The National Assembly is expected to approve 11 bills and give opinions on 12 other bills at its eighth session in Hanoi later this year, said General Secretary of the National Assembly Bui Van Cuong.

The National Assembly will also consider and decide on socio-economic issues, state budget allocation, supreme supervision and other important issues during the session, Cuong said at the closing meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee in Hanoi on July 11.

With a huge workload on the agenda, Cuong proposed that the year-end session be held in two phases, with a nine-day break to give National Assembly agencies and relevant agencies more time to revise and complete bills before they are submitted to the National Assembly for approval.

The legislature is set to open its year-end session on October 21 and wrap it up on November 28.

Accordingly, the first phase will last for 15 days, from October 21 to November 8. After a nine-day break, the legislature will resume its sitting from November 18 to 28.

In conclusions, National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man requested relevant agencies to prepare carefully issues expected to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the coming legislative session.

At the mid-year session in May, the National Assembly approved 11 bills and 21 resolutions, and gave opinions on 11 other bills.

Lao media spotlights Vietnamese State President’s visit

Major newspapers and media outlets of Laos have run articles praising the bilateral relationship with Vietnam and welcoming the state visit by President To Lam to the neighbouring country from July 11-12.

In its article on July 11, Pasaxon, the official newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee, underlined the significance of President Lam’s first trip abroad after taking office in June, saying it demonstrates the importance that the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, as well as President Lam himself place on the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

The trip affirms Vietnam's consistent policy of prioritising the consolidation and nurturing of the bilateral relations, the article said.

It also highlighted the fruitful multifaceted cooperation between Vietnam and Laos, particularly in politics, defence-security, economy, trade and investment, education, human resources development, vocational training, culture, and tourism; and collaboration between their localities, especially border ones.

The article stressed that the two countries have closely coordinated in regional and international issues of mutual concern; and supported each other at multilateral forums, especially the United Nations, ASEAN, and sub-regional cooperation mechanisms.

Meanwhile, an article of Pathet Lao Newspaper, run by the Lao New Agency (KPL), emphasised that the two countries continue to affirm their consistent foreign policies, particularly on preserving and promoting the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation.

The article clearly stated that the Vietnamese state leader’s visit aims to further strengthen the bilateral relations in a more comprehensive and practical manner, making them commensurat with the special relationship and comprehensive cooperation; and shows the determination to effectively implement agreements reached by high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, as well as cooperation documents signed in recent times.

In another article published on July 10, Pathet Lao also praised the bilateral relationship as unique in the world, affirming that in the history of international relations, the Vietnam-Laos traditional friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation are an unprecedented outstanding model, bringing benefits to the people of both countries during the past struggle for independence and freedom, and the present cause of national construction and development.

The same day, the electronic edition of Champamai newspaper in southern Champasak province also reviewed the traditional cooperative relations between the two countries, emphasising that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation continue to develop firmly and effectively in all fields.

It noted that Lam’s visit serves as a catalyst to elevate the bilateral relations to a new height, bringing tangible benefits to the development of each country./.

Cambodian press: Vietnamese President’s visit to help boost bilateral, multilateral collaboration

The Cambodian media over the recent days have run articles on the state visit to Cambodia by Vietnamese President To Lam from July 12-13, in which they assessed the trip is an opportunity to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation between the two neighbours.

Cambodian news agency AKP on July 10 cited a statement from the Cambodia Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation as saying that during his state visit at an invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, Lam will meet with the King and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk at the Royal Palace. He is scheduled to meet Senate President Hun Sen, National Assembly (NA) President Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet.

The meetings are expected to cover cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral frameworks based on the spirit of good neighbourliness, traditional friendship, and comprehensive cooperation for the mutual benefit of the two peoples, it said.

Meanwhile, the ThmeyThmey e-newspaper highlighted that this is the first Cambodia visit by the new State President. Along with Cuba, Laos and Cambodia are countries Vietnam is promoting its special relations and comprehensive strategic partnerships with.

According to the leading Cambodian news website, Vietnam currently has 255 investment projects in Laos with a total capital of around 5.5 billion USD. Meanwhile, bilateral trade reached 10 billion USD in 2022 and is targeting 20 billion USD in the near future.

