Kammen said that ensuring investment in renewable energy will bring specific benefits in terms of employment, encouraging young people to participate in green transformation.

He stressed the need for Vietnam and the US to foster cooperation in energy, especially wind, solar and other sources of power.

The expert held that Vietnam can achieve the net-zero emission goal by developing smart industry and agriculture or offshore wind power, which are all potential areas of Vietnam.

He advised Vietnam to implement more research on new renewable energy sources with greater attention to green issues, while seeking more solutions on distributed energy such as rooftop solar power development.

Meanwhile, Prof. Susan Solomon from the US’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology said that Vietnam needs to quickly catch up with the world in the path to implement its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.

She asserted that once before achieving the goal, Vietnam needs short- and middle-term targets. The expert stressed that Vietnam should ensure balance in implementing commitments to clean energy, while switching the habit of using motorbikes and automobiles using fossil fuel to using electricity vehicles, and optimising its potential in solar power by providing support to the people in using this power source.

Commenting on the prospects of transitioning to clean energy and gradually reducing dependence on fossil fuels in countries, including Vietnam, Solomon expressed optimism, explaining that currently, the cost of energy production is reducing, leading to a downturn in the cost for materials for batteries, energy, and electricity.

She said she hopes that Vietnamese people will soon change their energy use habits, thus promoting the Government to come up with policies that keep up with this trend.

Party leader demands continued efforts to ensure peaceful, happy life for people

The Central Public Security Party Committee (CPSPC) held a conference in Hanoi on December 20 to review task performance in 2023 and outline orientations and duties for next year.

The event saw the presence of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Vo Van Thuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who are also Politburo members and members of the CPSPC Standing Board. It was chaired by Gen. To Lam – Politburo member, Secretary of the CPSPC, and Minister of Public Security.

Participants shared the view that in 2023, the CPSPC has shown effective and comprehensive leadership, direction, and implementation of tasks while firmly maintaining the strategic proactiveness, peace, stability, security, and social safety to successfully serve the country’s socio-economic development, international integration, and national construction and safeguarding.

The CPSPC has advised the Party and State on many important policies and measures about political security and social order and safety. It has also taken many drastic measures about the Party and political system building and rectification to develop a truly clean and strong public security force, they noted.

Addressing the conference, Party General Secretary Trong, President Thuong, and PM Chinh highly valued efforts and achievements by the CPSPC and the Ministry of Public Security this year.

Stressing some focal tasks for the coming time, the General Secretary asked the CPSPC to actively, methodologically, and systematically consider and give advice to the Party, the State, and local Party committees and administrations about policies and laws on socio-economic development, defence and security safeguarding, and external relations.

He requested the continuation of comprehensive and fruitful implementation of the policies and measures for ensuring national security, sovereignty, and territory, along with more drastic and effective efforts to carry out anti-crime solutions to guarantee a peaceful and happy life for the people.

In addition, the CPSPC needs to keep taking the lead in implementing the resolutions of the 11th and 12th Party Central Committee’s fourth meetings and Conclusion No. 21-KL/TW, issued at the fourth meeting of the 13th Party Central Committee, on enhancing the Party and political system building and rectification, and resolutely fighting the degradation of political thought, morality and lifestyle as well as phenomena of “self-evolution” and “self-transformation”.

Burial service for soldier's remains repatriated from Laos

The northwestern mountainous province of Son La on December 20 held a memorial and burial service for Vietnamese voluntary soldier Ha Van Om who laid down his life in Laos.

His remains were discovered by a repatriation team from Military Region 2.

During the last months of the dry season of 2023, the team found a burial place for 11 martyrs in Nong Khiaw and Muang Ngoi districts, Luang Prabang province of Laos. Among them, there was martyr Ha Van Om, born in 1944, from Mam village, Chieng So commune, Song Ma district of Son La, who joined the army in February 1964, and died on January 19, 1968.

