The Tet (Lunar New Year) tourism market this year is assessed to be more exciting, as diverse domestic, inbound and outbound tours are offered.

However, the recovery has not been as fast as expected by travel businesses due to the influence of the general business situation.

Although there is more than a week left until Tet, the domestic tour market is already bustle, as customers often book tours close to the departure date. Many businesses said that they have prepared services throughout the festival to meet demand of tourists who have unexpected spring travel plans.

In addition, many people in recent years chose to celebrate Tet in major cities because they were also offered many new and interesting services and destinations. In 2022, in order to attract tourists to Ho Chi Minh City, the city's tourism sector introduced typical products with an aim of creating a unique and unforgettable experience.

Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said that to date 17 out of the 22 districts and Thu Duc City have officially launched tours and typical products, creating new vitality for inner city tourism.

This year, countries and territories in Northeast Asia such as the Republic of Korea (RoK), Japan and Taiwan (China) are the most attractive to Vietnamese holidaymakers.

A representative from Vietravel – one of Vietnam’s largest tour operators, said that since Taiwan officially reopened its door last October, more than 150 customers visited the territory in autumn and winter, and more than 450 others have booked tours for this Lunar New Year.

This is considered a positive signal for not only Taiwan but also Northeast Asia, as the RoK and Japan reopened their doors earlier and have seen a positive number of Vietnamese tourists.

Three killed after truck overturns in Quang Nam

A truck traveling on the Ho Chi Minh Road in the central province of Quang Nam ploughed into a slope and overturned today, January 12, leaving three people dead.

The fatal accident occurred at 7:15 a.m. when the driver, Le Dinh Quan, aged 31, lost control of the vehicle heading from Kon Tum Province to Danang City, said the police of Phuoc Son District in the province.

Among the deceased were Quan, Nguyen Van Hoang, aged 34, and Le Trong Tuan, aged 40. They resided in Daklak and Thanh Hoa provinces, the local media reported.

It took the police two hours to remove the victims’ bodies trapped in the truck’s cabin.

Maritime cooperation must be in line with international law: Spokesperson

As a coastal country and a member of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, Vietnam believes that all activities of international cooperation, including maritime cooperation, need to be in line with international law, especially the UNCLOS, stated Foreign Ministry's Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.

The activities must be based on respect for countries' sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and interests that are established in accordance with international law and the UNCLOS, Hang said at a regular press conference on January 12 in reply to reporters' question on Vietnam's reaction to the ruling of the Philippine Supreme Court on January 10 that said the country’s energy exploration deal with Chinese and Vietnamese firms in 2005 was unconstitutional.

The court held that the Constitution of the Philippines does not allow foreign entities to exploit natural resources. The deal expired in 2008.

The deputy spokesperson made clear that Vietnam has sufficient legal foundation and historical evidence affirming its sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa in accordance with international law, and has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over sea areas established under the UNCLOS 1982.

Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman: Vietnam-China trade facilitated post pandemic

The Vietnamese Government has resumed pre-pandemic procedures and processes on the issuance of visas and visa exemption certificate to foreigners and Vietnamese residing abroad since March 15, 2022, in line with the 2019 Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam and guideline documents.

It was to create favourable conditions for foreign tourists, experts and investors to enter Vietnam, contributing to socio-economic recovery and development while ensuring COVID-19 prevention and control in the new situation, Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang told the regular press conference in Hanoi on January 12.

With China’s border reopening on January 8 and COVID-19 under control in Vietnam, the Vietnamese agencies concerned are working closely with the Chinese side to carry out cooperation activities that suit new situation and match their practical interests, she said.

She asked Vietnamese citizens interested in going abroad, including China, to actively update visa policies and regulations on entry-exit and pandemic prevention and control in the host countries. When they need support or timely information, they were advised to contact representative Vietnamese agencies and the host authorities.

About coordination to facilitate the exchange of goods between the two nations, Hang said in accordance with the joint statement during China’s official visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and talks between their leaders, competent agencies have maintained regular exchanges and ensured the smooth trade and operation of supply chains, thus facilitating their exports-imports.