Additionally, Vietnam is the third largest foreign investor in both Laos and Cambodia. In Laos, Vietnam ranks after China and Thailand; while in Cambodia, Vietnamese investments come after those from China and the US./.

US sailors join in community exchanges in Khanh Hoa

Crew members and officers of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge and US Coast Guard Cutter Waesche have engaged in many cultural and community activities during a port call in the central province of Khanh Hoa from July 8 to 11.

Visiting an orphanage in Cam Phuoc Dong commune in Cam Ranh city on July 11 morning, they talked to and joined over 70 children in various activities such as re-painting equipment at the playground, painting figurines, and performing music.

Lieutenant junior grade Sarah Merrill from the US Navy’s 7th Fleet appreciated Vietnamese people’s warm welcome for them, saying community activities during the visit were successful and the exchange with locals in Khanh Hoa was a way to help build up the friendship between the two countries’ peoples.

Vice Admiral Fred W. Kacher, Commander of the 7th Fleet, noted many Vietnamese-origin people working on the two ships had a chance to visit their relatives in Khanh Hoa on this occasion.

He also thanked units and forces for creating conditions for the successful visit and community exchanges.

Shortly after arriving at Cam Ranh International Port on July 8 evening, the 7th Fleet Band performed to serve tourists and locals in Nha Trang city.

On July 10, the ships’ crew members participated in a cultural and linguistic exchange at the University of Khanh Hoa in Nha Trang.

Vietnam committed to ensure access to health services for all women during pregnancy, childbirth

Vietnam is working hard to provide equal health service access for all pregnant women to ensure public health and narrow the socio-economic gap.

This initiative was discussed during a meeting in Hanoi on July 11, organised by the Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to mark World Population Day (July 11).

The event aimed to review global progress in implementing commitments related to sexual and reproductive health and rights and to discuss priorities for addressing outstanding issues amid rapidly changing demographics worldwide, including in Vietnam.

Dao Hong Lan, Minister of Health and Standing Deputy Head of the National Committee for Population and Development, emphasised the importance of achieving the goals of Resolution No. 21-NQ/TW of the Party, the Vietnam Population Strategy to 2030, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals of Vietnam and the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development.

To mark this year’s World Population Day, the Ministry of Health chose the theme "Investing in Population Work is Investing in Sustainable Development," calling on all levels, sectors, international organisations, and development partners to continue focusing on and investing in Vietnam's population work, contributing to the country's rapid and sustainable development.

Pauline Fatima Tamesis, UN Resident Coordinator in Vietnam, stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to ensure that all women have access to essential care services during pregnancy and childbirth. Investing in reproductive and sexual health is an investment in ending poverty and inequality, she said.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the maternal mortality ratio has decreased by 61% since 2000, marking the most significant reduction in recent years. More children are being born with the assistance of skilled health personnel, and the number of adolescents giving birth has nearly halved since 2000. Additionally, 32 countries and territories in the region have conducted at least one survey on gender-based violence.

Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made efforts to address inequality and narrow the socioeconomic gap between regions and population groups. The Human Development Index has significantly improved, reaching an average level compared to other countries worldwide. Notable improvements include the reduction in malnutrition and maternal and child mortality rates.

The maternal mortality rate has decreased sixfold over the past 30 years, from 233 per 100,000 live births in 1990 to approximately 40 per 100,000 live births in recent years. Since 1993, the infant mortality rate has dropped from 43.3 to 12.1 per 1,000 live births in 2020. Life expectancy has increased rapidly, from 65.5 years in 1993 to 74.5 years in 2023, exceeding that of many countries with similar average income levels./.

Phu Quoc surpasses Bali to rank second among world’s 25 best islands

The Vietnamese pearl island of Phu Quoc off the coast of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is placed in second position on the list of the 25 best islands to visit around the world, according to readers of magazine Travel+Leisure of the United States.

Over 186,000 readers voted for the best islands on the planet as part of Travel+Leisure’s annual "World’s Best Awards" survey for 2024.

