After 15 years of expanding its administrative boundaries, the capital city of Hanoi has shown a new face, becoming greener, cleaner, more beautiful, civilized and modern.

Following the expansion, Hanoi has been the locality with the highest number of communal administrative units. In order to restructure its socioeconomic space, the city has mobilized resources to conduct planning and develop technical infrastructure system, giving a facelift to the city.

After the master planning for the construction of the capital city until 2030 with a vision to 2050 was approved by the Prime Minister, the city has broadened its transport infrastructure network as well as the irrigation, school, hospital and health care systems.

After 15 years, many urban areas have been developed in all four directions, along with many shopping and entertainment centres.

Currently, the city has focused on turning rural districts of Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Thanh Tri, Hoai Duc and Dan Phuong into urban districts, while continuing to expand urban areas in the north with a number of projects, including a North Hanoi Smart City, a national conventional and exhibition centre, an outlet trade complex, as well as the development of areas along Nhat Tan – Noi Bai roads. The city is investing in boosting a systematic infrastructure system to develop Hanoi into a smart city in the near future.

According to President of the Vietnam Urban Planning and Development Association Dao Ngoc Nghiem, the presence of new urban areas in Hanoi has positively contributed to meeting housing demands and at the same time promoted economic development and formed better living conditions for local residents.

Along with investing in activities to make the city greener, cleaner, more beautiful, civilised and modern, the city has launched a number of projects to build large lakes and parks in all areas across the city, creating more green spaces for locals and improving their living environment.

At the same time, the city has developed entertainment and cultural spaces for local residents, including the opening of more pedestrian streets, including those around Hoan Kiem Lake and Thien Quang Lake and at Thong Nhat park, Trinh Cong Son street and Son Tay ancient citadel.

Electric lines and telecommunications cables have been put underground, an abundance of trees have been planted along streets.

Particularly, after 15 years of expansion, the transport system of Hanoi has developed strongly, helping strengthen the city’s connections with other localities and contributing to promoting local socioeconomic development.

A series of large traffic projects have been implemented to increase the capital’s connections with other cities and provinces, including the expressways of Hanoi - Lao Cai, Hanoi - Hai Phong and Phap Van - Cau Gie, along with Thang Long Boulevard, Nhat Tan Bridge, Vo Nguyen Giap street, and Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway project. Besides, many new inner city transport projects have also been put into operation.

Currently, Hanoi has seven radial roads with a total length of 111.32 km running through the city, along with eight radial national highways with a total length of 244.58 km. Meanwhile, the construction of 132.26 km out of the planned 285.46 km of seven ring roads has been completed.

The city has also paid great attention to public transportation. As of July 2023, the bus public transport network in Hanoi had had 154 routes, with 2,279 vehicles. In 2022, the volume of public passenger transport by bus reached 340 million passengers, of which 334 million passengers used subsidized buses.

Vice Director of the Public Transport Management Centre of Hanoi Thai Ho Phuong said that currently, the bus transport network of Hanoi has reached all 30 districts and townships, and 512 out of 579 communes, wards and towns as well as seven nearby localities.

President Vo Van Thuong meets foreign, Vietnamese scientists

President Vo Van Thuong met in Hanoi on August 12 with 56 international and Vietnamese scientists attending the international scientific conference "Windows on the Universe" that recently took place in Quy Nhon city, the south-central province of Binh Dinh.

At the meeting, many scientists expressed their willingness to cooperate and work with Vietnam They said Vietnam needs to take advantage its strengths to develop science and technology, while creating conditions for international scientists to live and work in Vietnam.

President Vo Van Thuong highly appreciated the contributions to the development of science and eduction in Vietnam over the past 30 years the "Rencontres du Vietnam" Association (Meeting Vietnam), especially Prof. Tran Thanh Van, Prof. Le Kim Ngoc as well as scientists from the Association.

On the path of renewal, international integration, and national construction and development, the Party and State of Vietnam always consider science-technology and education-training the top national policy, he said.

Vietnam identifies intellectuals as a particularly important labour force in the country’s industrialisation and modernisation process and international integration, he said.

