Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a monthly regular Government meeting on August 5 in Hanoi with a view to thoroughly assessing the implementation of tasks in July and the first seven months of the year.

As part of his opening speech, PM Chinh emotionally shared, "We have gone through July in the infinite sorrow of our compatriots and comrades across the country at the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, an exceptionally outstanding, loyal, and prestigious leader who devoted his entire life to the revolutionary cause of our Party and people."

Cabinet members observed a minute of silence to commemorate the late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

This comes after August 3 when the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam unanimously elected To Lam to the position of General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee with an absolute 100% vote.

The Government chief reviewed the global situation with positive signs, while pointing out political fluctuations and fierce competition that is occurring between major states.

The socio-economic situation in July continued to enjoy positive trends, achieving better results than in June, with overall the first seven months being better than the same period in most areas. Notably, the direction and management work was basically more experienced, proactive, flexible, appropriate, and closer to reality. Elsewhere, growth was promoted in the three sectors of industry, agriculture, and services; the macro economy was stable couple with controlled inflation ensuring major balances; the major economic sectors continued to witness positive changes; many outstanding issues were resolved; while social security was ensured.

Greater attention was given to culture, sports, health, education, and training which achieved many good results; aspect such as national sovereignty, political security, and social order and safety were maintained; and foreign affairs were promoted, thus further raising the country's prestige and position.

Along with the achieved results, PM Chinh also frankly acknowledged that there remain limitations, difficulties, and challenges, clearly identifying what has been done, what still exists, and what needs to be implemented more drastically to completely deal with pending issues in August and moving forward.

Reporting at the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung stated that the socio-economic situation in July and over the past seven months of the year has continued to see positive trends, with many areas in July producing higher results than in June, whilst overall the reviewed period was better than the same period from 2023.

The national economy continued to maintain positive growth momentum in the sectors of agriculture, industry, and services; and agricultural production continued to grow steadily. Industrial production recovered well, up by 0.7% compared to June and by 11.2% compared to the same period from last year. The service sector continued to grow strongly, with total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue surging by 9.4% in July and by 8.7% throughout the seven-month period.

Macroeconomic stability continued, with the consumer price index (CPI) in July soaring by 0.48% compared to June and 4.12% between January and July. Exchange rates and interest rates tended to be stable, energy and food security were ensured; and rice exports in seven months reached 5.18 million tonnes, raking in US$3.27 billion, up 25.1%.

Exports continued to increase strongly with total import-export turnover in July up by 8.7% compared to June and by 21.8% compared to the same period from last year. Imports rose by 18.5% and the trade balance in July recorded a trade surplus of US$2.12 billion, while the past seven months saw the trade surplus hit US$14.08 billion.

The total State budget for the seven-month period reached an estimated 69.8% of the annual estimate, an annual rise of 14.6%. The tourism sector experienced a strong recovery to surpass the same period before the pandemic. International visitors in July and in the seven-month period reached nearly 1.15 million and approximately 10 million, up 51% over the same period in 2023 and up 1.9% from the period before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Notably, remarkable improvements were seen in culture, social affairs, social security, politics, national defence, social order and safety, foreign affairs, and international integration, thus helping to ameliorate people’s living standards and elevate the country's overall prestige and position.

Many international organisations and experts continued to highly appreciate the results and prospects of the Vietnamese economy. The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) raised the nation’s growth forecast for 2024 to 6.3%, while HSBC raised it to 6.5%, and ADB’s elevated it to 6%.

World leaders expect newly elected Party leader To Lam to move Vietnam forward

The leaders of Cuba, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan, Belarus and other countries all expected newly elected Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President To Lam would drive Vietnam forward domestically and internationally.

President To Lam was elected General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee at a Party Central Committee plenum in Hanoi on August 3 to succeed Nguyen Phu Trong who passed away on July 19 due to his old age and serious illness.

In their congratulatory message, Cuban Revolution leader General Raúl Castro Ruz and First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez expressed their belief that the Communist Party of Vietnam under the leadership of the new Party leader will continue to lead the Vietnamese people to reap greater success in the Renewal process and to achieve the goal of a rich people, a strong country, and a democratic, fair and civilized society as set out by the 13th National Party Congress.

They vowed to further strengthen the good relationship and brotherly affection between the two Parties that were founded and cultivated by president Fidel Castro Ruz of Cuba and president Ho Chi Minh of Vietnam decades ago.

General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Kim Jong Un sent a message of congratulation to newly elected Party chief To Lam on this occasion. He expressed his belief that the Communist Party of Vietnam and all Vietnamese people, under To Lam’s leadership, will achieve greater progress in building socialism.