Hang said that according to the Chinese General Administration of Customs, all nucleic acid testing measures for imported goods, including frozen goods, at border gates have been lifted since January 8.

She added that during the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) festival, many Chinese border gates will take measures to facilitate customs clearance, including clearance by appointment.

She urged localities, especially domestic enterprises, to actively grasp information to work with Chinese partners to build plans for goods transportation and customs clearance following China’s reopening.

Vietnam supports, contributes to Global South: President

Vietnam supports and will contribute to the Global South for a world of fairness, openness, prosperity and happiness, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in his remarks delivered virtually at the opening of the Voice of Global South Summit on January 12. 

Initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the event was one of the first activities within the framework of India’s G20 Presidency with an aim to integrate views and stances of developing countries into the G20 agenda, thereby promoting global solidarity and building a common voice in addressing pressing challenges as well as fulfilling sustainable development goals.

In his remarks, President Phuc highlighted the need to join hands to strengthen foundations for global peace and development, specifically reinforcing international solidarity and cooperation and maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development, promoting free trade and international investment as a driving force for sustainable economic growth, putting people at the center and "leaving no one behind"; creating new growth engines on the basis of creatively taking advantage of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, reforming the global governance system towards enhancing the position and voice of developing countries. 

In order to spread the Voice of the Global South, he suggested raising a common voice and making substantial contributions to promoting multilateralism, reforming the United Nations to be more democratic and effective, strengthening the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the centre and minimising trade barriers.

President Phuc also proposed increasing developed nations’ preferential financial support for the South countries, waiving and rescheduling debts payment for poor nations, providing support in climate change response, green transition, sustainable development and building post-2025 finance roadmap, strengthening new financial mechanisms and mixed financing with the involvement of the private sector.

In his view, technology, digital transformation and innovation need to have a central position in the development strategy of every country, playing as a driving force of green growth, labour productivity and competitiveness.

Participants at the event urged stakeholders to take immediate actions to meet sustainable development goals on schedule.

Themed “Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose”, the event saw the attendance of heads of State and Government leaders of Mozambique, Senegal, Guyana, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea and Thailand.

Initiatives, commitments and recommendations at the event laid an important foundation for G20’s agenda in 2023, toward the G20 Summit scheduled for September 2023.

Auto testing center head in HCMC arrested

The director of the Automobile Registration and Inspection Center 50-14D in HCMC, Hoang Tan Luc, was detained today, January 11, for taking bribes.

Be Binh Duong, deputy director of the center, and five others were also detained by the police for taking brides. The center is located in Hoc Mon District.

The arrests came as the police are expanding their probe of bribe brokering, giving and taking, and falsifying documents at auto registration and inspection centers in the city.

Over the past month, the police have detected irregularities at auto registration and inspection facilities in many parts of the country. They searched 13 centers, and filed charges against six cases with over 50 people involved in HCMC.

Currently, some 33 such centers in the country have been temporarily closed, with 29 under investigation, according to Vietnam Register.

Those centers are located in 13 provinces and cities, namely Phu Tho, Hoa Binh, Hanoi, HCMC, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Long An, Dong Thap, Ben Tre, Soc Trang, Tien Giang, Bac Giang and Bac Ninh.

Vietnam, Laos sign judicial assistance agreement on civil affairs

Vietnamese Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long and his Lao counterpart Phayvy Siboualypha signed a judicial assistance agreement on civil affairs under the witness of the two Prime Ministers in Vientiane, Laos on January 11, within the framework of PM Pham Minh Chinh’s Lao visit from January 11-12.

In the afternoon the same day, the two ministers held talks, during which they expressed their delight at important milestones in cooperation between the two ministries, with many breakthroughs.

In order to improve the efficiency of bilateral legal and judicial cooperation in the near future, the two ministers agreed to continue with the 2023 cooperation programme signed on August 25, 2022, consider the new supply of official development assistance in a more effective and feasible manner, actively and promptly deal with naturalisation for eligible Lao and Vietnamese citizens.

