.

At Kinh Thien Palace, travellers can offer incense to King Ly Thai To, who moved the country’s capital from Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province to Dai La which he renamed Thang Long in 1010, as well as other kings contributing to the capital’s development.

The last destination of this trip is the archaeological site at No. 18 Hoang Dieu street, where visitors will experience a laser light show of outstanding antiquities of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Tourists can take part in a game in which they have to identify typical objects of feudal dynasties in the past.

Dialogue spotlights women’s roles in diplomacy

An event was co-held by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO) and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) in Vietnam to promote women’s roles in diplomacy in Hanoi on April 25.

The dialogue on “Women and Diplomacy - Women Leadership Series” formed part of a series of events initiated by UN Women in Vietnam to enhance and empower women in leadership roles. It also aimed to mark Vietnam’s 45-year UN membership (1977 - 2022).

During the dialogue, speakers shared their valuable experience of gaining knowledge and skills for diplomatic activities amid the rapidly changing international environment, thus inspiring other women to make the most of their strengths and show them how to balance professional and personal life.

SEA Games 31: Vietnam’s Sepak takraw athletes eager to compete

After more than a year of training, 24 Vietnamese Sepak takraw athletes are ready for their matches at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) to be held next month, eyeing at least one gold medal in the female’s category.

About 150 athletes from eight nations – Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines – have been registered for the sport.

Femal team's head coach Tran Thi Vui said they are strong at attacking, with veteran members showing great experience and enthusiasm and young athletes having good physique and technique.

The male squad consists of Dau Van Hoang, Nguyen Hoang Lan, and Nguyen Manh Tuan, who won the bronze medal at the Asian Games. However, they have a little chance to become the champion as their Thai, Malaysian, Myanmar, and Indonesian rivals are too strong.

Upcoming Sepak takraw events will take place at the Hoang Mai Gymnasium in the Hanoi district of the same name.

Quan Ngua Sports Complex ready for SEA Games 31

The Quan Ngua Sports Complex in Hanoi’s Ba Dinh district is now ready for gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, and aerobic competitions at the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) which will kick off in May, the Organising Committee of the sport tournament reported.

As scheduled, gymnastics, artistic gymnastics, and aerobic events will take place on May 13-16; May 18-19; and May 21-22, respectively. These sports require typical equipment for training and competition, which is a challenge to the complex.

Dung told a press that currently, works in cleaning, tree-planting, lighting system preparation, and other decorations have all been completed, receiving good comments from the organising committee.

The centre has collaborated closely with relevant sub-committees to prepare other activities, he added.

New Vietnamese association debuts in Japan

A new Vietnamese association has opened in Kumamoto prefecture, becoming a common house of the Vietnamese community while helping strengthen their solidarity and mutual support.

The launch of the association was held on April 24, with Le Tram, an official of the Kumamoto support centre for foreigners, elected as president.

Representatives of Kumamoto all spoke highly of the contributions made by the Vietnamese community to the socio-economic development of the prefecture.

They vowed to continue building a friendly and safe living environment for the Vietnamese while expecting the association to help share useful information among the community and bring Vietnamese people closer to each other. 

Vietnamese people currently form the largest foreign community in Kumamoto with around 6,400. 

Unique Bat Trang Pottery Museum

On an area of 3,700 square metres in Bat Trang village, the museum is part of the “Quintessence of the Vietnamese craft village” project, which aims to develop craft villages around the country.

The museum consists of seven funnel-shaped buildings intertwined together, with outer walls carved into multi-layered patterns that form a unique work. There are three exhibition floors at the museum, which help visitors gain an understanding of the craft village’s storied history.

While the rooftop is a place for visitors to relax, the basement of the museum allows them to experience moulding and painting ceramics from the most rudimentary objects.

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum will open its second and third floors to welcome the first visitors on April 30 and May 1.

Colombia University promotes Vietnamese studies programme

Columbia University, one of the eight “Ivy League” schools in the US, has opened a Vietnamese studies programme aimed at helping young people not only from the United States but from around the world learn more about Vietnam.

It was initiated by Vietnamese-American professors Lien Hang Nguyen and John Phan.

Their idea for the programme stemmed from the fact that knowledge of Vietnam among many Americans is still associated with the war, although it ended nearly 50 years ago.

Ministry striving to ensure security-order at SEA Games 31

Leading officials of the Ministry of Public Security have ordered relevant agencies to effectively handle criminals and ensure security-order for the successful holding of the coming 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) across 12 localities.

The agencies have been asked to prevent severe traffic congestion or accidents which hinder the regional event and competition schedules of athletes.

