Hanoi strives to expand agri-ecotourism models

The application of advanced technologies in cultivating fruit trees and developing ecotourism has opened a new direction for Hanoi's agriculture sector, contributing to preserving the ecological environment and increasing incomes for local people.

According to Nguyen Huu Ky in Dan Phuong district, his family learned about various agricultural models in different localities before developing a grape cultivation model serving tourism, offering experience tours, and selling products. Since the beginning of this year, his orchard has welcomed nearly 200 visitors.

Taking full advantage of riverside areas, residents in Kim An commune in Thanh Oai district have cultivated fruit trees such as Dien pomelo, Canh orange, Taiwanese guava, and apple.

Regarding the effectiveness of the new trend, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Development Centre Hoang Thi Hoa said the city has over 22,000 ha of fruit trees, including numerous agri-ecotourism models, generating between 500 - 700 million VND (20,990 – 29,387 USD) per hectare a year.

Hanoi has so far established 14 high-value fruit tree production areas, covering a total area of 15,500 ha, mainly in Dan Phuong, Chuong My, Phuc Tho, and Quoc Oanh districts.

Vu Thi Huong, director of the Hanoi agriculture promotion centre, said that the unit will continue to support residents in developing new models of fruit tree cultivation that bring high economic value in order to further expand high-quality fruit tree cultivation areas linked with ecotourism.

The centre will organise training courses on safe fruit tree cultivation in connection with tourism development, Huong said, adding that localities should encourage tourism enterprises to develop tours and diversify tourism products to explore agricultural tourism products.

According to Vice Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Manh Phuong, Hanoi will expand models of organic fruit tree cultivation that meet VietGAP and GlobalGAP quality standards.

Hanoi aims to have approximately 50-70% of the fruit tree cultivation area certified to meet quality standards. The city’s agricultural sector is striving to gradually develop synchronised high-quality fruit tree production areas associated with ecotourism, contributing to creating more consumption opportunities for local residents.

Park Hang-seo helps promote Vietnamese products to the world

Former head coach of the Vietnamese men's national football team Park Hang-seo has signed an advertising contract with a Vietnamese brand.

The brand specialises in manufacturing and supplying all high-quality agricultural products from Vietnam to the rest of the world.

In the Master in the House, a Korean television programme that aired on SBS weekly on Sundays, coach Park introduced the Vietnamese product and made it using his own recipe.

He also invited a number of Korean stars such as Doyoung; a member of boy band NCT; along with members of SECHSKIES band BamBam Yang Se Hyung, Kim Dong Hyun, Lee Dae-ho, and Eun Ji Thang, to sample the delicious food.

“This is one of my favorite dishes every morning,” said Park.

The former head coach was devoted to the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF) for five years. He was presented an insignia “For Peace and Friendship among Nations” by Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, president of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO).

Coach Park has truly become a close friend of the Vietnamese people, not just through football. The Vietnamese people always remember his care and attention shown to the health of the players, his active participation in charitable and humanitarian activities, his support for COVID-19 prevention and control efforts, aid offered to people in the flood-stricken central region, as well as tireless work with disadvantaged children.

Bia Saigon Cup 2023 to kick off in Hà Nội this week

VietFootball and Saigon Beer - Alcohol - Beverage Corporation (SABECO), the main sponsor on Tuesday jointly announced the upcoming Bia Saigon Cup 2023 (Vietnam Premier League, VPL-S3) final.

This information was released at a press meeting held in Hà Nội on Tuesday. This exhilarating final is set to take place from August 24-27th, featuring 8 winning teams competing for the national championship.

Since June 2023, VPL-S4 has traversed through north, central and south regions uncovering the strongest teams. In the northern region, where this Seven-A-Side league has flourished for over a decade, the league has attracted many teams with star players. Meanwhile, FC An Biên clinched an early victory in the south after an impressive performance. In the Central Coast and Tây Nguyên region, Hiếu Hoa – Quahaco (Đà Nẵng) made a resounding debut, securing their progress through the qualifiers.

The grand finale will take place at the Hoàng Mai District Culture – Sports Centre, promising exciting and fiery competition from the 8 qualifying teams.  The matches will be broadcast live on Việt Nam Television Cable Company (VTVCab)  channels and platforms. This live broadcast aims to introduce the league to a nationwide audience, while showcasing and promoting the Seven-A-Side format.

Three national professional art talent contests held

Three artistic talent contests, including the Total Puppet Talent Competition 2023, National Dance Talent Contest 2023 and National Drama Actor Talent Contest 2023, are taking place in Hà Nội until August 26.

The Department of Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Việt Nam Association of Theatre Artists, the Việt Nam Dance Artists Association, the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports and related agencies and units organised three competitions.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tạ Quang Đông emphasised the three competitions are one of the practical activities contributing to preserving and promoting the identity and values ​​of Việt Nam's cultural heritages.