In his congratulatory message, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he believes that Vietnam will become stronger and stronger under To Lam’s excellent leadership. He noted that both Japan and Vietnam have been building close cooperative relations in all fields, from politics, diplomacy, security, and defense, to economics, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Kishida described To Lam as an important great friend of Japan and expected the new Party leader will help further deepen the relationship between the two countries. He said he is looking forward to working with the Vietnamese leader to bring the friendly relationship between the two countries to new heights in the near future.

In his congratulatory message, President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus expressed his belief that with experience, high reputation and personal qualities, General Secretary and President To Lam will successfully complete all tasks.

He affirmed that Belarus wants to further develop relations with Vietnam on the basis of traditional friendship, mutual trust and understanding. He also hoped that the two countries would continue to coordinate and effectively implement the agreements reached and identify directions for bilateral cooperation in various fields in the coming time.

On this occasion, leaders of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the French Communist Party, the Dominican Republic’s United Left Movement, the Communist Party of Bolivia, the Mexican Communist Party, and the Communist Party of Argentina also cabled messages of congratulation to the Vietnamese Party leader.

UAE comes first at Nha Trang int’l drone light show

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) beat their French rivals to earn the first place at the Nha Trang International Light Bay Festival 2024, the world's first drone light show competition, which wrapped up in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on August 3.

Their performances highlighted the images of ancient world wonders, landmarks of Vietnam, and the unique features of Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa. The event also featured impressive art performances by renowned Vietnamese singers.

The French team delivered a captivating show using 1,000 drones to recreate ancient wonders such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Acropolis, the Great Wall of China, and the Colosseum. They also featured Ha Long Bay, a famous natural wonder of Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the UAE team, known as "the Light Wizards," impressed spectators with their light magic performance. Their ultra-lightweight drones combined with fireworks created striking visual effects.

Their show highlighted symbols of Vietnamese culture, such as the traditional coffee filter, Dong Son drums, and images of dragon and lotus flower. They also showcased landscapes in Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa, portraying the region as a vibrant and welcoming tourist destination.

The festival began on July 13, 2024, with the participation of four teams from the UAE, France, the Republic of Korea (RoK) and China.

The RoK, dubbed the "Fireworks King," presented a drone show with silent fireworks, introducing new techniques and blending traditional Vietnamese and Korean music.

The Chinese team, known for their technological prowess, displayed vibrant and grand visuals set to popular Vietnamese songs, capturing Nha Trang-Khanh Hoa’s modern and historical beauty.

The RoK received the award for the Best Technical Performance, France won the Best Imagery, and China was recognised for the Best Storytelling.

The festival also set two Guinness World Records: France's "Largest Light Show of Global Wonders" and the UAE's "Largest Light Show of Vietnamese Cultural Symbols."

Dinh Van Thieu, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, stressed the festival's role in boosting tourism, enhancing the province’s tourism brand, and contributing to the region's economic growth.

He said that the province will consider making the competition an annual event to further promote Khanh Hoa’s tourism.

During the festival, hotels in Nha Trang achieved an average occupancy rate of over 90%. The event garnered tens of millions of live views across television and other media, with over 5 million social media interactions. Nearly 2,000 news articles covered the event, further establishing Khanh Hoa as a prominent destination on the global tourism map./.

Over 5,000 join charity walk to support Agent Orange/dioxin victims

More than 5,000 people joined in a charity walk in Ho Chi Minh City on August 4 to support Agent Orange/dioxin victims in the lead up to National Day for Vietnamese Agent Orange/dioxin Victims (August 10).

Speaking the event, Major General Tran Ngoc Tho, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin, said that even though the war has passed for nearly half a century, the wounds of war, physical and mental pain still linger in everyone’s hearts.

He called on the people to provide continued support for the victims to help them ease the pain caused by the toxic chemicals.

At the event, the Ho Chi Minh City Association of Victims of Agent Orange/dioxin presented 20 savings books worth 10 million VND (397 USD) each to local victims.

From 1961 to 1971, the US military sprayed more than 80 million litres of toxic chemicals, 61% of which was Agent Orange containing 366kg of dioxin, over 3.06 million hectares of land and forests, or one fourth of the area of southern Vietnam.