The Maldives, which is just as “beautiful as every picture you have seen”, tops the list with 95.63 points. This resounding sentiment was summed up by one enthusiastic reader in three words; “Paradise on Earth,” Travel+Leisure wrote.

Sneaking in at second position is the under-the-radar Vietnamese island of Phu Quoc scoring 94.41 points, said the magazine while announcing the results of the vote.

The island is an emerging tourism destination which is ultimately its greatest strength. While several beaches in Southeast Asia are developed, Phu Quoc maintains an understated tranquility, it shared.

Bali of Indonesia came third with 93.26 points. Called the “Island of the Gods”, Bali’s rich heritage can be experienced through its traditional ceremonies, old temples, and intricate dance performances.

Rounding off the list were global destinations including Milos and Crete of Greece; Dominica, Hvar, and the Dalmatian Islands of Croatia; Galápagos Islands of Ecuador; Koh Samui of Thailand; and Great Barrier Reef Islands of Australia.

Islands were specifically rated on criteria such as natural attractions/beaches, activities/sights, restaurants/food, people/friendliness, and value.

Over 100 southern local dishes spotlighted at HCM City festival

More than 100 typical dishes of southern localities have been introduced at the “Taste of the south” culinary festival that opened in Ho Chi Minh City on July 11.

Visitors to the four-day event have a chance to enjoy a diversity of specialties of the region such as “bun mam mien Tay (Western noodles with fish sauce), “hu tiu Sa Dec” (Sa Dec noodle), “banh xeo rau rung” (Vietnamese fried pancake with forest vegetables), and “che ba Ba” (ba Ba sweet soup).

They can also experience traditional products of the land crisscrossed by numerous rivers, join cultural activities, and enjoy art performances at the festival which has drawn a large number of hotels and restaurants.

Hoang Van Ba, General Director of the Phu Tho Tourist Service JSC and head of the festival’s organising board, said that the board aims to make the festival annual, creating a typical culinary space, and connecting players in the culinary and tourism sectors from Ho Chi Minh City and southern localities./.

National Institute for Cancer Control introduces product supporting cancer patients

In order to help the community better understand the role of science in improving health, a group of scientists has been talking about how research led them to develop a new way which may help improve resistance to cancer.

The National Institute for Cancer Control developed a special research project into the preparation of the food supplement, Fucolen.

With positive results, supporting the treatment of cancer patients, that science has been turned into a practical application, a health protection product called K1Fucoidan.

Statistics from the National Institute for Cancer Control, show that as of 2020, the total number of cancer cases in Vietnam was 353,826, half of them were newly discovered in 2020 and the total number of deaths by that year was 122,960.

Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thi Thanh Huong of the National Institute for Cancer Control said at a recent meeting on science and health that thanks to the research project, scientists had developed a stable and safe formula in terms of volume and ingredients in one Fucoidan hard capsule.

Fucoidan contains brown algae seaweed which has the ability to inhibit the growth, proliferation, metastasis of cancer cells, eliminate excess cell toxins and eliminate inflammatory processes.

Lentinan in shiitake mushrooms provides Beta Glucan, which has a special regulatory effect on the immune system, helping to increase and maintain peak activity of T cells, increasing the activity of natural killer cells.

Fucoidan's ability to strengthen the immune system is effective when combined with shiitake mushrooms, helping to produce more natural immune cells, thereby improving the immune system and supporting the protection of benign cells, preventing external pathogens from attacking the body.

This has had a positive impact, helping patients reduce the risk of complications of infectious diseases from external sources./.

Hoi An to host cultural exchange with Japan

The 20th “Hoi An-Japan Cultural Exchange” is scheduled to take place in the UNESCO world heritage site of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam from August 2 to 4.

The exchange will consist of 22 activities, with the opening ceremony to be held at 19:30 p.m. at Hoi An Park on August 2.

Furthermore, art performances and exhibitions such as cosplaying, traditional Japanese dolls exhibition, and a musical show will also be staged at the An Hoi Sculpture Park, in the Old Quarter, and along the Hoai River banks from morning until night.