The country always focuses on attracting and using talents, developing high-quality human resources and building a strong contigent of intellectuals for sustainable national development, he added.

The President said he hopes that Vietnam continues receiving cooperation and support from international scientists and Vietnamese scientists abroad in the coming time.

He asked competent agencies and localities, including Binh Dinh province, to continue supporting the "Rencontres du Vietnam" Association in the realiaation of its projects for science and education.

Besides, it is necessary to build and improve suitable mechanisms and policies to create more favourable conditions for scientists, he said.

The international scienfitic conference that opened on August 7 in Binh Dinh province is an academic forum for domestic and international scientists to collaborate, exchange ideas, and discuss the latest discoveries in the fields of particle physics, high energy physics, and astronomy.

It is organised by Vietnam's International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE), the "Rencontres du Vietnam" Assocation, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Binh Dinh Provincial People's Committee.

Stamp collection highlights bat preservation
 
A stamp collection featuring the various bats found in Vietnam has recently been issued in a bid to introduce the country biodiversity and natural environment and contribute to raising community awareness about bat conservation efforts.      

The collection was released on August 11, which is also the opening day of the 39th Asia International Stamp Exhibition in Taiwan (China). The stamp set will be provided on the postal network from August 11 to June 30, 2025.

The set consists of 5 samples, showing the images and environment of endemic or rare bat species of Vietnam in need of conservation on a national and international scale.

Bats play an important role in natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems, such as pollinating flowers and dispersing plants.

Vietnam-Japan festival 2023 opens in Hanoi

The Vietnam-Japan festival 2023 kicked off in Hanoi on August 12, with the event taking place as part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. 
      
The event jointly organised by the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Hanoi and the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam was held at Dong Da district’s culture, information, and sports centre.

Kamitani Naoko, director of the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam, said that regular cultural exchange activities have helped both Vietnamese and Japanese people to gain a greater understanding of each other.

A wide range of activities took place during the festival, including the third Vietnamese Haiku poetry seminar which involves the participation of 50 members from the Haiku poetry club under the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association and clubs across the country, along with a seminar on the management of cherry blossom trees in Hanoi.

The highlight of the event was a photo exhibition detailing Vietnam-Japan relations through 4B lens which displays 50 photographs on culture, landscapes, and people of the two countries.

Participants also joined in making calligraphic works and watching martial art performances.

Most notably, a special art performance put on by the Hanoi Freude Choir, which comprises of 14 Vietnamese and Japanese artists, offered audiences a positive experience.

Largest yoga performance to shape national flag sets national record

A yoga performance put on at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi on August 12 set a record for attracting the largest number of performers in the country, with the event seeing the participation of 5,000 people coming together in the shape of the national flag.

The event took place as part of a yoga festival launched by Dan Tri newspaper. It was attended by 5,000 professional and amateur yoga performers of different ages, including businessmen, athletes, beauty queens, and many celebrities.

They all share a love for yoga which originates from India and was recognised as UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.

The Vietnam Records Organization (Vietkings) announced that the function set a record for being the largest yoga performance in Vietnam.

Nearly 1,000 runners partake in ASEAN Fun Walk 2023 in HCM City

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) and the Consulate of Indonesia organised ASEAN Fun Walk 2023 on August 12, with the event drawing the participation of approximately 1,000 local and foreign runners.

Upon addressing the event Phan Van Mai, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said the first ASEAN Fun Walk marked the bloc’s 56th founding anniversary after being established in 1967, the 10th anniversary of the Vietnam-Indonesia Strategic Partnership which was set up in 2013, and Indonesia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023.

He confirmed that the event will help to promote the ASEAN Community with solidarity, peace, and development.

The occasion was held at Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, attracting plenty of citizens of all countries who are working and living in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces.

Most notably, representatives of general consulates of ASEAN member countries, India, Russia, Belarus, and Italy also attended the walk.