The organisation of these art talent contests aim to discover and honour talents and individuals who have made achievements in the process of creation of dance, puppetry and drama. This is an opportunity for art units to find, attract and foster the next generation of artists and actors.

Artists and actors can also exchange experiences, cultivate knowledge, and improve professional qualifications and quality of dance, puppetry and drama performances.

The National Puppetry Talent Competition takes place at the Việt Nam Puppet Theatre with the participation of 20 actors from five art troupes. The contestants include three genres of water puppetry, land puppetry, and repertoire.

The National Dance Talent Competition is organised at Âu Cơ Art Centre with the participation of 61 actors from 24 art units. The contestants are divided into three groups: ballet, contemporary, and folk dance.

The National Drama Actors Talent Competition takes place at Hà Nội Youth Theatre with the participation of 63 actors from 17 art units.

With nearly 200 performances, excerpts, acts and performances by nearly 150 actors, three competitions promise to bring the audience unique artistic performances. 

Vietnam tables 3 initiatives at 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment

Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan presented three proposals of Vietnam in his remarks at the 17th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Environment (AMME), held in Vientiane on August 23.

Accordingly, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should enhance regional solidarity and action to build a strong community in the face of challenges such as climate change, environmental pollution, and biodiversity loss. Just and comprehensive transition must be a top priority in the process toward net-zero emissions, energy transition, and plastic waste management, creating momentum for a greener bloc. In addition, it is necessary to promote cooperation with partners to mobilise support in terms of institution, technology, and finance to build a sustainable and resilient ASEAN community.

The head of Vietnam's organisation of ASEAN Senior Officials on Environment (ASOEN Vietnam) stressed that recognising the importance of community development and prosperity, Vietnam commits to collaborate with ASEAN and development partners to contribute to global collective efforts and actively participate in the community's common goals.

The 17th AMME is an important occasion for bloc member states to jointly propose solutions and key orientations for ASOEN's increasingly practical and effective activities, contributing to achieving sustainable environmental goals within the framework of the 2025 ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint and Community Vision, and realising the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

Runner-up beauty queen Ngọc Hằng on the way to Miss Intercontinental 2023

The second runner-up of Miss Việt Nam 2022 Lê Nguyễn Ngọc Hằng will be the representative of Việt Nam at Miss Intercontinental 2023 slated to start on November 28 in Egypt.

The second runner-up of Miss Việt Nam 2022 Lê Nguyễn Ngọc Hằng will be the representative of Việt Nam at Miss Intercontinental 2023 contest in Egypt. Photo courtesy of Sen Vàng Entertainment.

Phạm Kim Dung, the representative of Sen Vàng Entertainment, the unit holding the copyright to bring contestants from Việt Nam to Miss Intercontinental 2023, said: "Hằng has an outstanding physique, and she is good at English. With her vivacious demeanour, I believe Hằng will integrate well into the international environment. With a well-winded training schedule, she improves herself and becomes the new hope of Vietnamese beauty in the international arena this year."

Hằng excitedly shared: "Being able to wear the ribbon to represent Việt Nam at Miss Intercontinental 2023 makes me incredibly proud. For me, the upcoming journey will be both an opportunity and a challenge as I follow this responsibility after the success of Lê Nguyễn Bảo Ngọc (of Việt Nam, currently Miss Intercontinental 2022). But I will definitely devote myself to continue bringing achievements to the country when wearing the colours of the Vietnamese flag and shirt."

Hằng said she is still in the process of preparing her luggage and improving her talents in order to compete at the vent in Egypt. 

"The love and support of everyone will be my inspiration and greatest source of strength as I go ahead, enabling me to go further and achieve my goal," she said.

Hằng was born in 2003 in HCM City. She is currently studying International Business at Western Sydney University, Australia. She is fluent in English and also can communicate well in Japanese and Korean.

Hằng achieved various sports awards in karate such as black belt second dan at the national level, and the bronze medal in the National Phù Đồng Health Association Athletics Tournament.

She is active in extracurricular activities and charity projects. She attended a non-profit project supporting the elderly. In 2018, she joined in composing paintings to celebrate 45 years of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and Singapore. In 2019, Hằng participated in the dance to publicise environmental protection in the MV Việt Nam Tái Chế (Việt Nam recycles) by singer Trọng Hiếu. 

Miss Intercontinental 2023 is one of the largest and oldest beauty pageants in the world. After Ngọc gained the prestigious Miss Intercontinental 2022 crown for Việt Nam, the contest receives more attention from Vietnamese beauty fans. 

Veteran Party members in Russia honoured

Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi has presented the badges of 30 and 40 years of Party membership to seven Vietnamese Party members in Kazan, the capital of the Russian republic of Tatarstan.

The Party members served in the Vietnam People’s Army before moving to the former Soviet Union for working in the 1980s, who have spent their whole life to build the Party and develop the Vietnamese community. Among them, five received the 30-year Party membership badges and two were presented with 40-year Party membership badges.