Sen. Lt. Gen. Luong Tam Quang, Deputy Minister of Public Security and head of the sub-committee, presided over its third meeting reviewing and evaluating progress after the second meeting in late February, and defining key tasks until the commencement of the event on May 12.

Lt. Gen. To An Xo, Chief of the Office and Spokesman for the ministry, said that the sub-committee has devised a master plan to ensure security and safety for SEA Game 31, which calls on ministries, sectors and the People’s Committees of the hosting localities to join hands with the sub-committee in the work.

To date, preparations for security-order protection work at the SEA Games have been completed, said Xo, who is the deputy head of the sub-committee.

Quang asked members of the sub-committee and police at the hosting localities to closely follow the plans in an effective manner, thus contributing to the success of the largest regional sporting event.

He ordered relevant agencies to continue reviewing, amending and carrying out plans in accordance with the development of COVID-19, especially for the opening and closing ceremonies in Hanoi, competition venues and delegates’ accommodations.

One million disadvantaged people expected to get support in Humanitarian Month

The Vietnam Red Cross Society  (VRCS)  Central Committee will strive to mobilise 400 billion VND (over 17.4 million USD) to support 1 million people with difficult circumstances during the Humanitarian Month 2022 starting from May 1.

According to President of the VRCS Central Committee Bui Thi Hoa, this year's event aims to call on the community to join hands in humanitarian activities, thus popularising the kindness, and meaningful actions, towards building a community of solidarity and compassion.

The peak period of the month will take place from May 8 (World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day) to May 19 (the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and first Honorary President of the VRCS), Hoa said.

The launching ceremony of the Humanitarian Month 2022 will be broadcast live on channel VTV2 of Vietnam Television, and relayed on channel HTV1 of Ho Chi Minh Television Station.

To kick off the Humanitarian Month 2022, the VRCS Central Committee will present 15,000 multi-purpose life jackets worth 22 billion VND; first aid bags and safe houses for fishermen worth 5 billion VND to 14 provinces and cities in the central region; and donate 17 billion VND to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

SEA Games 31: Cyclist Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh eyes gold medal

Vietnamese cyclist Dinh Thi Nhu Quynh, who bagged the first gold medal for Vietnam at the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 30), is training hard in an effort to achieve the best performance at the upcoming SEA Game 31, according to the Organising Committee of SEA Games 31. 

With her rigorous tests on physical strength, endurance, agility and flexibility, Quynh passed an entrance exam to the gifted school for training and sports competition of the northern province of Hoa Binh when she was a 10th grader.

Overcoming many difficulties in getting used to competition contents of mountain biking, and with her good physical strength and endurance, Quynh quickly emerged as a potential cyclist, and was soon officially selected to the national cycling team.

She achieved impressive achievements during her career, including a gold medal at SEA Games 26; bronze medals at the Asian Mountain Bike Championships 2012 and SEA Games 27; gold medals at the national mountain biking tournaments in 2019 and 2020; and the first gold medal for the Vietnamese sport delegation at SEA Games 30.

Quynh’s gold medal at SEA Games 30 showed her great will and determination, because cross-field biking was not her forte.

In March 2022, Quynh won the championship trophy of the Biwase Cup Women's Cycling Tournament.

Photo exhibition recalls memory of ancient markets in Hanoi

The virtual exhibition, entitled “Memory of ancient markets”, officially opened via the website and fanpage of National Archives Centre No.1 of the State Records and Archives Department of Vietnam on April 25.

The exhibition consists of two parts including “The story of planning” and “Ancient memories”, using a combination of documents and images with light and sound effects, Nhan dan newspaper reported.

An integral part of the exhibition is the street vendors, which have long been a cultural feature of Hanoi.

The exhibition shows that the ancient capital of Thang Long and Hanoi today are a major economic-cultural hub of the country and the market plays an indispensable role in the development of the city.

Visitors will be also introduced to the decrees and regulations of the French government on market tax and sidewalk management.

The exhibition is taking place via website http://archives.org.vn and fanpage https://facebook.com/luutruquocgia1.

Over 100 athletes attend pre-SEA Games 31 athletics event

The test athletics event – road to the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) has been taking place at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi starting on April 25, attracting over 100 athletes, according to the SEA Games 31's Organising Committee. 

Athletes are competing in categories including 100m, 400m, 800m, and 5,000m running, and long jump for men and women; and 4x100m relay, weightlifting, and discus throw for men.

The two-day event is an opportunity for the Vietnam Athletics Federation and relevant agencies to evaluate the organisation and administration for, and the operation of equipment serving SEA Games 31; and the implementation of training plans of national sports training centres and relevant units across the country.