“Moment of Happiness” photo exhibition opens in HCM City

Dozens of photos taken by young people capturing moments of happiness are displayed at a two-day exhibition called “Moments of Happiness” at HCM City Fine Arts Museum in HCM City.

The event is part of the “Embrace Happiness” campaign developed by an FPT University student group inspired by the FPT Corporation’s guiding principle of “Creating Happiness”.

With the purpose of spreading awareness about choosing happiness, the campaign aims at sending young people the message of “choose happiness in every moment; choose moments for true happiness” so young people from 18 to 25 realise that happiness is a choice and we should embrace the present moment.

In addition, the spirit of happiness is elevated when we choose to share and spread positive actions within the community.

“This is a special event and the first time that the HCM City Fine Arts Museum has collaborated and supported a student group from FPT University to organise an exhibition. I believe that this exhibition will provide viewers with interesting and meaningful experiences while also enhancing self-awareness of happiness and spreading happiness to others,” said Trần Minh Công, deputy director of the HCM City Fine Arts Museum.

Furthermore, Công added, the exhibition was evidence of the collaboration and connection between cultural and educational institutions in the development and dissemination of art.

At the exhibition, three judges who represent three different shades of the pursuit of happiness announced the top three inspirational artworks corresponding to the three different shades from the top 50 voted in the online competition held previously.

The three winning photos are Hào Hùng 20/11 by Nguyễn Đình Bảo; Ngủ by Phan Mạnh Cường and Cây Kem Hạnh Phúc by Huỳnh Lê Khang.

“I find it very interesting to have the opportunity to understand more about happiness through visual language from the perspective of young people in Việt Nam. From these diverse frames, we can easily recoganise that happiness exists in every moment of life and that also highlights the unique local characteristics and distinctiveness of each individual and each culture,” said judge Salvador Pérez Arroyo, an architect and photographer from Spain.

During the two-day exhibition, many interactive activities and exchanges will be organised to provide an opportunity for everyone to share and record their own moments of happiness. 

Fourteen content creators join in Let's Feast Vietnam 2023

Fourteen content creators will join in Let's Feast Vietnam 2023, a contest where everyone can become a Tourism Ambassador for Việt Nam with short videos promoting the images of the country and people on social media.

The reality show was launched by BHD and Meta together with the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on August 10 in HCM City.

On the show, fourteen talented content creators from six Asian countries embark on an exciting journey with unique culinary and travel experiences to discover the country and people of Việt Nam through dynamic destinations, including HCM City, Phú Quốc, Hạ Long and Hà Nội.

The journey to discover Việt Nam is a double challenge for the contestants as they have to complete many tasks from the show while creating Reels videos under time pressure. With this new concept, Let's Feast Vietnam promises to bring exciting, thrilling, and desirable entertainment moments to audiences.

The programme’s short video challenge has a total prize of up to VNĐ800 million, of which VNĐ500 million is the prize for the team with the most likes and VNĐ300 million is the prize for the audience's favourite on social networks.

The contestants of the program are content creators from six Asian countries, with the first Runner Up Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 Thảo Nhi Lê and talented food blogger Vũ Dino; two multi-talented artists Rocker Nguyễn from Việt Nam and Hwang Joo Won from Korea; Runner Up Miss Charm 2023 Olivia Tan from Indonesia and Korean content creator Seo Yeon Kim; Anisha Thai, a joyful dancer who is half Vietnamese and her best friend J Lou from Hong Kong (China); funny creators from the Philippines Aaron Macacua and Jaime Marino; a famous chef duo who have reached the top 3 of Master Chef Indonesia - Machel Wie and Arsyan Dwianto; Comedian Brandon and Joliechi from Taiwan (China).

“Let's Feast Vietnam brings a youthful and vibrant energy to the journey to discover the beauty of Việt Nam. Việt Nam has become the place where young people connect with all the excitement, passion for creativity, commitment and experience,” said Nguyễn Phương Hoa, Head of the International Cooperation Department - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

“In addition to connecting Asian content creators, Meta is excited to be able to promote Việt Nam's culture, cuisine, and people through platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Audiences will experience an authentic Vietnam through Reels created by content creators throughout the program. Let's Feast Vietnam is both an entertaining reality show and a new and effective step to help attract curiosity and inspire international travellers to come to visit Việt Nam,” said Khôi Lê, Country Director of Meta in Việt Nam.