Most notably, the Old Quarter will host the reenactment of a 17th-century wedding procession held for Vietnamese Princess Ngoc Hoa and Japanese businessman Araki Sotaro.

Local boat teams and tourists will race on the Hoai River, while traditional Japanese doll exhibition will take place at the Japanese Culture Gallery.

According to the organising board, the event will create an opportunity to popularise and honour traditional cultures, enhance mutual understanding, and affirm the strong relationship that exists between Vietnam and Japan. It will also serve to attract tourists to Hoi An, an ancient city that boasts a long history, diverse culture and traditional beauty and charm.

Da Lat railway station recognised as tourist destination

The Da Lat railway station in the resort city of Da Lat, which has captured visitors’ hearts with its unique architecture and ambience, was officially named a tourist destination of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong at a ceremony on July 11.

Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Trung Kien said the top-hill station is not only an architectural marvel of the city but also a place that preserves the railway sector’s history.

Over the past time, night services have been offered on the train route linking the city centre and the suburb tourist site of Trai Mat, providing a new experience for passengers to enjoy the night-time beauty of Da Lat, he said, highlighting the railway station has been on the beaten track, with visitors flocking to explore its history.

He went on to say that the recognition aims at promoting local tourism, creating favourable conditions for both domestic and foreign tourism service providers to study cooperation and investment opportunities at the station, while encouraging travel firms to improve the quality of their offerings.

With a view to making the station a destination of culture, art, history and heritage, the Vietnam Railway Corporation has upgraded and developed various transport products on the the Da Lat – Trai Mat route.

During January-June, the nearly century-old station welcomed 275,000 visitors, and gained more than 11.4 billion VND (over 448,000 USD) in revenue.

More rail rides will be arranged in the coming time, giving visitors opportunities to enjoy the city’s sunrise and serene landscapes.

The station’s new entrance fee will be introduced from October 1 this year.

The station, designed by two French architects, Moncet and Revéron, and built between 1932 and 1938, has been seen as the most gorgeous ancient one in Vietnam and the whole Indochina. Its façade represents the three peaks of Langbiang Mountain and stilt houses in the Central Highlands.

It was a stop on the 84km Phan Rang - Da Lat railway, a route built by the French to connect the south central province of Ninh Thuan with the Central Highlands.

With its special architectural and cultural values, the Da Lat railway station was recognised as a national historic relic site in 2001./.

Health Ministry warns of possible spreading of pertussis and measles

The Ministry of Health has issued warnings regarding measles and pertussis outbreaks, with the number of cases increasing rapidly in several cities and provinces nationwide.

In its dispatch, the Ministry asked its sub-departments nationwide to increase their monitoring to detect, classify, and isolate measles and whooping cough cases in order to avoid cross-contamination and resolve outbreaks as soon as possible.

It also urged local health authorities to carry out thorough vaccination efforts on children, including informing parents of the vaccination schedule.

Furthermore, it can be seen as necessary to closely co-ordinate efforts with local media agencies and newspapers to provide information about preventive measures in a bid to raise awareness about those diseases among the community.

Moreover, local administrators must take precautions such as implementing hygienic activities in educational facilities and increasing information of personal hygiene.

Measles remains a significant cause of death in children under five, known for severe complications, including pneumonia, blindness, acute diarrhea, and encephalitis.

Meanwhile, pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious and hazardous respiratory disease. It typically affects around 80% to 90% of individuals who are exposed to it and who have not been vaccinated. The disease can be transmitted through coughing and sneezing, meaning it is crucial to avoid close contact until at least five days of treatment.

Four local players progress through to World Cup 3-Cushion’s knock-out stage

All four Vietnamese representatives advanced to the knock-out stage of the Porto World Cup 3-Cushion 2024 after recording wins in the qualifying round held in Portugal on July 11.

Tran Quyet Chien took the top spot in Group B as he gained three victories over Javier Vera of Mexico with a score of 40-21, Frederick Caudron of Belgium through a 40-39 win, and Rui Manuel Costa of hosts Portugal with a 40-21 victory.

His teammate Tran Thanh Luc won a ticket into the knock-out stage after his final win in Group E against Dimitrios Seleventas of Greece which ended 40-34.