The toxic chemicals caused strong and enduring impacts on the environment and human health. About 4.8 million people in Vietnam were exposed to Agent Orange/dioxin. Statistics show nearly 1 million victims have died since 1975, while hundreds of thousands have been fighting against serious illnesses caused by the toxic chemicals./

Lashing rain let up, hot weather to soon return to north

Northern Vietnam will brace itself for a heat wave that is expected to bake the region in the coming days as soon as lashing rain stops, according to the national Centre for Hydro-meteorological Forecasting.

Rain has battered the northern region for the past two weeks, causing flash floods and landslides in some localities, especially in mountainous areas.

However, the lashing rain will soon let up, giving way for hot weather to return to the northern region.

The heat wave is forecast to hit north-western localities on August 6 before gripping the whole region the following days.

Daytime temperatures are set to rise quickly, ranging from 33 to 38 degrees Celsius.

The hot weather is anticipated to last for several days till August 10, said meteorologists.

Meanwhile, the central region is enduring a hot spell which is forecast to increase its intensity on August 5, with daily temperatures to stay as high as 38-39 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said hot weather would continue to affect the north and central regions in August, but it would no longer be too severe.

The average temperature across the country is commonly 0.5-1 degree Celsius higher than the average for many years during the same period.

Indian media appreciates Vietnamese PM’s state visit

The Indian media has published many articles appreciating Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's state visit to India from July 30 to August 1, saying that this event will create new momentum to promote the India- Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The Asian News International (ANI) news agency on August 2 (local time) ran an article stating that the current geopolitical reality requires closer cooperation between India and Vietnam, and the two countries need to agree to further strengthen their comprehensive strategic partnership in all areas.

During this visit, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Vietnamese counterpart issued a joint statement acknowledging the unanimity in their views on the world, while expressing their support for the Southern Hemisphere to have a greater voice and role in international affairs. Based on the existing good bilateral relations, the two leaders agreed to maintain regular exchanges at all levels.

They also appreciated the multilateral mechanisms between the two countries in areas such as foreign policy, security and maritime, defence cooperation, parliamentary exchanges, trade and investment, agriculture, health, civil aviation, information and communication technology, science and technology (including space and nuclear technology), tourism and culture.

The leaders also agreed to further increase bilateral trade from the current 15 billion USD to 20 billion USD. To realise this target, they agreed on the need for closer cooperation in removing trade barriers to facilitate and enhance bilateral trade. The joint statement said that the ongoing review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement will result in a more friendly, simpler and more convenient mechanism for both countries, the article wrote.

On the same day, the Hindustan Times assessed that PM Chinh's state visit created new momentum for the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership and expanded cooperation to new areas such as digital economy and renewable energy.

Its article wrote that the two sides also outlined orientations to deepen bilateral relations in various areas, in line with the interests of both countries amidst complex geopolitical and economic changes in the region and the world. The two sides also affirmed that the visit is an opportunity for the two countries to strengthen cooperation and support each other in regional and international issues and at multilateral forums, while contributing to promoting peace, stability and development in the region and the world.

Several other reputable Indian newspapers commented that defence collaboration is a pillar in the India-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and is gaining importance as the two leaders agreed to strengthen defence cooperation based on their common interests and priorities. This approach will contribute to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Professor Reena Marwah at India’s Delhi University, who is also Secretary General of the Association of Asia Scholars, assessed that the Vietnamese Prime Minister's visit bears great significance for Vietnam - India relations and is also an opportunity for the two sides to strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership at a high level in all fields.

Vietnamese Politburo member visits the United States

Vietnamese Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, who is also director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, is paying a working visit to the United States from July 31 to August 4. 

During his stay in Washington DC, Thang had meetings and discussions with a number of US officials, including the first Deputy Secretary of State, the US Special Envoy for Climate, the Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Asia and the Pacific.

He also had working sessions with researchers and scholars at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Heritage Foundation, the Institute of Peace, and the Wilson Center, as well as the leaders of the Communist Party of the United States of America.

During the meetings, Thang noted with satisfaction the comprehensive and rapid development of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries in recent times.

He also expressed his regret and dissatisfaction about the US Department of Commerce’s recent decision not to recognize Vietnam as a market economy, saying bilateral trade and investment relations have developed unprecedentedly in recent times, and the two countries have also made great efforts to elevate their relationship to the comprehensive strategic partnership.

More importantly, he said Vietnam has met all six criteria set by the US Department of Commerce when considering recognizing a country as a market economy.

Thang requested that the US should make an objective evaluation and soon recognize Vietnam’s market economy status. He expected that US firms would continue to promote investment in Vietnam and export their advantageous products to the Vietnamese market in an attempt to reduce the US trade deficit with the Southeast Asian economy.