Speaking at the ceremony, standing vice chairwoman of the Son La provincial People's committee Trang Thi Xuan, head of the steering committee for searching and gathering martyrs' remains, emphasised that during the years of long and arduous wars, Vietnamese volunteer soldiers fought, sacrificed for independence and freedom of the Lao people.

The feats and sacrifices of the Vietnamese martyrs contributed to enriching the golden history of the two countries, and at the same time tightening and making the special solidarity and ties between Vietnam and Laos.

Provincial officials and others attending the ceremony offered incense and flowers to express gratitude for the deceased.

Infants top priority in injection of 5-in-1 vaccine

Vietnam will prioritise injecting combined DPT-VGB-Hib vaccine against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis B, and haemophilus influenza type B (Hib), also known as 5-in-1 vaccine, for the youngest age group from 2 months old and more, the Ministry of Health said on December 19.

Accordingly, infants from 2 months old and more who have yet to receive any DPT-VGB-Hib vaccine injection will be given the highest priority.

Deputy Director of the ministry’s National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology Duong Thi Hong said that the expanded national immunisation programme on December 15 received 490,600 doses of this type of vaccine donated by the Australian Government to implement the vaccination for babies in the first months of 2024.

In the first quarter of 2024, the ministry will continue strengthening surveillance over diseases in the expanded national immunisation programme such as measles, rubella, polio, diphtheria, whooping cough, neonatal tetanus, and prepare to implement the vaccine against acute diarrhea caused by Rota virus as a new vaccine in the programme in 33 provinces and cities from the second quarter of 2024.

Vietnam, France hold defence strategy and cooperation dialogue

Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien and Director General for International Relations and Strategy at the French Ministry of the Armed Forces Alice Rufo co-chaired the third Vietnam-France defence strategy and cooperation dialogue in Paris on December 18.

The two heads of delegations agreed that since the second dialogue in April 2022, bilateral defence cooperation has been continuously consolidated and strengthened in a practical, effective direction consistent with signed cooperation documents and agreements, especially the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam - France defence cooperation for the 2018 – 2028 period and the Framework Agreement on Vietnam - France defence cooperation.

The two sides' agencies and units have closely coordinated, reviewed and effectively implemented cooperative activities set in the Vietnam - France defence cooperation programme, and achieved outstanding results, such as regularly conducting delegation exchanges, the mechanism on strategic dialogue, consultation and military cooperation; improving the legal framework for cooperation; implementing collaboration in the education, training and peacekeeping fields, as well as coordinating and supporting each other at regional and global security forums.

Sen. Lieut. Gen Chien emphasised that the two sides have coordinated to implement a reportage about Vietnamese students at the French Naval Academy and publish a handbook on Vietnam - France military terms, saying these activities are of practical meaning, creating motivation for teaching and learning French in the army as well as supporting Vietnamese soldiers in preparing to participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions in French-speaking countries. This is also a testament to the existing good friendship between the two countries' ministries of defence, contributing to marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 10 years of the Vietnam - France Strategic Partnership, Chien added.

Within the framework of the dialouge, the two delegations' heads were provided with reports of the working groups on the outcome of the group meetings.

The head of the French delegation affirmed that the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and France is a typical example in foreign relations between countries around the world. She said that France wishes to continue close, sustainable cooperation as a reliable and effective partner of Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Regarding orientations for future cooperation, the two sides agreed to continue to promote defence cooperation in a practical and effective manner, with focus on increasing exchanges and contacts at all levels, especially at the high level, maintaining and promoting the effectiveness of the strategic dialogue mechanism and cooperation in defence and UN peacekeeping, studying the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and training, and strengthening military medical cooperation and collaboration in maritime security, cyber-security, anti-terrorism, and overcoming post-war consequences.

At the dialogue, the two sides also shared their views on the global and regional situations of shared concern, highly valued the role of the region and ASEAN-led mechanisms.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation said that Vietnam consistently follows the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, multilateralisation and diversification of ties, and the defence policy of "four nos".