Addressing the ceremony to present the badges, Ambassador Khoi praised the Party members for their persistence to the Party ideology over the past years, as good examples for other members of the Party.

This is the first time the Party cell in Kazan has had members honoured with the 30- and 40-year membership badges.

During their working trip to Kazan, Ambassador Khoi and the Vietnamese Embassy in Russia’s delegation had a meeting with the Vietnamese community in the city.

The diplomat said that the embassy has paid great attention to community development activities, and hailed efforts by the Vietnamese Association in Kazan and the Kazan Party cell to care for the community.

Noting that businesses activities are facing many difficulties currently, he said that the Vietnamese community should foster solidarity and stay strong to overcome all the challenges.

The delegation also visited Novyi Tura, the market with the largest number of Vietnamese traders in Kazan.

Violinist Duy to perform with international soloists at opera house

Việt Nam’s leading violinist Bùi Công Duy and international soloists will dazzle HCM City’s audiences with two concerts at the Opera House on August 25 and 26.

The programme aims to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the HCM City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera (HBSO).

Duy, deputy director of the Việt Nam National Academy of Music, will open the first night with Concerto Grosso No. 1 for Violin, Piano, Percussions & Strings by Nguyễn Mạnh Duy Linh, a graduate of the Magnitogorsk State Conservatory in Russia.

The violinist will perform the concerto along with pianist Ju Sun Young from South Korean and vibraphonist Trương Ngọc Hồng Minh.

The concert will also present Double Concerto in E Minor, op. 88 for violin, viola and orchestra written by German composer Max Bruch in 1911, and Double Concerto in A Minor, op. 102 for violin, cello and orchestra by Brahms in 1887.

The performance will feature Duy, violist Yi Wen Chao from Chinese Taipei, cellist Phan Đỗ Phúc, and the HBSO symphony orchestra.

Chao, who obtained her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music in the US, is currently an associate professor of viola at the Taipei National University of the Arts, while Phúc is currently appointed first conductor of the Việt Nam Youth Orchestra.

For the concert on August 26, Duy and violinist Vũ Việt Chương, who is visiting from the US, will present concerto Việt Nam Bốn Mùa (Việt Nam’s Four Seasons) by Đặng Hồng Anh, who received her Master’s degree from the Gnessin Russian Academy of Music in Moscow.

Chương earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance from the University of Houston, and a doctorate from the University of North Texas.

He has appeared as a soloist with orchestras in the US and Việt Nam, and also performed at international music festivals in the US, UK and Brazil.

He is co-founder of the Vietnam Connection Music Festival, which attracts leading classical artists from Việt Nam and around the world.

The night will end with Triple Concerto in C Major, op. 56 for violin, cello and piano composed by Beethoven in 1803, featuring Duy and cellist Grace Ho and pianist Max Levison from the US.

Ho has appeared as a soloist with orchestras such as Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra, Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, and Việt Nam National Symphony Orchestra. She is a founding member of the Ulysses Quartet, and also the principal cellist of the Miami Symphony Orchestra.

Levison has given recitals throughout the US, Canada and Europe. His solo debut CD is available on the N2K Classical label, while other recordings are available on Stereophile and Warner Classics/Japan, and on the Virtuoso Disklavier label.

Japanese conductor Honna Tetsuji, music director and conductor of the Việt Nam National Symphony Orchestra, will lead the concert.  

Duy is a graduate of the Tchaikovsky National Music College in Moscow. He won first prize and the gold medal at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians in St. Petersburg in 1997.

He has performed at concerts in many European and Asian countries, as well as in prestigious halls such as Berliner Symphoniker in German, and Capella Concert Hall in Russia.

He has been executive director of Vietnam Connection Music Festival, and artistic director of Vietnam Classical Players, an ensemble-in-residence of the festival since 2015.

The concert will begin at 8pm at 7 Lam Sơn Square in District 1. Tickets are available at the venue and www.ticketbox.vn. 

Hospital E receives the WSO Angles Award for third time in a row

Hospital E has received the World Stroke Organisation (WSO) Angels Award for their outstanding results in stroke care and management at the 2023 symposium on stroke unit quality management in HCM City on August 22.

This is the third time in a row the hospital received the WSO Angels Award.

The WSO Angels Awards recognise hospitals worldwide that have demonstrated a clear commitment to quality stroke care and have established cultures and systems to support continuous improvement.

By setting standards and awarding certifications to stroke units, the WSO wants to put the achievements of medicine into practice and to best treat patients with strokes following the general recommendations of the specialised stroke associations in the world.

To receive these awards in stroke treatment, it is necessary to meet the criteria set by WSO in terms of emergency systems, human resources, equipment, gold standards in treatment of cerebral infarction, revascularization, timely diagnosis and treatment and intervention.