The officials of the US Department of State shared Vietnam’s concerns about the US Department of Commerce’s decision, and affirmed that the move would not impact economic relations between the two countries, which are currently developing positively.

Hai Phong people hold high expectations for new Party leader

Officials, Party members and people in the northern port city of Hai Phong are confident in and have high expectations for the consolidation of the Party and State leadership, which they believe will ensure stability, inheritance and development of experience and achievements that late Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and leaders of previous tenures of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committees carved out.

Colonel Nguyen Van Toan, Editor-in-Chief of the Hai Quan Viet Nam (Vietnam Navy) newspaper, said he is impressed by the new leader's inaugural speech, in which he said his new role as the General Secretary of the CPV Central Committee carries great responsibilities amidst the expectations of officials, party members and people for the country’s robust development in the coming time.

According to Toan, the speech of the new Party chief has consolidated the confidence among officials, party members and people in the Party's leadership, helping affirm Vietnam’s position in the international arena as a peaceful nation with development and political stability.

Meanwhile, Bui Thi Loan, Deputy General Director of Shinec Joint Stock Company, recalled Lam’s speech which laid stress on solidarity, coordination, and agreement of the whole Party, people and military to successfully carry out the set targets.

Amidst challenges and complicated and unpredictable developments in the world, Vietnam has attained standout socio-economic development and diplomatic results, she said, attributing the results to the sound and timely leadership of the Party and State, as well as the innovation, determination, and aspiration of the people and political system.

According to Loan, the Party leader’s priorities that will be implemented right after the personnel consolidation work will be a source of inspiration and encouragement for the business community, helping promote patriotism, national resilience, devotion and the spirit of respecting the law among enterprises.

People confident in Party-led building of strong country

Party members and people have expressed their confidence that the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV), under the leadership of newly-elected General Secretary To Lam, will sail the revolutionary ship through all storms to build a stable and prosperous country.

Bach Cong Tien, former Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ba Vi district, Hanoi, held that the new Party chief, being a member of the CPV Central Committee for three tenures, and member of the Politburo and the National Assembly for two tenures, as well as the Minister of Public Security, has considerable experience in Party building work, state management, policy making and law building.

Inheriting the noble revolutionary tradition of his family and homeland, Party General Secretary Lam has demonstrated the qualities of an excellent Party members, and joined hands with the CPV Central Committee and Politburo to handle many challenging issues, he said, expressing his hope that Lam will continue strengthening solidarity and unity within the Party and the great national solidarity, as well as building and rectifying the Party, fighting corruption and negative phenomena, and devoting himself to a strong CPV, and a country of prosperity, democracy, equality and civilisation.

Tien said 100% approval votes for Lam as the Party leader demonstrates solidarity and agreement within the Party.

Nguyen Thi Hien, an office worker at the Dai Nam University, said she is impressed by the speech that Party General Secretary Lam delivered at the press conference, which highlighted the leader’s devotion to serve the nation and people.

She added that she deeply shares the spirit of “independence, self-confidence, self-reliance and national pride” that Lam mentioned in his inaugural speech. Hien voiced her belief that with his experience and devotion, General Secretary Lam, together with the Party Central Committee, will continue promoting the nation’s potential, position and international prestige in the nation’s “bamboo” diplomacy for the country's prosperous development.

Cuc Phuong National Park helps spread love for nature to young generation

The Cuc Phuong National Park in the northern province of Ninh Binh has organised various experience nature programmes associated with wildlife protection for students, aiming to improve their awareness of the importance of nature conservation and inspire the love for nature among the younger generation.

Cuc Phuong Camp 2024 is one of the programmes that is being implemented with a variety of activities to bring the forest closer to youth.

According to organisers, participants at the event will have a chance to experience the vast nature by witnessing fireflies at night, wading through streams, hiking through the forest, and visiting thousand-year-old trees in just one week. They can meet local Muong ethnic people and explore their food, games, musical instruments, and culture as well as learn about animal rescue and conservation work. Through joining these activities, they will learn skills such as teamwork, forest navigation, survival skills, and basic cooking.

Tran Quang Phuong from the park’s Environmental Education & Services Centre said this is the third year the park has organised the summer camp. Themed "Exploring Cuc Phuong's treasures," this year's edition will help students discover many valuable aspects of the ancient forest, such as its vegetation, wildlife, local culture, and archaeological traces, he said, adding that the programme has received positive feedback from campers and their parents.

Phuong went on to say that this is an opportunity for children to experience various skills, thus spreading love for nature and awareness of nature conservation among the community.