He stressed Vietnam's consistent stance on the East Sea issue is that disputes should be resolved by peaceful means on the basis of international law, including 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

On this occasion, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Chien respectfully invited leaders of the Ministry of the Armed Forces, Director General for International Relations and Strategy Rufo, and defense enterprises of France to attend the Vietnam International Defence Expo 2024.

At the end of the dialogue, the heads of the two delegations signed the minutes of the dialogue and announced the French-Vietnamese Military Terminology Handbook.

Within the framework of his working visit to France, Chien on December 19 met with French Secretary of State for Veterans and Memory Patricia Miralles.

At the meeting, Chien conveyed the regards and invitation from Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang to French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu to pay an official visit to Vietnam. Chien also invited Miralles to make a working visit to Vietnam at an appropriate time.

Regarding the two countries’ cooperation in sharing memories and tackling the consequences of war, the two sides agreed to assign competent agencies of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces to continue to coordinate in studying and collecting documents and materials and then, proposing specific cooperation contents.

Chien emphasised that the cooperation content is humanitarian, helping to enhance trust, respect history, putting aside the past, and looking forwards to the future. The two sides will join hands to cultivate friendship, and bring the relations between the two countries in general and their defence cooperation in particular to new heights.

The Ministry of National Defence of Vietnam is willing to coordinate with the French side and Vietnamese relevant agencies to implement the cooperation content.

For her part, Miralles agreed with Chien’s proposed cooperation contents, affirming that the past needs to be closed for a new future of cooperation.

She said France will not ward off historical problems and want to cooperate with Vietnam, practically developing the defence cooperation between the two countries and making it a model in the France-Vietnam Strategic Partnership for the benefit of each country, and for peace, stability, and common development of the region and the world.

On the same day, the Vietnamese delegation visited and worked with leaders of Airbus Group. The group’s representatives expressed their hope to participate in the defence industry expo next year in Vietnam.

Top leaders extend sympathy to China over earthquake-caused losses

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong and President Vo Van Thuong on December 19 sent messages of sympathy to General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of China Xi Jinping over serious human and economic losses caused by an earthquake a day earlier.

The same day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh extended his sympathy to Chinese Premier Li Qiang, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue cabled a message of sympathy to Zhao Leji, Chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son also offered his sympathy to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

The 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck China's northwestern Gansu province on December 18 night, killing at least 127 people and injuring hundreds, Reuters reported.

Latin American countries highly appreciate Vietnam's foreign policy

The similarities in foreign policies is the string that binds the relations between Vietnam and Latin American countries throughout history, according to politicians and media.

Speaking on the occasion of Vietnam's 32nd National Diplomatic Conference which opened in Hanoi on December 19, they affirmed that the similarities include steadfastness and consistency in applying external principles, but also showing openness, and adaptiveness to changes in the world situation.

Alfredo Femat Bañuelos, Chairman of the Mexican Chamber of Deputies' Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of the Mexico - Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians' Group, said that since Mexico and Vietnam established diplomatic relations in 1975 when Vietnam just gained independence, the two countries have continuously maintained and tightened their relationship in all aspects, despite many changes in the world.

In particular, Mexico's establishment of diplomatic relations with Vietnam was an important step in affirming the sovereignty and self-determination of both Mexico and Vietnam, thereby helping to affirm and consolidate Vietnam's independence, while highlighting the role of Mexico and Latin American countries in the international arena.

According to the Mexican official, the strong connection between Mexico and Vietnam is a clear demonstration of the principles and values that the two countries have shared, including similarities in struggles for national liberation, foreign policies, and culture.

Regarding the achievements of Vietnamese diplomacy, Bañuelos affirmed that the correct foreign policy has contributed to highlighting Vietnam's position in the international arena with many contributions to the world.

Similarly, effective diplomatic activities have also promoted the positive image of Vietnam to international friends, he said.