Hospital E currently is one of the few medical facilities in Hà Nội that can successfully provide stroke intervention within 30 minutes. The hospital has also successfully applied many advanced medical technologies in the world to improve the quality of intervention and results in the treatment of stroke patients.

According to statistics, stroke intervention units have received an average of 50-70 emergency cases monthly, peaking with 80-100 cases per month. Of these, the rate of cerebral vascular occlusion accounts for 61 per cent, cerebral hemorrhage is 15 per cent and the rest are other forms of pseudo-stroke such as hypoglycemia and vestibular disorders.

A stroke can happen at any time, whether at work or at rest. Stroke patients need to be treated as soon as possible to ensure the "golden time", in order to minimise the imminent dangers that may occur. It is worth mentioning that only 21 per cent of patients go to the emergency room during the "golden time"; 52 per cent of patients come to the emergency room after the "golden time" to use revascularisation treatments such as thrombolytic drugs or thrombus intervention.

According to the World Stroke Association, in Việt Nam, there are more than 100 stroke intervention units nationwide. This brings great benefits to stroke patients, providing a better chance of recovery thanks to treatment solutions, professionally trained doctors and nurses in patient care as well as rehabilitation after stroke. Thereby, the country’s stroke units have contributed to reducing the burden on families and society and improving the quality of health care for stroke patients.

North to face consecutive rainy spells

The northern region of Vietnam has been forecasted to see two consecutive rainy fronts.

According to the National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, rains would expand in northern localities on August 23-24 with a rainfall ranging from 50-100mm. During the rainy days, the highest temperature in the region would be 31-33 degrees centigrade. 

The National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting has warned that the north would face flash floods and landslides following rains, particularly in lowland and mountainous areas.

The rainy weather has been predicted to hit the northern region till the first ten days of September.

The centre reported that the country’s total rainfall from August 21 to September 20 would be 5-15 percent higher than the same period of last year.

The National Steering Committee for Natural Disaster Prevention and Control has instructed northern cities and provinces and the northern central province of Thanh Hoa to take preventive measures against possible risks of landslides and flash floods due to rains.

Localities also need to carefully check vulnerable areas and relocate residents to safe places.

Boat speed limit set to protect Ha Long islet from erosion

The Quang Ninh Provincial Transport Department has just announced that boats running past Trong Mai Islet must keep a speed of below 10 kilometres per hour and a distance of at least 70 metres from the islet.

The move aims to protect the famous site of UNESCO heritage Ha Long Bay after recent studies found that the islet is facing serious erosion and may collapse.

Speaking to local media, deputy director of Quang Ninh Provincial Transport Department, Vu Van Kinh, said that they're going to arrange styrofoam buoys around Trong Mai to keep boats at least 70 metres from the islet.

"We'll co-operate with the Ha Long Bay Management Board and concerned agencies to ask tourist boats to follow the new regulations," Kinh said.

Lying five kilometres from Tuan Chau International Port, the Trong Mai Islet, resembling a pair of a rooster (trong) and a hen (mai) facing each other, is famous for its unique shape among thousands of islets in Ha Long Bay.

A recent study carried out by the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources disclosed that the Trong Mai Islet is at peril of sliding and toppling.

A report from the institute showed that the islet had many cracks, causing the rocks to break and shatter, increasing the risk of collapse. As many as 40 blocks within the islet might fall.

"Human activity, including illegal fishing and unregulated tourism, has further hastened the erosion and landslide processes affecting Trong Mai Islet," the report said.

Remains of 22 soldiers found at Quang Tri mountain and caves

Defence-Economic Unit 337 under Military Region 4 announced on August 21 that they had recovered the remains of 22 war dead from a mountain and caves in the central province of Quang Tri.

The remains of 22 war dead have been found from a mountain and caves in the central province of Quang Tri.

The remains were found during a search carried out between July 27 to August 21 in Se Pu and Ta Pang villages in Huong Hoa District.

The remains were found scattered along a mountain side and in some caves between three-five metres deep. They were buried at a depth of 20-50 centimetres, together with some artefacts such as AK47 guns, flare guns, nails, explosives, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shoes, sandals, military belts, hammocks, buttons, among others.

According to local people, the site was continuously bombarded by the US during the American War between 1967-1972. While residents were evacuated to the neighbouring province of Quang Binh, a military unit was based here to clear the roads for soldiers and goods to be transported from the north to the southern frontlines.

University tops int'l accredited programmes

The Vietnam National University - Ho Chi Minh City (VNUHCM) boasted 126 training programmes meeting regional and global standards as of July 2023, taking the lead nationwide.

Of the programmes, six and 81 received accreditation from the US-based Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA), respectively.

From 2018, the university has been the only Vietnamese institution to have obtained a place in the top 301-350 of the QS Graduate Employability Rankings, an annual ranking of universities around the world, celebrating institutions which are committed to and effective in preparing students for the workplace. Such achievement is one of the reasons why it is appealing to students, particularly excellent ones.