Tran Khanh Duy from Ho Chi Minh City shared that what impressed him the most was experiencing the work of animal rescuers and caretakers. Although the job seems simple, it requires a lot of love for animals, he noted.

The programme has brought about many meaningful experiences, Duy said, adding that he hopes that it will continue to be held to help spread the love for nature and raise awareness of forest protection among children and the community.

The Cuc Phuong National Park has established a "tourism ecosystem" with various programmes and products, through which, the forest is perceived as a "living museum" and a "big school" where students and visitors come to learn and explore.

Special attention has been paid to educational activities that enhance knowledge of the environment and nature, such as visiting the ancient people’s cave, seeing ancient trees, bird watching and conquering the peak of Silver Cloud Peak, which is dubbed the "Roof of Cuc Phuong". These tours have left an unforgettable memory on visitors over the years.

Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Tran Anh Tuan, who initiated the Nature Experience programme, said Cuc Phuong boasts a diverse flora and fauna and a collection of special spaces and conservation areas that offer parents and students many interesting experiences. When visiting the park, students will understand the silent work, hear untold stories, and see things not available in books or mass media. They will meet, experience, and listen to the stories of the animals, empathising with the animal rescue and conservation work, thus contributing to spreading the message of protecting animals.

According to Do Hong Hai, Deputy Director of the park's Environmental Education & Services Centre, it is time for Cuc Phuong tours to focus not just on visits but also on imparting knowledge and messages through well-integrated activities.

In the near future, the park will continue to implement various experience education programmes tailored to different age groups to transmit the love for nature and awareness of nature protection to everyone, he added.

One more earthquake hits Kon Tum province on August 3

Another earthquake of 3.8 magnitude hit in Kon Plong district, the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, on August 3, according to the Earthquake Information and Tsunami Warning under the Institute of Geophysics.

It occurred at 12:44:39 pm at a depth of about 8.1 km, with no disaster risk.

Earthquakes have been recorded frequently in Kon Plong district since 2021. Recently, the area was hit by a 5.0 magnitude earthquake on July 28 with its disaster risk categorised as Level 2 - the strongest ever recorded in this area.

The quake caused some damage to public buildings and residential homes. Residents in the Central Highlands and central Vietnam felt the tremors and shaking.

The locality experienced a total of 21 earthquakes on July 28, followed by an additional 11 tremors between midnight and 7am on July 29, raising concerns about unusual seismic activity in the region.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh, Director of the Institute of Geophysics, stated that earthquakes are forecast to continue hitting Kon Tum in the near future, but are unlikely to be stronger than 5.5 degrees. Local authorities and competent agencies need to conduct damage assessments, review and evaluate weak structures at risk of being affected by earthquakes for solutions.

Between 1903 and 2020, Kon Plong district recorded about 33 earthquakes with magnitudes of 2.5 or higher. From 2021 to August 2022, the area experienced nearly 200 new earthquakes.

Korean district hopes to attract more medical tourists from Vietnam

Gangnam district of the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s capital city of Seoul on August 2 participated in the International Medical Hospital and Pharmaceutical Exhibition 2024 (Vietnam Medipharm Expo 2024) that is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City from August 1-3, with an aim to attract more medical tourists, especially from Vietnam.

At the event, which draws 400 companies from 22 countries, the district organised a Gangnam medical tourism promotion centre with the engagement of six hospitals - Dream Plastic Surgery, DA Plastic Surgery, Pride Plastic Surgery, Gangnam Central Eye Clinic, Le Dental Clinic, and Podo Woman Clinic.

Particularly, the district introduced its “one-stop support service” Medical Gangnam app and a website providing information on its medical tourism.

According to the Gangnam administration, on the first day of the exhibition, the district's pavilion received about 2,000 visitors, while 37 business meetings were held.

District leaders also visited the HCM Department of Tourism to discuss mutual administrative support in providing post-operation care services, which allows patients to receive check-up/care at a hospital in Vietnam after taking surgery in the RoK.

Gangnam administration head Cho Seong-myeong said that thanks to its world-class medical tourism infrastructure and technology, the district welcomed an all-time high number of 180,000 medical tourists in 2023. It will continue to actively attract more medical tourists and strengthen its position as a medical tourism hub in the international market, he said.

In 2023, the number of Vietnamese visitors to Gangnam for medical tourism hit 5,162, ranking sixth after Japan, China, the US, Thailand, and Singapore. In particular, a remarkable growth of up 84% was seen in the number of Vietnamese visitors in the year from 2,806 tourists in 2022.