Meanwhile, Pedro Gellert, a journalist of Regeneración newspaper, the official organ of the ruling party National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) in Mexico, one of the important contributions that Vietnam’s diplomatic sector has made over the past years is to help the world better understand Vietnam that consistently follows the path of socialism with outstanding socio-economic development achievements.

Having studied Vietnam for years, the journalist affirmed that similar to many Latin American countries, Vietnam's foreign policy is developed from domestic policy such as the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs, maintaining dialogue, peacefully resolving differences between countries and relations based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.

From Venezuela, journalist Ángel Miguel Bastidas González of Correo del Orinoco newspaper highlighted the significance of Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy" policy. He emphasised that with this policy, Vietnam has been very successful in maintaining relations with major powers, while ensuring national interests.

According to the journalist who had worked in the Venezuelan diplomatic mission in Vietnam, the core guiding principles of Vietnam's "bamboo diplomacy" policy are national interests, independence, self-reliance, diversification, and multilateralisation of foreign relations. These principles originated from President Ho Chi Minh's diplomatic ideology and are the foundation for the country's foreign policy.

Quang Binh targets 5 million tourists in 2024

The central province of Quang Binh targets to welcome 4.5-5 million visitors in 2024, and earn some 5.6 trillion VND (more than 227 million USD) from tourism next year.
To realise these goals, the local tourism sector will continue to promote communications and promotion in various forms and rich content and raise people's awareness and responsibility in accompanying authorities to develop tourism.

In 2024, the province will focus on investing in tourism infrastructure, developing new tourism products such as eco-tourism, cultural and historical tourism, and community tourism to meet the demand of travellers. Along with investment promotion activities for tourism development, Binh Dinh will call on investors and mobilise resources to continue perfecting technical infrastructure to support tourism development in the locality.

In 2023, its tourism industry has recovered after the COVID-19 pandemic with the total number of visitors estimated reaching more than 4.5 million, 2.14 times higher than the same period last year. Total revenue from tourism activities is projected at more than 5 trillion VND.

Since the beginning of this year, nearly 40 tourist products and attractions have been officially put into operation or launched on a trial basis to serve tourists. Among them, all-terrain vehicle rides through the ironwood forest of Hamlet 4 in Tan Hoa commune of Minh Hoa district Bang Onsen Spa & Resort in Kim Thuy commune of Le Thuy are the two outstanding products that grabbed travellers’ interest.

Vietnam, India wrap up joint peacekeeping exercise

The fourth joint peacekeeping exercise between Vietnam and India - VINBAX 2023 concluded in Hanoi on December 19.

Addressing the event, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army (VPA) Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, who is head of the exercise steering board, lauded the contingents of the two countries for their serious and active participation.

The VINBAX 2023 exercise took place with careful preparation, and the efforts and determination of both sides as well as of each individual participant. The past few days have truly been exciting days for the participants in the drill, he said, adding that the exercise's activities were implemented in line with with the plan, meeting the set goals and requirements with good professional quality.

According to Tan, the result of the exercise shows the smooth, close and effective coordination of the two countries' militaries in practicing hypothetical situations, close to the actual operations and tasks at United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Director of the  Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) Colonel Pham Manh Thang, who is deputy head of the exercise steering board, said the exercise created a good environment and conditions for lecturers and experts from the two countries to practice and improve their in-depth training level as well as their ability to organise, direct and operate field exercises scope and complexity of peacekeeping.

Colonel Aseem Gupta, head of the Indian army delegation, said during the exercise, the two sides' forces exchanged a lot of professional knowledge relating to United Nations peacekeeping operations and strengthened friendly cooperation through participating in sports and cultural activities.

The harmony in action and coordination of the two militaries highlighted the close and profound relationship between the two sides, he added.

VINBAX 2023 is the fourth UN peacekeeping exercise between Vietnam and India and the second field exercise on peacekeeping between the two countries’ militaries.