With 10 episodes, Let’s Feast Vietnam will broadcast every Tuesday and Wednesday on Netflix Asia and DANET platforms from August 15 to August 29, 2023. In addition, Reels short video content made by the contestants as well as behind-the-scenes moments will be shared on the Facebook and Instagram pages of BHD, Meta VN, and on the social channels of 14 content creators and celebs from six countries and regions.

Exhibition to introduce the narrative of French artists about Indochina

From 14 to 17 August, Sotheby's auction house will return to Viet Nam for the second time with the non-selling exhibition Mộng Viễn Đông (The Faraway East: of Dreams and Pursuits), introducing the works of French artists who travelled to or lived in Indochina.

Following Sotheby’s first-ever non-selling exhibition in Việt Nam in 2022, Hồn Xưa Bến Lạ (Timeless Souls: Beyond the Voyage), which saw thousands of visitors from around the world attending the four-day event, Sotheby’s is delighted to return with The Faraway East: of Dreams and Pursuits.

A sequel to last year, the exhibition explores the narrative of French artists who travelled to or lived in Indochina, and how they constructed their visions of the land and its people.

The exhibition features more than 50 works by artists including the likes of Victor Tardieu, Jean-Louis Paguenaud and André Maire.

“As we are nearing the 100th anniversary of Indochina Fine Arts College, it is important to recognise the contributions of the French artists who came here not just to set up an art academy, but an entire art movement with a legacy to last. Their journeys embody a repertoire of personal and collective ambitions, dreams and perspectives, and reflect not just the Western influence on the Vietnamese art discourse, but also vice versa,” Ace Lê, curator and Sotheby's country head of Việt Nam, said.

Jasmine Prasetio, Sotheby's managing director in Southeast Asia, said: “Marking our 50 Years in Asia and a successful recent exhibition and auction in Singapore, we are excited to set another milestone in Southeast Asia by being back in Viet Nam with the second edition of our exhibition series. As we envision our future in the region, our core mission continues with building local art and cultural ecosystems. By showcasing these sublime works for the public, we hope they will engage, inform, and inspire the art community and beyond."

The exhibition will open to the public from August 14 to 17 at Park Hyatt Saigon Ballroom, 2 Lam Sơn Square District 1, HCM City. Audiences can register via the link: https://rsvp.theworldsbest.events/_4o5rz. 

Project celebrates the essence of humanity in arts

A high tea and art event with the theme Vẻ Đẹp Hồng Tâm (The Beauty of Compassion) has taken place in Hà Nội with the attendance of many renowned contemporary artists and reputable art critics.

Particularly, the invited guests have actively contributed to charity and promoted the values of art during the difficult time of the pandemic through various activities like exhibitions, auctions and donation of artworks to hospitals.

Art collector Thúy Anh is the initiator of the Beauty-High Tea and Art event, aiming to honour the values of beauty in art. Here, the term "High Tea" not only refers to afternoon tea but also carries the connotation of sophistication and excellence according to international interpretations. "High Art" can also be understood as the pinnacle of artistic expression, which clearly affirms the nature and significance of the event.

This event, named Beauty Vol1, is expected to open more similar events in the future, which will feature beautiful and diverse content, contributing to the nurturing and dissemination of artistic values in general and fine arts in particular. These events aim to ignite the passion and interest of professionals and the public alike, fostering a greater appreciation for the arts.

The opening event took place on August 8 in the garden of the Sofitel Metropole Hotel in Hà Nội. Its initiator, art collector Thúy Anh, was involved in various art activities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the launch of a collection of 128 artworks depicting the pandemic, the Xuân Hồng (Spring of Compassion) exhibition in 2021, and the Hồng Duyên (Divine Connection) exhibition last year.