In its development orientation for quality assurance, the VNUHCM considers continuous improvement as a core focus and a crucial task, aiming to progressively enhance the quality of education and scientific research. The effective implementation of related assurance and accreditation activities has contributed to establishing a solid foundation for the university's top position in this realm and participation in international university rankings.

As an official member of the ASEAN University Network (AUN) since 1999, the university has clearly demonstrated its role and responsibility in the movement to ensure the overall quality of the region. It has actively engaged in AUN's specialised activities such as quality assurance documents development, training courses for accreditation staff, and the ASEAN Credit Transfer System (ACTS).

The university has maintained a continuous quality assurance system from the university level to member schools by implementing the CDIO (Conceive – Design – Implement – Operate) principles in training technology innovation, enhancing the capabilities of its apparatus, and applying quality control and management tools.

Currently, all the seven VNUHCM member universities have been evaluated and recognised for meeting quality assurance standards both domestically and internationally. Among them, the International University has earned the AUN-QA accreditation, while the University of Technology is the first and only in Vietnam to simultaneously achieve two international accreditations from AUN-QA and the High Council for the Evaluation of Research and Higher Education (HCERES).

Quang Ninh shows professionalism in serving Muslim visitors

The northern province of Quang Ninh has welcomed 28 Indian visitors according to the tradition of Islamism, proving its professionalism in organising Halal tourism activities.

Le Thanh Tam, Director of Delasea hotel which is hosting the Muslim visitors, said that in order to welcome the guests in a professional manner, the hotel has invited experts to train its staff. The hotel has organised separate stairs, room floors, a restaurant and a chef with high standards to fully meet the needs of the travelers.

A representative from the Quang Ninh Tourism Department said that in mid-September, the province will hold a conference on the expansion of the Muslim market and Halal tourism as well as the enhancement of service quality for this group of tourists.

In the coming time, if the number of Muslim tourists increases, the province will encourage hotels to invest in their infrastructure to meet the visitors’ demands.

Amid a fall in the number of visitors from China and European countries, travel firms are seeking new tourism markets, including Islamic countries.

The locality is focusing on building the infrastructure system, accommodations and destinations friendly to Muslim tourists.

According to the provincial Tourism Department, in the first seven months of 2023, Quang Ninh welcomed 10.8 million visitors. This year, the province, home to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO-recognised Natural Heritage Site, aims to serve at least 15 million visitors.

Khanh Hoa serves over 19.4 mln visitors in eight months, exceeds yearly targets

The south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa has served over 19.4 million visitors so far this year, earning more than 23.9 trillion VND (1 billion USD), up over 152% year on year, according to the provincial Tourism Department.

Among the arrivals, 5 million stayed overnight, more than doubling that the same period last year, while 1.2 million were foreigners, marking a 10.7-fold increase.

The province has also welcomed 11 cruise ships, with over 13,600 passengers disembarking for sightseeing.

In August, the VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang 2023 and cultural events drew around 3.8 million visitors, of them 1 million served by lodging facilities.

Many famtrips to Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa were also held by travel companies from Indonesia, India, and other countries, raising expectation to tap into the potential international tourism market in the near future.

Director of the provincial tourism department Nguyen Thi Le Thanh said it has advised the provincial People's Committee to hold a design competition for Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa tourism souvenirs. It also proposed a draft communication plan to popularise the image of Khanh Hoa abroad using new methods for the 2023-2025 period.

The second Nha Trang Sea Festival 2024 and the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa International Light Festival 2024 were also planned, she said.

This year, Khanh Hoa targeted hosting roughly 4 million tourists, including some 2.5 million domestic visitors, and earned 21 trillion VND in revenue. However, as of the late August, it already achieved and exceeded the set targets.

Special art performance to mark Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties

For the first time a symphony orchestra consisting of both Vietnamese and Japanese artists under the baton of Vietnamese conductor Dong Quang Vinh is set to perform in Japan from October 2 to October 10. 
 
At a press conference held on August 22 in Hanoi, Matsuda Ayuko, a member of the art performance’s organising board, confirmed that this represents a dream orchestra as it combines talented artists from both countries.

The event is being held as part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of joint diplomatic relations and is expected to become a bridge which connects people of the two countries, she said.

The special art performance drawing the participation of 60 artists from the two countries is scheduled to take place across six cities and provinces in Japan, including Tokyo, Gunma, Iwate, Fukushima, Miyagi, and Nara.

A delegation made up of Vietnamese artists of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet (VNOB), the Vietnam National Academy of Music (VNAM), and the Suc Song Moi Bamboo Ensemble will travel to Japan for the occasion.

Pianist Nguyen Viet Trung, who became the first Vietnamese artist to compete in the world-renowned Fryderyk Chopin International Piano Competition after more than 40 years, will also participate in the art performance.

Hanoi FC seeded in Pot 3 for AFC Champions League

Hanoi FC have been placed in seed group No. 3 ahead of the draw for the group stage of the upcoming AFC Champions League.