Vietnam achieves positive results in protecting ozone layer

The second phase of Vietnam's HCFC Phase-out Management Project has achieved many positive results, contributing to the protection of the ozone layer and helping the country fulfil its committed goals following the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol.

The project’s five-year second phase was approved by the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment in June 2018, said Tang The Cuong, director of the Department of Climate Change under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at a workshop held in Hanoi on December 18.

The ministry is the national focal point implementing the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and the agency implementing the project.

Ozone depleting substances include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform.

The implementation of the project was funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the World Bank was entrusted to manage the implementation of the project.

According to Cuong, the ministry has coordinated with the World Bank to carry out the project’s second phase between 2018 and 2023 in order to comply with the obligation to eliminate 35% of consumption of HCFCs following the Montreal Protocol.

So far, the country had cut down the consumption of 1,000 tonnes of HCFC-22 in household air conditioning production, refrigeration equipment manufacturing and refrigeration equipment maintenance service.

The country supported its only air conditioner manufacturing enterprise and a number of refrigeration equipment manufacturing enterprises to convert production technology that does not use R-22 gas - a powerful greenhouse gas. It had banned the import of air conditioners using R-22 gas since January 7, 2022.

It has also completely eliminated consumption of HCFC-141b, contained in pre-blended polyol systems, in foam insulation production as well as supporting foam-production businesses to convert to technology. It had banned the import of HCFC-141b contained in pre-blended polyol systems since January 7, 2023.

Additionally, the country ensured the completion of reducing 35% of HCFC consumption in the period of 2020-24.

Vietnam's annual consumption report for the period of 2020-24 showed that the import level of HCFCs was less than 2,600 tonnes per year so far, meeting requirements under the Montreal Protocol.

Cuong also said that Vietnam had reduced greenhouse gas emissions by using alternative technologies that had no ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential.

The country strengthened controlling import and export of HCFCs and raise awareness about protecting the ozone layer and protecting the environment, he said.

In term of training and capacity building, the project trained 350 customs officers on export and import management of controlled substances; 188 teachers of vocational education institutions and more than 3,200 technicians on leak management and good practice principles in installation, maintenance and repair of refrigeration and air conditioning.

The project also provided 110 sets of teaching equipment and 300 sets of repair equipment for vocational education establishments, repair and maintenance service establishments of refrigeration and air conditioning across the country.

“The results are gained thanks to the active support of World Bank experts, close coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and agencies,” Cuong said.

He also added that the results were achieved especially thanks to the efforts and determination of businesses participating in technology transformation that had overcome the difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic and practical situation to promptly deploy activities.

Speaking at the workshop, Ahmed Eiweida, World Bank’s Vietnam Sector Leader for Sustainable Development, said the project’s second phase had made a significant progress in eliminating many substances that depleted the ozone layer.

“The project has successfully reduced HCFC consumption by 1,000 tonnes, contributing to the protection of ozone layer and climate change mitigation,” he said.

Vietnam ratified the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1994.

In 2001, Vietnam had completely eliminated the use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Halon, and Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4).

In 2012, the country launched a plan to support foam manufacturing enterprises to phase down pure HCFC-14b substance, aiming to reduce 10% of the total consumption of the substance in the country.

In 2018, it launched another plan to support enterprises with technology transformation to phase down ozone-depleting substances, aiming to reduce 35% of the consumption of these substances.

In 2019, Vietnam ratified the Kigali Amendment. The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is an international agreement to gradually reduce the consumption and production of HFCs.

Cuong said the Montreal Protocol had proven to be an effective tool in protecting human health, nature and climate on a global scale over the past decades.

The Department of Climate Change would continue coordinating with the World Bank, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and international organisations to consult the Government and the environment ministry to deploy measures to protect the ozone layer as well as the fulfilment of the Montreal Protocol, including the Kigali Amendment in the future, he said.

He believed that lessons learned from the implementation of the project’s second phase along with effective coordination between stakeholders would help to successfully implement the Montreal Protocol, contributing to healing the hole in the ozone layer, and responding to climate change.