Vietnam will assist Laos in personnel training, especially increasing scholarships for officials of the Lao Ministry of Justice to pursue master and doctorate studies at Hanoi Law University.

On January 12 morning, Minister Long attended the 45th meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee that was co-chaired by the two PMs.

He said both sides will soon complete procedures to approve the signed judicial assistance agreement on civil affairs, enhance the sharing of experience and legal enforcement in fields of shared concern, improve the capacity of legal and judicial officers, continue stepping up legal and judicial cooperation between the two countries’ border localities and effectively implement conclusions reached at the fifth expanded judicial conference among border localities.

Vietnamese, Lao public security forces further deepen ties

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Public Security Lieut. Gen Nguyen Duy Ngoc held talks with his Lao counterpart Lieut. Gen. Khamking Phuilamanivong, who is also head of the General Police Department, in Vientiane on January 12, within the framework of the Laos visit by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

In order to deepen cooperative ties between the two ministries, both sides vowed to continue maintaining high-level exchanges, promptly dealing with contingencies and preventing hostile forces and criminals from sabotaging security and order of the two countries.

They pledged to seriously realise signed agreements, ensure security and safety of visits by Vietnamese and Lao leaders.

The two sides will enhance the exchange of information and work closely with units and localities to crack down on crimes, especially drug, human trafficking crimes and those on wanted list.

Vietnam will help Lao public security forces effectively carry out its national programme on dealing with drug problems, the project on national database on population and issuance of citizen identity cards, contributing to ensuring national security and social safety and order of the two nations.

At the same time, the two nations will effectively realise international conventions and agreements to which they are members, direct the implementation of agreement between the two Governments in border areas for a borderline of peace, friendship, cooperation and development.

Following talks, Ngoc led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to pay a courtesy call to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security Gen. Vilay Lakhamphong.

Ngoc stressed that the great traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between the two nations and the two ministries in particular have been increasingly consolidated with substantial results.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security will do its best to continue comprehensive cooperation with the Lao counterpart, contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development in the region and the world, he said.

Lakhamphong, for his part, expressed his delight at the results of talks between the two ministries.

He wished that the two countries’ relevant agencies will keep working closely together, especially in the fight against crimes, toward deepening relationship between the two ministries.

Japan, US, Australia to assist Vietnam in decarbonisation

Government-backed financial institutions from Japan, the US, and Australia have pledged to support Vietnam's efforts to cut carbon emissions, according to the chairman of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

JBIC Chairman Tadashi Maeda revealed the plan at an Indo-Pacific business forum in Tokyo on January 12, NHK reported.

JBIC, together with the US International Development Finance Corporation, and Export Finance Australia, will launch a new framework for support.

In consultation with the Vietnamese Government, they will help the Southeast Asian nation switch to thermal plants fueled by liquefied natural gas and expand the use of renewable energy.

They also aim to create business opportunities by introducing technologies for decarbonisation.

Vietnam has set a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, it faces the difficult challenge of maintaining economic growth while reducing its reliance on coal for power generation, according to NHK.

Vietnam – best Culinary Destination in Asia: Travel+Leisure

Vietnam has been named the Best Culinary Destination in the Bucket List Places in Asia in 2023 published by US magazine Travel Leisure.

According to the magazine, if there’s one cultural cuisine that bursts with umami goodness, it’s Vietnamese cuisine. The country, apart from its beautiful landscapes, is known for its food.

It also recommends best places to explore in Vietnam are Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City. Must-try food include Pho, Banh Mi, Banh Cuon (rice rolls) and coffee, and the best time to visit the country is from November to March when the weather is the most comfortable, not too hot, not too cold and there are no pouring rain or stormy days.

Asia is the largest continent in the world. The continent is a melting pot of cultures, which varies from region to region. The place has a varied landscape, complete with snow-capped peaks, volcanoes, and a vast gastronomic culture, according to Travel Leisure.