They are in Pot 3 alongside other clubs such as Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines, Johor Darul Ta'zim of Malaysia, Melbourne City FC of Australia, and Lion City Sailors of Singapore.

Pot 1 consists of Ulsan Hyundai FC of the Republic of Korea, Yokohama F. Marinos of Japan, Wuhan Three Towns FC of China, Buriram United of Thailand, and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC of the Republic of Korea.

Elsewhere, Ventforet Kofu of Japan, Shandong Taishan FC of China, Bangkok United of Thailand, Pohang Steelers of the Republic of Korea, and Kawasaki Frontale of Japan have been placed in Pot 2.

Those in Pot 3 will face the risk of being drawn into a group of death as both Pot 1 and Pot 2 include very strong opponents.

Group 4 also sees the appearance of highly-rated teams, including Kitchee of Hong Kong (China), Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, Zhejiang FC of China, Pathum United of Thailand, and Incheon United of the Republic of Korea.

Hanoi FC is the only Vietnamese representative to compete in this season’s AFC Champions League after Hai Phong FC lost out in the playoff against Incheon United.

The draw for the group stage of this season’s AFC Champions League is scheduled to take place on August 24 at the AFC headquarters in Malaysia.

Mekong Delta localities urged to grasp new economic trends

The impacts of new global economic developments and trends on production, export and investment attraction in provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta were discussed at a forum in Ben Tre province on August 23.

Jointly held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the People’s Committee of Ben Tre province, the hybrid event saw the participation of representatives from the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham), departments, agencies and associations, and experts.

Assistant to the Foreign Minister and Director of the MoFA’s Department of Economic Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang said the EU is now pioneering in applying new standards comprehensively, with various measures to be put in place in the coming two or three years.

She suggested the Mekong Delta localities quickly grasp new global trends and build suitable policies to bring into full play opportunities and limit challenges.

Chairman of the Ben Tre provincial People’s Committee Tran Ngoc Tam pointed out major challenges facing the Mekong Delta region in general and Ben Tre in particular, notably climate change, fierce competition for agricultural products, surging transport costs, and limitations in workforce and transport infrastructure.  

To deal with these obstacles, it needs connectivity within the region as well as between the regions and others, along with policies to attract high-quality personnel, he said.  

The forum is expected to contribute to enhancing the connectivity between Mekong Delta businesses and their European partners, and help Ben Tre learn from development experience of foreign countries, the official added.

Bilingual school contributes to promoting Vietnamese culture in Laos

Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Hoang Cong Thuy had a meeting with outstanding teachers and students of the Nguyen Du Lao-Vietnamese bilingual school in Hanoi on August 23.

The school, formerly known as Nguyen Du I and Nguyen Du II primary schools, is a place for children of Vietnamese expatriates in Vientiane to study the Lao national curriculum along with the Vietnamese language.

In 2005, the Vietnamese Party, State and Government offered over 500,000 USD in funding to build the school, with two three-story buildings and 39 classrooms on a site of over 10,000 sq.m provided by the Lao Government. After three years of construction, the school was inaugurated and put into operation.

Currently, it has 30 classes with over 1,000 students from preschool to high school level, and 66 officials and teachers. The Vietnamese students account for about 45% and the rest are Lao students.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the school was chosen by the two countries’ education ministries as a pilot bilingual school for teaching Vietnamese and Lao from grade 1 to grade 12.

At the meeting, Thuy lauded achievements the school has recorded, and noted his hope that its teachers and students will carry forward them, and play a more active role in preserving and promoting Vietnamese culture, history, land and people.

On August 23, the school’s delegation paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and visited the President Ho Chi Minh relic site in the Presidential Palace, the Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), and other places in Hanoi.

Experts seek ways to promote growth of cultural, creative industries in digital era

A large number of Vietnamese and foreign experts, management officials and artists gathered at a conference in Hanoi on August 23 to discuss the development of cultural and creative industries in Vietnam in the digital era.

The event, jointly held by the Department of International Cooperation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Netflix, was part of a series of events to specify the ministry’s memorandum of understanding on cooperation in cultural, creative economy, sports and tourism with the American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (AmCham) in which Netflix is a member.

Dr. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the Department of International Cooperation, highlighted the development opportunities that digital technologies have brought to the cultural and creative industries, as well as challenges that the sectors are facing, especially in intellectual property and cybersecurity.

She hoped that participants will point out opportunities and challenges for Vietnam in the fields and share experience in building policies for the growth of the industries.

At the event, participants listened to a thematic report on policies to boost the growth of the cultural and creative industries in Vietnam in the digital environment, which analyses the macro policy system as well as specific policies on developing digital infrastructure, policies on culture and the cultural industry and policies for particular sectors.