According to the UNEP, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).

When released into the atmosphere, those chemicals damage the stratospheric ozone layer, Earth’s protective shield that protects humans and the environment from harmful levels of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Adopted on 16 September 1987, the Protocol is to date one of the rare treaties to achieve universal ratification.

Vietnamese, Lao Parties hold 10th theoretical workshop

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) held their 10th theoretical workshop in Quang Ninh province on December 19, focusing on experiences in developing culture and humans in the socialist-oriented national development process.

The event was part of a cooperation programme on theoretical research and practice summarisation between the CPV and the LPRP.

Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the workshop, Politburo member Nguyen Xuan Thang, who is also President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA) and Chairman of the Central Theory Council, said that the workshop was an opportunity for the Vietnamese and Laos Parties to share experiences on their leadership in the socialist-oriented development of culture and people.

Thang said that the awareness and views of the CPV on the role of culture and people in national development as well as in building and protecting the Fatherland are more and more supplemented and perfected. Culture is considered the spiritual foundation of society and the goal, soft power, important internal resource, and driving force for rapid and sustainable development of the country.

The official highlighted important results in promoting and building cultural and human values into development values and the "soul" in all areas of the country's social life.

He also pointed out limitations and drew some lessons and experience in implementing the Party's policies and guidelines on cultural and human development.

Head of the Lao delegation, Politburo member and Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune said that the workshop’s theme was extensive, covering many issues, and having profound theoretical and practical significance in the innovation and integration process of both countries.

He emphasised the awareness and viewpoints of the LPRP in cultural and human development, affirming to continue promoting the nation's unique cultural values and constantly developing the civilized spirit of society.

Laos will continue to strengthen the Party's leadership in cultural work in the new period, and at the same time identify culture as the basic factor that creates stability for the nation, the driving force for social development, and the goal of social and human development.

During the two-day workshop, Vietnamese and Lao delegates will listen to thematic reports, and discuss and exchange opinions on issues of mutual concern.

40 chefs show off skills at Da Nang culinary competition

Fourty chefs from hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in the central city of Da Nang took part in the Da Nang Chef Talent Competition 2023 on December 19.

The event was jointly organised by the municipal federation of labour, Da Nang Hotel Association and the Da Nang Culinary Culture Association, Furama Resort Da Nang, and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). It aimed to create a playground for chefs to exchange and popularise local cuisine to international guests.

Nguyen Duc Quynh, chairman of the Da Nang Hotel Association, said this is the second time the competition has been held in the city.

He went on to say that this year's edition was supported by many sponsors, hotels and resorts, thereby showing a strong recovery and a bright future for Da Nang's tourism industry.

Gentzsch Andre Pierre, General Director of Operations of the Ariyana -Furama Tourist Complex, said the competition will contribute to reviving and promoting the development of the tourism industry in Da Nang and the central region as well.

A range of activities were also held on the sideline of the event including an exhibition of 30 booths introducing products being supplied to the Da Nang hotel industry, a meeting of the executive meeting of the Da Nang Hotel Association and a workshop on hotel business and marketing in the new era.

40 chefs show off skills at Da Nang culinary competition

Fourty chefs from hotels, supermarkets and restaurants in the central city of Da Nang took part in the Da Nang Chef Talent Competition 2023 on December 19.

The event was jointly organised by the municipal federation of labour, Da Nang Hotel Association and the Da Nang Culinary Culture Association, Furama Resort Da Nang, and the USA Poultry and Egg Export Council (USAPEEC). It aimed to create a playground for chefs to exchange and popularise local cuisine to international guests.

Nguyen Duc Quynh, chairman of the Da Nang Hotel Association, said this is the second time the competition has been held in the city.

He went on to say that this year's edition was supported by many sponsors, hotels and resorts, thereby showing a strong recovery and a bright future for Da Nang's tourism industry.