She has also actively participated in numerous charitable programmes and fundraising projects to support healthcare personnel and frontline health workers in the fight against the pandemic, in addition to the project of donating artworks to over 10 hospitals in Hà Nội.

According to Anh, the theme of the Beauty Vol1 represents the beauty of a compassionate and benevolent soul. It embodies the aspiration to bring forth the beauty of kindheartedness into beautiful artworks and actions.

“Derived from this core value, the event serves as a gathering and exchange platform to honour exceptional artists, artworks, and special hearts during the COVID-19 period, with unforgettable experiences for all of humanity,” she said.

The art event focuses on dialogues and sharing about the story of artistic beauty directed towards the community, divided into three parts: Beauty Value, Beautiful Artworks, and Beautiful Hearts. It features several esteemed guest artists, diplomats, and art curators who have come together to participate in discussions and share their perspectives on this intriguing theme.

The second part of the event introduces an art space displaying eight paintings by eight guest artists who are also key participants in the event. According to Anh, all of them are talented individuals who have made notable contributions to charitable endeavors.

After the success of Beauty Vol1, the art collector revealed her plans to continue creating next event called Hoa Nở (Blossoming Flowers), which holds the meaningful intention of celebrating the vibrant development of fine arts both domestically and internationally.

It is also her aspiration to see more events that honour beauty and the arts. The blossoming flowers symbolise fulfillment, dedication, and abundance, reflecting the hopes and desires for a flourishing artistic community.

Green skills education for youth key to green transition in Viet Nam

Young individuals engaged in discussions about green skills at an event on Friday marking the International Youth Day, set for the following day.

Hosted by the United Nations in Việt Nam, the event saw involvement from the HCM Communist Youth Union and the Department of Youth Affairs, part of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The occasion centred on the theme “Towards a sustainable future: Green skills for youth”, underscoring the potential of green skills in propelling the youth towards a more sustainable and greener future for Việt Nam.

During two panel discussions, the youth and associated stakeholders delved into insightful conversations about the education and hands-on application of green skills.

Given the global shift towards addressing climate change, a green transition is underway, presenting fresh economic prospects for the youth. By 2030, this green shift is expected to generate 8.4 million job opportunities for the younger generation.

The representatives confirmed that to shape their future and contribute to the green economy, young people need to be equipped with green skills - the practical tools and knowledge that allow them to utilise the power of eco-friendly technologies and to make environmentally conscious decisions in both their professional and personal lives.

United Nations Resident Coordinator in Việt Nam Pauline Tamesis said: “At this moment, the demand for green skills is outpacing its availability. By 2030, 60 per cent of young people may lack the necessary skills to thrive in the green economy.”

“We must address this disparity and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background or gender, has equal access to these skills,” she said.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative Ramla Khalidi said: “As Việt Nam steers its national efforts toward a just energy transition and a net-zero future, it is crucial to undertake substantial labour force transformations that fuel a green and low carbon economy.”

She added that Vietnamese youth needed to be well-prepared and armed with green knowledge, skills and competencies to be part of these workforces.

“Embracing new opportunities to cultivate green jobs and future-oriented skills is more than an investment in their potential, it is a commitment to a sustainable world,” she said.

On behalf of the youth at the event, first runner-up at Miss World Việt Nam 2022 Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc, said: “Green skills opened new opportunities for young people to contribute to a more sustainable society. I am excited to see what Vietnamese young people can achieve by applying these skills.” 

Passengers' convenience a priority as North-South high-speed train project takes shape: experts

With the North-South high-speed railway in planning, experts are raising concerns about how the line should be connected to the city centre for the interest of the passengers.

It is recommended that the North-South high-speed railway should be connected to Hà Nội Station at the centre of the capital city, according to an initial planning report for railways routes and stations in Hà Nội by Transport Engineering Design Inc (TEDI) and Consulting Centre for Transport Development Investment (CCTDI).

A representative of the joint venture said that through research on railway planning in major cities across the globe, high-speed railways often run far into the city centre, such as in Tokyo, Beijing, Berlin and Paris.