It also gives some recommendations on measures to promote the cultural industry amid the fourth Industrial Revolution, including the completion of mechanisms and policies to ensure the growth of the industries, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and the development of high-quality human resources for the industries.

Some participants said that it is necessary to consider products of the cultural industry as intellectual property that need to be accepted as a specific product in creating and promoting cultural values.

President hails visit by leader of Komeito party of Japan

President Vo Van Thuong has hailed the ongoing visit by Chief Representative of Japan's Komeito party Yamaguchi Natsuo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic ties this year, and believed that the trip would contribute to promoting bilateral cooperation.

During a reception in Hanoi on August 23, President Thuong spoke highly of the Komeito party’s role in the process of Japan’s socio-economic development and in an effort to step up Japan-Vietnam ties.

He suggested both sides facilitate the exchange of high-level delegations as it is their good tradition.

Vietnam encourages the exchange of delegations and cooperation at various levels and in localities, thereby contributing to the bilateral relationship, he said, adding that Vietnam wishes for more people-to-people exchanges, especially among young generations.

Thuong thanked the Japanese Government and people for creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese workers, trainees, and students in the country, thereby contributing to Japan's socio-economic development and nurturing the friendly relations between the two nations.

Appreciating the effectiveness of cooperation in economic-trade and investment between the two countries, he said that the Vietnamese people thank the Japanese firms and investors for their important contributions to Vietnam’s socio-economic development, and wish that both sides would keep expanding their joint work for mutual benefits. 

Amid complicated developments in the region and the world at present, the President proposed the two countries work together more closely and offer mutual support at global forums for common peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

Yamaguchi, for his part, also expressed his desire for further exchange of delegations at high level and stronger comprehensive collaboration for peace and prosperity in the region and the world.

He suggested intensifying cooperation in human resources development, especially considering that there are about 500,000 Vietnamese workers and students in Japan while more than 1,000 Japanese enterprises are present in Ho Chi Minh City.

The guest also expressed his delight at witnessing numerous significant infrastructure development projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are the result of collaboration, investment and construction efforts by Japanese partners.

NA Chairman hosts Japan’s Komeito paty leader

National Assembly (NA) Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue hosted a reception for visiting Komeito party Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo in Hanoi on August 23.

Hue welcomed the visit which is made in the context that Vietnam and Japan are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.

He said he believes that it will help deepen the relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Komeito and contribute to the strengthening of the ties between the two countries.

The Japanese party official hailed the positive contributions that NA Chairman Hue has made to the growth of the ties between the two countries in his different positions.

The two sides agreed that amid unpredictable changes in the world situation, Vietnam and Japan have still maintained strong political trust and shared many strategic interests as well as many similarities, which is a good foundation for them to bolster their cooperation.

Both sides noted that Vietnam and Japan have maintained the exchange of delegations at all levels, holding that the two countries should strengthen parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and foster the connections among businesses and localities.

Hue said that the two sides should continue implementing three connections mentioned in the joint statement released at Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Japan, namely those in economy, production, and human resources training strategy. The Vietnamese top legislator held that the two governments should clarify the contents of these connections in the new period.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese NA supports Japan’s strengthening of relations with ASEAN countries and raising of its role in regional collaboration mechanisms such as the Mekong Sub-region cooperation.

He suggested that the Komeito party leader continue to support the parliaments of Vietnam and Japan to increase the exchange of delegations and young parliamentarians, promoting the role of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group and the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Alliance.

Currently, about 500,000 Vietnamese people are living, working and studying in Japan, including about 176,000 apprentices. Since 2019, Japan has built a programme for labourers with special skills. Yamaguchi Natsuo said he hopes more Vietnamese people will work in Japan, contributing to the growth of bilateral ties.
Chairman Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese NA and Government have always created optimal conditions for Japanese businesses and people to operate and live in Vietnam, and asked for Japan’s greater attention to labour cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides showed great attention to partnership in human resources training and enhancing law enforcement at sea to ensure maritime security and safety, as well as natural disaster prevention and control, and ensuring maritime freedom.

The Komeito leader hailed Vietnam’s efforts in maintaining peace and law enforcement at sea in a transparent manner basing on international law.

Hue said he hopes Japan will continue to support the views and stances of Vietnam and ASEAN in maintaining peace and stability, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

Learning of Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh’s passing away, Yamaguchi Natsuo expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, the Party and State of Vietnam, and spoke highly of the late official’s contributions to the Vietnam’s Japan relations and support to Japanese investors in Hai Phong city while he worked as Secretary of the Party Committee of the northern port city.

Vietnam, Laos boost front work cooperation among localities

A conference to exchange experiences on front works and to review the implementation a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Kon Tum province and Laos’s Attapeu and Sekong provinces on cooperation opened in Kon Tum on August 23.

Nguyen Trung Hai, Chairman of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in the Highland Central province of Kon Tum, said the MoU was signed on December 17, 2018. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, so far the two sides have only had an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences.