Gentzsch Andre Pierre, General Director of Operations of the Ariyana -Furama Tourist Complex, said the competition will contribute to reviving and promoting the development of the tourism industry in Da Nang and the central region as well.

A range of activities were also held on the sideline of the event including an exhibition of 30 booths introducing products being supplied to the Da Nang hotel industry, a meeting of the executive meeting of the Da Nang Hotel Association and a workshop on hotel business and marketing in the new era.

Vietnam treasures relations with RoK: NA Vice Chairman

Vietnam has treasured its relations with the Republic of Korea (RoK), and wants to join hands with the East Asian country to deepen their comprehensive strategic partnership in all areas, making contributions to regional and global peace, stability, cooperation and development, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Nguyen Khac Dinh said on December 19.

Hosting a reception for a high-ranking delegation from the Seoul Metropolitan Council led by its Chairman Kim Hyeon-ki, Dinh stressed that the delegation’s visit to Vietnam is significant to realising agreements between Vietnam and the RoK, and Hanoi and Seoul in particular, making contributions to promoting the collaboration between the two countries.

He highlighted the time-honoured and close ties between the two sides which boast an array of cultural similarities, and expressed his delight at the development of the relations over the past three decades.

The Vietnamese NA supports localities and agencies of the two countries to enhance practical cooperation activities for mutual benefits, he said.

The legislator hoped that the two countries will step up delegation exchanges to learn from each other’s experience to improve the operation capacity of the people’s council. The two sides should also promote cooperation in economic development, trade, investment, tourism, education, science and technology; and effectively roll out existing cooperation agreements, he said.

As the Vietnamese NA is amending the Capital Law, Dinh said he wishes that the RoK will continue sharing its experience in capital development with Vietnam.

Kim, for his part, underscored that the cooperation between Hanoi and Seoul – the two capital cities of the two nations - have played an increasingly important role in the Vietnam-RoK Comprehensive strategic partnership.

Expressing his confidence in the strong growth of Vietnam and Hanoi in particular in the time ahead, Kim hoped to enhance collaboration between the two cities and two countries, especially as there are some 200,000 Vietnamese living and working the RoK.

The Seoul Metropolitan Council always stands ready to share its experience in the areas of legislation, urban planning, development of transport system, urban railway and housing, environment and preservation of traditional culture with the Vietnamese side, he added.

President lauds students, asks to join hands in realising national goal

Students should affirm and demonstrate their responsibility towards the country, with a view to realising the goal of becoming a developed country with high income by 2045, President Vo Van Thuong emphasised while addressing the 11th National Congress of the Vietnamese Students’ Association (VSA) in Hanoi on December 19.

Amid the complicated regional and global situation as well as difficulties and challenges inside the country, each Vietnamese student should understand that what they need to start their journey to the future must be knowledge, dignity and the glorious historical tradition of the nation, the values of Vietnamese culture, and the spirit of a peace-loving nation with friendship and respect for other nations.

He said that from a colonial country, Vietnam has so far set up diplomatic relations with 193 countries, and become a member of 70 regional and global organisations, and risen as a bright spot in implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and is steadily implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a foundation for Vietnamese students to be proud and confident to step out into the world, he stated.

Underlining that students are the important force of future intellectuals serving the national construction and defence, Thuong said that the Party and State always place strong trust in students, identifying them as a great social force, and one of the important factors determining the future and destiny of the nation. Various policies have been issued to promote their great role and turn them into a loyal force for continuing the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

The President asked the VSA to increase activities to support students in study and scientific research, with focus on promoting their role, enhancing their creative capacity and sense of social responsibility, helping them improve their knowledge, skills and mettle to adapt to the digital era, and guiding them to fight wrongful and hostile arguments, protecting the Party's ideological foundation.

The association should become a close friend, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of students, he said.

He also asked the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (HCM CYU) to continue to perform their core political role in the VSA, guiding and supporting students’ movements and building the VSA organisation.