The master plan for the national railway network for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 states that the North-South high-speed railway route will have Ngọc Hồi Station as its main station in the capital, situated in the outskirts of Hà Nội.

Concerns have been raised on whether Ngọc Hồi Station, located some 10km away from the city centre, could discourage passengers from using train services, especially those in the area north of the Red River.

Other suggestions include using the central Hà Nội Station as the passenger station, while Ngọc Hồi Station will also handle cargo and serve as the depot, instead of Thường Tín as in the plan.

Sharing the same perspective, Phạm Hoài Chung, deputy director of the Transport Development and Strategy Institute said that having the high-speed railway connected to the city centre will be more convenient to passengers, as almost no one wants to have to change trains multiple times while travelling.

He also pointed out the challenges in terms of infrastructure and utilisation when combining high-speed and urban railways.

Chung said: “The urban railway Ngọc Hồi-Yên Viên will be located next to the route to Hà Nội station, therefore research needs to be conducted on technical and technology solutions, ensuring the functional infrastructure and optimal train operations between two vastly different types of transport.”

Railway expert Nguyễn Ân, who worked at the transport ministry’s science-technology department, said that every option has its pros and cons.

He believed that the option to have Hà Nội Station as a passenger-only stop is the optimal choice for the city’s development, especially in passenger transport.

Ân agreed that this option could cause problems as the high-speed railway intersects inner city traffic routes.

He suggested that 10km of the railway be built underground, but noted that it will entail enormous costs and is time-consuming.

Detailed calculations should be made to compare this option with the plan to have Ngọc Hồi Station as the final stop with connections to the city centre through other means of transport.

A representative from the Vietnam Railway Administration also said that a proposal to build a four-rail route, with two for the urban railway and two others for the high-speed railway, has been submitted.

However, the city deemed the option unfeasible due to land clearance issues.

Therefore, for the upcoming pre-planning report, the consultant units are studying options that could allow for both the urban and high-speed trains on a double, elevated railway.

Deputy transport minister Nguyễn Danh Huy said that the North-South high-speed railway project is the first of its kind in Việt Nam, requiring careful and meticulous research to reach a decision on investment capital and method, technical factors and utilisation.

The Ministry of Transport also plans to invite experienced international experts to collaborate with local consultants for these studies to submit to the authorities for approval.

The submission is expected to be finished by 2025, according to Conclusion No 49-KL/TW of the Politburo. 

Hà Nội to relocate nine production facilities out of city centre

Nine production facilities will have to be relocated from downtown Hà Nội according to the urban planning project of the city's People's Committee.

They include Nhân Dân (People's) Newspaper Printing Company, Hà Nội Mới (New Hà Nội) Newspaper Printing One-Member Limited Liability Company, Hà Nội Beer Alcohol and Beverage JSC (Habeco), Thăng Long Tobacco One-Member Limited Liability Company, Vietnam News Agency Printing and Trading One-Member Limited Liability Company, Gia Lâm Train Factory, Đức Giang Oil Warehouse, Agriculture Publishing House One-Member Limited Liability Company and Việt Nam Institute of Industrial Chemistry.

According to Hà Nội Department of Natural Resources and Environment, these properties, owned and managed by various enterprises, which are not in accordance with the urban planning, must be relocated as per the Decree No.167/2017/NĐ-CP dated December 31, 2017, of the Government on rearrangement and handling of State assets.

The plan to relocate these facilities will be implemented within five years, starting from the approval of the list by the city People's Committee.

Regarding properties listed for relocation but falling under the category of land to be reclaimed for national defence, security, economic and social development purposes, the procedures for land reclamation, compensation, and support will be conducted in accordance with land law regulations, rather than following the provisions of Decree No.167.

Additionally, the city People's Committee has tasked the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to collaborate with relevant departments, sectors, and people's committees of districts and towns to ensure the progress of relocation plan.

Based on the approved list, the Department of Finance is responsible for devising solutions for these parcels of land after the respective facilities have been relocated.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment, in coordination with agencies under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, is responsible for reviewing and compiling a list of facilities requiring relocation due to environmental pollution. 