Recently, an athletics referee training course for SEA Games 31 has completed.

HAGL bravely held Jeonbuk to a draw but still out of AFC Champions League

Hoang Anh Gia Lai Football Club drew 1-1 against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of South Korea on Monday, but it was not enough to progress in the AFC Champions League.

In Thong Nhat Stadium where just four days ago HAGL suffered the agony of a stoppage time defeat against the K-League Champions, Kiatisuk Senamuang's team managed a draw this time around.

Two changes were made to the line-up from last Friday's match, with Luong Xuan Truong and Tran Minh Vuong replacing Jefferson Baiano and Nguyen Tuan Anh. Jeonbuk made seven changes to their starting eleven.

The Korean powerhouse was active from the start and had five corners in the first 20 minutes. On 17 minutes, one such corner worked wonders for them when Takahiro Kunimoto's cross met the head of Moon Seon-min, who rose above Washington Brandao and scored the opening goal for the visitors.

Jeonbuk piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the first half, but the HAGL defence stayed strong and had some decent chances through counter-attacks. One of them was a well-struck volley from Nguyễn Công Phượng that blazed over the bar.

Jeonbuk's manager, Kim Sang-sik made three changes at half-time, whereas Kiatisuk brought on young midfielder Le Huu Phuoc for Xuan Truong, who had problems with his stamina.

With Jeonbuk taking their foot off the gas early, cracks appeared in their defence with HAGL always looking to exploit. On minute 63, centre-back Nguyen Huu Tuan advanced from the back and dribbled all the way to the final third, where his through pass found Nguyen Van Toan who put the ball in the top of the Song Bum-keun's net.

Despite having played bravely, HAGL are technically out of the Champions League, with just two points to their name. Should they win their last two matches and second place Jeonbuk lose both, they still cannot qualify due to the head-to-head criteria against the Koreans (one loss, one draw). Jeonbuk meanwhile, lost their first place in the group to Yokohama F. Marinos, who beat Sydney FC 3-0.

'Book Hour' helps to spread reading culture in community

Inspired by the annual event 'Earth Hour', an event called 'Book Hour' has been designed to encourage the habit of reading.

The event is to be held online on Saturday as part of the ‘Book and Action’ project.

It has created a space where attendees can read books and share their personal feelings with others.

The project has set up 192 book clubs at high schools and universities across the country, three member projects in Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and HCM City, and has more than 6,000 active members.

Each club provides 500-1,000 free book loans to students each year, and many activities to promote reading culture. 

Cần Thơ to open new walking street on Reunification Day

Cần Thơ will open its first pedestrian street, Ninh Kiều, on April 30, the 47th National Reunification Day. The 700-metre walking street will be located a section of the Hai Bà Trưng Street in Ninh Kiều District, next to the Ninh Kiều Park.

The Ninh Kiều Park, on the banks of the Hậu River, is one of the most attractive places in the city with the Ninh Kiều pedestrian bridge and a wharf from where visitors can take boat tours.

The pedestrian street will open from 6pm-10pm every Saturday. It will host several cultural activities including exhibitions and concerts, not to mention food stalls with local specialities and other dishes from different parts of the country.

Both locals and visitors will be able to enjoy tài tử music, a traditional music form particular to southern Việt Nam that is more than a 100 years old.

438 employees to be hired for the Nhổn-Hà Nội Station metro line

Hà Nội Railway One Member Company (Hanoi Metro) is recruiting 438 employees for the operation of the Nhổn-Hà Nội Station metro line, the first of its kind in Hà Nội.

The company is recruiting leaders and staff for the department of railway operation in the positions of railway dispatching supervision, railway driving coordination, electrical and environmental dispatching, operation charting and on-duty.

It also needs employees for the management of station equipment and the automatic ticketing system. Other vacancies on safety supervision and maintenance and repair and the positions of head and deputy head of Depot Nhổn also need to be filled.

The department that needs the most personnel is the station with 158 employees, Depot Nhổn with 92, equipment repair with 81, and operations with 48.

Eligible employees should be 20-45 with qualifications. Recruitment will take place from April 18 until June 30.

World Intellectual Property Day 2022 offers youth learning opportunity: Official

This year’s World Intellectual Property Day (April 26) is an opportunity for young people to learn how patents can support their goals and turn their ideas into reality, Director General Dinh Huu Phi of the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (IP Vietnam) has said.

Since 2017, IP Vietnam has implemented models that connect participating research institutes and universities as part of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)’s project on enabling innovation environment (EIE) for IP and technology. So far, such implementation has assisted the participants in building their own IP regulations and organising training courses for the establishment and commercialisation of IP rights.