Out of 17 countries in their Bucket List Places in Asia in 2023, Singapore is recommended as Best City, Indonesia - Best Beach Destination, Goa - Best Beach Destination, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi - Best Wedding Destination, Bangkok - Best Shopping Destination, Bali - Best Destination To get Close To Nature and Sri Lanka - Best Wildlife Destination.

Auto inspection slots can be booked online

The HCMC Department of Transport has launched a website where vehicle owners in HCMC and seven neighboring provinces can book an auto inspection slot online.

The website, aiming to save time and reduce congestion at overcrowded auto inspection centers, enables organizations, enterprises and residents to obtain service order numbers for an auto inspection.

According to the HCMC Department of Transport, online bookings are now valid at only three auto inspection centers, 50-01S, 50-02S and 50-03S. Other inspection centers under the management of Vietnam Register will be integrated to the website later.

Vehicle owners can only book an inspection online if they do not have a ticket 15 days prior and their vehicles are due for an inspection before January 25.

The website was opened pending the auto inspection app being completed by the Department of Transport.

According to a representative of the Department of Transport, the app will be uploaded on the App Store and the CH Play for residents to download and use in late February.

When the app is put into service, auto inspection centers will notify the number of vehicles available for inspection that day and available slots for residents to register their service orders.

Saigon Railway offers discounts of up to 30% for early birds

Saigon Railway Transport JSC has rolled out a promotional program which offers discounts of up to 30% for passengers booking tickets early for the period between February 13 and April 26.

The program offers a 5% discount for individuals who buy tickets five to nine days ahead of departure and 10% for passengers who get tickets 10 to 19 days before departure.

Clients paying for tickets 20-39 days in advance will gain a 20% discount, while a 30% discount will be applied to those purchasing tickets at least 40 days before departure.

The pairs of trains under the promotional program include SE3/SE4, SE7/SE8 with a travel distance of 900 kilometers or above; SE21/SE22, SE25/SE26 with a travel distance of at least 600 kilometers; SQN1/SQN2 with a minimum distance of 400 kilometers; and SNT1/SNT2 with a distance of 300 kilometers or longer.

The refund for returned tickets will also be discounted and passengers must make a request at least 72 hours before departure.

The deal will neither apply to four-bed compartments of SE3, SPT1/SPT2/, and SNT1/SNT2 trains nor round-trip tickets.

Binh Dinh to build cherry blossom capital

The Japan - Vietnam Friendship Association in Sakai City will continue to give about 10,000 cherry blossom trees to Binh Dinh to build Vinh Son, in particular, and some mountainous areas into cherry blossom capitals.

Mr. Tran Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Binh Dinh Province, on January 11, said that it has been coordinating with the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Association in Sakai City (Japan) and related units to receive, plant, and take care of 500 more cherry blossom trees given by Japan, expected to be planted in Vinh Son Commune in Vinh Thanh District.

Vinh Son is a mountainous commune with the majority of the population being Ba Na people, with a mild and cool climate in four seasons and suitable soil for the growth of cherry blossom trees and other types of flowers and vegetables. Over the years, with the support of Japan and voluntary organizations, Binh Dinh has planted over 1,500 cherry blossom trees of all kinds in Vinh Son. The cherry blossom trees are growing well and flowering to serve tourists and local people when spring comes.

In the upcoming cooperation program, the Japan - Vietnam Friendship Association in Sakai City will continue to give about 10,000 cherry blossom trees to Binh Dinh to build Vinh Son, in particular, and some mountainous areas into cherry blossom capitals, serving tourism development.

HCMC ready to lure Chinese tourists

The tourism industry of Ho Chi Minh City planned to promote and advertise the activities heading to Tourism industry of Ho Chi Minh City, including entrepreneurs and investors.

Besides, tourist destinations of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general will be introduced to tourists from Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and so on.

Some travel agencies, tourism companies and airlines said that they would focus on several factors to attract international arrivals, especially those with high spending.