Programme helps promote reading culture, environmental protection

The “Books for trees” programme 2024, held by charity group Fly To Sky and more than 30 agencies, organisations and businesses, saw nearly 10,000 item exchanges and drawn more than 6,000 volunteers in exchange points across the country.

It received 14 tonnes of books and papers of all kinds, more than 25,000 items of clothing and toys, nearly 20,000 old batteries, 32,000 used milk bottles, cans and carton boxes, and many others.

The annual event aims to promote the reading culture, especially among youngsters, and raise public awareness of the environmental protection.

This year, the programme took place from May 11 to July 28 with 33 exchange points in eight cities and provinces across the country, namely Gia Lai, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho, Da Nang, Lam Dong, Binh Thuan, and Tay Ninh.

Le Pham Khang An, a fourth grader of Nguyen Luong Bang primary school in Pleiku city of the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, said he is excited to exchange his old books for plants and join various activities at the programme such as painting plant pots, decorating canvas bags, recycling plastic bottles, planting seeds, and visiting a wildlife conservation exhibition.

All books received at the programme have been classified and presented to needy students, and other products recycled to raise fund for community projects of Fly To Sky, which is run by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCMYU)’s National Volunteer Centre.

Le Van Phuc, deputy head of the Standing Board of the National Volunteers’ Network in the southern region, head of the Fly To Sky and manager of the programme, said that the model of exchanging books for trees collects 10-20 tonnes of paper and books of all kinds every year. After 6 years, the programme has spread widely, attracting more than 33,000 participants with over 85 tonnes of books and paper exchanged.

Each year, the programme hands over 500 - 700 sets of textbooks and more than 5,000 - 10,000 books to needy students in mountainous, remote, border, ethnic minority-inhabited areas, and social support facilities, said Phuc, calling for the community to actively engage in the programme.

‌Established in 2018, Fly To Sky, a non-profit organisation operating across the country, has implemented 27 community projects and 180 programmes in the fields of culture, education, health care, social welfare and environment in Gia Lai and 25 cities and provinces across the country with a total cost of nearly 13 billion VND (515,821 USD).

Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri step up efforts to combat IUU fishing

The north central province of Thanh Hoa has intensified inspections at sea and fishing ports while working with owners of vessels that violated regulations on illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as part of its efforts to clamp down on the illicit fishing.

During the January-July period, local authorities handled 80 violation cases, and levied a total fine of 967 million VND (over 38,300 USD) on local fishermen and boat owners who committed illegal acts.

A list of 306 fishing vessels with high risks of violations was made public at fishing ports, while those without necessary documents and vessel monitoring systems were banned from docking at the fishing ports.

Throughout examinations, the authorities found out several common mistakes of ship owners, including expire safe fishing vessel certificates, losing connection signals for over 10 days, and failing to buy insurance for crew members.

According to deputy head of the provincial department of fisheries Le Van Sang, the province will continue enhancing the communications work to raise public awareness of IUU regulations, and resolve to mete out strict punishments to any violations.

In the same vein, the central province of Quang Tri has worked to handle hundreds of fishing boats from 6 to 15 metres in length having no registration, no fishing licenses and no certificates proving their seaworthiness (three nos).

The provincial People’s Committee directed localities to tighten management over fishing vessels to ensure that there are no additional boats with “three-nos”.

Photos of Truong Sa on display in HCM City

An exhibition displaying photos of Truong Sa (Spratly) was opened in Ho Chi Minh City on August 2 to mark 60 years of the Vietnam People's Navy's first victory (August 5, 1964 - 2024).

The exhibition, held by the HCM City Photographers’ Association, features 99 photos taken by 10 photographers during their visit to Truong Sa from April to June 2024.

The works capture the lives of soldiers and residents on the islands and the oil platforms, and reflect the sentiments of the people across the country, particularly those in Ho Chi Minh City, towards the soldiers and civilians stationed there.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Le Hong Quang, Deputy Political Commissar of Brigade 125 under the Naval Region 2, stated that the activities of the HCM City Photographers’ Association have helped connect soldiers and people in Truong Sa with people of Ho Chi Minh City and the entire country.

He expressed his hope that the displayed photos will continue to spread the attention and sentiments of both domestic and foreign people and soldiers towards those stationed in Truong Sa, and help encourage them to well perform their duties and firmly safeguard the nation's sovereignty over seas and islands.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors at Nguyen Van Binh book street until August 8, and then be moved to Thu Duc Book Street.