Nguyen Tran Thanh Tu in Group F also qualified for the next stage following his draw with Tolgahan Kiraz of Turkey which finished 40-40. Furthermore, Chiem Hong Thai in Group H earned a place in the knock-out stage as he trounced Peter De Backer of Germany 40-23 in the final match.

In this round, a total of 32 players are divided into eight groups of four. They will compete in a round robin format and the top two of each group will then advance to the next stage.

The Porto World Cup 3-Cushion 2024 is underway in Portugal from July 7 to July 13.

Vietnam sent a total of five players to the tournament, with only Bao Phuong Vinh failing to qualify for the knock-out stage.

Foreign arrivals to Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan skyrocket

The number of local and international visitors heading to the southcentral provinces of Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan during the first half of the year saw impressive growth, according to figures given by local authorities.

Specifically, Binh Thuan province welcomed more than 4.5 million visitors, representing an increase of 5% on-year. Of the figure, more than 234,000 were international visitors, up 88% compared to last year's corresponding period.

The locality’s tourism revenue was estimated  at over VND11,832 billion, up 4% against the same period from last year.

Meanwhile, Ninh Thuan province received nearly two million visitors in the reviewed period, thereby fulfilling more than 61% of the set plan and increasing by over 15%.

Specifically, over 51,000 international visitors headed to the locality, witnessing a 2.5-fold rise against the same period from last year. The locality grossed VND2,242 billion from tourism revenue, up nearly 65% on-year.

Most notably, international tourists from the Republic of Korea, China, Russia, Germany, the UK, and the United States accounted for a large proportion.

To attract more international tourists to the area, these provinces are making great efforts to diversify markets, improve service and product quality, while fully tapping into advantages of resort tourism, health care tourism, and adventure sports tourism.

HCMC get-together marks France's National Day

The Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organisations (HUFO) held a get-together on July 11 to celebrate the 234th anniversary of the National Day of France (July 14, 1790 - 2024).

Speaking at the event, Chairwoman of the Vietnam - France Friendship Association of HCMC Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung stressed that the two countries boast long-standing relations and profound connections in history and culture.

For the last 51 years since the two countries established their diplomatic ties, their bilateral friendship and cooperation have been growing comprehensively, practically and effectively in various fields, she said, noting that decentralised cooperation has been a unique characteristic in the Vietnam-France relations since early 1990s.

So far, 38 French localities and 18 Vietnamese provinces and cities have cooperated in this mechanism with 240 projects, mostly in health care, education, heritage preservation, Francophonie, rural development, and urban development.

Dung said that a typical example of this is the twin relationship between Ho Chi Minh City and Lyon City and the Rhône-Alpes region of France.

For her part, Consul General of France in Ho Chi Minh City Emmanuelle Pavillon-Grosser expressed her delight to see many Vietnamese people in the city can speak French and love France.

She said that the exchanges between the two countries will be continuously promoted in all fields, not only education, sports but also economic, scientific, cultural and artistic areas.

The relations between France and Vietnam are also based on the presence of a large and dynamic French community working and living in Ho Chi Minh City, she said, adding that they are participating in all areas of society and making positive contributions to the dynamic development of Vietnam's economy./.

Quang Tri offers visitors various tourism products in July

The central province of Quang Tri has introduced to visitors various tourism products this month, notably the Festival for Peace 2024.

Quang Tri is home to more than 500 historical relic sites, many of which are renowned among domestic and international visitors thanks to their historical significance. Such special national relic sites as Quang Tri Ancient Citadel, Hien Luong Bridge and the Ben Hai River, Vinh Moc Tunnels, the tunnel village of Vinh Linh, the Truong Son national martyrs’ cemetery, and the Road 9 national martyrs’ cemetery make up the unique system of local war relic sites.

Besides, there are 72 martyrs' cemeteries with more than 54,000 graves of fallen combattants across the province. The dedication and sacrifice of heroic martyrs are always grateful and remembered. Therefore, spiritual tourism - returning to the source is considered a key tourism product of Quang Tri, especially in July.