The information was released by Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa on January 11.

Vietnam Airlines said that the national flag carrier is exploiting one round-trip flight between Ho Chi Minh City and Guangzhou; one round-trip flight between HCMC and Shanghai and two round-trip flights between Hanoi and Shanghai.

The national flag carrier has proactively planned to recover its flights to China; and it is expected that the carrier will promote more products in accordance with the market situation along with visa and entry policies. It is forecasted that international tourists will come back to the country in March 2023.

Vietnamese, Lao defence ministries step up cooperation

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lt. Gen. Hoang Xuan Chien paid a courtesy call to Lao Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Chansamone Chanyalath in Vientiane on January 12, within the framework of the ongoing official visit to the neighbouring country by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

Highlighting defence cooperation as a bright spot in relations between the two nations last year when a range of key political and diplomatic events were held, Chien hoped the Lao official would continue to pay attention to directing the implementation of the two ministries’ signed cooperation plan for 2023.

It is necessary to focus on delegation exchanges, human resources training, and border defence exchanges, he suggested.

Chansamone stressed that given complicated developments of the regional and global situation, the two ministries should step up education and communications on the Laos-Vietnam special solidarity among military personnel of the two countries, particularly younger generations.

He affirmed that his ministry will work closely with its Vietnamese counterpart to effectively deploy defence cooperation contents agreed by the two sides to make defence an important pillar in the two nations’ special friendship and comprehensive cooperation.

Vietnamese, Chinese provinces hold joint border patrol

Border guards stationed in Vietnam’s northern province of Dien Bien coordinated with their counterpart in China’s Yunnan province held a joint patrol along the shared border on January 12.

They patrolled the border from Marker No 2 to Marker No 3 along the Vietnam-China borderline and exchanged information about people’s activities along the borderline.

Their inspection found that the border system and landmarks are maintained properly, and people in the border areas strictly abide by the Agreement on Border Management Regulations. Political security and social order and safety on both sides are also ensured.

At the end of the patrol, the two sides drew experience, and agreed on the time and content for the next joint patrol.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the border management forces of the two sides have regularly exchanged information and strengthened border area management and disease prevention and control.

The two sides closely coordinated in handling and preventing illegal activities such as illegal entry and exit, cross-border drug trafficking, or smuggling.

Vietnam and China share a border of almost 1,450 km, including 1,065.6 km on land and 383.9 km over water. It traverses seven Vietnamese provinces - Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lang Son, and Quang Ninh - and China’s Yunnan province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

US funds schools, medical station in Quang Binh

A ceremony was held in Le Thuy district of the central province of Quang Binh on January 12 to inaugurate the Son Thuy kindergarten and the medical station of Hoa Thuy commune, which were built at a cost of 700,000 USD in total provided by the US.

The two-storey Son Thuy kindergarten has five classrooms and full equipment serving teaching, studying and entertainment activities of teachers and students.

Meanwhile, the Hoa Thuy medical station has two stories with a total area of 593 sq.m.

Along with these works, through its Indo-Pacific Command, the US is funding the construction of Thanh Thuy Primary School, also in Le Thuy district.

Addressing the event, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Evans Knapper said that the works are a symbol of the cooperation between the two countries.

The projects also manifest the US's commitment to Vietnam’s prosperity, strength and independence, he said, adding that the commitment has been implemented since 2009 through the US Department of Defence, the Indo-Pacific Command and the US Embassy in Hanoi, with many schools, medical stations, bridges, natural disaster relief centres built.

The US has been, is and will always stand by Vietnam, while continuing to make efforts to deepen the cooperative relationship between the two countries, he stated.

For his part, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Binh thanked the US side for the practical and meaningful support.

The projects will meet the demand for education and health care services of locals, he said, adding that he hopes in the time to come, the locality will continue to receive more assistance from the US.

On the occasion, the US Embassy delegation visited a memorial site dedicated to General Vo Nguyen Giap in An Xa village, Loc Thuy commune, and a Mine Advisory Group (MAG) team that is in charge of surveying and clearing mines in  Cu Nam commune, Bo Trach district.