Vietnamese, Lao provinces reinforce ties in forest management, protection

The forest protection bodies of Vietnam’s central province of Thua Thien - Hue and Laos’s southern province of Sekong have signed a cooperation deal to promote forest management and protection, natural resource conservation, and forest produce management along the shared borderline.

The document was inked in Sekong on July 31 between the forest protection sub-department under the Thua Thien - Hue Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the forestry inspection sub-department under the Sekong Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

The signing was a step to carry out the two provinces’ cooperation agreement for 2022 - 2026 and the minutes of the annual meeting held on December 22, 2023 between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

Under the freshly inked deal, the two sub-departments will increase sharing information, knowledge, and experience to prevent and control illegal deforestation, natural resource exploitation, hunting, and timber and forest produce trade and transportation.

They will enhance examining and monitoring the timber, forest produce, and wildlife traded across the border; further share information about forest fire prevention and control; and boost communications to raise border residents’ awareness of forest and biodiversity conservation, along with illegal timber, wildlife, and forest produce exploitation, trade, and transportation.

They will also work together to prevent deforestation as well as forestland encroachment in border areas.

In addition, Thua Thien - Hue and Sekong will actively assist each other, propose cooperation projects and plans to seek support from international organisations, and collaborate in monitoring, conserving, and recovering the wild animal species in danger of extinction.

The two sides will also organise meetings on a rotational basis to share experience, review cooperation results, and consider aligning the cooperation deal with the reality, thereby helping strengthen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the Vietnamese and Lao Parties, States, and peoples, including between Thua Thien - Hue and Sekong and between their sub-departments.

Hanoi, HCM City among Asia’s most affordable travel destinations

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, two major cities in Vietnam, have been named among Asia's top ten cities with the lowest travel costs, according to Travel & Leisure.

The US-based travel magazine has published a list of the ten cities in Asia with the lowest travel costs with HCM City in southern Vietnam ranking second with an average trip cost of 1,452 USD.

Hanoi, the capital city in northern Vietnam, ranks ninth, with an average trip cost of around 1,546 USD.

The list of the ten most affordable Asian cities was compiled using data from Kayak, a metasearch engine for travel services, including airline flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages.

The ranking is based on average round-trip economy airfare and standard double room prices from June to December.

Taipei (Taiwan, China) has been named the most affordable city in Asia. Japan is represented by two cities on this list: Tokyo and Osaka.

Other cities included on the list are Jakarta, New Delhi, Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur.

Vinh Long, Japan’s Niigata prefecture boost human resources cooperation

A conference to boost human resources connectivity between the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long and Japan’s Niigata prefecture was held in the Vietnamese province on August 4.

According to Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Lu Quang Ngoi, the event offered opportunities to introduce Vinh Long’s human resources, and Niigata’s demand for labour force, recruitment standards for different industries, and training for migrant workers.

Throughout 14 booths arranged within the framework of the conference, Niigata businesses and education establishments gave consultancy regarding curricula and working programmes to Vinh Long workers and students.

Ngoi expressed his hope that the Niigata administration and related enterprises will continue creating favourable conditions for more Vinh Long labourers to study and work in Japan.

Relevant sectors, localities and businesses of Vinh Long province should develop high-quality human resources to meet the stringent requirements of foreign employers, including Japan and Niigata in particular, he said, adding they should step up communications work to popularise the Japanese culture to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between the two sides.

Attending the event, Niigata prefecture governor Hanazumi Hideyo said as Vinh Long and Niigata share similarities in their agricultural strengths, young labourers from the Vietnamese province will better adapt to the working environment in Japan.

He said he hopes to welcome more Vinh Long youths to study and work in the prefecture.

Vietnamese Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village to host diverse activities in August

The Vietnamese Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village in the suburb of Hanoi will host a series of activities to introduce the culture and traditions of the 54 ethnic groups from now until August 31.

The activities, themed “Summer – Experience and Exploration”, will draw more than 100 people from 16 ethnic minority groups from 11 localities of Thai Nguyen, Hanoi, Ha Giang, Son La, Hoa Binh, Thua Thien-Hue, Gia Lai, Kon Tum, Ninh Thuan, Dak Lak, and Soc Trang.

They will perform folk songs and dances throughout the month. Visitors will also have a chance to explore the architect, costumes, arts, festivals, and cuisines of ethnic communities residing in the village.

Besides, the village also introduces folk games, traditional music instruments, and traditional sports of different ethnic groups, while organising art exchanges to enrich visitors’ experience.