MoT releases results of Dầu Giây - Phan Thiết Expressway flooding inspection

The Dầu Giây – Phan Thiết Expressway in the south-central province of Bình Thuận was flooded due to heavy rain, the narrowing of the Phan River's flow and inadequate design consideration for drainage capability.

This information was reported by the Ministry of Transport (MoT) this week when addressing the reasons behind the 100-metre section of the Dầu Giây – Phan Thiết Expressway in Hàm Tân District being submerged by 0.7 metres.

Following the incident on July 29, the ministry established a task force comprising specialised agencies, construction companies, consultants, and hydrological experts to conduct on-site inspections and review design documents.

This section of the road is situated near the Phan River and is approximately 8.6 kilometres upstream from the Phan River dam.

In general, dams often lead to changes in the downstream flow patterns after being put into operation.

During the construction process, the involved parties adhered to the design documents and ensured quality requirements. The consulting firm surveyed the peak flood level of the Phan River in 1992 (43.14 metres) to construct a culvert, aimed at facilitating water drainage in the area.

At the time of the flooding, the amount of rainfall had not reached the calculated frequency, but the water level had risen to 45.23 metres, surpassing the historical flood peak, which was an unusual occurrence.

From the position of the culvert to downstream, the Phan River had been encroached upon by vegetation, and sediment and sand had accumulated, narrowing the water flow. This resulted in the water level at the culvert area rising, leading to overflow onto the road.

However, one reason given by the MoT is that the consulting unit did not fully account for the narrowing of the river's flow, leading to localised water congestion.

Regarding the solutions, experts have proposed immediate actions to address obstacles in the riverbed to the downstream from the culvert position of the Phan River bridge to enhance water drainage capability for the area.

Currently, this plan is being implemented by the construction unit, with costs paid by the consulting unit.

For the long-term solution, the MoT has requested the project's investor, the Thăng Long Project Management Board, to hire specialised consulting firms to conduct surveys, calculations, and build a model for the entire area. This will help determine the water level corresponding to the project's design.

If necessary, the ministry will consider raising the road in the flooded area if the calculated height exceeds the current level.

The Ministry of Transport has also mandated a comprehensive review of design documents for ongoing expressway projects, especially those located in geologically fragile areas or with complex hydrology, to promptly make adjustments.

The Ministry will strictly handle units that fail to adhere to the contracted quality standards.

The Phan Thiết – Dầu Giây Expressway, connecting Đồng Nai and Bình Thuận provinces, spans 99 kilometres, with six lanes and a top speed of 120km per hour.

It has significantly reduced travel time for vehicles between HCM City and Phan Thiết to just over two hours, compared to the previous 4-5 hours. 

Hundreds of wild monkeys seek food at Thanh Hoa pagoda
 
A group of hundreds of monkeys come to Linh Ung Pagoda in the northern province of Thanh Hoa to seek food every day.

According to Venerable Thich Tinh Hai, the abbot of Linh Ung Pagoda, this phenomenon has been going on over the past 15 years. The monkeys are from limestone mountains near the pagoda in Vinh Loc District’s Vinh Anh Commune. 

Hai said that initially, he used to give corn to them. Then, gradually, the monkeys got familiar with seeking food at the pagoda. Over the past five years, explosives have been used for quarrying, scaring monkeys. As a result, more monkeys have relocated to Linh Ung Pagoda for shelter.

Over the recent years, to ensure a food source for the wild monkey troop, Venerable Hai has encouraged visitors to bring along some corn as a way to treat the animals. He also hoped that local authorities would help minimise quarrying activities and take measures to help protect the monkeys.

In the winter, monkeys usually come to the pagoda 7-8 am, but in the summer they visit at more varied times.

VTV Cup back and better than ever, said organisers

The annual International Women's Volleyball Tournament, VTV Cup Ferroli, will be back after three years promising 24 thrilling matches in Lào Cai Province.

In its 17th edition, the tournament which is one of the events of the Asian Volleyball Confederation will be held from August 19-26.