Vietnam among best destinations to visit in Southeast Asia

Travel magazine Travel & Leisure of the United States has named Vietnam among the most attractive destination to visit in the Southeast Asia for 2023.

According to the news outlet, the country is undoubtedly heaven for budget travelers, particularly thanks to  its extraordinary food, its beautiful architecture, amazing natural views, and incredible city experiences. 

The magazine points out that Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country bordered by China, Laos, and Cambodia is among the most popular international destinations for those seeking an enriching experience.

It is also the best country for expats to settle down in, particularly thanks to its affordability and amazing experiences it has to offer.

Ever since the world started opening up for travel, people have been travelling internationally more than ever. In a bid to attract more visitors, Vietnam has been rebranding itself as an excellent destination to travel to.

Its scenic beaches and mountains make it a lucrative destination, whilst easy connectivity with India is only an added bonus.

The magazine outlines that combined with the country’s delectable cuisine, visitors have got a winner in all senses

To enjoy interesting experiences during their journey of exploring Vietnamese cuisine, Travel & Leisure suggests that guests visit beautiful destinations stretching across the country including Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Apart from enjoying diverse delicacies in each locality, such as Phở (Vietnamese noodle soup), Bánh mì (street-food sandwich), and coffee, there are many things visitors can buy from Vietnam, including silk, lanterns, pottery, and Áo Dài, one of the many traditional costumes of the country.

Workers get free flight tickets to travel home for Tết holiday

As airfare during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday is much higher than the regular rate and tickets are not easy to come by due to the rise in demand, it is a precious gift for Lê Thị Tuyết Mai, a migrant worker in HCM City, to get a free ticket to fly back home to celebrate Tết with her relatives.

Mai, who works at Nissei Electric Co. Ltd. at Linh Trung No.1 Export Processing Zone, burst into tears as she received a flight ticket to return home to the central province of Bình Định on January 18 (December 27th on the Lunar Calendar).

Mai is one of 69 migrant workers who were given free flight tickets for family reunions during Tết holiday as a reward for their hard work and contribution to their companies’ growth over the past year, said Vũ Thế Vân, president of HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zones Authority’s trade union.

They have not celebrated Tết with their relatives in their hometowns for at least two years, Vân said.

Warm family reunions during Tết season have also come for nearly 500 workers returning to their hometowns on flights organised by Vietjet, HD SAISON and the Việt Nam General Confederation of Labour.

Two flights departing from HCM City to Vinh (Nghệ An Province) and Thanh Hóa Province on the evening of January 11 brought joy and happiness to disadvantaged workers who have not been able to celebrate Tết with families for many years.

Exhibit in Huế showcases Emperor Hàm Nghi's legacy

An oil painting on canvas titled "Lac des Alpes" by Emperor Hàm Nghi in 1900-1903 is one of many artefacts on display at the exhibition "Emperor Hàm Nghi-Life and Art," which opens this week in Huế Museum of Royal Antiquities. 

The exhibition is organised by Huế Monuments Conservation Centre to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Emperor Hàm Nghi's death (1944-2023) by introducing the monarch's life, work, and aesthetic legacy. 

Photographs from Emperor Hàm Nghi's reign, including those from the battle against the French and his exile in Algiers (Algeria), as well as 31 replicas of artworks such as paintings and statues created by the emperor while he was in exile, are on show.

In addition, the exhibition features a wireless display system that allows visitors to view documents, photographs, and video clips that provide an insight to the life of Hàm Nghi.

The Huế Monuments Conservation Centre also collaborated with Dr. Amandine Dabat, an art historian and 5th generation descendant of Emperor Hàm Nghi, to organise an event titled "The Life and Art of Emperor Hàm Nghi" at the Duyệt Thị Đường Theatre.

Dabat expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to attend the exhibition celebrating the life and work of Emperor Hàm Nghi.

She donated the Huế Museum of Royal Antiquities a smoking pipe that belonged to the emperor.