He affirmed that in addition to results achieved in past years, the task of building and consolidating the great national solidarity bloc and long-term stability between Kon Tom, Attapeu and Sekong provinces still faces difficulties and challenges, requiring determination from both sides.

They affirmed to continue to maintain, develop and strengthen the time-honoured relations; work closely in popularising the two sides’ policies security and defense, as well as cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, science - technology, investment and development; and mobilise the peoples of the two countries to implement the policy of great national solidarity in building and firmly safeguarding each country's sovereignty.

Bun Hom Phom Ma San, Chairman of the Lao Front Committee for National Construction of Attapeu province said since the signing of the MoU, the committee has intensified communication works to local people, particularly districts neighbouring with Vietnam to have a better understanding about the special traditional ties between Vietnam and Laos.

The Lao Front Committees for National Construction of Attapeu and Sekong provinces also supported Steering Committee 515 of Kon Tum province on searching and gathering remains of Vietnamese volunteer soldiers and experts who sacrificed in Laos.

In the period of 2019 - 2023, all-level authorities and people of the two countries have coordinated to search, collect and repatriate remains of  129 martyrs.

Over the past five years, import-export activities of enterprises through the Bo Y international border gate in Kon Tum province - Phoukeua in Attapeu province have increased significantly. From 2022 to April 2023, import-export value of commodities through the two borders reached over 410 million USD.

Kon Tum currently has four businesses investing in Laos with four projects whose combined capital amounts to about 24.4 million USD.

HCM City’s leader receives Australian Foreign Minister

Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Van Nen on August 23 hosted a reception for Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong, who is on a working visit to the southern metropolis.

Nen highlighted the significance of Wong’s trip, affirming that it will generate new momentum for the bilateral relationship, especially as the two countries are marking the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations and the five years of the strategic partnership (2018 - 2023).

Over the past half century, the Vietnam-Australia relationship has witnessed robust development, characterised by harmonious bond and deepening political trust, and increasingly comprehensive, practical, and effective cooperation across various domains, he said.

Nen spoke highly of Wong’s support to promoting cooperation between HCM City and Australian partners.

HCM City and Australian partners have maintained a strong and cooperative relationship in the spheres of investment, education, and healthcare, he said, stressing that the southern metropolis aspires to further enhance cooperation with Australian partners, particularly in such areas as high-quality human resources training, energy transition, urban infrastructure development, and climate change mitigation.

He expressed his belief that the Australian guest’ official visit to Vietnam helps not only tighten the Vietnam-Australia relations but also open up new cooperation opportunities between the governments, businesses, and people of the two countries.

The shared interests and concerns between the two countries, coupled with their trust, expectations, and determination, will help create even more effective breakthroughs in the bilateral relations in the near future, he said.

For her part, Wong said the high-level visits between the two countries this year demonstrate their mutual interest and common goals in developing bilateral relations, towards mutual benefits for the stable development and prosperity of the region.

According to the Australian official, looking back on the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Australia takes pride in its endeavours to promote bilateral relations, including upgrading the relationship to a strategic partnership which serves as a foundation for the two countries to robustly promote cooperation activities across all fields.

Australia consistently recognises HCM City as a vital component of the bilateral relationship between Australia and Vietnam, and it has a desire to further strengthen close cooperation activities with the southern hub in areas of mutual interest, she went on.  

Acknowledging the cooperation proposal from HCM City’s leader, Wong stated that the Australian Government recently decided to provide 94.5 million AUD (over 60.76 million USD) for climate change mitigation efforts to be implemented in the Mekong Delta region.

Australia wants to collaborate with Vietnam, including HCM City, in building a legal framework for educational cooperation between the two sides, thus making it easier for Australian academies and universities to establish branches in the city, as well as promote student exchange activities between the two countries, she added.

During her stay in HCM City, Wong will have a talkshow with students of the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City.

Dong A University, Japan prefecture work on nurse staff training

Dong A University in the central city of Da Nang and Osaka prefecture of Japan signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement on an internship and employment programme for nursing students in Japan through video conference on August 23.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Director of Osaka prefecture's Welfare Office Yoshida Shinji said the programme not only contributes to addressing the shortage of nursing workers in Japan but also brings significant benefits to Vietnam’s socio-economic development.

Under the agreement, the office will carry out the programme for between 9 months and one year for nursing students from the Dong A University at medical facilities in the prefecture. From 2024, it will receive 10 students annually.

Students will improve upon their nursing and Japanese skills and could work in the prefecture at a later time.

After completing the programme, students will return to complete their studies at the Dong A University. This phase also serves as preparations for students who wish to work in Japan to enter the formal work programme after graduation or become part of the high-quality workforce in local healthcare facilities.

Rector of the Dong A University Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao said each year, the university will send around 300 - 500 students to Japan for internships and work in all fields. The number of its students to Japan will increase annually, toward reaching 700 - 1,000 per year by 2025.

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