People are flocking to Quang Tri to pay tribute in commemoration of heroic martyrs who fought and sacrificed for the Fatherland, on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

Ho Van Hoan, Vice Director of the provincial Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, said Quang Tri has been a vivid museum of war history over the years. To provide more experiences for visitors as well as local residents, the province has installed smart lighting and sound systems at national relic sites and launched nighttime tourism products such as tours of Truong Son National Martyrs Cemetery, Quang Tri Citadel, Ben Hai river and Hien Luong bridge, and the release of flower lanterns on Thach Han river.

The tourism products have initially attracted tourists, thus keeping them staying longer in the locality, and contributing to preserving and promoting the value of local historical relics, he said.

Nguyen Duc Tan, Director of the Quang Tri Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion Centre, said that the centre has implemented many types of promoting tourism products on mass media and social network platforms like Zalo, Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.

The centre has also introduced tourism products local major hotels, while promoting and calling for investment in local tourism development.

Visiting Quang Tri at this time, tourists also have a chance to join cultural and culinary festivals in Con Co island district and the coastal areas of Cua Tung, Gio Hai, Cua Viet and My Thuy, and

Besides, they will explore the beauty of Brai cave, Ta Puong waterfall, Sa Mu pass, Chenh Venh waterfall, Dakrong scenic area, and Huong Hoa Nature Reserve in the western part of Quang Tri.

Streams, waterfalls, and cool air in the mountainous district of Huong Hoa are also interesting choices for tourists on summer days.

Quang Tri province is developing a coffee tour that combines farming, cultural and historical tourism in Huong Hoa district.

During the Festival for Peace, visitors will take part in various activities including a cultural culinary festival from July 12 - 14 at the Cua Viet Tourism Area in Gio Linh district, the music exchange programme Melodies of Peace – a music night of Vietnamese famous composer Trinh Cong Son at Fidel Park in Dong Ha city on July 13, and an art programme organised by the Nhan dan (People) newspaper in coordination with Quang Tri province themed "The 17th Parallel - A Desire for Peace" on July 19./.

Vietnam’s The Tao of Coffee promoted by CNN

Prestigious news channel CNN of the United States recently published an article hailing Dang Le Nguyen Vu, founder and chairman of Trung Nguyen Legend Group, for his coffee philosophy, aspirations, and efforts in introducing Vietnamese coffee culture to the world.

Titled "The Tao of Coffee: From Beans to Beauty", the article also shared about the desire of Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien, Miss Grand International 2021, who accompanied Trung Nguyen Legend in its journey in promoting Vietnamese coffee and coffee culture to international friends.

Tien shared with CNN that her desire to promote the nation on the global stage is mirrored by Trung Nguyen Legend, a homegrown coffee producer and distributor which Thuy Tien works closely with and which exports its products worldwide, including to the United States, China, the UK, the EU, and ASEAN.

“I really appreciate Trung Nguyen Legend’s achievements in sharing Vietnamese culture with the world,” says Thuy Tien.

“I admire their passion for coffee and their dedication, not just for their own benefit but for the entire country,” she added.

The local beauty noted that in its effort to develop Vietnamese coffee culture, the company is planning to transform Buon Ma Thuot, the birthplace of Trung Nguyen Legend in Vietnam’s Central Highlands, into a special area with the theme of ‘The Coffee City of the World’.

Thuy Tien revealed that she is passionate about showcasing the country’s culture, emphasising the diversity found in everything from cuisine to local experiences.

“We have a variety of ways to drink coffee in Vietnam,” says Thuy Tien, “depending on your mood.” She fondly recalled how the women in her family enjoy ca phe sua da, the country’s iconic iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk which has now become her personal favourite.

The article also shared that coffee first arrived in the country in the mid-1800s, brought by the French who recognised the country’s ideal climate for its cultivation.

“Today, the Southeast Asian country has become one of the world’s largest coffee exporters,” says CNN.

According to CNN, combining these virtues into a symbolic experience, Vu developed a unique coffee meditation method specially designed to “draw inspiration, energy, and wisdom from coffee and its vast heritage” in pursuit of what he calls the “Tao of Coffee”.