The pipe is over 20 cm in length and nearly 9 cm in diameter, and it is made of wood with mother-of-pearl carvings. This artefact was believed to have been crafted in Việt Nam around the end of 19th century.

Dabat stated that she will donate many artworks and belongings of the emperor to Việt Nam in the near future.

Specifically, Dabat said her greatest hope is to bring Emperor Hàm Nghi's body to his hometown for interment. This is also the emperor's final wish before his death.

Hàm Nghi was the eighth of 13 Nguyễn Dynasty monarchs who ruled in Huế, Annam, from 1802 to 1945. He was crowned in 1884 at the age of 13, but only ruled for a year before being deposed.

In 1888, he was exiled to Algeria, which was then a French colony. In 1943, he died of cancer. During his time in France, the former emperor studied art at a workshop run by well-known artist Maurius Reynard. He was also interested in sculpture.

One of the many paintings Hàm Nghi made throughout his lifetime sold at auction in 2010 for 8,800 euro (US$9,387).

HCM City to cut 51,000 bus services during Tet

HCM City will cut 51,000 bus trips during the coming Tet Lunar New Year Holiday due to falling passenger numbers.

According to Le Hoan, deputy director of HCM City Management Centre of Public Transport, bus passengers in HCM City would drop by half during Tet as many students and workers return to their homes.

So between January 12 and 31, the centre will slash nearly 51,000 bus trips. Bus routes 50 and 52 which mostly serve students will be temporarily suspended between January 15-29.

On January 21, buses will only operate until 12 pm, except for bus route 20 which will run until 5 pm on the day.

On the first day of the Lunar New Year, buses will operate from 8 am to 5 pm with an interval of 20-30 minutes.

Bus routes 103, 109, 152 and 72-1 which connect Tan Son Nhat International Airport will run until 12 pm on the 30th day of the 12th lunar month (January 21) and from 8 am to 5 pm on the first day of the Lunar New Year (January 22)..

However, the city will increase the non-subsidised bus route 61-3 to 36 trips per day from 16 at present on Jan 17-20. The bus route links An Suong and Thu Dau Mot stations.

HCM City is home to 126 bus routes with a total of 2,000 buses.

Hanoi hosts Spring Press Festival

The 2023 Hanoi Spring Press Festival officially opened at the Vietnam-Soviet Friendship Labour Cultural Palace on January 12, featuring 18 pavilions by press agencies in the city.

Ui The two-day event offers a good opportunity for the central and capital press agencies to meet and review their development over the past year.

The Spring Press Festival has become an important political and cultural event of both the central and local press agencies in the capital.

Publications including magazines, printed and pictorial editions, audio and television products and online newspapers are presented vividly with diverse contents.

They highlight the outstanding achievements of the country and the capital in all fields: economics, politics, society, security, defence, culture and external affairs, as well as forecasts and orientations for 2019.

At the opening ceremony, the Hanoi Journalists’ Association presented the 2022 Ngo Tat To Press Awards to the most outstanding journalists, including one special prize, three first-place prizes, five second, nine third and 25 consolation prizes.

Intense fire in Bac Ninh industrial park causes serious loss for company

A massive fire broke out at ESD KOREA VINA, a manufacturer of plastic products at the Que Vo Industrial Park of Bac Ninh Province, this morning, January 12, gutting many warehouses of the company.

No one was reported dead, but the fire caused an estimated loss of dozens of billions of dong.

Workers on duty detected the fire from the company’s chemical workshop at 4 a.m. this morning and immediately reported the incident to the competent forces.

Firefighters and fire trucks were soon dispatched to the scene to put out the fire. Simultaneously, the company’s electricity system was also turned off to avoid electrical accidents.

At 7.30 a.m. this morning, the fire was finally put under control.

According to the Bac Ninh Police, chemicals and plastic-related materials used by the company, together with the strong wind, caused the fire to quickly spread to other areas, causing a lot of difficulties for the firefighters and rescue team.

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