The State leader also requested Party Committees at all levels, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, organisations and the education-training sector as well as universities and colleges to pay greater attention to supporting operations of students’ association and caring for students, ensuring a healthy environment for them.

At the congress, nearly 700 delegates representing students across the nation elected a VSA Central Committee for the 2023-2028 tenure with 103 members. Nguyen Minh Triet, Secretary of the HCM CYU Central Committee, became the VSA President of the 11th tenure.

Staying persistent but flexible in diplomacy: Party chief

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong stressed the need to stay consistent in principles and flexible in policies and strategies while performing diplomatic tasks, in his remarks at the 32nd National Diplomatic Conference that opened in Hanoi on December 19.

The leader elaborated on the principles of national independence and socialism, and stressed that policies and strategies should be adjusted flexibly, noting Vietnam stands ready to be a friend, and a reliable and responsible partner of all countries.

Pointing to complex and unpredictable developments in the region and the world, he urged diplomats to keep a close watch on the situation to make accurate forecasts, especially those for external shocks.

The strength of the nation should go in tandem with that of the era, and the national interests should be in harmony with international missions and responsibilities, the Party chief continued. 

He laid an emphasis on solidarity and consensus within the entire Party, army and population, stressing that a sound foreign policy and the effective implementation of specific policies will contribute to creating high consensus in the political system, national unity, and international support.

Meanwhile, relevant institutions and policies need to be perfected, and mechanisms to combine Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy with diplomatic activities across spheres reformed and perfected in order to create synergy, promote dynamism and innovation, and raise the efficiency of external relations, he said.

The Party leader noted that more attention should be paid to consolidating the apparatus and building a contingent of diplomats who must meet requirements in all terms of politics, morality and professional qualifications. 

Trong expressed his belief that Vietnam’s diplomatic sector will further grow in a modern and comprehensive manner, adhering to the “bamboo diplomacy” concept, and carry forward its pioneer role in national construction and defence.

The 32nd National Diplomatic Conference, to last until December 23, brings together leaders and former leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ambassadors, and heads of Vietnamese representative offices abroad, among others.
 
It will look into the world situation, review achievements as well as lessons drawn since the beginning of the 13th tenure of the Party, and set out major tasks and measures to improve the efficiency of the diplomatic work, both bilateral and multilateral, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son. 

The official urged the participants to analyse limitations in the work and their subjective and objective causes, and soon materialise the Party chief’s instructions through programmes, projects and action plans in an effort to strengthen the diplomatic sector.

National conference on development of cultural industries slated for December 24

A national conference on the development of cultural industries, the first of its kind, will take place in Hanoi on December 24 in both in-person and online formats, which will be presided over by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha.

During a press conference held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) in Hanoi on December 19, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Trinh Thi Thuy said the event will contribute to underscoring the role, significance, and necessity of cultural industries in socio-economic development.

It is also meant to realise Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s conclusions at the 2021 National Culture Conference, the Party's directives and resolutions on developing cultural industries that match Vietnam’s potential and advantages, making positive contributions to national development in the coming time, she added.

At the conference, the ministry will report on the implementation of the National Strategy for the Development of Vietnamese Cultural Industries until 2020, with a vision to 2030, focusing on reviewing the achievements and the development of each sector within the cultural industries.

Representatives from ministries, agencies, localities, associations, scientists, and relevant businesses will share success models and innovative approaches, identify obstacles and challenges, and propose directions, solutions, mechanisms, and policies to overcome difficulties and develop cultural industries between now and 2030 and subsequent periods.

The conference also serves as a forum for stakeholders to join hands to transform cultural industries into an economic pillar of the country. Relevant units will focus on supporting the provision of products and services with strong development potential, carrying significant Vietnamese value and the ability to promote Vietnamese culture globally.

Based on the results of the conference, the Government and the PM will assign specific tasks to each ministry, sector, and localities; as well as issue solutions, mechanisms and policies for the effort.

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