According to Vu, the meditation practice is aimed at fostering mindfulness and holistic prosperity by embodying the principles of the Tao of Coffee, which include harmony, respect, purity, tranquility, accountability, and nurturing.

CNN said that just as Thuy Tien exemplifies the beauty of the nation, ca phe sua da similarly represents the charm of Vietnamese coffee culture, taking centre stage in the coffee meditation experience.

The article stressed that participants in the basic half-hour coffee meditation experience engage in mindfulness practices as they await their coffee’s brew. “Deliberate sips of coffee are savored as guests reflect on the resilience of the Robusta beans, appreciating the labor and heritage that come together in each cup, before they’re invited to share their own stories over coffee,” it added.

Thuy Tien told CNN that she has also partnered with Trung Nguyen Legend to promote the company’s E-Coffee programme.

The Trung Nguyen E-Coffee initiative represents a culmination of the company’s strategy to elevate Vietnamese coffee culture, drawing inspiration from the holistic approach the Japanese takes with their traditional tea ceremonies. This vision encompasses the physical ca phe sua da coffee, a spiritual dimension through meditation, and a societal component with Trung Nguyen E-Coffee aimed at nation-building and empowering the youth.

In the end of the article, CNN quoted Vu as saying, “One day, when people think of coffee, they will think of Vietnam.”

In last November, the documentary The Tao of Coffee, produced by global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, also aired on the Discovery Channel in Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, Japan, India, and other countries and territories in Asia.

Police bust illegal cryptocurrency network worth trillions of đồng

Hà Nội police announced on Friday that they had prosecuted Thân Văn Thoại, Deputy Director-General of Global BBA JSC, for orchestrating a multi-level scam involving the cryptocurrency CachBach Pro (CBP).

Along with Thoại, 40, residing in Xuân Tảo Ward, Bắc Từ Liêm District, Hà Nội City, the police also arrested seven others implicated in the scam.

Thoại allegedly purchased the CBP project overseas in 2019 and established a network of websites and applications, including the website speeding.vip, to promote and trade the cryptocurrency.

He also created a tiered system where participants were rewarded for recruiting new members and developing their investment networks, despite not having a license.

To attract investors, Thoại and his team employed a variety of deceptive tactics, including promising daily returns of 0.5 per cent and commission of up to 50 per cent for recruiting new members, and hosting 5-star vacations and other events for investors who deposit large amounts of money into the system.

From March 2021 to June 2024, they leveraged speeding.vip to build an investment community with hundreds of thousands of accounts, with investment packages amounting to tens of billions of dollars.

Hà Nội police have initiated legal proceedings against Thoại and his accomplices on charges of violating multi-level business regulations and misappropriating properties using telecommunication and electronic tools.

They have urged individuals who participated in the BBI Mall, CBP, SVIP, VNDO, CBP Wallet, Future City, and other related projects connected to Global BBA JSC to come forward and cooperate with the investigation. 

Nearly 8,000 runners to join VNExpress Marathon Da Nang Midnight

Nearly 8,000 runners will be racing in the first ever VNExpress Marathon Da Nang Midnight, starting at 2am on July 14, organisers said on July 11.

According to the organisers, full-marathon and half-marathon runners will be the earliest competitors, gathering at the starting point from midnight.

The 42km and 21km track will start from Tien Son Sports Centre on Phan Dang Lưu street and wind through Tran Thi Ly and Thuan Phuoc bridges and coastal Nguyen Tat Thanh street.

Two other categories – 10km and 5km – will see runners beginning their race on the Han River’s Bạch Dang street at 4.15am and 5am, respectively.

Runners will have a chance to explore the beauty of rivers and beaches of Da Nang as well as iconic bridges on the track.

The total prize value of the tournament is nearly 1 billion VND (39,326 USD).

More than 1,000 volunteers and over 500 health workers and police officers will be ready to provide support for runners.

Da Nang is an ideal destination for major marathon races, including the annual Manulife Da Nang International Marathon and Ironman 70.3 Vietnam.

Two marathon races -- the VNExpress Marathon Quy Nhon and the Imperial Hue Marathon were recently organised in Binh Dinh and Thua Thien - Hue provinces./.

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