The office also signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation with WIPO on the implementation of the EIE project in Vietnam. As a result, a local committee coordinating a network of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISC) and a center of IP and technology transfer (IP-HUB) have been set up.

However, there is still a long way ahead for the formation of a complete IP ecosystem for universities and research institutes nationwide, Phi said.

Dozens of munitions found in Quang Tri

Up to 41 explosive devices have been found in the central province of Quang Tri.

According to the Mines Advisory Group (MAG), the munitions were discovered on April 22 at a depth of 15 cm at a land plot in Dong Son Village, Hai Lang District’s Hai Son Commune.

Most of the explosives, which remained intact, were then removed to a location for a controlled explosion.

MAG started searching for explosives in Quang Tri in January. The work is scheduled to be finished in June this year.

In February, MAG moved and detonated 108 dangerous explosive items found in a Melaleuca forest in Hai Son Commune.

Over 400 explosive devices were also previously found in Quang Tri’s Dong Ha Town in March.

"Ca Mau - Destination 2022" programme announced

Visitors to Ca Mau will have the chance to see the actual setting of the record of "Vietnam's largest beehive" and the record of "Vietnam's largest fish sauce hot pot", on the occasion of the 47th anniversary of South Liberation and National Reunification (April 30).
on April 25.

The event "Ca Mau - Destination 2022" takes place from the first quarter to the third quarter of 2022. There are 14 outstanding series of major events such as: Song Doc Nghinh Ong Festival, a festival to pay respect to Lac Long Quan and Au Co, the 2nd Southern Folk Cake Festival, the "Huong Rung U Minh" (Perfume of U Minh Forest) event, Ca Mau Crab Festival, the flag raising ceremony, Dat Mui Food Festival, Dat Mui Marathon - Ca Mau 2022, and a series of business meetings and OCOP product development activities in 2022.

According to the representative of the People's Committee of Ca Mau Province, the "Huong Rung U Minh" event in 2022, with the theme "Journey to Green Tourism", will take place from April 28 to 30, in U Minh Town and U Minh Ha National Park. This is one of the highlights in the framework of the program "Ca Mau - Destination 2022", which is also the second year that Ca Mau has organised the above event.

Inn addition, there are also cultural and artistic activities such as a Don ca tai tu exchange programme and the Youth Singing Festival.

Within the framework of the programme, sports activities will also be organised, such as U Minh Ha Forest trekking tournaments, sailing races on Cai Tau River, and folk games associated with experiencing the land of U Minh.

HCMC to host art programs to celebrate Reunification Day

A concert marking 47 years of the South Liberation and National Reunification Day (April 30) and the 136th May Day (May 1) will take place in Nguyen Hue walking street in HCMC’s District 1 on April 29.

The art performance themed “Vietnam in our hearts” expects to lure audiences with the participation of popular artists, including People’s Artists of Quang Tho, Trong Huu, Thoai Mieu, Meritorious Artists of Lam Tuyen, Van Khanh, Ta Thuy Chi, artisan Nguyen Thi Tieu, singers of Hien Thuc, Ho Trung Dung, Quoc Dai, Vo Ha Tram and more.

Additionally, other art programs will be held on the occasion of national holidays in Thu Duc City, districts of Tan Phu, Binh Tan,Can Gio, Cu Chi, Binh Chanh, Nha Be and Hoc Mon.

On April 30, two 15-minute spectacular firework displays will be held at 9 pm at Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City and Dam Sen Amusement Park in District 11 to celebrate the public holidays. Meanwhile, cadres, civil servants, public employees, and workers across the country will enjoy four days off from April 30 to May 3.

Literary contest launched to encourage learning of Spanish language

A literary contest themed ‘Learning Spanish and enjoying life’ was launched by the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi on April 23.

The competition aims to encourage reading and writing in Spanish and calls on participants to develop their imagination and creativity in the world of art and words, thus increasing their interest in Spanish culture.

It is open to both Vietnamese citizens as well as foreign citizens who are legally residing in Vietnam whose mother tongue is not Spanish. Entrants must hold the copyright for the entries they submit.

The entrants can submit entries in one of four categories including short stories, poetry, micro-story and rap, with suggested topics of feminism, joy of life, exploration of limits, love, art of writing, environmental crisis, and love for Spain.

Entries should be sent by email to emb.hanoi.sc@maec.es no later than October 12.

A two-volume book introducing the winning entries of the 2021 contest was introduced at the event on the occasion.

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