It will see the participation of seven teams: national teams of Australia, Mongolia, Việt Nam 1, Việt Nam 2, Kansai University of Japan, Suwon Club of South Korea and Choco Mucho Club of the Philippines.

"Back in action after the pandemic, the organisers have prepared well for the tournament to meet the demand of the national fans," said Đỗ Thanh Hải, deputy head of the Organising Board.

"Following the success of the previous competitions, we hope that this year's Cup will be competitive and strongly spread volleyball among the community."

Speaking at the press conference on Wednesday, the Volleyball Federation of Việt Nam (VFV) General Secretary Lê Trí Trường said that all foreign teams invited to the VTV Cup were strong and clubs came from developed volleyball hubs. Việt Nam's two teams worked hard to prepare for the competition.

The Video Challenge Eyes will be applied for the first time to support referees to ensure the fairness and competitiveness of games.

Teams will compete in round robin format with Việt Nam 1 playing Choco Mucho Club in the opening match on August 19.

The top two teams will advance to the final match while the third- and fourth-placed ones will vie for a bronze.

The champions will walk away with US$12,000, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the past events.

If the winner is a Vietnamese side, Ferroli's Rapido brand, the main sponsor of the tournament, will deliver an additional bonus of VNĐ400 million ($16,800) for the team.

The silver medallists will have $7,000. The bronze holders will enjoy $5,000.

The organisers also present bonuses to the fourth-place team, the team with the best fair-play spirit and consolation prizes. An award of $300 each is available for the best individual players and Miss Volleyball.

Deputy head of the Organising Board Giàng Thị Dung, vice chairwoman of the Lào Cai People's Committee, said the province was ready to welcome athletes and its gymnasium was available to receive up to 3,000 supporters each match. The local authorities built a plan to serve volleyball lovers during the eight-day event.

She said tickets will be sold online from August 16, pricing at VNĐ100,000 ($4.00) for the qualification stage and VNĐ120,000 ($5.00) for the final.

"The international volleyball tournament is one of the highlighted activities to celebrate the 65th year that late President Hồ Chí Minh visited Lào Cai and the 120th year of Sa Pa's tourism. It will be an opportunity for us to introduce our typical cultural aspects and beautiful sightseeing tours and scenic spots to local and foreign friends," said Dung.

"We have arranged tours to all seven teams. When in Lào Cai, they will climb up Mount Fansipan and discover the beautiful landscape of Y Tí, Bắc Hà and Sa Pa."

The tournament is jointly organised by the Việt Nam Television (VTV), the People's Committee of Lào Cai, the Việt Nam Volleyball Federation and the Usports Company. 

Shooting team to compete at world championship

Việt Nam will send a team of 10 shooters to compete at the world championship, which is considered the team's final test for ahead of the 19th Asian Games next month.

The team just completed a short training course in South Korea and will fly to Baku, Azerbaijan, for the world event.

Almost 1,200 athletes from 101 countries and territories will take part in competitions in all categories for rifle, pistol and trap for men and women from August 17-September 1.

Last year, Việt Nam had five representatives but none of them were successful.

After Olympic champion Hoàng Xuân Vinh and veteran Trần Quốc Cường retired, Vietnamese shooting team have not had any athlete to reach world levels.

However, the national young talents are expected to shine at the China Asian Games.

"Asian Games is our most important task of the year. The Games will gather leading continental shooters from India, South Korea, China and Japan who are also world famous names," said Vinh who is now the national team coach.

"Asian countries have strongly invested in shooting while Việt Nam still faces many difficulties. However, my team are full of youth power and ambition. We will do our best for a positive result," he said.

Vinh said the team was in the process of rejuvenation. Young players such as Lại Công Minh, Phạm Quang Huy, Nguyễn Thùy Trang, Phí Thanh Thảo and Lê Thị Mộng Tuyền who were born in 2004 and 2005 showed their potential but still needed couple of years to fully develop.

The shooting will begin on September 22 and end on October 1 and Vietnamese shooters will take part in 12 out of 15 events. 

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