The village, located in the Dong Mo tourism area in Hanoi’s Son Tay township, is described as a 'common home' of the 54 ethnic groups across the nation. It covers a total area of 1,544ha with the zone for ethnic minority villages considered the heart.

VNA further intensifies cooperation with Cuban partners

A delegation of the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) led by Deputy General Director Nguyen Tuan Hung visited Cuba from July 28 to August 3 to further enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation with large press agencies of the Caribbean nation.

Visiting the headquarters and many establishments of Prensa Latina (Latin American News Agency) in Havana, Hung highlighted the two news agencies’ practical cooperation results over the past more than 60 years of their countries’ close-knit fraternity.

They are implementing the cooperation agreement for 2023 - 2028 through various activities, including sharing daily news in different languages such as English, French, and Spanish and exchanging language editors.

Units of the VNA have kept close coordination to support the Prensa Latina bureau in Hanoi while the Cuban side has also stayed ready to assist VNA correspondents in Havana, he said.

Hung expressed his hope that the two sides will maintain fruitful cooperation in all aspects, adding the VNA is ready to help Prensa Latina with capacity building to catch up with the trend of modern journalism.

President of Prensa Latina Luis Enrique Gonzalez Acosta appreciated the VNA’s assistance, especially amid numerous difficulties facing Cuba and his agency.

He affirmed Prensa Latina views the cooperation with the VNA as a key and strategic partnership, and that the VNA’s proposals, recommendations, and support in the field are invaluable for it to sketch out its development orientations and many important projects in the future.

At the meeting, the two sides discussed some joint projects, including the coverage of the 65th founding anniversary of the Vietnam - Cuba diplomatic ties (December 2, 1960 - 2025).

They agreed to increase the popularisation of Vietnam, including its people, culture and economic achievements, by distributing Vietnam Pictorial across Latin America, considering this a practical step to help Vietnam come closer to people on this continent, thereby strengthening and expanding the Southeast Asian country’s connections with American nations.

At a working session with the board of directors of the Cuban News Agency (ACN), Hung and ACN Director Edda Diz Garces reviewed the progress in bilateral cooperation, reaffirming the wish to further reinforce their time-tested links.

The VNA Deputy General Director highly valued the exchange of information, voicing the readiness to assist the ACN in building capacity and diversifying forms of news.

For her part, the host official thanked the VNA for its practical support, which has helped the ACN to keep its flow of news uninterrupted.

Expressing her hope for stronger bilateral collaboration to uphold the traditional ties between the two agencies as well as between their countries, Edda Diz Garces described the bonds between the ACN and the VNA as the relationship between sincere colleagues and also between those sharing the same ideal.

During the working trip, the VNA delegation also paid a courtesy call to Vietnamese Ambassador to Cuba Le Quang Long.

Vietnamese culinary festival underway in India

A Vietnamese culinary festival is underway at the India Expo Centre and Mart in Noida, Uttar Pradesh state, northern India as part of the India International Food and Hospitality Exhibition (IHE) 2024.

The two-day festival, which is organised by the Vietnamese Trade Office in India, the Vietnam Culinary Culture Association, Vietnam Airlines, Vietravel and Uniben Food JSC, is expected to bring a professional event, imbued with cultural identity.

On the first day of the festival (August 4), chefs prepared typical Vietnamese dishes such as pho ga (chicken noodle soup) and nem (spring rolls) which are famous for authentic and rich flavour of Vietnamese gastronomy.

Addressing the event, Vietnam’s Trade Counsellor at the Vietnamese Embassy in India Bui Trung Thuong said this is the first time Vietnam has been chosen as a partner country of the event. With a scale of about 1,000 booths and 20,000-25,000 visitors, IHE 2024 is a good opportunity for Vietnamese businesses to promote the country as an attractive destination as well as its cuisine.

Thuong hoped that thanks to the exhibition, Vietnamese enterprises will actively participate in trade promotion programmes organised by the Trade Office in India or the Ministry of Industry and Trade, thereby speeding up trade activities between the two countries.

Noting that India is a large market, he said that Indian people will know more about Vietnam through such a culinary festival and exhibition, adding that it offers chance for Vietnamese enterprises to affirm their brands and product quality.

UNIBEN - Vietnam's leading food company introduced products that have affirmed their brands such as Reeva Noodles, Boncha Tea and Joco Fruit Juice at the festival.

Vietnamese cuisine will continue to be offered at Paprika Restaurant, ExpoInn Suites & Convention Hotel on the last day of the festival. This is an opportunity for visitors to experience specialty prepared by talented chefs from Vietnam.

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